The first rule of fight club

[yourotherleft]

Who: Zoro yourotherleft & OPEN!
When: IC 5/4-5/5
Where: various places in the Pleasure District
What: In the process of becoming a bounty hunter, Zoro is about to stumble on something even more curious in the "underground" where criminals in the colony play.
Rating/Warning: none but lmk if that changes

[One doesn't have to hang around in the alley outside Novus/Replea to hear about the criminal underground of the Cerealia colony, but it helps. A chance encounter elsewhere has already turned Zoro on to the existence of alien criminal factions and their need to put prices on the heads of their rivals, but this is his first night actively haunting the dark side looking for someone to nab. His luck is unusually good tonight, he's already spotted someone whose photo he scored from a rough customer inside the club, now to trail him and see where he goes just in case he leads the hunter to even more high-priced bounties.

He has no idea where he is at any given time anyway, so tracking his quarry all the way from the entertainment district to the pleasure district doesn't faze him, it only results in a change of scenery. But the deeper he goes, stealthily following his bounty, the more Zoro uncovers.]

Scene I. Pleasure district, bars

[He's not at all interested in company, clothed or unclothed, living or robot, but the sake is pretty damn good down here. The alien with reward money on his head apparently likes the host clubs, though, so Zoro can be found parked on a bar stool in one, waving off the hosts and hostesses while running up a hell of a tab. The more he drinks, the more personable he is if anyone wants to strike up a conversation.

What they don't know is, he has no intention of paying that tab. But can he get out without causing a riot and tipping off his target? You, hey, you there - come here, let him talk to you so he can watch the bounty over your shoulder.[]

Do you work here? Hang on, that's not what I meant! I just wanna know where the back door is.

[what do you mean that is the worst question you can ask in a place like this?!]

Scene II. Pleasure district, brothel

[Well, shit, his target went upstairs, so how is a bounty hunter supposed to pass the time when he himself is entirely uninterested in what this place has to offer? But wait, there's a hell of a lot of noise coming from the next level down...

There isn't a stairwell leading down inside the building, but around back, there's definitely a side door and a set of steps, with two rather hulking thugs standing guard on either side of the door. Zoro isn't at all put off by their presence, but walking straight up to them doesn't seem to make them move to let him through. He can hear what plainly sounds like fighting and cheering, and can sense a lot of strong people down there. But he'll need a hand to get down there to see it for himself. What do you think, can you A, talk their way in, or is it better to B, fight your way in?

Spoilers, there's a fight club downstairs, and if you can get in, you might find yourself joining that club. Zoro's joining it, no matter what.]

Scene III. Pleasure district, spa

[The bounty money is good and all, and most of it is going to go toward food and booze, but as long as he's in the area, Zoro is up for checking out the bathhouse in the spa. Not for shenanigans, for a bath! It's a good place to meet people, they say, so who knows? Maybe he'll make a new friend, or find a potential sparring partner. Or, on the other hand, he might come to realize why bathing with others is not as much fun as it sounds on paper.]

Comments

[yourotherleft]

[ugh he wants so badly to argue that but it might blow his already-thin cover so...]

It ain't for the company, that's for sure. [he glances around and wrinkles his nose at the decor] This ain't my scene at all.

[playboyknight]

[He takes yet another sip of his drink then gives Zoro a smug smirk.]

So you're only here for the drinks and stalking. I don't really care to know what the fellow did to you or why you're after him, but if he starts anything, you know the security will be on him first.

[yourotherleft]

[hmm, security. A quick glance around notes which fellows might be said security. Eh, Zoro can take 'em.]

I'm not worried about him starting anything. That's not the point.

[a manly nod in Angelo's direction] What's with the third degree, anyway?

[playboyknight]

[He shrugs at Zoro as he finishes off another drink, then answers him as the bartender is giving him another one.]

That depends on what you mean by third degree. If you're talking about my statement, I'm simply stating the rules of our establishment. On the other hand, if you're talking about the security itself, it's more of a precaution to stop any unwanted visitors.

[yourotherleft]

Ohh. So just a loyal employee making sure the ruffian at the bar isn't going to start something. Don't worry. [he savors his fresh drink with relish] Consider me just passing through.

[playboyknight]

[He smirks and sips his drink again before laughing a bit.]

I never said I was that loyal nor did I say anything about making sure you don't start anything. You're more than free to if you want. I'm more talking about your little friend.

[yourotherleft]

[he glances back at his target again, noticing that he seems to be in it for the long haul tonight. Might as well order up a few more drinks and get comfy.]

I don't care if he does, but in that case, he's worth more to me than he is to security. Trust me.

[playboyknight]

[He also glances at the man then leans a bit closer to Zoro.]

You know, I could always help you out with your little problem. I know a few ways to get your friend out of here.

[yourotherleft]

Oh?

[focusing back on Angelo, now, definitely curious]

I was just going to wait until he was done and then keep an eye on him. But he's taking way too long.

[playboyknight]

[He looks back at the man and then again at Zoro.]

He's pretty wasted by the looks of it. I could always "check in" on him and possibly get him annoyed enough that he needs to be escorted out. I'll escort him out then he's all yours.

[yourotherleft]

Oh yeah?

[oooh he likes this idea. Zoro raises an eyebrow at him and starts to grin a little]

Just like that, huh? That'd be nice. You probably won't do it for free, though, I'm guessing.

[playboyknight]

Correct. My philosophy is you never get anything in this world for free. So I'll be taking a few credits off you, maybe half for this guy you're after?

[He loves his money as much as his drink and women.]

[yourotherleft]

Half? Nah-uh. [he swivels back around on his seat to mull over his drink] A favor like that isn't worth more than a drink.

[playboyknight]

Oh come on, what are you going to use them for? I have plans and goals I need to fulfill. Don't be so greedy.

[Says the guy who wants half of this guy's credit money. The pot calling the kettle black as they say.]

[yourotherleft]

[shoots him a sharp look from under a heavy, scarred brow]

Food. Living.

[and just like that the air around him has grown cold]

My captain is relying on me.

[playboyknight]

All right fine, I want a fair exchange though. So what do you suggest?

[See? He's being nice. Kind of.]

[yourotherleft]

I don't have much. [might as well be honest] I can always owe you, whether money or a favor.

[playboyknight]

[He puts his hand to his chin in a thinking manner.]

Hmm, both sound good. I'll take the favor since I'm doing you one, sound fair?

[yourotherleft]

One favor, I owe you. [he raises his drink in a toast to it.] Roronoa Zoro keeps his promises, no matter what.

[playboyknight]

Good to know, then. [He also raises his glass in a toast.] And I Angelo will keep to my word as well.

[yourotherleft]

Angelo, huh. All right. I'll remember that. Do what you can do, and if you can chase him off without me losing sight of him, it'll be worth it.

[playboyknight]

Well then, it's been a pleasure speaking to you.

[Angelo then goes over to the very drunk man and tries to talk to him. Unfortunately their conversation ends quickly with the man nearly swinging a punch at Angelo and causing a small table to fall over in the process. Just as security is about to come over to intervene to stop the ruckus about to ensue, he simply tells them to throw the guy out the front door before looking back at Zoro as if to signal him.]

[yourotherleft]

[the chaos has the added effect of completely distracting everyone at the bar, as everyone stops to gape at the sudden eruption of trouble. Security seems to be fairly efficient, manhandling the troublemaker and escorting him away; Zoro shoots Angelo the slightest nod of appreciation as he smoothly rolls off the stool and swings in right behind the last fellow, waiting until they've tossed the offender out and moved back to their positions to check on the hosts. Now's the time to rejoin the hunt...

Zoro's on the first step out the door when one of the bartenders yells "Sir! You haven't paid your tab!"]

Shit!

[and he's off like a shot before security can even turn around a second time.]

[playboyknight]

[Angelo slips the bartender a good tip to pay for Zoro's tab so security won't be after him as he follows after him to see what's up. He's more curious to see what's going on to be honest and he was pretty much done work. Now to see how all of this ends.]

[yourotherleft]

[The alien fellow seems to be brushing himself off and, aside from a few choice insults at the management, not too much the worse for wear. He heads deeper into the district toward the brothels, and Zoro is quietly shadowing him, slipping along the sides of buildings with surprising skill. He's no ninja but he does know how to trail a subject when necessary.

That is, until he can hear someone behind him, and as he notes which brothel his guy disappears into, stops and turns to confront whoever it is.]