[Closed] The Prospect of Opportunity

[Cal Danner]

[beebox3=50%]

[/beebox3]

Nar Shadaa // Corellian Sector // The Sand Panther // 1235 Local Time​

[beebox3=50%]Cal Danner sat in a plush booth reserved for enforcers of the cartel. He'd crossed one leg over the other and lazily skimmed a datapad. The restaurant around him was bustling with the lunch rush. The aromas of various dishes sent his sense of smell on a transcendent walkabout as he glanced from one dish passing by to the next. Glancing down at his wrist chono the enforcer noted that the new guy had about five minutes to show up before he was late.

Nothing pissed the generally amiable Enforcer off more than a disregard for his time.

Today he was wearing a navy blue sharkskin suit. The outfit had been a gift from Feena Velora Danabba for capturing an attempted assassin. He returned the attempted killer to the Lorda and offered to deliver the punishment. The Hutt accepted and he viciously beat the life out of the being. a few days after completing the assignment he received a gift box with the suit and a pair of heavy blasters. The blasters were nestled in the hidden holsters of the suit jacket. The enforcer never left home without them.

Looking up from his datapad he signaled for the waiter and ordered a corellian bourbon on the rocks. He leaned back in his seat and continued reading. in four minutes, he would place his order. If the being the Cartel had reach out to wasn't sitting across from him in that time, then his mission would switch from recruitment to extermination. After all this was the Hutt Cartel. Time was money and the moment you couldn't make them money you were dead. [/beebox3]

@Eldritch

 

[Eldritch]

Aedh wasn't sure what was more overwhelming, but at this point it didn't matter; the stench, the people - regardless of how intrusive they were to him, he had to make this meeting. Joining the cartel could mark a new chapter in his life, and he desperately needed a change of pace.

It became immediately apparent that this wasn’t a place he’d frequent, his modest clothing made him stick out like a sore thumb. He didn’t like it, being so obvious, standing out in a crowd never worked in his favor. If nothing else, however, he managed to nick a few credits on his way. Credits, he figured, would make a more important impact in such a place.


“I hope I wasn’t too late, “ Aedh began, sinking back into the corner of the booth at the last second, “It’s quite busy out there.”

 

[Cal Danner]

[beebox3=60%]1239 local time, was what his wrist crono said when the young man took a seat across from the Enforcer. Just from the tentative way he moved and the way his eyes flicked about in a sense of paranoia, Cal had a pretty good idea this kid was used to finding a quick escape.

Good.

He would need to be paranoid if he accepted this job. The Cartel was in need of sentients who could see beyond their current mission. It needed thinkers. He allowed the young man's statement to hang in the air a moment to build upon the underlying anxiety the man was undoubtedly struggling with. Upon first glance Aedh wasn't anything special. He was slightly smaller than most beings and his muscle tone wasn't impressive there were no outstanding features about the young man and that was probably his greatest asset. The young human would be able to blend effortlessly into the background, and that's why Cal was interested in him.

Clearing his throat, he allowed the kinder Dantooine draw to accent his words as he spoke. "You're just on time, Mr. Domhnallin." The enforcer raised a hand and signaling the waitress to bring him another drink. He looked back to the younger man and asked, "Would you alike a drink before we being?"

He'd allow the man to answer and then relay his response to the waitress. Once the order was placed he would settle his stormy gaze upon the man and ask him one question. "Why should the Cartel take you in?"[/beebox3]
@Eldritch

 

[Eldritch]

Aedh shifted his focus to the waitress, “Your finest liquor, please”, then turned to face Cal, a polite but hesitant smile on his face. He wasn’t much of a drinker; too inhibiting in most cases, but making a bold statement here could prove to be advantageous. ​

​

Straight to the point. This was a more serious meeting than he expected. Feeling Cal’s scrutinizing gaze, Aedh fixed his posture: sitting upright and adopting a more serious visage.​

​

“Why should the cartel take me in? Well, to be frank, sir, I assume you already know why, and I’m sure you already know whether or not you’ll have me. I’ve been fairly active in this area for a while now, yet I remain almost completely anonymous. I could be wrong, but I suspect that even your organization isn’t fully aware of my exploits, modest as they may be. You see, that’s my strength - I’m an unknown, and I’m good at staying that way; years of petty theft has refined my craft into one of inexorable success. I believe that could be beneficial for you and your employers. And I really rather not stay on Nar Shaddaa for ever. Send me wherever you need something to be... obtained, and I’ll return with it - no questions asked. I’m tired of just barely getting by. I’m ready for something more, and I’m sure that the cartel could offer that.”​

​

He paused suddenly as the waitress returned and shifted back into a more relaxed posture as he grabbed his drink then took a gulp. “Damn, that’s stronger that I thought it’d be...” He probably didn’t have to say it, the grimace on his face conveyed it well enough.​

 

[Cal Danner]

[beebox3=60%]Cal watched the young man order and hid a smile as the kid asked for the finest liquor. The waitress looked at him a little confused, and Cal finished his order for him, "He'll have what I'm having." The waitress smiled, bobbed her head and turned around heading toward the bar.

The young man greatly over-estimated the Cartel's interest in him, but Cal allowed him to give his little speech.

The enforcer's face would have been difficult tot read thought the young man's explanation. Aside from a few raised eyebrows there wasn't much going for the kid as far as tells went. As far as this assessment went Cal himself wasn't overly impressed. Sure, the kid was confident, but so was every other no name thief who'd pick pocketed a few old ladies and gotten away with it. It was clear to the enforcer that Aedh was at a pivotal point in his career and the enforcer held the keys to that future. The man waited for the waitress to return before speaking. This left a considerable amount of time in an awkward silence between the two.

As he drink was set before him Cal reached out and took the tumbler in his hand and eyed the brandy with far more interest than he'd shown the prospect before him.

"I think you've got the wrong impression son." his words were quiet and paced. As if he'd practiced this one line a million times. "Ya see, the Cartel doesn't need you. Nor does it need an unknown thief that's been allowed to operate in their territory." His cold grey eyes drifted from the amber liquid to the young man's eyes and he concluded with, "We know about your operation and we know about your mediocre exploits. What my employers see is potential. What I see is a kid who's gotten lucky, a lot." He put the rocks glass to his lips and took a sip.

His words were harsh, but true. This wasn't some pat on the back welcome to the Cartel. No this was a threat. Either Aedh would join the Cartel or become a bounty for their hunters to take down. There was no other choice.

"Now, I've been put in a precurious position. You see, I invited you here-" he gestured to the Sand Panther "because I wanted you to see what the cartel has to offer." He lowered his hand and set his drink on the counter.

"You've got two choices, son. Join the Cartel or get killed." A small smirk pulled on his lips. There wasn't any anger or disdain on his face in contrary his appearance was that of a man who was visiting with a close friend. Cal didn't want to kill this kid, and he probably wouldn't, but he would add the kid to the bounty list if he decided to bolt.

"Ya see, you're not an unknown anymore. You've been made. So, your thieving days here on the smuggler's moon is over. Join the Cartel." He spoke casually as if Aedh's life wasn't being hung by a thread. "But join it for the right reason. Not becuase you think they care, but because you can make more money that you can possibly imagine."

Cal lifted his drink and took another sip from the cup. It was in Mr. Domhnallin's hands now.[/beebox3]

@Eldritch

 

[Eldritch]

Nervous and a little embarrassed, Aedh shifted in his seat, letting his eyes fall to the table for a brief second as he listened to the retort before bringing them back to meet their source. Cal was right, of course: Aedh knew he wasn’t the ideal candidate for the Cartel - they certainly didn't need him, at least, that much was as clear now as it was when he first approached The Sand Panther - but he didn't doubt himself entirely, either. Perhaps he was too bold, too assertive in his desire to make a strong case for himself, but he was confident that in time his boldness would be seen as ambition, and he knew he could prove it if given the chance.

“Perhaps luck does play some part in my experiences, and I cannot be sure of the extent to which it does,” He leaned forward in his seat, “But I am its impetus, regardless. And, with all due respect, I don’t think you know exactly what I’m capable of.” Abruptly, he cleared his throat, worrying that his tone might be interpreted as aggressive. That was not his intent at all. “I - That is to say, sir, I think I’m more capable of helping your employers than you give me credit for, but I do understand your dismissal. I know the Cartel doesn’t need me, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be of use.” His words word a little rushed, a hint of panic underlining his strained composure.

Frustration started to creep into the features of his countenance. He wasn't frustrated in his inquisitors remarks, but in his inability to efficiently explain his aspirations. Thought Aedh considered himself competent in disputation, he was caught off-guard by Cal’s steadfast resolve. Clearly, this wasn’t the average disagreement he was use to removing himself from. He was out of his element, to be sure, but no less determined.

“Make no mistake, I want very much to join the cartel.” He put his hands up as a mock gesture of non-hostility. “No coercion needed, I assure you.”​

 

[Cal Danner]

[beebox3=60%]Cal's gaze never wavered from the young man's face as he studied him. It was clear he was nervous and that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Had he puffed up to Cal, the enforcer would have been forced to put him down a peg. Neither of them wanted that. Cal didn't want any blood on his suit and he was sure Aedh wanted to keep his blood in his body. The enforcer allowed the young man to plea his case. He felt the kid was a little too sure of his abilities, but then again every twenty year old kid seemed to be the same way no a days.

As Aedh finished his speech, Cal broke his grim expression. An amiable smile replacing the uninterested scowl. "I'm glad to hear that Mr. Domhnallin. With that settled, why don't we seal the deal with a meal." without waiting for the young man's answer Cal waved the waitress over and made his order. He would allow his young companion to do the same before continuing, "Now, there are a few papers you'll need to sign, but it's nothing to worry about just boring leagal stuff. You'll need to go to the HUB in order to finalize all that mess." With a slight smile he said, "At least once you get done selling us your soul you get some shiny new toys."

After a few minutes the waitress would return with the food that had been ordered. In this time Cal would be happy to answer any questions the new kung had.[/beebox3]@Eldritch

 

[Eldritch]

Apathetically, Aedh placed his order: a dish of some exotic food that he had never heard of before and another drink to help obscure his assuredly bad mistake.

“...Paperwork?” Aedh considered the prospect for a second before shrugging it off - best not to derail things now, he figured. “Gotta do what you gotta do, I suppose.” The sound of ice clinking against glass took the place of what would normally be a series of decisive, dull questions as he finished off his first drink and slid it towards the end of the table. He was feeling a little more confident now.

Brow raised, Aedh leaned forward, his crossed arms resting on the table. “What sort of shiny new toys are we talking about? I don’t need much, mind you. Well, depending on what, if anything, the Cartel has planned, that is…” He let his words trail off, hoping to maybe get a hint at some opportunity to get to work as soon as possible. ​