Private Hope They Brought Boots

[CT-312]

//: Quinn Varanin Eira Dyn //:
//: Outskirts, Bogano //:
//: Attire //:
//: EQUIPMENT: Halcyon Armour| M.I. 'Sunstroke' jetpack| | Contact Lenses | Navi/Barca //:
//: WEAPONS: M.I. Model 7 shotgun | LO-22S //:
//: ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT: Kushute Grenades | Shiva Knife //:
//: 1 x Arrow head of Absence | Taozin amulet | LK Spider Slicer Droid //:
//: Bounty Hunting - Exotic Beasts | Oggdo //:

CT-312 stood alone at the edge of Bognano’s city limits. The outskirts were little more than elevated walkways that were half sunken. The Scout’s eyes scanned the open environment in front of her while she waited.

A vast expanse of swampy terrain. Flat and humid with the scent of moss and brackish water. Distant groans of amphibious life echoed through the mist choked wetlands. Patches of fog drifted low over the green marshes.

Motionless in her camouflage armor that was dulled with streaks of mud and dust from a prior mission. For the first time in a while, she didn’t feel like an outlier. Blending in just fine with the planet's environment. CT-312’s HUD flickered softly as a ping came through. Bounty Hunter’s Halonet. A new job. She tapped her gauntlet to bring up the mission details into focus.

<:// BOUNTY NOTICE //:>
<:// Bounty Hunter ID: CT-312 //:>
<:// Location: Bogano //:>
<:// Client: Threkkuss //:>
<:// Target: Oggdo //:>
<:// Capture and deliver alive to the fighting pits of Nar Kanji. //:>

An Oggdo. Nasty piece of wildlife. Hearing stories of the oversize amphibian and its armored hides. Mouth big enough to snap a speeder in half. Meant for carnage than captivity. Perfect for the fighting pits. But still, orders were orders and the credits weren’t bad either.

Scanning the landscape again. No movement. Only a slow shift of bog wind rippling through the planet’s reeds and floating vehicle sized lily pads. CT-312’s hand tightened on the grip of her shotgun out of habit. In a place like this, danger wasn’t always from the target.

CT-312 waited. The ones who answer the notification for this job. Blinking in disbelief. ‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’ Of all the people… Eyes rereading the names to make sure. Q and Eira. A faint sigh escaped her helmet’s filters. CT-312 hadn’t expected her… Them, to show up for this job. Recalling the kind of fashion choices they both wear. Suited for marble halls and political parades. Not ankle deep bog water. Who knows, maybe they’d dress for the occasion and whatever they wore would be sufficient enough for this… swamp crawl.

‘Hope they brought boots.’

 

[Eira Dyn]

Location: Bogano
Objective: Capture and kill some Oggdo
Equipment: Vibro-daggers, vibro-sword, blaster pistol, mask
Outfit: Assassin Attire
Tag: CT-312 | Quinn Varanin

A bounty for capturing some exotic beasts, it was a mission of a new kind for Eira. She was never one to really consider the capturing of beasts and selling them, it seemed wasteful. Nothing would be gained in terms of capturing the beasts, they held no greater purpose in warfare nor were they pretty or something to admire. As far as Eira knew, they did not hold any sentience or special abilities. No, but there was money in this hunter business and it was something that could help the DeathDrop so Eira agreed to sign up. It was also a chance to work with her Master on a mission that didn't involve fighting Jedi or spying.

Wearing the assassin apparel that was very much a mission look for Eira, the assassin had been overly prepared for a swamp, muddy mess that they were likely heading towards while searching for the oggdo. Spotting the soldier, Eira stomped her way over, a strong and steady stride as she stepped over to CT-312. Giving a curt nod of the head, Eira looked over, "pleased to see you again, CT-312. Looking forward to seeing you in action again. Done any hunting like this before? Any thoughts on dealing with these Oggdo?"

Figuring out the experiences that those she would be working with was always something that Eira found valuable. It was a way for the Sith Assassin to take note on the strengths and slowly learn the weaknesses of those not just around her but recognise similar traits in those she might end up facing on the other side of combat. Looking around, Eira wondered how long it would be for Quinn to arrive and what amazingly stylish yet practical attire her Master would have. While Eira was more feral, form over fashion and brutish in a manner currently, she did find herself harbouring jealousy over how amazing her Master could appear in a seemingly effortlessly fashion.

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: CT-312 //: Eira Dyn //:
//: Armor //:

Luckily for CT-312, Quinn had actually read the mission briefing before deciding to come along. She'd fitted herself with some basic armor, though standing beside the trooper, she looked a couple of feet shorter.

The Echani marched carefully through the swamplands, the weight of sludge collecting on the bottoms of her boots. She couldn't fathom why anyone would willingly choose to wade through this.

Cradling the chest of Farrus Spheres her Master had entrusted to her, Quinn recalled Taeli's note: bring back samples or anything exotic if they could spare it. A fair enough trade for the advantage they offered.

Her gaze flicked to Eira, and she stumbled briefly before shaking her head. The girl's mask always unsettled her. "Eira, my Force— we're not here to frighten the wildlife," Quinn muttered, a touch of royalty bleeding into her voice as she hefted the chest forward. She dropped it on a flat rock near CT-312 and Eira, then planted her hands on her hips, satisfied.

"So. Capture duty, yes?" With a flick of her boot, the lid popped open, revealing six spheres, each for the three of them.

"These are Farrus Spheres," she explained, tone brimming with expectation as if waiting for praise. "Weaken the beasts— don't kill them." Her eyes narrowed briefly, glancing between the trooper and her apprentice.

"Once they're softened up, we throw and capture." She paused, turning to CT-312. "They require the Force. You'll be our main attacker, our distraction. That leaves Eira or me free to throw the sphere."

Quinn smiled, sharp but confident.

"Sounds like a plan?"

 

[CT-312]

//: Quinn Varanin Eira Dyn //:
//: Outskirts, Bogano //:
//: Attire //:
//: EQUIPMENT: Halcyon Armour| M.I. 'Sunstroke' jetpack | Contact Lenses | Navi/Barca //:
//: WEAPONS: M.I. Model 7 shotgun | LO-22S //:
//: ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT: Kushute Grenades | Shiva Knife //:
//: 1 x Arrow head of Absence | Taozin amulet | LK Spider Slicer Droid //:
//: Bounty Hunting - Exotic Beasts | Oggdo //:

CT-312 had been watching the wildlife while waiting. Surprisingly… she found she’d missed it. It had been a while. This quiet rhythm of nature. Something she’d known before the constant grind of the galaxy’s wars and contracts. The Scout’s HUD pinged. Interrupting the thought. Two signatures flashed across the display. Dragging her back into the now.

[ BARCA ]
[ IFF - 2 - Friendly ]

Visor faced towards the signatures. Crimson eyes burned through the fog first. A figure. The shape resolved into a dark silhouette. Black assassin garb. Layered and purposeful. A mask, glowing red. Stepping into view with steady heavy strides through the murk. A familiar voice cut through the fog. Eira Dyn . The mask though… it gave CT-312 pause. A bit over the top for a swamp crawl. Still, it might work as a distraction. Giving a short nod, “Eira. Likewise.” Her gaze shifted between the red-lit mask and the bog itself before answering. “From what I’ve observed—” Words cut short at the sight of their third arrival. The Princess.

Observing, trudging carefully through the swamp with a chest in her arms. Surprisingly not in flashy outfits. But something with practicality for the environment. Just simple basic functional armor. Fit for the muck. Standing beside CT-312, she was smaller. Shorter. The Scout’s eyes drifted downwards. Not in heels. ‘Boots.’ A quiet hum caught in her throat, accompanied by the barest nod of approval.

Not often did CT-312 see Sith Lords or their ilk out of their element like this. For once, the swamp suited the Camo Scout better than them. The rifle in her hands lowered a fraction as they reached her position. CT-312’s helmet turned and tilted faintly, slightly looking away at the Princess’s muttered comment about “frightening the wild life.”. It briefly caught her off guard. Enough for a quiet cough to slip out. She’d nearly choked on her own breath.

Recomposing herself, CT-312 looked back at the two. “Stylish.” Tone coming out flat through the helmet’s modulator. “If it spooks the wildlife, it could buy us a few seconds.” Visor turned towards Eira. “Just… don’t startle the Oggdo before I’m in position. I’d rather not chase down a convulsing target.” A hint of an attempt at dry humor.

THUD. The chest was thrown onto the nearest rock by them. CT-312 kept quiet as the chest’s lid was flipped open. Six spheres. Two for each. She listened to the Princess’s explanation and plan. ‘Weaken. Don’t ki–’ A deep breath filled her lungs. A slow blink. Visor looking straight at the Princess who was facing her. Main attacker. Distraction. CT-312 stared. What was the point of dressing for the occasion, if she was going to be ‘designated’ bait and wallow in the swamp water… A silent ‘You’re joking right?’ The Princess had to be. Always a jokester. Not that CT-312 couldn’t handle this on her own. The faintest sigh hissed through the helmet's filters.

CT-312 turned away, trudging a few steps deeper into the swamp. "Of course…" Muttering under her breath. "Barca. Keep an eye on movement.” Practical or not, they were here. Both of them. Pausing after a few steps. Wait… Brows furrowed faintly. Princess? Or Q? This wasn’t technically official business. Her vambrace flickered as she typed fast as message:

[ Incoming Message: CT-312 to Quinn Varanin ]
[Bounty Hunting… Q or Princess… Your Highness? ]

Pushing forward through the muck, a chime confirmed. CT-312 stilled. Her left hand dropped from the rifle's support. Open palm raised near the side of her shoulder. Closing into a fist. Silently signally, Stop. Double blinking a single eye, activating the infrared overlay of the contact lens. Shapes lit up across the swamp grass. Eyes scanning for a specific one… ‘Ah.’ Bog Rats. Small and quick. Prey animals. Actual bait. Double blinking, vision back to normal.

The Scout’s signaled again. Same hand, this time with two fingers forward. Pointing towards the scuttling creatures. Suddenly, without warning, a long tongue lashed out of the swamp's reeds. One of the Bog Rats shrieked as it was snatched. Pulled away, dragged behind the swamp grass. Vanishing in an instant.

“There’s most likely a colony” CT-312 spoke low. Her head turned, visor glancing back over her shoulder towards the two. “Be on guard. Get your spheres ready. Can’t guarantee they’ll all just be looking at me.”

With that the Camo Scout moved forward. Wading deeper toward the Bog Rats. Her form blurred with the wetlands. Body blending with the swamp’s palette. Armor dissolving into the reeds and shadow, even without the Halcyon’s cloak. Disappearing into the swamp.

 

[Eira Dyn]

Location: Bogano
Objective: Capture and kill some Oggdo
Equipment: Vibro-daggers, vibro-sword, blaster pistol, mask
Outfit: Assassin Attire
Tag: CT-312 | Quinn Varanin

Eira sighed, even on mission, Quinn looked stylish and beautiful. Eira leaned more into her feral image while on mission currently. It was a way to assess others on how they viewed her and their behaviours around her when she looked monstrous over the more attractive and elegant looks that she was told she appeared as when not on a mission. Perhaps in time, she would adopt more of the elegance and style that her Master held and would take efforts in adjusting and styling her apparel to reflect that.

For now, she enjoyed looking demonic and making others jump when they saw her.

"From my research on Oggdo, they seem harmless but are deadly and dangerous creatures. I doubt my mask will scare these beasts much." Eira's deep modulated voiced replied to Quinn, her gaze then shifting over to the devices that Quinn had brought with her. Spheres that captured creatures and entrapped them. It was an interesting concept. Seemed like it was turning the mission into a child's game, some beast hunting fantasy. Though it was probably more practical than attempting to carry the beasts by hand, or dragging them about.

Eira's gaze flickered about, wondering who CT-312 was talking to, there was no one around that she knew as Barca. Tilting her head, she was going to question who the soldier was talking to before it clicked in her mind. AI. The armoured suit that the soldier was wearing likely housed an AI, it made sense and she was sure that Jacen and other soldiers she interacted with had their own AIs. It was just strange to hear a name called out without context on who was being talked to. Especially since Eira didn't hear a voice replying since she assumed the AI was just talking directly to CT-312.

"Making the soldier be bait for the mission... A smart tactic." Eira had not assumed her Master would be so willing to throw a soldier into a dangerous situation like that alone. Either there was a lack of care on whether CT-312 survived or not, or there was more trust in the soldier's ability than Eira had expected.

The soldiers in DeathDrop were still fairly new to her so Eira wasn't sure on how skilled or how good their armour was. It looked impressive but looking impressive and being functional were not things that had to coexist. "Weakening the beasts will be tough, their hides are sturdier than they look and they have long sticky tongues... Monstrous beasts."

A shiver ran down Eira's spine as she remembered seeing the images of the creatures. Even though their eyes and attitudes seemed to be creatures that were simple and weak, when in action they appeared to be very different beasts. Eira knew that her Master would not have any issues with the creatures but then it was the question of whether Eira herself and 312 could handle fighting them? That the assassin was less certain on.