Smugglers and Spice and Everything Nice

[Akalis Kraran]

"No, I haven't any need for your spice or your women,"

"No? But what about your arm? I could definitely offer a little incentive to lemme take a look. Hook you up with some mods, yeah?"

"Again: no. I have not come to listen to you pander to my basic instincts, Appro. I am not wont to sit here and allow you to parlay me with your idiotic scams,"

"Then why are you here? I am a business man with a business to run! And each second you waste my time, I lose money! So out with it!"

The red light sector on Nar Shaddaa: an illicit hub for entertainment. Catering to spice junkies, adrenaline junkies, slavers, prostitution and those with disregard for law and life--what a grand place to be. In the back of an unassuming cantina, operated by an absolute sleaze and deft con man by the name of Appro, Akalis sat with drink in hand at a far corner in the back, exchanging words, attempting to strike a deal. Appro, a balding, middle aged, bulbous-nosed, pussel gut miscreant was driven by many things--women, spice, black mail--but money was at the top of his list. There's nothing he would not do if the price was right.

"I require information,"

"Ha! And that comes with a hefty price, boy! I don't think you could afford my services anyways! You come in here dressed in your raggedy robes, face hidden under your hood! What are you? Just some street urchin junkie trying to pull a fast one on me? Get outta here, you dimwit!" Appro stood and started to walk off, clearly annoyed and unimpressed. Akalis lifted his hand and by an unseen force, forced the fat dolt back into his chair. It was then Appro realized this hooded man was not some street urchin. His sunken, bloodshot eyes were alight with fear.

"Don't struggle. You can't break free. You will not move until our business has concluded. And if you by any means try to cry for help, I will crush your windpipe and leave you sitting here face down in your drink. Understood?"

Appro nodded vigorously, "Tell me what I can do for you! Just don't hurt me! I have a family!"

Akalis scoffed, "Even if you did have a family, Appro, do not think my words empty. I don't care about you, your life, or your imaginary family. I have come to get what I need from you--that's it. I can pay, but that's only if you cooperate,"

"Tell me what you want to know!" Appro, unable to move, started to show signs of panic. The loss of control over his body was akin to claustrophobia for him. Sweat began to bead on his wrinkled forehead and trickle down his pock marked cheeks.

"I want access to the smuggler's tunnels. I want to know where they are--how to get there,"

"But why? Those tunnels belong to the Hutts!"

"Yes, I know. I also know that the particular series of tunnels I'm looking for lead to the local cartel boss's mansion here in the red light sector,"

"What? Why do you want this information? Did Kraco screw you over during a deal? You're not the first and you're not the last, so why bother?! Whatever he took from you--it's not worth the effort!"

"You ask too many questions..." The grease ball's throat began to tighten. The fear in his eyes was unparalleled. He could not move, he could not speak, he could not breathe! "You're dodging my questions with meaningless questions of your own," Akalis released his hold upon Appro's throat, "Now, are you willing to give me what I want? Or shall we continue this game. I don't think you have much left in you to sustain your part, Appro. Now give me what I want,"

"Okay, okay. I know a way in. Kraco's warehouse on the west side of the sector. There's an entrance under the dock's hangar bay. You can get in through there,"

"And does this entrance connect to Kraco's mansion?"

"Yeah, yeah it does," he weezed.

"Good. I'm going to need one more thing from you, Appro,"

"Oh, for the love of--What? What now? I thought you only wanted information?"

"I want the map of the tunnels,"

"I don't ha--" His throat tightened again, this time to a much greater extent.

"Yes. You do. I know you cohort with this slug. That's how you stay in business. That's how you sell your filth and your harlots, Appro. Now give me the damn maps..."

"They're in my front breast pocket," he said, barely able to speak through his desperate gasping.

Akalis telekinetically fished the data chip from the man's breast pocket and tucked it away under his robes. "You've been a great help to me, Appro. I can't thank you enough,"

"You pompous little swindler. You don't know what you're up against!" Appro choked, "You can't just steal from a Hutt!"

"I can't? I never said anything about stealing anything from him," Akalis remarked coldly.

Appro's eyes widened as he connected the pieces to the puzzle, "You're gonna go after him? You're an idiot! I'm an idiot! I'm a dead idiot! He's gonna kill you! Then he's gonna figure out who gave you this information, then he's gonna kill me!"

"No, he's not," Akalis quipped, tightening his force grip on the fat man's throat, snapping his neck quickly and efficiently.

He got up from the table and started heading towards the exit. He was soon approached by Appro's Rodian bodyguard who had been observing from afar, "Hey!" the alien called out as he neared, "You saw nothing. Appro is fine. He's taking a nap," The alien paused and repeated the words, "I saw nothing. Appro is fine. He's taking a nap," "Go to the bar and have a drink--you're thirsty," "I'll go to the bar and have a drink. I'm thirsty."

Off the alien went to the bar.

Off went Akalis into the streets, swallowed by the crowds.

 

[Kira Fenn]

Kira watched two men striking a deal in the back of the slimiest cantina Nar Shaddaa had to offer. Criminals and sleazy old sentients alike, the bar was full of laughter, vulgar words and unsolicited violence. Despite conditions of the worst degree, Kira knew work here was plentiful and men who were desperate for answers or vengeance paid big credits for a job well done. She wouldn't work any job- her code didn't allow her to. She would find a job that suited her and would bring a criminal to death. It was the right thing to do.

She eyed the actions of both men. One appeared scared and being held against his will, while the other desperate for information. She didn't recognize either of them. As the man departed leaving the other what Kira presumed to be dead, she followed him out the door. The streets were generously crowded with drunken and slimy folk alike, that would provide her enough cover to go by unseen for a short time.

She questioned what he was doing and where he was going. This scenario could go one of two ways: She could kill him for unsolicited murder and theft or he could join him on his quest for the greater good. Kira wasn't scared. She was excited.

[member="Akalis Kraran"]

 

[Tanith Alde]

The Ghost didn't often make it her buisness to spend time in Cantinas. She didn't enjoy the dulling of her senses from teh widely popular 'buzz' of alcohol. She didn't enjoy the noise and smell of the roguh crowds. She didn't enjoy the lack of bloodshed and violence. But she did enjoy the anonymity. Noone would question why she was dressed as she was, why she was armed, where she was headed, and in most cases even who she was. This was why she was in this cantina now. Anoninmity atleast temporary was worth preserving. She was sipping modeslty at a glass of water that she had managed to argue the bartender into.

None of the patrons truly caught her eye at first, but eventually after scannign the crowd several times one stood out. [member="Kira Fenn"] This one was different to the masses. And perhaps even worth a little investigation. Ghost had much to consider

 

[Akalis Kraran]

Appro was taken care of. He was a minor, if not slightly insignificant piece to a much larger puzzle. In the grand scheme of things, he was the key to Kraco. He dealt with the slug directly on a weekly, sometimes daily, basis. For several weeks, Akalis had taken to reconnaissance, scoping out the dirt bag's wretched cantina, watching who he conducted business with, making note of his habits and daily routines. Kraco was never one to meet in person. He always appeared via hologram. The fat, undulating mass that was his body was still as ever sickening and hideous through the projector as it was in the flesh. Through a subtle, and inevitably fatal interrogation with one of Kraco's lackey's, Akalis was able to learn how Appro tied in with the Hutt, leading him to this fateful night and bringing about the end of another, what he considered to be, worthless life.

The young man swiftly wove in and out of the crowd, brushing shoulders with the occasional passerby, indiscriminately knocking some out the way, earning their ire. Each step exuded unbreakable determination. He was a man on a mission, and if he had his way, this would be Kraco the Hutt's last night. He took a sharp left turn down an alleyway, it was unpleasantly humid--moist. The permeating stench of pollution, garbage, excrement--all humble staples of the cesspit that was Nar Shaddaa, all epitomized in this one alley. Akalis removed his hood and looked back towards the busy street. Something was amiss. The Force was speaking to him. His senses told him that he had potentially garnered unwanted attention. That was to be expected. He chose to be mindful and carry on with his business regardless. He was determined.

He retrieved the data chip from underneath his robes. He inserted the chip into the data port on his wrist, activating the holo projector in his palm. The alleyway lit up with warm blues. The maps were detailed. The smuggler tunnels branched out all over the red light sector. Place markers highlighted booby trapped routes, dead ends, emergency escapes and local businesses that were tied in with Kraco's collection runs. Akalis scanned for the warehouse Appro had made mention of, and the dock where the secret entrance lied.

"Ah... There!" he noted, "It isn't far from here. 800 meters..." He closed his palm, deactivated the map, and pocketed the data chip once more. He knew where to go now. He could feel his hands gripping and tearing out the bulbous eyes of the Hutt. He imagined cutting him down, blasting him point blank, ending his miserable life and ruining his operation.

[member="Kira Fenn"]

 

[Ashalah Ky]

Ashalah had heard the entire exchange. How the man required information, specifically about the Hutts. When he got that information, and it becoming clear his only intent was killing the Hutt, but not before killing the information broker. He got up to leave, waved away the lead's guard, and headed outside. Standing, Ashalah followed him.

She wore a skin-tight black suit, which was armoured. Black boots and gloves ensured no piece of copper skin showed. A black visor covered her face, held in place by black clips around her lekku, and one clip between her montrals. She tailed him, slowly catching up to him. She knew he was a Force-user. While she had never worked with one before, she knew of them. He could sense her approach most likely.

When he moved to question her, she would cut him off, firing back a retort of her own. "You want to get into the Hutt Cartel. I can help."

[member="Akalis Kraran"]

 

[Lypheen Grath]

Lypheen had not been seen for some time. He had been laying low for a while in hopes of avoiding any authorities that are familiar with his work. When he resurfaced again though, he wanted to make sure it was a big entrance. Grand. Amazing. And now he had the perfect way to do so.

Lypheen had been in a cantina drinking, but he did not drink much because of a very important deal he was making with an Aqualish. The taste of the beer had been so delicious that he could not resist, so he simply went out back to make the exchange instead of leaving, so he could just go back inside afterwards. Lypheen crouched down behind a dumpster to make sure he was hidden.

Footsteps echoed off of the walls out back. Lypheen ducked down and stayed hidden. Two figures strode past him and sat down at a table. Being the criminal he is, he needs valuable information, so naturally he listened in on their conversation.

One figure appeared to be pleading to the other not to hurt him. That other figure demanded information about some tunnels underground. Lypheen gasped as he saw one figure get lifted from the ground and then almost suffocate. Once the person got the information, he got up and headed for the docks. A force-user. This could be a dangerous job, but it could also somehow lead to his amazing comeback.

He followed him.

[member="Akalis Kraran"]

 

[Kira Fenn]

Kira wasn't stupid. She knew when others trailed her or trailed someone near here. She was a tracker, after all. She sped up, eager to warn the man. She counted three others. Three? Kira had no idea who this man was or what he planned on doing, but if three people were after him and he lacked any bounty reward from the guild, could he really be of that much importance? Maybe he was being targeted, the one on the other side of the trigger today. An assassination. She stopped following immediately and aimed to catch up instead.

"Hey, you. Map guy." But as the words exited her mouth, another woman entered.

The Hutt Cartel. Kira nodded to herself, although not familiar with their work she knew they were powerful and had armies of Bounty Hunters and mercenaries at their fingertips. They were evil. Greedy fat pigs who only aimed for personal wealth and gain.

"If you're trying to kill one of those slugs, let me help." She insisted, making this conversation a trio.

"Also," She added, remembering those trailing. There would only be two now. "There are two others. Following one of you two, I assume. Could be me. What do you want to do?" She asked, allowing them to lay down their options first as the three continued walking.

[member="Ashalah Ky"]
[member="Akalis Kraran"]

 

[Akalis Kraran]

"This is ridiculous," Akalis muttered pensively, pulling the hood of his robes back over his head. "Forgive my skepticism concerning your motives," he remarked, addressing both women respectively. He could sense the presence of two others in hot pursuit. As to the nature of their motives, he was unsure. He did not sense any ill intent. However, he wasn't keen on taking any chances, much less forgoing a cautionary plan of action. This applied to all four beings in question. He then stopped mid stride, turned and faced the women. He spoke, "I do not intend on turning this into a full fledged party. Clearly you both have your motives--perhaps personal. Eavesdroppers from the cantina..." The streets of Nar Shaddaa had ears and eyes. Each set harboring their own personal agendas. Moreover, perpetrating an attack on the Hutt Cartel was sure to not go unnoticed, especially talk of it. "You," he addressed the Twi'lek, "You're certain you can get me inside? I have a map of the smuggler's tunnels. I'm sure you know that already," he turned towards Kira, "And you, you're a bounty hunter I assume. Is this prospect of aid for personal gain or for pleasure?" His tone grew dour, "For me, this is personal. Kraco and I have history. I intend to write the ending to this chapter. He is mine. Aid me as you wish. However, that slug's blood will be on my hands and mine alone, is that understood? Dispatch whatever lackey, mercenary, bounty hunter he has guarding his fetid ass, but leave that slug to me." He conveyed a strong, overwhelmingly strong, predilection for violence. There burned a seething hatred in his eyes. The scars on his face, the milkiness of his blinded eye beget a story, evincing a peculiar thirst for murder. Revenge.

He drew the map once again, discerning the distance between the three and Kraco's warehouse. "We're not far. However, there's the issue of our pursuers. Let them come to us. If they belong to Kraco, their blood will be the first to be spilled..." Akalis withdrew the map, and oddly enough, took a seat in the disgusting alleyway, staring ahead, unmoving. He chose to wait. If these pursuers aimed to follow, he would have it they would sooner meet the one they pursued rather than lurk in the shadows like womprats.

[member="Kira Fenn"]
[member="Lypheen Grath"]
[member="Ashalah Ky"]

 

[Ashalah Ky]

"I used to work for the Cartel." The Togruta ((excuse you)) told him, crossing her arms over her chest. "You may have that map, but it doesn't tell you where all the guards are posted or the Rancor pit." She walked closer to him, walking around his body while a hand trailed across his shoulders flirtily. "It would be a shame if you fell into that." When she returned to her spot in front of [member="Akalis Kraran"], she looked over at [member="Kira Fenn"]. She was curious what a bounty hunter had gone through in order to want to kill a Hutt. For Ash, it was as simple as competition. She had killed the generals of one Hutt's army for the benefit of her master, killing a Hutt himself wouldn't be any different.

Akalis took a seat in the alley, pulling out the map. At the mention of pursuers, Ash turned to the mouth of the alley. If the pursuers made any attempts at a fight, she would kill them. Her hands moved to the blasters on each hip. "As you wish, sir. By the way," she looked over at him, a hand moving up to the side of her face. Pressing a button on the side of her helmet, the blacked-out visor split, each side retracting into the black metal panels on her cheeks. With her appearance shown, she gave him a smile. "The name's Azetha."

 

[Lypheen Grath]

"Gah!" Lypheen tripped over many people, charging his way through the crowd, getting dirty looks from many. He saw the person he was after walk into an alley with an...a bounty hunter? What business could he possibly have with a bounty hunter? This was getting interesting. He put his hand onto his blaster and lept forward around the corner into the alley.

He eyed the people, noticing the force-user was Akalis Kraran. He had heard of him, and he wanted no business with him. Too late. Besides him, there were three others. Who were these people and why were all of them following Akalis?

"Everyone get down on the ground!" he yelled as he whipped out his blaster. It was too late to turn back, as they had already noticed him staring, so he went with his instincts.

"Um... tell me what you were...uh...doing behind the c-c-cantina!" He barely managed to speak, trembling in fear as he held the gun pointed at Akalis. He did not want to kill him, but there may be no choice.

[member="Kira Fenn"]
[member="Akalis Kraran"]
[member="Ashalah Ky"]

 

[Kira Fenn]

The togruta woman quickly disclosed her information. Kira felt she wanted revenge, that there was a bitterness controlling the decisions of both these individuals. For her, it wasn't about revenge. It was about redemption. Ridding the galaxy of the Hutts would rid the galaxy of a toxic power and prevent them from causing further harm- no matter how much they pay Bounty Hunters to do their work.

Azetha. Kira noted down her name mentally, sure not to forget it later. She had rid herself of her helmet, showing her face accompanied by a warm smile. Kira reciprocated the kind gesture, but before anything further could be said, another entered the scene.

A trio eyed alien stood before them, a blaster pointed at them along with loose and empty threats. As a reaction, however, Kira held her rifle, the target aimed at the creatures middle eye. She would not shoot, not yet.

"Do you want to rethink your choices? A petty street thief like you has no business here." She threatened, her finger itching to pull the trigger.

[member="Akalis Kraran"]
[member="Lypheen Grath"]
[member="Ashalah Ky"]

 

[Lypheen Grath]

The woman aimed her rifle straight at Lypheen's middle eye. His hand trembled, and he almost dropped the gun once or twice, but he held it aimed right at her.

"Do you want to rethink your choices? A petty street thief like you has no business here" He didn't listen to her.

"Well, what business do YOU have here then?" he asked her.

Without even waiting for an answer, he shot at her.


AND MISSED.​
​
[member="Kira Fenn"]

 

[Akalis Kraran]

"As long as we are on the same page," Akalis quipped, addressing the Togruta ((pardon my oversight)), Azetha. "My name is Akalis. You may take point, then. I'll leave the hutt's guards and... Rancor, to you. I only care for Kraco as it is," He was never once wont to return the warmth of his newfound companions--allies. He did not smile. He did not respond to the Togruk's flirtatious advancements. He was moreso a shell of a person. Either this was his nature, or he had been so consumed by his thirst for Kraco's blood, that he could not muster the strength to focus on anything but seeing the massive slug slain and lying face down in a pool of his own blood. Nothing would stand in his way, not until the audacious alien entered the scene. This would prove interesting.

Akalis remained unmoved at the alien's show of violence. He stood and addressed him thusly, "You're outgunned--outclassed. You come asking questions and demanding answers. You fire your blaster as a show of force, and yet all I can sense of you is unadulterated fear. Either you're brave or stupid. Perhaps both. You have once chance to turn tail and run. Take it." A cleverly hidden compartment in the palm of Akalis' cybernetic hand opened, ejecting the hilt of his lightsaber. He gripped it, his thumb hovering over the activator switch. It was a gesture meant to intimidate the alien, not necessarily meant to incite violence. "It's your move...."

[member="Kira Fenn"]
[member="Ashalah Ky"]
[member="Lypheen Grath"]

 

[Lypheen Grath]

The man stood up and said some things. Lypheen did not pay attention. He wanted to make an amazing comeback, and the perfect way was to get involved in this. Either they let him in on the info, or he shot them. It was a win-win. Probably.

"Uh..um.." he couldn't speak. He flipped out

PEW PEW PEW PEW PEW PEW PEW PEW

He fired in all directions, hitting a few passerbys. He was not sure if he hit any of his targets at all. All he knew is that he was an idiot.

 

[Ashalah Ky]

"Akalis, it's a pleasure." She gave him a warm smile as her hand trailed down her arm. Suddenly, the sound of a hostile voice from behind her made her stop. He was demanding answers and she heard the sound of a blaster hitting the wall around them. A dark chuckle ripped from her throat as her hand moved from Akalis' shoulder to her helmet. Her visor zipped back into place, covering her face. "You really are an idiot." She turned on the man, her hands going to the twin pistols on each hip.

He let out a flurry of blaster fire. In a flash, Azetha unholstered her blasters and returned fire. She didn't intend to kill the sleemo, at least not yet. She would fire at his legs and the hand on the trigger. If she hit...no, she wouldn't miss. She never missed.

[member="Akalis Kraran"]
[member="Lypheen Grath"]
[member="Kira Fenn"]

 

[Kira Fenn]

Caught slightly off guard, her threats went by the fools mind as he took a shot, just passing Kira's head. This caused her to lower her rifle and just gave the crook a "What the hell?" kind of look. He then proceeded to fire multiple shots, hitting those innocent passing by. Almost immediately, the togruta with her unholstered her duel pistols and returned fire, aiming for his legs.

"Pathetic," Kira sighed, aiming her rifle at one of his shoulders as the assassin appeared to be aiming for his legs.

"You should have thought before you acted, truly."

[member="Ashalah Ky"][member="Lypheen Grath"][member="Akalis Kraran"]

 

[Lypheen Grath]

Lypheen was truly an idiot. Why had he done those things? All of it just so he would be remembered. Maybe now he would be remembered as a very stupid person. That was true. After he had stopped shooting rapidly he got shot twice. Once in his left leg, once in his right shoulder.

He dropped his blaster and did his best to run, but he tripped and fell right at the feet of one of the shooters. He was in too much pain to tell which. He didn't even care if they killed him right now. He knew he deserved it. Why did he choose this life of crime? Why? Why? Why?

These individuals had done nothing to deserve this disturbance. Heck, he even hit some innocent passerby's. Especially they didn't deserve this. No one deserved it. He didn't deserve life.

"End me." he said confidently to the figure towering over him, "I've done enough."

 

[Akalis Kraran]

Akalis' blade erupted from the hilt a powerful, magnificent red. Deftly, he deflected several stray bolts, protecting himself from the frenzied onslaught unleashed by the crazed thug. No sooner had it begun, it was over. His newfound companions had easily incapacitated the alien with precise shots, demonstrating their skill. This was a notable example of their prowess. Akalis even found himself slightly impressed. These two seemed quick of wit--professional. Regardless of this thug's lowly stature and doltish demeanor, these ladies showed they knew how to handle themselves.

Akalis withdrew his blade and concealed it, returning it to its hidden compartment. He looked down at the alien and spoke with an air of disgust, "You're pathetic. If it were my decision, I'd sooner have you live and wallow in your failure. That is a more appropriate sentence than giving you death," He turned his back on the alien. Something was off. Lypheen's brazen act of stupidity had garnered more attention than Akalis had ever set out to capture. The innocent lie wounded in the street. They were isolated in this narrow alleyway, in an area controlled by the Hutt Cartel. It would sooner be the cartel than any form of authority figure to appear and address the situation in the wake of chaos. This was their turf afterall. He turned back and addressed Kira and Ashalah, "I do not recommend we dawdle around in this cramped alleyway too much longer. We will have company in the matter of moments. Company that is both better equipped and far more nefarious than this dimwit. Do with him what you will. He's already cost me valuable time as it is, and gained unwanted attention."

[member="Kira Fenn"]
[member="Lypheen Grath"]
[member="Ashalah Ky"]

 

[Ashalah Ky]

"Leave him," Azetha turned to address the other woman with her, who Akalis had instructed along with Azetha to deal out the fate of the moronic thug. "He won't be given such a swift death when the Cartel finds him." Without another glance at the grunt, she moved ahead of [member="Kira Fenn"], to stand next to [member="Akalis Kraran"]. "The shortest route to the Cartel is this way." Then she would lead their ragtag trio through the streets. They walked a few blocks before the cluster of buildings thinned out. Before them was a courtyard, a fountain in the centre depicting a Hutt spurting water from its mouth. Azetha made a noise of disgust at the sight of it.

Beyond the courtyard and the ugly statue was a large manor. That was the home of Kraco the Hutt. Positioned around the courtyard and standing on either side of the grand door, were Gamorrean guards, the Hutt's favourite muscle to use. "If we do a full frontal assault, word will reach Kraco before we do. Hutts have eyes everywhere." She did a quick scan of the property. "We'll have to take this with stealth. There," she pointed to a shed about halfway between the building they were next to and the manor. "We'll go in from above."

Without another word, she began to climb up the building, hoping her team would follow. When she reached the roof, she crouched, waiting for the other two to join her.

 

[D'vok Windroamer]

D'vok Windroamer was falling from a nearby building, with the hopes of landing in the manor, when he noticed the togruta, and other people, scaling the building.

"Oh, you've gotta be kidding m-"
With a crash followed by a large thud, D'vok landed in the manor through the skylight. He was face-first eating the floor, so to speak. Kraco the hutt stared coldly at him.
"Windroamer? Kee chai cun kuta? Chut chut. Lohba! Panknee ata jen Koumhaptecee!" Yelled Kraco.
"Hold on just a second!" Yelled D'vok, staggering to his feet, before drawing his DL-44.
"People want you dead, and I'm happy to oblige." Several guards circled him, but D'vok force pushed one of them into a wall and the rest backed up.
"How do you say it in hutt again? Fa baa tanea cahtana, ritke yanee."