Many Guns...

[Diocletian Solus]

Location: Eriadu – Eriadu City

Time: Early Evening

Participants: @Critas @Berathen

Dice: HERE

Briefing: In our last visit we took over a base and over time have collected a small collection of weapons. Most of our warriors are already well outfitted with arms and armor. But that does not mean the gear we have laying around needs to collect dust. A nearby black-market trading hub on Eriadu is a perfect place to off load those weapons but the buyers and associated people are usually troublesome. Try to sell them without it devolving into fighting.

Diocletian followed the twi’lek through the streets of Eriado City as they wound their way thought its maze-like alleys. He had paid the twi’lek twenty credits for information on the location of a certain trader who had information they needed for their task. He would be meeting a new partner at the trader’s office when they got there. Dio had not heard much about him and only knew his name, Venku Keldau. Dio did not really care how new the other Mandalorian was, only that he does his job when the time came.

After several backtracks and false trails, the Mandalorian and his twi’lek guide appeared outside the warehouse of Tiko’s Collectables. The merchant, Tiko, was known for working in both the legitimate market as well as the black market. It was the shadier side that Dio and his partner would be interested in. They needed admittance to the Eriadu black market to sell arms for the movement and this Tiko would be their ticket in without too much fuss.

Dio was wearing his usual load out, his heavy beskar’gam, his bowcaster across his back, and the old trusty Shriek-Hawk hanging from a two-point harness in front of him. He had freshly painted on jaig-eyes on his helmet and the new rank of Rally Master painted on one shoulder. The usual bandoleer of grenades went from right to left, shoulder to hip, riding just above his Strill blaster backup. A well worn vibroblade hilt jutted just above one greave.

After he paid the twi’lek for his time, Dio walked across the street to a small street vendor and bought himself a bottle of water. Supposedly it was fresh from Alderon. Dio believed that as much as he counted on Leandro’s turning Sith, exactly zero percent chance. But it was wet and cold and Dio needed it at the time. He had forgotten to eat again that morning and it would make him grumpy all day. He hoped the new guy would show up soon so they could get the show on the road.

 

[Venku Keldau]

Venku arrived at Eriadu around noon. He likes to take his time around the mission areas. Venku only know the meeting point because he payed some credits to the locals for showing him the way. He knew his partner would be a Solus but he didn't know who would it be. The only certain thing was the red armor and perhaps some mark of rank. Venku spent hours walking up and down on the streets to memorize possible routes to disappear if the job goes south.

Venku was wearing his medium beskar'gam, his blaster rifle accros his back. The familiar vibroblade strapped on his left thigh. He was nervous and that was visible. He tapped his Strill blaster hilt while he walked.

Venku waited around Tiko's Collectables and watched numerous people flowing in the streets. He tried his best to be as invisible as he can. His worn paint on his armor helped with that. He didn't wear any outstanding colors just the old worn red and black.

When the sun started to set he saw a man with enough weapon to go against a small outpost. He couldn't make out any more detail but he felt that he will be his partner. After the man bought himself a bottle of water Venku walked up to him. It was then he saw the details of armor. Jaig-eyes, mark of rank.
-Su'cuy gar! I would assume you are the one i was waiting for. My name is Venku. - he stated it a bit nervous. -I assume you are more experienced with this kind of job than me. I will follow your orders to the end.
After he finished it he just stands there waiting for orders.

 

[Diocletian Solus]

Diocletian nodded to the other Mandalorian as he introduced himself. Dio took in the look of the other warrior with a glance and made a small face under his helmet. He did not like working with an unknown quantity, but this mission should be fairly simple. He stopped before going into the business and said quietly, as if talking about the weather. “The owner of this shop has the key to get into where we need to go. Watch my six and keep your mouth shut. If anyone pulls a weapon, make them regret it.”

Without waiting for confirmation from his new partner, he turned and entered the business. Tiko was a Devoronian and came out from the back room as soon as Dio and Venku entered. He raised his hands high as a sign of welcome and then took in Dio’d appearance. “Hello my friends! Welcome! Come in, what can Tiko do for such fearsome warriors?” It was just as Dio thought, this Tiko was a bootlicker, he would sell his own mother for a credit and then give them change.

Diocletian turned to look at his partner and gestured towards the door and several windows. He knew that basic training in combat would tell his partner to cover the windows and exit while he talked business with the alien. He did not even look to see if the other Mandalorian complied with his directions, he simply turned to look at the alien. “Tiko, it is good to see you are well. I hope today finds you in a favorable light. I would like some information and I have heard you are the Devoronian to see.”

Tiko leaned on the counter and leaned his head in close towards Dio, causing the Mandalorian to lean back a bit. The horns on the alien’s head made Dio uncomfortable but his helmet hid the reaction on his face from the alien. Tiko started to talk, rubbing his hands together in an anticipatory manner. “I sell collectables of all types gentlemen, information is a type all its own that has various price tags. Tell me what you seek, and I shall tell you the price.”[/COLOR]

Dio really did not like this alien, he was as slimy as they came, but Dio needed him so he would put those feelings aside, for now. “Tiko I need to know who might be interested in purchasing some goods. Goods that are made for warriors if you understand my meaning. I have a large stock and selection but need a buyer. I have heard you might be the man to speak to about such things.”

Tiko pondered this for a few moments and then shook his head in the negative. Things did not appear to be starting smoothly but this was not Dio’s first experience with shifty traders. He knew the score and expected the first denial even as the Devoronian spoke it. “I do not know of such things, I am sorry my friend. I have some wonderful Nubian droid parts; would you like to see them? They are in the back.”

Dio nodded to the question from the alien and gestured for the horned man to lead on. He waved a hand to the other Mandalorian and activated the comms in his helmet, hitting a short burst between he and the other warrior’s helmet. “Stay close, this may be an invitation to private talk or an ambush.” Dio’s hands dropped to rest on the Shriek-Hawk that hung in front of him from its two-point harness. He was ready, ambush or no.

@Berathen

 

[Venku Keldau]

The order was clear. If somebody makes a bad move...make sure they can't make anymore moves. Venku hold his right on around his blaster as if he was just walking, but he was ready to shoot anybody. As they walked into the shop he made mental notes of the windows position.

It was the first time Venku saw a Devaronian upclose. His partner went forward to speak with the owner while Venku covered the exit and the windows. When Diocletian turned around and gestured to cover the area he was already on it. He checked several windows as he was just watching the sun set through them and after that he stood next to the door with crossed arms across his chest.

Venku found something unpleasant about Tiko's speech like he could sell anything or anybody to anybody for the right price. It was clear for him that Devaronian didn't respect anything or anybody. Only two thing was dear to this alien: money and his own life. Dio made clear why are they here. The shifty trader's answer was unexpected. He didn't know the information but he invited the mandalorians to the back.

Dio waved at him to follow them then warned him that this could be an ambush. Venku didn't answer just slided his hand to his Strill blaster grip. He just smiled while followed them ready for anything.
~Who can be that stupid to ambush 2 mandalorian warriors?~ he thought in himself.


@Critas

 

[Diocletian Solus]

Diocletian moved to the back room of the shop with Tiko, he kept his hand on the hilt of his blaster. He was not about to get caught with his pants down by some overconfident trader. As they entered the back room, Dio caught sight of several guards that were waiting in the shadows. His hand got heavier on the butt of his blaster and he paused in a shooting stance.

Tiko turned and raised his hands quickly in fright and exasperation, “No no my friends, no, these men simply guard my storeroom, they are not here for you. I send them away. I am sure you will deal with any unwanted guests at our talks eh?” Tiko gestured to the four men that Dio had marked as threats and even one he missed which had Dio cursing himself for a week after the meeting. They all melted into the building but Dio was sure they could be recalled at a moments notice. Turning he lighted the pressure on his blaster and nodded as he saw his backup moving to a firing position to cover the room.

“Alright Master merchant, I assume this area is free from prying ears and eyes yes?” Dio returned the nod of the merchant who performed the gesture in response to his question. “Very well then, I am here to negotiate a deal to sell arms and munitions from the Mandalorians to your organization. Do not do me the disservice of claiming no knowledge of your associations with the Black Market, neither of us have the time for that particular dance. I can provide two shipments a week at the fair black-market price.”

Dio reached into a hidden pocket within his chest plate and removed a small data pad which be passed over to Tiko. “The particulars, armaments and prices are in that data pad.” Dio waited and watched the merchant closely as he poured over the figures on the data pad. It was a very standard agreement so it should not take long but the merchant was meticulous as one might expect from a master of the financial arts.

@Berathen

 

[Koil Solus]

____________

Arms dealing was not something completely knew to Koil. He had sold a blaster her and some armor there. But this war was now making him fully stocked on equipment. The raid on the trandoshans on kashyyyk alone had almost filled his stores and as a regular looter he had plenty of leftovers. It was actually probably because of him mostly that they had crates and crates of equipment to sell.

Today Koil was playing the part of backup. Though Dio did not necessarily know about it at this point. Koil was one for secrecy but he was also the Al'Verde of his clan. While his fellow human Rally Master was the same in rank the Echani was a little bit more experienced and was curious about the Eriadu underworld. He had a shipment of his own private weapons he was planning on selling in exchange for some coin in another location. Daniel was helping him with that but some experience with this environment would be good practice.

The dark armored mandalorian had essentially tailed Dio and Keldau and followed them every which way thus far. Now that they were starting to actually talk about a deal he thought it best to not announce his presence yet. He did not even want his cohorts to know that he was helping them and act realistically as if they were alone. Plausible deniability and all that. He activated a signal tracer in case there were any bugs. The last thing he wanted was for the deal to be recorded by some law enforcement or some gang to use as blackmail. He followed the devices directions and would soon locate its source with the intent to deal with it by any means necessary. The Echani drew his quick draw blaster but remained in the shadows above the group, not making a sound as he crouch walked in the rafters. He could already tell they were in the same building or block, but at least not as far as somewhere else in the city. Silent Badger was on to them.

@Critas ​

 

[Diocletian Solus]

Dioceltian watched the merchant as Tiko checked the facts and figures on the data pad. He licked his lips and his eyes moved back and forth quickly across the screen as he absorbed information. Dio took the moment to look around the back room of the shop. There were a myriad of different small arms and armaments on display as well as knickknacks and curios from a hundred planets. Some that even Dio had no idea where the merchant had acquired them. He also noticed the three separate guards who were attempting to look bored and doing a darn good job of it. They were all set in a perfect crossfire to address Dio and his backup should things go pear shaped.

Dio took four steps to his right, appearing to be interested in a strange squid looking creature that had been killed and stuffed on a plaque on the wall. The movement was subtle but took him out of the kill zone for that particular eventuality. Tiko was taking his time with the facts and figures and this was to be expected, but it didn’t mean that Dio had lowered his guard one instant. After several moments Tiko cleared his throat and spoke, “This is…. quite the proposal Mr. Solus. You can guarantee these numbers then?” The merchant looked up from the data pad and his expression had gone from interested to sly.

Dio saw the game was a foot and the time for negotiations was at hand. Dio smiled, and nodded before speaking, “I can and more. For the right price. I believe you can see the proposed rate plan on the data pad there. Does that meet with your satisfaction?” Tiko the merchant sighed dramatically and shook his head, looking at the data pad ruefully. Dio’s eyes narrowed slightly as he wondered what ruse the merchant might try this time. Dio had dealt with more than one merchant and seen more deals than he could count in the house of ill repute where he had grown up.

“I just don’t have the credits Mr. Solus, not to cover these costs. I am just a simple merchant. This is some serious business.” Tiko gestured with the data pad as he feigned poverty. Dio knew this was the dance and he was ready for it before the band had even started.

Dio could sigh dramatically as well and he did just that. “Well I suppose we will just have to take our business to Mulo.” Dio had done his homework before coming to Tiko. He knew that Mulo and Tiko were rivals for the arms business. Dio appeared to be considering his manicure as Tiko’s face went from red to purple and he sputtered in indignation.

@Darasuum
@Berathen

 

[Koil Solus]

____________

The signal tracker did its job perfectly. He would follow its signal and manuever outside as Dio and Tikko talked their business. It was on the outside of the ware house that he would find a shady individual, hunched over a data pad monitoring the signal of some bug he had placed inside the room where Dio and the merchant were talking. Koil did his name honor and crept up behind him before socking him across the jaw with his shock boxing glove equiped fist. He was taken by surprise and seemed to have a glass jaw because he went down with just one hit.

Picking up the data pad he looked over the information. The body beside him was out cold for the time being. The mandalorian could tell why the bug was being used and disabled it for the time being. He debated what to do with the information he had just acquired. there were a few possibilities but in the end he devised a plan.

He would smack the guy awake a few times and ask him who he was working for. "I work for Tikko. He wanted to get tapes on you guys in case you were trying to weasel out of the deal for latter or something. Black mail and the like ya know? I'm just an errand boy. Don't kill me, please." Koil stared at him from behind his visor for a few moments. The lack of emotions displayed on the helmet made him even more afraid from not knowing. "We're going to show Tiko how well you've done your job." He practically picked the man up by the scruff of his neck and walked him to where the meeting was going down.

"Caught this guy making a recording of this meeting." He said to Dio before turnning his visor to Tiko. "Before you say or do anything you should know the reason why these prices are the way they are. The Imperial Republica's grip on supply lines and old supply lines are tight. You'll get the same price from them if not higher. There's a lot of risk with bringing such things to the civilized world like this. While any of your own buyers are unable to get weapons from other vendors due to this lack in supply you would hold the attention of the greater demand. Buy the guns with the price we ask for and you'll profit more than you think." Even underneath his helmet he had a blank look on his face. He shoved the so called errand boy to the side so he would be out of the way. He was not holding the guy hostage but he wanted Tiko to know that he did not have any leverage on them and the mandalorians did not make easy prey. But it would seem Koil's surprise arrival would have some good affect. The Merchant was reluctantly but ultimatly agreeable to the terms with the new information Silent Badger had brought.

@Critas​

 

[Diocletian Solus]

Diocletian was just about to explain to Tiko how they would be forced to use his main competitor if they merchant didn’t agree to their terms when Koil made his appearance. Dio had never really needed a poker face as his visage was usually hidden behind his helm. It was apparent to any trained observer that the arrival of Koil to the meeting was a surprise to Dio. He covered it quickly with a cough, but no real damage was done. Tiko’s full attention was on the fact that he had been caught recording the deal, a very big no-no in criminal circles.

Dio growled and leaned over the counter towards the now very nervous merchant. “Tiko, really, so you decided to try and record our deal. Maybe make a little blackmail money on the side? I can’t say I am shocked but this, I am certainly sure that the other merchants would be thrilled to know how you conduct business. They might even pay us for the knowledge. I am sure Mulo would love a little dirt on his friend Tiko.”

Tiko raised his hands to start to protest and Dio shook his head to quiet him before he could start whining, “But what sort of business partners would we be if we did that? We certainly do not want to start this arrangement off on the wrong foot. So, I think we have an agreement here. Tiko you put your pudgy thumb on that print scanner and agree to our terms and we forget the insult you just paid to us by attempting to record our meeting. Everyone is happy and everyone wins.”

Tiko gave the flunky on the ground one last look of disgust before reluctantly pressing his thumb to the data pad to seal the deal. Dio could see from the body language of the other guards and toughs in the room that they were uncomfortable and embarrassed. Tiko had broken the golden rule of the Underworld, thou shalt not get caught. Turning his gaze back to Tiko as the merchant handed over the data pad, Dio placed his thumb print beside that of the merchant and then shook Tiko’s hand. The handshake was firm, probably a tad firmer than it might have been had Koil not revealed Tiko’s duplicity.

Dio took the data pad and slid it into a compartment in his chest armor. It slid home with a small click and Dio started from the room. He blatantly turned his back on Tiko, showing the merchant that he had nothing to fear from the man. He also knew that should Tiko make a move, Koil and Venku would hand the merchant his lungs for lunch. After they made their exit from the merchant’s shop, Dio walked for a few blocks, doubling back and forth a few times to ensure they were not followed before ducking into a small bar for a drink. He waited until Koil joined him, knowing that Venku would have headed off, his payment had been made.

@Darasuum
@Berathen

 

[Koil Solus]

____________

For the rest of the exchange Koil would remain silent. He did not need to stare down Tiko and his fellow gangsters but he did so behind the visor anyways. He wondered if it would devolve at the last second into violence but it did not. The agreement was made and the deal struck. He did not envy what would become of the errand boy and turned to leave with Dio.

The two would make their way down the street away from where they had just been. Dio did a good job of his counter tail actions. Koil would have been hard pressed to follow him without being noticed even but then again Koil was also moving with him. Eventually they would come to a bar. Once inside Silent Badger took a deep breath now that the stress was gone from the situation. He ordered a cocktail, something with a straw. They had just made a hell of a lot of money and not forgotten their principles or settled with swindlers. That was cause enough to celebrate. He lightly clapped Dio on the shoulder to let the man know he thought he had done a good job.

//End Thread

@Critas​