A moment of your time, Captain? (Closed)

[Faclan]

(Sorry peeps reading this, but this just be a thread mostly between Huka's Kiggy Suf and my Kiggy Nek - perhaps BetaW if he wanted to be doing anything with Kex and Tel during this 'break time' for Neks crew.)


Nek Dal, T'vaoan Mercenary Captain.
Inside the BB, at a tea house.
Doing his darndest to relax.


The Big Bazar, one of the modern marvels of Kig-Yar engineering, floated lazily beside a currently uninhabited mostly purple planet that looked quite nice outside the windows of the huge asteroid. Except the asteroid was actually the BB, a mostly spherical ship surrounded by a very carefully painted rocky hull, holding position as several Kig-Yar and a few Covenant craft, Captained by Kig-Yar of course, were holding position near-by. From a distance and if only the BB was there it would be very hard to see that it wasn't an actual asteroid, and broad scans would often be deflected by its scramblers, but any serious scan would reveal the small exhaust ports or what looked like chimneys stuck into sections of the rock that were actually Impact Cannons. But the BB served its purpose as the major exter-Eyan Space Stations and trading posts of the Kig-Yar people. Although its armament was impressive, but Kig-Yar standards, it could only bring often a cannon or two to a side at once as they were spaceed around the hull, and also had no shield generator and so the few times it had been attacked it relied on the defense of the ships that were there at the time. But the Kigs loved the BB, as it gave them a little home away from home in the vastness of space. One that could slip space to any location needed with enough time, and when a meet-up was scheduled by the female Master of the station the coordinates would be broadcast out to all loyal Kig-Yar with the message of 'Selling and trading all your useless crap!'. Of course they would wait until their Slip Space drives were charged before sending the alert, so they could skedaddle of needed. As well as having an advanced scout arrive before the BB the station had only gotten into a few scrapes in its life-time.

Nek arrived on the second day of the advertised four day stop of the BB - luckily he was in range to make it after his...unsuccessful drop off at the Human outpost where only half the order was able to be delivered. Although he had tried to explain that the UNSC had stolen the communications equipment the base had ordered they didn't want to hear it from him. So he had only received less than half of his pay. His ship was currently holding position off the port side of the BB, and he had several of his crew had taken a pelican to one the BB's recreational hangers and unloaded before the pelican had flown back to pick up some of the cargo he had left to try and get something sold at least. The rest of the crew that had elected to come having gone off to man the stalls for selling or enjoy themselves on the station.

Despite currently sitting in a rather nice Tea House, reclining on a comfy chair with his tea beside him, Nek was currently not feeling that relaxed. It wasn't just the bad trade and the lack of money that was making him nervous, although that was the first step in the issue. It was the family issues it would provoke. He was almost 100% sure that this mission hiccup wouldn't impress Zhal. Even though he had managed to avoid almost certain death with the UNSC she would still see it as him being weak somehow. Glancing down at his chest he clicked open his locket with the pictures of his two children and tried to smile a little at them before sighing a closing it up. Taking another sip of his Tea he closed his eyes and tries to rest back on the chair, letting his mane act as a pillow, just trying to not worry for once in his life. He was around friends after all here. Despite everyone being armed, common in Kig culture, everyone here was an ally of the free Kig-Yar in one way or another. All trying to get some selling and buying done or some rest like Nek...Just need a bit more time to relax.

(Lemme know if you got questions Huka.)

[Huka]

Chur’R-Suf Iin, Ruuhtian Shipmaster
Big Bazar-Tea House White Sails
Relaxing on the Job

Sitting across the tea house in a nice shaded spot, sipping on his hot-coral tea with a delightful sigh and a stoic Bol Sun as his bodyguard was Chur’R-Suf. Dressed in a sea-blue waistcoat inlaid with darker shimmering waves and similar colored trousers holding a plasma pistol-carrying holster as his only visible defense bearing the Iin crest, besides a decorated light-metal mask over his face. However, his T'vaoan pirate was the complete opposite of casual or at least to the norm’s definition; dressed in Murmillo combat uniform with a similarly designed robe underneath to bring more comfort to at least her midsection. Her russet mane moving slightly to the air that looked like elegant trimming to her gear, four boarding pistols resting on thigh and quick grab over her chest via bandolier, along with at least one of her prized Gel knives.

Looking forward from his seat of well-carved mohoha wood, Suf passed the walking inhabitants of the house to see his prey; that very brave or quite dumb captain, Nek. Poor sod would probably get a real ear bud full from his wife if she knew. Shaking his head somewhat, the aged Ruuhtian sighed away the whisps of steam from his tea before drinking again. No matter the subspecies, males had such a distress on them sometimes. The heated liquid running down his parched throat, minty flavor sticking perfectly. “Gonna break a finger, Shipmaster?” Bol finally asked in her soft raspy voice. Eyes still closed, Suf actually pondered for a moment before declining as he sat his big cup down by his talon-tips.

“No,” He answered, “He doesn’t look like a thug much. Probably didn’t have a choice and did what he could to save his skin...but if he does lie, by all means-you may remind him what danger Covenant-aligned folk tend to do.”

The T’vaoan couldn’t help but cackled at that dark joke, considering her situation that caught her under the Guildmaster’s command in the first place. With that, the Corvette commander stood up from his seat and walked along to Nek’s table with a straight back and stoic expression while presenting his quills’ dark-tipped blue coloration of pleasantries. “Captain Dal. Pleasure to find you again.” He greets, placing a hand over the seat across from the fellow mercenary in wordless query to sit.

[Faclan]

Nek Dal, T'vaoan Mercenary Captain.
Inside the BB, at a tea house.
Uhh...ummm...Hi?

Finally able to keep his eyes closed as the sound of quiet talking and the movement around him started to quiet slightly Nek was finally able to smile. His toe-claws flexing a bit as his pants just stopped before them, his jacket resting over his stomach and just a simple shirt on underneath that. The Human Tac-pad set down on the table near his empty tea-cup facing him so he could check it easier. It seemed like he may finally get some sleep before some voice mentioned him by name. Which normally wouldn't cause much concern as he was decently well known around here for being a good bird to go to if you needed Human items, but the second part of the statement made his eyes snap open - especially since he had never heard this voice before.

He hadn't heard the discussion on the other side of the tea-house over the noise of the BB as he had his eyes close. Good as he could have likely bolted when hearing the voice talking about punishment close to him. But with his eyes opened he looked over the Kig-Yar and T'vaoan female that were now standing right beside him. He was still nervous as he didn't recognize either of them, but he could tell the male was a Ship Master from his appearance and the female looked like some type of soldier or guard for him...the male was also getting on in years - but Nek knew his places despite his chaotic upbringing and swiftly moved into action after a brief stare at them.

Twisting sideways on the chair he sat up straight up straight on the middle of it as he set his claws on the table and cleared his tac-pad and cup more to his side as he nodded at the request to sit. With himself in he proper greeting position he bowed his head to both and tried to smile a little as they took the seats at his table.

"Greetings Master and Mistress, what brings you over to my table today? Business or just for a chat?" His nerves were slightly on edge for not knowing who these two Kig-Yar were, but Nek was an experienced trader and knew how to greet his fellow Kig-Yar no matter who they were. Though the Old Bird could likely see his slightly tapping foot through the glass table that betrayed his slight nerves.

[Huka]

Chur’R-Suf Iin, Ruuhtian Shipmaster
Big Bazer-Tea House White Sails

Suf sits down across of the young T’vaoan, feeling his veiled unease at this old stranger across of him. It was an amusing feeling to taste to say the least. If he was a Sangheili Inquisitor, the poor fluff might be thrown all around the tea house and put into some torture for any little sin that he might have committed, down to him not washing his hands. Keeping professional, the Kig-yar put his hands on the table and grasped tight. “I can say business. How did your recent scrap-run go?”He asked with a slight tilt of his head, a question that was both casually asked most of the time amongst traders yet it was easily something more when used right.

Suf certainly knew about Nek’s recent running and noticed similar attention amongst the youngster ship captains, it is both a revolutionary move as well as completely stupid...at least for older birds like himself. Why risk your entire nest for equipment from a species that might not exist in the next decade or some? Besides, Suf had a particular disliking with consulting with the enemy that was marked by the entire Covenant empire. Some good Kig-yar lost their lives and good names like that during the Heretic Uprising. Maybe this fluff will enlighten him some...

Bol seemed restless and aware at all times while deciding to take a seat herself from standing up for a hour. Wrapping one muscular arm around the back of her taken chair, she looked about with no particular interest to keep their atmosphere ‘normal’. Hoping that the rest of the crew was behaving.

[Faclan]

Nek Dal, T'vaoan Mercenary Captain.
Inside the BB, at a tea house.
Ugh...words gotten around.

The two newcomers to Nek's table would notice a drastic shift in the younger T'vaoans appearance once Suf had asked his question. It went from one of slight trepidation about the other two Kig-Yar to...embarrassment? Shifting his position so he could hold his temple a bit with one hand Nek sighed as his other hand moved to be flat on the table.

"You've heard about my failure then? I hope you don't think myself rude Papa but you're not the first to ask about that since I've been here. So either my crew has shared the tale, or the Humans for some reason bragged about their victory over us...but fine." Clearing his throat a little Nek took a drink of tea before continuing. "We were ambushed by Covenant craft, had to run, the ship was damaged, a Human frigate showed up. I was able to keep them from killing us as they had the power to do so even though they were damaged as well. But they made me surrender myself for holding and some of my last shipment to try and fix their communications tower on their ship. They slackened off a little as we worked on repairs but it was still a robbery and hostage situation...Damn UNSC. Why can't they be more like the independent Humans?" He muttered to himself as he slowly drew a circle with his middle claw on the table. "They are actually happy to see us and show respect not just contempt that we are trying to make a profit and maybe even help them. Though some of them don't like me now either since with the UNSC taking my shipment I wasn't able to complete the delivery...Still have to wait an see what Zhal will say, dreading it." Blinking a few times and doing some more claw circles Nek looked up and straightened up his posture to be sitting up straight again as he nodded at the two Kig's across from him.

"Apologies for the rant Master and Mistress, may I know your names if you wish to discuss business?"

(Poor Nek :< )

[Huka]

Chur’R-Suf Iin, Ruuhtian Shipmaster
Big Bazer-Tea House White Sails

Suf actually blinked at the sudden, unadulterated confession from Nek and tried hard not to...do something with the fluff. Slap him for such a execution-worthy outburst infront of witnesses if they had the care to listen in on their conversation? Berate him for such stupidity? Laugh at him? By the Gods, there were options to this but his comrade certainly chose for him.

Bol slapped her beak and laughed out heartily in a raspy exhaling, this fluff was certainly a knee-slapper as a human would say. “D-Did he really just do that? Oh Aecor! I did not expect that to come out of his beak!” She cooed in a barely contained breath before calming herself to snickering after noticing the fierce glare from Suf that could speak through the entire BB if it could.

Covering her beak with a soft coloring under her helm, Bol quieted herself in slight embarrassment infront of Suf, who cleared his throat and returned his attention to Nek.

“While my Second certainly had my thoughts, I am on business and you, my young friend, have made this quite interesting. Would you prefer this in private for both parties’ sake?” He asked, calmly and professionally.

[Faclan]

Nek Dal, T'vaoan Mercenary Captain.
Inside the BB, at a tea house.
A glimmer of hope.

Several other occupants of the teahouse joined in with Bol and laughed at the Captain. Many of them already knew the tale, the story had spread quick around the station after some of the crew had shared of the exchange. The story was often shifted around, sometimes made to make Nek look like the stronger party, but the majority of them painted him a fool and a weakling. Nek was honestly sick of it, for living through a easily lethal encounter he was being made a fool of because no-one died in it. Nek just mostly flopping down against the table with his beak resting on his arms as the laughing finally quieted down from everyone.

"Thanks Papa for quieting them down..." Nek mumbled out as he pushed his empty tea cup away from him before the elder spoke up again, Nek just shrugging a little from his position on the table. All professionalism gone as if Nek thought this would be the end of his career. But he did perk up a bit when the elder said he was still looking for business. Making Nek drag himself back up into his chair to see a little more upright rather than flopped over the table.

"Business with me Papa?...I'm pleased to hear that anyone still wants to do business with me but I have to wonder why you didn't go another captain rather than a 'weakling' like myself. Unless you are looking for Human Items - I'm good at getting those at least?" Nek tilted his head a bit at the two across from him as he hummed a bit. "As for private...we are all business women and men here. Is your contract one that requires that much secrecy?" He returned his head to a more neutral position before adding.

"I also didn't catch your names Master and Mistress."

(Just digging that hole deeper and deeper P: )

[Huka]

Chur’R-Suf Iin, Ruuhtian Shipmaster
Big Bazer-Tea House White Sails

Papa... Suf thought as he looked at the pathetic excuse of a T’vaoan but in that he pitied him somewhat. There’s one thing that Til have rubbed off on him in their long cycles together, Empathy. Sometimes that Sangheili made him sick...

Clasping his talons more as he looked at Captain Dal like a fatherly officer despite the other's higher size, Suf replied, “It does, unless you want a Covenant Destroyer to blast your ship into space dust and I don’t like to see the waste of good talent, no matter how I disagree with the bargained party.” He said, tilting his head to the ever slightly and his quills shifted to a pink-ruby at their roots. Then he jerked his covered beak towards Bol, “This is my bodyguard and second, I am your client, you may refer to me as Nep Tun.” He said standing up finally, staring hard into Nek’s eyes, “Are ye ready to make some real Gekz or continue to squander that ship ye got there as a joke for these good sailors to laugh at?”

Bol stood up herself, brushing on her nice robes like a proper lady despite the broadness of her stance as a dominant female. “Being a ex-pirate, I would say aye to that, Fluff. Especially with that little trip-up.” She said before sucking some hiding meat from her teeth and moving away from the table with little interest.

[Faclan]

Nek Dal, T'vaoan Mercenary Captain.
Inside the BB, at a tea house.
Business is walking away Nek...DO SOMTHING!

Tilting his head a little as the Elder spoke Nek was curious as to why he was being so cryptic...but then again he was old. He knew several eccentric Kig-Yar and T'vaoan elders on this station alone that loved to mess with the younger fluffs. When a name was finally revealed to him Nek just nodded a little as he tried to place a clan or organization to the name but nothing came up immediately. Then again Nek was first to admit that he was scatterbrained right now and he wasn't going to as for clan history at a time like this when it already seemed like he was on thin ice. Apparently thinner than he thought as Nep seemingly offered him a contract and then just up and left - started to at least. Quickly blinking Nek worked to stand up too, leaving a few Gekz on his tea cups saucer Nek grabbed his jacket from the chair and started after the two of them.

"B..But of Course Mistress, it would be very rude of me to not at least hear Master Nep's proposition for Business." Nek quickly responded with as he managed to not trip to appear as more of a klutz as he caught up to the two of them and slowed down to a more sedate pace a few steps behind them as he started to work getting his jacket on. The temperature of the BB kept to slightly cold to simulate a coastal town for that authentic feel. Nek tapping a few keys on his Tac-Pad as they went, letting his crew know he was going to a business meeting, then let his arm fall back to his side as he tried to cheer up a bit as he followed after Tup and his bodyguard.

[Huka]

Chur’R-Suf Iin, Ruuhtian Shipmaster
Big Bazer-En route to the SDV-class Heavy Corvette Burning Lineage
Mother always said: Take control of the talk or end up the other party’s bite'e

Suf fixed on his cuffs in a form to think on what to do with this young fluff. His avian face etched in concentration underneath his metallic mask while standing outside of the tea house for a moment, absorbing the mimicry of true Eayn coastal luster and looked upon the multitude of Kig-yar trading magnificence. Abit dank, lively, and a hive of loveable scum. Certainly home if Suf ever knew it. Glancing over to his T’vaoan second, he knew she probably felt the same way as she smiled and breathed it all in.

The older Kig looked back to their chosen ‘client’ of their visit, his talon gestured for the younger male to approach him before taking a controlled walk through the market towards one of the most luxurious bays. Shopkeepers squeaking about their merchandise; from scraps scavenged from the war’s naval graveyards of Human and Covenant origins to stolen operational equipment of either at the highest prices, probably as much as the real tea herbs from more homely stores.

This was the life blood of the Kig-yar; trading goods and sharing good stories amongst themselves from their ventures throughout the endless sea of stars. Even when the Covenant decided to hire them out, piracy and smuggling was the clear goal. They had no care for marital lusts like the Sangheili and certainly no ‘religious domineering’ like the San’Shyuum, they were just…good businessmen and through the course of their history with the Covenant, it still reigned. Not as prominent with the asteroid colonies as Eayn protected by its advantageous rings of rock but it was there as a proud merit.

Suf halted abruptly at a sudden appearance of a quick-speaking Ruuhtian presenting a Sangheili arum, patiently staring at the object while the seller rambled on about it being authentic made by Ontom monks and storing a special jewel that none of its past holders could open yet, and the real nice price of fifteen hundred Gekz. Cheap for what a real Ontom arum would really cost or the jewel traded inside isn’t worth much. The elder extended his hand expectingly, making the younger male halt and stare out in question with his talons holding onto his possession. “If it is an authentic arum, I need know its prize is still inside.” He said with a neutral tone. The seller shook it abit while staring into the milky grays of the Shipmaster’s eyes before surrendering without much disapproval.

The Shipmaster brought it up to his ear and shook it with evident curiosity, the object inside jingled with a clear sound. It sounded like a cut gem from the tinks of the facets and soft fullness. “Very well, I will pay for this fine souvenir and hope to get a grand entertainment from it.” He answered, pulling his left sleeve back to reveal his personal pad strapped on his arm before making his purchase.

During this simple transaction, Bol was bothered with her own eager merchant, who was trying to get her to buy some useless junk that would ’supposely’ work on any kig-yar ship boarded at the BB. Rolling her eyes in disinterest, the large female erected her more on her taloned toes and quickly asserted her ’need’ with his junk. “Listen, little bird. I don’t need, never mind want, your two-bit junk that you find from floating junk piles!” She hissed, snatching the intimidated bird before he could escape, “If you want to bother someone, go to those jokers over there. They look like they need some ’quality goods’.” With her talon pointed to a small group of youthful T’vaoan before yanking the merchant away with a huff.

“Bol…” Suf’s voice called out, making the she-pirate chirp out. “…Yes, Boss?” “Be more polite, they try in their businesses.” The older bird said before looking at his new toy as he continued on their move along the BB. “So please, Nek. Tell me abit about yourself, it helps pass the time.” He insisted when they got out of the hassle while Bol sneered anymore distractions away until they got to a elevator, waiting on the lift to come up.

[Faclan]

Nek Dal, T'vaoan Mercenary Captain.
Inside the BB, heading to Master Nep's ship.
Calming down a little as they go.

Now that he had caught up to Nep and Bol, if he had heard right, Nek was able to walk at a more sedate pace. With his jacket on and rolled up so his arm feathers could puff out Nek couldn't help but smile at everyone just selling and talking. He loved to come to the BB just for times like this. If he wasn't being rediclued this time he would be enjoying it a lot more but the charm of this place was impossible to feel. The prices, the laughing, the occasional shout and wet smack of a disagreement - it made one nearly forget their troubles as the smell and chill harkened back to times long past. Busy coast towns during the few bad sailing months where the yearss haul would be sold to other captains or the businesses on the land.

Pausing as Master Nep was stopped by a trinket seller Nek seemed to be free of accostation as he looked around at the walls and his kind around him. Humming a little Nek wondered if the BB would ever open its doors for non-Kig-Yar...He suspected no when the war was going on. Too many unknown hostiles or those working for a group that would want nothing more than to see this station blown to tiny bits. He knew the current Commodore of the station was very adamant of keeping this only open to Kig-Yar. He believed that even those who were devout and worked closely with the Covenant would have enough racial pride to want to protect the station. And up until now that had sure been the case as the Station had survived the start of the war and just fine up till now...Still, Nek mused, if the war ever did end he suspected that the doors would eventually be open.

He missed a few tugs at his jacket arm as he thought about a BB open to all...So much business and items from every corner of the universe. It was almost too much to take in and it make Nek quiet pleased. He hoped he would see something like that one day, but a sharp tug finally made me look to the side as a seller had caught his attention. Though he had stopped in a main walk-way as Master Nep had as well, so Nek wasn't surprised or annoyed that he had been approached. It was to be expected if you stopped. And he was especially not annoyed when he saw that the seller had a tray of fruit hooked onto a strap over her neck.

"Melon slices from a Human world, just a few Gekz, care for some?"

Nek bopped his beak in a nod as he quickly bought three and the seller quickly left him alone. Nek turning back just in time to see Bol nearly throw a scrap seller to the ground. Frowning a little at the females rudeness Nek kept himself from saying anything as they finally started to walk again - doing his best to ignore the laughs from a cell of young T'vaoan Minors once they spotted him.

They stopped again shortly afterwards at one of the lifts that would take them either up or down to the docking rings around the entire station. Nek happily munching on his melon slice as Nep told him to talk about himself. Nodding a bit Nek opened his beak to start, but offered the other two slices before he started.

"A little treat? But myself, well..." Stepping into the elevator as he arrived he started as the doors shut and the lift started. "I was born on a ship, spent most my life on one, and was put in engine maintenance since that was the only thing left. It was a pretty full ship. Did that for most of my life while learning what I could about the Humans from the records we got. But the ship was attacked," he frowned a bit before continuing. "By an Ibie'shan crew of pirates. Most of the crew was killed, my Papa included, and the rest of us were put to slave labor in their ship. I was back with the engines, trying to keep their overclocked engines from blowing up. Eventually the pirates were pirated themselves and I was...we'll say 'rescued'." Stopping as he keeled over and coughed a bit he straightened up and rubbed his throat a bit. "Sorry, those Human smoke sticks were a terrible idea...Anyway. This new crew with my umm...err..Mistress as ShipMistress, put me on the same job and I was back in the engine room. But this ship had got their hands on a Covenant drive and after several weeks we had got it working with three of our reactors to power it. One day Zahl, the Shipmistress who had picked me over the other males, pulled me aside and got two little chicks..." Nek looked down and seemed sad at this before clearing his throat, giving a little cough, and continuing. "But shortly after that the Mercenary fleet we're a part of got a new ship and she left the one I upgraded to me...taking our chicks with her too."

They may have stepped out of the elevator and made it to Neps ship by now but Nek probably didn't notice as he lightly picked up the locket around his neck and clicked it open if Nep or Bol wished to see. "These are them just after hatching - Yul and Posn...But Zahl hasn't let me see them for nearing on a year now. I apologize for the rambling Master Nep."

(Such happy people the Kigs be...so long as there's business around >.> . Hopefully gud Huka, sorry for the rambling of Nek P: .)

[Huka]

Chur’R-Suf, Ruuhtian Shipmaster
Big Bazaar, En route to the Burning Lineage
Unexpected story-telling

Chur’R-Suf nodded to the young Fluff’s tale after taking one of the human melon between his talons, eating it quick before the sticky juices seeped down his hand for his laced cuffs and that was an annoyance to get out! Bol however refused with a little wave of his hand, crossing her strong arms over her armored chest while feeling the elevator move. When the hacking of Nek’s coughs stared, Suf looked down at the mercenary and patted his back some by instinct. “They were.” He agreed, aware of the humans’ ‘Sweet Cigars’ going around in cargo holds lately and stinking up the place. At the end of the life story, Suf grunted and stepped out of the elevator into the high-priced dock meant to Kig royalty and bosses.

Halting at the shiny glint of Nek’s locket, Suf looked down at the little chicks and actually felt a little tug at his heart. Damn boy. Reaching up, he clasped his talons around the T’vaoan’s hands to hide the locket as he gave him a somewhat stern look, “Be careful of showing that around.” He insisted, “Ok, Fluff?”

Ahead of them, Bol smacked one of the lazying Kig-yar in the back of the head and hissed venomous before the smaller punk could retort or apologize on who just hit him, instantly picking up a crate and carrying it to a cargo carrier full of carefully arranged items while the loom of the Covenant heavy corvette rested outside from the umbilical cord, hinted by only the shielded separation between the cord and the waiting primary hanger.

Multitude of Kig-yar moved about to get their cargo in, trading off weapons of various origins between themselves and merchants, especially with piles of human equipments on the receiving side while the mercenaries getting their new stuff checked diligently for any frauds or traps. In particular, a T’vaoan Commando with the strut of an Alpha moved along and randomly checked on progress with a light repeater in hand, visored eyes looking for anything to kill on a moment’s notice.

(Not as much as I would like but late than never)

[Faclan]

Nek Dal, T'vaoan Mercenary Captain.
BB, Executive docking level.
Remain Calm...

Having smiled and thanked Nep when he patted his back Nek finished up his tale and then worked on getting his mind back on track. A look around after they exited the elevator let him know that he was in the very expensive docks. A place he had only seen twice before, once when he was shown around the station by the stations Commodore, and again when Zahl showed him the new ship the fleet got - shortly before she left him. Shoving the unfortunate memory from his mind he glanced down when Nep closed his hand around his locket. It surprised Nek that Nep was doing that. But then again, Nek mused as he nodded and slid it into a pocket in his jacket, there were a lot of things about Papa Nep that were odd.

Glancing to the side as Neps guard smacked another Kig-Yar Nek hoped he never got on her bad side as he started to roll some of the oddities through his pointy skull; Nep was clearly very wealthy, or powerful, judging from not only his clothing but also his ability to have a ship docked in this part of the station. The wealth or power only grew as they stopped outside the umbilical of the Covenant Corvette, the large heavy ship. Why did he need Nek if he had a ship like this? It actually made Nek a little worried that Master Nep was a Covenant employed Kiggy...then again he could have stole it? Maybe? Nep would be able to catch the flashes of worry as they stood outside the ship. But Nek finally just nodded a little as he turned to Nep. "Impressive vessel Master Nep," just managing to keep his voice from squeaking as he glanced over a bit to see the large Commando watching him. He couldn't tell if he was BB security or what...but he did have an extra melon slice since Bol didn't want hers. Doing his best to smile at the large male Nek held out the slice to the armored one.

But he turned his head back to face Nep as he waited for the offering to be declined or accepted. "Request permission to come aboard to discuss business Cap'n?" He said, trying to add some humor into the moment to get his nerves back under control - but the elder could likely still see the T'vaoan was still a bit spooked.

[Huka]

Chur’R-Suf, Ruuhtian Shipmaster
Big Bazaar, Executive Docking Level
The Best Part

“She is a magnificent ship; sizeable, strong, and mobile...but I am thinking for something more, defendable you know?” Suf said with idle talk, imagining his new ship being retrofitted and perfect to hold a good nest of allies while surviving a possible human slug blast. Damnable, respectable aliens. The thought birthed a barely contained sneer on his beak, thankfully hidden enough by his mask.

While Nek seemed distracted with looking around at his crew, the Shipmaster was approached by a wary Kruth. The Ibie’shan Unggoy overseer, dressed in a coveralls and his shield emitter over his left arm while his pad occupied the other wrist. Apparently there have been ‘disagreements’ with the new Unggoy clutches involving the starboard methane den. This provoked an annoyed hiss of the elder’s throat, typical unggoy...

All the while, Nek had the encounter with the master of Burning Lineage’s hard-whipped security, former Covenant Commando Lun Hun. Upon being approached, the T’vaoan cocked his head in curiosity of the unfamiliar face smiling at him. His beak sneered dangerously and mane started to flare until his nostril-slits sniffed to something juicy.

“Hm?” He questioned, catching the offered melon. Straightening his body up, Lun took the slice and seemed abit distrustful. Then his optics looked at Nek, “Thanks. Behave and you won’t be thrown in the airlock.” He said morbidly before continuing on his patrol, offhandedly giving a lowly Kig a piece of his fruit to eat on first as a secretive precaution.

When the business about the Unggoy was done in time, Suf turned his head towards Nek with a slight chirp, “You may step aboard...” He said with a certain depth to his voice, so eager to drop the bomb the younger male a hint of this being Covenant ship that broke into the captain’s mishap with the Humans as he walked into the umbilical cord.

[Faclan]

Nek Dal, T'vaoan Mercenary Captain.
BB, Executive docking level.
The long medium walk

Nek just nodded slowly as Master Nep listed off all the things his ship was amazing at. He took special note of 'mobile', a little smirk coming across Neks own beak as he thought about that. He had the sinking feeling that even with its Covie engines his ship could out run it. But he kept that to himself as he just nodded and first addressed the Commando. Most Humans would think that was aggressive, what the security said to him, but Nek just nodded and dipped his beak a little as it was par for the course with how many of their species loved to steal things.

"Not going to be an issue Sir, but I am sure they are impressive airlocks." Turning back to Nep and the decent walk out to the docked vessel, staying quiet as Nep talked to one of his crew members, Nek bobbed his head again as he started the walk. Hopefully Nep would walk with him but if not then he would turn his head around and try to make some more small talk. Of course he made sure the path ahead was clear before turning his head around backwards.

"Thank you Cap'n - your vessel certainly is a better overall package than mine; I would assume in the weapons for sure, but I would hope that the years of work I put into my engines would let me at least keep up with it. DUnno about cargo space either." He mused as he looked ahead again and out the umbilical to see how high the ship was. "But then again I doubt cargo transport is a big need of a vessel like this." He finished as he was now at the door of the vessel. If it was open he walked in, if not he waited for Nep to enter and hopefully lead him to a room to discuss business - of which Nek still hopes that's all this visit will be about.

[Huka]

Chur’R-Suf, Rhuutian Shipmaster
Umbilical cord into the Burning Lineage

Suf kept a steady casual pace as he made sure the young Nek was right at his side, always in view of his marble gray eyes under his mask while his first-mate stride behind the pair. “While I do perform transport jobs, it is not...cargo.” He hinted out for the heck of it, coming to a halt as the cord hissed and sterilized the three as automatic precaution when the entry way clamped shut behind them. The old Rhuutian closed his eyes at a near puff of the gases into the large optics before blinking somewhat in annoyance while brushing at his sleeves’ resistant yet fashionable material. He may be a practical and sometimes simple ex-crimnal once upon a time, but by Aecor, he was going to enjoy his possessions and fashion sense!

“Welcome aboard the Covenant SDV-class heavy corvette Burning Lineage.” Suf announced in proud introduction before the doors infront of the two slid open to reveal two T’vaoan Murmillo waiting for the trio with at least a hand on holstered plasma pistols. “Please...” The older male started, gesturing the Captain forward, “Step right on in and we can truly begin our business arrangement.” 

Behind poor Nek, Bol snickered in her female cutthroat fashion fit for a ex-pirate.

[Faclan]

Nek Dal, T'vaoan Mercenary Captain.
Aboard the Burning Lineage
Am I missing somthing?

"Oh, combat detail then? Or do you run missions for the Sangheili perhaps?" Nek asked, trying to make small talk as the area around them was sterilized, Nek hoping that it was a good system as he had heard horror stories of these types of systems sucking out all the air and keeping the doors locked tight until the 'impurities' had to be retrieved with some cutting torches. So as he waited he shifted around a bit and adjusted his jacket, wondering what the interior of this vessel looked like - he had never been on this class of Covie ship before. Normally he would be dreading it but this wasn't a one way trip to the brig and then execution so he was pretty calm about - even when Nep announced that it was a Covenant ship.

"Umm...of course it is Covenant Papa Nep - wrong type of design for a Kig-Yar vessel and too colorful for a Human vessel." Clearly the T'vaoan was unaware of the subtler meaning behind what Nep said as he continued - or the danger he was in. "Nice name for it though." He added as he smiled a bit at the two Murmillos. The T'vaoan wasn't scared now because there were two more Covenant vessels docked at the BB currently, possibly more since he checked last, and he just saw Nep as a Kig-Yar that was employed by the Covenant that still enjoyed to trade and barter with his species.

He did glance back when Neps second started to snicker as he tilted his head a little at Nep before starting to walk forward. "Alright, is there an issue Master Nep? A joke perhaps that I am missing?" He asked, about to move in between the two armored Murmillos. "Is there need for grasped weapons in a business meeting? Would you like mine since I'm a guest on your ship?"

Poor foolish boy.

[Huka]

Chur’R-Suf, Rhuutian Shipmaster
Aboard the Burning Lineage
This hatchling...how is he still alive?

Suf honestly was surprised, annoyed and greatly amused at the blank innocence on this T’vaoan. He didn’t know to berate or smack him before just lightly gripping at the bridge of his masked face with the tip of his talons, “Guards, will you please escort Captain Dal to the room, please.” He simply said in defeat, seeing the normal tactics isn’t going to work, reminding himself he is dealing with a fluffling than an experienced bloodthirsty pirate. “Yes, Shipmaster.” The senior of the pair acknowledged, stepping forward and gripped Nek’s shoulder, gesturing with his head towards the only exit, “Come along.”

The pair took Nek out of the company of the old Shipmaster and his first mate. The handler had the younger T’vaoan at his side, hand keeping the younger male in line while his comrade took their flank at the ready for a clear shot into the boy’s back. Striding through the primary hanger, the mercenary found himself in a mixed ship with Kig-yar of all subspecies dressed in either casual typical evo-wear or Covenant gear overseeing, or even helping the Unggoy majority acting as willing labor without the need to point a gun at their gas-sucking heads. Several had curious-and abit vicious-eyes on Nek but kept to their jobs.

Entering through a side starboard door after it twisted and opened itself via proximity sensors into a hall leading for a curved descent into the Burning Lineage’s lower bowel that had a faint scent of leaked methane, plasma, and the odd sea-like smell of Eayn incense. Passing a few sturdy guards dressed in genuine Gel armor and from their signils on their chests...they were Gel! One of them hissed venomously at Nek with a flex of her bladed fingers before keeping in place. The Murmillo led the boy along until they came to the stop of a door. The one from the back pressed his hand onto the access pad and allowed the door to open into a dimly lit room with a long finely carved wooden table with two metal yet cushioned seats fit for Kig structure. “The Shipmaster will be with you in a moment. Please step in.” The older instructed professionally.

[Faclan]

Nek Dal, T'vaoan Mercenary Captain.
Aboard the Burning Lineage
Oh...OH...Aecor save me...

The elder Kig-Yar would likely find great amusement from Nek's face as the T'vaoan finally started to realize what was going on. The final moment of realization, where his face dropped rather than just widening eyes, would be when the Murmillos took Neks shoulder. Nek starting to try and back pedal and pull away, but a quick look showed him that the ships exit was shut and Nep, as well as his second and another Murmillo, were between him and it. "Oh Aecor no...Master Nep! I..uhh...Sorry?" He squeaked out before he was marched off into this ship. This Covenant made ship with a Covenant captain...and he, the T'vaoan that traded openly with Humans and had just helped a UNSC Captain fix her ship as well.

His panic was evident but the few times he tried to pull free from the T'vaoan guards the grip barely even shifted as he was marched along. He took a few glances at the Unggoy that seemed to be happy, and the fact that this Elder Rhuutian had strong younger T'vaoan under his command, but he was needless to say distracted to be taking in the scenery.

But when they started to walk down into the bowels Nek stopped all kinds of resisting as he recognized the Nest the guards belonged to. Gel. The Elder had those psychos under his command too!? Not making eye contact with any of those warriors as he was led down the hallway and finally to the room. He just had time to gulp before he stepped in the room and the door then closed behind him.

Slowly running his hands over his head and through his mane Nek tried to get his fear under control. But it was impossible as he was probably about to be slowly tortured here to death, or taken to some Sangheili so they could do it instead. His crew would never know what happened, his kids would never know and Zahl probably wouldn't even care. Slumping in the furthest chair from the door he came through Nek flopped forward to lay his head on the table on his arms as he shut his eyes and let his beak point downward toward the floor as he had a little cry. It wasn't for long but a few tears did slide down his beak and onto the floor as he thought about never seeing his children again. And also being furious with himself and also with master Nep that his trusting nature was taken advantage of to lead him to death...Thankfully when the door opened again Nek had stopped his silent cries and cleaned off his face as he looked up to see who was there, who would be his sunk executioner.

(Daw lookit, the lil fluff finally figured it out!...Poor Nek :< )

[Huka]

Shipmaster Chur’R-Suf, Rhuutian Shipmaster
Aboard the Burning Lineage, Starboard Brig

Stepping through the door was Nek Dal’s judge, jury and most possibly...from the slow placing of a rather ornate dart pistol at the edge of the table, executioner. Suf waited for the door behind him to shut and lock behind his back before taking off his robes to reveal a sleeveless evo-suit fitted with an armored cuirass. Long, toned, arms flexed with the tension of his sharply-filed talons from the openings while the elbow quills had a red rooted hue to it. Mild anger.

The elder was quiet while he slipped the robes on the back of his chair before taking a seat with his hands clasping each other for a moment. His pupils are thin and venomous as vine-vipers of Eayn’s tropical lands. “Do ye know why ye’re here, Nek Dal?” He questioned, his voice less professional and more ‘personal’. The rough accent of an born Asteroid colonist in the wild fringe of pirate space tempered by decades of educated theology and deadly intelligence rasping from the Shipmaster’s age-rippled voice. Staring straight at Nek with such stern condemnation, it was a wonder why he don't just put a dart between the younger male's eyes now and get it over with. Maybe he was sadistic and enjoyed to watch his victims squirm before doing it. Maybe...

[Faclan]

Nek Dal, T'vaoan Mercenary Captain.
Aboard the Burning Lineage
Cornered bird.

At least Master Nep was going to do it himself and not just offload the job to some crate lifter...that showed some level of respect as Nek sat nearly upright in the chair and watched the elder. He was trying not to show fear, but was doing a terrible job of it as his mane of feathers rose slowly, eyes kept darting around the room, and his claws on the table kept twitching. But when asked the question, Nek guessing that Master Nep had just been acting before if he actually sounded like this - making himself more annoyed that he had fallen for the trick. And the accent brought back very bad memories of his slavery aboard the Sisterhood vessel...(going to add that to his profile when I finish this post)

"Because I did business with the wrong side? Because I was robbed of my shipments by the UNSC? Because you support the Covenant and I don't? Which is it Master Nep!?" He hissed out, at least showing a bit of spine. But the show was tempered a little by his fear signals and Nek left hand clutching the locket around his neck as he breathed deeply and tried not to cry again. Nek's own eyes watching the Rhuutian closely as they sat at opposite ends of the table. Well watching the Elder and the very nice looking dart pistol that was beside him - the T'vaoan very aware of the missing pistols from his thigh and under his arm.

(I noticed Nek was never disarmed...going to assume that he was during the walk down >.> .)

[Huka]

Chur-R’Suf, Rhuutian Shipmaster
Aboard the Burning Lineage
Handling business and scaring hatchlings

“Because you done business with the enemy, lost your shipment to said-enemy and potential to lessen our reputation in the Covenant than it already is...” He hissed right back with that age rasp that made the sound more threatening and ancient than it was. “It is hard enough keeping stinking gas-suckers off our ships as obnoxious spies for the Prophets. Unggoy, Fluff! Now with this war, Sangheili are locking down on us even more after past incidents with the humans’ bad bloods. As much of a business opportunity it is for us, it is a blunt trap to snuff out fools and traitors.”

Suf struck hard and blunt like a club, he didn’t have time or needed a little dance around with a newblood. His quills darkened to a bloody human scarlet with poisonous green tips before they calmed just as quick. “As a long-timed operative of the Covenant, I am obliged to summarily execute you for conspiring with the enemy...” He stated with a dreadful pause to let it sink in before continuing, “However, I am a Kig-yar foremost and I understand the pains of my people and most importantly-to survive another day. So...I will give you a chance to persuade me into a investment; why did you help a enemy of our most prominent bosses? I would like to hear the trouble from the beak and if you have any incline to lie to me. Just know I like to practice with live targets before going for the head."

[Faclan]

Nek Dal, T'vaoan Mercenary Captain.
Aboard the Burning Lineage
Talk for your life!

Nek was silent as the charges against him were laid out - they were legitimate issues even if Nek didn't agree with them because he wasn't a Covenant fan. Though that clearly didn't matter to Master Nep as he was the one with the weapon and the entire ship full of Gel psychos and other soldiers to make his death long and painful. He started to look around more urgently when Nep paused, catching the anger in his quills before Nep let it know that he was not only allowed but obliged to kill Nek for doing business. The T'vaoan couldn't help but squeak quietly in fear as he got off the chair and crouched behind the table, just his eyes and mane over the edge so he could keep watching the elder on the other side. There was quiet patting as Nek had the tiny hope that another weapon was under the table like many other Kigs would have, but no fish there. Nep was just dragging this out to painful lengths...and it was working.

But he stopped when Nep told him that he had a chance to debate for his life?...Interesting. Thankfully Nek was much better at talking than he was dodging flechettes so this may actually have a chance of him leaving the room alive. "Err...right PapMaster Nep!...If that is your name. But uhh." He stopped as he ducked under the table fully and could be heard breathing deeply to try and calm himself, before having a coughing fit for a bit, and then poking his eyes and mane back over the edge of the table. He made sure the Rhuutian was still in his chair before he started to try and explain what happened.

"Earlier I explained it in brief in the tea house but I'll try to give a more complete story this time...My ship was preparing for a jump after we had just finished one from a Innie base with a shipment bound for another one. A Covenant patrol found us and we had to make an emergency jump. After exiting before the engines melted down we happened to land in very close proximity to a Human ship. They were beat up as well but their big cannon was still working and that was pointed at us so I had to try and explain the situation carefully. The Mistress in command of that ship nearly killed me a few times but in time I was moved from my ship to theirs to work out a 'deal'." He hissed a bit from his half head showing position before he continued. "This 'deal' turned out to be the Human robbing me of the shipment meant for the other Innie base and forcing my crew to use it to repair her communications station as best as we could with the ground communications equipment. After that was done to the best we could we went to a UNSC comm station so she could call for help...I had intended to leave at this time but a very large UN SC ship showed up with two other frigates and I was held at gunpoint again. But the Master of the big ship, after I explained that I was a T'vaoan but not Covenant accepted it and just let me leave."

Having another little cough he crouched up a little higher so his beak was over the table as he licked his teeth a bit. "Is that acceptable Elder?" He cheeped out quietly, reeeeeally hoping it was.

(Oh Nek, you hilarious fool :3)