Arena [Black Sun] Glory and Gore

[Atius Hanno]

MERCENARY
AURODIUM SWORD
TRADE FEDERATION
ACCOMPANYING | Thane
PROXIMITY | Velzari Tharn | Nes Teth the Elder


Atius pushed his own glass aside as he finished the last residue of colored water. A strange ritual to ask for coloring, but it conveyed the message he wanted it to, that he was careless. Hanno was anything but.

"It helps to work where business is honest. I cannot endeavor to imagine it enjoyable to negotiate without the threat of violence, it lends credence and position to the weak."

The false mandalorian chuckled idly as his eyes panned between fights. Thane's words drew silent agreement and understanding.

"You will need a reason why some intermediary holding company's purchases are ending up in the hands of Black Sun gangsters, hm? Seems like a ripe target for investigating third parties, if they looked closely enough."

The proposition was offered with another suspicious survey of the room, which he periodically idled with as their time in the booth progressed.

"Ah, well it certainly makes sense as long as we do not expect the prying eyes. I imagine some ambitious upstart from the core seeing a case like this as red meat. Not that I care, means more payout for my services."

He seemed pleased with that status quo, flagging down the waitress for another water. Then, when she departed-

"Who is the one he's speaking to now?"​

 

[Zahran Khaldun]

Objective Two​

With the collapse of Imperial authority in the New Territories, the Outer Rim and the Slice had become a virtually lawless frontier. Hutts, regional warlords, crime lords, and men like Zahran were already moving in to fill the void. On an impoverished world known as Reuss, scorched by acid rains, the Black Sun and local underworld bosses had gathered. Zahran was one such man. It was possible that a meeting like this could evolve into something far larger, but only time would tell.

Beneath the poisoned skies, a small shuttle descended and touched down. From it emerged three men who looked distinctly out of place. At their head was the Corsair Lord Zahran Khaldun, a man who seemed as though he had stepped out of a history book or a faded propaganda reel from some forgotten empire of a gilded age. His ivory uniform was pristine and immaculate, a stark contrast to the grimy, dust-caked cantina here at the edge of the galaxy. The two men beside him wore matching cream-colored military coats with high collars, who looked as if they had seen combat. They did not bother with the bouncer, or rather, the bouncer did not dare to stop them. As they passed through the warped and rusted doors of the cantina, voices fell quiet, heads turned, and hands drifted to weapons.

The trio moved through the haze of spice, smoke, and flickering neon lights as they passed through the cantina's interior. Zahran himself did not make eye contact with any of the patrons. His movements were deliberate, neither rushed nor lax. Without a word spoken, one of the waiters quickly deduced that he was heading for the VIP lounge. He clearly wasn't waiting for an invitation.

"Gentlemen, I give you His Lordship Zahran Khaldun, Scion of House Khaldun, Blood of the Chandaar Kings, Corsair Lord of Argai, Master of the Crescent Fang, Sovereign of the Outer Tributaries, and rightful bearer of the title Kara Hilal." One of the officers announced and gestured formally to Zahran.

Zahran looked to Thane , the Mandalorian Atius Hanno , and the underlord Velzari Tharn . It was an interesting gathering of men, to say the least. He dismissed his two men and turned back to gathering and finally spoke

"You may call me Lord Khaldun," Zahran said simply with a smile. "May I take a seat?"

 

[Atius Hanno]

MERCENARY
AURODIUM SWORD
TRADE FEDERATION
ACCOMPANYING | Thane
PROXIMITY | Velzari Tharn | Nes Teth the Elder | Zahran Khaldun

Atius kept an eye on Zahran and his party as they threw the dictated terms of the club to the side, absconding of their duty to dispose of their weapons. A certain admiration was evoked, though his suspicious instincts prevailed in shifting his right hand to his vambrace.

"Sir, bold party on our periphery. No bouncer check."

As the officer made his introductory announcement, Atius Hanno sat up straight. In his mind raced several thoughts and considerations, some violent. When Zahran dismissed his men, Hanno's guard was stymied for only a moment. Atius stood as Zahran approached to speak, extending his arm out in front of him, palm facing in the self-professed lord's direction.

In cold tone the mercenary responded, "That's enough." ​

 

[Hakar Scaleback]

The Madclaw Kinley Pryse Rel Ahn-Dross Yael Kandar​

---

<No.>

Trandoshan eyes narrowed into slits as he uttered a guttural hiss. Instincts that could be traced back millennia flooded his base urges toward aggression at the mere sound of Silverback's voice.

"Thisss isss a matter of honor," Hakar told the mandalorians without taking his gaze off the wookiee, "Do not ssstand in our way."

He plucked his hunting axe back up from their table and sucked in a deep breath before baring a maw filled with rows of sharklike teeth. Powerful hind legs cleared the table from Hakar's standing position in a bestial leap. Taloned feet knocked over his bowl of paddy frogs and the little snacks began hopping everywhere for freedom.

Hakar brought his axe down one handed in a blow meant to cleave the Madclaw's skull. Somewhere buried deep underneath his spice enhanced rage a cold part of the trandoshan's lizard brain asked the Scorekeeper to witness his tally.

 

[The Madclaw]

The Trandoshan caught up its axe in one hand and vaulted off the table toward Tojj, like some mythic ancestral nightmare become flesh. How often throughout the long centuries had this scene been repeated between their peoples, the ravenous avarice of the reptiles knew no bounds. And Tojj’s own people tended to cower in blind fear, like herd animals. Pathetic. Those who did not, those who resisted were often easily cut down by the Trandoshans, who always attacked with superior technology and wily traps. But today, the lizard had no lurking ambush, no antimatter snipers in the treetops. Just claw and fang, scale and fur.

As the lizard came toward him, time seemed to slow to a crawl. Tojj’s lips peeled back in a snarl of defiance. The thrill of adrenaline raced through his veins like the sound of drums in the wroshyr. He let the Dark Side in, felt it pour into his body, into his very bones. The power suffused his being and he reveled in it.

He stood his ground, heedless of those around him and rammed his head forward.

The axe fell. It made a wet thudding sound as it separated fur and flesh, cleaving down to the bone, where it stopped cold - as if the bones themselves were made of adamant - reinforced by the Dark Side.

Axe buried in his head, the wookiee looked into his ancient foe’s eyes and his lips twisted in a feral smile. The pain ripped through him, white-hot and nearly blinding. The Madclaw let the pain crash into his rage, taking it all in. Then he flexed the sinews of his arm, clawed hand splayed wide, and he grasped the axe-wielding arm of the Trandoshan just above the bicep. His other hand shot forward, wrapping around the Trandoshan’s throat to give himself a grip. He set his feet and with a mighty roar he sought to rip the offending arm from its very socket.

Hakar Scaleback

 

[Serrano of Denon]

O B J E C T I V E - 1
F I G H T - C L U B

Rostam Khavarzai​

De'Veen let out a soft snort through her nose. She had no interest in the Arena's cheers; her focus was on blood and payment, ideally in that order. Her four arms gripped the hilts of her four curved blades, their edges crackling with energy and casting an eerie red glow over her battle-scarred body.

The challenger was lean and likely a threat, given their presence in the Black Sun's domain. De'Veen had encountered this type of bravado before and had mercilessly reduced them to size once they realized that despite her imposing stature, her speed and raw power could swiftly lead them to an untimely demise.

"Big Ugly," she repeated, her voice rough like gravel. "Hmph. Is that really your best shot? Then I won't feel a bit guilty."

Without a moment's hesitation or showmanship, she charged forward, her boots kicking up a cloud of dust.

Her attack was a formidable, four blades slicing through the stale air in the direction of Rostam Khavarzai . The upper pair arced high, aiming to draw his pike into a block, while the lower pair struck a heartbeat later one blade sweeping low towards his thigh, the other spinning wide to slash from the side.

 

[Yael Kandar]

GLORY AND GORE

A Brave New World - Chapter 1

OBJECTIVE: Mingle
TAG: Hakar Scaleback | Kinley Pryse | Rel Ahn-Dross | The Madclaw

Spoiler: THEME

BROKEN TUSK, REUSS VIII

Looking over at Yael again he would have mused...

"Kestri?"

“Mhmm, I was a foundling,” Yael hummed, now realizing that it’s her accent that gave her away. She was raised in Kestri and grew up there. It was her home not so long ago. “You?” Yael asked the hulking man that dwarfed her in size, her attention is fully locked in him now. She notices that he’s been non-stop drinking, it should be easier to make him reveal his story.

Yet as she sips her drink, waiting for the Vod’s story, the Trandoshan started to provoke a Wookie nearby, and it quickly escalated into a full blown brawl.

“Aruetii skanah!” Yael cursed at the two as the Trandoshan almost knocked her off her stool. She took a glance if her two other counterparts are fine, before shifting back towards the Wookie and the Trandoshan. “Usen’ye! Karkin’ animals,” another curse as she disrobed and threw her coat away to reveal the outline of exoskeleton that has been customized to be permanently attached to her body since her accident, bulging underneath her black combat suit.

The Black Sun assassin certainly didn’t come here tonight for a fight, but her blood is forged by Beskar, she’s not a coward who shies away from one either.​

 

[Rel Ahn-Dross]

O B J E C T I V E - 2
D I N N E R - A N D - A - S H O W
Yael Kandar | Kinley Pryse } Hakar Scaleback | The Madclaw ​

---

Quite observant. He had been drinking, four empty vials on the table told that story without him having to say a word. His composure hadn't changed though; he could handle his liquor.

Hakar Scaleback was on the attack before Rel could answer Yael Kandar . When the Tradoshan took up his axe and cleared the table Rel was already reacting, pushing back from the table so the he wasn't knocked prone. As he went, taking a quick step backwards to create distance he'd reach for Kinley Pryse so that he could jerk her by the shoulder, pulling her aside in the process unless she was quicker than him.

Once he was on his feet, his stance squared his head turned in the direction of the Tradoshan and the Wookie as they engaged one another. A Grimace broke his features as the Tradoshan drove his axe into the Wookie to no effect and The Madclaw answered with his claws...

"Mmmm."

...a muttered sounded escaped him, muffled due to the noises filling the cantina as well as his pursed lips. Something was amiss. The Wookie likely couldn't take such a blow with so negligible an effect without unseen aid. The Force was at work here.

Now that he was standing at his full height Rel's stature would become more evident. He may not stand the height of a Wookie but he was a large man, larger than most and thickly built with broad shoulders whereas his physique would have only been muscular when he was seated. Watching, he remained where he was.

As Yael threw her coat back, revealing the exoskeleton fitted to her frame he would have stepped forward only to say...

"No."

...when it seemed like she might interpose herself between the two combatants...

"It is not your fight."

...nor was it his. The Tradoshans and Wookies had a blood feud dating back lifetimes or so he had been told.

 

[Kinley Pryse]

You've been hit by... you've been struck by...

I didn't double-cross you. I triple-crossed the guy who thought I double-crossed him.

​

Before Kinley could react, someone yanked her aside by the shoulder to make way for the Trandoshan and the Wookiee both ready to throw down. The table rocked violently, and her barely touched drink slid off, shattering on the floor. Glass scattered. Heads turned. A chorus of hollers erupted as bystanders got swept up in the chaos, the fight inside mirroring whatever brutal match was playing out in the pits.

"Keep your money, my friend." She pressed the credit sticks back into his hand, tipped her hat, and vanished into the crowd with practiced speed. Kinley didn't mind a brawl, but a Trandoshan, a Wookiee, and an angry Mando? That was a cocktail she wasn't about to sip.

Flint wouldn't give a damn if she wound up in a med bay, and he sure as hell wouldn't lift a finger if she got caught in the crossfire. All he cared about was his money. So Kinley had to be smart and stay alive long enough to deliver it.

Tags: Rel Ahn-Dross Yael Kandar The Madclaw Hakar Scaleback

A Smooth Criminal

 

[Velzari Tharn]

O B J E C T I V E - 2
D I N N E R - A N D - A - S H O W​

​

Velzari raised a ridged eyebrow, his already piqued interest growing even more so at Zunn’s mentioning of Trade Federation technology. The prefix stolen meant little to him; the Federation brand name was what made him release an intoxicating pheromonal miasma. It was indiscernable to the naked eye, and perhaps ineffective on Toydarians who could withstand even Jedi mind tricks, but Velzari made no attempt to stifle his body’s reaction.

“The Guild will find Black Sun to be quite a lucrative client, so long as it meets the needs of the syndicate. Your inventory of Federation property is particularly… interesting. I would like to hear more about what you’re offering, and how much there is.”

Velzari folded his fingers over his palm, examining his sharp black nails carefully. They were perfectly manicured and shiny enough for him to see his reflection. It was distorted by the pulsing lights of the lounge, but his visage was unmistakable; sharp features, taught skin, and shrewd eyes. He glanced upwards to Zunn again.

“Black Sun buys in bulk,” he explained.

The Underlord settled back into his chair, sinking into its leathery embrace. He quite liked the design and made a mental note to have his majordomo pick up a set for his manor on Nar Shaddaa. In the meantime, he enjoyed his spot in the lounge and gave the room a passing glance. Several tables were full of familiar faces, but many were not. The Broken Tusk was a crossroads for many crime lords, gang bosses, and independent contractors in the Outer Rim.

He made a mental note of Thane and Atius Hanno at a nearby table, a pair of unlikely comrades who’d looked Velzari’s way more than once. Perhaps they had business to share with the Underlord, or maybe they wanted to kill him.

Time would tell, after his dealings with the Toydarian were concluded.

Tags: Nes Teth the Elder | OPEN
Nearby: Kinley Pryse | Rel Ahn-Dross |
| Yael Kandar | Rostam Khavarzai | Thane | Atius Hanno | Zahran Khaldun
​

 

[Nes Teth the Elder]

O B J E C T I V E - 2
D I N N E R - A N D - A - S H O W

Zunn's snout detected an unusual odor, a pungent scent that was distinctly unpleasant, and it certainly wasn't the death-stick he was holding. He glanced at the Underlord Velzari Tharn , whose pheromonal response was quite something to behold. The Toydarian exhaled sharply, a glint of amusement within his eyes as he tapped the ash from his stick into a silver tray on the table.

The Falleen then made a surprising announcement: they were interested in a bulk purchase, which would significantly boost the Guild's finances. "Bulk buyers enjoy bulk discounts," he chuckled, fingers interlaced in excitement. "But I suspect you're more keen on the details than flattery." He reached beneath the cushion beside him and activated the datapad, switching the viewscreen from reports on the Royal Naboo Republic to an inventory list of recently acquired Trade Federation cargo that had been skillfully liberated from pirates near the core.

Though he did not fail to notice the pair at the table, one Thane and one Atius Hanno who had been glancing over here now and again. He was slightly worried that his acquisition of cargo had caused some slight trouble with the Federation which would presumably lead them to send agents to negotiate the old fashioned way.

"We have many things such as several Experimental Hyperspace Engines, several Shield Generator Walkers which are decent enough to handle enemy raids on Black Sun outposts, 10 or more so TF-300 Tanks which are the latest generation of repulsor tank technology comparable to even the Galactic Alliance's military....Though that is just some of our inventory." He explained though with much more apprehension than before.

Tags: Velzari Tharn
Nearby: Kinley Pryse | Rel Ahn-Dross | Hakar Scaleback | Zayah Bane ​

 

[Thane]

T H A N E
EXECUTIVE
ESTURUO HOLDINGS CORPORATION
TRADE FEDERATION
ACCOMPANIED BY | Atius Hanno
PROXIMITY | Velzari Tharn | Nes Teth the Elder | Zahran Khaldun ​

---

---

END OF LINE​

He motioned down another serving girl, taking a cold glass of water this time, not wanting to dull his senses too much on the eve of a potential first impression for his prospective client. The woman took the credit chit and the empty glass respectively, clearing the table as Thane eased back into his seat. To Atius's remarks he tilted his head with some consideration. "There will always be prying eyes, Mister Hanno. But it is for me to have the means to hide from them." He iterated and soon enough the pair were approached by the Corsair. He eyed the man with an analytical crimson flit of his eyes before his cold expression warmed with a grin.

"A man of your prominence would strike me as one to have a booth all to himself. We're soon to have a meeting but for the time being, by all means." He said, gesturing to one of the seats adjacent to him in the booth. Thane nodded to Atius with a silent indicator to allow the man to seat.

"Do excuse my friend, here. As you can see, hah, the sort of...ruffian nature of this establishment calls for security in the interest of a man like myself." He said, falling right back into his established character of the aloof salary man out of his element on a business trip.

The discussion at the nearby table earned his attention, his crimson eyes fixed on the man before him as his ears were more honed on the talk between the Geonosian and the Falleen. Thane's alignment wasn't something that he did well, nor did he care to. He donned a sleek top of dark grey and gold, in the same styling as Imperial uniform but aesthetically distinct in its finery and symbolism, most prominently the emblem of the Trade Federation on his left shoulder embroidered in a metallic white.

No doubt, the Trade Federation had fallen victim to piracy and no doubt the Underlord would be interested in purchasing the fruits of said crime. He could be a short sighted, petty little man and stand up with stern finger wrought with accusations, storm out and inform the Viceroy that they would not dare do business with those who stole from them.

He certainly could. But he did not. He took mental note at best but with the scale of the Federation's operations...he was hardly interested in acting as arbiter here. The intent of his meeting would smooth things over and provide ample opportunity for both parties.

"And since you've joined us- I do have to indulge my own curiosity of why you might be visiting this place? You don't strike me as a man who has made his wealth from parlays...but I have been pleasantly surprised before." He said with a faint chuckle, sipping once more from his water. His gaze flitted once more to the Falleen before he looked back to the Corsair thrumming with interest, even if it was a facade.

 

[Atius Hanno]

MERCENARY
AURODIUM SWORD
TRADE FEDERATION
ACCOMPANYING | Thane
PROXIMITY | Velzari Tharn | Nes Teth the Elder | Zahran Khaldun


Atius' eyes were trained on Zahran since his arrival, and they didn't shift for a moment even as Thane offered his initial greeting. Zahran could feel a cold stare hidden beneath the helmet, unfeeling and utterly without care for life. It was only Thane's gesture that stayed his apprehensive and standoffish posture. With a single step the false mandalorian created an opening for the man to pass him by. When he finally did sit, Atius lowered himself accordingly, eyes trailing briefly to the real object of their visit who maintained conversation with the Toydarian.

The conversation nearby earned the mercenary's attention in a far different way than that of his employer. The brazen admittance to thievery put him off, and in another life, a more minor matter would warrant his immediate intervention. Alas, he was now under the employ of a far larger institution with historical entrenchment, legitimacy, and an aura of corporate trustworthiness. Galactic businessmen, criminals, governments, and individuals traveled from all over to do business with his employer, a fact that often rendered his proclivities to violence docile. It is this fact that continually stays his bloodlust.

Thane's own clear recognition of the matter put his mind in a further state of ease. He would not make a scene here.

Then, the matter of the newcomer. Atius observed the conversation in silence, having adopted a professional demeanor in situations of the sort. His left hand folded over his vambrace, both resting comfortably on his lap. A snap of his fingers shortly after and a verbal call, his next refill would be on the way shortly. ​

 

[Hakar Scaleback]

The Madclaw Kinley Pryse Rel Ahn-Dross Yael Kandar​

---

Triumph flooded the trandoshan's brains with endorphins as his axe bit deep into wookiee flesh. It mingled with confusion before twisting into outrage when the Madclaw refused to die. Hakar's perfect kill would have earned him a mighty tally but now the Scorekeeper bore witness to this unclean hunt. A maw bristling with fangs opened wide to tear out his blood foe's throat.

Powerful claws seized Hakar by the neck before he could taste prey flesh. He struggled against an impossible grip, legs kicking, before Silverback contemptuously pulled the trandoshan apart.

Hakar's arm tore off in a fountain of gore and he unleashed a tyrannic roar of pain as loud as the wookiee's satisfied growl. The severed limb was still clutching his hunting axe when it tumbled away. Survival instincts urged the trandoshan to go limp and play dead but the racial enmity between these two species was so great that he instead spit venom in the Madclaw's face.

 

[Rostam Khavarzai]

Objective 1
FIGHT-CLUB
​

The assassin needed De'Veen to strike first. While his energy shield could absorb her blows, being pinned down behind it by an opponent of her size was no path to victory; it would leave him constantly on the defensive. It would leave him constantly on the defensive. He had to read her fighting rhythm, learn the cadence of her attacks, and answer with swift, concentrated strikes.

His insult had worked. De'Veen soon after the insult came charging at him.

Rostam's eyes flicked to the four electro-swords wielded by the giant lizard-woman. She moved first, and the assassin's gaze dropped to her feet, studying the way she stepped, gauging her speed and reaction time. Two of her arms came down in a sweeping arc, while the others struck at his flanks. Even with the plasma pike, stopping two weapons at once was not a viable way to block. Rostam pushed off with his feet, launching backward to evade all four attacks. He timed his footwork precisely, backstepping just before the upper arms came down, causing the lower strikes to miss him outright that arrived a tempo after.

As the blade whiffed just past him, Rostam seized the moment and took a transpositional step counterclockwise around De'Veen, moving to the giant creature's right. In his left hand, he held the toxin-laced dagger, one scrape was enough to induce instant paralysis. With swift precision, he slashed at De'Veen's left underarm.

Korlis De'Veen

 

[Zahran Khaldun]

Objective Two​

Zahran took no immediate action as the Mandalorian shoved a palm in his face. The Corsair Lord merely offered a friendly smirk and waited for the Chiss to signal that he could sit. There was nothing to be gained by making a scene, and Zahran knew he couldn't take the Mandalorian in a fight, even if he were armed. When Thane gestured to the seat beside him, the elegantly dressed Commodore settled in, his eyes flicking briefly to the Mandalorian, careful to ensure that none of his movements would earn him a crushgaunt to the face.

"My apologies," he said to Thane and the Mandalorian. "You're right. Under normal circumstances, if I were coming to an establishment like this, I would have arranged a proper visit, reserved seating, security, and the usual. But by the time I learned of the meeting, I only had enough time to jump into the system," Zahran explained. "When you cross-reference my name, you'll find I belong to a certain wealthy family from the Tion Cluster."

The Corsair's eyes flicked to the Trade Federation badge pinned to the man's chest. He noted how the man's attention was divided, partly on him, partly on the Falleen seated in the other booth.

"The Nar Shaddaa Labor Alliance takes the individuals I bring them," he said casually. "Mostly from the Perlemian Trade Route."

He doubted the Chiss needed an explanation to realize he was a slaver. But he also knew a man from the Trade Federation would likely have reservations about doing business with him.

"You see," Zahran began, his tone smooth, "a source told me that during this meeting, I would find someone from the Trade Federation."

He raised a hand in a calming gesture. "Before you get defensive, know that I'll allow you to run a scan on my ship's beacon, so you can verify that my capital ship, the Crescent Fang, hasn't been raiding your trade or shipping lanes."

"Which brings me to why I'm here," Zahran continued. "The Crescent Fang is an old Ubrikkian frigate. She and her Scyk fighters have been through countless retrofits, but there's only so much you can do before the returns begin to diminish."

"However, I'm told you might know some people, engineers and designers, who could build something entirely new. For a handsome fee, of course."

Zahran finished, and his eyes met crimson Chiss's gaze, trying to gauge his reaction.

Thane , Atius Hanno

 

[Jerec Asyr]

scantily-clad waitresses

Twi'lek bargirls carry platters of colorful drinks

A Sultry Waitress delivered him a drink

scantily clad servers

scantily clad

On the theory that you could learn everything you needed to know by how someone treated people in the service industry, Jerec Asyr — longstanding first among equals in Denon chop shops and ship theft, smuggler of note and experience, sometime soldier of the Ithorian Foreign Legion, former resident of multiple prison facilities both public and private, duelist of dark lords, erstwhile blooded associate of Darkwire and the Spacer Guild, sitter in seats at Hutt Lords' tables of peers, commander of the chamber of commerce for one of the most dangerous star systems in the universe, anti-Jedi activist, captain of the good ship Infinity's Free, and, above all, a consummate seller of the finest pre-owned vehicles and vessels under the legendary placard of Quekko's Choice Ship Emporium — served cocktails in a barely-there mankini.

 

[U40a]

A Black Sun music droid drifted above the spectators and conversants, well out of reach of course. The track of choice just now was a soaring yet brutal anthem to common cause and martial prowess. U40a valued subtext but some moments demanded to be on the nose.

 

[Serrano of Denon]

O B J E C T I V E - 1
F I G H T - C L U B

De'Veen was not surprised when her four curved blades sliced through empty air instead of finding Rostam Khavarzai . Mid-swing, her upper arms adjusted, transforming the momentum into a swift whirling stance as her left lower blade caught a faint glimmer of metal near her side.

She executed a slow pivot on her back foot, her torso twisting slightly as his toxin-blade grazed the metal pauldron on her lower arm.

The assassin was not just quick, but incredibly precise...very precise. She sensed the brush of his toxin-coated dagger pass perilously close to a lethal strike. Had she been even a moment slower, the outcome could have left her face down in the dirt. She grunted a warning, not to Rostam, but to herself.

Her second set of arms moved in instinctive arcs, now defensive, blocking low and mid-level attacks. De'Veen turned with him, following his counterclockwise step with a practiced adjustment of her stance. She refrained from pursuing; that was exactly what he wanted.

 

[The Madclaw]

The wookiee stood there, holding the Trandoshan by the throat in one hand and the Trandoshan's arm in the other, fleshy strands of ligament and muscle tissue hanging red and wet at one end. Silverback grunted in triumph and might have squeezed his fist shut around the lizard's throat then and there to silence its hisses of pain. He could not believe these pathetic cold-bloods, with their absurd big, bulging eyes, had succeeded in hunting so many of his people through the long centuries. Suddenly, the Trandoshan hauled back and spat a wad of phlegm into his face.

Which abruptly began to burn. His eyes stung and he couldn't see.

Silverback threw the Trandoshan backward and started pawing at his eyes until he could clear away the spittle. He took a few steps backward, then shook himself and stood to his full height. Blood soaking from the gash in his forehead matted the white fur all down the front of his face and into his eyes, which still stung from the venom. He growled, looking from where he had thrown the Trandoshan to the dismembered arm he still clutched in one hand, then to the other occupants of the lounge.

They seemed as flocks of wild birds perched to watch and eagerly await the outcome, those that noticed at least.

Blood sport, this, better than the pits below. Two nature born foes.

Disgust curled Silverback's lips and he tossed the lizard its arm. He was the Madclaw, a former tyro of the long vanquished One Sith, then a cultist of the Primeval, imprisoned by the Alliance for these many past decades, and by the Imperials for a score more. He had known many masters, fought beneath many banners, and served his years for it. No more would he fight for the amusement of others, unless it was of his own choosing.

<Not in front of the carrion crowd. Keep your Jagganath points.>

Hakar Scaleback