Master...or master?

[Kimiko Taiyou]

It had been a day or two...she couldn't tell anymore...since they had arrived on whatever planet this was. It was hot, she was sweating, hooked to her cage by her wrists. Her captors had set up shop immediately after arrival, doing the normal routine with keeping their prized possession covered and towards the back.

There had been a few customers.

A few conversations near her.

Nothing came to fruition.

She shifted her legs closer to her as the clothing, or lack thereof, stuck to her body. A sigh was released as she accepted her fate that she would not be leaving this prison anytime soon...again.

 

[Bryce Bantam]

Kal'Shebbol, gate way outback and steaming pile of violence, corruption and filth. Once the capital of the area it now served as a dark reminder of how far the region had fallen into ruin.

This is a type of place Bryce had fought to change on his home world of Biitu. A world where the trade of drugs and life was as common as any other good. Bryce and Nate had been recruited to explore the major cities and get a first hand lay of the land. So the two friends walked the streets, taking mental notes trying to blend in while not getting into trouble.

[member="Nate the Bounty Hunter"]

 

[Nate Phantoms]

After getting shoulder checked several times, he was on the brink of kicking a few asses, generally the ones who where staring I'm and Bryce down hungrily, that was never a good sign, and he was alert,his hand occasionally brushing his hidden saber, he sure was glad for his hood, it let him search the faces around himim without being noticed, but he was somewhat obvious in this crowd; standing 6'8'', broad in the shoulders, and just having that "air" around him, you'd have to be blind to not notice him, and he hated it.

"Don't look now, but we have a group of... what look like slave runners watching us, about 8 o'clock" he spoke in a common tone, not showing That he was warning his friend. "They seem to be guarding what looks like a prison block, and now we have five of em' tagging along,"

[member="Bryce Bantam"]

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

The eb and flow of nearby pedestrian traffic bothered Kimiko in the slightest. It did, however, seem to perk her captor's moods with the increase of potential buyers. She could always tell by how they each spoke, when someone would look their way. Shouting their advertisements for the stock of 'wares' and 'goods'.

Several times her ears would pick up the question she wanted too hear the most,"What's in the covered cage?"

Each time, she knew, they would get the same answer. That,"That particular specimen is not behaving properly."

Her gritted teeth were the only sign one could tell she was...what? Upset? Hurt? Kimiko herself did not know the answer to the question. Though forlorn as it was, she still steeled herself for a hopeful confrontation of some sort. One that could bring her into the light outside of her cage.

 

[Bryce Bantam]

"All right then, plan B. Just hang loose Nate and follow my lead," BB said with a wink.

As he talked to Nate, Bryce's trademark red hair changed to brown and his exposed skin went from it's normal olive to a brighter white. BB was trying out a new skill he had learned from his master [member="Solan Charr"], Force illusion. He knew his face was becoming well known to the great enemy and he may need to use this skill more often to keep from being spotted. Once his change was complete BB turned suddenly and confronted the five following them. Taking a strange coin from his pocket he began to roll it between his fingers.

"You boy's aren't paid to be subtle are you?" Bryce asked the lead follower.

They didn't answer for a moment only stood staring at Bryce and Nate with suspicious looks. BB let them brood for a moment, it gave him time to scan their most obvious thoughts, one particularly weak minded one gave BB a plan, and all the info he needed to pull it off. Flipping the lead guard the coin BB held he waited till his target grabbed it and looked it over.

"I figure you should know the currency of the Confederation, kark we have paid you well for the specimens you have provided us. Now quit this foolishness and take us to your employer, we have business to discuss."

The grand bluff was on. BB had procured a couple of items from there last shindig with the Qektoth Confederation, time to see if the pilfered items could be useful. Time seemed to slow as the lead guard considered BB words. Slowly he raised his head before shrugging and said.

"Yeah, we thought you to might be some of those underground folks the boss warned us about. No problem, we will take you to Golifi, he has some special ones for you."

BB held back a flare of anger hearing them talk of sentient beings like Banthas, but held the illusion and smiled back to the guard as sleazy as he could muster. As the altered BB and Nate were lead through row after row of caged men and woman, all with looked of terror and despair in their eyes. One in particular, caught BB attention, a vision of beauty seeming to melt in the heat of the midday. A young girl with ivory white hair and sparkling eyes still able smile even through the pain they had endured. Eyes that called to BB like few ever had...

[member="Kimiko"] | [member="Nate the Bounty Hunter"]

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

A slight commotion, loud, near, gave Kimiko reason to raise her eyes.

Whether by fate or chance, her cage's cover lifted with a sudden gust. This gave her the most peculiar sight: a pair of strange males she had never seen before who were being escorted by a larger group she was more...familiar with.

Even with her hands chained, she managed her best face, even showing a rare smile, before bowing her head as they passed.

And with the show over, the cover returned, sealing her away once more. There was a lingering feeling though. Something having to do with the pair of strangers...

[member="Bryce Bantam"]

 

[Nate Phantoms]

BB hadn't gotten good at hose plan 'B' situations, Nate was actually surprised, and while Bryce had won over the guards, he had engaged in a staring contest with the largest guard in the group, both sized the other up, and instantly 'liked' the other one. It was the sign of a seasoned warrior, but the contest ended as the leading guard led them down the aisles of cages, and he felt his anger flare, the last time he had done this was when he had to free his sister from those Toygarian slave runners, and he hated it, mostly due the fact that if he were to try and free all of these slaves, he'd end up killing himself and as well as Bryce, and he couldn't have that. He had the urge to ignite his lightsaber and cut down the guards in front of him for herding these innocent people like sheep, but he knew that would be out of context, so he clenched is fists and walked behind BB, refusing to make eye-contact with the slaves because he knew if he did, all hell would break lose.

His eyes locked onto a covered cage, and the lead guard pulled back the cover, reveling a rather stunningly beautiful woman, chained by her wrists, and he could see the flicker of hope in her eyes as she gazed up at him and Bryce. Then she smiled, a genuine smile, one that sent a warm sensation down his spine. But then, the cover was released, and the view was shattered.
He inhaled slowly, trying to not go ape-sh¡t crazy, only barely regaining control of himself, he resumed walking with the group, until they led Bryce and him to the end of the cages, stopping at what looked like a dead end.

[member="Bryce Bantam"], @Kimiko

 

[Bryce Bantam]

"Why if it isn't the good doctor and the bounty hunter, did you really think a coin and a bit of magic was going to fool us?"

BB looked behind him to see another five guards flanking a figure in a brown military uniform with a high white collar. He was tall and his proportions looked off, like he had been artificially stretched to his near two and a half meter height. At his side was a side arm of unknown design and it almost looked organic in nature. The five guards behind him were also armed with similar weapons but much larger and looked to be assault rifles of some kind.

"Well, it was worth a shot," BB said sarcastically.

In truth, this was bad, really bad. Five to one odds while not impossible were not favorable either. This bit of cloak and dagger had turned into pistol and rifle and a change of plan was in order.

"Doctor Bantam, it is nice to finally meet you, before the interrogation begins let me introduce myself, the name is Kallus Shoame. For nine generations my family has helped guide our glorious Confederation to new heights to science and discovery, and today I make my family proud by bringing to justice two outlaws that threaten to harm our righteous manifest destiny."

"Interesting, well although we would love to stay and chat , I think your plan has one big hole in it."

"Really and what would that been Doctor Bantam?" Kaullus asked.

"This guy," BB said point his thumb to Nate. "Both of us REALLY hate slavers and I know he has been powering up for some fun, so Nate, back to plan A."

[member="Nate the Bounty Hunter"] | [member="Kimiko"]

 

[Nate Phantoms]

As he stared down the man, he felt his anger rising, and he was radiating it, literally. He waited patently as BB talked to the man, whatever the hell his name was, Nate didn't care. Finally the permission to go back to plan A. He loved that plan, and he cracked his knuckles after he removed his cloak, baring his tan arms.

"With pleasure,"

That was all he needed to hear, and he let loose all of his anger towards the men, and they payed for it dearly. The first guard was too easy, his eyes wide in shock as Nate put nearly 400 pounds of force into that punch, sending the man reeling into some crates, which fell onto him. The next guard tried to be a hero and blast at him, but Nate wasn't having that; he leaned away from the shot and grabbed the man's rifle, wrenched it out of his hands, and cracked him over the head with it, bending it significantly. The last remaining guards just jumped on his back, trying to subdue him. With a laugh, Nate flipped one over his shoulder, and as the man groaned on the ground, he slammed his foot down onto the man's neck, with the last guard still on his back, whom Nate grabbed by the arm, and sent him flying back down the aisle, the body skidding to a halt. All that took about 35 seconds, and in two, Nate had his lightsaber held underneath 'kallus's' chin, a fire in his eyes.

"Let me kill him Bryce, please let me karking kill this piece of filth and rid the galaxy of it."

[member="Bryce Bantam"], [member="Kimiko"]

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

At the sound of the commotion, Kimiko's head snapped up. Her chains prevented her from getting low enough too see below her covering. But, she did have a glimpse of a motionless body near her enclosure.

This must have been caused by those two strangers...why?

Almost immediately after this, an unfamiliar sound reached her ears...little did she know.

 

[Bryce Bantam]

Nate was never one for subtlety and today was not different, as underpaid guards were bashed and tossed aside BB dispatched the rest with his BTI-DSG "The Hibernator". As BB scanned the area before turning his attention back to Nate and his unsavory request. Bryce detested killing, even those who deserved it and Kallus Shoame was no exception. BB knew from his family name alone the weight he probably carried with the Q-feds and his death would only bring retribution to those in the outback. Raising his gun to Kallus BB shot him point blank in the forehead, his stunning blast knocking the man backwards away from Nate's blade and to the ground.

"He deserves you wrath Nate, but we can't kill him. If he is who he says then the price others would pay for his death would be too high. Besides, he will make a much better prisoner, and barter chip should we need one. Now we gotta move fast, you know as well as I do more baddies are on the way. Lets get these people free and get our collective backsides out of here. I'll take the cages behind and to the left, you get the rest."

BB didn't look to see Nates next move, he had already lit his Shoto saber and began cutting away the gate locks. Finally, he came to the cage that held the smiling eyes. Pulling the cover back once and for all he finally got a full view of the one inside. Bright emerald orbs greeted him as he gazed upon the girl again, he tan skin glistening with sweat from the heat of the day. With a quick flip of his wrist ,he had removed the lock from her cage and slowly opened the door. Reaching in with the saber carefully cut away the chains that bound her wrists and stepped back from the cage entrance so as not to seemed too intimidating.

The results of his force illusion had faded, no longer needed BB looked as he always did. With bright red locks and olive skin BB slowly extended his hand to the girl to help her out of the cage, as he did he said.

"You're safe, my name is Bryce. Let's get you out of there."

[member="Kimiko"]

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

Her mind could not comprehend the rapidity of events that were unfolding before her own eyes.

Before she knew it, one of the strangers she had seen earlier was before her, opening her cage and freeing her wrists. Green eyes glanced from the offered hand to the new, or original, look of the male.

Kimiko's mind screamed for her to disregard all her ingrained actions and run...but, she would remain formal.

With weak and shaky knees, she stood without the hand, not to offend. Her head bowed slightly before she spoke. The hoarse and hurting sound she exuded was only masking her true voice.

"I am Kimiko and I live to serve, Master."

[member="Bryce Bantam"] [member="Nate the Bounty Hunter"]

 

[Nate Phantoms]

He waved his hand, all of the locks snapping, and he watched Bryce do that young kid/doctor/badass thing, and he rolled his eyes, BB was always one to fall for a damsel in distress. After he saw the woman stumble on her weak legs he rushed over, but he saw she wasn't one to hold hands so he tapped her shoulder lightly.

"You need some help standing...? And, also your free now, no one will ever be your master again, promise."

He glanced down the aisle, hearing clamoring, coming fast. With a sigh he pulled out his lightsaber, turned around and glanced at the young woman.

"I don't want you run right away after being held in a cage for so long, and I need BB free to get us a quick escape, and I can hold you while we run, so what I'm suggesting is you hopping on my back, but if you want I can always stay here and do what I do best; cause a distraction so you two have time to get away,"

[member="Kimiko"], [member="Bryce Bantam"]

 

[Bryce Bantam]

Nate was ever the good friend, reckless sometimes but as true as a day was long. Those free and able to stand began to help the others run for freedom, there were too many to help and the best thing Nate and BB could do was to delay the incoming guards so they had a better chance at freedom.

"Nate your still better with a saber than me, I'm gonna get that karking piece of Bantha poodoo back to the ship along with Kimiko. If you would be so kind as to light up a few more of these Q-fed lackeys then meet us back at the ship that would be awesome. Also, don't hold back on them either, I want a full report of plan A in full effect, but don't overstay your welcome either, I want my buddy back too."

BB slapped his friend on his armored shoulder before taking Kimiko's arm and placing it over his shoulder. Finding a nearby speeder he gently helped her over and into it. AS BB went to get the stunned body of Kallus from the ground he didn't see where Nate went but he was sure those who next saw him were going to regret it. Loading his limp body into the cargo area of the hover vehicle he quickly hotwired the thing and brought it online.

"Hold on, this could be bumpy. Oh and by the way Nate is right, I'm not your master, just trying to help a pretty girl out of a bad spot." BB said to Kimiko

[member="Nate the Bounty Hunter"] | [member="Kimiko"]

 

[Nate Phantoms]

He gave BB a grim look, but the smile was evident in his eyes as he drew his vibro sword, igniting the blade of his saber staff and looking at the need of.the aisle before him.

"You always get the pretty ones Bryce, you stole my charm, didn't you?" The joke relived some.of the tension in him, he knew that even for him, facing off against dozens of men with rifles.was not.going to be easy. "Just kidding, but we'll see each other again, right? Kiss for good luck?" He smiled and tapped his cheek, winking at Bryce. After his joke he started walking towards the incoming group, cutting off.the only entrance into Bruce's exit path.

Things were about to get crazy.

[member="Bryce Bantam"], [member="Kimiko"]

With that, he started walking towards the group, swinging his lightsaber.

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

Eyes widened at the exchange, knowing full well what a mess it would cause. Certain words did not reach her, though she nodded in understanding nonetheless.

She took her first shaky steps towards freedom with mixed emotions. Kimiko finally had a chance to be free from this dreadful prison, but into what? She did not know. They seemed nice as she noted them freeing the others held captive. But time would tell what kind of masters either of them would be.

"I...I do not wish to burden you Master. If I cannot keep up, please, leave me." Kimiko said as she followed [member="Bryce Bantam"] towards their ship, quickly looking over her shoulder as the sound of the saber and blaster fire reached her ears.

[member="Nate the Bounty Hunter"]

 

[Nate Phantoms]

This was definitely on his top ten list, after three minutes, the floor around him was littered with corpses, and he was cut, bruised, and splattered with blood. His shirt was torn, practically nothing but a strip of cloth covering his abs. He wasn't one for and endless blood bath, but he was in a rage fuelled frenzy, hacking and slashing with his sword and lightsaber, kicking guards That got too close, headbutting others. After getting stabbed in the thigh, he snapped a guards neck with his bare hands, then spearing another with his saber staff. The more he dispatched, the more came to face him, and soon he was overwhelmed, a larger guard had a Rocket lsuncher, and Another had a flamethrower, he was screwed, so he did what he hated most, he ran like a bat out of hell.

He saw [member="Kimiko"] glance in his direction, fear in her eyes as she realized what was following him. "BRYCE!!!" Jumped and slashed at a Rocket that was flying at the Starr, it's explosion making his ears ring. A few of the guards with flamethrowers send arcs of white-hot fire at him, and the sand around him started to solidify into glass from the heat. Then he saw more coming out of a passageway closer to the ship, and the young woman was right in their line of fire. "Ah,kark!!" With about ten long, fast strides, he was up in the newly freed young girl, and he grabbed her, wrapping her in his arms as the guards torched them. Making sure that she would live; he turned his back toward the flames, gritting his teeth as he started to lose strength in his control over fire, and he knew he had only.one chance at this. He thrust out his hand, focussing on the guards fuel pack, imagining the highly flammable helium (with oxygen,) in it combusting, and combust it did.

With a defining BOOM! The guards were incinerated, and he picked up the young woman, running onto the Starr. "BRYCE!!!! Get us the hell out of here!" He looked down at the young beauty before him. "Are you hurt? Any burns or cuts?"

[member="Bryce Bantam"]

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

Tightly shut eyes stayed as such, even after out of harm. They also threatened to spill tears of pure terror. Kimiko did manage to answer with a shake of her head. She did not want too see where she had been taken, even though it was obviously safety and freedom for her.

After several minutes of hiding, Kimiko allowed her eyes to open. She was still terrified and would possibly begin to cry at any moment. But her legs lifted her up as she attempted to compose herself.

Breathing for several moments, Kimiko finally calmed enough to speak,"Th-thank you Master."

[member="Bryce Bantam"] [member="Nate the Bounty Hunter"]

 

[Bryce Bantam]

The guards had fought the trio all the way to the starport and their little recon mission had turned into a full-blown cluster kark. Nate was gdoing his best impression of a tank, soaking up as much damage as he could while BB furiously piloted the speeder to the Starr. Bryce was so preoccupied with ongoing battle, he had completely forgotten about their captive and instead took [member="Kimiko"] into the Starr for safety.

A rocket exploded just outside the ship and BB saw through the bridge windows he saw Nate run into the open cargo bay screaming something.

"Raise shields, close the cargo hatch and us the kark out of here!" BB commanded from his captain's chair to his crew and soon the Starr was airborne.

The rest of the flight was relatively unopposed, and once the Starr was outside Kal'Shebbol gravity well he ordered the Starr to set course for Kesh and enter hyperspace. He had to be there soon anyway to honor the request of his teacher Solan.

Walking down to care cargo area he met up with [member="Kimiko"] and [member="Nate the Bounty Hunter"] , still recovering from the run for their lives.

"Well, kark that was fun, everyone in one piece?"