Viszt froze as the locals stared him down. He'd have trouble taking one of them down, never mind three. At best, they'd beat him to a pulp and take every possession he carried. At worst, they'd shoot him then and there, taking no risks. Thoughts raced through his head of how he could talk his way out of the alley. He went to speak, but the words caught in his dry throat.

[color=AE91B8] “Do we have a problem here, sir?” [/color] a feminine voice spoke, snapping Viszt out of his spiralling inner-monologue.

He glanced up at her, with softened eyes that said: [i]'thank you'[/i]. Again, the words caught in his throat before he could reply.

“This guy cheated in a game of Sabacc," the twi'lek said. The malevolent arrogance he had previously exhibited had been neutered by an armed imperial's presence. "We want our credits.” 

[color=AE91B8] “I doubt that is true. I suggest you three leave or I will arrest you. For disorderly conduct against an Imperial officer.. ” [/color]

Viszt watched the twi'lek's reaction - his large face contorting as he mulled over whether a fight was worth it or not. Eventually, he seemed to decide upon the latter, glaring towards Viszt and gritting his hideous teeth. “If we see you again, let’s hope this trooper isn’t around.” With that, they scuttled away into the shadows.

It seemed this brush with death was over, thanks to the woman. Immediately, Viszt's mind flicked to the consequences he might face having been spotted by another Imperial gambling with locals. [i]Well, better that than a dirt-nap,[/i] he thought.

[color=AE91B8] “Do you need an escort back, sir?” [/color] she asked.

[i]Hmm.[/i] He was unaccustomed to such deference from troopers. He supposed that his sleek lab-technician uniform [i]could[/i] be mistaken for that of an officer's. Her uniform looked a little beaten and tired: she must've been busy across Lotho.

[color=2E5CD5]"Yes. Thank you -- really."[/color] He exhaled in relief, allowing a smile to happen upon his face. [color=2E5CD5]"You must've been sent by Dr. Benaire for me. We'll have to get back quickly, there's been an incident in my department that has to be seen to."[/color]

He walked with a hurry to meet beside the woman, who had emerged from the same side of the alleyway he'd come from that led down one of the main streets in town. He poked his head out, glancing around for where abouts the junkers had slunk off to, but saw no sign. He did, however, see more troopers, presumably from this woman's squadron.

[color=2E5CD5]"I don't recognise your voice. We musn't have met. Viszt."[/color] He extended his hand politely.