Two Worlds Collide

[Neldar Poska]

[member="Joza Perl"] [member="James Justice"]


Neldar leaned his head back and crossed his arms as he squinted at James, listening as he started off on his story. Neldar gave him the respect of giving him the floor, regardless of how Neldar felt about it. Then Joza chirped up, and Neldar released his crossed as he also heard her out, until he was ready to speak.

Neldar closed his eyes and leaned his head down, breathing in deep through his Vodran nostrils before pulling his head back up, opening his eyes. <"Mistuh James, you know, I respect you. I respect you because, aside from a few weird quirks and preferences, you're still a pirate. An experienced pirate, hell, maybe even a veteran. You've been through the sludge, excluding any and all pain and suffering you caused, you still got through all the hardships of a pirate and his crew. But... you don't have to be a infamous, spectacularly well known pirate to have gone through the sludge. I've been in this business a lot longer than you've been walking, Mistuh James. Any pirate knows what it's like to earn their first cut, and lose their first fight. How did you start? I started in the muck-part of the crew - hauling the cargo, cleaning the ship, getting the teeth kicked in when a plunder was lost and the bridge crew wanted someone to blame. I already told you Mistuh James, when we first talk. The Corona, an aged ship, not refitted to standard... but she was my ship, my flagship, my home. I was forced to watch her get lit up in front of my eyes, I could do nothing but stand on the planet with a front row seat to the grave of my Corona. The feeling to watch something you loved and cared for, beaten and murdered in front of you and being absolutely powerless, watching. It's like your children being taken from you while your hands are tied behind you and you'r tied to a pole or chair. So, quite frankly, I find all of that insulting. You own several businesses, run a planet, organize dozens of things, and you know full well how financials go, and you give me that story. But thankfully, I am not mad. No need to sully our good business over some emotions, Mistuh James."> Neldar smiled as he slowly turned to Joza, staring at her as he thought for a moment.

"Miss Joza, no worry," he started in his broken basic, "we have dance business. So... Neldar give all slaves for James six million, Joza give twenty-thousand, Neldar get dance, Neldar no more slaver. All win, yes yes?" Neldar nodded. At this moment he would have padded Jozas shoulder had they known each other awhile, but with his huge hand... it was just avoided.

"This sound good, yes yes? Mistuh James, Miss Joza, yes? If deal, why we no go VIP room on station, relax, have drink, maybe smoke. Joza and Neldar talk more about Dance, Mistuh James have aged old Sonic Servodriver, yes? We have fun? No more sad slave talk?"

 

[James Justice]

I've been in this business a lot longer than you've been walking, Mistuh James......How did you start?.....You own several businesses, run a planet, organize dozens of things, and you know full well how financials go, and you give me that story.

The spacer glowered, his eyes growing dark with anger. Those Force sensitive would feel an almost tangible expression of his classic, tale-tell rage. He wasn't egocentric but James was a proud man and to question his work ethic was something.... well something he didn't abide by. But just as quickly as his rage had appeared, it vanished in a flash, replaced by sick, twisted humoring. Instead he slowly let his lips part in a devilish, delighted smile as his eyes were licked with tendrils of purple energy.

"How long have I been doing this?" James asked, intentionally switching to basic. His voice was silky, sweet, and almost smooth. It was terribly opposite to the purple rage flicking at his irises. "Since I were walkin'. Me and dad started out. 30 years. How do ye think I got where I am in those few thirty years instead of hundreds?" The spacer tapped a button on his wrist com.

A holoprojection of battered bodies, mutilated beyond recognition besides twisted husks of flesh intermixed with blood. Their entrails were clearly torn--not cut--torn out by human hands. "These were the slave lords of Soceras when I were done with them. I handled them myself," he tapped a button, flipping over to the mass of flesh that remained from the prisoners the Black Tie Syndicate had paid him to torture and maul. One was savagely mauled, the other his skin flayed alive as his chest was clearly seen rising and falling in breath, "These boys, my work too." The spacer turned the images off, "That ain't even mentioning my best works of what I did when Rose Blade betrayed me, and when Cloudburner put me daughter in the line of fire," he gave a sickening smile of delight, his next words biting with bitterness, "Now I gave ye good advice, and its funny that ye been doin' this longer than don't really seem to matter too damn much, now do it?"

And just like that, the monstrosity that James could be when he had to was gone. All signs of corruption vanished and he was once more the impish rogue rather than the Devil of Soceras.

"I am gonna assume ye dun't know none of that," he said with a wave of his hand, "And I'll write them insults off as mistakes. First ones' free. But I advise against ever assuming or implying that I dun't work from the front. Ain't the office type." He clapped his hands together, "Now, as ye said, no point in sullyin' business. Let's have fun."

[member="Joza Perl"]
[member="Neldar Poska"]

 

[Neldar Poska]

[member="Joza Perl"] [member="James Justice"]

Neldar would abruptly interrupt Joza had she anything to comment on with James little show, but not directly. Neldars fun attitude started to leave, as it seemed it was getting a little personal. <"I'll say it again, Mistuh James. I'm old, that's it. I didn't question how long you had been going at it, I asked an honest question how you started since you feel the need to lecture people on how they do their business and live their life. You misjudged me, thinking me some new child just figuring out someone can make a few credits out of a slave. You're right though, I didn't know none of that. But that doesn't change anything. You try to come off as someone who seems to think they know better, putting your father figure position on others you think need daddyin'. I never not once questioned your skills, and here you feel the need to threaten me in my own home. Surely things wouldn't just... smooth over, if I disrespected the King while he sat on his throne. You're right, I can see you wouldn't be the one actually knowing how things run while you're away. But when your name is on the title, eventually you're gonna hear numbers. Now the only thing I can guess from the need to show me pictures of...mutilated slavers, is to either show me you work hard, or to show me what you'll do to me if I don't take your offer and smile. Thanks daddy, it was more than generous. So get this, if Mistuh James feels the need to kill Neldar, then kill him. Neldar isn't going to be intimidated just because Mistuh James can't control his own power - make no mistake, I will neva question your power. Facts are facts. The fact is I've been doing this longer to you. A lot less, maybe, but that's a fact. Another fact is you could probably twist my neck just by turnin' around, I wouldn't bet against it. But if you'd rather b civil, I think this should continue another time, somewhere else. I said I respected you, don't make me regret it but showin' the blood and guts of some people that put a collar on their own kind. Not every one of them is evil, just like you ain't got the golden halo.">

Neldar just stood there... he didn't finish his spiel with an ending note, he just stared at James. Neldar never implied nor ever said Neldar was the beacon of hope either, but at this point Neldar was creaking to the point he didn't feel like putting up a fight. If Jams struck him down here and now, he'd never know what Neldar had gone through all the years. Since James was sharing a little, maybe he'd want a listen at some point to. But at this moment, the next move was Jams; whether he shoved off to the VIP lounge, cut all business with Neldar, or more than just business, whatever it was, he didn't want it prolonged anymore. Miss Joza didn't come here for this, Neldar didn't plan to have James blasting in with an entrance, or finding out about his slaves, or his age, however he did. Of course, none of Neldars past is recorded, so it would all be up to James on how he would ever want to take it anyway.

"At last we let Miss Joza leave before mess starts," he said, if it would resort to that... referencing James many pictures. Jeremy had kept quiet this whole time, and there's no way he would get in the middle of something like this. He just ran the numbers, it was Neldars business. So before anything got more heated, Jeremy would slowly slip away, prepared for whatever the end of the day would bring.

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza’s polite façade faltered for a moment as the two tested their pride and experience against eachother—and her first instinct was to step in. Not in a diplomatic manner, that’s for sure.

Thankfully, the woman was conscious of her surroundings and well aware that instigating a fight would not be best for business or the baby. When James showed the images of the brutally dismembered slavers, she had to sigh. Joza wasn’t one to tell someone how to do their job, and at times found savagery distasteful. Still, she could understand the gratification in it. Many of those she hunted ended up as ash scattered across the floor or stained against a wall leaving little evidence of their hunter. But that was not why she was here, and the brutality of the pictures caught her off guard. She wrinkled her nose.

Placing a hand on James’s shoulder, she squeezed gently and whispered into his mind.

He’s agreed. Put your pride aside for one moment and relish in the lives you’ve saved.

The hand would drop to her side as her voice faded, turning instead towards Neldar with an appreciative smile. “I find the agreement acceptable. Six million from James, 20,000 from me for the slaves. Of course, it’s up to Mr. Justice to finalize this deal.” She passed James a pointed look. “I’m sure the last thing all three of us want is to stand around bickering. I’ve got a catalog of lovely dancers you’re both free to look through.” Holding up her datapad, one could see an image of a provocatively posed blue Twi’lek in exotic clothing. “Of course, if you’d rather slug it out, I can reschedule.” A brow arched, implying that rescheduling would be a…difficult affair.

[member="Neldar Poska"] [member="James Justice"]

 

[James Justice]

You try to come off as someone who seems to think they know better........o get this, if Mistuh James feels the need to kill Neldar, then kill him. Neldar isn't going to be intimidated just because Mistuh James can't control his own power - make no mistake, I will neva question your power........ showin' the blood and guts of some people that put a collar on their own kind. Not every one of them is evil, just like you ain't got the golden halo

The spacer felt his anger boil over in a furry of hell-like rage. James had garnered many nicknames and titles over his carreer; the People's Criminal, The Anarchist, The Woman Thief, Scourge of the Netherworld, and the Demon of Soceras, to name a few. He had a temper that was second to his charm and his hedonism. He took a deep breath, drawing in a mass of power before---

He’s agreed. Put your pride aside for one moment and relish in the lives you’ve saved.

He ordinarily hated it when his mind was tampered with--being tortured three times did a massive number on his shattered psych. But, she was right. He got what he came here for, there was no point in pushing any further or shedding blood. Lives were saved and there was no need to kill anyone.

He let out his breath in a hiss from his teeth.

"If I wanted to kill ye," James said smiling slyly and shaking his head, "Ye'd already be dead, ye and all ye care for, all ye hold dear, I can promise ye that. When I wanna kill someone, nothin' stands in me way. Ever," but that wasn't the point. He didn't come here to massacre for a few misplaced words.

"The deal, it be fine with me," he said, 'Now, let's move on, Joza be right. We got better things to do."

[member="Joza Perl"]
[member="Neldar Poska"]

 

[Neldar Poska]

[member="Joza Perl"] [member="James Justice"]

Neldar nodded, purposely ignoring James last comment so as not to upset miss Joza any further. No need for stress during childcarrying. "We will talk money later, yes? Joza and Mistuh James people contact Jermary, they discuss Slaves, Transport, Money, yes yes. Now. VIP room. Mistuh James get smile with many ladies, old drinks, and comfy sittin'. Miss Joza get best comfy seat and Neldar and Joza discuss dance time. Maybe Mistuh James want special dance too?" Neldar chuckled as he gestured the two over to a nearby turbolift. He tried to rush them in as he was wanting some booze as well, and blow off some steam.

Hopefully they scooted in quickly... Hut if not, Neldar would be patient. "Mistuh James," Neldar started as they all fit comfortably in the turbolift, "Neldar will learn dance, too! Hahaa! Maybe Mistuh James want dance from Neldar when Neldar learn how? Neldar give Mistuh James big discount!" Neldar said as he winked, maybe not actually referencing an active discount... "Hahaaa... Joza will like VIP room. It calm, quiet, not loud." He continued, pausing as the door opened to a dimly lit room with purple spotlights slowly moving about. There was a low volume music player playing something melodic and strippers could be seen about with drinks - they didn't have collars on. Towards the back was a bar with most of the smoking lounge beside it. The other half of the room had no smoking.

 

[Joza Perl]

Thankfully, things smoothed over and Joza let out an internal sigh of relief. She flashed a bright smile to each of them, following Neldar into the lift, almost giggling as he offered James a dance. “I think you should take him up, Mr. Justice. Something tells me that Neldar here will become quite the dancer.” The thought made her smile genuinely at someone like Neldar dancing seductively, swinging his hips and shimmying.

As the trio entered the VIP room, Joza quickly assessed the area. A part of her was still on her toes, despite the friendly host. It was only natural, but that didn’t mean that she wasn’t enjoying herself. She didn’t bother to hide her glances at the young women, noting the skimpy clothing they wore and the curves of their bodies. It brought back memories. Neither pleasant nor harsh, but memories all the same.

“Lovely.” She nodded towards Neldar. “Quiet.” She affirmed, eyeing the trays of drinks being bused around. Another habit she had to quit cold turkey several months back. With any luck, the baby would have two livers like his mother—but she doubted it.

[member="Neldar Poska"] [member="James Justice"]

 

[James Justice]

This was more like James' element. He laughed at Poska's offer to dance. He cringed a little bit inside with the imagery of that fellow in some sort of revealing dress or nightclub gown. Where was the mindbleech when you needed it?

"Oh ye flatter me," he said with a wave of his hand, 'I dun't roll that way." He did give a slightly impish smile, "I do enjoy dancin' though. Just not with men."

He looked around giving the place an appraising eye. It was nice enough, very roomy, almost homely for the crime Lord who did all his business in the biggest nightclub in wild space. He gauged the women, the hired hands, and the bartenders. He grabbed one of his favorites, a Reactor Core, from one of the passing waitress/strippers and took a pull from it with a satisfied smirk. "Nothin' beats suckin' down poison, eh?"

[member="Joza Perl"]
[member="Neldar Poska"]

 

[Neldar Poska]

[member="James Justice"] [member="Joza Perl"]

"Poor Mistuh James," Neldar said as he looked at Joza, "don't know good tail when they sees it!" Neldar gave a loud hearty laughter, but now it was the time for business. "Miss Joza, let Mistuh James have fun, we go to business. Ask lady for anything ya want, yes?" he smiled, walking to the back cornerzthe farthest spot from the spoking section to ensure ger health, gesturing her to follow.

He wqs thinking about a booth for his huge ass, but he more thought about Joza and her current situation. He changed his mind as he turned to one of the tables, pulling out a cushioned chair for Joza before going to the opposite side of the small table and taking a seat.

"Good, yes, miss Joza? Now, what we need talkin' about? About dancin'."

 

[Joza Perl]

"Putting those two livers to work already?" She arched a brow as James took a shot, but laughed in a good natured manner. Had she not been pregnant, Joza would have been liable to drink right alongside him.

Joza noted with approval that Neldar had led her to the furthest area away from the smoke. She gave him an appreciative smile and a slight nod of her head in thanks as he pulled out a chair for her. Seating herself, she let out a relieved sigh and made herself comfortable. Being on her feet had become more taxing that the Zeltron had let on, but she had to maintain a certain face for business.

As they settled in, Joza caught one of the waitresses by the arm gently. “Excuse me dear, could I have a glass of water?” She flashed the girl a smile before turning back to Neldar, pulling out her datapad and swiping in a few places until a picture of Miss Scarlett Orion appeared. “Of course. The dancer you’ve requested—Scarlett—comes at 80 credits per hour for performance, 120 credits per hour for lessons. She is one of my best though, and I’ve no doubt you’ll treat her with the same courtesy and kindness you’ve shown me.” A polite smile appeared across her face, though there was a veiled layer of protectiveness to her gesture. Joza was very territorial of her employees, and their safety was her top concern, especially considering the nature of their work.

[SIZE=11pt]“If you’d prefer something different, feel free to look through the listings. There are plenty of Twi’leks, Zeltrons, Humans and females of many different species of varying skill level and price range.”[/SIZE]

[member="Neldar Poska"]
[member="James Justice"]

 

[Neldar Poska]

[member="James Justice"]

Spoiler

Hey James, you get busy? You want to have left while we chat? It works for me, as long as Joza doesn't mind

[member="Joza Perl"]


Neldar had no intentions of betraying Joza, or going against her wishes. To be exact, he wasn't just doing this to have a little fun...memories of the past haunted him each day, but they were less hauntings more of sorrowful memories that reminded him of... Well, Neldar once had a lover. And she didn't want him to keep doing this anymore, she had other ideas, where they could be happy with less or no power. It's rare he would ever speak of such a thing, considering his past and his identity. But this would provide a sense of calm and truth from Neldar to Joza. "Ah, Joza. Neldar good business Vodran. Neldar always keep up side of bargain. Neldar would never harm miss Scarlett. Although... Neldar not really looking much at other dancers... Neldar has taken liking to miss Joza. Miss Joza dancer, yes?" He leaned forward with his inquiry as the waitress brought over a glass of water for Joza. "Maybe Joza dance with Neldar, hmm? Aaaah, no, no, no... Neldar not make Joza be on feet... Neldar concern for child, yes, yes. Neldar care for child and broodmother, hmm. Neldar good with price, Neldar good with any location but no Inner Rim, no, no. Neldar not go there, no, sorry."

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza cocked her head to the side when Neldar revealed that he was losing interest in the dancer he initially inquired about. Her eyes lit up knowingly and a small smile curled across her face as she took a drink of the water that had been delivered. “Of course. I started Heartbeat House to teach others how to dance. To be honest, I never imagined it would go beyond a small one-room dance studio in downtown Lianna City, but…” Her eyes took on a look of fondness as she reflected on the past couple years. In the end, she let her sentence hang in the air and shrugged. Heartbeat wasn’t intended to be a viable source of income or to start exploring other avenues, just a simple dance studio where Joza could do what she loved. Of course, she wasn’t at all sad about how things were turning out—new locations, expansion into different services, more instructors even…things had been turning out well for the Zeltron.

“Well, I—broodmother?” Up went an eyebrow, amusedly so as she turned the word over in her mind. Joza had been called many things, but broodmother was a new one. She laughed softly before taking another drink. “I wouldn’t mind showing you a few moves. Believe me, I’m learning my limits with this guy—or girl—in here.” She patted her stomach and smiled. “I won’t be doing anything too strenuous, mind you. But there’s a good amount of dancing that wouldn’t be too hard on me, so there’s no need to worry. I think it could be fun, even. Oh, and don’t worry about the Inner Rim. I operate out of the Tingle Arm for now, but I do house visits.”

Reaching for her datapad, she tapped at the screen, scrolling through the list of dancers. “If you’d like, we can set up a contract and I can provide you with dancers for your…lounge. At a good price.” She gestured to the entirely of the room, unsure of what exactly to call it.

[member="Neldar Poska"]

 

[Neldar Poska]

[member="Joza Perl"]

Neldar twitched his head q couple times, tapping a claw on the table until he looked up, looking Joza in the eyes. "Eh, uuuh, Miss Joza... What does Miss Joza think for long contract? Like, whenever, any times, Miss Joza send dancers to Neldar lounge, Neldar pay double. But dancers entertain whoever in lounge, any person. Unless, yes, dancer strictly say no. No pay, but any other entertain person, double pay, yes? Neldar encourage less war... Things... Neldar look for power, buflt that old Neldar. Neldar encourage small happiness, Neldar do these things for... For..." the claw that tapped on the table reached to his chest and clenched a fist.

"Eeeh, eheh... Neldar," he continued, taking a breath, "Heh," he smiled, "someone Neldar knew once told him be happy, less use or control people. Little... Things... Good. They fill body, heart, mind. Power only taint, corrupt, not fill."

His fast moved back to the table, unclenching. It didn't move so fast to smack the table, but fast enough, now giving Joza the sight of how large his was, at least three or four of her hands could fit in his. Rough, abused, painfull looking... But gentle. Claws that are meant to intimidate, have strength, never meant to hold or caress, but they did... Once. "Hahaha! Neldar keep make business, keep Miss Joza longer than needed. How we agree? Neldar tradition have cigars, no handshake because uh," he raised his massive claws, inferring it would be a very awkward handshake, "scary, yes? Haha. Neldar, no, never make Joza smoke. No drink for Joza, either. Joza maybe send custom contract to Jermary, yes? We go over, sign?"

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza leaned back in her seat, shifting to get comfortable as she listened to Neldar’s proposal with an open ear. She liked how earnest he was in his explanation. As his voice trailed off in trying to voice who he’d do this for, her head raised in curiosity. A small, genuine smile tilted her lips. “That’s very kind of you, Neldar. I’d love to help you out, and I find your terms agreeable. I’ll draw up a contract and send it Jeremy's way.”

Her eyes flickered towards his large hand as it came back onto the table. Neldar certainly was a large being, but he’d shown her nothing but kindness and concern since her arrival. She smiled wryly. “If I weren’t pregnant, I’d take up on the drink and the cigar. But…” She trailed off, hand idly on her stomach. “I certainly wouldn’t mind shaking on it. You’re not the first fellow I’ve met that’s larger than I, Neldar.” Smiling brightly, she held out a hand—though it would probably be more like her shaking one of his fingers or something. "Was that someone you mentioned important to you?"

[member="Neldar Poska"]

 

[Neldar Poska]

[member="Joza Perl"]

Bobbed his head a few times as he grinned, laughing heartily as he saw Joza's hand reach out. He raised his claw to shake her hand, but as she asked that certain question, his has didn't shake. It wrapped around her entire hand, clawed fingers curling around it with ease, Joza's hand completely disappearng inside, passed the wrist. The palm was rough, like it had worked too much. Even with Neldars abilities, his hands were never something he thought to take care of. While scaley, it wasn't a nasty or cold feeling. Joza could feel his scars, and if she had mental abilities, she could feel the sorrow building in his chest.

He stared at Joza as he remembered, that someone he held dearest. His grip tightened, but not painfully, only in a way that was similar to... Holding on, holding on and never letting go. A fashion of grasping that was more about caring, than strength. More from the heart, than the muscle. In a way, or a few, Joza reminded Neldar of her. But she wasn't her. She was dead.

Neldar closed his eyes and jerked his head down, before jerking it back up, opening his eyes and staring back at Joza. His hand shook her flailing little arm and he bolstered a laugh, as if forgetting the question. "Hahaaa, good, good! Good deal, yes! Thank you, Miss Joza."

An awkward pause then was forced between them and Neldar took a breath, sighing."Woman was dear to Neldar. She wanted Neldar happy, all woman wanted was Neldar truly happy, not happy from useless power. Neldar regret never make woman happy, or let woman see Neldar happy. But, story for later. Is there more to discuss?" Neldar showed he didn't want to touch the subject anymore.