Log:Tatooine: Poisoning Bokruk
Bazine Netal engages with Bokruk the Houk
OOC Date: April 5, 2023
Location: Tatooine - Chalmun's Spaceport Cantina
Participants: Borgol the Hutt as GM, Bazine Netal
Bokruk
The in-house band's performance is in rare form tonight! A few beings, whether human or some variety of alien, have even taken to swaying and bopping about upon what constitutes an impromptu dance floor within the cantina. A good deal more patrons treat the infamous cantina as exactly what it so often tends to be: a place of relaxation, but also business. The glowing eyes of a Shistavanen lingers in the gloom of the cantina. The buzzing voice of a Talz can be heard bragging about some recent smuggling run that went astonishingly well. There's a threat hissed from a Barabel spacer to a Chadra-Fan looking to pilfer something from a pouch on the Barabel's utility belt; the Chadra-Fan should likely be thankful that it received a warning hiss from the Barabel in the first place, as opposed to being mauled at the slightest provocation.
The drinks are flowing, business is good, and the great slab of muscle and intimidation that is a Houk called Bokruk can be found. He looms over the bar itself with a massive stoneware cup still dwarfed by his even larger hand. The cloying vapor that rises up from the vessel only serves to reinforce the belief that whatever Bokruk is drinking? It's potent stuff.
Bokruk himself is fairly standard for his species. Which is to say that he stands over seven feet in height, a considerable amount of his weight and overall bulk is comprised of slabs of muscle, his bony skull is likely thick enough to deflect a small calibre slugthrower round, and he's in possession of a thick and almost leathery hide that bears the hallmarks of past battles etched in scarred grooves as though some tapestry of martial achievement.
He doesn't occupy space so much as dominate it. Where Bokruk goes, there is often an absence of other lifeforms. Those other lifeforms more than likely deem it a reasonable idea to simply not be within arm's reach of the Houk and as a result it creates that barren boundary around Bokruk's place in the world.
Where the rest of the cantina is alive with music and sound and business? Bokruk sits in surly silence, enjoying his drink of choice with a grimace etched into his brutish features. It's probably a lonely existence for the personal champion and bodyguard of Mos Eisley's very own mayor; but it would probably be a safe bet to assume that Bokruk prefers it that way.
Bazine Netal managed to arrange a meeting with Bokruk, albeit with some effort. He's not difficult to spot, to be sure, but getting within arms' reach may be something else entirely. It's a nebulous excuse to talk with the bodyguard, but the promise of information of a most important and concerning sort is likely sufficient to get his attention.
The slender woman steps slowly into the cantina, her paces measured and deliberate. Dark eyes survey the room, noting the other little dramas that are occuring in the shadows. She makes her way slowly towards the bar, black-tipped fingers resting lightly before her as she stands still some distance away.
Bokruk
Bokruk is either oblivious to the arrival of a new figure within Chalmun's cantina or just as likely: he doesn't care. So long as he isn't being bothered or otherwise pestered into his infamous temper presenting a reaction, Bokruk seems entirely content to enjoy his drink and his solitude. Naturally such solitude is sure to end as the one he is there to meet will eventually arrive, but for now he waits. He seems neither impatient or anxious at the arrival of his contact. They will arrive or they won't. Either way Bokruk will have his drink and with the passage of enough time: leave.
Bazine Netal watches the big Houk for a moment before she takes a step closer. Then another. Not quite within reach of him, at least not yet. "I have requested a conversation with the mighty and impressive Bokruk. I can only assume that you are he, although the description I was given falls far short of reality."
Bokruk
The arrival, even if outside arm's reach, of another individual results in only a moment of confusion wrought upon the Houk's face. It's clear the Bokruk's unaccustomed to random individuals randomly approaching him at random times. That surprise is quickly swept aside by the more brash demeanor of the Houk as he growls out an instruction to the latest arrival after she's said her part, "Yeah? Flattery's great and all, but I'm here for business. You the one that claimed to have information? Let's hear it," he says with a scowl just before he concludes his remark with a grimace and a threat, "before I get bored." He lifts up his great cup, takes a hearty swig from it, and then places it back to the bar top. His small, fierce eyes fix themselves upon Bazine in the meantime, waiting to hear exactly what it is she wishes to share. She had requested the opportunity to meet, so from Bokruk's perspective the gooth ball is in the new arrival's court. [Language: Huttese]
[PASS ( +33)] Bazine Netal's Charm: Seduce @ (130) diff.
Bazine Netal accepts her cue to approach, and she does so. Her slender figure sways on those platform-soled boots, the sheath dress parting to show the deep slits up each side. Black lips pull into a warm smile that reaches her eyes. "I am also here for business. I would not have deigned to interrupt you otherwise." she begins. A sidelong glance pretends to take in the others nearby, gaze and voice lowering with yet another step closer. "There is going to be an attempt on the Mayor's life. Soon." she offers. "The bar is not the place for details." [Language: Huttese]
Bokruk
If there was something that Bokruk had convinced himself that he'd hear out of this upcoming meeting? That admission wasn't it. More than likely he's well-accustomed to someone seeking a chance to meet with himself in a bid to arrange a meeting with the mayor. Greasing palms often goes far on Tatooine and the Outer Rim in general. Bokruk's expression darkens though and what figment of surprise may have briefly overtaken his brutish visage is quickly swept aside. While he doesn't abandon his drink, he does turn ever so slightly away from it. Forgetting it for a moment he looms large over Bazine as she draws nearer. He actively begins to close the distance between them now, though he does not approach so closely that he could exactly grab her at this point. For the moment he approaches within a few paces and even despite that distance, he still looms over her as though some brutish behemoth prepared to tear more than the ears off of a gundark.
The admission by Bazine soon results in the Houk growling out a demand, "You aren't the mayor's security, so where the details are spit out isn't your decision. When's this going to happen and who's arranging it?" The question isn't spoken politely. In fact it almost seems more a danger not to answer it or otherwise attempt to further persuade the conversation to another locale. [Language: Huttese]
[PASS ( +34)] Bazine Netal's Charm: Seduce @ (120) diff.
Bazine Netal angles her body a little as he looms closer, not to retreat but to present a smaller target. A flicker of fear lights in her eyes, gaze widening a little as he closes. Black lips part, and it's like her gaze can't take in enough of him. "I... don't know all of the details. I overheard a friend of a friend. I just wanted to do the right thing." [Language: Huttese]
Bokruk
Bokruk seems to regard the latest information with a hint of skepticism working its way into his once-upon-a-time mauled face. He truly does look as though at some point in his life a nexu had used his head as a chew toy. He glares down at Bazine and her admission, though he's not at all slow or shy in stating the obvious. Much like a brick to the face, there is little subtlety out of Bokruk the Houk, "You heard about a plot to assassinate the mayor, hrm? But don't know when or where or who. Who's your friend's friend?"
Bokruk soon takes a half-step closer. If he had loomed before, now his gradually growing physical presence is likely beginning to create anxiety in most sentient creatures. While a thick handle of some large blade rests at his side, it is Bokruk's hands that are gradually curling into massive fists that seem the immediate threat if his temper were to swiftly spiral. The next statement is spoken through a deep, guttural growl, "You best start talking real fast. I ain't going to hurt you," he promises, which may or may not be true, "I just want to hear the truth out your mouth." [Language: Huttese]
[PASS ( +4)] Bazine Netal's Entertain: Acting @ (115) diff.
Bazine Netal's eyes widen as the immense Houk steps closer, black-tipped fingers on her right hand trembling as she reaches up to adjust her cowl. (And also to distract from the left...) "I overheard something, yes. It's going to be public, for the people to see." she offers, licking her lips. "One of the Mayor's guards is involved, either to do the deed or let the assassin close." She glances to the bartender, then. "Can I get a drink, please? Something strong." [Language: Huttese]
Bokruk
There is progress and that seems to please Bokruk for the moment. He nods gravely at the latest development and while he does not retreat from his closer proximity to Bazine, that slight lean he had adopted that seemed almost a preamble to his reaching out and attempting to place his immense hands upon her. He stands tall, placing Bazine in his shadow and his gruff Huttese speaks loud and proud, clearly not willing to hide behind whispers and secret dealings, "Now we're getting somewhere. Who's your friend's friend?" That seems to be a sticking point for Bokruk's current line of questioning, because that information would answer a great deal. Then, it seems, Bokruk has an epiphany because he soon asks, "What's your fee for the information? You wanna do the right thing," he says with what's likely a Houk's approximation of a smirk, "but nothing on the Outer Rim's free. What's the price?"
Meanwhile Wuher Jr. steps forward with a disinterested glance and when Bazine requests a drink; something strong without noting anything specific, his eyes roll a touch and he sets to the task of acquiring a drink for her. Something strong. A Tatooine Sunburn it is. [Language: Huttese]
[PASS ( +35)] Bazine Netal's Entertain: Acting @ (110) diff.
Bazine Netal's black lips pull into a small smile when the Houk mentions a fee. Yes, he caught on. While she still looks wary of him, there is a light in her dark eyes as well. Her attention splits a little between the Houk and Wuhur Jr. while she considers.
"The matter of the fee really is the thing, isn't it?" she replies. "I mean after all, what is the Mayor's life worth? Is 10,000 credits too much to ask?" [Language: Huttese]
[PASS ( +55)] Bazine Netal's Haggle @ (110) diff.
Bokruk
The quoted price earns a grimace from the Houk. In answer to it though he shifts, turning his attention toward the exit of Chalmun's cantina. More than likely he's working some figures over in his head and it's taking him a long moment, because math is hard. Finally he nods and his small, beady eyes turn back to Bazine when Bokruk answers with a gruffly spoken, "You'll get five hundred now and if your information pans out? You'll get the rest."
That seems to be the deal that he offers and perhaps entirely dependent upon perspective, to further sweeten the pot, he includes a consolation prize, "If it turns out you're just running a scam, trying to make some easy credits off my good nature?" He says that last bit with a tinge of amusement intruding on his otherwise threatening tone, "Then when I find you, you'll regret trying to cheat me. We got an understanding, hrm?"
He glares down upon Bazine and while he does seem as though he's warmed to what he likely deems little more than a nicely dressed womp rat? There's ever an underlying sense that he could resolve his matters of concern with violent action at any given moment. [Language: Huttese]
[PASS ( +38)] Bazine Netal's Entertain: Acting @ (100) diff.
[PASS ( +90)] Bazine Netal's Sleight Of Hand @ (100) diff.
Bazine Netal smiles up at him, gesturing with her right hand as she speaks. "I assure you that -cheating- you and running a scam is the farthest thing from my mind." she begins, truthfully. The woman shifts a little uneasily, left hand drifting lightly in the direction of the bar, spiking the Houk's drink while the focus is on her right. "Make it 1,000 credits, and I'll tell you the Rodian's name." she replies. Turning towards Wuhur Jr., then, she lifts her drink and tosses it back, as if to seal the deal. [Language: Huttese]
[PASS ( +55)] Bazine Netal's Haggle @ (100) diff.
Bokruk
Another price is quoted and Bokruk's expression darkens as he takes another step forward. He's distracted less by hands and more by the attempted swindling, his voice dropping low and into a brutish growl, "How about five hundred and I don't break your legs?" He doesn't encroach to lay hands upon Bazine, but it's evident that it's within the realm of possibility as the Houk steps ever closer to the informant. He lays one heavy hand upon the bar's top with a distinct thud of the fists sheer weight as he glowers at Bazine and concludes his statement, "So far your information has been nothing but maybes. The eight hundred credits," he says this while his free hand presents a thick credit chit which he holds toward Bazine in the palm of a giant hand, "buys the Rodian's name. Take your payment and give me my name," he says threateningly. [Language: Huttese]
Bazine Netal's heavy brows lift, right hand toying with her drink now. She takes a half-step back, yielding the virtual field as he becomes more menacing. "I happen to be fond of my legs." she declares. "Eight hundred it is. The Rodian's name is Sleemoe." Yes, it's a bit of a play on words. Black-tipped fingers reach for the chit as the name is offered, as if to pluck it lightly from a snap-trap. [Language: Huttese]
[PASS ( +86)] Bazine Netal's Entertain: Acting @ (100) diff.
Bokruk
While Bazine is distracted by the snap-trap hand, it's shown that Bokruk the Houk is capable of his own ruse. He surges forward and down, bringing his own mauled face nearly level with Bazine's when she collects that thick credit chit from his waiting palm. He growls into her face now, hovering so closely, "If I find out this is some game? I'll tear your head off and beat you to death with it!" Sure, one could try to explain to the Houk the unlikelihood of that exact fact? But unless one desired to discovered whether it was, in fact, possible? It's more than likely best to leave it.
A final threat made and Bokruk begins to withdraw from Bazine's vicinity. He offers her a final nod. Now armed with a name, Bokruk seems satisfied and steps away from the information that is Bazine Netal. He does not speak a dismissal or even gesture for her to leave. He simply returns to his drink and once again resumes his silent solitude.
Meanwhile the band continues to play, utterly uncaring of the exchange at the bar. Most of the cantina's occupants have likewise ignored the pair. With certainty a pair of or three of prying eyes and eavesdropping ears have been paying attention, but for the most party business in Chalmun's cantina is as it so often is: people minding their own and sometimes minding other's in a bid to turn a profit for themselves. [Language: Huttese]
Bazine Netal blinks and feigns surprise as he gets right into her face. The woman doesn't quite -scamper- away, but she gulps her drink and sets down the glass. A discreet, last-minute sweep of the room memorizes the faces of a few potential observers, then she moves. Long, stretched strides carry her to the door and outside.
And that is when she affords herself the luxury of a wide smile. The woman heads for the spaceport and her ship, where she'll make the short hop to the Hutt's palace to make her report.
