The Chains That Bind Us

[Enara]

[SIZE=11pt]“Ten minutes,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]she said with an exasperated sigh as she picked up her pace. On her wrist was a small device which reflected simple numbers in red, counting down with each second that passed. 09:59. 09:58. 09:57. The Twi’lek was breathing hard as she rushed through the crowded, dusty streets of Mos Espa. The city was huge, shaped like a twisting snake attempting to hide from the scorching heat of the twin stars, and as crowded as it was dangerous and as dangerous as it was hot. The problem with a city shaped like a snake was that it could take a very long time to get from one end to the other, and if time was of the essence, one had to move quickly. 09:13. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Chuba![/SIZE] [SIZE=11pt]She again picked up the pace, moving as fast as she could, ducking in under and in between people as she ran. In her gut, there was a sinking feeling. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]I’m not going to make it. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]And it wasn’t even her fault. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]If I hadn’t had to spend ten minutes getting that karking E Chu Ta’s hands off me[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt], [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]she let the thought go, it didn’t make any difference now. Fortunately, the girl was small and petite; a mere 1.65 meters tall and a quite thin, weighing a feather like 43 kilograms. This allowed her to maneuver around the crowd with greater ease than someone larger, though she was also lacking in stamina due to her generally poor nutritional habits.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Unfortunately, she was not especially coordinated. A point exasperated as she stepped on the foot of a Rodian. The man cursed as he shoved the girl to the ground. His green skin was not complimented by the bright yellow of his suit, his multifaceted eyes glaring down at her. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“I’m sorry, I didn’t see you.”[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] He made those ugly noises their species was so fond of and kicked delivered a single, firm kick to her ribs. She grimaced and curled up a little, the alien kicked some dust in her direction and said something else. She wasn’t certain, but it seemed like a series of expletives and a ‘watch where you’re going’ thrown in for good measure. The only phrase she recognized for certain was the ‘worm head’ comment. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“Nice guy that one,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]she coughed as she struggled, first to her knees, and then to her feet, moving out of the street before she was trampled. She had spent some time on the roof of the cantina and knew how dangerous the roads could be. From the rooftops, they pulsed with life as throngs of people pushed and shoved their way to their destinations. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“Yep,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]she said as she examined her already slightly bruising ribs- it was an easy task to do, her breasts were contained in a nearly translucent, but not quite so, shawl, and she wore what effectively amounted to a stylized purple loincloth, but beyond that she wore nothing. Except of course, for the collar. The metallic jewelry was simple but tight, practically a choker. There was a small red light in the center, just over her throat, which passively glowed. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]06:03. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]Kark![/SIZE] [SIZE=11pt]She turned and began to sprint only for a jolt of pain to shoot through her, originating from her budding bruise. She sighed, there was no way she was going to make it now. She was more cautious this time, only weaving her way through the crowds when it was at least mostly certain that she wasn’t going to step on any toes, though she didn’t hesitate to push her way past a beggar woman who blocked her path. She wasn’t sure why they still stopped her. It was clear she didn’t have anything to give. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]And that one wasn’t even blind[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt].[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] She saw her destination in the distance, The Shady Oasis, it said in several languages on the side of the round roofed building. The sound of upbeat music radiated from it- good for dancing, along with the clatter and chatter that was native to every cantina on the planet. Fortunately, it was absent of the clashing cacophony of violence- while bar fights weren’t overly common, they weren’t exactly a rarity either. She looked at her wrist again and sighed- 00:00 flashed angrily at her. She moved towards the back entrance and opened the door quietly. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“261 has returned to its place of employment,” the metallic voice made her jump. She turned slowly to face the droid, an old KX Series, reassembled from the junk that was plentiful in the city’s scrapyards. It was mostly functional, though any subroutines assisting it in social interactions had never been reinstalled if they had ever existed in the first place. “261 is zero-four-colon-four-six minutes late.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“I know,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]she said, moving slowly away from the droid, its optical machines clicked as it watched her move. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“I told you I don’t like delivering to Zedo,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]she said defensively. The machine made a motion for her to stop and she did immediately, fearing the potential consequences if she provoked the reassembled security droid. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“I’m always late when you send me to that bantha poodoo,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]she said, [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“for being a big fat slug, he can get pretty handsy pretty quickly.”[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] She could hear the ticking as the machine’s gears turned. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Client 082 enjoys Twi’leks.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Yeah,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]she said in a huff at the matter-of-fact response. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“That’s the problem, gearhead.”[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] The color drained from her face as she realized what she had said, [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“oh, Sith-spit,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]she said holding her hands up, [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry,”[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] she stumbled over the words and back up until she felt the cool stone against her back. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“Wait, wait,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]the pit of her stomach fell as the machine’s auditory mechanisms recognized the ‘gearhead’ comment. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Insolence from property is not tolerated at The Shady Oasis. Initiating punishment protocols against 261.” She tried to plead with him again but her voice caught as a surge of electric current emanated from the collar, forcing her to yelp as she collapsed immediately to her knees. Her hands flew to the collar just in time for another jolt to rock her body, causing her to cry out a second time, as the energy surged through her muscles, causing them to tighten and release at random, she curled up on the ground. She braced herself for the third surge, punishments always came in threes before they were given an opportunity to correct their mistake, even attempting to stop the jolts before then was futile. OF course, that knowledge never stopped her from trying. The third wave came just as anticipated, and it was, predictably, the most severe. She convulsed on the floor as it coursed through her before it relented and she was allowed to breath.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Okay,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]she said, out of breath as she pushed herself up to her knees, it was not only a traditional position of subservience, it was also position a slave at The Shady Oasis had to assume before their masters, machine or organic, would consider their pleadings to end a punishment session. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“I’m sorry,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]she said, her voice was strained from the pain, but she was relieved when she saw the optical receptors checking her for signs of sincerity, after a moment she completed the ritual. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“Please no more. I’ll be good.” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]When she had first arrived, she had resented being made to say those words. It was humiliating. So submissive. And that was the point. They waited for the slaves to slip up and then shocked them until they became complacent in their own submission. No one would be shocked forever. Eventually everyone was broken. Now, the words didn’t bother her. She said them after the first round, every time. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“261 has apologized. Apology is accepted.” She sighed in relief and loosened, though she’d be sore for the rest of the day and into the next day. She’d managed to get down to only receiving punishments once a week, sometimes less. “Still… this is the second violation of 261 in the last twelve days and as such supplements are eligible to be withheld.” Her eyes went wide and she scurried towards the machine. That was a punishment worse than the shocks. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“No, no, no! Come on!” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]She looked up at the machine with pleading eyes, not that it was affected by such. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“Listen, listen, please- I… you know I’m scheduled for today. I can’t dance without it. I can’t take orders. I can’t do anything. We’ll lose money. Please, I promise I’ve learned my lesson, I won’t do it again. I promise.” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]She saw that the machine was considering and so she repeated, [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“we’ll lose money.” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]She had picked up that it was programmed to maximize profits and obedience, if she could convince it that she would obey regardless than it should default to relenting. Eventually, it nodded. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“I will distribute the supplement to 261,” Alema sighed in relief and watched lustfully as it produced, from an inner compartment, a single tiny crystal of ryll. On some worlds, the spice was quite illegal and possession or use of it carried a heavy penalty. Here, it flowed freely through the streets. It was easily the most important thing in the world to her, her entire existence was centered on it. It was her only source of relief and liberation and she had come to rely on it as such over the years. It made being here bearable and even worthwhile. Even if she could escape the collar and flee into the city, she wouldn’t have the money to feed her habit. She had considered trying to find work, but she received the so-called supplement three times a day, and even one missed dosage was catastrophic. She’d never find work before she was a mess on the city streets. She had nothing of value to sale, excluding her body of course. But if she was going to sell that to feed her habit, she might as well just stay at the Shady Oasis. At least here she had duties that went beyond acting as a comfort woman. And so, she stayed. She hadn’t attempted escape in over two years and hadn’t seriously contemplated it in about as long. “261 will turn its attention towards customers.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Yes, it will,”[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] she answered. The droid got testy when you applied pronouns to slaves, some of the others speculated that it created a conflict in its circuits. She had just learned better than to bother. She could be an it. She placed the crystal in her mouth and maneuvered it under her tongue. She waited as it rapidly infiltrated her bloodstream. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The effects were almost instant. Her pupils expanded, her heart rate slowed, and her muscles all relaxed. A feeling of warmth and a sense of calm overtook her and washed away her anxiety, allowing her to a brief respite of bliss. Her ribs and muscles no longer bothered her. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“Thank you,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]she said quietly to the droid as she turned her attention to her duties. The world seemed to slur as she moved her eyes over it, making her dizzy for just a moment, but she was accustomed to this by now. She spotted a handsome man who had just entered the cantina, a scar going down the left side of his face. It didn’t subtract from his looks too much, in fact, it made him seem mysterious. Probably had a dark past, she giggled at the thought, completely carefree. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Hello mister,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]she said politely as she came to lean over the table he had selected towards him. This was for two reasons, one, to help stabilize her as she got over the initial high, and two, because men enjoyed it when the women leaned over and offered them sneak glimpses at their breasts. It had been one of the first things taught to her when she arrived. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“What can I get you?” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]She nearly broke out in laughter half way through her question. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“And what are you here for? Scrap? Tell me what you’re after and I can tell you where you should head. Work? Tell me the kind of work and I can find you a buyer. Or…” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]her voice trailed off as she cast her eyes on him seductively, [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“or perhaps you’re here for pleasure?” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]She smiled, [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“whatever your wishes, we can accommodate you here at the Shady Oasis.” [/SIZE]

 

[Viru Lentus]

A week ago

Standing atop an observation deck and looking down through the dome of transparisteel was Viru, large, toned arms were folded across the epicanthix’s large chest and a look somewhere between puzzlement and understanding sat upon his scarred face. Viru was a man that was in his early hundreds, a hundred and ten to be precise yet he held the appearance of an individual in his mid-twenties. This was not some achievement of the force, nor was it some profound gift offered to him. No, it all started out as a theory that Viru pursued his entire life. Decades were spent in an effort of achieving youth, the youth that he now possessed.

Down below in the observation chamber Viru saw numerous tanks that reached from floor to ceiling. Contained within a lavender liquid, alongside it and clinging to the transparisteel of the tanks was an alga that continued to grow before their very eyes. “I spent a lifetime researching this, at one time it was just an idea but what you see before you now… This is the completed project.” Turning to the investors that stood on the observation deck with him Viru put on a friendly smile. It couldn’t have been further from genuine, Viru despised dealing with such greedy individuals, they had no vision. They couldn’t see further than their profit margins, they cared not for the change that could be brought to the galaxy due to Viru’s creation. Something his parents had labored and strived for long before Viru was even a twinkle in his father’s eye.

“Does it not work on scars?” A Muun asked as they stepped forward. Dressed in dark robes from neck to toe the Muun looked more like a Sith than the banker he was, yet this was the common drab of the Muuns. “I ask due to your own… disfigurement.” As the last word left the Muun’s mouth Viru knew it was a jab at his appearance and the large scar that crossed from near the center of his forehead and down across his left eye and even some of his cheek.

Muun’s and their arrogance… Viru thought as he stifled what could’ve been a surge of anger, he may have the body of one in their twenties but it didn’t mean he had to act as such. “It does, this scar was a gift left to me by a Sith… That sith is no longer alive, and this scar taught me humility. A lesson all in the galaxy should learn."

The mere mention of a Sith drew a gasp from those gathered, even the Muun’s lanky body froze and a cautious glance was aimed in Viru’s direction. The mention of the Sith no longer being alive also brought about an even more profound effect. Fear, a natural instinct, especially in a galaxy where the Sith had reigned supreme for so long. “Well I must say it is miraculous, could we possibly see a demonstration?”

“It would be my pleasure.” Tapping away at the datapad built into the observation podium he began to lower him and the investors to the lower floor. “You see while the initial cost of creating the algae is high the profit easily offsets the costs as after the algae has been introduced into an environment it continues to grow. It is but a simple task to gather it then and spread it to other tanks or enclosu-“ The podium had yet to reach observation floor when Viru felt a chill descend down his spine, his scalp seemed to tingle. An all too familiar situation, the danger sense of a Force User. “GET DOWN!”

The warning had barely escaped his lips as a wave of concussive force slammed into Viru’s chest, with it a heat that licked at his body, it wished to engulf him but the epicanthix had been flung free by the explosion itself. In an instant, everything went black. An immense weight was felt upon Viru’s prone body, and across the floor the precious lifesaving liquid was wasted continuing to disperse itself over the white tile.

Eyes fluttering open Viru’s nostrils were assaulted with the scent of charred flesh, and the sickly-sweet smell of Gamarita, the medicine which had been contained in the tanks. “Come on get the algae and let’s go!” A voice shouted over the constant sounds of a blaster battle. “There’s more guards here than at a bank on Taris!”

“Calm down, this stuff is… Stuck!”

His vision was blurry, every muscle screamed for Viru to stay down yet he rose, a hand reached up to the rubble that lay atop him. The embers that had been Viru’s rage had lit and had become an inferno. Reaching out with his anger Viru summoned the force to himself as though it was his herald and in an instant the hot energy entered him. “ENOUGH!” The epicanthix shouted as a massive wave of force energy was released, the rubble was blown away turning into a lethal shrapnel that pelted half the criminals cutting their number down. His chest rising and falling Viru’s red eyes landed on those who wished to steal his legacy, to destroy his life’s work.

“Stang! Zedo didn’t say we were robbing a Forcie! I wasn’t paid for this!”

“Aw, shut up! He’s got no saber!” The rodian squeaked raising a blaster pistol at Viru and releasing three bolts in quick succession.

No words were said, the time for talk was over. Raising his hand Viru coated his palm in the mystical energy of the force, he could hear its humming as it encompassed his hand and as the bolts struck his palm they all ricocheted away into other thugs that dropped to the ground.

“O-“ The rodian began before an invisible fist grabbed its throat lifting his feet free of the ground. The lips of the rodian protruded more than they usually did resembling a percussion instrument as it struggled for aid. “We-“

“No excuses.” Viru said cutting the Rodian off. His hand closing into a fist Viru released a wave of energy that snapped the rodians neck. The eyes of the creature rolled back, its tongue flopping out of its mouth.

Crimson eyes moving to the yellow-skinned Togruta, Viru raised his other hand. “No! I’ll tell you who it was! Please! We didn’t know we’d be robbing a forcie!”

“Who was it?!” The words were sharp, harsh, filled with a fury unmatched by any other in the chambers. Viru’s hair was wild as though he’d been shocked by electricity and the crimson eyes glowed brighter than a star.

“It was Zedo! The Hutt! He sent us!”

The Present

That is what brought Viru to Tatooine, a planet he knew all too well. The days he’d spent journeying the wastes during his training, learning about the force. None in Mos Espa knew the face of the entrepreneur, on first glance he could possibly appear akin to a bounty hunter. The scar and the clothes Viru wore saw to that. Dressed in beige pants and an olive shirt that was covered by an overly large scarf Viru was the spitting image of either a soldier on leave or Mercenary.

Since that day his lab had been raided, since those under his employ had died and he’d lost his investors Viru felt a flame burning in him. He’d used every contact he could to find Zedo the Hutt and the furthest it let was to Mos Espa on Tatooine, there was still so much more the epicanthix needed on the Hutt but despite everything one can say about a Hutt they can’t say they weren’t cautious nor would they betray their kind easily.

“Can you spare a few credits my boy?” an elderly woman that sat in the streets of Mos Espa asked, in her hands was a can, within naught but deci-creds. Her eyes were completely glazed over and a dim grey… She was blind.

A part of Viru told him to ignore the woman and continue on with his quest yet he couldn’t to bring himself to do so easily. He knew how this woman felt, he’d been elderly, broken… He could help her. “Of course, mam, could you tell me where the nearest cantina is?”

Caught off guard the woman nearly gasped her skin coloring slightly. “You’re the first to agree so willingly!”

“Let’s just say I’ve been in a similar situation.” Dropping a few credit chips into the can Viru smiled despite the woman being unable to see it. Just speaking when one was smiling was telling of how they felt. “And the cantina?”

“Oh, you’ll be looking for the Shady Oasis… It’s to the north end of the city.”

“Thank you.” Turning on his heels Viru left the elderly woman, if she was still there when he finished with Tatooine he’d possibly take her off world and see what he could do about repairing her vision.

Making his way through the city without any other interruptions Viru stood outside the Shady Oasis, for one that cantina was not what he would call a high-class establishment. The walls on the outside were unkempt grime and muck apparent on them. There were bums sitting outside of it, some shooting themselves up with deathsticks while others smoked spice.

A sneer on his lips Viru entered to the sound of Jizz music playing from the Bith musicians, the cantina had at least one thing right. Head bobbing to the music Viru entered a booth at the far end of the cantina where his back was to a wall. From there he could see the entire bar, the large variety of species in it was astonishing. How these people had come to land themselves on Tatooine, was it due to ill fortune or by choice?

Lost in his own musings Viru barely noticed the blue-skinned twi’lek who had come to his table, she was so scantily clad that Viru just knew she was a comfort girl. There was nothing left to the imagination as she leaned forward trying to get the epicanthix’s attention. Eyes meeting her eyes Viru noticed the dilation, the carefree tone and the slight lack of balance… She was high. What life is this to live? He asked himself as the slave collar stood out. The twi’lek was a slave yet more importantly Viru sensed something else. Something from deep within her. It was but a whisper yet he knew it was there… The force!

A hand reaching out and gently laying itself over the twi’leks own Viru looked deeper into her eyes. His own presence reaching out and touching her own to see how she reacted to the cool presence of the force brushing against her. “How about this, you can get me a glass of water and come join me for a drink? I have a few questions about the city that I’m sure you’d be able to answer.”

This was the ploy, to make it seem like he was a lonely man, to ensnare not only the twi’lek but the onlookers. Make it seem as if he was truly a mercenary looking for work. Was this all possibly an act of the force? The attack on my institute, the murder of my men? All leading to me coming to Tatooine to find a lone twi’lek? The force works in mysterious ways they say but…

[member="Alema Valla"]

 

[Enara]

[SIZE=11pt]“Yes sir,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]her words came out with only the slightest slur, not enough to impeded the man in understanding her, but enough that one of the initiated would recognize her high and, by extension, her vulnerability. The hands crossed over her own which was a good sign. It meant he’d was interested. There were quotas to meet. She twitched as she felt something… strange push against her. Like a sudden, forceful but isolated cool wind. Her mind raced back to the gearhead machine. If he had procured more of that useless low-grade spice again, she’d have the master disassemble him. There were few things she hated more than a bad trip. She shook her head, and offered the man a girlish giggle at nothing in particular, men just liked to hear girls laugh. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“No, no, no, I’m afraid I can’t do that mister,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]her accent causing the ‘no’s’ to blind together a little, a coy smile played at her lips. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“We don’t serve water to conscious patrons, a house rule. You must not come here often.” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]She puckered her lips and blew him a kiss, [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“I’ll go mix you up something special,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]she said quickly, as if the idea had only just occurred to her. She backed away before he had the chance to object and made it about half way across the room before turning back to look at him, she threw her arms up and danced rhythmically to the music, causing several patrons to stop and admire her, she laughed at the attention and gave the man a parting wink before getting back behind the bar. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Got yourself a mark, Alema?” The human woman behind the bar asked, a knowing gleam in her eye. The Twi’lek responded with a smile, and the girl nodded. “You’ve gotten pretty good at this, you know, if you keep it up, I’m going to have to convince master to sell you off before you steal him from me.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“As if,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]she said with a snort. Ameria was the master’s favorite slave, which was why she got to work the bar rather than the clients. “you can keep the old man,” she said, shaking her head. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“Besides, he doesn’t seem to like Twi’leks.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Every man loves a worm-head,” she responded, quoting a popular slaver maxim. “That’s why you’re so expensive… And,” she said gesturing to her neck, long and slender and unconstructed by a collar, “being master’s pet certainly has its advantages.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“And it’s drawbacks,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]she shot back with a laugh. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Hutt-Spawn,” Ameria cursed at her. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Schutta,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]she cured back in her native language. The two women held a stare for a few seconds before Alema began to laugh. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“Look, my mark wants something to drink to lighten up a little before we hook up the power coupling,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]she leaned over the bar, giving some men behind her a good view of her rear, which seemed to please them well enough. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“Something strong, maybe with a little bit of kick,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]she said with a smile, using a slang term for aphrodisiac which were sprinkled into the drinks of marks to seal the deal. Ameria nodded and smiled before she began to mix the drink. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“Oh, hey, Ameria,”[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] she said leaning over the bar again, [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“I think the droid bought some bad spice. Not deadly or anything, but I felt a little strange over there for a second. Just make sure he’s vetting the dealers. Please,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]the woman assured her she would before returning the drink.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]She returned and set the drink down in front of the man and smiled at him before crawling into the booth alongside him, instead of moving into the seat across from him, she came in beside him and pushed the drink a little closer. She dipped her finger into the drink and then slowly wrapped her lips around it, sucking on the finger for a moment before turning to her mark. [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“Try it,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]she encouraged him. She moved her hands over to his arm, feeling his muscles, [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“wow, you’re so strong,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]she said quietly, her breath moving along his neck as she spoke. “[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]You must be… what? Soldier on shore leave? We’ve got special rates depending on your faction. Of course, if you’re not so… tied down, there’s plenty of work to be had here. Of course,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]she said leaning in a little closer, [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“why don’t you finish that drink and we can discuss your questions back in my room. It’s been a long day,”[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt] she said alluringly, [/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]“I’d like to relax.”[/SIZE]

 

[Viru Lentus]

That slight reaction, the twitch that many a man wouldn’t have noticed due to the young twi’lek’s charms said all Viru needed to hear. The twi’lek was indeed sensitive to the force, she felt his own presence against hers and it caused… Fear? Viru was unable to observe more about the twi’lek’s reaction as with the prose of a seasoned pro she fell right back into her role as the promiscuous temptress. It was certainly impressive yet heartbreaking for Viru to watch, to see one with so much potential wasting away in a scummy cantina on the fringes of the Outer Rim and here she was seemingly content to live her life day to day. One high to the next. “That is certainly a peculiar rule.” Viru answered slightly frowning, he hated liquor, the epicanthix preferred to stay lucid than giving himself over to the mind-altering substances peddled at cantinas and up class bars alike. “I-“ Viru started to say but was cut off as the twi’lek left to go retrieve whatever drink it was she planned on concocting. “Changed my mind.” Sighing Viru kept his eyes on the blue-skinned woman, every move she made was purposeful, to draw one’s attention, the whoops and hollers of the men who filled the cantina grew louder at her performance and men began to converse about the alluring twi’lek that had drew their attention from the dancer on the platform.

“Boy look at that.” The heavy bass laden voice of a Besalisk said from the booth next to Viru a slight chuckle leaving his lips. “What I wouldn’t do for a chance with Alema, had to do something right to draw her attention,yea?” The Besalisk’s eyes were glazed, in his hands a large mug filled to the brim with ale. Across from him sat a blue-skinned Duros his red eyes transfixed on Alema as she bent over the bar and gave all the men something to really cheer about.

“Not enough credits for her…” The Duros said looking somewhat downtrodden.

“Don’t worry my boy, we’ll live vicariously through this man here!” The Besalisk bellowed raising his glass in cheers to Viru. Offering as warm of a smile as he could Viru nodded his head to the Besalisk emitting a fake laugh to make the aliens in the booth over feel comfortable. Viru had to blend in if he was to reach his target. This is where the business exec was laid to rest and the mercenary was brought to life.

Animals… Viru thought before turning to see Alema returning. Offering a smile to her to keep up appearances he slid into his booth knowing what she’d do before she did it. The task of the working girls was to comfort the men, to ease their pain while earning money for their masters. It was a vile practice, one Viru had never been able to approve even during his time on the planet.

The twi’lek was practically in Viru’s lap as she leaned on him, her not so subtle curves against his own body in an attempt to beguile him. Despite those curves she was malnourished, she could certainly benefit from a few more meals. Regular men wouldn’t care about such things when a woman was there next to them and practically nude yet Viru was old, wizened. He still had to fit in however, turning himself to Alema and relaxing one of his arms resting on the table and taking the drink in hand he watched her.

A purposeful licking of his lips gave off the appearance that he was entranced by the twi’lek. In truth, it wasn’t hard to pretend as he was still a man and found the young figure attractive. “You could say something like that.” Viru offered with a chuckle, a quick glance out the corner of his eye confirming his suspicion that the Besalisk and Duros were watching him… In truth, their attention was more so on Alema, nonetheless, Viru had to keep up the appearances. Bringing the drink to his lips, eyes never leaving Alema’s, Viru tossed his head back and in a quick gulp the liquor retreated down his gullet. The moment the drink touched the back of his throat it set Viru’s mouth alight. It was strong, meant to make people tipsy but it would take far more than that to break Viru, his entire body had been returned to youth including his metabolism and organs. As such the liquor barely affected him.

The offer of returning to Alema’s room would’ve gotten any red-blooded male’s engines going and Viru played the role perfectly, leaning in slightly he whispered. “How about we retire to your chambers, there things will be quieter and we can focus.” Another glance to the Besalisk and Viru saw the alien giving him a thumbs up. An arm snaked its way around Alema’s thin waist and with littler effort Viru stood lifting the woman free and setting her on her feet before motioning for her to lead on.

[member="Alema Valla"]

 

[Enara]

[SIZE=11.5pt]“Wooo!” [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]She shouted in celebration as he downed the drink, she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek after he recovered from the strong drink, [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]“you took that too well, next time I’ll bring you two.”[/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt] She said with a mischievous wink. Her hands ran over his body, searching for a wallet or loose credits, unfortunately, it seemed his wallet was secured and she couldn’t access it. Instead, she simply said, [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]“I’ll start a tab for you,”[/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt] she tapped his chest to emphasize his point before reaching over him which meant practically crawling into his lap to grab his drink. [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]“I’ll get you another,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]she said, moving to go back to the bar, but before she got too far he took her up on her offer to retire she slid back into the booth next to him, [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]“well someone’s a little…” [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]she whispered as she slid her hand up his leg, [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]“eager.” [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]She stood up and offered her hand to him, [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]“well let’s go then cutie.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11.5pt]Great, he looks like he’s got some cash to burn. She walked with a decided sway to her hips, looked back with intentionally alluring eyes, smiled with a calculated gleam. It was not different than how a pilot might operate a space shuttle, having to monitoring a dozen systems with delicate care. It was her job to make every man in the bar think she was interested in them, but despite that, it was a job. As monotonous as any other. She heard some hollers of approval as she led her mark away. And turned back, spotting Gatwer and Etro, they were frequent visitors to the bar. Them, and men like them, provided the bread and butter of the cantina. They spent more evenings there than not, spent most of their credits on drinks because they couldn’t afford the girls. They were occasional bounty hunters, occasional mercenaries, occasional outlaws, and full-time thugs. Occasionally, the idiots bumbled into a big score and would come in and rent a girl for the night, but those were few and far between. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11.5pt]“Four-Arms, Green Head,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]she mocked as she pulled away from her mark and turned on the table. [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]“Master is talking about introducing a gawking fee, ya know? Gonna start charging five credits a look if you can’t keep your eyes in your skull.” [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]Her words were sweet but seemed to sting the men, like honey laced with arsenic. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11.5pt]“Keep running that mouth, and we might have to punish you worm-head.” Etro responded, leaning in to be a little closer.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11.5pt]“You couldn’t afford it,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]she bit back before turning to walk away, they leaned forward to get a better view as she left, she swiveled around and announced loudly, loud enough for the entire cantina to hear, [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]“oh, and Etro,”[/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt] the cantina’s attention turned to listen in, briefly breaking their focus from the dancing women, [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]“you’ve stained your trousers.” [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]The cantina erupted in laughter, the visitors mockingly and the regulars knowingly. The Twi’lek returned to her mark and wrapped her arm around his, leading him back, behind the stage through a doorway to the applause of the cantina goers. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11.5pt]The stairs let up to a little loft situated above the dance floor, the music diminished but not vanquished. There was a small living area, a table and a few plush chairs. On the wall was a small bored which had displayed #1, #2, and #3. There was a small red marker beneath #2. She took note of this and grabbed a small key waiting on a side table and unlocked the door, revealing another corridor with three doors. She turned back to and took his hand, leading him into one of the three doors. Within was a plush bed surrounded by a thin, mostly translucent purple veil. There was a small wet-bar in the corner, fully stocked with all the same basic alcohols found in the lower levels. She closed the door behind him and clicked the lock into place before leading him to the bed, pushing him down to recline on the piece of furniture. On the other side was a screen which Alema disappeared behind, her silhouette could be seen slowly and deliberately removing the two small articles of clothing, leaving only her collar, and replaced the clothing with a largely transparent robe made of lacy Aeien silk. She moved over to the wet-bar and began mixing another drink. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11.5pt]“Hey, you said you wanted to get more comfortable,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]she wined at him, [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]“why don’t you get rid of those clothes and have another drink. This one is a special mix,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]she said as she shook a small container and poured the contents into two smaller glasses. The drink had a fruity scent, unlike the one downstairs, this one used a pleasant sweetness to hide the potent levels of alcohol. The blue color of the liquid was her signature. She placed both glasses on a faux silver tray and returned to the bed, sitting close to him and handing him a drink. [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]“Oh,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]she said as if the thought had just crossed her mind. [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]“it’ll be seventy-five credits, all inclusive, for the night. I know you’re good for it, but Master demands payment up front. Let’s settle the payment and then we can get to the… evening’s entertainment.” [/SIZE]

 

[Viru Lentus]

The sheer excitement, the faux cheer the twi’lek put on it was all so believable. This was all an act, Viru knew he was nothing but a paycheck to Alema, and possibly just so she could get her hands on more of whatever her poison of choice was. Viru had never been a fan of such establishments or women who sold themselves for profit, at least not when the profit wasn’t truly for them. Alema was nothing but a slave and had allowed herself to wallow in the cesspit so she could get her next fix. She was like him, one with the talent to touch the force, if Alema had strived for achievement, given herself over to the whispers she would’ve been successful in freeing herself. Offering up a performance that would make the actors on Coruscant jealous Viru took Alema’s hand walking through the bar with her arm in arm.

There was a victorious smirk on his face, the one you saw on young men who knew they were about to score. That gleam in their eyes, the one of lust as they craved to be sated. If only Alema had noticed when she’d been rubbing Viru that he wasn’t lusting after her, that he wasn’t the type to be seduced so easily. Listening and observing the surroundings Viru couldn’t help himself but to chuckle with the rest of the crowd at the unfortunate fate of the Duros and Besalisk he’d been prattling with. Alema certainly knew how to put on a performance, and had a sharp wit. How had she not noticed the false aura that Viru was giving off then? She had to have been with enough clients before to tell the truly excited from the actors? Or was Viru just that good of an actor? Too many possibilities, for all he knew the jig was up and Alema was leading him to a backroom where her master or whoever ran the establishment would torture him.

Walking up the stairs Viru and Alema were bathed in a dim violet light, just bright enough for them to see clearly. The lights gave a different aura to the halls as they walked up the stairs and the faint smell of different perfumes, and scents filled the air. Above it all Viru could smell it, no matter how much one wanted to hide it they couldn’t hide the smell of sex. It was a unique scent, one that was not simple to describe but if one could it would be the culmination of lust. Soft, sensual music flowed into the chambers, one made for a slow, seductive dance. Or the dance of ardor. Licking his lower lip Viru scanned the halls, there were no others that were watching, he and the twi’lek would have privacy in the room.

Feeling the tugging of Alema, Viru allowed himself to be brought into the room where he heard the sharp click of the lock being put in place. Sitting on the plush bed Viru felt his mouth go dry. Despite his confidence he was in quite the predicament and through the screen he could see the shadow of Alema as she disrobed. By the force, I’m going to burn in the Nether for this. Viru thought as he rose from the bed straightening his scarf as Alema sat. “I thank you for quite the show, I’m sure any other man or even woman would be more than pleased with your performance or the services you could offer but I simply needed some information…”

Walking over to the nearest wall Viru tapped on it, there was a very silent thud with each knock, the walls were soundproofed. Good. Reaching into a pocket within his vest Viru drew out three credit chips, each loaded with a hundred credits. Tossing them onto the bed next to Alema he nodded to them. “That’s your payment, completely upfront. If the information you give me is correct I’ll be sure to return and reward you…”

Sitting in a chair sat across from the bed, where clients would usually sit while their host attempted to please them Viru crossed one leg over the other. On a little table, beside him was an array of perfumes, out of sheer curiosity he sprayed the first one, the scent was one of berries but was far too overbearing, it assaulted his nostrils causing them to flare before his feet kicked up. “Achoo!” His chest heaving and head leaning down Viru sneezed hard enough that it hurt his chest. “By the force that’s strong.”
Eyes watering from the effects of the perfume he rubbed at them. “So, tell me Alema, what do you know of a Hutt by the name of Zedo?”

[member="Alema Valla"]

 

[Enara]

[SIZE=11.5pt]“Information? What are you talking about ‘information?’ I don’t know what you’re talking about.” [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]Her impaired state caused the words to come out more indignant than she had intended as the deviation from the script confused and frustrated her. She stood up and wrapped her robe around her a little tighter, she was a dwarf star of fury as she marched up to the larger man. The top of her head came to the center of the man’s chest. Her features softened immediately on command as she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, “if you’re having problems, babe, you know… with getting it up. I’ve got just the thing over in the counter. We can fix that, on the house.” Her face hardened a little and her grip became less gentle, “but if you think you can get the treatment and the show and not have to pay for anything, we’re going to have a problem, mister. You know Master keeps an old security droid downstairs precisely for circumstances as guys enjoying the show and then claim to only want information.”[/SIZE]

Alema released the man and returned back to the bar where, concealed under the counter, there was a panic button. Her former mark was walking to the wall, knocking on it. They were completely sound proof because some men preferred their women to be loud, and he seemed to notice this with a note of approval. Kark. He began reaching into his pocket. Chuba! Kark, karking, kark! She searched the bar for something to defend herself with. She had heard about guys like this- heading into brothels and cantinas, getting girls isolated under the guise of being a customer, and then butchering them in the back. And with the sound proof walls, he was in a perfect position to murder her and none would even hear her scream. She took a few of the glasses and threw them at the man wildly, though they were poorly aimed and were almost certain to miss. She slammed her hand into panic button and was beginning to duck down when she saw what had been in the man’s hands. Credits? Lots and lots of credits! She threw another glass in the man’s general direction, it hit the wall and exploded in a clash behind him.

[SIZE=11.5pt]“You stoopa,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]she cursed shrilly at the man, her heart still thumping wildly, she glared at him for a moment before hurrying over and grabbing the credits that had fallen on the floor. She looked around and realized she didn’t have anywhere to store them and so she vanished behind the divider where her clothes were discarded and wrapped them into her clothes to conceal them. There’s enough here for… I don’t even know. I could open my own karking spice mine with this kind of cash! She had only ever seen such a huge quantity when Master was doing business with the Hutts. Another thought crossed her mind, a question she should have asked earlier but had been far too distracted with the huge amount of money thrown down. Who is this man?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11.5pt]When she returned she noticed that he had moved to a seat, waiting expectantly with his legs crossed. He grabbed a bottle of perfume and her face lit up in surprise when she realized he was going to spray it, “wait! That’s…” he sneezed, “used to clear smells out of rooms, it’s not meant to be worn,” [/SIZE]she said, laughing at the man. He had been so threatening and now… so silly. The laugh was simple but pure. It had been a long time since she had laughed genuinely. Smiled because she felt it, not because she was with a mark It felt good. “I’m going to have to start putting these things on a shelf or something,” she added ignoring their height disparity in his favor and took the perfume. Her disposition changed suddenly at the mention of the name Zedo. She shook her head.

[SIZE=11.5pt]“Uh-uh,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]she said simply, “nope.” She backed away and moved back towards the divider, “you can have your credits back.” [/SIZE]Her words were hurried and slurred, the good-natured smile that had been on her face just a moment ago had vanished as her skin faded to a paler blue at the mention. “I’m not getting involved in anything with that. And you shouldn’t either. Zedo’s one bad slug. Besides, telling you anything about him, that’s a twelve-shock offense. And if Zedo found out? I don’t even want to think about it.” She handed his credits back to him, “take ‘em and get out. Now!”

[SIZE=11.5pt]No sooner had she finished speaking than the door unlocked from the outside. It was opened and the large form of the cantina’s KX. He scanned the room rapidly and located Viru. He narrowed twin blaster pistols at the man and gestured with his head. “Patron 0039586274, you will vacate the establishment immediately. If Patron 0039586274 offers resistance, I will be forced to retaliate with violence. Patron 0039586274 will be killed if such escalation is necessitated. The Shady Oasis appreciates your patronage and compliance.”[/SIZE]

 

[Viru Lentus]

Of course, the first thing Alema’s mind went to was thinking that Viru was a coward, or had issues getting it up, perhaps if he was still an elderly, frail man confined to a hoverchair his entire life that would’ve been the case. He was becoming quite uncomfortable with the advances of the young twi’lek, Viru knew for a fact that he was old enough to be the young things great grandfather. It was certainly not something he wanted to think about. Next thing Viru knew before he could speak Alema had jumped to threatening him with a security droid that was kept in the establishment for protection. Perhaps if he was the average mercenary or soldier Viru would’ve been the slightest bit concerned about his well-being. Wonder how easy it would be to bring this building down…

Absent mindedly raising his right hand Viru created a thin, semi-translucent barrier in the air between himself and Alema where the glasses would crash the shards falling to the carpeted floor at Viru’s feet not a shard getting close enough to be of actual harm. “Will you simply calm down and think rationally, that is a lot of credits I just offered you for you to just throw glasses at me… I’m not paying for them either.” Viru warned his voice even and temperament absolutely cool. He spoke as though to a child and trying to calm them down after they had a nightmare. It was important that Alema understand that he meant her no harm or else he wouldn’t get any of the information he wished to from her.

With the way Alema’s eyes widened when she saw the credits Viru was sure that the yellow orbs would pop out of their owners eyes and roll around on the plush bed. Though that look of excitement, wonder and joy quickly turned into fear with Alema trying to be rid of Viru. “What do you mean no? The rooms are soundproofed, how would anyone know what happened unless you told them? Think about it rationally. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain… Are you that devoted to your masters? What have they done to you where you’re so loyal to give up your very life and wellbeing for them?” Viru asked only a step behind Alema.

With her trying to hand his credits back Viru shook his head. “I gave you the credits and I came here for information. One way or another I will be leaving with it, not you, not any thug, gangster or bounty hunter will impede my path.” As the words left his lips Viru’s eyes began to glow dimly before returning to normal. A simple trick of summoning the force and repressing it, it had the effect of sometimes making others do as he wished out of fear alone. If you could achieve a goal without violence it was a sign of a job well done.
Obviously Viru hadn’t done good enough as the door exploded open, yanked by a droid. In its frame stood a large, refurbished KX security droid. They certainly don’t make them like they used to. Viru thought raising his harms in the sign of surrender. Yet with one quick flick of his right wrist with the fingers slapping against the palm the droid was drug into the room by an invisible force. Its feet didn’t touch the floor and behind the droid the door slammed shut. Continuing on with the movement Viru bent the force to his will propelling the droid at the far wall where it met it with a loud Ka-klang!

“Statement: Subject appears capable of using the force!” The droid said as it the invisible force that had pulled into the chamber began to press against it. The sounds of servomotors being pushed to their extremes filled reverberated off the chambers walls and the oil began to leak out the droids chassis. Head rotating back to Alema, Viru offered a smile.

“Simply tell the droid nothing is wrong and I’ll let it go, if you don’t I’ll turn it into a pile of scrap parts… That also applies to the information I asked for. After the droid is gone.” Eyes narrowing in the droids direction Viru began to push on it more.

“Do you not care for the droid? Do you not see the agony it is in, and if I can do this to a metal chassis think of what I could do to a humanoid… Do we have a deal or not Alema?!”

[member="Alema Valla"]

 

[Enara]

[SIZE=11.5pt]Alema had only shook her head vigorously while Viru attempted to rationalize away her safety. He thought that just because they were alone, just because the walls were soundproofed, just because there was no obviously way for Zedo to find out, just for those reasons he thought it was impossible? He was wrong. Obviously, he had never dealt with a Hutt like Zedo before. First of all, whatever ploy he was planning was destined to fail. Secondly, Zedo would kidnap him and demand to know the name of his co-conspirators. Thirdly, the man would turn the Hutt to her just to make the pain stop. Fourthly, she would be subjected to a thousand fates worse than death. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11.5pt]Even if he somehow, miraculously, managed to avoid capture- just because he was a Force User did not mean this was at all guaranteed- Zedo would still want to know where the breach had come from. How long did he think it would take before he linked the ugly scarred man to the Shady Oasis? And from there, how long until a patron- probably Gatwer or Etro, pointed out that she and he had disappeared upstairs together? And then she would end up precisely where she had been in the first scenario. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11.5pt]Even if that didn’t happen, Zedo could still just lash out blindly at random associates of his he could imagine betraying him. He already wanted to add her to his harem, and would have been successful if not for the amount of money she brought Master, and so she’d be a natural first stop on the arbitrary revenge tour. Even the remotest risk of any of these was more than enough to convince her that the credits weren’t worth it. Even if he was some kind of karking space wizard. He obviously wasn’t as smart enough to justify his condescension, thinking it was loyalty to her Master rather than loyalty to her own wellbeing that kept her from helping him. [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]Stoopa[/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11.5pt]The storm of her mind cleared immediately as his eyes began their dim luminescence and she felt her heart pounding against her chest, threatening to escape. Her own eyes grew large as she backed away from him, screaming as she did so, [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]“You’re a Sith, get away from me!” [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]suddenly everything made more sense. Who knows what kind of dealings Zedo would have with Sith to inspire their reprisals. Who knew what horrors a Sith would unleash on the cantina? She had heard whispers of them and their capacity for evil. Their inclination towards tormenting those who got in their way. [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]Kark, a crime lord on one side and a Sith lord on the other[/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]. There was really no winning here. Her mind rushed back to the panic button- she had already pressed it, it would only be a moment before KX came in and blasted a whole in his skull. In the back of her mind she was tallying how many shocks she would receive when all of this was over with. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11.5pt]“Get him KX,” [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]she shouted, [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]“watch out, he’s a Sith!” [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]She was infinitely relieved at the advent of the machine, the large droid meant safety- an island in the tempest this Dark Sider had summoned. Better yet, KX had brought two weapons with him. The Sith seemed to understand that his time was up and he raised his hands in defeat. She was about to speak up, telling the droid that the stranger had asked for information regarding Zedo, but before she could the droid was moved as if by some invisible giant back, slamming against the wall and the door slammed shut like witchcraft. [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]“Kark!”[/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt] She cursed, jumping at the sound. Her heart sank again in despair, realizing that her metallic savior was falling short of expectations. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11.5pt]Alema was terrified. He was single handedly, no, non-handedly, dispatching one of the toughest cantina droids in the city. KX was leaking oil as it floated off the ground, pressed hard against the wall. She shook when the man spoke to her, collapsing to her knees as tears sprung to her eyes. Sure, KX was a gearhead and he was in serious need of a rewiring so he’d be less of a kill joy all the time, but he also distributed the spice. He also kept the non-paying men from getting too feely. He kept her safe. And he most definitely didn’t deserve to die like this. Not just for trying to protect some whore like herself. She pulled her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them to cradle herself, and buried her head in her legs to avert her eyes. [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]“Okay! Okay! Okay! Let him go! Please!” [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]Her voice could just barely be heard over the sound of KX’s partial destruction. [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]“It’s okay KX, it’s a false alarm. He… he…”[/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt] her eyes dared not look upon the source of this cacophony, [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]“he just wanted to try some weird stuff I’m not used to. I got scared. It’s fine now. We’re fine. He’ll pay extra.” [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]She turned her attention back to the man, though she hid her face again, [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]“I’ll do whatever you want, okay?” [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]Her voice was hobbled with huge sobs, her bloodstream completely overtaken with adrenaline, [/SIZE][SIZE=11.5pt]“please don’t hurt me. I’ll tell you what you want to know. Please?”[/SIZE]

 

[Viru Lentus]

The breaking of one’s morale was the only true way to get the information you craved, there were other methods such as torture, breaking one mentally and physically, the issue with such methods is that they were untrustworthy. One would say anything to end the pain and torment when torture was introduced, especially when it came to giving out false information, then all you had to go on was their word… No breaking ones’ morale, leaving them feeling hopeless, desperate, and alone… That’s how you acquired what you sought, eventually they’d have no reservations on holding back as they’d given up. They saw that their defiance was pointless. That’s why Viru did this, if it was a younger Viru, perhaps him during his time as a Sith he wouldn’t have hesitated in dismantling the machine and then turning his attention to Alema, flaying the twi’lek alive till she answered him. Viru had learned patience and in a way some measure of compassion. So when the assertions came that he was a Sith, Viru was slightly taken aback, he did not deny his past but he was not to be confused with the psycho and sociopaths that were the Sith.

Keeping his attention on Alema and not even focusing on the KX droid as he crushed it Viru took her in. That horror, the pain and sadness was evident on Alema’s face. It was like looking in a mirror that led to his past self, back when Viru was but a frail boy. Closing his eyes Viru attempted to shove the memories away, this was no time for compassion, he needed information, his people had been massacred, his life’s work nearly stolen. There would be time to apologize later. Soon enough the twi’lek gave in sinking to the floor and holding herself like a youngling faced with their worst nightmares, the tears and sobs evident. Steeling himself Viru’s eyes still never looked away, the one who had devoted himself to creating medicines to lead the galaxy to a brighter day was now terrorizing a youth. How horrid it made the epicanthix feel. “I will…” Walking to the droid and reaching into his pocket Viru drew out a single unmarked credit chip and slapped it in the droids’ hand while relieving it of its blaster pistols. “When I release you, you will not return… I am not entertained when I am interrupted, take that chip, it will be more than enough to pay for your repairs and enjoy an oil bath on me.”

“Understood, thank you for your patronage, sorry for the interruption sir…” The droid chirped. The KX droids photoreceptors landed on Alema noticing her fear and sobs but made no more statements as it was still pressed against a wall.

“Good.” With a snap of his fingers Viru opened the door… “Its been a pleasure.” With a swing of his other hand Viru flung the KX droid out of the room where it hit the floor outside the room the door instantly swinging shut behind it. “That was quite the show don’t you think?” Viru asked Alema hoping to lighten the mood.

Sitting on the bed and looking at the twi’lek as she sat there rocking back and forth Viru grimaced, looking around he spotted a box of tissues and passed them to her. “I had nor have any plans to hurt you. You forced my hand in terms of the droid, all I wished for was a bit of information, I even assured you that you’d be safe. So why’d you do it? Why did you trigger the alarm? This could’ve all been avoided.”

Turning his back to Alema granting her some privacy to clean herself Viru looked at the wall. “Please do refrain from labeling me as a Sith, that was me of the past, I am no longer some cold, cruel monster that preys on the lives of the innocent, that seeks to rule the galaxy or hold unimaginable power. I am simply one who seeks to aid the galaxy, to lead it into a brighter day… My facility was attacked by this Zedo as he attempted to steal a medicine I was developing… Dozens of my people were killed. That’s why I’m here. When the suns fall on this day Zedo will be no more…”

[member="Alema Valla"]

 

[Enara]

Alema’s heart was beating- hard. She could feel it. Beat. Beat. Beat. With every beat it threatened is threatened to explode out of her chest. Her chest. As if of its own volition it was tightening, restricting. Collapsing. And her heart was beating faster. And faster. Faster. With every beat it threatened to push her into the abyss of utter panic. The blackness she knew awaited her there was immense and infinite. KX abandoned her to the powerful man, retreating to save himself, pushing her ever closer to that chasm of vast nothingness. The man was speaking to her but she couldn’t hear him. She had trouble hearing anything over the thump, thump, thumping of her chest. She turned her golden eyes towards the man, he was speaking to her. She had witnessed what happened when one displeased him. She tried to swallow but her throat was completely dry. She forced herself to listen, every muscle in her body screamed for to flee, but the little shred of reason left in her mind told her she had no hope of escape. No hope other than submission. Just give him what he wants.

“I’m sorry,” she declared, her voice quaking more than a flag in a sand storm, “I know, it was my fault. I shouldn’t have called him. I… don’t know why I did it. You’re right. I was stupid. I won’t do it again, I promise.” She tried to steady herself, clearly, he was unhappy over the alarm. She supposed the correct answer was to point out that he had been acting in a manner justifying her suspicion. Of course, it was possible he didn’t realize she had triggered the alarm after he had told her he didn’t mean to hurt her. Of course, given the terrible, destructive power he unleashed against KX. And if she had failed to press that button every time historically just because someone told her they ‘weren’t going to hurt’ her, she’d have been dead long ago. “I shouldn’t have pushed it. I should have known it would upset you. I’m not here to make you unhappy, sir. I was just being stupid. I’m sorry.”

When the man turned around she was able to breathe a little, though not much, easier. Even still, she nodded when she heard him say that he didn’t want to be called a Sith, which was surprising. That is the proper term for these kinds of people isn’t it? Even still, the mantra continued to ring through her mind, like a monastic chant which kept her sane- Just give him what he wants. Those words had never crossed her mind back before her father was arrested. Back then she had just been a happy, if spunky, girl. She didn’t bow down to anyone for any reason. The transition had been challenging. Learning that respect wasn’t something you were owed. It was something you took. As a child, people respected her father and so they treated her well. When he was gone, she was nothing. And when you’re nothing, you’re not entitled to respect.

That’s when those words came to her. First with the groundskeeper of the orphanage where she lived after her father’s arrest. Just give him what he wants. Then with the slavers who took her off his hands. Just give him what he wants. Then with the cantina Master and the KX droid. Just give him what he wants. And then with every last one of the hundreds, maybe thousands, of clients who had strolled through the cantina doors since she had been bought. Just give him what he wants. And now with this man before her now. Just give him what he wants. Those words kept her alive. They kept her safe. And the spice kept her sane. The saying saved her body and the spice saved her soul. Just give him what he wants.

“I’m not a very educated girl, sir. I apologize. I thought Si… I thought that word was right. I understand now that it isn’t. I could call you Jedi if you’d like. Or just sir. Whatever you want.” His declared goals seemed a sharp contrast to his recent behavior- he sought to aid the galaxy, no matter how many broken girls and murdered droids he had to leave in his wake to do so? She couldn’t imagine she wanted to see his ‘brighter day.’ Or at least, she didn’t want to be around during the dusk dividing their night from his dawn. “Zedo is… he’s a Hutt Lord. He’s one of the biggest distributors of spice in the city. He’s got his hands in everything from spice to whoring to weapons. But…” she hesitated. What did he want more? Straightforward revenge, or if he wanted the truth. “Zedo isn’t interested in medicine. Not unless you can use it to get high or in a woman’s pants.” She didn’t want to leave it there for fear of kindling his anger and so she searched her memory for a way to reconcile what he had said with what Zedo was known to do. “Though, I’ve heard that sometimes he does take jobs. He’s got a lot of goons. Sometimes he gets offered a job to do something for someone who can’t do it themselves. You know, if the mayor needs his mistress to shut up. Or if one gang wants to raid another’s warehouse without kicking off a war, they might go to Zedo. If he hit your medicine…” her voice was still shaking, she hated even speaking of Zedo. It was a death sentence. But… so was saying nothing to this man. “It’s probably for someone else.”

She turned her eyes to the ground, still holding her knees. And then she spotted it. When he was crushing KX, his inner storage compartment must have been cracked. A few crystals of spice had fallen out of the droid, landing on the floor. They were covered with oil that had leaked out from KX, but she’d recognize the faint blue of her chosen master anywhere. Ryll. She glanced, the man still had his back turned. Okay, she thought. Suddenly, there was an explosion of movement as the girl scampered on all fours towards the crystal, desperate for the relief it would bring her.

 

[Viru Lentus]

What have they done to this poor woman? She is a babbling mess. How many shocks? How many beatings? How many men had used her like some plaything without any regard for what she wished for? Disgusting… Viru thought his stomach turning at the sounds of Alema’s groveling, or at least it was close to groveling. How could she even stand to sit there on the ground and act as though she were subservient to him? She was practically treating him like he was a slave master. Teeth gritting and hands clenching Viru hated himself for what he’d done to Alema, and more so to what the Shady Oasis had done to her. He’d never been able to stomach the idea of slavery, not even in his darkest of days, when he was a Sith he would’ve never thought of it. “You didn’t know what would happen Alema, you didn’t know what I was truly here for… Half the fault is rightfully my own but that does not mean I was in the wrong for acting in defense. Nor you for doing what you thought would keep you safe… I do not blame you but this establishment… This culture, everything about Tatooine.” Sighing and looking to the floor Viru thought about his parents, what would they have done in such a situation? Well that was simple, they wouldn’t have even pursued the ones who had attacked the facility. His parents were far too kind, pacifists. A trait in which Viru had not inherited.

She seeks to please me, to obey yet has no guidance. She’s acting the best way she knows to survive. I may have been the straw that broke her. How much easier would it have been to have just opened up with what I wanted? While Alema went through the titles she could call him, Viru shook his head. He had hurt such a young one. “I do not need a title, I told you I do not seek those. I don’t want or expect you to fear me, to show me the utmost respect. I just want the answers to my questions. So, in lieu of that call me Viru, short and simple.”

Hanging onto Alema’s every word trying to decipher fact from fiction, Viru doubted that she’d lie, at least not anytime soon after the performance he had put on. The Epicanthix probably scared the life out of Alema, it was obvious in her voice or was that just the remnants of her past sobbing? “Well this isn’t just any regular medicine, this is a medicine that once implanted in a body of water continues to spread and create more. After the initial investment, it literally pays for itself, hand over fist with no other costs… Can you see why a Hutt would want something like that? Especially when it works just as good if not exceed Bacta.”

Hearing Alema start her mad rush Viru spun on his heels expecting to see the twi’lek going for a weapon, but instead there were little sky blue crystals submerged in oil. Hand reaching out Viru summoned the crystals, and as though caught in the field of a repulsor they lifted flying into his palm. “I am trying to have a serious conversation with you and you go after these…” Holding up one of the crystals to the light above Viru grimaced. “Spice… Kark it all, do you want it that bad? If you do tell me the rest about Zedo, where is he stationed, does he come here? How many people downstairs work for him? I want it all, and I’ll give you your reward.”

[member="Alema Valla"]

 

[Enara]

Alema was skeptical at the man’s assertion that it was the culture of the planet itself that had brought her low. It seemed like a ridiculous statement. It wasn’t Tatooine. Her father had been killed on a remote asteroid. She had been enslaved on Ryloth. Sure she’d been sold to the Shady Oasis, but what was different here than anywhere else in the galaxy? How many men from how many planets had bought her? To speak as if it was limited to Tatooine. It wasn’t a planetary culture, it was a galactic reality. It was a darkness deeply embedded in the heart of each individual in creation, it was the single dark strand which united all life. And it was unspeakably evil.

He reacquired her attention when he told her that she should simply refer to the man as Viru, and of course she immediately agreed to it. In her experience, every man wanted to be called something. And they wanted to call every woman something. It was the nature of life. To know and be known. She wouldn’t dare tell him, but to her, Viru was as much a title as anything else. What was the difference between Viru and Master Jedi? One was a more common title, certainly, but what was a name if not a title meant to reflect the man’s rejection of titles? Of course, that information wasn’t for him.

Kark you! Was the thought that immediately went through her mind as she saw the precious blue crystals ripped mystically through the air and out of her grasp, but she dared not speak so boldly against the man. She could feel the panic rising in her chest, throttling her. She let out an uneven breath, she would have to play by his rules if she was going to get her high. At least this was a position she was accustomed to; she needed the spice, he provided the spice. There was something beautiful in its simplicity, absolute dominance and absolute submission. And willingly. He didn’t need force or threat of it to inspire her to comply. Anything for the drug.

“Yes, I want it that bad!” She fidgeted with her lekku, but didn’t dare rise off her knees to pursue the drug. Who does he think he is? Some kind of karking paladin? She finally spoke up again. “I’m a whore,” she put emphasis on the word to remind him precisely of her lot in life, “I don’t know about Bacta or medicine. How am I supposed to know what a Hutt would want to steal?” She sighed, frustrated, “I don’t know, I don’t know… anything about this kind of stuff,” she bit her lower lip, eyes staring intently at the drug. “Zedo only comes to town a few times a month. The rest of the time he spends on his yacht. It bounces between here and Nar Shaddaa, at least that’s what I’ve heard.”

The giant slug was fond of bragging to the petite Twi’lek, as if in an effort to win her over. Stupid Hutt was obviously not too bright, it’s not like she would ever want to go be his own little dancer, and even if she did want that, the collar on her neck would preclude that possibility. Fortunately, he was always in too much of a hurry to offer a reasonable price to take the girl off her master’s hands. She threw her hands in the air, “this is Tatooine, everyone works for everyone if the credits are right. He’s got eyes everywhere. If he stole from you, he’s known you were here from the second you set foot in the spaceport.” Obviously, this man had yet to learn what she had discovered long ago. There are people in the galaxy who are bigger, stronger, and tougher than you. And when you meet one, it’s better to just give them what they want.