Ask Expansionist Tendencies - Manpha

[Khlan Gonk]

Out of everyone on the planet of Manpha, Khlan certainly felt the most out of place and yet at home. It wasn’t because he was a Gank. It wasn’t because he was smaller than usual compared to most ganks. If anything, his small size made him feel more comfortable amongst the native Ubbs. It wasn’t the fact that Khlan ate nothing but meat, and sometimes uncooked meat at that. Heck, the natives ate all their food raw.

Khlan glanced around at all the native Ubbs in the bar. No, the reason he felt so out of place was the fact that so far, Khlan was the only being with cybernetics he had seen. This planet was mostly a backwater one, literally and figuratively. It was always raining, the technology outside of the capital was hilariously low compared to the galactic standard, and the natives were pretty dimwitted as far as Khlan could tell. After all, they were hoping to partner with the sith in exchange for overthrowing their government. If anyone should feel out of place, it was Khlan and his very visible and exposed cybernetic parts.

Khlan sipped at his drink as he huddled closer to the corner of the booth and listened to the rain outside. Next to him, Boombox remained motionless, watching the people with his master. The bar was a company owned one, but thankfully accepted galactic credits still. It was as far out of the capital as Khlan could find. Any further out of the city, and Khlan was literally getting drinks from locals from a chamber pot, and the barkeeper was easily bribed to let Khlan have the back corner seats, away from the common riff-raff, as well as to ignore the Power Droid. Here, Khlan waited for his Sith contacts to join him. Their mission on overthrowing the government would begin here.

@Akheron @Feifi candorus

 

[Feifi Candorus]

It was now the young feifi made herself known, plopping down in the seat across from khlan, her armor was soaking wet and she looked already tired of this shit, she had a cloak covering all except her helmet, going all the way down to her feet, she wrapped her hands on the edge of the table.

@Akheron @Narzen

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai arrived via a indirect and unconventional route, he wasn't sure how aware the population were of his recent antics. And he didn't want the ship to be seen entering the atmosphere, not when they intended to overthrow the government here. It wouldn't do to attract any unnecessary attention. Even he understood that, and more this mission was too important. He didn't want to screw it up.

He recalled the tactics of a man, a Chiss from the old Empire era. Thrawn if he remembered right. He had read about his tactics and how he applied them before he dissappeared, the guy was a genius. And a master tactician. He was never one not learn new tricks or apply them when it called for it such as now. He recalled how he learnt all about his enemies before destroying them utterly, piece by little piece. It would be the same principle. As a Warrior he understood what was needed.

First they needed reliable information upon which they could act. He knew Khlan and perhaps this newcomer he hadn't met yet would be useful in that. For he was too well known to reveal himself yet. While he would be the architect, they would be his hands in this endeavour unless he needed to use a more direct approach.

As the shuttle landed, he hid it in the bushes. Covering it with the swamp.

Soon enough and a walk later, albeit a wet one, he arrived. There he felt them, both Acolytes he was to work with. He saw Khlan Gonk sitting there, his presence and cybernetics obvious to him, he was still learning it seemed. And not quite as advanced yet, perhaps he could teach a thing or two on the way. Hood up looking like a tall strange visitor he entered the establishment. Trodai approached the table, bumping his head on the door on the way in. Causing a few Ubb to snicker until they met his unflinching gaze.

It was clearly not made for the tall variety of people.

He noted the newcomer was a Mandalorian as well as a Sith. The second one he had ever met, it was becoming a theme to him. Although this one was younger...far younger. He could tell she looked no more than a teenager, which to his eyes would not bode well.

But she would find no respite, not with him. All were expected to play their part accordingly and not jeopardise the mission, too much was at stake. And not just their reputation, if anything he needed this to redeem himself in alot of eyes among the Sith. It was in part why he took the assignment other than the fact the powers that be demanded it.

He spoke in a hushed whisper to the two, like the assassins they were to be.

"Greetings Khlan it has been a while my friend. Still learning I see. I don't think we have met before."

He said facing the younger woman.

"I am Trodai, and who may you be? It is best we know who we are to work with."

He ordered a drink.

"Regardless I do have a strategy in mind. I intend to pry this government apart piece by wretched piece, but for that we need to know our enemy. Everything, no matter how insignificant. The locals and miners should be helpful in that, hide among them, work with them if you must. Even members of the royal household. Maids, other nobles and the like, anyone with a grudge or could be useful. Gain their trust but don't reveal your affiliation to the Order unless they already know. We will build a picture about our targets, their tactics, their art. Anything and everything so we may undermine and play them against each other. Assassinate those who won't work with us or would prove beneficial to remove. Make them doubt and turn on one another. And when they least suspect it move in to take it all away like a viper.

Have you any questions about this? Both of you? Any additional input you can think of which would benefit this approach? The table is open."

@Hastur @Narzen

 

[Khlan Gonk]

Khlan gave a widened grin as the young female sat down.

"Wet enough to drown a Dianoga, eh?" He joked. She was a small one, that was to be certain. The helmet certainly helped her stand out, not that Khlan minded. If anything, most humans looked the same to him.

"Ah, my old bodyguard!" Khlan held his hands up in greetings at Trodai's entrance. "How's my favorite patient been?"

The comment was not as genuine as most would think, and both he and Trodai knew it. Khlan only practiced his medicine skills because he was just curious about the inner workings of organic bodies as well as his addiction to cybernetics. He couldn't care less about his patients, unless they provided future opportunities for him.

After listening to the plan, Khlan nodded.

"Personally I'd rather just cut the throats of the leaders and be done with it. Still, I may have a route into the nobility if you two can provide some..."

Khlan waved his hand around as he searched for the right word.

"...old fashioned thuggery? The nobles are always partying up at the same places. Perhaps one of them could meet an unfortunate, but non-lethal, accident, and then I come along to save their life. Could get me a foot hold in their doorways"

Not to mention a chance to see some of the lifestyles of the more rich and glamourous of this wretched planet Khlan mused silently.

@Hastur @Akheron

 

[Feifi Candorus]

feifi gave a curt nod to trodai, before speaking, unlike the past mandalorian, this ones voice sounded more distorted rather then intentionally baritone, though just like the last one trodai had encountered, the concordian accent was there, though it was way lighter.

"My name is feifi candorus, it's a pleasure, that goes to both of you, and I can do that easily if need be, just tell me how and when."

she continued to tap her fingers on the table to a beat known only to her mind.

@Akheron @Narzen

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai considered it for a moment, tempted by the thought of the violence. But then he recalled now was not the right time for it, they needed a more subtle approach. One of a few lessons learnt of late. He spoke, shaking his head before considering an answer. Even as the mandolorian called out her name. The name sounded vaguely familiar as did the accent.

Canderous. He wondered if they were related. If so there clearly shared the same gifts.

"That name sounds familiar, I have met another with the name Canderous once or twice. Any relation to a man by the name of Cremek Canderous? Regardless I think you will be of great use. Regardless, as much as we might want to I don't think this approach benefits us, at least for now.

Our approach must be more subtle. We don't want to give away too much just yet. We need to speak to the petroleum miners, they wanted us. See what they know and determine if they are worth backing or if we should consider the royal family or someone to replace the current head. It matters not which, only that at the end this world is in Sith hands. Khlan, you can speak to the miners I'll go with you for now, Feifi if you would, speak to the locals.

Hide amongst them and gather as much as you can about the royalty. Where they go, all that stuff. We gather intelligence for now. Find out who we can trust. Then we meet and see what can be done."

@Narzen @Hastur

 

[Khlan Gonk]

Khlan growled at the idea, greatly desiring to blend in with the uppercrusts of society over the dregs, but said very little against it.

"Very well. From what I understand, the people we need to speak to then are the plastic factory managers. All communication between the miners villages are done with the factories. They have their own network. This planet is extremely low in the technology field and If the miners are organized, there is no way the factories aren't organized with them. I wouldn't be surprised if this whole idea started up because of someone in a factory.

"Fortunately for us..." Khlan grinned widely "Company bars like this one always attract the workers. If we wait a little longer, I believe a shift change will come up. While this one may not get the numbers you would prefer, there should be enough workers here to gather the data you need. If you'd like, we could split our attention amongst bars. Though I recommend you staying to the more outskirts...that bounty of yours may attract unwanted attention the further in we go"

Khlan looked at the Mandalorian female and thought a moment. "The locals have other hot spots that a young being like you might use to aquire information. I believe I overheard the opening of a new night-club that has been getting attention. Some new Glimmik and verpine choral arrangement mix band or something. All sounds the same to me. If there isn't royalty hanging about , then someone who knows something should be. Plus..."

Khlan quietly slid a handful of credits towards the female. "You might be able to get me some of the local...snuff, if you know what i mean..."

With this, Khlan gave a wink with his non-cybernetic eye, hoping Feifi understood his desire for an illegal death stick or two.

@Hastur @Trodai Narat-iv-Adas

 

[Feifi Candorus]

"Buir."
Was all she said, without further explanation.


Feifi just remained contemplative, letting the others speak, she truly didn't give much of a damn, she just wanted to do some work, rise to the rank of champion, then maybe master, and in order to do that, she would need to establish herself, her father taught her that, she stood up.

"Fine."
She moved out of the booth, readjusting her cloak, before pulling the hood over her helmet, as to leave only the t-visior part of her armor visible, the rest being concealed by the cloak.

@Narzen @Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai thought upon it, and listened as Khlan explained the situation so far as it was known about the population they were to try and control eventually. And he knew the bounty he currently had would hinder his own efforts somewhat but he thought himself up to the challenge. For what were the Sith if not to face adversity and defy the odds.

As his old ally spoke of the factories and the factory managers an idea sprang to mind, even as he agreed with splitting up to cover more ground quickly.

"I agree, we can cover a greater area splitting up. I assume we meet up again here or the miners camp, whichever is preferable. In a day. See if you can't get a message through to the manager's or make friends of some of them if possible and arrange a meeting for us with the petroleum miners. I want to hear what they have to say and if they are worth supporting face to face. We must be certain they will keep their word and if they don't...find a way to leverage them or find a alternative solution. Only when looking in the eye can we determine the truth of the situation at hand. We must be careful, take caution with who you speak to, we don't need everyone knowing we are here just yet.

We reveal ourselves on our own terms and only when the time is right."


With that he waited for Khlan to reply even as Feifi left them. He just hoped she had been listening. Even if they were both Acolytes, he figured it was a good a plan as any.

@Hastur @Narzen

 

[Khlan Gonk]

Khlan smiled wider as the helmeted one left with barely a word.

"Interesting thing..." Khlan licked his teeth. "Do you suppose it would be open for a replaced leg? A cybernetic limb would take it farther than any kind of training would..."

Khlan looked back at Trodai. "Very well. I'll leave Boombox here. If worse comes to worse, he can act as a messenger droid between us. The back opens up so just leave your recordings in there. The Barkeeper won't complain about having a free power source around. "

The squat Gank stood up and nodded at his bodyguard. "The rush will be here soon. Don't attract too much attention. Hate to have another bounty on you"

With a grin and a chuckle, Khlan exited the small bar into the pouring rain.

To say Khlan went straight to a bar was a partial lie. While Khlan did eventually find another drinking establishment, his paranoid brain forced him to dart and weave through any available crowd of Uggs, as well as through numerous back alleyways and under bridges. Eventually however, Khlan found himself closer to the city's central transportation hub and with it, the biggest bar and casino on the planet.

"The Golden Kyber" Khlan read the name out loud as a shuttle flew overhead. The place was perfect. It was already crowded with tired and exhausted workers as well as off-worlders who needed some entertainment before they went back to their hotels. Khlan would easily fit in and begin poking around.

Wading through groups of Uggs, Khlan eventually found himself at the bar. The noise inside was loud, but surprisingly not overwhelming. The slot machines, the crowds of people around tables, A large hutt manning it gave Khlan a disinterested look as the Gank ordered a cheap drink. After getting his drink, he asked the bartender if there were any managers of one of the factories around, explaining he was looking for a potential job as a technician (to which Khlan showed off his arm pridefully), the hutt pointed out one of the tables.

Khlan made his way over and sat down. Before him, two uggs and one human, all wearing company uniforms, were busy making bets regarding the colored sticks in their hands, making shapes with the sticks and sizing each other up. The game Khlan discovered was Trin sticks, and Khlan caught on quickly.

Spoiler

D100 roll on acquiring information from managers
Result: 8

Unfortunately for Khlan, understanding the game and playing the game while trying to get information were two completely different things. No sooner than had Khlan began to play, he started a losing streak. His endeavors at gambling made him nervous and self conscious, and all of his his clumsy prods into life at the factories instantly caught attention, and the managers quickly quieted up, giving very blunt and short answers. The Managers began to see Khlan more akin to a potential saboteur and later would let it be known through their communication network to be on guard for any Ganks in the area.

Khlan, now broke and worse off than he started slumped out of the casino, grumbling at his failures

@Akheron @Hastur

 

[Feifi Candorus]

feifi on the other hand was doing quite well, fitting in with the other youngsters at the club, mostly asking around for information about the royalty, ect. after several hits and misses, drinks and credits spent, feifi managed to loosen some lips, she recorded all the information that she had gathered, more pissed because of how annoying being in the presence of hormonal asshats was, than not.

@Narzen @Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai nodded as he exited, ducking his head below the door. It become a common problem, most doorways were not built to accommodate the taller species like himself, it was sometimes bothersome. Walking out with his hood up he headed the opposite way, avoiding the main streets and sticking to the outskirts.

Laying low for the most part until he came upon something of a dive bar. The sort of place that didn't care so long as you paid for your drinks. Anything else went. Ducking another doorway he entered.

According to a local this place was where he could find work, at least that was the story Trodai had given. Searching for a security role and enquired where he might find some of the managers or miners who could lead him to them. Although a little suspicious at first after a few credits they were open like a book.

Trodai waited at the bar, and when he saw a Ugg in a miners had and dirty from petroleum, he knew it was a opportunity. One not to waste. And so he waited as more gathered around a small table. Talking amongst themselves.

Using his heightened hearing, a product of his species, he listened in. Finding that manager's were to meet the next night in a location in the swamps, and how they had found a potential saboteur in the casino's, information passed along the network. A Gank asking too many questions. He continued to listen for a while longer, knowing it meant Khlan.

He was not amused that already something was going wrong.

Now it was up to him and Feifi. For now at least, unless his ally could find another way, and still be subtle. But he doubted it.

He spoke to the bartender, paying a round for the miners, a enticement to perhaps talk. It appeared to work as he was soon approached by one.

"Cheers for the drinks but...what's with it. I know you didn't do that for nothin' so what's it you want? Not another saboteur are you? You don't look like your from here, makes me nervous, especially with the mask"

Trodai smiled under the mask, he took a calculated risk. Removing it, a show of good faith. For now.

"It was no problem, sorry I can't be too careful. I am the Zeltron, Trodai. You are right in that I was wanting something. I am sorry to be so blunt, and acting cautiosly, but time is of the essence and I am perhaps not the most popular at the moment. However, I need to speak to your bosses urgently, nothing untoward I assure you. I and my acquaintances are here at their and your request. Suffice to say we have a mutual problem and a interest in working together.

I can say no more for now, as we don't know who is watching. I'm certain you agree with the sentiment. Tell your Managers that it is important we speak and give them this to arrange the time and place and send it to us. Tell them it's about the royal problem."

He handed a com frequency and placed the mask back on as he departed, sticking to the outskirts as before.

Now he just needed to wait and hope.

@Hastur @Narzen

 

[Khlan Gonk]

Khlan slumped back into the bar rather unceremoniously. He would've been dragging his good foot had he not been trying to still put up an appearence for anyone who was watching. After all, who knew who was keeping track of the Gank? He was a sith on a mission. A mission from the Dark Lords, or whatever they wanted to be called these days.

Slipping into the back of the bar where BoomBox waited. At Trodai, he gave a forced grin, which was saying something since this teeth were always exposed.

"I may need to borrow a few credits for a time my old friend"

@Akheron @Hastur

 

[Feifi Candorus]

feifi now made her presence known, the surprisingly stealthy little shit.

"I mostly just got complaints that he said she said that their dad said that her dad said that they were not happy in the slightest with what's going on, whatever the current regime has done, sure as hell pissed off a lot of people..."

feifi gently sighs, sitting down casually.

@Narzen @Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai soon saw Khlan enter, he looked at him knowing of his failure. Not amused by his comment, it was no time to make jokes. He glared, if looks could kill this was a winner. Soon after and Feifi arrived with some positive news, something they could use unlike Khlan. And he had also brought good news of a kind.

Thinking, he spoke as Feifi made mention that the royal family had done something. A change that angered alot of people, which could be used to their advantage. If they could turn the population upon them it would be a boon.

"Very good, at least someone did something right." He looked at Khlan "We need to find out what exactly they have done, see how it might benefit us. We can use the populations current anger at the current regime and turn it against the royals, we just need to stoke the fire some more."

Then his com-link chimed, a meeting had been arranged with the Managers although suspicious agreeing to a meeting. He spoke.

"My efforts also proved fruitful. I have just received word, the Managers have agreed to meet but on their terms. In the swamp tonight at the factory. 12.00am sharp. We cannot be late. Khlan, you will come with me...perhaps we can keep each other out of trouble better that way. And we can explain you are not a threat. Feifi, if you can, try and find out more. See what has made the people so upset at the royal family and what change occured. So we can use it. For now I suggest a little respite, we may not get another chance later."

With that he waited for Khlan, before he would depart again.

@Khlan Gonk @Hastur

 

[Khlan Gonk]

Khlan grumbled slightly but said nothing. There was nothing he really could say. His own attempt at finding information had fallen through, and unbeknownst to him, made it worse for himself. the only thing left was to follow orders for now and wait for the opportunity to get more of what he wanted. Still, he knew what he wanted. When the royals were taken care of, there would be money, and more importantly, cybernetics, available for him to purchase and install. He just needed to be patient.

He gestered to his old bodyguard to lead the way.

@Akheron @Hastur

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai spent the time waiting in preparation, he didn't know what to expect when they arrived at the meeting. They could just talk but there was also a chance of a double cross or trap, he wasn't taking any chances. Once he was ready with a few extra ammo cartridge for his blaster just in case, he went downstairs and waited for Khlan.

He was beginning to become just as troublesome as himself lately, especially with his thinking. He still thought of Trodai as some kind of bodyguard but it wasn't the case anymore. He was a Sith. And he was adapting, learning fast...apparently faster than his ally. For his mind already thought like a Sith. Like a hunter. Khlan had yet to grasp it from what he knew and witnessed.

Soon enough and he turned up, probably still grumpy.

He decided to let him in on the plan before they got there, although if he had any valuable input he would consider it.

"Ok Khlan, we beat have a plan ready just in case they are not friendly. I will talk to them, I suggest you hide nearby, watch my back in case they want to play games and blast us. With you suspicious to them, You won't be trusted. If anything seems odd or not right let me know."

He hoped he was listening.

@Khlan Gonk @Hastur

 

[Feifi Candorus]

feifi continued to watch the exchange, looking between them all. there seemed to be an interesting dynamic with this group, which was interesting, not having moved away yet before the other left.

"and what about I?"

she blinked, asking gently, awaiting for a potential opportunity to make herself useful once more.

"what would you like me to do?"

@Narzen @Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai looked at Feifi in almost disbelief. Had she not been listening the night before? When he had explained exactly what he had wanted her to do if she agreed to it. Teenagers. Sighing he explained again, there would not be a third time.

"I thought I explained clearly last night? Are you asleep or something. Feifi, I want you to try and find out more. See what has made the people so upset at the royal family and what change occured. So we can use it in the meeting. But you must be quick about it, we must make our way to the meeting. Once you have the information, transmit it to Khlan here, he can inform me and then we can use it to sway the Managers."

He wasn't amused. He just hoped she listened to the next instructions when it came to it. He mused about Azar, if he were here he would have flayed her for her lack of attention in such a crucial assignment. He was tempted himself but decided against it. How he loved Azar and his unusual yet subtle ways, even if he could never truly have him. But it was enough.

@Khlan Gonk @Hastur

 

[Khlan Gonk]

"Of course...old friend"

Khlan glared at Trodai when he wasn't looking. He didn't like being bossed around so much. Khlan preferred to be the one calling the shots, or the one who knew more than was letting on and being respected for it. However, Akheron's treatment of the Mandalorian provided an opportunity to get in someone's good graces.

Quietly, Khlan slid a comm code to the youngster, so she could directly contact himself. When she confirmed the code, he would add a message to her from his own comm when he was safely out of Trodai's exceptive hearing by excusing himself to the restroom or something similar.

Spoiler: Message for Feifi

"Don't mind the red one, he just gets stressed when he wants to prove himself. You know how some of us can get. I believe there is a drug den on this planet known as Gaz' Eebos. Might be a place to look into where looser minds are willing to spill their guts in exchange for their life or whatever floats your boat. Just don't make too much of a mess...I want to sample their wares when all is said and done."

Once again, Khlan allowed Trodai to lead the way, since he knew where the meeting would be at.

@Trodai Narat-iv-Adas @Hastur