Dominion Aggressive Transaction | HSC Dominion of Hollastin

[Horus Rhyne]

The Consortium has set its eyes on Hollastin. A former trade world under control of Hutt Space, it is currently a system in the thrall of a refined balancing act. Pirates rule the skies above Hollastin, the smuggling routes down below are controlled by supposed heroes of the people, and Hollast VII has seen itself subjugated under the lawful order of the Ailon Nova Guard. Any number of these would present challenges to establish control over the planet.

All-together?

Vastly more complicated.

Without large fleets or vast armies to call to its banners the Consortium has to play a more dirty game to outplay these would-be rivals. But... if it succeeds? It will control a vital node in the trading routes coming through the old Hutt Space regions.

OBJECTIVE I: Establish a Trading Port // Pirate Crew Rivalry

The Bryn'adul wrecked this area of space years ago during their reign. Hollastin was not spared in their depravity. Reestablish its former position as a significant trade world by ejecting a rival pirate crew out of the Foresight, a former trade station turned pirate base.

Destroy the pirates, take control of its fledgling fleet, and salvage the trade station.

OBJECTIVE II: Restore the Cargo Clearing Houses // Smuggling Band Rivalry

Hollastin has a thriving network of warehouses just outside its main space port. Years ago these were used to ferry chemicals, stolen minerals and other illegal resources from and to the Foresight. In recent years a smuggling band has taken control after the Bryn'adul made a mess. They refuse to parlay and insist on using the network to distribute medicine and foodstuffs to the remaining populace.

Break their hold over the smuggling network. Execute them all, take their supplies and reestablish Consortium control.

OBJECTIVE III: Clear-out Undesirables // Mercenary Corp Rivalry

On Hollast VII a subset of the Ailon Nova Guard has formed a fiefdom. In return for monthly tribute they keep the world safe from pirate threats and criminality. Their base is situated in the Spilgan Complex. The Consortium will have difficulties controlling the Hollastin system while the Nova Guard still has a foothold within. Furthermore, this branch of the Nova Guard seems very keen on planting its flags all around Consortium Space; this has troubled the Council greatly.

Infiltrate the base, gain intel on the intentions of the Nova Guard at large, annihilate its local leaders and establish a new relationship with the denizens of Hollast VII.

Objective IV: BYOO // Stir up trouble, go crazy, have a good time!
Hollastin is a large system filled with many mysteries. Go out and explore, enjoy yourselves.

 

[Sars Sarad]

OBJECTIVE II: Restore the Cargo Clearing Houses
Location: The Spaceport
Tags: Open

---

Ever since the apprehension of Gorba the Hutt on Kwenn Station anger had simmered in Sarad contained beneath the surface of a largely indifferent expression. He had quenched it to some extent on Ilum when the force had lead him to Nida Perl . They'd dueled on the icy surface of the planet and Sarad had overwhelmed her and taken her captive before turning her over to the Empire.

It eased the tension he felt but it didn't erase it. It hadn't been the loss that angered him, it was the tactics but Sarad could only compliment his opponent on her ingenuity when she deprived him of his most potent abilities. In time he would find the Mandalorian again, in time he and Juno Wren would stare across from one another as enemies once more.

On Hollastin he had set down outside of the Spaceport, leaving his Shuttle well behind him.

The Smugglers that encountered him first had thought him some derelict, he certainly looked the part in the 'Duster' that blew around him disturbed by the wind. As he came closer they called to him though...

"Do you know where you are friend?"

"Best turn around now before things get ugly."​

"My name is Sars Sarad."

....it was always the same, friend or foe. Jedi or Sith. No matter the creed...

"Sars'arud?? What? I told you to get out of here!"​

...the screaming came next, accompanied by the flash of the phosphorescent lightsaber as its blade came to life. Against a worthy opponent he might take the time to draw out their combat but these dregs were ended in just a few short strokes. When Sarad stepped over them their corpses were smoking where his lightsaber had made contact.

The Warehouses were enormous, stretching across the Spaceport. The Alarm had already gone out. Sarad wasn't one for subtlety in these cases. He had come to ensure the influence of the Consortium reached this planet and all of its inhabitants, if the means to do so was killing all of these Smugglers than he wouldn't hesitate.

 

[Varm Nul]

HOLLASTIN
NEAR SPILGAN COMPLEX

OBJECTIVE III​

The Nightseeker had touched down on Hollastin an hour prior, as little more than a civilian transport, assigned a landing pad.

Dutifully, the pilot droid - Gee-Three - had deposited the vessels owner in the main city of the planet, before remaining on board to await further instructions. Given the task of the droids master, there was a high likelihood of a quick escape being required, so the starship was kept in a low power mode, as Gee-Three began to check various systems and components throughout the ship - just to remain busy, maintain upkeep, and pass time.

In that hour, Varm Nul had approached the Spilgan Complex.

The Duros bounty hunter was dressed in his usual attire, with his wide-brimmed hat and long coat, as well as the assortment of weapons concealed within. He stood casually at a busy intersection of street, observing the complex from a short distance away, as he chewed on some local meat on a stick.

While the meat wasn't particularly appetizing, it still helped him blend in somewhat, and allowed for reconnaisance.

"Any word on others joinin' this party, Gee-Three?" Varm Nul muttered to himself around a mouthful of food, as he spoke into his comlink. "The place is big. Maybe too big for a solo approach... reach out, get some backup here."

"Very well, sir," The droid replied over the comlink, voice feminine. "I am cycling contacts now, please give me a moment."

"Sure, sure," Varm Nul sighed, as he adjusted the brim of his hat, and continued to munch on the street corner meat. Hopefully it wouldn't backfire on him later. "I'll keep observin' until I hear back..."

Hopefully it wouldn't take too long for other Hutt mercs to show up for the fight to come...

@ HSC​

 

[Piraka]

OBJECTIVE I: Establish a Trading Port // Pirate Crew Rivalry
Location: High Orbit over Hollastin, Foresight Station
Tags: Open

---

Piraka adjusted his flight suit some as he walked into the small hangar space onboard his “pocket cruiser” of a flagship. There his fellow wingmen were getting ready for their upcoming assault. A handful of pit droids accompany some of them as well. As the trandoshan approached his interceptor the comms system crackled to life and a weasley voice spoke over them.

[“Attention, 3 minutes before we arrive in high orbit of Hollastin and the Foresight station.I repeat 3 minutes… uh, oh yeah, over!”]

After the announcement from the corvette’s bridge Piraka hopped himself into his M3-A Scyk Fighter. Closing the hatch and getting his systems online and ready to disabark in the remaining 3 minutes. Piraka then pulled a breath mask over his snout, even though the interceptor had life support he found the extra redundancy to be a lifesaver. Wouldn’t want an ion cannon disabling his ability to breath after all. Getting his own comms activated he spoke. “Alright Looter Squadron this is Looter 1, call in.”

“Looter 2 reporting in”

“Looter 3 present sir!”

One after another the whole squadron called in, showing they were ready. Soon after the comms in the hanger crackled back to life.[“60 seconds until we arrive at our destination, lets get that bag team! Over!”] Piraka hoped that their sudden assault would give them valuable time and disorient the pirates. Enough to capitalize on and overwhelm their opponents.

After a few more nerve racking seconds the old ship began to groan and shape as it began to come out of hyperspace. Until from the hanger the image of Hollastin suddenly shot into view through the swirling blue haze. They have arrived. “Go Go Go!” Piraka shouted through his arms before the 12 Scyk interceptors began to launch themselves out the front of their mothership. Rapidly exiting its cramped hanger. The 12 snub fighters soon organized themselves into a wedge formation as they began to approach the pirate space station orbiting the planet. Their Marauder-Class Corvette following behind to compliment the squadron with some additional heavy firepower from it’s turbolasers if need be.

 

[Sal Katarn]

OBJECTIVE II: Restore the Cargo Clearing Houses // Smuggling Band Rivalry

As startled spice runners started putting out cigarras, grabbing blasters, and running toward Sars Sarad a throttled engine roar rumbled through the warehouses.

An up-armored speeder whooshed through the lanes between the warehouses. Mounted on top was an E-WEB. Sal gripped the repeating blaster’s handles and pivoted the massive gun in the direction of a group of spice runners who had spilled out from a warehouse.

He depressed the trigger and the heavy WUMPWUMPWUMP of the blaster whined out, belching a stream of incandescent red bolts of plasma that tore the spice runners apart, blowing limbs off and ripping men in half.

Sal grimaced as he worked the controls.

Weren’t nothing to it, cutting down folk like this. Easiest thing in the worlds. Too easy. And why did he have to be so damn good at it?

Elsewhere, consortium enforcers flooded the warehouses. Gunfights began breaking out, screams and blasterfire a cacophony.

 

[Dayn Wren]

Objective III

The Saber coasted against the familiar blue-white blur of hyperspace. There were plenty of more useful activities Dayn could have partaken in, rather than staring out into space. He just couldn’t concentrate. The emergence of an unfamiliar beeping sound was a welcome distraction. It took him a while to locate it, finally identifying it as some communication device, stowed away in a box with the effects of prior bounties and marks.

It was risky enough to answer it. He certainly wasn’t the original owner of the device, and he had not come across it through legitimate means. That was the sort of thing to give people a grudge. Dayn slid over from risky to recklessness when he accepted what was proposed. On the other end was a droid, voice feminine. It spoke of a job.

Dayn didn’t want to be cautious about it, not today. He wanted nothing more than to replace the failure of today, and the weeks of prep that had gone into it. With no more time spent considering, Dayn set a course to Hollastin. What could possibly go wrong?

An hour and a half later, Dayn was about to find out. He walked up to the Duros, who no doubt would be expecting him after a chat with the droid. Following that logic, he could expect the Duros to recognise him; a man geared up in full durasteel armour, mostly red with white splatter that was more the result of wear and tear than a style choice, in a helmet that looked distinctly Mandalorian. On either hip he had a holstered blaster pistol, in addition to a light repeating blaster on his back.

Furthermore, assuming the Duros was able to identify him, he would also know his purpose. That, in Dayn’s mind, saved him of a whole lot of explaining and introducing. “It’s a fine day for new beginnings, isn’t it?” Stated calmly. Outwardly Dayn was calm, or at the very least he hoped he came off as such. Underneath all that durasteel however, there was a familiar tension polluting every muscle. After all, this invitation had not been sent to Dayn specifically. Yet here he stood.

Varm Nul​

 

[Sars Sarad]

OBJECTIVE II: Restore the Cargo Clearing Houses
Location: The Spaceport
Tags: Sal Katarn

---

Blasterfire was deflected by his lightsaber, some of the blaster bolts were redirect into Smugglers that had exited the Warehouses intent on gunning Sarad down adding to the body count. Together they might have overwhelmed Sarad, even caused him to retreat if not for what happened next.

The Speeder, whooshing through the lanes of the Warehouses cut a swath through most of the defenders. The Repeating Blaster manned by Sal Katarn mulching men where they stood and leaving a red mist in its wake. It was mayhem on a level that Sarad could only appreciate, especially since it permitted him to continue his own onslaught.

As he came to the entrance of a Warehouse, an enormous set of double doors that were tall and wide enough to drive Container Transports into he'd raise his hand. A Telekinetic Blast hurled several of the Smugglers inside backwards onto one another as they rushed towards the exit, towards him intent on joining the fray outside. Another Telekinetic Blast followed, this one knocking a stack of large durasteel containers over.

Some of the Smugglers screamed before they were rushed, a crimson pool spreading out from where the container landed.

Turning his head he'd have looked at Kartan, tilting his head to him....

"Sal Katarn."

...he knew the man, recognized him as another Hutt Enforcer...

"Your gun is always welcome."

...he spoke almost aesthetically despite the din of combat that went on around them, the 'whoosh' of the Speeder that Katarn was gunning men down from.

Another sound caught Sarad's attention, heavy blasterfire coming from one of the lanes between the Warehouses alongside the sound of mechanics. A frown graced Sarad's features as he muttered...

"Droids."

...it made sense that the Smugglers would have extra security, Heavy Battle Droids that would help to defend their territory and assets.

 

[Hachi X-0]

Spilgan Complex | Hollast VII
Objective: Murder, Kill, Destroy
Varm Nul | Dayn Wren ​

---

Unbeknownst to Varm, Hachi was within spitting distance- for certain far-spitting species of fleshbag- of the fashionable Duros. The droid lingered in a repair shop for its ilk on the adjacent city corner, finally replacing a fried power coupling for its eye cannon that had been reduced to slag during its arena fight on Besberra. It had just finished snapping the coupling in place when it received a ping from a droid called Gee-Three on its restricted, private HSC channel.

Finally, a proper conversationalist.

The droid didn’t speak to Hachi with words, transferring her message through binary instead, the one true proper language: code. Hachi was of the belief that fleshbags were far too fond of flapping their face appendages. Did they not realize how unsightly their mouths were?

It left the quiet shop behind for the bustle of the street, per Gee-Three's message, and saw Varm Nul filling his face appendage with meat, standing beside what appeared to be a Mandalorian, though the fleshbag's armor didn't look like beskar. Disgusting, the droid thought, turning its sensors away from the sight of the fleshbag stuffing its face. Still, it rather liked Varm- for its definition of like, especially considering Hachi had never actually met him, only seen him from afar- if for no other reason than the wide-brimmed hat the gunslinger wore was reminiscent of Hachi’s head shield. Hachi enjoyed being reminded of itself- it viewed the occurrences as subtle signs of its obvious superiority.

Red photoreceptor glowing, it approached Varm, having crossed the busy intersection with a throng of fleshbags meandering, as fleshbags were wont to meander, towards the Spilgan Complex that loomed ahead.

“Greetbags, blue-skinned fleshbag.” Hachi possessed neither masculine nor feminine programming, and so its voice sounded like both and neither, soft and sharp, like a knife tucked between pillows. Its creator, the Dark Lord Xanthor, hadn’t cared to give the droid any programming beyond that it would need to serve as a sparring partner, and Hachi had never seen a reason to add the programing itself, in the years since. “Shall we commence the slaughter or will there be more fleshbags besides this obviously poor and disgraced Mando?”

 

[Piraka]

OBJECTIVE I: Establish a Trading Port // Pirate Crew Rivalry
Location: High Orbit over Hollastin, Foresight Station
Tags: Open

---

While making their way to the station Piraka gave some parting orders to their corvette crew. Telling them to see if they can get the shields down and whenever they do, to destroy their communication’s system to prevent any possible reinforcements. From the trandoshan’s understanding The Hutt Space Consortium was far from a military powerhouse, at least compared to other galactic powers. They couldn’t just steamroll their local opposition, at least not without it breaking the bank.

Plus typical military invasions were hardly in keeping with what has become traditional in Hutt space, at least for the last couple thousand years. Before the establishment of the Kajidics at least. So these more targeted, and less destructive takeovers made sense to the privateer.

Piraka himself wasn’t sure if he’d get much if any aid in capturing the Foresight station. But that wasn’t all bad, meaning he got to share less of the loot when it was time to collect. Eventually the pirate adversaries began to ready some defenses for the approaching squadron and corvette. The station already had a number of snub fighters around it which scrambled to meet Piraka and his team.

“This is Looter 1 we got hostiles inbound, I want those whose starfighters are equipped with concussion missiles to diverge and attack their hangars so they can’t scramble anymore fighters.” Piraka orders before three of the fighters flew off from the rest of the squadron. Just in time for them the pirate snub fighters to start engaging with the rest of them. Once in range the fighters began opening fire. Bright blaster fire zipped past Piraka’s own ship before he maneuvered his vessel out of the way as the fighters got into a proper dogfight.

Piraka turned his head back in hsi cockpit and saw one of the pirate starfighters pass by him. He was finally able to notice that they were flying a variety of “uglies”. It would seem as though he and the rest of Looter Squadron might not have much difficulty in this engagement. With a firm grip on his control stick yanked it back, looping around and getting the enemy starfighter in his sight. It looked to be a TYE-Wing to some degree.

Getting behind makeshift starfighter Piraka let his targeting computers begin to take aim. Once locked on he pulled the trigger and let out a short burst of red blaster fire from his cannons. Hitting one of the salvaged Y-Wing engines on it and creating a brief chain reaction and that had the ship destroyed. Just then though a bolt grazed his shields from behind. Where another enemy fighter was attempting to trail behind.

Quickly diverting some energy away from weapons now and into thrusters and shields. Looking back he saw what looked to be a X-TIE Fighter, not a great ship but a step up from his previous adversary. Piraka began to maneuver away from the ship as it sprayed more bolts from its blaster cannons. He performed some wide aileron rolls and avoided the barrage of blasterfire. After a few seconds though his pursuer seemed to rapidly lose distance slowly to a crawl. His corvette was close enough and had managed to snag the enemy fighter in one of its tractor beams. Now a sitting duck, another one of Piraka’s command pilots managed to get some good hits on them and destroy it.

From a distance he could now see a few explosions coming from the station as well. The splinter group of missile equipped fighters had managed to get close where must’ve been striking the station’s hangers now. Given that the Foresight was originally a trade station before becoming commandeered by the pirates it likely wasn’t supper well armed to defend itself.

 

[Varm Nul]

HOLLASTIN
NEAR SPILGAN COMPLEX

OBJECTIVE III​

The Duros waited, as he put another morsel of meat into his mouth.

Gee-Three had contacted him.

Varm Nul had been informed of the contacts that had agreed to the request for backup, so he continued to wait. At least two were en route, which meant it would be a little time yet; but, in that interim, the bounty hunter focused on the Nova Guard patrols in and around the building itself. And by the time the others joined him, Varm Nul knew he would have a plan.

Some half an hour later, around the time the Duros had started to get restless, the first arrived.

"Sure," Varm Nul said as he turned to regard the individual. Metal armor, t-visor, another Mandalorian. "New beginnin'. Why not."

The Mandalorian looked like he had seen combat, if only because of the state of the armor.

"Dayn Wren, I'm guessin'?" The Duros nodded his head, dipping the brim of his hat. "Varm Nul. We're waitin' on one more, shouldn't be long. Meantime, I've been observin' the patrol patterns..."

That was the unspoken request for the other to join in, until the final Consortium mercenary arrived.

It didn't take long.

A droid spoke, a greeting offered, to which Varm Nul turned and raised an eye-ridge. The artificial being was a known quantity for the Duros, there was reputation in their circles, and the particular design of the droid model was unmistakable. With a grunt at the words the droid spoke, Varm Nul turned to fully face the newest arrival.

"Well, well," Varm Nul said in his gravelly voice, as he picked his pointed teeth with the meat stick. "Hachi. Heard about you... now I can put a photoreceptor to the name."

At the final question, the Duros shrugged.

"Pretty sure we're it. Should be more than enough. Let's go."

Without another word, Varm Nul moved toward the complex, however he angled to the right and walked parallel to the complex wall. After several minutes, he paused at a specific portion of the duracrete barrier, then listened - his head craned, as he confirmed whether anyone was on the other side.

It seemed clear.

"Interior an' exterior patrols are opposite this wall section," Varm Nul said, as he glanced around. "We go in quiet to begin, get the data we need, then rain hell on 'em--" He turned to point at the droid. "--and in that order."

Hachi had a reputation, after all.

With a press of a button, Varm Nul's jet boots activated, and he hopped up and over the wall, to land inside the complex grounds...

Dayn Wren | Hachi X-0​

 

[Dayn Wren]

Objective III

The helmet dipped in a nod. Underneath, his muscles relaxed. Only a contact then, not a close friend. Coming here had been the right call after all. Provided he lived through the afternoon, of course.

They spent the gap of time until the droid showed up gauging what they could of the complex's defences.

"Not disgraced." Dayn corrected the new arrival. "Just poor." the hint of a smile concealed, as was the nature of helmets, yet his tone suggested he was more amused than annoyed.

Without objection or further commentary, Dayn fell in line with the Duros. With the aid of his jetpack he followed right behind Varm. It was a simple model, with no attached missiles or other such gadgets, but it did the job.

He landed without incident. After he darted over to a wall opposite the one they had shot over, seeking shadow for cover. They had stayed clear of the external patrols, but what awaited on the inside?

"Any heat signatures?" It was as if every moment of this operation served to bring proof to the droid's claim on his lack of funds. Gotta start somewhere...

Varm Nul | Hachi X-0​

 

[Reave]

PIRATE RIVALRY
Horus Rhyne Piraka

​

"Nudd chaa," Flint snarled in huttese.

His looted throne ship the Akkadese tore a fresh wound in hyperspace. Black Sun emerged beyond Hollastin's mass shadow, and their vigo bared his fangs in amusement at the carnage already unfolding. He'd underestimated the trandoshan mercenary, expecting no more from Piraka's pilots than a necessary sacrifice. If any survived, then deals must be honored for a share of the prize but it was little matter.

"Bring our new pateesa Horus nei," the devaronian turned on his crew, "Dopa Gasha! Where's my cutter?"

Despite its imposing size the old Confederate cruiser was mostly automated. Everything could be run with a few trusted hands. One of the pirates melted away to carry out their master's will while the first wave of boarding shuttles launched from her hold. Distracted by Piraka, only the station's meager defenses protected it from Black Sun raiders. It would not be enough.

"Ah!" he leered, "Horus."

Pacts must be sealed with blood. Flint endured lectures on the ancient codes of Coruscant. Now he would show this aristocrat true crime's face. Survival in its purest form. If Horus Rhyne survived the assault, then perhaps they could do business. His crew passed the devaronian pirate a brutal vibro-ax which he hefted in both hands.

 

[Sal Katarn]

OBJECTIVE II: Restore the Cargo Clearing Houses // Smuggling Band Rivalry

"Sars," grunted the mercenary with a nod, acknowledging the dark jedi's presence while he methodically pulled back the charger on the E-WEB and waited for it to cool down. The big gun could mow folk down like grass, but do it too long and it would heat up and melt on you.

Sarad said something about droids, which didn't particularly register with Sal until he heard the whistling of a rocket. His head snapped up in the direction of the sound just in time to catch a glimpse of the contrail as it connected with the speeder he stood atop. A brilliant white light seared his eyes and he felt the explosion ripple out, launching him through the air. He had a moment of serene panic as he tumbled head over heels, then he crunched down into a pile of boxes near one of the warehouses.

Pain ripped through him, a hot but familiar agony. He grimaced as bruised bones struggled to rise up out of the boxes. He caught a glimpse of the burning speeder amidst fluttering eyelids, struggling to maintain consciousness, then his fingers found a stimpack and he slammed it into his thigh. The rush of chemicals flooded him and he gasped as his heart began to race.

Time to get back in the fight. Or maybe just lay here a little longer. He coughed up a wad of blood from smashed lips and spat it onto the ground.

"Hell."

 

[Hachi X-0]

Spilgan Complex | Hollast VII
Objective: Murder, Kill, Destroy
Varm Nul | Dayn Wren ​

---

“Perhaps not disgraced, but you must feel great shame, wearing such substandard armor. This one has seen trash receptacles wrought of tougher metal.”

Hachi followed Varm to the durarete wall that surrounded the complex. Well aware that it cut a rather striking figure, it wove an illusion around itself, a subtle suggestion of ignore-don’t hear-look away. Varm used his inferior organic ears to attempt to listen for guards or witnesses on the other side- scoffing internally in binary, Hachi expanded its sensors and reached out in the Force, searching for lifesigns.

"Interior an' exterior patrols are opposite this wall section," Varm Nul said, as he glanced around. "We go in quiet to begin, get the data we need, then rain hell on 'em--" He turned to point at the droid. "--and in that order."

Hachi was fine with Varm’s mission parameters. It had programmed itself with thousands of ways to kill silently, and took a moment to edit its primary objective from "Murder" to "Silent Murder". Then the assassin droid crouched low, flared the Force, and leapt clear over the wall, landing in a near silent crouch.

“Any heat signatures?” asked the poor Mandalorian. If Hachi had heard correctly, the fleshbag’s name was Dayn Wren. Interesting, the droid thought. Sars had reported a certain Juno Wren capturing Lord Gorba on Kwenn Station.

“Many,” Hachi answered. “But none nearby. If we head northwest, we will avoid most patrols. But this one has an inquiry,” and it leaned in close, too close, its mechanized voice as thin and sharp as a stiletto, “Are you related to the bounty hunter known as Juno Wren?”

Perhaps this 'Dayn Wren' could serve as bait...

 

[Sars Sarad]

OBJECTIVE II: Restore the Cargo Clearing Houses
Location: The Spaceport
Tags: Sal Katarn

---

The Explosion that ripped apart the Speeder caused Sarad to raise an arm and shield himself on instinct, there was some debris but he'd been standing far enough away that it wasn't of any consequence to him. When his arm came down again Sarad whirled his lightsaber in front of him just in time to catch another blaster bolt and send it back into the Smuggler that had fired it at him. The Man died and Sarad withdrew to where the 'Hired Gun' lay amidst the crates outside of the Warehouse.

As he came closer Sarad noticed calls coming from what sounded like Consortium Muscle shouting about the Droids he'd attempted to warn Sal Katarn about. It made his eyes narrow, Droids were a problem unlike men. They had no fear and their programming made many ruthlessly efficient when it came to their roles...

"Get back up Katarn!"

...his voice called out with some authority, Gorba the Hutt may have been imprisoned but he was still one of the Hutts Enforcers and insofar as Sarad was concerned when he was free again he'd want to know how much further their influence had spread and who was responsible for it....

"I can't kill them all alone."

...perhaps the wrong choice of words, Droids weren't actually alive after all.

The Droids that he'd feared would come around the corner of the Warehouses shortly, Sarad watched several Consortium Enforcers on the run, retreating from their attackers before they finally came into view. Humanoid in shape and with what looked like reinforced armor plating toting blaster rifles and launchers. Doubtless what had been used to send the rocket at Sal's speeder.

As the Droids began firing at Sarad his lightsaber went into action again, deflecting shots back at the droids but the reinforced armor he noticed soaked up most of the damage making things more difficult. Blasterfire might cause a Droid to stumble but it seemed like it would take several to incapacitate them.

It was at that point Sarad would shift his left side forward, whipping his lightsaber back in the process while extending his free hand. In a moment bolts of purple energy were streaking from his hand, outstretching towards several of the Droids and wreathing them in powerful ionic energy. Some Jedi called this power Ionize though Sarad preferred to refer to it as Mechu Macture, it was harmless to organics but anathema to Droids, Cyborgs and cybernetics.

The Droids caught in the energy, which also bore some resemblance but no relation to Force Lightning would have shorted out. Ion Energy frying their circuits and overloading their synapses causing them to collapse.

Another explosion rocked the ground near Sarad then. Maybe a grenade, maybe another rocket that went astray. Thrown backwards Sarad would have landed hard on his back, his ears ringing momentarily as he called out...

"A lot of firepower for Smugglers."

...he preferred the old days, when groups weren't so entrenched. They were easier to flush out and snuff out.

 

[Arkyn Rane]

OBJECTIVE: AHOY, ME HEARTIES!
TAG: Piraka ​

---

Vathos the Farseer plopped himself on the bunk and folded his arms. How Arkyn had managed to secure herself an actual bunk on a station full of sociopathic space pirates was beyond him; they'd hardly been here for more than three or four days, and already she had the pirates celebrating the great "Acid Rane", toasting her, inviting her into their sabacc and dejarik games. It was a stupid name, and yet they'd ate it up.

The kiffar stared at his comrade for a long while, wondering how he had allowed himself to get roped into her hair-brained scheme. He’d have thought being a Warden and having a purpose would’ve curbed her wild tendencies, but her training had only given her more confidence to engage in more madness.

Now she actively sought danger than her usual schtick of letting it find her.

“So how you playin’ this, ‘Kyn?" he began. " Even if we somehow manage to get into the vault, ain’t as if Zod’s just gonna let us waltz outta here.”

Arkyn twirled her disruptor around her finger, flipping it from digit to digit- gunslinger tricks she’d picked up from Vathos’ memories after she figured out the trick to psychometry back on Kiffu. “Don’t you worry about Ol’ Grumkin Zod. I’ve got him covered. Just make sure the corridor is clear when it needs to be.”

Vathos sighed. Since learning she could use the Force, Arkyn had taken a perverse delight in being infuriatingly cryptic, like some fabled Jedi Master. It drove Vathos up the wall- he’d been a Padawan after all, for nearly ten years, and even he was more forthcoming. “You’re not making this very easy for me, you know. I think you’re taking things too lightly.”

Arkyn rolled her eyes. “Have some kriffing faith, Vath’. I’ve got everything figured out.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard that before,” Vathos muttered.

Alarms sounded over the station, a blaring klaxon that was accompanied by a flashing red light.

“What the feth is that?” he asked, bursting to his feet. The Kiffar was tall, but lean as a sword.

“Proximity alarms,” Arkyn said, holstering her gun. “Either some ship has drifted too close, or the station is under attack.”

Her grin gave Vathos the shivers. It was much too wide and far too full of teeth.

“Perfect,” Arkyn purred. It was time to rob some pirates.

<”R5, the op’s a go. Let’s get those surveillance systems looped, eh? And find out who’s attacking this place.”>

 

[Varm Nul]

HOLLASTIN
NEAR SPILGAN COMPLEX

OBJECTIVE III​

The space from the wall to the complex proper was, thankfully, clear.

At least for the time being.

Confirmation from Hachi provided as much, though Varm Nul didn't plan on wasting the opportunity by talking about an individual known as Juno Wren. There seemed to be general agreement on how to proceed, which meant the three might very well stand a chance, as long as they were capable of maintaining silent approaches. So, as the other pair had a moment to engage in idle chatter, the Duros reached down to one gauntlet and activated the launcher, which was loaded with poison darts.

Varm Nul didn't care about the sentients of the organization, had no qualms with killing them - but that didn't mean he had to be a grav-hammer about it, either:

"I'll lead, play as distraction, you pair take 'em out as we go," The Duros said, as he reached to his belt and pressed a flat disc. His form began to shimmer and change as hard-light began to form around him. "Droid, double check the disguise, let me know if I need to make detail adjustments."

Within moments, Varm Nul was replaced by a humanoid Nova Guard Captain. Gee-Three had helped program the appropriate disguise, but a pilot droid was still a pilot droid, even with some additional extras and protocols added. Varm Nul glanced to the Mandalorian:

"Holographic disguise matrix... ain't too shabby, eh?"

Then the 'Captain' took to a run across the expanse to the complex. He knew the patrols couldn't see them yet, so he crossed the distance quickly and easily, before he slowed into a walk and approached the front entry. There were likely holo-cameras observing the way in, and probably throughout, so appearances for now were important.

"I am Captain Ganvar, here for a surprise inspection," Varm Nul announced in a clipped accent as he stepped into the main foyer and approached the front desk. He rounded the obstruction and stepped behind the security setup, which caused the confused guards to turn on chairs to face him - backs to the entry. "I believe your superior is expecting me... I require a security pass to the facility."

"Oh, uh, for any inspection the security team - us - provides the passes," One of the Nova Guard said, as he pointed to a datapad on the wrist. "Once we confirm the details, I'm more than happy to take you where you need to inspect, sir."

"So that datapad provides security throughout? Helpful."

The 'Captain' smirked, as he waited for his accomplices to strike...

Dayn Wren | Hachi X-0​

 

[Dayn Wren]

The Mandalorian chuckled at the droid. He was aware that a full-on laugh might be a touch awkward given their silent approach, but he managed to keep it down. "It's not beskar, that's for sure" His armour, helmet in particular, wore clear marks of wear and tear. It had no doubt once been full red, and not the red-white mess in its current state. One day he would earn his beskar, however. But it had to be earned, not given.

The way the droid lept up was quite impressive. It looked effortless too. Dayn nodded, as it told of the patrols. And then the droid's face, if one could call it that came in close... Very close. The Mandalorian didn't shift or make any adjustments in his body language. He maintained the same deadpan stare, which admittedly was an easy thing to do behind a helmet. That said, little was accomplished by staring down a Mandalorian. "Don't know her." It wasn't wrong per say... He knew of her, but that was not to say they were personally acquainted. Dayn wasn't exactly a member of the core Wren family, his line further out on the outside.

"You're chatty for a tin can" The same jovial tone from before returned. Dayn gave the droid a friendly slap on its shoulder, and followed after Varm without looking back.

When the Duros performed his little trick, Dayn's eyes went wide. Of course, no one would be able to see that, but the awe in his voice was unmistakable. "I need to get me one of those" Though as previously discussed, he was a poor sob, and that wasn't likely to happen anytime soon... He hadn't even known it was possible.

Dayn followed in quick step with 'the Captain'. When he made for the entrance, Dayn broke for cover. Varm had set up the targets perfectly for them. With their backs turned, Dayn signalled to the droid that he would target the left one. He assumed droidy would deal with the other.

He crept up in a quick and remarkably quiet crouch. He rose, vibroknife in hand, and dove it hard into the guard's neck. His other hand held the head in place. The wet gurgle that first came from his mouth then eminated from his neck as well. Dayn guided the guard down slowly, while driving the knife in deeper. No cry for help, only a dying wheeze.

Varm Nul Hachi X-0

 

[Arkyn Rane]

OBJECTIVE: ALL HANDS AHOY!
TAG: Piraka​

---

Arkyn strolled almost leisurely through the empty corridors, dim red light shining down from overhead. The Foresight didn't command much in the way of battle stations or defenses, but Zod called all the pirates nonetheless, save for he few stragglers she'd knocked out and stashed away. She'd seen their ragtag ships in the hanger, mot of them favoring weapons over shields. As far as fleets went, the pirate ships weren't too shabby, for all that she doubted they'd have any sort of coordination in combat. According to R5, HSC privateers were attacking the Foresight.

That put her in a bit of a Paguan pickle. She'd been all set to escape from a bunch of murderers pirates fumbling to catch her, not flee through a veritable warzone.

The chaos might be to her benefit though.

She came to a dead end in the bowels of the sheep, to a blast door that was nearly as thick as she was tall, wrought of a durasteel alloy, and locked by a coded entry-pad and a bioscanner. Vathos should be in position by now, guarding the elevator down to the lower levels- the moment she opened the vault, Grummkin would know. The Yahk Tosh was truly paranoid.

<"Alright R5, open her up.">

​

 

[Hachi X-0]

Spilgan Complex | Hollast VII
Objective: Murder, Kill, Destroy
Varm Nul | Dayn Wren ​

---

"Droid, double check the disguise, let me know if I need to make detail adjustments."

Hachi's red photoreceptor pulsed as it scanned Varm. "The hue of your uniform is precisely point oh-oh-three-six shades darker on the color gradient scale than the standard for Nova Guards. Luckily for you, very few fleshbags can perceive such a minute difference in colors." Organics are simply too poorly designed.

Dayn Wren supposedly didn't know Juno, which the droid found doubtful, though it didn't press the issue. Perhaps at a later time- the droid made sure to make note of it.

"You're awfully chatty for a tin can," the Mando said, slapping Hachi on the shoulder. The droid eyed the offending appendage with all the murderous disdain it could summon.

Tin? Stupid fleshbag, this is phrik. Hachi didn't care to correct the Mando, content to let him wallow in his ignorance. It brushed infinitesimal follicles of dust from its shoulder and casually followed the gunslinger and the Mando.

Varm, now disguised as a captain, drew the attention of the meatsacks guarding the entrance- while Dayn took care of the fleshbag on the right, while Hachi, all casual like, crushed his target's throat with a more focused and directed version of Force Choke. The fleshbag managed a single surprised gasp before his neck snapped and seemed to crumple in on itself.

The guard dropped dead, sightless eyes gazing up at the sky.