Beneath the surface of Lake Paonga lies the Gungan capital. Otoh Gunga is constructed in such a manner that leaves the Gungan city trapped beneath water pressures—potentially fatal to the denizens should the city be breached—converging on the lake’s vertical center and floating between the surface of the lake and the lakebed. Its location makes the capital difficult to find without knowing its precise location, remaining untouched during the Separatist occupation of Naboo.

Water-breathing species would be able to swim easily to its bubble-shaped buildings; however, those unable to remain submerged without air would find the distance impossible to swim. Therefore, breathing apparatuses are essential for those determined to make the journey themselves and without the aid of Gungan bongos. Its bubble-like buildings are hydrostatic force-fields that contain breathable atmospheres for their occupants and have special portals that allow the inhabitants to enter and exit. Since the Gungans actually grew the building material of their cities from the natural plasma of Naboo and bubble wort extract, the structure of Otoh Gunga is a hub and spoke design. Each of the bubble-like buildings are compartmentalized units, able to be sealed off at a moment’s notice.

The Gungan Grand Army utilizes patrols that make regular visits between the compartments. Favouring spears, atlatls, Electropoles and cestas for throwing boomas, these soldiers are the staunch defenders of Otoh Gunga. Sometimes armed with distributed Gungan personal energy shields capable of turning aside blaster bolts, these warriors are too-often underestimated, lending to their victories over the Trade Federation.

The bright lights of the Gungan capital city shone like a dense cluster of stars set against the dark backdrop of Lake Paonga’s lakebed. The light emanating from the city suspended in place, floating deep below the lake’s surface, fell off quickly giving way to the inky darkness that surrounded it. Otoh Gunga was a hive of activity as Gungan’s bustled to and fro going about their daily lives oblivious to the stranger entering their peaceful city and the trouble that tended to follow wherever he went.

The city was truly unique and beautiful, but as TuQ’uan Varick stepped out of the bongo that brought him down from the surface of Naboo he remembered just why he hated this city so much. He hated the claustrophobic feeling of being trapped so far underwater, the pressure squeezing in from all sides with only one way to escape. He hated how bright and organized the city felt, to the mercenary it felt too sterile. And he certainly hated the “quirky” speech of the locals attempting to speak Basic. But he was a professional and the Dread Lord had personally sent him here, so he would put his personal feelings aside and get the job done.

His feet carried him forward on autopilot as he scrolled through the assignment on his datapad for the dozenth time today. Get to Otoh Gunga. Check. Find the asset the Dread Lord was intent on having join the clan, convince them to join House Tyranus, and bring them back to Aliso. TuQ’s plan was still a work in progress, and he didn’t have a whole lot to go on, but off-worlders should be pretty easy to spot in the sea of Gungans. All-in-all, he figured he could be in and out, leaving this accursed city behind him in no time at all.

“Excuse me.” Tuq trepidatiously approached a meiloorun vendor, he was not looking forward to this conversation.

“Ohh! Isa fine day!” the Gungan cried out before the Kel Dor could say more. “Wesa no getsa lotsa visitors, let alone dee in una day!”

Dee? What does he mean by dee? TuQ wracked his brain in an attempt to decipher what the Gungan was trying to say. And then it clicked.

“There are three visitors here today? Right now?”

“Yesa, isa wonderful!”

TuQ was gone before the vendor could finish his sentence.

“How wude!”

Had another clan come to poach the asset? What was so important about this person that clans would fight over them? Were more people coming? All of these questions could wait for now, the most important thing right now was to be the first to find the asset.

TuQ gave a gentle, comforting tug at the brim of his hat as he quickly wove through the city, looking, listening for any sign of his target or his competition. Was he being paranoid or had he just seen a flash of blue on the edge of his vision? No, his mind must be playing tricks on him. Continuing on, the whispers of the locals seemed to be carrying him closer to someone. But who? Were his feet moving slower? Something felt...off, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. He took a deep breath and tried to push on but his legs didn’t want to move how he wanted them to. Again, he took a deep breath and a sweet, relaxing scent filled his nostrils. Slowly he exhaled, his head felt like it was floating on a gentle stream, his senses dulled.

A soft, joyful giggle rang in his ears as the cerise hand of a Zeltron laid on his shoulder, its grip firm.

“I beat you again, TuQ,” the Zeltron playfully whispered, her lips a hair’s breadth away from his ear. A fresh wave of her pheromones filled his lungs.

Nora, he cursed inwardly. Fellow Plagueian, rival Quaestor, and his constant rival. He should have known that Selika would pit the two of them against each other.

“Why don’t you stay here while I convince this asset to join the superior house,” she laughed.

Good, there’s still time to put her in her place, TuQ thought to himself.

Acting on instinct, he grabbed Nora’s wrist and pulled with all his might. Crouching low and throwing his weight forward, he flipped Nora over his shoulder. Nora hung upside down as she flew away from her rival Quaestor, her long blue hair pulled by gravity towards the ground below. Their eyes locked as fury flashed across Nora’s face in the moment before she collided with the ground.

TuQ readied himself for a counterattack as Nora slowly rose to her feet.

“So, that’s how you want to do this?” Her large, full lips pulled up at the corners as a smirk spread across her face. “Good,” she hissed and lunged forward.

TuQ instinctively raised his hands in a defensive position as Nora charged towards him. She was quick, her movements fluid and graceful as she closed the distance between them. TuQ had fought many opponents in his career as a mercenary, but Nora was a different beast altogether. Her Zeltron physiology made her pheromones deadly, able to control the emotions and actions of those around her. He couldn't afford to let his guard down.

Nora threw a punch towards TuQ's face, but he easily dodged it and countered with a quick jab towards her stomach. She blocked it with ease and kicked out towards his legs, but TuQ jumped over it and landed a roundhouse kick towards her head. She ducked under it and went for a sweeping kick towards his feet. TuQ leaped over it and landed behind her, grabbing her by the waist and throwing her towards the ground.

Nora twisted in mid-air, landing on her feet with a graceful spin. She smiled at TuQ, her eyes glinting with excitement. "You're better than I thought, TuQ. I've always enjoyed sparring with you."

TuQ didn't reply, his attention focused on the task at hand. He needed to find the asset before Nora did. He quickly scanned the area, looking for any sign of his target. The Gungan city was bustling with activity, but he couldn't let that distract him. He had a job to do.

Nora noticed his distraction and took advantage of it, launching another attack towards him. TuQ barely managed to dodge it, his mind racing with different strategies. He needed to end this quickly and find the asset.

He decided to take a risk and launched a surprise attack towards Nora. She wasn't expecting it and stumbled back, giving TuQ the opportunity to strike. He landed a punch towards her stomach, causing her to double over in pain. He quickly followed it up with an uppercut towards her chin, sending her flying towards the ground.

TuQ stood over Nora, his breaths coming in short gasps. He couldn't afford to let his guard down, even for a second. Nora slowly got up, a smile playing on her lips. "You're good, TuQ. But I won't give up that easily."

TuQ nodded, acknowledging her skills. "I know, Nora. But I have a job to do."

Nora's smile faded as she remembered the reason why they were here. She scanned the area, looking for any sign of their target. "We need to find the asset before anyone else does. The Dread Lord is counting on us."

TuQ nodded, his mind focused on the mission. They both knew the importance of this task, and they couldn't afford to fail. They quickly resumed their search, moving deeper into the city.

As they walked, TuQ noticed a commotion up ahead. A group of Gungans were gathered around something, their voices rising in excitement. TuQ and Nora exchanged a quick glance before moving towards the crowd.

As they got closer, they could see a figure in the center of the crowd. It was a humanoid, clad in a hooded cloak that covered most of their face. TuQ could feel a sense of unease settling in his stomach. Was this their target?

Nora pushed her way through the crowd, her eyes fixed on the figure. TuQ followed close behind, his senses on high alert. As they reached the front of the crowd, the figure turned towards them.

The figure slowly lowered their hood, revealing a face that made TuQ's blood run cold. It was none other than the infamous bounty hunter, Vinrod Molluc. He was known throughout the galaxy for his ruthless tactics and deadly accuracy. TuQ had never faced him in combat, but he had heard enough about him to know that he was not to be taken lightly.

Nora tensed beside him, her hand going to her blaster. TuQ placed a hand on her arm, signaling her to wait. They needed to be cautious. Vinrod Molluc was not their target, but he could pose a threat to their mission.

Molluc studied them for a moment before speaking. "Well, well. What do we have here? Two mercenaries wandering into my territory. You're a long way from home, TuQ."

TuQ remained silent, his mind working quickly to come up with a plan. He knew that engaging Molluc in combat would be a death sentence. He needed to think of a way to get past him and find their target.

Nora spoke up, her voice steady. "We're here on a job. We have no quarrel with you, Molluc. We suggest you move aside and let us pass."

Molluc chuckled, his eyes narrowing. "Oh, I'm afraid it's not that simple, my dear. You see, I'm on a job as well. And it just so happens that our targets are the same."

TuQ's heart sank. This was not good news. If Molluc was after the same asset, then they were in for a tough fight. Molluc was not one to back down easily, and he had a reputation for getting what he wanted at any cost.

Nora stepped forward, her blaster aimed at Molluc. "We're not afraid to take you down, Molluc. We'll do whatever it takes to complete our mission."

Molluc chuckled again, his hand going to his own blaster. "Is that so? Well then, let's see who's the better shot."

TuQ knew that a shootout in the middle of a crowded city was not an option. They needed to find a way to neutralize Molluc without drawing attention to themselves. He quickly scanned the area, looking for any possible escape routes.

As Molluc and Nora exchanged fire, TuQ saw a narrow alleyway on the other side of the crowd. It was their only chance. He signaled to Nora, motioning for her to follow him.

They moved quickly, dodging the crowds and making their way towards the alley. Molluc's shots were getting closer, and TuQ knew that they needed to act fast.

They reached the alley and ducked behind a stack of crates, catching their breath. TuQ leaned against the wall, his mind racing. They needed a plan, and they needed it fast.

Nora looked at him, her eyes wide. "What do we do now, TuQ? Molluc won't give up that easily."

TuQ took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He knew that their next move would be crucial. "We need to find another way into the city. We can't risk running into Molluc again."

Nora nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. They had come too far to fail now. They needed to find their target and complete their mission.

TuQ poked his head out from around the crates they were hiding behind, scanning their surroundings, weighing the options and formulating a plan. He didn’t fully trust Nora, but he was stuck with her right now.

“Maybe we should split up,” Nora chimed in. “You know Mulloc better than I do. I say, you distract him, lead him away from me while I secure the asset.”

Not likely, TuQ thought, disappointed in himself for what he was about to propose. “How about we both take on Mulloc, we have a better chance of stopping him together. And whoever lands the final blow gets to take all the credit,” he finished through gritted teeth. It wasn’t a bad idea, two blasters were better than one. As long as they could cooperate for long enough.

Nora’s eyes narrowed as she nodded in reluctant agreement. Clearly neither trusted the other, but there was a job that needed to be done.

“Good.” TuQ took a breath and readied himself. “Now try to keep up.”

The pair of Plagueians promptly proceeded back the way they had come, the element of surprise was on their side. Mulloc had been making his way towards where he had last seen his prey when the duo emerged back into the promenade, TuQ’uan taking the lead with Nora close on his heels, lightsaber in hand. Shock froze the bounty hunter in place as he processed the scene. TuQ rushed forward, dropped down and slid across the ground straight towards Mulloc’s feet.

As Nora followed, she felt the Force flow through her, the muscles in her legs tensed and pulsed, pushing harder and harder than ever before. Every step increased her speed more and more, propelling her forward faster and faster. As TuQ dropped to the ground, her left foot gripped the ground and she leapt forward over the mercenary.

Snap. Hiss. The red blade of Nora’s saber snapped to life, outstretched in her hand as she flew through the air. At the last moment, Mulloc twisted to the side, blaster raised. The smell of singed flesh filled Nora’s nose as a bolt left a scorch mark across her bicep, meanwhile her saber found its mark leaving a fresh wound as it grazed the human's chest. Nora landed cleanly in a somersault, popped back to her feet and turned, ready to strike again.

A growl erupted from the wounded bounty hunter as he trained his blaster on the Zeltron, he squeezed the trigger. A volley of shots went wide, bouncing off the bubble above holding the lake at bay, a pulse of energy rippling out from the impacts. Mulloc’s blaster hand was wrenched to the side by the Kel Dor’s hand wrapped tightly around his wrist. A swift knee to the stomach knocked a grunt loose from Mulloc who responded with a brutal headbutt that rocked TuQ’uan and sent him stumbling back to the ground.

Mulloc’s head whipped to the side as an invisible fist collided with the side of his face. Nora rushed forward, lightsaber at the ready and swung. Better prepared this time, Mulloc narrowly slipped to the side, his face alight with the glow of the blade as the stubble on his face burned at the tips. Furious, Nora kept on the offensive, her lightsaber swinging with purpose. Mulloc stumbled backwards narrowly avoiding attack after attack.

Suddenly the momentum of the fight shifted. Instead of retreating, Mulloc lunged forward catching Nora off guard. The two collided and came to a halt. The blade of Nora’s lightsaber hung frozen just short of Mulloc’s throat, a warm feeling spread out from her abdomen, the cold feeling of steel planted right in the centre. With a shove, he separated himself from the Zeltron and let her drop to the ground before turning back to TuQ still sprawled out before him.

“I’ll admit, you gave me more of a challenge than I expe…” his words cut off as his eyes slowly lowered to the smoking hole in his chest. Mulloc dropped to his knees and then fell forward, a dull thud came from his face’s impact with the ground.

“I win.”

TuQ sat on the ground propped up on his elbows, his chest heaving and smoke rising from a fresh hole in the bottom of his blaster’s holster, his finger hovering over the trigger.

A set of heavy footsteps echoed off the stones.

“Isa heard yous been lookins for mees,” a deep bassey voice rumbled out of a hulking Gungan that towered over Nora. “Come. Wesa should gets dem movings.”

TuQ collapsed on the ground, his head resting on the cold stone. Oh, please no…

TuQ's eyes fell on another nearby alleyway, and he quickly gestured for Nora to follow him. She hesitated for a moment before nodding and following him into the shadows.

They moved quickly and quietly through the alley, their senses on high alert. TuQ could hear Molluc's footsteps behind them, and he knew they were running out of time. They needed to find a way to take him out without alerting the rest of the city.

As they rounded a corner, TuQ spotted a fire escape leading up to the roof of a nearby building. He gestured for Nora to follow him, and they quickly climbed up the ladder, their movements swift and silent.

Once they reached the roof, they crouched behind a ventilation shaft, their eyes scanning the area below. Molluc was still in pursuit, but he seemed to have lost them for the moment. TuQ knew that they couldn't stay hidden for long. They needed to come up with a plan, and fast.

Nora turned to him, her eyes narrowed in determination. "We can't let Molluc get to the asset first. We need to find a way to take him out."

TuQ nodded, his mind working quickly. He remembered a trick he had learned during his time as a mercenary. He turned to Nora, a glint in his eye. "I have an idea. But we'll have to work together to pull it off."

Nora raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you have in mind?"

TuQ quickly explained his plan to her, and she nodded in agreement. They moved quickly, positioning themselves at opposite ends of the rooftop.

As Molluc climbed up the ladder to the roof, TuQ and Nora sprang into action. TuQ threw a smoke grenade towards Molluc, obscuring his vision. Nora fired her blaster towards the ground, creating a loud noise that echoed through the alley below.

Molluc was disoriented by the smoke and the noise, giving TuQ and Nora the opportunity they needed. They leaped towards him from opposite ends of the rooftop, catching him off guard.

TuQ landed a punch towards Molluc's stomach, while Nora fired a stun bolt towards his head. Molluc stumbled backwards, his eyes unfocused.

TuQ and Nora quickly moved towards him, disarming him and tying him up with a length of rope they had brought with them. They left him on the roof, unconscious but alive.

As they made their way back towards the street, TuQ couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. They had taken out Molluc without drawing attention to themselves, and they were one step closer to completing their mission.

Nora turned to him, a smile on her lips. "That was quite the plan, TuQ. I'm impressed."

TuQ nodded, a small smile on his own lips. "I've had a lot of practice. Now, let's find that asset before anyone else does."

They quickly resumed their search, their minds focused on the task at hand. They knew that time was running out, and they couldn't afford to waste a single moment.

TuQ and Nora made their way through the city streets, their eyes scanning the crowds for any sign of the asset. They had been given a description of the person they were looking for, but it was vague at best. All they knew was that the asset was a young woman, with long dark hair and a small birthmark on her left cheek.

As they turned a corner, TuQ's sharp eyes caught a glimpse of movement in an alleyway. He motioned for Nora to follow him, and they crept towards the source of the movement.

As they drew closer, they could see a figure huddled in the shadows. It was a young woman, with long dark hair and a birthmark on her left cheek. TuQ's heart leaped in his chest. They had found the asset.

Nora drew her blaster, keeping it trained on the woman as TuQ approached. "Are you the asset?" he asked, his voice low and urgent.

The woman looked up at him, her eyes wide with fear. "Who are you? What do you want?" she asked, her voice shaking.

TuQ lowered his voice, trying to calm her. "We're here to help you. We need to get you out of the city before it's too late."

The woman hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting back and forth between TuQ and Nora. Finally, she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Okay. I'll go with you."

TuQ and Nora breathed a sigh of relief as they led the woman out of the alleyway and onto the street. But their relief was short-lived.

As they stepped out into the open, they were met with the sound of blaster fire. They turned to see a group of armed men approaching them from the other end of the street. TuQ recognized them immediately. They were mercenaries, hired by the same organization that had sent Molluc after the asset.

TuQ drew his own blaster, taking cover behind a nearby dumpster. Nora did the same, keeping the asset close to her. "We need to get out of here," TuQ said, his voice tense.

But they were surrounded. The mercenaries had them outnumbered and outgunned. They would have to fight their way out.

TuQ and Nora exchanged a quick glance, their eyes locked in silent understanding. They knew what they had to do. They would have to work together, using all their skills and training to take down the mercenaries and get the asset to safety. They exchanged a quick nod before springing into action. Nora fired off a shot, forcing the mercenaries to take cover. TuQ used the distraction to move closer to their opponents, taking advantage of his agility and speed to dodge incoming fire.

As he closed in on the first mercenary, he threw a punch towards the man's face, but the mercenary was ready and managed to block the attack. TuQ quickly followed up with a knee to the man's stomach, causing him to double over in pain.

Nora fired a few more shots towards the mercenaries, keeping them pinned down behind their cover. TuQ took advantage of the opportunity to move towards another enemy, this time using his blaster to take him out from a distance.

The sound of blaster fire echoed through the streets as the fight intensified. TuQ and Nora worked in tandem, their movements fluid and coordinated. They ducked behind cover and fired off shots, keeping the mercenaries at bay.

Despite their efforts, the mercenaries were relentless. They seemed determined to capture the asset at all costs, and their numbers gave them a significant advantage. TuQ and Nora knew that they needed to come up with a new plan, and fast.

TuQ turned to Nora, his eyes focused. "We need to create a diversion," he said. "Draw their attention away from us so we can get the asset out of here."

Nora nodded, understanding the plan. She took a deep breath and then charged towards the mercenaries, firing her blaster as she ran. The mercenaries turned their attention towards her, giving TuQ the opportunity he needed.

He quickly grabbed the asset, pulling her close to him as he darted towards a nearby alleyway. The mercenaries followed, their blasters firing wildly.

TuQ and Nora were now in a tight spot. They were surrounded, with no clear way out. But TuQ refused to give up. He knew that they couldn't fail their mission. The asset was too important.

He turned to Nora, his eyes filled with determination. "We need to fight our way out," he said. "But we need to do it together."

Nora nodded, a fierce expression on her face. She fired her blaster towards the mercenaries, giving TuQ the opportunity to move closer. He leaped into action, using his fists and feet to take out the mercenaries one by one.

As they fought, TuQ and Nora moved closer and closer to the edge of the city. They knew that they needed to get out of there fast. They couldn't risk being caught.

Finally, they saw their opportunity. The mercenaries had been pushed back, and they were now a safe distance from TuQ and Nora. They quickly grabbed the asset and started running towards the edge of the city.

The sound of blaster fire echoed behind them as the mercenaries gave chase, but TuQ and Nora didn't slow down. They were determined to get the asset to safety, no matter what.

Finally, they reached the edge of the city. TuQ spotted a speeder parked nearby, and he quickly gestured for Nora to follow him. They piled into the speeder, the asset sitting between them.

TuQ revved up the engine, and the speeder shot off into the distance. The mercenaries were now far behind them, and they were safe for the moment.

TuQ and Nora had been sent on a mission by their leader, the Dread Lord, to find a valuable asset and bring them back to their clan. The Dread Lord had given each of them a task: TuQ was to persuade the asset to join his House, Tyranus, while Nora was to do the same for her House, Ventress.

TuQ and Nora had been working together for a year, and they knew each other's strengths and weaknesses. They respected each other's abilities, but they also knew that they had different ideas about what was best for the clan.

As they sped away from the city, TuQ glanced over at the asset, who was sitting nervously between them. He could sense her fear and uncertainty, but he also knew that she was valuable to their clan. She had skills that could be used to further their goals, and he was determined to convince her to join Tyranus.

Nora, on the other hand, was equally determined to win the asset over to her House, Ventress. She knew that she had to act fast if she wanted to make her case before TuQ could sway the asset in his favor.

"We need to talk to her," Nora said, breaking the silence in the speeder. "We need to let her know what our Houses can offer her."

TuQ nodded, his eyes still focused on the road ahead. "Agreed," he said. "But we need to be careful. We don't want to scare her off."

Nora nodded, and they turned their attention to the asset. They began to explain the benefits of joining their Houses, each trying to outdo the other in terms of the rewards and opportunities that awaited her.

As they spoke, the asset listened intently. She was intrigued by both Houses and the possibilities they offered, but she couldn't make a decision just yet. She needed time to think.

TuQ and Nora respected her need for space, and they let her be for the rest of the journey. They focused on getting her safely back to their base on Aliso, where they could continue their discussions in a more controlled environment.

When they arrived at their base, they were greeted by the Dread Lord, who was eager to meet the asset and assess her potential. TuQ and Nora introduced her, and they watched as the Dread Lord spoke with her, probing her strengths and weaknesses.

After a lengthy discussion, the Dread Lord made her decision. The asset would be joining House Tyranus.

TuQ felt a surge of pride, knowing that he had played a role in convincing her to join his House. But he also felt a twinge of guilt, knowing that he had gone against Nora, who had also worked hard to win the asset over.

As they left the Dread Lord's chambers, TuQ turned to Nora. "I'm sorry," he said. "I know you wanted her to join Ventress."

Nora smiled at him, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Don't be sorry," she said. "I'll just have to work twice as hard to find the next asset."

TuQ grinned, knowing that their friendly rivalry would continue. But he also knew that they were united in their goal to strengthen their clan, no matter what House the asset ultimately joined.

Together, they had succeeded in their mission, and they were both proud of the role they had played in bringing the asset into the fold. As they walked back to their quarters, TuQ felt a sense of satisfaction, knowing that their clan was now one member stronger