[Day 3, MA] Passing Strangers

[Riza]

Moving through the streets of Mos Eisley Riza, to the common eye she was just like every other well armed mercenary on the street. Cutting through the crowds with a confidence that defined professional work. Kitted with her standard kit, as she often was.

Where some might rest after a raid like the one this morning, that was not the way it was for a drifter. Though she was a drifter no longer she yet retained the habits.

[Nekoinu]

On another day, Riza would have blended in with the rest of the crowd. But word spreads around quickly on Mos Eisley. Douse one flame, sure, but with only so many hands, a wildfire starts anyways. The Hutts, the Black Sun, the Exchange; the big leagues did their research.

Another armed individual stepped up next to her in stride. "Not going to bother to pronounce more than Riza," he said. He kept his arm casually hanging by his sheathed blade. "Some folk want you to pay them a visit."

[Riza]

"Some folk are entirely too vague to ensure that I actually pay them a visit," she said in reply. Though she had plenty ability to reach for her weapon slung around her shoulders, she didn't. Crossing her arms over her chest.

[Nekoinu]

"Ah, where are my manners?" he mused. He removed his hood, though his helmet still remained. It was the most cordial he was going to be. "You're a long ways from Csilla. Not sure if you consider it 'home.' Bit cold, from what I've heard. Anyhow, I'd say you've been missed."

[Riza]

"That is one way to phrase it, hunter," she said, glancing about inside her visor. Keeping her head turned forward.

"Found yourself thinking the credits were worth it on this run, did you?"

[Nekoinu]

"So did the rest of my friends. Well, friends to a certain extent," he said. He shrugged. "Can't say we're tight-knit like that clan of yours. Can't say we have bounties like you lot either."

[Riza]

"I hear tell that the bounty you and your lot are so interested in is one that wants me alive," she said, calculating the outcome. Hedging her bets.

"How did you want this playing out, hunter?"

[Nekoinu]

"Makes my blade worse for this sort of work, doesn't it? Even if I just aim to chop off your leg, you could bleed out, not to mention it being harder to aim for a specific limb." The hunter glanced past Riza and then kept his stride. "Maybe I cut you, you shoot me dead, but you die from an infection or getting chased down by the others. It's easier if we just change course and go see the guy who wants to see you so badly."

[Riza]

"Not to mention the civilians nearby," she said, glancing toward a pair. "I've no qualms with using them as a shield to escape. Would be far too messy for you, in the end, if we played it out like that. I might even get away if I tried but certainly not without a new scar or two. Still, I have a chance at escape here."

"Though," she said, looking more directly at him as they walked, "I admit that today you are in luck. Hearing that they want me alive has me interested just enough that I am actually willing to let you get your credits pretty easily today. Way I had it figured, they would have sent for you to kill me, but this change is... well, I'm certain you don't care all that much but I am sure that you can appreciate how interesting this is for me. So, where are we going, hunter?"

[Nekoinu]

"Don't let the Mandalorians hear you say that about sentient shields. I heard your clan hopes to renew that whole 'honorable warrior' thing."

They met, visor to visor. "I can't say I'm honorable either. I prefer to take the easiest route." He gestured with his non-blade hand towards a turn. "Whoever is looking for you rented out a unit."

[Riza]

Turning, as directed, Riza continued, "My preference is to make sure the job gets done, no mistakes. Best way, easiest way, even if I have to strike first this days."

Wasn't always like that, she thought. There was once a time she believed in something more than that. A code to live by, the way the Chiss conducted themselves but that fell apart.

"Good to hear they still have there sense though," she said with an inward smirk. "They'll need the protection."

[Nekoinu]

"Chiss perfectionism, huh? Why I hate working with any of you." The hunter continued through more alleyways, checking his corners as he went along.

"Need the protection? Guess it's not my problem, as long as I get paid first." He shrugged. "Unless they pay me extra."

[Riza]

"Depending on how things turn out when we get there, you might want to stick around within earshot. Could be some work in it for you," she shrugged, "if it goes that way."

[Nekoinu]

"You want me to stick around?" he asked, "Wouldn't it be simpler if I left?"

[Riza]

"Just within earshot, might be that I ask you to do something a bit unsavory. Betraying a former employer and eliminating his goons, type unsavory. If you've the stomach for that kind of deal," she said, shrugged and then continued, "It's not an employer you're gonna see again regardless. No worries for burned bridges."

[Nekoinu]

"Well, depends on whether or not you and your clan pay better than them. Can't say my usual contacts care for the Chiss." He shrugged. "You're all assholes."

[Riza]

Riza glanced over that remark and said, "Good relations with an upcoming Mandalorian Clan is far better than relations with a government that you will never be respected by. Only used up and cast aside."

[Nekoinu]

"Relations isn't credits, Riza," he countered, "I tend to cash out sooner rather than later."

[Riza]

"You'll get paid for the work too," she said, "ain't expecting you to work for free. Just weigh that option in there, when you make your choice. Would be smart to think about."

[Nekoinu]

"Trust me, Riza, I'm always thinking." He stopped suddenly and heel spun to the door. He knocked on the door in a rhythmic pattern and then gestured for her to take the lead. "After you."