Xuurdjem vs Vigo the Razor ( Bounty Mission )

\*Zorbo leans over and picked up the end of the Hooka pipe sat next to him and takes a long deep drag, soon after exhaling the cloud of spice laced smoke into the air.. He then clicks his large meaty fingers together and a green skinned Twi’lek male servant hands the Apprentice a biometric location device and data pad.

\*IC: Zorbo the Hutt “Deewadaaa choodaaa. Roofaa repudaa Toogra ri groodaaaa Sakia Sakiyan et desertah.. Reebaaa Vigo et Razor...”

\*IC: D7-R3 [”The Great and all mighty Zorbo says your bounty is for a military deserter, a Sakiyan named Vigo the Razor. He is currently hiding in a series of underground caverns on the planet Sakia.”]

\*IC: Zorbo the Hutt “bee tata yoopaaa. Nuu loodaa de brutaal et mi Zorbo.”

\*IC: D7-R3 [”The Great Zorbo says this is a capture contract with no special conditions save the target is to be brutalized either physically or mentally before being returned here.”]

\*IC: Zorbo the Hutt “De chootaa tu mix foopaa et de polled Vigo greeto heepo.”

\*IC: D7-R3 [”The Great Zorbo says he has heard the target is paranoid and may be expecting a bounty hit.”]

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

Bounty one shot

IC: Xuurdjem Xctal'ix

Location: Sakiya

Climate: Tropical

Target: Military Deserter, Vigo the Razor

Last known location: Cave system

Parameters: Capture and brutalize target

Targets Race: Sakiyan

Tip(s): the target is paranoid and may be expecting a bounty hit

Xuurdjem rode the TAX-13 back to the Viltrix to prepare for his target's descent into hell. He would be walking into unknown enemy territory and would be up against an assassin, as was his best and safest assumption. Making his way back to the commons of the ship Xuurdjem saw Ziyal and it was hard to contain his excitement. Knowing that she had just returned from completing a bounty herself he felt the need to share.

"I get to face an assassin traitor on Sakiya in a cave system on Sakiya itself. This'll be fun. Only parameter alongside his capture is to brutalize him. Physically or mentally. My pick." He chuckles nervously before adding, "Why choose? Both are good." She looked shocked by his view on brutality. "Are you sure you're no Sith?" To which he replied, "I am equally capable of both great and terrible things. Besides. Save a life, take a life. I've saved many so I must do equal killing as I've done saving. This is my Way of the Warrior." "True, I guess." Then she glared at him, almost as if to say 'why are you talking to me'. After this Xuurdjem carried on his way to where he slept and gathered up all of his belongings. 'Not sure how long this will take so I'll need to bring the whole camp.' He thought while organizing everything onto his person.

'One more thing.' Xuurdjem had remembered the hide trophy he obtained from his apprenticeship ceremony. "To the medbay aboard the Gallica!" He announced to a nearby service droid who began acting uneasily. Not paying any attention to this Xuurdjem carried off to the hangar. After a couple weeks he found a shorter way through the droid repair facility. At least it felt that way with his love of mechanics and gadgetry. In the hangar Xuurdjem would pass by several transport ships to find the TAX-13. He had grown attached to this one from nothing more than it being the only one he's used.

"Where to, Sir?" The droid asked in its monotone mechanical voice. "Back to the Gallica. I need to pick up my hides from the medbay…" "The medbay?!" The B-1 shot out. "Yes. I had a droid there handling the tanning of them for me… what is your name, droid?" Xuurdjem was near cross with the interruption, but did not loosen his anger. It showed knowledge and memory. "I am B-1, serial number 15589033…" Xuurdjem interrupted this time. "No. No. No. That's not a name." He stopped to think as the pilot was making the jump to hyperdrive. They would arrive in moments and board the Gallica in minutes. "Droid. Your name is going to be Noland from now on. Tell the repair and maintenance facility that it is my order to forgo memory wipes on you." "Roger, roger." It replies not grasping this very human concept.

The engines propel them through space emitting and audible pulsating whir as the pilot, now called Noland by Xuurdjem, banked left to bring the ship to the hangar nearest the Coliseum. And so began the long hike back to his first moment of victory as an apprentice. 'I see great potential in you…' the words rang in his head from the last mission he'd been assigned by Knight Terrogate. Xuurdjem felt seen. Acknowledged. His thoughts trailed as he came upon the medbay retracing his memories by gazing upon its majesty as he did the first time. Walking into the medbay doctors and nurses rushed to him. "Where are you hurt?" "Do you need a bacta shot?" "Is it a virus?" A doctor turns to glare at the nurse who brought that up. Turning back to Xuurdjem towering over them they all paused when they saw his hand open and extended. A smile on his face…

"Thank you for healing me! You all do good work here." Xuurdjem shakes the leading doctor's hand before adding, "I'm actually here for my leather. It should be ready now." Eyes go wide and looks of confusion spread around unaware of the droid walking up behind them. They begin to worry because they don't remember what he's talking about, but before panic can spread they hear an "Excuse me" from behind. They had been treated, boned for smoothness, and folded in two finished sheets. "That's them! What's the final dimensions on these?" The staff looked puzzled but moved on from this situation. "Two sheets equaling five meters by six meters by one centimeter." The droid answered promptly. Xuurdjem's eyes glow as he looks at them neatly folded and pristine. He almost hated to use them, but they would be very handy.

~~~~~

Back at the TAX-13, Xuurdjem tossed the new leather aboard before climbing in. "To Sakiya!" He announced triumphantly having acquired the last pieces of his items. "Roger, roger." Noland replies as it takes off back into the galaxy. Their destination? Sakiya is a tropical planet full of beasts and hunters. The target is a hunter by nature and Xuurdjem would put his skills to the test against him. Digging through the datapad for information on the planet and species he was after yields enough information to ensure him that this was most definitely a test for him to overcome. He felt it deep within. He'd show what he could do. Their senses were all enhanced to near superhuman level and they were stronger than they looked by far. Good thing he was bigger. That would grant himself a measurable amount of advantage.

Upon reaching the planet through the Groth-Sakiya Hyperlane Xuurdjem sees the wonderland he'd been dreaming of. It's blue and green, rain clouds run across the planet and he couldn't wait to see it. However, business comes first. "Noland. Save these coordinates. I'd like to visit here in the future if I find it pleasant enough." The droid simply responded "Roger, roger boss." Though it was better than the dry version. "It looks like he's on the other side of the planet." Whirring around the planet to the dark side of its surface Xuurdjem watched as they flew around the planet Sakiya. It was beautiful compared to Tatooine.

Entering the atmosphere took away the visual of the planet as the ship was surrounded in flames resulting in Xuurdjem taking a seat in the copilot's chair and strapping in. He watched Noland navigate the controls, trying to make sense of it, as the droid pulled up after entry to slow their fall in elevation. Entering on the edge of night gave them space to fly in low and search for a landing zone far from the target. Xuurdjem wouldn't risk the odder filling the air near the hunting grounds. He carried enough of his own.

Finding a suitable place in a clearing amidst the trees Xuurdjem jumped out and felt the area. His montrals sensed life just beyond the edge of the forest and he turned back to the droid. "Stay inside and lock everything up tight. If necessary, launch back into orbit until I call in case of an assault." The droid nodded and followed orders. Xuurdjem took to the task of making a temporary camp off the side of of the ship for the night. "No sense in traveling tonight. Survey and wait."

~~~~~

The next day Xuurdjem collapsed the shelter, put out the fire, and began packing up for the long uncertain road ahead. The new leather added about twenty pounds to his load, slowing him by half a kilometer a day. At this distance it would take two nights to cover enough ground for the beginning of his on site preparations. Before throwing the leather pack he fashioned from his rope and hides Xuurdjem took time to coat himself and pack in mud. Task one, cover your scent. This mud wouldn't completely camouflage him, but it would help lower his risk of being noticed. Next he'd trek through the forest of vines and trees. A whole world full of all types of biology that he'd never heard of before right at his fingertips.

He wanted to explore, but he wouldn't. Not the way he'd want to at least. The trees loomed overhead and the vines made the trip arduous by having to carve a path. Xuurdjem's montrals allowed him to naturally sense the animals and insects around him. Under his feet. Though he couldn't tell anything about them besides their presence in the forest. There could be any manner of beast hunting him from lone predators to pack hunters. Yet he kept his composure through all the thoughts in his head. Focusing on every eventuality that may cross him to bide his time as he walked.

Soon a path opened up and the first thing through his mind was 'what made this?' Checking for prints and comparing them with the datapad archives Xuurdjem found out about a species known as the Rass. A lone predatory hunter who was akin to the kath hounds he'd seen in some villages where the Hutt set up shop back home. 'A day old' he thought, checking the impressions, 'heading south' his eyes traced the direction. Xuurdjem was heading east, chasing the dusk, and this was favorable. 'Keep moving.'

The sweat that poured from Xuurdjem was unlike any other. The humidity from the regular rains left him drenched and more tired than he thought he would be originally. This would push his estimated time back, bit he had a month to make it back to Zorbo the Hutt with a brutalized Sakiyan in tow. Awefully generous for a Hutt. The sun was high in the sky which meant it was time for lunch. 'Eat light for am easier trip' his Mom would say. 'Helps conserve too!' She'd add with a smile. He remembered her most during trips like this. The rustling of leaves was a new startling sound to him, but the sway and melody the trees made in the wind was beautiful. Xuurdjem stayed vigilant even in his daydreaming, using it to counteract his overactive brain while he ate one if his preserved meals. "I need to find water." He reminded himself.

After the sun shifted slightly in the sky Xuurdjem picked up and moved on. The further he went the more he could hear the babble of brooks and the currents of water. The rushing of wind and leaves. Even the forest floor opened up with less vines hindering mobility. Xuurdjem felt his legs ache with the climb uphill and downhill more times than he cared to count. 'I didn't expect this. I based my measurements off of my home, but this is not home. I'll make it by the end of day three. I have two days of food on me so I'll need more before I arrive." He thought aloud to work through the logic and planning though it also relieved the odd silence of a forest. Calm yet noisy.

At the crest of a hill the trees opened up granting him a vantage point over the area. 'Sun is midway through to setting.' Surveying the landscape along his desired route he realized that there was a wide river in his way. Beyond that lay easy travels to the eyes perception. Below him, at the foot of the hill, Xuurdjem could make out a decent spot for sheltering within a good distance to allow him time to set up camp and prepare shelter in place for a day or two. It seemed to Xuurdjem that he would need to re-evaluate his plan entirely, which was always plan b, and grow more acclimated to this new environment before trying to tackle this enemy here.

~~~~~

"Campsite complete." He inspected his work for faults and weak points. The experience was all so new to him, having bountiful resources all around and soft dirt to work with. He was grateful for that. The wooden hut built into the side of the hill where a shallow cave lay was a simple design with the roof supported by tall and thick hitchpost. The walls rested upon the outermost log on either side. His first idea was to lay the leather on top to stop the rain but he'd seen flat slate coming down here. He used that instead. Laying them atop one another life shingles. It was dark now and the fire placed at the entrance was shielded by a wall of logs beaten into the ground a few feet behind it. The days were hot, but the nights were strangely cold here. That much at least reminded him of home.

He crawled inside the opening and cracked open the dinner portion of his meal for the day. Looking out into the darkness as the rain began to pound on his shelter. The tapping became a steady rapping on his roof. It soothed his worries to see that his shelter withstood the rain and the extra precaution of having the roof go above the fire was good foresight. "No leaks. No predators tonight, just a relaxing camping trip." Xuurdjem sighed in relief as he lay back on his leather sleeping pad. "I'll have to add more to this for comfort while I'm here checking the water depth and getting a stock of food." Though only insects and animals in burrows were near. Some drew near the fire when the rain let up, but Xuurdjem was motionless. He lay in meditation as the animals rested near him.

Sensing their drive for survival through the Force if only slightly. "This must be what my Master meant when he suggested I try this new avenue. He must have seen what I would need to learn from this experience... That it would help me grow." his words caused worry amongst the animals yet none scattered. None were alarmed by the sound of his voice. The words still unraveled in his mind 'great potential". He was encouraged to take this opportunity to make a name for himself in the galaxy and he was glad he took it. The foe would rival him in ways he didn't yet understand, but that's what he was here for.

~~~~~

Day two on Sakiya.

The morning brought sun and heat along with the remnants of rain dripping from the leaves. Moist dirt and the sounds of woodland creatures moving about brought the awakening of an apprentice deep in the jungles of Sakiya. He lay on a bed of leather covered in his cloak as smoke from the exhausted fire tickled his nose. Waking with a start and drawing his knife, Xuurdjem struck a mighty and lethal blow…. To a log that didn't move. Sighing from repetition born of mornings past the large man eased himself out of bed. Sore from not taking off his gear last night and sleeping on his side Xuurdjem stood up outside the hut stretching wide.

A heavy breath in brought the smell of dew laden foliage and musk. The release of it brought relaxation to his body. Looking around him first to check his surroundings and then above to the sun. The area around him was open with leaves covering most of the forest floor out twenty meters from the steep hillside. Beyond that the trees and overgrowth obscured vision from passing through, yet this was a good distance. Around here was rushing water from the sound of it and with the signs he could see from his hut. The sky had small puffy clouds that looked unassuming and the sun was still behind the trees ahead of him. The shadows of the trees were still too tall yet dawn was nigh past and time to work.

Dressing light without his armor Xuurdjem coated himself with mud to prevent his smell from being potent in the area. Keeping his belt on and his boot knife handy while he walked. Tracking prints to see up traps for the food he would need in the coming days. There were small game trails which led into the thick forest. Prime locations for snares to be placed. In the collection of materials he was able to test strength and flexibility. Vines became cordage. Flexible branches for springs and inflexible ones for the rough jaws that would clamp down. He'd seen traps made of metal before and used them so with those images running through his mind Xuurdjem was able to recreate them here. "So much material!" He whispered to himself in amazement. There was a good chance that some of his food would end up being some of the creatures that surrounded his fire the night before, but they would have a clean death in his traps.

Searching further by taking the long way around his trap placements the river opened up before him. Delicious looking creatures jumped out of the water randomly and the water seemed to be moving in a hurry. He traveled along it both North and South to look for a natural crossing point or a less turbulent area. He only found more of the same. The river was moving from North to South. Looking around he found a small log that was light and tossed it in. 'It floats and is moving with the river. Good information.' His mind was keen to pick up on these things. Though he'd never been to a jungle, everything his mother showed and taught him hung heavy on his heart.

The sun was midway through to the midday meal so Xuurdjem resigned himself to making a fence around his shelter made of woven branches and dead brush attacked against the outside. The gate was just an opening set where the fence overlapped each other. This would prevent larger ground patrolling predators from having easy access to him and his food. Work was light though he was still sweating. This could take a couple weeks or longer to get used to but he had to do it in less. Force his body to adjust. Ideas came to mind but that would cut his time of arrival back… necessary. Lunch time.

While he ate his preserved lunch he thought about the tasks at hand. The enemy he faced in the caverns and the ones he faced immediately. The heat, food and water. Checking his canteen Xuurdjem found that he was nearly out. Most of the water was safe on Tatooine to drink straight from the oasis or sand but there were places where the water needed to be boiled first. The hill that he settled against was a good way to train his body against rough terrain except the heat would take more from him than he could spare until he harnessed his environment. He knew the tests for the environment but not the ones to make his body change. Dusk offered an ease in temperature but at the risk of predators… he'd need them too.

Xuurdjem carefully calculated what he would try first and the best conditions to begin in. Visibility would be low if not nonexistent just like the caves. Hard inclines with slippery slate rocks and hard dirt. Predators would close in soon to find out what had trespassed so their presence would be most useful as long as he didn't kill them. The natives were honed against the land so he would be as well. Xuurdjem knew that the gap between their species couldn't be bridged though it could be prepared for. 'Good.' He was satisfied with the initial plan. A course set up around the back half of the hill. Up one side, down the other and circle back around. The hill he was on was a bit too close to the traps so the hill half a kilometer west would have to work. Backtracking would offer a small amount of security having already been there. 'That'll have to work.'

~~~~~

That night…

The air cooled his sweat ridden clothes, he stank of body odor attracting more predators. His testosterone and adrenaline were pumping hard as Xuurdjem scaled the hillside. The first couple passes he sensed animals lurking via his montrals… nature's gift to him. This third pass they would attack him at the most inconvenient times where his footing would fail him or he'd slow to catch his breath. The humid air was thick and filled his lungs with heavy air. His foot slips on a slate rock as he ascends and a Rass takes advantage of it.

Xuurdjem is struck with an itch from the back right side of his head. The sensation signaled a being closing in fast from that direction and Xuurdjem flattened his upright body to the hill. Sliding a bit on the slate while the Rass leaped at where his body was Xuurdjem caught a glimpse of the beast before it bounded off into the darkness. It was a meter long, bobbed tail and muscular. More akin to a large feline than any other beast. Black, dull ridges raised along the joints preventing blades from finding a true hit on vital locations. Beautiful...

Running like a bear on all fours, Xuurdjem scaled with more ease than before. The two extra supports for his body prevented slipping and more loss in time per lap. Two more attacks as he rounds the back. The first went for his ankles, which he jumped over turning to kick it in its teeth. The kick lands and the beast groans, Xuurdjem carries on. A second Rass follows almost immediately aimed at his upper body when he turns. No time. Xuurdjem acts upon his first instinct to catch the creature's front claws and roll onto his back. Placing his feet on the Rass' belly, at the end of the roll he launches it over the other.

'Run..' he thinks, '...this course just changed.' Two Rass behind him and one in front. He wore his normal battle dress equipment, but in order to fulfill the training parameters he mustn't kill any of them. The shield was his only ally in the fight. Lethal against non-lethal measures. His mind raced with instinctual actions with every motion the three predators made, but then… 'Dance, my son. Be happy…' his mother rang aloud throwing all others to the wayside. The dance she taught him was all he could think about. His hand passed behind his back as he spun around one hundred and eight degrees, drawing from his back to his left arm. His weighted foot pivots as the other sweeps in front of him. Xuurdjem bows to the tingling sensation facing him, pivoting on his heels with deep bent knees.

One jumps onto him but it's claws miss, barely passing over his tunic. He extends his knees sharply as he continues to turn, sending the Rass tumbling in the brush. The singular one he now faced making a full three-sixty turn lunges in with a clawed strike at his abdomen. The shield was already set to intercept as Xuurdjem raised his hands to clap and sweep to his left. His right leg lifts high life a sumo wrestler signaling the beginning of combat and plants right over the other side of the animal's body. His knee give out and he drops a crushing slam of joined hands to the ground barely missing his target as it slithers by. The slam absorbs some of the drop while his knees catch the rest bounding him back into a forward momentum.

In a smooth practiced motion he stands, cocking his elbows as they are thrown to the side with a victorious cry. "Rrrrraaaaagghhh!" He feels the connection of the Force from within. The emotions linked to this dance were strong and deeply tied. A bellow erupts unexpectedly, causing the animals to shudder momentarily. The riled up passion escaped his body in a physical way catching him off guard and causing him to skip a beat in the rhythm. The dance left his mind and he became the hunter. His instincts taking full control.

The Rass that attacked his ankles had slipped into the treetops white the other two sniped at each other prepared to kill one another to satisfy their own hunger. They could see him. More than just a smell or sense. They had the upper hand there, but they were not a towering Togruta with a huntress for a mother. They all attack simultaneously. The one in the treetops drops with its two front claws, the two in front of him come in similarly. Six clawed paws begging for his flesh. Xuurdjem dodges left causing the two on the ground to collide heads and the aerial one to pass by. On the way, Xuurdjem thrust his left hand out, catching the animal in the ribs.

'Run.' Xuurdjem sprints in the opposite direction as the clash. The two Rass who clunked heads began to fight each other while the third limped away with a couple cracked ribs. He had felt a surge in his fist and a noticeably greater impact than he usually inflicted. The Force fed his escape as he bolted to his camp. Chest heaving breath into his lungs which felt like they would explode. Muscles screaming in pain as the sprinting took its toll. He'd cut his time by twenty minutes from running and before rounding the corner he slowed to catch his breath. 'Need to check the traps.' His mind reminded him. It was necessary to keep up with his food stock out here. No more rations after tonight.

The traps yielded two small game pieces worth three pounds of meat separately. Resetting the traps and using their urine to hide the smell Xuurdjem sprayed them down before returning to camp twenty meters away. He set up the last of his food back in the bag and cooked the meat instead, which was lean yet not so much that it wouldn't nourish him effectively. It needed enough fat to be considered healthy by itself otherwise he would need to add to it. "That did not go as planned. Things rarely do." He thought aloud, helping his process. "Though I did learn from it." Placing hutts hand to his red chin the togruta leaned back onto his bedroll. The food sizzled about the fire in sticks. Without cooking gear he was unable to properly.

~~~~~

For the next two weeks Xuurdjem was dedicated to his training and survival. Everyday was a test to further his capabilities in this wild landscape. Setting traps, checking triggered ones, gathering lumber for a raft, and running the course was Xuurdjem's routine. Waking up to go about his scheduled day became easier and less draining. His body was adjusting. The heat wasn't so heavy with humidity and he sweated less than he used to when he arrived. Xuurdjem found better placement for his traps yielding more food for his stores. Knowing how to make rock reinforced clay facilities from the desert was easily mastered here. Making a smoker for the meat and beginning to craft clay pots to boil water to keep his stomach from aching. The river water was fairly clean but not good enough.

His belly did not feel the pains of hunger for food nor his body ache with soreness as it used to. The nightly course grew easier as he learned the behaviors of the Rass and their attack patterns. Xuurdjem could easily pit them against each other during a fight now. He found out how to control sliding down the hill and make it more difficult to be pounced on. Even the nights of rest came easier, helping Xuurdjem gain a more effective sleep to heal his body. Xuurdjem was not accustomed to normal sleep. He would meditate lying down on his back and drift into a lucid state of dreaming where he was still aware of what was around him. Something he'd learned from Draeda, his father. Some of the same creatures would crawl up to the fire, but none were harmful or big enough to be called food.

By the end of the week he'd built his raft, gathered enough food for a week and was more in tune with the land. With confidence in his preparations, Xuurdjem took the last day to rest and acknowledge what he had achieved. He could thrive here on Sakiya. The thought brought pride to him, proving his adaptability. Xuurdjem sat in meditation feeling the world around him with the Force. It's wonders hidden to him yet urging him to embrace them. It held all the vastness of human emotion and a knowledge that was endless. From the deepest pits of madness to the highest peaks of light and all that comes between. Xuurdjem disciplined his emotions into focus. The trees. The birds. The hill behind him and the ground beneath.

He could feel the energy of the living Force around him and it was engaging him to dive deeper. Drawing him in the cycle of life as Xuurdjem experience a light being extinguished. However dark it was to sense, this too was necessary. Trees that slowly decayed after too many years of bugs feeding on them and how they would become a part of the dirt. Providing nutrients for growing plants around it. All things are necessary given the right situation. Xuurdjem opened his eyes and it was almost nightfall. He'd been meditating for several hours. Xuurdjem pulled a couple strips of smoked meat to eat from a sack he'd woven from flexible and sturdy tree fronds. Drinking some stored water to rehydrate Xuurdjem soon lay back on his bedding to fall asleep in the same way he was brought up to, but using the Force.

The animals began to creep in like they do every night as the fire brings warmth. Predators stir in the distance as they hunt. By now they know to keep a distance from where Xuurdjem sleeps. That camp holds a dangerous predator who hunts even in his sleep. Get too close and something will come from nowhere to trap or maim you. Xuurdjem slept soundly with his shield stuck under his left arm face down and his sniper sat by his feet on a shelf he'd installed. The pistol was under his makeshift pillow where Xuurdjem's right hand was nestled under his face. The armor was set just outside the door under the overhanging of the roof.

A rock shifts from its resting place and tumbles down. Then a few pebbles… Xuurdjem wakes, but keeps his eyes closed and sets his hand in the handgrip of his shield. He can hear rocks scraping against each other slowly. Xuurdjem waits, continuing to act asleep as the sound starts to emit a hollow echo. 'Someone's here' his montrals detected it behind him. It seemed to keep moving, but his movements were hard to hear. Then a shadow crossed onto his closed eyes as it stepped over him. 'Something was invading my camp and is highly confident in itself.' Outside the hut it began to make muffled footsteps on the dirt and stopped near one of the food sacks. Xuurdjem felt like he was being watched and held his composure to remain 'asleep'.

Could he fool it? Six shots in the RSK-44, shield awkwardly within grasp and the smell of cave mildew in his nose. This was the Sakiyan deserter and he was close enough to touch. Xuurdjem doesn't fool the native hunter in its home environment. The Force called to him, drawing his left hand to his chest just as a blow slid him back a few inches. Xuurdjem's eyes open to see a pale skinned Sakiyan with a large head and sunken eyes. The pistol is exposed as Xuurdjem moves to take a shot and the enemy doubles back, bumping into the fence. The blaster fire grazes the Sakiyan's right shoulder, but the man jumps behind the firebreak for cover.

Xuurdjem flings back his cloak and crouches behind his shield. Xuurdjem calmed his mind though his body was full of adrenaline helping him to sense where the bounty target sat. Still behind the wall. Xuurdjem sensed panic and anger. Holstering his blaster quietly Xuurdjem picks up a rock and readies his shield to be thrown. The natives of this planet were more fierce than the beasts Xuurdjem trained against. He'd need to be more cunning than that and act like he was three Rass on his own. Xuurdjem leaps forward with a heavy kick to the wall, sending it crashing down. The Sakiyan jumps back to run as Xuurdjem throws his shield at a nearby tree causing it to hum as it fires off. Turning the corner to escape the Sakiyan ducks to evade the shield. Xuurdjem lands and chunks the rock as hard as he can at the native's chest hitting him in the wounded shoulder.

This doesn't put him down. He continues to run and evade capture. Xuurdjem gives chase, picking up his shield along the way. Rounding the corner of the fence Xuurdjem sees nothing and hears nothing and stops in his tracks. 'He's above me…' before he's able to react Xuurdjem is plunged to the ground. The Sakiyan delivers a swift left hook to Xuurdjem's face as he moves to cover it. The Sakiyan's hand makes a cracking sound and another kick to Xuurdjem's side. Another. Another. Anger, pain, and hate fill Xuurdjem. Angry at his opponent and the pain he was causing. And hate for his own lapse in judgement. His shield gets yanked from his hand forcing all of that built up aggression to spill out when Xuurdjem turns to reach for his target.

Growling with a snarl Xuurdjem feels his pain pour from his hand. The air around the outstretched hand looked like the desert flames of the horizon and the Sakiyan man doubled back again like he'd been punched, but seemed otherwise fine. Xuurdjem kept pouring out his emotions as he began to try and stand. His enemy came for him from a few meters away. Xuurdjem loses focus when he dodges to the right, but he notices the enemy slowing. What had he done to wound him? This must be the other necessary side. The man keeps running into the woods trying to escape and get the drop on Xuurdjem again. This time he waits and withdraws back to camp with his shield.

Sounds of traps being set off alert him to more than one hunter around tonight as trashing and cracking ring out. The Sakiyan sounded to be off to the south of camp behind the hill where his larger game traps were set. Strapping his armor on piece by piece Xuurdjem covered everything in thick mud. Coating himself to cool his body and make him harder to see. His knives together with his belt Xuurdjem plunged into the cave to wait for his prey. The path is a slow but steady serpentine incline without much room to move. Xuurdjem stayed close enough to sense if he returned and he did. Creeping down the narrow path straight to Xuurdjem who was ready to beat the sense out of him.

Just around the corner, even the muffled footsteps of the Sakiyan had echoes that sounded different from the drops of water in the cave. Xuurdjem controlled his breathing and took a deep breath right before his target rounded the corner. "Rrraaaaa!" He bellows unleashing a Force imbued vocal taunt. It rings aloud bouncing in the tight confines of the cave. Xuurdjem's helmet protects him from this, but his target is stunned and shocked by the sudden appearance of the man he'd assaulted. The Sakiyan's sharp hearing is its downfall here and Xuurdjem takes this opportunity. Jabbing his shield at the concussed man, Xuurdjem leaps forward to take him by force. He's angry and a healthy amount of fear for the enemy grants him the mindset to call upon the Force.

His blow is direct with a clear focus pounding the Sakiyan's nose. It fractures and he screams flailing wildly at the air as Xuurdjem backs up. He doesn't use the Force he can feel inside of him yet, but he yells again and again driving the deserter mad with pain. The injuries he had inflicted on Xuurdjem were numbed by the warriors focus. His hands felt hot. Burning like the fire at camp and Xuurdjem yanked the Sakiyan to his feet by the wrists. They ignite into flames. The sensation of the heat gave the Togruta the means to brand this scum like any other deserter of the wastes by leaving a cross shaped burn on both cheeks of his face. The heat subsided with this act and Xuurdjem put out the flames. His target passed out from the pain and smell of his own flesh cooking.

~~~~

Back at Zorbo the Great's palace Xuurdjem arrives with a very distraught and scarred Sakiyan. The bounty target bound like a pig set for the roasting pit, Xuurdjem carries him like a sack over his shoulder. With a nod from the guards he is allowed in and escorted across the menagerie of entertainment. The celebration seemed to never cease, here in this wonderland of indulgence. Zorbo the Great, who looked more lavish than before, was spoken through by the droid. "I've brought the Sakiyan, Zorbo the Great."

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

\*IC: Zorbo the Hutt “De wanna wanna Xuurdjem aprentoo. Roofaa shoora Sakia Sakiyan et desertah.. Reebaaa Vigo et Razor huoo...”

\*IC: D7-R3 [”The Great and all mighty Zorbo greets you once more apprentice Xuurdjem. He sees you have brought the bounty target Sakiyan, Vigo the Razor.”]

Zorbo waives his hand and the green skinned Twi’lek holds up the data pad that had unbeknownst to apprentice Xuurdjem recording his entire bounty. Zorbo sees a holoimage of the adventure playing out, projected above the data pad itself.

\*IC: Zorbo the Hutt “HAAWWW HAAWWW HAWWWWW bargon u noa-a-uyat, eebu noobuu domma heebaa yaga et boo-boo Vigo et Razorrr. Nechatta Treedo teedo holobacha nooo seiira Zorbo dopa bountym healaa fuutoo”

\*IC: D7-R3 [”The Great Zorbo says you have brought him Vigo after causing him considerable pain as outlined. The all powerful Zorbo says based on your overall performance you will be rewarded a sum of 600 credits and the Mighty Zorbo hopes your own wounds heal quickly.”]

\*IC: Zorbo the Hutt “Mee jewz ku Xuurdjem aprentoo.”

\*IC: D7-R3 [”Goodby apprentice Xuurdjem. ”]