Cobb's Event Catch All | Open

[heypartner]

WHO: Cobb Vanth & All
WHERE: Various locations across Coruscant.
WHAT: Adventures across the planet
WHEN: Event
WARNINGS: Cussing. Angst. Possible violence. Will update as necessary.



This was not how Cobb imagined his first time off Tatooine. Then again, with his history, maybe he should have expected his first trip in space and to a Core world would be against his will. These Agrii fellas needed to learn to ask for permission. He would've said yes if they had asked. Instead, there was a little bubble of resentment brewing towards their alien captors.

But that anger could wait. A lot of people here had no idea how to navigate any planet in the galaxy much less one like Coruscant. Stars, even Cobb was a little out of his element but at least he could read the writing and understand how things worked in general. The first thing he focused on was getting everyone else settled and comfortable to go around by themselves. It was a lot of explaining how credit worked and offering to help if anyone needed it.

It took a few days before Cobb disappeared on his own one morning. The credits provided by the Agrii and the few he had on him when he got taken were burning a hole in his pocket. He went to the market and found himself some pieces of durasteel armor and a padded armor suit to wear underneath. It was, without a doubt, the nicest thing Cobb had ever owned, gleaming a brass-gold color against the black padded suit and soft green cloak he also bought to hide the scars that peeked out from the suit.

Damn if he didn't feel guilty for the two-thousand credits he handed over to buy it.

He just couldn't help but think of all the necessary things he could buy for home or this group of people at that cost. Two thousand credits would never got that far on Tatooine where everything was so damn expensive but it could've done something good. But after putting it all on he looked like he belonged on a Core world instead of an outsider in ragged clothes. Clothes he kept because they were still good enough for home and no one wasted anything on Tatooine. The armor though... wearing it he felt... like someone important and wasn't that a heavy thing?

Not only did the armor protect him and help him blend in, now he could get into better bars and taverns where they played high stakes sabacc. Cobb had learned his numbers playing the card game and was damn good at it. Good enough to win games against rich fools who tossed credits around like they could be dug up from the sand. That real vindictive part of himself really enjoyed it.

And everything he won now went to what they'd need to survive and anyone else who needed a few spare credits.

After all, he could always win more.

Comments

For Ezra

[heypartner]

Cobb didn't know the kid well but when Ezra asked him to go with him shopping he had agreed. Folks from the Outer Rims had to stick together, though apparently Ezra was one of the Jedi. Maybe he thought Cobb needed the security.

"Anythin' in particular you're lookin' for?" he asked as they walked through a mid-level market. After a few days he had a better understanding of the city's flow and how to get between the levels without a speeder or jet pack.

He was most comfortable in those mid-levels where his normal red clothes didn't stand out. Cobb still wasn't wearing the durasteel armor all the time, not fully comfortable with it. He wished for the old beskar more than once.

"Or are we just wandering for now?" Which was fine with Cobb. Without a job there's a lot of down time to fill and he wasn't filling it with trips to the Jedi temple to meditate which seemed to take up a lot of people's time.

[ezra_of_lothal]

It was, partly, Ezra trying to stick to a buddy system a little. Cobb struck him one of the group at large likely to wander off on his own, but maybe he'd put up with Ezra's company for a while.

"Well, I could probably use a new jacket, at the least," he says. He's tried to wash the blaster burn from the fire fight on Thrawn's flagship out of it, but it's seen better days.

"And even when I had a lightsaber, I'd carry a blaster sometimes. Then there's thinking about things we could generally use back on Agra. So a bit of both on the list versus wandering?"

[heypartner]

Cobb takes a look at Ezra's jacket. Sure, it's got a few burns on it but looks like a pretty good jacket to him. "Let's start with the jacket then. I gotta get one too. Didn't expect worlds with a single sun to be that cold."

And humid. Back in that ruined city Cobb had experienced weather that just wasn't possible on Tatooine. Dew! Fog! Wind that didn't throw sand in his face! It was also cold. He didn't like the cold.

He hooks a thumb on his belt while they walked. "You wanna get a blaster while we're here? Or are you all workin' on lightsabers in that temple?"

Which was a real intimidating building. Cobb had no desire to get close. Ezra looked plenty old enough for his own blaster too. Might as well get one while they had the chance.

[ezra_of_lothal]

Ezra has certainly worn clothing far more ratty, but the credits aren't going to be much use when they leave, so he might as well spend them. He wishes he knew if his most recent growth spurt had been his last or not.

"Well, I hope to come away with at least a crystal for a saber," Ezra admits. "I've scrounged pretty unconventional parts to build from there before. I'm sure Master Kenobi vouching that he's supervising training will help. Because he can't really fake mastery. Not to a bunch of other Masters looking at him through the Force." He can't really explain it better than that; it's just one of those thing he intuitively knows.

"Whether there might be other requirements, we'll see. Traditionally, getting a crystal is a quest. You go where they're found naturally and go through a spiritual test."

[deal_me_in]

There was a bit of commotion by the entrance of the bar that Cobb has stopped at, and it wasn't long before a familiar voice could be heard above the stern rebukes. The Exo was threatening to make a scene whether he meant to or not, obviously not primed on the 'finer' points of this galaxy's culture.

At the gambling table Cobb sat at, a three-eyed Gran snorted, muttering something about crazy droids as he adjusted the cards in his hand and added a credit chip to the pile.

[heypartner]

Yeah, the problem with that droid was Cobb knew him. He glanced over his shoulder just to confirm it was Cayde trying to get in. It was. He'd recognize those spotchka blue eyes anywhere.

Luckily for his friend, Cobb had a losing hand. "Fold," he said when it came to his turn. "And I'll be steppin' out."

He took his winnings, not much but more than he'd lost, with a nod to everyone at the table then left the table. Cayde seemed to be arguing with the bouncer for the club. "Pardon me," he said, making sure to draw himself up to his full height and look important. The new armor helped with the illusion. "I'm familiar with this droid. I'll take responsibility for him."

The bouncer still didn't look pleased. Cayde made an impression but he stepped back to allow Cayde in.

[deal_me_in]

Cayde had to double-take at the man before recognizing him for who he was, a grin crossing his metal features. "Nice cape," he couldn't he help but comment. It seemed obligatory, a Hunter thing. And then what Cobb informed the bouncer sank in, making the Exo scowl a little, but he sauntered past the bouncer. He liked making impressions, and wasn't going to complain about getting the upperhand here, even if it did take some help.

"I'm a big boy, I can be responsible," he said to Cobb, falling back into his usual carefree demeanor. "So, hope I wasn't interrupting anything important."

[heypartner]

"Thanks." Cobb blushed just a little and pretended to not notice. He was still adjusting to just how many people noticed him when he wore the new armor and cape. Even the beskar didn't get him stared at like this.

"Just losing a hand of sabacc." He led Cayde to a table and signaled a waitress, a pretty blue tw'ilk with elegantly long lekku. "Bottle of spotchka, two glasses."

She looked a little confused because droids didn't drink but nodded and went to get his order. "You're gonna have a hard time in this galaxy which I think you're starting to figure out. No one thinks you're a human in a metal body. No droid here is that advanced."

[on_repeat]

"It may not be exactly what we are used to, but go out and enjoy yourself Echo."

And honestly, Echo was trying to make the most of it. After a few days of aimless wandering, he finally fell back into focus. When he wasn't trying to stock up on supplies he and the others might need back on Agra 10, he settled into one of many bar scenes within the lower levels – not too far down just yet, but it was a start.

Among the crowd that's gathered there, he stands at one of the taller tables surrounding the central counter of the establishment, glancing down at the glass he's only started to drink. None of the voices overlapping each other in conversation are anywhere close to what he's used to hearing – different languages, different pitches, different from the clones and what they usually talk about – but it makes for a quick review in being aware of one's surroundings.

Which easily comes into play when certain groups of patrons become louder than the din already permeating the space.

[heypartner]

The mid-levels had some good sabacc games. They weren't as high stakes as what Cobb had been playing but they were usually more relaxed and more his style of people. He didn't wear his fancy new armor, just his travel worn clothes and drank slightly more salty spotchka. It was almost home but still too cold.

He didn't mean to start trouble but well, it was his lucky night. An Idiot's Array. Cobb had only gotten the hand once before playing with some old timers in Mos Pelgo. He'd bought everyone in the cantina a drink for that and the townsfolk had cheered him on.

Here... it got his wrist grabbed by a Zabrakian and an accusation of cheating. Cobb asked politely at first for his wrist to be let go so that he could collect his winnings and well... he wasn't getting out of this one without a fight it seemd.

Son of a bantha.

He grabbed the Zabrakian by the back of the neck and slammed his forehead down onto the table, scattering cards and credits. Cobb kicked his chair back and stood up at his full height which he knew was imposing. "Last chance, fellas, before we start dancing. You sure you want to do this?"

A guy tackled him from the side and Cobb figured... yeah, they wanted to do this.

[on_repeat]

A number of heads had first turned the second the Zabrakian made the accusation. Echo's head also lifted a few degrees, arching a brow when he recognized who else was at the table.

The collective gasps from those closest to the action placed emphasis on the immediate danger Cobb was now entangled in, leaving the clone with two options:

1) Help the man out, the odds are against him or
2) Stay back and let him be, he can probably take care of himself

He could have stuck with option 2. Why would he need to interfere with the dealings of a card game gone wrong? It wasn't his business. But to leave Cobb didn't sit right with him, either. Not when the level of violence was escalating so quickly.

Sighing under a breath, Echo finally pushed away from the table, pushing past the patrons who gawked at the spectacle. "'Scuse me," he muttered, discouraging the beginnings of a dogpile in grabbing the next guy by the scruff.

[heypartner]

Cobb didn't have any formal training in fighting but he was scrappy and honestly, pissed off. That was a damn good hand and completely legal. Those credits were his. Instead, these bastards made trouble.

The only reason he didn't draw his blaster was because he didn't want to kill them. They were assholes but no one needed to die for that.

He took a few punches to the face then got his knee in the ribs of the guy on top of him. Cobb rolled them over and returned the favor with three hard hits. Not trained but he could throw a punch pretty well.

"Don't get up," he warned the man on the floor before kneeing him in the ribs. "I ain't gonna be nice a second time."

He got to his feet surprised to see he had help. Good help judging by how calmly the Imperial... nope, not an Imperial. Had to remember that one. How calmly the Arc trooper was handling things.

Cobb let out a grunt of pain and a whoosh of breath as get caught a punch to the ribs. Ow. He answered by slamming his forehead against the Zabrakian's which ow again. Horns.

[thesepreciousthings]

Starling had put some of her credits toward new clothes to blend in, as well, reserving some for ... whatever she felt drawn to need to bring back. She wasn't sure what to do with all this, having arrived just before the ships had departed. But as she stepped into the tavern, she had managed to dress like she belonged there.

She stepped up to the bar and looked at the liquor options as though she didn't, though. Glancing over, she caught Cobb's eye and gave him a charming smile, deciding to play the Pretty Lady card.

"I'm sorry to trouble you, but I can't seem to decide. What's good here?"

[heypartner]

"Ma'am, I couldn't tell ya." Cobb turned and leaned against the bar on his elbow. "See, I ain't picky about what I drink. Usually go for spotchka if I got a choice."

There was something vaguely familiar about the woman. Cobb had definitely seen her before. He couldn't quite place it but he figured a little more time and he'd get there.

He raised his glass which had a bright blue glowing drink in it. "Might do better asking the bartender what they recommend."

[thesepreciousthings]

"Thank you." She smiled graciously, then turned to the bartender. "Something light, please? Not sweet, just light."

While he was fixing her drink, she turned back to Cobb. "I can't say I've ever had spotchka. What's it taste like?"

[heypartner]

"Not a problem ma'am." Cobb sipped his drink thinking that might be the end of it which would given him plenty of time to wrack his brain for an answer about why this woman looks familiar to him.

It was the question that helped tip him off. Ah, she was one of the new folks that slipped on the ships just because they left for Coruscant. He must have seen her around the hangars. He had a good eye for faces and everyone in the galaxy had spotchka at least once.

"Salty. A little burn in the back of throat but good." Cobb certainly favored it over other alcohol.

Sabacc Lessons - Open

[heypartner]

The hangars had plenty of space even with their ships crowded in. When Cobb wasn't out at the markets or playing games he was usually found around them. They were the closest thing to home right now.

Tonight, he had set up a few crates for himself to use as a table and chairs. He leaned back against the First Breath with his feet propped up on one crate while sitting on another. Sabacc cards flowed easily between his hands.

It was a nice way to unwind after a long day of not much. Lots of folks were busy with their own business and Cobb, well, he found the Core planet rather... overwhelming. The hangars were fairly quiet and steady. He could also check on who was coming and going.

After he was done shuffling he spread the cards out on the crate he was using as a table and considered them for a moment. Then he picked the cards up and started shuffling them again.

When someone approached he raised an eyebrow. "Care to join me? Could play a round if you'd like."

[demjiin]

Kaz had quickly learned that the hangar bay was similar to the harbors of Ketterdam. There were a few and he couldn't tell if there were any gangs that controlled them, but tonight he did see Cobb shuffling the deck of cards. No one ever expected a 17-year-old kid to know so much about card games, or how to control a deck. Attention caught by the shuffling, Kaz's cane tapped as he came closer.

"What's your game?"

When he spoke, his voice sounded like he gargled with whiskey and broken glass every morning; like a grizzled old man coming out of a young man's mouth.

[heypartner]

Cobb had seen the kid around the hangar. He seemed to be part of their group though he had never spoken with him. Wasn't that unusual to see a kid with a cane either where Cobb was from and mining accidents were common.

"Sabacc." Cobb dropped his feet from the box they were propped on and pushed it back so the kid could have a seat if he wanted. "It's the most popular game in the galaxy."

He shifted his cards to one hand and held it out. "Cobb Vanth. Pleasure."

At the Hangar

[hadthehighground]

Their time in Coruscant was drawing to an end, much to Obi-Wan’s dismay. For the first time since the purge he had felt at home, even if it wasn’t quite the same. If it wasn’t for his students and the fact they were in a time they didn’t belong to, he would be tempted to stay. Then Padme showed up and things became even more complicated. The birth of her children had set him on edge, but thankfully it had ended better than the last time.

Leaving the babies and their mother to rest, Obi-Wan set about bringing things to his ship, the Twin Roses. He’s passing through the hangar with his own repulsorcart loaded with various objects he had transported from the temple.

Despite being his calm self there is a distant look to his eyes as he pushed the cart through the hangar. There is still a lot weighing in his mind.

[heypartner]

"You want some help with that?" Cobb asked with a nod towards the cart. It looks pretty full and even though he had spent most of the day loading more stuff into the First Breath he still had some energy left in him.

And the guy looked a little... run down. Like maybe he needed a little more help than that cart.

Obi-Wan would also recognize the armor Cobb wore. It was the exact set that Mando had worn at the Jedi temple only Cobb didn't wear a helmet. He had set aside the cape for the heavy lifting but everything else was the same.

[hadthehighground]

“What?” Obi-Wan blinks as he’s ripped from his own thoughts and looked to Cobb, not having expected to run across anyone down here. “Oh...” he says as he paused and looked at the cart. There was a lot of stuff.

“I certainly wouldn’t mind the help, thank you.”

Though now he also took a moment to scrutinize the other man a bit more. “Now I see where Mando got the substitute armor. That was very good of you.”

In the Gardens of Coruscant - OPEN

[heypartner]

After all the gambling and supply buying Cobb finally took a little time to himself and actually explored Coruscant. It took awhile for him to find something he liked about the planet but once he saw it... he couldn't look away.

Gardens.

Huge, sprawling gardens full of trees and flowers and plants. There were multiple ponds with fish. Fish! And all these pretty flying insects. So much life. And it was kind of quiet in the gardens which he hadn't found anywhere else on the planet.

He wandered through them almost in a daze. It was so beautiful. Tatooine had the best sunrises in the galaxy no doubt but it didn't have green like this. Cobb knew he'd spend a lot of time here in the last few days, soaking in all the life he could.

He found a big tree to sit under and stretch his legs out. If he was one for meditation he would've done that now but instead he just sat and... enjoyed.

[kree_soldieress]

Yes, green is nice, very nice. Lauri-Ell herself was quite the fan. After a bit of time at the Jedi Temple's gardens he had of course chosen to find herself other green spaces to explore.

It had taken time and guidance to find this place, but now that she was here, she intended to enjoy it. Unfortunately enjoying it meant walking around, her attention anywhere but in front of her. It was luck alone that kept her from stepping right on Cobb.

though she did stumble near him when she saw him and found herself shocked by his presence.

"Oh, excuse me. I apologize for interrupting."

[heypartner]

Cobb was more surprised that he didn't notice the tall blue woman walking his way. He really was somewhere else in his head, a rare moment for him. He was always slightly aware of what was going on around him.

"No harm done, ma'am," he said as he sat up a little straighter to make sure he wasn't in her way.

She's an alien, clearly, but Cobb wasn't sure she was an alien from this planet. Or this galaxy. Actually, she might be from the ships. Cobb was pretty sure he'd seen her before around there.

"Apologies if I'm in your spot."