Codebreaker

[Spectre (Old)]

Canto Bight, Cantonica

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Once again on Canto Bight, the sun sets and the light fades. Against the uncertainty plaguing the rest of the galaxy, the city of Canto Bight stands as a beacon of light on the Outer Rim where people (at least galaxy's elite anyway) can put aside their worries and enjoy what the city has to offer: The sights, sounds, and casinos. Spectre has been on Canto Bight before not too long ago to be gambling away his lightsaber earnings, but he never had a chance because some jewel thief fired blaster shots in the air, stole a necklace from his date (who he figured out was a Jedi), then had the Canto Bight Police shoot at them while they committed no crimes. Thankfully that part of Lawson's life has been put behind him and he is here on business.

Jack Lawson has given himself the code name Spectre as he was given the rank of Vigo in the Hutt Cartel. Being a Vigo is the greatest thing he has accomplished, it is better than any medicore IT job on Corellia if he hadn't have taken the criminal path he had taken. But even with his promotion, his work isn't done yet. As a Vigo, he has responsibilities and the work doesn't end there. There will always things that need to be done. And the Hutt Lordas don't want their Vigos getting complacent with their status. To that end, Spectre has taken initiative. He had plans for obtaining a larger freighter, finding two pilots, and then crewing it with slicers; establishing an effective mobile slicer base in which Spectre would be in charge of. Spectre is committed to this course of action. And to that end, Spectre must but together a competent and willing crew. And their first stop is Canto Bight.

There are reports of codebreakers who frequent the Canto Casino, one of the more popular casinos in Canto Bight. Those codebreakers make their credits with their expertise and then gamble them away in the casinos. Spectre's course of action is to find one of them and convince one to join his side.

The Vigo-Slicer Spectre, would be sitting at a bench near-by the entrance of the casino. He would be wearing his normal suit that has his armor protection underneath his dapper outfit. His normal garb is the expected dress-code for the casino. He would also have all his normal equipment and gear on him. Spectre has contacted his Elensalite friend Ark to assist him on his task. He had agreed and would meet him here first. Although this undertaking is all to benefit the Cartel and himself as a whole, his first choice was asking Ark to accompany him. The two have become good friends recently. And Lawson needs reliable and trust-worthy people at his side regardless if they are basadi or not. Spectre would be waiting on the Elensalite as he hears the sounds of jazzy music and the commotion of others from the casino, having a good time. The laughing, the shouting. Some things will never change.

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@Insalius!


@Valen Pelora

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[Christopher Harlow]

Ark wasn't used to wearing so much clothing, as his natural body usually didn't need such things and the parts that would be considered not suitable to be uncovered hidden beneath panels that would move when they were needed. Still, after learning of where they were going to be and what they were going to be doing from his friend Jack Lawson, now more known as Spectre, the Elensalite felt that it was important to fit in as much as he could for the situation. He wore a nicely tailored suit that covered his Contractor's Armor, similar to what Jack was doing with his own equipment, and the suit jacket concealed the holdout blaster and collapsible vibro-blade that were made for such deception. In a pinch he could always turn a nearby item into a weapon, his robotic strength managing to catch many people off guard, though in a casino he hoped it wouldn't come to any violence. The galaxy was a crazy place, though.

Still learning about the way the galaxy worked, Ark hadn't condemned Jack when he heard the man was part of the criminal organization known as the Hutt Cartel as the man himself seemed at least good to him. Most people assumed that the Elensalite was just another droid, not giving him the time of day nor caring what he thought or felt. It was refreshing and nice to have an actual friend outside of his homeworld, of which to repay that friendship Ark was willing to do quite a bit for the man known as Spectre. He had been told they would be trying to recruit some codebreakers as the first part of creating a mobile base that would be used for slicing and hacking, a rather interesting idea that Ark was curious about. They had agreed to meet outside of the casino that many of these codebreakers spent their time. a gaudy place that almost overloaded the poor young man's sensors with the sheer decadence. He reigned in his feelings, though, focusing on what he was there to do for his friend. "My apologies if I'm late, I might have to fix my chrono. I'm ready when you are!" His metallic voice was upbeat, his eyes smiling as he beheld the human. He was as ready as he would ever be.

@Faster Than Light

 

[The Storyteller]

Aldric Alan wasn’t your typical codebreaker. He liked to be seen. Oh, the holo-vids all depicted those like him the same way. Weaselly little nerds who didn’t get out much and were terribly awkward. Not Aldric. He was a man of the town. A lady’s man. He also happened to be brilliant and incredibly gifted. He could crack the galaxies most difficult codes without barely batting an eye. Aldric had turned his unique skillset into a lucrative career. His refusal to adhere to stereotyped norms meant he was rarely a negative target.

Oh no, everyone that met Aldric loved him. Well, that is at least what he told himself. When Aldric wasn’t practicing his genius, he plopped himself on Canto Bight. The luxury world was filled with Aldric’s three favorite things. Credits, booze, and women. He wasn’t stupid enough to try and cheat the casinos. No, his luck rode just like the rest of the galaxies. Aldric was holed up in one of the private gambling areas, burning his way through a small fortune. He was a little drunk and very into the blonde draped over his arm. He sighed in happiness. His life was awesome. @Faster Than Light @Insalius

 

[Spectre (Old)]

"Nope. You are good. You are just in time" the Cartel Vigo-Slicer said as he smiled at his robotic friend as he stood up from his bench. Alright, so the Elensalite said he is ready. Hopefully the noise pollution and the commotion inside won't bother Ark's sensors, that wouldn't be good. Now it's time to go to business "Alright, so we are looking for a codebreaker here. It might be best to go in and ask around and see what we can find. If you are ready, lets proceed" Although one particular codebreaker is well-known by the people who been here, Spectre isn't one of those people so it looks like him and Ark will have to find out the hard way. If they are all good to go, Spectre would be going through the casino. He could see people wearing black or white tie-esque style clothing. It was clear who all were the gamblers, there were waiters, a big variety of aliens dressed to look the part. There is just tons of movement through wide-open luxurious interior. Spectre would stand in place as he can spot a collection of card tables, slots behind them, and a bar to the side. "Well, I suppose we have our work cut out for us". Finding a codebreaker is going to be like finding a needle in a haystack in space. "Hmmm" as Lawson tries figuring out where to start. They sure have their work cut out for them.

@Insalius

 

[Christopher Harlow]

Indeed, this place was nothing at all like what Ark had ever experienced. There was so much to learn and observe in a place like this, so many new species and different foods and customs, even! He almost did lose himself, not to the sensory overload but to the information overload of so many things he wanted to learn. His mind was like a black hole for knowledge and it HUNGERED. He had to shake his head, calming himself down and reigning in his desire to learn for the moment. He wasn't here for his own sake, he was here to help a friend. He used that to focus his mind on the task, quickly coming up with strategies that could be used to find the person they were looking for. It was time to use logic, taking in what information that he could before overloading himself to make the best hypothesis as he could in the situation.

"You said the reason these people come here is to play the game, winning and losing just being facets of the experience. These men could get any number of currency through their natural skills, so the loss of large amounts of money wouldn't usually be met with anger or despair. So, perhaps we should be looking for the people making the biggest bets yet not becoming stressed over their potential losses." He looked around as he talked, his tone one that only Jack would be able to hear. He was speaking straight from his mind as he processed a thought and moved to the next. "A lot of these kinds of people, especially in the IT field, aren't as socially active as other professions can be. Perhaps it is something about how they think they look or act but it partially draws them to a solitary profession. As they are forced to be social here, perhaps they wish to entertain other desires as well. Maybe they have a beautiful man or woman on their arms, wishing them well as they played. I think they would usually pay for this kind of thing, though you're handsome enough that I don't think anyone could resist your charm." He said this last part with a smile in his eyes, trying to give a compliment to his friend.

@Faster Than Light

 

[Spectre (Old)]

The Hutt Cartel Vigo then looked to the side and saw that his robotic partner-in-crime was shaking his head. "Is he alright" Spectre thought to himself, appearing to be calming himself down, but it looked like it worked. After hearing the Elensalite speak, he had some very good points to which might help. "Ah yes. A codebreaker that we are looking for could rake in the credits easily and then be inclined to gamble away here." he said. Lawson then looked at his partner as he gave a compliment towards him and gave a slight smile. Looking at the card tables in front of him. Spectre then starts walking forward. "Lets take a closer look at the card tables shall we? I think those are the high stakes tables" he nodded his head in that direction. Every wide-open search has to start somewhere and he guesses it will be here. Good of a start as any as he guesses though. The last time Spectre was in a casino, he didn't actually get to gamble in it, as it was all interrupted by things before he could get to that part. Spectre came across a table of 2 people playing pazaak. One male human looking around in his thirties wearing a white dinner jacket playing against a green-skin blue-eyed Rodian that's suited up as well.

The table had quite a lot of other onlookers as well. By the time Spectre came at the table, it looked like they were starting a fresh set, with one win gone to both parties, with both looking for two more wins to get the credits. The cards from the main deck would be pulled as they race to get to the magic number 20, or as close to it as possible without going over. Spectre could see that they are going at a fast-pace. In those situations, blood is boiling, adrenaline is pumping as they know the winner takes it all. The human male once he draws a card from his main deck, a 8 which put him at 24, in danger of busting. He could see the man quickly place a -4 card from his hand, giving him a 20 and winning the set, with the Rodian only standing on an 20. The human judging by his reaction time must be really good at this, really lucky, or been playing a long time. Maybe he could be the codebreaker? Or someone who might know him? And Spectre would look at Ark and see how he is reacting.

@Insalius

 

[Christopher Harlow]

Considering all the factors that Ark and Jack had managed to deduce, three people came to mind as the Elensalite looked around the room at the faces and companions of all the guests. The man that they had come up to at the card table was indeed one of them, Ark almost feeling the elation from the man as he played the game let alone won a hand or two. It was at this point that things would get more difficult, as there would be little difference between a thrill seeker for the love of the experience or their kind of codebreaker. It would take a very observant eye and perhaps a bit of conversation to get to the bottom of their suspicions to see if there was gold or just gilded wood. He would leave the conversation up to Jack, though he did whisper his suspicions into his companion's ear that this might be the person they were looking for. He would keep an eye out on how the man's eyes moved, any other physical tells for habits, and if anyone came back to be a partner of his of sorts, especially if this person was someone he would be attracted to. He would also listen to what Jack would say, trusting the man to be more suave then the droid was. He found he still had trouble with double-talk and was a bit too honest on things. It tended to put people off.

@Faster Than Light

 

[The Storyteller]

Aldric was having a grand old time. He wasn't playing particularly well but kriff if he wasn’t having fun. The smoking hot chicks on his arms were certainly making things go by a bit easier. Aldric lost again but damn he didn’t care. A little tiny part of him wanted to cheat. That would be foolish. His eyes slid across the scary looking security guards. He was drunk but not that drunk. Well, maybe.

If he lost anymore hands he might just be tempted. Of course, he did lose more. Kriff it all. Aldric gave up and toddled off to get another drink. He emerged from the private area onto the main floor. He saw what was an absolutely insane sight. A droid! A suit wearing droid. Aldric couldn’t contain himself. He shouted loudly. “Oi, you! You there with the shinny head!” He stumbled forward. “How aaaare you doing that. Looking practically human.” Totally fascinating. @Faster Than Light @Insalius

 

[Spectre (Old)]

As the Cartel Vigo kept his eye on the intense pazaak game at hand that was unfolded, until. It looks like the human male who is winning the game might be a codebreaker. Maybe once he is done with his game maybe they he can ask. Doesn't seem like an unreasonable thing to do, right? The game is a sight to see though. But then some fancied up guy came near Spectre and Ark and then started shouting. Loudly. Jack Lawson then rolled his eyes is in annoyance as the guy was trying to fathom a droid wearing a suit. Sure droids won't wear suits all the time, but couldn't the guy's breath not reek of alcoholic substances? Spectre would give some time for Ark if he wanted to answer the drunk's questions before asking him. Spectre would establish a bit of distance from the gambling able they were asking before making a request to the drunk. "Uhh, whoever you are, could you quieten your voice a little?" he asked with an annoyed tone and with an annoyed frown as well on his face. The guys shouting voice did have the effect of soliciting stares not just from the gamblers, but from the other watchers as well. The less of a disturbance he is the better. If Ark wanted to humor the guys questions to satiate his curiosity, Spectre wouldn't mind.

@Insalius

 

[Christopher Harlow]

Ark couldn't help but notice the man wondering at his humanity, as many didn't even give him the time of day to begin with. He would leave Jack to talk to the other man at the table as planned, but it would only be nice to respond to the question. It was nearly impossible to insult him due to everything he had been through before, so instead he would be kind and honest. Almost like having a child-like innocence, though tempered with a mature wisdom that made him seem he belonged in a place like this. At least he also seemed to look good. He'd have to remember to wear this kind of thing more often.

"It was how I was made, sir, just like all my brethren. We're a bit different than normal droids thanks to our creators, so thank you for your compliment." He gave the man a smile with his eyes as he spoke, being as friendly as he could be. "My name is Arkelpis, but most people just call me Ark. It's nice to meet you, Mr...? He tilted his head slightly in confusion, as if having gotten ahead of himself. "Ah, it appears I don't know your name yet, my apologies. It would be my honor to learn your name, if it is okay. Do you like the drinks here? I could purchase one for us as a toast to our meeting, if you wish."

@Valen Pelora @Faster Than Light

 

[The Storyteller]

Aldric swayed back and forth. Oh kriff, these men were blurry. “Keep my voice down? I’m kriffing whispering for Force sakes! Damn, kid you are weird.” That was when that crazy droid spoke. Boy he had never seen anything like it. He’d love to get a peek under that hood. “Did you jusr say Arkel-PIS! Oh-no-no-no. That just can’t be true. A fancy droid like you can’t have a name like that. It must be fake.” He laughed again. Gosh this was absolutely hilarious. “I am the fantastic wonderful amazing Aldric.”

He wasn’t so drunk to give them his last names. That was when a few of Aldric’s bad habits caught up to him. You see, he didn’t like to lose. He usually wasn’t drunk enough to cheat on Canto Bight. Sadly, he was very drunk and he had lost a lot. He might have cheated just a little. A security guard began pointing and shouting about a codebreaker. Aldric was being pointed at. He smiled widely at the guards. “You see officers my friends made be do it.” He gestured at Ark and Spencer. @Insalius @Faster Than Light

 

[Spectre (Old)]

The Hutt Cartel Vigo rolled his eyes in annoyance and disdain when when the drunken called him weird and a kid. The man was clearly drunk of mind. Spectre's robotic friend Ark has more patience than him to humour him. He might be machine, but Lawson clearly knows that the robot has a generous soul. What a lad. Too bad the Elensalite's generosity is wasted as it turned out to be. The man identified himself as Aldric. At this point, Spectre thought he was just another faceless drunkard which are a dime in a dozen.

The security guards then came on the scene, the other patrons had their attention to what was unfolding with the Vigo. The security guards idenfied this Aldric character as a codebreaker. Suddenly his annoyance turned to curiosity. If Aldric just outright said that he was a codebreaker, The Vigo probably would have just laughed him off, but the Canto Bight security confirmed it for him. Although the drunk is annoying and does show some issues about bringing him on-board with his plan. But on the the otherhand, the security guards confirm his reputation around this part, and maybe he is competent when Aldric isn't wasted. But before Spectre could say anything, Aldric started blaming Spectre and Ark for his apparent wrong doings in front of security and the spectators who are watching this. He is suddenly having flashbacks to where he was on Canto Bight previously, and guards started shooting at his date and he took a stun bolt to the back. Spectre would shake his head 'no' and then respond to Aldric. His curiosity went back to annoyance as quickly as it left. "Ummmm, we only just met. You don't really believe him officers, do ya'll?" the slicer would chuckle it off. He is innocent and it is the truth, and surely these security guards will see reason. He would like to be not thrown out of the building nor will he be going into a cell for something he didn't do that easy. Although if he gets thrown out along side Aldric, that wouldn't really hamper his goals, so that might not be such a bad thing.

 

[Christopher Harlow]

"Well, as I said, most people call me Ark. It seems to be easier to say. In any case, it's nice to meet you, Mr. Aldric." Ark had a smile in his eyes as he spoke. That was when he heard the guards mention a codebreaker and point at Aldric. It was almost immediately that the pieces began to fall into place. This was a man who near perfectly fit the critera that he had detailed earlier, the drunkeness definitely part of the profile he had painted. The fact that he was interested in Ark as a droid despite everyone else they had seen so far helped point to that fact as well. If he were sober, this man would probably be a genius. As he was, he was a genius who had a higher chance of making bad decisions.

That was when an idea came to Ark. Perhaps there was a way that he could prove the skill of the Codebreaker AND get him out of this mess. Elensalite coding wasn't something a regular computer or slicer could get to, it required equipment that was only found on his homeworld. He would be making his own gamble this day, the stakes being Aldric's skills. "I apologize if we made you do anything, Mr. Aldric. Besides, I don't think you're the Codebreaker they're looking for, they must have been pointing at someone else." He turned to regard the guards if they came closer, speaking to them if they wanted to listen. "If he were a Codebreaker, he'd be able to easily rewrite my programming. After all, a droid should be far easier than any of the machines here. If he can't do that, then he can't have cheated, right?" Of course, there was the chance that they had different evidence to use against the man. It was all a part of the gamble, and he was willing to look like a fool for what he was attempting.

@Valen Pelora @Faster Than Light

 

[The Storyteller]

Aldric hiccupped. Boy, he didn’t like that kid. He did however really like the droid. That pale one was clearly trying to throw him under the bus. And for what? All Aldric had done was try to make new friends. How rude. The droid seemed much friendlier and far smarter. Aldric knew there was something about the shinny metal man that he liked. The Codebreaker drunkenly held up a finger “Ah friends, my associate here has a lovely point. Come let me prove to you I am the brilliant Codebreaker, for I cannot let my honor be insulted.”

Ark’s plan seemed to have worked. The Canto Bight Casino guards were not always the brightest bulbs and they were trained to never make a scene. The guards nodded to Aldric to go to work. With a flourish Aldric bowed and stepped behind Ark. He made a show of fiddling about. In truth, he wasn’t doing anything. He leaned in to whisper to the droid. “I don’t much like your spindly friend, but you seem alright for a droid.” Aldric assumed Ark couldn’t smell the overwhelming scent of booze on his breath on account of being a droid and all. “Look, I’m exactly who they want and ya got one favor from me for getting me out of this mess.” Aldric stepped back. “Ah ha! Behold a reprogrammed shinny droid.” He now expected Ark to play the part and reveal Aldric’s attempts had failed. The guards waited expectantly. @Insalius @Faster Than Light

 

[Spectre (Old)]

It really is a good thing that Ark is here, Lawson thought. Ark seems to be a better people's person than the Cartel Vigo himself, and came up with something on the spot. When Ark spoke, he caught on to what he was trying to do. And he must say, Lawson is pretty impressed, he was hiding a grin as the dapper Elensalite spoke. Lawson silently wondered if someone could even simply reprogram an Elenslite outside their long deceased creators.

They are not just any droids, they are complex fully sentient machines programmed experience motions and feelings on par with organics, or at least as much as possible. Even if the guy was the codebreaker, there would be no way he could crack that. So, he's essentially setting him up to fail in front of the security. Although that hopefully the guy doesn't mess up his hardware. In which case 'proving' the guy isn't a codebreaker. At least if this works the Cartel Slicer won't have the pleasure of being on the wrong end of Canto Bight 'justice' yet again.

Spectre was beside Ark, and he could see what the guards could not turning his head, seeing that when he went to fiddle, he wasn't really doing anything. Looks like he caught on to what was going on as well, even with the smell of alcohol just radiating every time the man spoke (or the guy is just too intoxicated to properly work on the droid). Spectre could hear Aldric whispering again since he was close enough, he could only roll his eyes in annoyance when the guy called him 'spindly', not to bothering to dignify that with a response, but the guy sounded serious now. The Cartel Vigo made out more of what the codebreaker said, he insists he is the real deal, the security coming to him, and him being clever checks out to him. When he said he has one favor from him, Spectre was just one step closer, and hopefully this work and gets them out of a potential jam with security.

Lawson raised his eyebrows in false anticipation while crossing his shoulders while strafing to the side a little bit as he awaits to see the result of Aldric's reprogramming. If this works, Ark is very clever, and Aldric not so bad himself, and the Aldric guy already said he owes a favor and seems fond of Ark. He will see how this plays out.


@Insalius @Valen Pelora

 

[Christopher Harlow]

Ark blinked, the only sign he acknowledged what Aldric had said under his breath, before standing still as the man 'did his work'. Internally he tried to stifle a giggle, as the motion tickled something fierce. When he was done he shook his head, looking at the guards with an almost mournful gaze. "Unfortunately, there is no change. If this man caused any damage, then it was most likely by complete accident by virtue of being drunk. He is no Codebreaker, just an overly exuberant gambler. I apologize for whatever headaches he may have caused, and to not bother you further we'll all depart. I wish you the best of days and I hope for our continued vigilance." Giving the guards a small bow, Ark would take the 'absolved' Codebreaker and Jack out of the casino. Once certain that they were all alone, he gave another small bow to Aldric in apology for the show.

"I shall collect on that favor a bit quicker than you might expect, but I believe you'll also appreciate why. I would like to offer you a job on behalf of a Vigo of the Hutt Cartel. This man, in fact." He gestured to Jack, a smile in his eyes. "He is known as Specter, an expert Codebreaker himself, and he is putting together a team of the best of the best for an unprecedented venture: A mobile slicing ship, traveling from system to system breaking into every network that you can to steal what information there is to be found. We would like to hire you for this endeavor. Not only will you be paid incredibly well, you'll also be able to travel back to places like this for your entertainment as you wish as well as showing the galaxy your true genius. You are incredibly quick on your feet and I feel you are a perfect fit for this position. Would you like to join our team, Mr. Aldric?" Ark extended his hand to the Codebreaker, a welcoming look in his eye. Not only was there a guarantee on great income there was a guarantee of challenge and notoriety as well, if he wanted it. If he was the type of man he had seemed to be so far, this would be the chance of a lifetime.

@Valen Pelora @Faster Than Light

 

[The Storyteller]

“Oh my god. What a kriffing waste of time. Take care of your friend here. It would be best if you found other enjoyment tonight.” The bouncers turned away in disgust. Aldric drunkenly beamed. At the droid. A Cartel gig? Oh how very perfect. He looked over the spindly one again. Yup, that was definitely a slicer. A pale gangly kid who didn’t look like he’d seen a sun in a couple years. “Well, seems like I just can’t say no considering you saved me from being turned into a credit chip.” He burped. “I’m gonna need about twenty minuets to sober up. Otherwise my hands get all fuzzy and I can’t slice kriff.” Aldric sauntered over to slicer. He put an arm around the man. “Looks like we are gonna be pals. How fun.” He drunkenly stumbled forward. “Alright new friends. Let’s go cause some trouble.” Team member number one acquired. Joy. @Faster Than Light @Insalius

 

[Spectre (Old)]

Well, that worked, that was very pleasing to see for the Hutt Cartel Vigo. Ark's plan worked on getting the guards off their back. Afterwards, Ark with his initiative (which is sorely lacking in a lot of people these days), taking advantage of the fact that the codebreaker liked the Elensalite more than he liked Jack himself, offered a proposal to the come aboard with Spectre's project that he is putting together. The guy was hard pressed to say no since he did say he owed Ark one. And it wouldn't be all bad, as he had access to all the perks Ark mentioned, and more comes with the Cartel, effectively becoming a basadi. Spectre had a smile through after Aldric agreed to come aboard, he had a forced smile as the the codebreaker put his arm around him. How he hates being touched. "Yep, the best pals." he would hesitantly say as he would chuckle. Well, with that, it looks like the only thing they to do is get out of here. As he would be passing Ark, he would nod to the Elensalite, with a non-forced smile as he would show his apperication for coming along with him to Canto Bight. "Thank you Ark for coming. I really appreciate it." He would mean it sincerely and it would show with how he would carry himself even with Aldric still latched on to to him. "I'll see you around later friend." He would nod his head again to the friendly Elensalite. Ark will also be compensated monetarily if the Elensalite wants as well. With with that, Spectre with his new friend would be departing from the casino on their way. Surprisingly, there is still a bit of a sunset to ride into. Now, that he has a one team member for his project, it will be off to the next one

FIN​