Ask Plot Orange Haze

Julia Hipori

Character
Independent
Rank
Imperial Czerka CEO

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Nor'baal
Joined
Nov 2, 2020
Messages
152
Reaction score
78
Hesse-gang.png

Orange Haze
Okay, so there is gang activity on Eriadu. These 'Orange Haze' guys shoot orange smoke from their speeders and ruin visibility in all the speederlanes to Downtown. Local security forces can't seem to get a grip on them, but we don't drive their standard-issue speeders. Let's ingratiate ourselves with the Eriadu City Council and get rid of this problem for them.​

Julia Hipori didn't enjoy 'field missions', yet they where an essential part of the job, and more often than not, could not be trusted to others. Shooting through the night sky, Julia sat back in the passenger lounge of her shuttle and idly checked through the briefing that had been prepared for this mission. Today was some sort of partnership job, Blackwell was in cahoots with some local outfit, clearly, a front for some sort of criminal venture - not that she cared - and today was all about schmoozing the local political class to get them on the right side.

For whatever reason, gang activity was on the rise across the city, playing havoc with the local speederlanes. Fortunately for Blackwell and their erstwhile compatriots in this little venture, local security couldn't handle it.

She closed down the holopad and rose from her chair as the shuttle came into a sweeping landing down on the reserved bay near the council chambers. Picking up a small chromium stim container, she took one out and turned to face a hired gun, bought and paid for by their partner in today's mission - Reiel Mal Crowholde she had been told their name was. The unlit stim idling in her hand, Julia eyed Reiel up and down, a Mandolorian and no mistaking it. About ahead shorter than the two Blackwell Security Guards, but she more than made up for it with her armour and weapons, stouty compared to her compatriot's pistol, rifle and standard-issue body armour. Probably rather good to have around, she thought to herself, looking away from the Mandolorian as the tell-tale sound of the landing ramp touching the ground clinked through the room.

Politeness never hurt anyone, she scolded herself, turning back to the Mandolorian and extending her free hand "Julia," she smiled "Vice-President, Blackwell Security."
 

Reiel Mal Crowholde

Character
Independent
Rank
Citizen

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Forsythe Crowholde
Joined
Oct 18, 2020
Messages
348
Reaction score
183
There had been quite a lull in guild activity the past few days and while Reiel relied on making a living and providing for her clan through bounty hunting, it also did her good in accepting jobs outside of her major specification.

As such, the young Mandalorian's reputation seemed to have garnered attention with the advent of a job offering on Eriadu. From what she had gathered, local security forces were having trouble regarding the sudden rise in gang activity that the former saw it fit to hire her for her services. A tech giant seemed to also be involved in some way – but Reiel did not particularly care about the specifics. She was here for facts and not gossip, the job, and the pay.

The Mandalorian remained quiet even after the arrival of the client's job... partner? Reiel had asked for details regarding any further need of her services but the contact simply told her to wait for the briefing. Right. Patience was becoming one of her strong points, and it would do her well to display such virtue now.

At the woman's approach, Reiel was quick to catalogue the details on the security details escorting her. Geared enough to be a problem for anyone who would pose as a threat to their employer, and hopefully possessing a good head on their shoulders each. The Mandalorian then shifted her focus on the woman when she spoke, Reiel slightly dipping her head in greeting.

"Well met, Ma'am," said Reiel, hiding her surprise when Julia extended a hand for the Mandalorian to shake.

A smile and a handshake. Who would have thought that a high-ranking individual from a well-known tech giant would show politeness to a bounty hunter. Reiel returned the gesture nonetheless, grasping Julia's hand – not too hard, but not quite gentle either – and giving it a brief shake before letting go.


"I think I need not introduce myself; you lot surely have done your research before hiring me." While Reiel was not into giving her name freely, there were individuals outside of her clan who knew and have surely uttered it whether in passing or through suggestions on who to seek for certain jobs. The Mandalorian was pleased that her name had reached places as populated as Eriadu.

"Let's cut straight to the point and discuss what I'm here for, shall we? That is, if you don't mind my need for further access to information. The contact hadn't been too keen on speaking about it any further. Said it's much better to hear the full details from you guys."

"So... the Orange Haze guys. How would you like them to be handled? Would the local security force want them gone for good?"


Of course, 'gone for good' in Reiel's books only meant two things: kicking the targets to prison, or dead.

@Nor'baal
 

Julia Hipori

Character
Independent
Rank
Imperial Czerka CEO

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Nor'baal
Joined
Nov 2, 2020
Messages
152
Reaction score
78
"I think they'll want the re-offending rate down to zero." Julia responded, walking toward and down the landing ramp with her Mandolorian accomplice and the two jack-boots from Corporate. "From where I am sitting that tends to mean the targets would be terminated." she continued, rather matter-of-factly, her face breaking into a smile as the representatives from the Eriadu City Council approached to meet them.

"Welcome to Eriadu Mrs. Hipori," the representative began, shaking Julias hand and almost completely ignoring the Mandalorian bar a cursory, and somewhat shocked looking glance. "...you'll be meeting Councilman Rax and Councilman Hess, the leaders of the two largest groups on the Council." the representative informed them. Julia was of course, aware of this, having done her research before hand, but allowed the young representative to continue regardless.

"We have a 'no weapons' policy on s...." the representative was cut off as Julia raised her hand. Shaking her head she cooly responded "You have an active criminal gang roaming the City, and you want me to leave our safe area," she gestured to the shuttle "...with unarmed Security? Our insurance won't cover that."

She walked past the executive, ignoring her protestations as she did so.

Heading inside, she walked past the lacklustre local security, an overweight Rodian guard with an old stun baton on his hip. He didn't even lookup. Quickly, she made her way to the meeting room, and paused as one of the Blackwell Security guards opened the door for her. "Wait outside. You," she gestured to the Mandolorian "...let's get to work." she walked inside, ignoring the two ageing Councilmen as they rose from their seats.
 

Reiel Mal Crowholde

Character
Independent
Rank
Citizen

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Forsythe Crowholde
Joined
Oct 18, 2020
Messages
348
Reaction score
183
Ah, a termination, then. If that was what the Council had in mind. Reiel had no problem with that – after all, bringing in targets dead did have its advantages.

The young Mandalorian's grin was shark-like at the shocked glance one of the Eriadu City Council's representatives sent her way. Not anticipating the presence, let alone services, of someone like her within their circle, huh? Well, whatever. They'd just have to suck it and deal with it. They have more pressing matters to attend to in the form of the rising gang activity in their... lovely city.

Reiel remained quiet as the representative began pushing their 'no weapons' policy. Did she honestly expect a Mandalorian to willingly part with their weapon? And with criminal activity in the city, to boot? Foolish. Folks like her were most likely to drop dead because of their stupid policy even in times of crisis.

At least she had to give it to Ms. Hipori for pointing out the errors in the representative's spiel. Reiel herself brushed it off, instead following Blackwell Security's Vice-president as she began making her way to the meeting room. The Mandalorian regarded the local security with growing disdain. Details as dull as this one, Reiel could clearly see how they ended up having their hands full on dealing with local gangs.

She followed the older woman as they made their way inside the room. Reiel inclined her head in greeting as the two Councilmen rose from their seats. Should Julia sit down, the young Mandalorian would be content with standing by her seat as guards were opt to do.

"On behalf of Eriadu City, we bid you welcome, Mrs. Hipori," one of the two aging Councilmen began, raising a hand in polite greeting. "And to your... companion."

Reiel acknowledged the greeting, despite what apprehension she could garner from the speaker, with a slight nod of her helmeted head. She would have to give the floor to Julia for this one – after all, with jobs like this one, the Mandalorian would rather get on with the course of action than meaningless chatter.

@Nor'baal
 

Julia Hipori

Character
Independent
Rank
Imperial Czerka CEO

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Nor'baal
Joined
Nov 2, 2020
Messages
152
Reaction score
78
"Councilman Rax," one of the two men said as he shook Julias hand "Councilman Hess," said the other, doing likewise as they made their introductions "...thank you for coming all this way to meet with us, and please extend those thanks to your colleagues at Blackwell Technologies head office as well." Councilman Rax began, gesturing for them to take a seat.

"As you know we have had some consistent trouble with the local gang population, which has been on the rise since the commencement of the new swoop season. Ideally, we are looking for...." Councilman Rax was cut off as his colleague, Councilman Hess, interjected "No. The issue started back when the licensing for the races was sold to one of the gangs under the previous administration. That is where the problem lies. Dodgy deals with gangsters!"

Julia rolled her eyes as the two elderly councillors began to delve into a squabble.

"I don't have time for this." she said after a few moments of bickering had passed between the two councillors. "We can resolve this for you, but I need to know the key instigators of this new crime surge, rough numbers, and then we need to agree on a fee." she said matter-of-factly, before gesturing to the Mandolorian "My colleague here can run through the specifics of how we will deal with your crime problem."
 

Reiel Mal Crowholde

Character
Independent
Rank
Citizen

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Forsythe Crowholde
Joined
Oct 18, 2020
Messages
348
Reaction score
183
Here we go.

Reiel stood by Julia's seat, watching with mounting amusement as the two councilmen bickered amongst each other. Should Hess' words be believed, it was something the Mandalorian rolled her eyes at.

Politicians. Never could trust them to have clean records, nearly the lot of them.

At her companion's behest, Reiel stepped forward and rapped her gloved knuckles twice on the table to grab the councillors' attention when they opened their mouths to talk again.


"With all due respect, gentlemen, let's start giving information about these... gang activities, shall we? Start with the main point of concern, as Mrs. Hipori said."

"Well," began Councilman Rax, "there is one major concern with regards to gang and crime activity–"

"Cut to the chase, please, Councilman."

The councillor seemed to fight the indignation from showing on his face and continued, eyeing the young Mandalorian with irritation. Reiel simply raised an eyebrow none in the room could see.

"There is one gang we are currently having major problems with. We have given them the moniker 'Orange Haze', as they disrupt traffic downtown by shooting orange smoke from their speeders – and thus, as you can already guess, endangering civilians by ruining visibility down the speederlanes. We have also received reports from local security forces that this gang not only do such devilry, they also have been known to commit thievery towards local and foreign traders–"

"Which now paints the city in a bad light!" Councilman Hess exclaimed, looking thoroughly vexed. "These Orange Haze hoodlums are driving off foreign–"

Veering off-topic with their anger, Reiel knocked again on the table – louder this time – to cut off the impending tirade from the two councillors.

"Any estimates on their numbers?" she asked. Manda, damn these two. Here she and the job partner were, asking for specifics and yet these two old men managed to add more and more of their two credits in with angry commentaries that veered away from needed information.

"No more than twenty members, from last we've heard."

Reiel narrowed her eyes at Rax's answer. No more than thirty, last he'd heard? Debatable. She'd have to assume that the gang had more than twenty people involved, then. Just as precaution.

"Okay. There are two possible ways we can deal with this problem of yours, gentlemen: either we hit them where they're holed up or we can take them down on the streets when they're out in the open. But I'm sure you'll choose the former, given that you wouldn't want for civilians down the speederlanes to be involved – and thus endangered.

"Let's say we're striking them down at their hideout. We'll need to scout the place first, locate possible escape routes and block them before conducting a raid. With their escape cut off, it's easy to box them inside their own hideout and have strike teams deal with taking them down– or apprehending them, the gang's fate is ultimately up to you."


Reiel straightened, arms crossing over her armored chest. "We can overwhelm them with numbers – hence, we'll need the best team you can muster from local security in addition with what my partner and her corporation can provide. We'll have forces blocking escape routes and those who will conduct the raid itself. That's just one way to deal with them."

The Mandalorian looked between the two councillors. "So, any information where this Orange Haze gang is holed up? I can begin to scout the place with help from my partner's aides."

Hess and Rax shared an uneasy look at Reiel's question. Oh, dear. That can't be good.

@Nor'baal
 

Julia Hipori

Character
Independent
Rank
Imperial Czerka CEO

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Nor'baal
Joined
Nov 2, 2020
Messages
152
Reaction score
78
Julia sat in silence as the two politicians briefed their Mandolorian compatriot as to the troubles of the City. She said nothing as they ran through their woes in some detail, with Reiel consistently having to step in to bring the two men back into order. Despite this, her ears pricked slightly when the numbers started to come in. Twenty? Not too bad. she considered as to the two men went through some more of the details.

"That's just one way to deal with them." Reiel was bringing the plan to a close, so Julia looked back up from her datapad and chipped back in "We will need to move quickly," she began "Blackwell and your forces, combined with our Mandolorian colleague can take care of them. We just need them all in one place together. For example, a swoop race - from our records that's what this particular gang seems to focus on?"

"We can do that sure, approve a permit for a swoop race in one of the main tracks." Councilman Rax responded "Excellent. Within the next few hours we need this approved, with the race by the end of the week. Contact my office with details, and let us know by the end of the day how many personnel you can provide for the operation."

Julia stood to leave, as both men looked somewhat shocked.[/JUSTIFT]
 

Reiel Mal Crowholde

Character
Independent
Rank
Citizen

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Forsythe Crowholde
Joined
Oct 18, 2020
Messages
348
Reaction score
183
A swoop race? Reiel couldn't help the grin from flashing on her face. That could work as well. She had never been in one before, only confined as an audience but never a participant – she could barely contain her excitement at the prospect.

The young Mandalorian fought the urge to rub her hands together in anticipation.

She regarded Julia quietly as the latter began to wrap up the meeting by laying down her terms and further directions on how to deal with the gang. Straight to the point – excellent. Reiel hadn't been in the room with the two councillors for more than ten minutes and yet she had had enough conversing with them to last her a lifetime.

Reiel took a step backwards as her companion rose from her seat. The Mandalorian walked towards the door and held it open for Julia.

"Think they'll manage that within the day?" she would ask the older woman, voice low enough for only her to hear. "'Cause as far as I can tell, they'd have to – if they want this problem out of their hands immediately, that is."

@Nor'baal
 

Julia Hipori

Character
Independent
Rank
Imperial Czerka CEO

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Nor'baal
Joined
Nov 2, 2020
Messages
152
Reaction score
78
"I'm sure they can cope," Julia replied, nodding thanks as she did so "...after all, for them it should just be a few calls. Even for a local Government rookie that should not be too hard." she laughed as the pair of them made their way to the front door of the Government building, the two Blackwell Security heavies falling in behind them as they did so. "We've got a suite of rooms booked at the Coronet Prime Hotel, apparently it is pretty decent. Get some shut-eye," she paused briefly as she climbed into the waiting speeder car, gesturing for the Mandolorian to follow suit and sit next to her [COLOR][Ii]"...and we can get to work tomorrow morning."[/I][/COLOR]

Now sat in the speeder car, she checked her datapad. On their end everything was good to go, they just needed everything to go smoothly until the morning, and they were set.
 

Reiel Mal Crowholde

Character
Independent
Rank
Citizen

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Forsythe Crowholde
Joined
Oct 18, 2020
Messages
348
Reaction score
183
Satisfied with her companion's answer, a grinning Reiel followed Julia out of the building and into the speeder car. The young Mandalorian unstrapped her blaster rifle and placed it on her lap as she sat down beside the woman.

Reiel would remain quiet on their way to the hotel she mentioned – not because she had no interest in conversing with Julia, but because the younger between the two was awkward enough to engage in small talk. Then again, there was the job to talk about, but the mere thought of the two Councilmen from earlier seemed more than enough to mentally exhaust the Mandalorian.

Still, she wanted to at least break both ice and silence between them. They were working together, after all. Any comment will do – even if it's about the prospect of getting her own room in an apparently decent hotel.

"That's... nice. Well, I hope it's decent enough for the both of us. We have a long day tomorrow, after all."

Real smooth. No more small talk for the rest of the week for her.

Upon arriving at their destination, Reiel would quickly disembark from the craft, blaster rifle finding its way back to the bandolier, and wait for her counterpart. The Mandalorian simply gave the hotel a brief glance – she'd save being impressed later once she saw her room – and turned to the approaching page, a human male in his early twenties.


"Excuse me, party name of one Julia Hipori from Blackwell Technologies?" asked the young man, gaze shifting between the Mandalorian and her companion in the speeder car. "We've been expecting you and your Mandalorian associate. We have reserved deluxe suites for you – if you would follow me, please."

Reiel studied the page with a critical eye. Fresh-faced, with an 'eager to help' attitude, not balking at the sight of an armed guest. He had been preparing for the encounter and practiced his little spiel – good for him.

The Mandalorian turned to look at Julia.
"It is decent so far," she commented lightly. Reiel was not used to luxuries the hotel seemed to offer, and planned to make the best out of it while it lasted. Who knew how things would go tomorrow – especially the job itself. "Can't wait to see my room."

With that she followed the page, glancing over her shoulder to check on her companion every now and again.



@Nor'baal
 

Julia Hipori

Character
Independent
Rank
Imperial Czerka CEO

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Nor'baal
Joined
Nov 2, 2020
Messages
152
Reaction score
78
Not one for small talk, Julia merely nodded along as Reiel spoke on the way to, and into the Hotel. Waving her ID card at the receptionist to prove she was who she said she was, the Blackwell Executive made her way up to the elevators and turned to speak to her compatriot. "We're on the same floor, one suite for you, one for me, and then a staff room on the same floor for them," she gestured to the two Blackwell Security guards "...get a good nights sleep."

With that, she entered the elevator and headed up to her room.

OOC: Over to you for any final checks for the evening, and then if you want, you can introduce the local gang busting into the hotel!
 

Reiel Mal Crowholde

Character
Independent
Rank
Citizen

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Forsythe Crowholde
Joined
Oct 18, 2020
Messages
348
Reaction score
183
Reiel simply inclined her head in agreement to Julia's words. The young Mandalorian watched her made her way to her room before exchanging a quiet nod with the two guards.

For some odd reason, she didn't feel tired yet. The meeting with the two councilmen had mentally exhausted Reiel, yes, and the prospect of having her own suite in a decent hotel had made her look forward to get some well-deserved rest. But something bugged her, and she hated being unable to put a name to what was making her feel paranoid.

Maybe it's because of the job tomorrow? Hunter's paranoia, that old song, maybe?

Sighing exasperatedly, the Mandalorian decided to keep watch on the lobby for a few more minutes. It was an easy task – considering how the hotel's guests and staff steered clear off of her general direction. Armed and armored as she was, Reiel knew they were intimidated and possibly quite concerned about her mere presence in a seemingly luxurious establishment.

Two guards posted by the entrance, and a few making rounds to placate the guests. No security droids so far, only maintenance and a few protocol ones... Reiel frowned. Shouldn't this place add more security details, given the rise in the city's gang activity?

At least the hotel was using surveillance cameras to monitor the situation in the lobby. She could only hope that every floor in the building was provided with the same tech.

Moments passed, and Reiel decided to make her way to her room. Julia was right – she needed to rest and prepare for the job tomorrow.

—·—​

Reiel was both impressed and pleased when she reached the suite assigned to her. The bed was stupidly soft it made her look forward to an honest to goodness good night's rest, a window with – the Mandalorian betrayed herself with a barely suppressed groan of delight – full-tint controls programmed into the crystal-glass, and the absence of security holocams in the room for even more privacy.

She made a beeline for the bed, taking off her helmet with a snap-hiss followed by her weapons which found themselves on the floor, and buried her face on the pillow to muffle a happy little scream. She did not always come across luxurious commodities such as these, and she would be damned if she won't take full advantage of what she was being offered now.

Reiel laid there for a few moments, armor and all. Maker, she wanted to close her eyes and just sleep. Discipline and routine, however, dictated her to check and clean both her weapons and armor.

"Promise you're gonna be quick but thorough," she consoled herself, migrating from the bed down to the floor and reverently laying her weapons before her. Producing a cleaning rag from her utility belt, the young Mandalorian set off with the curreny task at hand.

—·—​

The problem with hotels in places like Eriadu City was that their staff acted as if anyone who came through the entrance doors was a potential guest looking to book a room for whatever reason they deemed fit.

And so it wasn't really a surprise that a gang member – part of the Orange Haze, unsurprisingly – had easily found his way inside the hotel and down the lobby, using his good looks to his advantage and shamelessly flirting with a receptionist while discreetly keeping watch on the guards at the same time. It would only be a matter of minutes before the pair of guards would end their shift to be replaced by another, and the thug would then report to his buddies of the shift – which would be their cue to break into the hotel.

Three minutes before the shift... two... and when it hit the one-minute mark the Zeltron thug pulled out a commlink from his leather jacket, tuned in to his buddies, and said,

"It's go-time, boneheads!"

At least ten thugs, armed with blasters, stormed towards the hotel and into the lobby, completely taking the guards on duty by surprise. It was like one of the cliché bank heists in your typical action holomovies, complete with terrified screams from the staff and warning shots from the gang to scare the former into submission.

"Y'all gon' shut the kark up or we'll put a blaster hole to yer skulls!" yelled the lead thug, grinning maliciously at the cowering staff and a few guests who were still in the lobby when the gang came in. "Play nicely, why don't ya? Just give us what we want, an' no one'll get hurt."

One of the thugs shot a guard who showed an indication that he would fight and defend both staff and guests. Any terrified scream had been cut short or muffled when the gang members aimed their blasters – all primed to shoot – at the sudden hostages.

The thug leader snickered.

"Now... anyone kind enough to tell me where yer richest guests are? Me'n the boys're just gonna borrow a shit-ton of creds from them."

...and like any other action holomovie with a hostage-taking sequence, the gang members who came blazing into the hotel had no idea that there were some who would be tough enough to take them on.

Namely a Blackwell top exec, her own armed and menacing security guards, and a Mandalorian.

—·—​

Reiel had to give Julia's security guards a hell of a lot of credit for doing their job properly.

She had just finished cleaning her weapons and was about to take off her armor when a knock on her door alerted her of their presence. Curious as to what it could be, the Mandalorian grabbed her helmet, stuffed it to her head, and got up from her seat. She opened the door and saw one of the guards standing a little too tense for her liking in front of her.

"Is something the matter?"

Reiel could only curse loudly when he informed her of the situation in the lobby. One of the Blackwell guards had been paranoid like her, patrolled around a bit, and nearly walked into the lobby when the gang members came in. He had hidden himself, assessed the situation, and quickly informed his fellow guard about it while making his way up to their floor.

"Does Julia know?" asked the Mandalorian.

"The other guard's making his way to her room as we speak."

Kark it all to high hell. There went the good night's sleep Reiel was looking forward to.

@Nor'baal
Showtime. XD
 
Last edited:

Julia Hipori

Character
Independent
Rank
Imperial Czerka CEO

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Nor'baal
Joined
Nov 2, 2020
Messages
152
Reaction score
78
Whilst her colleague headed off to the last round of security checks, Julia headed into her own room and - after a bit of work - headed to bed. For her such luxuries were commonplace, and so she paid little heed to them as she turned in for the night, unaware of what was to come later that evening. Soon, she was fast asleep, and as such heard nothing of the commotion many floors below her when it began to occur. As the Orange Haze thugs blasted their way into the entrance lobby, one of the two Blackwell guards began to make a run for her room.

They didn't knock, opening the door with the spare key security had been given upon their arrival.

"Ma'am," the Guard shouted as the door flung open. Sweeping the room with his rifle, it was the new noise and accompanying disruption that woke Julia, who quickly got out of bed and threw a nightgown on, shouting over at the Guard What? What the hell is going on?"

"Intruders, ground floor." he responded in a clipped tone, his weapon trained on the rooms entrance door. "Typical," she rolled her eyes as she quickly threw on a shirt and blast vest, before getting her Blurrg Pistol out from her bag. Blackwell ensured all of its staff had basic combat training in her department, and she was no different. Pinning her hair back, she nodded to the guard. "Let's keep this buy the book, rendevous with the Mandolorian, and let's go from there."

The Guard nodded and made his way into the corridor.
 

Reiel Mal Crowholde

Character
Independent
Rank
Citizen

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Forsythe Crowholde
Joined
Oct 18, 2020
Messages
348
Reaction score
183
Weapons back to their respective places in her person, Reiel followed the Blackwell guard down the corridor. Anger was too soft a word to describe what she was feeling right now. For the first time in quite a long while, she was given the chance to sleep on a bed – a soft one, in a blessedly private suite – and then what? A group of thugs cutting the experience short, that's what.

Now Reiel's vision turned red whenever the gang name Orange Haze floated in her mind.

Halfway down the corridor, the young Mandalorian stopped on her tracks when her helmet's audio receptors caught something out of place. The sound was still faint for recognition, but she unholstered her DE-10 Blaster Pistol nonetheless. She motioned for the guard to make haste for Julia's room while she walked back where they came, gaze trained on the elevator. The light indicated that the carriage was already at the appropriate floor (their floor, at that), but the gate remained shut. Reiel switched her helmet's vision mode to thermal and scowled at the pair of lifeforms registering in her HUD.

Leveling her weapon at the elevator's direction, the Mandalorian's eyes narrowed as the elevator doors finally opened, revealing two goons who looked just as out of place as her in the hotel. Two human males, and Reiel wouldn't have fired at them if they haven't done so first. One blaster bolt hit her chestplate, the other her left pauldron. But she had already braced herself for any surprise attack and thus remained on her feet, putting new holes in the middle of the thugs' chests each.

Doors opened at the sound, and curious guests were treated to the sight of a Mandalorian and two dead bodies on the hallway. Reiel was quick to shush them, informing the terrified occupants of the invasion going on downstairs.

"Stay inside, keep your doors locked from the inside, and don't open up for anyone but the hotel's security or the local police. Got it?"

The guests complied one after another. Wow, that was a surprise. But she guessed self-preservation would always win in situations like this.

The Mandalorian then crossed the distance between her and the corpses. One of the thugs' commlink was beeping. Picking it up, Reiel listened to the message being transmitted and mentally cursed at what she had heard.

"–sending back up, don't you think? We got the rest of our guys joinin' the fun– an' whaddaya know? The Boss might even come! Chet? Chet, you still there, buddy?"

Reiel badly wanted to announce that no, Chet's not here anymore, I put a blaster bolt to his kriffing heart but refrained from doing so. In a situation such as this one, stealth often played a huge blow against the enemy. Announcing one's presence would only make these Orange Haze goons aware that a small group of someones were ready to wipe them out.

"Aw, Chet, you bloody bastard. Still givin' me the cold shoulder after stealin' that dancer from you? Whatevs, just flush out them wealthy kriffers up there, a'ight? Gotta line our pockets with creds."

The line went dead.

What the hell. The boss of these thugs might come? A feral grin appeared on Reiel's face.

Well, there's always this saying that one should always aim for the head, and then the rest will scatter. Wish I could've just bomb the lot of them.

@Nor'baal
 

Julia Hipori

Character
Independent
Rank
Imperial Czerka CEO

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Nor'baal
Joined
Nov 2, 2020
Messages
152
Reaction score
78
Julia arrived on the ground floor soon enough, her Blackwell lackey in tow, and moved into cover behind a nearby water feature - now thankfully turned off. Reaching into her pocket she removed her comlink, clicking it on and making contact with her Mandalorian partner "Ground floor, by the elevators." she said quickly, signalling to her erstwhile bodyguard that she was in the area "Looks like we've been ratted out," she continued, scanning the ground floor as a few extra gang speeders pulled up outside.

"Blackwell has been informed, a response team are on the way. But," she watched as a team of mean-looking gangsters blasted the front doors of the hotel off of their hinges "We need to still be alive by the time they get here, yes?"
 

Reiel Mal Crowholde

Character
Independent
Rank
Citizen

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Forsythe Crowholde
Joined
Oct 18, 2020
Messages
348
Reaction score
183
After eliminating the two goons, Reiel reunited with the Blackwell guard she had sent for Julia. A quick exchange revealed that the woman had already left her suite with the other guard. Puzzled, the young Mandalorian opened her mouth to ask where they might be but her commlink soon gave her the answer she sought.

Ground floor, by the elevators.

Ratted out.


Reiel closed her eyes, tight, mentally praying for patience as the two elderly councilmen from earlier flashed in her mind. It was still too soon to make an assumption that one of them might have been the traitor to this operation. For all she knew, it could be the people around them. Now was not likely the time to ruminate on such things, however, because Julia was right. They still need to stay alive until the response team made it to their location, and Reiel's priority immediately shifted to their survival.

Blaster fire erupted from the Blackwell exec's end, further prompting Reiel to take action.

"Got it. Keep off their radar, stay low – and don't let them see you," the Mandalorian told Julia as she motioned for the Blackwell guard to follow her. "We'll round up whatever hotel security we can find and mount a counterattack. Stay safe."

Quickly, the Mando and the guard made their way down a flight of stairs at the end of the hall. With the gang acquiring backup it was predictable that they would send more people to the top floors where the rich were holed up. Reiel cycled her HUD to thermal imaging and caught four heat signatures headed upstairs. Blaster pistol on hand, the Mandalorian fired the first shot the moment the thugs were within firing range, her Blackwell guard companion quickly following up. The other two thugs fell before Reiel and the guard could shoot, and they were met with the sight of three hotel security at the bottom of the stairwell.

One security personnel moved to shoot but Reiel swiftly pacified the human with an authoritative, "Don't – we're with you."

The three new arrivals soon recognized the insignia on the Blackwell guard's vest, lowering their weapons immediately.

"What is happening down there?" asked the youngest personnel, confusion clear on his youthful face. "Thugs have raided our office, and we barely made it out alive!"

"An invasion," Reiel simply replied. Behind the three, four more security personnel joined their group as they progressed further downstairs. Taking the lift could spell disaster, seeing that she was the only one clad in armor. Boxed in, they would make for easy targets to any wandering ruffian. "I'm sure you're familiar with the Orange Haze thugs."

"Those kriffers?"

"Kark."

She smirked at their reaction as she took the lead, the Blackwell guard following behind her. Their descent surprisingly met no further resistance, but Reiel didn't let her guard down.

"Alright, boys and girls," she addressed the hotel security guards. "Are there still any of your pals left out there?"

They come to a stop two floors above the ground floor in the hopes of regrouping with any security guards left. The youngest guard attempted to contact their colleagues, and it took a moment before anyone responded.

"We've got five more guards just below us, and are ready to rendezvous," he reported triumphantly.

"Great. We'll need to strike immediately before those goons could take any further action. We need someone to distract them so we could take them by surprise, more so now that they've got backup."

"The response team are on the way," the Blackwell guard reminded her.

"Yes, but we're sitting ducks if we just wait. And don't forget – your employer is down there," Reiel commented, letting her words sink. "Either we strike now or risk getting her spotted and taken captive if we stay here."

The Blackwell guard nodded in understanding. "Fair enough. What would you have us do, Mandalorian?"

"Lead an impromptu assault team. One of us will need to distract them, get the enemy fire concentrated in one direction, Maker willing. We're playing by ear here, mostly, but at least we've got some semblance of a plan. Once the goons are distracted, you're free to gun them down."

"And the hostages?"

The security guards shared disconcerting looks. Oh, snap. Reiel had forgotten about them.

"Pray you don't hit them, then," was her nonchalant reply, but the reminder worried her nonetheless. She stood up and motioned for the group to begin their descent once more.

"Who will act as bait, sir– ma'am?"

"The walking tin can, who else?" Reiel sassed, grinning underneath her helmet. Wouldn't be her first time, really.

@Nor'baal
 

Julia Hipori

Character
Independent
Rank
Imperial Czerka CEO

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Nor'baal
Joined
Nov 2, 2020
Messages
152
Reaction score
78
It felt odd to be almost completely under someone else's power, the abilities of the Mandalorian being the one thing - aside from sheer luck - that would get her through this. However, Julia pushed that particular though to one side. Such thinking would get her nowhere. She checked her datapad, only a few minutes until the cavalry arrived.

At least Blackwell has looked after their own, she smirked, keeping in cover and praying nothing hit her.

Meanwhile, the Mandalorian was assembly an impromptu assault team, which - a few moments later, burst from the stairwell and into the room, a volley of blaster fire accompanying them and drawing the attention of the gangsters away from Julia's position. One particularly optimising gangster, however, had another idea entirely and seeing Julia isolated, her own guard looking the other way, sprinted toward her as she focused on her datapad.

The man jumped, tackling her to the ground.

She fell, but was having none of it. On her back, the gangster atop her smashed a clenched fist down, she moved her head, the blow glancing off her cheek and into the hard floor below. She drove her head forward, smashing into the man's unarmoured face. It hurt like hell, but adrenaline kicked in and she rolled the man off of her. Reaching to her hair, she pulled out a sharp hairpin, jabbing it into the mans exposed eye, causing him to howl in pain and stagger back. Quickly, Julia grabbed her blaster and fired three shots into the man.

Pushing her hair out of her face she spat down at the body.

"Prick." she shouted, snapped up her datapad and seeing the news she had been waiting for. Not that it was needed, for the sound outside was all she really needed. The noise of boots on the ground, over the hum of three Cyclone Landspeeders heralded the arrival of a detachment of BAS-55 combat droids, a Blackwell design.

The cavalry had arrived.
[/JUSTIFY]
 

Reiel Mal Crowholde

Character
Independent
Rank
Citizen

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Forsythe Crowholde
Joined
Oct 18, 2020
Messages
348
Reaction score
183
The assembled group soon found their way to the ground floor. Time was not on their side, and so Reiel quickly strode out in the open without much thought for her safety. It was about time she showed these Orange Haze thugs just how much she hated them for ruining her much needed beauty sleep. She announced her arrival in a loud voice, saying,

"Kaminii or'kemi Oyu'baat…"

Heads turned to her direction, and Reiel was quick to fell one of the goons with her quickdraw before any of them could react. Pandemonium soon followed as the Blackwell guard led the hotel's security personnel forward, firing volley after volley of blaster fire which the gangsters quickly exchanged. The hostages scattered, their guards having been distracted by the impromptu assault team's sudden arrival. While both parties ducked for cover, Reiel daringly dashed forward, trusting on her beskar'gam's durability and her allies' cover fire. One goon was brave – or stupid, she couldn't decide – enough to meet her assault, banking on chance to take her by surprise with his height and build. The young Mandalorian knew her limitations and strengths, however, and ducked when he swung a fist at her. Reiel returned the attack with a swift but powerful upward jab of her own fist on his throat, sending the goon backward and spluttering for air. A blaster bolt to the same spot she'd punched felled the goon, and Reiel moved on to the nearest enemy.

The gangsters saw the heavily armored Mandalorian as the biggest threat in the area and soon concentrated most of their blaster fire towards her. Overwhelmed by the onslaught, Reiel fled from the open and ducked for cover behind the nearest pillar. The enemies' focus on her gave the assault team the chance to advance, and the gangsters were soon torn between firing at her and her allies.

Blaster fire in her direction receding, Reiel moved out of her hiding place and closed the distance between her and the two nearest thugs. She drew one of her vibroknives, throwing it at one gangster while killing the other subsequently with her blaster pistol. But being out in the open had exposed her again from the enemies' blaster fire, and while some hit beskar she was not wholly lucky as three stray blaster bolts nicked her exposed arms. Reiel grunted from both the impact and pain, crouching down to haul the nearest corpse to use as a shield.

She would rush towards the active gangsters head on just as the reinforcements from Blackwell arrived. Now trapped between the Mando's assault team and Julia's cavalry, the Orange Haze thugs found no means of escape. Some were stupid enough to fight back and met their end by the combination of Blackwell men and droid assault. Reiel shoved the corpse on the nearest gangster who chose to hightail out of the hotel, toppling him with an additional blaster bolt to the leg.

Seeing as their numbers have significantly dwindled and having no further means of escape, the remaining gangsters dropped their weapons and went down on their knees, hands raised in surrender as the Blackwell reinforcements and the Mandalorian's impromptu assault team surrounded them. Reiel left them to round up the thugs and moved on to search for Julia.

"Ms Hipori!" called the Mandalorian, spotting her quarry standing over a corpse. Reiel approached her, assessing if Julia had been hurt. Awkwardly, she raised her hands as if to reach out for the Blackwell exec but stopped midway from doing so. Instead, Reiel settled for hovering her hands awkwardly at her associate, worry finally kicking in as the fight ended.

"I hope you're not quite hurt," said Reiel, a hint of embarrassment coloring her face. She added, referring to her and the Blackwell guard's assault team, "And, uh, I hope we didn't take too long to arrive."

Smiling underneath her helmet, she told Julia in a light-hearted tone, "Well, at least we made it, huh? Staying alive and all."

"A Kaminoan walks into a bar..."
@Nor'baal
 

Julia Hipori

Character
Independent
Rank
Imperial Czerka CEO

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Nor'baal
Joined
Nov 2, 2020
Messages
152
Reaction score
78
It didn't take all that long for there to be a medical droid fussing over Julia as she tapped away on her datapad. All in all the raid on the hotel had come to an end in a flash, after the arrival of the so-called 'calvary' from Blackwell, and she was keen to get back to the job at hand. "Ms Hipori!" she looked up from the datapad as Reiel approached "I hope you're not quite hurt," Julia ignored her, waving away the medical droid and walking over the Reiel, and onward to the hotel entrance.

"Well, at least we made it, huh? Staying alive and all." Julia laughed slightly "They'll need to try harder for sure. However," she stepped over one of the bodies "Not sure if they will get the chance. I reckon that's most of them."

Turning to one of the Blackwell personnel she spoke as she stepped into the waiting speeder "Let the clients know, their problem has been solved."

/exitthread
 

Reiel Mal Crowholde

Character
Independent
Rank
Citizen

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Forsythe Crowholde
Joined
Oct 18, 2020
Messages
348
Reaction score
183
She nodded in agreement at Julia's assessment. Reiel can only watch as the older woman made her leave without discussing their next step. The Mandalorian let her go, however, aware that the Blackwell exec must have more important matters to attend to than meeting with the councilmen who were expecting some good news with regards to their gang activity problem.

Reiel shifted her attention to the apprehended thugs instead. The reinforcements from Blackwell Tech have finished rounding up the Orange Haze gang and began listing their names and any position on their group's hierarchy. The Blackwell guard who led the Mandalorian's assault team was contacting the local police and they arrived soon after. One of the councilmen – Rax – showed up, flanked by two fresh-faced cops.

"Councilman Rax," greeted Reiel, nodding her head politely at the elder gentleman. "Looks like your problem with the Orange Haze gang is over."

"Indeed it does. But how– why are they here?"

It was tempting to say that the operation against the gang had been ratted out, that word of a Blackwell executive and a hired Mandalorian were planning to exterminate said group – all for the benefit of a certain crime family. There was something off with the way he asked her the question as well. But Reiel kept her mouth shut about the topic. It was not her place to discuss the matter, and most certainly not what she had been hired for. What mattered to her was that the job was done, that there was a substantial payment waiting for her. She had a policy not to get entangled on any of the existing criminal syndicates' affairs and yet here she was.

This is for the covert.

She had been desperate for credits she could provide for the clan, for a boost in her reputation so jobs might come easier. It seemed that people really did come to cross certain lines when desperation reared its ugly head.

"Who knows," was what she replied instead. Reiel jabbed a thumb towards the leader of the thugs, a bitter grin on her hidden face. "Seemed to me they're just here to rob the powerful and the rich."

Spluttering indignantly, the councilman could only watch as the Mandalorian was led away by the Blackwell personnel whom Julia entrusted with the cleanup operation. As soon as she received her payment, Reiel was quick to head towards the nearest spaceport, offering her services as a guard to a small group of traveling merchants in exchange for a ride on their ship offworld. It didn't matter where, nor how she was in desperate need of the sleep that had been denied of her. She was consumed with the thought of just leaving Eriadu as soon as possible. She needed to be elsewhere – anywhere but here.

No idea when I'll be back for business, though. I just want to leave. Right now.

The Mandalorian watched the planet got smaller from the ship's viewport and soon vanished from sight when they jumped to hyperspace. Another job done. And resuming the cyclical life of bounty hunters, she prepared herself for the next one.

[End Thread]
 
Top