Ask Digging for Allies

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

The Mining Guild was an institution that existed for centuries. Its members ranged from respectful individuals to totally unscrupulous ones, which had ties with the shadiest elements of the Galaxy, including the Sith. One of these cases was Cinnagar Company or CC, a company based in Empress Teta.

They helped the Sith Order in the past and were interested in doing it again, but there was a condition. The leadership of the CC would return with their support if the Sith dealt with the Gorsian Rainbow Minerals, a company that operated in the planet Gorse. The two used to be allies inside the Mining Guild, but the change in the Gorsian Minerals’ leadership in recent years had made them become rivals.

Due to that, the Cinnagar Company wanted the Sith help to remove the leader for someone that would restore their friendly relations.

Caerllion happily accepted this mission, but he would need a partner for it. Since other Champions were busy, the Annfyn was forced to pick an Acolyte. Under pressure from the Umbaran Academy, he was given the Sith Pureblood Trodai. Apparently, the young man is in hot water and the Academy thought that this mission could be a good assessment for his stay among their ranks.

The fact that Trodai was in a bad situation wasn’t a surprise for Caerllion. He still remembers how the guy acted like a cat the first time they met in the Academy. If it was something that happened with the Pureblood everyday, then it was a matter of time until he got expelled or a high ranking Sith would kill him off.

Perhaps Caerllion would do it himself, if the guy screwed this mission.

”This is the place.” the Annfyn said, while stopping in front of a cantina. They were going to meet with a member of the Gorsian Minerals that disliked the leadership and would help them with this mission. “By his last message, our partner is already inside.”

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai approached, seeing the Sith Champion, Caerllion. They had briefly met before albeit not under the best of circumstances. Trodai at the time had almost mauled the man while under the belief he was some loth-cat, a effect of the potion he had been given to test by Azar Kressh, another Pureblood and a Champion.

Several had fallen victim victim the carnage that had ensued.

Trodai had not lived it down with several Acolytes already talking about the red cat incident behind his back. It was just another thing going wrong lately, for he had intended to make allies not more enemies that day. He hoped Caerllion didn't hold it against him since it was not his doing. Walking up to the man, he briefly bowed his head respectfully, acknowledging the man's superiority here.

He was determined to try not to make mistakes. To prove he was worthy of being a Sith and perhaps even a Master, despite his initial troubles. He was much more than that, or so he thought. He just needed chances to proved it. And so when given this opportunity he wasn't going to waste it.

Stopping, he listened and hoped their contact was on time. That and no-one here knew him from his bounty.

He spoke his native, Korriban accent coming through.

"Let us hope so, I don't like waiting around. Especially not with a bounty on my head. I don't believe we have been formerly introduced, I am Trodai. I apologise for our first meeting, it is not my usual way. I was testing a potion for Champion, Kreshh that day. Shall we head in? Best not keep them waiting."

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion cut Trodai when he started to explain what had happened. “I was already informed about it.” the Academy had told this fact to him when they designated the Pureblood to follow the Champion on this mission. Testing potions in Acolytes was dangerous, but a very smart idea.

He wondered if becoming a professor there would allow him to use the Acolytes as guinea pigs in his non-lethal experiments.

“I was also informed that you are involved in other controversies.” according to the files, Trodai had pissed off a good number of other Sith. “I hope that nothing similar will happen during this mission. It’s very important for the Order that we be able to bring allies from inside the Mining Guild.” his voice was cold, there was no niceness or sympathy in it. “If you jeopardize it, I’ll not have the same complacency that the others had with your actions in the past.” Caerllion’s eyes briefly became yellow and red sparks moved through his fingers. He wanted to leave it clear that there would be punishment.

“However, if you prove to be helpful and impress me with your abilities, I can think about training you.” he had already thought about taking Kreia as an Acolyte, but with so few Champions these days they were allowed to pick more than one. Besides, their interactions could be interesting.

After giving this warning, Caerllion entered the cantina. It was the type of place where shady people would go to do their business. It was perfect for them. The Champion found their partner. It was a young human male, probably in his middle twenties. He was seated at a table in a corner of the place, nursing a glass in his hands.

“He is here.” Caerllion said to Trodai, before walking toward the table. After saying them, the man straightned himself on the seat. A small smile apppeared on the Annfyn's lips. He could feel the guy's interest, but there was still fear. It was going to be interesting.

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai nodded, it seemed he had gotten quite the reputation so far then...and not one he had necessarily wanted. Despite his efforts he seemed to have alienated himself, however he hoped with this it would change his fate. And his luck. Perhaps with success he would finally learn beyond just his own means.

He kept quiet as they entered, ducking his head below the frame, he began observing the surroundings for any potential threat or spy.

Once he was certain it was clear, he sat down. Walking to the table and sitting beside the Champion beside him. He too could feel the man's fear. It only fed him more. He allowed Caerllion to speak for them first, he would observe what was said and if anything important came up, he would answer. His place was not to question for now but to listen. As he was once told 'Information is Ammunition'.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

After the two Sith sat down, a brief uncomfortable silence rose over the table. In the end, it was their partner who decided to break it. “Hello. I’m Elim Ormell.You two must be the people that the CC sent to help with our… mutual problem.” the human said the last part with disdain. It was obvious that he didn’t appreciate who was leading the Gorsian Minerals at the moment.

“Yes, we are.” Caerllion smiled at the man, before gesturing at Trodai. “He is Threll and I’m Calem. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” the Annfyn wasn’t stupid in giving his real name to someone that they were going to meet for the first time. He couldn’t trust in the man yet. To maintain his identity as a secret, he had also dyed his hair brown and was wearing blue eye lenses.

Elim nodded, before sipping more of his drink. “Good, we can start working. The leading board of the Gorsian Minerals is going to meet in an event tomorrow night. Since I’m the vice president of the company, I can put you two inside.” Caerllion paid attention to his explanation. If they took out the leadership, this guy would be the new president.

It was good to know.

“You two will need to deal with them. Do you have any questions about how it should be done?” the Annfyn would leave the Acolyte to ask his questions. He wanted to see some initiative from him.

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai listened trying to gauge the man before them, his appearance was likewise somewhat different. Lenses that made him look as though he had brown eyes replaced his usual full yellow. He started to ask questions.

"Well, there are many methods but the question is how would you prefer it be done? Would you prefer a example is made...a show of it? Something very public or something more subtle. And more important, I need information about our targets. Their habits, family, art, political leanings, tactics...absolutely everything. As a man once said long ago to destroy an enemy you must know them.

To find a weakness and exploit it, and pluck the weakest link. We must find out who can be manipulated to do our job and who cannot. We must find who will be the domino that will bring them all down. Tell me what of security for this event. How heavy or light is it? And how many. The layout, everything. Every pipe and vent, I want to know about it. Leave nothing out, we cannot leave anything to chance.

And just in case you get any ideas about backing out of the deal...I suggest you forget such notions. We are not the forgiving type."

He said calmly, although with the slightest amount of intimidation at the end. Preying on his fear. Making it clear, that now they were here, there was no going back and if he got such a idea he would be enjoying his last few nights.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion looked at Trodai out of the corner of his eye. The Acolyte had made some clever questions, even ones that he would have made by himself. The Annfyn was starting to think that the Pureblood wasn’t so dumb as he had thought early. However, this mission was only starting. There were more moments where his competence could be attested.

Or his incompetence.

The Pureblood’s questions increased Elim’s fear. Caerllion could feel through the Force how it was spreading through the cantina. He thought that it was intoxicating. “Their meeting is going to happen during a masquerade ball. The leadership of the Gorsian Minerals is formed by the president Garak Mallar, Tryss Lavyr, Dyor Cutter and Edon Taresh.” then he proceeded to give every single detail about these people.

“I thought that the ball, with everyone using masks, would be a good place for you two to work.” it was obvious that the vice-president wanted the two Sith to kill them. However, they weren’t his bounty hunters. “The security will be low inside the party, so it’ll be easy for you two to work."

Then, the Annfyn reached Trodai with his mind. He didn’t penetrate through the mental barriers of the Pureblood, it was only enough to talk with the other Sith. ‘I think that our partner is more interested in taking the place of the president.’ he said, while Elim continued talking about his plan. ‘Let’s play along with him, for now. Meanwhile, we are going to investigate the people that he mentioned, to see if they can be useful for the Sith. To help our possible allies in the CC, we can turn them into our puppets and end the rivalry between the two.'

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai listened and nodded as the information was given, although he would ask for a datafile as well just in case. He listened as within his mind Caerllion spoke and in turn he used the same connection to speak back. Without ever saying a word. He agreed, something else was at play here and their client was not being completely honest. Of that he was certain.

He spoke, using the link.

"I agree. Let's play his game. His clearly hiding something, another agenda. We should divide and conquer. I'll take a look into Tryss Lavyr and Edon Taresh if you would look into the other two. I also think we should dig a little deeper into our friend here, see what he is hiding and what he hopes to gain with our allegiance. Something just doesn't add up."

He spoke up to the man opposite. Remaining silent on his thoughts about him.

"Ok then, we shall do it. But we need more specific details. Send what you can about our targets to this datapad. And would also like to know where shall you be during all of this? I expect things to start getting loud and crazy once the first few start dropping. I hope you intend to stick around for the finale. As to security, if it is as low as you say...why not use your own men? Why our specific talents and disposition. If it is as easy as you say."

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion paid attention to what Trodai was saying to him through the telepathic bond. The Annfyn had also noticed that Elim had his own agenda, so they should be even more careful around the vice-president. There were chances that the guy could only want to use them, before giving the two Sith to some bounty hunter.

“Good plan! I like your initiative, but…” the Annfyn would pour an oppressive presence toward Trodai. The Pureblood would feel suffocated by Caerllion’s power, as if water was rising and he couldn’t swim away. “I’m still the Champion here, don’t give me orders. This time I’ll consider it as a suggestion.” suddenly, the other Sith would feel it disappear. “Things will change when you rank up. We’ll be equals.”

The new barrage of questions that Trodai threw at Elim made the vice-president remain silent for some moments, thinking about what he should say next. It only made the Annfyn more certain that the guy was hiding something. “I’ll be at the meeting, too. I thought that you two could make it look like an accident that only I survived.”

“This is stupid.” Caerllion said nonchalantly, making the vice-president shudder. “If the entire leadership dies, but only you survive, this isn't going to look like an accident anymore. All eyes would turn with suspicion to you.” he reached Trodai again. “His plan is terrible. We should find a way of taking over the leadership in another way. Perhaps buying their shares. Once there we can force them to follow our comands.”

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai listened even as he felt the feeling of swimming, drowning and yet couldn't get away. Washed in Darkness, it was in it's own way intoxicating and exquisite. A taste of what was possible. Although it appeared his intentions had been misinterpreted as a cat of defiance of giving a command. He would remedy it.

The massassi continued to listen as the man before them appeared to grow visibly more nervous and shifting in his seat uncomfortably. Trodai agreed with the Champion's assessment, it was a foolish plan. Incompetent at best and poorly thought out, besides which he wasn't wanting anymore attention than necessary. Especially with the bounty upon him.

There were other options, especially since it wasn't certain if the man before them was even trustworthy given the vibe he was letting off. Even the Darkness seemed to agree on that as Trodai briefly felt him in the Force. Something just wasn't right.

Again returning the bond, he spoke as physically Caerillion's lips moved and gave the man before them something akin to a tongue lashing. Which amused Trodai a little. At least it wasn't him for once.

"My apologies, that was not my intent. I agree with your assessment, however I do have another recommendation if you would permit it. Perhaps both can work in tandem. We take control of the shares but also talk to those we are to kill. We might not need too. See who we can trust and who if any should die. I don't think we necessarily need this guy to be in charge at the end of this either, I would recommend we look into other more suitable candidates. I don't think we can trust him to make good on his promises. Perhaps one of our targets could be bribed, blackmailed or spoken to and convinced to work with us to the same end.

Including perhaps the president. Maybe even more than one and through that gain a controlling number of seats on the board to take control. And remove the opposition however necessary. We can probably use the ball he spoke of to learn more about the opposition and find our weak point. Again this is a recommendation and I will go along with any suggestions you make."

Meanwhile he spoke physically to the man before them, glaring at him in his mask. It was clear in the Force as his Rage and simmered below the surface, Trodai was far from amused with him. He decided to try a gamble and buy more time and play again on his fears.

"I agree with my associate. Your plan is a fool's errand and would only draw unnecessary attention to us and who we serve. As well as yourself. It is stupidity at best, incompetence at worse. Besides we need more time to...access the situation, one day will not be sufficient. At least not for so many targets, you cannot guarantee they will all be there. And all at one time. This requires extended planning and preparation. To set a trap we must know their routines and this can take a few days. But we can still use this ball, to learn more and develop something more subtle.

If you want our help, this is what can be accomplished in the timeframe given to us. Or you can try your idea and see how far you get before someone puts a blaster bolt in your back."

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

The Annfyn thought about what the Pureblood was saying, ruminating about its viability. “I agree. We can find others inside the company that would be more useful than this…” Caerllion didn't know how to describe Elim. The man was obviously shady, but also a great coward. “person. Once they are under our command, we can influence them to support the CC. This way we also secure their support.”

Being called off by the two Sith made the vice-president even more nervous, but by this point Caerllion wasn’t sure if it was real anymore. Like the Pureblood, he was also feeling that there was something very strange about this man. “Right, I’ll let you two make the planning. We can still use the ball for you two to investigate them.”

“I planned to have you two enter here as waiters. They’ll have their faces covered by masks, so no one will recognize you.” at least that part was good. This man wasn’t so stupid as he had thought before. “But you still need to deal with the leadership. Our partners of the CC will not be happy if nothing changes.”

This last remark made Caerllion raise an eyebrow. He immediately reached Trodai’s mind. “Our friend is obsessed with their deaths. We need to investigate him. I think that there is something more about Elim that we don’t know.”

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai again listened, carefully digesting the information and keeping close watch on his mannerisms, any subtle changes in his voice that might indicate more deception. This far he found none other than what Caerllion had specified and he had worked out for himself. There definitely something more at play and it paid to find out watch before it could potentially come back to bite them.

The last thing he needed was more trouble.

He found Elim to be like most such he had met, gangsters, thugs...politicians. Shady, untrustworthy and cowardly. If given the chance it would be a pleasure to end his life. Trodai relished the chance...and hoped for the opportunity. Listening and observing without response, Trodai took note.

He definitely seemed intent on their deaths, just as the Champion had thought, he had same thought. An idea sprang to mind, he spoke through their shared bond.

"It appears so. If you permit it, should I follow him after this meeting? See who else he might be working with and find out their true agenda. A good friend once told me Information is Ammunition. I stick by that statement. It would be diligent to see what is really going on, less it bite us further along. I would also make a recommendation, that if possible we probe his mind, to see if we can gain anything that way. Either way something is very wrong with all this, it just doesn't add up."

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion considered Trodai’s words amusing. The huge pureblood wanted to sneak after Elim. It would be like a purrgil trying to move around ships without being noticed. “You can go. However, I don’t want to hear that you failed with a simple stealth operation.” it would be a good opportunity for him to see if the Acolyte was good with espionage.

Anyway, the Annfyn would send Teekl after the Acolyte. Through their bond and his magick, Caerllion would be able to see what Trodai was doing through his loth-cat. Then, he could prepare a punishment in advance. If it ended up being necessary.

“Well, that's all that I have to offer.” Elim looked at the two Sith, expecting their answer. “Since you two already decided your course of action, I believe that we can finish this meeting.” the human rose from his seat and Caerllion wondered if his rush was because he was afraid of them or because of something else. “I’ll contact you two with the instructions about the ball.”

“Yes, I agree.” Caerllion said, before rising from his own seat. “We’ll wait for your contact.” he reached Trodai’s mind. “Be prepared to follow him and report to me anything that you found out about Elim. Meanwhile, I’ll investigate the members of the Gorsian Minerals’ leadership in search of possible allies among them.”

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai accepted the decision, knowing he could not afford to mess it up. He would try his best even despite his size to remain as hidden as he could, to follow and see what Elm was really up too. As he got up to leave, Trodai listened to the bond, replying in kind.

"As is your wish, so shall it be. I'll soon get to the bottom of this, one way or another. I shall see you soon then."

As Elim got out the seat, the massassi waited, not wanting to make it too obvious what he was about to do. He waited until the man was out the door and a short distance away before leaving himself. He would use everything he had learnt about survival. How to hunt prey without them knowing, for he was a predator and the human was his current prey being stalked like a carcass.

He took side roads, hiding and sticking to the corners. Even using the occasional rooftop. Looking to see where his target was as he followed. His hood was risen, and his face concealed. Fully masked, he would not be easily recognised at least. He wondered what awaited, just as he hoped this entire mission went somewhat smoothly.

So far it was turning into a farce. With Elim clearly trying use them as assassins, but did he really know the true cost of what he was doing. For to enter a bargain with the Sith was no idle thing and bore a heavy price. Perhaps too heavy for some. Regardless the bargain was struck here and now Trodai would ensure the human saw it through. One way or the other.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Shortly after Elim left, Caerllion rose from his seat. “Well, I wish you good luck. If you find anything useful, report to me immediately.” he said one last time through their telepathic bond and walked toward the exit of the cantina. It was up to the Pureblood to show his competence now.

Once outside, the Annfyn walked some meters and entered an alleyway. A smile appeared on his lips when he saw Teekl appear from behind some trash cans. He would always bring his loth-cat to such missions. Who knows when he needed a second pair of eyes to spy on targets. “Good girl. I need your help.” he crouched and petted the feline’s head.

Placing a finger at her forehead, Caerllion muttered a spell. Immediately, Teekl’s green eyes became vivid red. If it wasn’t for the eye lenses that he was wearing, others would be able to see that his eyes had the same color as those of the loth cat. This spell had allowed him to develop a Force bond with her, similar to what other Sith did with their familiars.

Being honest, Teekl wasn’t a normal loth-cat. She was reborn through Sith Alchemy and sorcery by him and Sol. She was basically a Sithspawn in a lite form.

“Follow Trodai and watch what he is going to do. I want to know if he is going to succeed.” she meowed, before rushing away. The feline jumped in a wall and then on a roof, disappearing from his sight. She would run toward the cantina from where her master left, waiting on the roof for the Pureblood to leave. Then she would follow him from a safe distance.

Meanwhile, Caerllion would have returned to his ship. There he would search about the life of the leaders of the Gorsian Minerals, seeking to find anything about them that could be useful for the Sith.

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai continued to follow Elim, trailing him like a lion stalking prey. For he was a hunter, a warrior. Yet even then sometimes stealth was required, to seek the target. He stuck to the shadows and bushes, at times ducking himself right to the ground as low as he could and crawling along on his stomach. Hiding in long grass or behind buildings.

Spoiler

OOC: Action - Attempt to stealthily follow the human Elim and find out what he is up too.

Roll D20: 16

He continued. Ever watchful of Elim, never loosing track of his mark as he skilfully tracked him. Whenever he looked back, Troda I stayed hidden, using his years of experience as a mercenary to stealthily approach at a distance. He knew he was likewise probably being watched. And so he continued on, until at last his target Elim stopped.

Finding a vantage point, he peered into the building and listened to what was said. Being sure to record it on his datapad. A backup.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

While Trodai moved after his prey, Teekl followed him. Every roof that he walked on, the loth-cat also crossed. The feline remained in a distance that the Pureblood wasn’t going to notice, but from where she could still see what he was doing. This way she would be able to transmit the information back to Caerllion.

When Trodai stopped in the building and looked through the window, he would be able Elin activate a holoprojector. It would reveal the image of a male Falleen, who looked with an annoyed face at the human. “There was a complication in our plan. The Sith don’t accept our idea. They are being too careful.” the vice-president said. “You will need to send bounty hunters to catch them if you want the reward for their lightsabers.”

Meanwhile, Caerllion was back on his ship. His investigation about the members of the leadership had borne fruits. Apparently some of its members were corrupt enough to collaborate with the Sith if the chance appeared. Unfortunately, the president seemed to be the incarnation of righteousness, being against the CC exactly because they had ties with the Sith in the past.

They would need to deal with him.

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai continued to observe, recording and learning all he could. So his suspicions were correct, he was working with someone else...but who was this Falleen and what was the end game. They needed to investigate further. Although for now they would have a additional problem to deal with. Bounty Hunters. Rage and Wrath briefly flared beneath the surface for the betrayal. Yet it was not unexpected. The human had been easy to read.

It appeared they would need to dispose of the vice-president at some point and find a willing replacement.

Trodai used the bind the two Sith now shared to speak about these troubling matters.

"My investigation has bore fruit. We were right to doubt Elim, his working with some unknown male Falleen. He has betrayed the deal already and sent bounty hunters for us both. I guess his afraid of what we are capable of. Like a coward he hides behind others to do his dirty work for him. I recommend we find out who this...Falleen is and continue along with things for now. Elim has made a grave error I feel...if you wish it I would gladly end his life when the time comes."

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion was reading some articles of holojournals about the life of the Company’s president when he felt Trodai contact him through the Force. He paid close attention to what the Acolyte said to him, not being surprised that Elin was a traitor after all. A punishment was going to be necessary.

No one tried to deceive the Sith and survived to talk about it.

“Yes, return back to the spaceport. We are going to play his game for now.” he said, while picking another article. Apparently the president had no immediate family. This gave an idea to the Annfyn. “I need to discuss what we are going to do next. Regarding killing him, we need to find who this Falleen is first.”

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai listened and obeyed. Although he didn't like leaving loose ends, they had no she for now at least until they found out who the mysterious benefactor was. The Fallen raised concerns, especially regarding influencing the planet to the Sith. He didn't like unknown factors like that, they proved unpredictable.

Silently removing himself, Trodai etched the image of Elim into his brain, just as he did the Falleen. Taking a picture to show Caerllion that he could cross reference with anything found in articles or data and found out exactly who they were. If they were through enough. He went back the way he came and was soon back at the spaceport.

Approaching Caerllion, he spoke. Showing him the image of the Fallen before passing the data over.

"This is our mysterious adversary. If I were to guess, I would say his Imperial, Syndicate or a Independent looking for a slice. I took a picture, figured it may come in useful and perhaps loosen a few lips. You said you had a plan on what we shall do next. I'm listening, although best we do it inside. Elim may have spies watching."

@LouJoVi