The Jester & The Dead Woman (6 months Prior)

[Luster]

"I wasn't asking you to." Her smile had disappeared and she stared at him with the intensity of someone ready for a fight. She crossed her arms and leaned back little further, holding the stare for a few more silent seconds. "I've been on my own for far too long to even think about asking for help with something I can do myself. And why should you even offer? You don't know me outside of what I do and frankly you shouldn't care about the list as long as you are not on it." She sighed and took the cigarette from her mouth after taking a long drag. Maybe she had been a little too harsh with him, but it was out in the open and can't be taken back. And it wasn't like she was going to mention the holding cell that she'd made out of one of the passenger cabins on the wind, what happened in there was between her and it's occupant. But maybe she could salvage this.

"I don't expect you to look after me like that, employees are not children after all." She said in a softer tone, still with a hint of an edge in it. "But most people I deal with don't take me seriously and a few particular scumbags have decided to skimp out on paying me and offered favors instead. I just wanted to avoid the "Big Girl" speech that generally involves destroying what was left of the other person's manhood." A wicked smile spread across her face as she motioned toward Jesters crotch with the hand holding the cigarette. "I don't think that would be a good way to impress the boss"

 

[Kreeps]

Well well he seemed to strike a nerve with that one. Weird. Why would she get so offended by that? He had basically agreed with her. There were plenty of gals in this business that could handle their shit, why would she be any different? I guess it might be harder for them to appeal as tough as a man, but that doesn't mean they weren't. This chick seemed tough as nails, maybe a little insecure though.

"You won't have to worry about that. I pay in credits and credits only. Maybe something else if the person requests it but I'm not a fan of that. Now I could go without the attitude but I can live with it too. Tells me you don't play, which I like anyway. I wouldn't wanna hire a wet noodle. I won't worry about your list. I could care less about your personal life as long as you get the job done and don't drop my name if you get caught. But I will say this, you mess with my 'manhood' and I'll have your head on a stake. Not that either of us want that, so let's keep things friendly shall we?" She seemed to get aggressive so Jester would counter with his own brand of aggression. He wasn't bullshitting either. You mess with him, or you snitch, you're as good as dead. This girl seemed tough and Jester had no reason to disrespect her or mess with her thus far, but she would rue the day she ****ed with him if it ever came.

 

[Luster]

"I don't doubt it. But we'd both loose in that deal. Id really be dead and you wold be out a good pilot as well as your balls. And I'm not gonna say sorry. Still We can get along since we both pretty much see the galaxy the same way." Her tone was even, not aggressive, not accusing, and not sorrowful, just flat and even. And it was true that their views, as far has they had been expressed anyway, did match up. Both looked for profit, stayed out of business relation's lives, and were no where near afraid to resort to force in order to end something. Still she had dragged a little more information out of him, it wasn't much but it was good to know that she could still dance like this. It had been a while since she had talked to someone like Jester, trying to pry for information while both impressing him and keeping him interested as well as guessing. If she wanted to be honest with herself it was rather exciting, putting negotiations about prices and fees to shame. Even if she had snapped at him, which she was not happy about losing control like that, she was still happy to be having a talk like this.

"You mentioned credits. Just how much do you pay your haulers? And am I just moving this stuff," She patted the crate she sat on, "or do you need me to sell it from time to time? Oh and am I responsible for paying for any damage to my ship while carrying your goods or what? I can fix the wind on my own but I still need to buy parts. Then there is no doubt that you may need a taxi, she may not look like much but she is more than comfortable."

 

[Kreeps]

Well it seemed like things were back to normal. Good, Jester didn't particularly like threatening his business partners, but they needed to know who the boss was. This smuggler girl seemed to know, but like all smugglers didn't bow to anyone. Jester didn't mind that at all. He would pay her, she would do what she got paid to do. Nothing more, nothing less. Perfect in Jesters eyes.

"Ahhh finally to the meat of it. Well the first thing I have to know is what you're getting paid for this job. I can tell you that I can cover any damages to your ship or any healthcare for damage and injuries from any job for me. I have my own ship so you won't need to worry about that. She's a custom YT-2000. Named after yours truly. I have a thing for the classics." Jester wanted a reference point for the kind of cash she was pulling in now so he could know how much she would expect, and what she was worth. Whatever it was it was probably nowhere near Jesters usual paycheck, but it was worth knowing. With what a cheap bastard the her current employer was it probably wasn't too much. By Jesters standards at least.

 

[Luster]

"Operational costs and the medical bill? You really do know how to treat your employees. " She smile another of her infrequent genuine smiles. It was fun to talk to this guy but he was really growing on her fast, faster than Jordi had actually. That part scared her, he was a business contact and still could not be trusted beyond that. Though even to be trusted with hiring her and paying her long term was a big step in such a short conversation. She had to be careful or the past really could repeat itself, but deep down like any sentient being she yearned for companionship. There will come a time where I run into who I'm looking for. It's just not today. she thought.

"As for what I'm making for this, he said two hundred crates from here to just outside the core worlds while avoiding every eye possible. He almost shit a brick when I told him it would be thirty-five thousand credits. Be balked and argued for fifteen, then twenty. He conceded twenty-two and a long term contract, then twenty-five before finally breaking in giving me all my money. I told him, and you for that matter, that I'm not cheap. And it's too bad that you don't need a ride, I really don't mind having passengers from time to time if they don't snoop around. Of course I could understand for a YT-2000, it is a better design than a Homage but the Wind is special, faster and more armed than the others and it holds just this much more. But I assume your ship has it's own personalizations to it."

 

[Kreeps]

Jester almost dropped his cigar when she finally said what she was being paid. Thirty five thousand for a life sentence worth of cargo. This guy really was a small fry. Jester would never screw his employees like that. Unbelievable. Sixty million worth of cargo and he had the gall to only give 35 thousand? and to offer her 200 credits?! It pissed Jester off that people that cheap actually existed. Well Belezza was about to have her mind blown. She was talking to a guy who regularly spent 10,000 at the cantina much less on business.

"That guy is a scumbag then. For a load like this I'd throw you 200,000. At least. A thousand per crate. That's the starting rate. If you're risking your life and your freedom for me I'm gonna see that you're paid well and taken care of. Now keep in mind that this is a small haul for me. You might end up moving a thousand crates to the other end of the Galaxy. For a job like that I'd throw you at least a million. It makes me sick that scum out there pay such crap. Welcome to the next level Belleza." Jester knew she had said something about his ship but he could hardly focus on that when he heard what she was getting paid. He would show her The Jester later, right now he was too pissed at how this cheap bastard was treating her. This would be her last job for low rate rabble that was for sure. Jester was happy that he was going to make yet another Nar Shaddaa street kid rich. He took care of his people. They were his family, the only one he'd ever had.

 

[Luster]

She had to really work to keep a straight face. While what he said was true about her risking life and freedom she really did charge more than most haulers she had ever run into. Then again she didn't know what was in the crates that was so valuable, if it were spice it must be some hot new stuff for her to be paid a thousand credits a case on top of everything else Jester had offered. Next level indeed. As much as she hated to admit it, she had underestimated the guy, but that was ok. He had stated her "salary" as a firm foundation and just about now she was beginning to realize how fortuitous this conversation had been. If everything worked out they way Jester said it would she would never, ever have to worry about going hungry, or think about how to pay for hangar access ever again. Now was her time to rise in the galaxy and she could not help the grin on her face.

"Jester, lets make this formal. After this run I hereby work for you." She uncrossed her arms and held out her right hand.

 

[Kreeps]

Jester smiled as the fiery haired rogue extended her hand. It was about time she warmed up to him. This girl was gonna help make him one of the wealthiest men in The Galaxy, and he would return the favor. She was almost the same person as him in a way. It was an incredibly fortunate event that led them to meet. Jester knew just from this meeting that she would be a welcome edition to his rapidly expanding crew.

"Welcome to The Jester Cartel Belleza. Glad to have you aboard." Jester took the girls hand and shook it firmly, looking right into her eyes. Yet another new employee and dare he say it, friend? He wasn't really sure. She seemed all business and Jester had been the same. Maybe a man in his line of work doesn't really have friends. Maybe not, Gar was definitely his friend after what they went through together. Then again he was a much more open, easygoing guy than Belleza was. Jester looked back over at the crates. There was still plenty to go, it was a solid amount after all. Jester was free until tomorrow and had planned on taking a break for the night. Since he didn't have to rush off, he figured he might as well see if his new employee was willing to kill some time until her ship was stocked. He could always help her load it too. It was really up to her, if she was all business, then Jester would probably say his goodbyes, go see a couple gladiator fights and get wasted. If not, who knows what could happen? Trouble seemed to follow Jester, but this day had gone rather smoothly so far. Hopefully it would stay that way.

"Looks like that droid of yours has his work cut out for him. My advice for when you start moving the big loads is to throw a handful of creds to the locals. Get a couple pairs of hands. Speeds up the process a bit. I know you gotta slide out once your ship is stocked, but you wanna kill some time until then? I'm actually free right now for the first time in a while." Jester figured no harm in asking. His life was intense, but also a little lonely. It wasn't very often that he got to really spend time with people outside of business. Maybe he could make an actual friend, not just a business partner. Hell this conversation alone, peppered with business as it was, was the most social interaction that didn't involve blasters and police he'd had in a while.

 

[Luster]

They shook hands and a verbal contract, which would be upheld by anyone from Nar Shaddaa, had become a physical one. They were in business and she was happy as was he as far as she could tell. But what he asked next caught her by surprise. He had been mostly business the entire time save for when she mentioned when she was from Nar Shaddaa and now he was asking for her company in possibly a more private setting. Her first reaction was to tell him to get lost, after all plenty of scum had tried to get into her pants thinking that she couldn't fend for herself. Of course logic said that Jester knew she could hold her own by now and giving it a quick thought he didn't seem like he was going to risk a partnership like this for something so stupid. Maybe he was just looking to get to know her and she found that though appealing, but then she began to actually panic. She was better off not getting close to anyone, no matter how nice or trustworthy they seemed they were the ones most likely to put a vibroblade where it hurt the most. Then again, she thought, Its been six months since I've really talked to anyone but Druid. I can't hid on the ship forever. Besides I think he's an alright guy.

"Druid," She called as she turned to see the droid. "You can handle all of this right? I'll be talking to our new employer here so you finish up here. You know the drill" She turned back to Jester, missing the lude gesture Druid made in response, and said "Lead the way."

 

[Kreeps]

Jester was pretty surprised. she was actually down. He really wasn't expecting that. Well shit, he had planned on having a few drinks and catching a fight. He didn't know Bellezas drinking habits or if she would even have time for all of that so he didn't want to seem ignorant by inviting her along for that. She had complimented him on his ship earlier so maybe she would be interested in seeing it. She seemed like that kind of person and all smugglers love ships. Jester did have a pretty nice ride. He'd sunk a lot of credits into it since he bought it back on Nar Shaddaa from some oldhead freighter captain with a debt problem. It was an old ship, but with all the upgrades Jester and the previous owner had given her she might as well have been brand new. Jester had also taken the liberty of giving it a fresh paint job. Jet black.

"Well I was planning on grabbing some drinks and seeing a fight but I don't know if you'll have time for that. I gotta stop by The Jester anyways to drop off my take and grab a few things anyway, I can give you the grand tour if you want." Jester wondered if she would be interested. Probably. Maybe not. Either way it was the only real idea Jester had so he decided to run with it.

 

[Luster]

A drink sounded good, but she never had alcohol just before or during a run and save it for afterwards. But in all honesty the ship intrigued her. It would be nice to see how much money Jester had sunk into the aging freighter and how it had turned out. Besides anything with modifications spoke volumes about it's owner, and while she knew a good amount about the man already it never hurt to take another little peak. She actually began to wonder what he thought of the Stellar Wind. It may not look like much but it was powerful, both in armament and engine output, but more importantly it was hers built almost from nothing to suit her tastes.

"Seeing an old YT series is too good an opportunity to pass up. I assume of course that almost none of it is stock, it can't be after this long. Mind telling me what you did to her........ and why you named her after yourself?"

 

[Kreeps]

Jester was right. She was interested. Well it was something to do. Ah, she popped the age old question: "Why'd you name it after yourself?" There was kind of a funny answer to that one. Jester had been the proud owner of his YT-2000 for a while. It was the only ship he had ever owned. He bought it back when he was living on Nar Shaddaa when he was only 16. Maybe that explained the name in itself.

"She's a fine ship, hasn't failed me yet. I'll tell you about every upgrade as I show ya, but it's pretty much all new. Only original piece is the hull and even that has upgraded armor. Why'd I name her after me? Well I guess the best answer is that I bought her when I was sixteen and at the time I was young, egotistical and too loaded on dirty Hutt Spice to come up with a better name. I still love her though." It was about the best explanation Jester could give. He did like the name after all, despite his lack of common sense at the time.

The pair left the hangar, a dark dressed bald man and a cute, slick looking redheaded woman walking side by side through the red rock walls of a space port built into the planet itself. The halls were deserted, Geonosis didn't get a lot of traffic, which is why Jester liked doing business there so much. The walk to The Jester wasn't far, just the to the next docking bay over. Jester entered his code and the door slid open to reveal his loyal vessel.

It was quite the sight. The classic YT-2000, from a long dead series renowned for its toughness and adaptability. This one had a unique look to it however. The entire hull had been blast painted a jet black. Making it look like a shadow lumbering in the dusty cave of a hangar. The ship from the outside looked deceivingly stock, minus the striking paintjob and the two menacing looking upgraded turrets on the top and bottom in the center of the ship.

"There she is. The Jester."

 

[Luster]

He certainly was proud of his ship, anyone could tell that by the way he talked about it and especially by the way his eyes glazed over as he did, like he was reliving a goos memory or a dream. And his story, what there was of it, was a little humorous and made her grin just a bit. But upon seeing it she actually was impressed, it had been around a Milena since the ship had been made and it still look like it had just come off the line, save for the black paint. The guns had to be new as well, the still fit the hull well enough but they were oversized by comparison. She cast a glance at Jester and slowly moved forward, raising an arm to run her hand over the metal of the hull.

"Beautiful." she said to herself, low enough that she was sure Jester hadn't been able to make out what she said. "You've kept her in really good shape and for that you have my thanks, pieces like these are as rare as honest politicians."

 

[Kreeps]

Jester beamed with pride as Belleza admired his pride and joy. She ran her hands over the smooth black paint and commented on the beauty and rarity of the vessel. It was quite the ship, antique but modernized with that classic flair the YT series was known for. Corellian craftsman ship really did stand the test of time. She was as reliable as the sunrise on Tatooine. Tougher than Mandalore and more beautiful than a Twi'lek cantina dancer after 8 shots of firewhiskey. At least to Jester she was.

"Antique hull supplemented with triple plated military grade durasteel blast forged into the original hull. Two Jx-784 custom built turbo lasers. I custom ordered em' from a contact out of Kaut. They're the the only set of guns of that make in the Galaxy. Wanna check out the interior?" Jester asked as he opened the entry ramp.

 

[Luster]

"Sure"He really did love the ship, words and body language mixed with the actual sight of the thing could attest to that in great detail. She continued to run her hand over the smooth black surface while he talked about the hull and gun. She had to admit that it was beautiful and probably a great ship customized as much as it was but it was a little disheartening to know that nothing, not even the most rugged of vessels, stood the test of time unscathed. This may be the best YT-200, maybe even the best YT series ship, left in the galaxy but it was still an old horse. Besides, pride would not let her admit that it may be better than the wind even if Jester had sunk more credits into it than she had ever had pass through her hands. Maybe she could make a fair comparison if she knew a little more about the ship. She kept her back to Jester to hide her evil smile.

"I doubt much of the hull is original from factory, no matter how "antique" it is a lot has to have been stripped away over the years. What's she packing in terms of power? And do you pilot her or do you have a designated driver?" She chuckled to herself in mild amusement.

 

[Kreeps]

Jester was still caught up in looking at his ship. He sure did love it. He heard Belleza make a comment about his hull before asking what kind of engines it had powering it.

"New set of two Correlian made XM-640 Banshee class engines. They fit perfectly with the frame but are almost 5 times more powerful than the original. Class IV hyperdrive from Kaut Driveyards with an upgraded navigational computer. She can jump into lightspeed before you can say where. And yeah, I fly her myself. It's meant to have a three man crew but I've been flying her by myself for so long I'm used to it." Jester had a copilot a couple of times on special occasions. Made things a little easier but he'd rather rely on himself and himself alone than someone else.

 

[Luster]

That was fast, not surprising but fast. Even if he only paid for the upgrades he at least knew what he was paying for, that was a very good sign not only for the ship but for her as well. He he took this much care and thought into his ship he probably put much more into his business dealings. In that case today had was a very lucky break indeed. And to be brutally honest, she was impressed. But his words were just making her more curious what he had done with the interior space. There was no doubt that he hauled a little cargo from time to time but what had he done with the living spaces?

She turned back around to face him, reluctantly removing her hand from the hull. He face had friendly little smile on it but her eyes were really shining. "You sir have an eye for quality. And I can understand not wanting anyone to touch her. I'm the same way with the wind, she may not be much to look at but she is my baby and one one is going to to mess around with her while I'm still alive."

 

[Kreeps]

Jester started walking up into the ship. Inside of the exit ramp was a second, narrow blast door for a little extra security. He entered the code into the keypad and it slid open in a flash.

"Thanks a lot. The Jester is my baby and my best friend. I really want her to have the best. Come on inside." Jester motioned for Belleza to follow him as he walked into the ship. The entry ramp took them right into the ships hub. It was unrecognizable from when he had first purchased it. Nothing on the interior was stock. This was where Jester lived for most of the time so he wanted it to be nice. The lighting was good, but not too bright. It gave off the feel of a cantina the way it illuminated things just enough to be comfortable but not so much as to be blinding. The central hub was the main living area where passengers and Jester himself spent most of his time during a jump through lightspeed or in port. In the corner there was comfortable looking booth with black leather upholstery and a large gambling table. In the center was a holoprojector for making calls and other purposes. there were a few other leather chairs scattered around the space. One in front of a large computer console for accessing the holonet, and two in front of what was originally the ships small kitchen that Jester had turned into a bar. Behind the bar itself was a counter with some cooking implements and a small, shiny durasteel fridge, but the main feature was the well stocked shelves of liquor stacked behind the bar. Every drink was exquisite. Correlian Brandy, champagne, vodka, juma juice, beer, and large assortment of colorful alien drinks all glimmering in the light. The room was designed in such a way to seem roomier than it really was. All of the furniture was comfortable and custom made, and every surface was either shiny durasteel or dark wood from Kashyyk.

Jester stood in the middle of the room in front of the holoprojector. It was currently displaying a map of Geonosis. He waited for Belleza to make her way up the ramp before speaking.

"Welcome to my humble abode." He said with a hint of pride.

 

[Luster]

Following Jester up the ramp Belleza let out a low whistle of appreciation. The condition of the interior matched that of the exterior. This was much more a yacht than a freighter, transport, or even personal vessel since it contained luxuries to the point of opulence. She sat down on one of the black leather chairs and resisted sighing appreciatively as it gently conformed to her back. She noted the living spaces had been expanded a bit and all the terminals and interfaces were brand new along with the expansive game table. He's prepared for company, I just didn't take him to be the kind of person to entertain guests on trips. Then she aid eyes on the bar. she was still trying to read the labels quickly when she realized he had said something.

"Its nice, very nice. Looks like you were ready for company too."

 

[Kreeps]

Jester looked around his ship and his home. It was nice. It was really the only thing he had to show for all of the work he did, and he really didn't get to spend enough time there outside of transit and sleep. It was a shame really, the ship was a home in itself. The hub looked more like a luxury hotel room than a freighter.

"Well honestly this is what I put most of my money into. This is where I live so I keep it nice. I really don't have company too often. I just have extra cash so I put into The Jester. This isn't all though. I'm sure what you really wanna see is the cockpit. Want something to drink first?" Jester motioned towards the bar. He was sick of drinking alone during the small amounts of down time he actually had, and he wanted to at least seem polite by offering a drink from his fairly impressive stock.