Ask Senex Woes: Part 1 - Stepping Stone

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Varadan. It was a mineral rich world with a thriving slave trade. And corrupt royalty. A haven for any Sith wanting to influence the sector. And this so what drew Trodai, he had seen the potential and a way to improve his standing. A way into the Senex-Juvex sector and spread the Sith influence across it. Varadan would be the first stone to a larger campaign. A design Trodai had thought through methodically.

He enlisted the Acolyte, Roman Kallo to help. He had seen the Holonet and what he had accomplished, finding it impressive. And he was another apprentice to Azar if rumours was true. An ally to trust. Or so he hoped. He was dressed in a noble clothing, looking the part of a prospective client looking for slaves while Roman would be suitably clothed as a slave to be sold. He would infiltrate the mines and instigate a revolt, while Trodai kept the trader occupied.

A representative who had links to the royal family. A Fillo Peltro, of House Peltro who ran the government of Vadaran and held influence in the human noble houses of the greater Senex-Juvex region. He was corrupt and could be useful to gain a foothold to the whole sector and other houses within it. They would infiltrate and take control of each house individually, one at a time. Thid was but the first domino the two sought to topple.

Roman had been informed about it before coming, both knew the high stakes and gamble being taken. But if a success they would acquire greater status within the Sith and grow their own individual powerbases. Trodai hoped it paid off. He observed as Roman was taken away.

The mines awaited. He was lead to a comfortable office and began negotiating prices. Prices that would never be paid.

"I require at least 20, what's the best you can do." he said as the other man considered it. Roman was met by a short, muscular human with a whip and put a shock collar on him. If he was to escape he would need the control the man held at some point. The mines were large, with many tunnels. His was the second floor down besides a twi'lek, young adult and a Corellian elder man with grey hair. A old timer by the looks who may or may not proven useful.

Around were guards armed with a stun baton and blaster. Just in case, five each tunnel.

@Alhon

 

[Roman Kallo]

Roman trudged down through the tunnels, pushed and shoved by the guards, even a few disgruntled miners.

It would have been easy to second guess himself right now. He was dirty and weaponless, forced into some battered miners dungarees and being led further and further from daylight. What’s worse, he was walking this path to impress a Pureblood again, except this time one he knew even less well than Azar. Trodai Narat-I….something or other. Big red guy like the rest and a lot more senior than Roman. The guy had a plan that the acolyte could ride the coattails of if he was careful.

But there was no escaping the risks. If this went wrong, he might never get back out. The thought was particularly acute as a grubby looking short man fixed a heavy shock collar around Roman’s tattooed neck.

”Face like a slapped arse” the jailor scoffed “but a few muscles at least. We’ll get a good few months out of you before you break scrote”.

”I won’t break” Roman said defiantly.

He felt the whip on his face before he saw it, catching him hard on the cheek and sending him spinning. “That‘s what they all say, prettyboy!“ the jailor hissed, kicking him to the ground and lumbering off.

Roman rolled over, wearing his reddening cheek with pride. He would make that man beg for death, before they were done here. A twI’lek and a graying Corellian looked on, mild interest on their faces. Roman sniffed. They had no way to know he was their deliverance.

”If you want out of here, get ready” he breathed quietly “I don’t plan on staying long”. He hoped for instant declarations of solidarity, but both actually shrank back as if expecting trouble. The twi’lek even glanced at the guards as if considering shouting for attention.

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

While Roman was being introduced to his new life as a slave, albeit temporarily, Trodai meanwhile was performing his own addiction to the plan. He was growing increasingly bored by the Manager's constant talking and now had an idea when it was like to be on the other end of a rambling. He wondered is this what Azar felt like when he heard him speak sometimes.

He would aid the efforts of a uprising in the mines by disabling the security cameras but first needed access to the security office. The manager in front of him had the keys. And so Trodai having had enough, set to work. Within the Force he pulled at the connecting threads, establishing a connection to his targets mind.

OOC: Actions Taken - Influence the mind of Mine Manager to give up the datacard/keys to the security room
Roll D20: 11

The connection held and the man's mind was a open book, from which he could influence and control. And so Trodai did. The man heard words whispered within "I should really give him the keys. His trustworthy." among others his mind fell and he handed them over, swiftly followed by a blaster to the guts. And a blade to slit his throat. Making it look like a casualty of the riot to come.

Meanwhile Roman found not many really wanted to jeopardise their short lives as he tried gets help for his plan. However there were a few he found who directed him to some who might. A small group of miners who met secretly. But he would need to do something too get their attention. Something of the guards that might warrant punishment but it would earn respect. Be that stealing some food rations, trying beat one or something to be used for escape. Although he had heard a rumour about a underground fight club the guards backrolled. It was another possible way in if he were to beat a few.

The choice was his as to which avenue he chose.

@Alhon

 

[Roman Kallo]

In the end, Roman silenced the Twi’lek with a deadly look. Now that he had killed once in cold blood under Azar’s instruction, he knew he could do it again, particularly if his life was threatened. From the way he stared at her, the Twi’lek slave now knew it too.

She was no use to Roman, but the older guy had more promise. He wouldn’t say much, but led the acolyte to a different tunnel where the group of slaves resting there was apparently in league. There was no opportunity to talk just yet, but the Corellian mumbled something to them and Roman could tell from the mens’ looks that they were sizing up whether he was worth entertaining.

One of them gestured that he should fight one or two of them to prove his mettle, something about a club. But most held back, simply watching.

Roman was not getting into any fights just yet. He would need all his strength to break out of here, assuming this Trodai was up top doing his part too. No, he would have to gain their trust and respect some other way.

One of the guards strode by and Roman wondered if he was not over complicating this. He had the Force, an advantage no one else here could claim. He did not need to go big to show his worth.

Concentrating, he covertly reached after the passing guard, unbuckling a simple flashlight from the man’s belt with the Force and pulling it silently through the air. It landed in his hand and he stashed it out of sight, but not before he glanced up at the startled men.

They exchanged looks, before one drifted over. “Don‘t care if you’re a Jedi or what trickster. If you can get hold of the slavemaster’s remote for these collars, we are all with you”.

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Having been successful, Trodai made his way cautiously to the security office over the far side of the mines. Looking for patrols, he was quick to avoid them before sneaking next to the wall by the door. With the keys are he entered slowly to see 3 watching the screens. Withdrawing a sword rather than lightsaber, he attempted to sneak in.

OOC: Action Taken - Stealth roll : Attempting to sneak in security office, take out 3 guards to gain access to the security terminal

Roll D20: 4

The Force was not with him this day. Troda I opened the door to find a human staring at him holding his coffee in hand ,looking blankly a moment as if in shock. And deciding what he should do. He turned to the other two and yelled "We got trouble!" as the other two turned, Trodai went forward grabbing the coffee mug and smashing it into the man's face. He then shoved him into the second man who was going for a blaster, sending the shoot upwards and out the window alerting one or two others to the trouble as it hit a slave just walking by with a sack of stones.

Slumping over the sack and the human collapsed with a thud.

It wasn't entirely as planned but it appeared that the riot would soon be underway. It was time to improvise and adapt. As the guard fell into his mate, the two struggling to untangle, Trodai went for the third man. Pinning him to one of the consoles with a sword as he split his gut open. And enhancing a punch with the Force, caving the initial threat face in as he smacked him into a terminal. pulling the sword free, the two now untangle attempted to double team. But Trodai pulled his own blaster, putting two holes in each.

With the job done, albeit not how he might like, he disabled the security. But he knew it wouldn't help as he heard more approaching outside, a standoff ensued. "We know your in there! Come on out!"

Meanwhile Roman and the others overhead the guards talking about trouble near the security office and debating if they should help or not. In the end they thought it wasn't their problem and instead took bets on how long whoever it was would last. The jailer turned to join and discuss it, Roman overheard "Seems someone got caught trying sneak into the security office. That big red guy from Zeltron. Seems he wasn't what the boss thought."

Roman would become aware this could be a opportunity to use as a distraction and grab the control to start the riot, he could chose to take it and help the Champion and then proceed. Or he could just leave him to fate. The choice was his.

@Alhon

 

[Roman Kallo]

Roman was beginning to formulate a rough plan with the other slaves. It was tough, trading a few mumbled words under your breath without being overheard or looking suspicious. But he was getting there.

Then everything went to shit. Some kind of fight erupted in a security office across the way, bangs and shouts followed by a blaster bolt that dropped a young slave who had just agreed to help. All the guards nearby hurried in that direction, gathering around the slavemaster and shouting ultimatums at someone inside.

Trodai. For a second, Roman assumed he had misunderstood the brief. He and the Pureblood had barely spoken directly, but his understanding had been that the big red guy was working a sneaky angle up top. Getting into a firefight down here had not been part of the plan, had it?

Perhaps Trodai had screwed up. It was a dangerous thought. Roman daren’t imagine his superiors could fall short, not when the the Sith were so merciless. But something had gone wrong and now all the guards he had worried about were focused on something else. He had a choice to make.

It did not take him long. Roman was hungry for power and prestige, but he was not stupid. He needed Trodai and whatever influence he had with Azar and the other Sith. Getting out of here without the red Sith was very unlikely.

Roman crouched, concentrating and reaching out with the Force to pull the collar remote from the slavermaster’s belt. The man had his back to Roman and the other slaves and it should have been easy.

Unfortunately, it had perhaps been tried before. The remote came away and began to drift towards Roman, but then he saw the elasticated cord. The remote twanged back, already secured against anyone trying to swipe it.

”What the heck?!” the slavemaster exclaimed, rounding and locking eyes with Roman. “That new runt must be one of them Jedi types! Grab him!”.

At least half the guards broke from the group circling the security office and scrambled towards Roman. He scurried back, rallying with the other slaves, clutching the heavy stolen flashlight behind his back in readiness. He was about to fight for his life, but at least he had created an opening for Trodai. The guy better be worth it.

7/20 for remote steal success

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai heard them outside, yet he also knew despite what they thought that they had the numbers, he had his own advantage. The Force was his first ally and it served him well usually. It would serve him again, as he drew from the dark. Coiled like a wound up spring, and he ready to pounce.

He heard a commotion, they were getting ready to come in. Let them come, he thought and suffer the agony of his wrath. Although it had not been planned, he adapted and improvised, still wiping the security...which did give them some more freedom. With no-one to see them, a chance to let loose in a sense even without a lightsaber.

And here he was on his element. As a Warrior, this was what he enjoyed the most. Other than Azar.

And then he heard more noise and saw half run to mines. Something had happened, or someone. He imagined it was likely Roman, in some of defiance ad they had planned. It provided just the distraction needed as heads turned to look at the commotion. Moving out, Trodai sprung from the door and using a application of Force Speed he descended upon his enemy. Another victim of many. The first never stood a chance as the serrated edge of the sword cut through him.

Using the body as a shield, he fell on another like a hammer as blaster fire singed flesh and death filled the air.

Pulling he tugged another weapon from their hand and used it to light him up before encroaching on another. It was unlike anything they had seen or dare imagine. A walking machine of death and destruction. A devil.

Meanwhile Roman had his own troubles.

The slavemaster pressed the button zapping him with high voltage electricity. Smirking and smiling as he shock and fell like a limp fish as the bolts shot through his nervous system. Forcing him at least temporarily to drop the flashlight. His muscles contracting. But something else happened he did not expect, some of the other slaves saw a chance while he was distracted and he guards to revolt. One picked up a large rock and smashed the slavemaster to the cranium.

Sending him to the ground as Roman got up. The slavemaster was about to press the button but was beaten by a group, unhappy at the torment he had made them suffer. Revenge was theirs to be had.

"This is for killing tom! My husband!" one said "And this is for give us moody bread everyday!" said another. The control fell close to Roman's feet allowing him to pick it up, from there he could turn it off and take the keys are from the now brutally beaten slavemaster to release the collars. Even as a group stood around with bloody fists and makeshift weapons from pickaxes, spades and acquired batons ready to fight with Roman.

But he would need to be quick, seven more guards approached, more heavily armoured, the riot squad. Wielding stun batons and others pistols or blasters set to stun, but could if needed switch to a more lethal approach. They were burly and big, muscular. They would deal damage and put this nuisance down. Or so they thought.

@Alhon

 

[Roman Kallo]

As the guards rushed them, Roman thought he glimpsed a big crimson figure leap from the security office and engage the rest. Yes! Together maybe they could-

Pain blazed around his neck and Roman felt himself falling to the ground until the burn of the shock collar. He snarled in frustration, gritting his teeth and feeling that strange new buzz of turning pain into power that he was learning to ride. But he was indeed still learning and could do little but ball his fists as his body convulsed involuntarily.

It stopped as suddenly as it began and Roman pulled himself to his feet to see the slavemaster had been downed with a rock. Now that was satisfying. The control for the collars glinted on the sandy floor and Roman snatched it up, releasing him and his fellow slaves. He enjoyed the feeling of weightlessness as his own collar fell away, but was a little less sure about the other slaves. It would have been better to keep them under their thumb.

But there was no time for perfection, only survival. He led the slaves in a charge against the approaching guards, balling the Force and throwing it at the riot squad. Roman was not strong enough to knock several heavy men to the floor, but his push knocked them back and their weapons wide, creating a vital opening for the slaves to fall on them with rock, pickaxe, tooth and nail.

It was a brutal fight. Roman had to physically push a guard's eyeballs into his sockets at one point, bite off half a man's ear not long after that. But inch by inch the slaves gained ground, overpowering the guards through greater numbers and sheer desperation to survive. The guards that did not fall scattered up towards the surface and soon enough Roman found an opening to reunite with the Pureblood.

"Master Trodai" he panted, bowing his blood-covered head unceremoniously quickly "Do we fight our way up now?". Like Azar, Trodai was taller and broader, rippling crimson muscles and glowing red eyes making him seem more myth than man. "The slaves will follow our lead" Roman assured him, determined to make it so. A revolt that stormed the surface had always been the plan, but Trodai himself had not been meant to be part of it.

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai approved of Roman as he approached, slightly worse for wear but alive. He was stronger than he first appeared. He had heard the commotion and seen as guards and slaves battled it out in the time old tradition of the weak against the strong, numbers against sheer will to survive. Here in the thrall of combat, Trodai felt alive.

As guards scattered up, they met a grim fate. The first impaled before another was smashed against the wall. Soon and they were trapped between the angry armed slaves revolting and the Pureblood and Roman on the other side. Trodai corrected Roman as he called him master. No, he was not his master. And neither was he one yet, not that he didn't crave it. But he wasn't ready yet.

"Champion Trodai, for it is Azar who is your master and not I." he emphasised "This was a unexpected complication but...we shall improvise for are we not Sith. We wipe out the whole mine, no guards. Let the slaves do most of the work, and take the fall. We impress upon the slave leaders the idea that to work with us will benefit them." he considered "Offer them a proposition. Convince them to support us but keep the specifics from them. Tell them in return for helping us we shall see that they are placed in positions of influence suited to their needs. They will be our eyes and ears upon the royal family and useful allies. They will tell us if the nobles double cross or renege on the deal we make with them. We use them to act as spies."

He smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder as he gave Roman a sword "I will want that back but consider it yours for the duration. I will get their attention, you lead the slaves around their flank. We cut them from two sides. Let's get to work shall we."

He said before, pulling his second sword, for he always carried two as well as his lightsaber and blaster.

@Alhon

 

[Roman Kallo]

Roman did not kick himself over the Master and Champion etiquette. He made a mental note, but there were bigger things at stake right now. Trodai’s plan seemed sound enough; encourage the slaves to wrest control of the mine, but let them take the credit. The hand of the Sith needed to be hidden here.

”Very smart, Champion Trodai” he nodded, noting the Pureblood seemed to know all about Master Azar. “I will light their fires and let them burn” he smiled.

Trodai was not short of words, outlining his thoughts in real detail. Azar was similar, but this Pureblood volunteered even more. It was refreshing. Roman knew he was sometimes a man of few words himself, but many Sith were cold and clipped. This guy left him in no doubt as to where they stood, and their plan.

The hand on his shoulder was unexpected, as was the sword. Roman took it a little gingerly, despite the violence unfolding around them. “Their flank won’t know what hit it” Roman said, gathering himself. “Guess we see which of us can do more damage” he challenged.

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai chuckled at the comment, allowing a smirk as he spoke "Oh? So that is how it is, is it? If you want a challenge why not make it more...interesting. A wager perhaps? A fun one. Get 10 more than me and I will offer a boon. Fail and you wear a jester costume for a week. Same applies the other way. Deal?" he said with a mischievous grin and showing his prankster side however briefly. He thought it would be hilarious.

He hoped he agreed as he went to the task.

Proceeding to the first guard in his way as he allowed Ramona around to flank them. He was liking the thrill and excitement especially with a additional stake involved and he had no intention of wearing the jester suit so was motivated all the more. He pulled him towards himself, implying and allowing the body to fall, followed by a second. It appeared he was efficient which meant Roman would need to work additionally hard especially against such a advanced challenger. But he had asked for it and he had got it.

@Alhon

 

[Roman Kallo]

Roman had made his comment to hype himself up for the fight. The last thing he had expected was for the hulking Pureblood to laugh and smile like they were nowhere dangerous. Then Trodai offered a wager.

"You want to bet on how many we-". Roman stopped himself. Of course the guy did; he was Sith and he was a killer. They both were. Roman himself had crossed that line under Master Azar's hand and he knew how good it could feel. A dark and twisted joy, but one that could give sex a run for its money. He needed to remember who they were and how far above everyone else they existed.

"Alright" he said, a new kind of smile traversing his lips. "Deal".

He jutted his chin in farewell and scurried off around the side tunnels, dodging what few scuffles and skirmishes were still unfolding. The fight was petering out down here, but they would no doubt face their final challenge higher up. Roman waved the gifted sword as he ran, beckoning the slaves to follow and pulling them into a side alcove.

"Where'd you get that man?" a grizzled man asked, eyeing the blade.

"Nevermind that" Roman shushed "Let me tell you how you're not all just getting out of here, but you're made for life if you play your cards right".

He went on to explain that if the men followed his instructions they would get out and stay out, taking positions of power and influence on this world, with the protection of Trodai and Roman as their liberators. He could tell some of them were reticent to believe one so young, but the sword in his hand helped, as did what they had seen of his Force talents. Cautiously, they all agreed.

While the sounds of Trodai grappling with guards on the main ascent echoed through the halls, Roman and the other slaves hurried up the winding side tunnels, slipping through a low opening in the rock to emerge at the back right of the gathered guards. Those that had mustered atop the main ramp had their weapons trained down into the mine and will unprepared for the surge of desperate slaves falling on them from behind.

Roman let the other storm ahead, holding back and plunging his blade into the back of a guard smart enough to try and run. The metal felt oddly satisfying as it slid between the ribs, more so than a lightsaber ever had. Roman pulled it free in a spray of blood, that dark smile on his face again as others began to fall. Oh yeah, he was going to win this bet big time.

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai nodded approvingly, so had spirit and didn't back down from a challenge. It was something he could respect, and it would allow a chance to see his other skills beyond apparent diplomacy. He nodded his approval as he briefly spoke "Good luck Acolyte, it will be needed." he smirked. It would be a fun exercise even despite current circumstances.

Approaching from the main ascent, he caused a scene. A diversion, as his sword swung and blaster took down several opponents. At least at first, he thought he was doing well, even as he blasted one and threw them over a balcony of a stairway. Continuing he moved firwards, taking cover as necessary before dispatching more.

Cutting a path of blood and the dead, Trodai soon reconnected with Roman.

Continuing to cut enemy combatants down, he found he had actually done less than he thought. Despite the carnage and Roman had won the bet. It earnt a mark of respect, and he would honour the terms. But for now the rest of the mission awaited.

He looked about as the last were dealt with, as no guards survived. Now they need only hide the slaves while they approached the royal family, via Fillo Peltro and convinced him of putting down a slave revolution. He was certain they would find a way. He spoke to Roman "Looks like you win the bet. It is not often someone bests me at my own field, your skill does you credit. I will honour it soon, for now to the next phase of our plan. Did you manage to convince the slaves and have them hidden?" he inquired.

@Alhon

 

[Roman Kallo]

Roman and the slaves shredded the guards' ranks, the element of surprise and their desperation to survive carrying them to victory. The acolyte forced himself to hang back, making sure he was not seen to be leading the charge. Instead, he moved through the mob's wake, slashing and cutting with his bloodstained sword. They had their enemy hemmed in and bodies soon littered the floor.

Trodai eventually emerged up the ramp, though he was too late the catch up his numbers. Roman sidled towards him, unable to keep the smirk from his face. "Beginner's luck maybe" he replied, spinning the sword in his hand. Not that he was that modest really. Trodai was right; Roman had a knack for this kind of carnage. "But looking forward to seeing that costume soon as we are out of here".

It took a little time to persuade the slaves to draw a halt to their advance. Most of them could taste freedom now and a few believed they could fight on, storm the surface and get offworld if only they tried. Fortunately, the smarter ones knew better. The authorities would muster a much bigger security force once word got out. Roman convinced them to hide in the side tunnels instead and wait until he and Trodai returned.

"They'll stay put" Roman reported back "but we better not leave them too long. We can use the bodies of those who have fallen to give the appearance we put down the revolt". He surveyed the scene, littered as it was with the bloodied corpses of the guards. "Might they not think it strange not one of their guards made it?" he asked Trodai "maybe we offer to deal with the clean up here, better than the locals combing through all this and getting suspicious?"

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai smirked at the reply, he was sure he was. As humiliating as it would be for the Pureblood, he could see the funny side to it, and he found it amusing Roman thought it was beginners luck. With everything Trodai had seen he rarely believed such things as luck...not anymore, not since Azar. There was always some reason for something. A lesson somewhere. In this case to be humbled from his own arrogance. Overconfident.

"I'm sure you are." he smirked "I offered a boon, you and that sword seem to do well enough together. Consider it my boon, my gift for you winning, it is yours. I can get another." he smiled "It suits you."

Trodai observed as the slaves took convincing to calm down. It was natural given they now had freedom they would want to keep it. He considered the humans words, Roman's word and he was correct, but there were ways to cover their tracks.

"Very true" he pulled Roman to the side and whispered "We can do that and there might be a way to do it. Kill a few of the slaves, place the bodies sporadically about near the guards, this should make it look more authentic and cover our tracks, place evidence that they died in the fighting. Those that wouldn't be missed should do. But just don't get caught doing it by the others."

He let Roman consider it and wondered what he thought. Given his past, would he do it. Would he willingly send some to die to cover his own tracks.

@Alhon

 

[Roman Kallo]

Roman hefted the sword in answer. "You might just be right...Thanks".

He was chuffed to be gifted the blade by Trodai. He had seldom fought with bare durasteel before, being trained in the art of the lightsaber like all Knights. But there was something far more satisfying about the look of a sharp blade dripping with crimson, the way it sang through the air, the unique thrill of driving it into his enemy's flesh. It made Roman feel more in touch with his own strength, more or in control of the new violence he was now capable of.

The Pureblood's suggestion of murdering a few slaves to balance the body count was really twisted, but Roman no longer baulked at such things on instinct. It would certainly make their story more believable and avoid leaving things to chance. A smile was his only answer.

Drifting back towards the side tunnels where the slaves lay in wait, Roman saw the old Corellian from earlier slinking off to take a piss, lining up over by a crevasse next to another man doing the same. With their hands busy and their thoughts on relief, they never heard him creep up.

A shunt of the Force sent the Corellian toppling over the edge with a grunt of surprise, smashing his face on the far ledge. Roman's blade skewered through the other man's back before he could turn, piercing his heart. Moving the two dead bodies was the hardest part and the blood still pumping from their wounds left more of a trail than Roman would like.

He had only just set them in place, as if struck down by dying guards, when a sharp-featured female came by to take a piss of her own. Something in her expression said she smelled something was off, but Roman made up a bullshit story about a lone enemy he had just chased down. Whether she still had suspicions she might share, he could not tell.

* * * *
​

It turned out their man Fillipo or whatever his name was lodged at a residence pretty close to the mine this season. As he and Trodai approached the gates, Roman was glad they were nearly done. The fight had taken its toll and the acolyte was beginning to feel stabs of pain in places he did not even know he had.

"You should know, I might not be half bad with a blade, but talking to posh jerks is pretty new to me". Judging by how Trodai used ten words when two would do, Roman guessed the Champion would not need much help to spin their story in any case.

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai almost chuckled a little at the comment, he remembered the first time he had held such a sword. There was no comparison like it and cutting down your enemies with such ablade, the visceral feeling. And seeing each moment up to the last in their end, to feel their suffering.

While Roman set to his task, Trodai likewise found others, and making sure none were looking ended their lives without much thought, adding to those that would aid their story. Or so was the hope. Placing the bodies near guards to look like a amateur charge and others cut down he set the scene. Satisfied he moved on to meet Roman after making sure he had no stains.

He considered the next move.

"Fillo Peltro lives nearby but we won't be able to get straight in. Security is likely tight We need a way inside, our best bet would be a local bar. Somewhere nobility go on their down time. There we find make contact and convince any ally of his to set up a meeting with Fillo. From there it shouldn't be too difficult I hope to convince him to our story. We'll take photos and collect some evidence to further convince him."

He laughed at the last comment "I happen to be one of those rich jerks." he joked "It's pretty easy. Just act all entitled, little snobby. Arrogant. Like the galaxy owes you everything and truly believe it. You know proper imperial I guess, like those you may have known in another life. Put yourself in their shoes. How would you act, how would you speak? After that it comes naturally. Either way I'll collect the evidence, you get acquainted with the locals. We'll meet inside the bar and go from there."

He suggested "Unless you have a better suggestion?" he inquired to see if he had any better alternative. Afterall no plan was perfect.

@Alhon

 

[Roman Kallo]

Roman bit his tongue at the mention of his Imperial past. So Trodai knew about that after all.

He could not argue with the basic point though. “Alright” he agreed “I guess I can act like one of those prat officers just for a little while”.

Of course, he would have little luck passing for nobility in the pockmarked miners dungarees. Stepping between the bodies, Roman managed to find a guard who was not too beat up and scavenged his unmarked shirt, belt and pants. It meant changing right in front of the Pureblood, but there was little time for modesty.

Once he was ready, Roman stashed his new favourite sword and any valuables behind some nearby rocks and headed over to the bar. Taking a breath, he strode in with his head held high. There was no hiding the minor cuts and scratches on his face, but maybe they could work for him.

He leant on the bar as if intending to order, but cast a glance instead at the men to his right. “One of you know this Fillo Peltro chap? Had a morning like you wouldn’t believe, but the man who improves my afternoon earns more than a drink today”.

@Akheron

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai nodded with approval as he spoke "That's the spirit. For we must sometimes put on a facade to achieve what we want, even if we don't like it." As Roman took off, Trodai set to work, collecting photos and any incriminating video evidence, careful to remove anything that might also link the two Sith to the crime.

After a hour of collecting he made his way to the same bar Roman was currently visiting. Curious as to anything he may have learnt.

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- An hour before Trodai arrival -


As Roman entered the bar, a place called 'The Noble Talon', he found several of the nobility mingling with the locals. A few offered a brief look before getting back to their drinks. It appeared a popular location everyone used to hang out and forget their worries. As he lent on the bar enquiring a couple perked up, curious what he wanted with the man. One approached, a slender looking tall human with short blonde hair and brown eyes.

"I might but then I might not know the guy you mean. What's it worth to you? I could be persuaded maybe if say you buy a couple rounds for me and my friends here."

@Alhon

 

[Roman Kallo]

The man who sidled up to Roman in answer was tall and fair haired, with doe-like brown eyes that made him look cute. Another time, Roman might have been tempted to sink a few drinks with the guy and find out how doe-like he really was. But he was on a pretty tight time limit today.

"So still only want drinks" Roman said, feigning surprise as he looked the guy up and down. "Fair enough, two rounds for information I can use". The guard's uniform he had picked over had a simple cred chit, with hopefully enough creds on it to cover a few drinks. Roman held it above the scanner in anticipation.

"Who are you and how do you know Fillo?"

The guy seemed to decide it was worth volunteering a tidbit to prove his worth. "Name's Isacc, I'm sergeant at arms in Governor Peltro's household guard". He did his own looking up and down of Roman. "What do you want with him?".

Roman smiled and scanned the chit, ordering the first round. He had little handle on the ranks of the Peltro household guard, but it sounded like Isacc was not captain of it yet. He could see the mix of loyalty to his master and ambition to ascend playing out on that smooth face.

"That's not your concern" Roman replied imperiously, before softening "but I respect a man who looks out for his superiors. You will do very well". He tapped the breast of Isacc's fine clothing with his knuckle, a gesture he had seen Moff Stennar use all the time to subtly assert control. "My associate and I have a proposition for the Governor, one that stands to make him an even richer man. I imagine he will thank the one who brings us to him".

Roman thought he saw Trodai entering the bar in his peripheral vision, but he kept his eyes on Isaac, tilting his head as he waited for an answer.

"I can take you up to the residence and let him know you want to see him" Isaac said after considering "but it will be up to the Governor whether he's interested. He can be a fickle man".

"Good man" Roman answered, swiping the chit again for the second round "taking us to him is all we need and we will not forget it. Now drink up fast - we don't want to keep him waiting".

@Akheron