Ask  Lothal  Plot One Way or Another

Spoiler: Mission brief

We've been able to keep pirates back thanks to their relatively limited assets. However our informants tell us that there are some advanced starfighters that are planned to be sold to a shady group on Lothal. There will be a black market auction for them though you can choose to just outright steal the starfighters or destroy them instead of purchasing.

Lothal's pirates stood in the way of Imperial occupation. Them criminals are always around, but these sadists wanted to take it to the next level and purchase military-grade Starfighters. The Lieutenant of the Imperial Navy, Jayscreec Alecwit awaited in a rental safe-haven. Before he arrived, he heard his partner would be a Sith. Not the first time he worked with one. From his experience, the Sith were arrogant and lost in their personal emotions, instead of approaching obstacles tactically and overcoming them. Markov might be a wind of change. Hopefully.

Preliminary investigations already became useful. The auction was scheduled three days ahead, leaving plenty of time to sabotage the event. That was his task, making sure the ships won't end in wrong hands. Keen, Jayscreec wanted to know how these ships ended here. Perhaps investigating their logs would bring answers, if the circumstances allowed a peek.

Once with the Sith, Jayscreec introduced himself. "Here is the report's summary. The Navy's open to any solutions, from buying the ships to blowing them up. I am really curious who is selling the Starfighters. These pirates could end up imprisoned shoveling radioactive ruins, if they ever fire one of these." Jayscreec said. "We are doing them a favor."


@Markov Aletaus

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❅ THEME ❅​

The outer rim had been lawless, unhindered in its wilderness and lack of structure. Islands of civilization popped up in systems and on planets such as this. But there was still chaos in all of it. But that was some of the appeal in Drali's opinion. Too much structure and it was stifling.

So far the Crusader liked Lothal. It had that backwater planet feel to it. Dressed in her less traditional attire she had a rather pleasant smile on her face. Today she had forgone taking her sith sword. They were supposed to be going to some secretive auction for these starfighters. At least that was what the intelligence gathered had indicated.

In addition to her sword being left behind, the woman had also decided to leave her Laestein behind as well. It made for a much less obvious appearance though she felt rather good in her getup. No doubt the Deucalian's earned confidence and matching attractiveness would still draw some eyes. Drali was still tall compared to most women. At least this way she did not look like the overt warrior that she normally did.

Taking the information from the lieutenant she checked it over. This was her responsibility since it was Zandrali's campaign to begin with. As she read the report she walked away from him, then back towards him, pacing as also contemplating the best course of action. "What do you suggest Lieutenant?" It was good to hear advice and different angles in the planning stage before action was taken. In all honesty she was ready to just go ahead with it now.
@Ediwa

 

"So basically we can sabotage the starfighters," Jayscreec said. "But, we need to get in silently. A Duros named Hem Vam knows a secret underground passage. See the problem is the Hutt. A local crimelord's looking for him, so he is in hiding right now. Maybe we should start at the cantina, check if we can talk to the worm, and end the feud."

@Darasuum

 

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Listening to what the Imperial Agent had to say Drali began pacing back and forth slowly. Contempltating the different options a Deucalian humming tune came from her closed mouth. Raising a single finger the Crusader tapped her painted chin and pursed her lips. To match the image her eyes squinted a bit though did not focus on anything.

Finally Drali stopped and placed both hands on the planning table between them. "The way I see it is we have quite a few options. The only question is which one are we going to pick. So for one, we've go your idea. Sabotage the starfighters. To do that we make a deal with this Hem Vam guy. He'll require that we make things good between him and the Hutt." That was option number one.

"We could just out bid these guys at the auction of course." Literally just buy out the merchandise to keep it from the pirates. "On one hand we have to deal with a Hutt which is never pleasant and are dealing out favors...." Her face scrunched up like a little girl who had seen some bitter tasting food on her plate and her parents had told her she had to finish it or else she would not get any desert. "Just buying the starfighters is also going to take some credits, or at least faked wealth. Then that also means the pirates might just move onto some other ships and not really be out of the picture, just delayed."

Sighing she resumed pacing for a bit. There were other options too but those two seemed the best under the circumstances. Her hand reached up to the talisman around her neck. Rubbing it with an unfocused gaze aimed towards the wall she stopped with a decision. "We'll try it with sabotage. We can still try to purchase them at the auction if it doesn't work out but this way it will hopefully not cost any Imperial credits and get rid of the pirates for good."
@Ediwa

 

As Drali spoke Jayscreec's eyes opened widely. Unlike most people, he didn't listen to reply, he listened to understand. Nodding his head he agreed. "You are absolutely right. We can try the Hutt, and we still have enough time to change plans if that doesn't work out." The approach towards the Hutt stood undecided. If he asked something way out of line, together with the Sith they had other means to make an agreement. "I will prepare a speeder at once."

The two did not know really each-other yet, especially Jayscreec. He had no idea Zandrali had two personalities. So far she was pleasant company, also quite tall. "My name's Jay. I get to see a lot of different people. Now, it has become obvious why you lead this operation." Despite what it sounded like, the agent was really honest. He wanted to be fast-tracked in the command training program, so the Sith offered a onetime opportunity to learn something useful.

Outside the cantina a lot of tough patrons stood around. Occasionally they glanced at the newcomers, but they had no reason to suspect anything. Not yet. Jayscreec noticed the Hutt and his visitors. They shut the door right in front of them inside. The bartender hummed to himself, and starred at the duo, expecting their orders. "Looks like we got some time before we can talk to him. Would you like a drink?" Jayscreec flashed an innocent smile, like a bit of goodness broke free from his soul. At least the time should be spent well.

@Darasuum

 

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With the verdict made on the best course of action Drali would close down the planning and then followed Jayscreec and would wait for the speeder to be brought around. When he did he introduced himself by his first name and with a coomplement. The Crusader smiled. "Nice to meet you Jay. You can call me Drali if you want. Or Crusader Drali or Zandrali...or Swag-mistress. Yeah...I like that one a lot though it's probably not very professional." She contemplated whether it would look good in front of others to be called that.

Shrugging it off the two would soon arrive at the cantina where they would be meeting with the Hutt. After the vehicle stopped Drali climbed out and looked towards the grizzled street thugs that stood outside. This was Lothal, a backwater planet with relatively little underworld presence but there were always criminals no matter where one went and they tended to attract one another.

Walking into the bar she stared back at those looking her up and down. Some probably saw her as a simple woman, others a new being being of strength and power that was alien to them but they seemed to just think Drali was just some strange offworlder. It took her a moment to remember she was not wearing her traditional garb and her accessories that would have hinted at her Deucalian background. They all probably she was just some other underworlder or traveler like themselves.

It appeared that the Hutt they were meeting with would be a moment. "If you're buying." She said with a smile and stopped at the bar casually. As they waited she kept looking around at the other patrons to get an understanding of the company in the vicinity. "What made you want to join." The woman asked as they waited for their beverages. Of course she was asking about the Sith Empire's military force. It was fine to make small talk while they killed some time.
@Ediwa

 

"Sure." Once the bartender stepped to the counter, Jayscreec already picked what he would drink from the list. "I'd like a Moogan tea." Jayscreec said. "Drali?"

While thinking of what to answer, he figured there was no point to lie. Any soldier knew, she could reach out in the force and immediately know what's going on. "The military? Well. That's a good question," Jayscreec answered. "Most people are surprised. I'm an officer, they always expect something else. I will tell you the unofficial-- My version." He chuckled lightly. "Long story short, I was arrested for severe crimes. Really bad ones. But the war was going on. So, they knew I could handle myself, more or less I was offered prison or service. Then I just worked my way up." Jayscreec took a sip from his drink. "I like how it's going for me nowadays."

"This Moogan's nice, would you like to try it?" He offered his glass to Drali.

@Darasuum

 

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"fog blaster for me please." She said when it was her turn to order a drink. She listened to Jayscreec's backstory in its brief entirety and nodded along. When he was finished their drinks had been served allowing her to take a decent gulp of the beverage. When he offered her a taste of the tea she nodded and took a sip. If he wanted some of her drink she let him take a sip too.

Doors slide open rapidly and a being stormed out of the meeting that seemed to have only recently begun. He was clearly in a foul mood. Beyond him the Hutt and those attending to him seemed like they were like teachers telling an ignorant parent their child was lacking in mental capacities. "Show time." The Deucalian said and pushed off from the bar.

As she approached two guards stood in front of her before she reached the hutt. Drali knew she could take both of them and probably everyone in this bar simultaniously and her face did not show to be phased at all b the muscle they flexed or the heat on their hips. "Sir, we are here to clear things up with Hem Vam. We need him for something." A moment of quiet as he Hutt took a drag on a long electronic pipe that bubbled with its built in water sphere. "What do you need Hem Vam for?"

"That's um, our business. We just want to clear things up. That way you get what you want and we get what we want with as little fuss as possible." Another long drag on the hose like pipe before the Hutt started laughing. "I won't make this complicated. You're not from around here, I can see that. But how about you buy his debt away? He could never afford it but I'm wondering if you can. You two seem to have some means to acquire some credits." The slug wanted them to simply buy what trespasses and troubles Hem Vam caused the Hutt. The price was going to be steep.
@Ediwa

 

The Hutt clearly wanted to take advantage of the situation, probably not expecting who are the people he's facing. The deal could not go his way. "Credits. What are you thinking of, how much? And also, how do I know I can trust you?" Jayscreec asked, then he looked up at the Hutt's face, pouting.
"For Hem Vam I want three thousand credits." The Hutt ignored the other question.
"How do I know you will call off the feud?"
"You don't." He started laughing.
Jayscreec glanced at Drali, trying to figure out what she's thinking. In any case, buying themselves out of trouble weren't their style. They were warriors by nature.
"That's too much for him."
"Maybe another time, lick."
Jayscreec remained calm. Upon reaching the exit door he sent a nod to Drali, signaling the attack. He grabbed one of the guards and held his blaster pistol at his back, walking him towards the Hutt.
"Now you're still thinking we can make a deal. Wrong."
The blaster pistol was fired, Jayscreec executed the guard.

@Darasuum

 

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The smoke curled from the guard and several weapons became trained on the two Imperial representatives. Drali's eyes darted around at the others that had brought their weapons out. Some of the normal patrons and unaffiliated individuals seemed to be packing heat. "You bastard. Who do you think you are?" He was about to raise his hand when Drali conjured a phantasmal blade in her palm and through telekinetic force cast it to rest its sharpened edge against the throat of the gangster.

"Ah ah ah." She wagged her free hand in the air like she was a nanny that had caught a child doing something naughty. "Tell you what. My friend is a little bit of a hot head. We'll pay off the debt. But as you can see we are more than a wallet and a bunch of words. We can't be sure if you'll hold up your end of the bargain..." She began walking towards him to emphasize her presence so he understood that she was not some small lass that is to be underestimated.

"...But know that if you don't that we WILL come for you. I don't like people that go back on their word." The blade pressed against his throat a little harder causing him to wince. "Tell your boys to lower their weapons if you agree. Otherwise we can cover this floor with bodies. Your's will be the first to hit the ground." A menacing smile creased the edges of Drali's mouth. He seemed to realize that the Deucalian was almost asking him to order his men to open fire. So thinking better of it he nodded. "Alright. You've got yourself a deal."

Without saying anything else Drali's manic grin turned to a more pleasant smile and relaxed her hand so the floating blade returned to her hand. Pulling out a datapad she began tapping and pulled up the information for field expenses. The next few moments would be her transferring over the credits. Afterwards the two Sith representatives would leave the tense atmosphere of the cantina. "I think that went pretty well. Don't you?" The Crusader said with a wide grin. It had been rather exciting.
@Ediwa

 

Drali was evil. Jayscreec kept his aim up even after the gangsters dropped theirs. In the end he passed some credits to them. "First it's half," Jayscreec said, grinning. "You will get the rest later when we finished here." He never intended to fully pay them, nor cared to wait for them to check how much he gave. It should be enough. He walked out of the cantina with Drali. "I've worked with Sith before, but this was something next level. The feud is definitely called off now."

To make sure it was off, Jayscreec reached out to one of his contacts to gather a bit of intel. "My man reported our Duros is ready to meet us by the dam." He pointed at the river that crossed a couple buildings underneath, right by the dam. "Do you think it could be that, over there? Those look well hidden and open enough to take off with a couple ships."

Hem Vam looked like a typical Duros who has enough shady contacts to find spice, although not friendly enough to let you try it before buying. "You must be the two rebels who are eager to blow the Imperials ships, ha-ha!" He rubbed his palms excitedly. Jayscreec glanced at Drali, slightly nodding. "Yes. We are."
"I can take you inside, I need two hundred credits. I haven't eaten since--"
"What?!" Jayscreec hissed. "We just saved your behind from the Hutt cartel figure. Are you kidding me?"
"I never asked you to save me." Hem countered. "One hundred, that's it." Jayscreec gave in. Hem revealed that he's rather supporting the rebels, so Jayscreec planned to take the credits back once they're inside anyway.

Through the dam's shut sluice a secret tunnel led to the sewer systems. Jayscreec took careful steps and gave a hand to his partner at tight corners. "Shady. How do you know of this place?" Hem pretended he didn't hear the question.

In the very end they stood at a door and Jayscreec slowly closed up on the Duros.

@Darasuum

 

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She must have made some sort of impression on Jayscreec beecause his face and tone had a regarding sort of hint to it. That made Drali smile a bit. She was always herself but when people noticed her level of character it was always entertaining to see them react. Though some people can be big meanies about some things. The Deucalian Sith thought to herself.

Walking towards their contact the Duros looked like someone who Drali would probably give some unwarranted life advice to. At the same time she would also probably party with the Duros. Maybe she would get his information so she cold score some spice later. After the mission's over. The Crusader wanted to focus on the task at hand and not get side tracked by the idea of partying later. Though Aadya liked spice, maybe she would learn about the dankest spice and get her some. Then again on a backwater planet like this she doubted the Duro had access to top shelf substances like that.

Proceeding to walk through the sewer system quietly was not the best trek but it went unhindered. Coming to a door that would lead them further in she waited for the Duro to open it up and then head inside. Further in the dimly lit area her eyes adjusted to the sight of the starfighters they were looking for. There were no guards or any possible interruptions. "Nice work Hem." She said to the blue skinned being. Then turning her head to look at her cohort she gave him a choice. "So do you want to trash, take or a little bit of both?"
@Ediwa

 

The Duros received Drali's grace. Since she was the boss, Jay didn't question it. If it's after the mission's over, then it's after the mission's over. Simple as that. For now he already gathered something was off with Drali, but not expected spice or personality disorders.

However, he really led them to the ships. No guards in sight, probably sleeping. "We can check if they're operational," Jay said. "I will download their data, want to see who stole them." He carefully examined the Starfighters before he hopped into one of them. The terminal required a bit of slicing, but since it was one of their very own systems, Jay managed to get through it.

The ships seemed to be in good condition. "We can take them," Jay paused. "For that we would need to figure out a way to open the roof." He also possessed enough explosives to take care of the ships. "Would you like to risk alarms or just blow them up and run through the sewers?"

@Darasuum

 

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The woman listened and waited while Jayscreec gave his opinion. They could only take two of the ships and there were more waiting. She hummed and tapped her shin with a recently manicured finger nail. Drali then went ahead and began walking around the place moving barrels with the force. Her hands cracked two large canisters open and lifted the leaking fuel over a the wings of some of the starfighters. This would allow them for a spectacular departure and not allow any other nefarious groups to use the craft.

When Jay asked how to get out of there she figured it would be easy enough. "Just get in one and be ready to take off." She said as in her feminine voice but with enough force to know it was an order.

Getting into her own ship she started the ship up. The craft lifted off the ground and hovered there for a moment before she faced the side of the hangar. Next she dumb fired the missiles in the ship's launching tube. It rocketed out and exploded, opening up a hole in the side of the hangar. Another one followed to make sure that it was large enough for them to fly through. Flying out of the opening she would wait until the Agent was out of the hangar as well before firing the last rocket into the back of the hangar where the other craft were. The blast ignited the munitions and other combustible materials, destroying the ships along with them

"Let's get out of here." She said with a smile. They would soon be returning the requisitioned starfighters along with a story to tell now that the mission was accomplished.

END THREAD​