Private &nbsp; The Hunt Begins.

Hilal Vizsla

Murba Jiidak Anzani · Sep 11, 2023

Murba had been feeding Claw a large chunk of meat when he had seen the ship crest over the trees cutting a swathe through the misty canopy as it descended onto the landing platform. He admired the vessel as it finished the descent and docked, making mental notes of it's size and shape. He then lead Claw towards the docked ship as four handlers garbed in duraplast and leather armor goaded a pack of Nexu into a nearby enclosure, the beasts were getting into an excitable frenzy from the commotion, becoming a pack of lethal snapping jaws and mewling howls - Murba barked an order to have put away lest their guest became a meal.

Murba stopped his small hovercraft several feet from the loading ramp as the final hums of the engines began to die down, several guards and closer associates peered out along the complex in curiosity as it wasn't often that they would get visitors. Murba could almost feel their gaze, and turned around to eye his men. They were loyal, but they were still ruffians at times. He didn't want them to disturb his new guest..or guests.

Murba licked his lips and he clasped his hands together as the ramp began to open with a hiss. "Welcome! Welcome to Cholganna!" Claw looked at the newcomers with a mix of both curiosity, and tension - were they predator, or prey? Her tail swished anxiously as she heard her master welcome their new guests.

Hilal Vizsla

Zinayn · Sep 12, 2023

Kriff. He was late. Zinayn's small shuttle swooped over the treetops, approaching the circular compound in the middle of the misty forest. He heard some twigs snapping under his vessel, but that was alright. This landing was tricky anyway.

The Chiss set his shuttle down next to another, and he saw that the Hutt was already out there, greeting those that arrived in the other ship. Maybe he wasn't too late. Zinayn checked under his robes, making sure his lightsaber was there, and hit the ramp release button. It folded down neatly, and fumes of jet exhaust fired out by the ramp, cloaking him in smoke. Rather dramatic. But so was this mission he'd decided to go on. Catching Nexu? Not usually something Zinayn did. But just for the sake of fun, he decided to accept the challenge.

Once he had cleared the smoke, he stepped off the landing pad and waved towards the Hutt.

"Hello there!"

Murba Jiidak Anzani · Sep 12, 2023

Perhaps Murba had underestimated the reach of the Crymorah Syndicate, he hadn't expected another vessel to arrive shortly after the other. He chuckled to himself. This hunt shall be quite interesting indeed, he thought. Claw turned her head sharply, the dark Nexu bounding over to the man getting the measure of him, she skidded to a halt sending dust flying towards him, she circled him, stalking around him. Murba held his hands up asking for the newcomers he had been greeting to hold off for a moment, they had been exchanging pleasantries so no business had been conducted yet. "Welcome to Cholganna, friend! I assume you had caught wind of this venture from some of the Syndicates associates..-" Murba had paused for a moment, robed figure eh? Suspicious. "-Ahem- My friend, you're most welcome to my humble abode!" Murba stretched a hand over his estate. "Don't mind Claw, she enjoys toying with strangers at times.. felines, you must understand, are inquisitive creatures.. even if they're predators through and through." Claw had hunched down and crawled back towards Murba, she could sense her master's veiled tone and decided to not jump on the poor fellow, lest she feel the shock of her collar!

"Tell me, what do you think of my home?" Murba inquired as the handlers from earlier had finally finished settling the nexu pack they had corralled into an enclosure in the distance, then made their way into a barracks nearby.

It was about noon at this time now, the sun reached it's peak in the sky, and the mists began to dissipate as the warmth of Cholganna evaporated them.

Hilal Vizsla

Zinayn · Sep 12, 2023

"Your home is quite lovely and extravagant, Your Excellence. Perfect for someone of your stature and honor," Zinayn said, bowing with respect to the Hutt before him. He lied about the stature and honor part, of course. But he lied well. He had to resist the urge to say, What do you think when you see poor folks living on the streets?

He had to remind himself that most Hutts were quite greedy, and this one was probably no exception. But even if Zinayn didn't like working with those in criminal syndicates and such, this job was too interesting to miss out on. "When do we begin?"

Sars Sarad · Sep 13, 2023

Up to this point Sarad had remained seated somewhere in the hold of the 'Wandering Star' but now that it had made planet side he rose to disembark with the others.

Meeting

Rorlin Kos at the ramp he shared a look with the man, an associate though not necessarily a friend and would have remarked…

"This feels like it could be a waste of time."

…Sarad was less a Mercenary than one might think, he traveled the Galaxy looking to test himself; primarily against other Force Users in a show of martial prowess. What they were doing now was outside of the norm for him but he accepted that the force lead him and therefore there was some purpose to him being here.

He'd move down the ramp, noting too that others were present such as a Mandalorian,

Hilal Vizsla who he was not particularly acquainted with though he knew her culture and had crossed paths with many of those who claimed to follow the Mando'ade.

As he came to the bottom of the ramp his eyes set onto

Murba Jiidak Anzani , the Hutt and another,

Zinayn who seemed to be Chiss in origin. The Force permeated from him though Sarad didn't seem compelled to challenge him at this point. Instead, after his lead foot came off the ramp descending the starship Sarad moved off to the side and listened….

Murba Jiidak Anzani · Sep 16, 2023

Quite the interesting group Murba thought to himself as he began to lead the group into his home, the central structure of the compound. The building was made with functionality and efficiency of space in mind, and many of his Hutt brethren would likely scoff at such a "simple" dwelling. Murba spoke to them all at once, with Claw going up to each of them, taking in their scent.. "Thank you all for your consideration in joining this venture. As you know, you've all been directed here by associates both far and wide." Murba eyed them all over before continuing. "What you don't know is that this isn't just some wild Bantha chase. We're hunting Nexu, and not just one, several." Murba activated a holo-recording for the group to see, pulling up security footage that involved at least 3 separate Nexu of varying size. "These animals have been a serious thorn in my side. Gnawing through power cables, picking off night sentries, riling up my other Nexu!" Murba grumbled loudly.

"We've tracked them unsuccessfully in the surrounding jungles which is even more surprising to me. We've no idea where they're going, or how they're escaping us so quickly." Murba moved to retrieve a glass and pour himself some wine. "This will be exceedingly dangerous, Nexu are apex predators. What makes this more dangerous is that we're taking them alive." Murba sipped his wine, downing it in one upturn of the glass. "We begin tomorrow. If you have any other questions or inquiries feel free to ask. The compound is yours to explore, but don't travel outside of it. The wilds here are beyond dangerous, and with those 3 beasts on the loose you'd prefer not to give them the home field advantage." Murba went to each and shook their hands in turn, before making his way back outside with Claw to enjoy the afternoon sunshine.

Rorlin Kos · Sep 17, 2023

Of course, the Thrysian half-breed would think this was a waste of time. Anything other than clashing his sabers against a worthy opponent was a waste of time for Sars. Rorlin gave a slight grin of amusement towards his friend's disinterest in their current task. "If you started making credits off those duels we wouldn't need to be out in the middle of nowhere at the behest of an oversized Slug! Maintenance on the 'Star' is not cheap!" The kiffar reminded his accomplice as they walked down the ramp towards the Hutt and his entourage.

The Hutt greeted them in the common tongue, catching Rorlin off guard. His dealings with the Hutts were always in Huttese, for the Hutts were above the lower race's language. This was certainly a sign of how far the Hutts had fallen in the galaxy. Was a small amusement for the Kiffar for he generally disliked the creatures in principle, but he would rarely let personal feelings get in the way of business. Murba's briefing was short and straight to the point. They were to be hunting Nexu the next day.

The Hutt shook their hands, another gesture Rorlin was not used to coming from their species, and he left leaving the three behind. The kiffar looked over to the robed figure with curiosity. He could sense the force radiating from him making it obvious he was some sort of Adept or Acolyte. The blue skin and red eyes were a dead giveaway of the Chiss. Force Users were a dime a dozen now, this here being proof. Three space wizard errand boys! The thought made him laugh....... Wasn't just the Hutts that have fallen from grace, so have the prestigious religious orders of the Jedi and Sith.

"You any good at hunting?" He bluntly asked Zinayn skipping any sort of introduction. He honestly cared not for the Chiss' name, it was what he brought to the table that was more important to be inquired about.

Murba Jiidak Anzani

Zinayn · Sep 20, 2023

Zinayn nearly scoffed. Three Force-users to chase down three little animals. Ridiculous. But easy money. The Chiss was disappointed in himself that he'd fallen so far... what would he even use this money for? Perhaps he'd donate it. But then again, his shuttle's hyperdrive could use replacing. Or he could get a new shuttle entirely.

No. Greed is taking over. Donation is the way to go.

Surprising. Even being in the same room as a Hutt incited feelings of greed in Zinayn. Interesting creatures those overgrown slime lizards were. But he didn't dare say that.

Zinayn shifted his attention to

Rorlin Kos as he addressed the white-robed Chiss.

Rorlin Kos said:
"You any good at hunting?"

"I've never tried hunting animals before...though hunting humans is a specialty of mine," Zinayn said. As he talked, he observed the man. Physically, and with a gentle Force probe. It wasn't too major, so the man shouldn't be able to sense it, but then again, Zinayn would need to fully commit to the probe to learn something. But so far, from the man's presence, he couldn't sense much of the light side. So he was more of a Dark Jedi.

Zinayn could work with that.

Murba Jiidak Anzani

Murba Jiidak Anzani · Sep 22, 2023

The evening air was beginning to get cold and the chirping of insect and bird filled the air, he had gathered the crew in the main hall filled with lounging cushions and chairs adorned with animal pelts of varying size and variety. Once everyone was comfortable, Murba began. "I know many of you likely think I am the scum of the galaxy. A despotic criminal of the worst kind I'd imagine. I've seen your eyes, and how you may view me. How you may see me is of no concern to me.. however, what matters to me is that you respect me, and I you. Our lives may well be in the other's hand in the coming days. I must rely on you, and you must rely on me. Going forward it is essential that we work together, and have full trust in one another as comrades on this venture." Murba seemed to nod to himself, eyeing everyone in the room.

"Tomorrow we are brothers in arms and once our business is finished we go our separate ways. Tonight we feast!" As he finished his speech, several large trays of steaming meats and fresh breads were brought out and set upon the few tables that accompanied the fur-clad cushions and chairs. The mouth-watering aromas caressed the senses and soothed the mind. "Drink, eat, let us dine together! You are my guests." Murba let out a booming laugh, he seemed to be quite cheerful and merry, likely excited for the upcoming adventure that awaited them.

Murba settled in and enjoyed a few morsels...