The 13-83 to Sky City

[Terran Starek]

Cyrak - southeast of Lianna City, Lianna
08:13:09 GST


"Well, here they are...Ranger." The squat, bald Tionese barkeep (the term used for cantina proprietors on Lianna) named Brenn addressed Terran with obvious hesitation as to his title. It wasn't often that a small town like Cyrak saw an Imperial Sector Ranger and the man clearly didn't know what sort of pleasantries to exchange. Terran wasn't concerned with it - there were more pressing matters at hand outside of a man's title. On top of that, he didn't need his position announced unless it was absolutely necessary.

"My thanks, Mr. Brenn. Terran will suffice, if you don't mind, sir." The barkeep nodded an affirmation. The Ranger stood, medium height, medium build, in plain clothes. He wore a wide-brimmed hat that gave a heavy shade to his face in the sun. Around his waist, just behind his surcoat, hung a heavy belt that held the holster to some sort of slug-thrower. It was modern, but a slug thrower nonetheless. Next to the pistol was an old relic of a thing - what appeared to be some sort of metal badge. Archaic in nature, the badge was shaped like a star and likely worn for decoration, although it didn't have any official meaning in the galaxy.

They entered the almost empty bar - it would've been entirely empty, save about a dozen patrons sitting and lying about, with a couple local security officials tending to some injuries and taking a few reports. The scene followed exactly what Terran had been briefed on before his shuttle landed at Lianna City about an hour ago. It looked like they had held everyone just like the Ranger had asked. That was a good thing - the last thing he needed was to chase anyone down.

According to the earliest reports received, there was a tussle at the bar with some local patrons and a passer-through that resulted in a few injuries and more than a few bruised egos, and a little property damage. Why would this garner ISR attention? Unfortunately, that passer-through happened to be a known bounty hunter. Furthermore, Terran didn't know of any bounties in the Lannia system that needed collection. This got those above him thinking and, when they were inclined to think, Terran was likely to receive orders.

He made his way into the bar, the faces of several of the patrons twisted in anger. Some of them had been beaten up pretty badly. There was a slew of blasters - various models, various states of repair - heaped on one of the tables. It looked like some of the toughs were being charged with possession of weapons without licenses...not exactly a lucky day in Cyrak.

Terran turned his attention to a table with two Tionese men seated at it. One of them had his arms crossed and looked hurt the least, upon a first inspection. The other had a large bandage across his head that was soaked with blood. He'd taken a hard one to the head. The Ranger grabbed the empty seat of the three at the table and turned it around, sitting down heavily in it backwards. He removed his hat and laid it neatly on the table beside him as he looked at both of the men and grinned.

"Evening gentlemen. Lemme guess...'you should see the other guy.'" He could see that his joke hadn't done him any good. Ah well, it was always worth an ice breaker.

"Who are you?" The less injured man spoke up, his tone nothing short of derisive. He glanced at the hat on the table and then back at Terran suspiciously.

"Excuse my manners, sir. I did not introduce myself." Terran was being sincere, not sarcastic. He had a sort of down home charm about him. "The name's Terran Starek, and I need to ask you gentlemen a few questions, if that'd suit you."

"We already told all we gots ta tell to the badges over there. We don' know anythin' else." The one with the bandage.

"Yeah - and why would we talk to you anyway?" Well, my cover's blown, Terran thought, but I'm already running out of time. He reached into his belt and fished out a small, palm-sized square. With the push of a button, the two sides of the square extended in his hand and an and orange hologram produced the telltale badge of an Imperial Sector Ranger, strobing back and forth between a picture of the ISR logo and Terran's picture and basic info. The thug groaned.

"I know - more badges. You know, if I were you, I'd be tired of badges too. But that's what happens when people and bars get broken up." Terran kept the grin on his face. "Which one of you his Mirken?" The same thug sighed again.

"I figured - that's why I picked this seat. Now, Mr. Mirken, this goes one of two ways. The first way is easy, the second way is hard. Do you wanna hear your options?" Mirken rolled his eyes. "I thought so. The easy way is, you answer a few questions for me the best that you know how and can, and Mr. Brenn gets his bar fixed courtesy of the ISR. You fellas go ahead and head on home, and these men of the law don't take down any names." Mirken rolled his eyes again.

"The hard way is, you don't try to answer any of my questions. All these men - including yourself - get thrown into the Cyrak lockup for the night. I go get myself some dinner and a room, and then I come back in the morning and you tell me the same stuff you were supposed to first time around. Only this time, you serve out your time and find a way to pay for Mr. Brenn's troubles." Terran paused for dramatic effect. It was how this worked. "So, Mr. Mirken, what do you say? Easy...or hard?"

"I...I don't know anything else than what I've already told them - "

"Sure you do, Mr. Mirken, sure you do. Any bounty hunter - well, any halfway decent one, and this particular one looks like he ruffed up you and at least ten of your men - doesn't go fighting thugs for any good reason. It raises too much attention. He knew something, you knew something, somehow you came to an impass here. I need to know what brought about that impass." Terran remained calm and collected, but at this point, the grin was gone.

"...Fine. He didn't give us a name. He was taller than you, thicker than you. He was asking questions about...about... "

"What?"

"-about a hovertrain bound for Sky City. The 13-83."

"Why couldn't he just ask the station droid - what'd he have to learn about from you?"

"I don't know. I really don't - " Terran slammed the table with his hand.

"Now I know that's bull, Mirken. I know that ain't true. You were doing so good - do we need to revert to the hard way?" Mirken sighed heavily, rubbing his eyes with his one clean hand. Terran realized the other was heavily bandaged.

"Ok, ok. We were hired to buy and give a ticket chip on the 13-83 to another guy."

"Who hired you?"

"I honestly don't know - it came down through the holo-channels." Terran believe him.

"Who were you supposed to give the chip to?" The Ranger pressed his questions.

"A guy named Dumlen. Dawn tomorrow, by the old station. It was that simple. They were paying a hefty amount of creds, so we knew it'd be risky." The bandage-head thug softly shook his head. Mirken glanced at him and back. "Not this tough."

"So the bounty hunter - what did he get out your little chat here?"

"He...he took the ticket chip." Terran could see the anger in his eyes. It had a bit of shame mixed in it as well. Terran saw a faint picture coming together. They were hired to buy a chip, to middleman it to another. This must have been a way to lose the scent if there was someone watching. But why...why would someone be watching? What was so special about the 13-83.

"And the train?" The Ranger asked. "What's so special about the train."

"I don't know - honestly, I don't have a clue. All we know is that we bought the chip last week. Supposedly the train's all sold out, which is weird - there aren't even enough people in Cyrak to fill that bus." That was what he needed to know. Someone was hiding something on that train. What was it? He had no idea. But he was going to find out.

"Mr. Mirken," Terran raised up off of the seat, grabbing his hat and fitting it back onto his head. "I truly appreciate your time. I'd like to thank you for making a good choice - you saved us all a big headache." The Ranger turned to the security officials. "Gentlemen, you can let these men go. Keep the report, but get rid of their names." Terran heard a few "yes sirs" as he made his way to the door.

"Mr. Brenn," he tossed a small credit chip into the barkeep's hands. "Get the necessary repairs here needed and put it on the ISR's tab. We thank you for your help in all this."

"What about our guns?" Mirken was on his feet now.

"Now, Mr. Mirken, as an advocate of proper gun control, I can't rightly and in good conscious allow you to have your firearms back. You'll need to get yourself properly certified and then purchase some from a licensed vendor. Sound ok?" Mirken was fuming. Terran grinned and tipped his hat, making his way outside and back into the quite, cool Cyrak night.

Now it was time for him to find something to eat at an open establishment. That and a decent room. The Ranger wasn't truly picky, on the whole, but he wanted something that would be comfortable. He checked his datapad for departure times to ensure he wasn't late for the 13-83. He was destined for a long day tomorrow. That was for sure. He needed to be at the station at dawn to see for himself what was going on.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

The 'Rabbit's Hole Motel' Across Town:

"So whatta ya wanna do...easy way or hard way." Smoke billowed outta smirked lips as th'bounty hunter gazed down on th'Rodian at 'is feet. Guy's name was Ratton an' he was 'bout as typical of one o'those green-skinned, squirmy bastards as ya could get. Sure as hell wasn't th'kinda guy Aurelias Kazaar liked t'spend his afternoons with.

'Less, of course, he was beating th'living crap outta him.

Way th'Rodian's silver eyes were staring up at Kazaar, sure as frack seemed like he wanted t'know which was which. Idiotic piece o'shit bishwag.

"Easy way's simple pal." Kazaar blew smoke in Ratton's face. Rodian hadn't moved from his spot on th'motel room's floor since Kazaar'd barged in 'bout five minutes before. "I bust ya up o'bit. Maybe break ya arm f'not givin' me the frackin' info I need on who's doing th'job on th'13-18. Ya can go back t'ya boss and tell 'im ya put up a fight but lost. No frackin' shame in that."

He gave o'low chuckle which caused Ratton t'cringe. "Hard way's a helluva lot more fun f'me. An' messier. Your frackin' choice..."

Rodian finally decided t'move, raising his hands in some kinda surrender motion. "I don't know anything Kazaar!" Guy's Basic was pretty frackin' passable forra frackin' Bug-Face. "Sal Dumlen was th'guy who hired me. Said he had a job for us but wouldn't go into details...I swear Kazaar that's all I know."

Th'Rebel spy just smirked. Ratton liked t'yammer in contradictory tones. "Ya know pal...ya first say ya don't know o'damn thing. Then ya say, Sal Dumlen, hired ya." He pressed one o'his boots against th'Rodian's neck and started t'press down.

"Make up ya frackin' mind."

Ratton's eyes got a helluva lot larger than Kazaar thought possible. "Okay, okay, it was Dumlen! It was Dumlen!

"Jabba's strangled corpse Kazaar..." He let outta Rodian curse Kazaar hadn't heard before. Prob'ly hafta file it away f'later.

"Why'd you have to do that to me Kazaar." Ratton set his arms down but remained inna almost fetal position. "You should have gotten all your info from that country bumpkin Mirken. He told you about Dumlen already. Why in the blue frack did you have to come after me?"

Kazaar chuckled. "'Cause Dumlen ain't exactly th'kinda guy t'just show up with o'big sign saying where th'frack he's holed up." Leaned down into Ratton's face. "Care t'share..."

Didn't think it was possible forra Rodian t'lose all green in its face, but Ratton sure as hell did. Kazaar was kinda impressed. Kinda.

"No...no I don't ah-EEEE!" Ratton let outta shriek as Kazaar stepped on one of his hands. "Okay okay okay! He could be...could be...staying at the Faraway Bordello. He likes the Twi'leks."

Kazaar smirked. Everyone liked Twi'leks. Pretty damn flexible.

"And ya got no frackin' idea who hired him t'go after the 13-83..."

"No. No Kazaar I don't. I swear!" Rebel spy thought th'guy might telling th'truth there. "Now...are you going to let me go? I've got a chick up near the bordello I want to spend time with. A Zeltron (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Zeltron)...very nice."

This time Kazaar gave o'snort. "Goes by th'name Cammie? Yeh...know 'er. She's Dumlen's lead dame. Nice frackin' try but I ain't o'big fan o'Rodians."

Got real frackin' close in Ratton's face. "Specially those who go t'warn guy's I'm comin' after 'em." Kazaar pulled o'vibroblade outta his long duster.

"Sorry pal...ain't gonna happen."

Ratton's scream was cut off as Kazaar covered th'Rodian's mouth with 'is hand. 'Least he had o'fracking location.

Now t'find out who th'frack hired Dumlen t'go after the 13-83. Any frackin' luck and Kazaar could keep it from bein' hijacked.

He smirked at th'thought. Yeh frackin' right...

[Terran Starek]

03:12 am GST

Boo-dee-DEE-doo-doo.

Boo-dee-DEE-doo-doo.

The Ranger rolled over, groping at the nightstand for his comm link, which was chirping annoyingly on the nightstand next to him. The hotel - if it could be called that, it was more of an inn - was a small, dirty place. But it was cheap. And it wouldn't garner near the attention as the two larger ones would.

"Starek." His voice was deep and throaty from sleep, but he was aware. He'd been asleep now for about 3 hours. Not enough, he winced.

"Sir, this is Sergeant Pi-Nium. We had orders to contact you if any level 2 or higher infraction occurred." The twi-lek spoke quickly and there was background noise surrounding him. Something had just happened.

"Whatchya got, Sergeant?"

"A dead rodian. I don't know if--"

"I'll be there in five. Shot the coordinates to my datapad, if you would. Thank you."

---------------

"Who found him?" Terran approached the dead alien, his eyes scanning the area. He pushed his hat higher up on his brow to let a little more light hit his face - it was dim in the storage room of the old apartment complex.

"One of the janitor droids. Called it in about 50 minutes ago." Terran squatted down beside the corpse, which was lying on its side, a pool or dark blood around extend from its next. He turned the rodian's head to find a perfectly-slit throat. It would've been a painful, but relatively quick death. It was done with capable hands - the slice was straight and dead on. "Do we have a name?"

"Oh yeah," Pi-Nium spoke with a low whistle. "This is Ratton. He's one of our regular offenders. His name's all over our holorecords, to tell you the truth."

"I see. Hmmm. Did he have any bounties?" Terran already knew that he didn't, according to the reports he had on Cyrak, but it was worth asking to see if any other leads turned up.

"He's got plenty of enemies, sure, but no bounties that I know of." The Sergeant thought for a minute. "Of course you could always talk to Cammie. Ratton's been seen visiting her pretty regularly at the Faraway."

"Faraway?" Terran focused his attention to Pi-Nium, puzzled.

"Yeah - Faraway Bordello. It's on the east side of town, about two or three blocks from the station." The Ranger settled his hat back down on his head and stood.

"Sgt., if you wouldn't mind, I'm going to go pay Miss Cammie a visit by myself." He was never going to get any sleep tonight. He looked back at the security officer and flashed a sheepish grin. "Trust me - it won't be on account of personal inclinations."

One step behind...one step behind so far. Perhaps he could make it to the Faraway in time to come face-to-face with this mystery bounty hunter. Maybe not. Maybe that's what the train was destined for. He wasn't sure yet.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"I'm sorry sir. But no blasters allowed inside." Droid was pretty frackin' adamant 'bout that. Only o'protocol droid but they had their...ways...o'causin' a fuss. Whoever created 'em shoulda been shot and all his work burned. Damn things were o'piece o'work. But 'least they hadn't asked Kazaar t'get of his cigar. Woulda been o'real fracking problem then.

"Just lookin' t'see if I could get o'word with one o'ya ladies, droid." Kazaar rolled th'cigar from one side o'his mouth to th'other. "Pal said ya Twi'leks were pretty...attentive."

Droid just stared without blinking. It then pressed a few buttons on a datapad clutched between its fingers. "I'm sorry sir but all of our entertainers are currently busy with other clients at the moment. I suggest you go inside and wait around. We do have female who wander around the floor who might be accommodating to you."

Kazaar puffed a buncha smoke outta 'is mouth and sniffed. Frack. Was hopin' he'd get o'meet with o'dame. Give him a chance t'peek 'round and see what rocks Cammie're Dumlem might be hidin' under.

Wasn't too happy 'bout it but Kazaar knew he'd get only one shot with this. "Where do ya want me t'stash m'blasters?"

"The front lobby has a weapons check."

No way in hell Kazaar wanted t'dump th'weapons there. Lotta those bastards like t'peek 'round and see if th'blasters were worth 'losing.' And he knew someone'd want to "get lost" with "The Twins." 'Course it was lookin' like he wouldn't have o'chance t'do some scouting 'round. Which meant he'd hafta take 'is chances th'Bryars wouldn't be stolen. Which frackin' sucked.

"Fine. Fine."

Kazaar handed th'blasters to o'Gran who seemed all too happy with gettin' his grubby paws on th'silver metal. He pulled th'alien towards 'im so its three eyes were staring right at Kazaar's two black ones.

"Ya frack with m'babies...and I frack with you. Got it pal."

The Gran just nodded an' Kazaar sauntered into th'bordello.

[Terran Starek]

"I'm sorry sir, but no blasters allowed inside." Terran sighed heavily and considered showing his badge. There were too many eyes around, though. They may not have been directly on him, but he knew people were watching. It wasn't worth revealing himself.

"Of course," the Ranger responded. He reached into his surcoat and behind his back and removed the small holdout pistol he kept on the his backside, tucked into his belt. He handed it off to an attending gran - dirty fella. "Here you are."

"And your sidearm, sir?" The droid's single, large eye zoomed in on Terran's right hip, where he kept the old slug-thrower his dad had passed down to him, which had been passed down from his grandfather, and from his, and so forth. Terran smiled again.

"I thought you said blasters. You mean this 'ole thing?" He unclipped the holster strap and removed the G-19 semi-automatic pistol, handing it over the the gran. He eyed the alien suspiciously and gave him a very stern look. "That's important to me, y'hear?" Terran turned back to the droid.

"I'm looking for a specific girl, tonight. She comes highly recommended. Her name's Cammie - you know 'er?"

"Of course, sir." The droid looked down at the flimsy piece of blank plastic that served as his clipboard. At least they kept up with the appearance of realism, he reckoned. "I'm sorry sir, but all of our entertainers are currently busy with other clients at the moment. I suggest you go inside -"

"Yeah, yeah - thanks." Terran waived him off and headed into the door to the Faraway. The play was actually pretty busy for this time in the morning. Then again, this was the time it would be busy. He made his way over to the bar. It seemed like a good place to start.

Sitting at the third stool from the right was a good-sized man, middle-aged, a bit rough looking. He must've been one of the locals. The Ranger figured he'd be a prime candidate for a chat. He casually made his way over, sliding the old star on his belt further back and out of view behind his coat. Subterfuge would be key, here.

"Evening," he sat, taking a seat one stool away from the other. He smiled politely and tipped his hat. The man didn't turn to face him yet, but Terran could see a lit cigar burning from the corner of his mouth. "Seems like a good night for a drink and a 'lil company. What're you drinking?"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar watched th'guy walk in. Wore o'pretty nice hat, but had th'wrong kinda air 'bout him. He was 'bout t'think lawman, but th'guy went over to some other guy smoking a cigar and started talking. Might be o'lawman making th'rounds asking 'bout things. Might just be some fracker going t'have a drink with pals.

Kazaar took o'drink from his beer. Whatever th'frack kinda backwater swill it was, it sucked. Too little head an' was like drinking water. If he'd wanted t'order that, Kazaar woulda just bought o'water and gone from there. Even if he didn't like drinking while on th'job, he had t'blend in with the crowd somehow.

He just kinda scowled an' kept an eye out. And considerin' how frackin loud Faraway Bordello was, watching was a helluva lot easier than listening.

It was set up pretty much like ya normal strip club. Few dancers, mosta 'em Twi'leks and o'few humans, were grinding' up 'gainst several poles placed in easily accessible areas on th'floor. Floors were duracrete and tile for th'most part, 'cept for a few lines of carpet meant t'lead the dancers from pole station t'pole station.

Place was pretty dark too, 'cept the pole stations. Easier t'keep patrons focused on the 'entertainment' and not all th'other stuff going on. Small chill held in th'air too...obviously meant t'keep the dancers from sweating too much. Had t'get hot moving 'round like they did.

Kazaar took another gulp o'the beer. Just ya normal bordello. Save for th'face he saw o'purple-skinned Zeltron and o'rather grizzly lookin' human make their ways towards th'back entrance.

Had o'pretty frackin' good idea who that was...Dumlen.

Guy was either spooked or gettin' the frack out for some kinda meeting. Or both.

Kazaar just smirked, drained th'beer and started t'walk towards th'back door...

[Terran Starek]

"...an spit, if I wouldn't've believed she could do it, too!" The cigar bobbed as he laughed heartily. Terran chuckled a bit and smiled, but had his eyes elsewhere. He found a good one, to be sure. Talkative. He didn't know anything, the Ranger already figured that much out, but it was great cover. Just too so-and-sos waiting for the next twi-lek available...or zeltron.

The room was fairly populated. A few other johns, like himself and Sprigg, here, and a couple of working girls looking to make a score. Pretty low-key. Except one guy in the corner. Terran couldn't get a read on him, and it pissed him off. He could always get a read - that's why he'd declined advancement in the Imperial Corps. He could tell that job was a deathtrap. That's why he hadn't put two feet back on Naboo when his uncle recruited him for the 'Sec Rangers.

Problem was, not getting a read was about as bad as it sounded - he didn't have a frackin' clue about him. He threw a few creds down to cover the drinks, patted Sprigg on the shoulder and announced his false intentions to "find some company," and was just about to make his way over to talk to the figure when a particular zeltron came rushing through the room towards the back door - with company. He touched his empty holster. Spit.

He immediately made for the entrance, motioning the gran over and throwing some more credits on the counter. He needed his weapons back. Terran had a hero complex, just like any Ranger, but he wasn't stupid. There was no way he could make any headway without a piece.

Wait...did the guy in the corner move too? It was too late as the figure darted out the back door. Dammit. The Ranger threw his wait into the old revolving front doors and burst out into the night. He mentally noted where the back door was in proportion to the Faraway and ducked into a side ally.

At full sprint he traversed the length of the building - a helluva lot longer than it looked - drawing his firearm and holding it down and parallel to his right leg.

THACK-THACK-THACK!

SPIT!, he cursed again. The sound of blaster fire. He was behind again! He rounded the corner...

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar ducked behind o'dumpster which was on th'opposite all to the door. Blaster fire was ricocheting all 'round th'alley, which was makin' it hard f'him to get o'read on his targets. Frackers.

'Least Kazaar had a small holdout blaster with 'im. Only had six shots, but wasn't like th'Rebel spy was gonna let 'em all go to waste. 'Specially if he didn't know when he'd get "The Twins" back.

Damndest thing 'bout the entire situation, Kazaar thought he'd been careful with these frackers. Waited o'minute or two before slippin' out into the alley. Hadn't been seen, he was pretty damn sure 'bout that. Problem was his foot'd nailed o'stray can by the dumpster. That was sloppy. 'Caused Dumlen'n company t'start filling th'alley with blaster bolts without botherin' to check and see who was there.

Kazaar smirked. Bastards musta known what happened t'Ratton. Outside o'the bar fight, only reason why they'd be this frackin' jumpy.

He waited (wasn't dumb 'nough to give 'em o' target). 'Least not until one o'their mooks (tall fatter guy who looked like he enjoyed more than 'is fair share o'meals) turned 'round. Kazaar nailed him right in th'back of the neck with o'blaster bolt. Sent th'guy spinnin' into Dumlen's speeder and onto th'ground.

Dumlen, Cammie and one other pal decided it was time t'get the hell outta Dodge. Not o'bad idea, since Kazaar's next shot spider-webbed one o'their windows. If he could stop 'em, might be able to figure out who was gonna be the ones actually hijacking the 13-83 or whatever th'frack was planned.

Kazaar stepped outta the alley into th'street, sending one more blaster bolt towards th'fleeing speeder. Shattered th'back windshield but the speeder kept going.

Frack!

Started looking 'round for 'is swoop bike when he spotted 'nother figure standing by th'mook he'd shot. Mook was down but seemed like he might still be alive.

Kazaar leveled his blaster towards the guy. Only had three shots left but 'nough t'kill the facker if he decided t'try anything. 'Course if he was wearing o'personal shield, it'd get more interesting.

"Who th'frack are you."

[Terran Starek]

Frack.

Terran had turned the corner a bit too hard - he should've slowed his momentum and come up on it for cover to peek around. A bit overzealous tonight, aren't we cowboy? He sighed quietly on the inside. There was only one play here, unfortunately, and the deck was not in Terran's favor.

"Evening, sir. Sounds like a bit of a tussle back here - everything seem to be in order?" Terran held his pistol pointed straight down against his right leg and into the shaded part of the alley. The man's face was shadowed as well, and all Terran could really focus on was the shiny, squat barrel of a holdout pistol. He heard the whine of the energy primer as the man squeezed the trigger in closer, prepping a shot. Well, that's one way to answer.

"Whoa-whoa-whoa - easy, there friend, I understand." The Ranger brought his hands up slowly in surrender, letting his pistol slip aimlessly around his thumb and hang by the trigger guard. It wobbled in a position of surrender.

"That's not good e'nuff, friend," the other spoke, with a heavy accent in some ways similar to Terran's. Terran's brow furrowed. "Put'em on th'ground - that means ya'backup, too." His blaster hand was eerily steady.

"Fair enough," Terran returned. He slowly bent over and laid his pistol on the ground. Reaching around his belt - painfully slowly - he pulled his holdout blaster out, showed it to the man, and laid it down. Then he took one step back from them, hands up, well out of reach. It was then, for the first time, his opponent took one quick, calculated look over his shoulder as the lights of a speeder swerved around the corner.

"Introductions seem to be in order? The name's Terran Starek, Sector Ranger, Badge No. 3313-442. I'd produce my credentials, but you'll have to take me at my word given the circumstances. I'm afraid if one of my hands disappears again, I may find myself with a blaster bolt in the chest." Terran cocked a half-smile.

"I don't take it you're one of these Cyrak thugs. No, you're gun arm's waaaaay too steady for those amateurs." Terran didn't notice the thug a few paces between them begin to stir. His personal shield had burnt out, but it had saved his life. He twitched a bit as his eyes rolled back to life. His own blaster was within arm's reach.

"I don't suppose you may have had somethin' to do with the redecoratin' over at Brenn's place? Not just the interior, but a few faces, too." The thug turned his gaze to the Ranger, simply because he was closer - Terran still didn't notice. He was too focused on getting a bead on the man he could only assume was his bounty hunter.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar smirked. O'frackin' sector ranger. Heard rumors most of 'em gotten turned into stormies after Palpatine got fired. Rumors musta only been so much true.

Wasn't gonna blast this Starek. Bastard hadn't done anything 'cept for poking his nose in business wasn't supposed to. 'Course considerin' the guy was prob'ly keepin' watch over an entire frackin' sector...prob'ly thought this was his frackin' business.

Which'd make Kazaar's work a helluva lot harder. Easy t'walk 'round as o'lone bounty hunter, being o'burr in the ass of some crime lord who was going after o'train.

Helluva lot harder when ya were o'frackin Rebel spy, trying t'find out who was hijacking o'train with o'buncha weapons th'Rebellion was trying t'smuggle trough th'system.

Now o'frackin' Sector Ranger was gettin' involved.

Kazaar just gave Starek o'glare. "Seems I was doin' your job, lawman. Wanna let me do mine."

[Terran Starek]

"Seems like it," the Ranger smiled and chuckled a bit. "But I reckon what I don't understand is, what exactly is your job? I don't recall any bounties currently active on Lianna. Hell, even this sector. Unless...it wasn't ever filed, in which case, we have a different situation on our hands." Terran was pretty much convinced that something else was going on here.

And now, as his eyes had adjusted to the light, Terran could get a good look at his face. The rough features, the creases in his face, his jawline - he'd never met this man before and yet he was familiar. Hmm. Holovid, probably. But when? Who? His thought process was cut short as the thug the bounty hunter had shot reached for his pistol.

Terran made eye contact with the man who still had his weapon trained on him for a split second - it was just enough time to try to convey the message, Don't shoot me! He only had one chance and this was it. With that he dove forward towards his pistol, grasping for it just as the thug came up on an elbow and squeezed off two shots in his direction. They both missed, but barely, Terran's hat sailing off his head unharmed due to his quick movement..

You had two chances, he thought. Not tonight. Terran raised his pistol up just in time before the thug could aim at his now-prone target to get a third shot off. Terran was faster. The pistol barked and the muzzle flashed, like any old slug-thrower, and left a small hole just above the right eye of the hired muscle. He didn't even have time to twitch as his head slumped back against the ground and his body went wash-rag limp. Blood immediately began to pool around his head. This is why they always nag me about trading this old thing in - the mess.

Terran quickly rolled over, shifting the pistol to both hands and raising it at the bounty hunter - who was gone. The Ranger rolled back over and slogged up to his feet to hear the sound of a swoop bike engine whirring to life. From over his shoulder, the bounty hunter smirked as he set the bike into gear. Terran raised his pistol to eye level, bracing the base of his grip against his off hand. He squinted his left eye and leveled the sights at the hunter's head. He had a clear bead as the bike started to take off.

Dammit! he thought. Smart ass knows I won't shoot 'im! The Ranger lowered his pistol defiantly and sighed. As the bike rounded the corner - in the direction the speeder went - Terran fished his commlink out from inside his coat.

"This is Starek. Shots fired outside coordinates -" he checked his datapad "-313.18. Send a security droid to the Faraway to clean up a body. It was my kill, I'll report to Strakk later. I'm in pursuit of a suspect." Another click on his datapad called the speeder he had rented from down the block to the door of the bordello. He needed to make a pit stop at the host droid to ask a few questions about the bounty hunter, first.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Frackin' moron...Kazaar swore as th'swoop bike went 'round th'corner. Street was pretty frackin' bare...no sign o'Dumlen and his squeeze, Cammie. Bastard lawman'd delayed him long enough for th'two t'get the frack outta town.

Crossed the Rebel spy's mind that Steak or Starek or whatever th'hell the guy's name was could be workin' for Dumlen. Might be o'bitta small Ewok, but Dumlen had t'have 'nough creds to 'least buy off one lawman. Kazaar snorted...could've bought off a couple f'all he frackin' knew.

Didn't make o'lick of sense though. Lit o'cigar an' just kinda stared down th'road. Naw...sure as frack didn't make any sense. If th'lawman was in Dumlen's pocket, coulda easily shot Kazaar in th'back and made it look like Dumlen's dead goon'd done it. Fracker had t'be on the level. White knight or some kinda stupid crap like that.

Meant he could give Kazaar o'hand. 'Course that'd mean Kazaar'd hafta level with 'im as much as possible to get his help.

Kazaar scowled, put his bike in gear and headed back t'Farlander.

Got in just in time t'see the lawman start askin' questions of th'protocol droid actin' as doorman. Droid pointed Starek towards th'blaster check. Figures...best info the bordello'd have on Kazaar. His frackin' blasters.

Starek was just 'bout t'ask the Gran a question, when Kazaar sidled up t'him.

"Looks like ya beat me here." Gave a bit ovva smirk. "Guess ya thought I wouldn't make it back f'The Twins. I'll take 'em...Now Three-Eyes b'fore I frackin' smack ya!"

Gran quickly disappeared behind o'locked door. Kazaar's smirk just kinda held until the alien came back, o'double holster clutched between his withered lookin' hands. Kazaar pulled th'blasters outta their holsters an' inspected them.

Starek had t'admit, they were damn fine lookin' weapons. Coated in silver, the Bryars (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Bryar_pistol) looked like this bounty hunter'd taken care o'em pretty well. Sure fit in Kazaar's large hands pretty frackin' well. Well enough, guy looked like he could fire 'em both at the same time without gettin' knocked on his ass.

Handles looked pearl too...almost like the guy was some kinda frackin' space cowboy. Starek really got that feelin' when he saw Kazaar strap 'em low on his thighs. Easy t'pull, easy t'shoot.

"Ya frackin' done checkin' me out Tek." Kazaar gave o'smirk, then tossed o'credit chit towards the Gran. Placed a hand on Starek's shoulder. "Let's go outside, have o'chat. Sure as hell ain't gonna yammer on here, if ya get my drift."

Two walked outside th'bordello, givin' Kazaar 'nough time to relight his cigar.

Starek glared. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't..."

"What?" Kazaar gave o'snort/chuckle. "Run me th'frack in f'causing ya t'have more excitement than ya get in one frackin' day. Don't make me laugh pal.

"Lemme guess...ya heard some kinda tale 'bout something happening on th'13-83, I right 'bout that? Figured ya stick ya nose in t'see what the frack was going on." Gave Starek o'level gaze with his black eyes. "Sound 'bout right to ya."

Sector Ranger didn't moved.

"What I thought..." Kazaar blew smoke outta his mouth and leaned back against Starek's speeder. "Put it this way...someone...could be Dumlen...could be some other gang's looking t'hijack it."

He held up o'gloved finger t'shush Starek. "Ain't done yet. 13-83's hauling a buncha medical supplies f'Sky City. Ain't sure what, wasn't told.

"I'm the lucky sonofabitch who got hired t'make sure that don't happen."

Another puff a smoke. "Now...I ain't sure who's looking t'boost the damn train. But I'm gonna find out.

"Ya gonna let me do my Force-damned job or we gonna have a frackin' problem?"

[Terran Starek]

The Ranger had to swallow his pride, here. The bounty hunter was dominating the conversation and not allowing him to get a word in edgewise. On the other hand, he seemed to consider Terran trustworthy or useful enough to let him in on his plans. This was a good thing - the possibility to stop a hijacking and arrest some criminals. On top of that, the bounty hunter had proven himself to be pretty strong in a fight. Ya take friends where you can get 'em, I s'pose. And...he's right. I don't have him doin' anything illegal.

"Ok, let's suppose I believe all this," Terran spoke as the bounty hunter took another long drag from his cigar. Man was a damn chimney - and it wasn't the cheap stuff. He had to have a few good takes under his belt. Truth was, Terran did believe him. Everything added up. But, he had to remain a bit tough, for appearance's sake.

"It would be un-befitting for a man of my position to turn and walk away, as you'd understand." The 'hunter's face was blank. He was so hard to read, like Terran tried to be. The Bryans that hung heavily from his belt were just as intimidating as his demeanor. "You're talking conspiracy to hijack a public rail, conspiracy to confiscate medical supplies - could even be gov'ment ordered - some serious spit, here." Terran broke eye contact for a moment and brought his hand up to stroke his unshaven chin. The only thing that didn't add up - why was a bounty hunter being hired to stop a hijacking? He didn't know, but he didn't have the rapport to broach the subject right now.

"I like it," he declared with a grin. "Two guns are better than one. Never hurts to scratch each other's back now and then." Terran patted the backside of the speeder.

"I've got a lead on Dumlen from my intel. I say we mount up and head that way." Terran turned around the rear of the speeder, making his way to the driver's seat. "Oh, and, I didn't catch your name yet. It's always nice to know the name of the man who's watchin' yer back in a gun fight."

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"Kazaar." He headed towards his own swoop bike. Figured that'd give Starek 'nough time t'do a background search on 'im. Far as Kazaar was concerned he could. Might let 'im feel more 'comfortable' 'bout working with him.

He gunned th'bike and pulled up next t'the Sector Ranger. "Lead th'way Tek. Dumlen ain't gonna sit 'round waiting for us ya know."

[Terran Starek]

By the time Kazaar pulled up beside his open window, Terran had gotten what he needed from his intel droid. It had taken about 3.2 seconds to search the holos and the Imperial datbaase, and the Ranger had heaps of information thrown on him. The most important piece: Kazaar was legit. And legal these days. Sure, he'd done a little time, but it sounded like he was on the straight and narrow now. Working security for the Russards. Terran had heard of 'em, but really didn't know 'em. As straight 'n' narrow as a bounty hunter can be, he chuckled to himself. Terra's comm chirped as Pi-Nium was back in his ear with some information.

"Gotta bead on 'em," he fired back. "Ditched the speeder a few blocks northwest'a here. You ready to ride?" Terran smirked and gunned the speeder. Kazaar stayed just as close.

"Sir, do you want us to move in?" Pi-Nium had held on the line while Terran spoke to Kazaar.

"No. I've got help, here. Pull your men back and have 'em secure the area. I reckon this might get loud." Terran glanced at the bright green LED display inside the speeder. 4:01. The train was gonna leave outta Cyrak in a little over an hour. Somethin's gotta give, here.

They pulled up alongside the speeder, which was half-parked on the road and sidewalk. Looked like it was ditched in a hurry, that was for sure. The windshield had been shot out by a small bolt and there was another ping on it, as well. This was the one. Both doors were wide open, and there looked like - from here - that there was a trail of blood leading into the alley. Bingo.

Terran got out and Kazaar followed behind. Damn cigar was still smoking from the corner of his mouth. Terran gave him a look and he shot back that he'd seen the blood, and motioned to the alley. The Ranger reached down and fingered the latch open on the holster of his sidearm (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Morellian_Weapons_Conglomerate_.48-caliber_Enforcer_pistol), the near-ancient Enforcer his father had passed down to him. It was his favorite - good deal of noise to drive home a point, and it didn't leave much breathing to do after it put a hole through someone.

His father had always taught him, "Don't pull unless yer aiming ta kill, son. What's a gun made fer? Killin', an' that's it. Make sure you know when ta pull, and do when ya have ta kill." He kept his hand poised on the grip of his pistol.

They eyed a broken door, an entrance into what could either be storage or an old flat. The blood trail continued and Terran noticed a smeared, bloody hand print on the frame of the old door. It was dark inside.

"What's say I knock on the front door, like a good man of the law, and you maybe take a look around the side, here - " Terran pointed at a window on the side of the building " - and see what you can see. Whaddya think?"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar just smirked. Far as he was concern, etiquette an' protocol'd left the frackin' building when he'd asked th'lawman for help. Sure it'd make what he'd hafta do o'helluva lot more legitimate, but Kazaar was pissed he even had t'get Starek involved. Wasn't his gig and sure as hell wasn't time to get th'Sector Rangers involved in what was goin' on.

"Tell ya what...frackers don't know th'law's involved." Pulled out one o'the Twins. "Gotta better idea."

Starek just kinda stared as Kazaar kicked th'door down. Two blaster bolts immediate hit 'im in the chest, but a green glow went 'round the bounty hunter's body. Personal Shields were sucha great fracking invention.

Kazaar shot two in th'chest and the third in the head. Had t'duck as someone fired fives shots at 'im (PSUs were good, but not that frackin' good). Blaster bolts tore up o'soft felt chair Kazaar was using as his hidin' place. He fired o'couple blasts towards whoever was shootin' at him, but couldn't see o'damn thing.

'Bout that time Starek decided t'slip 'round the back and take the fracker down. There was the sound ovva struggle an' from the sound o'it, Starek was having o'frackuva time actually fightin' the guy. The two crashed over a couch and Tek finally gotta handle on th'situation while Kazaar just watched with amusement. Starek cuffed th'guy and wiped some sweat from 'is brow.

"Go check outside, Tek. Bastards've gotta have o'lookout somewhere. See if ya can't get any more leads."

Starek quietly slipped out, leaving Kazaar alone with the mook.

Woulda been o'helluva lot easier just to shoot the bastard, but Kazaar figured they'd need someone alive t'tell 'em how the train job was gonna go down. Be a helluva lot easier if Dumlen's team was just gonna wait and hit the train somewhere down th'line.

'Course, neither the lawman or the bounty hunter thought it'd be that fracking easy.

Kazaar walked up t'Dumlen's lackey and kicked 'im in the face. "Wanna tell us how it's goin' down."

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Prisoner was a Tionese-Human who spluttered while he talked in fast Basic. Too frackin' fast f'Kazaar's taste.

"Yeh frackin' right." Kazaar gave th'guy 'nother kick, this time to the stomach. "Ain't gotta lotta time. Wanna talk?"

Th'Tionese spat at 'im. "Frell you!"

Bounty hunter just kinda smirked an' shot the guy in the thigh. Guy screamed while Kazaar chuckled. "Hit o'vein. Gonna bleed out eventually but your live f'now. "

Wiped his hands clean as if washin' blood offa 'em. "Tough fracker huh. Like pretendin' to be some kinda bad ass for ya pals. Maybe forra few dames ya got hidden 'round here."

Pulled out th'blaster again and aimed just o'bit higher. "May not be able t'hang 'round 'em too much after I'm done with ya." Kazaar took careful aim an' got ready t'pull the trigger.

"All right! All right!" Guy screamed. "We got two teams hittin' the train. One group of seven is dressed as passengers and one crewman. That's Dumlen's group. Next group is gonna hit the train at some point."

"Who's leadin' it." Kazaar hadn't moved.

"Dunno. Some guy I never heard of but Dumlen was pretty solid about the guy. Said he'd done this before. Had connections with the Empire!"

Kazaar lifted 'is black eyes towards th'back door. "Sound like this fracker's bein' honest to you lawman?"

[Terran Starek]

"Unfortunately," Terran said, a little out of breath, "I believe 'im. It's my experience that a man with *huff* a whole in his leg and a blaster *huff trained on his bits usually tells the truth." A little blood trailed from the corner of the Ranger's mouth where he'd been socked by the thug he'd just cuffed. He grabbed his hat from off of the ground - where it had flown off of his head in the tussle - and dusted it off, slapping it back on his brow.

"We've got less than half'an hour now till that train leaves, Mr. K. I'd say we wrap this up and make a plan." Terran pulled his comm link and called in some help wrapping up the trouble here. He glanced at Kazaar while doing so. The 'hunter was still standing over the guy, intimidating, almost sneering. This guy really likes his job. A little too much, I'd wager.

"The way I see it, we've only got about two ways'a doin' this. First, we hit Dumlen and his men head on and take the train for ourselves. Only thing is, we gotta make it quiet and be sure that the fellas down the road waiting for this bus don't know we've been planted. I can order in a strike team - "

"No, I don't like it. It's too loud. Dumlen, he ain't'a dummy, ya know." Kaazar had his cigar back in his mouth. Imagine that.

"Well, the second plan is, we high tail it over the train right now and get ourselves stowed on tha' damn thing. Hopefully they don't scan it." Terran and the 'hunter made their way outside as lights and sirens approached - security officials. More advanced cities had droids for processing, but Cyrak only had one. Guess it was out on another job.

"I dunno, though. You've probably got a bit more sneakin' experience in your days than mine." Terran thought of his time in the Imperial Corps, special forces. He'd spotted for a sniper team, before. Days at a time, dug into the dessert or jungle or whatever tha' hell else. He'd been there.

"Whaddya think, Kazaar?" They were out of earshot of the thugs at this point.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"Thinkin' ya gotta point." Kazaar started headed towards 'is bike. Took off 'is long jacket, revealin' (kinda surprisin' to Starek) o'yellow and blue swirled shirt. In Starek's eyes it looked almost tropical an' strangely made sense t'him. Kazaar stuffed the jacket inside o'compartment on the bike, then pulled o'blaster rifle outta a holster on the side.

"I thought it was illegal to own repeater rifles (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Imperial_Repeater_Rifle)?" T'Kazaar, Tek sounded kinda jealous.

He just gotta snort in response as Kazaar strode towards Starek's speeder. "Ya wanna argue 'bout this or go after th'frackers who're gonna grab the train."

Didn't wait for an answer as he got in the speeder. Starek was inside a couple seconds later. Lawman pulled the speeder onto th'road, headed towards the train station.

Smoke billowed outta Kazaar's mouth as he checked the charge on th'rifle. "Need t'get on the frackin' caboose then work our way forward. Best way t'make sure no one spots o'couple armed men on the damn train. What kinda weapons ya got."

"Standard Imperial ordinance, 'cept for my slugthrower."

"That .48's a damn frackin' good weapon. Gotta couple m'self. Don't use 'em that often, since I got 'Vera'n Ashley' but they're good shit. Gotta good aim."

Trip to th'train station didn't take that long, 'bout ten minutes, but to Kazaar seemed like o'fracking eternity. Wasn't too worried 'bout takin' Dumlen down, but sure as hell wanted him outta the picture sooner rather than frackin' later. Might get Starek outta the way quicker too. Guy was too damn smart for 'is own good.

They pulled into the station an' ran towards th'gates. Starek's badge got 'em into the terminal pretty frackin' quick (funny what that could do for ya) and they burst onto th'platform.

Just in time t'see the train started t'pull out.

Damn hovertrain was leavin' frackin' early!!

Kazaar started runnin' towards the caboose. Sure as hell wasn't gonna let it take off without him. Repeater rifle strapped to his back wasn't slowin' him down, but he hadn't gotten the jump he wanted to. Runnin' outta platform way too frackin' soon and too many people were getting in his Force-damned way.

Got t'the end of the duracrete platform and leaped into th'air. Kazaar's left hand reached out in time an' caught the edge of the caboose's back handrail an' slammed into it hard. Felt a buncha air go outta 'is chest and was pretty frackin' lucky he hadn't broken a rib. Held on f'dear life as the train started gainin' speed.

Finally his hands slipped an' he fell towards th'ground...

[Terran Starek]

...Kazaar slammed brutally against the hood of the speeder as Terran gunned it behind the train. He was lucky - real, real lucky. Terran knew that if he wasn't going to make the jump, he had a backup plan. He flashed a grin at the 'hunter and pulled the speeder up so that it nearly kissed the tail of the train. Their speeds were matched at this point. Terran clicked it into autopilot and then climbed over the windshield and onto the hood.

"Looks like you were a bit short!" Terran shouted over the sounds of the speeder and the train humming in front of them. He extended a hand to Kazaar to help him come up to a crouch on the hood. The 'hunter ignored his hand and stood up anyway. "Well...shall we?" Terran slowly made his way to the end of the hood and jumped onto the back of the train. Kazaar followed.

As soon as they were both across, Terran clicked into his datapad and the speeder broke off, headed back to a parking spot at the station. The less attention they could attract to their presence, the better. The Ranger pressed his back against the wall of the train and looked back to Kazaar.

"They may have scanned the speeder or seen us comin'." Terran closed his eyes and that for a second. "Might've blown our cover. We'll have to find a way in. But, hell, we're on the--" He couldn't get out another word before Kazaar threw the butt of his blaster rifle into the viewing window of the back door. He threw a meaty arm and found the handle as the door slid open. Manual entry - Terran hadn't considered it.

"Dumlen's on 'ere, and that's what I'm worryin' myself 'bout, lawman," Kazaar went in first, the blaster rifle in one hand with the barrel pointed straight up. Very confident. Terran followed, slipping his enforcer from its holster and drawing it. No tellin' what they'd find inside. He pulled the door closed behind him.

It looked like this car was being used as secondary storage. It wasn't stocked in any particular order, save a few random cases laying about. There were some cleaning supplies against one wall, and the car was dimly lit save the light coming in from the next train car.

"Next move?" Terran looked at the 'hunter again as they checked the window to the next car. Looked like two men sitting lazily about in the seats. They weren't your average passengers, though. One of them fingered a blaster pistol, and the other one had a flak gun. Terran looked at Kazaar, judging his intent and level of confidence.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar blinked, then took 'nother peek into the car. Only two, which was o'good thing. Dumlen must be using 'em as advance scouts're something. Not o'bad idea. 'Cept for the fact they looked pretty frackin' bored.

"Up top. We'll cross over there." Slung 'is blaster rifle over o'shoulder. "Those two ain't gonna be trouble. Too busy probably bitchin' about drawin' sentry duty."

Kazaar started climbin' the ladder to th'top of the hovertrain car. "Hell...bet they're newbies to Dumlen's crew, pissed they ain't completely in on the job. Frackin' morons..." Probably didn't realize that was gonna save their lives. Maybe.

Hovertrain hadn't reached top speed yet. Thing was coastin' along like it didn't have o'care in the world. Still going 'round 50 frackin' miles an hour, and that was gonna get real fast, real quick. No time t'waste. Had t'get 'cross without any delays.

Thing suddenly lurched forward as Kazaar an' Starek reached the end o'the car. Didn't pitch 'em off, but both grabbed the engineer's handrail for safety.

Starek gave o'wary smile, while Kazaar just kinda smirked. To th'lawman, sure seemed like Kazaar was havin' a helluva lotta fun.

Both scurried down th'ladder as quick as they could. Kazaar made sure the two sentries were still bein' bored, while Starek checked the car in front o'them.

Helluva lot more crowded than the other one. Starek counted 'bout five families o'various species all sittin' in their seats. Recognized Dumlen as well. Fracker must've put away his blaster 'cause he just looked like o'passenger. Had 'bout five lackeys sitting 'round too.

"Must be waitin' until they get to o'safe place.'" Kazaar's guttural voice cut in over Starek's hearing. "Right now, just look like o'buncha businessmen goin' out onna daytrip."

"Take them now?" Tek licked his lips. Time on th'roof had dried 'em out.

That got o'snort in response. "Got fracking nothin' on 'em right now. If ya gonna go in as o'lawman, Tek, can't just arrest 'em. Gotta have...what probable frackin' cause.

"Go up one more car an' wait. Bettin' Dumlen stashed o'few more o'his mooks in the luggage car. Prob'ly o'few weapons too." Kazaar was already headed to the ladder. "We cut 'em off, bet we can--"

"Kazaar hold!" Starek sudden stood up like he'd been shot in th'ass with o'bolt of lightning. "Dumlen's on the move. Looks like he's headed up o'car."

The bounty hunter swore. "I'll go up top an' cut across. Get in there an' try to 'least stall his henchmen." Tossed Starek o'comlink. "Ya need anything holler an' I'll get the drop on 'em."

Kazaar slipped up th'ladder while Starek pulled out his Enforcer.

[Terran Starek]

Sounded as good as any plan, Terran thought. At this point, it was improvisation. Though the Ranger had no reason to distrust Kazaar, he tried to mentally hold him at arm's length. There was too much evidence to confirm all the things the 'hunter was saying, and Kazaar had already been given more than one chance to put a blaster bolt in his back, but Terran had to rely on his training, which told him to radio back-up and wait this out. Still...this felt good. It felt like his days in the 'Corps, before he had to fight with politics and all that. When he was a grunt and he felt like a cowboy from those old holo pictures his dad and he had watched together before he died.

When he turned back, Kazaar had disappeared up top. Terran removed the comm link that connected him to the local security force, dumped it into his pocket and strapped the one Kazaar game him over his ear. I guess that's how I'm gonna play this, then. You better be as good as you seem, Kazaar.

He peered around the doorway to the car with the two lazy thugs in it. He glanced back at the one that Kazaar was now climbing. Dumlen and his boys were making their way up to the next car. Considering the noise and the fact that their backs were to him, Terran figured taking out their flankers wouldn't be an issue.

He popped the security console on the outside of the door to the rear car and it flung open as the sound of rushing wind filled the train car. The Ranger stepped inside as the two hired thugs looked at him with looks of both surprise and annoyance.

"Whoa, whoa, easy there fellas," Terran spoke, one hand on the grip of his enforcer which rested lazily and unclasped in his holster - a warning. With his elbow, he plugged the door console and it shut, leaving the dull hum of the railway and the sound of a low holo-radio playing some terrible techno music in the car.

"Looks like you two are just sitting back here enjoying the ride. You both have permits for those blasters, I assume?" He nodded to the blaster that rested in one of the thug's hand, to his left - that one was a duro. The one on the right had his blaster resting in the seat next to him - a dim-looking human.

"Who the frack is you?" The duro spoke in very broken common. He had more of the annoyed look on his face. The human just stared with his mouth open.

"Sector Rangers, I'm afraid. You mind tellin' me what you very fine gentlemen are doing sitting in a public train car with weapons that - I'd wager to guess - you don't have permits for?" Terran cocked an eyebrow, his right hand still trained on the Enforcer.

"Grebbie, call Dumlen." The duro sat motionless. Terran saw his eyebrow twitch ever so slightly.

"Grebbie," Terran called to the other," I wouldn't do that --" The duro's shoulder tensed as he started to raise the blaster pistol in his lap. He was way, way too late. The ranger pulled and plugged a single shot into his neck (a bit lower than he'd aimed). Blood gurgled as the duro went limp and dropped between the seats. Terran turned the pistol and trained it on the other thug, who put his hands up immediately - but not before fingering a button on the comm beside him. The comm silently vibrated and lit up. Frack, the Ranger cursed, frackin' alarm.

"Grebbie. You take these," Terran tossed him a pair of binders. "Walk to the back of the car there, crouch down and cuff yourself to that support back there." Terran tried to get a look over his shoulder into the car in front of him to see if anyone was responding to the alarm. Grebbie hadn't moved yet. "Grebbie - do you wanna end up like you're blue compatriot, there? Get going!" The human did as he was told as Terran grabbed his blaster and separated the energy pack from the weapon, disabled the barrel and tossed all three parts around the room.

"Kazaar," he chimed in over the comm as he found a secure position to crouch from where he could watch the door he came through. "'Flankers are taken care of, but one popped an alarm. I think we have us some trouble. I'm holed up here and watching the door."

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Starek just heard o'double *click* from th'other line. Kazaar'd already found the backup.

Five guys. All bargin' through th'passenger car he was in inna frackin' hurry. 'Nother Duro, couple humans anna surly lookin' Aqualish ('course they all looked pretty frackin' surly). Had t'walk one at o'time down the aisle. Might give Kazaar an advantage if they got past 'im without recognizin' him.

Th'bounty hunter fingered 'is blaster an' got ready t'take 'em out as soon as they strode by.

"Excuse me sonny." O'frail voice came in his ear as o'small finger poked Kazaar in th'arm. "I need to get by you for a moment."

Frackin' hell. Leave it up t'some ole geezerette t'hafta use the bathroom an' frack up his entire plan. Wasn't 'bout t'let 'er do that.

"Gonna hafta wait." Voice wasn't as harsh as it coulda been. "Hold it o'couple minutes."

"HOW DARE YOU!?!" Geezerette's voice suddenly wasn't frail. She was pissed. "TELLING ME WHAT I CAN AND CAN'T DO! I TOOK IT FROM MY HUSBAND FOR 54 YEARS! I WON'T DO IT NOW!

"YOU LET ME USE THE BATHROOM OR I SWEAR BY THE SKYBORN I WILL..."

'Course everyone started lookin' at Kazaar. Some chucked at th'old lady goin' off on an obviously rude younger man. Others just kinda stared in shock at Kazaar's brazenness.

An' Dumlen's thugs...their eyes said it all... Oh frack...we've been found out.

They started pullin' out blasters an' Kazaar yanked th'loud geezerette to th'ground as bolts ripped through th'air over 'em.

"Shut up!" He hissed an' hoped t'find o'good shot. Wouldn't have one 'less those frackers decided t'charge.

"Starek, got jumped inna car fulla civvies. Get ya ass here!"