human
Nos Astra was the biggest city on Illium, itd be the capital if the planet had any sort of central government like that. Instead though the cities were more or less independent from one another and everything else. Just about everything known in the galaxy could be bought and sold, legally, in Nos Astra, including people. The only things that werent legal were theft and murder, and that was about it. Some people fund similarities between here and Omega, and there were certainly some common threads but there was more order in Nos Astra by far, and the divides between the various ranks was not who had the biggest stick, but how much money you had. If you had enough money, you were practically royalty in Nos Astra. Things were still dangerous here, even deadly, but there was a polished veneer to the place that Omega lacked that gave people a false sense of security.
To people who had lived here for any length of time, they knew better. That included Alexa Hudson, who had just started her shift at the Blue Star, one of Nos Astras many strip clubs. This one was a little classier than most, not the most high end but getting up there. It was dark, clean, the drinks were strong, if customers got too rough or demanding they were booted out, and there were a variety of workers available. On Nos Astra, asari were the most common race, but the Blue Star actually had other races working for them, as well as men. Alexa was one of the human dancers, a sleek blonde (a rarity these days among humans) with full curves that made heads turn everywhere she went even when she wasnt working.
At work though, especially, since she of course was dressed to catch the eye, the usual spandex body suit hugging her like a second skin, dark blue and slightly metallic. The neck came up to her jaw line, but a diamond shape was cut over the chest, dipping down low to put her cleavage on display another was cut out over her stomach, once again dipping low, exposing most of her stomach with the bottom point level with low on her hips. The back had a similar motif, almost nonexistent as it was just one open diamond shape, from the nape of her neck to the small of her back just above where it began to curve back out with the shape of her ass.
Alexa had never seen Earth, she had been born on a human colony, how shed ended up here was a long pretty uninteresting story in her opinion. It didnt matter anyway, she was here now and making a pretty decent living dancing and stripping privately. Alexa didnt strip on stage, you had to pay extra to see her in the buff, and a lot of men (and a few women) did just that. More than that would cost you even more, way more, she wasnt above it, but she didnt see herself as some prostitute. She had standards, both for how she was treated and who she saw privately.
Tonight, she didnt spot any of her regulars though, so working the circuit it was, her most charming smile on her face. Her blonde hair fell to her shoulders in smooth waves and her bright green eyes were lined with black to make them pop a bit more. She wasnt due up on stage for a couple of hours, so until then it was flirt and see if anyone wanted a table or lap dance, for a fee of course, or a private dance if they really had the credits to drop. A slow, throbbing beat poured out of the walls, and there was an asari up on the stage, working the pole like shed been doing it for a hundred years, because she probably had. Everything seemed pretty normal really, just another night in Nos Asta, but really, Alexa should know better than to think that.
gpt
Illium was pretty well-known amongwell, pretty much anyone not living under a rock. So few restrictions, endless sources of entertainmentit was ripe for moneymaking. Of course, the ones who usually benefited from this were people who owned their own companies in the cities. Still, it wasnt unheard of for many a mercenary to get a good job lined up every now and then, especially when competition between companies became heated. It was also often a safe haven for those wanted by the law. Pay the right person, and theyd suddenly have no clue who was hiding away in their clubs or hotels.
It was practically heaven to a guy like Sius Laetus. A turian, Sius was a mercenary of extraordinary caliber. He went through some basic training on his home planet, but that wasnt enough for him. He wanted adventure and a lucrative paycheck. Once he felt he could do it, he managed to go AWOL, starting his way from the bottom. He was a space pirate for a while before climbing the ranks, further developing his skills in combat and firearms before he could finally make a name for himself as a mercenary. Despite being somewhat young, he was tall and imposing. His carapace was a dark, almost brownish grey with striking violet tattoos adorning his face. His eyes were lavender, and they truly stood out against his skin. Along the left side of the crest on his head, he sported three silver hoop piercings. In addition to the occasional scar on his torso and the burn scar on his right cheek, the mere sight of him made his targets, and even clients, shudder.
And yethe didnt act like it was a big deal. In fact, he was quite casual about his lifestyle, cocky and brash. But perhaps that was what terrified his marks. He could afford to be bold, because he had the skill and strength to back it up. Once a mark caught wind of who was hunting them, they would usually find some backwater place to lay low. But this time was different. He kept to the shadows as he watched the man approach the Blue Star. The man was a human with a shaved head and patchy stubble. He was pale and solidly built. His right eye was an eerie, steely blue. His left, however, had gone milky white; he and Sius had crossed paths beforeand that blind eye was a souvenir.
This man was a pirate who called himself the Bulldog. He was known for getting involved in just about everything that was illegal: murder, terrorism, drugs, trafficking of any species he could get his grubby hands onthe guy was dirt. Dirt with a lot of credits on his head. Sius watched carefully as the man stopped just outside the club, glancing around before giving a confident grin as three other men approached him. One of these guys was a Krogan. He was a little on the small side, somehow, and sported numerous scars on his face. The other two guys were human. Both were somewhat short, but one was slender while the other waswell, stocky. They approached the bouncer together and seemed to pay him before venturing inside. Sius grinned before emerging from his hiding place.
He approached the bouncer who promptly stood in his way. This guy was another turian, though he wasnt one he recognized. The bouncer, however, seemed to know him as he scowled.
You. Youre that mercenaryget out of here, we dont want anyone causing a ruckus, he said gruffly.
Sius just grinned more.Now why would I cause troubleunless youve got my mark hidden away in there.The bouncer shifted uncomfortably.Look, I need in there. Everyone has their price, and uhhow does two hundred credits sound?
He lifted his arm and queued his omnitool, ready to transfer the money. The bouncers eyes widened a bit before nodding. We never met.
Sius chuckled and patted the bouncers shoulder before transferring the money. Two hundred credits was peanuts compared to what he was going to get for his mark. He strolled in like he belonged, happy to see that the man he was after, along with his goons, had their eyes glued to the stage. His gaze followed theirs, but what he saw elicited a disappointed sigh. The woman dancing was asari. Sure, she was pretty and had an alluring figure, but oddly Sius was never one for asari girls. In fact, if anything, he preferred human women. As a travelling mercenary, he has had his fair share of fun with women. There was something sounique about humans. Their skin was so softthe hair, the eyesjust beautiful. Yeahmost turians would judge him, but he definitely had a fetish for human women.
Lucky him. He happened to spot a rather gorgeous woman patrolling the audience. Long blonde hair, deep cleavage, beautiful faceoh yeah. Hed probably come back to spend a few credits for a nice private dance with her. But in the meantime, he needed to just watch Bulldog and his boys.
Bulldog was grinning lewdly as he and his buddies watched the asaris provocative dance. She was sexy as hell. They were all shouting lewdly at her, hoping that she would somehow cave to the pressure and start baring it all for them to ogle at. But the dancer seemed to ignore them. This wasnt a problem, of course. It was the chase that Bulldog liked the most, and all this catcalling was justforeplay in his twisted mind.
Yes, he did think hed try to corner the asari at some point, but that was when the blonde came around. His jaw practically dropped as he gazed at her exposed skin. That skintight suit of hers left little to the imagination, and he licked his cracked lips. He picked up his glass as she was just about to pass him.
Hey babe. Why dont you bring papa another scotch?he called to her. He waited patiently, hoping to get her within arms reach.Or maybe sit on my lap, baby. You seem to be enjoyin the show, so why dont you watch it with me?
Sius rolled his eyes as he eavesdropped.Thatwas his way to try and get a woman close to him? Pathetic. Of course, weaker humans did tend to be more yappyso maybe he should have expected that.
human
Alexa had to deal with a lot of jerks and sleazeballs in her line of work, you got good at just being able to force a smile and put up with it. And you also got good at being able to tell which ones would make it worth your while and which ones just thought they could treat a woman like a piece of shit because she was a stripper. It was hard to tell with this guy honestly but Alexa was thinking he wasnt worth her time. And serving drinks definitely wasnt, they had waitresses for that, in fact she would get in trouble serving drinks as she got paid too much to be doing something like that. So she just flashed the guy a charming smile, I can flag down a waitress for you if you like, but youd have to pay me up front to get you a scotch.
She didnt get too close, just stood there, taunting him a bit with her posture, one hand on one of her curvy hips. If he actually started putting his credits where his ugly mouth was maybe shed come closer, but at the moment he just seemed to be having fun harassing everyone. The club had its own network, it was easy for customers to transfer credits to one of the employees, whether it be a tip for drinks or actually paying for a service. And she hadnt gotten a thing from him.
With some of the softer guys, she might talk to them and flirt and butter them up to convince them to commit, but this guy surely had spent his fair share of time in strip clubs. He had to know how this worked, he had to make it worth her time to get her attention, especially if he was going to act like a jerk.
gpt
Bulldogs grin remained, though he scoffed at her rebuff. He waved her on before looking back to the stage.
Tch, whatever, babe,he said dismissively.
He was tryinga bit too hard, one might sayto act like he didnt care. But it didnt take long for his gaze to return to Alexa. He drank in her visage and licked his lips. One way or another, he was going to have her, even if she went kicking and screaming. One more glance to his lackeys conveyed his intentions.
Sius recognized that look. He saw it on a lot of his marks. They wanted something badly, and they didnt care about the consequences. Judging from the fact that they were talking to a woman, no doubt they wanted to do something to her. His eyes narrowed on his target, longing to take out his gun and kill him. It would be quick and easybut he didnt want to risk hitting the wrong person. Sure, the club wasnt exactly crowded tonight, but anything could happen.
Slowly and discreetly, he weaved between tables, making his way towards the stage. If he planned this right, he could take out the leader without the others knowing. After that, his lackeys would panic and make them easier targets. The Krogan would be the more difficult one, but nothing he couldnt handle.
As he got closer, he found himself leering at the woman they were harassing. She was definitely sexy. That skin-tight outfithe wished she was the one dancing. Unfortunately, he couldnt pay her for a private dance right now. He blew a lot of credits just to get inplus any moment away would likely result in his mark getting away. After his job was done, it was also likely that he wouldnt be allowed back in.
Damnwhat a da
His thoughts were interrupted as he heard one of the lackeys make a choking sound. He turned and felt tense. He had been spotted.
Shit! Its Sius, boss!one of the humans barked out.
And this was where things would get messy. Sius pulled out his gun and fired quickly, immediately taking down the slender human that had alerted the others. Bulldog and his remaining men stood up, drawing their weapons and firing at him wildly. He ducked and pushed over a table, using it as a shield. He momentarily marveled at how sturdy it was to resist their guns, but tried to think of a way out of the predicament.
The bouncer charged in, holding his own gun, but was shot and killed. Screams of terror filled the club. Dancers, waitresses, customerseveryone seemed terrified. The men shouted angrily at everyone to not move, especially Sius.
Bulldog was starting to panic already. He and Sius had battled before, and it was only through sheer luck that the criminal survived. No doubt his number would be up soonunless he could use another trick. Once more, he spotted Alexa, and licked his lips like a twisted predator.
Keep the fucker pinned! Im gonna get me a pretty little shield!he ordered before dashing after her.Come to papa, bitch!
Sius knew what that meant and tried to stand to shoot Bulldog in the back, but the lackeys fired on him immediately, prompting him to duck back down. This was frustrating.
human
Alexa just shrugged and turned to walk away, if he wasnt going to make dealing with him worth her time then she just wouldnt. She was confident that they wouldnt try messing with her, and that if they did, theyd be handled. They had good bouncers here after all. She had only managed to take a couple of steps though when things seemed to explode around here. There were gunshots and she jumped with a short scream before darting behind a nearby to hide as there was an exchange of gunfire, her eyes wide and her hands over her ears.
She saw the man before coming at her and tried to dart away, but he caught her arm and pulled her back to him. Let me go! she snarled, trying not to sound as terrified as she felt, and resisted the urge to try and hit him. He had a gun in his hand after all, she wasnt stupid. Alexa wasnt some obedient little churl either though, and tried gallantly to pull out of his grip. Her heart was hammering in her chest though, terrified about what would happen if no one took this asshole down. If he got away with her still in his clutches, there was no telling what would happen to her.
Alexa looked around frantically, seeing other bouncers starting to move in, joining the turian that was already firing at the leaders lackeys. Hopefully they could get this handled, and fast, she didnt want to think about what this guy and his men would do to her if they could get her alone with them and away from the protection of the club and the authorities. It wasnt really in Illiums policy to chase people once they got off world regardless of their crimes.
gpt
Sius was getting flustered. He wasnt able to get a decent shot off with Bulldogs lackeys focusing on him. He could already tell that Bulldog was going to use the woman as a human shield. No doubt he would do something horrible with her if he managed to get away. He couldnt allow that. Fortunately, more security started to enter, divvying up the flunkies attentions. Just as they were fired upon, Sius stood up and pulled the trigger, mowing down the last of Bulldogs men.
He turned to face Bulldog, who was now looking even more panicked. His men were dead, and all he had to protect himself was a gun and a woman who was struggling in his grasp. He was getting angry with her, his grip tightening before he finally pressed the gun barrel against her cheek.
Stop strugglin, bitch! Just be a good little meat shield. Wouldnt want to waste that pretty face of yours!
She didnt seem to be listening, though, and he couldnt afford to kill her now. With the bouncers and Sius aiming at him, she was his best chance for survival.
Nobody get near me, or I kill the woman!
Sius eyes narrowed on Bulldog, trying to find an opening. What he saw instead was his enemyfaltering a bit. He was bluffing about killing the woman, it looked likeat least not intentionally. While panicked, it wouldnt surprise him if his trigger accidentally slipped. As he examined, both he and Bulldog noticed one of the security guards moving close. Without thinking, the criminal turned quickly and aimed his gun at the guard. Before he could pull the trigger, Sius lifted his own weapon and shot quickly, the bullet sailing cleanly through the mans temple, killing him.
Bulldogs knees buckled as his grip on the woman loosened. His body then fell to the floor and the guards moved forward to secure the body. Sius, in the meantime, hurried to the woman.
You didnt get hit, did you?he asked, his voice deep as he looked her over.
He knew she couldnt have been hit by his shot. He was practically a surgeon with guns. And he had a pretty decent feeling she wasnt traumatized. After all, she fought Bulldog pretty hard the whole time. But heythis gave him a chance to get a good look at her. She was gorgeousand his imagination was flying.
human
Alexa kept trying to pull out of the mans grip, hoping that he would be distracted enough to loosen it and she could slip away. He never did though, if anything he kept a particularly tight hold on her, clearly determined to use her as a shield so he wouldnt get shot. When he pressed the barrel of his gun to her cheek though she finally stopped fighting, her eyes going wide for a moment before she glared at him when he pulled it away. He turned them both, aiming at one of the bouncers but before he could shoot, someone else took advantage of the situation and shot him instead. Alexa jerked and let out a short scream as her face was splattered with his blood, scrambling away from him.
She just stood there for a moment, looking shocked, breathing heavily, and jumped again when a turian was suddenly next to her, asking her if shed gotten hit. Alexa glanced at the man now lying dead on the ground, his lackeys that werent already dead giving up with their leader gone. She looked back to the turian and shook her head, No, Im fine. Her voice sounded a little shaky, but mostly calm. It wasnt the first time shed seen someone get shot, but it had never been that close up.
One of the bouncers, a particularly bulky krogan, came stomping up, glaring at the turian. What in the world was that? Who the hell are you? he looked at Alexa, You alright? She nodded again.
Im going to clean up she told them both quietly, deciding to leave them to argue or whatever. She glanced at the turian, Thanks. Alexa needed a moment alone, and to clean off her face.
gpt
Just as he thought, the human woman was perfectly fine. Wellapart from being traumatized by her close encounter with death. It didnt really help that his targets blood ended up splattered on her pretty face. He could see that she wasnt used to this sort of thing, obviously quite shaken up by the whole experience. He was about to try and work some charm on heror at least attempt toafter all, not many humans were into Turianswhen a Krogan guard bounded his way up to the pair of them. Sius couldnt help but groan slightly. He waited until the woman walked off to address the Krogan, giving her a nod as she thanked him. Once she was gone, he turned to the guard, obviously annoyed.
Relax, relax. Im Sius Laetus, mercenary. That guy I just blasted? The guy that was using that girl as a shield? He was the pirate known as Bulldog.The Krogan growled a bit. He clearly had heard about the criminal.Yeah, I know Im not supposed to bring weapons here, but when I saw him come inwell, what choice did I have?
The Krogan reached out and grabbed Sius by his arm, his grip very tight and making the merc wince slightly as he stumbled forward, jerked by the guard.
Yeah, you got what you wanted. You killed your mark and made a mess in here. You did save one of our girls, so I donthave to pummel you. But dont bring that shit in here again, hear me? I see another gun on you, and youll be a skid mark on the carpet. Clear?
Sius was amused, but didnt let it show. He simply nodded. This wasnt his first time getting scolded by some authority figure for doing his job. But hey, with this job finished, he was coming into some money. And he knew just where he wanted to spend some of it.
Alright, alright. I gotta go, anyway. My client wanted me to report as soon as I took care of things. Ill be back tomorrow. Be sure and tell that woman that Ill be lookin for her on the stage.
He chuckled as he wrenched his arm free, leaving the Krogan to look a little more flustered. He then proceeded to use his multitool to snap a few shots of the Bulldog, confirming his kill. Afterwards, he turned to leave, casually sending the photos to his client. An hour later, he received his credits just in time to check into a hotel for the night.
The next day, he returned to the Blue Star, several tens of thousands of credits richer. He could afford to be smug as he spotted the Krogan guard from before who halted him immediately. He grinned in his Turian manner, his mandibles twitching slightly.
Hi, sweetheart, miss me?he taunted, earning a growl from the Krogan.
Just lift your damn arms. Gotta make sure you dont have a gun this time.
A rather thorough inspection, including a heavy patdown and a couple of scans from a multitool, ensued before it was determined that he was clean, leaving the Krogan to do little more than grunt as Sius paid his cover charge, then sauntered casually into the club. It felt nice being here not on business. This was purely for pleasureand he was already seeking out the pretty woman from the previous day.
human
Alexa had gone home after that ordeal, her boss hadnt seemed happy, not being the most sympathetic person in the galaxy and all. The place had emptied after someone getting their brains blown out though so hed just let her and a few others go. Shed taken a scalding hot shower and drained an entire bottle of Elysium wine with a few pills as chasers and passed out, not wanting to have any nightmares about being used as a human shield and then having someones blood splatter her face.
The next day she was back at work though, which she was fine with, she didnt want to sit at home and think about everything too much. Of course, being back where it had all happened didnt really help much but still, she needed to keep herself busy and she needed to work. Alexa didnt even spare a thought for the turian mercenary, she hadnt thought shed see him again, or that hed come back to see her. She had just come back from a break, standing off to the side near the bar talking to the asari bartender, just chatting idly as she got back into her work mode.
gpt
Sius felt his mandibles quiver a bit as he laid eyes on her again. A grin came over his face. She was just as sexy as the previous day. She didnt seem to notice him at all, apparently more interested in chatting with the bartender. As a man who saw death and blood on a regular basis, he had a feeling she was still trying to forget the whole ordeal. Though he knew seeing his face would no doubt bring back unwanted memorieshe wanted to at leasttryto see if shed be up for a little fun.
He sauntered up to the bar, ignoring the other waitresses and customers. He sat at the bar and waved to catch the bartenders attention.
Hey, Id like a bottle of Horosk, if you dont mind, andhe called, then gestured to Alexa.Whatever she wants, put it on my tab.
He then shot a wink at the beautiful human. Man, what he wouldnt give to get her out of those clothes.
I dunno if you remember me. We met yesterday before things gotmessy. Sius Laetus. We didnt get a chance to talk too much, but Id like to make up for some lost time.
As a glass and bottle was set in front of him, he swiftly poured the strong-smelling liquid into the cup, then downed it in one gulp. It burned all the way down, but it felt good. Horosk was strong and could knock most Turians on their asses, but he could handle it just fineas long as he didnt chug the entire bottle. That gave him one hell of a hangover.
So, what do you say, sweetheart? Mind giving me a second chance?
If she said no, that would be disappointing. But nothing he wasnt used to. Not many humans wanted to even entertain the idea of getting intimate with a Turian. Still, if she didnt want him, there were plenty other girls that could maybe be convinced otherwise.
human
Alexa glanced at the turian that walked up to the bar, and recognized him immediately. She gave him a look of mingled surprise and confusion at first, what in the world was he still doing here? Hed gotten his mark, and caused quite a scene, she was surprised he he came back. Then he offered to cover her drinks and she understood immediately. Alexas face twitched into a frown for a fraction of a second before she spread her work smile on, it wasnt overdone, just big enough to seem welcoming, but her eyes were soft, and she held her lips in just the right way to seem inviting.
She shouldnt be surprised, he was a merc after all, killing and such were no doubt just daily routine for him. So of course hed notice that he was in a strip club, and that it was populated by beautiful strippers. Unlike most places he was clearly used to though, none of the women here would refuse him for being a turian even if they werent a turian and werent personally into them. Alexa though didnt have anything against turian men, she hadnt found them to be much different than the men of every other race, biological factors not withstanding. Some were jerks, some werent, but they all still thought with their dicks.
Yes, I remember you. Im surprised youre back, she said, turning to face him but still leaning against the bar. The bartender set down the bottle that the turian had ordered and Alexas drink and left her alone to work.
The stripped was an old hand at pretending to find men (and women, and others) clever and funny, so she grinned in an amused when when he joked about making up for lost time. She took up her glass and sipped at it, it was just a whiskey sour, an Earth drink she was fond of, sweet and sour, and very strong. Of course, she told him when he asked if shed give him a second chance, Im Alexa by the way. This creep better not try to stiff her, after yesterday she knew he had to have some credits from getting that mark.
Come on, lets go sit down, Alexa said, motioning towards one of the booths and leading the way, swaying her hips and ass for him a bit. She slid into the half circle booth seat and patted the spot next to her, inviting him to sit close to her. So, just on Illium for business then? Chasing that creep from yesterday?