Ask Crime pays

[Rakim Hsin]

A world in the outer rim
​

It was night and the air was chilled, not as cold as Moraband but still enough for me to keep my cloak around me. Sure discomfort was something that shouldn't bother someone who could move objects around with his head but that should just mean I shouldn't have to deal with such minor inconveniences. Still if I wanted to become something great I will have to suffer a little to gain much more. I stood on a hill looking out to a almost empty field, except for a small palace built for a man of some minor power. A criminal who has stashed what credits he earns at his home, which meant his defenses must be strong enough to deter those trying to steal from him. From what I understood he used mostly droids for the defense not trusting organics that could be bought off or become greedy and steal from him. Almost like a the rumors of the krayt dragon in the stories he heard when he was younger.

While it would be great to image me beating a krayt dragon single-handily I knew I wasn't at that level. So I needed help which was where his new friend came in. Asking for help was uncommon from what he understood of his new crew. But a pirate worth his salt knows sometimes you have to work with others if you want to get a big score. It was simply necessary also to get allies, if he wanted to become someone alone would be impossible. An while maybe not the wises thing to test a new friendship or partnership on breaking into a heavily defend place it was for sure a forging a connection through fire. Just like how the new members of a pirate crew would be one of the first boarders to test their metal and skill.

Rakim only had his lightsaber though, but that should be enough with his growing skills of the dark side and mind that was meant into breaking into places that while difficult he could do it. Plus this would be a good test of his own skills along with his new crew mate. What better way to learn how far your skills would get you then to throw yourself into a fire and try to get out. There was a walk they would need to do to actually get to the place but he and his new ally were going to have to discuss their plans before they made their move.

"So tell me my new friend, how do you foresee us taking the goods?"

@Kenico

 

[Argyle Paltos]

Paltos had been keeping his head down since the revelation of the Sith. However he heard from contacts that a fellow Sith needed an ally for a mission. It wasn't the most noble of missions but it would provide allies...allies he needed for what he wanted to build a power base to accomplish his own goals and the Siths. He had decided to land his ship quietly somewhere from prying eyes, leaving with only his lightsaber on his person...and a holdout blaster for the sake of pragmatism. He met at the rendezvous point his new partner in these affairs, looking up at the man and sensing the Dark Side strong in this one. He couldn't help but smirk at his new colleague as he turned to face their target while the man asked his question.

"We could always just waltz in through the front door? Ask him nicely?" he said with a hint of sarcasm, "Though frankly i would use that first and if all fails we simply wait till the fool comes out of his hole and then we deal with him gently. Then we use our talents to dispatch the security and take what is rightfully hours. I however am only an accomplice in these matters. I leave the options, both my suggestions and whatever you can think up, in your capable hands..."

 

[Rakim Hsin]

The man that approached wasn't what I imagined as a strong Sith but the galaxy was full of many things, even those more compacted then others usually have more ferocity then their larger brethren simply cause that is how they survive. I smiled knowing that his suggestion wasn't a bad one. Yet for my plans I needed credits and also to be able to work in the future with the same kind of criminals this man is. So leaving evidence of our presence couldn't be a option. Needed to get what we needed out of the place then leave it in ruins. Criminals tend to ignore such actions that seem to fit what they expect. If they learn that some red bladed wielding man stolen from him or that the supposed mystical Force was used then neither of us would get much from these kind of people later.

So that left simply for us to wipe the place out.

"Yes walking in through the front door without getting shot at is probably the best course of action. Though how is what is most important. Perhaps two men stranded looking for aid? No I think we both don't trust anyone with enough power to defend himself to fall for such simple tricks. So perhaps we give him a offer that require a face to face meeting. Something to entice him, for a criminal of his level something that isn't to out of his reach but big enough for him to be unable to refuse. Maybe a bigger fish has noticed his good works and wants to hire him. I am sure representatives of say the Crimson dawn or some other large crime syndicate could be let inside without much trouble. How good are you with your tongue, I could be your muscle while you are here to convince our good host of our employers good intentions. Once we have a face to face with the man, we get from him what we need to disable security and after we are done make sure nothing that could come back to point at us as the thieves." Though the plan had many unknowns and we could simply be shot dead before making it too close, I was sure a false flag was the best way in as the actual siege of the place was beyond just the two of us.

Depending on my new allies response I would either walk down on foot or perhaps take a ship to our destination.

 

[Argyle Paltos]

Argyle couldn't help but smirk at the proposal, uses both of our strengths and allows us to get deep within the lions den to slaughter the lions...or at least maniuplate them enough so that they slaughter each other, he thought.

"We'll have to wait till tomorrow night" he suddenly said, "Send the message now and then watch what they do through the day" he said as he pulled some binoculars and watched the compound, "Then tomorrow night well arrive letting them think we took all day to arrive and then we do our business...The key will to make it look like we are Crimson Dawn. That is IF they happen to know someone from CD that they can contact and vet." he warned...

 

[Rakim Hsin]

Oh this man is good. I am starting to appreciate reaching out for another Sith if this was the quality of his allies then it is a shame they have been as quiet as they have been. Or maybe he just hasn't had the luck of noticing their moves just yet. Still the man's proposal was sound and definitely something I could get behind. Pulling out a datapad and opening a link to a line that could connect him with the compound and its master.

"I think this is a very agreeable suggestion and something we shouldn't worry to much about. I doubt they could get through all the parts of the Crimson Dawn in a day. If they did somehow manage that then we will have to figure something else out but I trust this plan." I worked on writing out what he believed to be a simple and effective message to the compound showing the Crimson Dawn's interest and our plan to visit with hopes for talks.

Watching the man keep watch of the compound, we had much time to kill before we would get a chance to strike. So I walked some distance off to a spot that looked comfortable enough for me to rest my eyes.

"Once you begin to grow tired wake me up. Once it gets close to the time to approach we will both need our full strength. Any tricks or traps in there will be to take our heads." Sitting down next to a stone that would support my upper body, if the man had the binoculars already so he should get the first shift anyway.

I didn't actually plan to sleep but rather to be in meditation while keeping his senses open in case the man turned out to be more viper then human.

 

[Argyle Paltos]

Paltos sent the message, making it sound as professional and spoofed as it could be, before sending it and throwing his hood over his face. He took a seat near the hilltop, just so he wouldn't be spotted while he took to meditation on the Dark Side. He focused on the task at hand, waiting as the night passed along with the morrow...

"Rest Easy My Friend..." he stated, "It will be a while till we can make our move" he said reaching for a flask of alcohol, "Care for a Drink?" he asked.

 

[Rakim Hsin]

I took him for a rather serious man, and if I was going to be on a live or death situation with him it didn't hurt for us to share a drink.

"Sure I would love some." Accepting whatever was given then giving it back to my new friend, figure maybe a quick conversation about who each of us were wouldn't hurt.

"An you can call me Rakim, what is your name friend. And if you don't mind also tell me a bit of your story. If we are to kill together think it best just to know a bit of who I will stand with. I myself am just born a poor man in the outer rim where I got into piracy at a early age. Made for a interesting story I think. But what of you friend, what should I call you when the building is burning around us?" A cruel dark smile crept onto my face, not that I wanted to lie to my new ally, he should know the manner of person that would stand with him when the going got tough.

My orange eyes slightly alight with a fire that was only starting to build. A growing need of violence, control and raw emotions that threaten to come out of me at any moment. The dark side from what I understood grew with such thoughts and emotions. Was it something that I would have to control later in my life as it grew or would the emotions subside as I grew more into the dark side? Some serious questions went through me during these quiet moment, made me itch for action to chase these thoughts away. Maybe that was why I wanted to talk with the man.

 

[Argyle Paltos]

Paltos sat there, letting the man sip before taking a sip once more of the brew in the flask. After setting it away, he kept looking at the man before him. He could sense the restlessness. He knew the man wanted action, wanted violence...wanted blood.

"Argyle." he replied quietly yet strangely jovial, "Rakim eh? Not a bad ring to it frankly" he stated as Paltos stared back towards the compound. He began counting the Droids and making sure sentry turrets were'nt there either. Droids would be easy...turrets were an entirely different thing...

"I count about 7 droids. Maybe more inside?" Argyle stated, looking at the compound a bit more while sipping from his flask, "Just out of curiosity do we have a plan B in the event things go south? And I don't mean just tearing the place apart....I'm aware that comes later." he stated...

 

[Rakim Hsin]

Argyle, my new partner had many good qualities from what I have seen. Counting out the number of enemies, trying to plan ahead for the small details, which while important bored me to death. But what if the plan went south for sure the place had some kind of defense for attacks from above, so even if we did try to bomb the place from above we could destroy the very credits we came to get. So that was out of the question, but what would we do if things didn't work out if the man just started blasting at us before we could get there.

"I am sure there is more inside, as for a plan B. If we can't find a way inside we will have to make one. Perhaps have our ship far enough away and try shooting from a distance that would cause some damage but not wipe out the whole place." But what about inside, that was something I couldn't plan for but I don't think that would be very encouraging to my new friend.

"If inside is a bigger hassle then we can handle we will have to make sure to keep a path open for us to retreat. But beyond that I can't provide much in the way of a plan. We are walking into a huge unknown and we most be confident in our skills and careful in our moves." This was not something that I liked anymore then I imagine Argyle likes it, but not all rewards can be gained without risking much, and this was what I needed to do.

If I could get more help I wouldn't mind but sadly I was a very impatient man and I knew that the clock was ticking can't wait around to much before the time ran out and I lose a chance to get a step towards my goal.

 

[Argyle Paltos]

"Indeed" remarked Paltos, continuing to watch the compound, "I don't suppose you could have someone you trust manning your ships weapons and essentially giving us a plan B? Essentially by having that out of range for them but in range for us could give us a distinct advantage from our enemies here." he said as he swigged a bit from the flask, "If you can i suggest you make those arrangements and we best prepare ourselves tell me...Do you have any good suits?" he asked with a smirk.

The day rose and fell and as the sun fell with the day so did the duo, now dressed in rather conservative but expensive suits, came in Paltos' shuttle. They made it look like they had traveled directly there, landing with grace and the duo descending from the ramp to be greeted by two security droids. The two looked at each other, hoping that they didn't necessarily have to go to plan B...

 

[Rakim Hsin]

I could set the ship to a reprogram set of instructions that just require a message sent through a commlink to set it off it would take but a moment and it was a idea that could really work. Glad to know it was worth it to bring along Argyle if for nothing else for the good ideas. But did I have good suits. I thought back to what I have wear over the years and never once would I consider it a good suit, the best I ever had his the cloak that I wore right now.

After setting up the ship for the task, I was then allowed to find something that could fit me from Argyles stock. At first I was sure that there would not thing but surprising even me there was suits and clothes meant for larger individuals not just Argyle. Once I had found one that fit and worked for our needs, I began to enjoy wearing it, being able to hide my lightsaber in the back of the suit it would be unnoticed unless a search of his person was done. Later I will need to see if I couldn't keep the suit from Argyle once everything was done.

After the night came and went, we fly towards the where we were accepted and two security droids greeted us. But it didn't look like they were here to stop us.

"The Master awaits for you in the conference room." The droid of the left spoke waiting for us to walked forward and head towards the center building that was at least two stories.

But from what I imagine that it had several levels underground, which would no doubt house the vault or whatever the money was stored and a bunker strong enough to handle some minor explosions. The plan seemed to work as the two droids were the only ones to walk us in and lead us to the elevator that went down to some unknown floor.

"Looks like our host knows how he is dealing with." I spoke but not looking to Argyle the message was clear there was nothing to suggest that the crime boss believed us and now we were being lead into the heart of the den.

Now we just had to make sure we got what we came here for without getting killed.

@Kenico

 

[Argyle Paltos]

Argyle made a few dialing of buttons before they entered the elevator, ensuring that the shuttle looked like it took off to hold orbit around the system to show a sense of professionalism. He looked up from the corner of his eye up at Rakim, smirking at the man's comment, "Well good sir, if this was easy we wouldn't be doing this would we?" he said keeping it quiet as they reached the bottom of the elevator. The duo exited, surrounded by secdroids as they were lead to their master, "We need to find the location for the control station" explained Argyle, "If we shut the droids down that way this will make this confrontation much easier...we may even be able to capture them for our use" he suggested, ensuring his voice was low so not even the droids could hear the conversation...

 

[Rakim Hsin]

Walking through the sublevels it was clear that the place was built as a bunker. We would eventually arrive to the conference room where the master of the place awaited us with two more additional security droids on either side of him. The man was middle age, human and not at all impressive at the first glance. But when one took the full view of what the man had things became a lot clearer.

This man was a smuggler by trade but at heart a hoarder, selling that what did not interest him and keeping only what he found that added to him. The man carried at least three different sets of rings that were as different as they were beautiful. The man had become a hoarder but a selling as well and now his valuables were growing as he traded and bartered in stolen, and rare items that no doubt though some underhanded means became his. The bunker wasn't made for the man but what he valued more than his own life.

Approaching the man stood from his seat made from something that was worth as much as a starship for sure and spoke with a smooth practice tongue that gave away nothing of his origins.

"Hello, I am honored to learn that the Crimson Dawn has taken an interest in me and my business." Wasting little time I drew on the powers of the Force closing my eyes for a second and opening them staring directly at the man.

"Where is the location of the control station for your droids?" I watched as for a second it seemed that he could resist but after he blinked a few times and opened his mouth once before closing it he responded.

"T-the droid control room is a floor above us? B-but why would I tell you that?" The confuse was setting in and his mind had proven stronger then I gave him credit for.

Slowly the droids programming began to kick in and their blasters were raised at us. After I had played my move I had to trust Argyle to act as he saw fit to. But as time would go on the man began to realize that his mind had been assaulted while losing at first his anger grew as he pieced together the reasoning behind his sudden headache and would begin to direct his fury at us.

 

[Argyle Paltos]

Argyle watched as his colleague attempted to trick their host into revealing the location to the droid control room. He rolled his eyes as the man became angry and the droids' security programming kicked in. Without a thought he raised his hand and waved it.

"Because If you are to be our business partner my good sir there should be clarity" The Man began to raise his hand for a moment, his headache began to subside as Argyle looked towards his comrade and turned back to the man, "We merely asked so as to ensure that you have a tight leash on your droids. For all we know they belong to Droid Gotra and you good sir are the puppet of this facility" said Argyle turning it back on the man, "You can't be too careful these days."

 

[Rakim Hsin]

I watched to see if things were to turn violent but it seemed it wasn't time just yet the man calmed down as Argyle seemed to help ease his worries. But I had gotten what I needed, and while there could be more to learn from the man now that the droids were beginning to lower their weapons their processors were no doubt now more keen on any moves me or my friend man.

Plus the promise of violence was to close, and my mind slipped into letting the dark part of me to control the wheel. As I enjoyed the ride watching almost like seeing it through a holovid. My hand pulled out my lightsaber hidden behind my back and holding it into my hand, the crime boss didn't seem to notice to much but as I drew in the dark side I raised both hands and the two security droids behind us were pulled up and slammed together. In one quick motion my lightsaber was thrown out cutting the heads of the last two security droids in the room.

The sound of the destruction was mixed wonderfully with the man's screams as the false protection he got from the droids were smashed just as finally as the droids themselves.

"Argyle you get to do what you wish with this man. Perhaps find out any more secrets that he might have. I think I will see about going to the droid control room." I turned away from the screaming man, and my control over my own bodied returned as the quick violence was what the evil in me craved and its hunger satisfied for now.

Though the screaming man created a new hunger but I would let my partner have that joy. Now I headed to the elevator to go to the floor above and learn of what next to do.

@Kenico

 

[Argyle Paltos]

Argyle rolled his eyes as he stared first at the terrifyed man then towards Hakim, “I understand your bloodlust my friend but if we are to maintain a healthy business relationship...” he rebuked as he raised his hand. The frightened man would suddenly feel his throat closing, his hands reaching for a hand that wasn’t there. Argyle took his time, careful to squeeze just enough to render their victim unconscious, “...you’ll need to learn that you control the Dark Side, not the other way around.” He finished as he walked over to the now unconscious man, “When you awake you will find common bandits attacked your home ”

The man mumbled back what Argyle said. The short man grinned, turning back to Hakim and nodded, “Head to the control room and shut down the droids. Don’t destroy them.” He warned, “They may yet be of use to us” He said as he began ransacking the compound.

 

[Rakim Hsin]

I could feel the frustration from Argyle but I didn't quiet care too much, in the end though they didn't need the man simply his credits and once they had cleared the place of defenses they could take everything worth something and leave. Walking into the elevator I didn't respond but I had heard Argyle and his desire to keep the droids online. Whatever his future plans I would let him have it, no point in picking fights with his allies.

I hit the button that took the elevator a floor up, drawing the power of the Force deep within me. I needed to prepare for whatever initial attack the droids in the next level had for me. Once the doors open at least five droids began shooting at me, my lightsaber already beginning to deflect the bolts to the side and a few back to the droids. My blade only intercepted those bolts that would actually hit, allowing the Force to guide my hands. It took several seconds of exchanged fire before the droids were full of their own bolts.

Once they were dealt with I began to slowly exit the elevator there was three paths to take in front of me, one to the right, another left, and straightforward. I didn't have any directions to the place which perhaps I should have gotten but I couldn't go back now that would just be silly. So I went down the hallway to the left there weren't any additional droids and I could feel perhaps other life on this floor, maybe slaves or servants don't know. Though if they got in my way they would find themselves in a bad place.

 

[Argyle Paltos]

Watching Hakim leave, Argyle gave a sigh as he began searching the contents of the chamber with the unconscious master in the middle. As he did, his stomach dropped from its usual spot as he heard the unmistakable click of a pressure plate. He growled as he looked around, lightsaber now in hand as the crimson blade further illuminated the already lit room. Suddenly, three more droids came out of secret compartments, weapons already drawn as Argyle jumped to the safety behind a metal desk within the chamber. He growled as they began to open fire, moving to surround their unconscious master in protocol. Argyle rolled his eyes as he clicked onto his comm while deflecting a few blaster bolts.

"I say dear fellow!" he spat in a calm but frustrated voice, "But I suggest you watch your step! This fool is smarter than he lets on!" he said as he sent a blaster bolt back into the head of a security droid.

 

[Lyra Mantel]

It was only by coincidence that she found herself in the compound on this particular evening. The desire to survive had driven her to accept an offer repairing security droids – the credits were few, but the work wasn’t too burdensome, for which she was grateful. It provided a temporary escape from her life on the run and promised that, for now, she wouldn’t need to steal in order to eat.

Her stomach growled and a sigh escaped her, frown pulling on her lips. It had been a while since she had eaten and, unfortunately, it would likely be a while longer before she would be given the opportunity. There was still a dozen or so droids that needed her attention, but she wasn’t an experienced mechanic and could only work so fast with the tools she had been given.

Lyra had just about finished up another, when a heavy and uneasy feeling washed over her. It wasn’t the first time either; like some kind of sixth sense that danger was lurking. It raised the hair on her neck and sent a cool shiver down her back moments before the alarm was triggered.

“Well, shit.”

Her attention snapped to the monitors that sat above the control panel, though they were hard to distinguish with the red flashing lights that lit up the small room. There had been mention of a meeting taking place in one of the conference halls. It had been made very clear that she was to avoid the area, for fear that her presence would upset his guests – she happily had obliged.

On one of the screens she could make out an illuminated figure who appeared to be short, but the image was too distorted for her to be certain. He made quick work of the security droids that had responded to the alarm and raised what appeared to be a communicator to his lips. It didn’t seem he was alone, but she wouldn’t stick around long enough to find out.

Scrambling for her things, she plotted an escape, but the sound of footsteps could already be heard coming down the hall. Her heart raced in her stomach, hand falling to the blaster that was clipped to her waist.

@Richie B. @Kenico

 

[Rakim Hsin]

I could feel fear, like almost a smell in the air. I knew someone was nearby that was causing the wonderful sensation that came to my mind but the best I could get was it was coming ahead of me. Whoever it was had a odd feeling to them, almost like what I felt from my fellow Sith's but weaker. Whatever the case I walked unopposed, no one could actually stop me, the few droids that were on this floor did not put up much of a fight whether due to bad programming or the simple fact they didn't have the Force to aid them.

I knew there were other people inside the compound but they felt weaker more insignificant to the presence I walked towards. It took me to a closed door, whatever was behind it held something that drew me towards it. Standing in front of the door I measured how I should respond, someone was inside and no doubt there would be other security in place. From the warning Argyle told me the man was clearly had some tricks up his sleeve that had surprised my fellow Sith. So I slashed twice into the door, making it pretty easy to use the Force to break it and send the pieces into the room.

But there might be some secret inside, and I wished not to die due to thinking I was greater then I already am. I had seen pirates that I used to work with die because of simple overconfidence and I took those lessons to heart. Stepping away from the door frame so to keep out of view of whoever was inside the room I channeled the fear that came from inside and the anger within me and send a wave of telekinetic energy to slam into the door sending the broken pieces at whoever was inside with dangerous speed. It wouldn't have been enough to kill anyone but if someone did get hit by the pieces it would leave a serious mark.

If no blaster fire came out of the room I would walk into the door frame letting the red lightsaber glow reveal my face to whoever was inside. Blocking out the light that came from outside, my six foot frame blocking much of the door thanks to my cloak. Any bolts that came for me I would aim to defect it. Noticing a single person inside my cruel smile clear to see though the red glow of the blade.

"Why so afraid?" My voice sounded cruel, mocking but I did want a answer, maybe for my own sick curiosity or because I was still trying to understand what I was feeling coming from this woman.

@Kenico @MatureContentWarningx