Case of Illegal Trade

[Brion Varanus]

Corellia, Corellian System​

Landing his Nubian Starship on the designated landing pad that the air control officer sent him to. The judiciary officer was not expecting to be coming all the way from Denon to Corellia to investigate possibly illegal trading going on. He had gotten the tip the night before when he got to his apartment. He imagined that an economically rich planet would be right on top of all the trades that take place. Apparantly it appears not to be the case since he is here. Turning to his 50P Protocol Droid he called Zip due to the droids unusually fast gait when it moves, "Stay here with the ship. Don't let anyone on this time." He told the droid as he stood up from the pilot seat, stretching a bit.

Stepping out of the cockpit he walked down the corridor to the lounge room. Zip of course followed him, "No you are not coming this time. You talk too much." He told the droid as he slipped on his trench coat. The Alderaanian decided not to wear his armor or uniform, instead he is going in civilian clothing. There is a war going on and with no telling where Cartel members are and Brion is here to investigate a crime, not create a war zone. And he can't bring his protocol droid because it will give away his cover due to it being such a chatbox.

Though Zip was still not wanting to stay on the ship, "But I can keep quiet and only talk when necessary." The droid protested as it watched Brion make his way to the ramp. Brion hid his BP12 Pistol was hidden under the trench coat at the back of his trousers.

"The last time you said that I was chased by Jawas after you said something offensive to them and said that I wanted to eat them." He stepped onto the ramp and headed off to start his job.

It was not long before he found himself wondering the streets of the trade and shopping district. Purposely making himself look like an average civilian doing some shopping by stopping at the stalls. If he planned this right, he will find what he is looking for in no time.

@Nyxova

 

[Michael Dryden]

Well-traveled, yet solid heels clomped down the ramp as the masked figure exited the ship. Those with a keen eye could tell it was an armored suit, but the weave layered on top of metal hid made it far more amenable to those with a sense of fashion. At least among those preferring soft, luxurious materials to utilitarian ones. Black with gold and purple trim gave it a subtle grace while allowing it to blend in among the shadows. Meanwhile, the helmet kept prying eyes from its occupant.

The figure stopped several feet out and handed a datapad to a representative of the dock. After a quick review, the man made a short comment about needing time to make arrangements. A slight nod was the hidden one's only response; then he continued past and toward the city. The crew would take care of the ship -- it was theirs, after all.

Once he was closer to the market, the helmet swung slowly about the area. It was important to have an accurate map; make sure there hadn't been any alterations since the last mapping took place. And more importantly to lay eyes on the main office where incriminating data might be kept. If following the merchandise didn't work, paperwork and interrogating subjects were going to be the next best thing.

Gloved fingers rested over the XTZ-700 pistol on his right. The best missions were the ones that didn't require shooting. Black market smugglers, however, tended to become unreasonable. Paranoia could do that.

For the time being, Dryden drifted off toward the nearby market. Dryden doubted he was not being watched at that moment while arrangements were made. These smugglers usually didn't conduct in-person meetings; their operating method appeared subtle, with product arriving at pre-appointed times and credits being exchanged remotely. Hopefully they'd make an exception this time. It would be nice to have this wrapped up before dinner. Fewer traitors to the Republic out on the street always made for a pleasant dining experience.

With nowhere to go, the figure drifted through the crowd and by stalls. Every so often he'd turn to examine the goods, perhaps even lift one up as if appraising it. Everything ended up back where it came from, however. His cover was here to sell big ticket items, not purchase trinkets.

@Nommie

 

[Brion Varanus]

Brion walked from one stall to the next keeping to his task. He stopped at one that was selling firearms and other sorts of weapons and explosives. None of them were illegal sales though as the seller had his license to sell as well as his sources out in the open. It was all perfectly legal.

So he moved on to the next one then the next. Nothing. The Alderaanian was beginning to think that perhaps he was sent to the wrong planet or perhaps a deadend case. Another weapons booth completely checked out. But as he started walking further down the street he came across another booth, this one though had not one but three items that were rather suspicious. The serial numbers were covered over and trade marks were taken off. But there is still a way to trace it.

Brion pointed to the three items, "How much for these three?" He asked. He is attempting to see if he can haggle the price a bit.

The salesman shrugged, "I can sell them to you for..." Brion reached into his pocket and laid down a pile of money onto the counter. The salesman grinned, "They are yours." The salesman handed the Alderaanian the three items and a salescard, "In case you think about coming back." Bingo! Just what he needed as well.

Brion nodded, quickly hiding the three items under his trench coat. If these three are here. Who knows what else is. Turning around he accidentally bumped into Dryden, "Oh sorry about that.. Didn't hurt you did I?" He asked as Brion secured the three items under his coat so he didn't accidentally drop them.

@Nyxova

 

[Michael Dryden]

It was heartening to find most of the vendors seemed to be reputable. It also suggested his job wouldn't be nearly impossible. It was more difficult to find a specific illegal arms dealer in a den full of the same. They had a tendency of slipping away into the crowd if confronted. Here, they should stick out; which explained their precautions.

Dryden had drifted by one vendor in particular, however, that was a sorry excuse for a Republic citizen. But a larger fish took priority, so the man had gone unaccounted. In fact, the operative hadn't spared a word. After a brief survey of other places nearby Dryden had circled back around, but at a slight difference. Just an ambling, casual nobody in a sea of sentients.

Until a customer bumped into Dryden in a hurry to leave.

His gloved hands rose and lightly lay on the outsides of Brion's shoulders as if to steady him after the collision. "I hope not," Michael's electronic filter filtered through the helmet's vocalizer. A smile of amusement spread over his lips at the thought of being hurt by a gentle bump. "Do I look that frail?"

As he continued, Dryden's hands drifted down Brion's arms or over the front of his clothing, "Seems like they have almost everything you could want here, doesn't it?" Someone versed in sleight of hands or just mindful of their surroundings might recognize a covert pat-down. Brion obviously had something under his trench coat; Dryden was just curious how many and if he should be concerned.

"Though you have to be careful. I think two people have already tried to pick my pockets." Something Dryden had not done to Brion. The larger fish was more important than someone potentially purchasing illegal arms; just as they'd been more important than a front man selling them in the first place.

@Nommie

 

[Brion Varanus]

Indeed Brion was in a hurry, wanting to get back to his ship so he can find the serial numbers on the weapons and from that he can find out where the booth dealer might be getting his illegal goods from. Then from that he will have a lead to follow. But first he has to get back to his ship.

The trip was halted when he bumped into Dryden on accident. Managing a small chuckle to defuse some anxiety knowing he looked a little sketchy with how quickly he was trying to get out of there. He grinned at the slightly taller man, "Oh yes you look so frail a good bump will leave you in pieces." He joked then blinked as he was.. Patted down? What was this guy? An undercover cop or did he think that Brion stole something during that accidental bump? He decided that it was best to just play it cool, "Oh? Yes. But I am after some bigger fish than what I found there." He said quietly as the man in front of him finished patting him down.

Brion blinked, "I uh.. Don't think anyone has pick pocketed me yet. But knowing my luck.." He got out his wallet and searched his pockets to find the business card he got from the dealer was... Gone? It can't be he just had it a second ago! The man sighed, "And... Looks like someone did take something from my pocket.." He huffed as he looked to the ground to see if he simply dropped it thinking he placed it in his pocket. Then saw it on the ground, "Oh good. Don't want to lose that. Need that for the bigger fish." He told more so to himself as he bent down and picked it up. Placing the card in his pocket, "Well I uh.. Hope you find what you are looking for. I got to get going." The Alderaanian said before heading away towards his ship to examine the evidence he bought off of that dealer.

 

[Michael Dryden]

Michael turned his head around to watch the man go. A visual display of Brion's face popped up on the right side of the helmet's HUD. Unfortunately circumstances prevented making discrete inquiries into any databases. The people the operative was after might be monitoring for any attempts to contact someone.

There was something to Brion, however. Sounded like the man was after something or someone other than the weaponry he'd slipped into hiding. To that end Dryden's helmet turned back toward the vendor the other man had just vacated. A few replacement items had taken up the empty space Brion had left, but the material wasn't of note.

A soft chirp preceded a communication channel opening in Dryden's ear. "They're ready. Warehouse forty-seven." No reply had been necessary or sought after; a soft beep indicated the channel had closed.

Well, whatever the other man was into, Dryden hoped he didn't get himself killed. Bigger fish and all.

The fashionable armor suit turned, and soon the other well-intentioned wanderer left the market behind as well. Time to find out if Dryden could lay his hand on a solid lead. Someone or something other than circumstantial evidence and conjecture. Something that would lead him to the source of the illicit distribution. The Republic couldn't stand bolstering the enemy's supplies.

Several minutes later and Dryden stopped before a rather sizeable reptilian figure. This was a sentient just made from smiles.

"Weapons."

"Yes. And no," Dryden replied, both hands calmly hung at his sides, "you can't have them. If that's a problem, our business is through." A lone dealer walking into a den of vipers, and they wanted his blaster. Perhaps they would like it if he'd slit his own throat too?

"We have, weapons," it growled. Was it angry? It always looked angry, Dryden couldn't tell if it was any more angry now than before.

The attempt to recover was... decent. It didn't work, but they tried. "Wonderful. I hope you have credits too."

The plan was to meet the seller or their representative here, then either have everything thrown in Dryden's arms (unlikely), or at least know who to tail. Eventually the little fish would lead to bigger fish; then things would get really interesting.

 

[Brion Varanus]

Upon reaching his ship, Brion quickly walked up the ramp as a couple of suspicious Twi'leks strolled by looking at the ships docked on the platforms. It was hard to tell if they were looking for a ship to steal or the joy of looking at the various ships. The officer closed the boarding ramp and made his way to the main room. Placing the items on the table, he lazily tossed his trench coat on one of the chairs.

Pulling the rifle in front of him as he took a seat he examined the weapon very closely. He was looking for any signs of tampering or where the serial number might have been. Locating a few possible spots Brion reached to the counter behind him, grabbing a few tools. Sighing as he looked back to the rifle he picked at a suspicious plate of metal covering an odd part of the weapon since it appeared the rifle is brand new. Succeeding in taking it off, Brion examined the area finding part of the serial number with the rest poorly blacked out with cheap paint, "Oh what luck.." He said to himself as he examined the other two weapons to find that whoever tampered with those two did a better job. Well he got one that will bring some sort of lead. So he gathered the three items together and hid them in a secret compartment in the engine room of the starship, specially insulated to protect items placed in it.

He then walked back out to the main room. Slipping on his trench coat he headed back out again to see if he can question the dealer he bought the weapons from. Well not directly anyways, more like businessman to businessman with him trying to learn how the dealer is getting the weaponry.

Reaching the market street once more he walked along as steadily as possible to not draw any attention to himself. The man reached where the dealer was located before. But he was gone. Brion knew that it was not closing time yet so why was the spot vacant already? The man looked around at the environment. No one was paying attention so he hopped over the small table. Looking around nothing appeared to be out of the ordinary, just looked like the illicit seller packed up for the day.

Looking to the door he frowned as the Alderaanian approached it. Oddly the door wasn't locked was the only thing that Brion found was out of the ordinary when it slipped open. Getting a bad feeling about it, Brion reached for his BP12 Pistol, making sure it was loaded and ready to go before entering the establishment. The lights were off, all of them are off. Brion walked down the narrow hallway slowly and quietly. Stopping at another door he opened it to find a set of stairs behind it, without thinking twice about the possibility of walking into a bad situation, the officer started walking down the stairs. Reaching the bottom he found a massive open room filled with all sorts of items stashed all over the place. Seeing a open doorway at the other side of the large room, Brion quietly walked over. Freezing in his tracks when he saw the body of dealer on the floor. Running over Brion felt for any sign of life but there was none. Looking around at the small office he looked to the computer and walked over. The only thing he was going to find though is that the computer has been wiped competely clean, "Oh.. Son of a Sith Lord! The poor bugger must have been temporary employment.." He said under his breath as he sat back in the chair thinking of a new course of action to take.

 

[Michael Dryden]

"Have you ever examined the internals of a Voronium Powercell?" Dryden asked as he stood three feet away with a moderately sized block in one hand, and a knife in the other. The faceplate of the helmet turned up and over at the middle-aged man in relatively nice attire. Not quite lavish. Perhaps he wasn't high enough in the chain; or maybe they were still finding the right... opportunities. With precision application of force with the sharp implement, the top outer shell of the block was removed. "Exposed to the correct mix of atmospheric gases, the chemicals that provide such potent flavor become unstable. So unstable that if you aren't very, very careful instead of the punch of a single bolt, you cause an explosion greater than if you'd pulled the trigger until it was depleted." A hollow laugh followed. "Have you had the pleasure of witnessing that before?"

Sweat beaded on the man's forehead and cheeks as he stood stock still, back against a weight bearing beam of the warehouse. The reply was colored, but not frantic, "No."

"No... you haven't examined a Voronium Powercell, or you haven't the pleasure of witnessing one explode?" The armored figure closed the gap and ever so carefully lifted the block until it dangled over the man's head.

"Both. Now," swallow, "what are you doing?" Just a little shaky. Bounding heart rate. Increased blood pressure. Not healthy if sustained for too long.

Slowly the block was lowered toward the man's head, its cubic shape suspended by the fingertips of both hands. "Lower your chin, please. Lower. The slightest movement could have disastrous results, and you can't keep your head held back forever. So, please, try not to look up at it." Difficult to offer a disarming smile from behind the dark plate. With the powercell placed, Dryden stepped back to admire the work. "Thank you. Now, as I was saying," he turned and swept up a datapad tossed atop a nearby crate, "any sudden movements and that powerful little package won't leave enough of you behind to bury. You understand?"

When the man gave a slight nod in acknowledgement, Dryden held up one finger. "Please, verbal responses only."

A few taps across the datapad's surface and he examined the text scrolling across it. "Let's see... I believe you were in the middle of accusing me of selling you back your own merchandise. Something about all the serial numbers matching? Either you have the photographic memory of a very cross Sith Lady, or you have a ledger of all your sales. Why don't we assume it's the latter?"

Several minutes later and the same figure that'd set foot inside the warehouse calmly strode through an underground passage. There'd been a little dust thrown into the air from the tussle with the armed fellows inside, but nothing he couldn't fix. As he neared the end of the passageway, Dryden produced the datapad he'd acquired. Shame, really. All those weapons and explosive material. Could probably be put to good use. Well, you win some, you lose some.

The roar of an explosion shook the area. Smoke billowed freely into the sky, while large tendrils of fire reached for the stars.

So kind of the guys to have another way out of the warehouse. From the distance, Dryden expected it'd be somewhere around the marketplace. He tapped in a code for the door and waited to it to slide open.

 

[Brion Varanus]

Brion searched through the small office for anything that can give him a lead of some sort. Even the datapad was wiped clean save for a few personal messages. Brion felt his heart sink a bit as he read through the messages then placed the datapad on the desk slowly with shaking hands. Yes what he read was no excuse for living the life of a criminal. But it was still heart breaking. Searching the office once more he found a cup under the desk, sniffing the item he didn't smell anything out of the ordinary. The dealer wasn't murdered. So he then searched the deceased seller's body next but didn't find anything for a moment until he found a wrapper of sorts.. Suicide.

Standing up Brion ran his hand through his dark hair as he released a heavy sigh. Stepping out of the office he looked at all the weapons laying around and started looking through them once more to see if he missed anything. The Alderaanian discovered a few illegal weapons buried under a decent pile of weaponry. Setting the illegal weapons on a empty table he continued the search. Pausing when he came across a sort of weapon that made his heart skip a few beats, but not out of excitement. They were chemicals and one of them was opened recently as it was laying on it's side with the contents spilled onto the shelf.

Reaching into his coat he got out his datapad, typing up what he has found as well as getting a video recording as further evidence. Then a loud explosion rocked the building. Holding himself steady the man looked around to make sure the building he is in will not be coming down.

Then it appeared as though someone else was coming into the building. Getting out his pistol Brion situated himself behind a corner that had a clear view of the door as it slid open. The officer raised his pistol, "Put your hands where I can see them or I will shoot!" He yelled loud enough for whoever is on the other side of the door can hear him.

 

[Michael Dryden]

A breathless sigh followed a declaration for action. "Oh, you must be joking." He slowly started to raise his hands with the datapad held in the left one. "Enough people have tried to kill me all ready." What was someone doing here, anxious about another coming in through the back door? There should have at least been a little delay before they realized Dryden wasn't one of the crew, or whatever they called themselves. Instead, he found a jumpy man ready to shoot.

"Didn't you hear the explosion? You should investigate that, and not--" Michael's eyes strayed to the side. The helmet tipped forward and turned a bit so he could see into the room better. "Well that's unfortunate." No obvious blast marks. Couldn't see everywhere though, so he couldn't rule out homicide yet. Might be problematic if this guy was more than jumpy. And if he was the perpetrator then local law could be on their way.

Time to shift gears. Less dismissive, and more so you're a killer, let's try not to shoot one another. "Sell you a broken blaster?"

 

[Brion Varanus]

Brion listened to the man at the other side of the door. Strangely enough he recognized that voice from earlier in the market street. But it didn't mean he was about to lower his weapon. That was until Dryden walked in through the doorway, then Brion did lower his weapon.

Stepping out from the corner he was using as cover, "Didn't I tell you earlier that I am after bigger fish. Not weapons though." He said carefully walking over to the other human. Reaching behind Dryden the Alderaanian pushed the button to close the back door, "And to answer your question. I did hear the explosion. I was here investigating this.." He gestured to the entire place, "When I heard the explosion. Let the local authorities deal with the explosion.." Brion suggested as he walked to the other end of the room then turned to face the other man, "What were you doing coming here anyways? You are lucky that I recognized you otherwise I would have blown your head off." The officer mentioned as he placed another illegal item with the others he found. Brion ran his hand through his hair a bit as he stopped to think, "You wouldn't happen to be a police officer of some sort are you?" He asked as he remembered their encounter on the streets.

 

[Michael Dryden]

Dryden took a better look around after he'd entered the room properly. His ear was with Brion as the man took the opportunity to verbally retort. From what the man said he was "investigating" the apparent death and the various assemblage of items. Not a thief or a killer then? Wonderful.

Though the signal wasn't given, and provided Brion didn't object, Dryden would begin to lower his hands. It was unbecoming standing there like a common criminal. "Fortunate for me," his voice lacking the overwhelming sincerity most would gush at not being shot dead. Brion didn't have an itchy finger that was good to know.

"Police? In this outfit?" A gloved hand drifted down the center of his torso.

He could have assumed that identity given the opportunity, but local law was a tad inappropriate. The cover would unravel quickly given the circumstances. It needed something more. "I'm part of a special task force investigating weapons smuggling. And not to be rude, but why are you here?" Better to let people fill in the blanks with something they'd find satisfactory. Wasn't like this was the place to sit around for the next hour discussing life, crime, and the lies people tell. "What does it have to do with our motionless friend?"

 

[Brion Varanus]

Brion shrugged as Dryden gestured to his outfit of choice, "For all I know you could be since different systems have different uniform requirements." The Alderaanian mentioned as he perched himself on an empty space on one of the counters looking right at Dryden as the man explained himself.

So he is special operations then? Great that means the other man is here for the same reason as Brion is. The man guessed that it was now his turn to explain himself, "I am an officer in the Republic Judiciary Division. Got a tip about illegal trading and sales going on. So I came here to investigate." He looked over to the motionless body in the other room, "Suicide... But that is not affirmative because the computer and datapad are wiped clean save for a few personal messages.. And all the files have been emptied." He gestured to the shelves full of chemicals used in illegal chemical bombs, "In one of the messages states that his wife and children died of a disease outbreak back on Tatooine. But the only problem with that is that there has been no outbreaks. So someone must have messaged him under the false identity of being a medic to get him to commit suicide. With the plan to come later to gather all that is here in this room." Brion explained, "But.. That is just an assumption of course." The man hopped off the counter, and placed his pistol back in the holster. He needed to get back to gathering up as much of the weapons he can so he can trace them back to whoever is manufacturing them or stealing them to sneak to the front lines for the Cartel or illegally selling them. If his assumption is correct, then they will have company any minute now.

 

[Michael Dryden]

The Judiciary Division got a tip, and sent Brion? It could be possible. Special Operations wasn't in the business of broadcasting its activities. Would be odd they'd send a lone man to chase after such dangerous criminals though.

Dryden listened as the man described the scene around them. "Perhaps," he agreed. "They got what mattered most already. Information." Had they caught on to Brion and decided to sever his tie to the illegal arms by silencing the seller? It could just be coincidence. Some Jedi had said there were no such things as coincidence or luck in the galaxy. Michael wasn't sure he was on board with that just yet.

It was a comfort to see the other man holster his weapon in any event.

"Are you going to carry all of that out in the open?" It was a nice trench coat, but with enough gear it was hard to write the bulk off as sudden and unexpected weight gain.

The datapad tapped lightly against the outside of his left leg. "Just to be clear, I'm here to put an end to the sale of black market weapons. So, if we're on the same page," the statement left open ended for a moment to make sure Brion didn't flip out and rant about getting revenge. "I have a lead on a ledger of sold merchandise, but we need to move quickly. With at least one stockpile up in flames they might start tying up loose ends."

Saying that much was risky for a relatively unknown person claiming to be an officer. But what was life without risk? Some Ops group had to have that as a motto already somewhere. If they didn't, maybe Dryden would have a squad and use it.

 

[Brion Varanus]

Brion looked around at all the weapons, "That or they regularly kill their salesmen to keep their operations in the shadows for as long as possible. And probably kill each of them in a similar manner as they killed our friend over there." He doubted that the criminals had caught onto what he was up to since he paid for the weapons earlier and is in civilian clothing. So there is absolutely no way anyone could have caught onto what he really is, even Dryden must have suspected him to be a shady character.

He shook his head as he looked at the weapons, "No. I am going to take a few of them. The rest I will leave where they are.. Maybe try to fit trackers on a couple of them to see where they go from here." He simply stated, he planned to only take two or three that are small enough to hide in his coat and the poisonous chemicals to see who is making them since they are banned in Republic space. No one should be producing the chemicals.

Brion looked up at Dryden as the man spoke again. So they are there for the same reason indeed, "That is why I am here as well. I stopped a few smugglers who were attempting to bring in illegal arms and arms that were stolen.. I suspect that whoever is sending arms here may be behind it all." The man stated as he looked at the datapad and nodded, "We will need to move quickly then." He said quietly. Walking to the table he quickly but efficiently placed a tracker on a couple of the weapons in places where no one will think of looking. He then stuffed a few small weapons in one pocket followed byna few containers of the chemicals in his other pocket. Looking at the sniper rifle that he could see was of Imperial origin he decided to place a tracker on it as well, "Alright. Let's get moving. They should be here any minute." Brion stated as he gestured to the backdoor, "We should head out that way instead of the front.. Or we head up to the roof."

 

[Michael Dryden]

Dryden nodded with Brion's declaration they were through here. The decorated suit of armor turned and headed for the door. "There's a maze of underground tunnels between buildings. Most of the ways out are locked behind a code. If we get separated, try not to move around a lot." Easier to find a stationary target -- hopefully not dead stationary though.

What the operative didn't say was he didn't have a complete map of the area. Some of it he could piece together by mentally overlaying the 'ground' level above with the subterranean one. It had been the helpful guidance of the warehouse host that'd given directions to the vendor's place. If they intended to kill him... The man probably hoped Dryden would meet a the cleanup crew.

Opening the door, Dryden stepped through and started back the way he'd come. "Shift supervisor for the lower docking platforms should have what we need. With any luck, he's the end of the trail. If not, we keep fishing." There was no where else Dryden needed to be; this was his assignment and he didn't leave things half done. Selling to the enemy was not taken lightly. "And as well armed as you are," given the surplus Brion had confiscated, "you should know we could be walking into a fire fight." Calm and relaxed they would not be after someone or something set their product on fire.

 

[Brion Varanus]

Brion nodded as he listened to Dryden explain about the underground tunnels that they could utilize to get around instead of using the streets where they will be spotted and possibly chased. The man pondered then reached into his pocket to find that he has two trackers left. He then got an idea, "Keep still for a moment." The Alderaanian said as he placed one of the trackers on the other human then the second one on himself. Fishing his second comlink out of his pocket, handing it to the man, "The trackers are automatically synced with my ship's computer. If we get separated. Just comm my droid Zip and he will tell you what you need to know." The man then commed his ship, "Hey Zip can you check the two trackers I had just activated?" He asked.

"Oh thank the gods you are alive! I thought you were dead!" The droid's electronic voice cracked through then went silent, "Yes they are working. I see you."

"Excellent. Stand by." Brion then switched off his comlink as he followed Dryden out the backdoor. The officer followed the other man as best as he could, thankfully the streets are no where near as crowded as they were before. Otherwise following the Special Agent would have been difficult to do, "Hopefully we will get lucky and they haven't figured out you will be questioning him next." The man hoped outloud wanting a good solid lead to follow instead of a dead end.

Brion looked up to the taller man as he spoke up again. This time that seemed to be a concern for their safety after the little excitement that Dryden stirred up. He caught onto what the man was talking about and so nodded, "Don't worry. We will be able to use them if we must." He told his companion, knowing there is a good chance that they will be possibly walking into a firefight.

 

[Michael Dryden]

"Not quite a fashion statement," Dryden remarked as he watched Brion tag him with a tracker. The comlink was then slipped into a pocket of his suit. It was a novel idea, though he was wary of it all the same. As many things as Dryden might maim, kill, or destroy along the way, the enemy still had no idea where he was. Trackers took that away. Even ones in the "right" hands.

After Brion checked in, Michael looked back at the other man. "Protocol droid?" Sounded like a model with quite a personality. Language bots often developed those more easily than others. Well, at least the sort most admitted to owning anyway.

A soft laugh rumbled from within the helmet. "If they haven't then they're newer at this than I thought." Though Dryden would like if they weren't suspicious enough to know what he'd learned. They could speculate, but the evidence was in flames at that moment. "But if they want to really cover their tracks, they're going to need to find a new hobby." And that he doubted was going to happen. Once mountains of credits started pouring in it was like a psychological avalanche.

"This way." Dryden turned down a side street. He stopped in front of a door two down. The computer spike interface cradled between his fingers was inserted into a maintenance port. The suit's system went to work unlocking the way forward with relative ease. Seconds later he stepped over the threshold.

Off the street, Dryden explained, "We'll come out near the lower docking platforms. Should keep them from seeing us coming a kilometer away, at least." Long as they didn't trip any alarms, he mentally added. No need to be pessimistic just yet.

"Do you dole out justice more with a pistol or a rifle?" If they were about to get into a fight it'd be nice to hear more about Brion's capabilities.

 

[Brion Varanus]

Rolling his eyes a bit in response to Dryden's remark the man continued to place the tracker on him despite his complaint about it,"Sorry but fashion is not an option since it will be of help if we do get separated. Plus the information is encrypted..so no one else can see what is being tracked." He told Dryden as he finished getting the tracking gadgets on the two of them.

Brion nodded when Dryden correctly guessed what he was talking to just a moment ago, "Zip is a protocol droid. Tends to act a bit childish and not watch what he says sometimes." He told the other human, "I bet you can guess what sort of trouble he has gotten me into during missions. Which is why I left him on my ship this time." He still couldn't believe all the trouble the droid got him into. Especially with the Jawas. Since then he hasn't set foot on Tatooine as there is a possibility that the residents will recognize him.

The Alderaanian chuckled, "Well let's hope that they replace those on the job so often that they are a bit sloppy. It will give js a good chance of getting a solid lead if they are a bunch of novices." The man hoped as he followed the other human. He took the time to memorize the route and what his companion was doing for future reference for the next time he is on a similar mission to this. When the two got off the street and into one of the underground tunnels that Dryden was telling him about.

Then the thought of trip alarms or traps being set in this underground passage. Great so now the two may have to watch their every step. Not a problem as long as one of them doesn't accidentally set one off, "Great, let's hope they are too focused on money and alcohol to see us coming. And not smart enough to set any alarms or traps." The officer said as he continued to follow his companion since he knew where they were going. Brion on the other hand has no idea.

Brion looked to Dryden as he inquired about how he doles out justice, "I will resolve to anything to dole out justice. Even fisticuffs if I have to. But I don't just run out shooting. I make sure it is the right person I am after first." The man then turned the question back onto his companion, "What about you? How do you dole out justice?"

 

[Michael Dryden]

Dryden preferred the kind of droid that wasn't fluent in Basic, or better yet one that at least didn't give away the mission. Sounded like Brion got a bad draw. "Must be a hell of a droid." There had to be some reason Brion kept it around. Cost, skill, or just not worth dealing with since you could leave it with the ship.

At an intersection, Dryden paused to carefully check around the corner. After the way forward looked clear, he rounded the corner and continued on. "Creatively," he responded at last. "And as far away from innocent sentients as possible. But if I had to choose a weapon, a good rifle's a multipurpose weapon." Shame all Dryden had on him was his non-standard issue pistol. Oh, it was more than enough, but if the cover could have sported a rifle so he had it now...

Another corner check.

As they moved the XTZ-700 was drawn from its holster for a visual inspection. The pack slid free for a moment before it was slammed back into place. "Try to keep the one shouting orders alive in case they're the one in charge." Dryden turned his head aside to look over at Brion. "It would be nice to ask him a few questions." Like how they managed to get into the business, who their contacts were... details that might not be written down somewhere. Never hurt to make sure. "Just hope they aren't a rancor." Pygmy rancors. Very dangerous (also didn't exist).

Once the calculated distance appeared to line up with known maps of the area, Dryden stopped before a large double door. Scrape marks covered the ramp and grime had the rest. "Before we throw ourselves into the fire, should I call you something other than 'Officer?'" The two of them hadn't gone through the customary pleasantries. 'Hey you' was a bit nondescript in a fight.