Ask Self Made Men

[Skelgok Desilijic]

It was exciting to see his plot come into its final chapter, the large Hutt could already smell the money piling up between them. Crux continually proved his worth and with a few sharp words, intimidation, and some luck, the shopkeeper quickly folded to reveal the information they needed.

"Excellent work Crux, let's find somewhere to wait while she arrives, then we spring the trap and get what we came for." Skelgok's face was excitedly moist, barely able to contain itself. From a nearby vantage point, they would be able to blend in as cafe diners, enjoying a morning meal until the target came into view.

Proving his intel correct, Abigail showed up about an hour later after visiting several stores. Skelgok signaled to Crux to grab her and they made their way over, walking in seconds after. The shopkeep attempted to protest, but the Hutt was even quicker. "You take my money, betray her trust and now you complain? Please. You work for me now, refuse and her husband will have you stuffed in a barrel by dinner."

The man groaned as he realized he'd been played. Although small, it was another business added to his collection and by extension a part of his now-growing criminal operation.

Skelgok pulled out a burner phone and sent an anon text to the woman's husband, advising him of the situation and requesting his presence at the shop later that afternoon. They'd have to do a little work to prepare the shop, but all things going well, they'd be heading off home by nightfall.

@Sicadorito

 

[Crux]

The moment Skelgok gave him the signal, Crux moved in to get Abigail. Due to his size compared to hers, he didn’t have much trouble restraining her. It didn’t mean that he didn’t face any resistance— in fact, as soon as he grabbed her arm she tried to kick and bite him like a rabid loth cat. However, a quick stun shot from the blaster in his other hand was enough to incapacitate her, and he would drag her over to the store a little behind Skelgok, who had expertly gotten the store owner to join their cause. Not that it was his decision, but did it really matter in the end?

The next step was to set up the shop in preparation for their guest. With the help of the owner, it didn’t take much time to do, and before long the lieutenant would arrive to retrieve his wife.

“Let her go. She’s done nothing to you.” Even though Crux had her practically right in front of him with the barrel of his blaster pressed against her temple, the Pantoran’s furious gaze was fixed on the Hutt. He didn’t have a weapon that Crux could see from where he was, but if the man was any more than an idiot, he would have backup. So the bounty hunter kept a watch for that instead and let Skelgok handle the talking.

@Xorism

 

[Skelgok Desilijic]

The rattled husband arrived on cue as Crux held her hostage and Skelgok dominated the scene. The Pantoran was out of luck if he hoped to find a solution that ended in his favour, as when the Cartel came knocking it wasn't for half measures.

"Now now, she's quite alright and I'm sure you'll want her to remain that way. I also hear congratulations are in order on your recent promotion." Skelgok let the realization sink in for the man before continuing. "I'm a businessman and from what I hear so are you so lets keep this simple. I want to not only keep the Rodian's route open but I want you to expand it with me."

The Hutt paced slowly through the room holding a blaster in hand, just in case but perhaps his large size did most of the threatening in this case.

"And in return, you and your family get to live long prosperous lives and with any luck, you'll never have to see us again. But be warned, if you cross me - it won't be you that I come after. You got it?"

The man struggled to hold himself back, looking between the pair and his wife. A look of desperation scalded across his face as he weighed his options before capitulating. "I accept your terms, now please - let her go."

Skelgok grinned from ear to ear, keeping a watchful gaze on the man. "She's all yours. I'll have the details sent to you; otherwise, pleasure doing business." The man would hardly wait a second before embracing his wife and hightailing it out of the shop once Crux let her go.

Once again the pair was alone with the shop kept hidden away. "Good work today, I think you'll fit right in here. Come let's go home and celebrate to new opportunities."

@Sicadorito

/end thread