Time passes between lives

[Garza]

Now this was a story. Be it true of false, it had to be one that ended good.

As a bounty hunter, and a Sith, I had a number of contacts around on different planets. Each letting me know if they saw anything worth for me to take a look at. Some would say a cool item, or a bounty. Even some who would just mention a possibility to buy out some guns for me to fix up and sell for my company. However, this one was different.

Only a few knew of my past. And only one knew of me since I was a kid. That would be Zeke. He was the owner of a bar on Courscant when my brother was still alive. But after his death. He found out about me. I trusted him, and knew he was not one who would break promises. Now? he owns a brothel, a few bars, an Inn, and even a Club. All along the same strip of town. Zeke was a good friend. He contacted me only two days ago about a Zabrak who stayed the night at his place. He said something about how he looked familiar to him. The Zabrak was powerful in the force. Known because at his in, there were a few force sensitive people I left with him to act as guards. While they were only apprentice ranked among others. they were better than simple men.

Telling me I should come and check this guy out, I did. Sitting in the command chair at the bridge, I was wearing a simple t-shirt under a Lot'tek jacket, military grade boots, jeans that were a little ripped, and bracers on my right and left arms, while a golden gauntlet was over my left bracer.

It was here on Nar Shadda that I came to see this Zabrak. I had a feeling of who it might be, but I couldn't\'t be too sure. Turning on the holo-communicator, it beeped a few times before an image of Zeke came up. He looked like he was just working in the kitchen. He sighed as I answered it.

"Ah good to see you Nicky! I believe the guy is still in my Inn if you want to see him. Easy for you to find him. Oh an please this time use the front door instead of making your own."

I smiled lightly as I looked at the rotund man. Still thinking how I blew in a wall because one of his employees didn't let me in when I clearly had the right to do so.

"I won't make any promises. And your in is called The Sleeping Diathim?"
"Oh yes. Has a little pixy on the sign just outside. Surprised you even remembered that!"
"Thanks."

Closing up the communication, I let my smile fade as I stood. Speaking to the men on the bridge as we were just outside the atmosphere. I adjusted my jacket as my men looked at me. Waiting for an answer.

"Take us down."

[member="Krest"],

 

[Darth Ferus]

[member="Nickolas Imura"]

Krest was known to travel the galaxy, hitchhiking his way from planet to planet. What a lot of people didn't know was why. More often then not, he would find himself an apprentice or two, but he was never on the planet just to run around searching for them. Krest himself was a bounty hunter, searching the cosmos for it's most notorious criminals. But they were always minor bounties. You see, Krest had an incredible amount of money he refused to earn. After faking the death of the once vice chancellor, he was paid a good lump of cash. Over the course of his life he was also given gifts. Armor, weapons, even star ships. But he never once had an urge to use them.

Here and now, however, he was after a man known across the galaxy as 'The Trader'. He could pick people up from any planet and make them disappear. In reality, he would sell these people into slavery, and once they were they would never be found again. Krest wasn't here to save people, that was something that he couldn't do, but he was here to collect the bounty, and put a stop to this mans actions.

The Zabrak was out of his usual armor and dressed in your everyday cantina loving bounty hunter outfit. A trench coat, a pair of jeans, and a large hat. He had a blaster strapped to his chest and thigh, sllug shooters with six shot revolvers, and unseen to most, a duel phase lightsaber attached to the inside of his coat. He was sipping in his usual tea, medicine for his headaches, and didn't seem to care about the world around him. The Trader wasn't force sensitive, nor did he hire any who were, so he had absolutely no reason to hide his own.

 

[Garza]

It took about a half an hour for us to reach the starport closest to "The Sleeping Diathim." We had to find one that could fit the rather large Transport, as well as have bay doors that were large enough for my Ground speeder. More along the lines of a Jeep with a gun mounted on the top. While we were finally landing, I had left the bridge to my room. Once there, I gathered my items. Mostly it was just my lightsaber, the intricate hilt hanging on the right side of my belt, while my sword, Storm, was inside the scabbard. Dormant and asleep. I smiled as I picked up the old Katana.

Having started to use this particular weapon after I had reached knight, and won it in an auction. Seeing as how I wanted something that could more easily be used by my hands. As a child my father started teaching us Kendo. A form of combat by which the Shapers of Kro Var were taught to use swords. While we were using Bokken, or in essence wooden swords, we were taught as though they were real. Now as a Master, I had come to remember every lesson, and train upon it since.

I could use forms that were rarely ever seen. A rare sight for a katana to be seen, let alone used in such a manner that was lightning fast and seemed to be almost godly. However, it was nothing special. Picking up the weapon, I carried it out into the hangar bay. The ramp was still closed as men were running around getting preparations ready for anything. About a third of the men inside the hangar were holding weapons over their shoulders or in their hands should anyone try and take over the ship by walking up the ramp. Nonetheless, I sat down in my old Chaos messenger. The civilian variant that had been supped up with a larger engine similar to that of a military version. Inside the back was already gear should poodoo hit the fan.

Turning over the engine, it rumbled to life. And with a smile I spoke to myself. "Purrs like a kitten." Stepping on the break to release from park and into gear, I shifted and then stepped on the gas. Zooming out of the ramp, and out into the city.

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About five minutes later, I reached my destination. Not much was happening. Stopping by, I could already feel a taint around the area. Looks like there have been a lot of recent activity of the force. Not just from this suspicious Zabrak, but from others who have been here and left their mark. Smiling, I stepped out, letting the engine die down. Grabbing the scabbard with storm housed safely inside, I walked up to the door. Pressing my hand against the console, it opened, and even greeted my by name.

"Welcome Nicky."

Zeke! I will get him for this. Last time I had it programed, it was my voice simply saying welcome in the Sith language. Looks like Zeke found a slicer friend about it and fixed it to be my nick name he gave me. Shaking my head I walked up to the front desk. The attendant already knew me by name as he was the man who replaced my brother at the bar. Asher I think his name was? Anyways, He allowed me in and he then handed me a card. Giving me access to all the rooms in this place.

Stopping I gave him a look and then asked him loud enough for those in the lobby to maybe hear me a little. Just in case the Zabrak could hear me,

"Was the Zabrak that Zeke talking about still here?"

[member="Krest"]

 

[Darth Ferus]

Krest was, unfortunately for himself, the only Zabrak around. With a frown, his eyes would snap over as he heard talk of a Zabrak. With a slight frown he would see [member="Nickolas Imura"] standing there, talking about what he assumed was him. Quickly his force signature would shrink away to practically nothing, and his gaze would turn. He remembered the boy, and if he was searching for him this wouldn't end well.

 

[Garza]

I smiled at the man as he looked at me. He nodded his head and indicated of where to look. Seeing that this was true, I nodded my thanks. He stayed there and made conversation with me. Asking me how I was doing. I nodded my head answering him that I was doing well. But as I answer him, I was more focused on looking for this Zabrak's signature. And I couldn't find it. While I knew the Zabrak from long ago to be rather powerful, He was surely to be even stronger now. However, I felt nothing.

Now that is strange. Asher I think? had laid down the tablet of information on who was here. Saying that he was the only zabrak by pointing to his name on the list. Obviously not listed as his old name of Krest. However, listed a Zabrak. I told him thank you, and started walking towards the rooms, only to stop. Taking a second, before realizing that the entire time I had been talking to him. He had been looking away from me. Almost as though he had something to hide. Smiling I turned around and headed straight for him.

I ducked my head and turned it around like I was trying to look over his shoulder. Easily, I just simply spoke to him.

"Um hello? You look familiar to me. Have we met before? I believe it was in dueling pits?"

[member="Krest"]

 

[Darth Ferus]

A low growl escaped from the lips of the red man as [member="Nickolas Imura"] found him. So the boy had grown, into a master no less. Of course, he wasn't sure why the man was here, but if he was looking for Krest well..

"Ja be needin somethin lil' humie? Ah don' be havin all day." Krest chose to use his normal accent for once, hopefully throwing the boy off his trail. Not that he expected it to. If anything, this was more for fun.

 

[Garza]

Looking at him, I shook my head. I walked around to the other side of the table, and pulled out the chair, I stopped myself before sitting. Leaning the sword against the table, and then smiling pleasantly at the Zabrak who was using an accent. Probably just to mess me up since the growl had come out from him. I was not as stupid as I was then.

"Well then, may I ask you some questions then? I won't take that much of your time."

I sat myself down in the chair and pulled out a old lightsaber hilt that I had not used in ages. Placing it down, the double bladed lightsaber was one that I always carried with me, even when I couldn't use it against my fight with him. I held it in my hands, keeping a firm grip.

"Does this look familiar, it once belonged to a boy who had a weird looking arm?"

[member="Krest"]

 

[Darth Ferus]

"Ah know who ya be [member="Nickolas Imura"] , ja be needin somet-" Krest frowned for a moment before cutting himself off. "Aye, it's me, what is it you need kid?" The Zabrak would turn then, resting his elbow on the table and his chin in his hand. His signature, which he had shrunk, once more expanded to it's fullest extent. Blue eyes would look over Nick, offering a slight nod. "You've grown."

 

[Garza]

He continued for the guise in a moment longer before cutting himself off. A frown with a conformation that it was him. And in a fast moment, his force signature expanded to be at it's fullest extent. I could tell from the way that his own aura seemed to almost drown out my own. I shook my head as he asked me what I wanted. Only to comment a second later that I had grown.

Yes, if you considered barely growing in height, but more so in body build, then yes. As well, its the more rugged and long hair look that cut it out for me. Nonetheless, I came back.

"And you changed shape. Face is a little different."

Putting the saber away, I indicated to the sword that was leaning against the table. I tapped the pommel of the old Katana. Looking back to him,

"Little tales of a Zabrak with a finesse for Sword crafting has been flowing around. I need help replacing this one."

Sliding the weapon over towards him, I allowed him to see it. if he pulled it out, he would see scratches all along the blade. and a few dings and rough spots on the blade. As much as it was crafted by a man with Sith Alchemy, it wasn't the best crafted. No special thing, other than resistance from lightsabers and blaster bolts. It was worth a lot to me. A blade that I had used since the beginning of my Knight hood. However, I wanted something to replace it. Something more suitable for me.

[member="Krest"]

 

[Darth Ferus]

Krest chuckled a bit . Changed shape? Yeah, probably. He did end up changing shape a little, but he was still the same old blacksmith Krest. But.. Well. That made sense. Looking to [member="Nickolas Imura"] , he'd let out a laugh. "You need a sword? And you come to me? Ha, alright. I can work with ya to make you a blade." The red hand reached out to take the blade, pulling it free from it's sheath. "Though.. I've never seen a Sith sword so banged up. If we're going to make you a blade better then this, well. You're going to have to help me get a slaver." Blood would be needed for the ritual. At least the scum he was going to kill anyway would be of use.

 

[Garza]

Never seen a sword banged up that bad? Well after a good 10 years of use it should be banged up. Now, as for the Slaver, I smiled intently. I owned slaves. However, I treated them with more respect than most others did. They were my crew. part of my Family. So I would protect them. I was half tempted to just take the slaves and allow them to have a chance to live, because if given freedom, most will end up dead in a few months from drugs, gambling, or drinking. However, I had a feeling that Krest would be the one likely to just let them go.

"Alright, So this slaver is someone you have been looking for, or just someone you don't really care for?"

As a bounty hunter of sorts, I knew that some bounties became personal after information was found out. If its just someone who he really was hunting for, and searching with all of his might, then there was a hidden motive, however, I didn't think that was the case. None the less, I agreed.

"Blood for the Blood God right?"

[member="Krest"]

 

[Darth Ferus]

"Little bit of both, honestly. He's actually here, dunno which room, but I've been hanging about waiting for him to show his face outside the room. His bounty, however, has him marked for dead or alive. We'll be able to get the blood needed. Though.. I'm assuming you got a faster way to find him as ya found me eh Nick?" Krest leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips. So this was more a stroke of good luck than bad. You could say he was pleased to see [member="Nickolas Imura"] again.

 

[Garza]

I smiled as he started talking again. A little of both huh? Well that was something. I was half tempted to joke with him and say that he was getting all soft on me, however, I stayed silent till then end. Knowing that I would have contacts. He pressed them and wanted to know where this fellow was. Leaning forward, I spoke and pointed with my right hand towards the man at the desk. "Ask him for the name and description. Then go get him."

Standing up myself, I picked up the sword, even while banged up, it was still useful at this point. With a tilt of my head towards the door, "I'll watch the exits." Walking towards the front door, I moved to stand just close to it. Looking up, I could see the main desk, as well as the door off to the side for employees. While it was also an exit, I smiled as if the man decided to run, he will only die tired.

Might as well work on this like a team right? If there are only two places to go, and one person is at each. He will run into one of us. Pulling out a Cigarette, I lit one. Seeing as how I moved into the smoking section, it was plausible I moved over here, just to have a few drags. In which, I hope to enjoy more than just a few.

[member="Krest"],

 

[Darth Ferus]

"That simple eh? Wasn't sure if the doorman was loyal or not." Krest offered a shrug to [member="Nickolas Imura"] before moving off. If anything, this should be a quick one. At least,now it would be. After asking the man, he was rather quickly pointes to his targets room, no doubt due to Nick's presence by the door. With a nod of thanks, the red man would turn to get to the room itself. Without pause, a wave of the hand would force the door open, and a startled gasp was all that could be heard.

'The Trader' looked about ready to leave as Krest moved on in. Without hesitation, the man dressed in what seemed to be simple merchant garb pulled free one of his blasters and fired it right for the intruders chest. Or at least that was the goal. Krest on the other hand simply brought up an open palm and quite literally absorbed the shot. As the smile formed once more on the Zabrak's chest, the Trader would soon find the energy of his shot turned into a powerful blast of electronic judgement. The room would glow a vivid emerald as Krest sapped away his targets strength, and by the time he was finished, the trader was unconscious.

"Easy. See?" Krest was speaking to his partner of sorts as he lifted up his bounty onto his shoulder. "Now, you mentioned something about a blade?"

 

[Garza]

I smiled as I stood by the door. Watching as everything was happening. After a short few seconds, The only reaction I made was my thumb pressing up on the guard, releasing the blade should I need it. However, the Zabrak, obvious of his powers, absorbed the blaster bolt. Sure it was a nice trick to have, however, I didn't see a need for it. I would rather redirect it as it were. Not waist time in converting it into green arcs of lightning. Looks like he knew Electric Judgment. A version of Force Lightning that drained the victim of will power, and physical use of their body. But not that painful as the real force lightning.

With the man out for the count, I smiled as Krest then went back to the subject of the sword. I pulled back on the guard with my thumb making a click sound, taking a third drag from my cigarette. Reaching behind me, I produced leather handcuffs. However, there was more to them than meets the eye. Tossing them to Krest, "You knocked him out, you carry him right?"

I threw a snide smile his way. "Got a ground speeder out front that we can use to haul him to my ship. That is, if you don't mind that."

I tilted my head at the question. Some didn't trust others enough to understand that in this instance, I was not going to take his bounty. The bounty was Krests, however, the man's blood, was mine. I needed it for the sword. Might as well use it right?

[member="Krest"],

 

[Darth Ferus]

A red hand came up to catch the handcuffs, but rather then physically put them on the man, he would wave the same hand he had up, gripping the cuffs through the force. Rather easily, he would attach the handcuffs to his prey. With a satisfied nod his blue gaze would turn to [member="Nickolas Imura"] . Krest didn't care about the bounty. He had more money than he wanted. Literally. So without any hesitation the red man would move to where the speeder would be located, and toss the guy onto the front.

"Well, let's be off."

 

[Garza]

I smiled as I went up to sit in the front seat. Walking out as Krest put him in there as well. Um, where was he supposed to sit then? Nevermind. Probably was gonna scoot the guy over to me and make him sit between us. Either way, I started up the engine once more. Waiting for Krest to get into the vehicle. Not much was going to take place between here and there. Since it was open, it would be hard to talk to one another.

"Alright. Get in and we can get going."

I flipped a few switches on the dash, and pressed a single button, The bad thing about this. I was really doing this because my men liked to take turns on a spin with this. No wonder the settings were set to have high performance and low mileage. Looks like I needed to grab them and give them a come to jesus moment when I was done with this.

[member="Krest"],

 

[Darth Ferus]

[member="Nickolas Imura"]

Krest was quick to jump onto the back, holding his captive with a single arm. The joys of being a bounty hunter on a planet like Nar Shadaa. No one questioned why you would have someone in handcuffs. Though, there was something off for the Zabrak. He has never actually been on a speeder. So he clung to the back of it with his mechanical arm, literally gripping.

"So uh.. How soon will we get there?"

 

[Garza]

After setting everything correctly, I could hear Krest's voice over the purr of the engines. Asking how long it would be. Considering he was hanging off the back when there was an open seat right next to me, I was a little confused. Nonetheless, I answered him.

"Should take about five minutes unless you fall off."

I motioned for him to get up in the front seat. 1) cus it was safer, 2) he wouldn't have to rely on his arm so much, 3) it felt weird having someone hanging off the back. If he moved to the front of not, I didn't care. Hitting the gas, I sped off towards the starport where I would be able to possibly make the greatest Katana for me to ever use.

[member="Krest"],

 

[Darth Ferus]

[member="Nickolas Imura"]

Krest blinked a bit, noting the second seat before pulling himself to it. Ploping down, he'd cast a glance about the area, frowning. "Five minutes? Are you close by?" Underestimation on how fast a ship like a speeder cab go. He'd cling to the sirlde of the ship dlnone the less, a frown on his lip.