Ask The Masters of the Universe

[The Storyteller]

Black Sun Space
Sakiya
Zavalforr Arms Corporation Complex

There were not many in the galaxy that would venture to call Sakiya a beautiful world. It's rolling mountains and sandy hills left it more as a vision of what industry could be rather than what was already there. It was on that world the Zavalforr Arms Corp. had made its play. The natural minerals on the world were abundant and able to keep durasteel production at great heights, which allowed its factories to run night and day with easily purchased ore. Electrical trappings and internal workings were brought in from off world and its factories spun out mighty war machines for galactic purchase.

Though the ore facilities still dotted the surface, churning out new metals for galactic consumption, the factories of the Zavalforr Arms Corporation had been silent for years.

That was until several days earlier when the proper owners, the Black Sun, opened the gates to initiate one of the greatest arms sell offs in recent memory. An entire weapons manufacturers assets were being utterly liquidated, and the mood was festive.

From one end of the complex to the other Black Sun auctioneers conducted bidding wars for rifles, explosives, armored speeders, and anything else that those with the right amount of credits could get their hands on. It was a magnificent experiment in free enterprise that would make the Black Sun a fortune.

But those sales going on below were a meager fraction of the total stock. That remaining eighty plus percent of the factories holdings were up for sale, but for a more serious set of bidders.

Invitations had gone out through much of the galaxy. Some answered. And they were told the time and place to be either in person, or with representative.

This was a safe place for such people. The trade lanes were secured with Black Sun paid pirates, and nothing short of an army of thugs were keeping order to ensure proper commerce.

A docking bay was prepared with protocol droids to receive and bring those honored gets that bore the invitations to the location where the real auction would take place. A proper place for people of such wealth and standing.

The board room of the Zalforr Arms Corporation overlooked the entire facility atop a mighty spire. It was where they would meet, and negotiations would begin.

@Isen @Mr. Teatime @Scoobert @Eccles

 

[Vako Yizok]

The day was cool, which was always odd on that world. The sun rose, but the light did not feel hot like on many barren worlds. This one was such that it only painted the skin but did not warm it such that one felt entirely comfortable. It was more of a brisk wind that swept across open deserts and screamed wrapping around the facility towers with shrieks that could almost be heard over the mass of people that were clustered all around.

This operation had been a logistical struggle for Vako. While he was comfortable with handling it, it was a bit more than he typically handled. It wasn't the weapons, or the transportation that was the issue. The biggest problem for him had been the food and water to keep people from rioting in the midst of auctions. Vako hardly ever took such a thing into consideration, he'd spent most of his time as a bruiser for the Hutts. A raider and enforcer, not as a logistician.

He was up to the task, but it had been a strange question to ask around.

"Where do you buy water and food?"

That was out of the way, and it was much cheaper than buying and moving ordinance or slaves. Vako had bought so much that surely much of it would go to waste by the end. But the amount of drink and food one would ingest was a fraction of the cost of even a single blaster, and that was why people were there.

It was almost like an amusement park for thugs.

The thugs weren't what he was worried about however. The real concern was for who was coming to the mighty round table in the room he fluttered in.

The Board Room was very large, like the ambitions of the Zalforr Arms Corporation. It had dulled silver and brown architecture and a grand circular table that sat at its center. This was ideal for the situation, and Vako had servants brought in to cater to the needs of those that would be in attendance.

Vako looked over the known guest list on a datapad as he stood by a window waiting for fancy shuttles to arrive.

Preef Callo, the Cymorah Syndicate's most famous son, and the rising star of all of the Five Syndicates. It would be Vako's first time meeting him, but not his first time being around him. Vako was there the day that he masterfully destroyed the defenses of Nal Hutta, and was wondering what purchase of such weapons would do for a man so ambitious.

Darth Stolas, the King of the Sith? Vako did not know much about the Sith, other than he found their powers terrifying and their religions strange. He had seen them fight once before and they were extremely dangerous galactic contenders. Their desire for such weapons would be obvious. Vako was just happy they were on the opposite side of the galaxy from the Syndicates.

Salvatore Russo, heading the Teamsters Union of Nal Hutta, a likely neutral party in the face of Preef. They operated now in the same territory, but Sal was climbing in a different way. More subtle than Preef, similar to Vako, and with more legitimacy. His interest in the weapons could have been quite varied, but the strings held by the teamsters could mobilize a hefty fortune to take them, as well as having the transports to move them.

Carrik, newly minted Senator of the Republic, a fish out of water in a den of thieves. No one would know what he wanted so much ordinance for, but a Senator would have a lot of clout and power.


These were the names Vako knew. These were the players that were most important to watch. When they'd land they would not be disarmed, that would be an insult to them (everyone would sneak in an insurance policy so it was best if they were in the open.)

Vako waited atop the spire in the room for the arrivals and the proceeding to begin.

@Isen @Mr. Teatime @Scoobert @Eccles @Nefieslab

 

[Carrick]

Zavalforr Arms was not quite the be-all and end-all for arms manufacturing but it was enough of a name that it had pull. Carrick's own experience with their merchandise had been, amusingly enough, being on the receiving end of blasts and explosions from their weaponry. Though none had managed to end his life as their users had intended, he didn't think that was a failing on the part of Zavalforr Arms in the slightest.

But now they were going out of business... and like most businesses there was a 'going out of business' sale going on. Having heard about it through some of the channels on Tinnel IV, Carrick made his way to the auction and the festive little fair that it had going on around it.

Attending dressed in his dashing half-cape ensemble, Carrick was shown to the board room where the great and the terrible would be bidding on the collection of arms. Which he counted as depended entirely on one's opinion on mildly corrupt politicians he supposed.

He was not the first to arrive, though he did not know of the room's first occupant. The Toydarian was not one he recognized at all - not unexpected since he could not claim to actually know any Toydarians. Striding into the room with all the confidence of a seasoned politician, Carrick removed his fancy sunglasses and took one of the seats at the table without a word.

Sat as he was, his intricate lightsaber sat proudly on display at his hip. He hid nothing about who he was after all, especially in such 'esteemed' company. They would not care if he was dirty after all - they would only care that he might benefit them.

Just as well that he thought the same of them.

Spoiler: Images

Sunglasses
Lightsaber on the hip

@Isen @Mr. Teatime @Scoobert @Eccles @Morse

 

[Salvatore Russo]

The teamster leader knew ahead of time that he would likely be the potential buyer at this selloff with the smallest budget to spend and the least amount of pull. Still, with what he was building in having a growing network of starports and planetary docks under his control, he could certainly prove to be a worthy investment that could outpace whatever payment the others may be able to make today. Whoever invited him ahead of time knew this, so maybe credits weren't the only currency that could buy the goods today.

For Russo, being here served multiple purposes. If he pulled off the upset and got the arms, his labor unions could be transformed into an army at a moment's notice. And by controlling the docks, he could get the arms from one place to another without being tracked or watched. Quickly too. But more than that, just being here was a signal of his rising status. Other major players would be here, and this was an opportunity to network and start to build his reputation with them.

Sal landed his scout freighter and took his time getting out of the ship. He made sure both of his peacemakers were easily seen, one on each hip. His vibroblade was a little more concealed, sheathed behind him on his belt and covered by his black leather jacket. It could be seen just below the hem of his jacket, so he wasn't actively trying to hide it. That's just where it felt the most comfortable. He walked down the ramp and was escorted to the boardroom.

Inside he saw a familiar face. Vako, a Toydarian Sal had worked with a time or two with good results, was in the room. That was interesting. He looked to be coordinating this meeting to some extent. This meant that not only did he have Hutt contacts, but Black Sun contacts as well. Very interesting. Russo figured that if Vako was involved, that is how the invite got to Sal. He was still under the radar for the criminal big shots, and Vako's participation would explain the teamster's inclusion today. He gave a nod to Yizok and said, "Seeing you here is a pleasant surprise, Vako. It's good to see you again."

Russo saw the man who at the moment wanted to stay silent. Russo noticed the lightsaber. It was almost as if he wanted people to see it. He was showing it off. Jedi, Sith, Dark Jedi...they didn't bother Russo. He had worked with all types when he was in CorSec. Business was business. He gave a nod to the stranger before taking a chair on the opposite side of him, but towards the back of the long table. Whoever sat at the head of the table would have the attention of the rest of the attendees, and they would be looking at whoever that was. From the end of the table, it would allow Russo to read faces and body language as their focus was at the front. One arm rested on the boardroom table, every so often allowing his fingers to rap across the table one after another as he waited.

@Morse @Nefieslab @Mr. Teatime @Eccles @Scoobert

 

[Klepti Uutkik]

It was an easy task for Klepti since the galaxy would have never heard of a Jawa as a ranger. All he had to do was sneak in, catch bad guys doing crimes, and arrest them. Unfortunately if everything was checking out then he couldn't make an arrest for the selling of the equipment. Now there are bounties out for those involved in the Syndicates. He could most certainly make good on a bounty like that. After snooping around on the event, he had found out that there were wanted men attending this meeting. Perhaps Klepti could use his music career background as a way to get in. If not then he'd have to go stealth mode. It was too much of a risk to give away his name to the guard. He is going to have to sneak in.

Guests of the event with invites were arriving in crowds. This was becoming easier. All he has to do is run into a crowd of people that would hide him well. His height would allow for himself to be hidden in the group. Possibly even passing off as one of their own. This was an opportunity of a lifetime to show the rangers he could offer great things. No one is suspecting him to be here so the meeting should go swimmingly.

The little Jawa ran into a group unnoticed and began walking through the Access Control Point. Once he was in he walked around studying what he was seeing. At first it was all harmless. Some droids being sold, some weapons, some equipment. Then he saw the area. It was slaves. That was definitely against the laws of the galaxy. This would be when most rangers would go to apprehend the seller and buyer. Unfortunately Ranger Uutkik was alone so making a scene like that would cause commotion and lead to his death more than likely. So he had to ignore it for now. Just need to survey the area collect all the data he can before eventually calling units to arrest the big names.

As he watched he typed in on his data pad that slaves were being sold. There is one crime. Eventually he'll have proof that the wanted individuals were here as well. Klepti saw Senator Carrick in attendance. How peculiar. Though just writing down who he sees and recognizes on his little note pad was all he could do in the moment, he watched what they would do and what they would be trying to buy. An auction was announced, so it could just be that they were going to be buying vehicles, or armed forces level equipment. Klepti had an interest in helping out the Rangers by getting more equipment to use in their fights against the bad guys. Maybe he'll stick around and see if anything catches his eye. Jawas do have a way of making good business deals.

@Morse @Isen @Mr. Teatime @Nefieslab @Eccles

 

[Darth Stolas]

Darth Stolas arrived to the location of the auction aboard a black and gold painted Stinger that alighted upon the pad designated beforehand for it. He was here for more than just the bidding itself, of course, and the Eternal itself certainly wasn't going to make an appearance to deal with this sort of thing. Given his recent ascension to the Council, when the option to go had been given Morgan determined there was nothing to lose and potentially assets to gain and said, quite simply, that he would.

Black boots evenly stepped down the short boarding ramp followed by his attendant and a pair of Deneb droids serving as guards. He wore his distinctive armour, equally distinctive lightsaber clipped neatly to his belt. Weapons were allowed given the nature of the group running the auction although, naturally, he didn't expect to use it. It was also heavy on security for just the same reasons.

Golden eyes hidden behind a dark visor looked around the boardroom when he reached it, judging the designs. Silver and brown weren't terrible choices, and the etchings and painting on the wall were fairly tasteful. He moved on to the large, round table itself, around with others already sat. He recognized Carrick from the prior time they'd met, although it had been quite some time since then, but the others he did not. Rumour had it that Preef would also be arriving but he seemed not to be here just yet.

Stolas walked forward and quietly pulled out a seat to sit himself in. His attendant handed him a datapad where he sat, and he inclined his head once each toward each of the potential buyers and their host in greeting. Then he blinked. That was certainly a Jawa in the room. That was... unexpected.

@Morse @Scoobert @Isen @Nefieslab @Eccles

 

[Preef Callo]

Earlier in the day a luxury shuttle had arrived without fanfare. No one had known how had been on it, but it had the proper access codes to enter the system and then land on the planet. All occupants were notable gunslingers, aside from a single Cathar holding a datapad, and the most notable among them was a rodian. He was clearly in charge, not because he acted like it, but because the locals in the Black Sun seemed to recognize him and nodded in respect. This was Preef Callo, after all. Arguably the fastest gunslinger in the known galaxy.

By the time the rodian entered the board chamber he was all alone. His gunslinger posse spread out to inspect the wares or participate in the smaller auctions. Well, he wasn't really alone. The datapad-holding Cathar, Shere Zaa Fenn, followed him in. "Thanks for the invitation, Vako," he smiled at the Toydarian, assuming he didn't need to say his name to confirm it on the guestlist. He then nodded to Darth Stolas (@Mr. Teatime) and motioned for Shere to sit down at the circular table and take the seat next to the Sith Lord while the rodian himself walked over to the large windows. "Great view," the boss of the Crymorah Syndicate simply stated, "Can we see the stuff from here?"

Meanwhile Shere Zaa Fenn sat himself down and kept his focus on the datapad from which he seemed to prepare all the necessary calculations. The Crymorah Syndicate, and Preef personally, was immensely wealthy and to maintain its position at the top of the foodchain it needed more weapons and armament to keep the other syndicates down. Other syndicates like the Black Sun.. and upstarts like the Hutt-backed teamster union. Hutt. Backed. Teamster. Union

For the others Preef looked like he always did. Modest tunic, typical for Outer Rim frontier worlds, nothing fancy and definitely not with added armor like those Sith pranced around in. The only weapon he carried was his signature peacemaker. The notches and fame of that blaster alone would put all other weapons in that room to shame.




@Mr. Teatime @Morse @Scoobert @Isen @Nefieslab

 

[Vako Yizok]

The Toydarian hovered to the center of the table as guests began to enter. Those on the invite list were almost exactly what one would expect as each of them entered. Vako took note as each one came into the room, and noted their placement. The list did have an image for most of them that were drawn from public sources, and Vako took the time to study them as they made their move in.

The Senator, dressed modestly compared to what he'd assumed, wore an exposed laser sword on his belt. "A jedi?" Vako thought. "How many of them are there in the core worlds?" Vako was getting the impression that perhaps half the Core was Jedi and that was why things were so good for them.

Though it seemed as though Vako was charged with invitations, he only had very small nudges of sway. So when Salvatorr Russo entered, he was at least comfortable knowing one of the people there. "Likewise." was all Vako could say in response to Sal. He could not breed an air of unfairness right away, and the people that were sitting there were dangerous. Sal would understand that.

The Sith War Lord looked exactly how Vako expected. Clad in armor and weapons, with an entourage that was likely some sort of deathdealer in disguise. It was the first one that Vako was truly seeing up close, and this was an important one. Vako was comfortable knowing there were an army of Black Sun warriors around... but somehow he did not think the Sith War Lord Stolas was intimidated at all.

Others came into the room whom Vako did not know. A Jawa? He did not recall what interest such a creature might represent... or who he was... but credits spent and that's what was going to matter here. It was just a matter of how many.

And then he came. Preef Callo in the flesh. A million credits wanted dead between he, his attendant, and that flashy pistol at his side. A twinge in Vako's mind made him imagine grabbing his rifle from the wall and start blasting him on stun just to see what would happen. Were his legendary shooting skills true? Was it all just a sham? Vako was not a fool... especially not when the Rodian knew him by name already. This man was looking to take over the entirety of the Five Syndicate Space... and nothing was going to stop him. Vako was just a resident making his own way... and that would be abundantly clear today.

Vako, hovering in the center of the table so all could see him, motioned for the servants to bring forth drink and hors d'ouvres. They were well made by slave chefs that were in a kitchen several levels below.

"Welcome, all to Sakiya." Vako began. "I am Vako Yizok, and I represent the Black Sun's interest in this proceeding. You have all been invited here for the purpose of partaking in the largest weapons sale in recent memory. As you know the Zalforr Arms Corporation made everything one would need for ground based combat, and they made quite a lot that remains entirely unused and ready for deployment."

Vako began to pace slightly in flight, hovering over so all could see. "We have full combat loads for troopers, armored personnel carriers, artillery, repulsortanks, airspeeders, landspeeders, squadrons of star fighters... and everything in between." Vako noted, turning his head and lowering his datapad. "Now the Black Sun has interest in maximizing the profit for this, while encouraging good business relations, as well as keeping as many people happy as possible."

Vako took a breath. "Some of you may be more cash heavy than others, but I assure you now that the Black Sun is not only interested in money. Trade negotiations for commodities, exclusive access rights, and business deals will also be considered. And if you'd like to join together, say if the Sith War Lord and the Cymorah Syndicate want to each take half of an item on joint bid" Vako gestured to Preef and Stolas. "These bids will also be considered."

As he let that sink in Vako moved to his final point. "All of that said... given the nature of some of your interests, and the Black Suns, if at any time one of you would want to say... buy everything we have here at Zalforr Arms... just stop me and we'll hear you out." Vako's non existent eyebrow raised. "But I promise you... that sum and service will be quite substantial."

Vako held for just a moment a moment. "I'll start us off with mobile armor." Vako tapped on his pad. In the center two holograms appeared of two separate vehicles. "For the invasion force on the go, we have our entire stock of Troop Transports and Heavy Tanks"


(OOC- In a nut shell, you can bid on whatever with whatever you want. If you want to team up with another player, go for it. If you want to offer up a planets worth of slaves or access to weapons sales in your sector - that is as good as cash here. And if you just want to say screw it and buy it all right here right now... you can do that too. Just have fun with it.)

@Mr. Teatime @Eccles @Scoobert @Isen @Nefieslab

 

[Carrick]

Well the room was a suddenly a lot more dangerous than it had been not five minutes before but Carrick did his best to not let this show on his face. The presence of the Sith Lord was… well it was a thing he supposed, something he was going to have to adjust himself to. Having never actually fought a Sith during his time as a Jedi, Carrick felt no desire to do so now as a private citizen.

Let the two orders pick each other clean for all he cared.

Preef Callo was an awkwardly unwelcome addition to the proceedings however – he knew how Sith acted well enough from his training but a Criminal mob boss? He wasn’t sure how they acted, at least not well enough to actually have a hope in hell of actually keeping ahead of the game that way. Mentally he would assume Callo was a mixture of Sith and Politician until he could find out more about the crime boss in person.

Rumours and holovids were a terrible way to try and judge a person after all.

Their flying host decided to kick things off and Carrick turned his attention to the host out of sheer politeness if nothing else. The process being discussed was interesting though he doubted they would see much of it here. Unless the Syndicates had bowed to the Sith or if they were willing to test the limits of his corruption.

He was a politician and he represented Tinnel IV so there was corruption there within him but it would remain to be seen if the Syndicate representative would try and push him on that. The first lot was brought up and Carrick immediately dismissed the troop transports; droids required dedicated transports for optimal use but could fit into almost any cargo space if needs be.

The tanks, on the other hand, were something of a find.

“What configuration are the tanks in? If they are a mixture, what ratios are they mixed by?”

The line of tanks mentioned were a line of tanks rather than a singular type of vehicle and it was important to find out just what type of tank they were bidding for. Tank destroyers might be less important than main line tanks or anti-personnel tanks after all.

@Eccles @Scoobert @Isen @Mr. Teatime @Morse

 

[Salvatore Russo]

The teamster leader sat back in his chair and would let this auction unfold organically. He didn't have an army, not a trained one anyway. The transports and tanks were not what he was here for. Tanks and transports had high maintenance costs. They required specialists to operate and work on them when they were in need of repair. The fledgling unions certainly didn't have that sort of expertise, and if Russo spent his purchasing tanks and transports, he wouldn't have the money to keep up with that maintenance.

But, perhaps this wasn't a bad thing. Someone would likely have good use for the tanks and/or transports. Credits they spent on stuff Russo didn't have an interest in were credits that couldn't compete against him when goods were presented that he did want. Not to mention, he would get a sense of each other bidder in the room. That might come in handy later on.

Being the leader of the common man's union, Sal ordered himself a simple beer. Nothing fancy. He passed on the hors d'oeuvres altogether. He took a long drink from his beer and placed it back on the table in front of him. He paused as if in thought, but then lifted a hand to signal pass.

@Morse @Nefieslab @Scoobert @Mr. Teatime @Eccles

 

[Klepti Uutkik]

It was a very tempting sell for what could prove valuable to a peace keeping unit like the Rangers. Though, they had their own vessels to use and if there was need for anything it’d be something a little bit different. Sure, they could use it but Klepti was not interested in bidding on it just yet. He had wanted to see how the others faired on the matter.

Seemed one was interested. Senator Carrick. That was a slight shock. Then again, it was expected. If he were to appear here among criminals then he of course had to be up to no hood as well. Only time would tell what they had planned to do with the vehicles. There were others still silent though.

Had the others been truly interested there would’ve be hands going up to make bids. One that Klepti feared getting the most was that of Preef Callo. He had become a very wealthy man by very bad ways. The Jawa didn’t want to be on his bad side just yet. There was so much more material to be brought out for auction. The little Ranger climbed into a chair and relaxed as he listened to everything around him.

Should there be a clear reason to make an arrest in front of these dangerous men then he would do so. Though, at the moment there was no need. It’s harmless so far. He wanted to keep it that way for as long as possible.

@Eccles @Nefieslab @Isen @Morse @Mr. Teatime

 

[Preef Callo]

Shere Zaa Fenn looked at the holograms as if he -at least- knew what to look for. The former crimelord was known for his smarts and as the real brain behind the galaxy-defining actions of the rodian gunslinger. The Crymorah Syndicate had amassed a droid army and had countless scoundrels and enforcers on its payroll, spanning dozens of planets in and out of what was traditional Hutt space. The big difference between Crymorah muscle and the Sith armies? The latter had suffered great casualties where the former imposed a seemingly unbreakable dominance over the other four syndicates. Most of it could be attributed to Shere Zaa Fenn. He was quality control, he handled the logistics and made sure the revenue streams kept running. The only thing he couldn't do was beating the fastest gunslinger in the galaxy in a quickdraw contest.

Speaking of that gunslinger, Preef was still enjoying the view and ignored all drinks and appetizers. Shere had briefed him on the attendees beforehand. A senator, a Hutt enforcer, a Jawa and the Sith Lord that held office on Eriadu. Only the latter could prevent him from simply outbidding everyone else and be done with the auction in time get back for the next Crime Watch News broadcast. Stolas' rising power felt like it was casting a shadow over the Zaa Fenn on Eriadu. Granted, Preef had made sure that they ran the streets and ruled over the day-to-day lives of the ordinary people of Eriadu, but it was the Sith that ran the planetary government and its military. Slighting a Sith, which was ridiculously easy to do, could mean that the Zaa Fenn penthouse was next in line for an impulse-bombing.

Shere was careful to start the bidding for that same reason, for the Sith Lord had yet to speak up. Landspeeders and tanks also weren't something he knew Preef to be very interested in. Outfitting and army was one thing, but the age of protracted land battles was in the past. The rodian was known for hijackings and armed robberies. He knew how to get away before tanks arrived and how to best disable landspeeders, as such these things didn't interest him...

... but it didn't seem like Shere Zaa Fenn cared much for his boss' interests. "Crymorah offers whatever your starting bid is, but adds the use of our Coreworld spice distributor." Said spice distributor, MorataCorp, sold Crymorah spice under the table from their dispensaries. For some reason it had managed to avoid ranger scrutiny despite the spice junkies grouping in a constantly shrinking radius around it. The immensely profitable arranged had been Preef's first accomplishment as syndicate boss and that's why he abruptly turned around when his subordinate was about to give it partly away for some overpriced metal cages.