Ask Good Deeds, Done Dirt Cheap

[Terra Lanris]

Per my new OP template, thread is death enabled. Looking for one other person to join!​

A lot had changed on Kessel in the last decade. It had passed through the hands of multiple Syndicates, it had been invaded multiple times, it had seen slavery abolished, and it had been given rights expected for freed-men workers.

In other words, there was change, and for those who were cunning, change could be a great opportunity. Terra had brought her ship down the Kessel run, gaining clearance to land in hopes of garnering a meeting with one of the mining heads. Rumor had it, the locals had been running into some problems with pirates in the area, and Terra - being the opportunist that she was - had come in to help them solve their problem.

Really, it was all about earning favor and getting her name in front of the people of Kessel. That was her goal, and she'd use her moderate resources to see it done.

The ship set down, and she descended from the ramp, struck by just how sticky the air was. As a Tiefling, the heat didn't bother her, but she could still feel the moistness of the air clinging to her skin.

As she understood it, the delegation would be here to meet her soon, but for the moment, she had arrived early to get a better feel for the world.

 

[Khalid Din]

Khalid had not been a member of the Syndicates back when Kessel was taken by the ISC during the war and he could not be grateful enough for that. He had heard many things about that short lived conflict from the syndicate side, things that pointed it to being a total shitshow from start to finish. All he knew was that the population of Kessel was doing quite better than before...But also that it was a fat credit cow ready to be milked, something he wanted to help with today.

Matukai gauntlets worn on his arms and the big blaster on his hip, the Tiefling cowboy descended from the ramp alongside his employer. He had not worked a lot for the Crimson Dawn in the past, but Khalid could already appreciate the fact that his employer had decided to actually work alongside him, a nice change of pace when most people with resources hired him especifically to not do jack shit such as the Hutts or other greasy mobsters.

"So, boss..." Khalid spoke up, his eyes looking at the fellow Tiefling, yellow and purple eyes looking into the distance before he spit the chewing tobacco he had in his mouth for a while now "What's ta plan, how are we doin' this?" He asked, wanting to be sure they were on the same page before doing anything, he figured he was here as backup muscle, just in case, but he could always improv if something else was in her mind

@Phoenix

 

[Terra Lanris]

Terra had met her newest partner on their trip and had - thus far - managed to avoid asking if he had any relationship to Jabari Din. Same last name, both Tieflings, both working on their own contracts... she didn't believe in coincidences, but she also knew better than to pry too much.

Hopefully, this is a nice easy one, she said, glancing back at him. Make some introductions to the local leaders, find out about their pirate problem, and probably bring the Blue Stars and Eclipse in to help deal with it, she said. It was a short jump from Omega Station to Kessel and this was well within the range of the merc and privateering gangs.

And maybe poke around a little bit while we're here. I get bored, she snickered slightly.

We're just business people, though, she said, her subtle and diplomatic way of saying that they were not going to be invoking the names of any particular organizations here.

You only freelance? she asked curiously. She was always recruiting good help, and that recruiter just couldn't bring herself to shut up.

@Versok

 

[Khalid Din]

Khalid let out a small chuckle after the poking around comment, he didn't mind having a bit of fun here and there while on the job, a bit of mischief never harmed anyone as long as they knew how to run away afterwards "Heh, well, doncha worry, people hardly ever find themselves bored 'round me" The cowboy said with a smile as he looked forward "Ta a nice, easy job then, let's make this planet profitable for ya" He added, nodding afterwards as he got the gist of how they had to act from Terra.

"Yup, difficult ta pledge allegiance ta any syndicate with how turbulent and changin' they have been in recent history" Khalid explained as he took out a small box of cigarettes, offered Terra one and then lighted another to himself regardless of what she did, she would probably notice that he had lit them with his thumb, not like Khalid care about her noticing his force sensitivity, it was part of his kit and why he was useful, after all.

"Puttin' my skills out there for the highest bidder has been profitable enough so far, all without the risks of owin' allegiance ta a fat slug or endin' in a war with some government because someone in command fucked up, y'know?" Khalid explained, his eyes looking back at Terra afterwards "And you? What made ya stick ta the Crimson Down? Ya got a plan to make it big with 'em?" He asked back, she was not the only curious Tiefling around these parts.

@Phoenix

 

[Terra Lanris]

She took the offered cigarette and pulled out her own lighter, eyes darting to his finger as it burst into flames. She realized what it was, and found herself wary. She didn't really trust Force-users. They were bad for business, though she could imagine they were useful allies.

She took a puff and blew it out into the air above their heads as she explained why he had chosen to remain freelance.

Less upward movement, she countered. Going it alone is hard. No one to watch your back and harder time getting resources. But you throw the name of an org like Dawn down, and people will immediately listen. Eventually you get to start trading on your own rep, but at the start when you're nobody, why should anyone listen to you? she said. She was finally beginning to reach the point where she could start to trade on her own name, and that would only continue to grow as time went on.

She headed along the landing pad and out onto one of the overwalks where they could look down at the miners below. Now all droids and freemen, it was worlds different from when they'd been all slave labor.

Shame, though. I'm always looking for new people, she said, dropping just a hint that if he were interested there might be a place for him in her growing organization.

You ready to head in and meet the delegates? she asked letting them poke around for information afterwards.

@Versok

 

[Khalid Din]

"I see, guess it would suck if I was alone, huh?" Khalid stated, thankfully, even if he took jobs on his own from time to time, he was never truly alone, he had a wonderful family back home that supported him and a sister that kicked ass alongside him "You oughta be careful though, even yer usual partners in crime will stab ya in the back if it's good for 'em, if it allows 'em to climb through the ranks, although given yer status ya probably figured that out already, right?" Khalid added, that was something that, again, he really didn't need to worry about, at least not at the moment.

Khalid just nodded at the rest, obviously no one would listen to what he personally had to say...But he didn't care about being an influential person, he had his role as a hired gun...He just had to make sure he would be among the best of them, let his actions speak louder than words "Well, we'll see, can't proclaim loyalty on the first date, be it work or otherwise, can I?" The cowboy jested with a smirk on his face, knowing full well what she was hinting at "So...business people...should I assume I am still playin' the role of the bodyguard then? Let ya do all the finer detail talking or ya got any pointers fer me to follow?" Khalid asked, nodding about being ready to meet with them regardless of what Terra said next, it was time to get this show on the road.

@Phoenix

 

[Terra Lanris]

Yes, I'm aware, she said as he warned about not trusting people. There were those she had come to trust - or almost trust - and there were those she still kept at arm's length. Ultimately, this was the world she was in so she had to make due with it.

She didn't make any further comment about his joining the Crimson Dawn. The seeds had been planted, and with time it would play out on its own. Either way, it should be interesting.

Yeah, she said as he asked what role he would be playing. Frankly, I doubt the meeting will take long, she said. The Kessel representatives were not - reportedly - known for their hospitality.

After that, we'll see where things go, she said. They followed along down the platforms that lead from the landing platforms to the control station, and as they did, a delegation came out to meet them. Four armed individuals who she guessed were Ubese and then a finer-dressed man of Aqualish descent with a translation collar around his neck.

Welcome. You must be the delegates here to assist with the piracy problem. Please, this way, the man said, motioning for them to come inside. He hadn't asked for their weapons, so hopefully that was a good thing.

The Ubese closed in behind them as they walked and the Aqualish man kept talking.

I am Ponda. You must be Miss Lanris, and you would be? the man asked, looking back at Khalid.

@Versok

 

[Khalid Din]

"Aight then, let's go" Khalid said, following Terra down the platforms, taking a look around as the four men approached them. It looked like this place was well defended, probably why they were allowing them to carry their weapons so far. Not like he minded it though, even if his blaster was on his hip, the most important part of his equipment was always ready: Those Matukai gauntlets would be quicker on the draw than any of those guards.

Not that it was a likely situation, though, he just liked to have a healthy amount of paranoia around other armed men and women. "Khalid" the Tiefling cowboy drily stated, his southern accent and cheery way of speaking suddenly gone as he focused on his role of silent bodyguard much like the Ubese did. As much as he loved talking usually, he didn't care for suits at all, so it was for the better that he kept quiet and waited until it was his time to shoot pirates.

@Phoenix

 

[Terra Lanris]

The two were led down a hall and into a small conference room where the Aqualish offered her a seat and the Ubese took up positions around the room.

I understand you are interested in helping us with our pirate problem, the man said.

Terra nodded. I have influence with some organizations that I believe can help bring an end to your problem, she said, giving a small smile that projected an aura of confidence. The negotiation was afoot, but truthfully, she didn't care much about what she "got" in the short term. There was a larger game at play.

---​

The meeting lasted for close to an hour, but when it was done, they had made their agreement. Terra and her "associates" would be paid a large amount of money, and in exchange, they would make the pirate attack problems stop. The hardest part of the meeting had been convincing Ponda that she could solve his problem and that she wasn't working on behalf of the pirate crew as some sort of protection racket. Ultimately, she had convinced him and they were directed toward an area they could investigate.

Guess we've got our work cut out for us, she said when she and Khalid were alone again.

We've got holorecordings and hyperspace data or damaged and raided ships to look at, which do you want to look at first? Dealer's choice because you had to stand through that whole meeting, she said.

@Versok

 

[Khalid Din]

Khalid did his best to look the part as the silent, serious bodyguard while Terra talked with the well dressed Aqualish, but it definitely took a lot of effort for him to do so, the finer points of the discussion being something that wasn't his concern at all...And he couldn't even do anything else while they talked, he had to do his part! Maybe if the bodyguards of the Aqualish weren't wearing helmets he could've had a staring competition or something, but unfortunately it didn't come to be...He wondered if the Ubese got used to this boring part of the job or if they simply slept on their feet while everything was going on.

He did listen carefully when they were talking money though, understanding just how much money Terra would be getting out of this, something he would need to consider if they kept working together in the future...He wasn't going to give up his freedom and gift his loyalty so easily, but they were indeed talking big numbers for this.

Once they were out and alone, the Tiefling cowboy couldn't help but stretch his arms and let out a yawn, his gold and pink eyes staring at Terra as she began talking once more "Yup, seems like a simple enough job...Convincin' them ta let us do it might've been ta hardest part of it"

Khalid's tail started to swiftly wag from one said to another as Terra gave him the choice "I do love mah ships, let's see what they use 'round these parts ta transport their stuff" Khalid said, a smile on his face forming as he had an opportunity to look into something a bit more entertaining "Besides, I did a piratin' job once, might be able to gather info from lookin' at them, git myself in their shoes and such."

@Phoenix

 

[Terra Lanris]

Truthfully, Terra was glad to be out of the meeting. It was the most stressful part of the day from her point of view, and making it through was a good step.

Yeah, I think you're right. Glad it's done, she agreed. Ships it is then! she said, nodding and heading down in the direction of the shipping docks. It was bustling down here, with droids and organics alike carrying huge crates from point to point. Terra slipped through the area and tried to avoid getting in anyone's way before finding the ships in question.

The ramps had been opened up for them already and she could see the carbon scoring even on the outside of the ship. Multiple hull punctures were on the outside, and she could guess the inside didn't look much better.

You know, I'd have expected more ion cannon fire and less actual laser cannon damage, she said, tilting her head to the side.

Although, I guess they probably used both, she guessed. If not, they'd have had even more damage most likely.

@Versok

 

[Khalid Din]

Nothing was more familiar to Khalid than a busy place full of droids and organics alike, each of them doing their own thing and not caring about anyone else, reminded him of Nar Shaddaa...save for the lack of people punching or pickpocketing each other, of course.

Khalid let out a long whistle both in appreciation to the ship and the damage it had taken, it was just enough for the ship to be stopped on it's tracks without blowing up alongside all of its cargo from what he could discern, was it luck or did the pirates know what they were doing?

"Most pirates ain't picky when it comes ta their ships, I doubt they had many ion only choices with 'em" Khalid said, eyeing the shots that it had received before looking back at Terra "And they do like shootin' at stuff, so chances are they did as much damage as they could before startin' to board the ship, don't really care about the people inside the ship or the damage they do ta the bussiness besides what they already steal from 'em." the Tiefling cowboy added, scum of the earth they were...but they were fun to hang around, Khalid had a couple drinking buddies that were pirates and their savagery was kind of contagious when they were around.

"So, let's see what the pirates didn't take, shall we?" They had probably been told what the cargo of the ship was and it had probably been stolen already, but you truly learnt about pirates when you took a look at what they didn't steal. The fact that the ship had been returned at all already meant that either they didn't have enough crew to steal other ships or they didn't care about credits enough to go through the trouble of being more careful to have it in working conditions. On the other hand, if they were picky about valuable things that they grabbed from the ship besides the cargo it would probably mean they were after something more than just credits.

@Phoenix

 

[Terra Lanris]

Sure, but blowing up what they're trying to steal is bad for business, she countered. She had no doubt the pirates couldn't care less about killing the people, but blowing up the spice or coaxium... that meant no profit for them.

But maybe he was right... maybe they simply didn't have access to ion weapons. Maybe they just made due with what they had.

She headed inside with him, looking around the ship and noting that the inside seemed to reflect the same thing as the outside.

Carbon scoring, blood pools, the whole thing, she said, grim-faced as she said it. They weren't people she knew, and she wasn't going to lose sleep over it, but it was clear the crew had not fared well.

They said it was picked up drifting in space. A few of the crew were still alive and tied up, she said, She guessed full run it was a 6-8 man team to run a ship like this. Small enough for pirates to easily overpower, particularly if they weren't armed... which, come to think of it, she didn't know.

I wonder if they run these ships armed, she muttered to herself. Couple of ball turrets, but I don't know if the crew itself carries small arms, she said. She'd guess so given the fact that there seemed to be blaster marks going both directions, not just from where the pirates entered.

@Versok

 

[Khalid Din]

Khalid simply shrugged as Terra brought up how blowing things up was not exactly the best choice. That was true, but pirates were not known for being the brightest nor did they have many other choices most of the time. Chances are they pulled their punches though, just trying to disable the ship as much as they could before they were able to board it...It was inside the ships when they really got violent.

The Tiefling glanced at the bloody mess that was now in front of him, letting out a small exhale as he did "Sounds 'bout right, there's a reason the one piratin' job I chose was about takin' a droid controlled ship, easier on yer conscience" The Tiefling cowboy said, just taking a look at the scorch marks...There were plenty of them, so Khalid guessed the pirates went in using overwhelming numbers and volume of fire to take over, because their aim was obviously pretty subpar from all the blaster marks on the walls.

"They prolly do, otherwise no one would've been killed" Khalid replied about the armed crew comment, taking a few steps forward to take a better look at the different blood pools that had formed "pirates got two ways ta operate, they usually either kill 'em all or just the ones that fight back" Khalid said, pointing at the nearest blood pool "Usually to make 'em give up faster. So, the dead crew? They died fer playin' hero instead of just givin' it up, while the cowards are all alive an' well" He explained, taking a good look around the ship in the search of anything interesting left behind.

@Phoenix

 

[Terra Lanris]

Terra nodded at his evaluation of the situation. Yes, Khalid was probably right about people playing the hero and ending up dead. Blood, burns, and death everywhere. It was all very familiar, and Terra just pressed on.

She headed to the cockpit, looking through the navicomputer, sensor readouts, and other electronics for anything that stood out. She frowned as she looked at the maintenance logs.

This is weird. All the maintenance was done by the same person up until the day of the attack, she said, scrolling back for months and months to see only the same person on the logs. It was probably nothing, but she... couldn't quite be sure. Something didn't sit right about it in her gut.

Hey, check the engine compartment. Third engine, she said as that was what had been logged that he had worked on. When he did, he would find a small tracking device installed to allow the pirates to more easily intercept and subdue the convoys traveling through the region. In other words, they had an inside man.

@Versok

 

[Khalid Din]

Khalid raised an eyebrow as Terra mentioned how the maintenance had been done by the same person all the time, maybe that's just how the crews worked around these parts but the Tiefling cowboy already knew how this might turn out "On it!" he said, going to the engine compartment and opening in "Well, would you look at that" Khalid would mutter to himself, taking out the tracking device and bringing it to Terra

"Well, someone wasn't able ta retrieve this back...Either that or they are as dumb as a box o' rocks and never tried in the first place" Khalid said, giving the tracking device to Terra, chances are no one else had been allowed to come to this ship before them, but he hoped they were dealing with a forgetful moron, would make things even easier from now on "So, who is this maintenance enthusiast we're dealin' with? what's their credentials?" Khalid would ask, curious about who was the one behind it...He would bet it was the captain, higher ranks were always corrupt fucks at the end of the day "Regardless, think our employer would certainly like ta know this, but I suppose we should go check the holorecordings and data ta make sure, right? Will make this even more damning proof I reckon." He said.

 

[Terra Lanris]

Terra's eyebrows rose in excitement as he returned with the tracking device because it meant that they were on the right track. They were going where they needed to go!

Nice tech, too. Not some cheap, bottom of the line trash, she said, looking at it more closely. So these pirates weren't complete incompetents then.

She scrolled back through the information as Khalid asked who had done the maintenance work.

Looks like Yurg Palath, she said. Dug from Malastare, by the looks of it, she said. Took all kinds to make a galaxy.

Good thinking, she said. You want to start scrolling through the security feeds while I send a message back to the administrators that he's likely involved, she suggested, pulling out her comlink to begin the process unless he objected.

@Versok

 

[Khalid Din]

"I guess they do need ta have some good stuff if they are pullin' big stunts like these" Khalid said as he eyed at the tracking device, already thinking of ways they could perhaps convince the guy hiring them to let them keep it...Maybe extra payment for a job well done? The Tiefling just knew a guy that would probably buy it off their hands for a good price if Terra didn't want it, he would probably tell her later.

"Dugs have always been crafty lil' swindlers, I ain't surprised...Easier to do some underhanded stuff when you have...well, four of 'em" Khalid would add, nodding at Terra as she told him to go take a look at the security feeds "Will do!" The Tiefling would then proceed to leave the ship only to stop himself and turn around for a moment "Just...keep an eye open, even though it's hard to take 'em seriously...If I was that guy, I would want to get rid off all evidence...Us included, so we oughta be careful" A small smirk would form in his face as he tried to downplay what he just said a little bit "After all, it would be a bad look fer me if ya died while I am yer hired gun, wouldn't it?" With that said and done he would then go and check the video feed just as he was asked to.

@Phoenix

 

[Terra Lanris]

Terra nodded as he mentioned to be careful because the man might try to kill them. You too, she added. It was a danger that cut both ways, after all.

Yeah, well, if I die I'm going to leave you a terrible review, she quipped back before waving her hand in a joking "get out of here" gesture. She started punching in a message before rolling her eyes, shaking her head, and deciding to just open up an actual comm call.

A small, blue figure appeared in front of her on the holoprojector.

We've already made progress administrator. We've noticed suspicious activities by a Dug named Yurg Palath. He performed maintenance on the most recent victim of the pirates and we found a tracking device placed at the area where he did his "maintenance," she said.

The man's face took on what she had to assume was a grave look and he nodded after a few moments more.

We'll order him brought in for questioning and move forward from there. In the meantime... and then Terra stopped hearing what he said because as she looked out the viewport of the ship she saw a dug approaching. Her gut flipped and she noticed he seemed to be accompanied by a couple of other people whose intentions she - of course - couldn't be sure about.

Khalid, he's here! she said, ducking down and reaching subconsciously for her blaster. She'd rather let Kessel security do this, but she wasn't sure that was going to be an option at this point.

Administrator, he's here at the ship. Send security and warn them we're on site. Terra out, she said, and hung up.

@Versok

 

[Khalid Din]

Letting out a small chuckle after their back and forth, Khalid would go ahead and go take a look at the security feed...It wouldn't take long for him to spot the Dug doing the repairing again and again and again. That was damning enough evidence on its own, of course, seeing how the Dug should have absolutely noticed the tracking device, but in order to make sure the Tiefling went ahead and skipped back to the time they encountered the pirates in order to see how he interacted with them.

however, before being able to do so the Tiefling cowboy heard Terra, lifting his head up and instinctively going for his blaster "Hide yerself, chances are they don't know we are here, we'll take 'em by surprise." The Tiefling said, pointing at the cargo hold but letting Terra take the lead, because as much as he was joking before he actually wanted to make sure his employer wouldn't die before paying him, after all "Chances are they won't check 'ere, we'll take 'em by surprise while they go fer either the feed or the tracking device...Also we oughta set the blasters ta stun, just in case" Khalid explained, getting ready to pull his weight now. While standoffs such as these were tense, they were his favorite part of the job and so he was ready to calm his itchy trigger finger.

@Phoenix