Daaneth fills the crew in on everything he knows about Essenx, and when they arrive he makes sure his message to Fialla gets out.
"Not2Bee please look for Vin-Dai Soo, he's our contact, I'd like to land as close as possible to wherever he operates. Any relevant data should be on the pad we were given before we launched. Feel free to access it. As soon as we touch down I want a sweep of the hull, if Jace is right and there's a tracker I want to know."
He rubs his eyes a bit, starting to regret having stayed awake for the whole trip, but he'd been on hunts many times that length and knew he'd be able to function. "I shouldn't need to say it but I will, keep your eyes out. So far we've have trouble everywhere we've been. Let's try to break the habit, yeah?"
Jarl chuckles at Daaneth's comment, "Trouble has followed us all our whole lives no doubt else we'd be on Correlia raising children and complaining of our wives bad habits. I am sure we will all do what we can to keep a low profile though".
Jeren almost chuckles at Jarl's mention of keeping a low profile. "Hopefully we will do better than when we first met each other," he quips, referring to the events in the cantina of Krai Ven Station.
"Captain," he continues, turning to Daaneth, "I was thinking. I would like to suggest to this Vin-Dai Soo to have part or all of my share of the payment be paid in one or more of the gems we are carrying. And I was wondering if I could have your support when I bring it up." He smiles. "After all, just because I do not see such a request as absurd, it does not mean our contact will not too."
Quickly scanning the information available, NT-2B discovers that Vin-Dai Soo is located a half hour speeder ride away. He also discovers that the spaceport rents speeder trucks for 50 credits an hour, plus a 100 credit refundable deposit.
Daaneth looks curiously at Jeren, "Didn't figure you for a materialistic man, buy yeah, lets see of we can work it out."
Daaneth sends a few messages before touch down, one to the spaceport to prep a rental Truck, one to Vin-Dai Soo to insure delivery and ask about Jerens request, and checks for any response from Fialla even though the message just sent.
NT-2B listens to the others discuss the Jedi, having never encountered one before. He makes a note to research more about them when given the time.
Having not been in the cargo bay during the searching of the goods, NT-2B turns at Jeren's question. "Gems?" He asks curiously. "I do not believe we are intending to travel anywhere that does not accept credits."
I suggest that staying together in difficult times and unknown areas might be of great prudence especially since there are many, it seems, out for our heads.
"Good call Jace, especially where we are going to have to travel pretty far from the ship on top of that".
"Well, Not2Bee," Jeren retorts with a smile, "just because we are not planning to do so, it does not necessarily mean we will not find ourselves in such a place. I have found that what we intend and what actually happens are not always one and the same."
With no response from Fialla yet, Daaneth leads the group to pick up their speeder truck. The owner of the rental place, a Besalisk named Caldax, happily shows you where everything is, and, as you prepare to leave and get the furs, says, "Oh, and don't forget to stop at the Imperial customs stop at the star port exit. They'll poke around a bit, and then tell you to be on your way. Still, best to let them poke around."
"Thanks for the tip Caldax", as they start off with their goods Jarl looks to the others.
"Are we confident that the goods will pas an inspection undetected or should we get some creds ready to grease palms if necessary? Out here the Imps are especially interested at being on the take."
"Well, Not2Bee," Jeren retorts with a smile, "just because we are not planning to do so, it does not necessarily mean we will not find ourselves in such a place. I have found that what we intend and what actually happens are not always one and the same."
The droid cocks his head curiously at Jeren, but finding no flaw in his logic, simply nods after a second. "A fair assessment, Cloaked Wisdom. Although I would remind you that this plan is only valid where gems have value. It may not be so in a system such as Bespin. I think I will continue to receive payment for the ship account in credits."
After being warned about the inspection, NT-2B processes for a few moments before turning to Jarl. "We must be cautious. We cannot easily afford extortion, and they may still arrest us or take our cargo out of mere boredom or spite." He continues processing for a moment. "Perhaps a distraction?"
"I might be able to sweet talk our way around it. Sounds like they've been doing this for awhile though, we might be worrying for no reason."
Getting the speeder truck back to the docking bay, you quickly load the furs and head for the spaceport exit. As you approach, you see a detachment of 4 stormtroopers standing watch. Bringing the truck to a halt, an officer approaches. Looking at you, he says, in a bored-sounding voice, "Name, cargo, and destination?"
"Daaneth Qilat, fur, {ooc}enter location here[/ooc]."
The Togruta flashes his best smile and provides any relevant paperwork the officer may demands regarding the cargo.
The vurk will watch warily to ensure that nothing bad takes places, keeping an eye on both the stormtroopers and the officer.
The Imperial looks somewhat disgusted by taking the papers from Daaneth.
"Very well. Wait while we inspect your cargo."
Two of the troopers walk towards the back of the truck, while another holds up a weapons scanner and stars scanning the ship. The two enter the back and begin examining the crates.
Perception
Jarl does his best to keep an eye on the troopers but with an unfamiliar vehicle there is always an angle for them to take to get out of the drivers sightlines...
Perception
As Daaneth begins his talk with the official, Jeren keeps his eyes on the interaction between them before moving closer to Jarl.
"Our Captain may be a great talker," he says softly, almost whispering in the ex-soldier's ear, "but this Imperial officer here? I have a feeling that to say he... dislikes non-humans would be an understatement."
He then proceeds to move a few steps so as to be able to better keep his eyes on the troopers examining the cargo.
UTF Mind Trick
Trying not to draw too much attention to himself the vurk will approach the imperial officer,
Nothing looks amiss good sir. We are law abiding citizens of the Empire. No need for this.
Jarl nods back to Jeren and whispers, "Yes, I have see that from them more often of late".
Jarl stays in the drivers seat in case the vehicle needs to make a... sudden movement...
"Well, nothing looks amiss. You are law-abiding citizens. There is no need for this. Let them pass!"
The officer calls out, waving his troops off and for the gate to open.
"Looks like I didn't need to talk at all, eh boys? Told you we were worrying for no reason!" Daaneth waves the officer off and double checks the coordinates for the drop off point.
"You got any specific piece of merchandise in mind Jeren? Should probably separate it now, that way if we get the okay we don't have to wait for you to sift through it all."
Thank you very much for your concern and your due diligence says the vurk with a bow to the officer.
Karl looks thoughtfully at Jace but shrugs off the interaction saying nothing further.
"Let's hope the rest of this trip is just as smooth".
After Jace's interaction with the officer, Jeren takes a moment to think and then simply rolls his eyes. 'Well, that explains his little talk with that stranger, I suppose,' he pnders briefly before turning to Daaneth.
"That is actually not a bad idea, Captain," he says with a nod of agreement. As soon as the opportunity presents itself, the hooded man does as the Togruta advised, rummaging through a couple of the crates until he finds something to interest him enough to keep.
"We drop off the gems, get paid, and hopefully find somewhere to upgrade the Dwarf. And in the mean time, if we don't get attacked or tailed by anyone, I'll consider it a bonus."
Smiling to himself that the Force has not abandonded him the vurk will follow the rest of the group.
Jarl keeps the transport moving at a steady rate of speed. A bit faster then normal but not so fast to risk engine damage.
"Agreed, the next time we encounter those thugs, and I bet there will be a next time, we are going to need those upgrades".
After a relatively short speeder ride, you pull up to a shop with the name Vin Dai Soo's Luxury Outfitters. Though not particularly large, the shop looks rather profitable. An "Open" sign is in the window, though you don't yet see any customers.
The crystals are literally sewn into the hems and linings of the coats. You would have to cut the stitching to get it out. Are you gong to do that?
NT-2B stares in curiosity as the Vurk speaks softly to the Imperial Officer. While the droid isn't close enough to hear what's being said, this is the second time that he has seen the Vurk change someone's entire demeanour with only a couple of words. Unsure of what it means, but certain that it means something, NT-2B runs potential scenarios in his head through the rest of the transporter's ride.
As they approach the shop, Daaneth and Jarl's discussion pulls him back into the world "We may be able to find a better deal closer to the centre of the galaxy." Turning back towards Daaneth, he continues. "Though, Warrior Poet is correct. We may not be able to afford to wait."
Jarl winds down the engines, "Let's get this over with and get back to the city, no time to waste if we are being pursued".
"I agree completely Not2Bee, the sooner the better even if it means paying a little more, but lets focus on the job first. One step at a time. Plans are just likely to be ruined, that's what I've learned from my time off planet, one step at a time."
Daaneth steps from the truck and walks into the shop. he keeps himself looking casual but his arms hang low, near enough to grab his blaster if needed.
He stops and listens, using his natural Togruta sense to make sure there isn't anyone hidden in the seemingly empty shop.
You enter the shop to find it filled with luxurious coats and garments. You notice a cigarillo humidor in one corner with an impressive selection. You also notice a selection of alcohol behind the counter, the cheapest bottle of which would cost you quite a lot. The jewelry case in the counter is full of an impressive assortment of high quality stones. Emerging from the back of the shop is a slender human man with thinning hair and a jeweler's loup around his neck. He's wearing a pair of pince-nez and a well-tailored suit. Seeing you, he studies you for a moment and then says, "My cousin called ahead. I am Vin-Dai Soo. Would you be Daaneth Qilat?"
"That's me, we got your furs on the truck, you got a place you usually store them? One of my crew was wondering if he could get his share in product instead of creds. I imagine that's not a problem, right?"
Daaneth relaxes a little bit and offers his hand to the human. He eyes the items in the store and nods approvingly.
"Looks like you do pretty well for yourself."
The vurk is amazedoing at the furs. The practice of skinning another creature in order to wear it is something he has never gotten used to seeing.
|
Vessani looked around the shop with a neutral face. Wandering around, he spotted the cigar brand one of his previous commanding officers was fond of. 'I knew he had to be on the take,' he thought to himself when he saw the price. 'No way he could have afforded that normally.' Not being much of a drinker, nor fabulously wealthy, the rest of the store didn't really hold much interest for him. 'I really need to get a few vices,' he though with a small laugh.
"Bring them in and put them in the back. We can discuss the possibility of alternate payment there."
"Alright, can do." Daaneth looks at the rest of his crew in the shop with a look that says "Well, you heard the man!" and starts bringing the furs into the back room as directed. Once most of the shipment is in he'll wait for the rest to bring the last couple crates in before starting negotiations, preferring to do business with everyone present.
Helping to bring the last remaining crate in, the vurk will await for the negotiations to take place.
Jarl assists with the unloading and looks around at his surroundings always tense for unexpected danger.
Perception
Being reasonably worthless at moving crates, NT-2B follows Daaneth into the back room and waits there for the others, on the lookout for anything interesting, curious, or alarming.
Content that Daaneth has already broached the subject of alternate payment, Jeren helps carry the crates alongside the rest of his companions and associates. 'Hopefully it will not take too much negotiation regarding the crystal,' he thinks to himself.
Once the crates are stored, Vin-Dai Soo locks the front door, and meets you in the back room. Once there, he gestures to a a seat in front of a desk and takes the chair behind it. Once everyone is comfortable, he says, "While I don't have a problem with giving part of a payment in product, the timing is rather unfortunate. It usually takes about a week to quietly extract the jewels from their hiding place. I could give you the full payment in credits now and you can come back and purchase the desired jewel at a discount, or you can wait a week and return for the payment, receiving a mix of credits and jewels then. Are either of these options acceptable?"