"Kai-Lee-Kee!" a woman's voice called out from the break room as the Twi'lek waitress walked past. "Your shift's up! Come get your pay." Kyl'likki walked backward to the door and entered. A Human woman adorned in a hunter green dress with long auburn hair sat at a table as she ate some snack pastries. Beside her was an Arcona in a tan spacer suit, who was distinct with his T-shaped head, dark leathery skin, and large golden-green eyes. He handed her a small dark brown bag that jingled as she took it.
"Thanks, Drem. I can actually buy some groceries, now." she smiled. "Hey, Zora." The woman looked up with stormy gray eyes. "I'm gonna go find that lizard guy. He dropped this." She held up a dark leather wallet with a silver badge on it.
"That's Imperial...I'm sure he needs that." she spoke. "Watch yourself, though. Heard Tuskens are at it again at the northern reaches of here." "Shame someone doesn't just go through and cut them down." Kyl'likki shrugged. "There is a difference between defense and decimation." Drem replied with disapproval before he ate a small spoonful of salt from a tiny wooden bowl. "No, no. Kyl'likki's right." Zora replied. "They have to be pushed back, or they will only get worse."
The Human handed Kyl'likki a pastry. "So you can sweeten up. Something's been bugging you, today, I can tell. Wanna talk about it?" "Nothing you'd want to hear." she sighed before she chewed on it. "If that changes, I'm here. See you tonight, sugar." "See you." The Twi'lek left the noise of the venue for the heat of the twin suns over a private staff parking lot. Under a shaded roof was parked a dark maroon speederbike.
With a rev of the throttle, she pulled the speederbike out and cruised through the bright streets of Mos Talazi until she slowed outside the town's general store. Adorned in a mural of a grassy field filled with flowers, the building was a stark contrast to the rest of the dusty, heat scorched place.
Beyond the burnt orange sliding door was air conditioned, and the shelves were stocked with labeled boxes and canisters of wares. The floor was inlaid with sandstone, and the walls were painted with murals of grassy fields with mountains in the distance.
A cheery folk tune from another world was playing on speakers mounted near the corners of the ceiling, the kind of music that took the troubles of the world away. The woman shrugged her shoulders as she took in the cool air until a three eyed Gran stepped out from a back room. Adorned with in a bright blue tunic and trousers, the bovine triclops puffed on a pipe in his mouth.
"Hey, Tarowlic!" The Twi'lek cheerfully called out as she loaded a violet reusable bag with groceries. The portly Gran shared her enthusiasm.
"Hallo, KeeKee! How's things?" he inquired as he took another puff. A frost blue smoke ring dissipated as it wafted away. Kyl'likki sighed with contentment. "Not bad, actually. Just finished my shift at the Tusken Drift-" She pursed her lips and widened her eyes. "That rhymed." "It was well-timed." The Gran added. She laughed as she picked up a bag of snack bread. "Yeah, well, I'm just here for some extra vittles."
Oh, and cooking spices. Gonna make a Coruscant Coddle, soon. The Twi'lek grabbed a tin of assorted herbs and walked up to the counter with her purchases. She produced a small coin bag from her belt as Tarowlic examined the wares. He succinctly counted out the currency, and nodded at the amount.
"And it looks like you have enough here. Safe travels, friend!" The Gran blew another smoke ring, and became fascinated with it as Kyl'likki took her bag. The woman made her way back to the speederbike and packed the purchases away for safekeeping in an insulated saddle bag.
She still had some time left to visit the town before the suns went down, and if she was lucky, find the bounty hunter she served earlier.
Kyl'likki watched as three Jawas danced around a GNK droid that refused to cooperate with their blatant droid napping. The Jawas split once they saw her pat the handle of her blaster, and she in turn eyed the droid. She used her personal droid caller, and the robot walked over to her.
I should take this guy to The Smoke Screen-That's gotta be it! I need to go check on Seven, anyway. Hopefully nobody robbed the place.
With the droid behind her, she wandered into the shaded alleyway. Past a short wall that obscured the entrance, Kyl'likki walked into the hidden joint. The dim lit smoker's lounge was cozy and serene with a nostalgic chiptune track.
A gunmetal LOM protocol droid with emerald bug eyes polished a glass as he spoke with a swagger unheard of in droids of his make. "Afternoon, my fair Madame!" "Hey, Seven. Got you a new friend." The droid looked over at the battery on legs as it marched past Kyl'likki. "A robust chap, that one. He'd save you on energy bills!" "You got it. Treat him well." "Of course, Madame." He paused. "If I might ask, what brings you in? It's usually me holding down the fort, these days...not that I'm unhappy to see you, or anything." The song ended, and a bass heavy beat opened in its place. Kyl'likki replied as the GNK droid kicked its feet in a dance.
"Speaking of seeing, see a lizard guy come through? Armor, camouflage. Big teeth." "The Trandoshan? He's over there, having a smoke. Well mannered for his visage, I might add."
The reptilian indeed had a thin hookah pipe in his mouth, and looked relaxed as he glanced over her way. Kyl'likki showed him his badge and he waved her over. Just as she stepped forward, the sliding door to the bar hissed open and boots thumped behind her.
"Twi'lek," a female voice called out from behind her, and the tone sent shivers down her spine. "Time to go. Jabba has a new job for that pretty face."
She turned to glare at who addressed her. A cat faced Zygerrian woman in gold trimmed crimson spacer attire crossed her arms and smirked. Beside her stood a behemoth tattooed Gamorrean in black studded leathers as he cracked his knuckles.
Not this time... She drew her DL-18 from her side and fired. Click! "What!?" she cried out as she looked at the gun in disbelief. "I saw you were in the market for a new gun, the other day, and I was sure you acquired one that wouldn't work." The woman smiled.
Kyl'likki's eyes widened with terror as the woman pulled a pair of cuffs from her belt while she jerked on the dud trigger. "Ah!" The Twi'lek screamed as she whipped the badge at the Zygerrian, who reeled back as the porcine thug moved past. She went to pull the trigger again, but the Gamorrean ripped it out of her hand.
The thug took the pistol and slammed it into the wall, and the frame fragmented into several pieces. Kyl'likki kicked the Gamorrean in the chest, but he merely laughed. The thug grabbed the Twi'lek and threw her into the Trandoshan behind, instead. She rolled to her side and heard as the reptilian's blaster skittered away.
"She's got a knife!" The slaver shouted as Kyl'likki drew her blade and slammed herself into the back of the porcine thug with a hand on his shoulder. With an elbow to her gut, instead, he threw himself back into her as he dodged a swipe from the Trandoshan's claws. She reeled back as the knife fell out of her hand.
The Twi'lek doubled over in pain and crouched behind an overturned table. From cover Kyl'likki saw as the slaver raised a scoped blaster pistol. She ducked back down, and saw the Trandoshan's heavy blaster under a booth, nearby. The path to it was exposed. Kyl'likki clenched her fist, then heard as the Trandoshan roared in pain. She then saw a solution.
She dragged it over to her, and with reckless abandon, she whacked the Gamorrean across the head with the bar stool, then whipped it across the bar as she screamed like a maniac. With the time that act bought, she dove under the booth and curled up in it. Kyl'likki leaned from cover with the pistol and saw as the Zygerrian advanced to help her compatriot, who shook his head, dazed.
She pulled the trigger, and this time she took a bolt to the chest. "HYAGH!" the feline being shrieked, and stumbled back into several bar stools. The Gamorrean had Vardossk over a table with the knife over his head. Kyl'likki took aim for the blade, but shot his hand instead. The thug gripped his bloodied fist as he squealed. The punch to his face from the Trandoshan's claws made him squeal even louder.
"Leave, now!" hollered Kyl'likki, and shot the floor between his legs and screamed. With both hands in the air, the Twi'lek watched as he nearly tripped over his dead cohort. He stopped by the door, then turned to face the two. He made a crude hand gesture with his good hand and then smacked a glass onto the floor. From behind the bar, 7-LOM marched over to the Gamorrean.
"I said clean and serene!" The droid shouted, and prodded him in the neck with a shock baton. That forced the porcine thug out the door with a series of yelps and grunts. "I'll be back!" he shouted in Basic, and Kyl'likki gulped as she took the dead slaver's pistol and trained it at the door.
She breathed deep as she admired the heavy pistol. "Whoa. This is a nice gun." She smiled at it and slid it in her holster, then returned her attention to the Trandoshan. Kyl'likki handed him his blaster. "Sorry if you didn't want me using it."
"You've just made things even more complicated." he replied with annoyance as he slid the weapon in its holster. Kyl'likki stared with her mouth open in disbelief until she replied. "Excuse me!? I just saved your life!" He growled at that. "That's the point. You did, and I owe you, now." The Trandoshan stared off into space.
He sighed, then glanced past Kyl'likki at the body on the floor as smoke rose from its chest. "Looks like she had a little heartburn. Better loot her...In the back room behind me, to the right." "Right? I kinda know this place as I sorta own it." She replied with sass. The song faded out, and a catchy tune aired. Kyl'likki looked down at the dead body and watched the smoke as it rose from the crater in her chest.
With her nose scrunched, she dragged the corpse into the storeroom. In short order, she found power packs for her new blaster, a full coin purse, and a playing card and added those to her possessions. Kyl'likki returned to the bar proper. She saw her knife handle as it laid on the table, scorched. Ugh! He owes me, alright!
She looked over to the reptilian as she snatched up the badge. "So, what was that about you owing me? That knife was handmade on Ryloth, itself." Kyl'likki asked as she slid into the opposite seat. The reptilian nodded. "You are now my Ghrakhowsk, Twi'lek." She stared at him. "What's a...?"
"Trandoshan culture bids me in your debt. For better, or worse. For life." "Right.I was just coming to give you this." she snapped as she tossed the silver Imperial emblem emblazoned badge on the table. "This belongs to you. We're done." She stood up. "Nearly got shackled, there."
"Don't be stupid," He smiled with a candid tone as he looked her in the eyes. He then clicked a claw against his glass. "How about a drink, to cool off? You're jittery. Besides, that Gamorrean creep's still out there, waiting for you to leave. You'll get shackled for sure if you go." He raised the glass. "Stay, and I'll buy."
Kyl'likki frowned as she glared at the table. I don't need any of this-Wait...Not like this, though...
"No need. Could you get me a Talazi Teal, please, Seven?" she replied to 7-LOM, who nodded. "Right away, Madame!"
"Well," The Twi'lek hummed as she frowned at his necklace. "Fine. You're not exactly my kind of company, but whatever. You can make yourself useful, at least." "Feeling's mutual if you want to be like that."
She shot him a look, then rested her head on her arms. "I don't. I'm just frazzled, and I am jittery." "Post fight nerves. Some call them the shakes. That drink will help."
The droid soon appeared with a teal ale in with a foamy head a tall glass. "Thanks." she replied as she lifted the drink off the tray. "I do hope your day gets better! I'll see to it the place be cleaned...all of it." 7-LOM concluded as he wandered off. Seven is the shadiest droid I've ever met. Glad he's mine. The Twi'lek turned her attention to the Trandoshan. "Question." she asked.
"Shoot." "So...What is your name?" He paused. "Vardossk. It means Breaks His Prey..." Kyl'likki raised her brows at that. "Suits you." He sat, silent as he toked on the hookah for several moments. "How about yours?" "It's Kyl'likki. It's from an old dialect spoken in the mountains on Ryloth. Means Willful Lekku." She sipped from her glass as the Trandoshan spoke.
"I can see that. Another question." "Go for it." "What is your actual profession? You dress like a mercenary beer maiden." Kyl'likki smiled as she took her drink. "You're perceptive. I've been marooned here, after my ship was shot down by pirates. That was a little over two years ago, now that I think about it."
The Twi'lek took a swig of the chilled teal beverage. "I'm a ship's gunner by trade...and as you can tell, a gunslinger, when I need to be. Being a waitress and barkeep just keeps me out of trouble...and in the know about all the things...Interesting things." "Know anything useful?" he asked.
"An epiphany about what just happened. There's a private invite Sabacc game going on in Mos Eisley, later tonight. I overheard two spacers talk about it on my shift, earlier." she spoke. "Sounds like that slaver was supposed to go...and I was supposed to be cashed out for her bargaining chips."
Vardossk narrowed his eyes. "Sounds like you'll be going instead."
"Yep. I know how to play, and I could make some free money." She saw as the reptilian was annoyed with her decision. Kyl'likki didn't care. "I'll need to go to Mos Eisley Munitions. It's a weapon shop in the place it's named after, and the guy who owns it...um, you wouldn't care." "I don't." "Then it's fine. He apparently hosts high stakes games in a back room. I'd like you to accompany me...and buy me a new knife."
"Very well. Did you get a time?" Kyl'likki checked her personal device. "Nine, tonight. Let's sober up, well, after I finish this, then head out." They did, and engaged in more conversation in the midst of hookah smoke. In time, the Trandoshan stood up.
"Let's go." The Trandoshan stated as he moved toward the door. "Before we do, though..." Vardossk pulled out a small black cylindrical device. "Take my spare. Two-way com-link. Hyper-encrypted to Imperial levels. It can even be plugged at its base into a radio to boost its range. It has a green light when I'm trying to reach you."
She examined it, intrigued. "That's pretty cool. Thanks." She looked over to her droid. "Close the place down, Seven. It'll make the clean up easier." "Absolutely. Have yourself a wonderful day Madame!" "You, too."
The twin suns faltered to the throes of dusk as the two hopped on their bikes for a high speed ride into Mos Eisley. The badlands were a blur as the bikes soared at full throttle alongside each other. In time, the bleached tan domes, rusted wreckage, and rubbish that comprised the city outskirts came into view. The duo eased on their throttles, and cruised over to the entrance of an open garage.
With their bikes checked in for safe storage, the pair sauntered along the sands that lead into the city. Denizens of Mos Eisley roamed about on the streets, and Kyl'likki knew it was wise to keep her eyes away from what others were doing and on her own business.
A quick glance at a wall mounted kiosk showed the store was in the New Quarter, topside. Past several alleys and a sand-swept plaza, the duo found themselves outside their destination. The interior was filled with back-lit racks that displayed weapons of all types for all species. It's him. Kyl'likki smiled to herself as she saw the man in front of her.
A bald, rugged faced Human with a dirty blond goatee, fair skin, and tattooed arms strolled along in dark spacer garb. He looked over to the two with field gray eyes and smiled.
"KeeKee!" he spoke with a gravelly voice. "Long time no see!" The two firmly embraced. He smells absolutely amazing. Kyl'likki thought to herself as she hugged him. She let go, and he blushed at the smile she gave him. "What brings the two of you in?" The man inquired.
Kyl'likki stroked her chin as she examined the collection. "Hmm. I want a knife to replace my last one. Something...wicked. What do you have?" The arms merchant perked up with a smile in his eyes. "Are you looking for an ornamental blade, fighting knife, boot knife, tell me your need." "A combat knife, I want it to be able to withstand a blaster bolt. Had a tussle earlier, and my old knife is no more."
He set his sword on the counter, then studied the wall. "Got one, and only one." He picked up a knife with a dark teal handle and gunmetal pommel ring. The blade itself had a double edged tip, and Vardossk knew that style was better for attacks on thicker hides.
The man handed it off to Kyl'likki, who stepped back and showed off a few motions with the blade. "Good form, but that stance would have left you open to a ground kick if it were me. Teräs Käsi?" "Yeah. I've been working on that and some Stava, too, with Zora. I do the Winds of Mustafar kick, really good, though."
She remembered her failed kick earlier, then continued. "Well, when I have enough room. Not gonna try that with a knife in my hand, either." The man smiled as Kyl'likki looked at the price on the knife. "He can afford this." Vardossk narrowed his eyes at that. "Let me see." He took the knife and examined it. Beskar? In a vibroblade? That's unusual.
"How much?" "Since it's for her, a hundred and seventy five credits, if you don't have any local coin. Same if you do." "Does it come with a sheath in the price?" "Genuine leather. It'll go with her belt. Comes with a spark rod, sharpening rod, and a whetstone. Lifetime guarantee on all of it." He continued. "It's Beskar, strongest steel available for the price I'm offering. Even stops lightsaber blades, though I'd doubt you'd ever see one of those, again." he finished with a chuckle.
"Had a feeling it was." Vardossk replied. "Its durability is somewhat above our Trandoshan steel." "I have a few blades in that, if you're interested." "Have any axes? My claws make good enough knives, but I need something specifically for bushcraft."
"How about a tracker knife?" The man smiled as he held up a large knife with dark steel. Vardossk smiled in spite of himself as he took the knife. "You read your customers well. How much?" "Same as hers, has all the same extras and guarantee." "Deal. This thing feels great in my hand. Say, you like bounty hunting?" "'Course I do. It was what I did before I opened this place up."
Vardossk nodded at that. "Got room if you want to join a crew. Bounty hunting, mercenary work. Good money and fun times." The Trandoshan saw a flicker of envy, and remembrance in the man. The Human looked lost, as for what to say, then settled. "Do you have your money with you?"
"Indeed I do. "Vardossk produced the needed currency, and Kyl'likki mouthed the word "Whoa" as she took the ornate stitched sheath. "Thanks." she replied with sincerity to Vardossk as she fitted the knife to her side.
"Will that be all?" the Human inquired. "I'm here for one last thing." The Twi'lek replied. "Something that can give 'em that Corellian Strike. Got anything?" The man winked, and pulled out a card. Kyl'likki pulled hers out and gave a wink of her own, to which the man waved a hand toward the back. "You're the last player to arrive. Just head behind the counter into the back room and he'll get the dice rolling in no time."
"I'll be around." Vardossk stated to the Twi'lek. "There's some business I have to take care of." She gave him a look, but he crossed his arms. "You'll be fine...or someone's not going to be..." The Human squared his shoulders as he replied, unfazed. "She'll be fine. I'll see to it, myself. Now, if you're ready, KeeKee, follow me."
Kyl'likki moved behind the counter and past an orange sliding door. Beyond it was a dark room filled with hookah smoke and banter. A card table sat in the middle of the room, and two empty seats were right by the door. A Yuzzum, a Dug, and a Duros were seated and looked up at the woman with a blend of annoyance and curiosity.
The dealer was an Arcona. "Drem? Surprised to see you here!" spoke Kyl'likki. "Same." He then narrowed his eyes. "You're not the Zygerrian, though."
"She had one too many shots at the bar, so I'm taking her place." she smiled, and took her seat. The Arcona shrugged as he picked up his deck. "Something was off about her, anyway. Do you have the calling card?"
How did I end up here... Kyl'likki mused to herself and pulled out the coin purse. "I do." With a flick she tossed the card with the others near the center of the table.
"Okay, lady and gents, we're all here and ready to play." the Arcona spoke as he split the deck into two even packets. With a a riffle shuffle, he rearranged the cards. "Let's begin!"
