Posted by Vashkilu (Infiltrator) in A Definitely Legitimate Meeting

Posted by Thomas Jefferson “TJ” Rivers (Engineer) in A Definitely Legitimate Meeting

Posted by Nathan Murray (First Mate) in A Definitely Legitimate Meeting
Posted by… suppressed (49) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Nathan got his bearings as the group materialized on the surface. It wasn’t the first time the crew had been here, and he didn’t plan on it being the last. “Alright, let’s go, off to the Brewhouse,” he hurried the others, nodding to Noril in acknowledgement as the Betazoid passed. “We don’t want to keep our friend waiting.” He sized up the environmental conditions that day as they walked, figuring out any advantages he could use or hindrances to avoid if it came to it. “And to answer your question, Eli, no, I’d rather there’s not any - but I’ll win if there is.”

Nathan Murray
First Mate / Weapons

This wasn’t the worst nor the best place Vashkilu had ever been. Places like these were common if you knew where to look. She laughed, a breathy sensuous sound, at Eli and Nathan. “We have no doubt about that, do we Nori? Best crew in the business.” She spotted the sign for the brewhouse and drew herself up, adjusting her pace and glided, floated, swayed. It drew attention, but it was armor in a way. She strongly disliked this particular contact, but work was work.

Noril glanced at the three of them and grinned, “No one beats us. Between the two of you and Vash, we’re unstoppable.”

She followed Noril through the doors, and instantly all eyes were on her. Some jealous, envious, others stunned, lustful, longing. And a range of other things. It stopped people from noticing the guys and what they were doing. Everyone watched her.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Noril entered the building with the crew. Inside they recognized their Orion contact sitting at the bar, in the corner. Noril made a quick, simple hand gesture to the crew - act natural. One or two of them should approach Thogel, the rest should pick a spot in the bar and act like patrons.

~ N, Captain

Eli gave a small nod no reason for him to go over there, in truth his rather large frame tended to draw the wrong kind of attention. Though in truth sometimes that it was handy, people would focus on him more than they should all things considered. ‘well time for a drink’ he thought and moved the bar leaning on the corner where he could casually keep and eye on the door and his mates he ordered. “Something that stings going down” he noted then watched as things unfolded. Taking hold of whatever beverage was sent his way he took a nice long smell. “Thanks” he said sliding the money over, “Keep it” he said in reference to and change that may come.

Elias “Eli” Trenor
Medic

Vash made her way toward the other end of the bar/tavern/watering hole/whatever this place was. Eyes followed her as she made her way over to the bar with Eli. She just smiled at the man behind the counter, who fumbled to pour her a drink, too tongue tied to even ask what she wanted. She gave him a smile that made him swallow and his hands shake like a school boy with his first crush. She took the glass, sliding payment across to the man. She looked at Eli and winked before making her way toward a group gathered around a fryz-har. A complicated keyed musical instrument.

HIs lips twisted into a half smirk half lost puppy dog smile. His heart raced for a moment, like it had when he was a very young man. It was an involuntary reaction to her physiology, he did not really think about her that way, she was more a daughter or sister to him. ‘Sister’ the thought came to him, anger swelling from deep inside as he remembered the loss of his twin, he decided to take a drink to calm himself. There was no doubt that he would bend a man in half if anyone tried to harm Vash but it was not for the reasons most would suspect. The loss of his family to the brutality of the Cardassians had left him broken relationship wise. She and the crew of the Albatross were the closest thing he had to a family since the Maquis had been disbanded. He tossed back his drink and left it for the bartender to pour him another.

Her Deltan genes allowed Vash to pick up on Eli’s temporary upset. Though she had no idea what caused it, she was aware. Living with the same people in close quarters for so long, she could recognize their feelings in a crowd. Maybe she could do something.

Nathan had no such issues in approaching the contact, and quietly wandered over that way, not walking in a direct line but not being slow about it either. He sat in an open seat near enough to Thogel, looking over towards the man and half-smiling. Though his focus was on the one in front of him, Nathan kept awareness of the surroundings - after all, if things came to blows his job was to shoot before they could and get his captain and crew out of there.

Nathan Murray
First Mate / Weapons

Thogel smirked in Nathan’s direction for a moment before turning his eyes on Vash, watching her claim the fascination and dreams of every person in the room, his included. He turned to look at Noril as he got closer. Which one was he? Sisnil or Noril? He could never tell them apart. He leaned back in his chair and waved at a seat. The table was filled with a variety of drinks, foods, deserts, small trinkets. All for the taking of his guest. It was the Orion way, to lavish business associates with luxury before doing business. These things came with no strings attached. These were not as lavish as their first meeting because the deal had already been struck. More would be offered if the deal was closed successfully. “Help yourself Zoi. Relax, partake, after a job completed.” He looked at him shrewdly, “It is completed.”

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Looking around the room he kept watch casually searching the room for threats, though he more looked like he was looking for someone to hit on. He smiled at a few people here and there to keep up the facade.

Elias “Eli” Trenor
Medic

The man at the fryz-har was all too happy to allow her to take over. She chatted with the group, engaging them, drawing them in. Except one. A woman, a regular, walked toward Eli. She nodded to the bar tender and looked up at Eli. She was pretty, stunning really, older than Vash, fit, clean, with a knowing look. “I thought maybe you were with her,” she said nodding towards Vash. “Glad to see some people are immune to their false charms.”

In a flash of rage Eli’s massive hand was around her throat nearly crushing her wind pipe, a slight pulling so the woman could feel her feet starting to lift. “You should learn to keep your mouth shut” he boomed as his hand closed down tighter. She started to gurgle something, an apology maybe, but he cared not. He tossed her a good ten feet back her body twisting in the air as it struck a near by table, coming to rest in a broken mess.

Eli shook the scene off in his mind as he snapped back to reality. Woman in general were of little interest to him , he had been so bent of revenge for so long that he had never gotten back to a state of normal when it came to relationships, or even a general desire for a companion for that matter. He smirked her direction, working his ‘Old man’ wisdom a little. “Takes more than a pretty face to get my attention.” he noted looking her over briefly for weapons, the comment could have been directed at her or Vash it was not clear who he was talking about. He made sure to keep her at arms length.

She smiled with a knowing nod as she took her drink from the bartender. She looked around the room in a semi interested fashion.

Noril carried a PaDD. He took a seat next to Thogel, on his guard. Unlike Sisnil, he wasn’t as good at hiding his nerves. “Noril.” He said, answering Thogel’s unspoken question. This was a Syndicate contact. “Our mission went wrong, we had unexpected difficulties. Sisnil’s been caught. I can’t sense him. Don’t know where he is.”

Thogel’s eyes narrowed, “How wrong?” He demanded. He made a slight tapping rhythm with his foot that Nathan might catch from his view point. Three individuals who before had been just another bored face in the crowd moved. One blocked the door to the back, one the front door, and the last moved toward Noril and Thorgal. They were armed and built like brick walls.

He looked at Thogel, “But relax, that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a success. I’ve got what you requested,” he gestured towards the PaDD.

~ N, Captain

Thogel picked up the PaDD and read over it. Taking his time, he waved at the food again. He wanted to make sure he got what he was paying for.

In the meantime, Vash had noticed the three ‘bouncers’. She started to play the fryz-har. She was skilled and excellent in it. Then she began to sing. Her voice like a siren, haunting and alluring. It caused Thogel to take longer as he was very distracted by Vash.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Eli noticed the man through his peripheral vision, they were likely with their contact protecting his investment, but something felt off and apparently Vash sensed it too as she went into distract mode.. Eli’s hand casually moved down his side and rested on the hilt of his low slung weapon as if it came to rest unintentionally. “What’s your name?” he asked the woman as he monitored the two men’s reactions to Vash indirectly.

Elias “Eli” Trenor
Medic

She took a sip of her drink, turning her attention back to him from the room. “I’m Mada. Kind of between jobs at the moment. I was told this was a good place to go looking. You?”

“Eli,” he noted “I’ve found work here for sure, between jobs at the moment” he said letting her infer what she will, it was the truth. His eye’s scanned the room not really looking at anything though they found his friend from time to time to check on them.

Noril remained relaxed. Tension and distrust filled the room, he was on guard but showing it would only add to the problem. “We’ve never done you wrong before, have we?” He said. “No need for such.... security.”

~ N, Captain

Thogel looked up and around, “Oh, them? No, they aren’t here for you, Noril. It is a delicate business we are in.” He looked over the rest of the PaDD, sipping some expensive drink with gusto.

While she played, things were not quite right. The bouncers were totally ignoring her. That meant pheromone resistant drugs. Orions held those quite secret, so it was hard to imagine that these three non-Orion bouncers took it on a regular basis. Someone had provided it. Noril. Something’s very wrong, she thought loudly, knowing he would be listening. They are totally unaffected by me. They came prepared. It was time to switch allegiances. That was how Vashkilu thought of it. She focused on her Deltan gifts, which no one but Noril and Sisnil knew were so strong, and slowly flooded the room with a sense of relaxation and pleasure.

Nathan nodded, biting back the instinct to drop his hand onto his own weapon, and followed his captain’s lead. He forced a smile. “We did get what you asked us for.”

Nathan Murray
First Mate / Weapons

Thogel nodded, “Yes, yes you did. Wonderful work,” he said to Nathan. “No damage to the file. This is why I always use you all for electronic procurement.” He picked up a small personal banking console and typed into it and pressed his thumb. Noril’s own PaDD beeped indicating payment. “Now, that is finished, let’s discuss another proposition.”

The two bouncers by the door stayed where they were, but when Thogel finished the transaction, the third nodded and moved away. He caught the glances of the other two and nodded once. He made his way over toward the fryz-har as Vash finished her song. She stood and thanked the small group. The third and larger of the bouncers stepped in front of her. “Not in a hurry are you? You just got here.” Thogel was right, she was exquisite.

“Oh no. Care to buy me a drink?” she asked coyly. It didn’t feel right, and she didn’t particularly enjoy flirting with people, but she was good at it and it served a purpose for the crew. “I need one after all that singing. I can give you another song after.” She went to step around him and caught Eli’s eye briefly.

Eli caught the glance without a reaction and started to act, wanting to move closer without drawing attention Eli smiled at Mada, judging by the way the bouncer was moving they were well aware that they were all together. Since the bouncers seemed to be able to break through her ‘talents’ they had come prepared not a great sign. Mada was likely meant to distract him but she did not count on him being uninterested in lighter passions, his general disinterest in woman, or his ability to not get draw away by a pretty face, shoot if he could resist Vash it would be unlikely that another woman could manage to break his emotional barriers. “I see a table over there” he said “Care to join me” he said not waiting for her to agree he picked up a drink and slowly walked toward a table in the back.

Mada smiled, “I’d love to join you.” She smiled smugly at Vash as they passed. Vash met Eli’s gaze in a flicker and then to the right. Nothing Vash sensed from Mada was a threat. Or at least she wasn’t associated with what was going on with Thogel’s goons. She didn’t appear to be. She could be a very good actress. She was probably a pickpocket or a thief, looking to score. Most likely she would spike his drink if Eli wasn’t careful.

“Why don’t we sit over here?” he took her arm. It wasn’t rough or demanding, but he used his body to steer her toward a back table. “I prefer a more central table. I like to be seen.” The man nodded, looking her up and down, “Oh I see you. Come on,” and this time he was insistant.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

As Eli moved toward a back table he kept and eye on her with out looking directly at her, he looked happy and rather uninterested in what was going on. Noril had Nathan with him Vash all though more than capable in a fight would need someone to have her back if things went down. Mada was another problem, he was still not certain about her roll in all this, was she in the wrong place at the wrong time or had she specifically targeted him.

Elias “Eli” Trenor
Medic

No effect? Vash was right, something was very very wrong. Noril stood and took Vash’s other arm gently. “You’ll leave her be.” He said sternly, summoning up some of the command his brother was so good at displaying. He looked at Thogel from his place next to Vash, glancing at Eli to see if he was ready and he looked like he was. “What is your preposition, Thogel?”

~ N, Captain

Vash took a step toward Noril, head down, posture submissive. She winced slightly as if his grip hurt and she was afraid of what he might do. He didn’t hurt her, nor was she afraid. Around Syndicate Orions it was safer to play the obedient slave. They didn’t need to know more than their assumptions about her. The other man took a surprised step back and let go. Then looked at Thogel at a loss. Thogel nodded slightly and the the man stepped back further. They didn’t want to injure her in a tug of war. Thogel knew the Zoi brothers had a reputation for viciously holding onto what was theirs.

“Really Noril, relax. Petey won’t hurt her. You know how it is though, with pets,” his eyes trailed over Vash in a way that made her feel oily. She hated Thogel. “There is no need to get her all upset while we negotiate. I promise she won’t leave the room, you’ll be able to see her, and Petey won’t touch her.” He smiled, drinking from his cup and nodded toward the fryz-har player to resume the music.

Eli internally was relieved that Noril had taken charge he was not sure the man had his brothers metal, it was nice to see that he did or at least had been able to muster some of it. Eli was about half way to the table now as he smiled looking around to see where if any non visible thugs were hiding in the crowd.

Elias “Eli” Trenor
Medic

Nathan, too, partially shifted his attention from the conversation to any threats to his crewmates. Regardless of how frequently Thogel hired them, if he did anything to endanger any of Nathan’s people, he would not hesitate to shoot and get them away before revenge could be taken. “Yes, please enlighten us.”

Nathan Murray
First Mate / Weapons

Seeing Noril wasn’t inclined to let go of Vash, he set his glass down and sighed. He so hated when negotiations were all business and no fun. Of course, once Vash was his, he wouldn’t let go of her either. “It seems that independent job you did a year back that took you to Freecloud. Good job by the way. Well done. Well it seems the offended party followed a vague rumor and tracked you here. Now normally that type of thing is handled by our enforcers. You obviously did a good job, and there is a leak elsewhere in our organization. However, this was an independent job, so we are not required to handle this on your behalf.”

He leaned back, relaxed, “But for a fee, I will personally see to it. They are planetside right now, and I will take care of whomever betrayed you and your crew.” His eyes glanced to Vash, “A fully trained Orion woman, whose pheromones can’t affect us. She would be quite…” he smiled lustfully, “the prize. And more than pay my fee. I would be in your debt for years.”

The three bouncers were watching intently, tense, on edge. Thogel wanted this deal. It was illegal in the Syndicate to steal a slave, but there was nothing against forcing the owner to give one up “willingly.”

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

“Not a chance in all the hells,” Noril replied firmly. “Vash is mine, and nothing short of my death will change that.” There was more of Sisnil’s vigor from him. He held Thogel’s gaze. “I would gladly forfeit some of our pay instead, but Vash is not for sale.”

Vashkilu knew without a doubt that Noril would never agree. He also knew what she would do if Thogel got his hands on her. She played her part though, side stepping behind Noril. Even if she was inclined to go with Thogel, it was deadly for a slave to show disloyalty. So Vash reacted the way Thogel expected. Petey took a step towards as she inched away. Her hand landed on the garrote chain around her waist and loosened the clasp. Her attire didn’t leave much room for any other kind of weapon at the moment.

“Nathan!” He expected things to get worse from here, “Prepare yourself. Eli, back him up.” He searched the thoughts of Thogel and surveyed the thoughts of those around him. He was a strong telepath, these things were trivial to him. Mental defense of a high degree would be needed to stop him.

~ N, Captain

Thogel wasn’t going to give up and let it go. He wanted Vash, even at the expense of owing the Zoi brothers for the rest of his life. He couldn’t kill them, that would get him into trouble with his boss. He knew where the Koda enforcers were, and Noril was able to pick that information up easily. He’d sell Noril and the crew out to them if they promised to hand over Vash. That was risky though if anyone found out he betrayed a Syndicate crew in good standing.

Sitting down at the table ‘I’m on it, warn me if you can.’ he thought. Pulling a chair out Eli motioned for Mada to sit, he then sat down on her right intentionally putting his side arm as far from her as possible, inadvertently his drink would sit to the right as well since that was his drinking hand. Leaning back, he stretched his left arm around her, settled his left-hand on the center of her back just below the neck, feigning some pathetic attempt to make a move on her. His hand was strategically placed to help control her if things went down. He would be able to grab her by the scruff and protect her or neutralize her depending on the need. His other hand casually made its way to his side arm releasing the holster lock so he could draw quickly, something he was notoriously good at.

Mada leaned toward him, chin propped in hand and smiled at him. Encouraging the intimacy. She set a hand on his chest since she couldn’t reach his other arm. “My you’re stiff. I thought you were between jobs? It’s time to relax.” She glanced around at the tenseness, “Don’t mind them, they have nothing to do with us.”

Withdrawing instinctively from the touch, “Sorry, old wound,” he was not used to people touching him intimately it made him, uncomfortable. Eli looked past her smile for a moment and then looked back at her, “Maybe so, but if something goes down we are likely going to get caught up in it.” he waved a server over.

She set a hand on his right hand instead. “Don’t worry, wounds don’t bother me,” Mada said as she gave him a suggestive appraisal. A server walked over, warily watching the crowd. He was just working an honest job, and didn’t want to get caught up in trouble. “What can I get for you, Sir?”

The holster itself was modified for quickdraw, as was his side arm, many of the parts had been replaced with smoother lighter components to give it a smoother draw and easier grip. Justice was the name he gave the weapon, he had no care for any other, to him Justice was close, personal and an equalizer. He wanted to see his targets eyes when Justice found them, and the life when it left them. There were few that could out draw him drunk, sober it was unlikely. He had earned the reputation as a gunslinger smuggler for a reason, they often called him the coroner because of his medical training and the speed at which the dead would collect at his feet.

Elias “Eli” Trenor
Medic

The two thugs by the doors seemed to be reaching for their own weapons. Eli could hear feet shuffling in the back. The proprietor had lighter steps, but he could be carrying something heavy. It was uncertain if that way would lead to a quick exit or a fist straight to the nose.

‘Noril, another in the kitchen’ he thought rather loudly picturing himself screaming it across the room. He looked over at Mada smiled. “So how long are you here for, what sort of work are you looking for?” he asked trying to keep up conversation. He moved a little closer to her keeping watch on her and the others as best as he could.

“Something to get me off this rock. I’m a decent cook, and even speak a couple of languages.” Mada laughed ironically, “Who doesn’t these days though. I’m a quick learner, I can even bandage little wounds. Even ships have to be cleaned right?”

Nathan, too, put a hand on his weapon and tensed to roll out of the way. “I advise you to listen to the Cap’n, Thogel.” He sized up the room, looking for anyone the was probably one of Thogel’s thugs that he’d have to take out to clear their escape. As he passed his gaze towards Eli, he made brief but unmistakable eye contact and inclined his head towards the door. This is about to go really badly.

Nathan Murray
First Mate / Weapons

Thogel’s guard by the door was watching Nathan and Noril with a bored expression. He wasn’t being paid enough to stand around a listen to people talk. He wanted to see some action. He needed a fight. Even if he lost he always felt better after a good flesh pounding.

“I’m afraid not, Noril.” Thogel said to his counter offer. “To take care of this for you, your slave Vashkilu is non-negotiable. I am willing to put more on the table however. A holodeck for your ship perhaps? A lifetime supply of replicator rations for your crew? 10 bars of gold-pressed latinum each. Being down a man until Sisnil can finish what he’s doing, I can offer you 3 hard working slaves to replace him. What more would you like? Name it.”

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

“For Vash? Nothing.” Noril replied. “You’ve been good to us, Thogel. The Syndicate’s been good to both of us. Let’s not ruin that for you this way. You know stealing from me won’t go well for you. Nor will selling out a valued Syndicate crew,” he mentioned, picking up Thogel’s thoughts.

“The Koda reward won’t be worth the punishment the Syndicate will give for your disloyalty.” Noril gave Thogel the most intimidating look he could muster. “And with Sisnil and my… experience, I’m sure I would be allowed to hand down that punishment personally.”

~ N, Captain

Eli really hoped people would see reason it would be nice to not have to kill some thug who’s just doing his job. It’s no good for business and his reputation for violence was bad enough as it was. Many such individuals popped into his mind briefly.

Elias “Eli” Trenor
Medic

By this point, Nathan saw where this was probably going and drew his phaser, although keeping it lowered. He positioned himself mostly to cover Vash and Noril’s escape, figuring Eli had the best shot of fending for himself if it came to it. “I don’t want to have to fire on you. Why don’t we move past this and return to business?”

Nathan Murray
First Mate / Weapons

Thogel sighed, took a drink, and wiped his hands. “This just won’t do.” He looked past Nathan to the guards around the room.

When one phaser appeared, five more did. The bouncers and Thogel’s work partners, all weaponed up, so to speak. “Put the weapon down, trego, said one of the bouncers, using an Orion language foul word to refer to Nathan.

~ N, Captain

Thogel stood slowly. “Now see, let’s just look at this, Noril.” With the other brother being gone, that changed some things. “Sisnil is gone, his fate as of yet unknown. I am sure he has made arrangements for the dispensation of his property, but we have laws about slaves. She will revert back to her previous owner.”

“That’s my father, not you!” Vash said fiercely. One hand came to rest on Noril’s back. Lie, tell him Noril sold me to you, she thought fiercely at Noril.

Thogel smiled lecherously and looked at Vash over Noril’s shoulder. “Yes, well, your father, owes me. I’ve made sure of that, just incase you went back to him.” He looked back at Noril, “So you see, she’ll be mine either way. Why not get something out of it? Sell me Vash, or your life is going to become very hard, Zoi. She’s not worth the trouble, I promise you. And the Kodas…well, their offer would make even Shodar Giril negotiate.” Giril was the current head of what passed for the Syndicate council. He was ruthless, greedy, and lavish. He wasn’t known for negotiating. He went to the table already knowing exactly what he would part with and what would be quickest to get it. People had learned to accept instead of face the consequences.

“As Captain Sisnil’s brother and business partner, Captain Noril has the right to offer for me first and my father has to entertain it.” Vashkilu knew the laws as well as Thogel did. She’d used them to her advantage many times.

Thogel waved a dismissive hand toward Petey, “I don’t want to hear her talk anymore.” Petey reached out and grabbed her by her delicate wrist and yanked her toward him. There was a brief scuffel, and Petey screamed as the razor sharp garrot sliced through his wrist all the way, past the flesh, tendons, and between the small wrist bones. There was a lot of blood, and Vash was holding the bloody wire.

Then chaos ensued.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

TJ sat at the bar. He was quite to used to this. The bar had become a second home to him. It was also the place he got in the most trouble. He had joined this group after finally being booted from Starfleet. He was surprised about how long it actually took for this to happen. Then again, make enough people angry with you; they eventaully get you.

Rivers Eng.

Eli could sense the tension, all good gunslingers could, knowing the moment when the wait had stopped was something that made it possible to out draw your opponent. From the initial squeal from the thug at the quick hands for Vash, or the sudden twitch in Nathan’s shoulder. Maybe it was the look in Noril’s eyes, but one things was certain, Vash had gone into fight mode. He saw it the moment the thug grabbed her and had already began to move.

His movement was fluid almost like a dance that had be choreographed for months, his Mok’bara training from his time in the Maqui served him well. It was a form most similar to Tai Chia and Wushu very fluid and dance like. As his left hand began to pull Mada out her seat toward the ground. Justice leapt out of its holster aligning with the thug at the door who appeared to be unaware that Eli was with the crew. Justice jumped twice as plasma scream with it’s familure sound of anger toward the unsuspecting thug. Sure the shots would find their mark Eli spun over the top of Mada Securing her safely to the floor his body straddled her momentarily keeping her shielded from any incoming fire hopefully she had the sense to stay down in the chaos.

Mada froze. When Eli grabbed her and threw her, she was reaching to pick his pocket. She had a brief frozen moment thinking she had been caught. Instead she found herself pinned to the floor by the bigger man, and to her astonishment he was covering her, protecting her. His credit chips were right there, she could grab them and he would never know. But she stopped, he just saved her life from getting hit by a random phaser blast. She had an attack of conscious and decided not to steal from him. She stayed still, her eyes darting about for an exit. It was time to find somewhere else to look for prospects.

Mada face planted to the floor, covering her head as a phaser blast skimmed right past Eli’s head, close enough to singe hair and cloth.

Nathan dove under the shots he expected and shot rapid busts of fire in the general direction of their foes. “Captain, Vash, GO!” he yelled. Of course it would end this way. It was one of the hazards of this trade, after all. “Eli, blind spots?”

Nathan Murray
First Mate / Weapons

The closest ‘bouncer’ dodged and being close enough made a run for Nathan, shoulders down, intending to ram and take him to the floor. He preferred a real fight to phasers.

Thogel would not get his hands dirty in a fire fight. He sighed dramatically and turned and headed toward the back door. Vash suddenly moved out from behind Noril. She was going after Thogel. She was enough of an empath to know he was planning something deceitful. Noril would know that Thogel was planning on selling them out to the Koda. He’d done several things lately against the Syndicate because he was bored and thought he was smart enough to get away with it. It was pondering those things as he made his way across the back of the bar.

Vash moved to make a dash toward the opposite side of the bar to intercept Thogel. She was more than capable of handling herself in a fight. 30 seconds. I just need 30 seconds and he won’t bother anyone again. Except Thogel’s goons had orders to take her. They weren’t smart enough to realize that they were out matched in a fire fight when they stopped paused firing to head straight for her.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Noril turned and fired towards the goons chasing after Vash. Thirty seconds, Vash. Be fast. He said. His aim wasn’t as good as Sisnil’s, but it was more than enough to deter the goons.

Eli acknowledged Nathan’s statement ,his eye caught vash dashing toward the back. He did not hesitate, Vash could take care of herself, what she would need is time and cover. Eli flew off the floor only a moment after he had secured Mada’s safety as best as he could. His powerful legs kicked him back of the ground, taking several strides as he laid covering fire at the next engaged target. He left over the bar towards the entrance to the kitchen, it was the only possible threat that they had not seen but heard. His large knife escaped his belt into is left hand poised to strike if someone exited the door.

The man Eli was shooting at, dodged behind a support pillar and returned fire. Keeping Eli busy so Thogel could get through the back door. Thogel darted through the back door a scant breath before Eli got there. There were muffled shouts and a brief scuffle of some sort. Mada took a chance and darted behind an overturned table and stayed there. It was definitely time to get out of there. She was a simple pick pocket, fire fights were not in the job description.

The bar was alive with phaser and plasma fire. Thogel’s goons shot at Noril’s crew. Nathan’s fire joined in the chaos. Noril was listening to the thoughts in the room, especially Thogel’s… He thought a very rude word. He’s selling us out to the Kordas! Let’s get out of here! Vash, your thirty seconds is up! Come on!

~ N, Captain

Vash didn’t answer. One of them had to get to Thogel and he’d just disappeared behind the door. They didn’t have time to deal with Thogel and his desires. They had to get back for Sisnil.

A man can’t even have a decent drink without some sort of violence breaking out. TJ took out his weapon and returned fire. He was an engineer; not an security personnel. “Why are we fired at again? Other than we’re not necessarily good guys.”

Rivers Eng

There was plenty of phaser fire to exchange. Everyone at this particular establishment was familiar with a fire fight. The majority of people had no stake in it, but they returned fire anyway, protecting their interests. The bartender hit a button and a forcefield shimmered into place over his precious liquors. Then he ducked behind the bar and waited.

Eli’s body flopped flat against the wall, his gun sending suppression across the room, while his knife was pined to his chest cocked back ready to strike if a threat came out the door. Looking at the man who had asked an odd questions. “Someone’s trying to break a deal most like” he shouted.

Elias “Eli” Trenor
Medic

She reached the door with a nod to Eli, and got forcibly thrown back as Thogel’s hidden goon came barreling out the door.

Eli’s knife tried to find it’s mark but with Vash in his arms the delay of not being able to sink the knife into the mans chest, and move to the back, made him miss the mark. Two more plasma rounds sailed toward the Thug behind the piler.

He saw her right away and tackled her to the ground. He was at least the size of Eli and thick. Vash landed with a grunt as the wind was smashed out of her lungs. She wasn’t without skills, but she didn’t have time to fight with him. She reached up a hand and delicately traced his temple with her finger tips. The man went goofy eyed and dazed. He gave her the sweetest enamored look, “You’re so pretty. I will buy you all the pretty things.” Vash rolled her eyes. Not much for brains up there, she wasn’t surprised though. “You want to get up now.”

Elie was about to log his knife the the thugs neck, but saw Vash raise her hand up to his temple. He smirked inwardly. Welp he’s done, he thought. Round after round saled from Justice toward his target. The man had to pop out some time he wanted to be sure a hot plasma met him as he did.

He nodded like he was in a trance and stood up, scooping her with him. That had not been the plan, then he sat down at a table with her in his lap. “I will buy you jewels and pretty dresses.”

“How will you do that? That takes lots of credits.” The man looked at her longingly and stumped. “Tell the Syndicate that Thogel has betrayed them. Tell them everything and you can have a reward large enough to give me everything I desire.” She leaned toward him, coaxing and alluring, muddling his reason with her Deltan gifts. “Yes! Yes I will do that. You stay here, the Syndicate is very dangerous. You will be safe here.” He dumped her unceremoniously on the floor as he ran out the back door on his mission. Vash jumped up and ran towards Noril.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

As Vash stood up, two more plasma rounds sailed towards his target next to the door, a sly smirk met her gaze as he shook his head. “Trouble maker!” he said with a chuckle as he focused toward clearing a path to the door. “Go get him and lets get out of here” he said not looking back her direction.

Elias “Eli” Trenor
Medic

The man behind the pilar timed his next shot badly and got hit in shoulder with the plasma round and went down. Vash looked over her shoulder at him, “Awww, Eli, you know it’s why you adore me.” She blew him a kiss and kept moving.

Noril took Vash’s hand and ran for the way out. “Let’s go!” They couldn’t afford injuries, they were going to have more threats to contend with… until he managed to smash right into TJ, knocking the engineer over and landing on top of the man himself. Noril rolled off, uttering a curse. “Sorry, in a hurry, gotta go!” He said, but one of Thogel’s goons was now looking over him, phaser in hand.

He reached for his own, but his collision had knocked it out of his hand and it had skittered across the floor, out of reach…

~ N, Captain

A phaser beam hissed over Noril’s back, destroying a couple hairs as it intercepted the goon. “Keep going!” Nathan yelled. This was going very poorly, and he needed his crewmates out of there now. “Eli, you too. Clear our way to Albatross!”

Nathan Murray
First Mate / Weapons

TJ saw the shot go over the individual that ran into him. He didn’t know any of these people. But, he didn’t want to stay here. He had too much of a disciplinary record to stay. “Take this.” he said handing over his own weapon. “Think I can join you? Got to get out of this place.”

Rivers Eng

There was a brief pause. Noril judging the man’s intentions telepathically. Apparently satisfied, he nodded. He took the weapon and got to his feet. “Come on, then, follow Eli,” he pointed at his crew member, “and hurry.” Then he turned and returned fire. Nathan, Eli, Vash, all okay as far as he could tell, good.

~ N, Captain

The group around Noril was taking the most focus and returning fire as they ran. Nathan’s phaser, by luck or by skill, took out the phaser and hand of the closest. Pater was now a raging maniac. He was in pain and angry, wanting pay back. He was lumbering around, hiting, tossing, and firing at anything that moved.

Vash was stronger than your average humanoid. It was because she was half Orion. She was not as strong as a typical Orion though. She reached down and grabbed both Noril and their new acquaintance and hauled them to their feet. Vash ran for Eli and passed him for the door. The noise seemed to be paused like a music recording.

Thogel’s men were ordered to do whatever they had to, to get the female and she was almost to the door. All but one turned toward Vash, the other laying down cover fire.

Remember that Orion strength? Well that usually meant that phasers needed to be set very high to have an effect on them. Also remember that Vash was half Deltan. Deltans experience all senses at a more intense level. That was combined with the Orion heightened awareness of physical sensation.

A phaser set to heavy stun hit Vash in the back of her left thigh. She stumbled with growled groan as fire raced up her whole body. Then a second shot hit her right in the back. She went completely down with a scream of total agony. Her flawless green skin turned red like it was actually burning.

Everyone paused, not expecting the woman to collapse so completely. They’d killed her! Thogel would kill them! At best she was permanently maimed. There was hesitation as they tried to decide if they should grab her and face Thogel or leave her and run. There were 3 in their way to get out the door, and who knew if there were any outside.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

An Orion boy clad in a ragged, torn, and stained tank top and an equally ragged pair of pants torn right below the knee carrying a tricorder in one hand and a small tool kit in the other exited the back room of the bar, dropped the tools on the wood counter, and clasped his hands together before wiping them of dust as he said “Hey Thogel that replicator is ba–” BZZAAAAAP! An energy blast of unknown origin flew past his head, the scent of burning hair filling his nostrils as the beam gives him an impromptu hair cut while his eyes grow as wide as saucers. There was a fight! A real fight! He backed up to the bar and watched with amazement, this was soooooo exciting! Jaiturk jumped for joy a little at the excitement when he witnessed the room pause as the most gorgeous woman in the bar (maybe even on the whole planet!) by a long shot was hit twice and fell to the floor. “That lady needs help!” He called out as if it were novel information to the room. He rushed over and knelt down, and then paused. He had no idea what to do, he wasn’t a medic, after all he cried like a baby when he stepped on a sharp rock and got a cut in his heel and had to beg the doctor to see him…

“Ok um… lady, are you ok?” He called out, gently touching her shoulder before recoiling as if she were going to bite him. He looked around, the group of adults were starting to get rather intimidating as the boy sat on his heels as he knelt there, WAY out of his depth. This wasn’t like the stories he’d heard growing up or the fearless Orion pirates swooping in and laying their claim like he used to see on his favorite show, Captain D’Ivanr: Space Pirate!

-Jaiturk-

“Out the way, kid!” Noril hissed as he made his way back towards Vash. “Vash! Vash!” Her pain was bad, he sensed it. She was unconscious. He needed to get to her, racing across the room.

The firefight around him continued. There was a sharp pain across his arm, he was grazed as he dove down next to Vash. “You’re going to get yourself shot,” he said, picking up his fallen crewmate, keeping low.

~ N, Captain

“I can help…” Jaiturk said a little lost as he saw the beam grazing the stranger’s arm. He looked around frantically before he saw what appeared to be a weapon and reached for it, laying down on his stomach, feet in the air, fumbling with this device. All weapons like this were the same, point the angry end towards whatever you don’t want to be standing anymore and push a button? Pull a trigger? Put your thumb on the big red pad? Well something like that. The boy fumbled with it and managed to get it to discharge as he aimed it roughly in the direction of the thug who shot the pretty lady. Was he able to hit the man? Well… no.... there was a poor plant pot with a rather sad looking fern that rather quickly ceased to be.

“No really! I can help!” Jai called out as he tried again, this time a rather large scorch mark was left on the instrument the pretty lady had been playing only moments before. “Is she ok?” He asked again as he fumbled with the device as he rolled to his side and onto his back trying to look cool as he ‘dodged’ the fire that was never pointed his way. One more shot left the weapon and took with it a freshly poured glass of something inebriating followed by a long sigh from the patron who had been looking forward to it all day. “Like is she dead?” Jai asked as he moved to look at the stranger.

–Jaiturk-

“She’s not dead.” Noril replied. He returned fire and hit one of the goons, who fell to the floor. “Stay behind me.”

~ N, Captain

Jaiturk scrambled behind the man and tried to shoot at one of the thugs, this time coming close! The concept of ‘aiming’ escaped the boy as he fired off another beam of energy landing a good foot and a half to the left of the man, but this was his best attempt yet! “I almost got him!” Jai said happily, not realizing he had also singed the captains jacket in the process. He looked at the man, hoping for approval, when he noticed the scorch mark and sheepishly said, “Sorry about the jacket… But I almost got him did you see that?” Right then a blast of return fire grazed the boy’s left shoulder and he dropped the pretty lady’s weapon and recoiled in pain, “OWWWWW!” He cried out as it had all been sort of a game before as the reality of the firefight set in. Thankfully the beam was on heavy stun and his Orion biology dampened the effects some, but he was just a scrawny runt so while he didn’t pass out, he scrambled to move farther back behind the captain.

-Jaiturk-

Vash cried out in pain as Noril’s arms lifted her. The touch on her blistering back brought her awake briefly. “Tho,” gal another moan. “…orda.”

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Noril lifted Vash gently over his shoulder and dashed for the exit. He grabbed the child - Jai - by the arm, yanking him to his feet. “Run if you want to live.” He said, taking Jai’s hand of his uninjured arm.

~ N, Captain

Jaiturk watched as the man lifted the pretty lady and then reached for him. The boy felt himself being yanked upward and he was trying to process the words in and amongst the chaotic scene when the words ‘…for you life…’ managed to sink themselves into whatever recesses of his brain were just active enough to propel his little legs forward. He gripped the man’s hand tight as he dug his toes into the floor boards to run as fast as he could towards the back door. Two thugs attempted to cut the retreating pirates (and pirate hopefuls) off at the door, a Catian female sporting a rather fetching long coat and a kur’leth, and a Bajoran man with a disruptor rifle on his back and a pair of what looked to be brass knuckles on his fists. The Catian looked at the man and hissed, “Remember we only care about taking the woman alive” as she readied herself to the cut down the captain. The Bajoran rolled his eyes and dropped his fists a little as he turned to the Catian and said, “Ok T’vera it was one time. ONE TIME. Are we really doing this right now? The boss wants the girl. I got it.” She turns to him, still holding the sword at the ready but breaking eye contact with the fleeing crew, “Look Atru, I love you to the moons and back but maybe not now....” Atru threw his hands up and turned fully towards T’vera and shouted, “It’s always ‘not now’ isn’t it? Do you want to go to dinner? ‘Not now’. Do you want to go train together? ‘Not now.” Gee I’d love it if you sunk your cotial hooks into me later. ‘Not now’. I get it! I get it… I’ll stop trying with you…” T’vera dropped her stance and turned her head fully, “Are you kidding me Atru? You have the WORST timing!”

As the two thugs bickered, the retreating three would have ample opportunity to escape past them and their bickering.

-Jai-

TJ had no idea what they were actually doing. But, this was his ride out of here. He followed them out while staying out of the way

Rivers Eng

Nathan practically shoved the group of pirates and might-later-be-pirates out the door. “Go! Go! Go! Get moving!” He turned back around and shot at the still-bickering thugs. “Will you shut up already? Or take it literally anywhere else?”

Nathan Murray
First Mate / Weapons

TJ didn’t have to be told twice. He wanted to get out of the situation. And if these people were his best way out; he was going their way.

Rivers Eng

The crew burst through the door like a small explosion. The whine and explosion of weapons fire followed them out onto the street. The street was typically full for the small town. People paused, looked up, and then scattered. No one was interested in helping them. They weren’t interested in finding out what was going on or the outcome. The more they stayed out of it the safer they were. There was no sign of Thogel. He’s gotten away, but who knew how long it would be before he was back with the Korda. There was also the possibility the Korda would just go after the Albatross rather than trying to grab them planetside.

There were yells from inside the establishment as Thogel’s hired thugs realized they had gotten out. There was crashing and cursing as they tried to organize themselves to get out the door after them.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Jai tumbled out of the building and lands on his injured arm, he lets out a little squeak as he moves to stand, pained motions as the boy cradles his shoulder and tries to get a solid footing beneath him. He looks around, the sights and sounds of weapons fire, commotion from the town’s residents, and shouting from inside the bar were more than a little overwhelming to say the least. He blinked a couple of times before he saw some one in the distance, “Xorvis?” Jaiturk said quietly to himself as he saw the Tellarite boy looking his way. He raised his good arm in the air and started to wave, “XORVIS! OVER HERE!!!” He shouted, trying to get his only slightly older second in command to come lend a hand.

Xorvis, for his part, looked at ‘the boss’ with a crowd of adults and real actual weapons being fired at them and laughed, “You think that I’m going to come help you? Looks like you’ve got enough on your hands! If you make it out alive don’t think the crew is yours anymore! I’ll take care of things myself!” He replied, unsure of how much Jai could make out and how much was just his own posturing.

–Jaiturk, Deposed Boss–