High Stakes

[Lemon]

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Trust no one, but use everyone.​

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Nar Haaska

​Hutt Space was infamous for it's lawless nature. It was here a Smuggler could offload or pick up any illegal goods he was paid to do so with a suave demeanour and mischievous smile, departing into the parts of the galaxy that abided by laws - the very thing that kept the galaxy together - yet someone of such character cared little for that now did they? The Bounty Hunter lurked the streets, whether it be day or night, watching for anything that will get him by and earn a name for himself; for reputation was everything in the lawless sections of space. Fortunately enough for Koda Fett his name was feared across the galaxy, but to many he was nothing more than a tall tale used to scare lowly criminals, some had even believed he was a myth.

The Bounty Hunter crouched atop the dirt of Nar Haaska as his gaze was met with the fizzling figure that began appearing above the portable yet large enough holoprojector taken from one of his most recent victims. The man displayed wore extravagant clothing, no doubt that of a wealthy man. Appearing in light colours, a cream and gold to boot.

"Fett, if you are watching this then you have killed a few times to get it right. Good. I trust you more when you are surly."

Evidently this message was pre-recorded, but it wasn't as if Koda didn't know this already. This holoprojector was something he had hunted for weeks, maybe even a month, or was it two? Not even he knew by now. All he did know was that it was too long, and the obese human that managed to remain half in and half out of the projectors light was the one that carried it, but not any more courtesy of the empty satchel alongside him and the steaming hole within his chest.

"I have something you want, and something you don't, but for that reason alone you in fact do. Items of value to the legendary bounty hunter could go a long way itself, but the item is worth much more to the right people you must understand... but then again maybe you can't."

The Mandalorian gave nothing but a contemptuous glare towards the hologram but the helmet itself showed no emotion as per usual, purely intimidation for those that looked directly into it. Although this man had no such thing to worry about, in fact he couldn't even see the man he was taunting. Something he may regret in the near future.

"The auction master of Eport has taken up an interest in you bounty hunters, both past and present... for whatever reason that very well may be. To become in possession of this item I require two things of you: seven point eight million credits, and for you to never involve yourself with my dealings again. These bounties you collect are often upon people, items and such that I own, or intend to be in ownership of. Now am I understood? Of course I am... I hope to be seeing you soon."

He wasn't given a time frame to work within, but it wasn't as if he required one, Fett would no rather trust that man that jump into a vat of acid. Instead he would use him. The face of Regar Vugoo was well known across the galaxy, even within legitimate business. Surely it wouldn't be hard to track him down, Bidamount was his usual abode. The Bounty Hunter knew where he was going next.

 

[Lemon]

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A bounty hunter must always be ready to go anywhere and face any danger.​

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Bidamount

The city of Bidamount. Where anything and everything is up for auction. If you want a drink, you bid for it. If you want a meal, you bid again. If you want to live, you bid for that as well, it's just the way Eport wants it. Eport is the gigantic galactic auction house that deals in anything seen as a collectable. Beings are allowed to bid on items auctioned up by other beings. Eport collects a hefty percentage of both the bid and the end price. It is said that the funding behind Eport is one of a sinister nature. That has yet to be confirmed.

Fett disembarked his vessel, walking down the ramp with his carbine in hand. Law existed, but only to a certain corrupt degree which favoured those in power, and those in power were as rare as a fair deal here on Bidamount. Directly ahead of him was a misfit looking crew of armed thugs, and the cyborg of the group barked out towards him from what he would of considered a safe distance.

"You got the credits?"

His question was worded crudely, but such was the nature of things, good help was always hard to come by. Especially when you needed someone dumb enough to face up against Koda Fett, or was it an over inflated ego? Maybe so on both ends? It wasn't as if it mattered. Koda knew he was being spoken too, but he left it it a good few seconds before even bothering, almost as if he was contemplating whether or not dealing with this ragtag group was worth his time.

"Yes."

He lied.

The specimens, or so he would've called them, raised their weapons. Blaster Rifles, Pistols and even a Vibrosword. A certain tenacity emanated from them, a grit in their teeth and a hint of determination sparkled in their eyes. The Cyborg yelled back once more, but now he was making the demands it seemed.

"Drop your weapons, Fett, you're out numbered."

​And just like that, Koda had dropped the carbine within his hand and allowed it to fall towards the floor below. Landing with a metallic clunk of confirmation for those that hadn't looked. Though of course he wasn't done, but for now he watched them move closer with their weapons raised, a smug smirk expressed across all ten of their faces, but then came the words and actions from the bounty hunter himself.

"You're outgunned."

"What makes you figure that?"

Flames began firing out from his right wrist, the ground in front of them incinerating as they frantically attempted to move out of the way; eight remained. Meanwhile Koda moved backwards and forwards in an attempt to avoid what little blaster shots were sent in his direction. From his left gauntlet that was raised a whipcord was sent flying outwards, encasing itself around one of the crew members that slumped down into the flames; seven remained. Moving to kneel, Fett's left hand crossed towards his right gauntlet in which he began pressing a button with his index finger, firing an arc of blaster bolts in their direction, cutting them down like the fools they are; four remained. With specific eye movements beneath the helmet a dart was launched from his kneecap, landing right within the neck of a furry beast that charged him; three remained. The corpse fell towards him, and he was able to catch, blaster bolts impacting with the beasts definite corpse whilst his left hand eased it's way around the body, aiming towards the lot of them as a missile departed with a swoosh and then boom as they fell from each side of the blast zone; zero remained.

​It wasn't as if this wasn't expected, no, not by a long shot. The man turned backwards after allowing the wookiee's corpse to fall from his grip, leaning down and snatching at his own carbine and hoisting it back over his shoulder via the sling. He was prepared as per usual, for a bounty hunter must always be ready to face any danger anywhere he went.

 

[Lemon]

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No friends, no enemies. Only allies and adversaries.​

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Eport Underworld

There were those that had bid too much, bargained for too long and as a result lost everything they had owned in an unfortunate set of events. When you lost everything there was only one place to go to earn it back, and that place was the Underworld. As wretched as any other hive of scum and villainy, as lawless as it too, here you bid for your life not for novelty items. The majority of those here longed for their own freedom, for they could not return surface-side without paying the debt that they owe. You could run, or you could die, and everyone chose the former until the latter caught up with them eventually. It was only a matter of time.

​Many of those that passed Fett in the Eport Underworld had their weary eyes glued to him, and rightfully so, he wasn't dressed to bid. He was dressed to kill. Though for now he was looking for a contact, an ally among this sea of adversaries. She was a Kiffar, shorter than himself and stereotypically attractive with their signature facial markings. That was all Koda knew, but it was more likely that she would spot him first, and that's exactly what happened.

The treacherous open-market was a free for all that even left Fett at somewhat of a loss when it came to direction, at least until he caught the eye of a Kiffar. The Aliens dark eyes locked with his visor before she gave a nod over her shoulder and the wave of a hand, signifying for him to follow and of course that's what he did. If he ever had a mother or father they certainly would of told him not to follow strangers into dark alleys.

"I can get you to Vugoo, but I need something first..."

Her words trailed off, almost apprehensively as if she didn't want to ask the Mandalorian. A look of distress plainly visible across her face as he craned his neck downwards to look at her with a blank face hidden behind the helmet. His posture was firm and hers was not, a stark difference. Though unfortunately for her, he had given no response, instead a silent stare and before she could come to a definitive conclusion as to whether or not he was ignoring her plea or waiting for a follow up she continued.

"My friend, her name is Ailyn - she was taken by the Justicars for the debt she owed - if you can get her back to me I'll tell you everything I can."

"Where are the Justicars?"

Fett replied blandly, but that was enough for a smile to crack upon this woman's face. At first glance she was merely a pretty face, but her outwards demeanour caused her to at the very least come across as a tough individual, one to bump into and apologise for it. However apparently this wasn't the case at all, and instead she was as cowardly as the rest. He was well and truly scraping the bottom of the barrel for when it came to contacts.

"They have their own sector just north of here. When you find her please tell her Chrisilla sent you, and this is what she looks like!"

The young Kiffar rushed a holoprojector from her side, presenting it right before her 'saviour' and displayed a picture of her friend Ailyn. As expected she was young and pretty with eyes you could get lost in. This wasn't for any friend or for a favour, but instead it was to get his own job done. This girl presented herself as just another obstacle.

"I'll get it done."

"Just please be careful, I don't want her to get hurt or have them come back after us."

 

[Lemon]

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Always be polite to a client.​

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​Justicar Sector

The Justicar's, now outlaws and seen in the same regard as the Eport Elite, were once Underworlders. No more free and safe than those that dwell within the Underworld today, attempting to secure their freedom no matter the cost. Many years ago an armed militia had formed with the intention of taking back a portion of the surface, and they successfully did so with overwhelming odds. Yet since then they have been unable to expand, and as a result they're just as oppressed if not more than they were in the Underworld. Over the years since they have become nothing more than armed bullies, providing an arguably better environment with a more authoritarian law to it, still some would say that it borders upon a militant occupation.

Fett had discovered the small complex in which those that owed debts were owed. His gloved hand knocking upon the door, having his call answered by a young man that quickly received a headbutt from the Mandalorian helmet, causing him to stagger backwards and ultimately fall over. A raspy gasp came from the left side of the room, and so Koda slinked through the doorway with his carbine raised, firing a shot that impacted with the larger and older man. He wasn't long for this world anyways. Someone of much lighter frame leaped up onto his back, but was quickly dismissed as he lurched forwards with a bowing type action. A female Zabrak staring up towards his visor with innocent eyes after falling forwards and onto her back. Though quickly silenced as a shot impacted with her torso.

The building was deceitful, for what it lacked in height it made up for in length. Isle upon isle of cells that housed a diverse crowd of criminals. The bounty hunter wandered through, eventually coming across the blonde woman he had seen previously on the holoprojector.

"Are you Ailyn?"

"Y-yes."

She replied hesitantly, shifting her way from the darkness of the cell towards the bars and light. It was definitely her, that much he was sure of. Scantily clad and it was expected, how else did a young, beautiful woman make money down in dumps like these?

"Chrisilla sent me. I'm opening the cells, stay where you are and I'll come get you."

"I knew she would send someone!"

Her face lit up with excitement. Prior to those few words she was certain Fett was her executioner, or someone who had bought her even. Slave girls did live a treacherous life. And it wasn't before too long an override was done and all cell doors had slid open. A sea of prisoners being guarded by such little numbers was a critical flaw, and one he would use to his advantage. They swarmed outside and the Justicar's that responded to the shots being fired were quickly overwhelmed. Meanwhile Fett and Ailyn made their way back towards the the Eport Underworld, ready to progress further.

 

[Lemon]

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​A bounty hunter never complains.​

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​Eport Under-Market

The deed was done and the girl was secure. The Justicars had their trouble trying to put down the freed prisoners but with time they managed to secure them. Yet by then Fett and Ailyn were gone, using the chaos that ensued as a distraction to return to where the Justicars had no authority. Perhaps they had plotted a revenge of some sorts, a way to get back at him once they figured it all out which they no doubt would. Even against the girl if they discovered that much too. Though for now they were both off the hook.

The two returned to the dark alley in which Chrisilla the Kiffar had claimed to of been in, and there she was. Once Ailyn had spotted Chrisilla she began running in a stereotypically girly fashion with her hands down by her waist. The two joining in for a hug as their words were incomprehensible by being muffled against each others shoulders. The two ended the celebratory hug of triumph, and the Kiffar faced Koda as she then spoke.

"Thank you, we appreciate it. Really."

"Tell me about Vugoo."

He wasted no time cutting to the point, in truth he cared not for the girl but only used her as a stepping stone to get to where he needed to be. His voice as bland and monotonous as per usual.

​"He has his own suite at the top of the spire. He spends most of his time there and if he's waiting for you then that's where he'll be."

"Right."

She had given him everything he needed to know, but a look on her face told him she wanted more or possibly even needed more. So he waiting, standing until she belt up some semblance of courage to ask her question.

"You'll need us though, we can get you there. And we don't want the Justicars finding us, please?"

Seconds passed as he stood there doing absolutely nothing. Maybe they could get him in there with minimal resistance, but they wanted to save their own skins more than anything. The extra baggage may slow him down, waste what little time he already has. Though what could he really do? She was reliable thus far.

"Fine."

 

[Lemon]

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The bounty hunter is free of attachments.​

Slums Cantina

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The sound of boots against the Underworld Slums was picking up, it was loud and fast like a running crowd. To go with it was that of heavy clinking; armour, weapons. To the experienced hunter everything was easily pictured by sound alone. What to do, where to go: run, hide. That's what the girls chose. Chrisilla was ahead of Ailyn as she gripped her hand tightly, leading her everywhere the Kiffar decided to run. Fett, however, was separated from the two. Only aware by watching where the armoured figures had gone. Out of uniform Justicars perhaps? It was the only logical scenario, otherwise they would of targeted him instead.

"Come on! Come on!"

"I'm going as fast as I can!"

The two vanished through a well lit doorway as the thugs struggled to get through the overwhelming crowd on the streets. This bought the women some time. Frantically they searched for a way out, but it was all the way on the other side across that open ground. What if they could just hide? They gave it their best shot.

"Look, here!"

The others within the cantina ignored them, it was common to see people kidnapped in the streets and everyone knew better than to get involved with such a thing that could result in trouble of their own. Chrisilla directed both of their attention towards the brown curtains that covered a window above one of the booths that spread across the curved wall of the building. The two both ripped one curtain off, slinking into a booth, sitting opposite each other with their heads bowed and appearances covered by the thin material.

Just in time too - the hired guns walked through the doorway, the band kept on playing it's music for it wasn't paid to be concerned. Only to disguise the unfriendly sounds. The men stood still for a few moments, their eyes wandering in an attempt to find the two they were looking for. Ultimately they began parading around the circumference of the structure. They searched in pairs, moving closer and closer towards Ailyn and Chrisilla.

The Kiffar's eyes began darting back and forth, not helping her case whatsoever at all. It must have been frustrating to watch your impending doom become closer and closer with each passing second. Metallic hands moved towards both the girls' makeshift hoods, slinking them back slowly. Two terrified faces were visible before the struggle began, dragging them across the cantina under one arm. These men were clearly far stronger than the women and they wouldn't escape from their grip.

Once the two men carrying the Kiffar had passed through the back doorway the sounds of her screaming became less apparent, but the Human was still in sight. Two shots soared across the room in quick succession, colliding with the white armoured goons, both of which dropped dead as Ailyn fell to the ground and cried with relief. Her head pivoted towards the doorway, watching as Chrisilla vanished deeper into the city aboard a speeder. Koda had finally caught up, but unfortunately not in time.

"We have to go after her!"

Her arm thrusted upwards and pointing at the doorway, pleading as Fett approached with speed. Standing in the doorway as the speeder the thugs clambered into after hurling Chrisilla inside began speeding off, vanishing into the sea of traffic and the city as a whole.

"No."

"Chrisilla helped you, you can't just leave her! She's my friend!"

"She's already dead."

"How can you say that?"

Ailyn cried out in both anger and sadness, remaining on the ground for the time being. Watching as the bounty hunter turned his back on her - his helmeted head rotating over his shoulder, speaking as callously as ever. In the end he only needed one of the two get him inside. One of them was just insurance. Caring got you and the people you cared about killed. The easy was around it was to just not to.

"We're leaving."

 

[Lemon]

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Life feeds on death.​

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Luxury Courtyard

The luxury courtyard may be the only place there was no bidding. It was just pretty lights, sleek architecture and wealthy individuals that roamed the courtyard. Ludicrous yet pricy transportation existed, like the ability to float away in what seemed to be a giant bubble, or a tube that acted like a train. Either way, it was beneath the night sky of this place in which the Courtyard let it's true colours show. Lovers paraded with arms linked together like twine, and smiles that showed true appreciation of another.

​Ailyn and Koda walked side by side, but they had no intention of getting any closer than necessary. Whichever path he moved in she was right beside him, afraid to get separated and have a repeat of last time. A confused expression was made once he shifted their path in the direction of a clothing store, one of the very few stores in the courtyard. Her eyes darting back and forth between Fett and the store in question.

"Where are we going?"

She asked, not entirely sure if they were meant to be heading in that direction or not, so of course Ailyn had to ask. The bounty hunter didn't bother shifting his gaze to face her, yet instead had it remain on the structure ahead.

"To get you clothes."

"You can't be serious?"

"I am."

With that she had nothing else to say. Such expensive clothing wasn't something to turn down, especially when it was a limited offer. Koda waited outside once giving the girl all the credits she would need, his eyes shifting across the courtyard to see if anyone or anything had it's sights set on him. Open ground like this was uncomfortable to travel in, but at this moment in time it was necessary. After what seemed like an eternity, Ailyn exited the store in brand new clothing. Indescribable to Fett.

"How do I look?"

She joked, but it wasn't met with a response but only a nod that would indicate for her to follow. The smile upon her face faded into a frown of sorts as the woman hurried to stand alongside him. Something must of come over her, whether it just be appreciation or not, the Mandalorian didn't know. The mistake of huddling against the man clad in battle-hardened armour was made. Was it an attempt at fitting in? Who knows.

​After a minute or two had passed her eyes shifted up towards the lip of his helmet, staring for a moment before ultimately asking the question that made her feel as guilty as ever.

"Why aren't we going after Chrisilla?"

"We don't have time."

"It could've been so easy, too."

"Doesn't matter."

"It wasn't right."

"She bought us time."

​After that Ailyn quieted down, a blank face if not a sad one formed as she found comfort leaning against the beskar. Fett didn't bother doing anything about her, whatever guilt she was feeling would ultimately subside. Yet still, Koda was right, Chrisilla's capture and possible death meant that Ailyn could live longer; for life feeds on death.

 

[Lemon]

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Vary your routine. Patterns are traps.​

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The Fortune Road

Anyone seeking glory through trade finds themselves upon the fortune road. An area with an artificial golden sky with the hub of all trade dead ahead. Here the people were as diverse as the galaxy, both rich and poor joined together to make the journey towards their own glory. Yet still there was trouble, for on Bidamount trouble was everywhere, to be unweary was to be a fool, or worse yet, dead.

Worried faces of citizens rounded the corner, concerned and weary as their heads flicked backwards in quick succession as if they expected whatever they saw to follow them. The two walked alongside each other until Fett picked up on the issue at hand, jutting his right arm out in front of Ailyn, stopping dead in his tracks and forcing her to do to the same. His eyes continued to scan ahead, saying nothing but drumming up thoughts that rattled around his brain.

Meanwhile his 'companion' had reached out to one woman that seemed to be passing by, a distressed look on the old mirialan's face as her eyes widened upon being grabbed. Fett's tenacity seemed to be rubbing off onto Ailyn as she wasted no time in snatching at this older lady.

"What's the matter, why is everyone... scared?"

She couldn't find the right words as she stumbled over them, but in the end they came out coherent enough that a reply was given instantaneously, almost as frantically as she tried to get out of the younger woman's grip.

"Erh, ugh, there's uh, mercenaries up ahead. Says they're lookin' for a Mandalorian and a young woman."

As the Mirialan mentioned the word 'Mandalorian' she nodded towards Koda, and then towards Ailyn after mentioning 'young woman'. Certain that these two were the people in question. Though nothing more could be attained considering she had slipped form Ailyn's grip.

"What're we going to do!"

Ailyn exclaimed to a calm and collected bounty hunter who happened to be reaching into one of the many pouches that rested around his waste. Two small devices being retrieved, cylindrical in appearance. With an open palm he offered it to her.

"Put this on."

The woman snatching one from his palm and placing it onto her slender frame whilst Koda did the same to his armour. His right index finger moving across to press on the device that she stuck to herself, a hologram fizzling around her as she flinched with shock initially. Her beautiful features being traded for that of a Bith's whilst when Fett did the same, it was a Rodian that he became.

"What're we-"

"Just follow me."

And with a sigh and an eye roll she did. The duo passing around the corner on the fortune road to see a blockade that comprised of weaponised speeders and a dozen mercenaries armed to the teeth, and just like he planned, the two had been able to pass straight through without question.

As a Mandalorian Bounty Hunter the initial assumption is that immediate violence is a first reaction, however, Fett was more than that. He was the best. His cunning and sound logic his greatest ally, and just like something he heard long ago, it never hurt to divert from your usual style for in time you would become predictable.

 

[Lemon]

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Never call attention to yourself.​

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Sherzala's 'Palace'

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Sherzala was a Hutt on Bidamount, his operations were grand and ambitious yet paled in comparison to his older brother's; Teemo was the real business Hutt of these lands. Although Sherzala's area always seemed busier, it was usually the rif-raf that he had to toss out. Though he had commonly done work with Regar Vugoo, that much was a certainty, with that came the codes to the 'The Spire', or at least some of them. Yet even now, it was difficult for someone so widely known in the Galactic Underworld to move about discreetly, and so fortunately enough, he had the girl.

"Find Sherzala's protocol droid. The one with shine." The Bounty Hunter said to the woman who looked up to him with eager eyes. She knew what to do once finding it, that much had already been said. Did he trust she could get it done? He didn't know really, but this wasn't how things usually were. To move inside Sherzala's 'Palace' would mean all eyes on him, and the attention of Sherzala himself.

Ailyn replied with quick nod of her head and a simple, "Got it." From there the two both moved forwards, but she lingered behind as the killer went forwards. He turned into the room as the girl went in shortly afterwards, but by then nobody cared for her - regardless of how pretty she was.

["Fetty boy! Long time no see!"] The Hutt exclaimed in his native tongue, seemingly genuinely excited to see the man. Strange. The other vile patrons of the 'Palace' had turned to look at the famed Bounty Hunter with eager eyes of their own, their interests piqued.

"I'm in need of work, Sherzala." He lied through his teeth, but maybe on the off-chance something viable did exist. He, however, was a mere distraction.

Meanwhile Ailyn scurried about through the back, moving off into the depths of the 'Palace', searching for this Protocol Droid that carried what they desired. A droid here, a droid there, but nothing wit- There it was. A Droid with some shine to it, or what could pass as shine here. With a hurried walk she attempted to approach it.

["Fortunately for you I have some, something I can only entrust yourself to complete."] The Hutt started off with, turning down from the man briefly before emitting a long and seemingly tired sigh before he carried on once more, ["My brother Teemo. He's become a thorn in my side and I will not stand for it any longer."]

"You want him dead." It wasn't a question, but instead a statement. Whatever the Hutt was going to allude to was cut short by the Bounty Hunter who was planning on dominating this exchange. That way it could last as long as he wanted it to, and with that more time for Ailyn.

A brief moment of hesitation crossed over her as she stood before the perplexed droid. A frustrated groan came from her briefly as she then decided to simply push it backwards into what seemed to be a mechanical press that was creating... something. It did fall back, and it's head found it's way underneath the press only to be squished before it could call for help. This wasn't what she was used to, and in fact she nearly broke into a panic. Though before she could she snatched the vest that was upon the droid's chest and made a direct path for the exit.

At that point the talk between the Bounty Hunter and the Hutt were finished. The two departed and their scheme went off without a hitch. Despite her inexperience the girl had done well, or was it purely luck? In the end it didn't really matter now did it? She did what she had to do; she didn't call attention to herself.

 

[Lemon]

Say no more than necessary.

The Works

Within the depths of Bidamount resided 'The Works'. Here no sentient life existed, all that ventured there was robotic drones that performed the most menial tasks. Maintenance was their game, and it was the only one they bothered to play. Beneath the floating city 'The Works' spread across, and it provided it's own way of shortcuts if one wanted to go undetected. Though why didn't everyone? You required specialised security codes to be given access, and when Ailyn and Chrisilla promised to be able to get Fett into the spire, they hadn't lied, and the codes which Ailyn possessed had proven useful right here, right now.

Fett and Ailyn walked side by side through the works, her wandering eyes watching each drone as it passed whilst the focused gaze of the bounty hunter stared ahead. His stride was practical, real and emotionless. Almost as if he was lost deep in thought and a robot had taken control of his body for the time being. Yet the young woman, who oddly enough was two years younger than Koda at best, moved with a skip in her step, joyful, excited, keen - even in the most trying of times. There was something admirable about that.

​Although after some time had passed her slight smile persisted as her pretty face stared up towards the Mandalorian Helmet, asking with an inquisitive tone as her expression shifted into something oh so identical.

"Who are you, really, and what do you want with Regar."

Fett's helmet turned to meet her for a second, but returned back to the path ahead of him when he began speaking in his usual flat and almost intimidating voice, however despite how little he spoke, Ailyn had become accustomed to the filtered speech that came from behind the impossible to crack metal around his skull.

"He has something that belongs to me."

Clearly electing to disregard the first question, viewing himself as such an important figure in this galaxy responsible for many of the events that have taken place. He wasn't necessarily wrong, but when a reputation like his own comes to ones attention, it isn't difficult to fall into a pit of arrogance and inflamed self-importance.

"What is it?"

"The instructions."

He didn't lie, but he didn't tell the whole truth. Jango Fett's Code was in fact a set of instructionsbut what meant more to him was the 'relic of the past' that Vugoo claimed to be in possession of, of course he could call his bluff, but the risk of it being true was too great to pass up. And so he was here.

"What do you mean?"

"It's a code."

"A code?"

"A bounty hunter's code. Belonged to someone who died a long time ago."

Her head turned back, focusing on what was ahead of her while mouthing a big 'oh' as if she realised what as going on, at least until her head snapped back with it slightly cocked to the right, speaking once more in the same confused tone of voice.

"Were you close to him?"

And with her question Fett grew a smirk beneath his helmet, a sly one at that before giving his response after a few long seconds of waiting.

"Something like that..."

 

[Lemon]

Always be polite. Especially to your enemies.

Teemo the Hutt's Palace

Teemo was a business man, or a business Hutt - whatever you could truly classify one as. A genius, honestly, most Hutt's set up on backwater planets in which they could steal from the populace and create their own private armies from the denizens that struggle for work. Though on Bidamount, he could own entire sectors and reap the ludicrous amount of rewards from each sale made in them. Teemo was quite literally, filthy rich.

On their way to 'The Spire', Ailyn and Fett had to stop by. Certain security checkpoints made it nigh impossible to get past, at least without allowing Regar his generous warning that could give him plenty of time to escape off-world. So here they were in the regal appearing palace of Teemo the Hutt, but what was to transpire was yet to be seen.

The large Hutt laughed at Fett's offer, it's larger than life body moving both up and down in tandem with it's chuckle. When it eventually faded away into non-existence, it's head barely pivoted to look towards the Protocol Droid covered in the Hutt's personal markings, with a primarily red overcoat. Teemo spoke in his native tongue of Hutteese.

["Tell him that I have no concer-"]

Fett interjected at this point, speaking firmly with his carbine in both of his hands whilst all eyes rest on him. Ailyn, however, was nowhere to be seen. Instead she lurked in the background, away from the fuss, watching with nervous eyes.

"You know I speak Hutteese."

["And so you do. You cannot threaten me, Fett. This pass of yours is going to cost you."]

"You owe me already, pay it off with this and I don't blast you."

The Hutt began bursting back into laughter as it tried to speak through the chuckle itself, everyone else in the room however, was completely silent.

["Blast me? In my own palace! You must be mad."]

"Last chance, Teemo."

The Hutt merely scoffed in response, and after that the Bounty Hunter before him raised his carbine with one hand - squeezing the trigger as the Hutt's look of confidence faded into terror. One large, searing hole formed on it's egregious gut. Everyone in the room, no matter who they were or what there role was, they just stood in disbelief. All the while the Mandalorian walked forwards to take the access cards from the small table or whatever it was just nearby the corpse.

On his way out Ailyn had rejoined him, and the Hutt's Major Domo was someone he passed - and as he did Fett briefly spoke to him.

"He had his chance."

 

[Lemon]

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He who hires my hand, hires my whole self.​

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Teemo the Hutt's Landing Bay

The Hutt, throughout his many years of dealing in crime, was able to earn himself quite the large sum of credits. Any wealthy business men loved to splurge his credits on things he didn't quite need, and Teemo's true love was a starship. Inside of his hangar the most expensive starships were at home, and whilst the palace descended into anarchy Koda attempted to make the best of this situation by taking one of these very, very pricey ships to further his own gain.

Though not all was as it seemed, it was when he was on his way towards a seemingly expensive freighter that the man was called out too, "Hey!" The Mandalorian's head pivoted over his shoulder whilst Ailyn turned entirely, "Yeah, you two!" He furthered whilst moving towards them at a brisk pace. "You two are going into 'The Spire', right?"

The Mandalorian was just about ready to say, 'no', before the girl interjected with a response of her own. "Yeah... why, what's wrong?" Clearly she was growing accustomed to the scenario she was in, and it didn't help that she was far more empathetic than he was. All the while Fett just stood, waiting.

"It's ergh... Uhh I know I shouldn't bother but, eh what the heck. It's my daughter. Regar has her on some debt she owes, I don't have much but please, can you just get her back to me?" The Togruta pleaded whilst Ailyn looked mortified, and still, a blank face remained on the Mandalorian's face.

"We'll try our best, I promi-" Ailyn blurted out before an armored hand had prevented her from going any further. It was Fett's of course who had enough of being used as a charity. If anyone was going to be rescuing this girl it was going to be him, for Ailyn was rather helpless, so this decision came solely down to the man himself.

"How much?" Fett inquired briefly.

"Five thousand." The Togruta male said in his best attempt to seem like a tough man, but ultimately paled in comparison.

Koda began to turn away as if he was no longer interest in this deal, at least that's the indication that the man opposite him had gotten from it. Although the next words to come from the Togruta had caused the Bounty Hunter to stop his turn half-way through.

"Alright, alright. I'll make it ten, but that's all I have please."

"Fine." Fett replied before turning to continue boarding the expensive freighter, a sigh of relief washed over the Togruta whist Ailyn leaned in to speak in a hushed tone before following along with the Bounty Hunter who was her protector for the day, or how many this little mission would take.

"We'll meet you back here, I promise."

He may have been cold and callous towards the man, but any sympathy in this line of work got you earning no money real fast. It was a hard world to live in and Koda Fett was a hard man, it's why he thrived in the trade that deals in death. Perhaps Ailyn would learn of this soon enough, but for now she could only judge the man for being so... distant.

 

[Lemon]

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Do that which you fear most, and you will find the courage.​

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'The Spire'

Ailyn moved beside the Bounty Hunter each step of the way, not daring to get too much distance in a place so foreign and hostile to those of her nature. It was he who freed her, only to lead her back into the nest of the devil himself. A ruthless slave trader ran such an area, it was despicable yet affluent. Appealing whilst disgusting. Too strange to fathom, and the citizens of it accepted that. Ignorant to the harsh reality of it all.

The room they strode through was filled with entertainers, the ones not suited in the slightest for the innocent eye. Though nobody was innocent here. The holographic women went about their business, and whether they were real and operating elsewhere was unknown. Ailyn, someone who had lived here her whole life, hadn't a clue.

Men under the command of Regar moved in on either side of the room, surrounding everyone whilst being armed with stun sticks and batons. They were no match for a man who had all the range, but that was hardly their intent. The holograms were replaced with the face of a man, an undesirable one at that. "Surrender to me now, Fett, or you will be exposed for what you truly are. A man of-."

"No."

"I don't often give second chances, Bounty Hunter." The fear and apprehensiveness apparent in his voice.

"Neither do I." The Mandalorian replied, glancing back and forth towards the security forces that certainly had come for him.

"I'd hoped you had come to your senses. A shame, truly." The hologram fizzled out.

Those within the crowd began to flee as discreetly as possible once the security forces closed inwards with pace. They ran, ran as fast as they could, but they had a lot of ground to cover. Ailyn ducked off to the side, hiding underneath one of the many tables strewn about, as if they would forget here existence. She watched in awe as blaster bolts, flames, rockets and more came from the Mandalorian who fought with all his might. Fearful for his exposure but unwilling to submit.

After many, many deaths and destroyed property the girl could feel a meaty hand snatch for her arm, raising her upwards as all she did was yelp.

"Surrender now, or she gets it!" Some alien hidden beneath a mask yelled out with a stun stick raised high in the air, ready to swing it down into yet another pretty face. He was hidden behind her, and a tinge humanity struck Fett in that moment. The man couldn't let her die because of him, because of his own selfishness. Perhaps for the first time in his life he surrendered. Willingly. A man so high on his own pride found it difficult to give in; he even feared it.