Not Again....

[Causstik Rahn]

[SIZE=11pt]Causstik Rahn’s limousine soared over the traffic of Nar Shaddaa. Ignoring the long lines of backed up speeders and simply flying over them. Anyone who might get in the way of the entourage of gangsters was quickly run off the road by a gaggle of [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Trandoshan’s[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]. Causstik’s warband would surround the offending vehicle and begin banging on the hood, windows, trunk, wherever they could reach they’d beat the feth out of with lead pipes, clubs and other blunt weapons. The T’doshok enjoyed scaring the poor pedestrians and it didn't take much of an excuse for them to fire a few pot shots at the civilian crafts… [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The gaggle of goons shouted and yelled profanities as they sped through the alleys and traffic lanes of the planet. Firing their guns in the air and racing each other through the streets. The boisterous gang of warriors made it to Blonde’s old palace just as Koda Fett landed. They circled the [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Concord Spear [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]in their speeders, still shouting and firing guns in the air, attempting to intimidate the Mandalorian as he touched down. Causstik’s limousine landed shortly afterwards and his warband parked their speeders in the circle they had made around the Firespray. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The limousine’s butterfly doors opened with a hiss and Causstik Rahn and his personal [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]guards[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] exited the vehicle. They walked towards the Bounty Hunter and Causstik offered him a slight nod, meanwhile Causstik’s gang stared at the Mandalorian with predatory eyes. Searching for any sign of weakness.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Follow me, Abyss is waiting inside…” Causstik growled and would beckon to the Mandalorian as he made his way into the palace. He was followed by his entourage of personal guards. But, Causstik’s Dread tooth warriors would remain near the Firespray. Guarding it in the event of an attack… Or should Abyss decide the Mandalorian was to remain as a… Guest.[/SIZE]

[member="Lady Kay"] [member="Koda Fett"] [member="Darth Abyss"] [member="Veiere Arenais"] [member="Ghorua the Shark"] [member="Darlyn Excron"]

 

[Lemon]

If Causstik was searching for any weaknesses, whether that be fear or otherwise, he would find none. Only the contemptuous glare that truly did not care for the attempt at intimidation. The helmet itself was emotionless, but the way in which he moved his head, angling it in such ways could only give off a sliver of feeling - or at the very least Causstik could gauge how someone felt in a certain situation solely on their body language. He didn't bother to speak, there was no need for it, and so he moved behind Causstik. Though not before providing a quick jab to Lady Kay's back, ushering her to move forwards.

A quick glance was shot over his shoulder, taking note of how a select few guards remained by his starship. Fett's left hand removing itself from the barrel of his carbine to press a button on his gauntlet, hearing the hiss of the ramp as it closed behind him. This was a shady deal that didn't appear quite right, but credits were to be made. If worse came to worse, a quick escape was always manageable.

[member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Veiere Arenais"] | [member="Darlyn Excron"] | [member="Causstik Rahn"] | [member="Darth Abyss"] | [member="Ghorua the Shark"]

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

The trip from Nal Hutta to it's moon was unsurprisingly quick.

The Jawsome entered the atmosphere of Nar Shaddaa, the staryacht immediately activating it's improved sensor systems. Ghorua had to do some fancy flying to dodge a cadre of high-altitude airspeeders being chased by a particularly resilient skipray through a torrent of acid rain.

The Shark did not miss Nar Shaddaa.

Ghorua sat in his Holochair, dark eyes scanning over hardlight-constructs of police reports and sensor readings. His helmet had been discarded, revealing his round, predatory face, and his rows of gleaming alabaster teeth. The face that sent criminals fleeing for the hills, the teeth that made lightsaber-wielding maniacs reconsider their options. He stared hard at the sets of numbers, the recorded chatter that prattled on about one thing or the other, and the video feed of his destination.

Miss Blonde. Nar Shaddaa.

It didn't take a genius.

Minna stared over her father's shoulder, the little Human girl peering at the readouts with equal intensity. She was also looking for a connection, something that would give the team an edge in the upcoming confrontation.

He avoided using the word battle, as he would try to keep it from coming to that.

"Miss Blonde," the girl said, looking at her own display, reading it's contents. "Name: Unknown. Status: Retired. Known Aff... Affil..."

"Affiliates." Ghorua knew what she would say. He'd already read over it.

"Darth Abyss." Minna frowned. "Sith?"

"Yeah. Sith." Ghorua dismissed his readouts as he came to Nar Shaddaa's surface, pulling up on his controls. He stood from his chair, offering the seat to the seven-year-old, who quickly pulled herself onto it. "Stay close, but don't come within a klick of the place until I tell you."

"Gotcha," she said, willing up her own displays of the ship's diagnostics. "Go get Auntie Kay. And the baby."

Ghorua nodded, patting his daughter's head before exiting the ship, placing the helmet of his armor back on his head. He took the ship's small shuttle, piloting it towards the old palace of one Miss Blonde. He sent a quick message to Veiere, but otherwise kept his head in the situation.

//TO: VEIERE
FROM: SHARK
I'm on world, waiting for you. Blonde's Palace, you can't miss it.//

- [member="Koda Fett"] - [member="Causstik Rahn"] - [member="Darth Abyss"] - [member="Veiere Arenais"] - [member="Darlyn Excron"] - [member="Lady Kay"] -

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay observed the criminals and thugs as they circled the area. She just stopped in her tracks, watching and waiting. [member="Koda Fett"] seemed to be doing the same as well, for he made no effort to urge her on ahead.

The limo soon arrived and everyone seemed to stop. The doors opened and [member="Causstik Rahn"] stepped out with his guards. Did she recognize him? It was hard to say. Her brows furrowed while his guards eyed Koda. Kay kept her gaze straight ahead, all the while calculating the odds against her. So many people, and she was just one person. There was little chance of her slipping away. At least right now.

She nearly did a double-take as Causstik mentioned [member="Darth Abyss"] , giving her a glimmer of hope. She knew him and had given him humanitarian aid in exchange for help. Did she trust the Sith Lord? Not entirely. She didn't know him enough yet. But she knew enough to know that this was not going to be easy.

Koda jabbed her back as Causstik requested that they go inside, causing Kay to quickly look over her shoulder after she regained her balance. "Ow! Take it easy!" She faced forward again, noting the guards that followed them while she walked.

The Palace was huge, bigger than her own, yet reminded her of Sempra the Hutt's. A sense of foreboding began to creep into her as she stepped inside the open doors, but she pushed it down. Kay had to treat this like any other diplomatic meeting, however this time, she was the one being offered in trade.

Thank goodness Commenor had no enemies, otherwise her situation would be very dire indeed.

[member="Veiere Arenais"] [member="Darlyn Excron"] [member="Ghorua the Shark"]

 

[Darth Abyss]

If [member="Koda Fett"] found nothing to fear in [member="Causstik Rahn"]'s show of power, then maybe Abyss would be able to change that. The sith lord had lost almost all resemblance to the man he once had been, and instead was far more reminiscent of an relic forgotten on the ground of the ocean a little to long. Despite the fact that his hollow armor was composed out of broken and rusted metal, the steps of his deformed legs and feet made no sound as he entered into the room shrouded in a ragged black robe and the shadows around him, with his talons clasped behind his back. Then his head was revealed from the darkness, the empty eye sockets that revealed nothing but hollow darkness behind them, his frozen grin of mockery formed by the jagged and sharp teeth of his motionless mechanical jaw, and the crown on top, a crude construct of metal pieces and red crystal splittes violently tied together.

"Impressive work Mr. Fett, even if I find the choice of your target more than a little unfortunate."

If Abyss appearance wasn't terrifying enough already, then maybe his voice would be. The utterly distorted words didn't found their origin anywhere near the husk, instead forming as the sith lord commanded the air around the hunter to shape them, and they were followed by an eery whisper, clawing to reality from a realm far beyond the living.

Abyss left emerged from behind his back, wandering to pouch on his belt. Without even making much of an effort the sith flung the pouch towards the hunter, years of training in the art of throwing knives, grenades and pretty much anything else allowing it to land right in front of the man's feet with perfect precision.

"In there is everything you earned, more even if you find the right buyer. Normally this transaction would be done now, but if you enjoy being alive I would advise you to wait until I have assured that the Queen has not suffered any permanent injuries."

A handful of Abyss' Soldiers flooded into the room, some aiming their weapons on the hunter, while two medics ventured towards [member="Lady Kay"] to erase any sense of doubt that the hunter had treated her well enough considering the circumstances. As the two medics offered a nod back to him, to confirm that everything was alright, the husk revealed his other hand and used to press a button on his comm.

"You are free to go. I will remember this encounter, and if I want someone dead in near time I will make sure to send one of the mine for you."

The words were followed by an unhinged laugh, little more then incomprehensible noise, that made it unclear if he had just made an offer or a threat, a question not made easier by the fact that his soldiers were yet to lower their weapons.

[member="Ghorua the Shark"] [member="Veiere Arenais"]

 

[WolfMortum]

The KingsGuard broke through the aptmosphere of Nar Shaddaa with the sound of a loud boom as the nose of the craft broke through a G-Force speeds, Captain Terrac a well experienced pilot though not one outside of taking risks in his own right, commanded the vessel without flaw to pinpoint and track the origin of [member="Ghorua the Shark"]'s transmission. True to his word the Herglic was proven to be as reliable as ever and in steadfast pace the vessel descended upon the perimeter of Miss Blonde's former palace well within sight of those that had remained outside to safeguard whatever secrets and holdings lay within.

Veiere Arenais did not wait for [member="Darlyn Excron"], the man's injuries were proving to be harsher than the Jedi had given him credit for, such an experience that he would be well compensated for in a weeks paid leave should he so wish it; Veiere however walked down upon the ramp as it descended and strode with no reluctance into the line of sight of [member="Darth Abyss"] and [member="Causstik Rahn"]'s armed men. It was bold, arguably erratic especially for Veiere though he did not reach for his lightsaber nor the weapon sheathed at his side. Instead his hands remained extended only marginally enough from his sides to show that he was making no moves to initiate a fight yet at the same time calling out to make his demands known.

"I've come for [member="Lady Kay"]...-Who's in charge here!?"

Leave it to a former Jedi to act so confidently in the face of so many armed and holding the advantage of rang and elevation over him, naturally they were well positioned and even with his training there was always the chance of certain death yet Veiere had come this far and rather than overthinking the situation he wished to reach Kay with as little violence as was called for. "My name is Veiere Arenais..." He would further announce himself in the case that it might garner the appropriate means to encourage some form of diplomacy and negotiation between those whom held his wife captive, all the while against his knowledge she who was being freed of her capture thanks to some very curious business relationships she had kept from him.

Reaching out with the Force, he sought to probe the area for any subtle trace of the Shark of whom would no doubt be upon them watching the site unfold. Veiere's knowledge of these people paled by comparison to the herglic's experience, yet beyond the knowledge of these criminals, mercenaries or whatever they considered themselves to be, Ghorua remained a card that only he would reveal, should the right time and opportunity present itself.

[member="Koda Fett"]

 

[Lemon]

Lady Kay's brief comment wasn't met with any words, instead complete silence as per usual in these scenarios. Pacing along with the Queen ahead of him, Koda now stood inside the glorious palace, it was truly a sight. Though this was hardly the time to take in the beauty of a palace, nor was it something the bounty hunter truly cared for. Especially now since the sight of Darth Abyss triggered instinctive caution. Was he afraid? No, only untrusting. The Sith were those that he often steered clear of with their power plays and double crossings, they were hardly reputable, but perhaps he wasn't one, just dressed as if he were.

But then Abyss spoke, his words eerily echoing around his head, unable to pinpoint where exactly they came from and creating some confusion amidst him. Though as soon as he could catch onto it, he ignored it, blocked it out and only focused on the words themselves - not their origin. Then came the pouch that landed before the Mandalorian, hitting the ground with some thud, something was definitely in there and it was numerous, or it was heavy. Fett bended his knees, grabbing at the pouch with his left hand as he removed it from the barrel of the carbine. Aurodium? He questioned to himself briefly after recognising the item, "Hmph." The Bounty Hunter huffed at the sight of it. But only loud enough that Kay and himself could hear. His left hand placed it onto his belt, ensuring that it was secure, then re-adding his spare hand back to the Carbine.

Then came the reassurance that Aurodium was definitely a worth reward, followed by a threat of sorts. Beneath the helmet he scowled, but it wasn't anything new, it seemed as if his resting face was that of a scowl. Meanwhile he stood firm, keeping an eye on Abyss as the Medics checked Kay to conclude she was healthy, or healthy enough for it to be acceptable.

​Darth Abyss' final distorted words came to him, giving him the impression that he was free to go, regardless of all the guns still aiming towards him, Koda simply replied, "We're done here then." Turning around to face the doorway, attempting to leave, but of course nothing ever went so smoothly. Commenor had finally caught up, and with it their King. Yet still, he persisted on his path, that is if nobody interfered with it.

[member="Veiere Arenais"] | [member="Darth Abyss"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Darlyn Excron"] | [member="Ghorua the Shark"] | [member="Causstik Rahn"]

 

[Darlyn Excron]

Had he blacked out a moment? Darlyn licked his lips, and pushed himself up onto his elbow with a pained groan. The dried that tried to urge him back down found itself immobilized, though not broken, as he continued up, and up, before falling back down, the droid following suit as it was freed from his grasp. Damn, he'd been got good, it felt like reality was fading to one big light of pain.

Ah well, pain meant he was alive. It w asnt all that bad eh? Ah just when he finally got all fired up too... her have to see if he could track the hunter down when the pain subsided. He owed him a handshake , and a solid punch to the jaw. Didn't matter which order really. He coughed and closed his eyes, giving standing o be last, pained push, before he found his feet sliding onto the ground. He felt the blood rushing in his body as he found a crutch, something he could lean on to walk, and slowly made his way after Veiere.

He kept coughing with every few dozen steps or so, exhausting himself and pushing on despite the searing pain. Marksmen looking at him would easily see the Commenori crest on his somewhat tarnished armor, and considering the circumstance it wasn't likely they'd ruin the moment. Instead, the injured man rubbing on Force knows what made his way to Veiere's side, before he had to stop and lean on the crutch he'd borrowed, lest his legs betray him. Laying down had not helped at all... without adrenaline his pain felt all too real.

And his blue orbs gazed on, looking for Koda. To memorize his armor.

[member="Koda Fett"] [member="Lady Kay"] [member="Darth Abyss"] @Ghoura the Shark [member="Veiere Arenais"] [member="Causstik Rahn"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Koda Fett"] may have been able to hid his fear, but the sight and sounds of [member="Darth Abyss"] had always unsettled her. Raw, dark pwer had a way of doing that. Kay had touched a similar Darkness before, finally accepting it after months of ongoing torture, but that was finished now. With the help of [member="Veiere Arenais"] , [member="Darlyn Excron"] and others, she reclaimed what was lost and became herself again. But as far as she was aware, Abyss had no idea of her connection with the Force at all. If anything, she could blame any strong presence in the Force surrounding her on the twins that she's carrying within her.

Kay didn't move as the doctors approached, checking a variety of things from her heart rate, her breathing, her eyes and temperature. Nothing thorough, but enough to determine that there was nothing grave about her condition.

Koda seemed to have approved of the bounty that he had received, to which Kay breathed a small sigh of relief. The last that she needed was to be stuck in the middle while the teo of them would haggle over her. It was a strange feeling to be caught and paid for, most especially given all of her earlier exploits at freeing slaves, even from this world.

Her eyes found themselves returning to meet Abyss after she felt Koda walk away. She bowed her head, yet didn't allow herself to relax. No doubt she was going to have to owe him some kind of favour for this. "Thank you, M'Lord...." Now what was she to do? Ask for a ride home? Little did she know that her husband was already outside, her focus being entirely on the Sith Lord in front of her.

[member="Causstik Rahn"] [member="Ghorua the Shark"]

 

[Darth Abyss]

Before Abyss was able to give an answer back to [member="Lady Kay"] one of his agents tapped him lightly on the shoulder. The husk turned around, while the agent whispered something into the hollow armor, a quite strange sight to see. For a moment Abyss remained silent and motionless, bringing order to his thoughts before making a decision. Then he turned back to the Queen, tilting his head slightly in his version of a quizzical expression.

"Your Highness, a certain [member="Veiere Arenais"] and his heavily injured friend requests entrance into the palace. Should my men open fire?"

The truth was that Abyss was well aware who one the men outside was, and that killing him would turn this whole situation into the mess he had been trying to avoid. The rest of the truth was that the Prophet had a pretty deranged idea of what it meant to make a joke. After offering her a few seconds to probably choke a little, the twisted figure broke into a equally broken laugh, before giving a sign to his agent. The man stepped forward, broadcasting Abyss' words to the guards and agents outside.

"Hold your fire, and escort our guests inside. Try to be friendly, maybe tell them a joke or two."

While Abyss gave a few commands to get a bottle of water, a chair and some other things to make Kay's stay more comfortable, one of his agents outside stepped out of the shadows to greet the newcomers. His face showed a strange grin that was somewhat similar to the one his lord carried all the time.

"You're clear to enter, and your Queen is already awaiting your arrival. Follow me. Also no funny business, or someone will put something painful in your back."

The agent, framed by two other soldiers, began to lead them inside, and so far no weapon had been aimed at them. That could change of course, would either of them make the mistake to misjudge the situation.

"A sith lord, a Queen and former Jedi Grandmaster walk into a Hutt palace ..."

[member="Causstik Rahn"] [member="Koda Fett"] [member="Ghorua the Shark"]

 

[Causstik Rahn]

[SIZE=11pt]Causstik paced around the palace as the bounty hunter exchanged words with Abyss. As always the sight of his lord gave Causstik a high like nothing else, but even so the sound of his voice sent chills down his spine. The Mandalorian and Abyss finished their deal and he idly watched the hunter leave. Causstik ordered his warband into the building and away from the firespray, allowing Koda to leave freely. They quickly filled the interior of the palace and Causstik meandered to a nearby bar whilst abyss spoke to Kay. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Causstik vaulted over the counter and selected a fine bottle of tihaar. It looked old, dust and cobwebs coating the glass bottle. Causstik blew the filth away then poured himself a glass. He reached into his bandolier and withdrew a spice blunt. He put the drug to his lips and lit it. Idly puffing on the drug, further enhancing the high he already had. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]With the blunt between his index and middle finger he lowered it from his face. He grabbed hold of the glass of liquor with his free hand and prepared to raise it to his face, but something stopped him from taking a sip. An interesting snippet of Abyss and Kay’s conversation reached his ears. Veiere Arenais was among those sent to pick Kay up. A former Jedi Grand Master… Causstik’s eye seemed to narrow for a moment and the all too familiar voices began to worm their way into his head. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Kill the Jedi…[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Ravage his body…[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Filet him alive![/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Causstik had to leave before he lost control. But, already he was formulating a plan. One that would ensure the capture of the desired prey. One that would bring him many Jagannath points and the Scorekeeper’s favor. For when she called Causstik always answered… But, that was for another day. Causstik kneeled low to his lord and left the palace with his warband. He had much to do and little time to do it.[/SIZE]

 

[Lemon]

Lady Kay's bounty was now complete, Fett had claimed his reward and was on his way despite the guns that may or may not still be pointed in his direction. As he walked through the halls of the palace he made his way towards the landing pad in which he had landed, it was unlikely that he would pass both Veiere and the wounded Darlyn, but it all depended on how far in they had been brought into the palace. Nevertheless, he continued on his path towards the Concord Spear, pressing a singular button that would lower the ramp once again. Allowing him to board it.

As Fett walked in a glance was cast upon the remaining captives within his cargo hold, but they weren't the main focus right now, he still needed to clamber his way into the cockpit. In which he did, and after a brief few moments the engines hummed to life once more, taking off and rotating within the air to come upright once more. Though instead of departing from Nar Shaddaa he delved deeper, for the work of the Bounty Hunter hadn't finished just yet.

[member="Veiere Arenais"] | [member="Darlyn Excron"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Darth Abyss"] | [member="Causstik Rahn"] | [member="Ghorua the Shark"]

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ghorua knew the troubles of being a Bounty Hunter more than most. He'd been in the game a while, after all. Bag the wrong target, show your face in one too many cantinas, and you've got a mark on your head as high as a Coruscanti skyscraper. The Shark had been through that before, after he had captured Lady Kay, alongside [member="Julian Valentine"].

Where he was, Ghorua had no clue. Perhaps he was hiding out somewhere, living out his days in happiness. Perhaps he was dead.

Ghorua turned his mind from his old mentor, landing his shuttle a safe distance from Blonde's palace. He stepped out, his helmet's sensors quickly scanning the area around him. As far as he could tell, he hadn't set off any proximity alarms. He knew the place was undermanned, but some part of him still feared he'd get spotted. Nonetheless, Ghorua wrapped his Spidersilk Elaxtex cloak around him, his bulky form disappearing into thin air, making his way stealthily to the complex without issue.

The Shark arrived just as a group of Trandoshans headed in, and a Mandalorian headed out. Ghorua's helmet began to whirr, going through his list of Bounty Hunters for a match. A view of his Firespray confirmed it. [member="Koda Fett"].

Ghorua would keep that bit of information for later. He had no intent to attack the hunter, although he would like to have a chat with the other about using stun blasts against a pregnant woman. He was simply doing his job. But Ghorua was getting Kay back. No matter what.

The Shark slipped inside the compound, following the heavy footsteps of Trandoshans. He'd reveal himself when he was good and ready. Until then...

He'd float below the surface, ready to strike.

- [member="Causstik Rahn"] - [member="Darth Abyss"] - [member="Lady Kay"] - [member="Darlyn Excron"] -

 

[WolfMortum]

Against all odds it would seem that the chance he had taken in placing himself within the direct line of threat from the armed personnel of this criminal establishment, had otherwise paid off and whether or not this was considered a good thing in the end-game, Veiere was a little relieved to see their would be guide approaching and informing him that his request to speak with their leader; Tthe fact that [member="Lady Kay"] was waiting for the both of them on top of all else, that took him by complete surprise.

Turning to glance back to his peer, he gave [member="Darlyn Excron"] and encouraging nod, raising his right hand to the man as if to suggest for calm and restraint as they were soon led on inside the former palace of the notorious [member="Miss Blonde"]. Hers was a reputation most widely known and acknowledged by the criminal underground of society across all corners of the Galactic Map. Her bounties placed on his wife had ensured the mention of her name and criminal history that was on file, to be raised in question from time to time when considering the best interests and security of the Queen of Commenor, especially in the recent days of her pregnancy.

"That is most appreciated, thank you" Veiere responded to [member="Darth Abyss"]' Agent, moving to walk along side him to offer as little suspicion for the man as was possible given their situation. "Might I be so bold as to ask the name of our host...?" He would question, if not for better insight than for the sake of small talk in the hope of a smooth transition from the outside in towards where-ever they were being led to. The mention of a Sith Lord hadn't at all escaped his hearing though between he and his wife, they had worked alongside the Sith in the past, those who had shown they were capable of acting in a manner that showed more than the assumed and typically narrow sighted brutality that the Sith Empire had gained in reputation over the years. Veiere was not so ignorant as to dismiss the notion of individual strength above that of rumors and the personal bias of others, always one to treat those he dealt with based upon the ideals and integrity that they portrayed, the notion here that they were meeting with a Sith Lord did not insight fear in him. It simply meant that he would need to keep an open and conscious eye on those around them, as he always sought to do in such situations like this.

[member="Ghorua the Shark"] | [member="Koda Fett"] | [member="Causstik Rahn"] | [member="Darth Abyss"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Darlyn Excron"]​

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Darth Abyss"] ' joke was taken seriously at first. Her jaw just dropped, not with just the realization that [member="Veiere Arenais"] and [member="Darlyn Excron"] had found her so quickly, but also that the Sith Lord seemed to be toying with her.

And then he laughed and sent out his instructions. Kay picked up her jaw as she let herself relax a little. Already she turned around to face the door where she expected her husband and Darlyn to come, but she knew that it would be minutes before she'd be able to see them.

A chair was soon brought for her and she found herself easing herself into it. Of course her mind was still racing, the turn of events that had first began with a simple evening walk with her best friend and somehow landed her in Hutt space in front of a Sith Lord that was neither here nor there. It could've been worse though. Much worse.

Kay took the bottled water and opened it, taking a large sip. [member="Causstik Rahn"] caught her eyes as he knelt in front of Abyss and then left, taking many of his people with him. She supposed that threats on either side were lowered, which was a good thing. But they were far from a level playing field.

"What is it that you seek, in return for paying my bounty, M'Lord?" She had to be straight and to the point. There was just no beating around the bush. He had a reason behind these actions and she was determined to find out what that is quickly. The sooner that she was back at home, the better.

[member="Ghorua the Shark"]

 

[Darth Abyss]

"Our Lord has carried many names, but for the sake of this meeting you should address him as either Lord Abyss, the Prophet or the Mindeater, whatever suits you best."

Abyss' agent continued to lead [member="Veiere Arenais"] and [member="Darlyn Excron"] through the corridors of the palace, into the room where the Sith Lord already waited besides [member="Lady Kay"]. They made it just in time to hear as Abyss answered her question, the husk once more allowing himself to crack one of his deranged jokes towards the Queen. Hopefully she wouldn't as easily fall for it this time.

"A few liters of your blood, and your firstborn child."

Like the first time Abyss left a few seconds to let the works sink in. Then he laughed another time, before turning towards his two new guests, greeting them with a slight, almost mocking bow. His wretched mask remained on them for a moment as placed a mental eye on the former jedi grandmaster, before he straightened himself and prepared a more serious answer for the Queen.

"Your Highness, all I ask is that your remember my favor. There might comes a day when I will ask for one in return."

The laugh that followed this time was different, darker and more terrifying as it had no sense of mockery or amusement in it. Thanks to it, it was clear that Abyss meant what he said, and not in a good way. Commenor, and its Queen, now owned him her life, and he would make use of that debt in whatever way it would please him.

[member="Ghorua the Shark"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

A brow was raised as [member="Darth Abyss"] made his joke. Given that she was visibly pregnant, it was easy to see why he chose that for his witty response. When he laughed, so did she, although her laugh was a more uncomfortable one, as though she wasn't quite sure if he was truly joking or not.

The sight of [member="Veiere Arenais"] and [member="Darlyn Excron"] walking in surely lifted her spirits. Darlyn's plan had worked, although she wasn't privy to it earlier. With his escape he was able to get help and be able to track her down quickly.

Kay didn't move from her chair, most especially when Abyss made her aware of his price. His laugh sent a chill down her spine, as it would to most. "Do I get a choice in this favour, for example if I find it to be an unreasonable one?" There were many things that she wouldn't do, murder being one of them. Perhaps in time Abyss could forget about the favour being owed, but that wasn't very likely.

Her eyes were drawn to her husband, wondering what he would have to say about such a deal that would secure her release. Would he object to it, or no?

[member="Ghorua the Shark"]

 

[Darlyn Excron]

Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, Darlyn actually laughed before [member="Darth Abyss"] did at his own joke, the man struggling to stay upright against his borrowed crutch as he followed [member="Veiere Arenais"] into the room calmly. Perhaps it was just him being, well, an oddball almost incapable of taking a situation seriously, but he almost had a joke 'radar' to these sorts of things. So he seemed naturally able to pick up on it. Or at least, he seemed to think it was a joke, which considering the laugh that Abyss gave after his dramatic silence seemed to be confirmed. Darlyn finally stopped laughing as it turned to pained coughs, and wiping the flecks of blood off his hand and against the Desperado armor he still wore.

How Darlyn managed to stay fully armed despite everything was beyond amusing for him, personally.

That, and it helped to illustrate the differences with Veiere, and [member="Lady Kay"] to that matter. Monarchs of peace keeping company with one always ready for violence. Perhaps that was why the shiver that went through his spine at Abyss's second laugh was less so one of fear (Of course he was not foolish, there was some measure of fear), but almost one of excitement. No small part of him enjoyed the trouble that he got involved in, and the prospect of a Sith Lord landing on his 'people who done karked up' list was, in a way, delectable. Darlyn hated Sith slightly less than Jedi after all, so the grin never quite left his face.

Almost as sickening and excited a grin as the one frozen for eternity on Abyss's face, for that matter.

[member="Ghorua the Shark"]

 

[WolfMortum]

Seeing the sight of his Wife alongside another much darker presence reminded him once more of the past, during which a number of Sith had followed and partaken in [member="Lady Kay"]'s abduction, torment and decline into the Dark Side of the force. Their very Government had been shaped by such a change, turned from a democratic body into a new reigning Monarchy. Again and again she seemed to find herself in these positions, these people getting mixed up in her political aspirations, the last one having been [member="Krest"] for whom had made it obviously clear he had been working under Kay's request during the invasion of Yutan...-These affiliations were getting more and more difficult to ignore yet he had to remind himself that he was no longer a Jedi Master anymore...

Some risks were more affordable than others.

"I take it you are Abyss then...".

Veiere showed no hesitation in his approach, while most might have stopped short of a fair distance between them, Veiere did not. He sought to take his wife into his arms once more. Reaching for her hand, he pulled Kay close and sought to look her over for any sign of injury or stress to her pregnancy. "Are you alright..." he asked gently, wrapping his arms around the back of his shoulders while his gaze would turn away from her to her would-be captor.

"You would think my wife a fool to trust in such a deal..." He spoke with no subtlety in his skepticism though it came with what he hoped would be enough to pull the focus away from his beloved wife for whom represented the head of the Systems Alliance and the future of their children; "Ask your favor of me in the future, leave my Queen out of it. She's been through enough".

[member="Ghorua the Shark"] | [member="Darth Abyss"]

 

[Darth Abyss]

"It is still Lord Abyss for you, jedi filth. Within my walls you will address me properly, and only if allow you to. Understood?"

For a moment the Mindeater considered stopping [member="Veiere Arenais"] in his path towards [member="Lady Kay"]. After all she was still hostage in a way, even if he intended to clear this matter without spilling more blood. In the end he simply took a step to the side, allowing the jedi to meet his Queen, that seemingly was more to him then just a leader, a information he quietly noted in his head for the future.

Despite the fact that Abyss was not among the sith that held a strong, illogical dislike for the jedi, an insult or two were still the least of things the former Grandmaster had to expect from him. As the new guest continued his words, the presence around Abyss showed a clear, sudden change. There was nothing of the unhinged, yet amused and mocking aura of before, but only a dark, corrupted void that now shrouded him.

"That is not your decision to make, little vermin. Commenor and its Queen now owe her life to me, and as easily as it was granted I will take it away."

With a sign of his left the guards around them lifted their weapons, multiple rifles aimed at all of them, even at the injured [member="Darlyn Excron"]. Abyss' right hand wandered behind his back, reaching for silenced slugthrower hidden there, and the barrel pointed directly at Kay's stomach.

"I have no interest to have this end in royal blood and lost heirs, but I will go there if I have to. Think hard jedi, are you certain you can take everyone in here out before one of mine misplaces a blasterbolt in your Queen's stomach? I ask again, do we have an agreement?"

[member="Ghorua the Shark"]