(Soldier of Fortune): Birth of Terror

[Darth Victress]

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GARGON UNDERCITY - RED SKULL GANG ARMORED COMPOUND​

It was pitch darkness outside, nothing illuminating the grounds except discords of pale moonlight that struck small shards of visibility upon the crime stronghold. The Maglev train approached quickly, screeching noises as it whistled through the undercity and finally made its approach on a seemingly abandoned route. The destination would leave them a short distance from elevated paths that would eventually lead to the Skulls' compound.

The armored convoy was carrying some precious cargo and messages had been Delivered to Solaris Dreggan, the new leader of the Red Skulls, that the meeting up ahead would be most interesting and likely beneficial for all parties. The train came to a slow and steady halt, smoke seeping from the engines as it pulled into the docking platform. Doors of the first carriage swept open, exiting four heavily armored soldiers followed by two cloaked figures. The soldiers wore re-skinned armors similar to Sith Heavy troopers armed with Javelin light repeaters; armor and arms were pure ebony in color without insignia of any kind. The cloaked figures were smaller in stature and grabbed in what appeared as finest of dark robes. One of which was a woman, the Sith Crusader Arianna Marris. Though, such introductions and knowledge had not been foreclosed to the opposing party. She appeared in her preferred armor, a black cloak over with hood pulled on the top of her skull while her single lightsaber was tucked away on her belt. Crimson locks could be seen underneath, but a majority of her nose and mouth was concealed in a respirator mask. Green eyes slowly wilting away with dark sided corruption, shifting into the unnatural golden hue as essence of vile evil swirled around her.

Gusts of wind emanating from the crusader as she continued to advance forwards, her ally at her side and the four soldiers in tow behind them. This would be the beginning...

@Gian Greydragon @Nefieslab

 

[Arnen Elgernoth]

Arnen stood next to his Lady Crusader, Arianna on her mission to negotiate terms with members of the Red Skull Gang to offer an allegiance of sorts. They had already aided them in numerous ways in the past prior to them being here. Arnen saw some use in having such a prominent gang within Mandalorian Space in their pocket, and solidifying this allegiance, with or without Aks-Ree, would help them greatly.

Arnen stood vigilant, next to Arianna, keeping an eye out for any foul play. He was confident enough in their abilities, to gain their favor, if not their trust. Nonetheless, he kept his lightsabers hidden within his sleeves, and a pistol on his hip.

(One whole week later, here I am. Sorry, bro. @Faded Truth)

@Nefieslab

 

[The Storyteller]

​

Aks Ree just had to go ahead and get himself captured, the new head of the Red Skull’s gang lamented. Or rather the old head. Solaris Dreggan was retired. He had himself a nice little set up going on a hidden platform on Manaan and was never going to have to work again, at least that had been the plan. Now with Ree out of the picture there was no one he trusted to keep his dividends coming in. It put a definite cramp in the already scared face of the man. What was more annoying than not was now he was going to have to try and mount a rescue mission. No way he was going to leave his only son to rot in some Imperial death camp. Did people know that he was Aks’ father? Absolutely not. That kind of information was on a need to know basis and the elderly gangster hadn’t even confided such to his illegitimate spawn.

He had some retaliation missions to organize against those who had dared to commit this offense against the Red Skulls and was in no mood to be meeting with officials from the Empire come to seek favors of his terrorists yet again. Even so he had consented to the meeting but whatever it was they wanted it was going to cost them big time. Sith, he had been warned.

His henchmen had naturally met them at the train station, escorted them to his compound, and bade the four guards wait outside while the two Sith were shown to his office.

Upon their entrance he did not bother to look up but instead reached into a box upon his mahogany desk and extracted a fine cigar from within. Carefully he clipped the end and struck an old fashioned sulfur stick to ignite the smoke. He rather enjoyed the hint of sulfur it added. Besides, a little smoke would do wonders to clearing the stench from the room.

Puffing away on his cigar, the man eyes them carefully before waving them forward. There were no chairs before his desk as he preferred to keep petitioners in their place. ”Speak” was all he had to say to the pair.

@Faded Truth @Gian Greydragon

 

[Darth Victress]

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Arianna nodded to her four Sith Troopers to wait patiently, her posture appearing fully confident even if the acolyte at her side would momentarily hesitate. The Red Skulls weren’t known to be the most honorable though the Sorceress gave enough bravado that she was quite prepared to handle any unforeseen turn of events. The two Sith navigated up into Solaris’ office, stepping in quietly as they were allowed. She could admire his courage and continued display of strength even in difficult circumstances, it was a measure of his fortitude of character.

Arianna herself had her face partially concealed with a respirator mask, while green eyes slowly faded to golden hue as the dark sided corruption swept inwards. A chilling breeze resonated through the small office and lights momentarily dimmed. Tilting her head to the side, she just merely made eye contact with the freshly minted leader before coming with a faint smile. “Lord Dreggan, welcome back into action. I am sure the organization will be happy to have your leadership...”

She motioned to the bag they brought with them, pulling out a severed head by its hair, the head of Thayne Drakus. A man who was formerly loved by the organization for being one of its founders but soon had grown dissident and isolated from the syndicate. She tossed the head towards the side of Solaris’ table. The old chap may display strength but so did the Sith. ”We prefer to begin transactions with a bit of peace offering...we’ve come to offer a solution that will help both us, fundamentally and financially..”

@Gian Greydragon @Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[Arnen Elgernoth]

Arnen bowed his head to the elderly gang boss, grinning, internally, at Arianna's reciprocation of strength toward the boss. It was only fair, for the lack of respect shown by the mobster. He crossed his arms and loosened up his stance. "You'll also notice that three members of your gang are now free from their shackles. They've already thanked us," Arnen added, to Arianna's statement. He was not the least bit intimidated by the man, or his status, and the way he'd look into his eyes, if he would ever look up would show that plainly on his face. If he expected two Sith to cow down to him, he'd have to do more than simply not offer them seats, and afford them no initial eye contact.

 

[The Storyteller]

Solaris Dreggan drew upon his cigar, small puffs of aromatic smoke escaped the corner of his mouth causing his eye to squint down along the path of his spliff. Seeing the coal glowing to sufficient size, he took a serious drag before exhaling a thick stream over the face of the head now placed at the side of his desk. The woman thought this was a gift? To steal his revenge from under his nose? It was laughable.

His cigar welding arm came down at the edge of his desk and clear it of its contents in one fell swoop before he pivoted his chair to reach down and grab a hand full of the bloody matted hair. The sound of the neck seating onto the polished surface of the desk was rather like that of a pair of sloppy drunks sucking face; no doubt there was no love lost between the Gang boss and this now fallen founder.

Solaris ran his fingers through the hair so he could get a clear look at the man and said, ”Ah Thayne Drakus, I see you made good at last old friend.” Then he put his cigar out in the man’s lifeless eye with twisting motions between thumb and forefinger. Only then did he raise his eyes to look upon Arianna Marris. Her lackey was beneath his notice and could crow all he wished, this was the woman of power and to none other would he deign to speak.

His hands now free to pursue other interests, he put them upon the arms of his chair and pushed himself to his full height. The man looked like a tank standing at 6’10”, some sort of hormone anomaly that he had learned to take advantage of from the moment he could walk. At any rate his case had been ‘treated’ in that the usual health issues associated with the condition did not see him die before reaching such an advanced age. No, he was still quite hale in fact and more formidable than just in looks. This was no plodding giant of a man but rather one who had full range of his form. The grace with which he moved would certainly alert anyone paying attention to his fact, and as he walked out from behind the desk he moved with fluid motions toward a bar. Waving a hand toward the only chair in the room he said, ”Do take a seat my Lady. I would hear more of these prisoner releases your boy here mentions and the names of those involved, naturally.”

Tending bar for them both he fixed two double shots of Mon Cala Vodka with the poise of one who appeared to be doing nothing more than entertaining a guest. Naturally Arnen would have to fix his own if he were bold enough to try. He knew he was not in any physical danger. Sith did not come to ask unless they really needed you alive to carry out their wishes. Sith took what they wanted and apparently only he could provide that alive. Otherwise he never would have seen them coming let alone had their arrival be announced. Turning round, drinks in hand, he waited for Arianna to sit before moving further.

@Faded Truth @Gian Greydragon

 

[Darth Victress]

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Arianna nodded with a smile on her face, giving a slight look towards Arnen as she spoke to him via ripples of the force that she would handle the rest. She knew the acolyte had a temper and while Solaris' tone was not the most courteous, it was enough for them to continue on with business. Claiming the seat that was offered, she settled into it with the dark robes she worn carefully draping over and shrouding her lithe figure. Delicate hands reached out for the drink that was prepared for her as she shifted her attention now fully upon the new leader of the Red Skull Gang. "Thank you and of course. I anticipated that you wouldn't meet us so willingly or be ready to do business had we not proven ourselves to your cause. And so, we decided to bring a few more gifts.." She smirked as the soldiers from the outside pushed in three men with black hoods over their heads. Two large crate boxes were also brought into the lobby room outside the conference hall where they were seated.

Hoods were removed to reveal the three members of Red Skull Arianna and Arnen had freed from Kessel, a knock would be heard on the door of Dreggen. Outside his office would be awaiting the the twin crates which showed hordes of Gladius blaster rifles, Sith Heavy trooper armor, and ample rounds of ammunition and explosive grenades. It was certainly a moderate offer and just a hint of what potential benefits an alliance with the Empire would give them.

Arianna focused on the leader of the Red Skulls, awaiting to see his reaction when he would observe the pleasantries afforded.

@Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[The Storyteller]

His smile could have melted butter as he turned to see her getting all comfortable in his seat. Handing over the drink, he hitched his leg up to take a seat upon the corner of the desk, his right side angled to face the woman as she presented her tribute. His right hand clutched the tumbler in his grip, the size of his hand making the glass seem much smaller than it actually was, and looked as the doors to his office as he heard a knock.

He called out, his eyes upon the door as it was opened to reveal the sight the woman had orchestrated for his benefit. A wave of his hand and one of the guards pulled up the lid of one crate to reveal the armaments within. It was to the human cargo that he turned his gaze, however. Would Aks Ree be among their number? Raising the glass to his lips, he took a moderate sip letting anticipation wash away with its burning touch.

The shaggy brows over his eyes drew together seeing the men standing with hoods over their heads before each was released from their bonds. His lips pursed wishing he hadn’t wasted a good cigar on that fool Thayne for Aks was not among their number. Nodding his head he simply said, ”It’s enough to enter negotiations.” His guard took hold of the doors and pulled them shut leaving the three to their privacy once more. While the returned members of the gang would be welcomed back into the fold, they would naturally be expected to atone for being so sloppy as to get caught.

Turning his eyes back to Arianna he said, ”What is it exactly you wish to purchase?” With his right hand lying upon his thigh, he crossed the wrist of his left over his forearm still clutching his glass. As a man of business he was used to stiff negotiations. As a leader of the Red Skulls he was used to getting to the point and sending clear messages. Certainly this woman was like minded and would cease with the petty attempts to buy good will. They had a deal to cut.

@Faded Truth @Gian Greydragon

 

[Darth Victress]

.

Arianna smirked as she watched the facial expressions of their host; she didn't woefully expect that such a tribute would grant them all they asked but it would likely be enough to bring discussions to the table. She shifted slightly in her seat before taking a drink of her liquor and speaking in turn. "I'm glad you like to get to the point, Lord Dreggen. Consider the return of your soldiers and the armaments a testament of good faith. As you know there is a war brewing in the galaxy, the Empire is prepared to rain victorious by any measure. I have followed the Red Skull activity for some time, I know that you have engaged the Mandalorian clans in combat and that your ranks have taken heavy losses both personnel and financial. There is no reason for you to wage this war alone; we have a common enemy, let us unite on the common task. With our funding and our military support behind you, allow us to wield the Mythosaur sigil and inflict terror on those that oppose us.." Her testament was furious and full of conviction, had she not been Sith, the sorceress was bred for public speaking.

@Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[The Storyteller]

Her testament was furious and full of conviction, clearly she was bred for public speaking. It was such a shame she didn’t yet recognize the level of insult she laid at his feet with every breath she bespoke and word she uttered. He shook his head before taking another swallow of the liquor. ”No one wields the Mythosaur. I’m surprised the Sith have not learned this. What do you do with my Red Skull once this war is won?”, the man’s eyes turned to that of the severed head while the working of his tongue at a moral made his jowl protrude outward from the motion.

He lifted his glass and finished off the drink with a bit of swizzle within the roof of his mouth before swallowing. His lips smacked together lightly and he exhaled through his reply, ”No, my Lady”. The sudden rush of the scent of alcohol momentarily replaced that of his cigar and the charred flesh of Drakus as Solaris set the tumbler upon the desk. ”You can buy a Mercenary”, he waved his hand toward the outer office where the guards were clearing the area of the crates and the ex-prisoners to their debriefing, then let his hand fall upon the empty glass.

Large fingers turned the vessel until the very sigil she sought to purchase faced her. His index finger then ran a path along the rim of the glass setting it to humming. His son’s sigil, the mark of their people. ”This, however, is another matter completely”, he said matter of factly. ”My clan is not for sale and the dispatching of my enemies at the hand of any other is distasteful. You see gifts? I see insults.” He leaned back retracting his arm to lie his thick wrist upon his knee. ”No, you come seeking to buy a tool and the Mythosaur is no one’s tool.”, he smirked. ”An ally however…”, he flexed his fingers drumming them lightly upon his knee before resting once more. ”With full autonomy to expand into our holdings into the lands of the vanquished, well, this would be of interest.”

@Faded Truth

 

[Darth Victress]

.

She wanted to scowl but she didn't, instead keeping the neutral and pleasant face she had presented since they arrived. She knew the non force sensitive Dreggen wouldnt be able to probe her mind but she wished him death for challenging her offer. How dare he? A burst of force lightning to his torso would have been pleasing but alas, the sorceress kept her mind clear and focused on the task of this delicate negotiation. After a long sigh and a few awkward seconds of silence, she nodded. "Very well. An ally? Reasonable. We will fund your campaigns and in return ask that you assist us with our sensitive matters. Your autonomy will be respected as long as it does not compromise Imperial operations. Is this suitable? Mr. Dreggen?"

She twirled the liquor in her hand, awaiting an answer.

@Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[The Storyteller]

Solaris was quick to recognize that he had fallen from Lord Dreggen to Mister; the glint in his eyes showed his amusement for he preferred not to be placated with meaningless titles. He recognized that at last the negotiations were turning toward something substantial. ”It wouldn’t be much of an alliance if we took to hindering one another.”, he commented with a shake of his head. He wasn’t through, however, and went on to say, ”There remains one last thing before we get down to the particulars and I do hope you have not deprived me of life’s simple pleasure. There are some lessons a man must needs teach himself. I want the names of those who took out Aks Ree. They deserve my special attentions.”

 

[Darth Victress]

.

Arianna looked at the new leader for a moment, casually somewhat surprised by this display of loyalty. Certainly, he wanted revenge for the capture of his former boss or perhaps he held a disdain of the Gran and wanted to send a few thank you letters. She supposed that loyalty could have gone either way. She took another swig of the drink as she replied. "The bounty was placed by House Kryze, of Mandalore. It was answered by a Bounty Hunter by the name of Sunverkh Jhess and assisted by an assassin droid."

@Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[The Storyteller]

The man’s bushy eyebrows drew together once more, his left eye twitching slightly as she gave over the names. House Kryze would definitely need to be taught a lesson, and if the Empire wanted to foot the bill for that then who was he to complain. Even so, there would be no hiring outside the Skulls for this work. Solaris’ pride demanded that this be handled in house. Still, he did not let his disdain for the the Mandalore Clan remain hidden. ”Leave it to those Calyarnr to hire a droid.” He moved to pick up the decanter of whiskey and then back to the desk topping off her drink before pouring himself another. House Kryze would get what was coming as well as this Sunverkh Jhess and his heap of scrap metal. And the Red Skulls would reap the profits. ”You have yourself a deal. Let’s discuss what is up and coming for the future, shall we?”

/thread end

@Faded Truth