Anola
Golden waves are woven into the brown of Anola's hair. Generally worn down, it reaches past her shoulders and frames her delicate face. Her eyes are exotic and innocent. A little larger than most and almond shaped, they are a stark blue with bare flecks of green. Her nose is narrow, giving her an intelligent look. And her lips, a gentle pink, are full. She has no wrinkles or any laugh lines. In fact, her expression is often passive, and she hardly ever smiles. Her skin is soft and lightly tanned, which gives her athletic figure more notice.
Under her black leather spacer's jacket is a white cropped shirt. The shirt seems to be soft in material and reaches just barely to the top of her pants. Her tight pants match her jacket but do not appear nearly so worn. Strapped around her waist is a belt with many pouches. To complete her outfit is black leather boots. They have been polished lately, but it is obvious this pair is her favorite.
Around her neck is a silver band about as big as her thumb. The silver metal rests just against her neck, leaving little room for movement. The band looks solid all the way around, without a seam. And at the front of the necklace is a loop, from it hangs a simple charm. It's a capital T about one inch tall.
Talor
A tall commanding figure is before you. Standing at 6'5" his face seems chiseled from stone. Green eyes peer at you beneath the black bangs that hang just over them. His hair is long in the back coming to just above his shoulder blades. It is black as night as is the neatly trimmed goatee that dresses his chin. His skin is a deep tan from the hours spent in the sun.
He is currently wearing a white t-shirt under a black jacket made from some exotic skin. His pants are made from the same material as his jacket and flow down to cover black boots with linked chains across the bridge.
Tenguin
This little Sullustan stands but a mere 1.4 meters tall, and appears quite thin for his race, as well. Dressed in a drab brown pilot jumpsuit, there seems nothing particularly notable about this Sullustan. His big, black eyes are standard for his species, though his big ears are swept back a bit more than most of his race. Atop his head he wears a strange cap of bright blue which seems to clash with his drab brown clothing. Sketched on the front of the cap in white ink is a simple '10', though what that means is not readily known. His jowls hang down around his mousy face like others of his race, but his lips seem puckered in slightly. Indeed, it appears he bites his lower lip often as there actually appear to be bite marks on it. His feet are clad with plain brown boots, which stretch up his legs to meet the bottom of his jumpsuit, which covers his entire torso and legs. His arms, however, are bare, and though not muscular, are quite lithe. His dexterous fingers seem held in a permanent embrace, curled inward.
Simon
This is a tall, muscular man in his late thirties. His dark hair is cut short, not quite a crewcut, but not something that needs a lot of attention either. Right at the top of his forehead, a thin scar runs four inches along the hairline. Another, smaller scar runs along the side of his nose. Other scars are present on his hands, and he walks with a slight limp in his left leg.
He is dressed in a silky-looking black suit and a blood-red silk shirt. The suit is completely plain and simple - the sort of simplicity that costs serious money. Careful observers notice that the slightly loose fit provides plenty of room under the shoulders, allowing Simon to carry small objects without creating a bulge. To complete the outfit, he carries a black cane in his left hand, with a large ornamental handle made of a silvery metal.
Chasm Bridge -- Trade City Arkania
This very wide bridge crosses a vast chasm between the Landing pit canyon to the south and Trade City on the northern side. The bridge is wide enough for two large speeders or repulsor trucks to cross, side by side. There are also walkways for pedestrians down the east side of the bridge. The bridge is made of a thick, heavy stone but has been reinforced with a durosteel framework.
Talor stands on the side of the bridge looking over the edge. Occasionally he spits over the side to watch it fall. Standing next to him is Anola who he every so often looks at and chuckles. Sometimes the simple things make you happy.
Anola stands with her elbows on the edge of the bridge. Her back is to the chasm below and when Tal laughs she turns to see what he did, even though she already knows. The wind has her hair and wraps it around her face. It doesn't seem to bother her, since she makes no motion to move it.
Stepping onto the bridge from the south is a short figure, its head hung low, its big black eyes staring at the stone bridgeway with little emotion. Atop his head is a bright blue cap, which seems to contract his drab brown flightsuit. He looks up as he hears the humans' laughter, and his eyes lock on them for a bit before he stops and takes a look over the edge himself.
Talor spits over the side one more time before standing and looking to Anola. He takes a moment to brush the hair from her face and grins at her. "Let's hit the bar."
Anola shrugs in agreement, or disagreement. Whichever it is, she seems willing to go because she pushes off the railing and stands up straight. "Whatever will get us out of this wind." She states. Then she helps Talor keep the hair from her face by pushing it behind her ears. It's not fashionable, but that's not her top concern.
As the humans begin to move away, Tenguin lifts his head again, his beady black eyes following their path as they head away. He shakes his large head slowly and mutters, "Silly'n lover humans'n."
Talor looks both ways across the bridge. "If I can remember which direction it is." He lets out a long sigh looking to the nearest...being...to him. "Scuse me, know where a guy can get a drink around here?"
Anola looks in each direction as Talor does. They'd gotten on this bridge somehow. Certainly they'd passed a cantina. But then again, she's been standing here so long she doesn't remember which way they came in from. "I hate new places." She mutters as Talor asks for directions.
Seeing the two having trouble, the Sullustan slowly trudges towards them and calls out tiredly, "Need'n help, humans'n?" His voice is almost slurred, but he appears very sober, so perhaps it is just his accent. As he approaches them, he waves a tiny hand at them and repeats. "Need'n help?"
Talor nods. "Aye, where can we find a drink on this rock my friend?"
Anola has already given up on getting off the bridge. A biting wind races by, but she doesn't shiver. Instead she just leans back against the railing again.
The Sullustan nods slowly, and at first it seems he did not understand the human's words. Then he points a small, mouse-like hand towards the north and says, "This'n way. I shall take'n you there if you buy'n me a drink'n!" A silly grin crosses his big face and his jowls pull upwards slightly as he chuckles, a funny nasally sound.
Simon was walking just a short distance behind Tenguin, and sees that Talor has started a 'lost tourist' sort of conversation. With interest, he stands a short distance behind the Sullustan, possibly giving the impression that they are companions (although they are not).
"Oh, and'n I wouldn't be doing that'n, lady." The Sullustan adds. "I've seen'n people fall'n in!" he says, his face back to seriousness.
Talor grins. "I'll but ya a drink my friend." He looks to Anola and makes a simple motion with his hand towards her.
Anola raises her eyebrows as the Sullustan addresses her. She smiles as if honestly amused. "I can only hope." Her words are oddly serious, even if her expression is not. She pushes back off the railing and steps up next to Talor as she notices he's ready to leave.
Simon watches everyone grouping up with interest - perhaps this is an opportunity to find out about this place discreetly. Remaining silent, he falls in at the back of the group.
Norjah strolls onto the bridge a happy smile covering his face. Though it's happy, people can tell and almost evil look to it. Norjah stops at about the middle of the bridge and looks down, taking in the view. A big sigh comes out, taking out all the nervousness of starting something totally new, and trying to calm yourself.
The Sullustan leads on to the north, and as his feet step off of the bridge and onto solid, if frozen, ground, he seems to let forth a sigh of relief. He points to a small, low building to the east. "That'n be it," he declares in his slurred, nasally Basic. "Chance's Cantina'n! Only bright'n spot on this dreary rock'n!"
Talor nods as he follows quietly.
Anola is in step behind Talor.
Chance's Cantina -- Trade City Arkania
The metallic music of a quartet band is the first thing you notice when you enter the Cantina. The interior is circular, and the floor is crowded with round tables and chairs. Along one wall is the bar, complete with stools and a pudgy, disgruntled looking bartender. Aliens, humans, and creatures of every stripe imaginable mill about the Cantina, which is crowded at all hours, day or night. Indeed, it is dimly lighted in here, and once inside, it is hard to tell what time of day the outside world is experiencing. The din of conversation is all around, as people speak in dozens of different languages and drink all manner of exotic beverages.
As the group enters the cantina, the Sullustan separates himself from the others and heads to his usual spot in the corner. As the bartender approaches to take his order, the little mouse-like alien says quickly, "Miner's Dusty," amazingly with no accent or slurring! He then calls across the bar. "Miner's Dusty is the best thing'n this rock'n makes! And since'n you are paying..." his voice trails off, and he chuckles again.
Sitting at the bar and leaning wearily over a green liquid is a human male who is dressed in plain brown clothing. His eyes are fixed empty and unmoving looking forward with no other motion being made by this man except for an occasional swig of his drink, known as Jalop.
Talor nods to the sully and looks to Anola to make the order.
Anola watches Talor a moment. Then looks at the bartender, who approached the table with the Sullustan's shout. "We'll take two of the best you have." She says simply. Then looks to Talor for approval. "I'll have a caf." She says watching him, not looking at the bartender.
As the lady orders a simple caf, the Sullustan shakes his head slowly, having just barely overheard her order. As a mug is placed before him, the little alien grabs it quickly with his tiny hands and lifts it to his mouth, sipping the clear, bubbly liquid, and licking the bright, golden foam from his lips.
Talor nods to Anola in approval. He raises his glass to the sully. "Thanks for the directions friend." He tips the glass back.
Kryllen glances up at the door as the group enters, and seems to snap out of the 'brooding' he seemed to be in when he sees his new friend giving what, as far as he can tell, is a tour to several others. A slim smile spreads across his face and he waves at the Sullustan. Then tosses several coins on the counter next to his half full glass and slides out of his seat and heads over towards his friend.
The little Sullustan quickly downs the rest of his drink and places the empty glass gently on the bartop. He nods to the human's thanks and says softly, "You're welcome'n!" He then wipes his little hands on the front of his flightsuit and walks out of the bar, nearly crashing into another human on the way out. "Hey, watch'n it... Kryllen?" His voice turns from annoyed to shocked and he adds, "Why, you'n bum! If I wasn't due'n to train the gunners'n, I'd be here with you'n!"
Anola blinks as the Sullustan takes her caf. She spreads her hands a little in amazement and annoyance. The glass that's left is what was intended for their guide, and she's not exactly interested in it. But as the Sullustan leaves she is left with it. Instead of taking it for herself, she moves it in front of Talor. He can have it when he's finished with the drink he has.
Norjah sits down around the other tables that seem to have the most action. He sits by himself, deep in thought on how to proceed in what to do. His eyes track all the people entering and leaving, a habit after bounty hunting. He sighs at the thought of that, hoping that perhaps he will be more successful in pirating.
'Gunners?' thinks Simon. 'Who would be training gunners out here in the middle of nowhere?' How interesting. Filing that tidbit away in his mind, he moves discreetly to the bar, where he orders a Corellian Ale. Looking around, he notes the various people here, but keeps to himself as much as he can while listening intently.
Kryllen shakes his head and smiles, "Training the troops already are you? You crazy pilot. Well I'll catch you later then." he finishes as the Sullustan walks out, then takes a seat in the corner where the mouse-like alien had previously been seated.
Simon expands the notes in his mind. The Sullustan is a pilot, who trains gunners. The plainly dressed human is in on it somehow. Space it, he's never going to remember all of this. Reaching into his jacket pocket, he pulls out a datapad and starts writing it down.
Anola shrugs and holds the caf. The warm cup is nice after standing on that bridge for what seemed forever. "I have no idea. It was the strangest thing I've seen since I've been here." She takes a sip of the liquid, then smiles. "Thank you."
Norjah glimpses over at a table and spots Simon. He picks up his lemonade he bought earlier and heads on over. 'Hey Simon long time no see. Haven't been able to talk to you since I quit being a bounty hunter. So any of these people someone your hunting down?" Norjah grins and slides down across from Simon.
Kryllen looks up again form his new spot in the corner and examines all the new come faces with a casual but careful sweep of his eyes. He hales the bartender, who is a short plump fellow, and orders another glass of Jalop. Then upon receiving it he approaches Simon and for the sake of conversation questions him in a casual tone, "You visitin' Arkania?" he says as he sits down next to the man, as if he had been planning on sitting there anyways.
Talor nods to Anola and turns to lean his elbows back on the bar to scan the joint. He raises his hand to his face and strokes his goatee back into place after the windy bridge. Not that the neatly trimmed beard needs it but it looks cool. "Them sully's is a bit odd."
Simon smiles a strange smile across at Norjah. "Should I be hunting anyone here?" he asks, looking around the cantina. "There do seem to be some strange things going on." Pulling a hundred-credit token from his pocket, he taps it on the counter as Kryllen walks over unexpectedly. Looking up with a that odd smile, he answers, "Yes, I think it's a bit cold for me to make a home here."
Norjah nods his head and looks over at the other guy striking up a conversation with Simon. He realizes he does not know him.
Anola hates traveling. She'd never left her home planet until roughly two years ago. And new beings and cities and whatnot is just not her thing. "What are we doing here, again?" She's probably asked the question to Talor a hundred times. But it makes it known she's not happy without having to say something so obvious as -I'm not happy.-
Kryllen nods in that same 'conversational' manner at these words. But when he mentions 'hunting' a flash of shock spreads his face, but he buries it quickly. Then he pauses for a moment then choosing his words carefully he replies, turning back to the casual tone, "Aye, it is a cold rock, but you get used to it. So you're a hunter?" he says eyeing the man carefully.
Talor quirks a brow at Anola and reaches up tapping her necklace's charm. "What do you think we are doing here?" He looks back to the crowd. "Same thing we do everywhere we go."
The space-cursed posters, Simon thinks. I should never have approved those posters - now the whole galaxy knows my face. Keeping the smile firmly attached to his face, he shakes his head. "Not exactly," he answers. "I work for the guild to help the guild members, although some of them have decided that I'm not worth my fees." That last is said with genuine humor, he doubts that Norjah's departure is related to his performance in any way.
Anola makes no response. She knew the answer. She lifts the cup to her lips, but doesn't drink. Caf is nasty stuff in her opinion. She ordered it because it was warm. Looking down into the murky liquid, she sets the mug on the bar. It's then she spies the sweetener. Grabbing it, she tilts it over her cup until the container starts running low and some beings start to watch her in awe.
Norjah smiles at the comment and wonders why Kryllen would want to know if Simon was a hunter. He assumes though that it was just for conversational purposes and moves on. "Well I think I wound up on the dullest planet in the galaxy. This guy was right, it is cold here. By the way I don't think we've met. I'm Norjah Tolen. What's your name?
Kryllen nods again and ponders Simon's reply in his head, but tries to remain casual and to make it seem that he is just simply just trying to make conversation. Although the extremely observant one could tell that he was nonchalantly pressing for information...somehow connected with bounty hunting. He takes a swig of his drink then replies, "But you have access to the same kind of info. The guild receives?"
He then turns politely to Norjah, "No we haven't met have we, I'm Kryllen" he starts to give his last name then stops abruptly, and attempts to cover up the pause with another polite (more like sly) smile
Talor scans the bar once more then gets a smirk on his face. He nudges Anola with his elbow as he nods towards a humanoid woman sitting alone. "There." He says simply.
'He's so helpful,' thinks Simon. 'Norjah introduces himself, and then gets the name of the other - interesting that he doesn't want to talk about himself, this Kryllen.' Having covered up his thinking processes with a sip from his drink, he answers the question cagily. "Not as much as I'd like," he says, although he has full access to the official data. "You could think of me as a researcher, so they tell me everything they think I need to know."
Norjah makes a confused look but then asks instead, "Pleased to meet you. So uh what do you do for a living?" Norjah tries pressing in, knowing something's wrong about this guy and he's not saying everything.
Anola would have ignored Talor's nudge if she thought she could. She turns on the barstool and notices the woman alone. "She's obviously waiting on someone." She says either trying to get out of it, or trying to by the woman time. As she turned she kept the warm mug in her hand, but otherwise her thoughts have left her caf.
First Kryllen replies to Norjah, hesitantly, "I'm a...pilot." he finally says, "A good profession if you want my opinion, and you?" he asks.
Then before he receives a reply from the man he turns his attention back o Simon and asks almost half interestedly (seemingly), "So, if someone has a price on their head, you would know?" His eyes flash back and forth between the two waiting for replies.
Talor looks at Anola giving her the 'you have got to be kidding' look. "She has been there since we got here and hasn't looked at the door once." He shakes his head. "She is waiting on someone but she doesn't know who yet."
Norjah expected this question to come and again notes the hesitation in his voice. He gives up on the matter and continues." Well I actually just dropped out of the bounty-hunting guild and so now I'm in transition of jobs. I'll most likely be flying things though like yourself."
Simon glances at Norjah, noting that the helpful intentions have translated into pushing a bit too hard. Ignoring that part of the conversation, he focuses on Kryllen. "Kinda hard to do my job if I don't," he says, "But there are some pretty serious restrictions on giving that sort of information away." Then he shrugs, and says, "Of course, if you had any information, my fees do allow me to pay reasonable expenses." With that, he gives the hundred-credit token a meaningful tap against the counter.
Anola has this feeling she's about to be given 'the look'. The one that she knows means, go over there and introduce yourself to the nice lonely lady. She looks down at her caf, and sighs trying to think of a new excuse. "She's dressed in trash. There's no telling what kind of parasites she has." It was stretching the truth. The woman wasn't the richest, but around here it wouldn't be called trash.
"Well like I said," Kryllen replies with an interested nod to Norjah, "It's a good profession, any idea who you might be flying for?"
Then he turns his head slowly to Simon and eyes the token carefully, "Information?" he asks slyly, "Well I might, by money is not what I'm after." he leans a bit closer to the man, "If you give me a bit of info. On a certain...name that might possibly be known to you, I'll give you information of his whereabouts. Noting that finding him would pay highly..." he leans back and smiles, not removing his eyes for one second from the man.
Talor gives Anola a stern look. He turns to the bar and orders another of what the woman is drinking and opens a small packet dropping the contents into it. "Go make nice."
With a shake of his head, Simon narrows his eyes at Kryllen. "So what's in it for you, if I tell you that I'm looking for missing crew from the Ocicat?" Now, he asks himself, how is this man going to react to that name? Leaning back, staring into Kryllen's eyes, he raises his drink and takes another sip.
Norjah eyes him and decides to not open his mouth much. "Well I'm not really comfortable saying who. If word got out, it wouldn't go over to well for me." Norjah grins trying to shrug off the seriousness of his comment and looks over at Simon to see what he's doing now with his 100 credit coin.
Anola clenches her teeth and sets her mug on the bar. She was a bit hard with it and sloshed some of the caf out of the mug. Luckily, it had cooled and didn't hurt. Instead of grabbing a napkin, she just licks the liquid from the back on her hand, while at the same time taking the glass from Talor. She says nothing to him, merely lets him know by her expression that she's not happy. (It's an expression she wears a lot.) But before she moves away from the bar she smiling and headed toward the woman sitting alone. "Mind if I join you?" She asks as she sits and sets the glass in front of the woman. "You look like you could stand another."
Borealis grits his teeth at the metallic noises emitting from the quartet band. He moves through the room wafting even as the smoke does and deposits himself on bar stool patiently waiting his turn to be asked his pleasure from the bar keep.
"Nothing," Kryllen replies, obviously a little confused at the reference to the 'Ocicat' "You see I happen to be looking for someone myself, an old...acquaintance you might say, and I hear that there might be hunters also after him. So if I give you the name can you supply me with information on him?" he says almost in a whisper, eyeing the man carefully.
Talor watches as Anola moves in and looks about the bar to see if anyone is paying attention to them or if they go unnoticed.
Simon doesn't recognize Borealis as he enters, for all that the man was involved in the shootout on Nar Belsa a few weeks ago - not that he's paying attention to much besides Kryllen right now. Anola is certainly filtered out, just part of the general movement in the cantina. As Kryllen speaks, Simon keeps drinking his ale and staring into the other man's eyes. "An acquaintance?" Simon asks, smiling with delight. The lack of reaction to Ocicat is disappointing, but the new information is better. "Perhaps a business acquaintance, someone who owes you money? We'd be delighted to help. Who is it?"
The woman across the table from Anola looks curious and untrusting. Anola can't blame her, and she wishes she could scare the woman away. She's tempted to do it anyway. But she doesn't. She just smiles and makes small talk, mentioning things like she's new to the planet and doesn't know her way around. Her words are the basics to anyone you first meet, friendly but not too open, or honest. It doesn't take long before the lonely woman across from Anola takes her first sip of the drink Anola handed her.
The tender makes his round eventually getting to Boris, "Make my a crashed corpse special?" He leers almost lasciviously with impeccable whit teeth showing through parted lips as he watches reaction. "A what?" the tender asks having no clue.
Kryllen silently snaps his fingers under the concealment of the bar, in annoyance at his failed attempts to give out as little information as possible to Simon, 'he's obviously used to this' he thinks to himself. "A business partner, yes." he finally replies, "His name is..." then he stops suddenly and looks around the cantina to make sure no unwanted ears are listening in, then he continues in a softer tone, "His name is Talek, have you heard of him?"
Talor pushes himself off the bar and moves towards the table where Anola has joined the woman. As he gets close he puts his arm around Anola taking the seat next to her. He says nothing but smiles an evil little smile.
Simon nods slowly. "Talk, yes. We have a listing for him - it's at the low end of the scale, but there you go." Leaning back, he realizes that this conversation isn't going to lead him to any of the secrets he was looking for, and allows himself a glance around the room. Looking over at the table where Talor and Anola have joined a woman, there is a slight twinge at the back of his mind, but he can't work out what it is. Never mind, if it was important, he'll work it out soon.
Anola makes motions that look like she's introducing Talor to the woman. By now she's learned the woman's name and all kinds of information. It wasn't hard; it's never hard. She just doesn't like it. And all the while, she continues to smile, and waits for the woman to finish her drink. But it's taking longer than she expected. The once lonely lady is now very happy and very talkative. But then again, Anola's not surprised.
Borealis still keeps plastered leer on his face as he explains to the tender, "Oh? I'd been told by reliable source that a crashed corpse special was a local favorite, I am not sure what's in it. Likely a little bit of everything, a little CynRic spice, perhaps essence of Ocicat?" He suggests, but the tender just looks at him like he's daft, "Look Mr. You want the house special?"
Kryllen breathes a deep sigh of relief and makes no attempt to conceal it. "The low end of the scale, that's good, do you know if any hunters are hunting him presently?" he asks further.
At the word Ocicat, Simon turns to look at Borealis. He's sure that he's seen the man somewhere before - why is everyone asking about that ship? Turning back to Kryllen, Simon narrows his eyes a little, then decides that he can answer the question without getting himself into trouble. "I think they're on the verge of calling it off," he lies. "Seems like the trail's gone completely cold." Looking around the room some more, he realizes that the man and woman who entered together have worked their way over to a table with a poorly-dressed woman, who started out hostile. Studying them briefly while taking a drink, he wonders what sort of scam they are working.
Nodding to the introductions Talor raises his glass to the woman in toast then watches her drink before drinking himself. He offers Anola a slight tug on the shoulders. He looks about the bar once more then back to the woman saying something in a low tone.
As he looks about the room Talor's gaze falls upon Simon. A slight nod as the men's eyes meet for a moment then Talor goes back to the business at hand.
Anola rests an elbow on the table. She's really stopped talking at this point. She's only smiling out of necessity. And as Talor tugs her shoulders she gives him an 'I hate this smile.' The kind that are too big and too fake to mean anything else, but it's quick and in a flash her expression is back to her normal happy. But the woman across from her has finished her drink and by this point has no idea what's going on. "Let me get you another." Anola says and starts to stand.
Borealis shrugs, "What ever you suggest master." He lisps the s sounds overly long. The tender returns the shrug happy the obviously drugged conversation had come to its climax and conclusion all in one. He taps the oily ale for Boris and slams it on bar to him retaining hold till credits are changed, Shiny new ones by the look of them. Boris catches the look of the man near him, Simon and lifts mug in toast. "Blind pips and more of em!" Well sort of a toast. Boris quaffs the drink half down.
Kryllen raises his eyebrows at Simon's reply, "Off the trail huh? So you mean to tell me they're just...giving up because it's too hard? Not likely friend, tell me now, how many hunters are after my friend?" he asks sharply, then his eyes go wide as he realizes he let the word 'friend' slip out. Ah, well, it makes little difference.
The woman at the table with Anola and Talor raises her hand to stop Anola from leaving. She makes some gestures for her to stop and touches the side of her head closing her eyes. The woman stands with a wobble and makes her way for the door.
Joshua enters the cantina - once again like he owns the place. The man makes his way over to the bar, dropping a credit chit onto the bartop with a nod to the tender. "Keep it simple... Sunfire on the rocks." Yeah, that should warm up the insides a bit. He turns away long enough to take in the other occupants of the bar and when he turns back, his drink is there. Well, at least he was being served tonight, he smirks to himself.
Noting Anola rising to her feet and the other woman heading for the door, Simon curses the fact that he is trapped in a conversation - not that the scam is any of his business. Glancing over at Borealis, he decides that the man is just another drunk in a bar - perhaps he saw the man on one of his previous visits to this world. But Kryllen is getting a bit stressed; he'll have to handle that carefully. "I honestly don't know," he says (honestly), "The guild doesn't work that way. I do know that they never call off a bounty, so if you want to play it smart, find yourself a new friend." Hmm, that didn't come out careful - ah well.
Joshua enters the cantina - once again like he owns the place. The man makes his way over to the bar, dropping a credit chit onto the bartop with a nod to the tender. "Keep it simple... Sunfire on the rocks." Yeah, that should warm up the insides a bit. He turns away long enough to take in the other occupants of the bar and when he turns back, his drink is there. Well, at least he was being served tonight, he smirks to himself.
Kryllen nods slowly and leans back against the bar, seeming to accept the fact that this man had given him all the information he could. 'I'll find him' he mutters under his breath in a manner of resolve. "Thanks for the help." he says simply turning once again to Simon. Then gets up and walks out. As he walks his eyes are set forward, filled with determination and pondering. With this he exits the cantina.
"Ooo, be careful there." Anola says taking a few steps and grabbing the woman around the waist. She supposes it was good she already stood. If this lady fell it'd cause a scene. She takes the woman's arm and slips it over her shoulder. "Maybe next time we shouldn't drink so much." She says in an amused tone. "How about we find you a nice place to lay down?" Anola's new friend seems good with that idea as she nods then reaches for her head again.
Ah so perhaps it was not Boris' name-dropping that had gotten Simon's attention. The Guild master did not even look familiar to Boris their time in Hutt prison had been so brief and groggy. He nods to Joshua as the man comes to his other side to order something that to the Engineer sounds as incomprehensible as the drink he'd ordered but the tender seemed to know it well enough. Boris needed to get out more often this was clear.
Talor stands and follows Anola and the woman she is assisting. Again he scans the bar before helping them towards the door.
Simon gets to his feet and heads out to the door to follow Kryllen, but when he gets there he discovers that the man has disappeared in the snow outside. He is about to curse when he sees that Talor and Anola are headed towards him. With a shrug, he stands by the door-release, ready to open it for them as they head outside. They've obviously drugged the woman into submission, but the important question is why.
At this point, the game is almost over. There is little Anola could do even if she would. She awkwardly walks with the woman toward the door. It's a scene that happens in a bar often. Someone having to carry another out. Most wouldn't think twice about it. As they reach the door she smiles at the would-be-bouncer (Simon), "Excuse us." She says and tilts her head to the door-release he's blocking.
Talor steps up behind Anola and looks over the pair of women. "Excuse us, she isn't feeling well."
Simon opens the door, "Just being helpful," he says, "She looks heavy, and I was on my way out the door anyway." Having said that, he holds the door open for the trio, preparing to follow them out.
A bit of snow comes in the door as Marcus steps in from off the street. He brushes the remaining snow off his vest and then blinks at all the people near the door, "Gee, big crowd tonight." He says mainly to himself, "Excuse me." He says to the others as he steps by them, on his way to the bar.
Anola drops her jaw and gapes at Simon. "She's not heavy at all. What a rude thing to say! She's just sick not deaf." Her tone is indignant and fits with the games that women have a tendency to play. With that said she moves away with the woman in tow, who seems to have no problem going with Anola. Her problem is merely keeping up with her as Anola presses by the people entering.
Joshua has turned around and faced the bar, drink in hand as he notices Kryllen's quick exit. Now where is the hotshot off to now? He better be getting that Beta prepped. Especially if he planned on flying her on their next trip. As he monitors the door, taking in Simon and the trio as they exit, he sees Marcus enter. After lifting his drink to signal his friend over, he takes a drink.
Talor follows the women out giving Simon a sideways glance.
Simon was already keeping out of the way of the door, and doesn't really recognize Marcus as he enters. Smiling to Anola with a nod, he says, "Well, all of my friends collapse around about the doorway whenever they get sick in a bar." Then he follows Talor out onto the street, holding his hands close to his sides.
Main Street -- Trade City Arkania
This isn't really a street, but more like an old roadway. The hard-packed terrain cuts through this southern end of town, leading from the southern Chasm Bridge north into the Town Square. Many of the spacers stop here if they are only here for a short time. The local cantina, while seedy and dangerous, is the only tavern in the entire small town. A sign to one side of the roadway proudly boasts the town's population as 950 citizens.
Simon follows the three out of the cantina, and tries to work out how he wants to handle this. There are no authorities here, and he doesn't know these two. That leaves two choices, the discreet gun behind his back or the big one in his jacket. Deciding that it would be better not to provoke a fight if he can avoid it, he puts his hands behind his back to provide easy access to the holdout blaster and follows the three people into the snow.
The woman groans at the snow and bitter brightness of it. Even Anola winces a little. She'd raise a hand to block the glare, but then she'd drop her new friend. "It's okay. Just close your eyes." She says gently. "I've got you." She moves forward and the woman doesn't step with her. "Come on now, left foot forward." She coaxes, and looks over her shoulder to Talor. That's when she sees Simon left the bar behind them.
Talor follows Anola's gaze behind him but shrugs it off as he steps to the other side of the woman crouching low to raise her arm over his head. "It will be ok, we will take care of you." He encourages.
Simon continues to follow, slipping his right hand under his jacket so that his fingers wrap around the butt of the tiny pistol. They'll notice him in due course - if not, then he gets to find out where they are going.
Anola practically drags the lady toward the bridge. The lady is still awake, but isn't helpful. Anola thinks she did say 'thank you' though, which seemed odd to her. "It's not far."
Chasm Bridge -- Trade City Arkania
This very wide bridge crosses a vast chasm between the Landing pit canyon to the south and Trade City on the northern side. The bridge is wide enough for two large speeders or repulsor trucks to cross, side by side. There are also walkways for pedestrians down the east side of the bridge. The bridge is made of a thick, heavy stone but has been reinforced with a durosteel framework.
Simon follows with interest, this is not where he was expecting these people to head. Surely a better place for robbing this woman would have been in a secluded spot in town? Or are they going to load her onto a ship? The other possibility is a bit unnerving - perhaps he's been spotted, and this is a good place to dispose of bodies.
Anola makes it with Talor's help to the start of the bridge before the lady finally faints. Anola nearly drops her, "Ack!" She says under the unexpected weight. "Well, at least the reflection off the snow wont bother her anymore. She says as she helps pass the woman over to Talor.
Talor scoops up the woman in his arms and the pace increases quickly as they move across the bridge.
Simon walks up to Anola and Talor, planning to confront them at the entrance to the bridge, but Talor picks up his pace and a confrontation on the bridge would be insanely dangerous. Dropping back again, he continues to follow.
Landing Pit -- Trade City Arkania
The landing pad of Trade City is nothing more than a rather vast canyon with a magfield over it to keep the elements out. The vast canyon has several hangars dug into its walls for smaller craft. The canyon itself is over 150 meters deep on three sides. The only viable exit is across a vast bridge to the north. The bridge is easily capable of handling a large speeder or repulsor truck in either direction. A sign hangs over the exit leading out, which reads:
Welcome to Trade City
Anola rolls her shoulders now that the weight of the woman is off of them. She hurries along beside Talor and pushes the woman's hair out of her face to help her breathe. Then she falls in step just behind him.
Talor walks with the now passed out women in his arms. His stride is long and he eats up ground with it. He checks over his shoulder once more and sees that Simon is at the very least going in the same direction as them. In the very worst he is trailing them.
Simon knows for sure that we are headed for the spaceport now - better to make a move before they get to a ship, he could lose them if that happens. "Excuse me," he calls, "But what are you planning to do with that woman when you get her to your ship?"
Talor doesn't stop walking. "Who is going to a ship?" He replies heading for the shuttle. "We are simply taking this woman where she can rest. She is obviously drunk."
Anola says nothing. She just stays in step with Talor.
Simon grins gently, adjusting his grip on the pistol behind his back slightly as he follows Talor and Anola. "Obviously," he says, "And obviously the two of you - who have never met her before - are helping her out of the goodness of your hearts." After a pause, he adds, "I want to know who's protecting your operation - which Hutt do you work for?"
Talor grunts loudly and spins on his heels whipping the limp legs around. "I work for no Hutt." He bends down slightly. "I work for someone a lot scarier than that." He grins. "And if you were wise you wouldn't interfere with /his/ business."
Anola nearly runs smack into Talor as he spins. She's quick though and steps out of the way. And she manages out of the way all together, off to the side where the guys can have their talk and she can go unnoticed.
Simon slips the gun loose from the holster, but doesn't bring it into view. "Oh really?" he asks, "So do I, his name starts with Darth." Letting that sink in for a moment, he says, "So, let's talk about your operation, perhaps you'd like to make friends with me, I can be a useful friend."
Talor tosses his head back in a laugh. "Well, then you should not interfere with your bosses business then should you." He shakes his head. "Maybe another time we can talk deals, right now I have a delivery to make."
Anola just watches with her mouth closed. She's gotten better at that, keeping her mouth closed. Especially in times like this. She'd rather not be involved. She'd rather just be back at the bar drinking caf, even though she hates it. It was warm there, among other things.
Bringing the gun around so that it points straight down by his side, Simon smiles, "There's more than one Darth in this galaxy. I think right now is an excellent time for us to talk." Glancing around, he spots Anola. Good, she hasn't gone too far, and doesn't look like she's about to try anything.
Talor shakes his head and speaks in a hushed tone to Simon. "The Darth I work for is Cabal. I am in his employ and under his protection. Now, if you are going to pull that weapon pull it. I am sure the fact that his best trader is no longer there to provide him manpower will not sit well with him and the seconds it takes me to die from a blaster shot will pale in comparison to the eons it will seem like before he finally kills you." There is a glint of fire in his eyes now, as he likes tossing his 'get out of jail free' card around when provoked. "If not you will holster that blaster now and I will forget this happened."
Anola continues to just stand. Her expression has changed to worried and she glances around the starport. Spouting Darth names isn't exactly good for business. It's like wearing mismatched clothes, it can be over looked, but everyone notices.
"Send Darth Cabal my fondest regards," replies Simon, "And, pass on my thanks for his succession of generous gifts." Lifting up his jacket, he puts the pistol back in the holster behind his back, then walks up with a smile. "What can I do to help? Are you seriously going to fly her across in a public shuttle?"
Anola just blinks. So what we're all friends now. When did that happen?! She'll never get used to this business. For that matter, she doesn't want to get used to it. She knows what's going to happen to the poor forgotten passed out wreck in Talor's arms, and it has nothing to do with an Inn.
With a shake of his head, Simon walks closer, studying the woman without touching her. "I have a ship specifically designed for transporting sick people, you know." Looking Talor meaningfully in the eye, he continues, "Nice soft walls and secure doors, just the thing for people who are a bit unstable and might hurt themselves. Fast engines too." He decides that it's safe to ignore Anola for the moment - at least until she says something.
Talor simply nods. "Near?" He looks to Anola and makes a subtle motion with his head then looks to Simon. "If not I will just take her to the hotel."
Anola steps back by Talor. She remains out of his way, but she's much closer in case she's needed.
"Fraid not," Simon shakes his head. "But I can have it here tomorrow. The small one has three private rooms, the big one has six rooms with nice padding, and bench seating for another twenty." He shrugs, "Problem is, I never seem to be able to find enough friends who enjoy the smell of riot gas."
Talor nods slowly. "Ok then, we will meet here tomorrow then and we can go meet the boss together." He looks to Anola. "Go prepare the room." Looking back to Simon. "Until then I will....tend to this woman at the hotel."
Anola heads toward the shuttle. She's not exactly sure if she's going alone ahead of them or if they will be along shortly. Either case, she does what she's told and without complaint.
END OF LOG