Ask Terminal Dinner Date

[Dr Ilana Morata]

Seemed like the Doc had a date.

Though truth be told, she hardly cared one way or the other how this particular date turned out. She was more interested in knowing his secrets... what information he held about something that could change the entire outlook of the galaxy... and flush pockets more full of cred than her Doctor would know of. Perhaps this Doctor Schmeikel had an inkling of the possible profit of this venture would be... but there was an old phrase that she learned during her first rounds as a resident on Coruscant.

Doctors make the worst businessmen... or women. That is why Kai is in charge.

Speaking of, this was a threesome dinner date. Hardly the formal, impressive kind of thing that she could hope for, but leagues above eating one more cramped meal in a ship, and that, for a brief while, would be a marked improvement, even in such a backwater hub like Terminus. She had at least done some research into a place that at least promised a better level of cuisine than the standard fare, though when they stepped in, the smell that greeted her finely honed senses spoke that it was not, in fact, the best place in town.

A shame. But at least the decor was nice.

She wordlessly slid into a corner booth, away from prying eyes, indicating that the doctor and her companion follow suit. Hardly the enclosed setting she would hope for, but such a modestly scaled place meant that the general populace, and thus, most of the filthy, money-grabbing masses, went to cheaper and greasier fare. This may be their Doctor companion's home turf... but she, for now, had the edge.

They needed answers, and in return... if their companion played his cards right, he would possibly get all he would want and then some. "So."

She tilted her head, giving a faint smile. "I am curious... why are you all the way out here? It can't be the... charming atmosphere, Doctor."

Straight to the point. If he was anything like her old classmates, he too would hate formalities and prefer to skip straight to bald facts. And the good news was, she had all day. Hopefully Kai, too, would provide his insights, his own ability to promote deals a league above her own. He was remarkably useful... a fact she found to be a rather pleasant surprise, actually.

@Darasuum

 

[Kai]

The Grysk swallowed whatever saliva formed in his mouth at smelling the food from the resturant. It was certainly far from healthy and probably wasn't the best in terms of specifications standards but that was a trait shared with plenty of establishments across the galaxy. The authenticity of the food though, that was what made Kai hunger for the food here. Ostentatious dinners tended to make him feel like he was eating overly sterilized food that distanced it from the culture. If that was what he wanted then he would by a packaged meal in the 'exotic prepackaged foods' section of the grocery store.

Ilana on the other hand gave some sidelong glances that told him she was not feeling the same. "I follow my work. I would have been elsewhere but my skills were seen as more useful for logistics management rather than medical study I'm afraid." The Mirialan replied with an obvious hint of bitterness to his voice.

"If you had the choice between your current position and something more...studious I think is the word I'm looking for..." Kai reached for his drink and took a sip in thought before continuing. "...which of the two would you pick?" He had a feeling that Doctor Schmeikel cared more about being a scientist than he did a paycheck. Then again he had stuck with his current position for this long so it was just a matter of finding out which one to motivate the man.

@Killa Ree

 

[Dr Ilana Morata]

"I'm guessing logistics were not your preferred secondary career," she replied, giving him a neutral stare. She was grateful that Kai was along to supplement her own inquiries, and she was to seem as engaging as possible, gaze now turning sympathetic. "Being stripped of credibility, though... that's something I would never wish on even my old competitive classmates."

The Mirialan gazed at Kai, and a faint scowl crossed his lips. Even without the Force, she could sense his irritation, and the answer was obvious. "I would choose my own profession, of course," he responded, arms crossing. "But considering my options, that's not the wisest..." his tone would drift off, as one droid server stepped past them to help more customers further away.

"Course of action... but what are my choices?"

Ilana shrugged, arms crossing herself, but head tilted slightly. Long white hair slid over one bare shoulder, her gaze calm. "None, if that's how you want to think of it." Her gaze flickered to Kai, and her lips pursed slightly, her voice lowered. "But what if you had the choice... not only to punish those that gave you such injustice... but to have the freedom to gain the credibility you both need and desire?" She locked eyes with him, and the faintest smile touched her lips, her gaze steady.

"If so... we might be able to help with that, my associate and I."

@Darasuum

 

[Kai]

Ilana was doing exceptionally well. In hindsight, Kai realized that on the streets of Nar Shaddaa he had lived long enough to start being the guy giving advice to younger criminals. Myrna for one, she was just a single kid. Then there still was that group of kids he essentially had under his employ. Trial and error and expectations for people being able to learn to a certain degree was kept in mind. But the Arkanian doctor was a natural to this.

Following right after she finished speaking the Grysk leaned forward. Both of his hands to the side above the table like he was almost submitting himself to the judgement of Doctor Schmeikel. "We understand that you're skeptical. We do of course have some things that will involve your cooperation." It was said in an effort to sound especially organized. People feared large secret cabals, ominous shadow organizations, the capitalist quasi-cults and more. But they were big and had procedures so not being a street level brute and instead seeming like an elite operative might prove more intimidating.

The Mirialan blinked but looked up as the server came by to take their order. Kai decided to go with a salad and Schmeikel chose to go with some kind of soup. "What is it you want to know?" He seemed to have caught on. "For us to benefit the most from this exchange we..." He looked between himself and Ilana to indicate he meant just the two of them on the side of the is arrangment. "...Need to know everything you know about the Separatist's biological projects and what you've done for them. Even the things that they probably made you sign NDAs for." Kai knew that the scientist was also looking at this from a legal standpoint. How much could he be tried for when some scientific areas were fairly grey in this day and age.

@Killa Ree

 

[Dr Ilana Morata]

Something nicked at her thoughts; a journal article about disclosures in the name of research... as Kai was talking, he perhaps would have sensed her thoughts turning inwards, flickering through memories, trying to recall...

Her eyes snapped to awareness when he mentioned NDA's. Great minds think alike...? came her bemused thought in his direction, tilting her head slightly.

"Anything you had signed post-logistics career change, of course... we are not legally allowed to know." Her eyes half-shuttered, amber gaze cool. She, notably, hadn't ordered food, but a cup of caf. You could always tell the scale of the place by the caf they served; from the smell of it from where they sat, it perhaps wasn't all bad. She would maybe eat after all. "Previous, however, was moot the moment you were forced from researcher to logistics. However, you don't need to disclose anything right this moment."

She stared deep into his eyes, leaning forward so that he would have no choice but to look and meet hers. Beneath the table, her hand made a subtle gesture of influence. "We want you to think on this... and give you the remainder of the day to contemplate it. But if you fail to do so..." Her lips pursed slightly, gaze deliberately shuttering, concealing emotions. "We will simply allow your credibility to stand with your employers, opposition, and whomever seems fit to deem you less than competent in your chosen field. We," she nodded to Malakai, maintaining eye contact, "know better, of course. It is, as they say... your choice."

@Darasuum

 

[Kai]

Malakai wouldn't have perhaps taken the same path that Ilana had. But he supposed they had plenty of time. Kai could use some more time healing from his injuries to let the man stew in his own thoughts. More compliments and also the threat of a missed opportunity were said.

"I won't need all day." The Mirialan replied. "I want to make sure payment is on par with what I have now. Then I'll give you the info about the slugs' operations with the separatists." He drank his own beverage and looked over the brim at the two of them waiting to see their response.

He was interested and nearly locked in with his decision to join Malakai's operation. But he needed to be certain he had financial stability. "Hmm" Malakai mussed and pulled out his datapad. The dinner continued for a bit before he pulled up what information he had gathered about Schmeikel's current payment. "Hmm..." A few more taps and he sent the first payment to the man's account. "Check your bank account and let me know if that works for a month's payment ahead of schedule." The Mirialan pulled out his own datapad and checked. His face visibly stretched as he saw the new funds in his account. But he swallowed and then looked between the two of them. "I think that will be most agreeable."

@Killa Ree

 

[Dr Ilana Morata]

"Excellent."

Her lips stretched into a smile; one that lacked little actual warmth, but still a smile nonetheless, amber eyes glittering in the dimmed lights. She took a calm sip of her caf… and after she swallowed, she leaned forwards, her voice low. "We look forward to many good research enterprises with you, Doctor. It's been a pleasure... and when you're prepared to give us your information, we'll be sure to amply compensate you for your trouble your former employers granted you."

She was no fool. The man could likely take his credits and then turn to the Hutts, selling them false information then informing his old bosses of the Doc and Kai's interests... but only if he was a fool.

If he turned coat, she'd have no qualms paying him a last, and final visit. There were other ways to obtain information, though she was mildly surprised her companion seemed so forward about paying in advance. Perhaps there was more to Kai than even she knew... inwardly, she was amused at such a prospect. He may be laid back... but never assume that to mean he's lazy or any man's fool. It was part of his charm, after all. Such affability, however, had a cost.

@Darasuum

 

[Kai]

The Arkanian doctor was still new to the business world and sealing the deal to perfection. But she had performed very well in Kai's opinion. If he had been sitting across from Ilana he would have had to do some maneuvering of his own to get what he wanted but thankfully the Mirialan was not that clever.

The food was had though they did not stay too long into the meal. "You understand what we're after to a degree right?" He asked Doctor Schmeikel more directly. "I have an idea, yes. In fact I'll send you the information on the operations around Belsavis tomorrow. There's an interesting project going on there."

Kai smiled at hear that. Ilana had read the file and they knew the kind of work that Doctor Schmeikel had been involved in and that likely anything he knew was still of significant value. Just knowing the planet itself where research was ongoing was of significant information. "You have a good night Doctor." He said and paid the bill before leaving. As they were leaving he looked over to the golden eyed woman. "You don't want to turn in for the night already do you?"

@Killa Ree

 

[Dr Ilana Morata]

At least the night passed on pleasantly enough; their newfound companion seemed amicable to giving them essential information, and she'd had something decent to ease some more of the 'chatter' surrounding her. Perhaps it was any sort of stimulus change, but it could dull the emotional sensitivity she had to others; the line of her shoulders had relaxed, she was at ease and they had time on their hands.

She glanced at him with a pale gaze, lips pursed slightly in thought as one hand went into her pocket, the other carrying her briefcase. A brief smile flickered on her lips, one white brow perking. "Of course not, the night's still young and I've time to burn. What did you have in mind? More doctors to sway, rob a bank or two?" A rare glimpse into the doctor's wry humor; a far cry from the irritable attitude she had felt before.

Truth be told, she felt as though things were finally beginning to line up. End goals began to filter through her mind; ideas for research, for leisure. Yet for once, she didn't feel the pressuring urge to do them all; rather, Kai would have seen a remarkable change in the Doctor herself.

She was completely at ease now. They had all the time in the galaxy, and she had new research to focus on! She could hardly wait to begin, but later.

@Darasuum

 

[Kai]

Kai grinned at hearing the snark that came from the doctor. "More like a ship to nab. You want to try to find an arms dealer around here." Depending on what was ahead they would need weapons. The Hutts had capable forces. But Ilana and Kai were not near Hutt space. This was possibly going to be a full on military like facility. "Guns out means there's fun....no doubt." A half hearted attempt to rhyme despite being completely serious.

They had come to the restaurant via taxi. They had only been taking public transportation so far today but that didn't bother Kai. It was a sensation he had not realized was nostalgic to his younger days before he had begun driving himself and boosting his first airspeeders. "I can get us our own ride if you want." The Arkanian probably knew what he meant by that though stealing a vehicle for pure convenience and not necessity was probably just a bit selfish.

@Killa Ree

 

[Dr Ilana Morata]

She gave a single huff of a laugh, tilting a brow. "I'm guessing... lots and lots of guns." Her dry reply brought a twitch to her lips, and another laugh was barely disguised as a cough at his rhyme. "Adorable," she replied, sliding a hand through her hair.

She slanted a look towards the crowd... and hummed absently. "Wouldn't do to have you do all the dirty work there, Kai..." she remarked, eyes set ahead. Theirs was a relatively busy street, but a byway, an alley... "Allow me this time," she rasped absently, then turned his direction, giving him an eye up and down.

"Thankfully, I don't have to worry about you packing heat," she continued, then paced away, one hand in her pocket. After all, it wouldn't be fair if he got to do all the fun things... and there were a few things she wanted to try anyway.

@Darasuum

 

[Kai]

"I won't say no to getting pampered every once in awhile" He replied to let the woman know in his own way that he wasn't afraid of getting hands on if need be. "Hands on....title of our sex-holo." He mutter to himself. The man stood still and watched her continue to walk. He wasn't ashamed to stare at her figure after her wording. "I can make things steamy" He would wink despite the cheesiness.

Not letting his appreciation for her physique distract him too much, Kai shook it off but kept the smug smile as he caught up to her. "Here's some info on what I know about Terminus arms dealing. It's not much but since you're...getting down and dirty...should help." Kai knew she was smart. But wisdom came in many forms. She was from a different world and while they were similar people now, they had learned different skills early on. Now he had to show her tricks he knew or see if she discovered them on her own. A learned lesson is better than a taught lesson.

@Killa Ree

 

[Dr Ilana Morata]

She smirked briefly, amber eyes slanting in his direction. "Good to know... oh no, wait. I already do. But after. Business first... pleasure later." Priorities after all. The Grysk was an entertaining diversion... and different from others she had shared her bed with. He seemed to understand better, at least, and she wasn't quite certain yet if that was a good trait or not. And there were moments he seemed off in his own head... she often wondered what rattled in that Grim-faced brain.

A low chuckle proved she heard what he muttered... and what he said afterwards, but her mind wasn't on that at all for the time being. Though if it brought in revenue... she chuckled internally at that thought, but they continued. She tilted a brow at his last words. A small smile twitched at her lips... but that was all.

"Phrasing. But I welcome the advice."

Well... the best way to secure an arms trade was...

Well. Truth be told, she hadn't the slightest clue. But perhaps a local weapons store might... she pulled out her datapad, and began typing, frowning. Their closest possible dealer was several blocks away. She wasn't remiss to stealing another vehicle, but honestly, on this street there were too many eyes.

@Darasuum

 

[Kai]

Stealing a vehicle could potentially raise some eyebrows even if nobody saw them do the stealing. Someone could report it or find it after Kai and Ilana dump it and add to their problems. "Hmmm..." Ultimatly the Grysk would still decide to get a vehicle but this time it wasn't an airspeeder.

Nodding his head to one side, Kai led the way down a side street. "Check this out..." He said to make sure Ilana was watching. A moment later Kai would focus on using a camouflage technique. The visual of the Grysk began to dissappear and be otherwise hard to focus on had the Doctor not already been so close and focusing on him.

Kai stepped away from Ilana and his feet still made the same amount of noise they normally did. He was not trying to mask his noise though he knew he could. The dark sider just wanted to not be detected by any onlookers as he got close to a swoop that could hold two people. The vehicle would thrum for a moment and turn as if it were being controlled by a ghost. "I can shooow you the woooorld..." the incorporeal joking sing-song tone of the Grysk came from the driver's seat. If she reached out she would feel him there and provided she joined him on the vehicle he would take off and head towards their destination. Once they were far enough away from where he had taken the swoop bike he would drop the force cloak.

@Killa Ree

 

[Dr Ilana Morata]

Little could faze the Doc. Blood, gore, horrific remains of terrible criminals and the vicious brutality of the galaxy was almost laughably routine. But seeing that grim visage suddenly vanish made her blink rapidly... and her jaw dropped. If she focused, she could see his outline... just barely. She followed after, a dazed expression in amber eyes. She hadn't considered such an application... but it made so much sense!

When she heard his comment, and the swoop started to life, she flinched back and let out an amused huff of laughter, both brows raised. She reached out... and lightly touched a shoulder. Hands slid down across an arm, then dropped to his back, and gingerly slipped on, joining him with a stunned expression still clouding amber eyes.

The moment they were far enough and he dropped the cloak, she suddenly snapped back to awareness, blinking rapidly. "What the hell was that?" she rasped, but it wasn't an angry tone. Rather... if he happened to glance, she could feel the slight smile on her lips, threatening to break to something bigger. "Incredible! I've never witnessed anything..." she suddenly cut off, and felt a very pale flush touch her cheeks and neck.

Clearing her throat, she glanced away. Already, she began to retreat somewhat. "Very neat little trick, Kai," she finally spoke up, faint heat still flushing cheeks a pale rose. "If I had known something like that sooner, there would have been many instances my life would have been much easier."

@Darasuum

 

[Kai]

"I think just a song from the same franchise as...." The man stopped and looked over his shoulder for a moment. "oh you meant the technique." A slight chuckle came from him before he continued. "It's called force cloaking or camoflage. Probably has some other names that sound much cooler."

Kai did not always have to show his face. In fact he had specifically chosen to not wear disguises before. But he still knew the desire to hide and the Arkanian's words were relatable. "Don't worry doc, I'll teach you how to use it." He said in an attempt to reassure her. Kai continued to explain the technique and its limitations during the ride. He wasn't exactly speeding since they were on a stolen swoop bike afterall.

The swoop bike would come to a stop a block away from where their potential seller was located. After the ride Malakai would check his equipment and make sure it was all in its place. Arms deals had the potential for being highly volatile. He gave a glance towards Ilana, making sure she was ready but reminded himself who she was. The doctor could handle herself.

@Killa Ree

 

[Dr Ilana Morata]

She had wrapped her arm around his waist when they went off towards this deal; she listened, and seemed to process what he said about this ability, filing it away for a later time to use. For a couple beats, there was silence behind the Grysk… and then she finally spoke, her voice a low rasp against his back.

"Much appreciated."

Their location for a potential dealer was in a rather worn-down neighborhood; duracrete sidewalks were cracked and filthy, other buildings looked like they needed demolitions more than a coat of paint, and yet unlike near the spaceport, this place seemed...

Practically residential.

People lounged about on stoops, low voices. Old beings and humanoids walked around aimlessly, but there was no sense of malevolence. Ilana tilted her head... and felt nothing. No overwhelming curiosity, no open stares or hostility.

Somehow, that unsettled her more than if there had been a nest of armed, starving Trandoshans just down the closest alley. She, too, always packed on her stun blaster and vibroknives; not the best if walking into an arms den, but it would have to do. This was Kai's realm... but she intended to learn, and adapt. It was time she began thinking outwards for her own ambitions, and it seemed the wisest course of action for now would be to follow his example... and begin using these methods in her own way.

Force-influenced or not... and she was still not entirely comfortable using the Force to manipulate her way as he was.

But soon, that would no longer be a problem.

@Darasuum

 

[Kai]

As they grew close to their destination Kai turned more forward, keeping his posture consistent while he used his other senses to look for threats. Every street and every level of Nar Shaddaa provided a different threat and its own triggers for its inhabitants. There was value in learning how to not incite violence. For a Sith, that meant knowing how to not be terrifying . Being feared could have its own drawbacks. Kai knew all to well the worst parts about being feared at face value.

You lean into it hun​

The comoforting tone in his head made him look over his shoulder as he dismounted. But he didn't see the woman that matched the voice. The smile dropped and turned to the blank expression as Kai remembered he should be cold. The Grysk felt compelled especially to remember to be logical.

Nobody bothered them. The duo would probably be talked about in passing by people for the next week or so. But so far they had not ignited any sort of negative reaction from the local residents. He walked down a back alley and made a short turn with his hands in pockets. One lifted to knock on the back door of an apartment building.

Moments would pass and then the door would open. A large nikto stood behind it with his head poking out. If Kai had to bet, the man had a heavy blaster on the other side able to punch through the door in a shot or two if need be. <"Hi"> His head turned to his counter part. If she wanted him to take the lead he was fine with it but so far she had been leading on this and wondered if she wanted it to change.

@Killa Ree

 

[Dr Ilana Morata]

Briefly, the Grysk smiled, and the Doctor wondered why. It surely wasn't something she said... and again, she was maddeningly aware that he was off in his own head again. Instead she wordlessly clipped along beside him, pulling her face mask back over.

This may be Terminus, but she wasn't taking any chances.

Amber eyes gazed at the Nikto calmly, one hand in her pocket.

"We're expected; I messaged ahead of time."

<"Name?">

She sighed. These gangsters were paranoid beyond belief... at least, most of them, and superstitious to boot. <"Doc and Skelly.">

He snorted, and the door slammed shut. There was muffled talking... and then a burst of laughter. Suddenly the door slid open again, after just enough time that the two of them may have considered that they were shut out. However, she simply waited.

A short, stubby Jablogian answered instead, beady eyes blinking. He waved a stubby hand, and she followed, glancing briefly at Kai.

"You have five minutes to talk," he grunted, waddling towards a table and gesturing to two other seats.

As they would step in, two more thugs would block the exits, bearing heavy blasters.

Looks like they weren't here for any informalities. Either this guy was good, or another cheap twitchy gangster. One way to find out.

"We're here for business, of course. Something far more ludicrous than any other venture you've had." Amber eyes stared calmly, her voice a low rasp. She tilted her head towards her partner, tone low, a subtle edge of persuasion lacing through. "Of course, we need what you've got." She glanced at Kai. Perhaps he could add more; truth be told, she was going in blind again, and this time, she was watching their prey closely.

She was keen to get the information they needed, and some heavy-armed thugs weren't gonna scare her.

@Darasuum

 

[Kai]

Malakai smiled again at hearing the names the Doctor had given them. The Grysk began to fidget after awhile. He debated whether or not he should light another cigara but decided to hold off. The door opened and he followed Ilana before taking a seat inside the rotund arms dealer.

"Oh yeah? And what'zit I got?" A bit of drool came out the side of the Jablogian's mouth. "Right now you're the man with inventory. There are others that sell blasters and I could probably find a flame projector at one of 'em..." The plump criminal humored Kai. "Buuuuut?" The Grysk gave a thankful and pleasant smile in response despite the dangerous looking men nearby. "Buuut we aren't looking for just quality or just quantity. We're looking for both. His head cocked to the side to signal the ball was in Graggo's court.

The arms dealer gave a mirthless smile. His eyes darted between Kai and Ilana for a moment. "You tell me specifics and I'll see if you're worth my time." The pride in his voice made it obvious he expected the two of them to entertain him a little first. The small guys always like to belittle others. Basic

"Well...to start...probably a twelve rotary repeaters, those flame projectors, BM-3KF if I remember correctly. Already it was more than what the Jablogian had expected. "An ten E-11s long blasters. Ordnance, whatever you've got I'll actually take it all. Truth be told if he needed to, he could probably resell everything he bought from this arms dealer if he didn't find a use for it. But Kai wanted to let Graggo know they could make him wealthy. At least that was the message he was trying to convey.

@Killa Ree