Smalltalk [[Open]]

[Mar]

~Intro~

Coruscant, a massive ecumenopolis stretching out in every direction as far as can see. Home to both the Galactic Senate and the Jedi Order not to mention the Galactic Republic headquarters itself and a large majority of their fleet nearby one would think the massive city would be safe and they’d be right, to a certain extent. While relatively safe in the Upper Cites the lower one goes the worse off the city becomes, the lower city’s a dangerous place. Travel unprepared is ill advised as its home to countless crime syndicates both big and small along with the average thug just waiting for a quick buck.

However as dangerous as the lower city may be it does have it’s…’uses’, information rumors spread fast and with the right ‘persuasion’ people open right up, you just need to know where to look or be prepared to spend a little extra for anything ‘trustworthy’.

Among the bustling evening commute stood a robed figure, the figure obviously male stood silently his face shrouded in darkness as the breeze from nearby speeders caused his grey robe to flow effortlessly in the wind. Two bluish-grey eyes looked down below, towards a structure by the name of ‘The Cheap Gizka’. The man chuckled, cute to bad the creature the name derives from is actually a pest especially during breeding season.

The man shivered, not at the temperature however at the sheer thought of having to go though ‘that’ ordeal again, it had taken him months to successfully obliterate every single Gizka from his ship as the incinerator can only do so much before overheating. Shaking his head, he cleared all thoughts on the subject before returning his mind to the here and now. The man once known as Zephyr Marek sighed.

He’d come to Coruscant looking for answers rumors pertaining to the ‘True’ Sith. Though the general populace has yet to be informed on the upcoming threat against the Republic it couldn’t hurt ask on the latest events occurring in the outer rim the closest territory to the Unknown Regions.

Zephyr would have to be wary though, even among the billions of sentient’s residing on the planet should he use the force for prolonged periods of time his presence will be felt by every force user on the damn planet. Yes, he’d have to be wary indeed. Turning sharply on his heels he strode away from the guardrail he was previously perched up against as the robed Master walked down the ramp minutes before reaching club.

Immediately taking notice of a line of people waiting to enter the establishment Zephyr visibly sighed, this time louder in an exasperated fashion causing several passerbies’s to cast a glance in his direction curiously. He simply had no time to be waiting in a line for the rest of the night he had to get inside now!

Come to think of it how did he not notice the line before? It’s not like several hundred people ‘magically conceived’ out of no where. Shrugging the thought off casually he moved forward to the front of the line ignoring a bunch of angry glares and complains before he was stopped by the clubs bouncer. “Where do you think your going Human?” A gruff voice asked shoving Zephyr back several steps.

Eyeing the bouncer with mild interest he quickly recognized the race he was apart of. A Trandoshan no problem, “For the record I’m Epicanthix not human and for my business well I’d say that’s my own. Wouldn’t you say?” Motioning his hand to the side slightly he sent a small wave of Force Persuasion towards the Alien bouncer. “…Yes…your right.” The Trandoshan instantly agreed causing the shorter man to smile.

“And you want me to come inside isn’t that right?” He added on smiling warmly towards him as he walked past the armed guard and into the club, “Yes…please…come inside.” He spoke in monotone before coming back to his senses before noticing everyone was looking at him, “What are the lot of yea staring at? Who’s next already?”

Once inside Zephyr sat down at the bar, after ordering just water he turned around on the barstool and examined the room’s occupants on the dance floor each person dancing inches away if not right on another. Shaking his head disinterestedly he took a sip of the water before resuming his search. It’d be hard to find someone that knows something in this club and isn’t already drunk.

The music, the beat literally caused his heart beat faster using the force to calm himself he felt small ripples from his action flow throughout the force. Quickly masking his presence he sighed for the third time tonight, he’d have to be more careful in the future, more careful indeed.

[Ayva Dawn]

If people had thought that the streets were busy, this bar was no match. It was loud too, almost suffocating. Everyone she looked, she found a drunk. As she, once again, began to brood over how much harder it would be to find anything of value in here, her shoulders slumped and she lifted her small glass and downed its contents. The liquid slipped down her throat and she gulped it down gratefully. When she was sure it was empty she put it back down on the counter. It connected with a loud clink.

She had to admit that the bustling bar did have its advantages. Not only if someone tried to eavesdrop on her while she gathered what she needed they’d never succeed. And she hadn’t been jumped for being armed. She gestured to the bartender, who didn’t pay her any notice. With a growl she tapped her glass and turned her back to the bar. She leant back, crossing her arms over her chest. It was stuffy too, she started to realise. She pouted, spacing out until some drunk male came over and asked her to dance. It wasn’t her type of place, and drunken men didn’t make her happy. She didn’t even know why he’d come up to her, maybe because she was the only girl not dancing already. “I’d turn right ‘round and walk while ya still can,” She warned him, finally managing to catch an employee’s eye and gesturing for another shot.

Swivelling round on her stool, she placed her crossed arms on the counter. Dark hair fell in waves in front of her face as she snatched the glass up and downed it. She glanced around, searching for anyone that could be useful to her. It was hard to see, she had to squint to get a relatively clear view, and still she saw no one that caught her eye. With a sigh -that sounded more like a grunt- she pushed herself up from her stool and onto her feet.
She’d ended up here on an assignment that involved taking out a man who had caused quite a nuisance to her client. The money hadn’t been much, and since the target had offered her more money to let him live, she had. Aimlessly she’d wandered to the first bar she found, got into a fight with someone else in it and had been forced to relocate.

It was just as she was about to leave that she noticed someone. They wore a cloak, hooded and everything. The only people she’d met like that had been ones who’d hired who. She paused where she stood, shoulder ramming someone when they tried to make her move. Whether they wanted to hire her or not, by the end of the conversation, she’d have a new case.
Although she didn’t have much luck with words, she had often found that violence can intimidate those into either hiring her or paying her. She squared her shoulders and straightened her posture. “Business,” She breathed, striding over to where the person was. She paused behind them, close enough for them to hear. “Look like ya’ve got somthin’ to be hidin’ from. Walkin’ round like that.” She spoke in hushed tones, dark hues glinting. This man would hire her, or her name wasn’t Ayva Dawn.

[Mar]

“Business,”

Motioning his head to the side ever so slightly, the robed man caught glimpse from underneath his hood of a leather clad figure behind him. As he listened somewhat interested in what the unfamiliar person had to say Zephyr briefly searched throughout the Force for any sort of danger or deception. After sensing she meant him no harm (at least for the moment) he decided to humor her, somewhat curious in where It’d take him.

“Look like ya’ve got somthin’ to be hidin’ from. Walkin’ round like that.”

“Is that so?” He countered, “Perhaps I’m Jedi? That would explain my robed appearance, would it not?” Zephyr added on seconds later using a tone that suggested he wasn’t being serious, “But regardless to my profession or whatever reason I might be in these robes, why don’t I buy you a drink instead?” He suggested warmly gesturing towards the m stool next to him.

Using his peripheral vision Zephyr examined his new ‘companion’. The figure was obviously female at least five or six years his junior and judging from her appearance a mercenary of sorts, perhaps an assassin? She was quite attractive actually however it didn’t take the Force to determine the reason of her presence, “You seek work I presume?”

Before Zephyr could hear her response an easily recognizable man surrounded by his ‘posse’ walked inside. Jarred Cove a spacer from the outer rim that has had one to many run ins with authority. Zephyr met the man on Nar Shaadda who at the time was having a rather large debt problem with the hutts. The two bonded almost immediately Zephyr needed a ship and Jarred needed protection long enough to get to his ship it was a win win situation.

After finding out Cove’s dirty dealings almost everywhere he decided Jarred was far more useful free rather then behind bars. His actually been doing pretty well for himself even forming his own ‘smalltime’ criminal empire specializing mostly in weapons, illegal modifications and his favorite death sticks.

“You’ll have to excuse me…” Zephyr stood up without warning throwing down several credit chips on the table that would easily pay for both his drink hers and whatever else she might want, “Order whatever you want Miss it’s on me…” Zephyr effortlessly (with aid of the force) moved his way though the hordes of dancing teenagers of all ages and races.

Following the group of thugs upstairs before watching them as they took residence at a booth up in the corner of the club inside the VIP section, after making sure he wasn’t followed Zephyr decided it was best to get this over quickly. Striding over to the group he watched warily as Jarred made-out with several girls. It didn’t take long for the man to take notice in their new guest. “Can I help…MAREK!”

The mans face twisted in anger as the Jed before him simply waved smiling simply, “Hi Jarred I have a favor to as-“

“Blast him!”

Eyes widening at the comment Zephyr immediately dove for cover knocking over a table pressing his back up against it as blots flew everywhere. “Can’t we talk about this!?” Zephyr yelled as a rather large chunk from his cover broke off.

“The one who kills that man gets a pay increase!" Jarred yelled before escaping though the back door with the rest of his guards leaving only an unknown man wearing a very familiar type of armor, “Don’t tell me his a..” Diving out the way the Jedi had no choice but to jump over the side escaping most of the flamethrower.

Landing on the dance floor Zephyr pulled off his burnt robe revealing his black Jedi tunic. “Now where did he find a Mandolorian!?” Taking a step back he still tried to reason with the man still not willing to give up his unknown status as a jedi, “I don't suppose you'll let me go If I ask nicely?

“Not a chance...” The Mandolorian replied jumping down from above before pulling out his twin blasters.

Zephyr sighed, "Where's Sara or Xan when you need them?"

[Ayva Dawn]

When he countered her words, so smoothly, she gave an odd smirk. A Jedi...? In all of her years at work, she’d never had the luck to run into a Jedi. And today was likely not her day. She kept her answer to herself, sliding into the seat when he offered. Well, if someone offered to buy her something she’d accept it gladly. She wouldn’t lose any of her ‘hard-earned’ money in this case, yet she could still have another drink. She listened closely, watching his lips so that she was sure of what he’d said. Of course she wanted work, why would she have picked him out otherwise, she questioned herself mentally.

“’Course,” She responded, although his attention was apparently focused elsewhere and he suddenly excused himself. She absently watched him make his way through the crowd, imagining how much better her jobs would go if she could do that. Then, she turned her attention to the money on the side. She could buy herself a drink, as he’d instructed, but frankly she’d prefer to just nick the money. She sighed, waving one of the workers over and ordering one of the drinks that she’d been sipping earlier. She pushed the right number of coins forward, pocketing any that were left, and wrapped her hand around the drink.

It was annoying really. She’d been looking for work, found someone, and then they’d just left. Sure it wasn’t the first time, but it wasn’t something she particularly liked people doing to her. Frankly, it pissed her off. If that guy ever came back, she’d give him something to run from. It was what she was good at. The smirk blossomed on her face, once again, and she lifted her glass to her mouth. The liquid had a fiery taste, like curries. She glanced around again, trying to find another to try and extract money from. Dark hues scanned the room, spotting one candidate. He seemed quite drunk, and was glowering at someone else on the dance floor. She almost laughed, he’d be too easy to persuade.

Ayva’s jaw almost dropped when the man reappeared, and it wasn’t as if he just walked back into the room either. He seemed to be in the midst of a fight. Or rather he was being viciously attacked. She didn’t really pay attention, until the flash of blasters caught her eye. She snapped her attention to the place where the two were. A few people ran past, a lot of them surprised at the sudden outbreak. A couple of people muttered and stared but Ayva stood swiftly. She’d started a fair few bar fights and wasn’t afraid of one. Although the guy had been burnt...
She pushed her doubts aside and prepared herself. She pulled a single blaster, wishing dearly she’d brought her favourite weapon. Of course, fights like this were unexpected in her line of work. She aimed and let one blast fly. The noise of a shot caused more commotion, and the shot passed through the space between the attacker and the attacking. She kept it aimed. “Alright now, break it up. An' if ya gotta, take this business else where.” She paused.

[Mar]

Neither Zephyr nor the Mandolorian in front of him paid much attention to’wards the woman. While keeping a watchful eye on his opponent Zephyr looked over to see the woman from before armed with a blaster standing several feet away from them, “This is none of your business do not interfere…” He instructed before returning his sights towards the Mandolorian. His hands slowly moved toward his belt, fingers inching their way towards the metallic cylinders that dangled on the black belt.


The Mandolorian finally realizing what his opponent was let of several volleys of blaster fire only to be reflected back by a single beautiful purple saber, “You’ll have to try better then that …” Zephyr remarked before falling into the Shii-Cho stance. He had no intention on killing the man as it’d be much easier gathering information from a living man rather then a corpse, “Where has Jarred gone?” Zephyr inquired watching his opponent as he quickly holstered his blasters.

Smiling, Zephyr thought that for a moment the Bounty hunter was giving up but then out of no where two rather large knifes shot out from his wrists causing the Grey Jedi to sigh and scowl in disappointment. “Cortosis…” The Mandolorian started, “Strong enough to stand up against anything even you lightsaber…” Rising an eyebrow at this the men circled one another before attacking both weapons clashing against one another in an impressive show of sparks, “Oh really, I’ll be the judge of that…”

Minutes later after parry after parry Zephyr finally showed to have the upper hand in truth he really wasn’t trying as he needed him alive to extract anything useful and trustworthy. Suddenly the Mandolorian once again used his flame thrower forcing the Jedi back several steps. “I’m getting real tired of the flames Mandolorian!” Zephyr muttered, watching wary as the armored man’s wrist blades retracted back into their hidden compartment.

“Enough ill tell you what you want to know. My employer, Jarred has a warehouse up in the industrial district here on Courasant. The place is well guarded including several mercenaries mostly gamorrean’s. He also has a shuttle which is no doubt being prepared this very moment for departure, if he escapes I have no idea where he might go.”

Turning his back to the Jedi the Mandoloran activated his jetpack and hovered in the air moving towards an open window. “Wait, why did you tell me this?” Zephyr insisted deactivating his saber and reattaching it to is belt.

“Because you’re our former leader…” He said simply grasping the window seal as he pulled himself outside, “You know then why did you fight-“

“I only joined Jarred after I found out you where one of his enemies, I wanted to fight the man who defeated Mandolare the Unstobbable and became the Invincible.” Giving the man a nod the Mandolorian left the club leaving behind a small trail of smoke.

“Well, at least I have a lead but I’ll have to hurry…” Looking over towards the woman as he collected his burnt robe and jogged out, “You coming, you wanted a job, well now you got one, the names Marek, Zephyr Marek.”

[Ayva Dawn]

Ayva growled when the man attempted to order her around. She cocked her gun, only to freeze when she saw the weapon of the one that had spoken to her. “Jedi..?” She whispered her eyes wide with shock. Maybe today was her day. He seemed cocky though, a trait that she’d heard the jedi were not a fan of. Of course, she pushed thoughts like this aside and tightened her grip on her weapon. The fight looked to be a vicious one, and she wouldn’t have minded getting a couple of shots in herself. Instead she slipped her blaster pistol back into her jacket and hopped over the bar to usher one of remaining people out of her way.

Her hand closed around a bottle of alcohol, using the knife from her thigh to open it. She took a swig, eyes fixed upon the battle before her. Both executed attacks with skill, and although she’d never handled a lightsaber, she was willing to bet that she could be more than half as skilled. She sipped the fiery liquid once again, smirking when it seemed that one had gained the advantage. She figured that it was coming to a close, so she took one last swig, almost choking upon the sight of fire. She paused, then clambered back over the bar and sat on a stool.
“’E gave in. Like tha’?” She shook her head, dropping the empty bottle on the ground where it smashed. The two exchanged words, words which she couldn’t really find a reason to care about. Her concentration strayed, although she glanced back every now and then. Absently she began to twirl a piece of hair around her finger and wonder how much more alcohol she could consume before she got completely drunk.

She decided to find out, since there was alcohol and nothing else to do. She slid over the bar for the third time and opened another bottle. She was starting to get a little tipsy, but she usually did. It would only take a single, alcohol-less hour for her to sober up again. With that thought in mind, she took a gulp. After that she resurfaced, only to see the Mandolorian at the window, still speaking to the jedi. She yawned. It seemed like all of the excitement was over now, leaving her and the ‘alchy’ alone.
She jumped when he spoke to her. Her first thought was that this wasn’t her line of work, but she countered by reminding herself that she’d probably get to beat some people up. And the money couldn’t be bad. “Zephyr Marek, eh?” She let the name roll over her tongue before she followed him out. “Y’know, I ‘spect a lotta money for takin’ on an unusual job. Ain’t got the money, ain’t got any luck.” She smirked slightly. “Ain’t got no life no longer. An’ anyway, I was right earlier. Ya ‘ave got somethin’ to hide from.” Then she remembered. “I’m Ayva Dawn.”

With that she crossed her arms and began to realize something. She’d come prepared for a simple assassination, now she had taken up a job offer for a mercenary. All of her equipment was too far away to reach soon and she didn’t have much money on her. The two blasters she kept with her were pistols, not designed for this. She’d need something like her E-11 rifle and it was obvious that she didn’t have that on her. “Shite,” she swore under her breath, trying to figure out what to do.

[Mar]

“Y’know, I ‘spect a lotta money for takin’ on an unusual job.”

“Don’t worry, you’ll be well compensated for you’re time and services…” Zephyr replied monotonically at her comment as he took lead down the crowded street. The ridiculously large amount of people walking alongside them forced the pair to practically be jammed up against one another, not exactly comfortable but at least they wouldn’t have to yell for their words to be heard.

It was then he noticed how relatively ‘unarmed’ his newly gained ‘ally’ was. While the Jedi Master was positive Ayva had a variety of concealed weapons on her person Zephyr doubted they’d do much good in the given situation and the one to come. Yet despite this seemingly case of ‘uselessness’ on her part Zephyr said nothing instead focusing on the fact that he’d most lightly need use of her slicing skills rather then combat.

“It’s not too late to back out, you know.” Zephyr muttered more to himself then anyone else, which only led to another question. Why did he hire her in the first place? Spur of the moment most lightly, “I can’t be held responsible for any injuries you might suffer, though I’ll do my best to prevent them if all possible…”

It took them a little more then a half hour to make it to his airspeeder or at least the one he commandeered from an all to ‘willing’ noble. But instead of getting in the speeder he instead stared at it, “I hate flying…” He complained kicking the vehicle with reluctance of getting inside. "There's, some equipment in the backseat you might like, their my apprentices though I doubt he'd care if you use it. I have no use for them that's for sure as I don't even know what half of the stuff even is..."