Inspection Downloads

[Elix Lorso]

Elix closed his eyes as the shuttle touched ground, but why he couldn't remember. He had done it first as a child after a rocky flight, muttering a quick thanks to the Force, Andraste or the Emperor. He didn't know all three of those things were bad back then. Then as a teenager it became absurdities to thank, like the Emperor or the graciously fertile God of Banthas. These days he said thanks to spice and that the human species couldn't create issue with a Cathar or a Twi'lek or most species he enjoyed on a regular basis. Still, it is a strong habit and as he landed outside the Czerka Arms Manufactoring plant on Balmorra he allowed his mind to wander..

The ship he had travelled with to Balmorra had quite literally run into some space debris and had required a two-day stop for repairs. Elix had made the most of it and traded in fun memories with a Cathar for more credits than he brought along. Kriff.

Elix frowned as he opened his eyes, not enjoying the nasty sting his two-day furry spice binge had left in his pocket, and as the door opened to usher him out of the shuttle and into the pouring rain, he was more concerned with how he was going to pay back his debt without the wife finding out what he was up to. Needless to say, this particular inspector, for that was his role here today, inspecting things, wasn't in the best of moods as he stepped out into said rain.

"Well," he smiled sarcastically, "-seems they want me wet here, too-" he said, checking to see if the case holding his datapad didn't let in any water. "-but, I guess, it's free this time."

Surely the Czerka Arms employees would show up soon enough and escort him in. The rule of thumb was not to avoid inspections, after all, because that makes you look suspicious, but you should still get them out as fast as you can. When corporate comes snooping by way of Coruscant you just know they're looking to cut costs. Which, as always, was indeed what Elix was told to do.

@vamp

 

[The Storyteller]

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"Yeah, someone go escort him. Make sure you pass by the ba—yeah, whatever, just put it on my tab. How much can the bastard possibly drink?" The chief of the facility cleared the last of the crumpled papers on her desk and then put one elbow down on it, resting her head on her paw. She'd been managing here for the past few months, and the rise up had not been easy; trying to make a name for yourself as a xeno woman was difficult in Imperial space, and everyone knew it. It had been a long several few years, constantly littered with sexist and demeaning remarks leveled at her, but Cara Hijsok had gotten through it all, unflinching as she neared and then shattered the glass ceiling.

Now, she waited in her office for this inspector to come chat with her about this or that, then leave. The facility was performing well—better than the others in the sector, in fact—and she knew this meeting would not last longer than five minutes. She had only been a chief for the past few months, but had seen her fair share of inspections in that time, so they no longer fazed her. Instead, they bored her. She knew this man would bore her, as would the thousand questions he would read off the script he'd been handed on Coruscant. Still, that was business. She had to make a living somehow.

@Ecclessey

 

[Elix Lorso]

The rain was still pouring down when two Czerka security officers exited the factory, one with an umbrella, and approached Elix with casual interest. Yes, he was the inspector. No he didn't warrant special treatment like the brass, but yes he would like a drink while they dry-cleaned his clothes. Unfortunately that latter offer was never made, so still in a sour mood, mainly due to hangover and stinging debt, Elix allowed himself to be escorted inside.

"I'm usually welcomed by the chief-" he frowned, showing an apparent disappointment over the lack of respect that should (or not) be afforded to an inspector for corporate. Especially when that chief is a xeno. The Imperial Republica may be losing the war with Korriban badly, but that still didn't mean that the Core suddenly isn't xenophobic. About 80% of everyone in Corporate HQ had Balmorra Arms on a blacklist because of the xeno, no matter how good the numbers where.

When they arrived at the bar Elix' mood seemed to soften and he had the chance to do some smalltalk with his escorts and others currently there. Ofcourse, there was no point beating around the bush on the reason he was there. "So, the xeno-" he began after taking a first sip of his Bantha milk, "-does she pu-" he paused, realizing he had wanted to ask whether or not she purred, which was a definite no-go in his line of work. "-provide the signature Czerka Work Environment?" Meaning: Xenophobic attitude and countless hours of unpaid overtime. Chief actively promotes breaking with the company's culture - suggest changes to factory personnel be made at most senior positions.

Elix figured he'd have plenty of basis to satisfy the xenophobic executives in about ten minutes and then he'd be free to get out, write his rapport on the flight back and worry about more important things. Like debt repayment.

@vamp

 

[The Storyteller]

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Elix's escorts—two humans, of course—had been spared from the xenophobic blight that had plagued the Core for centuries. It was not uncommon to find beings like that, especially on civilized worlds, but they were mostly marginalized. "Yes," the male employee replied, his gaze stern. He did not like hearing the inspector refer to his higher-up with such a prejudiced name and tone, but he couldn't say anything. Instead, he remained silent and let her work do her justice. "According to monthly statistics, this facility is performing at 130% of the expectations set for it four weeks ago, going as far as to begin production of the dart pistol units several months earlier due to efficiency." Coruscant seemed pleased with them, so they didn't understand the need for this inspection, not that anyone actually voiced that. Perhaps it was the fact that their boss was from Cathar and liked to do things a little differently sometimes. Still, that was business, and sometimes innovation helped.

One of the bartenders strolled up to the bar, a pitcher full of Bantha milk in his hand. The man lifted it with one hand. "More milk?" he asked, and would refill the glass as needed. Once Elix was good to go, they could start heading to the chief's office.

 

[Elix Lorso]

Kriffing kark, Elix's heart sank at the thought of having to make up a positive report. "So, you're saying-" he turned to his two human escorts, "-that you work so much unpaid overtime in order to please the chief, she-" he shook his head to the bartender as he hadn't yet finished his milk, "-serves alcohol inside the factory?"

If they insisted to compliment their boss then he would have to try harder, but Elix has been with Czerka since 481 ABC and he knew the ropes better than they ever would. Taking his informaster datapad from its protective case, he hastily began typing as he mumbled "Quality of product in danger due to-" he glanced upwards to the bartender, "-consumation of alcohol on the job."

While he was -largely pretending- to write notes for his report, Elix' mind drifted to two words that one security officer had said. Dart Pistols. Advertised as the best silent killer in the business, the dart pistol is a slug-thrower with unlimited potential. But mostly because it was Czerka exclusive... but what if it wasn't?

When he finished his trail of thought he put the datapad underneath his left armpit and drank all the remaining milk in his cup. "Before we go to the chief," he smiled at the one who had been giving his boss such a glowing review, "-I'll need to see the floor." To back up his claim that a xeno was bad for business (which he had to do to keep the bosses happy and thus his job) he needed to back it up with as much fake proof as possible. Factory floors were never perfect, he knew that and he knew they knew that, thus he gave them a smug smile as he said it.

@vamp

 

[The Storyteller]

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"Oh no, sir," the worker replied, an unreadable smile on his lips. One would think it was meant to be a kind gesture, but it was just the man trying to contain his laughter behind a grin. These Cories had nothing on them, and would find nothing. "The alcohol is only for visitors, purchased or supplied from the chief's own personal storage, bought by her using her money." As Elix asked to see the factory floor, the worker nodded, eagerness swelling in his chest. Oh, this would be fun.

He was, also, proud to be working for the factory, which he supposed factored into the humor he was finding in this. He pushed open the double doors of the floor, and classical music instantly wafted through. It was at a low volume so it would not be distracting, but audible to the workers. "According to numerous studies, playing classical music increases productivity twofold," the man explained as they walked. The floors were white tiled and sparkling clean, as if they were brand new. "A janitor cleans the factory from head to toe every night, and it is squeaky clean every morning. My apologies for the mess, today has been a busy day." The "mess" entailed a single cardboard box discarded underneath the conveyor belt, the colorful advertisement on it saying something about a Czerka product. Everything else in the massive chamber was literally perfect—even the conveyor belt was without blemish. A few workers waved to the group as they passed by, smiles on their faces.

"As you can see, our factory floor is in tip top shape." He turned to face Elix. "Would you like to see the chief now, or is there something else we can show you?"

@Ecclessey

 

[Elix Lorso]

There was definitely something wrong with this factory. Elix had never been more convinced of it in his life. As he walked to the floor he made a note on his datapad, typing as he went; The bar is outsourced, but doesn't show up anywhere in the official numbers. All of it was in direct conflict with Czerka's working culture and he knew corporate would agree.

When they entered the floor he was horrified, but from the inside, as he didn't show it. Instead he stopped after a few steps on the shining floor and turned to see his own wet footprints, "I see the floor is wet here-" he pointed at the water that dripped from his own Czerka uniform, "-wet floors are in violation of safe workplace regulations one-one-dash-three til one-three-dash-seven." he shook his head and took a close-up picture from the water before he began typing again. The way the security officer spoke of the factory, highlighting studies that increased effectiveness and seemingly being aware of the day-to-day operations to the dot, made Elix suspicious. "Security seems to run the day-to-day operations-" he mumbled it as he wrote it down, still shaking his head, "Chief's input unclear."

When he finished typing the notes for what would be his strongest dismissal of this factory's record, Elix's mind drifted towards the debt again. "Show me the product-" his tone of voice suggesting it was more of an order than a request, "-and call the Chief Engineer to meet me."

He then walked towards the conveyor belt, following the group of workers for a few steps, his eyes closing to squints. "Despite employees present at the factory, it doesn't seem to be running during inspection. That raises the question if it ever really does.." Was this a mock-facility to hide a sweatshop somewhere?

@vamp

 

[The Storyteller]

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This guy was proving to be a huge pain in the ass, and the employee could now understand why the chief hated dealing with inspections. Instead of replying, he kept walking, ignoring as the man complained about the floor being wet. When asked to see the product, he reached a hand out and plucked one off the conveyor belt. He handed Elix a durasteel box, in which he would find a dart pistol, should he open it. Then, he lifted his wrist up to his mouth and spoke into it. A few moments later, the chief was striding over, a bored look on her face.

"Cara Hisjok, Chief Engineer—it is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lorso!" she reached a paw out for a handshake, a fake—but convincing—smile plastered on her face. "Walk with me please," she added, turning and nodding her head toward the exit. "We do not want to get in the way of the employees at work."

@Ecclessey

 

[Elix Lorso]

Elix watched in awe as the security officer just took something off a conveyor belt he wasn't allowed to touch. Being handed the durasteel box, Elix for a moment looked at the man and shook his head. Then, naturally, he opened the box to see the pistol. It looked perfectly like a showcase model, every inch crafted per the schematic, which, considering Elix' previous line of thought worried him..

He had given the durasteel box back to the guard and was about to write yet another deeply suspicious note when his eyes noticed the Cathar, most likely the chief engineer, who seemed bored.. despite the immense pressure to perform and stress of the day-to-day. Suspicion intensifies.

Meeting her hand, Elix made a conscious effort not to let his eyes wander, for that would betray he was quite the opposite of a xenophobe... he was immensely attracted to xeno's, after all. "Yes-" he replied, refusing to drop character and say something along the lines of "please to meet you as well" or "please come closer and purr in my ear."

However, when she turned to walk towards the exit, Elix did not. "It doesn't look like they're working anyway," he simply said, turning instead to walk deeper into the factory. "You know what's strange?" he began, assuming they would just follow him. "That one; you let me standing in the rain, knowing that a wet uniform makes me uncomfortable and hoping I'd make the visit quick." he didn't allow for them to interrupt, "Two; that the seemingly bored out of her mind Chief isn't there to meet me," he spotted a console and adjusted course slightly to walk towards it and picked up the pace. "Three; a security officer gives me a tour of the factory floors, like he could tell me the finer parts of production!" That one was clearly said in a scolding manner and Elix, without them seeing it, pulled a datacard from his datapad. His heart was racing suddenly, simply because of the thought that had popped up in his head. One he had decided to follow through with all the risks to his person and his career that it entailed. "Four; despite reaching numbers that exceed every expectation there's no one here actually working." He was getting closer to the point now as he was reaching the console, which was unmanned. "Five; When I ask to see the product I only get to see the finished encased one before I'm actively ushered from the floor."

He took a pause at the console, turning to stand behind it and look at both the chief and his escorts. "Six, that this place is simply too clean for a working factory." He sighed, the datacard he'd taken from his datapad was hidden up his sleeve and out of sight from anyone in the factory. "All of this leads me to the strong suspicion that you have Czerka Exclusive products being manufactured in an offsite sweatshop." He knew he didn't have to spell out the implications of getting accused of bringing Czerka exclusive schematics offsite and thus inevitably onto the black market. The Xeno would be disposed off.

Now came the tricky part, "Thus-" Elix still needed them to not usher any form of defense, but follow his strong suggestions. "You," he looked at one of the escorts, "-get me another cup of Bantha milk, and you-" he looked at the other, "Get me every little part that makes up a Czerka Dart Pistol." That would take both of them away long enough for what Elix was planning.

"And you, Chief-" he, too, gave a convincing fake smile. "Log me into this console and get me one of those durasteel boxes with the finished product. I need to personally verify your chain so I can rule out a serious career-ending security violation."

@vamp

 

[The Storyteller]

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"K." The chief's facial expression had slowly hardened as Elix spoke, the engineer eventually looking like a cat preparing to pounce. She turned to the wall behind her, where a monitor had been fixed into the duracrete, and tapped away for a bit before stepping back. "You are now logged into the console. Do as you will." Her tone was cold; the accusations were hefty and unbased, clearly thrown around just because she was a xeno and they wanted to get rid of her. It disgusted Cara, but there was nothing she could do besides cooperate and show this Inner Core bastard that there was nothing wrong with the facility or her work. It was not her fault that he'd chosen to do the inspection during lunch hour. Besides, if she'd come to meet him outside, she would have gotten her fur wet, and he would have been forced to inspect the factory while the overbearing scent of wet cat poked at his nostrils. That would have resulted in even more complaints, no doubt, and the Cathar would have much rather not gone through the embarrassment of being shamed for her body odor. Sue her, right?

As Elix looked through the console, the conveyor belts would begin to pick up speed, lunch hour having ended. A worker ran off to get his Bantha milk, but Cara would not allow him to get his hands on a dart pistol that easily. "You know what, Mr. Lorso? I'm gonna need to see some identification, and approval from your higher ups before I let you mess around with one of our products. It is one of the newer designs, and has been kept closely under wraps for now—you can see why we wouldn't want it to get into the wrong hands."

@Ecclessey

 

[Elix Lorso]

He didn't waste a second and when both workers had ran off and Cara turned towards the wall to grant him access. In a quick and easy to miss movement, Elix shoved the datacard into the console and then pulled up the dart pistol's schematics when the chief engineer suddenly grew suspicious. "Don't get me wrong-" he put up a fake smile again, "-but didn't I have the same pistol in my hand earlier, given to me by your security officer?" he asked as his hands went back to his datapad. "So either you're afraid I'll find something in here, or your security officer is guilty of a serious security violation."

Again, he made some notes on his datapad and he knew the Xeno knew that he had enough to warrant a closer and more thorough investigation that would ruin her numbers next quarter. Still, he handed her his credentials, which were sound. "Now if you would please let me compare your product with the schematics, we may put any doubts to bed." Like he would love to take her to be- Ahum, Elix was a professional whose mind would not stray.

If she would comply and turn to pick up a pistol from the conveyor belt, Elix would, if convinced no one else was watching, start the download of the schematics to the datacard. He knew he would still have to burn Cara in his report, regardless of the whether or not his investigation proved her innocence, because the moment the Dart Pistol shows up on the Black Market thanks to Elix' hopeful sale, Czerka will be looking for someone to blame.

That would give Elix a couple of months to hide his tracks, assuming the buyer won't be able to mass produce the pistols on the spot.

All of this was still wishful thinking as the download was only underway and he would need yet another excuse for them to not focus on him if he wanted to shove that card back into his own datapad unnoticed.


@vamp

 

[The Storyteller]

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She had nothing to hide, so—with a sigh—she plucked another pistol off the belt, turning around to hand it to him. He was tapping away at the monitor when she turned, but then again, she had just given him permission to. After Elix grabbed the product, she would gaze at him expectantly, arms crossed.

If he wasn't an inspector from the Core, she would have likely been more suspicious, but this wasn't her first rodeo, and it seemed these humans were a dime a dozen. Last month's inspector had suggested she quit and become a janitor, so Elix was one of the more professional corporates that had visited the facility, even though he was ridiculously critical of her abilities.

 

[Elix Lorso]

By the Almighty Bantha it was working!

While Elix compared the real dart pistol to the schematics and pretending to be overly focused and critical with every corner and spring, the download of those very schematics onto the datacard was finishing up. "Hmm-" he said as his close-up investigation seemed to have come to an end. "-I would say this is too good for a sweatshop." He smiled, in earnest this time, and put the pistol back into the durasteel casing before handing it back to Cara. "I believe that belongs on that conveyor belt over there." When she would turn to put the pistol back where she got it from, Elix would eject the datacard, which now contained all schematics for the dart pistol, and quickly insert it back into his own datapad. Providing, ofcourse, he was confident no one could have seen him do it.

Last time he had caught a lazy factory chief with boosting his numbers through a sweatshop he had been appalled by the low quality of the counterfeit arms. Whatever the Cathar did to make her factory work this good was either a straight miracle, or all other Czerka factories were sub-par at best and mired with corruption, and Elix knew it was probably the latter. Unfortunately for Cara that wasn't something that could become known to the Galaxy and Czerka's customer base. You see, good PR was hard to get, but bad PR was impossible to get rid off.

Suddenly feeling some degree of pity for the Chief and her employees, Elix decided to go softer on her than he usually would. "I'm afraid there's still some serious faults in this factory and your lenient attitude towards the personnel isn't up to corporate standards." He suddenly walked away from the console and headed the way he came: to the bar. "We'll need to discuss personnel changes for the factory and Czerka-approved personnel management courses for you specifically."

@vamp

 

[The Storyteller]

Cara was still not quite sure what the problem was. "A sweatshop?!" she asked, taken aback by the accusation. "Leave it to Czerka to reprimand you for doing your job properly," Cara mumbled under her breath, then placed the pistol back on the conveyor. When she turned, she found Elix had finished investigating the holodevice, and, assuming nothing was wrong, began walking toward the factory floor's exit. They would stroll back to the bar.

That was when the man jabbed the knife in even harder, and she felt rage building up. The Catharese were not a patient people, and Cara had been far too understanding of this man. She snapped. "My factory is the most profitable in the Inner Rim, you ungrateful son of a bitch! I break my back here daily to make sure your stupid products are up to par and produced properly, only for you to march in and spit on my life's work! Forget the management classes—I quit! Go find yourself a human chief and see how well he performs." With that, she stormed off, throwing down her name tag and making for the exit. Cara walked out of the factory, never to return. In the end, corporate had won.

@Ecclessey

Fin.​