Case of Illegal Trade

[Brion Varanus]

Brion followed his companion around the corner stealthily, "I try my best to keep the innocent out of the mix. Of course the criminal doesn't think about that from time to time." He said quietly while following close behind. The Alderaanian listened as Dryden explained what he preferred to use, "Well too bad I didn't think about that because I do have a sniper rifle or two on my ship." He mentioned wishing he had brought at least one of them. But he didn't exactly plan or think he will need one of them.

Drawing his pistol from the holster Brion looked at the one who was shouting orders as Dryden expressed his wish that person is to be kept alive. Well that will be a wait and see when bolts are flying everywhere, "Alright. I will do my best not to hit him." He acknowledged either way to show that he heard the man's wish.

Following Dryden to the old, beaten up ramp. Brion looked to the other human as he stated another inquiry. This time about his name, "You may call me Brion. Now what do I call you?" He replied as he loaded his pistol and made sure it was ready before the two jump into the fire.

 

[Michael Dryden]

The helmet remained facing Brion as the inevitable question dropped. "Dryden. Plain, simple Dryden."

"Let's try to cover as much ground as possible before they start shooting." No telling if they'd recognize either of them as a threat on sight. Would depend on their surveillance capabilities. Seemed probable the shooting would start sooner than later, however.

Since Brion didn't seem to have any pressing questions, the operative reached off to the side to trigger the loading doors. Eyes forward, Dryden looked for the first sign of trouble. Wouldn't do to get shot dead before they even set foot on the field. "All right, let's go." Slowly striding out the tunnel and into the open, the helmeted man's vision swept over the area. His blaster was held against the outside of his leg as if it were still holstered. No need to trigger a guard prematurely.

He moved around a few crates just outside the door and started down the main path that led toward the docks. The pace was brisk if still casual. Shoulders back, head up, and no time for sight seeing. Didn't keep him from being alert for choke points for an ambush.

A large building with wide, open windows that looked out over the area swung into view after the two men cleared stacked crates on the right. "There it is." Roughly half a mile away not counting the various shipping equipment and pallets littering the area. Looked like two men guarded the closest door; probably another two on the opposite side. Seemed light.

One of the ships on the nearest platform began to take off. The whine of the engines and displacement of air began to swell in volume. It would be a great time for... Two men on either side of the wide transit pathway stepped out from behind boxes or around a corner with weapons drawn. ...Yeah, that. Shrill claps of blaster fire were smoothed by the ship lifting off.

 

[Brion Varanus]

Brion nodded as Dryden told him what he preferred to be referred to as. No problem. He will remember.

"Yeah. Get as close as possible in case they decide to try to kill the one in charge. Maybe one of us can try grabbing him. Before they start shooting." The Alderaaninan hoped that the shooting will not start until they have who they are after. Of course he knew that the shooting may start before they even get close.

Watching the loading door slip up and out of sight the officer started following his companion inside. To not look suspicious Brion kept his pistol in his pocket along with his hands looking at the individual crates that are open. Looking like a man who is interested in a purchase. Clearing his throat the man put a Shento Cigar to his lips, a common way he hides himself. He didn't light it though, he didn't have a chance to do so because a couple of guards came around the corner shooting.

Brion immediately ducked behind a crate, shooting one of the two guards, "Maybe one of us should go ahead to grab the one you want to question." He suggested to Dryden. There is now a good chance the one they are after will be killed or will get away if they don't get to him in time.

 

[Michael Dryden]

Dryden ducked behind cover as the bolts started flying. Couldn't say he was shocked at the turn.

"If you think you can slip around all these guards. Otherwise, best bet is for us to mow through." The point punctuated by Dryden leaning out from behind the stack and striking a man just above the breastbone. Unlike the three left impeding progress, the XTC-700 didn't have endless expenditure. Even additional power packs only went so far. "Sooner we take these thugs down, sooner we get inside that control center."

With one of the guards wisely staying behind cover as they squeezed off shots, Dryden silently gestured with his hand for Brion to move around to flank them. "I'll cover you." Easier to take them down if their attention was divide in two directions.

 

[Brion Varanus]

Brion saw that more guards were heading their way as he sneaked a peak over the top of the crate. The man looked to Dryden, "Well more of them are coming. I doubt we can slip past them now." He said as he stood up and fired off a couple shots. One bolt hit one guard in the chest and the other bolt slammed into another's neck.

Ducking back behind the crate he looked around to see if there was a way to get around the guards to flank them just as his companion suggested that they should split up with a gesture of his hand. The officer spotted a door that was left open that he can use to get a drop on the guards, "Keep them occupied." He reached under his coat and handed Dryden one of the weapons he had confiscated. Firing off three shots, he watched the guards duck behind the doorway. Using the short window to make his way towards the open door, using the crates to hide his movement from the guards.

Reaching the doorway he quietly stepped through. He was glad that there were more crates since they hid him from the guards. Reloading his pistol the Alderaanian was about to move when a guard started heading his way. Grabbing him, Brion pulled the guard down and snapped his neck before the guard could get a word out.

Looking over the crate he aimed his pistol. Taking careful aim he squeezed the trigger. Shooting one of them in the back. After the guard fell the remaining four turned their attention from Dryden to Brion.

 

[Michael Dryden]

"Always." Dryden accepted the other weapon Brion passed him before the man departed. With his weapon holstered, the confiscated blaster was used to fire off several more shots to discourage anyone from coming out of cover just yet. Good thing Brion was here too, or the situation might have required the use of explosive ordinance.

Several moments of blaster fire was exchanged as Brion got into position. The shots jumped between the various enemy positions to keep them from advancing. Then once Brion made his move the barrage of fire directed in Dryden's direction dried up. Likewise, the operative ceased fire. Guess it was the officer's turn to have fun with that.

He kept his helmet down and quickly moved away from Brion's position. The various equipment idly waiting to load cargo was used to keep out of sight.

After the confiscated blaster was laid down, Dryden's fingers slid a thick, short tube out of his pouch. Sights set on the nearest shooter, the armored figured swung around the cover and dashed forward. The soft plink of the ViBO staff extending might have registered, but not strongly enough to turn. Metal met head and the first crumpled to the ground.

The next man got a sharp jab to the side of the knee causing the leg to buckle. Dryden crouched behind the man after planting the staff across the man's throat to keep him in place. A pained cry had alerted his closest companion to a problem. XTC drawn, Dryden met the third's eyes. "Don't." First sign or a second of doubt in Dryden's head that the third was going to fire instead of surrender, and he'd cut him down.

 

[Brion Varanus]

Brion dropped his pistol when one guard charged at him, punching the bloke in the face he used the guard's body to shield himself from the blaster fire from the other guard's pistol. Then Dryden came around and started having his go with the guards as he extended a Vibostaff.

Then the guards turned their attention to Dryden, only to get what was coming to them. The Alderaanian grabbed his pistol as the third guard turned to deal with Dryden.

While the guard had his back turned to Brion, the officer ran up to the guard. Wrapping an arm around his neck, the human put the pistol to his head, "Don't try anything." He looked over to Dryden then back to the guard in his grasp, turning he fired a single shot when another guard came running over with his blaster blazing.

Brion looked to Dryden, "Perhaps there is something to bind these two to. I got some cuffs on me.. We may need these two for answers as well." The officer suggested. Since these two know their way around the dock, then they have been in this operation for a while. And who knows, possibly guarded a few of the shipments.

 

[Michael Dryden]

"The cuffs will do. Otherwise we could probably find some pallet straps around here." Dryden looked over at the command center overseeing the docking platforms. "But let's keep this brief." A little pressure against the man's throat with the staff. "Wouldn't want to get delayed because someone felt like playing the 'hero.'"

"And you," Dryden looked at the one in Brion's grasp, "don't try anything. Worst that happens now is you're unemployed; unless you make me shoot you." Wouldn't want their captive audience to get restless thinking they might slip free. And assuming the men played along, the operative addressed this assignment's partner, "I'll cover him, you cuff him."

 

[Brion Varanus]

Brion nodded, placing his pistol in the guard's back pocket, "Hold that for me will ya?" He asked sarcastically as he quickly got his two sets of cuffs out of his pocket, "They can break the straps and get away if they try hard enough." He noted as he quickly cuffed one wrist of the one Brion still had his arm around then the other to the left wrist of the guard Dryden had grappled. He gestured to a nearby metal pillar, "We will keep them there." He then led the way over. When at the pillar, the Alderaanian cuffed the both of them to the metal pillar. The man made sure to get his pistol back of course.

Once the two were restrained to the pillar, Brion looked around then to Dryden, "It has gotten a bit quiet.." The man pointed out when he didn't hear and ruckus going on. It was not a good thing because it meant that the criminals got away or the criminals are getting ready to ambush them.

Putting his pistol back, Brion got out his blaster revolver. He can get more rounds out with that compared to his pistol by pulling back on the hammer instead of using the trigger. Hoping that it was just the criminals getting organized for an ambush and not trying to escape. So he started making his way towards where the head honcho was located when the two last saw him.

 

[Michael Dryden]

"There can't be that many more of them," Dryden responded as they moved. "Unless this is bigger than a corrupt Dock Supervisor." A possibility that had long since been on his mind, but one he hoped wouldn't come to fruition. Someone diverting cargo was one thing. A company knowingly supply the enemy was something else.

"I'll circle around to the other side." Couldn't have Brion be the only one running around every time. "Give the signal when you're in position and we'll go in together from either side. If I see signs they've already made a run for it I'll let you know. Agreed?" Despite barely knowing the officer, so far they'd worked well together and made significant progress. Brion seemed capable and interested in getting the job done. So Dryden was open to the man's feedback if he had a different idea.

Hopefully the Supervisor was the top man and the ledger within their grasp. Cut off the head, and learn everyone they'd sold to... it'd be the best outcome for them and the Republic. Now all they had to do was close the noose.

 

[Brion Varanus]

"Well. Let's hope that there is just fewer of them and not a larger organization." The officer mentioned as the two started moving hoping that whoever was left were only hiding in a corner somewhere. And not sending a distress message. Or worse, making an escape and sending a message out. If they were. Then well the two will be swarmed before they can get to the safety of his ship. At the same time he hoped it was a small organization, not a large one. If it is a large one.. Well the two will be having their hands full.

The Alderaanian looked to Dryden as he listened to the man's plan and nodded, "Agreed." Now with a plan in mind the officer started to move as quickly as he could to get into position. It was a bit difficult since as they got closer to the docks for the cargo craft, the pathway between crates got tighter.

The man is eager to get their man. If they can get the supervisor, then the noose will be tightened on the Cartel. Then hopefully sent into eternity. But first they had to get to him and get the man out of there. As the clock ticked, chances of them getting the man got slimmer. Once in position, Brion hid behind some barrels and waited for Dryden to get into position.

 

[Michael Dryden]

With Brion on the move, Dryden veered off to the side. His fingers danced over a terminal slicing through the low level security to pop open a door leading into the complex behind the towering wall that defined so many ports. The control center jutted out with view over all the platforms. It would be hard sneaking up on the other ramp coming in from outside; or if either of the two remaining ships had anyone looking out a window.

Three minutes later and the door on the other side of Control slid open. An astromech droid calmly rolled out, turned, and ascended the ramp toward the two guards. It stopped two feet away as they held up their hands and asked where it thought it was going. The little droid beeped and chirped about having information about a threat. Not that either knew what the short thing was going on about.

Dryden's voice came over the comlink, "In position."

With their attention on the noise maker, Dryden slipped his pistol around the corner and squeezed off two stun rounds. The second man only had a second to even register what'd happened to his partner before succumbing as well. The astromech wooed at the senseless goons. People really should listen to droids. They knew a lot of things. Like 'there's a guy with a gun that told me to go tell you there's a guy with a gun going to shoot you.'

As he rapidly, but quietly moved up the ramp Dryden popped the power pack and slammed in a new one. Stun rounds took a lot of energy, and he wanted a fresh juicer for storming a room. Who knew how many might be inside. He excused himself around the bot before going to work on the panel. "Ready to breach."

 

[Brion Varanus]

As the two went their separate ways, Brion started moving towards one side of the control center his companion started moving to the other. The officer froze for a moment when he heard footsteps that were not his or Dryden's since these ones sounded like heavy boots. Pressing himself against a crate he watched as a man came walking around the corner with a datapad in his hands. The bloke failing to notice the Alderaanian.

Silently and quickly, Brion grabs the man. Putting a hand over his mouth, he fired a single lethal bolt into him. Using the man's clothing to muffle the sound of his pistol revolver going off. It was not man that they are after but.. He did have something important in his hands. Picking up the datalad he skimmed through it and indeed ot has something useful on it. So he quickly changed the log in code then put the pad in his pocket.

Moving once more there were no further problems so he was still able to get into position just as Dryden got into position as well. Brion picked up his comlink, "I am in position as well.." He said watching as the two guards completely ignored the frantic astromech droid as it was clearly trying to get a message across to them. As Dryden made his way up the ramp, the officer did as well.

Stopping at the droid he knelt down, "Hey. Would you like to help us out?" He asked watching the droid as it whinned while looking around. As though to make sure no one is watching. It then released a series of whistles while dancing in place, "Great. Then come on." Brion got up and started following Dryden with the droid in tow, "I am right behind you." He told the other human as he aimed his pistol incase there is anyone behind the door.

 

[Michael Dryden]

Sending the droid in first wasn't going to work this time, Dryden figured. They could try to pretend to be the guards that'd been there, but by this point they had to be on edge. Maybe the droid had a few creative ideas in store though. Wouldn't pass up help.

His hand hovered over the door controls a moment. Times like these it would be nice to have the ability to use the Force. Well, not everyone could be a Jedi. Experience would have to do. And yet there were times when everyone just kind of felt when the time was right. "Now." He triggered the door to open.

Pistol up, Dryden slipped into the room crossing over to the right. His eyes immediately focused on the three furthest from the door. In particular, the man in the middle. Older, but not wrinkled, his held the most rage at the intrusion. A ping of energy shot across the room to clip Dryden's target as he ducked. Might not knock him out, but he'd be busy hugging the floor long enough to take care of the rest.

The operative ducked behind some consoles as return fire sailed across the room. "This is fun." This operation was a bit larger than he'd hoped all these guards running around. They were definitely cleaning up the docks today. Afterward, they should celebrate, but one thing at a time.

 

[Brion Varanus]

Brion readied himself as Dryden guessed about when to open the door. Neither of them are force sensitive. So knowing when to open the door was a guessing game or Hutt Roulette. Either the two will get lucky or taken out when the door is opened.

As the door opened and the reaction of the three in the room was a bit delayed, it appeared that luck is on their side. The Alderaanian moved to the left side with the droid behind him. The man leaned against the console, "Oh yes. So much fun. We have to do this again." He aimed at one of the criminals who was possibly dealing with a jammed weapon. So Brion fired off two shots at the man, the two bolts slamming into the man's body. Ducking back behind the console a bolt barely missed Brion's shoulder.

The droid whinned softly as it looked around then moved over to some sort of console. Doing it's own thing, it triggered the fire emergency equiptment to turn on. The two remaining criminals yelled out as water poured on them out of no where and even struggled to keep their footing as the floor became slippery.

Getting up, Brion ran over and tackled one of the two to the floor, pinning him. Aiming revolver at the other, "Well for a droid that was a smart move." He mentioned to Dryden as he glanced to his companion.

 

[Michael Dryden]

Dryden strode out to relieve the man standing of his weapon as Brion held him at gun point. "It was that or overload the electrical conduits." The helmet tipped to one side and nodded. "Glad it choose the former. Less chance our new friend wasn't in the condition to talk."

A few sharp flicked with the confiscated gun indicated what the man needed to do. The weapon was discarded off to the side before the freed fingers dipped into the leg pouch. "Found something inside the storage area." An industrial grade strap sprung open the second it was freed. "I wouldn't risk my wrists trying to break this," the operative counseled their latest captive. The band wrapped about both wrists behind the man's back before the overlapping ends were secured by adhesive.

"Are you going to sit on him all day?" Dryden asked Brion after they didn't need to worry about being stabbed in the back.

His chin fell to observe the man pressed to the floor. "We could always put him under one of those landing struts if he needs held down." Nothing like a few tons of steel to keep you still. "You don't, do you?"

 

[Brion Varanus]

Brion watched as Dryden pulled something out of his pocket after discarding the gun. He used the.. Industrial grade strape? To secure the other criminal. The one that he himself has pinned underneath him started to struggle again, so the Republic Officer placed more pressure and weight on him, making him stop, "Oh yes. He is quite comfortable. You should give it a try." Brion said jokingly.

Getting the criminal he has pinned secured he got off of him, "Nope he won't be going anywhere now." He said after securing the criminals legs due to him trying to crawl away after Brion got off him. Now definetely will not be going anyway. Unless he figures out how to catepillar crawl away, he will not be going anywhere.

Glancing around he looked to the droid that had just helped them. It was whistling to itself as though it was pleased. The officer took the time to pull out the datapad he got off the one bloke he killed, "You may want to take a look what is on here." He told his companion as he typed in the password then handed it to him.

 

[Michael Dryden]

"Oh, this is interesting," Dryden replied as he examined the datapad Brion offered. "The weapons were manufactured and purchased legitimately, but were swapped at the dock with refurbished or inferior quality versions." His finger sent the data scrolling quickly across the screen. "Explains why nothing was reported as missing, and how there was money to be made."

An electronic hum came from the operative wearing a helmet. "Most of the weapons were sent to planets that might not notice the problem until the weapons were stressed in the field. Difficult to estimate how many lives it might have gotten killed as a result."

Dryden looked back at their captives. "These actions could be construed as aiding an enemy during a time of war, gentlebeings." He paused for a moment, then clarified in case their new friends hadn't figured out the implication. "Treason, in other words. What do you think, Officer? Should we hand them over to the local authorities? Should I have special transport arranged? Or do we dispense with the formalities altogether?"

 

[Brion Varanus]

Brion already knows what the datapad contained. So he was not surprised by what Dryden was saying as he read through the contents. It amused the officer when their two prisoners started acfijg a bit freaked out, but remaining silent. The Republic Agent looked to his companion as Dryden addressed him.

Humming softly, Brion looked from Dryden to the prisoners, "No. What they have committed is high treason and an act of war by aiding the enemy. We will not be handing them or the other two we captured to the local authorities." He looked back to his comrade, "Let's call in special transportation. Contact Zip while I get the other two will ya?" The officer wanted to get their four prisoners secured as quickly as possible before aid in any form comes for the prisoners.

The Alderaanian got up, stretching a bit as he stood up. The man readied his pistol incase any more enemy forces came for them and the prisoners. The man looked to the droid that helped the two of them as it rolled over to them whistling at the two men, "He is saying that we should go as a group while we collect the other two." Brion said as he interpreted what the astromech droid was saying to them.

 

[Michael Dryden]

Dryden paused in reaching for his link when the droid chimed in. The faceplate of the helmet slowly turned from the droid to the two bound men. Priority targets were in their grasp. Splitting up could be dangerous. Leaving the other two unattended could result in others being warned. Going outside... The datapad in his fingers fell and rose slightly in his grasp.

The pad was slid into Dryden's leg pouch after giving the situation some thought. "Who am I to argue with such an amicable droid?" A brief smile was wasted hidden by his faceplate. "If you could lead the way once we get our friends on their feet?"

"Come on. On your feet. If you cooperate I could always put in a good word." Perhaps instead of spacing them, they'd merely be shot. They didn't have to go through the courts after all. Somethings were best handled 'discretely.' Which is why Dryden was willing to brave the outdoors with their friends here. "It's either that or I'll knock you both unconscious and have our friendly droid here drag you outside like sacks of bantha poodoo. I'd pick the dignified option, if I were you." The blaster slipped free of its holster as he stepped over to unbind the prisoner's legs.

As everyone got themselves vertically reacquainted, Dryden tapped into his own channel and sent out a prearranged communique burst. "Right. No criminal left behind. Let's go."