Following Avizzi and Russel, Kalus grabs the datapad as it falls out of her pocket. Motioning to the others, he say, "Quick, through here. Last person closes the hatch."
Once everyone is in the area, he'll read the datapad.
"Can any one of you assist her? Medicine is not my thing", Russel states awkwardly realizing he does not know a soul in this room including the woman he impulsively assisted.
Taril slips through the hatch, take a quick look outside , then closes it tight.
She then kneels by the injured woman, grabs her medpac and scans the instructions written upon it.
Nodding, she presses the pac against the woman's wound and activates the medicine.
Seeing that the medecine was taking effect, she looks up at the others, "Well, we've all stepping in it, that's for sure. I'm Taril Sha, and though I've no love for the Empire, I ususally try to avoid killing troopers in broad daylight. Hope this one was worth it." she says , turning back to look down at the injured woman.
Avizzi crawls in with the others, dragging the woman as carefully but as quickly as he can. Once he gets into the larger area, he sets her down and shifts aside, letting someone else take care of the healing. When the twi'lek introduces herself, he nods, but he's already pulled the pistol from the small of his back and is more focused on the vent they came through, listening for danger. "They had it coming. Credits and the chance to hit back at the Empire is worth it if you ask me."
As the group moves down the hallway, Virssi recalls seeing the Twi'lek running the Mechanical Allies store, and for a moment, considers having them bring the woman there and ask for sanctuary. He shakes his head, though, thinking that it would be unfair to ask the Twi'lek to risk his life for them. Too many innocents were in danger already.
A sense of relief washes over him when Avizzi has the idea of using the maintenance hatch. While he isn't thrilled with the tights spaces, he's at least able to stand more than most.
When the group stops to rest, he nods to the others. "It's a good thing you were there. I'm afraid I'm not much good in a fight." He cocks his head at the woman. "Any idea who our ward might be, or what happened to her?"
"Oh!" He realises, "Apologies, my name is Virssl Keela." He holds out a small talon to anyone who will accept it. "I'm... not from around here."
Russel shakes the Mrissi's talon, "Russel Wilcox, I'm not from around here either. Looks like the Empire does not have much love in this group, glad I am not alone in that feeling".
On the datapad Kalus finds an encrypted file and a document that says:
Switch has cargo
Bay V14
The woman stirs and groans as Taril applies a stim patch from the medpac.
" ugh. " her eyes flutter open and she sees Taril. " We're safe? Thank you. "
She looks around " Quite the group. I'm Maya, thanks for stepping in. I know you've all risked a lot. "
She tries to sit up but groans and lies back down looking exhausted and breathing in sharp gasps. Maya lies still for a minute.
Everyone hears the click clack of stormtrooper boots coming from outside the hatch
" Listen " Maya continues quietly " You people obviously have no love of the empire... I'm on an important mission, but I'm not going to be able to complete it alone anymore. The man I work for is powerful and wealthy... And opposes the Empire... I know I'm asking a lot and you've already saved my life but can you help me further? "
Russel whispers back, "Oppose the Empire AND get paid to do so? I am certainly interested. What is it you would have us do?"
"Kalus Arrhun. Let's just say the Empire owes me," he says. Don't want to tell these guys what I actually did. That's a good way for them to decide to kill me. Still, they don't seem the worst.
"Well, Maya, I'm guessing it has something to do with what's on this datapad," he says, holding it up. "I can't speak for the others here, seeing as I just met them, but for the right price, I'll happily help you with this. Now, my two most important questions: what's the cargo, and do you have a way to get it off the station? There's a good chance none of us will be able to board a transport to leave."
"Si...Syl, I cannot fight - but I cannot stand by as the Empire destroys the lives of so many. I will do what I can.", she watches Taril work, but she seems to be handing the Mayra's injuries.
Despite his common sense telling him this is bigger than he should be dealing with, Avizzi nods. "A dangerous hunt and good pay. I'm in." He glances to Kalus and nods again. "Two fine points. We need to know what we're dealing with."
Virssl looks at the woman uncertainly. "How far do you need to go?"
Taril grins, "Wealthy and in need...just the kind of customer I like!"
She turns to the hatch as the troopers stomp by, "We're exposed here. The Imperials will be through that hatch any moment. "
"Given how small it is, they won't be coming through immediately. Still, we should be quick. Is this the information we need?" he asks, indicating the datapad.
Sighing with resignation she outlays her mission in hushed tones. " I work for a special ops branch of Alderan security. I've been on the station for a few weeks, posing as maintenance, waiting for a delivery. Another of my organisation's agents was working in the inner core, he sent a message a month ago saying that security was to tight for an extraction and to expect this cargo. I got conformation of delivery this morning, but the empire must have got word because as soon as I left my station I was intercepted by stormtroopers. "
" The cargo is being held by Switch, a droid, he can be found in a derelict storage bay, V14. If you follow this crawl space back the other way it should come out in an access hatch near the turbo lifts. Storage V14 is on level 37. "
She takes her Datapad back from Kalus and punches a few keys, then hands it back. It's displaying a map of the station level 37. The storage bay is highlighted.
" I have to get the cargo back to Alderan, I'm sorry but you're right about it not being safe to leave by public shuttle. It would probably be better for you to come with me. You'll be well compensated for your trouble, I can assure you. Just call me when you get the cargo. I've got a ship in orbit, I'll get you picked up. Ok? "
Alderaanian? This group would probably like my chosen profession even less than most.
"I could agree to that, so long as I can get that ride off the station from you. Anyone else coming?"
"I agree, the alternative is a visit to the detention block and thorough interrogation, not my idea of a good time".
"How large a cargo are we looking at?"
Taril's eyes narrows as the woman details her plan, nodding at the droid's question, "Yeah, what're we after."
" To be honest, I'm not sure, Switch should know more... It could be small like a data card but it could also be hidden in something larger. I would guess the later a data card hidden in a cargo crate of something else. "
"Can you make it back to your ship?" Syl's voice adopts a concerned tone.
Thinking of the importance of his own mission, Virssl shakes his head. "I can accompany you most of the way, but I have other things that I must attend to, I'm afraid." Thinking for a second, he cocks his head. "We should leave as soon as we are able."
"Yeah." Avizzi wriggles back to the opening of the vent, moving as quietly as he can, trying to get a look to see if the coast is clear.
"I believe the other end of the maintenance hatch is this way, pal."
Kalus goes the opposite direction, heading towards the part that comes out near the turbolifts.
"Just trying to cover our trail. It pays to have a way out." Avizzi glances back at Kalus and quickly passes his judgement. Too much of the urban life.
"Can you make it back to your ship?" Syl's voice adopts a concerned tone.
" I just need to rest for a couple of minutes but I'll be able to get there. "
Avizzi creeps back to the hatch and looks through a vent. He sees two stormtrooper across the promenade talking to a civilian and four more marching away pushing covered repulsor stretchers.
The group moves off in the direction of the turbo lifts, looking out of the hatch near that end reveals a bustle of beings (mostly human) hopping in and out of the lifts. In the busyness it's easy to slip out and enter a lift.
Following the map on Maya's datapad you find yourselves in a very neglected part of the station. Many of the lights have burned out, and blaster marks and carbon scoring mar the walls, ceiling, and floor. The area reeks of ozone and electrical fires, and pools of coolant litter the hallways at regular intervals. After winding your way through a near-labyrinth of decrepit corridors, the group comes sees the large cargo doors ahead marked V14. Flanking the doors are two Gamorean guards.
6SYL pulls her hood down further, the Gamorrean hatred of droids was near legendary.
Easing his blaster in its holster as he sizes up the Gammoreans, Kalus approaches the doors and says, "We're here to pick up some cargo from Switch, as the designated representatives of Maya. We should be expected."
Russel keeps his eyes peeled for any unwanted attention as Kalus takes the frontman lead.
Perception .
The Gamorreans watch Kalus approach carefully and on their guard. As he gets closer they step in front of the doors and cross their vibro axes looking at him questioningly grunting something in Gamorrean.
Not understanding Gammorean, Kalus holds up the datapad Maya gave them and says, "Maya was discovered by Imperials and wounded while fleeing from them. She gave us this datapad and asked us to retrieve a cargo from Switch for her after we intervened to aid her. I assure you, we mean no harm to your employer. We are merely here doing a job, the same as you fine chaps, I'm sure."
One of the Gamorreans looks the datapad with beady eyes, grunts to his fellow and they step aside swiping a code cylinder to open a smaller door within the cargo doors.
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.
At first it seems the ebony droid is the only occupant of the bay but as you take a few steps into the room you notice a blue and red astromech droid behind the desk and a Twilek man standing off to one side.
The Twilek moves up, " Hello " he says softly in basic. " Who are you and what is your business with Switch? "
You spot a Rodian and two humans hiding behind various crates around the room.
Avizzi steps in after the others, keeping an eye on their rear at most times, and he quickly glances around the new room. Spotting the lurkers poking their heads around cover, he fights the urge to draw his pistol or sling his rifle around, instead maintaining his calm as he looks forward. "We're here to pick up a delivery for Maya. Said you'd know what that meant."
Taril casually looks about the droid's 'office', noting the skulkers in the shadows.
She crosses her arms and looks between the droid and the Twi'lek, "That's right. You give us Maya's cargo and we'll be on our way."
6SYL keeps still, observing quietly
Virssl does his best to puff up in the face of the Twi'lek, and glowers at the man. Speaking quietly he replies with an edge to his voice. "Perhaps your compatriots should come out so they can hear us explain this once, and we will stop being hindered by nonsense." He gestures to the Datapad that Kalus is holding. "As my associates have said, we are picking up a delivery, likely the only reason anyone would bother coming down here. Everything is above board, and you are welcome to inspect it as you wish, but your guard dogs have already cost us precious time - something our employer will not look kindly on. It'll do you well to not cost us more."
Perception
Russel says nothing but keeps his eyes on the goons in the shadows in case this is a double cross.
Seeing as the others had already taken the lead, Kalus chooses to allow them to handle negotiations, keeping an eye on the beings hiding in the shadows.
The Twilek actually takes a step back under Virssl's tirade and glances back at Switch. The dark droid vibes a slight hand signal and the Twilek steps aside and stands by a crate. The Rodian and the two human men step a little more into view but stay in their positions.
" You're a Mrrlsi how interesting... I'm sorry for any inconvenience caused, " Switch says, standing up " But when one has power, one attracts enemies, also I find the guards deter most of the riff raff that have no real business with me. " The droid has a male voice and speaks with a Coruscanti-Imperial accent.
" You seem to be in a hurry, I may be able to help you with this cargo. Have a seat and we can discuss a price, would you care to have a drink? " He opens a cabinet and reveals a variety of high end alcohols from around the galaxy.
"Price? I thought this was a pick up not a negotiation..."
" Ah, it seems there has been a misunderstanding about my role here. You see I am not really in the goods transport business. I actually trade in information, though I have my digits in a few different baked goods, as the saying goes. "
" Now I have information pertaining to a certain cargo, you require that information, and so we must come to an agreement. I would be willing to turn over the location of the cargo you seek for the eminently reasonable sum of 1000 imperial credits. "
The ebony droids eyes "blink" as he waits for your reply.
Taril nods at Russel's assertion, arms crossed, brow furrowed as she looked sternly at the crime droid.
However, she listens attentively as the droid explains his role in the caper and his 'fee'.
"That's a little steep, 500 is much more reasonable." she says, knowing that if their client is as wealthy as Maya says, they'll get their credits back and more.
" 500 hmm, " The droid cocks it's head as if thinking for a moment then continues " If credits are a problem I am sure we could come to some other arrangement. For example I could lower my price to 500 credits if two or three of you agree to say... Do a little work for me... Nothing major, just in your travels of you come across anything interesting, some tidbit of information you report it back to me. "
"And what sort of 'tidbits' of information are you interested in?"
Kalus had met information brokers before, and every time one asked for information in trade, it would either get you killed or arrested, and he was not sure that deal was worth it.
Avizzi's eyes widen at the potential arrangement of dealing information--he was no stranger to that aspect of hunting, trading, and surviving in the urban jungle. He does pause as Kalus speaks up, though, and waits for the droid's response. A little knowledge before diving in was always helpful, after all.
" If credits are a problem I am sure we could come to some other arrangement. For example I could lower my price to 500 credits if two or three of you agree to say... Do a little work for me... Nothing major, just in your travels of you come across anything interesting, some tidbit of information you report it back to me. "
"I come across tidbits all the time Switch. I can agree to this deal".
Switch nods his head at Russel and replies to Kalus " I am not looking for anything in particular, just if you find anything interesting in your travels, something that would be valuable to somebody, a dirty secret of a politician, the passcode of a hidden smugglers den, perhaps even imperial fleet movements, though that is high end and I could probably offer you further compensation for that kind of information. "
Narrowing his eyes, Kalus regards the droid silently for a moment. Making a decision, he says, "Agreed. I'll provide you with little 'tidbits' of information - provided what information I gain won't put me at risk. Otherwise, I'll see what comes up."
Switch waits a few moments to see if anyone else will agree to his deal, then he shrugs and holds out a credit chip reader to receive payment. Once the 500 credits have been payed he continues.
" Your cargo is stored in the main docking bay on blue deck. I had it stored there because the blue deck is full of imperial loyalists. Imperial shops dock there frequently and it was easier to slip the cargo through customs. "
Switch waves his credchip reader in the air " You know, for 50 credits extra I could tell you something very interesting about this cargo... "