A gambler’s den of the Vertical City’s greatest bettors, Club Vertica is a casino reserved for the wealthiest of Nar Shaddaa. Cardshark droids are used exclusively to deal hands to those willing to risk their credits at the sabacc tables. Cheating is rendered near impossible under the surveillance of the droid's six photoreceptors. That, of course, does not stop the downtrodden from accusing others of being a fraud, which can often happen before someone receives a blaster bolt between the eyes. The few that have been able to use skiffers undetected are counted as some of the best swindlers in the Galaxy.

Cerulean lights illuminate the tables, making concealment during a game difficult. Seated around most of the oval tables are a mix of gamblers from different species, succumbing to their addiction for the ultimate prize—the sabacc pot. Credits are tossed onto the tables forming mountains that draw in fierce competitors with deeper pockets and faster wit than the usual patrons.

Behind the games of sabacc, drinks are being served from the alcove of a small bar. Most of these are a shade of blue in color, expertly mixed to dull the senses of all but the hardiest individuals. Onstage, a local band sets the mood of the venue with an upbeat number that deafens out most conversations. The stakes are always high at Club Vertica.

Tahiri Thorn Morte Tarentae kept her hood up as she walked into Club Vertica. The Sith Togruta’s appearance would have drawn attention, if not for the fact there were others similarly dressed, and that the patrons were used to such people coming into the establishment. Surveying the clubs’ interior, she spotted a corner table that gave a good view of the club. Tahiri walked up to the small alcove bar and placed a large hand full of credits on the bar. After asking for a drink for herself, and then one to be brought over once her friend had arrived, pointing to the table where she would be at.

Tahiri sat back in the little back corner table, watching and waiting. The soft blue ambiance of the club reminded her of hunting beneath moonlight. Sipping the bluish liquor drink, she had ordered, Tahiri surveyed the clubs’ patrons, sighing as she watched the credits change hands in the sabacc games. Kind of wish I had brought my Pazaak deck, the thought made a small smile spread across her crimson face.

The Battlemaster grinned beneath her hood, as she felt a familiar presence nearby. Perking up, she watched the entry way of the club expectantly, as a lone dark cloaked figure appeared. The figure looked around for a moment, and then made a b-line straight for her table.

“Hello brother, long time, no see,” Tahiri greeted the figure, as she stood up and threw back her hood. The Togruta could not hold in her excitement, quickly moving around the table, she threw her arms around the tall man, hugging him tightly.

“I’m so happy that you are alive and well,” she cried joyfully. The figure had to step back, to keep from falling over with the force of the hug. There was a slight pause before the figure clasped his arms around Tahiri and gently hugged her back.

“Tahiri,” replied Blackhawk, as he gently pulled her away from him. “I too, am glad that you are alive.”

“We have a lot to catch up on,” Tahiri said excitedly, flashing Blackhawk a smile. “Though that’s only partially what I contacted you for.” She motioned toward the empty seat next to hers. A Twi’lek waitress appeared suddenly and set the second drink Tahiri had ordered earlier for Blackhawk.

Smiling and shaking his head, Blackhawk pushed back his hood and sat down beside Tahiri. Raising his eyebrow, and the glass, with its azure looking liquid, asked, “Oh?”

“Do you remember when we went to that cantina, and those Bothan’s that tried to kill you?” She asked, taking a sip of her drink.

“I think so. Was it the ones we couldn’t get any information out of?” the Clawdite asked inquisitively.

"Yep, those are the ones,” she replied, smirking with a sly wink.

Blackhawk sensed something. He couldn’t tell what, but it was there.

Probably nothing, Blackhawk thought as he entered the bar. In a matter of seconds, Blackhawk saw the Togruta.

The pleasantries out of the way, they got down to business.

“Those Bothans? What about them?”

“I think I figured out what they were after,”Tahiri replied.

Both failed to note the hooded Kel-Dor entering the bar. As the two former Tarenti continued to converse, the Kel-Dor selected a target. Not his, but one that could help him get to the Clawdite he had been hired to kill.

Blackhawk sensed it right before it happened. He realized, too late, that he had made a mistake in dismissing whatever it was he had sensed outside the bar.

Before he could react, the sound of a lightsaber igniting filled the bar. Several turned towards the sound before running away, fear dominating the room. A woman screamed, and Blackhawk saw the lightsaber at her throat.

“Blackhawk, show yourself now, or the woman dies,” the assassin yelled in a deep, booming voice.

Blackhawk stood, striding quickly across the bar, his hand going immediately to his lightsabers.

“You want me,” Blackhawk challenged, “you got me.”

The Kel-Dor lowered the lightsaber just long enough for the woman to run off.

“A pleasure to meet you,” the Kel-Dor stated, “Now, die.” With that, the assassin released a stream of lightning from his right hand, just as Blackhawk ignited his lightsaber to deflect it. Hr was barely able to withstand the torrential assault.

“Let’s see how you like it!” Blackhawk shouted, unleashing his own torrent of lightning upon the assassin. He too, was able to block the attack.

“I guess our skills with the Force cannot decide this little scuffle,” the Kel-Dor stated.

“Agreed,” Blackhawk spat, igniting his second lightsaber. The assassin did the same, as Tahiri moved along the edge of the bar, positioning herself behind the assassin. The sound of sirens could be heard as the duelists squared off, each waiting for the other to react.

Tahiri watched the whole scene unfold as the mysterious Kel-Dor squared off against Blackhawk, both in ready stances. The assassin seemed to take no real notice of the Togruta as she slowly got into a good position to help her brother if needed. Apparently, he either doesn’t see me as a threat, or he really isn’t here for me.

Growing and learning as apprentices together, Tahiri and Blackhawk knew each other better than anyone else could, even their master. Even though the paths they followed were different, and the fact that neither of them had not seen nor heard from each other since Tarentum had been attacked, and the clans home planets were decimated, they still knew how the other thought and fought.

The Battlemaster unclipped her saber from her belt, and unsheathed one of her throwing daggers. If I can take him down a notch or at least distract him, that will help Hawk get the upper hand. Then we can ask him a few questions. The Clawdite and Kel-Dor had not moved an inch, the thrumming hum of their four sabers filled the air around them, while the unheeded sirens outside grew louder.

Both men studied each other. Knowing the first to move would show his hand, and Tahiri had an idea how to make the assassin show his hand first. When the two had squared off she had watched for any signs of the martial arts or saber forms the Kel-Dor used, but she couldn’t discern anything definite from his stance alone. Tahiri had to get him moving, and her plan involved a bit of risk.

Knowing Blackhawk would react quickly to what she was about to do, the Togruta slowly crouched down and drew a little on the Force around her. With a flick of her wrist, she sent the throwing dagger flying between the legs of the Kel-Dor, where it buried its tip in the floor. Both men started at the sound of the low thrunk of the blade penetrating the floor, and then the distinct sharp ignition hiss of a lightsaber.

Tahiri sprang slightly forward and to the left of the assassin, slashing upward, aiming to put a huge gash into his upper thigh and side. It had the effect the Togruta had been hoping for, as he tall Kel-Dor was taken a bit off guard by her sudden attack. Blackhawk was almost immediately onto what she was doing, mounting an attack of his own. Swiftly, the Clawdite sprang forward and slashed at the Kel-Dor with both his blades.

However fast their attacks were though, the assassin was quick on his feet. Twirling and parrying the Togrutas’ crimson blade away from his body, while stepping back and bringing his both blades back up to block Blackhawks’ blades.

The Togruta rolled away to the side for a moment, while the two men locked blades.

“Two against one, huh?” the Kel-Dor quipped to Blackhawk, over their locked sizzling blades. “Can’t do things on your own, have to get a female to help you?”

“No,” Tahiri chimed in before Blackhawk could answer. “I just hate men who aren’t nice to the ladies, especially at the bar!” she spat back.