Still, Sebbik's words are enough to pique his curiosity, enough to do something he had only done on rare occasions so far. Hope, after all, can be a powerful motivator, if a foolhardy one sometimes.
[dice=Use the Force (Sense Force)]1d20 + 7
"Yes, I am sure the growing sense of oppression the man's Empire causes day by day just screams 'misunderstood fellow'," Callum quips more than a little drily. "If only the Jedi had gotten to know him a little better before he wiped them all out, they would have found he is all warm and fuzzy inside."
The Corellian pauses then before sighing and smiling. "I am a little snarky, I know, but I suppose it is not every day I get shot at..." He adds a shrug for good measure.
The duros turns to face Winter, the first time since they met that he has not shied away. "The Emperor is a lying worm. The Jedi were not traitors and he somehow found a way for his clone troopers to kill..." Sebbik chokes on his words and turns away. "He is a liar and unfit to rule. We need to move. There may be more soldiers coming."
Oh, but that's what I loved most about the Republic, Jek said to the white-haired man. All the disorder was perfect for running my businesses. Nothing like my homeleand, and certainly nothing like it is now. Besides, you're human. Of course you like the Empire more than I do.
I'm all for moving on and getting paid. Jek added to the Duros.
You reach out with the Force, and sense only a single Force-sensitive - the Nemoidian woman right there with you. You don’t recall any Nemoidian Jedi from your time at the Temple, however.
You move through the hallways until you reach a turbolift you can take down to the level the storage bay is in. Once the turbolift opens, it becomes clear you are in a much less well-maintained section of the station. There are several flickering or burned out glow panels, missing ceiling panels. And the occasional spot of exposed wiring and conduits.
Moving through the corridors, you eventually come to a pair of blast doors with a faded “V14” painted on it. Flanking the doors are a pair of Gammoreans. As you approach, they slant the vibroaxes they are holding across the doors, barring passage.
Jek raises both of his hands amicably at the Gammoreans, keeping a confident smile on his face. Heyyy... He began, but then realized that they were far more likely to speak Huttese than basic, at least given his experiences.
Hello, there gentlebeings. No need for those axes, no need for violence today. We're friends. We have business behind those doors,
"Look friends..." begins Winter as he pulls out the datapad and begins walking forward "We'll need you to get out of our way so we can go get the cargo we've been sent for. No reason we can't all get along here."
Sebbik is able to follow the blue-skinned man's words with the Gammoreans, and the duros is ready to draw his blaster if need be. If these creatures are in league with the Empire, then Sebbik has nothing but ill-feelings toward them.
Jordis walks with the group, saying nothing, simply observing.
The Gammoreans grunt to each other before moving their vibro-axes out of your path. One of them presses a button, opening the door, allowing you access.
The deep storage bay is as run-down as the hallways leading up to it, with entire metal plates missing from the floor and a huge, open exhaust shaft near the back of the room. Large crates litter the area, creating the appearance of a haphazard mess, and the air has a distinct smell of sweat and fumes that makes the entire area unpleasant. Flickering lights provide modest illumination, and a burst pipe along the ceiling leaks blue fluid down one wall. Near the center of the room is an item that seems very out of place—a large, finely crafted desk made of Japor ivory wood, which means that the desk is both priceless and rare. Sitting peacefully behind the desk is a protocol droid with shiny, ebony coverings that seem to soak up light and offer only the slightest reflection. The droid’s eyes flicker slightly, as though imitating a person blinking rapidly.
The protocol droid appears to be the only occupant in the room, but you also hear quiet beeps and burbles of an R-series astromech.
You notice four other humanoids scattered in the room, their shapes partially obscured by crates and such.
Galatea nods politely to the Gammorreans as she moves past them.
"There are people here" says Galatea calmly, pointing at the four humanoid figures in the room with her left hand, her right hand holding her blaster carbine under her clothing.
"Hmm," Callum mutters, the soft sound his only reaction to Galatea's words. It is only once the young Neimodian woman points them out that he notices them, distracted as he is. His attention, at least for a few moments, seems to be on Galatea rather than his surroundings or the Gammoreans or even the droid.
'I do not remember her,' he ponders, though that hardly surprises him. It has been many years since his days as the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. 'Even so, she can use the Force. Or she should be able to, at least...'
Shaking his head, he smiles and snaps back to the present and his and the others' current circumstances, those being that they may very well be walking into a trap.
Jordis notes their positions, her hand casually moving to rest on her hip near her snap baton as she walks.
Jordis does try to take note; are any crates or objects stacked particularly high? She's looking for something she could "drop" on an enemy (with Move Object, naturally).
Sebbik notes the skulking figures and does a quick fade himself, taking up a watchful eye as he wonders whether others have already heard about this 'valuable cargo'. Imperial agents? Or some other player?
Winter will walk up to the protocol droid and say "Hello friend. I'm here to pick up a package. I have the pertinent information right here." he says as she shows the droid the information on the tablet.
Also noting the hidden eyes on the group, Jek places a hand on his Bryar pistol and says, just loud enough to be heard. Here's to hoping that everything can be handled in a polite and civil manner. Hmm?
As you approach the desk you notice a Twi'lek who was perfectly hidden from your sight.
"Hello, friends, and welcome to my business. It is so good to meet you. My name is Switch, and this is my associate, R5-B8. May I offer you refreshment?" Switch cheerfully greets you, his voice seeming to say that he has not a care in the world. His personality has been programmed to be male, and the voice actually has a Coruscanti-Imperial accent that, were he not a droid, would fit right in with the wealthy citizens of Brentaal. At his offer of refreshment, he gestures to a rather extensive selection of very fine drinks he has available - surprising, given that, as a droid, he cannot imbibe. Once he has seen to it that you are all comfortable, he takes the datapad and looks at it. "Hmmm...well, I might have that package. I would have to check, of course." He plugs the datapad into R5-B8, and turns back to you.
Despite Maya's words, Sebbik is vaguely surprised that this would-be crime lord droid has a fairly elaborate team set up. But the duros isn't much of a talker, so he leaves that to the others like Winter and Callum while he watches for trouble.
Not much of a talker herself, Jordis waits for the more diplomatic members of this rag-tag group to speak.
Winter declines the offer of refreshment and says "Please, do check. I'm sure that it won't take but a moment, and we really are in a bit of a time crunch."
"Well, I just handle so many packages, inventory can be quite large. In the meantime, I have told you my name, yet I don't know any of yours. Some consider it rude to not introduce oneself. I'll merely look at it as an oversight." You swear that if the droid could smile, this one would be.
"An oversight it is, and a substantial one. My name is Galatea Rayven, Niemoidian detective, reputably skilled in etiquette and sentient interaction, recent events notwithstanding. I must say it is novel to take instruction in manners from a droid, even a protocol droid, but you are quite correct. You would be Switch if I am not mistaken. And by the looks of things you are in charge here?"
I am Jek Tirual, Jek said, jumping in after Galatea. Perhaps you have heard of me. I do my best to keep my name circulating the spacelanes, as I'm sure you understand. He went on, certain that Switch would have definitely not heard of him. The matter is quite urgent, though, and I am sure that we would all prefer it to run along as smoothly, and quickly, as possible.
"You may call me Winter." says Winter.
"If nothing else, I am sure we would certainly appreciate it if this was to be resolved in an expedient manner," Callum adds his own voice to the others'. "I am Callum, Callum Vorn. And perhaps my friends and I may even get to demonstrate our appreciation a bit more tangibly in the future, near or otherwise? If perhaps circumstances call for it. One never knows after all..."
Though unskilled in diplomacy (her training was cut short before she had much chance to learn about negotiation), Jordis decides to attempt to win over the droid.
"As Callum said, we are not without gratitude. We understand that for a busy individual such as yourself, it can be trying to hunt down one order amidst such a giant queue. Perhaps we can do something to expedite the process?"
Sebbik has had a little experience in dealing with the... seedier elements during his brief experience. Sometimes the information he comes across by hacking into computers isn't helpful to himself, but on occasion he has run across something that might be of interest to other parties. The laws of the Empire mean nothing to the duros - they have proved themselves to be thoroughly evil and often corrupt themselves. And Sebbik has his own sense of honor that doesn't allow him to even consider selling information that would cause harm to innocents. Still, he has found a good deal of 'grey area' to work with, earning him credits to carry on his personal mission and keeping him fed with a roof over his head more often than not.
"You uh... I understand you are always on the lookout for information? I've uh... I've cracked the station's computer code. Maybe it might be worth something to you?" Sebbik is clearly uncomfortable speaking directly to the self-styled crime lord, but perhaps his offer will speak louder than his soft words...
vs DC 10 to assist Jordis' Persuasion check (+2 or more?)
"Well, now that the pleasantries are out of the way, we can actually get down to business." Based purely on his tone, you swear that if he were capable of doing so, he'd be smiling. "I do in fact know where the cargo you are here to collect is. For the eminently reasonable sum of one-thousand Imperial credits, I will be more than happy to tell you the location so you can retrieve the cargo." Switch unplugs the datapad from his R5 and hands it back to you, not even bothering to look at the information again.
"Uh... Maya didn't mention anything about a fee. Especially one that... large..." The confused duros glances at the others for confirmation of this.
Jek tried to hide the fact that he just choked on the air through hearing such a large number. Jek knew that, if the team chipped in together to form that number, it wouldn't hurt nearly so much. Still, it was in Jek's nature to haggle for less.
Six-fifty, Jek said, keeping as level a voice as possible. And we'll be out of your circuits as quickly and quietly as possible. I might even throw in the good word with some of my Hutt friends, open up a few business opportunities for you.
"My friend, I am afraid your information is out of date."
Winter's voice lowers and flattens out when he adds "Our package has already been paid for."
”Transport was paid for; delivery was not. In addition, you are not the designated representative for pick up, which also results in a fee. And I would greatly prefer you to keep a civil tone when speaking with me.” The voice, despite his statement being a clear threat, remains light and cheerful - almost as though he has no understanding or care for either the fragility or value of living beings. ”Besides, if you attempt to kill me, you won’t be able to get the package.”
”However, I understand the price may be a bit high for you. You seem like the sort of people who travel all over the galaxy. Should you come across interesting or valuable information in your travels, I would love to hear about it. For each of you who agrees to do this for me, I will lower the price by 200 credits. That’s 200 per person who agrees to this, so there’s no confusion.”
Jek nodded. It was a bit better than meeting in the middle, but it still wasn't pleasant. He turned to his new allies. Sounds reasonable to me. How about you all? He said. Having been on both sides of these negotiations, he knew that this could end worse. I look forward to further collaberation with you. Especially considering that information has a price, as I'm sure you know. Could be proffitable for the both of us.
"That sounds entirely reasonable sir droid. If it is interesting and valuable information you want, interesting and valuable information you shall have from me also." says Galatea with a theatrical bow.
Sebbik gives a nod, then speaks in his soft voice. "I very often come across information that is archived in computers - sometimes they are well-kept secrets. Is there... anything in particular you are seeking?"
Looking around and focusing on his hearing, Winter says "Fine, friend. Let's just get this show on the road."
"Hmm..."
Callum is admittedly a little skeptical. After all, how is the droid supposed to enforce such a deal? How is it supposed to make sure that information is indeed shared with it? And would, for example, information about a couple of Force-sensitives be considered interesting? It would certainly be considered valuable, what with the bounties on them. And he does not really know his new friends, does he now? In the end he keeps such thoughts to himself. Most of them anyway.
"I think I would prefer to pay my share in credits, if it is alright with you. Although I am not certain how such a deal would be enforced -and indeed, I believe that is a question we might all like to know the answer to- I believe I would rather like to remain... without strings on me for now." As he speaks, his tone is conversational, friendly even, and complemented with a crooked smile.
"Two hundred credits, correct?"
With most of them already agreeing to the droid's terms, well... it just means he should be a bit more wary with what he shares with them until he gets to know them a little better.
Switch says, "Excellent. That covers things nicely. As for enforcement, well, I am not without resources. Still, you're all trustworthy sorts who wouldn't break your word, aren't you?" The droid takes Callum's credits, then says, "The package is located in the docking bay on Blue Deck. Here is the HoloNet address you can forward any valuable information along to. Please make sure you use the correct cipher - I don't want the information you pass on available to anyone."
You know that Blue Deck is the nicest section of the station, catering almost exclusively to Imperial Loyalists. It's also one of the few locations on the station that Imperial ships dock, as well.
"Now, is there anything else I can help you with?" the droid asks, looking at each of you.
"I believe not." says Winter as he turns to leave.
Sebbik eyes the droid skeptically. "Blue Deck? Uh... some of us might have some... difficulties in moving around in that area without uh... you know, attracting unwanted attention. Can the uh... the cargo be... moved somewhere else? Or maybe you have something around that some of us could uh... could use to make ourselves less... noticeable?"
"My word is my bond Switch. Thank you for your help."
"You are most welcome. As for moving around Blue Deck, I'm sure creative, resourceful people like you will -"
At that moment, you suddenly hear a flurry of blaster fire from outside the docking bay, as well as the squeals of the Gammorean guards. The door then slides open, and an angry Chevin, with several thugs comes storming into the room. "So, you thought you could hide your deal with the offworlders from me, droid? I'm tired of not getting my cut! Send him to the scrap heap, boys!"
"Now, now friend. There's no need for us to get involved in your business with this droid. I think it would be best for all of us if we just went on our merry way, none the wiser to what comes next."
It doesn't sound to Sebbik like the thugs are of a mind to negotiate, and so the duros grabs his blaster as he moves for cover, firing at the nearest.
Modifiers above include +1 to attack/damage rolls for Point Blank Shot
Really? A gang war? We managed to find ourselves in the middle of a gang war?"
Drawing his own blaster, Callum moves to find cover, not only to better protect himself, but also to give himself some time to get a better handle of the situation.
"Although maybe gang fight would be a more appropriate term, I suppose..."