Gritting her teeth to maintain her bravado near her companion's guns blazing away, Aneira reminds herself that the grizzled smuggler she's pretending to be wouldn't even flinch, so nor does she, though her heart pounds away and she can feel every beat in her throat.
She concentrates on the immediate surroundings, drawing her own weapon and making sure the group isn't being flanked.
Thomsid casts an uneasy grin at Thrask and turns to Aristi and Djebelle "Is he going to hurt me? I think I would rather just talk to you."
Juviest holsters his blaster, putting a finger to his ear. "Nice shot, LT.", he relays, before putting his hands on his belt. "He might, but talking to them might help your case.", he relays, starting to make his way into the crowd. He grabs one of the stunned thieves by the belt and starts dragging him. I'm getting way too old for this. Wish I still had my repulso-belt..., he sighs as he feels a moment pain in his knee.
"Well, you better start talking or we'll talk with Twitchy here.", he says, sitting on the crate and putting his feet on the stunned man's back. "Ladies.", he nods at Aneira and Djebelle.
Aneira stares at the man until he wakes up groggy.
Hi there partner! she shouts loudly enough to rattle the still-fogged brain inside his skull.
Now there's one thing standing between you and my friend here's teeth... she doesn't even look back as she points behind her at Thrask
...and that's me. And I'm awfully bored of this place already and keen to move off...
she flashes a wicked smile
So I'd like you to tell me something interesting.... say who put you up to pickpocketing our Bothan there, and anything else interesting you might want to tell me
Kara approaches the downed thugs cautiously. She knows one is out, but the other could do anything. She comes at them from behind, out of direct line of sight of the one who tripped. When she reaches him, she places her boot on the back of his neck, and tucks the barrel of her blaster behind his left ear. Her voice, mechanized by the helmet's speaker, hisses in his ear.
"Listen close, dirtbag. I can only drag one of you. If you try anything funny, anything at all, you'll be another corpse for the incinerators on this rock. Now get up, real slow, and grab your buddy. Tell us what we want to know, and you'll walk away from this."
Then Kara takes her boot from his neck and steps back, thumbing the selector off of 'Stun'.
Aristi's a bit stunned at how quickly the group neutralized the thieves. It takes a moment for Thrask's threats towards Thomsid to become clear. He marches up to the crates, reaching out a paw to help Aneira from her perch. As he does so, the Bothan looks up at Thomsid. "Aneira's right. You need to start explaining quick, or we go. We don't play games." He watches Thomsid expectantly for a moment, then turns back to the crate. "Right, back to the ship. Thomsid here can find someone else to get his supplies." He makes a show of moving things back to the ship.
Coercion - 2 failures, 1 threat.
Never was good at threats. Juviest thinks as he watches the show. If you say to people you're going to shoot them, always thought it's better to just straight up tell them. He shrugs, pulling out a flask. He looks at the crowd. They do look a bit dodgy, but hell if I can tell them apart. If someone comes by, I'll shoot. Nice and simple.
Never was good at threats. Juviest thinks as he watches the show. If you say to people you're going to shoot them, always thought it's better to just straight up tell them. He shrugs, pulling out a flask. He looks at the crowd. They do look a bit dodgy, but hell if I can tell them apart. If someone comes by, I'll shoot. Nice and simple.
"Uh, we, uh we just say him and he seemed an easy mark. You know, times are hard here and we got to eat." says the thug that Aneria asked the question of.
At the LT's request, one of the thugs drags his stunned cohort toward the group.
Thomsid looks at the bothan and the rest of the group with shock, "I dont know these guys! They are always coming though here causing trouble but I cant get anyone to care enough to stop them. Take them and kill them or turn them in, I dont care. Good riddance!" He continues after spitting at the two being escorted by Kara, "There is no reason for us to break our partnership, I thought we had a deal."
Aneira sighs and beams a whisper in to her ComLink, tight-band broadcast just to the team
They appear to just be pickpockets, Thomsid appears to just be our contact for delivery. Maybe they were put up to this but I doubt there's much to be gained by dallying, my suggestion is we should finish our business and move on
Aneira nods at the thug
Wellll now partner, we can't just let ya go without some sorta penalty, how bout you turn out your pockets and we'll let ya run off?
She shrugs at the rest of the team
May as well try and turn profit, always good to get paid for whatever ya get up to!
She turns to Thomsid
Dawdle yer Dewback o' master of the dock, you got the creds, we got the candy-flavored toothpaste...
she pats the crate she's sitting on, hopping off it and landing like heavily with no grace at all. She brushes herself down.
Gentlemen, it's not nice to leave a lady waiting, not healthy neither when her friend Trandoshan is both watching and hungry!
she sways towards Thomsid
Just kidding...
then sways back to the pickpocket with a smile
...not kidding...
she grins and waits, one hand on her holstered blaster and the other empty and ready to grab some creds.
Kara stands motionless behind the two thugs she brought, heavy blaster in hand. But behind the mask, she doesn't approve of robbing the man who didn't appear to have any connection to the pickpockets.
'...get the data pad back, then our creds for this drop, and let's move on. too much time wasted exposed out here...'
Back through group comm: "Hey Rebel Intelligence. Too much talk. Get the creds and leave him be."
Juviest grunts, taking another long sip. Tapping on his ear, he starts talking. "I'm with the LT on this one. I'm just going to say, if you take his creds, you give him an excuse to come after us next. Right now his parnips are probably shriveled like hell, and it's doubtful to consider testing us out again. Then again, I doubt whatever gang he might potentially arrange would be a match for us. Personally, I don't mind, or need, the drinking money." He shakes the flask, sheathing it after a sound depressingly indicates its remaining booze.
Really LT? Shouting that out on a non-MilSpec 'private' ComLink channel? Anyone listening would think I was still working for them rather than having quit due to the low pay, sheesh, you owe me a whisky for that one!
She taps the pickpocket with the toe of her boot.
The rest of the team appear to have taken pity on you, best scarper before they change their minds eh?
She waits for him to run off then turns to Thomsid
Crate's yours as soon as I get creds in my hot little red hands...
she holds out one hand with a friendly smile on her face.
Djebelle winces at the exchange over the intercom. The former Imp and former(? Djebelle's not so sure about that...) Rebel getting into it, who coulda seen that one coming?
Time for a snippy retort to redirect their attention. "Hey, if you two are gonna flirt like that, could you at least get a room first? So the rest of us don't have to listen? Thanks."
She brightens up. At least they got through this unpleasantness without anyone being killed.
"Pleasure doing business with you, Thomsid. Sorry about my friends, they can be a little abrasive. Still, no harm no foul, right?" She smiles at him, using the full force of her dimples to best effect.
Juviest can't help but chuckle at the situation unfold. "Heh. Haven't worked with a team in more than twenty years. Forgot about stuff like that. Well handled, kid.", he says to nobody in particular. He pulls out a blaster, starting to clean the barrel with the end of his coat, keeping an eye on the crowd. "You all play nice, now."
Kara turns slowly toward Djebelle. She pauses for a long moment, the purple-haired woman's reflection staring back at her in the faceshield of Kara's helmet.
Thomsid hands over the 500 cred and the code to unlock the retraining bolt for the droid. "Pleasure doing business with you. Now that you stamped out these thugs my business should increase. Come back anytime, especially you., he says with a chuckle looking at Djebelle. As soon as you release the crate he digs into it and grabs a hygiene pack and runs off to the office. A moment later a droid picks up the crate and moves it to storage.
After walking the ptrid streets of Nar Shaddaa you make you way into the undercity. Though no cleaner the lights and data screens casting a glow through the steam and humidity does give it a certain charm. You quickly fnd you way to a large establishment with a 3 meter tall statue of Bantha sitting outside. you open the door to a crowded room with a central oval bar that wraps from the back to about 3/4 of the way into the room. To the right is a small stage with a 3 piece band playing calm music. Tables are situated on both sides of the bar, booths along the back and left side walls and there are 4 doors on the back wall. The bar seems to be a little over 50% occupancy with around 100 patrons, 2 bartenders and 4 waitresses.
Aristi congratulates the group on concluding a good deal. He was a little concerned about that figure he'd seen up in the window, but hopefully there wouldn't be any more complications here.
Arriving at the Frothing Bantha, he has to admit that the place has a certain swanky charm. He indicates he's for heading to the bar. "Keep an eye out for Proc Shmo. A Twi'lek. Maybe we should split up, help us keep a low profile."
Thrask shakes his head and makes his way down the street towards the bar, once inside he gives a small nod to the Bothan before just leaning against the door and scanning the room. He preferred to stay close to the noticeable exit in case someone tried to make a break for it.
"...ulp..."
Djebelle makes the journey to the Frothing Bantha in silence, making sure that someone (preferably Thrask) is between her and Kara.
On arrival, she nods at Aristi, but raises hand to advise caution. "Make sure you can see each other - things in this sort of place can escalate really quickly."
Kara ignores Djebelle for the moment. Once at the Frothing Bantha, she removes her helmet, storing it securely on her belt. Then she takes a up a spot next to the door opposite Thrask. She gives the big Transdoshan a knowing nod and a grin.
'...no one gets in or out unless we say so...'
a quick scan of the bar's patrons reveals 6 Twileks. One, a female, is at the bar chatting with one of the barkeeps. Two males are at a table together talking with a human who is telling what appears to be a very funny story as they are all laughing. The Human keeps stopping to scan the room. A forth (male) is in a corner booth with a Gran and Cerean. They appear to be discussing the food they are eating. Another Gran sits at the table closest to the booth and though he has food, he is clearly watching the two characters standing at the door who just entered the tavern. Anther female is on stage with the band playing a wind instrument and swaying rhythmically. The final male is in a booth alone near the band. He alternates between watching the band and scanning the crowd.
Aristi slowly makes his way over to the bar, taking care to act casual and not draw attention to himself. Along the way he takes note of each twi'lek he sees, looking for any distinguishing marks that might indicate their contact. Especially, observing the way that several of the characters seemed to be scanning the crowd, Aristi hopes to avoid arousing any trouble by talking to the wrong twi'lek.
Djebelle keeps a wary eye out as she saunters casually to the bar. She does her best to quickly check out each of the twileks.
The years of making dodgy deals in shady haunts like this, places where she had no honest business to be, is coming back to her; adopting a posture and attitude, with accent to match, she orders a drink and does her best to blend into the background.
Once she's settled in, she will start asking questions to try and locate their target.
Aneira also scans the crowd
We're looking like a crew instead of individuals, all of us scanning for work, I better run some distraction, help them out
Whooping and hollering, Aneira struts to the bar, grinning like a loon.
she laughs uproariously, talking over her shoulder whether there's anyone following her or not.
She slams her hand loudly on the bar.
She leans on the bar, making a point of staring around the place and holding anyone's gaze who meets hers.
Juviest looks at the bar. Good selection, it seems. Would love to come here without work and with credits..., his mind drifts off, as he follows Aristi inside. "I'm covering the kid.", he quickly whispers on the comms, before tapping the Bothan's shoulder. "Let's go and see the music enthusiast.", he whispers in his furry ear. "You lead, kid. I'm just the muscle." Not really sure it's him. Or if it's a her. Twi'lek names are crazy like that., he shakes his head, before tapping on his comm again. "New gal, check the one talking to the bartender. See what they're talking about. I'll leave the judgement to you.", he whispers once more.
Getting Clues as to how a job giver would be behaving or if the Gran are bodyguards.
As Anerira slaps the bar, the bartender talking to the female Twilek approaches and and with a hand gesture to lower her voice says "Settle down, I will get your drink. Not a good time to cause a scene ya hear. Things could get bad real quick." With a scan of the bar, a tap of the bar, and a wink the barkeep turns around and grabs the bottle of blue liquid and pours it into a glass.
Thrask's eyes stop and stare at the Gran that has begun to star down him and Kara. He lets out a low hiss and turns his head towards Kara. "The one in the corner looks like he has two guards, the Gran, and an adviser.[b/]" he said keeping his voice low. A small pause as he watches to see if the Gran will look away from them before continuing. "[b]We've been watched from the moment we posted. I'm better with my claws and up close." he said as he started to turn his body towards the group and it was obvious that he was about to head their direction.
Aneira glances left and right in an exaggerated, perhaps slightly inebriated manner, tipping her hat at the bartender
Ah now right you are! she grins at him widely, tapping the side of her nose.
Thanks for the heads up partner!
she takes a swig of the blue beverage and leans in.
So uh...what *sort* of trouble? A girl doesn't want to get all up in the middle of a gang war or muss her hair hunkerin' down behind the bar if people start drawing blasters!
She glances up and down at the bartender
Then again, life's all about who you're hunkerin' with! she laughs
Now, you gonna do the right thing and make sure a girl doesn't get in trouble? Who in here should I be minding my own business around?
'Thrask!" Kara hisses through clenched teeth, "where are you going? Let the others do the talking!"
She watches the big Transdoshan with alarm, not sure if he will stop just because she said so. As much as she hated the standing and waiting for action, she knew better than to get involved in an area that wasn't her expertise.
'...let the team do what they do. trust your team. let them do it. trust your team...' She kept repeating to herself.
The bartender smiles back at Aneira, "Lots of types you dont want to do no "hunkerin" with come round here. That 'un in the corner, once saw him stab the waiter for asking too many questions. Looks like the two a the door may be in for some trouble, hopin' your not with them."
The Gran continues to eye Thrask and does not react noticeably to his overtly aggressive act. A second later he turns his head to the table with the Twilek and then scans the room.
Kara puts out her left hand to Thrask's elbow, her small fingers lost on the big Transdoshan's arm.
"Stay frosty." She whispers to him. "The Gran just put those three on notice." She nods to the three humans at the table.
Never taking her eyes off of them, her right hand drops imperceptibly down toward her blaster pistol, while she angles to put Thrask between her and them so as to hide her action.
If they pull weapons, someone's going to die...
Juviest escorts Aristi to the gentleman in the booth, before taking off his hat and nodding at the seat, taking a seat if offered. "Evening.", he says politely. "Sorry for bothering you. Me and my friend here are looking for someone called Proc Shmo, to do some business.", he says in a straightforward tone. "If you're looking for details, my friend here'd be happy to answer."
All this watching on whose toes you're stepping is stupid. If you've no want to talk to us, just tell me. I've got no time for you., Juviest thinks on the careful feeling of the turf.
Juviest escorts Aristi to the gentleman in the booth
Aneira laughs at the bartender's tone, sweeping up her azure concoction and looking like she's drinking deeply. As the vessel touches her lips she vocalises in to the comlink she's palmed in her hand
Mark in the corner is a player, prone to violence, you two by the door be on alert, you've been singled out
She drops the cup down with a *thunk*
It's all good friend, I'm in here to have a nice time, not get rolled up in some underworld war! Now, if you've no other customers to get to, you can tell me all about your bar here, and what a handsome lunk like you's doing workin' i a place like this!
Juviest nods at the seat. "Mind if I take a seat? Walking here from the ship was a longer trip than I thought.", he says, sitting down. He takes off his hat, thinking of replying to the comm, but stopping. Not the greatest in this cloak and dagger whatsits..., he thinks as he nods at Aristi.
Aristi slides into a seat alongside Juviest. For now, he's happy with letting the Sullustan take the lead as he's not really sure what the grizzled veteran's plan is. For now he tries to beam his friendliest smile, and his fur ripples with a golden hue that is known to be pleasing to most sentients.
Charm check - 1 success, 2 threat, 1 triumph
"Just like any other bar, we get our regulars as well as those doing "business". The real question is what are you doing in a place like this?" the bartender says with a bellow.
"Sure, have a seat, are you a fan of the music? What tha!" He says rearing back as the Bothan sits down. "Sorry, I have never seen one up in person. Wow your fur is lovely. My name is Proc." he says extending his hand the Aristi and Juviest.
Aneira laughs at the bartender's joke.
Ha! M'just waitin' onna coupla friends doin' business with a 'Proc Shmo'
she takes a sip of her drink to mask her scrutiny of the bartender as she mentions the name
after that...who knows!?
-------
Aristi shakes hands with the twi'lek calling himself Proc Shmo, and introduces himself and Juviest. "Proc Shmo? Well, glad to meet you. One of our associates said you were in need of a ship to transport some materials?"
Djebelle sees that Aristi has correctly identified the mark, and seems to be doing a passable job with the chat. She stands off, enough that she can get there in a couple steps if needed, and breathes into her comm-link.
Aristi's found Proc. Chill. Anyone takes an interest, then we start cracking heads. Not before.
It would be nice, it would be so, so nice, if just for once they could get in and out without trouble. No plan survives contact with reality. She's heard that from someone recently. She wonders if it was Kara.
Thrask paused when the hand came to rest on his elbow and he waited for a brief moment to make sure that one of the others would go to "work" on this group in the corner. He wasn't sure if pretty words were really going to do well enough to impress a boss such as this but he relaxed back against his post, clenching his teeth and raising his lips on the side the commando could see showing his irritance at how slow moving it was to make contact.
Kara nods at Thrask. She felt it too.
...'don't like standing around exposed like this'..."
Juviest relaxes his back, leaning on the comfortable seat. Music's too damn loud in here. Used to be people sat in the bar, had a talk. Nowadays everyone's afraid of passers-by and whatnots. Can't be too careful, they say. Well, I say if you do it too careful, you end up married on a farm, worried about whether or not someone's going to catch you selling bootleg. He pats his pistols.
You should still be careful, though. In moderation., he thinks, his eyes darting towards the glasses on the table.
"so you are here to take the equipment off my hands, it is about time. I have had to store it as well as pay "taxes" to a greedy imperial a few times. The price has doubled now, do you have the money or should I find another buyer?" says Proc as he leans in to speak to Aristi
The Gran, seeing Thrask settle back, again glances at the 3 humans who resume their drinking, though much less enthusiastically this time.
"Ah Proc, so the furry and the short guy are with you?" the bartender turns his head to glace at Proc.