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[Game On] SW:Saga - War of the Star Forge
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"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
Lomi sends off communications to request permission to land at Iziz's starport, and after the Tinbolt is cleared in response they make for planetfall.
Iziz is a great walled city in the middle of Onderon's lush wilds. The city has a rather low profile except for the Royal Palace, rising above the city and also walled. The Sky Ramp was an elevated road that led up to the palace from the city proper. The city was well-defined into quarters, for practical defensive reasons primarily but also due to the Onderon people's perspective on status and non-humans.
The Infidel makes its approach, Perch making a note of the many planetary defense guns, and navigates the ship cautiously through the starport docking gate. The hangar consists of many bays, the majority of them occupied, and the transport is led to their appointed one. She settles more or less gracefully as the landing pistons balance and hold their weight, and Perch flips the switch to lower the boarding plank. Vapour and gases exhaust as the ship enters the cool-off cycle. Perch turns in his captain's chair and faces the gathered crew.
"Well, let's get to it. We need to access a terminal somewhere discrete, Lomi that's up to you. The rest of us should scope out the customs office."
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Perch disembarked down the ramp, scanning the immediate surroundings.
"Anyone spot a repulsorskiff rental?"
I know we're still getting used to everyone's style, especially mine, but I like to encourage players to expand the background environment and NPC's, such as when Premus added a bartender to the cantina scene. Feel free to just take care of the skiff issue as per my comment in OOC for example.
If I need to correct things or want to interject with something you weren't aware of I prefer that in the name of way more flavour and narrations from the players.
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"There has to be a someone close by that is a sucker for a pretty face and would let a poor little mechanic check something on a local terminal." She said with a pouty face hoping to get a little laugh out of the group to easy any nervousness they might have.
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The man who stood behind them however, was wearing the uniform of a Czerka Corporation employee... not that this was an uncommon sight throughout the galaxy, but it didn't seem to fit his tone of voice or demeanor. He walked directly up to Perch.
"Are those blasters treating you well? I haven't had the pleasure of selling any more of them, haven't laid my eyes on a pair since last I was on Korriban... I distinctly remember that you bought the last of my stock."
The stranger extended a gloved hand to Perch with a curt nod of his head.
"I'm mostly called Zev. What brings you to Onderon? It can be a bit unfamiliar to those accustomed to the more structured (and I dare say more civilized) environs of the great Sith Empire."
"Excuse me, are you going to be much longer?" She asked seductively slightly biting her bottom lip as she looked on at the human who seemed deep in work.
She knew if she couldn't secure this terminal things were going to be more difficult than they needed to be so one way or another she was getting this spot.
"Ah, right.. Zev." Perch smiled politely and clasped hands with the old acquaintance, somewhat relieved. "Good to see you again. The blasters are great - not that you didn't charge me half and again what I should have paid." Perch tried to suppress his grin, unsuccessfully.
"We're just passing through, really... looking for work, as always. And yourself?"
Zev's tone of voice was low, and his smile was knowing... it was probably a sales technique but it was hard for Perch to shake the feeling that he knew why their crew was really there.
"Markup was high on those heavies before I even before I got my hands on them. Korriban isn't the best place for business... but I daresay I prefer it to Onderon. These Republic types are right impossible to negotiate with at times. A fellow better be clever or he ends up in the brig just for looking funny."
Zev leaned back and took a more casual pose, his thumbs looping into his utility belt. His fingers tapped at the stock of what appeared to be some sort of custom slugthrower.
"Looking for work, eh? Would this sort of work take you back to Korriban eventually? Can't say I'm very fond of this place."
"I don't suppose you have any product planetside that needs moved, or some jobs coming up? We could work something out that might benefit both Czerka and the In-... 'inbolt. Tinbolt." Perch caught himself with a small cough, and glossed over the misstep.
"Steady work for us, steady transportation for you and your products... for a reasonable commission on all sales, of course."
Perch glanced over his shoulder to check on Klaggrakh's and Lomi's progress, hoping all was going well.
"How reliable would work be, if we could talk you into being a stable passenger and business associate? If Czerka supplies the cargo, we can guarantee safe, timely shipment anywhere in the galaxy. The security our outfit can provide is worth the price, especially when you consider the state of affairs, so to speak, as of late. We could charge a base rate parsed of travel distance, then factor in the details like security concerns and the like..."
Perch goes on to discuss the details of his pitch, trying to persuade Zevrec to use the Infidel as a steady source of transport for Czerka goods.
"If you can get something in hard data from Czerka as far as a commitment goes," Perch concluded, "we could forget about anything along the lines of a faire for your transport, of course." Perch smiled, flicking a glance sideways at Lomi to check on her progress.
"What do you think?"
He took a look at the Gammorean.
"Nice skiff. Shame you lads haven't found anything for it yet, eh?"
"Yes, Lomi is looking into filling that skiff now, actually... we had a bit of a tip that some work might crop up here, hopefully she'll finish with the details soon." Perch peers over towards Lomi near the access point more openly. "Unless she's just flirting."
Perch saw a flustered young man stumble away from the access point, Lomi smiling charmingly after him.
'Atta girl.
"Well, maybe not quite double."
"The deal isn't finalized yet," Perch jerked his thumb in Lomi's direction, "but basically, we're looking into the possibility of transporting some medical supplies, at the moment. I'm sure if you travel with us for a short time, you'll become comfortable with the capabilities of my ship and crew."
Zev smirked a bit... Perch could tell he wasn't buying that the Gammorean was a baggage handler.
"Not often medical deliveries are made without arrangements beforehand. Weapons go anywhere at any time... but even in wartime, medicine is a different game... unless the value is particularly high. But that would be a risky enterprise on a place as tight as Iziz."
Perch tried to keep his poker face. The Czerka agent was slick.
"You lads a bit new at this sort of thing? Because I must say you're going about it all wrong."
His sense beat out his pride.
"What did you have in mind..."
"My friend, one thing about doing business from Korriban is that the Sith usually don't ask for what they really want. Get me in on what you have going so far... because I have in mind that whatever you were going to see for this job, you'll make double."
"That is... if you have the stomach and the crew for this sort of thing."
"I certainly see the truth in your words... however, the Sith are a valuable business partner. Despite the line they may well be feeding me, they are a good source of work. I have no desire to cross them, I've already burnt enough bridges on the flip side that I would effectively be cornering myself out of the market that this conflict is creating, if I were to alienate myself from my current contact. Friends in even remotely useful places are not easily made. Plus, I'm not half as interested in the truth as I am in the credits - and if i was?"
Perch gave a sidelong glance at Garum.
"I'm still twice as interested in breathing as anything else. Greed is a good motivator for the weak, while the smart kids take what they can from the background without making waves. Where do you put me in that picture? Alive."
Perch glanced around, more nervously.
"But it's kolto."
Noticing the glance in his direction, Garum walked up to the pair, turning to Perch. "Is there a problem here?"
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
Garum makes out that this Zev and the captain are discussing business. Typical of Perch. It seems like the newcomer is trying to convince Perch to take on an extra job.
Then Garum distinctly overhears the word 'kolto'. They're discussing the mission.
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"Pretty sure it was, mate. The Sith hired you to get kolto. But what they really want is power. If you can deliver them a little of that, where the kolto went is suddenly less important. So long as it didn't go the Republic and it's loss or destruction makes them look good... they're going to be quite happy with you. Greed is small time. Influence is big time. The credits are a side affect."
Zev pulled out a datapad and inserted a card into it, plugging away at the keys. As Garum approached he raised his voice, speaking more casually.
"If you don't have the fortitude for this sort of thing, that's fine. I'm sure we can negotiate some sort of passage arrangement in that case. Otherwise, I need your crew to acquire this list of items for me, and then we'll discuss plans. Either way, I'll be waiting on your ship."
The agent handed Perch the datacard and one thousand credits before he turned and walked up the ramp into the ship. He pasued a moment as he passed Garum.
"Problem? You just found your solution, mate."
Perch looked down at the card as Zev disappeared into the ship. It was a bit of an odd list:
Jacket (rancor or rycrit hide, used, not too distinctive)
Boots (any leather, used, worn but CLEAN)
Shirt (new, raw linen, short collar)
Suit Coat (new, conservative, gray, quality fabric)
Makeup, Hair coloring, and 1 grooming pack (the classy sort, not for getting tarted up)
Silk Scarf
Dark goggles
Bandolier
2 blank identicards
2 blank code cylinders
Briefcase
Cigars
"Let me remind you that failure would be detrimental to your well being, as well as mine."
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
"I'm well aware of what we're here for, Garum. We - and our task - are best served by recognizing all of our assets, however unapparent. Our plan is unaffected, and while I'm waiting on Lomi I'll spend my time as I will." Perch stowed the datapad in his belt, raising his eyes to meet Garum's with a smile.
"But, it's very thoughtful for you to show concern for my health."
The mechanic was startled and turned to Lomi, proceeding to flush. "N-no... not much..." he blustered. He was young, and kinda cute under all the carbon and grime over his face and coveralls. Lomi leaned in closer to see what was on the screen, a little too close for the boy, and he faced the terminal straight-on. "Just looking up some parts," he continued, swallowing.
The Twi'lek apparently heard him but continued to stand over him, staring at him with a smile. "You k-know what?" the mechanic interjected, his face burning. "I think I'm done here." He logged off his session, and straining a smile he scurried off into the hangar.
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Glancing over her shoulder, Lomi watches as the mechanic heads back to his ship. Then she gets to work.
It is a simple matter to connect to the Onderon Starport customs desk, and tunneling a connection to the main Customs Office is an easy slice. After ten minutes Lomi has sliced the authorization and pulled up the internal records, specifically for the Republic pickup scheduled for the kolto. The Twi'lek manipulates the row with the Tinbolt's class and transponder code and bumps the time to one hour from now. Premus is made the shipping contact and the record is reinserted deftly into the database.
Lomi grins at the mischief done and closes the connection. She walks back to the ship, smiling wide and self-absorbed in pride of a slice masterfully executed.
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"Well captain. Everything checks out ok on my end it looks like things are good to go." She smiles slightly to him and turns to walk off, no reason to be in the captains way if he is busy doing business.
Garum then wandered over to Klaggrakh and the skiff and spoke quietly so that no one else could hear. "I don't like this Zev person. Let's keep an eye on him; if he compromises us, we may have to deal with him quickly."
"Go up, thou bald head." -2 Kings 2:23
What a morning, he thought, First, that bishwag fool gets raided and the republic takes all of my damned inventory. At least it was crated. I may yet get it out of here.
He plugged his encryptor into the comlink and the pad to check on the swoop races in Nar Shaddaa and move a few numbers around. It gave him peace to know that at least money was being made somewhere.... particularly when that money was to be discreetly redirected to himself. So long as that gang of idiots kept listening to him and didn't kill themselves, he'd still be getting plenty off the top.
Not like these other idiots, he thought, shaking his head. No, these small-timers are sitting on probably the biggest score for parsecs and it's like they don't even know it. Their plan is probably all wrong too, or at least lacking in finesse. Are they also dumb enough to try and impersonate a Republic freighter? And additionally to impersonate said crew in a customs office?
Zev reflected for a moment.
Probably.
"An hour then? Good work. Were you able to discover anything else about the contents of the customs hangar?"
"Also, what's Premus up to?" Perch craned his neck to peer up the ramp into the ship.
Lomi quickly went off to do her work, that computer mumbo jumbo she did was impossible for him to follow. Klag left and came back with the skiff, and judging from the rattled looking rental agent that was looking at him as he walked away, did it with typical Gamorrean style. But Premus would give him the benefit of the doubt, the way the alien seemed to get offended at his comments about the weapons intrigued him, he'd have to figure out what he actually said...
Perch had managed to find another person and was talking to them. Not wanting to disturb his captain, Premus walked away from the ship, just wandering around the hangar. His eyes peeled, he was looking for recorders and guards. At least looking around the hangar might give them an idea as to the kind of resistance they may meet if they have to make a... hasty exit.
Should be enough to notice anything obvious.
Onderon Customs, indicated as such by the sign, was directly across the plaza from him. The architecture was rather uninspiring, the duracrete walls square and naked, even lacking windows. A holocam watched over the entrance and immediate area.
Showtime.
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As the Perch and his crew prepared to leave, Zevec stepped out of the ship, his uniform much more polished than before, his tool belt left behind. He had a bit of a more authoritative appearance than initially.
"Excuse me, Captain Perch, but I have a bit of business at the customs office."
The group eyed each other suspiciously.
"Yes, I can see by your faces that you do as well. Not to worry, I will not get in your way so long as you do not impede me. In fact, I am quite sure that I shall garner sufficient attention to make your charming little ruse a bit less conspicuous. Best of luck."
Zev made sure to get a few paces away before his parting words.
"Oh, I almost forgot. I am retrieving a few of my personal effects. They won't take up much room in the cargo hold at all. I'm quite sure that my generous transport fee shall cover them... you did inform your crew that I was a paying passenger, yes? I'm sure you'll have ample time to explain that. Cheerio."
As Perch's crew shot him a sharp look over what they assumed must be an ample sum of credits, Zev trotted away toward the customs office.
The arms dealer composed himself. An easy job. Flash the credentials, present the paperwork, take the prisoner and the cargo, then find an appropriate punishment for Daron's impudence... it was going to be a lovely day.
He strode up to the holocam at the entrance, presenting his indentification.
"Security Inspector Zevec Lorr of the Czerka Corporation. I am here to process extradition for a smuggler as well as the cargo he has stolen from my employer. If you'll permit me I shall show you the necessary documentation."
The inset door raised with a swift hiss of pneumatics. The entrance hall was brightly-lit and bare, with a closed door at the end and the presumed office door open. The hall branched off to the left and out of sight.
No need to keep the officials waiting.
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He rounded the corner and found what he presumed to be the proper clerk sitting behind his desk, rotting away behind a pile of papers across from another identical desk and co-worker. There appeared to be little difference between them, he chose the one to his right, immediately stating his purpose with enough volume to be heard by both men:
"Zevec Lorr, Czerka Corporation. I'm here to take a fugitive last known as Daron Mabhei and the goods he has stolen from my company back to our corporate headquarters on Korriban, where he will be tried for several counts of illegal entry, theft, trafficking, conspiracy to commit the aforementioned and..." Zevec checked his paperwork and scowled, "...ugh. Lewd conduct. I don't really wish to speak the details on that one... but I hope you didn't touch the items he stole with your bare hands."
Zev found that when one wants something, it is usually best to make everyone else want to get it off their hands as soon as possible. From personal experience he was quite aware that few civilized folk cared to suffer a deviant in their midst.
"Sir, I'll be right back," notified the man as he stood up from his desk. He crossed the room and keyed the doorcall, the door opening a few seconds later. Another uniformed man sat behind a bigger desk in a bigger chair, and the clerk stepped before the desk before the door closed again.
Taking in the room, there is not much to note. Behind the other clerk there is a bank of terminals. In one corner there is a token potted plant, or small tree, whichever it is it's a feeble gesture for a place like this. The man behind the desk pays Zevec no attention, either absorbed in his work or intentionally ignoring him. Uniformed in cloth and not armour, the clerk is still armed with a holstered blaster.
The door opens with a swoosh and the clerk reenters with another man in tow. He extends his hand in offer. "I'm Captain Riencam. I understand you're here about Daron Mabhei?"
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Zevec handed his documents over to the official. A captain? At times like these it was good to be an inside man... not only did he already have the proper forms, but he knew how to fill them out. It was just a matter of having a convincing story.
"We've been trying to locate a shipment of goods that was bound for Tatooine. A very remote outer rim planet. Those poor moisture farmers have their hands full out there; the local species are quite nasty. At any rate, it seems our friend Daron Mabhei thought that nobody would care if a few fringers were denied their tools of defense, and he managed to acquire them by unscrupulous means. Security sensors also picked up... well... genetic evidence of... ahem... let's say distasteful activity. Though this does not carry a criminal charge of much severity it is nevertheless an indication of poor character."
"There is no doubt that the cargo you have seized is the rightful property of the Czerka Corporation. We assume that by now he has 'filed the numbers off' of these products and possibly modified them to cover his tracks. You will see on the forms I have handed you that I am requesting to immediately escort Mr. Mabhei and all physical evidence to Korriban, where he committed this crime and should therefore stand trial."
Zev stood at attention with his hands behind his back as the Captain looked over the documents.