The Smuggler's Moon: An Unexpected Encounter (PM for Invite! :D )

[Progflaw99]

Nar Shaddaa: The Corellian District​

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Location: The Iron Horse
Time: High Noon


Smoke drifted lazily upwards from the cigar resting in the well worn ashtray. It traveled upwards, sweeping first left, then right as it ascended. A few loud voices could be heard in the far back corner as the smell of whiskey and liquor wafted through the space. The tables towards the back held more than a few intoxicated fools, gambling over cards and dice. More than one man had gained and lost his life savings at The Iron Horse, sometimes both in the same night. It was just about high noon, but you could hardly tell. Life on Nar Shaddaa never really stopped, the moon itself was locked in orbit with the planet below, one side always facing it, the other into the darkness of space. Nar Shaddaa had been called "The Smuggler's Moon" since long before now, dating back into the very beginning of it's colonization and expansion. Denn had grown up here, though he didn't spend much time in the Corellian District. It was a little nicer than the streets he'd grown up on, but 'nice' on Nar Shaddaa was, more or less, relative.

In the center of the establishment was a large bar against a protruding wall, the shelves covered in oddly shaped bottles and colorful liquids. Standing in front of the shelves, behind the midsection high mahogany bar was a man dressed in a strange outfit, some would say it was dated, but by the decoration in The Iron Horse, one could surmise that was the point. Despite the general rough and tumble clientele, it was clean, and the booze wasn't gutter quality. The whiskey was exceptional, but it wasn't the cheapest either. Typically music could be heard playing over the speakers, a small DJ booth off to the side of the main floor. Beneath where the tables sat could be seen a dance floor. It may not appear it, but the night life could get pretty rambunctious.

In the corner to the left, a small stage was raised off the floor. A live band could be seen preparing some strange musical equipment for an upcoming performance. Barmaids flitted in and out between the tables, a few chatting up the less intelligent patrons, keeping a steady credit flow into their pockets and out of the customers. Currently The Iron Horse seemed pretty slow, but there were a few people seated around, some at tables and a few at the bar. In the back, a small security door separated the main floor from the rest of the building, an occasional visitor coming straight in and disappearing behind it after a brief interaction into the small speaker mounted on the wall beside it.

This is where it began...

OOC: Starting this out for fun! There's a few elements of story planned, but it's quite open, as long as it's fun! Please feel free to PM for invite if it seems like something that you might like to join in on!​

[member="Eliza Steele"]​

 

[Progflaw99]

Soul of a Man​

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"Won't somebody tell me, answer if you can! ​

Won't somebody tell me, what is The Soul Of A Man?​

I'm going to ask the question, answer if you can​

If anybody here can tell me, what is The Soul Of A Man? ​

I've traveled in different countries, I've traveled foreign lands​

I've found nobody to tell me, what is The Soul Of A Man"​

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- Blind Willie Johnson​

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In the streets of Nar Shaddaa nearly anything was fair game. Oh sure, there was some honor among thieves, but even then, there were limits. From time to time tensions would flare up between starship captains or merchants but usually those could be resolved by the local crime lords, those that couldn't tended to get a little messier. That being said, The Smuggler's Moon was a pretty neutral ground. Most of the 'big league' action happened across the way on Nal Hutta. The small moon was covered completely in superstructure. Much like Coruscant it was a massive metropolis, but Nar Shaddaa... It was as if the underworld on Coruscant had erupted from below the city and taken completely over. It was said of Mos Eisley on Tatooine that one couldn't find a worse hive of scum and villainy... whomever said that clearly hadn't been to Nar Shaddaa. "The Iron Horse" resided in what was known as "Little Corellia". After the planet of Corellia had been destroyed, a good number of Corellian smugglers and ex-military and Corellian Defense Force members had relocated to Nar Shaddaa where their skills came in handy. They'd formed the Corellian District, the decorations, structures, and even the air felt similar to Corellia during its glory days. It wasn't uncommon for some to even still wear parts of their uniforms. It wasn't the most wealthy district for sure, but it wasn't as bad as the Slag District. The small moon had an enormous facility below the main bulk of the city where most of the vagabonds and wretched poor resided, society's castaways.

The area around "The Iron Horse" wasn't overly crowded but there was a steady flow of people walking around in the streets. Some of them could be seen pulling hover-sled laden with merchandise or food headed towards the main market square. The market square was just that, a myriad of tents and stalls containing anything from trinkets to the latest and greatest in blaster technology. Of course, everything about the market square felt like Corellia, except for the skyline. It was a little more crowded but one should have been able to smell the cuisine from blocks away.

Outside "The Iron Horse" was a large sign, an image of an ancient vehicle once used for transporting people and goods emblazoned on its side. The door was a standard double door in the front, ornate wooden doors and what appeared to be brass handles on the exterior. Inside the core of the doors however was reinforced durasteel, which worked great for keeping unwanted visitors out after close. In front of the establishment sat a lone stool, empty. Next to that there was a rather large Zabrak male, a rather plain name tag on his shirt identified him as Marcus. While the theme might be working on the inside, Marcus was wearing a slim vest beneath his loose fitting shirt, a small holdout blaster hidden in his waistband, but barely noticeable. He seemed to be the main bouncer for the establishment, he looked like he could handle himself in a fight. He narrowed his eyes at patrons as they entered but let them pass without any trouble. Down the street, a man could be seen, meandering and lazily making his way towards "The Iron Horse".

He wasn't exceptionally tall, but he wasn't what you'd call short either. The man moved sure-footedly, his steps appearing outwardly to be carefree but his eyes hidden beneath the brim of his hat said otherwise. As he got closer, his features became clearer, the man wearing a worn pair of boots adorning the man's feet. His steps grew more direct as he got within half a block of his destination. A dark gray, thigh length coat covered up the vest and long sleeve shirt he wore, a relatively well trimmed beard worn on his face. As he approached, he nodded his head towards the Zabrak, a small hand movement off to his side. The Zabrak narrowed his eyes but let the man pass, a slight hint of recognition on his face. He nodded in response, uttering a single word as the man passed him into "The Iron Horse".

"Ralto..." He muttered.

As the man entered, he paused a moment, looking around and taking a brief survey of the room. After hovering for a moment, he walked to the left towards a row of pegs on the wall. Now that he'd removed his jacket it was evident he was carrying a DE-10 Heavy Blaster Pistol, the gun belt sagging on his hip. On his left, a knife was in a sheath, canted forward slightly. Sighing he hung up his coat, turning towards the bar. He'd gone far too long without a drink. As he moved to take a step, a voice shouted at him from across the room.

"Nah ah ah, now you know the rules. Hang 'er up there too or you'll not have a drop!"

The man pursed his lips, resisting the urge to spit as he looked across the room at the barkeep. Reluctantly he turned back with a grunt. Reaching down, he slowly unhitched his belt and hung it on the same peg as his coat. He felt vulnerable without the blaster, its familiar weight now missing. Well, at least he shouldn't have to worry about getting jumped. Now that he'd looked, he did see other blasters hung up on pegs further on down the wall. Now disarmed, he took a few heavy footed steps up to the mahogany bar, motioning for the barkeep. As the barkeep floated over, he spoke again, in a much more pleasant tone.

"What can I git for ya sir?"

The man's eyes quickly scanned the shelves for what he was looking for. Finding it, he nodded towards the shelf.

"Whiskey."

Almost magically, a small glass appeared in the bartender's hand. He quickly set the glass down and retrieved an old looking bottle with a dark liquid inside. Beginning to pour the glass, the man across from him reached up, resting his hand on the barkeep's arm.

"Leave the bottle." the man said, retrieving a small credit chip from his vest pocket and offering it to the barkeep.

The keep took the chip and surrendered the bottle, turning back and floating over to a few of the other patrons at the other end of the bar. Swiping the bottle from the bar-top Denn Ralto reached down, grabbing the small glass with a stray finger. Taking a few steps away, he set the bottle and glass down on a wooden table, pushing a matching wooden chair away from its edge so he could sit. He reached upwards, grabbing his hat and setting it down beside the bottle and glass, then leaning back in his seat, he proceeded to pour a glass for himself, downing the first one almost as fast as it had been poured. Denn let the whiskey burn as it made its way down his throat. The second glass he sipped. He'd be here a while, hence the bottle. He couldn't afford to be careless though. Rumor was there was a man who frequented "The Iron Horse" who owed money to Zigg Brekkazz, the Hutt who'd hired Denn to find out why his payments were late. He wasn't truly a "man" as it were, the money was owed to Zigg by a Trandoshan drug dealer. It wasn't that Denn had volunteered for the job. Strictly speaking, Denn was a smuggler... but when Zigg said go... you go. He wasn't too happy about it either... maybe that's why he had taken a liking to whiskey, although he knew that wasn't the only reason.

Reaching into his inner vest pocket he retrieved a small cigar case, a small matchbook also appearing in his other hand. He leaned forward, snipping the end off cleanly with a small cigar cutter on the table. Setting the cutter next to the small worn ashtray, he carefully struck the match, a few quick puffs of smoke rising from the cigar, indicating it was lit. Taking a long drag on the cigar, he leaned back in his chair. Now it was time to play the waiting game. He wasn't sure when he'd visit "The Iron Horse" again, but if he did, Denn would be ready to tail him... he might as well enjoy the wait. He filled his glass once more, alternating between the cigar and the whiskey...

[member=Eliza Steele]​

 

[Eliza Steele]

Nar Shaddaa was sure a busy place it seemed today, which either could be a good thing or bad. It took at least a full hour flying in a holding pattern around the vertical city for the Corellian Dawn to finally get clearance to land on at her favorite docking bay. The Captain of the heavily modified YT-1930 light freighter was no stranger to this haven of scum and villainy. In fact, the petite smuggler kept an apartment in the Corellian Sector as many orphans from their destroyed homeworld did nowadays, though it wasn't just for sentimental reasons. It was strategic. Course the hideaway was listed under an alias name of course.

Though this visit to the Smuggler's Moon wasn't for pleasure, relaxation, or even a job unless a nice one dropped into her lap, it was to take what was owed to her in good faith. Never again with that slimy, swindling lizard. The Corellian Rose was sweet smelling, but had deadly thorns especially if backstabbed or her good nature sullied. Eliza Steele was fit to be tied, and had good reason to. The back half of a promised payment for smuggling a rather hefty amount of spice through a not so friendly territory and treacherous navigation had never reached her account. With help of contacts, Steele tracked the Trandoshan drug dealer to Nar Shaddaa. He was known to frequent a particular drinking hole called the Iron Horse; one she knew too. And that is where the fiery Corellisi would go looking for him. He would play her one way or another… scale by scale if she had too.

With the 'Dawn secured at Docking Bay 396 and her LE series repair droid "Buddy", who was acting as her co-pilot for this trip, standing by there, Eliza headed towards the Iron Horse at the other end of the Corellian Sector. This was when the petite smuggler really missed having her Wookiee partner, Rahl, with her for backup, but not having him around never stopped the fiery Corellisi from getting what was owed her or making a situation right. She could take care of herself if need be. The spitfire didn't back down from a fight, but would prefer to just handle with a sweet Corellian touch; more profitable, less costly… most of the time.

Dressed in her usual spacer attire consisting of a button down tunic/vest combo, nicely fitted trousers with a yellow stripe running down the outside of each pant leg tucked into high leather boots along with her favored weapon a DL-44 Heavy blaster pistol holstered low off her shapely right hip and tied off on her tone thigh, the brunette gave a head nod to the Zabrak bouncer sitting outside, then swaggered through the double doors into the old world styled bar with an air of confidence about her. Dark chocolate eyes scanned the room noting the usual scum and villainy akin to Nar Shaddaa and most shadowports she frequented. A rugged looking human male also caught her eye. He was drinking alone and relaxing back at a table in a fog of cigar smoke. There was something about him that intrigued her, but that wasn't what the petite smuggler was here for… at least initially. Business before pleasure, which wasn't something she learned from her old man.

With a muffled grumble of something rather snarky in Olys Corellisi about having to give up her weapon before being served, Eliza hung up her gun belt on an open peg on the wall next to one that had a gray thigh-length duster and a holstered DE-10 Heavy blaster pistol. Eliza subtly wondered if it belonged to the man she'd eyed upon entering as she strolled up to the bar counter.

"I'll have my usual, Skrell," she said to the barkeep flashing a small smile the older man's way, then pulled out a credit chit from a pouch on the front of her utility belt and slid it across to him. It was way more than the cost of the single drink carrying a hefty tip. "When was the last time you saw Grikk Ters around here parts? I have some business to discuss with him."

The bartender made the petite smuggler a Twistler, then placed the fruity alcoholic drink favored by Corellians on the polished bar top and leaned slightly forward. "Haven't seen the slick lizard in a while, but if I do you'll be the first to know, Miss Steele," he nodded in assurance, then asked Eliza a question as he set out a bowl of shelled peanuts for her.

"How's Remy these days. Miss seeing the old salty dog out making the rounds."

Eliza smirked with a roll of her chocolate drop eyes. "Pops is still boozing and womanizing like he was twenty. The thing is he ain't anymore… but can't tell the olys chumani that," she chuckled, then turned to face outward towards the room while leaning with one elbow on the bar and glass in the other hand; booted heel sitting on the bar counter's bottom rail. The brunette took a sip of the cold drink, then licked the sweetness off her lips.

[member="Denn Ralto"]

 

[Progflaw99]

Denn poured the last of the bottle into the small glass on the table, setting it down roughly. He'd been here for a while now, long enough to almost burn through a cigar and drain a bottle. He was just finishing up his cigar, when movement caught his attention at the front door. As he looked up, he paused, almost choking on the smoke he'd breathed in. He blew outward slowly, letting the burn set in as his eyes locked on the woman who'd entered. Forcefully, he pulled his gaze away as she turned to hang up the blaster, noticing she'd chosen the peg next to his belongings. As she spoke, he narrowed his eyes, leaning forward and resting the stub of a cigar in the ash tray on the table. Leaning back, he snagged the glass, knocking it back in one swig before setting it down. He casually looked about the room, listening in as best he could as the woman spoke to the barkeep... which is to say not very well.

Denn's interest really became piqued as he watched her saddle up to the bar, hard to miss that. He narrowed his eyes slightly, initially starting to gauge who this gal might be. Her boots looked worn, but functional. The way she talked to the bartender, she must be a local, Corellian by the accent. Her trousers were typical Corellian fashion, the yellow stripe tracing the seam from her boots, up her thighs and up to her hips. And that's when his eyes traced back downwards. He blinked a few times before he realized he'd been staring. Prying his eyes away, he overheard the barkeep mention a 'slick lizard'. Could he be referring to the Trandoshan?

Grikk had made a name for himself by some of the beat downs he'd given people over the years. Trandoshans were big by nature but Grikk Ters... it was as if he'd heard that Trandoshans were naturally large, and then upped the ante, daring any other to be as large as he was. Most Trandoshans made it to about 6' 6'', Grikk was closer to 7' and heavily built. If he wasn't here it meant he was likely pumping iron at the local house of pain. Denn was surprised the man hadn't reduced his profile, it almost seemed as if he was challenging Zigg directly... he suspected there was more at play than this "Payment" he'd been coerced into collecting.

With a short sigh, he wistfully looked at the bottle on the table before him. Empty.

*I shouldn't have done that.*

He shrugged inwardly. Nothing for it now, he'd just have to deal with it. Denn had gotten pretty good at holding his liquor, for a man in his profession, sobriety wasn't a particularly common character flaw. He looked back over towards the bar, the woman once again catching his eye. Glancing back to where she'd hung her gun belt he noticed the DL-44.

*Gal's got style, I'll give her that. She knows her weapons.*

Smirking he sneaked another peek behind him, the slight buzz causing him to have to blink a few times more than normal to focus. He could already feel the buzz subsiding however, soon he'd be back to his good 'ol self. He looked over in the direction of the stunning brunette. Despite her rough appearance, he suspected that she likely clean up well. Denn slowly reached into his vest pocket, pulling out both a small datapad and his small cigar case. Setting the datapad down on the table next to his wide brimmed hat, he flicked open the case, retrieving a cigar and a small matchbook. Following the same procedure as earlier he stuck a match and lit the cigar, blowing a small puff of smoke into the air as he leaned back in his chair once more.

As he took another slow drag on the cigar, he cast his eyes over to where the gal was leaning against the bar. Den wondered what a gal like that was doing here. Sure there was a variety of patrons here, but it leaned heavily towards the male constituency. He'd already seen her choice of weapon, and she didn't appear to be an amateur. Maybe Grikk was making a large play than even he'd imagined, maybe this gal was waiting on him to show as well, she seemed to be waiting for someone, the way she was leaning against the bar. From where he sat a few paces away from the bar Denn drew on his cigar, eyeing the woman inquisitively.

[member="Eliza Steele"]​

 

[Eliza Steele]

Okay… Eliza eyed the ruggedly handsome looking man sitting across the room a moment or two longer than she should have as female curiosity got the best of her, then the petite smuggler shook it off and turned back towards the bar taking another sip of the fruity alcoholic drink as she did; draining the glass down to about half.

Eliza set the drink down on the counter, then reached for a couple of shelled peanuts from the bowl sitting there and broke them apart with her nimble fingers. After popping the raw nuts earned into her mouth and chewing them well, the Corellisi motioned for the barkeep. The older man walked down to her from the other end of the bar wiping an ale mug out with a slightly dingy white dish cloth.

"So that rugged fella over there at the table behind me smoking up a storm… Do you know him? What's his story, hmm?" the brunette asked trying to keep it more to a professional inquiry than recreational in tone, though she was sure Skrell would know the younger Steele was killing two birds with one stone. After all Eliza learned from the best in that regard, but thankfully she wasn't as reactionary as her father and kept her priorities straighter.

Skrell casually looked past her, then grinned as he finished drying the glass mug. "That'd be one [member="Denn Ralto"]. He's a smuggler like you and a gun to hire type. More a working loner than not. Comes in here every now and then alone for the most part," he smirked. Two could play this game, and he saw right through her intentions from his years of experience being behind the bar.

"I see your walking carpet buddy ain't with you today… I'd say if you are gonna be having a discussion with Grikk, you best have some back up. That lizard's really gotten a high and mighty attitude lately, well more so than usual," the bartender nodded with a warning look kinda like her old man would give trying to make a point stick.

"My suggestion darlin' for all it's worth would be to get on Ralto's good side, maybe banking it for later… though for some reason I don't think it would be that hard for the man to favor you given how he's been mutually checking you out," he added with a little knowing wink, then the older man walked back to the other end of the bar grabbing another mug off the drying rack with a smug look about his aged face.

Eliza just rolled her eyes at the old fart, then downed the rest of the Twistler. She could take care of herself and always had since she was just a young girl as Remy was too busy smuggling and womanizing to hold the his daughter's hand in delicate matters. That's why there was a lot of tomboy in her making the fiery Corellisi's outward appearance rough and tumble, but the curves of womanhood she sported always seemed to soften it. Though to be honest sometimes it did work to her advantage… The petite smuggler was underestimated, but Eliza was no underdog by any means nor some damn damsel in distress. Though she did like nice men, which sadly the galaxy was lacking in these days.

The dark-eyed brunette fished out a Sweet Theed cigar from the inside pocket of her vest with a purposeful intent, then spun around and pushed off from the bar. Eliza tried her best not to saunter on over towards the table Ralto was sitting at, but without her gun belt on she felt naked and it seemed that her normal confident swagger had a more feminine flair to it; shapely hips swaying side to side as booted feet made contact with the wooden floor of the old world style bar.

"Would you mind giving me a light, mister… I seem to have used all my matches up," Eliza greeted friendly enough he wouldn't get defensive, hopefully, then motioned with an open palm to the vacant chair across the table. "May I join you… Seeing you have an astray already in use. Would hate to give ol' Skrell there more work just because we couldn't share," she added with a small smile.

Well that was lame, but hey… It wasn't like the Corellian Rose was trying to pick up the space cowboy; by the looks of that hat of his. Just get to know him better, take his temperature so to speak, right?

 

[Progflaw99]

Initially, Denn had been quite distracted as the attractive Corellian woman had entered. He'd listened in at first, but had quickly gone back to observing the front door, the conversation fading out. He had been passing the occasional glance back towards the woman but biting his cheek, he kept watching... waiting. Denn took another drag off the cigar, letting the smoke drift up into the air as he exhaled. Cigars hadn't always been his style, an acquired taste he supposed. He remembered his first... an old stale leftover from an abandoned dwelling in the undercity of Nar Shaddaa. Since then, his tastes had matured, he'd never go back to half-rate cigars again and with his current income, he never would have to.

A small noise caught his attention, alerting him to the woman's approach. He looked up, doing his best not to stare but finding it hard as he first looked at her boots, eyes rising to meet hers when she stopped.


"Sure do miss."


Denn leaned forward, resting his cigar in the ashtray on the table. Adjusting in the wooden chair, he reached into his inner vest pocket and picked out a thin matchbox with about a dozen dry matches inside. Sliding it open, he retrieved a match and slid it back shut. Denn smirked slightly as he struck the match, raising it towards the woman, nodding his head as he did so. This woman intrigued him, more than he'd like to admit. Caution was the better part of valor... at least when your life was on the line. With a swift movement of his leg, he pushed a chair aside, motioning towards it before replacing the matchbox in his vest pocket. Leaning forward once more, he slid his hat over to make more room at the table before retrieving his cigar. He smiled at the woman's comment. He knew for a fact there were other ashtrays the woman could have used, but his curiosity got the better of him, besides, he was just waiting around anyway. Company couldn't hurt.


"Be my guest..."


He took a long drag on the cigar, savoring the taste before speaking again.


"The name's Denn Ralto, didn't catch your name there." He said as he switched the cigar from his right to his left hand, extending his right arm out for a handshake. His hands were calloused, rough in spots from hard work. His grip would be firm, but not overly tight, he had nothing to prove. Aside from the woman's obvious physical attractiveness Denn found it interesting that the woman smoke cigars. It wasn't unheard of but he had yet to meet a woman who was fond of them.


"So what brings you to the Iron Horse? If ya don't mind my asking. Not usually the place to find ladyfolk, 'cept on dance nights."

In the corner where the band was preparing earlier, music began to play. It sounded out of place at first but then faded into the background, creating a nice ambiance in The Iron Horse. With a slight flourish, he tapped out the stub of cigar in the ash tray leaving it there. A moment later he motioned towards one of the barmaids, a surly blonde who'd just delivered a tray of glasses to a small group a few tables over. The blonde woman made her way over, tray held under her arm. She leaned into the table, her overly abundant cleavage evident as she spoke to the pair.

"What's yer fancy, you two?"

Denn looked at the dark haired woman who'd joined him at the table inquisitively, raising an eyebrow.

"Care for anything?" He turned back to the barmaid. "I'll take a tall Corellian ale, don't care much what kind."

He looked back at the dark haired woman. Again he had to force himself from looking at her directly for too long. There was something that drew his attention to her like a magnet. He couldn't place it, sure she was attractive, but there was something else. She carried herself well, maybe that was it. He bit the inside of his cheek again, forcing himself back into reality. Expectantly he looked back towards the door. As distracted as he was, he didn't want to risk missing the very moment his quarry appeared... if he were to appear at all.

[member="Eliza Steele"]​

 

[Eliza Steele]

Eliza watched the rugged man with keen interest as he leaned forward in the chair and took out a thin matchbox from within his vest. The petite smuggler stepped closer as he struck the match, then bent over the table so the flame touched the end of her cigar. She took a couple of quick puffs to get the Sweet Theed adequately lit, then blew the smoke out to the side as she took the offered seat and sat down. Of course the Corellisi had a lighter on her person, all cigar aficionados had one, but that would have ruined her style of introduction to the man.

"Why thank you kindly, Mr. Ralto. Nice to meet you," the dark-eyed brunette nodded appreciatively, returning the handshake with an equal one; her hand was calloused too, but as much as his for the freighter captain usually wore a pair of leather gauntlet gloves, which were tucked into her utility belt at the moment that accented her slender waist.

"Steele, Eliza Steele… " she smiled, then added confidently. "I'm the Captain of the Corellian Dawn here on a little business, though I do like to dance a jig or two from time to time," the fiery Corellisi grinned, then took a good puff of the mild to medium dark smoke tobacco that came across as rich and sweet with an aroma of chocolate, coffee, and a light sweetness; making a 'gods this is good' look about her face as lips surrounded the cigar tip and nose smelled the essence of the smoke. Though, soon it mingled with his cigar's in a dance it seemed.

When the voluptuous waitress came up to the table, Eliza waited for her new acquaintance to check out the woman and order what he was drinking, then she spoke up. "I'll have the same, though make mine a spiced one."

The cigar was brought down to the ash tray and flicked on the side, then held between her fingers as her elbows rested atop the wooden table with an inquisitive glint in her dark chocolate eyes as they gazed over to meet his greenish hazel ones. They were full of aloofness yet not, and the man behind them intrigued the Corellian Rose… too much for Lizzy's own good probably.

"So you here for ladies night and/or business too?" she asked with a small smirk.

[member="Denn Ralto"]

 

[Progflaw99]

Denn leaned back in his chair again, taking a moment to listen to the tune that had just started playing over the establishment's surprisingly above par sound system. He smiled, a distant memory crossing his mind's eye before he responded to Eliza.

"Eliza Steele... an intriguing name, for an intriguing woman."

He let the words hang in the air for a moment before looking at the woman and cracking a smirk. He certainly hadn't come for ladies night when he arrived... but now, he wasn't entirely sure that would be a bad reason. The Corellian woman's eyes had a certain fire to them, her posture one of subtle confidence. A Captain to boot. Denn himself had only just elevated himself to Captain after getting the "Genesis" flight-worthy not all that long ago. She'd needed a lot of work, and it had cost him nearly everything he owned to make it happen... which was part of why he was still stuck doing work for that rat of a hutt, Zigg.

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance then, ma'am."

Before he could continue, the barmaid sauntered up, a tray in hand. Leaning over towards the Corellesi she set down the spiced drink on a small coaster before sliding it towards her, a wink accompanying it.

"Your drink miss, I hope you enjoy it now." As she spoke, she flipped the tray over, sliding Denn's drink over to him on a like coaster.

He nodded in appreciation. He knew the barmaid had been playing at something, but he couldn't take his eyes from the fiery Corellesi across from him. In an almost disappointed flurry, the barmaid stepped away, stopping at another table and chatting with the men seated there. Denn took a sip of the crisp ale, savoring the taste as it passed through his lips. Corellians were quite the tradesmen, he wondered if the same could be said about Eliza.

"Hadn't given ladies night much thought, though it wouldn't be such a poor choice, seeing as I have what appears to be good company." He chuckled. He didn't want to give away too much, and despite the liquor in his system, he was able to keep it mostly ambiguous.

"Got some work in the area, figured this place would be a nice respite. Besides, the music isn't half bad, and Corellians know how to make their liquor."

He took another few sips of the ale before setting it down on the table. He stroked his beard lightly for a moment, looking back at Eliza.

"What brings a lady like yourself to these parts? Don't tell me you're here for ladies night?" He smirked. He somehow doubted she was only here for ladies night, she'd seemed pretty sure of herself walking in the door. He glanced back towards the entrance, his coat and gun-belt still hanging where he'd left them. He grinned as he took note of the DL-44 in the holster hanging next to his.

"I see you fancy the DL-44? It's a good piece I'd wager. Shoots straight I take it?"

He continued to sip on the ale in front of him, listening to the music and enjoying the atmosphere of "The Iron Horse", increasingly so as he admired the attractive firebrand across the table from him. Ladies night might not be a bad idea after-all, provided she was planning on hanging around. He had business to attend to, but there wasn't anything wrong with mixing business and pleasure, was there?

[member="Eliza Steele"]​

 

[Eliza Steele]

"Glad you approve… My father would agree with you," Steele answered with an amused smile gracing her lips, then the dark brunette took another puff off the Sweet Theed that was held between her long, slender fingers, expertly letting the white smoke roll out of her mouth in a controlled feather-like manner.

"Like wise, Mr. Ralto, though please call me Eliza and/or Captain. Ma'am makes me sound old, which I'm definitely not. I think you'll find that I am just wise and practical," the petite smuggler nodded as she leaned forward and tapped lightly the ashes at the end of her lit cigar off into their shared ashtray.

When the barmaid brought them their drinks, Eliza just smiled at the woman. "Oh I will," the fiery Corellsi replied with a confident look.

Sitting back in her chair casually, Eliza crossed over a leg in the process as the mug was raised to her mouth, The spicy ale was tasty, and unconsciously the petite smuggler licked her lips after taking a healthy sip. As she listened to Denn chat it up, her booted foot started to keep beat with the banjo duel going on in the background. She was in the perfect position to visualize both the front and back entrance to the cantina. If pleasure suddenly turned to business, Steele would be ready to jump on it.

"Yes, we Corellians do indeed, among other things," Eliza quipped, then raised her glass in a mock toast to the ruggedly handsome man and took another swig of her drink.

"Well seems we both are taking a small respite from our respective work, and no I'm not here for ladies night, but I do agree the company is quite tolerable," she grinned sweetly, then her dark chocolate drop eyes looked over to where her holstered heavy blaster pistol was hanging on a wall peg.

"Yep, sure is… Maybe shoots a little more straight and sure than most would like, but that's how I prefer it," Eliza winked, then added. "I take it that's yours next to mine? Pretty nice piece you've got there as well."

[member="Denn Ralto"]

 

[Progflaw99]

Denn simply watched as the woman enjoyed the cigar. It had a different smell to it than his but agreeable nonetheless.

"As you wish, Eliza it is."

He nodded at her before continuing to sip at his ale. The music had started to pick up and a few of the barmaids had begun shifting tables from the center of the room towards the edges. As Denn looked around the room the door opened, several people entering. It was pretty evident they were there for the "Ladies Night" by their attire. Three women followed by a slick looking man of what Denn would have guessed as a twenty-something. He looked back to Eliza, listening to the music and smiling as he saw the woman's foot start moving with the beat. People began to filter in from the outside, some hanging up blasters on the pegs near the entrance, others appeared to have simply left them, knowing they'd have to hang them up anyway. The Iron Horse starting to fill with people. Denn kept glancing at the front door as people entered but he couldn't see the back door, he presumed his quarry would likely enter from that direction. An idea began forming in his head.

"She's mine alright. Got a weight to her, feels good in the hand and she aims true."

*I'd wager she does too...* He smiled at the Eliza.

As the place began to fill several couples began to dance on the main floor, bodies moving along with the beat of the music. Denn polished off the rest of his ale, covering his mouth with a loose fist as he stifled a burp. He couldn't help but let the music get to him, of course, it was likely partially the ale too. He began to tap his fingers on the table with the beat. It wasn't particularly his style, but it was good enough.

"Well Miss Eliza, looks like the party is starting." He chuckled, shaking his head at himself. "Now, I'm not much of a dancer, but would you do me the honor of joining me for a dance?"

It would be good to let loose a little bit. Getting out onto the floor would accomplish two of his goals. One, to get within view of the rear door and two, he would be closer to his blaster in the case it became required. Denn leaned forward, a half smile and a raised eyebrow. It could have been the alcohol talking, normally he wasn't this forward with someone he'd just met. There was something alluring about the woman... alluring enough to drown out the voice in the back of his head screaming "Caution". He didn't trust people easily and the fact that he was so easily intrigued with the woman bothered him... thankfully for that... there was whiskey, which did a good job of dulling those particular inhibitions.

Denn rested his chin on his hand, his left hand tapping on the table as he awaited a response grinning all the while.

[member="Eliza Steele"]​

 

[Eliza Steele]

Oh my… Eliza thought amusingly to herself. The man was totally meaning his blaster pistol, right? It had been much too long, and the alcohol was making her mind go places, not that it didn't anyways. And it didn't help that Denn was so ruggedly handsome too with certain western-style charisma she liked.

"Well sure sounds like something I'd like to handle," the brunette nodded with an appreciative glint in those dark chocolate drop eyes of hers before taking another hearty sip of spicy ale. She really liked the kick it had.

The dance floor was being prepared as tables were pushed back from the center of the cantina and the full band was assembled now on the small stage in the corner. This was going to be good from the sound of things as their introduction song was played. The petite smuggler watched as her table companion definitely seemed to get into the twangy beat; fingers tapping just as her booted foot was.

Then came Denn's inevitable invitation for a dance… Eliza felt a smirk coming on, but didn't visualize it.

The fiery Corellisi finished off her cold brew, then took one more puff from the half-smoked cigar, stubbing the Sweet Theed out in the ashtray afterwards and leaving it there for now. A smile came to her naturally pink and supple lips. "Why Mister Ralto, I'd love to… Do hoping you like the Corellian Two Step as that is my yearning," she said matching his grin.

Eliza took the rugged gunslinger's offered hand and they went out to the dance floor amongst the other couples just as the next song was to begin; taking up the two-step partner position facing one another with the expresso-haired Corellisi ready to move backwards in a quick, quick, slow, slow foot work pattern to allow Denn to lead her around. Steele didn't usually allow anyone to take control, but in this instance she'd let Ralto have the reins for now; letting her hair down just a bit since the smuggler's other dance partner hadn't shown his reptilian yellow belly eyes yet...

[member="Denn Ralto"]

 

[Progflaw99]

Denn forced back a laugh. Unknowingly, he'd made quite the insinuation and his face reddened slightly as the Eliza replied. As the woman rose he gave a half smile, taking her hand. Denn mentally chided himself. He hadn't truly been dancing in a while, and right about now he was feeling just a twinge self conscious about it. That feeling was washed away as they walked, hand in hand to the dance floor. As he'd taken the Corellisi's hand a slow tingling of energy seemed to sneak up his arm. Her hand was delicate, but not overly so... and it had a warm energy about it, full of life. He let himself smile as they took up position and the band began to play.

"I happen to know that one, more than willing to oblige" He offered a quick wink.

*Time to saddle up. I did this to myself...*

As they waited for the song to start and the first few chords were played he moved his right hand, placing it on her shoulder, beneath her arm. With his other hand, he held hers, smiling and giving it a light squeeze.

"Ready?"

As the music began to play, he found the rhythm he was looking for and led off with his left foot, taking two quick steps and then following up with two slow ones, repeating as they danced around the floor. As the pair stepped, his mind was teleported to a different time, a different place... and then he was brought back to the moment as they changed direction slightly to avoid another couple, carefully navigating towards the outer edge as a few adventurous couples danced in the center of the floor. The woman was quick to respond to his cues as they danced, changing direction and speed slightly as the song picked up and slowed down. His body moved in parallel with the music, steps landing on the beats. At first Denn was looking at the others on the dance floor, being careful not to head them in a direction that would cause a collision but as the song went on and he started to feel more comfortable, his focus changed... and he couldn't complain. The pair soon began dancing a little more aggressively, the other couples starting to take note and smoothly move out of the way when they saw the two start heading in a direction. Denn had gone from primarily watching out for other dancers to focusing on the movements, his eyes looking down at the slightly shorter woman. He made eye contact in short bursts at first, but by halfway through the song, he had lost himself in Eliza's dark chestnut eyes. Their bodies moved together, the other dancers on the floor, the band, everything fading away as he was wholly enveloped by the music and the movement of the dance. He leaned in close before speaking.

"Well, you're quite the dancer lil' lady." He smiled.

He liked this. Perhaps a little too much... but his caution had long since worn thin. He felt a tightness in his chest he hadn't felt in a long time as they danced, he was almost completely drawn in by her gaze. He couldn't help but wonder what devilry she was playing at... and part of him didn't care either. He'd nearly forgotten to glance at the rear door. He did so once... twice... and then it was forgotten. The slimy lizard hadn't shown yet... chances were he wasn't going to it seemed. As they danced, he got a wild idea... he wondered if this girl could think on her feet. Quickly in a lull, he switched it up, letting her lead. He wondered what she'd do with it.

"Let's see what you can do..." He said as he looked into her eyes, a mischievous grin crossing his face.

[member="Eliza Steele"]​

 

[Eliza Steele]

He wasn't too bad on his feet. Actually Denn was pretty good. The man's touch was firm yet gentle with his hand laid upon the under part of her shoulder blade guiding her with little effort around the dance floor. Well it took a moment or two to get the nerves out, but after that… no complaints whats so ever. Eliza wondered with silent amusement if that was how the gunslinger was with other things... Now that was the alcohol talking, or was it? Funny how certain types of men could just overwhelm the fiery Corellisi's sense of priorities. It didn't happen often, but it did; a weakness, one she hated and tried to ignore most of the time. Blame her father's womanizing genes for that.

"Why thank you, kind sir… You're quite the leader," she smiled back; her dark chocolate eyes getting lost in those hazel green ones of his that were full of intriguing shadows that begged to be explored.

The two seemed to be in perfect harmony as they performed the two-step shuffle; the quick, quick, slow, slow as if they'd been doing as partners for a long time. Even when Denn twirled her in an underarm turn, inward or outward, single or double, it was without a hitch. Had Steele found her match? Pfft… way too early to tell. Have to see how he performed under pressure. With Rahl busy with family matters back on Kashyyyk, the petite smuggler needed a little more muscle than her heavily modified LE series repair droid could give her. Buddy did well at the controls of the Corellian Dawn and keeping the ol' girl flying, but in a firefight not so much. She really needed someone to have her back… and front would be nice, but that was not so much in a business sense, and that came first in her book.

"Oh I can do a lot when I'm tasked to, and even when I'm not," she winked playfully, then took charge as Denn had reversed their positions with her leading and him following now, or in this case having blind trust stepping backwards through the crowd on the dance floor by her guiding hand.

The dark-haired gunslinger was too tall for her to twirl so after weaving their way around the dance floor, Eliza switched it up so they were stepping side by side in what was called the Sweetheart position. It gave the smuggler a bit more time to actually take a look around the cantina. It was really filling up, but still no sign of Grikk.

When the song ended, the Corellisi looked over with a quizzical dark gaze to her dance partner and flashed Denn a lopsided grin. "So you up for another, or are you the kind that just likes to get it done and out of there?"

[member="Denn Ralto"]

 

[Progflaw99]

Denn took a few breaths. The ale had done a number on his senses, a warm fuzzy feeling spreading between his ears. Sitting down was one thing, but keeping up with the fiery Corellisi was requiring quite the exertion. It wasn't so much that she was too quick so much as he'd been especially indulged in his alcohol before the dancing. The woman seemed sure footed, the dancing going off without a hitch. They moved together like they were born to it, left, right, around. He felt the woman's hand guiding him, tempted to look behind him a few times at first but a few steps and a deep gaze into her chocolate eyes and he wasn't giving it a second thought. They weaved in and out at her whim, stepping together. As he felt their bodies move in step with each other, he couldn't help but notice the comfortable warmth of her pressed against him. It had been longer than he'd cared to admit, truly socializing that is. Denn understood the importance of networking... but was that what he was doing now, or was it something else entirely? He wasn't exactly sure he was prepared for that question. As the song came to an end, he caught the slightly lopsided grin, returning with a smile of his own.


"Well, I've never been one to dine and ditch if that's what you mean." He gave a sly wink.


Another song started, the chords reaching deep, Denn tapping his foot to the beat. This song was a little slower than the last. As the beat took hold, Denn transitioned into a slightly closer stance, his arm now gently pulling her a little closer. As the music kicked off, he started side stepping; smoothly to his right twice with the beat, returning to his left with a forward angled step on the third. Other couples began to slow down their movements, swaying back and forth to the sweet melody in the air.


Denn adjusted his hold slightly, letting the arm he had wrapped around Eliza drift south while simultaneously lowering their paired hands into a more relaxed position. As they slow danced, his eyes once drifted up slightly, surveying the room. He noticed his quarry hadn't shown yet, and the way things were going, he kind of hoped Grikk didn't. It only took a second before his eyes were once more locked with the violently attractive woman held in his arms. The energy between the two, it was something Denn couldn't say he was intimately familiar with, he wasn't complaining though. As they danced the floor, Eliza held close, he lost himself in the music, in the gentle embrace they shared, in her eyes... It felt as if he could stare forever into those dark swirls and never miss the world. It struck him odd for a fraction of a second. You could learn a lot about a person by talking, but dancing was even more intimate, and dancing they were, arms intertwined, bodies moving in sync with the music and with each other. The woman's touch, her smile, her dark brown eyes... it drove him crazy. As they slowed just a hair more, he leaned inwards slightly, her hair brushing against his face. He inhaled slowly... breathing... dancing. For that moment he was in heaven, if there was such a place.

[member="Eliza Steele"]​

 

[Eliza Steele]

Was it the alcohol or did this man just get under her skin? The way they were staring into each others eyes… Well it gave the petite smuggler goosebumps, and sent a chill down her spine that she'd not felt since… Nope, do not go there. Danger, danger! Eliza cautioned herself, but totally ignored it too at least for the moment while held within [member="Denn Ralto"]'s strong arms as they continued to dance intimately to a slower song. Did he feel it too, or was the man just being a man?

When the music stopped, the two just stood there for a moment entwined in a dancer's embrace, then there was that awkward tick where one had to let go first. "Why thank you, I enjoyed that muchly," The fiery Corellisi smiled, then stepped aside and walked back to their table.

Gods she needed a drink, and another smoke to calm her nerves, but that wasn't to happen as an eight foot tall Trandoshan strolled into the cantina. The petite smuggler's demeanor completely changed as she put her 'game' face on. Eliza's hand unconsciously went to her right hip where normally her holstered weapon would be, but of course it was hanging on the wall peg. "Droyk!" she swore not so lady like under her breath in Olys Corellisi.

"Sorry to cut our here meetin' short, but my business just walked through them doors," Eliza said, picking up the half-smoked stump of her Sweet Theed from the ashtray and slipping it into the pocket of her vest where the case and lighter were with solid determination set in those dark chocolate orbs of hers as they laid a line to the lizard.

 

[Progflaw99]

He'd lost himself, drifting away in haze. For a sweet moment everything ceased to exist, a warm fuzzy feeling permeating his entire being. Nothing seemed to matter. All the stress and anxiety was washed away... was it the liquor? Denn had been drunk before, but this was something different. Part of him didn't care what it was, but he knew it wouldn't last forever. Already the cold grasp of reality began it's rapid approach, the mellow tones of the music beginning to trail off. He flinched slightly though only inwardly... here it came. The thank you, the returned nod as he didn't know how to respond...

The disengage had been unpleasant, and now there was a cool, empty place where the Corellisi had been pressed up against him. Wistfully he stood there for a moment longer, a lingering look following her movements before he himself began to consider another drink. Unconsciously Denn had already withdrawn a cigar from his case and was beginning to prepare a match when Eliza addressed him once more. His eyes snapped to, cigar still hanging from his slightly parted lips, match and box in hand. His gaze followed the woman's landing on the overly-sized Trandoshan who'd entered. He quickly replaced the match and the box separately into his pocked, more shocked than anything. Now of all times?

"Well throw me down a garbage chute..." he muttered, the unlit cigar bouncing as he spoke.

His eyes flicked from the Trandoshan to the door, and then to his gun belt.

*Kriff.*

His eyes darted back to his acquaintance, Eliza. Business... She'd said business. A little red flag A big red flag popped up in his mind, alarms and sirens screaming at him. Had the Hutt hired more than just Denn? He wondered what business the petite Corellisi could have with the hulk of the Trandoshan. It appeared he would soon find out. If she were after the Trandoshan, that could be a problem. If the Hutt didn't get his money Denn would be the one to pay. Last time he checked, Zigg was more than fond of kneecapping those who disappointed him. He grimaced slightly as he took a step towards the beast of a lizard and extending his arm towards the woman. Maybe if they played this carefully, they could both conclude their business a little bit richer... and not beat to a bloody pulp. He wasn't terribly worried, he'd learned how to take a punch but this Trandoshan was enormous, even by his standards... He hoped he'd reacted in time to prevent her from blowing their cover. If not... well, he'd roll with the punches.

-----

Grikk Ters​

Outside the Iron Horse people moved freely in the streets of Little Corellia, wandering from club to club, bar to bar. Farther on down the street a small part could be seen forming, a tall figure was making his way towards the entrance, a few fellow figures in tow. It didn't take long before they'd arrived outside, the large Zabrak standing between them and the door. The Trandoshan stood nearly 8 feet tall, his enormous muscles rippling beneath his flesh.

"Grikk... You know the rules. You're not allowed back in until you pay for the damages from the last time." Said the Zabrak, his arms crossed as he stared up into the steely Trandoshan's eyes.

Grikk hissed, his reptilian features displaying a hearty grin as he crossed his arms behind his back, puffing his chest out in the face of Marcus, the Zabrak. Behind him, two normal sized Trandoshans and a rather reedy looking Rodian fanned out, all eyeing the Zabrak. Marcus visibly tensed his jaw, lowering his fists to his sides, a short shake of his head aimed at Grikk.

"Jetar madle" Grikk said under his breath before continuing. "Not pay, damages little." he grunted. "Tell boss all paid."

As he made this last statement the giant Trandoshan put his fist in his palm, cracking his reptilian knuckles as his sharp teeth poked out from behind a grin. His followers grinned themselves, the Rodian even inserting a small trill of laughter. The tense moment hung in the air for a few seconds before Marcus reluctantly took a step back, issuing a stern warning as he did so.

"You cause trouble in there, and you're going to regret it."

Grikk laughed a deep hearty laugh, his hands crossing over his midsection. As he finished, he motioned towards his waist.

"No Weapons Jahumba. Am celebrating Byager, victory. Many Jagannath." Again the Trandoshan grinned, followed by his cronies.

The four of them walked past the Zabrak, the other Trandoshans jeering at the humbled Zabrak as they passed. It was time to celebrate their successful hunt, many Jaggannath had been earned, their quarry a tough one. The Scorekeeper would be pleased by their effort. Drinks would be on Grikk tonight. They opened the door, entering the Iron Horse. As they entered, Grikk took a few seconds to observe and then headed directly to the bar, his footsteps leading him quickly across the main floor. Eyes somewhat nervously looked in his direction, he was a sight to behold and hard to miss. As he approached the bar, Skrell had already gotten four oversized mugs out on the bar, filling them with the Trandoshan's favorite brew. The Rodian didn't much care for the alcohol, but he sipped on it all the same, hence the fourth mug.

"Skrell knows friend Grikk. Much appreciate." uttered the Trandoshan, another laugh as he raised the mug to his lips and tasted the brew. In fact, he more than tasted it, as the mug was emptied in well under fifteen seconds. Slamming the mug down, he let out a belch and spoke again.

"Another barman! Grikk celebrate hunt with friends!"

Grikk and the other two Trandoshans stood at the bar, Grikk in the center and one on either side. The Rodian had found a small booth towards the rear, kicking out it's current occupants. It appeared he was preparing the table for the group at the bar. Grikk and the others lingered there, hammering down their drink, their backs turned towards the open floor. Another song kicked on, this time a more lively one. The party had just begun in earnest.

[member="Eliza Steele"]​