Want to Live Forever?

[Damocles]

The Barbatos exited hyperspace over the planet inside the pilot looked on se let out a slight huff and moved red hair behind her ear, her green eyes shifting back to the young man behind her he was snoring. She sighed heavily as she was being hailed by the traffic control.

Controller: Please identify yourself incoming vessel.

Kat: This is Katrina Asuka of the Roughnecks, ID GN-001 flying the Barbatos, no cargo to report.

Controller: Welcome back Kat, you guys have been gone for a while, you're all set at your normal bay.

Kat: Roger that, we'll be landing soon.

The Communication cut and Kat sighed leaning back in her chair, she rotated around and stared at the sleeping guy before kicking his seat startling him awake. "The hell?" Shinn said to her.

Kat: Wake up we're about to land.

"I was awake" He said looking away digging his ear, she sighed again as she took control of the ship to land it.

Kat: right you were awake that's what the snoring was...

Shinn stood up as they got closer to the landing area and went to stand behind her chair "Okay you got me there, I was asleep, but I did all the work on that last mission" he said to her, she turned to look at him before rolling her eyes as she landed the Barbatos.

Kat: If that's how you feel about it, I'll let you give the full report to Adrian.

She started to stand up walking to the hanger door with Shinn following her "Okay I take it back, you were a big help, especially with the bomb" he told her, she shook her head.

Kat: Nope it was all you, even that very large mistake that was made.

Kat walked off the ship leaving Shinn there scratching his head "Damn it" He grumbled to himself before grabbing his two vibro blades from his chair and strapping them on his side, he followed off of the Barbatos not looking forward to giving this report.

[Zilfer]

OOC not sure if it was private but figured I'd get a post up for you in case you were looking for someone to join in.

A well dressed Rodian proceeded down the main hallway to the CZ-900 to check in on his youngest and brightest crew member to see how she was holding up. The door slide open as he approached and the young Mirialan looked down surprised to see him.

Jarlan: Hello Greenie, time to get some shore leave while we are here, that last mission was pretty close to the wire. I never liked those lizard people to begin with. Glitch needs you to pick up some parts too while your out.

"Can't he pick them up himself? And I told you to stop calling me Greenie, it sounds like a pet name," said the Mirialan before raising her brow to the previous comment. She knew that blasted Ithorian couldn't speak basic but most people now a days had a sonic decoder that would translate and if not at least he understood galactic basic enough to nod his head or shake it. 

Jarlan: Come now, Loren. It will give you a reason to get out, most of us haven't had fresh air in over a week. Check back with me later and I'll make sure you get your pay.

"Fine, but remember he owes me still for that last job," said Loren. The Rodian gave her a flat stare with his unblinking eyes. That was the problem with Jarlan, you never knew if he was staring you down or amused. He must have realized this and twitched his ear indicating he was amused. Jarlan moved out of the way and Loren moved past him.

Jarlan: I'll make sure to remind him...

---

Coruscant the once crown city of the republic, or that's what they told her. Ever since she had known the planet, it had been shiny on the surface but once you get past the glory of the surface, it was just a second rate megacity trying to continue to live out its glory years. Loren's first stop was to pick up the parts Glitch wanted for routine maintenance and then she headed down the streets to see what trouble she could find. It was good to be planet side again, and perhaps she could 'acquire' a few credits along the way. No use in letting credits hold her back from having fun, when you could transfer credits between hands yourself.  

"Now.... where to start," she asked herself aloud to the passing crowds of people.

[Damocles]

Shinn sat in an office across from an older man with grey hair and a beard. He was reading over a report.

Adrian: So, let me get this straight, the building exploded, before it was supposed to, the target was incinerated and you were bit by a dog?

Shinn moded his head "Exactly as the report says sir" he replied to Adrian who let out another sighed, he set the tablet down and leaned back. "All in all I'd say it was a good mission" Shinn told him.

Adrian: Shinn, the job was to capture the target alive, our client wanted to kill him.

"Saved them the trouble" Shinn replied taking a piece of candy out of his pocket and eating it. Adrian sighed again

Adrian: You know if you weren't my best agent...I'd have you killed right?

Shinn smirked evilly "Good thing I'm your best agent then" he started to stand up "Take the damages out of my pay, make sure Kat gets all of hers. This was my fuck up..." he started to leave out the room "Let me know when you have another assignment for me" he walked out the room Adrian sat there staring before shaking his head and laughing.

Adrian: Arrogant little prick.

Shinn walked out the office, he stopped in the hall and pulled out a chain he had on, on it was that blue crystal he was found with, the stupid thing would irritate him every now and then.

Kat: How'd it go?

Shinn turned seeing Kat walking over to him "Same as always, told him to leave your pay alone and take the damages out of mine" he told her walking down the hall she walked faster to catch up to him before slowing to match his pace.

Kat: Thanks, guess I owe You?

"Of course not..." He told her as they exited the building.

Kat: Good then you have no issue coming with me to buy parts for the Barbatos

Shinn let out a long sigh as he followed along.

[Zilfer]

Loren pulled the bag of parts onto her back having found just the right compliment that Glitch would go for. Not to old, but not to new. He had a better eye for it than her but she was starting to learn, it was the haggling that she had to make up for. Glitch probably would have gotten the parts for half the price if he had gotten it himself. 'His own fault I suppose, he's paying for convenience,' thought Loren. She passed a fruit stall and ended up buying a Jogan fruit. She remembered faintly a time where she would have stolen such a fruit in order to survive. She was glad those days were over. 

Lost in thought she bumped into something large and hairy. This was followed by a cacophony of sound as droid parts began to cascade all over the Plast-crete. She barely regained her balance as claws snatched her up, and roared in her face. She blinked for a moment trying to reorient herself from the horrible breath the wookiee had just subjected her to.

"Easy there big guy, It was an accident no need to get violent," said Loren. Her instincts from the street had her swipe a small bag of chips while he was preoccupied holding her up.

Wookiee: I'm thinking it was no accident, and your with those Roughnecks that blew up my store last month. 

"Honestly no idea who they are bub," said Loren shrugging her shoulders. She wasn't sure if she would be able towiggle out of this wookiee's grasp if he was really that angry. "Listen maybe I can buy one of your parts to make it up to you?"

Her tone was placating, and it looked like for a moment he might relax but then his eyes shifted somewhere behind her and instantly grew enraged.

Wookiee: You!

His eyes glared at Shinn, and Loren looked over her shoulder. 'Great.... I just so happen to show up right before---' Loren's thoughts were interrupted and she yelped right before she was flung straight through the air at Shinn. She did the only thing she could, prepared for impact.

[Damocles]

Shinn and Kat walked down the street, he was eating a piece of candy while carrying several bags on his back. Kat looked over at him as he chewed the candy.

Kat: I don't get it...

"Get what" Shinn said through his chewing as he unwrapped another piece of candy.

Kat: Why you keep so much candy on you

"Calms my nerves" he replied as he pulled out an orange piece and offered it to Kat she looked at it then back at him.

Kat: I prefer the pink ones...

Shinn sighed and reached in his pocket pulling out a pink piece before giving it to her. She smirked and took the candy from him.

Kat: Thank you, now we only need a few more things for the barbatos

"I thought we had everything...I wanted to get back and train" he grumbled until he looked up seeing someone flying at him Shinn held out his arms and casually caught the person. He looked at the green skinned chicky in his arms "you okay?" He asked through his chewing.

Kat: You can set her down Shinn

"Oh right" he said putting her on her feet. Shinn went into his pocket pulling out more candy to Eton eat as Kat sighed going over to the girl.

Kat: what happened? You okay?

[Zilfer]

Loren opened her eyes looking up at the man who had caught her. He had asked if she was ok. "Uhh... yeah," she said hesitantly as the man seemed to be talking with his mouth full. She was surprised they hadn't fallen over one another and it appeared he was with another person who suggested he put Loren down. She looked to the girl who seemed more concerned than her companion.

"I bumped into a Wookiee knocking over his stand and then he mistook me for someone else," she started as the wookiee was trudging up to them. "And then you guys showed up. I don't suppose you guys are the Roughnecks and blew up his shop last month?"

The wookiee was now upon them seething with anger. Loren didn't want this to turn into a fight in the middle of the street over a small altercation. She focused on the wookiee holding hand out. "It's ok you've simply mistaken these two for someone else," said Loren as she focused her will. Suddenly the wookiee technician was unsure and looked over the two with completely different eyes. He growled hesitantly now. 

Wookiee: Maybe..... Maybe your right.... 

[Damocles]

Kat looked at the girl as she explained the situation. When she asked about the Roughnecks Kat shook her head.

Kat: No we aren't

"Yes we're part of the Roughnecks" Shinn said going through his pockets looking for more candy. Kat sighed again Shinn had no concept of a low profile that was for sure Shinn looked up stopping his search when he heard the wookie making his way over to them. Shinn's eyes widened and his smile turned crooked with them he anticipation of a fight.

Kat: oh no

Kat knew what was coming, this would be hell to explain to Adrian. Shinn's hand went to the handle of his sword until the girl did something and the wookie said they weren't the people he was looking for. Shinn looked at ther girl, "How'd you do that?" He asked her, Kat cut in.

Kat: More importantly did you blow up his shop?

Shinn looked at her "no, if I did he'd be dead. You know that" Shinn told her before turning back to the other girl "So, how'd you do that?" He asked again.

[Zilfer]

Loren cursed herself for making it very obvious, and reached for an explanation. When the girl cut in asking him, and he answered matter of factually at the potential for having killed the wookiee she was even more weary of answering the question.  Rumors were that some merc's hunted down anyone with force sensitivity for large amounts of rewards. She had never run into such a job but the rumor's persisted.

"How'd I do what...?" she asked very seriously. "You mean get him to back off, I just had a hunch he had bad eye sight is all. Called me a Twi'lek Schutta before throwing me, obviously I'm not a Twi'lek. Their much uglier than me," said Loren hoping the last part of the comment would smooth over or distract from the lie. She was a sneak thief not a face or con woman. "So your part of the Roughnecks? Only heard a little about you guys, no worries I don't hold anything against competition. I'm Loren Starfallen part of the Crooked Comet. Not sure you've heard of us, since we take mostly small jobs. Well except that one on Bespin where we 'obtained' a Corusca Gem."

"Thanks for catching me," said Loren trying to remain friendly. She took the credits she had pilfered off the wookiee and put it in her backpack full of ship parts. She hoped nothing had gotten broken she the man had caught her. 

[Damocles]

"Yeah, how did you get him to back off?" Shinn asked her, he was perplexed but more importantly his stupid crystal was starting to irritate him, and it only tended to do that whenever he fought. Kat looked at Shinn and elbowed him.

Kat: Hey be nice, she saved us some trouble you know. We'd have to get Adrian to come down here and help clean this mess up with the authorities and that just requires too much work.

Kat held out her hand to the Loren.

Kat: Thank you for the help, my name is Katrina Asuka and this lugnut is Shinn Mikazuki. And yeah like he said we're part of the Roughnecks, in fact two of the best if things are to be believed.

When Loren thanked him Shinn looked back up at her "Umm yeah well, you kinda just fell into my arms there, it was either that or let you hit the ground, or knock me over" he said to her with a dry tone. "Kat how many more things do we need here?" He asked her. Kat sighed and tossed Shinn something a bag he caught it and opened it, he smirked pulling out a piece of candy and eating it.

Kat: Like a child I swear, just a few more things and I can make the Barbatos purr like a kitten.

She then turned back to Loren smiling.

Kat: Hope you don't have any more trouble under our account...

Suddenly something rang, Shinn pulled out his communicator "What is it Adrian?" he asked.

Adrian: Get back to the base immediately, we have some disgruntled clients, from that last job.

"On the way back" Shinn said hanging up, he looked at Kat "I have to head back, you okay out here or you coming back with me?" he asked her.

Kat: Go on, I'll catch up when I get the last parts, I can carry them myself, just take those back with you.

"Aright see you back at the base" he said to her turning to walk back to the base.

[Zilfer]

Loren smirked wryly at Shinn's explanation of what he had interpreted the situation to be. "I sincerely, hope I don't either though I'm surprised that the two best of the Roughnecks gets sent out on chore duty like this. I am shopping for my crew as well," said Loren looking over at Shinn as he took the phone call. It sounded like there was trouble, but it was none of her business. It wasn't long before Shinn was off leaving his partner to pick up the slack.

"You put up with that daily? What's his story..." she asked not really expecting an answer and then looking over at the load Katrina was going to be carrying. "I might be able to help you find a few pieces if you want for your trouble. I know most of the merchants here.... there are the occasional new ones however...."

She looked back off in the Wookiee's direction before glancing away. She didn't know how long it would take the wookiee to shake off the mental nudge but she didn't really want to stick around so any excuse to get out of here was a good one in her book.

[Damocles]

Kat pulled out her data pad and started to over look the list she had made, she did gather most of the stuff with Shinn and sent him back with the heaviest of the equipment.

Kat: Nothing too important on the list, just a replacement for our capacitor for the drive core, kinda blew it out on our last little outing.

She started to walk to the shop she knew she could get the part looking back at Loren.

Kat: His story? He's just a Merc...nothing more nothing less. Taught to fight from a very young age, and the best at what he does...he couldn't possibly seem any different from the men you work around. Right?

She posed the question in almost a joking fashion.

____

Shinn sat the equipment they had gathered near Kat's station before walking out to the back of the base where he heard all the commotion. "Whats going on?" Shinn asked one of the other Roughnecks.

Roughneck: Boss is cleaning up your mess again Mikazuki, you may want to go over to see what it is.

Shinn shrugged and walked to Adrian who was discussing something with a man in battlegear.

Adrian: I said we won't be paying you the money DeWitt, the job was completed.

DeWitt: And I said unless you do there will be blood spilled, the job was to bring me the guy so I could question him not blow him up. Hey is that the punk there...the one who blew the mission!

Adrian turned around seeing Shinn standing there, he smirked and turned back to DeWitt.

Adrian: Sure is, hey how about this. If you want revenge take it on this little brat here, he's the one that screwed you over. You kill him and we'll call it even?

DeWitt: Sounds good to me!

DeWitt started to walk towards the group of men, Shinn looked over at Adrian who still had a smirk on his face.

Adrian: Think you can do it Shinn?

Shinn shrugged eating another piece of candy "Yeah" he said dryly before walking out to meet face to face with DeWitt. DeWitt pulled out a large blaster. "So..." Shinn said to DeWitt "How do we decide a winner?" He questioned. DeWitt laughed.

DeWitt: How about when you're screaming for me to kill you, we'll say its over then.

Shinn sighed "You know what? Nevermind" he said getting in a fighting stance "Adrian told me to kill you, so you're already dead" He said a smile appearing on his face. DeWitt growled and lifted up his blaster and fired almost as if he vanished Shinn was in the air above DeWitt coming down on top of him and pulling out his vibroblade cutting DeWitt's head off. Shinn landed swinging his sword to get the blood off of it and sheathing it again.

Adrian: Guess we can consider all debts paid...

[Zilfer]

Loren tilted her head slightly to the side. Actually it was far from the 'men' she worked with, though she had to admit none of them were human. "Yeah, apparently my last mission messed with my brain a little too much," she said laughing it off, but she looked to where Shinn had left and felt a sudden shiver as if something bad had happened that way.

"Well it was nice meeting a fellow Merc, maybe we'll have drinks some time or something. I'd best be getting back to my ship, they'll wonder where I am if I don't," said Loren nodding and then turning to leave. She made her way down the streets and came to the bottom of the ship where Glitch was welding on a sheet metal to fix a hole in the hull of the ship. Apparently they had hit a few small asteroids on their way back. "Hey Glitch got your stuff. I had to a wookiee almost assault me to get these."

Glitch grunted one of his lips smacking, probably chewing on something while the other one muttered low almost beyond the scope of her hearing. She hated that annoying noise but there was nothing to be done. "Is Jarlan back yet?"

Glitch looked over after finally getting the piece in place and shook his head. "No, he went to get our pay and hasn't come back yet. Also said he was going to stop in on an old friend of his, maybe you can remind him that we are on at time schedule here. Our clients aren't going to wait forever," said Glitch who came over and started fumbling through the bag. He was alright for an Ithorian but he always liked to act grumpy so no one bothered him. "I'll think about it," said Loren taking out a stolen fruit and biting into it. For some reason, it always tasted better if it was stolen. That bothered her on some level.

---

Clapping sounded in the air as a Rodian with dark green skin came out to the scene of gore. The Rodian's ears wiggled excitedly and he soon spoke.

Jarlan: Adrian, you were right. He is good, were did you say you picked him up again? Nar Shaddaa? Talk about a diamond in the rough though I suppose you've always been good at picking out talent.

Jarlan seemed to regard Shinn for an extended period of time and the nodded his approval. 

Jarlan: Don't suppose you have time for an old friend. I've got a business deal lined up but it requires more hands than we have. Lost one of our own recently. Don't worry it's nothing like that time on Ord Mantell.

[Damocles]

Kat waved at Loren as she headed out saying they should get drinks sometime.

Kat: That sounds good, we know this great bar not too far from here.

She went into the shop and started to look around until she found the capacitor she was looking for.

Kat: Haha bingo, hey how much!

Kat lifted the item up so the merchant could see it.

Merchant: 1500 Creds, cause I like ya Kat

Kat walked over to the counter and paid the merchant winking at him before heading out. She hurried back to base because she was certain whatever Adrian called Shinn back for involved someone being beheaded.

___

Adrian looked over at Jarlan as he spoke about Shinn. Shinn was walking back from the dead body eating another piece of candy. He stopped and crossed his arms sizing up the new comer, one of Adrian's old friends, Shinn didn't remember ever meeting the guy.

Adrian: Of course I have time for a friend, especially one that brings me the prospect of money. Shinn, we'll be discussing your next mission, Jarlan and I. I will call you when it is settled.

Shinn nodded "Alright Adrian" he said going back into the base, Kat walked over to him patting him on the shoulder.

Kat: I'm impressed didn't get a drop of blood on you this time.

"How'd you know?" he asked her about knowing he just fought someone. She laughed some.

Kat: Could smell it.

Shinn rolled his eyes at her dismissing that claim.

____

Adrian walked in his office and sat down signaling Jarlan to sit across the desk in the other chair.

Adrian: So what is this big deal you need my top guys for?

[Zilfer]

Jarlan entered in the room behind Adrian and took a moment to admire the room before finally sitting down in the chair across from Adrian. He brought his hands together connecting the suckers on the tips of his fingers together. 

Jarlan: Our last mission didn't go so well, we ended up lossing someone as I mentioned before, but while we were stealing a patented blue print from the Imperial Remnant, I noticed it wasn't the only thing in the system worth taking. 

His fingers popped as he brought them away from each other and set them down on the hands of the hair, and leaned back relaxed. 

Jarlan: The job is pretty simple in itself. The data turns out to be a forgotten Jedi temple hidden away on an Ice planet. The Imperial Remnant seems to be either guarding it or looking for something. The plan is to steal it or grab anything of value there. I mean the Jedi are gone but someone would be willing to pay for the stuff there.

The small dark green rodian paused for a second. He knew his old crew member had been some sort of mystic man and had begun to teach Loren but she was far less capable than him. Maybe there would be something there to help her as well, but he wasn't about to tell his old friend that. Not with a bounty out for Force Sensitives still lingering in Hutt and Imperial space. 

Jarlan: So this is the part where your probably wondering whats the catch? The catch is, there is an Inquisitor there. I've had a run in with one myself, and their no joke so I'd like a bit more back up in case drek hits the hyperdrive and we can't make a break for the Zeltronian Red Sector. My crew is only four members counting me, against a small battalion of Stormtroopers.

The Rodian scratched at his large ear, his scaly skin audibly scraping as he did. 

Jarlan: So what do you say? Split the profit 55:45 for old time sake.

[Damocles]

Adrian listened to Jarlan as he spoke about their situation. He put his hand under his chin rubbing his beard.

Adrian: Well, look like you just lucked up, we received a mission from a client from the church of the force that puts us on Ilum an ice planet once controlled by the jedi. So, we can make this how would you say a joint operation, you guys get what your after we get what we're after.

Adrian laughed when Jarlan gave his price for the deal.

Adrian: look here, since we are going to the planet anyway we'll back you guys up no charge, keep the profit you'll make from this, call it a show of good faith, between friends.

Adrian pressed a button on his desk.

Adrian: Shinn, Kat come in here I have your new mission.

The door opened, Shinn and Kat walked in Shinn stared at Jarlan for a second before turning to Adrian "What is it sir?" Shinn asked, Adrian motioned to Jarlan both Shinn and Kat looked at him.

Adrian: this is an old friend of mine, Jarlan. Jarlan these are my two bests Shinn Mikazuki and Katrina Asuka.

Kat: nice to meet you.

Adrian: now, Jarlan here has a mission and coincidently it's taking him to the same planet your next mission is taking you. I want you to help him where you can, watch his team's back and they'll do the same for you

Kat: Umm no offense to you or your team Mr. Jarlan, but are you sure this is a good idea Adrian?

Adrian: I am, what about you Shinn? Can you do this?

Shinn looked at Jarlan then back to Adrian "of course consider it done sir" He replied with no hesitation. Adrian smirked.

Adrian: I knew I could count on you Shinn. Here is your mission on this data pad, you can go with Jarlan now so he can explain what he has planned.

Both Shinn and Kat nodded in understanding.