Ask Flashpoint Denon Money Moves

[Dorin Kem]

Dorin kept his head low, listening. The sounds of battle still echoed from the street below as he dropped to his stomach, crawling forward alongside the parapet. If he could slither his way to the other side of the building and pop up in a different spot, he'd surely lose the trooper taking aim at him.

The Duros launched himself to his feet, ready to resume his fire support when a declaration of surrender rang out from the troops below. He confirmed it through the lens of his scope - the few imperials who had managed to avoid their brutal violence had their hands up in trembling capitulation. His droid looked about ready to pounce at one of the cowering soldiers, but she let herself drop back into a neutral stance at the last moment. The man flinched as her servomotors whirred. I've programmed myself one hell of a partner, Dorin beamed. A part of him was eager for their mission to conclude so that he could tend to the damage his droid had surely sustained in the melee.

"Looks like we've caught ourselves some imperial captives Mr. Ke'kolu, Sahren." He said through the commlink. "Ready to proceed at your advice, Kist"

@Howie Boy @Where

 

[Kist Ke'kolu]

Kist would make his way back to the scene just in time to see Sahren knock the officer unconscious before the the rest of the troopers fell to their knees in surrender. The short lived battle had come to an end. "Good work gentlemen." They were anything but, however Kist preferred to remain formal as he congratulated them through his mic. "Come join us Dorin. Make sure your droid isn't too badly damaged and then we can begin to load up these weapons." He would have to remember to applaud the Duros on his engineering skills some other time, but for now they needed to remain focused. Kist would make his way to Armory's side.

"Preferably they still would have been able to speak." The Bothan could barely contain his scolding tone. The unnatural way the jaw bones were hanging off the officer's face would make interrogation a little difficult. However, he would probably be full of holes if it weren't for Sahren, so he dropped it before turning his attention back to the soldiers. "Helmets off." Kist gestured with his Blurgg and they would be hesitant to obey the command. He raised his blaster just above one of their heads and let off a shot. Two would quickly remove their helmets, but one would do so slowly, their expression full of contempt. "There is a group here on planet, kidnapping force sensitive children. What do you know of them?" Kist leveled his blaster again as he spoke. The two would exchange worried glances, but again the third would continue to stare at him with defiance. The Bothan didn't hesitate. With another kick of the Blurgg he would blast them right between the eyes. With a coolness he would line up his sight on the next soldier. "I'll ask again. What do you know of the kidnappers?"

@Lucien @Where

 

[Sahren]

Armory would look down at his hand to see it covered in a thing layer of blood. Damn, had had punched a little too hard and broke the guy's jaw. That was just his luck. At least the soldiers had surrendered to them. Meanwhile, both Dorin and Kist had come out from their hiding spots. Sahren would also glace over to the loader droid, she would need some work after a fight like that.

While usually he would be the one doing intimidation, Kist took the initiative, lining up the remaining soldiers for questioning. Of course, these were imperial soldiers, and he would need to put one down to make the others talk. This was always how these kinds of things would go. "Ohh... Should have listened." He would darkly remark towards the dead trooper.

As the bothan asked about kidnappers, the mercenary would notice a few groaning noises coming from the ground behind him. The officer was about to wake up. Sahren was positive if he did wake up, the others would stop talking... Rather than let that happen, the living suit of armor would make his way over to the officer and place his foot on the man's head. He wasn't applying enough pressure to kill the officer, but it would be enough to keep him quiet for a few tics. "Hey boss. Maybe you should let me rough em' up a bit like I did their captain? I bet they'll talk a lot faster then!"

He hoped that line would help add some more fear to the situation...

@Lucien @Howie Boy

 

[Dorin Kem]

Dorin had joined his partners in crime and the interrogation was now in session. His heart still raced from the thrill of battle. A part of him was contemplating how freely he had ended that trooper's life. Maybe he had taken a little pleasure in the act? The Duros filed those thoughts away for later, there was a job to do first.

He turned his attention back to the interrogation. Besting your opponent in open combat was one thing, but torture was another entirely. This part of the mission, he hoped, would be over as quickly as possible. He stood with his new companions, still holding the blaster rifle that was slung around his neck, and stared down the remaining troopers.

Kist and Sahren each engaged in their own displays of brutality. The Duros recognised the neccessity in what they did - they had to show the troopers they meant business. Now that the consqeuences were established, Dorin would try to offer them a way out. He didn't imagine they'd be leaving any witnesses, but a painless death would be its own escape tonight. Casting a glance at the broken-jawed officer, boot pressing down on his head, would tell you that plainly enough.

"I recommend you answer my friend's question, imps. Promise I'll make it a whole lot less painful if you do.." He added, looking over at his companions. "...Hell of a lot less painful those two have in mind at least. They're not as friendly as I am." He smiled humourlessly.

A tense silence. Then one of the worried soldiers spoke up, the one with Kist's pistol aimed at his head. His speech was frantic, hurried. "They're a group of locals who hate Force users - Denon's been torn apart by Jedi and Sith for long enough and now they're fighting back. We've had a few scuffles with them but they're elusive - mysterious types. That's all I know! Please! I'm just a grunt, they don't tell us anything!"

It was nothing Dorin didn't already know. He couldn't tell whether the imperial was hiding more, so he kept quiet and waited for the Bothan's response.

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[Kist Ke'kolu]

Kist kept his blaster leveled at the soldier, but took a step back to allow his partners to assist in the interrogation. The Bothan had laid down a hard line. Talk or die. Only to be taken a step further as Sahren used the officer's head as a foot rest. It was clear upon the soldier's faces that their tactics were working. Was whatever Imperial oath they took really worth being tortured for? Dorin would round it all out as he offered the "good cop" approach. A pretty easy sell. Talk or deal with these two, which of course meant a pneumatic fist to the face or a blaster to the dome. It would only take a moment for one of them to start squealing.

However, as the soldier began to speak his words would ignite a cold rage within Kist as they regurgitated information that was commonly known. It was part of him that could kill and torture without remorse, the part that would do anything to advance his own needs. With a step froward he would lash out with his free hand. The Bothan's claws weren't nearly as deadly as many species of the galaxy, but they would still leave deep lacerations across the soldier's face as they cried out in pain. "Anyone with a data pad would know that!" Kist's partners would hear a tone they had yet to experience from him. Shrill in a way as it cut through the night, but with menacing undertones that could shake the courage of many. "They tell you nothing!? Have you not eyes or ears?!" With this he pressed the barrel of the blaster against the soldier's forehead. "You've just said your company has fought them! Details, now!"

The soldier began to shake as he sputtered and mumbled. "I...dunno...anything. I...please...I..." The Blurrg in Kist's hand would kick again as he put an end to the soldier's life. A risky tactic considering that now only left one that could give them information, but Kist had seen a look in their eyes that gave him confidence. He had seen it before. The eyes almost glaze over as an odd calmness grips the body. It happens when a soldier accepts their fate. "You." The Bothan leveled his blaster again. "Speak."

@Lucien @Where

 

[Sahren]

Sahren's head would turn in time to see the second to last soldier being shot dead. Their tactics had inspired fear, but they still claimed to know nothing, that was a pity. Killing them in this position wasn't the most honorable thing, but hey, at least they were getting paid. Meanwhile Dorin attempted to play it nice, but the troopers still seemed less than keen on spilling what they knew. All this would be to the irritation of the bothan, who grew so angry he actually slashed one of the soldiers across the face.

It looked like they would soon be done 'negotiating' if someone didn't spill some information soon. Even if they did kill the final trooper, they still had the officer after all. Regardless of the broken jaw, some kolto could fix that and get the poor kriffbag talking again.

As the final trooper seeming remained silent, the mercenary would simply shrug his shoulders before giving a loud sigh. "Come on kid... Is your life really worth a couple dozen credits a week working for the empire? Tell us what you know, and maybe we can offer you something better than a swift death... A chance at a second life... Just think kid, is it really worth it?"

@Lucien @Howie Boy

 

[Dorin Kem]

The interrogation saw it's second casualty, another lifeless imperial body slumped to the ground as the tinny blast from Kist's Blurgg once again pierced the night air. Dorin looked down at the dead trooper and shook his head. I hope you really didn't know anything, friend. Would be a crying shame to lay your life down for an empire that sees you as just another grunt.

The Bothan was furious in his treatment of these hostages. Dorin was glad to have him there, for he couldn't see himself mustering up that kind of emotion, not these days. Somebody had to do it though. Someone had to give them a reason to turn their backs on all those years of training and indoctrination

The final trooper, after all that, kept his mouth shut for a little longer. Armory spoke to the man's sense of reason and Dorin hoped it would work. Sure, the officer remained, but if they couldn't even convince these grunts.... Maybe his companions has some special methods in mind for that?

The final trooper broke the silence and Dorin had to hold back a sigh of relief. Hope you've got a little more to say than the others, kid.

"It wasn't far from here we encountered them" The imperial soldier pointed, arm trembling as badly as voice. "Couple klicks over that way..."

It was clear he had more to say.

@Howie Boy @Where

 

[Kist Ke'kolu]

It would seem that their tactics in the interrogation were beginning to work. Kist had instilled the fear of death, while Sahren urged logic and Dorin would offer a glimpse of hope. The Blurgg was leveled again and soon enough the words would begin to stumble out of the last soldiers mouth. It would appear that the group kidnapping force sensitives was also operating in this sector of Denon, which provided a unique opportunity. In the least they were another group that could be stripped of their resources, whether that be weapons or manpower was yet to be seen, but perhaps they could also prove allies. A shared goal of removing both FWA and Imperial influence could prove beneficial to both operations, but they needed more information.

Kist lowered his firearm to his side as the Imperial spoke, forcing himself relax. It wasn't much, but it was a beginning and he hoped that if he de-escalated just a touch the soldier would calm enough remember the details. "How are they armed? Where do they operate?" He kept the questions simple, easier to answer. "They seem to be scavenging for arms." Potential customers...potential threats. "We haven't located their base, but we were on our way to scout out the abandoned cantina. Latest intel reports suggested a group of them was holed up there. Like I said, it's not far from here." The soldier pointed again before lowering his gaze to the ground. "That's all I know."

The ruthless part of Kist urged the Bothan to raise his blaster and to bring this all to a swift end, but perhaps there was something to showing mercy. Well, perhaps restraint was a better word. Reputation was a big part of the game this trio was playing. It was often what kept operations flowing smoothly, only a reminder now and again to reaffirm it when people got out of line. "Stand up." The soldier looked around for a moment before rising from his knees. "Remove your armor, turn around, walk away." Kist demanded and although confusion was evident on the soldier's face he did as instructed. It would take a few tense moments, but the pieces of armor would clank to the ground. "Arms up. Go, slowly."

Kist kept his blaster at the ready if they tried anything stupid, but he doubted they would. Whether this soldier returned to the Imperials or made their way to the nearest ship off planet, one thing was for sure. People would begin to hear of this trio of gangsters. The story of their brutality would only grow in grandeur as they went from one person to another. The Imperials make seek revenge, but the images of an entire squadron of slain soldiers would be fresh in the mind of an already tired and battle weary force.

Of course, if either one of his new partners objected to this, all they had to do was put a bolt in their back. Once the soldier was either dead or out of sight, Kist would turn back to the other two. The officer was still to be dealt with and they had heard way too much. The Bothan looked to Sharen with a knowing look. Deal with it or step aside so he could.

@Lucien @Where

 

[Sahren]

Finally their crew had reach a breakthrough, on the very last soldier at that. The young guy would spill what he knew about these missing people. The mercenary didn't know what his bothan friend planned on doing with that information, but hopefully it would lead to further incriminating the empire, and draw that anti-imperial sentiment they were looking for. "Smart." He would say, trying to reaffirm the man's decision.

Beneath Sahren's boot the officer would start to regain his strength. The walking suit of armor would do his best to keep the man's face in the dirt. They just needed a bit more time to finish up with the trooper. As the soldier walked off into the distance, Kist's glare would meet Sahren's eyes. Without discussion, the mercenary would remark "Yeah, yeah. I know the drill."

He would remove his foot from the man's head, but then brutally stomp it in with his armored foot. A single crushing stomp was all it took. "Well. Whadya say we take a visit to this supposedly abandoned cantina." As he spoke the man would follow behind Kist, allowing him to make the actual decision on where to go.

@Lucien @Howie Boy

 

[Dorin Kem]

That's it friend, walk away. Dorin's eyes followed the retreating imperial as he disappeared from sight. The logic in Kist's decision seemed apparent to the Duros - leave one survivor to tell the tale. He was only surprised at the Bothan's restraint following his bloodthirsty performance this night. It was admirable in a way.

Dorin averted his gaze when Sahren crushed the imperial officer's head. A blaster bolt would have done the trick just as well, this way was.. messy. Mental note not to cross that one.

"Good stuff all around my friends. Went just as well as I expected and let me tell you I had high hopes going in." The Duros neglected to mention the fire escape he'd scoped out when selecting his position for the ambush, just in case things went south. He was glad it wasn't necessary, but it never hurt to have an escape plan.

Dorin walked over to his droid for a quick diagnostic. Her torso was generously scored with carbon from the imps' blasterfire but most of that damage was superficial thankfully - a new set of chassis plating and she'd look good as new. What concerned the former-engineer more was the subtle twitching he could see in her right arm. The servomotors spasmed in a way that indicated a short-circuit. One of the imperials had landed a hit that damaged her wiring. Lucky bastard. They could go to the cantina, but Dorin wasn't entirely confident in droid's ability to perform - it was a toss-up and he hated uncertainty like that.

"Cantina's on the itinerary for sure, Armory." Dorin replied, "But I don't know if Betsy's up to it in her current condition. There's a few options I guess. Could drop her off back at camp, and tackle the cantina just the three of us. Alternatively we could take a break for preparations, scouting, whatever else, before we go to check it out. That'd give me some time to work on the old loader. 'Ts all the same to me. I'm open to ideas."

@Howie Boy @Where

 

[Kist Ke'kolu]

Years of training had given the Bothan almost complete control of his emotions. He could tap into his rage just as quickly as he could shut it off. They were but another tool to use to achieve his goals. Kist had used that anger to break the soldier's will....and face, but had quelled that fiery emotion to let his logic prevail. It was a skill that made him a ruthless businessman, a competent interrogator and a borderline psychopath.

With a sickening crush the officer's head would snap under Armory's boot, but it could have been a watermelon for all Kist cared. This part of the mission was complete and they had come out on top. A wicked grin would cross the Bothan's face as he looked around at all of the armor and weaponry that was now theirs. They would soon be able to buy the loyalty of the locals and the next time the FWA or Imperial forces came snooping around they would have a lot more than the homeless to deal with.

"Well done indeed." He too would congratulate his comrades, but was quickly on to the next deed at hand. "All in good time Armory, but I suggest we make our way back to camp first. We can drop off and secure these supplies, then plan our next approach. As Dorin said, that droid needs repair and although I do hope to handle the next group with a more...diplomatic approach, we will need the firepower if things go awry." With that kist would begin to strip armor from the bodies and pile the weaponry. "Whenever you're ready gentlemen."

@Lucien @Where

 

[Sahren]

Though they succeeded, it became quickly obvious to the mercenary that there were all ill suited to another fight. Even he needed to buff out a few scratches in his armor and polish up his pneumatic fist again. Feeling as though his new allies were correct to lie and wait for a time, he would give a begrudging sigh. "Alright... I suppose we can take a rest. I'll give ya a hand with all the loot."

The walking suit of armor would make his way over to the growing pile of weaponry and begin lifting several blasters at once. "We better get these into the hands of the people then. It'll cause plenty of trouble for the imps and free world alliance."

He would begin walking in the direction of their camp, fully intent on carrying the mass of blasters on his own. He wasn't exactly sure how Kist would plan their next move, but he was certainly interested in the Bothan's plans. This was a guy who put a lot of thought into his actions, a real strategist at heart and ruthless in the right situations. Kist was the kind of man the syndicate needed.

@Lucien @Howie Boy

 

[Sahren]

Though they succeeded, it became quickly obvious to the mercenary that there were all ill suited to another fight. Even he needed to buff out a few scratches in his armor and polish up his pneumatic fist again. Feeling as though his new allies were correct to lie and wait for a time, he would give a begrudging sigh. "Alright... I suppose we can take a rest. I'll give ya a hand with all the loot."

The walking suit of armor would make his way over to the growing pile of weaponry and begin lifting several blasters at once. "We better get these into the hands of the people then. It'll cause plenty of trouble for the imps and free world alliance."

He would begin walking in the direction of their camp, fully intent on carrying the mass of blasters on his own. He wasn't exactly sure how Kist would plan their next move, but he was certainly interested in the Bothan's plans. This was a guy who put a lot of thought into his actions, a real strategist at heart and ruthless in the right situations. Kist was the kind of man the syndicate needed.

@Lucien @Howie Boy

 

[Dorin Kem]

"Betsy, why don't you give our friends a hand?" Modified and repurposed as the droid was, her loader chassis would still prove to be a great advantage in their present situation. By Dorin's estimate they'd be able to shift all of the goods back to camp in a single trip, assuming Betsy's weakened right arm didn't fail them. Chances of that were low, but the Duros gathered a few of the smaller weapons under one arm of his arms and propped a helmet under the other to lighten the load just in case. Every little bit helped.

The Duros and his droid joined the others as they carried the bounty back to camp and Dorin thought he could just make out the suggestion of pre-dawn light teasing the horizon. The sight suddenly reminded him how tired he felt. He hadn't fought for long at all but the thrilling high of combat was inevitably followed by the exhausting come-down, and it would hit hard for one as inexperienced as Dorin. Regardless, if the others determined it was necessary to continue the mission straight after dropping off the supplies, fatigue would not hold him back.

He failed to stifle a yawn. "You're right about that Armory. I'm sure folks here are eager to take back whatever agency they can after their home's been so ravaged by war. That said... The kidnappers seem to be searching for arms themselves. Could be a bargaining chip if you're feeling diplomatic, Kist."

@Howie Boy @Where

 

[Kist Ke'kolu]

Soon enough the trio plus Betsy would be making their way back to camp loaded with weapons and armor. The first step of their plan had gone smoothly, but something would have to be done about this anti force faction that had taken up root in the same sector as them. Whether they would prove to be allies or enemy was yet to be seen, but one thing was for sure, they could not be ignored. First thing first however. The stash would need to be secured, the crew needed rest and maintenance. By the time they were done the sun would have risen and a new day would dawn on Denon.

Kist passed the time by taking inventory of their stock, speaking to the locals and setting a flight pattern for his surveillance droid. The lack of sleep was nothing that a quick toot up the nose couldn't solve. He wasn't a regular user of narcotics, but they had their purpose when big moves like this needed to be made. After enough time had passed, Kist would reconvene with his partners. "Gentlemen, I trust you are both ready to move forward?" It was more of a command than a question as Kist continued without an answer. "I've been thinking of what to do with our supplies and I do believe that we should try and make contact with these kidnappers before our final decision. My droid has been surveilling the cantina for hours now and although I can confirm there is a group holed up there I could not deduce their numbers or firepower. Making contact is a risk, but they cannot be ignored. So, I do propose that we attempt to ally with this group. Their disdain against the FWA and Empire could suit our purposes, but if they move against us they will of course have to be removed. There is a building across from the cantina that would make for a good vantage spot. Armory, I'd have you posted there to keep watch in case things turn for the worse, plus your presence could spook them. Dorin, the droid and I would approach on foot to make initial contact. We'll know quickly if they are willing to talk or not."

Unless there was any protest from his partners the group would put the plan into motion.

@Lucien @Where

 

[Sahren]

Sahren would give Kist a nod as he suggested the mercenary stand guard and look intimidating. If they needed him to scare a few locals into a deal, that would be easy enough. "Stand outside the place and look intimidating huh? I can do that much." Sahren would brush a bit of dust off his armor as he spoke. He would have to upgrade his suit soon, after a big job like this he could afford some serious protection now.

Though he was by no means the wealthiest merc in the galaxy, it wouldn't be long before he had everything he needed. To become a real name in the syndicates that was.

Armory would crack his knuckles before continuing, "Alright Kist. I'll follow your lead then. Show me where to go, and I'll be there."

@Lucien @Howie Boy