[size=150]Chapter 1: No Man's Land[/size]

23/04/2284
0946hrs
Tryliin geostationary orbit, aboard the Marlkindine Co. Headquarters Station

[color=#008000]“...No luck so far, sir. It appears we're having trouble with the local raiders, they're well fortified and showing no si-”[/color]
[color=#FFFF00]“I'll send another thousand men, plus equipment and supplies. We can't afford to slow down now. I expect you to be on the first ship down once we secure the area, Doctor Hendres.”[/color]

The man wore a three piece suit, fashioned in the older style of industrial Earth, around the early 2000's. His face was sharp, and his hair had begun to slightly grey. He was slightly wrinkled, and had bags under his eyes, obviously from staying up late into the nights due to work. He smoked a cigar, rare in these days of instant gratification via nicotine air injections, and continued to stare out the viewport, blinking slowly and observing the Markindine Fleet formations drifting to and fro. Beside him, a much older man, balding and bespectacled, wearing the classic uniform of a Markindine research director, anxiously stood beside him, trying to stand straight but finding it difficult with age. It appeared that Yanda Markindine was growing impatient. After a lengthy pause of time, Doctor Hendres spoke again:

[color=#008000]“I must warn you sir, that the data is only preliminary. It does seem to indicate that what we are seeking may be more intriguing than previously thought, but still... There is no way to be sure. I must advise against running straight into the fire like this. We should acquire assistance from S-GAF Science Division, a lot of the other species have been studying this particular phenomenon much longer than our corporation and it's subsidiaries combined... The data would prove invaluable.”[/color]

Hendres paused, and observed the motionless Yanda for what seemed like an hour. Then, in a low voice that surprised Hendres, politely inquired: [color=#FFFF00]“Doctor, do you know what our most profitable export is?”[/color]
Puzzled, Hendres brought up his PDA, and looked through the various files. [color=#008000]“I believe this quarter it was our Banshee - Class Light Assault Walker, which sol-”[/color]

Yanda chuckled lightly to himself, and turned to the aging scientist. [color=#FFFF00]“No no no, not by a long shot,”[/color] He turned, and walked down the bridge, placing his hands behind his back, with Doctor Hendres close behind him, [color=#FFFF00]“no, our greatest export is much more than that. It is the ideal we uphold, how we are viewed by the other races, what they believe we stand for.”[/color] He continued to walk along, absorbed in his speech and paying Hendres little notice. [color=#FFFF00]“We represent the might of humanity, that we are top dog. When the K'yaSynth threatened to bring the galaxy to it's knees, it was humans who led the charge against them, and ground them into dust. And in the soldier's hands, carrying those fine men and women like glorious chariots made of fire into the galaxy's finest hour, were Markindine weapons. Markindine battleships and tanks. It was all made by our family. By my father...”[/color]

Yanda placed a hand on Hendres shoulder, and began to walk back to the main view port. [color=#FFFF00]“I wouldn't be half the man I am today, were it not for you. We have had our disagreements in... Ethics, before, but I have always known best,”[/color] he released his grip, and turned to face him, [color=#FFFF00]“and I know, very well Hendres, that humanity is slipping. We're losing that power. Our image. But this planet holds the key. It is our greatest triumph, and our biggest threat.”[/color] Yanda motioned out the window, and smiled, staring at the yellow surface of the world which lit up his face.

[color=#FFFF00]“And you're going to help me, Hendres. Like always, you are a brother to me. I look out for you, and you look out for me. And this morning, you changed everything. What you discovered is truly what we needed to regain our status, our supremacy...”[/color]
Yanda turned to face the doctor again, placing both his hands this time on Hendres shoulders, and looked intensely into his eyes. [color=#FFFF00]“...And for that, Doctor: I thank you.”[/color]

---

Just outside Oasis city gates,
1410hrs

“God dammit Chomper, we are just outside the gates! You literally have to walk fifty feet! WHY DO YOU NEED TO DRINK SO MUCH WATER NOW!?!”
Chomper looked up briefly from the water spring, and honked at Kintya happily, spraying her with spit and water, before resuming to drink from the spring in loud, hurried gulps.

Kintya huffed, wiped her face with her cape, and placed her hands on her hips, raising an eyebrow at Chomper. “You're such a charmer... I know it's been a while since you last wet you whistle, buddy, but frankly, you can get a drink at the pens. We. Are. Moving. Now.” She first pulled with all her strength against his bit, but he just yanked her effortlessly into the water with the bit rope. Kintya got out of the pool, soaked and angered, and stomped around behind him. She now pushed against the side of his rump with all her might, and Chomper shifted slightly, but quickly regained his composure. Kintya stood back and yelled at the skies, frustrated beyond measure.

So, I guess I'll have to wait, she thought to herself. Kintya sat under the shade of a small spiky tree, grumbling to herself, and watched the road for others. A passing family came through, tired and dirty from their journey, so she waved them down and asked if they needed anything. After five minutes, they had been talking, and she traded a water purifier with them for some credits. The family were eager to get inside the gates, where they claimed it was safe. Kintya huffed in amusement, and asked why. They promptly explained: Entire settlements had been going missing lately, or rather, the people in them. No damage to anything, except animals scrounging through their food, and no signs of struggle. Just empty.

Puzzled, she bid them farewell and sat back under the tree, eating a jar of nutrient paste, mulling over the previous conversation and trying to distract herself from the grainy, earthy food paste. She waited a further five minutes, craving the cool air conditioned streets of Oasis, before Chomper waddled over to her, and nuzzled her chest with his snout, looking for pats and bellowing softly.
“Really?” That was all Kintya could muster, as Chomper looked at her almost sheepishly. She pushed his face away gently in playful annoyance, and rubbed his side. She could never stay mad at him, no matter how much of a pain in the ass he could be.
“Okay, Chomper, let's go get you some food!”

Chomper honked in response, and walked along side her, eager to lose all this stuff he always had to carry on his back. They walked up to the gate, paid the fees necessary to gain entrance, to the gatekeeper (some weird alien species Kintya had never met before, with a triangular head, two eyes on stalks that hung low over it's cheeks and a bizarre enlarged sac instead of a mouth, like some bizarre slug man from hell) and walked into Oasis. The air was cool, but smelt heavily of smog and chemicals, as people walked and bustled through the streets of various shapes and sizes. Chomper sneezed, head shaking violently, and the two walked through the dimly lit streets, looking for the animal pens.

Korrin had been sitting in front of the Shun'Hii, his atmo-skimmer, offering rides to travelers for a rather fair fee for hours. He was charging fifty credits a head, and twenty five credits for every ten pounds of luggage for a direct flight to five miles out from the gates. He could have flown them in pass the wall and into the port, but that would cost him a bunch of money in terms of permits and trafficking fees. This way he avoided any fees, and was able to pass those savings on to his clientele.

The group he was currently trafficking was a family of three, two parents and a young child, and he was doing it all for a discounted price of a hundred and twenty-five credits, and an extra special discount for their luggage, what should have cost over three hundred credits and was only charging seventy five. Even with his generous discount they had have to leave a bag of stuff behind, and spend almost all their savings on the service he was offering, but they did it gladly, and this wasn't the first group he had given a lift to today even. It was his third, and the day before that he had driven four small groups of people. Granted some groups refused his offer, either because it was to expensive or because some species are a xenophobic as they come, but most, most just wanted to get to the walls of the city.

They were all incredibly desperate to get into Oasis, where they thought it might be safe for them, and Korrin didn't really care one way or another. So long as their fears kept on paying for his docking fees, fuel and repair for the skimmer, his rent, and a bite to eat, he didn't care one way or another. He knew that he was on his path.

"Is Oasis really safe then?" Korrin turned a little in his chair, surprised someone had spoken, most of the people he flew were of the quieter disposition. "Is it mister?" It had been the young boy.

The mother hushed him, but internally Korrin smiled a little. Outwardly he remained cold however, and responded in a deadened and uninterested tone, "The walls are high and there are city guards. What is the human saying again? Something about 'Safety in numbers?'" Korrin turned away from the family. From there it was a long awkward flight, and a quiet, uneventful, if not entirely smooth landing. "Your walk down this path with me is through, I hope you continue well on your way, and do not find an early end to your journey." Korrin said the words out of habit and tradition, not really caring if the family, unloading their bags and hurrying off understood what he was saying.

Once the family was out of his way he took off again, but decided to call it a day, instead turning towards the walls. "This is Korrin'Tyritiani'Dashento, owner of docking space 2201 sub bay Delta, requesting permission over the walls for one Dith'Skalli transporter." Korrin rattled off his name and dock space mechanically as he had done for the last few months.

One of the individuals working with the port authority responded with a poor approximation of english "Good pass, fly ahead, safe land." Korrin rolled his eyes, wondering what type of auditory producers that poor species had to make speaking that way a necessity. He flew lazily into hi docking slot, latched into his landing pit and closed the metal covering. Theft and vandalism were always constant threats, and since he preferred not to have to use his other talents on a planet not as lenient with its laws for those with his skills, for now flying was his only livelihood.

Once the Shun'Hii was properly secured and locked away, he began the short walk to his apartment building, passing by a particularly foul smelling animal pen on his way.

Just outside the outskirts of Oasis...


Temujin sprinted with a gallant smile, his tanned muscular frame shining in the sweltering heat. [color=#FF0000]"A day like any other!"[/color] He called out over his shoulder so the lumbering fools eating his sand heard him. [color=#FF0000]"Will this be the second time I beat you inbred cows!? Once for the hunt, twice for the race! HAHAHA!!!!" [/color]His laugh echoed throughout the open vastness leading toward Oasis. Plumes of sand fog trailed under his quickened boot that propelled him further from his pursuers with every step. Even with a leather bag filled with pounds of meat and fruit, along with a net containing all of his weapons and gear carried over both shoulders, his stride would not be matched. He weaved through the crowded sand way until he finally arrived at the front gates. Temujin gracefully threw what he carried off to the side of the road, combing the sweat off of his long black hair and equally long, braided beard.

At the sound of ruffled steps coming his way, he immediately snatched the leather bag and raised it victoriously. [color=#FF0000]"Look who has come to greet the champion!"[/color] He bellowed. Four men, two humans and two other insect-like aliens unknown to Temujin, lumbered their way toward him, gasping at the humid air in hopes to sate their burning lungs.

"Not..." One human panted.

"...Fair!" the other huffed.

The two aliens were too dejected to say anything and chose to roll onto the ground to rest their skinny legs. Temujin threw the bag back next to his netted belongings and placed his hands onto his hips. This wasn't the first time he raced to claim the bigger portion of the spoils from a hunt. It was called the Gambler's Foot. Per custom, should a group of unacquainted hunters form a pack for a hunt, a challenge could be enacted at the end to claim the most spoils. Now, the best bet is to always run with less gear, but Temujin enticed his band of saps into believing that they stood a chance to gain all of the spoils and his gear should they catch him. So they hid their gear well and met along the skirting entrance of the long sand way toward Oasis. It was a gutsy move, considering that he knew little about the athleticism of the aliens in the group, but the deity of luck had kissed his naked soul with good fortune today.

[color=#FF0000]"Fair is fair."[/color] Temujin scoffed. [color=#FF0000]"You agreed to the Gambler's Foot...unless you plan on going back on your word?" [/color]

The four defeated hunters looked at each other in unison, still sucking in the humid air as they turned back to look up at the hovering mongol-kadesan that towered over them.

"We have to eat too you know!" The human that first spoke pleaded.

"Give us a percentage at least." The second one chimed in. "A percentage of what WE hunted!"

The aliens simply nodded in agreement. Temujin finally conceded. He fingered through the pockets of the tool satchel strapped around his hips until he clamped onto a small piece of metal.

[color=#FF0000]"Mikron Ore. Quarter of a bar split amongst you is almost double what you'll try to get selling these spoils to the Oasis butchers." [/color]He threw the thin sliver of ore onto the ground. One of the humans scrambled to snatch it before the sand could.

"Yes... this is good!" The human said as he examined it. The others gathered around him to take a closer look. Temujin said nothing as they bickered about who would get the bigger piece. One of the aliens even dared to initiate a second Gambler's Foot. The Mongol-Kadesan gathered his things and made for the gate. He paid the toll and entered Oasis. As he looked back at the four fools, he couldn't help but smile at them in pity. When they go back for their gear and attempt to trade the "Mikron Ore" at the nearest post, they will be told that it isn't as what Temujin said. Instead, it will be explained to them that it is nothing more than a low grade metal scrap from a hover engine, counterfeited to look as such. They will be sheepishly infuriated, and will blame their short-sidedness on the chase - but most especially on Temujin for his trickery. They will come looking for blood, and Temujin will be partying at one of the Oasis' many dens, possibly on his fifth or sixth brew of Zandalli, awaiting their arrival to claim the rest of his spoils.

[color=#FF0000]"I love this planet!!!!"[/color] He stretched both arms wide, hands still filled with all he ever owned, and let out an obnoxious laugh.

KACHIIIIRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!

Temujin snapped his head in the direction of the sharp call. [color=#FF0000]"Ohkarrr!"[/color] Temujin cried out to his avian's shrill. He forgot that he left it at the animal pens before the hunt. He quickly rushed over to them, passing by a blue-skinned female and what looked to be her Coslot, as well as a Kin'eko'chi that was around his own height. [color=#FF0000]"Ohkarrr!"[/color] Temujin dropped his belongings and playfully shook the egg-shaped cage that imprisoned his bird. It snapped at his fingers violently, irritated for being confined for so long.

[color=#FF0000]"Stop it!"[/color] He hissed. [color=#FF0000]"I have treats, you winged-shit!"[/color]

Temujin pointed to the leather bag. Ohkarr licked its beak menacingly. [color=#FF0000]"First, let's get you out of this damn thing..."[/color]

19/04/2284
2156hrs
Settlement Omega 25 Apartment 26C

Silus looked through a Bruticus Finch's apartment looking for something, anything to help him track the man and the 4000 credit bounty on his head. But his apartment, and the entire settlement seemed deserted. Silus searched the entire apartment for hours looking for some sign, but all he could find was one book opened laying flat on the floor in the bedroom. But there was nothing else to go off of, it was clear his target, or someone dropped the book but there was no sign of what happened after. Silus sat on Bruticus' bed while he thought. "Its to clean for another hunter to of found him, there would be signs of something, a fight, blood stains, something.... And then there is the rest of the settlement things shouldn't be this quiet It's late but usually someone is up and about...." He thought to himself still trying to figure out the bounty. "Well I guess the rumors of disappearing settlements is true, but this one hasn't been reported yet... I could still use this to my advantage." He thought before standing up grinning behind his mask.

Silus then starts to make his way back through the apartment messing it up to make it look as though there was a struggle And once everything looks nice and out of place Silus made his way to the local butcher looking for some sort of fresh kill. After finding something suitable he takes it back to the apartment and adds blood to his scene. He tops it off with dragging the carcass out the door and adding a few bullet holes into the walls completing the look. When everything is all said and done Silus takes one last look around the apartment. "When they find the settlement my story will be confirmed. Easiest 4000 credits I have made in some time." He says to himself before leaving the apartment closing the door behind him. Silus then leaves the deserted settlement on his way back to Oasis

---

23/04/2284
1425 hours
Oasis Bounty Den

Silus looks at the bounty board looking for his next job, his eye passes over a few smaller bounties his eyes stopped on an older one for a moment. Kintya Pol wanted for Desertion Reward: 1500 credits, "Not worth the trouble, heard she is a tough one," He muttered to himself as he continued to search the board. And just as he was about to give up and head on his way a particular Bounty catches his eye. Silus tears the bounty off the wall, "Now this one might just be worth it." he said looking over the paper again, “And I know exactly where to look” he said with a grin leaving the Den.

It didn't take Silus long to get on his targets trail, and soon enough he was making his way through Oasis heading to the animal pens. And when he made it there, his hunch was right. He walked up to the pins and rested against the wall. “So Temujin who did you piss off this time?” He said looking at the bounty paper, “You jumped up to 2800 that is quite a feet from 500.” Silus lowered his hand to his pistol, just in case. “Now we have done this dance before and I am fine with the outcome, both of us alive is fine by my books, but I just thought you might want to know someone might be coming after you. 2800 is a lot to some rookie who doesn't know what he is getting into.” Silus joked waiting for Temujin's answer.

"Alright Cylandus that's enough!" The young woman, Elin, called out to her scaly Cradeene friend. "Of courssse" The Cradeene alien hissed in reply. Cylandus let go of the would-be bounty hunter and let his limp body fall into the garbage that had collected in the alley.

The bounty hunter thought it was going to be an easy 10,000 credits but as it turned out, he was gravely mistaken. His target, Elin, now 'belonged' to the Crimson Scale, a criminal organization that calls the S-GAF their home. Elin's bounty was most likely placed by the company she and the syndicate robbed so much. Ten thousand was nothing compared to the cost of goods they lost. But why would the Crimson Scales care? Hell, they could probably get away with selling Elin out for that sweet ten thousand. Unfortunately the solution wasn't that easy for the Crimson Scale because Elin was an asset and a liability. She knew all the crime lords that ran the Crimson Scale so the threat of being exposed if Elin did get captured was enough to manpower around her. Meanwhile, Elin was also good on helping the Crimson Scales out with their shipping heists. She knew routes and the workings of the shipping industry from her previous job and provided assistance with mechanical means by creating or fixing stuff the Scales had. Plus a few of the Scale kingpins were on friendly terms with Elin.

So that just left bounty hunters being a threat to most of their operation. A problem so easily remedied by placing a few thugs around her to scare off the bounty hunters. Making the ten thousand only available from a live capture made even more pressure for a bounty hunter as not to accidentally kill his target. Usually bounty hunters stay away from tough hits like these, but occasionally a few try their luck. Unsuccessfully, Elin would like to add.

Elin crouched by the beaten bounty hunter and pulled out her drinking flask from her belt pouch. She poured a little in his mouth and poured the rest on the man's face. "I don't want trouble so don't come after me, dumbass. Tell your bounty friends, too. I just want to be left alone." She didn't wait for a response as she turned and followed Cylandus out into the bustle of the streets. "You're too kind, Elin. Sscum like that will just keep coming. All for the money." The alien spat on the ground and looked back at his handiwork. Elin rolled her eyes as glanced up at the distant sky. "Jussst like you do it for the money, Cylandusss." She mockingly hissed. The Cradeene scowled but Elin didn't care to notice. Cylandus wasn't her favorite bodyguard by any means, but he was effective. Her other two body guards grabbing a bite to eat nearby so Elin made her way there with Cylandus in tow. One of them was another human, Markus. Possibly the ugliest man you'll ever see but he looked big and strong which helped. The other was Elin's favorite, Reon was a Torro, or basically a bull and a human mixed. Reon was massive standing at around seven and a half feet and an enormous build. He was definitely the most intimating of the group but also one of the kindest.

"Hey Reon!" Elin cheered as she approached their table. After the Torro replied, Elin finally extended a greeting to Markus. He grunted a response before shoving down an unknown meat into his mouth. By no means were any of them best friends but being stuck together sort of drew them together. The only two that resembled any sort of companionship were Elin and Reon. The other two didn't say much but Elin was preferred it to be that way.

Elin found her seat right next to Reon at Marcos Xin's. It was a small eat and go place over by the animal pens. The owner, Marcos, was human with split ancestry of Mexican and Chinese. The food was the result of that split. Reon loved this place and whenever given the option to, he'd pick this place nine times out of ten. Elin could probably guess it was because he got a lot of food and the musk of animals was always potent in the air.

After some walking around lost for a time, Kintya finally found the animal pens. Chomper was well aware of his predicament. He didn't like being away from Kintya for too long and he knew where he was going. And after she payed some credits to the animal tender and was leading Chomper to his pen gate, he froze up and bellowed begrudgingly. He dug his feet into the ground, and refused to budge an inch. He was not going in there.

"Come on, Chomp. Why are you being so argumentative today? It's only for a little while bud, and I won't be too far. Here, this should sweeten the deal a little" Kintya whispered in a soothing tone, and offered him a treat she had bought from the tender: Sugar cubes, a Coslot's favorite. This enticed Chomper, and he moved forward steadily, and accepted it, licking her hand clean afterwards. He then continued forward, and Kintya closed the gate behind him. Chomper turned, and grumbled sadly, looking at her with puppy dog eyes. Or rather, a puppy dog eye.

"Don't give me that look, bud. You know you're not allowed to walk the streets..." She crossed her arms, and shook her head, before pointing behind Chomper, feigning excitement "Look, Chomp, a friend!" Chomper turned around, and approached the female Coslot sharing his pen. He wagged his stumpy of a tail, and they sniffed each other cautiously. Kintya turned, satisfied he was going to be ok, and observed the others around her: One of those aliens whose name she could never pronounce, and kind of scared her. Kintya didn't like to admit it, but she had come to learn she was ever so slightly xenophobic.

There was also a man, a monster of a human being, carrying supplies and food from some sort of hunt, holding a bird cage and talking to another man. A true man of the wild, and one of those types who, unlike everyone around him, thrived on Tryliin and it's deadly environment. But it was the other man, the shorter one, who worried her: Silus. A name she had learnt to avoid, because she was technically a criminal. While no one really cared to bring her to justice, and Silus had never given her trouble, it was better to get out of the open around a bounty hunter. Just in case.

Her stomach rumbled quietly, and she looked around for somewhere to eat: That restaurant across the street, Marcos Xin's looked good enough. She began to cross the street, and put her hood on so as not to draw attention, when she saw two people approaching her from behind hurriedly. She turned, just in time to intercept her attackers. She smacked the stun rod out of the nearest one's hand with the back of her wrist, before grabbing him by the shoulders, and kneeing him hard in the solar plexus.

There was a loud crack as a rib broke, and he let out a guttural grunt, falling backwards onto the ground. The second attacker, however, smashed Kintya in the face with the butt of his pistol, and she fell to her hands and knees, swaying uneasily. He picked her up, wrapped his arm around her neck, and put the barrel of the gun to her head, grinning. His companion got up onto his feet slowly.

[color=#40BFFF]"Nice and easy, bitch. So that's why you have that price on your pretty head, huh? We're going to go collect. One wrong move and I'll blow your brains out."[/color]

--- “So Temujin who did you piss off this time?” ---

Temujin and his caged avian, Ohkarr, simultaneously cocked their heads over to a figure leaning against the wall. The hat and helmet concealed the man's face, but he recognized that voice anywhere. Silus Gray.

"You sly dog!" Temujin secretly chided himself. Not only was he caught off guard, but Silus had him at a disadvantage. The Mongol-Kadesan didn't bother to glance at his weapons entangled in the net bag beside him. He'd been in enough scuffles with the bounty hunter to know how deadly of a crack shot he was. Temujin would be dead before he could touch his rifle. With nothing but a loincloth and his boots, the Mongol-Kadesan was despicably vulnerable.

--- “You jumped up to 2800 that is quite a feet from 500.”---

"Only a 2300+ increase?"Temujin snorted, a sincere look of disappointment shone on his face. He slowly rose from his feet, hands casually raised over his head in a non-threatening manner. Though Silus wore a cape, concealing the placement of his hands, Temujin knew they weren't far from a firearm's reach.

---“Now we have done this dance before and I am fine with the outcome, both of us alive is fine by my books, but I just thought you might want to know someone might be coming after you. 2800 is a lot to some rookie who doesn't know what he is getting into.”---

"2800..." Temujin was clearly distraught by this number, "I'd have thought sleeping with the slum lord's wives would have tripled that. Though... he is called a slum lord after all!" Temujin snorted, relaxing his arms. He heard Silus' words well and sensed Gray's lack of bloodlust. Their relationship was an odd one. Neither considered the other a friend or foe, rather, two opponents who respected each other's gamesmanship on this cutthroat planet. Still, Temujin would not disgrace himself further by lowering his guard a second time. "We've engaged in wondrous combat, you and I. Always on different teams... but think of the bounty, eh?"

He leaned against Ohkarr's cage, delicately resting his palms at the top of its wired framework. Ohkarr watched silently, its fiery eyes locked onto Silus with clicking talons."2800 is hopper dung! By the end of this week, I can get it up to 8,400!"

"Turn me in, collect the bounty, and we split it down the middle when I---"

Temujin's jolly demeanor shifted as he caught sudden movement at the corner of his eye. His head snapped over to what appeared to be some sort of altercation, or to Temujin's estimation, a chance to escape from Silus Gray. Deity of luck, you shower me with kisses on this day!

"Look there, Silus!" Temujin nodded over to the woman in distress. "She needs our help!"Temujin quickly unhinged the bolt that locked Ohkarr's cage. The bird pounced into the air and screamed into the musty wind, spearing toward the blue-skinned woman's attackers. Temujin struggled to untangle his lance from the netted bag, so in heightened frustration, he lifted both bags and twirled them over his head. Temujin puffed his chest full of bravado as he continued to spin over 80lbs furiously with each arm. For a moment, he briefly considered tucking tail and escaping down a random corridor mid-stride; banking on Silus' more chivalrous conscious to let the Mongol-Kadesan flee and choose to aid the woman instead. But what kind of man would Temujin be if he abandoned a woman in distress? A blue-skinned woman at that... No, he would not let Silus Gray best his manhood this time!

"Fools! You chose the wrong time to rob someone!"

And so the Mongol-Kadesan ran half-naked down the street toward a pair of brigands, swinging heavy bags over his head like a madman. Ohkarr swooped overhead and finally plunged toward the ground like a black comet. If the bird could talk, it would laugh at his lumbering companion. It would say, "Big stupid Temujin. This is the 22nd time I saved your life." Ohkarr flexed its claws and drove into the nearest attacker, its carnal strike fueled by its growling stomach.

KACHIRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!

Silus watched and grinned under his mask as Temujin tried to talk his way out of the bounty. Although if he had really been looking to collect the argument wouldn't have swayed him in the least. Although he wouldn't call Temujin his friend, that being a very rare thing on this planet, he considered him a respected acquaintance. And that was rare enough. And when the chance came Temujin took his chance to "escape Silus' grasp" and ran over to help the blue woman. "Yes Yes go play hero, I do know how much you like to do that." Silus said in a sarcastic tone leaning off the building following the man watching the event unfold. He recognized the woman and the two other hunters, low-lifes who tried to pray on weak targets making only enough to get by. No one at the Den would miss them if they went missing. But even then Silus wasn't going to go and attack another bounty hunter, not without good reason.

Silus continued to watch until Temujin and his pet were already on top of the two hunters. "Hay boys so you know, that man there has about double the price of the little lady, if you can actually beat them both I'll cut you a deal and let you keep one." He taunted the two hunters knowing full well that they had little to no chance of getting either bounty. "Ohh and Tem, if you beat those two I'll let you and the girl go, I might even buy you a drink." he added on egging on things a bit more. real entertainment was rare in Oasis, but watching Temujin wrestle and fight was something that always proved interesting.

Korrin had passed the odd looking human woman and her Coslot without much of a second glance, odd people tended to carry baggage with them, and as Korrin knew very well, baggage always cost more then you would imagine. He had kept on walking passed the animal pen where the man of his own height had been taking out a bird and been being talked to by a slightly shorter man, and closer to Korrin's build then the other man. For those two Korrin had only paid them the briefest of attention, and mainly because the shorter man had been talking about a bounty. If there was one thing worse then baggage here on Tryliin it would have to be bounty hunters. They were a hassle, and tended to bring nothing but trouble and stupidity to those around them. Granted Korrin wasn't much one to judge, many thought the same of assassins, however in addition to trouble and stupidity they brought the additional hassle of death, which tended to be bad on all counts.

Korrin had gotten to his apartment buildings door when he noticed the commotion begin down the way. Two bounty hunters attacking the odd looking blue human girl from before. He shook his head and would have gone inside, content in leaving the world of Tryliin to be the world of Tryliin. That was right up until for some reason one of the men from the other interesting pair of individuals on the street broke out into a mad run with some kind of bird attacking the men with what appeared to be two large sacks. Instead of entering his building Korrin stopped and leaned against the doorframe. This could be interesting and he hadn't seen much of interest in a while. Maybe these bounty hunters would be fun and interesting enough that the trouble they could bring would be worth it.

The Kin'eko'chi let his right hand casually drift to his thigh holster where his electric pulse gun rested and undid the clip covering it, he also stretched his left wrist, allowing his stinger to begin to slide out, so far only half an inch, but ready to launch to full length if need be. He was ready if anything turned against him, and so with that he could sit back and enjoy the show that was about to unfold before him.

---

Kintya struggled in the thug's grasp, but couldn't shake him loose. Dammit, she was looking like a fool. Blood trickled down her face, the pistol butt having busted her eye brow. On top of things, the monster was now charging at them, yelling like a mad man and swinging his supplies over his head. A pretty impressive show, considering it must have been quite heavy. The man whose rib was now broken from her knee turned to face him, and drew a knife. She chuckled, and turned her attention back to her captor. Been a while since she'd been in a fist fight.

---

"What the hell is it?" Elin poked at the prawn-like thing sitting in a wooden bowl. It was apparently a house favorite but slimy texture and it tasted like mucus covered chicken. "Here Reon. I don't like it." In hindsight, Reon probably recommended it because he knew his human companion wasn't going to enjoy it. "Oh thanks Elin!" His voice boomed as he wrapped his massive hands around the tiny fish and brought it to his mouth for a huge bite with an even bigger sounding crunch as the bones were also eaten. "Whatever." Elin annoyingly responded before scooping up some noodles with her chopsticks. At least she had those.

Lunch was mostly quietly between the trio and Cylandus was still off somewhere. The silence ended when panicked screams came from behind them. The three of them turned to see what was happening and saw people clearing away from a scuffle. By the looks of it, some woman got tangled up with two guys and was paying the price for it. Why they were fighting was mystery as one of the men managed to get the woman in a hold. Uninterested, Elin began to turn away but she kept her ears open to the banter behind her.

A loud bellow shortly followed by a screech brought Elin's attention back to the scuffle. Some large man was charging headlong into the fight with his feathered friend. Quite stupidly Elin might inject. One of the men, who Elin would later realize where bounty hunters, had his gun drawn and pointed it the encroaching man as he and his pet pummeled the man's friend. Elin leaned back and smacked her hand on her forehead. Her lunch atmosphere would be ruined if she knew somebody died just over there. "Reon help the massive buffoon and that damsel before someone gets killed. Please." Reon groaned like beast as he threw his lunch aside and charged forward. The Torro lowered his head and rammed the man holding the woman hostage from behind. The man took the brunt of the force but the woman was going to feel that jolt, too. The armed man's weapon was thrown from his hands and the Torro pressed the attack as he used his powerful hoof to kick the bounty hunter away.

Begrudgingly, Elin felt a little bad for the woman so she walked over and stood above her, offering a hand up. "Come on, damsel. Let's get you up." Elin said, almost sounding like she was whining. Markus was behind her with his hand gripping his gun as he eyed the crowd. Certainly not one for subtleties, making Elin look like some VIP. While waiting for the woman to offer her hand in return, Elin glanced around the crowd. She saw Cylandus was hovering around outside, which was good. The bird creature was still pummeling that poor guy and the big guy was still around in the clearing. Reon had backed off the bounty hunter but what stuck out to Elin the most was armor clad hanging around the stables. Elin didn't know him but she didn't like him. She didn't like masks either. She quickly averted her eyes back to the blue woman. "Come on, quit wasting my time. Do you want help up or not?"

---

Kintya suddenly flew forward, as well as her captor, onto the ground in a heap. As the thug was getting up, he suddenly got booted away by what Kintya assumed must have been a Torros. Still dazed from the blow, she noticed a young woman offering to help her up. From the looks of things, she apparently was in charge of them, and more bizarrely, was offering to help her up. She would normally not be rude and comply, but she had unfinished business with that thug.

"Thanks, but no thanks: I gotta score to settle..."
With that, Kintya got to her feet and approached the street punk, her hands open at her side. "Just who the f**k do yo-"
The thug swung a wide hay maker without warning, connecting with her lip, and her head swung to the side, spraying speckles of blood onto the road. She staggered backwards, nearly falling to the ground, but regained her composure and, spitting out blood onto the ground, she turned back to him and smiled:

"Ha, nice punch: Did your boyfriend teach you that one?"

Now furious, he shouted out obscenities and charged forward again. She brought her hands up, and blocked his second punch with her right arm, and landed an upper cut into his lower ribs. He moved backward and breathed out, winded, while she managed to land a jab into the side of his face, then another and another, moving expertly and fighting like a prize winning boxer. He swung again, face bloodied, but missed as Kintya ducked, and she tackled him to the ground. She sat on top of him, and proceeded to methodically pummel his face into a mess, before bringing down a hammer fist and knocking him out cold.

"And you got your ass handed to you. By a girl. Some bounty hunter you turned out to be..." She sat on top of him, breathing heavily and exhausted. Hopefully, she got some of her 'Street Cred" (or whatever the kids were calling it today) back, and maybe even scared Silus a little, but she doubted the last part. Right now, it was obvious who she was, and he would probably murder her if he decided to get into the fight. She got to her feet, spat out some more blood, and looked around her surroundings, to see what she'd miss while beating up this punk.

---

"Silus, you bastard!" The Mongol-Kadesan growled. "I wasn't going to let you keep your share of my offer anyway!"

Temujin's adrenaline-filled rescue was thwarted by a giant Torro beast who dispatched the woman's captor, albeit hurting her in the process. The Torro immediately followed its attack with a gut wrenching hoof kick that sent the bounty hunter flying. "Bah! What the hell!?" He grumbled, the fight was now obscured by the horned oaf's giant backside, who was clearly stealing his spotlight. Bags still flailing, Temujin used them as weighted momentum and leapt upward, propelling himself even higher as he jumped off the Torro's massive shoulders. "My turn!"

Temujin rained down on the grounded bounty hunter, aiming to slam both bags onto his body. The man however was not out of the fight, and desperately commando rolled away from Temujin's attack just in the nick of time. The bags thudded loudly onto the dusty street, and Temujin cringed as he heard something crack in the netted one.

Shit!

At that moment, he no longer cared about captors or blue-skinned damsels. His immediate concern weighed heavily on the condition of his prized possessions, and he quickly probed around the netted bag hoping nothing was destroyed. The bounty hunter, confused at the Mongol-Kadesan's sudden impulse, sought to take advantage of the moment. He angled forward and sprung with his knee aimed high at Temujin's head. Within one swift motion, Temujin casually parried the attack with one palm, then drove the other into the man's neck like a viper. Temujin's fingers nearly coiled all the way around the man's throat before he forcefully choke slammed him onto the ground, pinning the poor fool in place.

"I hope nothing expensive broke..." Temujin said quietly to himself. The bounty hunter was squirming for air, but the Mongol-Kadesan didn't budge as he continued sifting through items with his free hand. Ohkarr perched itself on a ledge looking down at the bounty hunter in Temujin's clutch, licking its talons. A sigh of relief fell over the Mongol-Kadesan as he concluded that nothing was damaged. He released his grip on the now unconscious bounty hunter and rose to his feet.

"HA!" Temujin slapped his thigh and smiled, thanking the deities for his ever abundant good fortune. "For a second there I almost pissed my loincloth!"

---

Korrin was slightly surprised as the Torros came barreling out of the small fast-food place next to where the fight was going on. Now he was really glad that he had stayed to watch, the man and his bird were still pummeling the sap, and his strange bounty hunter acquaintance had been making offers to both sides for winning, though he hadn't sounded like he had much confidence in the thugs, and Korrin could see why. The men were not only in and of themselves incompetent individuals, but apparently in addition to the thugs incompetence the thickly built man would have outclassed a normal bounty hunter, and from the pummeling the small blue girl was giving the larger man, while it may not have looked much like it, she could certainly hold her own.

Korrin observed something odd. Though the blue girl had defeated her thuggish opponent she still seemed more concerned about the man wearing the full armor that was still standing by the animal pen. He was distracted from that observation though as the man wielding the two sacks as his weapons leapt over the Torro and slammed his sacks down. There was an apparent cracking noise and suddenly the man was much more concerned with the possessions in the sack then the opponent he was fighting. For a moment Korrin thought that the man might be off guard enough that the thug could get him, but that thought had no more crept into his head then he realized, as the mans hand shot around the thug's throat that this human that was now digging around in his sack, appeared to be a relatively well trained fighter.

Marcos Xin's, a nice place to come and eat, well at least by this planets standards, but with all the noise outside one of the workers had taken the chance to take out the garbage and dump it in the pile for collection, which was still three days late. It kept him safe but still busy enough not to get shouted at by the boss at least. It was at this moment that he noticed one of the bums hanging around in the alleyway again, trying to keep himself safe from what was going on outside, but he couldn't be hanging around here that was for sure. Moving up to the homeless man he pointed his thumb for him to get lost, but the only response he got was a look to the noise, shouting and "are you serious?"

While the pair argued about this three bright blue eyes glowed in the pile of cardboard boxes that had been placed on the other side of the alleyway, a deep and booming voice soon following. "Statement: Recharge complete." With robotic movement and purpose a armed shot out from the boxes, grabbing onto the edge of the steel fence, bending it as the being known as Jax used it for support for pulling himself up. The two men were shocked, the Marcos Xin worker rushing back into the restaurant. However, the homeless man had no where to go, and just stood there before the hulking robot...

Looking down to the man Jax waited for a moment before reaching back into the boxes and pulling out a drum that had once been used for storing grease, his other two arms on his back, picked up cardboard boxes and stuffed them into the drum. Jax had seen these types of people before, and in a attempt to look friendly he remade what some of them did to keep warm, by lighting the top of the drum on fire with his left top arm, and with the grease already in there, it burned nicely as he was placed down in the center of the alleyway. "Statement: I hope you enjoy." He said before walking away, leaving the homeless man to think about what the heck just happened....

Soon enough Jax was walking out of the alleyway, his hand gripping the side of the building as he came on the scene of what looked to be assault to him. Though he did not have all the facts right he still moved out, straightening up to his full height before stating. "Threatening: Stop that at once meatbags."

Oh, god, this is not how to stay incognito. Kintya often wondered how someone could just... disappear. Most people had friends or family, after all. People who would look for them. It was right now that she realized the key to it: You avoid causing a cluster f**k when you try to cross a street. Right now, this street was chaos. And it was about to get worse. A whole lot worse.

Quick assessment: Monster man appears to have strangled someone to death, there's a huge crowd gathered, and now some robot had wandered out into the street. If there is one thing that scared her, it was smart machines. The kind that realize how inefficient and unnecessary organic life is. It also didn't help that it was quite large and intimidating. Kintya abandoned her opponent to gather his senses and made her way to monster man, making a wide circle around the machine, and stood behind him, crossing her arms. "Nice. You murdered someone. But I ain't going to judge. Thanks for the help.". With that, she made her way into Marcos' to finally get some food.

"Ooohhh no. I can't believe you just did that..." Elin said to herself as she withdrew her hand balling it up in a fist as she gave the blue woman a death glare. Elin felt so embarrassed when that woman ignored her hand, especially with this crowd gathered around. In actuality, nobody probably noticed and Elin probably would have done the same thing to retain her own dignity but Elin didn't care about the blue woman's dignity or 'unfinished business', rather Elin just cared about her own pride. That woman making Elin look bad enraged her but for everyone's sake, Elin kept her cool. She was about ready to turn around and finish her lunch until something just set her off.

"And you got your ass handed to you. By a girl. Some bounty hunter you turned out to be..."

Now Elin wasn't sure why this set her off. Maybe it had to do with the woman claiming the victory for herself, completing ignoring those who helped her. Maybe Elin was just looking for an excuse to get mad but no matter what the reason, Elin got made. "Oh come on! You didn't do anything!" Reon was standing right next to Elin when she errupted and quickly tried to contain the situation. "Shhhh! Don't worry about it, girl. Let's just go back to lunch." The Torro wrapped Elin up before she had a chance to charge the blue woman. "Dammit, Reon! Fine." Elin cooled a little bit and turned right back to her meal. She was flustered and missed the robot's grand entrance. Reon was grateful that the woman didn't notice and that Elin didn't hear the woman's lack of gratitude towards Elin or Reon.

Markus retreated back to his lunch and continued stuffing his face again. Meanwhile Reon on his way back, scooped up his prawn-fish that he dropped and took a big bite out of it, seemingly unnerved that it had been sitting on the ground. He plopped down in between Markus and Elin and resumed his consumption of his feast. Elin, in the meantime, was stuffing her face with noodles not due to extreme hunger but rather to occupy her mouth so she wouldn't began shouting at that very same blue woman who sat immediately to Elin's right. Ohhh the nerve!

Silus watched the chaos unfold on the street and studied the movements of each of the individuals involved. He wasn't surprised by Temujin's power, but the girl Kintya was a bit of a firecracker herself. Then there was the woman who had tried to help Kintya, something seemed familiar about her, something that was bugging Silus. And then it hit him the woman had a 10,000 credit bounty. That meant there were over 14,000 credits worth of bounties were sitting right in front of him for the taking. And that wasn't an everyday pay check almost to much to turn down.

But before he could step in and possibly take one of them at least what seemed like a Guard Bot or something came swooping down the street. Although bounty hunting was legal even within Oasis' walls, there was already a large enough scene going on and Silus decided to back off walking down the Street passing by Temujin on his way out. "When you get done here, I think I owe you a drink. Meet me in the Green Oasis later and I'll treat you, bring your little girlfriend there too if she wants to come along." He said as he passed "And no worries I just pulled in a nice bounty a few days ago, I have no need to turn you in so calm down" He added before disappearing into the crowd and heading back to the Bounty Hunters Den for one last check on bounties before going to meet Temujin for drinks.

“What do you mean?” Temujin roared as the blue-skinned woman said her thanks and ran off toward an eatery across the street. “He’s still alive!” The Mongol-Kadesan raised the body of the bounty hunter like a rag doll, shaking him in the air and slapping his face until he came to. “See! Just went to sleep. Heh!” Temujin chucked him aside like garbage waste, indifferent to the loud thud made as he slammed against a building wall, knocking him unconscious, again.

Temujin’s attention shifted now toward those who came to the woman’s aid. The lumbering Torro was apparently a cohort to two others, a small green Cradeenes and a fierce woman who had a look that could kill. Beautiful, just like the blue one, but upon closer inspection, he realized that he had seen her face on a bounty paper before. Hmmm…
The altercation wilted and the denizens returned back to what they were doing. Oasis’ peacekeepers would eventually turn up and assess the damage, long after they get word that the suspects are nowhere to be found. He spat on the ground at their cowardice. Just as he did, Silus slowly walked by, beckoning him to meet at the Green Oasis with the girl as he passed Temujin. The Mongol-Kadesan laughed at his awkward attempt to be conspicuous, but nodded. The bounty hunter, much like everyone he met on Tryliin, were schemers. One must always be prepared.

He turned to Ohkarr, who began plucking at the leg of the downed thug. Temujin went over to the leather bag and untied it to grab a piece of hopper meat. “Ohkarr! Kichun-no-reika!” The avian snapped back to his companion’s native tongue, flapping over in an instant at the site of hopper flesh. It pecked at it with its beak, testing its tenderness.

“Mei-lo, mei-lo. Kuchugo mogani.” Ohkarr listened to his words well, its black soul-less eyes peering into Temujin’s. It squawked affectionately to his companion before snatching the meat from his palm and vanished over the rooftops. He grabbed his netted bag and changed into his armored gear. The inner-matted gel surfaces of each individual gear piece cooled his body parts. Temujin latched the heavy rifle and metal lance in their respective slots on his back, completing the transition from half-naked oaf, to fully armored dingus. After stuffing the net in a side pouch, he glanced over at the leather bag, then to Marcos Xins, the place where most of the participants of the street fight congregated to.

---

Temujin came through the back entrance of Marco's, where he sold most of his packaged meats and other goodies to the chefs and workers taking a break in the alleyway. Most of what was left was unsellable, so he handed out the rest to a group of homeless people that were shoulder-to-shoulder around a bonfire. He immediately spotted the blue woman and the other female with her alien companions. Temujin trudged over to a table in between them and cut to the chase.

“Listen, I read the bounty database regularly. I know who you all are, and apparently a pesky bounty hunter that watched our little street performance knows us too. He wants me to meet him at the Green Oasis tonight.” Temujin glanced over to the blue woman. “I think you know who he is too… I’ve seen the way you look at him. The way all of you did.”

“I don’t know what he has up his sleeve, but if we all stick together, he’ll think twice before trying anything stupid. Plus, it’s the Green Oasis…worse that could happen is that he buys us all drinks!”

Kintya was starving. And she wasn't going to eat another jar of nutrient paste. She ordered a large serve of curried nachos, and also asked for a glass of water and some paper towels, for her injuries. The waitress looked at her bloodied face and was reluctant to serve her, until Kintya gave her a large tip of credits. While she was off getting her food together, Kintya blotted paper towels into the water, then onto her face. As she did so, she noticed the young girl beside her, with her cohorts.

"Hey, I don't think I got a chance to say thanks for the help... You just have to be careful around gangsters, you know? Plus, I needed to kick that guys ass..." Kintya finished cleaning up, just as her food arrived. She thanked the waitress, and took a mouthful of curried nacho, before continuing, her voice slightly muffled from the food in her mouth. "Anyway, my name's Kintya. What's yours?" She held out her clean hand, and ate another chip.

It was then that some sort of armored soldier walked into Marco's, and addressed them both. For a second, Kintya thought it was a police officer, coming to kick her ass and take her to jail. She panicked, and tried to duck under the table, smacking her head against the edge, and letting out an 'Ow!' Them she heard his words, and realized it was the crazy guy from the street fight. Just who the hell was this guy, one minute near naked and swinging bags of stuff over his head, the next, fully armored and carrying weapons? Was he actually a cop?

She looked at him, then at her new 'friend', and raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Sounds like fun. we can all get drunk together. By the way, I think I owe you two a drink. Plus the Torros, if he's interested' She nodded at him, and proceeded to eat more. 'But who the hell are you, mister crazy man? Are you a soldier, a tribal, bandit, what? And who's robot was that outside? I've seen the model before, but I didn't realize they were advanced enough to call people 'meatbags'. That's some crazy shit, eh?" She looked around at her new friend's, as she continued to finish her meal.

Korrin had had his interests piqued at this point. He was curious about the people who had all entered Marco's, and he had never tried the food there, in spite of the restaurant being fairly popular and right next to his apartment building. He shrugged and instead of going into his building and eating food in there, like his common sense was screaming at him to do, he walked into Marco's and sat down near enough to the blue woman and the woman with her Torros and Cradeen companions, and ordered a 'Spicy Ramen Stuffed Burrito' which sounded equal parts intriguing and terrifying.

Korrin kept his attention lightly on his meal as he listened while the squarely built individual who had choked the man into unconsciousness walked in and started talking about the man who was apparently not his acquaintance but known to all of the individuals he was speaking to. They would be going to the Green Oasis tonight, or at least this man would be, which meant that Korrin had yet another choice to make. He could continue on his marry way, pretending that he had never seen this altercation, or he could satiate this boredom that had begun to permeate every facet of his life since arriving on Tryliin.

That thought shook Korrin to his core. Boredom. Thats what the feeling that had settled over him had been. It was a rather new sensation and putting a name to it was quiet an experience. Boredom had been unfathomable in his life on Dith'alla'om first because as a child he had been constantly in flight, then because as a student he had been constantly learning, constantly training, constantly facing new aspects to his maters and the tasks and jobs he was given to do. Stagnation and routine had never been a part of his life, that is until now. It was ironic that ever since his departure from the safety of a well respected world like Dith'alla'om, and his arrival on a world with a reputation like Tryliin that his life would have taken on a bored routine.

With that in his mind he decide, he would follow these interesting individuals, and perhaps his penance could be found in something ever more interesting. As the thought finished he realized he had eaten the strange food with gusto and even enjoyed the faire. Maybe this new interested outlook on life would be good for him.

Desperate to get her mind off of her undesired neighbor, Elin turned to her left and eyed down her companions. Cylandus, the Cradeene had finally returned from all his slithering around in the crowds to continue his dutiful watch. Markus was stuffing his face more than a human should. Thankfully everyone was paying for themselves otherwise Elin would have more reason to be upset. Finally Reon was also stuffing his face, but that was expected. He was at his favorite place and he did eat a lot, no matter the venue.

A soft, cheerful voice snapped Elin's attention over to her right. Cheerfulness wasn't common on Tryliin so Elin lightened up a bit and her expression turned from mulling over anger to sort of open weariness Instinctively she turned her head to meet it, forgetting for a moment that the rude blue woman was sitting to her right. When Elin realized who was speaking her face soured and she squinted her eyes in a pissed off glare sort of way. Surprisingly, Elin was polite enough for the woman, Kintya to finish before she slurped up her noodles dangling from her mouth.

"Yeah. Whatever." Elin replied coldly as she turned away, uninterested in the woman's name or her pleasantries. For a moment it seemed like the conversation was going to die right there but Elin turned to face the woman again. "Ya know... I wouldn't be so quick to say that you kicked that guy's ass." Elin paused as she set down her plate and bit her lip as her eyes wandered around the room before meeting Kintya again. "Because the way I saw it. Your brains would have splattered all over that filthy ground." Elin said as her arm shot out from her side and pointed right outside the restaurant. "Thank you doesn't even cut it anymore." She leaned in closer, her serious expression unwavering as her face closed in so close that their noses were almost touching. "I don't like being made a fool in public, damsel, so when I offer my hand, you take it." Elin said under breath.

After she finished her threat, Elin backed away and her threatening demeanor seemed to change to a more relaxed one. "But you're welcome." She turned away and faced her food again. "The name's Elin, Kintya." With that, Elin returned to stuffing her face with noodles. What had just unfolded may seem like some severe case of a psychological disorder was actually just Elin feeling bad for being a little difficult with people. Not just Kintya but pretty much everybody and she has always felt that way. She wasn't inherently evil like most of the scum hanging around Oasis, she just has anger issues.

--

From one thing to the next, a suited giant barged through the back door and made a straight B-line to Elin and Kintya. At first Elin had no idea who this guy was but soon it clicked. It was that nearly nude guy swinging those bags of his around. How could she forget it was positively repulsive. He went on about that masked man, Elin briefly had in her mind. She sighed as he came up with an invite for all of them to meet this masked man. Kintya seemed on board and Elin had to admit, scaring a bounty hunter away was much better than fighting one. She hated death and killing, which is quite surprising all things considered, but she'd never let anyone know that. "Here I thought you were a moron who lacked the proper dress to cover himself up, but you're right. Barring the idea that he has dozen of cronies hanging around the place, we could probably just scare the piss out of him." Elin shook her hands, feigning a surprise gesture and tone. "Surprise! This stuck up bitch is actually for joining you two." Elin said in reference to herself. "But who cares too much about some kill bot or whatever that was. Between you two, me, and my pawns, we have enough fire power to scare one guy."

As they all nodded in agreement, Temujin pressed a button on the left side of his helmet. Doing so automatically collapsed the head piece as it slid to the back of his neck, exposing his scruffy mane and bearded mug. He nodded to his new companions.

"Good! Then it is settled!" Temujin grinned like a playful child.

"And to answer your question," He turned to the blue woman and puffed his chest out proudly, "My name is Temujin! Ruler of Gordani System Prime! Neither bandit, soldier, or tribal....you stand before a grand conqueror!" He draped both of his lumbering arms around the two females and gently shook their shoulders as he let out a piercing laugh. "I will gladly tell you my grandest of tales, but I am more eager to learn about all of you!"

Temujin looked at each of them with unfazed enthusiasm as he rose from his seat. "Like how is one's skin so blue as nebulas faux? Or why does the giant bull and the big headed frog cling to their cranky woman companion like Ohkarr does to Temujin when hungry?!" His hearty laugh was more sincere than insulting.

"Come! Let us answer these questions with liquored breath and warm bellies!!" He waved his fist in the air with animated vigor, then turned toward the door and made an announcement to the entire shop. "Let us know new names and gain new friends! To the Green Oasis!"

Jaxx peered down to the humans on the floor as the people vacated the area, though it did not seem like one of them made it out of the fight alive, but it was not like he was law around here, he just disliked the way that it was done. One of his back arms, they had independent on borad super simple AI so they were easier to use, folded out and tapped him on the side before pointing with one of its three prongs towards the Green Oasis where the group had headed into, before folding back into Jax's back.

He had no need for food or drink, as all he needed was sun or a power outlet, but these people interested him, making them a valuable resource for what he had planned. Walking through the door, it was clear by some of the faces in the place that it was a shock to see a robot of his size in there. However, once they noticed he was nothing more than a work bot they all went back to their drinks, after all robots were not all that uncommon in this harsh environment.

Collab by Arthanus, Skull, PrimezTime and Kyelin

After the altercation in the street Silus made his way to the Hunter's Den for the second time today. As he walked into the rundown smoky bar he looked over and saw the two Bounty Hunters who had tried to capture the blue girl earlier. "Better luck next time guys, you should pick your targets better and even then trying to capture them in the middle of a crowded street is a no no. Too many bystandars that might just step in." He told the two before going on his way. A few old big shots sat drinking and retelling old tales but Silus didn't have the time to stop by and chat so he continued on his way. But he did stop for a moment as a group of 10 Hunters gathered around each other whispering and planning. Curiosity got the better of Silus and he moved closer to listen in. "... Then you three will come in, we only have one shot at the 100k, no screw-ups we will only have one chance" He overheard the men saying and imediatly knew who they were talking about, Gaigun Mordan, The leader of the "Veestigu Saints". And that alone drew Silus into the plot, just to see if he could make a profit from it. And after listening to the Hunters talk and plan Silus came up with an Idea of his own, Leaving the group and walking over to the board he quickly ripped down one of the Bounty forms and left heading for the Green Oasis.

When he arrived to the busy High-End Cantina he found himself a booth in view of the main door, but far enough away from the bar so he would have a little bit of privacy. And once he ordered himself a drink he scooted off to change out of his Desert Survival Gear leaving it in a bag under the table before indulging himself to a drink. waiting for the others.

Temujin exited the eatery with new acquaintances in tow. Together, they surfed through a diverse sea of species that began herding through the streets in droves. The sun's descent marked the end of today's morning cycle, and Tryliin's moons would soon light the skies with cooling hues of luminescent cloud fog. The Mongol-Kadesan enjoyed every minute of Tryliin's short night cycles. Bars and night clubs played their rambunctious music, riled with debauchery and frolicking alien women. He looked back at his rag tag group of companions and grinned at the thought of marching into the Green Oasis to meet Silus. Temujin could care less at this point if he was venturing into a trap; as a Kadesan, he dared for excitement. Should the deities gamble unfairly with his fate, he will face the consequences with welcome arms, no matter the result. Such fortuitous prospects surged life into Temujin, and he struggled to contain his excitement as they approached the cantina.

After circumnavigating through a maze of low town streets, the group spotted the bright holographic marquee sign sparkling with dizzying effects.

"Ah, here she is..." Temujin said quietly, entranced by the exterior decor of the Green Oasis. "Let's get to it shall we?!"

Temujin pushed the double doors of the cantina wide open, immediately scanning the room for Silus. It took him awhile, because he was expecting the man to still be dressed in his gear. Though as he walked further in and adjusted to the dim lights, he spotted Silus at a booth with a drink in hand.

"Ah, there you are!" He walked over, gesturing for the group to come gather. He turned over to a barmaid skirting in their direction. "A round of Zandilla ale for all of my friends!" He grinned at Silus, pointing directly at him. "and make sure to put it on his tab!"

It had been a while since Kintya had been drinking in an environment such as The Green Oasis. Normally, she would rest against Chomper, drinking whiskey and watching the sun set over the dunes, or in the shade of an Idona Palm, progressively getting more and more wasted until the memories went away. Then Kintya would have vivid dreams of a drunken nature, of her life in various stages, sometimes dreaming of her life in the military, sometimes her life in university, Rarely did she dream of her childhood, as it was about as unremarkable as one could reasonably expect, even to Kintya. She pulled up a chair at Silus' table, and eyed him suspiciously:

"So. why didn't you take me in? That was awfully nice of a bounty hunter... Maybe you aren't so bad after all" The ale had arrived, and Kintya put some credits on the table, pushing them to SIlus. "You and Temujin here may be friends, but we're still technically not on the same side, you and I, until proven otherwise. I don't want to owe you anything." She leaned back, and took a big gulp of the ale, the refreshing tang and bitterness a welcome taste to KIntya. She paused, before downing the rest of the glass, and slamming the cup on the table. This had been a long day , and she needed to unwind. After a few minutes, the drink's effect took hold, and she decided to speak up again, her inhibitions slightly loosened

"Now, if I recall correctly, I owe some people drinks. So, Temujin, Elin and big bull guy, what do you guys drink? A personal favorite of mine is whisky, though I don't know why. Huh." She leaned back, hands behind her head, and waited for their answer.

"What in the hell am I doing?" Elin found herself quietly asking herself as she followed the people she had literally just met with a blind trust. She turned to Reon and tugged on his hand. "Give me my bag. I'll feel a whole lot better about this whole thing. Reon chuckled and patted his human friend on the top of the head. "Ha ha ha! We'll be fine, Elin. Nobody is going to try to do anything in a public place but just in case Cylandus and Markus will hang around outside. I'll be with you and these people seem genuine enough." Elin swatted at Reon's hand. "I know we'll be fine!" She exclaimed, weakly trying to keep it still hushed. "I'll just feel better if I have my bag!" Reon gave in and handed Elin her black messanger bag, which she happily flung over her shoulder, treating the torn and rotten thing as some designer purse. What made it so valuable to Elin was the contents inside the bag, which included but not limited to: her gun, a few fragmentation grenades, and a variety of home-made items that served a variety of purposes. Having that under her arm was definitely reassurance.

The Green Oasis was about as unremarkable as Marcos Xin's, only for different reasons. The primary reason was that Elin hated that "higher end" atmosphere places generated. Elin didn't like to dress up to standards and especially didn't like following those unwritten rules on courtesies and rules, like those you find in higher end society. Elin followed that buffoon, Temujiin, in and sure enough the place was exactly what Elin had feared. Pomposity and upscale dress. Elin immediately felt out of place, seeing as she was the only one in there wearing street clothes other than Reon. Nervously she kept close to Reon as he casually strolled along, unmoved by the judging, disgusted stares of the wealthy. The man they were looking for had removed his cloak and mask in favor of somewhat traditional military uniform. Elin couldn't find the words to speak so she let her very loosely known associates talk for her. Reon, too, sat in silence.

Silus watched as Temujin and the others entered the cantina and made their way to him. He gave a half grin as the man pointed out Silus. "Yes, Yes I did promise you a drink so I'll get the first round." he said with a small sigh making a gesture for them to sit down.

As they did he looked at Kintya to address her comments. "Well, I took in a nice bounty a few days ago, and I am not exactly hurting for money right now. And even if I did want the cash there were much bigger targets in the area, the big guy there has almost double your bounty and the little lady you guys brought along is up at 10k" He informed the group while resting his hand on his pistol but not making any aggressive moves. "As for the drinks they will bt my treat, you don't owe me anything just say its me paying you for the entertainment earlier." He added his voice seemingly nice as he wore a fake smile.

He then turned his attention to Elin, "And you, I don't exactly remember inviting you and your guards to this little get together, but I guess it will be fine as long as you don't cause trouble. Just know I am not here for any of your bounties tonight, but if you try something I would be more than happy to do so." He warned his voice going cold.

But Silus quickly reverted to a happier voice after taking a drink from his mug. "Now drink up and be merry, I do have some business to talk about, but that can wait." He said clinking his mug against Temujin's and continuing to drink.

"Ha!" Elin quickly retorted. "Don't sound so sure of yourself. I've dealt with plenty of fellows who could talk big like you, and yet, I'm still here." Elin scooted into the booth seat. "Besides, I came by the request of that lug over there. Temujin " Elin shifted uncomfortably as she tried to make room for Reon. "Excellent venue, dude. I'm sure all of us are just blending right in." Elin said with a very sarcastic tone. She was quick to grab her drink and take a gulp. A little alcohol would lighten her nerves a bit.

The Mongol-Kadesan gave a toothy smile to Elin as she explained the reason for her attendance. "And I thank you for coming!" He said whole-heartedly, shrugging off her insults. "A woman who tames a Torro is a powerful woman indeed! You are armed with the most peculiar entourage." He paused, taking note of her other two body guards waiting outside. "Is that all of your company? Or is the robot and the wiry Kin'eko'chi that have followed us since the altercation, associates of some one else?" Temujin asked, glancing at everyone around the table.

His attention on the topic immediately dwindled as he smiled approvingly at Kintya, who had pounded her drink. "Ah! You thirst like a Mongol-Kadesan!" He applauded. "Were you on my planet and shone such skill, the suitors would be all over you!" He chuckled. His mood had been very easy going up until the blue woman asked what his favorite drink was. The Mongol-Kadesan put up his index finger, gesturing for her to hold that thought as he turned back to Silus.

"Before I drink this, I must say..." Temujin cleared his throat and shifted to a more serious tone. "Of all the bounty hunters on this wretchedly beautiful sand ball, you are among the very few who keep their word. Know that such a display of honor must be commemorated by the drink of my people." His eyes stared deeply into the swirling orange pool in his mug, entranced by memories long past. "Zandilla... is named after the deity of truth in my culture." He finally spoke. "Today, this brew is a commercially distributed product, but it once was exclusively served for the finest of traditions on Kadesa: the celebration of life, death, and love." For a moment the table was silent as Temujin closed his eyes and whispered grateful thanks to his gods. Then, it was as if a switch flipped back on in Temujin, for his somber demeanor quickly shifted back to his usual self. "And since I am neither killing, nor marrying any of you oafs, we drink to life!!!!"

Temujin's mug, which was more like a cooking pot, clanked Silus', then clanked everyone else's, and before anyone spoke another word, its Zandilla innards had vanished from sight.

"That hits the spot!" Temujin purred, salivating the brew's cinnamon agave aftertaste. He turned to Kintya. "I will try whatever whiskey you have! Next round is on me!"

Kintya listened to Temujin's speech, and sat there, perfectly quiet and wondering. So, he had some issues too? It wasn't a rare occurrence on Tryliin, since half the people here are trying to outrun their past, but it still felt bizarre for someone who seemed as cheerful as Temujin to be suddenly morose like this. It got her to thinking of Outpost 32... No, not here. Now was not the time to show weakness. While Temujin seemed friendly enough, and Elin just a little bit pissy about earlier today but still a nice person (if a little worried from time to time), Kintya was still sitting at a table with a renowned bounty hunter. She'd heard stories and rumors: Burned Black Ops, never fails to find his target... She needed to be strong. Kintya suddenly noticed Temujin spirits pick up, and smiled, raising an eyebrow and taking the credits she gave to Silus. She pushed them into the middle, added some more, and spoke: "I owe you, Temujin. As I owe you, Elin and bull man. You guys probably saved my life today. We all know what these corrupt cops do to prisoners in Detention Hall. And Silus... You're welcome to join in, if you like." Kintya paused, and observed everyone at the table. "Any of you ladies done shots before?"

Kintya ordered a bottle of whiskey, as well as five shot glasses, and waited, folding her arms and listening to the various conversations everyone was having. Sure, it was pretty much all her credits gone (save enough to get a room at a motel later that night and a snack), but it wouldn't matter. She had a lot of trinkets to sell at the markets, and would make more than enough to fund her next trip in the wastes. That reminded her: The disappearing settlements. What the hell was going on? She was tempted to do a little snooping around after she left Oasis. Was it linked to what happened at 32? Perhaps. Though 32 was burned to the ground, and the other settlements were just empty. Whatever the cause, it was bad news for the incoming colony ships, all eager to work out what makes Tryliin tick.

After some more conversation, the bottle arrived, a knock-off blend made in the breweries of Oasis's lower levels, but would do the job nicely. She took the cork off the bottle, poured herself a shot, and swished the bottle around to everyone, smirking. "So, who's in?"

"Listen lug, I have no idea what you are talking about. Robot and the Kin-nee-chi-wah? I've never seen them in my life." She took a long hard glare at both of them before her attention drifted back towards her drinking 'companions'. She hardly paid attention to the comment about the bounty hunter's "honor". She heard enough to know that the big guy trusted him, for whatever reason. Then the big guy was doing something religious or something, while not religious herself, Elin could at least pipe up and offer the man his peace. The moment was short and sweet, thankfully. Now Kintya wanted to offer her words. "Yea, yea blue. Glad to help. Yadda yadda yadda." Elin wasn't one for that many touchy-feely moments. She was one for free booze, though.

"Pffft! I'll drink you under the table blue!" With that, Elin grabbed her glass and poured herself a shot, too. She didn't wait for everybody else and took it down immediately, quickly coming back ready for another one. Reon snorted. "Admirable statement, Elin, but I don't believe you'll be winning this one." He devilishly smiled right before filling up a glass of his own.

Some time passed and the drinking continued while Silus watched and gauged the group. And before anyone got to seriously drunk Silus decided it was time. "So before this goes to far and none of us remembers anything, I think it is time to get down to business." He said while reaching into his coat and pulling out the bounty sheet he had torn down earlier. He placed the sheet on the table and unraveled it holding the corners with a few of the mugs from the table.

"This man, Gaingun Mordan, is who I have decided to make my next target. And I am here asking for a bit of help. of course I will split the reward with anyone who decides to come along." Silus started with a smirk on his face knowing the 100k reward would pull a lot of intrest. "Now before you call me crazy or an Idiot, I know he is the leader of the Veestigu Saints and I know he uses a heavily fortified mansion as a base of operations. But I have a plan, another group of Bounty Hunters are planning to take this Mordan's life as well, but they are Idiots and are planning to rush the Mansion in a frontal charge. We can use that to our advantage, while the gang sends its thugs to deal with the heavily armed Bounty Hunters in the front, we strike from behind and take the bounty from right underneath them. Now this doesn't mean that our path will be easy, once inside who knows how many thugs will be stationed to secure the mansion, and we won't know how long we have until the Idiots break through or are finished off, and even when we get to Mordan he probably won't come willingly. But good thing is this bounty wants him dead so we don't have to take that precaution." He continued giving a bit of a break down of his plan thinking it out a bit as he spoke.

"Now this won't be an easy job so I will be fair anyone who accepts will get full shares and if you don't decide to come along I will let you walk away, but if you tip off Mordan or his men, I swear you wont wake up the next morning." Silus finished his voice going cold and serious at the end. "Now with that all said and done, You have until tomorrow to decide If you are in meet me in the abandoned apartment buildings a block away from the mansion at sundown." Silus said a smirk returning to his face as he got up and grabbed his bag. "Now have a good night everyone, I hope to see you tomorrow." He said as he waved and walked over to the bar to pay his part of the tab before leaving the Green Oasis and returning to his apartment for the night.