Log Date: 11/11/99 Log Cast: Skeezix, Chewbacca (emitted by Han), Han Solo, Noir/Troy, Sebrin Log Intro: Han and Chewie's old friend Skeezix Calhoun has brought them dire news. The woman Skeezix loves -- Gabrielle Veran, fellow GroundOps officer and friend to Han and Chewie as well -- has been kidnapped. And Han, fed up by recent political machinations amongst the upper echelons of the NR, is all too ready to help Calhoun find his missing beloved, especially if it means he gets to help knock some heads, and not even the prospect of doing so on Nar Shaddaa daunts him. Without hesitation Solo and his Wookiee compatriot have joined up with Calhoun to take the _Millennium Falcon_ to the Smugglers' Moon in search of the missing Veran. Despite their anxiety both the men and the Wookiee are far too experienced not to expect trouble when it comes to the infamous Nar Shaddaa -- but as it happens, even as the recovery of Gabrielle is about to prove surprisingly easy, Han is about to find a lot more trouble than he expected. ---------- SF-3264 has just entered the system at -185,-70,-144. SF-3264 takes off. Skeezix comes striding into the Falcon's entryway, Chewbacca trailing along. A duffle bag rests over his shoulder, and it's apparent that he hasn't decided what from inside the duffle bag he plans on wearing - he's wearing the same clothes that he was two hours ago. There is a solid look of determination on his face, having returned after he and Chewie's first meeting with Han & Leia inside the ship. (You know, after.. the rather awkward intrusion?) Now fully packed, he throws the bag to the floor with a grunt. "Where's Han?" he asks, looking towards Chewbacca. *Getting dressed,* rowrls the Wookiee. Chewie's been pacing back and forth in the ring corridor of the ship while he waits, and now, as Calhoun comes onto the ship, he thrusts a big furry paw in the direction of the bunk room aft. *He won't be much longer. We can wait in the cockpit, I've got to get the ship powered up anyway. C'mon.* With that, Solo's furry copilot and partner lumbers off into the cockpit, letting off soft strings of grunts and growls as he starts powering up the ship. True to Chewbacca's word, Solo is not long. And once he steps into the cockpit it is apparent exactly what 'getting dressed' has entailed; the Corellian really hasn't had much time for a disguise, but he has at least taken swift pains to make some subtle alterations to his appearance. His hair has been lightened, looking a little more golden brown than usual, and something he's done has made him look tanner than normal as well. In addition, the eyes normally a clear crystalline hazel are... blue. His usual clothing, the black vest and white shirt and Bloodstriped pants he favors, has been replaced with garb in shades of green and brown. "Let's get this show on the road," he grunts out shortly as he steps in. Han_Solo removes a calculated jump from the Navcomputer. Jump 1 deleted. Han_Solo plots a jump in the Navcomputer. Route calculated and recorded as Jump Number 5. Estimated travel time: 16m 15s Han_Solo engages the hyperdrive. Hyperdrive engaged. Skeezix finds a seat behind Han's chair, swiveling it to the side to guage a better view of the front panels and space beyond. "Right," he says, strapping in for the 'ride' into hyperspace. "I'm not lookin' forward to this. I've only been to Nar Shaada twice." "We've only been once lately," Han says as he slings his rangy frame into his pilot's chair. His hair has been lightened, his skin has been darkened, and his eyes are uncharacteristically blue -- but the smirk is all Solo as he glances over his shoulder and adds, "But then, it hadn't changed much since Chewie and I used to live there." As the Wookiee rowrfles his agreeement, the Falcon zooms out from the Deliverance... and the Corellian's fingers fly over the controls, punching in the calculations to make the jump to the Smugglers' Moon. It doesn't take long. Soon enough, the ship is in hyperspace. Skeezix nods his head, slowly. The lighting catches a bit of his own modification - none to his person other than the blood red highlights in his hair, and the trench coat he wears so often when the temperature is less than desirable. "Well... I was in tactical, never squad one, so I'll do my best." He shrugs, "It can't be -that- difficult to act like a scumbag." Chewbacca whorflesnorts and suggests dryly, *Try imitating Han on a bad day.* This earns the Wookiee a dark azure glare from the man at the helm, but for once, the Corellian doesn't bother to shoot off a reply. Far too much is occupying his mind at the moment -- like the situation they're about to walk into. All he mutters as his ship streaks towards her destination is a gruffly low, "I've got a bad feeling about this..." SF-3264 has just entered the system at -185,-70,-144. Hyperdrive disengaged. __________________________________________________________________________ / \ | Designation X Y Z Range Status Docked? | ============================================================================ | M-4313 150 61 -81 365.0 Normal No | | CS-3020 150 61 -81 365.0 Normal No | | SF-3264 -185 -70 -144 0.0 Normal No | ============================================================================ \__________________________________________________________________________/ Autopilot set. Autopilot engaged. SF-3264 has moved to -84,-31,-125 SF-3264 has moved to 17,9,-106 SF-3264 has moved to 119,49,-87 SF-3264 has moved to 150,61,-81 Autopilot destination reached. Han_Solo landed the ship successfully. Ship landed successfully. Skeezix narrows his eyes considerably, looking again out the front window. "Wonderful. Lando's told me what it means when you say -that-." He lets out a low growl beneath his throaght, much like any other Wookiee would. It's followed shortly by, "We'll get her back." [And once the ship lands, its occupants move out to commence their search. Soon...] You head down off the entry ramp of the _Falcon_. Landing Pad 26 - Nar Shaddaa The moon of Nar Shaddaa is a world encased in layers upon layers of buildings - one vast city encompassing nearly the entire landscape. Communication spires and holosigns stick up like spikes and lurid graffiti from the welter of architecture. There is a large and diverse mass of ships and beings from around the galaxy milling about here - all different shapes, sizes, colors, and reputations. The only thing they all seem to have in common is the appearance of being seasoned, rugged, and not to be trifled with. The city about you is a mix of buildings, towers, glidewalks, and landing pads. It is a dirty, seedy, permacrete forest "decorated" with garish advertising holosigns and pungent odors. There are several glidewalks available from this landing pad, each heading in a different direction. Probably one of the most annoying things about getting from one place to another is that often you can -see- your destination mere meters away, and yet to -get- to it directly would require a jet pack. If you're on foot, it's long and convoluted paths you must follow till you intersect with the walkways that lead to your destination. The expression, "Can't get there from here," must have come from Nar Shaddaa. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Economic Presence => Repair Kit Dispensor -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Skeezix => STARFIGHTER: Corellian YT-1300 -- Millennium Falcon => STARFIGHTER: Sienar Lambda Class Shuttle -- Archaeoveruptus => STARFIGHTER: Sienar Guardian-Class Light Cruiser -- Majin Boo => CAPITAL: Corellian Corvette -- Tara => Triax => STARFIGHTER: Sienar Guardian-Class Light Cruiser -- Conchobor => STARFIGHTER: Sienar Guardian-Class Light Cruiser -- Regulator => STARFIGHTER: Koensayr BTL-S3 Y-wing -- Dream of Coruscant => STARFIGHTER: SubPro Ilyrian Gnat -- Snowball's Chance => SWOOP: Ubrikkian Phantom-Q -- Crimson Thunder => STARFIGHTER: SubPro Ilyrian Gnat -- Quasar Bolt => STARFIGHTER: Sardakh Z-95A Headhunter II -- Endless Void => STARFIGHTER: Sardakh Z-95A Headhunter II -- Blood Pact => STARFIGHTER: Sardakh Z-95A Headhunter II -- Black Ice => STARFIGHTER: Lantillian Short Hauler -- Crown Jewel => STARFIGHTER: Sardakh Class 750 Freighter -- Blaze of Glory -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- lidewalk leads to Central Platform 26. oor leads to Bounty Hunter Guild Offices. Skeezix comes down the entry ramp of the _Millenium Falcon_. Skeezix has arrived. Chewbacca comes down the entry ramp of the _Millenium Falcon_. The battered YT-1300 touches down on the landing pad -- and shortly thereafter, two grim-eyed men and an equally grim Wookiee emerge from within her. The man with the gold-brown hair and blue eyes peers sidelong at his companions, muttering lowly, "Where to?" Discretion, thy name is Solo. Nobody here but us passersby. Skeezix follows Han and Chewbacca down the ramp of the Falcon, and glances towards the other human quietly. "Corellian sector," he replies, "It's the one place I recall avidly. Let's go." Chewbacca yurfs in muted agreement, keeping a large and furry backup to the disguised Corellian; Solo's only answer is a nod. He doesn't bother to mention that the last time he was there he got into a brawl -- but well hey. That's par for the course on the Smugglers' Moon. The former smuggler and his partner obligingly and briskly shift their course, heading for the glidewalks that can take them to that part of the moon. [And in another short while...] You duck into The Smuggler's Rest. The Smuggler's Rest - Corellian Sector A popular inn, The Smuggler's Rest is crowded with being discussing business, old times, and future adventures. A fire pit keeps the center of the room warm and inviting, casting shadows along the edges of the tavern for conversations that require greater discretion. Tables, booths, and chairs are scattered throughout the open room. A long bar stretches along one side of the room, the 'tender behind it working at a rapid pace to keep the partrons contented. Waitresses move about the room, serving mainly drinks, but there is a small kitchen that offers simple, but by the scent of it, tasty fare. Still, it is not a place to let your guard down. There are visible stains here and there that do not smack of liquor or food. (OOC note: Type to use the place code) -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Troy => D-3PO -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- ut leads to Corellian Sector. Skeezix enters the tavern from off the street. Skeezix has arrived. Chewbacca enters the tavern from off the street. The bar makes the Cantaina on Tatooine look like a betty crocker convention. Not only are most of these people villians they are also the lowest form of villians, and desperate to boot. Most smell of dirt and sweat, and others just plan old stink. Nobody notices the new peole enter, even with the walking flee bag as an escort. Skeezix unbuttons the only two buttons on his trench coat that were fastened, rolling his shoulders once as he steps into the bar. There's a dull expression on his face, his only attempt to make him appear as if he belongs in a place like this. Convincing to humans at least, he almost appears to be one of the typical, weathered spacers who frequent this inn. Fortunately for Han, he doesn't quite look the same as the last time he set foot in this establishment. The last time, he'd been dressed in some of Lando Calrissian's borrowed finery, his hair dyed black, his eyes turned green. Now, his garb is as unremarkable and shabby of appearance as anyone else's, his hair paler this time rather than darker, eyes turned blue, the scar on his chin that might well clinch his identity hidden for the time being by some clever trick he must have pulled. Just for safety's sake the Wookiee Chewbacca has altered his own fur, darkening it some and adding streaks of copper and red. Not detailed disguises... but then, sometimes the best place to hide is in plain sight. Solo and Chewie lope into the place at Skeezix's side, and the Corellian pitches his voice to a drawled murmur as he asks the other man, "So. Know what we're lookin' for?" Skeezix nods his head slowly, angling his head towards Solo in a natural manner. "All black, black mask, mechanically altered voice," he says, quiet enough that the din of the bar overwhelms his voice to any nearby. "He'll be sportin' a gun that can shoot stun bolts, too.. an' I imagine he's fairly strong." However one of the patrons does notice all three of the Trio, and infact has been inspecting them. No he has been hopping for them. Slowly a slouched creature that smells of a barn, moves from the bar. He slowly heads in the general direction of corellian rescue party. Not yet making his appearance or action known, as his short height allows him to hide amoung the taller partrons. Every instinct Han possesses is informing him in no uncertain terms that this is screaming 'setup'. A smart man, a cautious man, would be here to get information only -- and not be planning anything impulsive or rash. But then again... Han's spent the last couple of years being smart and being cautious, trying to fit himself into the mold of respectable officer of the NR. He's sick of being cautious, and he can't deny that he welcomes the old familiar prickle of adrenalin and alertness coming alive in his nervous system. He's missed this. It shows in his eyes, a barely banked glitter of satisfaction as he casts a seemingly casual glance around the bar in search of their quarry. "See him?" he murmurs sidelong to Calhoun, and then more loudly, "Want a table?" "Yeah, gotta rest m'legs," Calhoun replies, nodding towards an empty table closer to one side of the bar that, hopefully, would allow the trio to see more of the patrons from a better angle. Hopefully. In a quieter voice he says, "No, I don't see 'im." He reaches into the pocket of his trench coat, slowly pulling out a small flavor-twig of import from an outer-rim forest planet, and pops it into his mouth. He bites down once, showing his teeth for a moment. The rather bad smelling bum had predicted that the trio would end up in the corner some where. It only made sense, after all they don't want anybody sneaking up on them. He finds a place and occupies it, it was a well set up. The booth he chooses puts the only remaining open booths on either side of him. He waits. Solo claims a seat by the wall, while Chewie folds his bulky frame as beset he can in beside him, conveniently placing his sizeable Wookiee self between his partner and anybody who might decide to get cute. Han might be craving some action, but his copilot -- and, it's oft been argued by those who know the Corellian best, his walking conscience -- isn't exactly interested in letting his honor brother's thirst for excitement get him damaged. For now, though, Han won't argue. He merely glances idly around to see if anybody seems vaguely interested in bringing them a drink -- or, for that matter, if anybody seems even vaguely interested in the three of them. "Don't see our friend yet," he observes, expecting black armor and a face mask to stand out fairly well. "Don't suppose you know how long we're gonna hafta wait?' Skeezix takes a seat at the opposide side of Han and Chewbacca, leaving himself vulnerable to any surprises... to a certain degree. He kicks at the floor lightly, turning the chair so that he leans up against the wall behind him, able to see all three other sides. "I don't even know if he'll show up here.. if this ain't Imperial related, well.. then it has something to do with the fact that my woman once was a huntress." He narrows his eyes, thoughtfully, though a leery expression is visible on his face. Sebrin enters the tavern from off the street. Sebrin has arrived. The words of Skeezix gets his attention, all though its in a more of an amusing way. The smallish form sits up in his booth and leans over and looks over Skeezix shoulder. "Ahhh -your- Women is it, does she think of it as you owning her, or is that just cause with out her around to defend her self you are brave." This voice sounds like that of a two rusted hinges trying to talk. The waft of the smell floats over the corellian table. Friend, foe, contact, or just nosy interloper? Han's temporarily sapphirine gaze snaps to the figure peering over Skeezix's shoulder now, and without batting an eye, the ex-smuggler lazily drawls, "Got an interest in humanoid relationships, pal?" Chewbacca, in the meantime, sniffs warily in the little figure's direction, looking grim and intimidating as only a big Wookiee can, without even baring his teeth. Ah, dear Nar Shaddaa, the moon of a thousand spires - a startlingly huge hive of villany and mercenary filth constructed of plasteel and spun glass, and pulsing with corruption like the very blood of the dead. By the Maker, you have to love this town. With a smile this very thought is on the mind of Renad ben Sabrin; the tower cased in shimmering black fibers makes his way into the place on an unassuming scale - as much as a big man like he can muster, anyway. Lungs fill with the musky scent of dealings done and credits flowing in dark corners, and a smile etches across a coldly handsome face. Oh, yes. He's home. Skeezix turns towards the figure, peering up towards him with an arched eyebrow. "Who's asking?" he asks, flicking the twig in his mouth towards the right corner of his teeth as he continues to chew on it, lazily. The man seems to have suddenly become a good actor, and the reason is purely simple. The adrenaline in his body has triggered something he has been well respected for in his military career. Controlling his own actions. His natural response, after all, would be to jump over the table and strangle the inquirer. The bum laughs in a sing song sort of way at Solo "Interesting that coming from a man as wipped as you. It is however a good thing for you, your lady uses a soft wip, but your wipped all the same." he makes an action, that would indicate wipping in progress. Then he turns to skeezix "It is not important what is asking, but more off what its telling." He then turns and slipps back to his side of the booth. Home, home, and being home the first thing the big man lusts for is a drink. This he seeks out at the bar, eyeying the glittering latticework of distillery machinery lining the wall behind the counter as he draws up to it like a haunting shadow. A few whispered words, and from that same lattice a draught of liquid hued like the heart of a flame is drawn, transferred into a squad glass, and handed over in trade for a few gleaming coins. Inhale, savor. The scent of imported liqueur breaches the tedium of his senses, and his reserve as well - in a flash, the dose of magma is doused bythe darkness of his mouth on its way down. "Funny," drawls the currently sandy-haired Solo in his best deadpan expression, "I thought I'd destroyed those holos." He snaps his fingers in mock dismay, and adds to his two companions guilelessly, "One of you slimes made copies, didn't ya?" The Wookiee snorts, a loud rumble of dark amusement. "Took you long enough," Calhoun says to Solo, then turns his attention towards the empty space where the creature had just dissappeared from. "Well, our ears are open," he says, quietly. With his belly feeling as if it were being scrubbed out by a swirling cauldron's worth of steaming acid the big man props an elbow on the bar, grinning just a slight - that's a draught to put hair on your chest, it is. Well. More than what's already there, that is. The little bum pops over the edge again "Your ears may be open, but are your purse strings. This is Nar Shaddaa, it costs just to breath." He then slipps over the edge again. As he lets the two humans and the wookie decide on there investment. Skeezix looks towards Solo, warily. He folds his arms over each other, narrowing his eyes considerably. He nods to Solo, clenching his teeth down tightly to cause the muscles in his jaw to tighten. Obviously, it would be very unwise for him to answer that question. "I dunno," says Solo with a smirk, to Calhoun. "If all the runt can offer are cracks about our love interests, I ain't seen anything worth paying for here." The smirk grows bigger. "Me, I'm thinkin' we can at least get a coupla drinks, 'cause otherwise I'm bored." By way of punctuation, Chewbacca yawns mightily, now baring those teeth of his to the dim light. Well, hell, the testosterone content in the room is starting to skyrocket. Or its nearest xenobiological equivalent. Sabrin lurches off the bar, his little shot of the flaming abyss setting him to rights, and turns toward the door - after all, he's got a wurmhole's lot of pre-flight checks for him to direct before spacing again, and that monstrous black slug of his isn't going to fix itself. Time to marshal the crew... Over the shoulder of Skeezix comes some form of jewlery or another. It should be fairly familar to him, after all he just gave it to Gabrelle on Yavin not to long ago. Sebrin heads back out into the Corellian Sector. Sebrin has left. Skeezix's eyes roam up towards the article of jewelry, and his eyes suddenly glaze over with a look that contains anguish as well as a sudden burst of adrenaline. The necklace, of course, should be quite familiar to Chewbacca as well.. being a necklace of Kashyyyk heritage, namely a traditional 'love' charm. He grits his teeth again, digging into the twig in his mouth harshly. "What are you asking for," he says, his words clipped, controlled to keep the emotion betrayed by his eyes from showing in his voice. Solo's and Chewbacca's reactions are both controlled; neither of them display overt signs of surprise at the item that's been offered up for their inspection. But Solo's eyes go harder behind the blue contacts currently tinting them; Skeezix's reaction is proof enough that this little runt in the robe is a lead of some kind, at least. For the moment, Corellian and Wookiee hold their tongues, waiting for the opening volley of terms. "Ahh.." His head pops up again as the game is afoot. "I paid 3k for this necklace from a man, whom lets say knows the owner of this item. You give me 4k and I'll give you the necklace and the where." His voice still sounds like the grinding of two rusted hinges. "I think this a fair deal, how about you?" The bum knows no matter the price they will have to pay. Skeezix turns his stoney eyed gaze towards Han, and leans across the table. "We -will- be compensated," he says, convincingly. "Trust me." Chewie lets out a gruff disgruntled bark -- funny, every time he hears _Han_ utter those two words, they usually herald disaster -- but otherwise holds his tongue. And Han, aware that he'd cheerfully agree to any terms if it were Leia's life on the line and then turn around and do his damndest to recover both Princess and cash, merely gives a minute nod to Calhoun to signal his readiness to follow the other man's lead. A tiny smile curls one side of his mouth. Skeezix turns back towards the man, nodding his head slowly. "Four-k it is, perhaps even a little bit of a tip." His words come quietly yet surely, though there is a bit of a dullness to them. "We'd better take it outside, though. First sign of money in this place, and.. well.. the outcome may not be so good." The bum was not born yesterday, nor is he gonna fall for any tricks either. "You think me a fool. I have back up in here of something goes wrong. Patrons know me, they may think me dirty, but they know me and my worth." A gnarled hand moves up a little and points at Han "Him they know his worth or at least they would if something started to happen. No we conduct business here." He drops the necklace in Skeezix lap. Then he pulls out a cred counter "Please insert creds in here please." Skeezix takes the necklace in hand and says, "Very well." He turns to more fully face the creature, and holds the necklace up before his own eyes, a sudden change of emotion coming to his face. "However, you also think me to be a fool. The name, and anything you know, first." He glances towards Solo and swiftly says, "Money, now." If the fact that their contact has blatantly implied twice now that he's aware of his identity has occurred to him, Solo gives absolutely no sign of it. Nor does he bother to point out that he and Chewbacca have eaten bounty hunters for breakfast once upon a time. Looking entirely deadpan, he slides a hand into an inner jacket pocket, taking care to fold the crumpled notes he brings out discreetly into his palm before sliding them over. He's not about to go waving large amounts of money around, no indeed. His face is already worth several times more than the money he's carrying, but no use adding extra icing onto the cake, hey? With his back to the being behind him, Calhoun merely winks to Solo, accepting the money graciously. He turns towards the contact and says dimly, "Four-k. You may count it in our prescence. Now, the information. Name, location." He curls his hand around the notes in his hand, his other holding the necklace lightly. The being laughs in a sing song way "Half..." he reaches into his multi layered clothing and pulls out a cup "deposit half..Then I talk." Touchy, touchy, touchy. Since neither of them are in charge of the haggling here, neither Han nor Chewbacca jump in. But the Corellian's opinion is easily read in the smirk curling his chiseled mouth and the way he's slouching as though profoundly bored in his chair, his left elbow propped against the table. His right hand, however, appears to have dropped out of sight. For his own part, Chewbacca puts his Wookiee visage to good effect, upping the intensity of his glower. It's quite obvious who the heavy is, here. Skeezix shakes his head from side to side, letting out a slow exhalation. He leans forward, separating the stack roughly in half and flipping it into the cup. He neglects to count, a scowl forming on his face. "Half," he mentions, "At least." He leans back into his chair, eyeing the creature warily. "Time is ticking." "Time I have, time you don't it would seem." He pockets the little cup into one of the layers of clothing. Then he hopes down from the bench and heads for the door. He stops but once, and though you can't see the being face, his stance would suggest that he is waiting for you to follow. Nothin' to see here. Keep up your drinkin', folks. Chewie's rising to his shaggy feet for all intents and purposes might as well just be the Wookiee giving himself a mighty stretch, but it's also an excellent visual cover for Solo to shoot a glance to Calhoun, just enough to ascertain that the man's ready to follow this contact they've acquired. Jerking his head towards the contact and clenching his fist briefly, Calhoun takes full advantage of Chewie's massive blocking to flash Solo those two, simple and brief signs. He rises from his own seat, and begins to walk after the creature at an easygoing tempo. The necklace is clutched in his hand, hidden quite well at the moment. Troy heads back out into the Corellian Sector. Troy has left. [Their contact leads Solo, Calhoun, and Chewbacca into the Smugglers Haven Swoop Arena. Little conversation passes between them, but none is really needed, for both the human men as well as the Wookiee are applying every scrap of their concentration to their surroundings... both for some sign of Gabrielle, and for any sign that they are walking into a trap. Once they reach their destination, however....] You enter into the Public stable house area. Public Stable House -- Smugglers Haven Swoop Arena A wide hallway with a moderate ceiling, lined with the doors to various private team garages with logos marking to whom they belong. At the end of the hallway is a room with free, secured storage racks for public use, to facilitate those who have nowhere suitable of their own to keep their swoops. Security patrols the area frequently. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Troy => SWOOP: Ubrikkian Phantom-Q -- KIF LoanShark => SWOOP: Ubrikkian Phantom-Q -- KIF Repossessor => SWOOP: Ubrikkian Phantom-Q -- Neutralizer => SWOOP: Ubrikkian Phantom-Q -- Avenger => SWOOP: Ubrikkian Phantom-Q -- Event Horizon -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- torage room leads to Storage Area -- Smugglers Haven Swoop Arena. ut leads to Staging Area -- Smugglers Haven Swoop Arena. Skeezix enters from the staging area into the Stable house. Skeezix has arrived. Chewbacca enters from the staging area into the Stable house. The bum leads the trio on a long and very dark way, only to come in the back way into the track. He stops short of entering into the public garage fully "I saw the man who sold me that necklace go into there." He points to a small utility storage room. "There has been much construction as of late, its easy to hide down here. Make for safe house when not looking." He then motions to the creds that where in Skeezix hand "Just drop on ground..You go." Having long since deposited the necklace into his pocket, Skeezix nods slowly to the bum. "Alright," he says, "Thanks." He takes a step towards the bum and kneels down in the process, taking his left hand with the rest of the money and lowering it to the floor. Without warning, he leaps to his feet and throws his elbow towards the bum's jaw, silence overtaking him. There isn't even a grunt as he attempts to throw the man's jaw to the other side of the road. How many times has Han gotten himself into trouble on a swoop track? The sight of it brings another glitter of anticipation to Solo's eyes, though it doesn't overshadow the grim purpose of his and his friends' presence on the moon. His blaster hand never very far from the weapon that rides on his thigh, Chewbacca providing a welcome presence at his back, Han can almost believe himself eight years younger and neck deep in danger. But he's older now, cannier, and he keeps a sharp eye out as he and the others follow their contact into the mostly deserted arena. Once Skeezix makes his move, though a feral grin bursts out across the Corellian's lean face. Chewbacca's furred paws go for his bowcaster. And the ex-smuggler partners promptly move to flank Calhoun and watch for any surprises -- from their contact or anyone else. With movement that is swift and sure, The dark man emergies as he moves to quickly for the disguise to keep up. His movement was simple to deflect Skeezix attack away from him and to let him have some room for movement. It works, somewhat he gets some room to move and doesn't get struck by Skeezix. However his bum disguise sort of get tangled up, in his legs. This action he realizes makes escape on foot, to time consuming. With a kick of his leg, he tosses the robs into Skeezix face, and heads for a swoop. With a quick jerk the swoop is started. Skeezix reaches up defensively, his own movements precise, yet perhaps a little slower than he used to be. The robes get caught in each hand, and he loses a precious moment throwing them to the ground. "Bloody," he curses, unable to finish the phrase as he reaches into his trench coat, whipping a standard-issue blaster from its hiding place within. "Chewie," Solo bellows, not worrying now about whether to blow what passes for his cover, "help him find Veran!" Even as he shouts the Corellian is already in motion for the nearest swoop himself, determination blazing in his eyes -- and that feral grin still curling his mouth. Trying to get away on a swoop, are we? Not if Han can help it. He leaps onto the first machine he can reach, taking only a fraction of an instant to try to figure out if he can hotwire the thing. This being Nar Shaddaa, he's not going to expect the owner of this little craft to be stupid enough to leave it so that anyone can ride off with the merchandise. Taking only a fraction of a second to hotwire the swoop, thanks to a small mechanical device on the starter unit. Noir is off and flying, he slips to the side to dodge any fire from trio, as he assumes that somebody in that party is gonna be snapping off some blaster bolts. He then zooms down the same way they had snuck in, and this is not exactly a large entrance way. Skeezix charges up his blaster, aiming it into the air so that he can view the weapon as he sets it to full power. The whirr of energy charging inside the power pack rises into the supersonic as he turns his eyes back towards Solo and then the 'bum', he narrows his eyes and aims at the swoop but neglects to fire. "We can't draw -too- much attention, Chewie," he growls in a controlled tone. The Wookiee roars out an acknowledgement to his partner before whirling on Calhoun and letting himself nod a single time. *Han'll handle that for us,* he barks. *Search! Which way?* And in the meantime, it takes Solo a few precious extra seconds to familiarze himself with the control panel before him -- it's been a while, after all. But it only takes him seconds to spark the machine into life. And soon enough he's streaking aboard it into the air, bent on closing the distance and getting the paces of this swoop before he tries to fly her one-handed. First up: diving out through that entryway. Solo leans in low and hard over the control panel, but manages to mimic his quarry's swerving. The chase is on. Skeezix turns his now battle-widened eyes towards Chewbacca, and nods his head twice towards the small storage room the enemy in disguise had indicated. He points his blaster towards it as well, and says in response, "This could be a trap." He begins to strafe towards the room on his toes, trying to keep as silent as possible. With Solo in pursuit Noir keeps to the tight turns of the underground. After all he knows this area, and Han has been gone for awhile. He hopes to use this to his advantage and escape the hunting solo. Every now and then he sparks on the side of the walls as the swoop makes contact. 'Well duh' is not exactly in the Wookiee lexicon, but Chewbacca spares enough time to roll his eyes expressively; hadn't either of his companions thought of that _before_ they got here? He does not, however, waste any time on whurfling that aloud. *I know,* he yarfs instead, keeping close to Calhoun to watch his back with almost as much diligence as he would Han's. *But let's find her, before the trap closes.* Skeezix shakes his head to either side, a grin forming on his face amidst this chaos. He's used to working with anybody below the rank of 1st Lieutenant, and now, with two of the 'rebellion's best at his side, the ease of operation seems to take him by surprise. He blinks twice, faltering for just a moment before gathering up his senses and moving towards the storage room, picking his strafing action up once more. He looks towards the door with his head, nodding there once before motioning for Chewie to do his worst. It's said once you learn how to ride a swoop, you never forget. It's been a while, sure, but all of Han's old skill comes surging up out of the back corners of his mind and his muscles as he and the machine he's stolen get acquainted with one another. In moments, he's got enough control to whip his blaster out with his gun hand and to begin taking potshots; only the distance between him and his quarry and the need to keep flying at the same time are keeping those shots from reaching Noir's fuselage. The scarlet bolts detonate harmlessly on the walls they streak past, leaving smoking sorch marks. With shots coming in and getting close Noir pushes the swoop faster and faster. He also keeps his turns tight and weaving, no he doesn't have the skill of a Solo, but he does know his way around here. Once they emerge from the construction that is still going on around the track complex, it is obvious they are now over the twi'lek sector. Then Noir dives the swoop back down again, attempting to kee Solo with a hard target to hit. The door's pretty solid -- and may well stand up to a pummeling from a determined Wookiee. However, Chewie isn't in full battle rage, he is well aware of the need to not call undue attention to their presences, and not for nothing has he spent over a decade putting his clever mechanical talents to use on the Millennium Falcon. Slinging the bowcaster back over his shoulder, he starts in on some of his own hotwiring. Skeezix turns his gaze from Chewbacca's work, his eyes watching the alleyways and open areas around him, his blaster raised and ready to fire if any surprises happen to 'stumble' upon he and the Wookiee. And in the meantime, Han marks his location only on the outer edge of his awareness -- enough to know that he's starting to put some distance between himself and the others back at the track. An alarm bell goes off in the back of his head, but it has to go up against the adrenaline coursing through his system... as well as a fierce excitement he hasn't felt in what seems like an eternity. _A little farther,_ he promises himself, _and if he gets lucky, I'll turn around._ A thoroughly nasty smile stretching across his face, he takes scrupulous aim, preparing his next shot. _Let's see if you get lucky, slimeball!_ Noir does get lucky, or was it skill, who knows. He swings his swoop around a building and out of Han's line of sight. He then quickly dives the swoop around another corner. Again keeping him out of the blaster fire. As soon Chewie touches the door it opens. Much to everybodies surprise with out incident. Was that to easy or was it just that Noir was trying to get rid of his package. Who knows. Skeezix swivels his attention towards the door as it opens, and pushes it in with the toe of his boot. Without a word, or even a grunt, he takes two swift steps into the room and crouches down low, his knees nearly touching the ground. He peers about the area, keen eyes piercing his surroundings in a slow-motion form of perception - the typical result adrenaline has on the senses. The Wookiee is taken by surprise, and he shoots a suspicious glance at Calhoun at the unexpected ease of their entry. Then, his bowcaster coming back into his furry grip, he peers warily within to see exactly what awaits them. Somewhere in the Twi'lek sector, Han grimaces as his prey dips out of his line of fire. A growl not unlike one Chewie might utter escapes him, though it's lost in the roar of his stolen swoop's engine. There's a pride factor at work now, and with his teeth gritted and a spark in his eye, the Corellian guns his swoop up into a higher speed, now bent on catching up with the fleeing miscreant and if not catching him, then at least giving him one hell of a part to his hair. With Solo hot on his heals, or Tail pipe as it would seem. Then he turns a quick corner, and drops off the swoop. It would appear that he is giving up on this whole race. That is untill he picks up a long bed post that was left in the garbage, and he waits for Han to come around the corner, once he does. **WHAM** The room is dim, not dark at least, though it's size limits it to shadows and hues from the glowlamp within. Gabrielle's head jerks up, having been in a half doze, as the door begins to open. Her eyes narrow slightly, pushing aside the small medkit next to her as she quietly and carefully comes to her feet. No one but the bounty hunter had trekked their way in or out of the makeshift "cell", but she wasn't naieve enought to think that none of Coris Ralik's associates weren't already out on the hunt for her. _No weapon, sure...I could chuck the medkit at them just long enough not to see the stun blast_ Gab shakes her head remaining very still as the door opens wider. Skeezix eyes his blaster once more, and keeps the weapon locked on full power. Not noticing anything out of the ordinary from his position, he glances towards Chewbacca as he begins to edge closer to the next bit of cover he can find. His awareness level seems to be spiking, eyes flicking from the Wookiee back towards the rest of the room he can see, eyes wide open as his pupils begin to open up in the darker setting. Solo's swoop comes tearing around the corner, diving in low to follow his quarry's path. In seconds Han is skimming almost level with the rubble-strewn ground. In seconds, he's gotten a look at this new leg of his course of pursuit. But in seconds, he's also gotten an unexpectedly clear view of the landed swoop just ahead -- and the figure that leaps at him out of the shadows to his left, swinging something large and heavy that catches him solidly across his forehead. He doesn't have time to cry out, as his body flies backwards off the swoop and the now pilotless craft keeps hurtling forward to slam with a resounding crash into the nearest wall... Back at the track, Chewbacca whorfles out, pointing ahead in a surge of relief into the tiny shadowed room, *Captain Veran!* "Gabby!" Calhoun roars out, rising to his feet as the Wookiee recognizes the figure at the other side of the room. He raises his weapon towards the cieling, his eyes immediately piercing around the rest of the room, anticipation coming over his eyes as he waits for another person to appear. Noir stands over Han Solo "You are lucky today. I am not hunting you." With that he strides off to his swoop and takes off. Leaving Solo to his own devices, that is if he has any left. Then he soars off and out of sight. It's not as though she didn't expect anyone to track her down...even the hunter's "promised" words to lead someone to her were enough of a guarantee that someone, anyone would eventually find their way to her "cell". The unmistakable yarrowl at the door, however catches her in quiet suprise, and Skeezix's voice following just behind, brings her eyes to a wider point. "I'm here." She says in a suprisingly quiet voice, letting the near empty med kit drop with a clatter to the permacrete floor. She wraps one arm about her torso, taking a step into the light. Chewbacca whurfwhurfwhurfs his pleasure at seeing Gabrielle Veran apparently well and whole, letting the reunited couple take enough time to make their fervent greetings while he casts a watchful glance over his furred and muscled shoulder. Still sharply alert for any intruders, he is also growing concerned for his partner -- where did Han get to? And, somewhere in the Twi'lek sector, where Han has gotten to is a dirty side alley. Oblivious to the figure that leans over him and speaks, the Corellian lies in a crumpled heap, blood welling up from a jagged wound along his brow and starting to soak backwards in streaks of crimson into his hair. [To be continued...]