Ask Defending the Kessel Run

[Terra Lanris]

Terra's head turned to the side and cocked slightly at his first comment. Are you flirting with me, Captain? she asked coyly, a hint of mischief in her voice. Dang, had it really been that long since anyone had flirted with her? It seemed that way. Her position didn't exactly create a lot of approachability, after all.

Terra tilted her head to the side again as he mentioned that there was a bomb planted in Koska. That wasn't what she'd expected, but... something about Crix's face... was he bluffing? Oh, I see, she thought to herself. Yes, she was pretty confident he was bluffing. Eight... eight-five percent sure?

Off to find our newest employee, then, she said. He just didn't know it yet. Ultimately, the goal was to get the piracy attacks to stop, but if they could gain a new route through the Kessel run at the same time and potentially a new band of recruits for Eclipse or "discreet shippers" for Terra Nova, then all the better.

As they made their way through the compound, they drew several strange looks from the pirates before they made it to the Captain's... office? It was really a stretch to call it an office... more of a private bar from the looks of it.

He had a scraggly beard and a large hat befitting of a pirate captain, and he was all scowls and glower.

I wager you got old Koska to turn for ya. I figured as much. What do you want? And why shouldn't I have ya killed? he asked, staring down both of them.

@Zay

 

[Crix Dolan]

“Are you just now noticing?” scoffed Crow matching her level of coyness.

Crow watched BeeGee lead two mercs down an offshoot as they made their way to the captain’s quarters. A part of him wished he was going with his little pal, but BeeGee had gotten so good at this kind of thing Crow would just slow him down. In less than ten minutes the little droid would be inside the pirate’s ship communicating with the Nav system.

They’re stroll to the captain’s quarters was uneventful. There were lots of what you’d expect on a pirate-infested space station. Drinking, gambling, and carnal pleasures littered the main drag. To be honest, Crow was surprised the life support systems were still operational.

The Captain’s quarters were an opulent veneer. Gaudy art, expensive liquor, and even a few artifacts were haphazardly scattered across the room. A familiar gruff voice growled out, “I wager you got old Koska to turn for ya. I figured as much. What do you want? And why shouldn't I have ya killed?”

Koska visibly shrank back and hid behind one of the Mercs.

Crow’s attention lasered in on the man and his mouth dropped open. “Harken?” Crow said in astonishment.
“Crix?” replied The Captain in equal astonishment.
“Crow,” Crow corrected.
“What?”
“I go by Crow.”
“Do ya now,” There was a sad knowing glint in the older man’s eye then he nodded, “Crow.”

Crow nodded back.

A smile lit up the captain’s face the malice from before completely evaporated. “Well, friend or not, my questions still need answerin’. What do you want? And why shouldn’t I have ya killed?”

Crow’s smile widened he jerked a thumb to Terra, “This is my boss. She’s a top dog in Crimson Dawn.” He let that sink in with Harken.

“That explains why Sazbit didn’t come back,” said Harken.
“Yup,” replied Crow.

Harkencrossed his arms and seemed to consider his position. It was obvious why he shouldn’t have them killed. He couldn’t. If he so much as laid a finger on them, the might of Crimson Dawn would wipe them from the face of existence. Harken had inadvertently stepped into the big leagues.

“So, you’re bringing me an ultimatum?”
“A profitable one.”
“What’s the catch?”
“You work for Crimson Dawn.”
“That all?”
“Unless we change our minds, look all we want you to do, is keep doing exactly what you’re doing, just stop fucking up our shipments.”
“Fair, I think I can see merit in a merger like this. What say you, boss lady? You willing to back up his offer?”

Crow turned to Terra. It was her call ultimately. Hiring Harken and his crew could give them an edge in the run and around Kessel. Things in the Syndicate were getting dicey and if Crimson Dawn wanted an advantage in the fight this was a solid move. Suddenly, his comm vibrated and he scanned the message from BeeGee. A wry grin spread across his face. The little droid had finished the slice. They had all the coordinates used on Harken's ship.

@Phoenix

 

[Terra Lanris]

Terra almost blushed simply because he had apparently been flirting with her for some time and it had gone right over her horns. Instead, she cleared her throat, flicked her tail in an enigmatic gesture, and pressed onward with their current job.

As they finally made it before the Captain, Terra was more than a little astonished - and apparently Crix was too - that Crix knew the man. That... well, that would either make this significantly easier (more likely) or considerably harder. Terra waited to see which it was.

All the more reason to let Crix do the talking right now while they were with his friend. She simply stood there looking the part of a Crimson Dawn Ringleader.

Terra thought about what Crix had said for a moment and decided to... take a risk and expand to him a bit.

Kessel will soon be coming under my protection in full, she said, confident that he could put together the issue there: most of the shipments coming through the Kessel Run would be off-limits.

Truth be told, I want you to settle into more of a... discreet shipping role, she said. In other words, she wanted him to smuggle for her. You know the Run well enough to have been quite successful here. But I'm confident that I pay better than what you've been doing here, she said. Because if there was one language these people spoke, it was money. She knew because she'd been there. It was money that had lured her from legitimate business to criminal business. Money and desperation.

@Zay

 

[Crix Dolan]

Harken considered Terra’s words. His expression darkened a little too much for Crow’s liking and he casually rested his hands on the stocks of his blasters. He didn’t relish in the idea of killing an old friend, but it wasn’t something he was above… not anymore.

To Crow’s relief Harken relaxed and a big smile spread across his face. “I reckon a little steady pay could boost morale.”

The Captain offered his hand to Terra to shake on the deal and Crow clapped him on the shoulder, “Welcome to the crew old timer.”

“My, my, my how the tables have turned,” laughed Harken. The old Pirate smiled and said, “Well I suppose I’ve work to get on with. The boys and I’ll be ready and waiting for your order, boss. Crow, thanks for ironing this out. Would’ve been a shame to become slag in this nebula.”

Crow nodded then grabbed Koska and shoved him toward Harken, “Thank this guy,” he said with a grin, “He gave you up so fast I had time to come in person.”

“Har har very funny, can we do something about the bomb in my neck?” whined Koska.
“What bomb,” asked Crow.
“What do you mean what bomb, the one you… I hate you. I really do.”
Harken guffawed.

Crow looked over to Terra, “I think this one is about wrapped up, boss."

The Smuggler gave a two-fingered salute to Harken and Koska who were already starting to kick their men into gear. Once they were out of the pirate's earshot Crow would say, "Ya know, it's cute when your tail flicks. I'm gonna use that against you when we play cards."

@Phoenix

 

[Terra Lanris]

Terra watched that look on his face, and a deeply unsettling feeling landed in the pit of her stomach. Not another firefight, she thought to herself. She was no stranger to them, but she preferred to pay other people to put their lives on the line. But she would do what she had to.

When his face broke into a grin, she only found herself feeling slightly better, still expecting the rock in the other hand now that the proverbial knife in this hand had been dropped.

She reached out and took the offered hand to shake it, eyes still darting around behind her helmet, but it didn't seem the blow ever came. At least for now.

I'm sure it will be a mutual pleasure to work together, she said sincerely. She felt slightly better that Harken was apparently an old associate of Crix, and she wondered if Crix would like to be the one to take a more managing role with the pirate-turned-smuggling crew.

Terra snickered at the comment about the bomb and as they made their way outside, Terra waved a hand in wave goodbye.

Nope, I keep it wrapped around my chair leg. I learned that trick a long time ago, she said with a smirk, though it was hidden behind her helmet.

But sometimes, I just can't help myself, she added after a moment more before letting out a quiet sigh.

I have to say, that could have been less stressful, but all seemed to turn out pretty well. Nice work. You want to oversee and manage this little... venture? she asked after a moment more.

@Zay

 

[Crix Dolan]

Crow cocked an eyebrow at her offer. Taking on a bigger role in Crimson Dawn would solidify his allegiance, once he was in, that was it. No more freedom. He’d be a made man for the Syndicate. Then there was Terra. He couldn’t shake that he actually cared about her. Truthfully he wasn’t sure exactly what he felt, he just knew that when they were together he felt like he was at his best. He slid a side long glance in her direction and looked away before she noticed.

“Maybe,'” he replied.

The chance to work alongside Harken again was tempting. The Old man had given Crow his foundation in space combat, and being able to pull from that wisdom again held its own allure.

“Tell ya what, I’ve got a deck of cards on The Blackbird, you beat me, I’ll run this gang of pirates.”

He said knowing full well she could just order him to take the position, but he had a feeling she’d rather him do it willingly. Leaving his future up to chance seemed fitting. All of the hardest decisions he’d had to make in life had been made for him by fate. This choice wouldn’t be any different.

@Phoenix

 

[Terra Lanris]

Terra was a bit surprised that he seemed hesitant, but then, it was a big decision to make. She wasn't going to shove him into something he didn't want to do. When he challenged her to a game of cards, she smiled. She was no slouch, but she imagined he wasn't either.

Deal, she said with a smirk, holding up a fist to bump against his. She followed him back to the ship, wondering if there was something more to the invitation or if it was really just as simple as that.

She decided not to second guess and just go with it.

I'll shuffle, you get the drinks, she said with a smug grin as they stepped aboard the Blackbird.

She settled into the chair and started shuffling. So... life's taken a big change for you lately, she said. Happy with your decision?

 

[Crix Dolan]

Crow chuckled and bumped her fist. How long had it been since he’d played a game with anyone other than BeeGee? He couldn’t remember.

BeeGee powered ahead with a snarky chortle that Crow hoped Terra didn’t catch. Every day that little shit got closer to a memory wipe. The astromech rolled up the boarding ramp and into The Blackbird. By the time Crow hit the ramp, the ship’s systems were starting to come online. Then again, there were perks to a droid that knew it’s job…

“Yes ma’am,” he said with a mock two-fingered salute. His wet bar on The Blackbird paled in comparison to his spread on The Freebird. A pang of sadness rippled over him as he grabbed what he needed. Crow pulled the cork from a bottle of expensive cognac with a satisfying PLUNK! As Terra coaxed his attention out of the past.

“Eh, cuter boss, same job,” he grinned as he placed two large ice cubes into both of their glasses. He thought about her follow-up question for a moment. He hadn’t been with Crimson Dawn long, and honestly, he wasn’t sure how he felt about it. So far the only thing he was actually happy about was reconnecting with her.

“So far,” he mused as he sauntered over to the table carrying both glasses and the bottle, “Yeah, so far I’m pretty happy.”

Crow poured them both a finger of the spiced whiskey. He watched as she shuffled. She was good. Not Nar Shaddaa gambling hall good, but it was clear she knew her way around a deck. He'd played more than his fair share over the years, but he wasn't some card shark. His eyes met hers and he decided to return her question as he pulled out his ratty pack of cigarettes.

“What about you, you happy with where you are?”

@Phoenix

 

[Terra Lanris]

Mmm, quite the faltterer. I'd almost think you were buttering me up for something, she said with a snicker, shuffling the cards together as she watched him pop the lid on the alcohol.

She took the glass he offered and took a small sip before letting out a satisfied sigh. Mmm, nothing beats that first sip, she said with a happy and relaxed smile.

Well I'm glad to hear that, she said, dealing out cards to both of them. True to what she said, her tail wrapped down around the leg of her chair to keep it from flicking around during the game. A risk she couldn't afford to give away.

I don't regret the choices that I've made, she said, picking her words carefully. But I have a lot more I want to do. And a lot further I want to go, she said.

So yes and no, she added with a smile. Take two, she said, sliding two cards for discard and drawing two more for herself.

@Zay

 

[Crix Dolan]

“Amen to that,” said Crow lifting his glass and tipping it to Terra.

Crow settled into his chair and slouched, draping one leg over the other. He slipped a cigarette out of his ratty pack and lit it up then offered it to Terra. He glanced down at his cards and liked what he saw. His eyes glanced up at hers and he liked what he saw there as well.

Terra answered his question, and Crow found himself with a thousand more questions. She was guarded. Hell, he could get that. He wasn’t even comfortable using his own name… And there it was. The elephant in the room. His revenge. Black Sun had to pay. What remained of his honor demanded it.

“How you gonna know when you’ve got enough?” he asked choosing two cards to discard and then picking up two. His hand was strong. He frowned considering. What would it mean to him if she was looking to take the galaxy?

Crow took a sip of his cognac and leaned forward drumming his fingers on the table. “What’s the end goal?”

He took a risk, discarded one, and picked one up. “Take one,” There it was. Exactly the card he needed. What were the odds?

“You wanna call it?”

@Phoenix

 

[Terra Lanris]

Terra took a sip and looked at her cards. They weren't awful, but they weren't the top tier hand. Middle of the line.

Whoa, you're not supposed to be asking me the hard questions, she said with a snicker. Truth was, she didn't entirely know. She would just... know. Or she wouldn't. This was all something of a seat of her pants operation from the start. The fact that it had grown so far was... well, impressive and overwhelming.

Call, she said, tossing in her credits.

Guess I'll just play it by ear. When I'm big enough that I can do whatever I want and no one will mess with me. Till I've clawed my way into any corner of society that I want. I guess that's when I'll know I'm done, she said. Was that what this was all about? Becoming some richie because she'd grown up in poverty? Probably not, but it may have played a small role.

@Zay

 

[Crix Dolan]

“Oh so, you just want to take over the Universe? That’s all? I expected more from you,” he chuckled. He raised, tossing in some credits then taking a drag off his cigarette.

“I can vouch for Harkin. He’s a good guy, stability is all he wanted after we got shot down around Denon,” he hadn’t realized what he’d said when he’d said it, but a part of his tragic origin story had just slipped out. He cupped his chin pretending to consider his next move and he said, “Alright, you ready?”

Crow had an Elemental Flush, not much topped it. He fanned the cards on the table and took a satisfying drag off his cigarette leaning back in his chair. “Whatcha got, boss?”

@Phoenix

 

[Terra Lanris]

Terra frowned for a moment, trying to figure out if the comment was joking or serious.

You wouldn't expect anything less from me, I'd hope, she quipped back after a moment. Ruling the galaxy? No, but having an influence in ever corner? Pulling the hidden strings in the shadows? Yes. In fact, maybe she did want to take over the galaxy. She'd never really thought of it that way because... well, she didn't in any conventional way.

Shot down at Denon? That was an interesting story she was sure, but she didn't press it.

Kriff, she grumbled, flipping her cards for not a winning hand. Well, you couldn't win them all, after all.

 

[Crix Dolan]

Crow watched as Terra showed her cards. Just like that he won. He was off the hook. No need to take Harkin and co. under his wing, but who was he kidding? He wouldn’t subject Terra to his old captain’s shitty jokes.

He leaned over and pulled the credits in his direction. He couldn’t have sworn he saw her tail twitch. A sly smile split his lips, “I’ll manage Harkin and his crew.”

The Smuggler let the revelation hit her. “Did you really think I'd leave you hanging?”

The Blackbird began to lift off. Their destination would be Kessel proper, to his knowledge, Terra still had business there. He looked forward to tightening up their passage through the run and even more to spending a little more time flirting with his boss.

“You wanna try and win your money back or should we switch to strip?”

End​

@Phoenix