Ask The Message

[Newton]

... This was the place he was supposed to be at, as said in the message. In the middle of a dimly-lit alleyway in the city that had two other exits. Newton looked around and noted the layout of the place. Newton made sure to have his usual blastvest on his person, concealed and carried his normal blaster with him. He is sure that the person who he is meeting with means no harm, but that doesn't mean any ruffians that may or may not be out and about share the same sentiment. They could be out on the prowl, but Newton likes to cover his bases just in case. He will not be kidnapped again, not by a droid or organic.

Anyways, it's the scavenger lady from Vantor who sent him the message, to meet him here at a specific time. Well, Newton can't exactly say no, as she holds a datacard from the deck. Without it, some key info will be inaccessible to him. It's like having a whole puzzle with one piece missing, it's incomplete.

Newton doesn't think the salvager lady will just give it to him no stringes attached, nothing is free in this galaxy. Maybe she wants the deck? Either way, it is better that this happened though, as this saves Newton the time and resources of trying to track down a single lady in the galaxy whos name he doesn't know.

So here he is, a few minutes punctual, as usual to most things. The Blackwell Executive would be wearing casual clothing, and a jacket. No need for suits for this. Newton's droid M7 would be at the local spaceport keeping an eye on the ship. He would be waiting, and alert.

@Killa Ree

 

[Allegra]

Ever since Vontor, Allegra had had to lay low. Avoiding most of the civilized portions of the galaxy, she swapped out the antiquity she'd picked up for something more discreet and fast. Her armor, as well, needed an upgrade for anonymity. But for now, she wanted to be recognized by one person only.

She watched him arrive from her vantage point, and had to give a bit of a smile. Prompt, as she thought he was. Truth be told, there were very few people in the galaxy who wore a suit and seemed to know their way around robotics. It didn't take a genius to put the pieces together, look up a name on the Holonet, and then get a personal number. Well... that last one took a bit of bribing to get, but the other person wouldn't be talking anymore anyways.

She had kept the card with her. Though part of her was tempted to keep it on her ship, she had a feeling the man was clever enough to know she wanted to use it. And he wouldn't be wrong.

When she did finally step out of the darkness, it was without her helmet. Unlike before, when only he and that shadowy one had seen her face before she donned the helmet, she didn't bother concealing her face. Bright blue eyes surveyed the man as she cleared her throat, raising a hand in case he had a twitchy trigger finger.

"Hey there. You thirsty?"

Yeah, not exactly the suave type, but she figured showing her face would make him less tense. Plus he was kinda cute, in that fresh-faced executive kind of way.

@The Good Doctor

 

[Newton]

Ah there she is, she reveals herself at last, no helmet either as they are face-to-face. Newton had to admit, she looked... different than what he expected. Oh well, no matter.

She asked if he was thirsty, he really wasn't. Sure free drinks are always nice, but he didn't think he would be too cautious for declining because he doesn't want to take any chances with people he doesn't know much about. "Hello there" he greeted her back with, and to answer her offer "I'll pass, but thanks" he politely declined, giving a smile as well.

"So, you know who I am. But who are you?" he would ask, now wanting to know who she is. It really was interesting that the whole group went through most of the droid factory without so much as asking each others names, people just made up nicknames for each other. It speaks to how badly people wanted to get out and fast, for good reason of course. But now things are not so dire. Plus if they are going to converse, he would like to know who he is talking to before they get to the why they are here.

@Killa Ree

 

[Allegra]

Smart guy. But staying in an alleyway casually chatting would bring up attention; she didn't want to risk the Suit getting more holes in him than he needed to have. She stepped a little bit closer, eyeing him. So he wanted a name; she'd have to give him one.

"Allegra. Friends call me Leggy." Her lips twitched wryly saying that; she still held the helmet casually under her arm, head tilted slightly to eye him again. "Are you sure you'd not want that drink? I know a place that's a bit more discreet than..." she gestured vaguely with her other hand, indicating the open air, the space.

"Then again, your call boss-man."

@The Good Doctor

 

[Newton]

Ah, so that's her name. Leggy too. Although, is Newton a friend? Maybe. Anyways, she had a point about going to a more discrete place than here... Newton thought at first this alleyway was pretty obscure, he didn't see a soul in it. But then again there are always ruffians hiding about, or other people that could be listening in at a distance.

Very well then "Fair point. Lead the way" he nodded towards her. "Oh, and nice to meet you again, Leggy. " he said before he would forget and would smile. Still, not sure if he's a friend, but he will go with that just to be polite if she perfers that. Now for them to get on their way he guesses, he would follow her lead.

@Killa Ree

 

[Allegra]

Okay, yeah. He was cute.

A subtle grin flicked on her lips at his calling her Leggy. She'd let it slide; truth be told, she would have thought he was hesitant to meet her at all, given that she shot one of the Chosen during their high-stress situations, but he did, and he agreed to drinks! Considering his credentials, he no doubt had had dealings with far shadier people; she would keep her terms as simple as possible.

"You too, Newton," she answered quietly, before ducking out of the alleyway.

Slipping her helmet on, she glanced left and right before walking with an easy step. This city was her homescape, one of the few places she had no qualms strolling about. It was rougher than Chandrila, sure, but she lived here between hard times.

Three narrow alleyways later, a small entrance guarded by a Khaleesh came at a dead end. No music, no lights, but at seeing Allegra, he merely huffed out a breath and stepped aside.

Giving a cheeky grin under her helmet, she ducked into the entrance, beckoning Newton inside.

Stepping out, they walked into...

A bathroom stall.

She stepped over to the mirrors, and began pulling the bag off her shoulders. Stuffing the helmet in with her cloak, she shed off her armor, revealing a black blouse, black slacks, and a small clutch, but the same combat boots. Stuffing the last of her equipment into the bag, she gave it back to the man keeping guard, then winked at her companion, sashaying out.

"Skip the weapons check and any prying eyes. Hungry?"

The door opened into what seemed to be a casino. Beings of all races and types crowded the slots and central bar. Ducking into one booth, she nodded to the space before her, and gave him a brilliant smile. Blue eyes glittered as she held the clutch in her lap, head cocked slightly.

"So! Been looking for me?"

@The Good Doctor

 

[Newton]

She lead the way and Newton would follow her. That bouncer gave Newton and odd look, but Newton digressed. He stepped aside, he must know Leggy. Anyways, Newton followed her into the entrance, and they went into a bathroom stall? Newton was weirded out and confused. However, when she stepped over to the mirrors and took off her armor, Newton raised his eyebrow. "Not bad" he had to admit, and he would smile. Newton can't say that he cared for women before, but even he knows when a woman is good looking. Her choice of attire though, is this a date or something? He wasn't quite sure.

"Sure" he said. He wasn't particularly hungry, but maybe there will be something that strikes his fancy here. Maybe. Skipping the weapons check was convenient though, as Newton was armed. Newton did see that the bar had quite a lot of aliens in it, looks likes like they are going about their lives as normal.

Anyways, Newton would have a seat at the booth and smile to her when she smiled at him. She would ask, been looking for her? Newton would chuckle before responding. "I've tried." he admitted "You're pretty hard to find. Didn't have the pleasure of knowing you as well as I do now" he said light-heartily. It sure would have made it easier to find her though. "Was hoping you'd try contacting me sooner or later" That's the only way any meeting between them would have happened more than likely.

Newton was going to go ahead and get to the meaning of why they were here, but before Newton could say something, the waitress just arrived that would offer menus - to which Newton would take - then asking them for drink first. "Corellian ale please" Then the waitress would look towards Leggy if she wants anything to drink.

The Blackwell executive is the 'guest' here, he was invited here to dinner by her. So Newton is fine going through the drink and food ordering and they can get to business in good time.

@Killa Ree

 

[Allegra]

She had to admit, he wasn't the easiest person to find either. The datacard burned a hole in her clutch; but she wasn't gonna just hand it over just yet. He was a businessman, and from what she learned in the rim, there were certain protocols she should follow. And if they were to work together, just giving him something in a back alley seemed cheap and unreasonable.

The fact that he seemed without armed guards also concerned. Perhaps that was how he was captured in the first place.

"Gin and tonic," she replied for her own drink, tilting her head slightly.

When the droid left with their order, she stared at him for a beat, then gave a faint smile. "I'd say I'm sorry for being hard to find, but it's actually good to know. I like being able to keep my anonymity." The fact that she exposed her face, in fact, was a calculated risk. She didn't exactly trust him yet, but she understood it was a way to get him to go with her.

"I have what you need, but I want to know what you'd be willing to give in exchange." She wasn't going to soften her words, but she was curious. What was his price for an obsolete piece of tech they almost died for?

@The Good Doctor

 

[Newton]

"It's all fine. I know that being easy to find isn't exactly for everyone" he said. Some people would remain low-key, some would don't care if they are easy to find or not. Sometimes Newton does miss his relatively more obscure and private life. Since he became an executive, his contact information is more open, he has to meet more and more people. Sometimes he would rather just shut everything else around him and work on droids in his lab.

Anyways, that was a good question, how much would Newton be willing to give in exchange. It's valuable to him, but it's not anything he would give an arm or a leg for. Credits are valuable though to those who want them. Newton has more than enough, maybe Leggy doesn't. In exchange for the last remaining card "I a great deal of credits. I also have easy access to the some of the finest technology in the galaxy, for if simple credits don't do" he said as he too would smile, clasping his hands in contemplation. Top of the line, starships, droids, weapons, or other misc electronics. That would be worth it to Newton.

But what about her? Newton would turn and ask her a like question. "What about you, what would you say would be willing to trade for in exchange?" Perhaps if they have different ideas, they can compromise. Maybe.

And just as he finished asking, the droid would arrive with drinks.

@Killa Ree

 

[Allegra]

Credits sounded really nice. In fact, for most people, credits would be exceptionally better than even tech or whatever else he mentioned. But she was looking for something beyond that. She had been spending way too many hours trying to ply her trade at space stations for bored teens or harried refugees, only to make barely enough to cover fuel and basic perishables.

Taking her drink with a murmured thanks to the droid, she glanced up at him through blonde lashes, offering a slight smile. "Employment. Life gets boring solo; your life seems interesting. Interesting enough to need more protection, should you want it." She had to admit, Blackwell wasn't short on enemies either; the laundry list of companies that loathed them was longer than her datapad screen could fully load. No doubt he had droids for bodyguards.

She tilted her head slightly, watching him carefully. "If you want references, I can give a few."

@The Good Doctor

 

[Newton]

Oh, what she wanted is employment? Newton raised an eyebrow with interest and then smiled.. It was indeed an interesting offer, she is wiling to be put to work as protection in exchange for the last datacard. Usually when Newton goes somewhere with protection, he has guard droids. And occasionally he hires non-droid agents for his treks out in the field. Even as an executive he still sometimes takes to the field himself personally to oversee certain delicate operations. Leggy is a good fighter, she's proven to be one of the better ones on Vontor.

"No need, i've see you in action personally after all" he had a light chuckle. Anyways, just to clear up whom she is working for, he would ask. "So, would you be protection for just me or for Blackwell as a whole?" he would have a drink of his ale after having had taken his drink. He asked to confirm. Either way, her brand of protection could be a very good asset, to him personally or to Blackwell, in addition to the datacard itself. "Blackwell is always looking to hire talented individuals. They pay and benefits are too good too in addition. There are no shortage of threats from competitors. I can get you set up easy without hassle." He smiled as he said.

@Killa Ree

 

[Allegra]

So he didn't immediately laugh off her offer... the night was finally going good. Still, he asked a fair question. She gave a one-shouldered shrug, taking another drink before answering. "I'd prefer working for you, but I wouldn't mind being hired out for Blackwell in case I'm needed."

He was a good salesman. She nodded along, listening. "I noticed." A slight smile touched her own lips, and she cocked her head slightly.

"Do we have a deal then, sir?"

@The Good Doctor

 

[Newton]

Newton would smile "We do. This is a mutually beneficial relationship. It's a deal" he said. Well, there it was Newton now has himself with protection. Good protection at that. Between her and his droids, his security detail would be pretty impressive. It would take a lot to get through them. Plus he will have access to the last piece of the puzzle with the remaining datacard that's in her possession. Not only that, she gains employment which all the benefits that will bring her, a greater purpose. and .etc

"Well, then. Cheers?" he offered with a grin, he would hold his drink up, figuring this would be an appropriate time.

@Killa Ree

 

[Allegra]

A giddy rush filled her chest at the idea. Finally, finally she might have landed a decent job. True, she would likely still get shot at, but it would be loads better pay than those two Syndicate brothers had after escaping that assault in Coruscant. A pity she hadn't worked out with the cutie Zay either, after narrowly escaping with enough creds to break a Bantha's back he too went radio silent.

"Cheers."

She lifted her glass as well, before placing her clutch on the table. Sliding over the final piece of the thousands' year old data, she leaned back in her seat. "How soon do I begin?"

@The Good Doctor

 

[Newton]

"What sounds good to you?" he asked and smiled. He left that open "I'm sure you might or might not to make some living adjustments, which is fine" he added. Newton would then collect the datacard as it was slid over. He has all the pieces. Once he gets back to his lab, he can begin extracting the data... He can see it now, the possibilities that the data could bring... He was daydreaming about it...

But it would be cut short as a trio of really shady individuals had approached them. "Hey there. You are that one Newton person. On that hottest hunk list? What are you doing here?" the front man said, he would then brandish a switchblade right in front of them. The leader of them was a rodian, next to him were a a male human, a dug. They were ruffians no doubt. "Oh well doesn't matter, now if you don't want any trouble, i suggest you give us a couple thousand credits and we might leave you and your girlfriends alone"

Newton rolled his eyes about how annoying this was. He act as if he was barely paying any attention, yet at the same time he would be gripping the blaster pistol he was had on him. He would look towards Leggy "Hmmm, how about now?" he half-jokingly asked.

@Killa Ree

 

[Allegra]

Why was it just when she was having a good night, starting to relax, a bunch of thugs always had to screw it over?

For a moment, confusion flickered over her eyes. Hottest hunks? What?

She slid a puzzled look over at Newton for a second as though to ask what the kriff they were talking about.

The switchblade, though.

Fucking hells. Did they think this was some kinda holodrama? Ugh. She didn't even get to finish her drink yet. But at least she wore a pretty dress for this.

"Now boys," she simpered, turning to face the three of them. Full lips tilted seductively as she unbuttoned the two top buttons of her blouse, head cocked to one side. "That isn't the right way to ask a man of his distinction. You see..."

She reacted fast. The cocktail glass slammed forward into the face and nose of the Dug. When he staggered back with an uttered curse, the other two began to react, as though to draw, but she was already on the move. While the Rodian stumbled into his right-hand man, she stomped her foot down with the heel into his own foot, and he attempted to slash at her side.

The Corellian's military training kicked in as she reacted, gripping and twisting his wrist hard to force him to drop his blade while the Dug flailed on the ground before pulling out one of her vibroblades and poising it.

Not into his face, but a location far lower and more likely to hurt.

"--You forgot to ask please." She snarled into his face, scowling. She watched the green turn into several paler shades of green, and flicked her gaze at the human as he seemed to fumble. "Try to help him out, I'll make sure he sings soprano for life," she tsked, jerking her head over so that he moved to give Newton room.

"Hey, boss. Wanna bounce for a livelier atmosphere? This place stinks of frog." If any of the three tried to do anything, she wouldn't hesitate to slice or stab. It would get the point across.

@The Good Doctor

 

[Newton]

She handled them rather well, Newton smiled. This is like a demonstration that she has the ability to be a bodyguard, although she already proven that at the armory. Anyways, the ruffians would back off, and then Newton would concur with her suggestion to leave. "Sounds good to me" he agreed with the place, wasn't that great anyways. Ruffians, the smell, the look, it being lowbrow .etc Newton would then make his way away from the table and away from the miscreants who are licking their wounds, being sure to keep an eye on there as well.

"Already got a place in mind? Somewhere more upper-class? Or somewhere off-planet perhaps?" Newton asked he made some distance from them and nothing else from the trio. Newton was fine with any other place... other than the one they are at right now.. He wasn't familiar with the area here though so wasn't sure what options were available. Of course wanted, they could get off the planet.

@Killa Ree

 

[Allegra]

She grinned once at the Rodian before shoving him away, watching as the three skulked off. Technically, she knew she ought to go back and retrieve her armor, but... this was a new opportunity. She could get better armor, better equipment. This guy probably made a substantial salary; working as his bodyguard would probably pay off well also.

Shrugging once, she buttoned her blouse back up and gave it a quick tug on the cuffs, giving the man a light grin. "I don't mind hopping off this rock, sir. If you know of a better place to go, I'm all ears." She'd be mindful to keep in step with him; not immediately ahead, but slightly behind.

It had been a while since she had to guard anyone of importance, but this time she was without the CorSec badge and the stupid-looking uniform. The night was fresh, long, and full of unlimited potential. But...

"I might be a little behind on Holonet broadcasts, sir, but what did they mean by 'hunk'?"

@The Good Doctor

 

[Newton]

Ugh. 'Hunk'. Those tabloids... Newton would scowl as he is reminded of those. "Oh, nothing important. Just the tabloids that I'm the third most attractive male in the galaxy." Newton would rather be recongized for his work in Blackwell and the robotics field instead of that "And apparently people want to see me date some Jedi Master, for some reason...." Newton would shake his head in disgust and his expression would reflect.

"But yes". Newton would be quick to change the to change the subject to whats going on currently, not "Lets go to Manaan, they have a much more cleaner environment and finer places and that's where one my main workplaces are anyways." he said. Manaan doesn't also slack when it comes to security and law enforcement. They have stri "My ships at the spaceport nearby, I suppose if you are working for you I need to introduce you to my closest staff anyway, who are aboard."

With that, Newton would step out to the sidewalk and hail a taxi. One would come in good time. Newton would step in the back of the speeder that came. If/once the two step in, they can go to the spaceport, where his ship would be waiting.

If she boards and then the taxi takes off, to occupy the time enroute to their destination, Newton would then ask. "So...tell me about yourself? What's your story?" he asked and wondered, wanting to get to know his new hiree better. She had to have been intriguing enough to be kidnapped as he had.

@Killa Ree

 

[Allegra]

Manaan. She couldn't remember if she'd been there or not... it had been ages if she had. She followed him into the taxi, leaning back into the seat when his question registered. She paused; for a moment, blue eyes looked into his, before she cracked a smile, and a slight shrug.

"I think my story's rather boring," she spoke lightly, tucking a stray piece of blonde hair behind her ear. "The middle kid, and the only daughter. Didn't like my family, bounced out at 15 and lied my way to CorSec Academy. Flew with them for eight years, and was 'retired'." The last word was said with a smile, but bitterly. "Picked up some cool tricks on the way; I like fast ships and faster blasters." The cheeky grin returned, and she cocked her head slightly.

"Worked as a rich-kid pilot for a year, then as a general mechanic. What about you, sir? Any sordid past I need to know about?" Even as she spoke, she kept a careful eye out, looking out in case they would be pursued. She had a job now, she took it seriously.

@The Good Doctor