Scales of Justice

Xe Z Sheu-fuh

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A contract had been put forward by an anonymous source proposing extraction of imprisoned sentients. This wasn't Xe's normal fare, but there were mitigating circumstances. This was just a natural extension of her usual interest in securing freedom for slaves. Only these captors were better armed. A significant hurdle for them to overcome, but the originator of the contract seemed confident in their chance to succeed. The details of the assignment would be shared in person once they met; transmission of too much, even encoded, was dangerous.

The Nubian shuttle set down in one of the docking bays of the prearranged platform for the meet. After the shuttle was secured, the Zeltron took a few minutes to check her pack of gear. They would probably secure other forms of travel to their destination, so it was prudent to be ready to move. A few datapads critical to their chances of success were secured in the pack as well. Not everything involved blasters and blades. Xe didn't think this mission was going to be free of violence though; only so much you could get away with in paperwork.

Hatch locked after Xe had stepped out of the shuttle, the Zeltron headed for the exit. Arrangements had been made for her ship to remain docked for the duration of the mission. Formalities, much like those she was walking into now. Only this exchange could go any number of ways; the dangers of anonymously arranged contracts. Xe's customary dress attire usually helped instill a sense of false security in other parties, however, so that gave her a small edge if things got out of hand. Any edge someone like her could get made all the difference.

Pack slung over one shoulder, blaster at the hip -- not a normal accessory, but these were special circumstances -- the Zeltron strode down the corridors. She smiled even while ignoring any stares or comments made by those taken in by her appearance. Everyone thought of all the species in the galaxy they had a better chance alluring a Zeltron into their arms. And everyone was wrong. Even Zeltrons had standards. Less puritan ones, but few ascribed to the 'first man/woman I see' philosophy.

Several minutes passed before she stepped into the local cantina. Her eyes surveyed the room and its occupants for a moment. Several eyes were caught sizing her up in turn; some longer than others. At least the place didn't have slime oozing from the walls. Even had a clean bar counter. There was hope yet.

Now if only this contact held as much promise and didn't turn out to be a creep. Wouldn't be the first time someone tried hiring the Zeltron Assassin only to try and solicit the wrong kind of services. Those people learned their lesson the first and only time.

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Tynian

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Tynian moved through the streets of the huge city as quickly and as quietly as possible. For a Jedi to even be out in public was a dangerous thing... especially one with a price on his head.

But he had to come... his duty, and the life of the one he came for, depended upon him and his would be partner, succeeding. And his heart as a Jedi wouldn't allow him to stay away. His thoughts went to the vow he made when becoming a Knight. He would defend the weak, and help those who were in need. He had done this several times already, and this time was no different.

With his deep blue cloak wrapped around him, keeping his armor from being seen by prying eyes, Tynian reached the cantina.
The pre determined spot where the Jedi would meet the one who would help him in his mission.

It was a typical, non descript place, with the usual crowd.
The Jedi entered, paying no attention to the glances from the other customers, made his way to the back table where a Zeltron was sitting.
Tynian paused only briefly when he saw her, but kept a calm expression on his face as to not alarm her.
She was pretty, but the Jedi didn’t care in the least about that. He just wanted to make sure this was his contact, and if she was able to help do the job he had hired her for.
He didn’t sit down quite yet, not until he was invited. The Jedi was in a mission, but that didn’t negatethe need for manners.

“Excuse me.” Tynian addressed the Zeltron. “Is this seat taken?”


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Xe Z Sheu-fuh

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Xe's head followed her blue eyes as a man neared the table. A smile spread over her soft lips. Customary Zeltron; outgoing, warm, and happy to have a chat with handsome men. Never mind the blaster; it was a dangerous world for a pretty lady to be all alone. That's what some people kept telling her, unaware just how intimately familiar Xe was with the fact.

"Not presently. I wouldn't complain if a man seeking to break someone free of their isolation took the seat." The smile returned as soon as she'd finished responding. Most others might interpret what she'd said to be about herself. Someone looking for something more exciting -- say, a contract -- would know Xe meant someone else. A particular someone, in fact. These jobs were rarely for a collection of random people. Yes, sad the Empire took prisoners all the time, but what could you do? Certainly couldn't break them all out. Not enough time or luck in the day.

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Picking up on the ruse, Tynian sat down. The banter here between them would be more for the surrounding customers who had itching ears, the more important details would have to wait until they were in a secure location. “That is precisely why I have come.” Tynian replied. “To liberate those in need.”

A service droid came by the table to see if they were going to order any drinks, but Tynian waved it away. “But I would much rather discuss this in a more private place.”

The Ysanna stood and offered a hand. Hopefully she would get the hint and help keep up appearances, at least until they were outside. “Shall we take this somewhere else?”

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Xe Z Sheu-fuh

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This one seemed intense. Direct and to the point. Professional? Had the Zeltron intrigued. Would be a shame if they didn't have a chance for more social circumstances once their business was concluded. Though, Xe probably shouldn't think about that. Red wouldn't be amused at unnecessary roughness with others.

Xe leaned over to Tynian after he propositioned her. She brought her lips within inches of his as she stroked his cheek. "You have no idea," the Zeltron breathed. "Your place, or mine?"

Tynian didn't need to worry about Xe keeping up appearances; or that she'd be offended playing the Zeltron she was. Someone less astute or in tune with the Force might want to take a moment to contemplate whether they were just appearances, however.

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Tynian didn’t budge as the Zeltron drew to close for comfort. Under different circumstances, the Ysanna’s neck would have turned and embarrassing red and the heat in the cantina would have seemed to increase instantaneously.
But the Jedi remained calm and focused. He simply gave a warm smile and led her by the hand out of the cantina and down the street.

As they walked, he released her hand. “Thank you for coming. My name is Tynian and yours is?” Figuring the introductions would be needed so they could get to the point of why they both were there.

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Xe Z Sheu-fuh

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She even giggled quietly as the Jedi led the way from the cantina. The fingers of her other hand would have even curled about his bicep, had it not been necessary for her to grab her bag. That was alright; no need to overplay the scene. Even a drunkard would make their own conclusions about what a handsome man and a Zeltron would be in a hurry for in private.

Once they were far enough away, Tynian dropped her hand apparently uninterested in unneeded theatrics. Fair enough. Preferable even. Be a shame if the man got himself -- or her -- killed because he was too interested in her ass to pay attention to the job. "Xe. You're fortunate I was available. I happen to come across some interesting information recently that will prove quite valuable." Yes, quite valuable on both fronts.

"You realize how much risk is involved? What the chances of completing all objectives will be?" The Zeltron kept an eye on the Jedi as they walked. "It can be done, but I need to know you're prepared for what's ahead. My well-being is on the line too."

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Tynian

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Tynian listened to Xe and her concerns. “I am well aware of the costs. But lives are at stake and I can’t just sit by and do nothing.” He had thought about going into hiding amidst all the recent events in the galaxy.

The Jedi has become outlaws and were now being hunted to the point of extinction. But he was never one to back down from a fight, nor hide from one. So Tynian would continue in his course and let the force decide his fate.

“Recent intel shows a Medical frigate that has younglings on it. It belongs to some very crazy people. And I heard the younglings were being sold and enslaved in some fashion. And I know how hard this will be. That’s why I can’t do it alone.” Being honest and upfront was the best way to go, Tynian thought. It wouldn’t be good to hide any details of the job from anyone willing to risk their life.

“We are going to rescue the ones left and destroy the ship...If you’re up for it?”
He knew some things about the the Zeltrons, and he heard that they lived for challenges, so he threw one out just to see what the woman was made of.


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Xe Z Sheu-fuh

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The Zeltron's countenance darkened as the man spoke. A grunt of a laugh followed the question that capped Tynian's briefing. "Then we're going to need a bigger ship." Couldn't fit them all aboard her shuttle even if they were children.

"When we're alone, I need as much information on these sellers as possible. I might be able to get us on board without a fire fight." Once they were on board, however... well, they'd jam the communication array and blow up the ship. Shouldn't pose a problem.

There wasn't any good reason for Xe to decline this contract. Was just the sort of thing she wanted to do every time she had to meet slaver slime posing as one of them. Purchasing them through "legitimate" channels kept anyone from looking for revenge or runaways; but freeing an entire ship would be satisfying.

Hopefully it wouldn't be long until they could get down to the details. Until then, Xe wondered, "Where did you get this information, anyway?" Maybe he wouldn't confess a thing, but it never hurt to make sure they weren't jumping into a viper's nest.

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Making it to Tynian’s shuttle wasn’t all that difficult, and once inside they were finally in a place where they could talk freely.
“In answer to your last question. You probably know that information is available to those who are looking for it.. and willing to pay. So we can just leave my contact out of it.”

He smiled to make sure she knew he wasn’t trying to sound rude, and then he moved on.

“The ship itself is run by a group of slavers that have been kidnapping and selling younglings. They are run by a very nasty Rodian named Pak’ Dul. My intel says he’s got at least twenty men at his disposal. But like all Rodians, this one is greedy as heck. So that could be our in.”

The Jedi sat back and folded his arms across his chest. “The trick is getting the ship to stop its present course so we can get on it. Suggestions?”


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Xe Z Sheu-fuh

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Xe settled into the man's shuttle even while wondering if hers wouldn't have been more comfortable. She looked to Tynian as he waved off inquiring about his source. Not surprising, but he'd better trust them with his life -- and hers. "Pak' Dul," she echoed with a slight nod. Didn't sound familiar, but then children were not the sort of slaves Xe sought. Much as she wanted to help them as well, masquerading as that sort might be beyond her acting capabilities.

Wouldn't be a problem here. Negotiations would break down the second they were on board anyway.

"Imperatrix Guan Yin could use Force Sensitives servants." Xe smiled for a moment. "I'm her broker. We offer to purchase the younglings; the Imperatrix will of course send her representative to iron out the details and you will accompany me. We are not a major player in the slave trade, but I have cultivated our reputation enough they should know the money is real."

The Zeltron watched Tynian, curious of his reaction. She just 'confessed' to being a member of the slave trade, and hadn't elaborated at length as to her means or motives. Better if she didn't have to; no point in volunteering information needlessly.

She wouldn't wait more than a second or two of shock before asking, "How many are available for purchase?"

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Tynian was impressed with Xe's quick wit and planning. It seemed that she had done this sort of thing before... and as she spoke, his thoughts were confirmed. Still he remained calm. "So you've done this before huh? Trading slaves.. or liberating them?

In all honesty, he wasn't too worried about her past, as long as the children would be rescued. But he still would be careful and watch his back around her. If they were going to be working together, he'd have to trust that she wouldn't turn on him, and that was a risk he was willing to take for the sake of the younglings.
"I believe we are looking at five or so. My contact said it could be more, but no less than five."
 

Xe Z Sheu-fuh

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"A time or two," she responded with a slight shrug. "I do what I can since no one's made progress on abolition." A politician now and then rattles their sabers, but ultimately what changed? It was outlawed in most civilized planets, and the rest... well, better to have it constrained to certain planets than risk it spreading? All well and good, except it had spread regardless; it just kept a low profile.

"Five?" Xe drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Expensive." A bit more than she could handle on her own. If she had that much money... "I should be able to organize enough backing to convince them to hold on to those remaining. In that case, I need you to procure the ship we'll use to get there."

The Zeltron paused to look around the inside of his ship. "Neither of us possesses a ship able to hold seven, it seems."
 

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Tynian had hoped that ace would be able to provide a ship big enough for them and the kids they were going o rescue. But as it turned out, she didn’t. And neither did he.
He thought for a moment and nodded. “I may be able to get us a ship. But it depends on when you would like to leave?”
Calling in a few favors was usually profitable for the Jedi in the past, but nowadays it was hard to even find anyone willing to help... especially with the tightening laws on the Jedi and anyone that would dare associate with them.
But Tynian still had a select few that were loyal friends.

“And can you pilot a ship once we have it? I’m ok at it, but no expert.”

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Xe Z Sheu-fuh

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"I can pilot a ship. Well enough to get us there and back in one piece," Xe clarified. She wasn't a crack pilot herself, but getting out of tight spots was something she'd done before. Authorities didn't like pretty Zeltrons that assassinated people. Not every contract was as silent as she preferred them to be.

"We should leave as soon as possible. I will start the negotiations to buy us time, but once we agree to the exchange they won't wait long." Best way to ensure all possible younglings remain in the slavers' possession until the two of them arrived. That wouldn't be a problem.

The problem was what happened once they were on board. Xe schooled her features and her nerve to keep it from showing, but taking on an entire ship was a hell of a risk. "Do we have what we'll need to destroy the ship once we're aboard?" Her thoughts turned to ways to delay or funnel the slavers as well. Xe might look up a merchant or two on station that could help with that complication. Better if the enemies came from one or two directions, and not all of them at once.
 

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Tynian was glad that Xe said she could pilot the ship, once they got one that is... And upon her other question about destroying the ship, he nodded. "I'm no slicer, but I do have a few things up my sleeve that can do what we need. I am thinking we will have to fight our way through if they catch wind of what's going on. The best thing would be to try for the bridge, but I'm not sure how close we will get to it. We can cross that bridge when we get to it."

He stood up and went to the exit ramp of the shuttle. "Go and make your arrangements, and I'll go see about securing a bigger ship. Meet back here in a couple of hours. Unless there's something else you'd like to discuss before we split up?
 

Xe Z Sheu-fuh

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Xe looked up and over at the man as he asked if there was anything else. The Zeltron thought carefully about what choices presented themselves. "No," she said while getting to her own feet. "Normally I'd seek half of the payment for services up front considering you might not survive something as brash as this." There was no need to lie about the risks. "But I'll accept the freedom of five young slaves in its place, this time."

As she stood at the exit to the man's shuttle, the Zeltron looked over at him before she extended him a datachit. "Contact me when you're ready, and with the location." The data storage media contained information on how to get in touch on station. With the mission in motion she didn't want to use their previous channel; no point making it easier for intelligence agencies to keep tabs on either one of them.

There was quite a bit that needed doing. Contingencies should things go wrong, most importantly.
 

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Tynian took the datachip and tucked it away in his cloak. Once the Zeltron was outside, he watched her leave. The view, he had to admit wasn't all that bad, but he shook that off and refocused his attention on the job at hand.
Ducking back into the shuttle, he quickly changed into some non descript clothing, and hung a blaster on his hip.
Leaving his lightsaber behind in the secured shuttle was hard, but necessary for where he was headed, and besides, he wasn't going to be too long...
Checking his timepiece, he noted that it was almost "happy hour", so he made his way to another cantina close by where he knew spacers, pilots and the like would be hanging out.

Upon entering, he spotted a few patrons along the bar, ones that had already begun drinking and therefore left their "wits" at home. Sidling up to one particular inebriated Twi'lek, Tynian waved at the bartender who promptly brought him some sort of blue whiskey, and as he began to "look" like he was drinking, he kept an eye on the one next to him. "You look like you could use another drink my friend? Your ship busted or something?" Tynian said as he waved at the barkeep to bring the Twi'lek another drink.
A bit stunned, but not refusing the drink, the Twi'lek burped out, "Nope, not busted. It's safe and sound at the hangar... I'm just takin a break ya see... Do I know you?"

The Jedi shook his head, "Of course you do. I've worked with you before on that job back on..." Tynian snapped his fingers as if he was trying to remember the name of a place... "Tattooine?" the Twi'lek asked. "Yes Tattooine. That's it. I'm surprised you made it out of there in one piece. They were working us quite a bit if I remember correctly."
"Ya they were. What's your name again?" the Twi'lek asked.
Tynian had the opening he was looking for. So he slightly waved his hand as he reached up to scratch his chin.
"The name's Clyde. Devin Clyde. You remember me right?"
The force nudged the Twi'lek's mind and he nodded. "Sure! Clyde! Now I remember. How ya been?"

Tynian smiled and ordered another drink for his new friend... it would take a while, but the Jedi was willing to stick this one out and see if he could "persuade" his new friend to sell him his ship...

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Xe Z Sheu-fuh

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Xe waited until she passed out of sight before a datapad slipped free of her bag. This was going to be an expensive contract. Probably at a net loss, but if they got five slaves from the effort it'd be a bargain. What they were about to do happened every now and again. Hazard of the profession; one slaver poaching from another. It accounted for all the extra security despite the slaves being controlled by other means. Only thing was the poachers usually had an equal number of bodies on their side when doing the takeover.

Guess that's why the Jedi hired her. Someone more familiar with the details of planning a strike like this. Familiar with the players involved. That's what Xe told herself -- everything was going according to plan.

By the time she arrived at the nondescript, illicit business venture, the Zeltron managed to make contact with the greedy slaver in question. Situation was about as bad as Xe'd feared too. The slime was greedy. Either he knew what he had, or was extremely confident he'd get the asking price from someone else. Little Xe could do but accept on the condition they got to examine the merchandise before the credit transferred occurred. That was good enough, for now.

With the pad stowed away, the Zeltron stepped inside the 'store' and looked around at the otherwise mediocre supply of common items. A droid waddled up, its metal body mostly clean and clear of carbon scoring -- a good sign. "Hello, how might I assist you?"

"I'm looking for a new app for my work. Something customized for my tastes," Xe replied as she focused on the droid before her. No doubt being watched by the proprietor.

"Oh, my," the droid teetered, "we don't often get customers of your caliber here. I'm not quite sure we'll have what you're looking for."

Her caliber? "I think you do. I have a pest problem that needs a delicate touch."

The droid stood still for a moment before it made a quarter turn away, "This way, please." It completed the turn and began to shuffle toward the back of the shop.

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Tynian

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It took a while of drinking and convincing before the Twi'lek decided that selling his ship was a good idea. So the disguised Jedi and the totally drunk Twi'lek finally headed out of the cantina together, down the street and toward the hangar bay which held the ship.

It was an older transport that had seen better days, but it was sound and had more than enough room for the Jedi, the Zeltron and the kids they were to rescue. It didn't have any weapons, and the shield wasn't all that great, but the Twi'lek assured Tynian that the engine was close to being new and it would fly just fine.

So Tynian handed over the agreed amount of credits, which seemed a bit high even for that type of ship, and the Twi'lek, signed over the owner's documents, grabbed his gear out of it, and went his "merry" way.

The Jedi took another quick tour of the ship, making sure everything was in order and called his shuttle, and the droid pilot, to come and park next to his new transport. He then sent a quick message with the hangar bay number and code to Xe.
As the shuttle arrived, Tynian quickly changed back into his armor and hung his lightsaber onto his belt, then waited for the Zeltron to return...

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