Private Returning to the Life

[Ghorua the Shark]

LOCATION: UNKNOWN
EQUIPMENT: IN BIO
CURRENT MOOD: ANTSY
​

From the beginning of Ghorua's career as a bounty hunter, there was one thing he was sure of; he'd never escape the Hunt.

It wasn't his plan, all those years ago, of course. His first bounty was one to pass the time. His original membership to the guild was nothing more than a way to accrue credits, push them forward to greater things. But after that first hunt, and the Shark caught the scent of danger, of exhilaration, of success, there was no way he could continue with the plan he had created before.

The Herglic spent years, decades, refining this craft. He trained himself to physical perfection, his mind and skills of deduction were honed to a keen edge, and he covered himself with the best technology money could buy. And he found more danger, more exhilaration, more success. He'd dueled foes across the known galaxy, Jedi Masters and Sith Lords, crime lords with too much money on their hands. Ghorua had been in war after war, always a new target, always a new chance for success or failure.

But the Shark had never risen to the number-one spot. Something always held him back. Personal time, raising his daughter, the exceptional hunters that always stayed a step ahead, there was always something that stood in his way. So as his prime age passed him, he took less and less jobs, until he began brokering information for clients. Other bounty hunters, young and hungry, looking for their big breaks. Young people that reminded Ghorua so much of himself, years and years ago.

And every time he passed along the information about their newest target, a part of him yearned to go out there with them. Show them how it's done.

Then another part would chastise him. Let the greenhorns have their fun.

Ghorua had been expanding his circle of clients in recent days, looking for more work. Perhaps one would come calling soon, looking for the newest lead on a case, or schematics to a Hutt's palace, or the debt history of some poor sap who forgot to pay their dues.

When they did, the Shark was sure that he would feel the call for adventure again. And he would have to suppress it once more.

- Vrun Ryssic -

 

[Vrun Ryssic]

Location: "The Nebulon Ulysses" Light Freighter.
Current Target: N/A.

The life of bounty hunting was not a glamorous or social one. Were that to be the case then the Hunter would quickly find themselves becoming the hunted. For Vrun Ryssic, the only connection he had that didn't involve a blaster, was The Bounty Hunters Guild and various contractors responsible for giving him his next job.

Despite the reputation of Bounty Hunters in the Galaxy today, the Guild held a certain obligation that exceeded personal ambitions, at least for the lizard who sat at the helm of his Freighter casting a cold deadly eye at the holographic display within his clawed left hand.
The Guild had not seen enough glory in recent years. With all the war being waged in all corners of the navigational chart, mercenaries were falling in line with various different organizations and government powers, no longer willing to abide by the Guild's few yet very specific codes of conduct.

Once upon a time, Bounty Hunting had been a respectable profession, but no longer did it feel that way to Vrun. At least not in the way other Hunters portrayed it to be. Honour meant more to the Trandoshan than most, perhaps.
Sustained above the holo-emitter was a rather powerful looking Herglic who had come up in a recent conversation following the Trandoshan's prior job. Apparently, this shark had been a significant nuisance in the lives of those who failed or refused to pay their debts, and for the hunter Ryssic, that impressed. The Guild could potentially benefit from someone Ghorua the Shark , were the Herglic to agree to work alongside the Trandoshan, even on the odd job now and then.

Vrun didn't like to beg, but the honour to the Guild meant being able to live with himself whilst still being an underrated gun for hire, a greenhorn at best. Providing this one didn't blast him immediately on sight for arriving unannounced.

This shark was proving difficult to catch.

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

CORUSCANT, LEVEL 1313
THE SWAN DIVE
​

As far as meeting places went, the Swan Dive Bar in the guts of Coruscant's dark belly was one of the best.

Not in terms of customer service. Or food quality. Or cleanliness, for that matter. In all those accounts, this bar was like so many others; sub-par at best, and deplorable at worst. There was one staff member, who was always grumpy and tired. It was constantly empty, save for the odd swoop gang or bounty hunter that rented the place to talk.

Ghorua was certain that was the only reason the bar was open in the first place; it was quiet, discreet, and proofed against prying eyes.

It was the only reason he was there, after all.

In a shady corner of the bar, a monumental being sat in a booth, plated in dark armor, helmet placed at his side. His face was crinkled slightly by age, but that didn't stop the twinkle in his dark black eyes, or the jovial smile pulling apart his lips. He had the build of a ten-and-a-half foot tall killing machine, but the expression of an amused grandpa.

The object of his amusement was a human bounty hunter across from him. She was young, with a chip on her shoulder after Ghorua's last tip bagged her a big score. Ghorua recognized the expression she had. Ambition.

"You must have something else for me," the woman said, her upper-crust accent impossible to miss.

Ghorua chuckled a little, noting as the other bounty hunter's expression soured. "Not right now. All of my leads are being followed up on. Give it some time, Javas."

The hunter scoffed. "Give me one of those leads. I'll complete it first. I'll prove I'm the best."

The Shark shook his head disapprovingly. Did the Code mean nothing to these people? "That's not how this works. You don't interrupt another hunter when they're on the job. It's the rules."

"Who's rules? The Bounty Hunter's Guild? Who cares about them?"

"It's my rules." Despite his seemingly-jolly attitude, Ghorua's eyes scanned Javas, looking for any indication of danger. "If you don't like it, scrounge up your own jobs."

A brief moment of resistance. Then, without another word, the young hunter stood up, and left. No doubt she would be looking for her fortune. Ghorua hoped she found it.

- Vrun Ryssic -

 

[Vrun Ryssic]

Location: Coruscant, Level 1313.
Current Target: N/A.

Through one of the Trandoshan Hunter's informants within the Guild, he had been directed towards Coruscant with the potential of finding the target he was after. This one, not a bounty but an asset of a far greater value.

Coruscant was not the first location. Vrun Ryssic had travelled across numerous worlds ranging from Commenor to Nar Shaddaa, Ord Mantel and others. It was his hope that this one would prove more successful than the last, however, the Bounty Hunter was persistent and enjoyed the hunt. Perhaps more so than the kill.

The Swan Dive was a lesser-known place within the lower levels and finding directions from one of the locals proved interesting. Moving through the crowd, the armoured Trandoshan towered over most and with his Hybrid Blaster Rifle slung over the back of his right shoulder and BAW-57 Blasters holstered upon either hip, the lizard caught the eye of many on his way in. Eventually, his intimidating nature and a snarl in the right direction was enough to coerce someone into giving him the answer he wanted.

The name was accurate. When the Trandoshan appeared upon the doorstep of the Swan Dive, it really did have the feeling of a business going under. There were fewer occupants in here compared to other bars the Trandoshan had frequented, although this did make it rather easier to identify those within. Ghorua the Shark was, if the Trandoshan wasn't somehow mistaken, the big fish talking to the little fish.

"This one would like a word with The Shark" Vrun spoke up as he walked into the establishment. His raspy voice was loud for all to hear him, although clearly directed solely for Ghorua's benefit. Raising both clawed hands away from his sides, not a great deal but just enough to show that he wasn't drawing a firearm, he looked to the larger of the few with an intense amber glow within his snake-like eyes.

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ghorua watched Javas leave with a sad sort of smile. She was a good kid, that was for sure. Rough around the edges, a little too big for her britches, but a young bounty hunter with a promising future, if she didn't let her mouth get ahead of her mind too much. Which she was prone to do. Ghorua had already made note of it in his file on her.

He stared out the door after her for only a second, before dexterously putting the helmet of his armor back on his head, and placing a few credits on the table. He hadn't bought anything, no one could pay him to drink something from the Swan Dive, but it was only fair for taking the table for as long as he did.

Then, a voice called out his moniker, and the Shark's hand materialized upon his blaster cannon, the Firaxa.

Ghorua's eyes immediately scanned the newcomer, as did his helmet's HUD, tagging his weapons and armor. Pistols with expensive grips on the sides, blaster of unknown make on the back, lightly-armored, with weak points being the extremities...

The Shark processed this information quickly and categorically, his expression hidden by his helm. A product of training and experience with sizing up opponents, Ghorua was already thinking of possible avenues of attack. And it had been a full three seconds.

Ghorua's voice came out of the helmet, betraying the Herglic's cautious tone. "Y'know, you really should call ahead next time you want an appointment."

There was another moment of tension, as if the larger bounty hunter were seriously considering shooting first. Finally, the Shark took his hand off the Firaxa, beckoning the Trandoshan forward, but the caution hadn't left his voice.

"Who're you?"

- Vrun Ryssic -

 

[Vrun Ryssic]

"Y'know, you really should call ahead next time you want an appointment.".

The Trandoshan gave a reverberating groan in response to the Herglic's sarcasm, though it would be difficult to tell if the Snake-eyed Hunter was responding out of annoyance or bemusement. Still yet to have drawn upon any weapon, Vrun Ryssic approached the greater Hunter directly, stopping only a short distance out of arms reach as he sought to gauge the Shark's prowess.

"This one has been seeking you for the Guild" Vrun replied, casting a glance to their surroundings in the case that the mention of the Bounty Hunters Guild might provoke an undesired response from the locals. Not everyone felt as strongly for the Bounty Hunters' Guild as the Trandoshan did, and especially not enough to go out of their way to seek others who would help restore the Guild to its old stature from days long passed.

Bounty Hunting seemed to have become a profession for anyone with a blaster these days, yet lacking the professionalism and rules that the Guild had always promoted in order to keep to the highest standard. Government law for example. Despite the nature of the job, Bounty Hunting was still about bringing justice to those who had thrown dirt in the eye of the contractor and where Galactic Enforcers failed, it was up to Hunters like the Trandoshan and the Shark to put them in their place.

"This one knows your reputation. The Guild needs someone with your skill. This one is young and unmarked. Not enough to raise the standard without your expertise, or someone of equal measure" Vrun explained bluntly. The Trandoshan had a way of speaking, seemingly unable to sugarcoat his words but rather speaking plainly and stating the facts. He did not enjoy admitting his youth and inexperience, yet before someone like Ghorua the Shark , that would be plain to see.

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ghorua watched the young hunter approach, trying to gauge the Trandoshan's skill even as Vrun gauged his. Ghorua could smell a yearling a mile away. There was a way that experienced hunters moved, as if they were predator amongst prey, that this newcomer simply didn't possess yet. But Ghorua also saw potential. A kark-ton of it.

When he mentioned the Guild, Ghorua relaxed, taking off his helmet, revealing a sharp smile. That was what this was about. A true loyalist, wishing to bring the Shark into the fold once more.

An idealist.

The Herglic took a quick glance around the Dive. No one was paying attention to the pair of bounty hunters. They were payed not to, after all, and those that weren't knew better than to eavesdrop. A benefit of doing business in 1313, stray ears didn't last long.

"Suppose I should have guessed you were with the Guild," the Shark said, his voice dark and smooth. "Not just anyone can catch me doing business down here."

Ghorua put his blaster cannon to the side again, although he was anything but unarmed even without it. He noticed the Vrun's blunt words, and decided not to mince his own.

"Glad my rep proceeds me, but no, don't think I will rejoin the Guild."

"I don't do jobs anymore. I got old-fashioned quick. Clients don't want the Guild anymore. The rules get in the way. Bounty posters want fast results. Quantity over quality." The Shark smiled sardonically, betraying his distaste for the current system.

"Besides, I'm too old. Best I throw in the towel, let the greenhorns have their fun."

The same line he told himself, when he looked at his armor wistfully late at night. When he stared at a planet from orbit, wondering what trouble he could get himself into. When he browsed the big-ticket bounty postings, and had the reckless urge to accept one.

- Vrun Ryssic -

 

[Vrun Ryssic]

The Trandoshan gave a reverberating series of clicks, his mouth parting just enough to bare his teeth as he responded with a sound of annoyance. It wasn't Ghorua the Shark who invoked such a reaction but the matter of 'quantity over quality and what contractors supposedly sought these days.

The Bounty Hunters' Guild hadn't been as present in the Galaxy over these recent years, perhaps due to the continuous war being waged from sector to sector, or perhaps due to the nature of their secrecy and need to protect themselves from the criminal underworld who would gladly see their competition put to the earth.

"Criminals hunting criminals. This one finds no honour in this" Vrun answered, speaking his feelings on the matter. Despite his lifestyle, the Trandoshan had come to detest mercenaries who worked without a code or sense of professionalism in their work. Though the lizard was still a fledgling in the order of things, he still believed in the need for honour within the Guild, and the hunt for those who had earned their mark.

"Mercenaries are messy. Collateral damage. The Guild can offer cleaner kills. Efficient and fair priced. The Galaxy needs to remember, that's all" the Trandoshan continued, suggesting that the Galaxy had forgotten and the Shark would likely suspect it be due to the Guilds silence. The lack of presence and time in the spotlight.

"This one believes the Guild needs direction, and a class of Hunter not seen in years" Vrun gestured to The Shark with a clawed finger; "This one thinks you can set the standard. Help this one get the Guild back to its former glory again".

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

With every sentence the Trandoshan said, Ghorua felt like he understood the man a little more. His quest went beyond idealism, bordering on unrealistic. But that never stopped the Shark before.

"Sure," Ghorua said, his tone unreadable. "You're looking to harbor in a golden age of bounty hunters. Real ones. Not just the street bravos masquerading as 'em. Usher in an era of prosperity and notoriety for the Guild."

Ghorua laughed. He couldn't help himself, as a rumble emerged from deep within his chest, erupting into a fit of mirth that the Shark couldn't quite cover up. "Sorry," he said, still smiling. "I just haven't met someone like you in a long while. It's inspiring."

With a bit of dramatic flair, Ghorua stood up, slinging his blaster cannon onto a holster over his shoulder, and clicking his helmet to a clip on his waist. He gave Vrun a sly smile, filled with serrated teeth. The Shark stepped past the Trandoshan, headed for the doorway. He'd already overstayed his welcome at the Swan Dive anyways, and he appreciated the fresh air.

Well, as fresh as Coruscant's dirtiest level could be, at least.

Ghorua stopped at the doorway, looking back. He felt the pull to adventure once more, that insistence to try again. To be the best he could be. To rejoin the hunt.

And this time, he didn't feed himself a lie.

"Fine, I'll bite."

"Care for a walk? I find it helps me think."

- Vrun Ryssic -

 

[Vrun Ryssic]

"There is no one like this one. This one is the only one" The Trandoshan responded directly. There was no beating around the bush when it came to this one's words. One of the benefits of talking to someone like Vrun, was that you knew where you stood, and the snake-eyed hunter was not the kind to hold back in his opinions.

To usher in an era of prosperity and notoriety for the Guild. Yes, this was indeed what Vrun wished for. Thus far there were only a handful of significant hunters actively representing the Bounty Hunters' Guild and despite being at the bottom of the barrel, the Trandoshan seemed to have taken it upon himself to bring more to the table than simply the will to take a life for some credits.

"This one will follow" Vrun replied once more, this time to Ghorua the Shark 's request to take a walk. The Trandoshan did not know where the Shark would lead him, yet he was well armed in the case that they find themselves being ambushed or some sort of trap laid in waiting.

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

"There is no one like this one. This one is the only one"

"That's the spirit, kid." Ghorua grinned again, before leaving the bar, Trandoshan in tow. He was thinking about the future of the career, and had a little bit of a hot streak? This one had potential, that was for sure.

- - -​

Ghorua grew up on these streets.

Sure, someone could learn a city after a time. A few years spent in a new town, and an entrepreneurial bounty hunter could discover the ins and outs. But no one knew a place like those that were molded by it. Ghorua spent his young years in the gutters of 1313, sussing out it's secrets with the thoroughness and curiosity of a child. He knew it like the back of his hand, was intimately comfortable with it's twists and turns.

The undercity must have seemed like a labrynth to an offworlder. But to Ghorua, it was home.

As they left the Swan Dive, Ghorua body shimmered. In an instant, as if by magic, he was wearing street clothes. While a cautious eye might detect the slight shifting in the air of a multispectrum disguise suite, the untrained would only see Ghorua the Shark in a black wifebeater and dark shorts, with no obvious protections.

"Before I say yes to anything," the Shark drawled, giving Vrun a side eye, to gauge his reaction to his armor's abilities, "I'd like to know a little bit about who I'm dealing with."

"Let's start easy. Two questions."

"What's your name, and what's your story?" Ghorua was intensely interested in what motivated the younger hunter. His drive was insane, that much was clear. The Shark wanted to know what was behind it.

- Vrun Ryssic -