Private The Unlikely Duo

[Finley]

Objective: Post Mission / Downtime
Location: Nar-Shaddaa / Pub
Tags: Valery Noble ​

It had been another successful mission for Finn -- and like always, he was found afterwords at his all-time favorite pub, the Crimson Lounge. Taking a draw from his deathstik, Finn stared blankly ahead at the bottles that lined the Pub walls. Several bystanders passing by giving Finn a nod of approval, feth, he was practically a celebrity around these parts -- to most aristocratic people of posture, this would mean little, hell, maybe it would even be slightly amusing or offense given the type of people that hung in these sorts of places -- to Finn, it was everything. Granted -- there were some pretty damn shady people in these parts, the rest?... innocence, dealt a bad hand - playing it to the best of their ability. His hand motioned at the bartender for another shot, and no sooner than he'd received it....

'chink'

The sound of the empty shot glass hitting the hard oak bartop. It wasn't out of loneliness that Finn drank, it wasn't out of anger, it wasn't even the trauma of his life -- he drank to numb temporarily the worries of the world, the next thing he'd have to do... he just wanted a distraction. He shook his head and chuckled as he took another drag off his deathstik perched between his fingertips... he was running from his problems... "Oh well" Finn internalized as he just figured like all things, he could outrun those even.

A distraction.

A fight? A heist? Drugs? A woman? -- so many options he thought until he overheard a woman speaking just outside the pub, trying her best to get past the security. "If-If you just let me see him-- Its important! He helps us! Please -- Please just let me see him!" His eyebrow rose just slightly as he stood up, the hypnotic ringing sound of the spurs on his boots ringing crisply in the air, creating a cadence above the evening pub atmosphere — as he walked towards the door, staring down both of the bouncers that prevented the woman from entering, he began to give them assurance that he’d handle her. "What seems to be the problem?" The woman took one look at Finn and like a flash darted towards him, clasping his hands, Finn now nodding towards the front door security to let them know to focus on other matters. "Your him? Ri-Right? The one that helps us? My-My son... my son is sick! Please, you have to help me, you have too!" Finn held his hand up, his eyes moving from side to side as he moved her towards the corner of the bar where the shadows gave more protection. Reaching inside his jacket and slipping a chit of credits into her hands, sly as ever, appearing to just be comforting her all the while he spoke. "Look -- first off, you've got to calm down, you’re drawing too much attention to yourself. Now -- listen to me carefully... Nod so I know your listening. Alright, good, now -- go to the healer on main -- tell them your a friend of the Red Fox -- then go to the market district, go to the main stall -- you know, the one owned by the Crimson Lounge Owner, use the phrase " The Red Fox prowls unseen even in the day" and they'll take care of any needs you may have for food. Go -- take care of your son." The lady all but broke down as she hugged and thanked Finn, but as usual, he simply stood her up straight and sent her on the way -- Nar Shaddaa was not a place to appear weak, or to allow emotions to rule -- he still had to be on point. Sighing, Finn walked back over to the bar, grabbed yet another Deathstik and lit it, this time, pulling the longest drag off of it that he could take until, he exhaled, the smoke pouring slowly from his nostrils... main he needed a distraction.

 

[Valery Noble]

Nar Shaddaa

​

Outfit: Undercover Smuggler
Weapons: Blasters

"What was that all about?" Valery asked Finley when he returned to the bar. She wasn't here to socialize, but undercover missions were far easier if she did her best to fit in. Any patron here could potentially have the information she was after, so even something as simple as small talk could help her along. Of all people, Finley had caught her eye because the commotion gave her an easy topic to start a conversation, but also because he was smoking and drinking.

The only way for a drunk to have even looser lips, was if they were also high on death sticks.

And she was going to need loose lips. Nar Shaddaa was not only a dangerous planet, but also one where everybody was suspicious of everybody else. A simple question could be interpreted the wrong way, and she'd be considered a threat. But with all of her experience, Valery felt confident she could learn more about the Hutts.

In particular, there was one gang she wished to learn more about.

"Miss, your drink."

Valery smiled at Finley, then turned to the bartender to offer him a grateful smile as well. She accepted her drink, swirled it around in her glass, and raised it to her lips for a quick sip.

Finley ​

 

[Finley]

Weapons: Modified Blaster, Twin Trench Knives, Crush Gaunts
Location: Nar Shaddaa
Tags: Valery Noble ​

Her voice pierced the air and smog that filled the bar -- Finn's eyes slowly coming to rest on Val, his free hand tilting down his shades -- the vibrant emerald green pair sizing her up as he downed yet another drink -- a sound of disapproval coming from a small 'huh' that managed to escape his lips, his gaze now unimpressively moving back to the bardrop, glazing over. "What was what all about? I've no idea what your talking about lady -- I'm not one to answer questions on a first date" Finn spoke, a hard and cold tone breaking back against the question she'd asked, he'd been sloppy, somebody had seen him in a brief moment of care; not what he necessarily wanted around these parts. The hand that held the smoldering deathstik moving up to his lips as he took another long drag, the smoke slowly lingering on, down and out of his lips as he spoke again, his free hand moving some of the unruly hair from his eyes. "Your new around here -- word of advice, sometimes when things are obvious and going on around; its best to keep your head and questions to yourself. The names Finn -- next round will be on me." He whistled at the bartender casually as his hand gestured towards Val and the man simply nodded at him. She was easy on the eyes, that much was for sure -- but, in Finn's line of experience, he never did trust easy. "What brings a pretty thing like you to Nar Shaddaa? Here just... visiting family?" The whole time he spoke, his eyes remained fixed towards the distance, giving off an air of disinterest -- but, like they say, curiosity killed the cat -- and this cat totally curious.

 

[Valery Noble]

Nar Shaddaa

​

Outfit: Undercover Smuggler
Weapons: Blasters

She had him.

Valery didn't care at all that he didn't answer the question and blew her off, or even that he seemed to treat her like she was new and out of place. It only solidified her position and made her less suspicious, so she welcomed it with open arms. No, she had his attention now, for one reason or another, and as long as she could keep it, she would perhaps be able to find answers to the questions that mattered.

"Jade," Valery said, choosing to use the name of her sister for now, "I'll keep that in mind, thank you." She looked at him with the perfect, innocent smile. The kind of people who were either too naive or stupid to understand how dangerous Nar Shaddaa really was. But Valery knew the game she was playing.

And she was good at it.

"I don't have a family," Valery said before she reached across the bar counter to collect her drink, "I'm a pilot, looking for a job and I know Nar Shaddaa has plenty to offer." The Hutts she was after dealt in spice but also smuggled slaves across the Galaxy. They were always looking for pilots and even paid them well to retain them.

An easy way to perhaps be introduced.

Finley ​

 

[Finley]

Weapons: Modified Blaster, Twin Trench Knives, Crush Gaunts
Location: Nar Shadda / Crimson Lounge
Tags: Valery Noble
​

A twisted, and down right nefarious smirk curled just ever so subtlety onto the corners of Finn's lips... something about her, just didn't set right with him... but Feth sake, it could just be the alcohol talking at this point. Motioning yet again for another shot to be poured for him, his head tilted slightly towards her and spoke. "Rest assured, if your willing to get your hands dirty and roll in the mire -- compromise who you are to the core, you'll find plenty. If that sort of thing tickles your fancy." Truth be told -- Finn may be in the bog with all the rest -- his set of principles were higher than the other smugglers and pirates, in truth, he cared about who his targets were and cared whether or not what he transported was going to harm the greater good... which is why he'd chosen to do everything on his own.

As the bartender would go to fill a new shot, and as he would go to reach for it, a sudden disturbance would be felt as a man would crash into the bar, knocking Finn's hand and spilling his drink. His jaw would quench and flex just slightly in frustration. "I was just about to drink that.... I think you owe me a new one friend." The man simply scoffed, looking offended, as if Finn actually owed him an apology. Grabbing the hem of Finn's sleeve and collar, the man went to speak but... Without missing a beat, a sinister pulse would be felt... only to those sensitive to the force. The gun holstered on Finn's left hip would move on its own accord -- his right arm circling and slamming the man with a sickening thud onto the bartop, and the gun powering up, moving to the drunk mans head. The music stopped, and the room froze as Finn bent down, his demeanor eerily calm but the words clawing from his mouth filled with poison, but Finn using the force to influence the man. "I know your type -- and I hate people like you. Leave this place... go home and never, let me catch you within a parsec of me again. Leave, before my mercy runs out." Using his hold on the mans back scruff, he threw the man onto the floor, his jaw hanging slightly slack from the dislocation of hitting face to bar, and with a colorless flushed look of terror, he was picked up by his friends and they ran.

Removing his jacket calmly and sitting it down on the stool next to him, his sleeveless shirt now showing off his toned body, marred with scarring and tattoos slipping up from his neck and back shoulder blades, along with a barcode tattoo that was ever so prominent on his left forearm -- the gun moved back and holstered itself as if it had a mind of its own. Sitting down as if nothing had happened, if anything a look of utter annoyance in his body language, he motioned for another drink... as if he needed another one. "Apologies for that... interruption... now where were we? Oh -- work. I'd go down to the docks -- speak with the Ithorian in charge and ask for Mule work. That's your standard cargo deliveries and pick up. Anything else... you'll have to get in with them first and make a name for yourself before private parties will trust you enough with anything more than a piece of tissue paper to wipe asses with."

​

 

[Valery Noble]

Nar Shaddaa

​

Outfit: Undercover Smuggler
Weapons: Blasters

Valery was mid-sentence when the unexpected happened — a careless patron bumped into Finn, causing his drink to spill across the bar and splash directly onto her. The cold liquid soaked through the white fabric of her top, making the material cling to her skin, revealing more than she intended. She let out a soft gasp, quickly glancing down at the mess but decided against making a fuss. She adjusted the strings of her top and squeezed some of the liquid from the fabrics.

But Finn wasn't nearly as forgiving.

A raw display of power followed as Finn fought the careless man and beat him without much effort at all. His control over the Force, and the way he handled the situation without breaking a sweat, told her more about him than words ever could. He was dangerous, but that didn't deter her — it intrigued her, especially here and considering her mission. Even more so because he could use the Force, which wasn't unheard of, but still exceedingly rare.

There was more to him than she had originally thought.

"Seems like I owe you a drink now," she quipped, her tone light before she leaned forward slightly to tighten the ties of her shirt. Her gaze then flicked up to him, noting the frustration in his eyes. She hoped her quip could lighten up the mood, but she knew that she'd have to be careful now, "I'll likely start with something simple, thank you," Valery agreed before she raised her glass to her lips to sip from her drink.

She didn't particularly like booze, but the Force could filter the alcohol from her blood easily enough.

"What about you? A regular here?" Valery asked to not focus too much on just work.

Finley ​

 

[Finley]

Weapons: Modified Blaster, Twin Trench Knives, Crush Gaunts
Location: Nar Shaddaa / The Crimson Lounge
Tags: Valery Noble ​

Finn would, feth, anyone would have had to have been a blind and daft idiot not to want to put nothing but all eyes on the fabric on 'Jade' that was now soaked through to the skin on her. Thankfully, due to a modern technology called sunshades, Finn had a front row seat to allow him to feast on the buffet that now set in front of him. Adjusting his position, to have a better view of the show now, Finn removed his glasses, the vibrant emerald eyes now seen in full view as he moved yet again, stray strands of his ivory tuft out of his face. "You owe me nothing... but... thank you."

Manners? Holy chit. He was civilized.

Taking another shot, obviously coursing through this mans veins was not only the force but illicit substances that kept him going... with no slowing down forseen as his demeanor did not seem to change with these substances, it was as if he pushed as much as he could to numb everything out, but to no avail. "You could say that... Jade. I'm as regular as regular gets. These streets are home to me, and as are the people in the alleyways. What about you? Where do you come from? Where..." He lingered on the word as his gaze drifted downwards, his bar stool and body repositioning towards her, his soft and subtle musk now close enough to be smelt -- his gaze falling back to her eyes, only to fall onto her moistened lips. "Do you come from?"

 

[Valery Noble]

Nar Shaddaa

​

Outfit: Undercover Smuggler
Weapons: Blasters

Valery couldn’t help but notice the way Finn’s gaze lingered a bit too long, his eyes tracing the outline of her figure. She had expected a reaction, but his struggle to remain composed amused her more than she’d anticipated.

“Of course,” she replied, her voice soft and kind. She watched as he took another shot, his mannerisms betraying the effort he put into maintaining control, despite whatever substances were coursing through his system. The hint of his musk, now detectable as he shifted closer, but it still paled in comparison to the scent of booze and drugs.

When his eyes drifted downward, then back to meet hers, she leaned in just slightly, “I travel around, so I suppose I’m from a lot of places,” she answered, her tone playful yet coy, “But let’s just say I’m looking for something more... permanent." She raised her glasd back to her lips for a sip, but her eyes continued to look at him over the rim of her glass.

Her gaze dropped for just a beat, before rising again to meet his intense emerald eyes. “What about you, Finn? Is this your home forever or do you like to see more of the Galaxy?" She asked curiously before she leaned back on her seat and briefly eyed the room.

Were there others she'd have to approach for information? Perhaps, but she was making progress with him and enjoyed the conversation. It was all part of the mission but it was also a game, one she was enjoying more than she expected.

Finley ​

 

[Finley]

Weapons: Modified Blaster, Twin Trench Knives, Crush Gaunts
Location: Crimson Lounge
Tags: Valery Noble ​

Finn stared at her playful mannerisms, the body language only furthering to draw him in. Was she the distraction he was looking for? Was she working some angle? At this point, he wasn't overly concerned -- he was going to work any and all angles he could with her out of sheer selfish desire. Standing up, he grabbed his jacket, their drinks and motioned over towards a private booth in the back of the Lounge. "Why don't we get more comfortable over there? Seeing as were getting familiar with one another? Sound good?"

Moving towards the booth, in the back part of the bar, which had a curtain around the face for... more private encounters, Finn sat down and got comfortable, his legs spread out slightly, his shirt clinging more to his toned body as he let out a sigh of contentment. "Traveling everywhere can be lonely. I've been all over, seen things I thought I never would -- but there is always a hole to be filled in some way shape or form. Nar Shaddaa is always interesting... something exciting always seems to happen or go on." He couldn't help but to notice her form even more so now with the change in lighting, her outfit near clinging for dear life on her body. "What sort of permanence are you hoping for?"