Ask Flashpoint Denon Money Moves

[Kist Ke'kolu]

Chaos.

It was what kept the citizens of Denon up at night. The uncertainty of it all plagued their minds as the world around them fell apart. Invasion, destruction, hunger and poverty tore the once prosperous world into pieces. War had raged across the planet and although the first battles had faded away, the atmosphere hung thick with despair as there seemed to be no end in sight to the struggles that gripped Denon. Those that still held power and wealth would do their best to hold it. Those that could flee did so. Those that could do neither would suffer. The galaxy would look to this world with pity as yet another planet fell to the never ending power struggle. However, there would be those that would see this chaos in another light. They would see opportunities. A chance to build and gain influence. The very moment to make their moves amongst the shadows.

Kist had made it through security without any issues, not that there was much, but it was still a relief. To those that looked he would appear as just another concerned citizen of the galaxy that had rushed to the aid of Denon. His ship had come with crates full of much needed goods. Food, water, medical supplies, the essentials that the people so desperately needed. Just a front though. Stashed within the hidden compartments of his ship was a modest shipment of spice. Nothing that would make him a major player, but it was his first big move in establishing himself. Kist hadn't all the credits to buy the drugs outright, so he had struck a deal with the Pykes that relied on him being able to sell off the batch without any mistakes. Everything was riding on this. To fail meant he would not be able to pay the Pykes back and anyone with a brain knew what that meant. However, if he could pull it off it would lead to loaded pockets, but more importantly it just might gain him entry into the Syndicate. One step closer to gaining the power he so desperately craved.

Kist waited around the makeshift stall he had set up near one of the homeless camps, biding his time by passing out supplies to those that lined up for them. The scene was dismal to say the least. Around him were signs of the battle that once raged. Burnt out buildings, rubble that had been cleared into piles along the street, dirty and hungry people lingering around with no hope to be had. He could see it in their eyes, the desperation. Unfortunately for them Kist had just what they needed. No, not just the food or water he provided, but the tiny baggies full of brown powder. Just a little snort and all their problems would simply drift away. Everything was in motion, but there was no way that Kist would be able to do this on his own. So, he waited. Soon enough his partners would arrive and this could all begin in earnest.

@Lucien @James Steel

 

[Sahren]

The Pykes were not the most generous syndicate, but an opportunity to financially gain from the suffering of others always seemed to get their attention. Apparently, a bothan man named Kist managed to strike some kind of deal with the gang. In all honesty, it was a simple spice running gig, with the simple premise of exploiting Denon. Sahren heard about the little battle that went on there, and was no fan of either side in the war. He saw the jedi as fools, but had a deep personal hatred for the sith... His mother was a sith.

He was here today on behalf of the Pykes, as he and his master once worked very closely with them. His job was very simple, make sure the spice trade was established without a hitch, and that the bothan would remain good on their deal. Sahren was a very well armed and armored man, and usually he would have to leave his weaponry back on the ship. Fortunately, the zabrak managed to convince the locals he was a hired bodyguard, in light of the recent battle.

Rather than bringing his blaster rifle, the mercenary would only bring his R-799 Micro-Missile Gun, along with the weapons attached to his armor. He remained with his helmet on, trying to keep his true identity hidden from the locals of the devastated world. It wouldn't take long for him to reach Kist's position, as it was the best looking stall on the street. Not being a very subtle man, Armory would walk directly over to the man and speak, "Any takers yet? The sooner we unload the stuff, the better... I'm Sahren, but they call me 'Armory' in the business. I'm a helping hand on the Pyke's behalf you might say..."

 

[Dorin Kem]

Breaking into a new line of business is never easy but everybody has to start somewhere. Dorin Kem had always imagined that knowing the right people was key to a successful career as a criminal, but he never realised the extent to which that would be true. Denon represented an opportunity, and though it wasn't exactly the type of work he wanted to pursue in the long run, it promised credits and the possibility of making connections. When word of the spice-running gig reached him, he was eager to pull whatever strings he could to get involved.

The Duros felt he could practically taste the desperation in the air as we walked the dilapidated streets of the city-planet. Beside him, clanging footsteps and whirring servomotors marked the presence of his business assistant Betsy. She had the appearance of a loader droid, but this belied the custom programming and modification Dorin had undertaken to turn her into a capable bounty-hunting companion. At least that's the idea, the droid was essentially untested.

Nevertheless, it meant that Dorin did not have to make too much of an effort negotiating permit to enter the city. He was just an engineer with his loader droid looking to provide his services to Denon's crumbling infrastructure and machinery. The blaster rifle, pistol and vibroknives? Oh they were just for self-defence. You never knew who might try to take advantage of these desperate times - they could steal his droid and have her scrapped for parts!

The pair made their rounds for some time, taking in the scenery, before Dorin spotted a Bothan who appeared to be diligently involved in some humanitarian work. This looked like the man he was instructed to meet. Dorin and Betsy walked towards the apparent humanitarian, noticing a heavily armoured individual who was also in the process of making his approach. He looked back at the little Bothan. This is definitely the guy I was told to meet. Dorin would miss Sahren's introductory line as walked towards the pair.

"Howdy gentleman," He said once within talking distance. His tone was friendly and his voice was low and gravelly. "I believe I'm in the right place but do excuse me if I've made a mistake. The name's Dorin Kem and this is Betsy."

He gestured at the loader droid, adding. "I was told there were some humanitarian deliveries we could lend a hand with."

@Howie Boy @James Steel

 

[Kist Ke'kolu]

The sight of full body armor stood out in a crowd, especially when that crowd consisted mostly of the homeless. It was clear that whoever was behind all that armor was making their way in Kist's direction. The only noticeable sign of concern was the slightest perking of his pointy ears. Kist had spent most his life being trained to hide his emotions, but there was always something about a person armored head to toe and carrying a god damn Micro-missle gun that churned the stomach. A clawed hand would inch ever closer to the blaster pistol strapped to the underside of the booth, not that it would do much more than provide a distraction, but Kist was ready if need be. However, an exhale through his long snout would signal relief as the walking armor made its intent known.

Ah yes, the "helping hand". Kist was happy to have some muscle on his side as the task ahead would surely require it, though there was part of him that knew this hand would surely be turned against him should he fail. So was the way of the life in the Syndicate. The Bothan was just about to introduce himself but the sound of clanging metal footsteps would interrupt him. Soon enough the loader droid along with its green skinned owner made their way to the stall as well. The third he had been expecting for this newly found gang of spice pushers.

"Kist Ke'kolu." He said in a silvery tone before offering a slight bow to the Duros and the warrior. "You're in the right place and you can call this," He gestured towards the walking suit of armor, "Sahren...or Armory to those that may require...correction." No need for any further small talk. Introductions were made and there was business to attend to. "First of all, lets not speak so loudly about our intentions shall we? Never know who's listening." Kist recommended before gesturing above their heads. With a silent grace his P-0-TC Surveillance Droid hovered 10 feet above them providing a direct audio and visual feed to the CZ-MF Headset that hung idly around the Bothan's neck.

"Let's speak over here." Kist would beckon them to follow as he stepped away from the busy street stall to the privacy of a makeshift camp away from the hustle and bustle. "More to your point Sahren, I've made little progress so far. While awaiting your arrival I have been moving around at night and offering...samples...of our goods. The market is there, but I do believe there are further steps required before we can begin in earnest. To offload it all as quick as possible will garner too much attention I'm afraid. The Empire and FWA still vie for control of the area, which will hinder our operation as they continue to patrol. However, their alliance with the force sensitive could be their undoing. I've heard what the locals have to say and I can tell you their is no love for the Jedi or Sith here. I say we use this to our advantage. In my opinion the Imperial faction in the area would have to be eliminated, their too fanatical to be swayed. From there we could turn the locals against the FWA and Jedi, they lack the spine to impose their will anyways." Kist paused to let the information sink in.

"What say you then? We can simply divide the stash and sell it off as quickly as possible before we run. Or, if we can pull this off we could create a market to line our pockets for a long time to come. Not to mention we could gain favor of our...masked...employers." The decision belonged to the group.

@Lucien @James Steel

 

[Sahren]

The mercenary was surprised to see the droid and duro arrive on the scene. He hadn't expected there to be more company, but he was somewhat welcoming of the notion. The Empire and FWA both had their hats in the ring, and if their little band had to fight any soldiers, two more tag alongs would help. Now that the whole gang was here, they could discuss business.

"Nice to meet ya both. Kist. Dorin. Looks like we've got our work cut out for us." The mercenary would simply fold his arms and listen on as the spice dealer explained the situation. Unfortunately, there was little progress thus far, but with the arrival of reinforcements the operation would go much more smoothly. Their plan was pretty straight forward, but would come with great risk. They needed the locals to rise up against occupation, and that would be no easy feat for just some spice.

The walking suit of armor would throw his hat in the ring, stating "I have no love for the jedi or sith either, but what you're suggesting is going to be a daunting task... Granted, I'm sure the Pykes would be far more pleased with creating a proper supply line. Can't expect these fools to rise up over night though. Just look at this place, it's torn to shreds and the locals are without weapons... Wait a tic..." The mercenary would have a sudden realization, one that might just help their operation. "I'd be willing to bet we can get some arms deals going as well, if we had the merchandise... Either way, I'm just here to follow your lead Kist."

 

[Dorin Kem]

Dorin issued a polite nod and a smile to each of his new business partners as they introduced themselves. The Duros had been harbouring a sense of optimism about this whole spice-running venture and his feelings only brightened as he listened to Kist brief them on his thoughts so far. While Dorin had regretfully little experience in the spice business, establishing a demand seemed like the natural first step, and from the sounds of it there was market enough to be exploited.

The mercenary spoke next, raising valid concerns. Contemplating, the aging Duros placed a finger to his chin.

"I can't fault Ke'kolu's line of thought - seems we're all in agreement about creating a market and opening the potential for long-term gains. And I also think that exploiting anti-force user sentiment is our best bet at weakening the powers that be. On the other hand, what you say is true, Sahren, this will be no easy task."

Betsy the loader droid listened on with a blank expression.

"You know, it was quite the long hyperspace journey for me to get here. Gives a man time to think... And do some digging on the Holonet. Friends, have you seen the rumours about a new group here on Denon? One that's been real busy kidnapping lately. Their targets have been Force sensitives exclusively. I hear the Empire and the Jedi both are hot on their tails. May be a group worth seeking out. Might not be an easy group to find."

Dorin paused, tugging idly at his blaster rifle sling. "Weapons trade could be a good shout, Armory. Should be no shortage of arms going around in this war-torn mess of a planet. Though we shouldn't spread ourselves too thin whatever we choose to do. Well then Mr. Ke'kolu, any thoughts in particular on how to begin?"

It seemed to him the Bothan knew what he was doing. Dorin was happy to offer his thoughts, but at the end of the day he'd let those more knowledgeable about spice running make the calls. He was still green in this line of business, but past experiences had proven him to be a quick learner.

@Howie Boy @James Steel

 

[Kist Ke'kolu]

A daunting task indeed. Kist's eyes drifted between the two as he internally wondered if they were up for it. To risk ones life was nothing to bat an eye at, but the Bothan was ready to put it all on the line. To fail here would most likely result in his death, however, if they succeeded it would take them all to the next level. Sure, he could offload the spice and leave this planet behind forever, but to do so would almost guarantee a life as a low level scoundrel. Forever destined to scrap the bottom of the barrel when all he craved was the sweet cream from the top. This is what he was born for, what he was raised to accomplish. To be a Ke'kolu meant to hold power if your very hands!

The slightest grin would creep to his face as his newfound partners seemed willing to hear him out. Perhaps they too sought more than just a quick credit grab. Kist paced slowly as he finished hearing them out. It was refreshing that they too had vision as both of them offered potential venues of revenue. Almost ironic that the one they called Armory would suggest an illegal arms trade, while the Duros mentioned whispers of kidnapping. The Pykes were always looking for free labor. However, to pursue all of these ideas would divide them and their resources. If only there was a way to bring it all together...

Kist snapped his gloved fingers as the idea came to him. "Excellent ideas. Now, hear me out." Hopefully they would see his vision. "I propose that we move against the local Imperial forces. Their numbers are stretched thin and overburdened across the planet and from my initial recon I have only noticed one squad within this sector. Now, that's ten versus three, well, four here with this droid. I assume it's more than just a loader Dorin?" Kist asked his green-skinned companion. "However, we will have the element of surprise, not to mention...a walking arsenal." He eyed Sahren. "If possible we can leave one alive, preferably the sergeant. From there we can...question...this officer about any intel on these so called kidnappers. Then, the weapons we recover can be dispersed amongst the locals. We will have to vet out the right ones of course. Those that our sympathetic to our needs. They won't have any credits to spare at first, but once they get a taste of power and the few credits from the spice we can offer they will surely be swayed to our side. We can procure more weapons to sell them afterwards. Two, possibly three business ventures in one stroke, yes?" Kist stopped his pacing to await the verdict. Would they follow him in this mad grab for credits and power?

@James Steel @Lucien

 

[Sahren]

Armory had no idea what he was about to get into when he took this simple job. He was just suppose to be some muscle, look tough and make sure the dealer didn't get hurt. This was indeed next level, and he would intensely listen to the bothan's plan. It was one that made a lot of sense. Take down the local authority, take their blasters, give the people a few free samples, interrogate the leader. It all made sense, and was a great way to incorporate all their ideas into one.

The walking suit of armor would affirmatively nod his head as Kist finished his thought. "Kist, I like your style. If what you say about there only being ten guards around is true, then I won't even need my side-arm." He would pat the micro-missile gun at his side in a comical fashion. He sincerely hoped the duro would be on board as well, another set of hands would make the job more doable. "I only have one question... How are we gonna do this? Ambush? Frontal assault? It's your call Kist."

The mercenary would begin to dream about all the credits they could make, spreading corruption across the underbelly of Denon. Maybe he would actually be able to retire from mercenary work... But would he? Could someone in his profession ever be truly content? Only time would answer that one, for now, he would just focus on the getting richer than a hutt.

 

[Dorin Kem]

A grin touched Dorin's thin lips as the Bothan inquired about his droid. "She did start off as just a loader droid, but the only reason she still looks like that is so I have a convincing alibi. It's a custom build under the chassis. You can count on my droid, friend, I engineered her myself. She's a better shot than any common trooper you can find, to say the least."

Although he was confident in the work he had done modifying the loader for combat, field testing would be the ultimate judge. He had much the same thought listening to Kist detail his ideas on a potential first move. It was a fine plan no doubt, likely better than he could have devised himself, but it was difficult to tell how things would play out in practice. Uncontrolled factors always had a way of rearing their ugly heads...

Sahren expressed his affirmation, and Dorin was glad to hear the mercenary's enthusiasm. Even if things went South, fighting their way out of a sticky situation was an avenue available to them with him on their side.

"A sound plan no doubt." He agreed with his companions, "I would only say I think we should be cautious and measured in our approach. We may have firepower on our side..." He cast a glance at the mercenary, "...but we should use it carefully. With precision... Yes, for this is a war torn city and that makes it unpredictable. I doubt we're the only crafty bastards out here looking to make the best of a bad situation. That being said I am eager to get started, my friends! Not to speak overly soon, but I've got a certain feeling about this venture. Opportunity is ours for the taking. "

@Howie Boy @James Steel

 

[Kist Ke'kolu]

Kist was relieved to hear that both of his partners were accepting of his daring plan as he would need both of them to pull it off. Out of all of the people he had worked with so far they were the only ones that were open minded enough to see a bigger picture. A lot of these scoundrel types tended to lack any vision, only wanting a quick deal so they could take their credits back to the cantinas and brothels. They lacked the spine for hard work and the balls for what it would take to move up in this criminal underworld. Perhaps he had finally found his equals. This operation would certainly tell.

Sahren would question which kind of assault would be the most successful. "I agree with Dorin. To pull this off we are going to need a precise strike, so I would recommend a calculated ambush. Look here." Kist would tap a few buttons on the side of his CZ-MF Headset that would establish an encrypted connection between it and his data pad. "I think I have found a suitable spot for the hit." On the screen the other two would be able to see video footage with a night vision filter of a side street that was only a few blocks outside the homeless camp where some of the fighting still took place. This particular part of the sector had seen a lot of battle and the debris from the blown out buildings conveniently narrowed the passing. "One weakness about the Imperial army is that they are highly predictable." Something the Empire had never been able to grasp. The rules and regulations they lived and died by often made them easy marks. They relied so heavily on their might and numbers that when you took one of those factors away, their position was quickly weakened.

Moments would pass before anything happened on screen, but soon enough the Imperial forces would come into view. With a tap of a button Kist would pause the video. On display they would be able to clearly see the squad in target. Eight of them would don standard Imperial armor and carried standard issue blaster rifles. At the center of their patrol was clearly the officer as they wore the proper uniform. Heading up the back of the formation was the tenth soldier, but this one would wear heavy armor and carry a heavy blaster. "We can set up the ambush here. I would suggest having the droid block their path where it narrows here. They won't realize what it is until it's too late. Sahren, you'd come up the back. We'll need your firepower to handle that heavy soldier. Dorin and I can take up position in the buildings on either side to provide fire support. If we coordinate and time it right we can down them before they stand a chance to retaliate." Kist paused for a moment to let them think. "I trust you both have comms? I can set up an encrypted channel for us to use. Now, preferably we will take that officer alive for interrogation. My surveillance droid is equipped with a stun probe. On it's mark we could stun the officer and then commence the attack. Hopefully they will survive the fire fight. Questions? Concerns?" Kist would await his partners advice.

@James Steel @Lucien

 

[Sahren]

The mercenary would watch the mastermind spice dealer pull out the area's map. An ambush was a solid plan, especially if they knew the empire's patrol routes. He began to carefully study the terrain, and saw a few spots that would be good for hiding. While he wasn't the most quite man, standing completely still didn't necessarily require him to be stealthy. Stroking his helmet's chin for a moment, he would give a simple nod "I think this could work out nicely. I see a few different spots we could attack from... And that tree there might be big enough for the droid to hid behind... We could use the droid as a road block, but I'm worried she might draw too much fire... Up to you though Dorin."

Sahren could indeed confirm that the empire was a predictable batch, and if these were just their army troopers, then they would be lightly armored as well. He would say as much, "If they're just army troops, then their armor won't be too tough either. Dispatching most of them from cover should be easy."

The mercenary would hold up his commlink, it was a relatively new one at that. He hadn't used encrypted frequencies in some time, but the idea was simple enough. In truth, the ambush seemed like a solid idea, and he certainly did have the weaponry to take down a few troopers. Even a heavily armored one like himself. "Well, I think it's a solid idea all around. Like I said before, I'm here to help with whatever you need to get this spice moving. If that includes busting a few heads, I'm more than happy to help."

 

[Dorin Kem]

The plan unfolded in front of him with Kist's narration being aided by the visuals playing on the datapad screen. It proved to be well thought out. He nodded as the Bothan enquired about comms. Dorin was confident in the role he had to play, and even if it all went awry, he would be quite happily positioned far above the carnage. That'd give me time to come up with an escape... If it comes to that. It probably wouldn't come to that, admittedly, but contingency never hurt.

The Duros would ease his partners' concerns. "The droid will draw fire but Force knows she can take a beating. Also the advantage of a loader chassis- she won't draw as much attention as a combat model. By the time the imperials wisen up we'll be raining plasma down from above." The last sentence was spoken with a grin.

He paused, scratching his chin and looking over at a spot on the wall. Turning his attention back to the pair, he said, "Very thoroughly planned out- just how I like it. Seems to me the critical elements are going to be the set-up and the timing. We get those right and we're set... So my friends, when are we expecting our patrol?"

@Howie Boy @James Steel

 

[Kist Ke'kolu]

Kist nodded along as Sahren spoke and was happy to hear that the mercenary was confident in his abilities to handle most of the soldiers, especially the heavily armored one. Thank the stars for micro missiles. Dorin and his pet droid were also down for their part of the ambush. A classic maneuver, but one that had proved effective a million times over. They all knew their parts, now they only had to execute. "Tonight." Kist answered the Duros' question with a look of determination. The very night that would determine the course of the Bothan's destiny.

--------------

The rest of the day had been spent going through the motions. Just a couple of humanitarians and their body guard doing their parts to help the citizens of Denon. However, as the sun went down on the worldwide city, the sinister would begin to make their moves, Kist's newly found gang among them. The comm channel was live and the Bothan made his way to the burnt out building on the southern side of the street. Dorin would take up somewhere on the sorthern side, the droid would hole them up from the west and their walking hellfire would come from the east. The other two knew the plan, but Kist would leave it to them to chose their own positions. As long as the timing was just right, thats all that would really matter. "I'm in position." He spoke softly into his headset. His surveillance droid drifted high above the skyline, zeroed in on the patrol that was still blocks away. "Dorin, Sahren, report."

@James Steel @Lucien

 

[Sahren]

Sahren would peer above a boulder that was a few meters back from the patrol root. The mercenary had been wondering all day how this would go, and what exact plan of attack they would go with. Thankfully, his helmet had low-light vision attached to it, allowing him to see quite well in the dark. It could also detect heat signatures from living beings. Armory would press a button on the side of his helmet as Kist asked for a report. He would gaze down the path some ways, eventually seeing a blob of red in the distance. It was approaching, but slowly.

He would switch back to his low-light vision, catching view of what looked to be the patrol in the distance. The imperials were in a very organized march, ceremonial almost. He would reach for his commlink, quickly explaining "Kist. I see the troops approaching in the distance. It looks like their preforming some kind of training exercise... They won't be expecting us."

As the group of soldiers began drawing closer, the armored trooper's voice could be heard "Left, left, left right left! Move it men! You gonna let some Free World thugs out train us!? We're the imperial army, we're the best of the best!" It was quite clear that the group would be caught off guard by a giant droid in the middle of the road.

Armory would duck back behind his boulder, remaining as quiet as possible while the soldiers approached.

@Howieboy @Lucien

 

[Dorin Kem]

A gentle breeze stirred the crisp night air. A stillness had fallen over the street, the quiet of the night - it felt peaceful to Dorin, almost serene. And yet nobody would know what lurked in the shadows of these war-torn streets. The Duros observed the situation from his vantage point, perched on a rooftop on the street's Northern side. He kept low, BM-548 blaster rifle stock pressed against his shoulder, the barrel stabilised by the parapet in front of him. Normally the blaster rifle would be found in his droid's capable hands, but the situation today called for discretion. Betsy was in position behind the tree below, as discussed. She'd play the part of a malfunctioning loader droid for as long as it took to distract the imperials.

"In position across the street, Kist. I've got my shooting angle jussst right. They'll be sitting ducks." He replied softly over the comms. Dorin would welcome the advantage afforded by his favourable position. He was still working on his markshmanship game, new to the whole business as he was.

Sahren reported the imperials' approach and Dorin could soon hear the sergeant commanding his squad. Before long they came into sight, imperial armour clanking with each step of their brisk march. Behind each one those faceless helmets was a person - an individual just like him with their own ambitions, memories, families, stories. The Duros would not take pleasure in their deaths, nor would he mourn them - it was unfortunate their circumstances had brought them here, but that's just how it went sometimes.

As the soldiers entered the narrow part of the street, Betsy sprung out of her hiding spot. "Loss of primary function. Urgent maintenance required. Loss of primary function. Urgent maintenance required..." She repeated in her low digitized voice, feigning the erratic movements of malfunctioning loader. Confusion swept the imperial ranks. It took them a second to figure out what was happening, transitioning their practice exercise into a battle formation. Blasterfire pelted the droid's location, many shots missing their mark in the adrenaline rush that the sudden distraction had roused.

"HOLD your fire men! It's just a dumb loader, we don't have the ammo to waste." The sergeant roared with that unmistakable tone of military command.

Dorin observed the situation through his rifle scope, lamenting the damage Betsy had sustained from some of the more accurate troopers. Regardless, he held his nerve, finger poised to press the trigger at the first signal from his partners.

@Howie Boy @James Steel

 

[Kist Ke'kolu]

Kist was on ground level, hiding in the shadows among the burned out remains of an office building. An eerie quiet had settled in and the night was still as the gods of death licked their lips in anticipation of the carnage to come. With a flick of his thumb he would release the safety on his Blurgg-1120 blaster pistol and prepared himself for what was about to unfold. Steady breathes calmed his nerves as he relied on his training to remain focused and control the flow of adrenaline that could give lesser being the shakes. As his partners gave their reports the moment was upon them.

"Hold your positions. Fire on my mark." Kist whispered into his mic just before the Imperials turned down the small side street. In typical fashion they marched in formation as they performed a training exercise, oblivious of their surroundings. Step 1: stop the patrol. Dorin's droid would do just as he had programmed it to, faking a malfunction and blocking the path forward. Step 2: neutralize the officer, non-lethally. Blaster fire would scream through the night as the soldiers open fired on the loader and Kist would use the moment to issue a command to his own droid. "Execute order 23." The surveillance droid that floated silently above the skyline would extend its stun probe before cutting power to its propulsion systems. Like a dead weight it would fall through the air and resume power just before it crashed onto the street below, the chaos of the blaster fire concealing its approach. The Imperial officer called for a cease fire, the lowering of weapons just the moment the Bothan was hoping for.

"RRRRAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!" The Imperial officer would shake and shout before collapsing to the ground in convulsions as the droids electricity ran through his body. The chaotic scene drew the attention of the squadron away from their surroundings and towards the center of their ranks. "Now!" Kist call out through his mic with simultaneously stepping out from his hiding place, blaster pistol aimed at the back of the nearest soldier. HIs Blurrg would kick in his hand as he pulled the trigger, the bolt powerful enough to rip through the solider's armor and bring his life to a swift end. Two down, eight to go.

@Lucien

 

[Sahren]

It looked like things were about to get real interesting. He watched as the group of soldiers foolishly unloaded blaster bolts toward the loader, only for their captain to call a cease fire. It was an almost humorous display. The mercenary would grip his micro-missile gun closely, eager to jump into battle.

Kist would reaffirm the order to hold until his mark, causing the mercenary to peer above his boulder once again. The plan was to take the captain alive, and that was doable. Thanks to his armor, the mercenary had just the weapon for the job. Just as he began to assess the situation, the sound of a shouting soldier would be heard. One of Kist's droids had managed to take down a trooper, and the bothan himself jumped out of hiding.

Following the man's lead, Armory would jump out from behind the boulder with a jetpack-enhanced leap. He would fire down a shot from his pistol mid-air, causing the explosive slug to lodged itself in a soldier's neck. In half a second, it would explode, taking down yet another grunt. "I've got the big guy, you two focus on the troopers!"

As for the officer himself, Sahren would run directly at the man with a reared back fist. The hydraulics of his right arm had already begun pulling themselves back in preparation of a big swing. Once close enough, Armory would punch his pneumatic fist directly into the man's gut! The officer would shout in pain "KRIFFFFFF DAMN IT! AMBUSH!"

 

[Dorin Kem]

Chaos erupted in the little street below. At Kist's signal a red bolt shot out of the barrel of Dorin's rifle, traversing the night and scoring the chest armour of the soldier nearest Betsy. Imperial armour was built to withstand such an impact, but unfortunately for the trooper, Dorin's first shot was quickly followed by another two. He'd had ample time to line up his aim, it was no surprise that all three bolts found purchase, the plasma melting a hole in the chestplate and the set of ribs behind it. The man dropped dead on the spot.

Dorin's companions had quickly gotten to work - the trio's execution of the plan doing justice to Kist's meticulous consideration and set-up. The Bothan was putting his blaster pistol to deadly effect while the mercenary pummeled the officer. The meaty thump of Armory's fist impacting the man's gut made Dorin wince.

His 'loader' droid was not to be left out of the action either. All pretense of malfunctioning had been dropped and Betsy was helping the team like a true professional. She swung a heavy arm into the helmet of one of the imperials with frightening speed and the blow plastered him against the wall like he was the weekend villain of a holocartoon.

Dorin was lining up his next shot, crosshairs set on a soldier who'd taken aim at Betsy when he just barely registered a flash of blasterfire in his periphery. The Duros threw himself down behind the parapet as the bolts flew narrowly above him. Against his hairless head he could feel the warmth of superheated air that the projectiles had left in their wake.

@Howie Boy @James Steel

 

[Kist Ke'kolu]

Kist watched the person he shot fall to the ground. Years of brutal training repressed any notion of guilt or remorse as his victim's body slumped to the ground, chest still smoking from the plasma that had torn through it. The Bothan's pointed teeth glared as a wicked smile stretched across his snout. Not that he took joy in the murder he just committed, but with the death of these Imperials he would be one step closer to achieving his success. Another finger would squeeze around the power he so yearned for. His greed would fuel so many evil acts as he sought to propel himself into wealth and entitlement. Left unchecked it could even drive him to madness...

One by one their enemies would fall. Kist fell two, their walking armor making quick work of three more. The Duros on high would work in tandem with his droid to snipe one while the machine crushed the skull of another. Seven down in a matter of moments, but the remaining three would not go down without a fight. Dorin would duck just in time to keep his head securely on his shoulders. Sahren would have his hands full with the other heavy on the scene. Another blaster bolt screamed through the night as one of the remaining soldiers targeted Kist. Fortunately the Bothan would narrowly escape the shot as he dove behind some rubble.

Each of the trio would have their hands full and this meant that Kist was on his own to deal with his attacker. Popping up from his cover he would fire his Blurgg at the approaching soldier, the first shot missing while the other glanced off the Imperial's armor. The counter fire would have the Bothan on the run, ducking under the first, but the second would glance against his shoulder and spin him around. Kist pushed away the pain as he retreated back into the building he had came from, using the shadows to conceal himself. With a push of a button on his headset he would switch the visor to night vision and scurried behind a pillar. It was too risky to attempt another shoot out with the soldier. Reaching down he would grab a piece of rubble and chuck it in the opposite direction from his position. It proved to be the distraction he needed as the soldier rushed after the noise, blaster firing as they did. Kist would roll out of his hiding spot into a kneeling position. He leveled his pistol and squeezed the trigger. The Blurgg would kick once more as the bolt hit the soldier in the back of the neck. They would be dead before their body even touched the ground.

No time to waste. Kist would turn on the spot and make his way back out of the building to check on the rest of the operation.

@Where @Lucien

 

[Sahren]

While his companions were busy taking on the soldiers, Armory continued fighting the officer. It was a surprise that the man survived the gut punch, but he was wearing armored plates over his stomach. The officer would look up with anger in his eyes, and charged directly at the mercenary with a vibro knife from his boot.

Sahren would raise up his arms, blocking the slashes with his own armored plates. Sparks would fly with each slash, but the assault gave his hydraulics time to reset themselves. Before long, the pneumatic arm was ready to give the officer another shot. This time, the mercenary would be sure to knock the man out.

"NIGHT NIGHT SCUMBAG!" Armory's fist would then plow itself directly towards the man's lower jaw. what followed would be a loud snapping sound, with the man falling down unconscious. He was still alive, but that jaw was certainly broken. Some of the other troops would see the display and drop their blasters. They would raise their arms and declare "W-we surrender!"

@Lucien @Howie Boy