Private Job Finished, Profit Given

[Casany Praxor]

Spoiler: Music OOC

Mountain chains. Mesas. Plains. Islands. The planet Ord Mantell was rich and diverse with its terrain as much as its settlements. It boasted the homes of a number of diverse species amid its cities stretched end to end, no different from others in competition, only there was one difference if one could afford to tell.

A certain visitor to this planet didn’t care for it or its competitors, to be honest. She came for business and hers was specific as she ventured for her employer’s abode; the corporate headquarters over which he ruled.

KGM. This was the abbreviation for Adrikobe Kellrule’s Kellrule Galactic Metalworking. Corporation. Conglomerate. Private limited company (PLC) in other words or whatever best achieved its leader’s efforts—it didn’t matter to her except for the credits it tendered.

This business entity had since expanded into the vast expanse beyond the planet, ventured into politics, and all the better for her or whoever. Profit for them meant payment for this particular Mandalorian bounty hunter.

Battle was her profession, given the blasters and daggers at her hip, the beskad at her back beside the carbine, backpack and jetpack, the vambraces with gadgets, and the helmet with the unmistakable black T-shaped visor that any idiot could take for a Mandalorian’s, not to mention the grenades.

“Anvil,” the feminine voice escaped in modulated form. The woman stood head to toe in red gold alloy, with a crimson cloak draping over her shoulder; one of which depicted a golden sun sigil, and the other pauldron offered a black anvil signet.

“I’m here to meet with your employer,” she informed the receptionist. She was expected, unless someone made a mistake, of which she had no time for delayed appointments. She was here to get paid in one form or the other and would not wait all day. Neither would KGM’s competition, at that rate.

Adrikobe Kellrule

 

[Adrikobe Kellrule]

Looking up from her computer, the receptionist made an almost uncanny smile, though it was genuine.

"Mr. Kellrule told me he was expecting you, he seemed really wowed by your resumé!" She spoke in a chipper tone, before pressing a comlink on her desk.

"The Hunter is on the way up!" She spoke, a muffled reply from Adrikobe could be heard, though, it was rather faint given his monotone voice.

"Take the elevator to floor 77. That's our lucky number! It's the only room on the level, you can't miss it! Good luck!" After directing you, the receptionist then returned to her duties, averaging around 80 words a minute, simultaneously answering a holocall with the speed of a quickdraw.

Your attention was then turned to elevator in the center of the room. The building was shaped like a large spire, the circular form shrinking with each level upwards, until finally stopping.

The ride up was shockingly quick, though, one shouldn't be surprised, given building five times as tall were scaled in roughly the same amount of time.

The elevator tube's door slid open, revealing a well-furnished hall. The floors were... polished wood, uniquely, with a fine carpet leading down the hall to a set of fancy steel double-doors, which seemed to be engraved with golden markings.

The doors slid open as you approached, revealing Adrikobe's office. There, the Gilded man sat in a fancy leather chair, a window behind his desk which gave him an excellent view of the capital city. The room itself was equally as well furnished, with bookshelves and an assortment of baubles scattered around.

Across from Adrikobe sat a well-dressed Rodian woman, whom Adrikobe was conversing with. Seeing you enter, he glanced back to the Rodian.

"Maclunkey, nээdо: Du уо bu сора." He stated in a warm (almost nostalgic) tone, bowing his head, watching as she left, before his eyes flickered to you.

The room now clear, he spoke:
"Be seated." His tone had shifted sharply, as he motioned to one of the chairs in front of his desk. This wasn't out of disrespect, he simply knew when someone preferred to cut straight to the point.

As you did so, he continued, reclining in his seat slightly. There was silence for a short period, except for the... clock, which ticked slowly.

"Despite what you may assume about me, I still hold a deep respect for traditional employment practices, when possible of course, but especially concerning this manner of employment." His fingers steepled.

"Your file caught my attention, and your record seems professional enough. More importantly though: clean enough. I hold no doubts concerning your abilities, so we shall instead discuss the details, and your preferred manner of payment." With that he paused, stating:

"However, there is one subject which has interest. Why choose to work for me?" He promptly leaned back in his chair, giving you the floor.

Casany Praxor

 

[Casany Praxor]

The receptionist was a bit bubbly as expected for someone in her occupation. Her employer’s office was as lavish as one could get for a corporate establishment. For Casany Praxor, somebody who didn’t much give six kriffs and a dead di'kut for extravagance, she did yet appreciate that this meant she should expect a handsome payment for her efforts in turn.

When they were alone following the Rodian's exit, the Mandalorian took a seat in silence as obliged. There was no small talk as they got on with business which left an impression. She didn’t mind some chin-wag when the occasion called for it but was on the job and did not know this man.

The clock ticked, the clock tocked and, if Casany was on the clock already she would be getting paid by the credit chit each time it did. She was not, of course. That’s not how the job worked for the Mandalorian bounty hunter.

Taking her turn to be quiet, she casually observed the office, as if her helmet demanded a distinct turn of her head in one direction and the next to let him witness it. He offered her no drink. Perhaps that lack of gesture was because of the visor and an assumption that she was one of those types of bucketheads who never took it off. Then again, all she had to do was lift the rim and sip, but whatever.

“You probably expect some profound answer,” she began hers as his eyes met her visor with a black countenance. “Like your corporate profile and the enterprise you are the face for swayed me over with its merit.” She shrugged. “But it didn’t.” Sat back. “You have credits, which you can pay me with in hand, and I need work. Simple as that.” She spoke simply at that, not mockingly, just matter of fact.

Adrikobe Kellrule

 

[Adrikobe Kellrule]

Adrikobe examined her for a moment after she spoke, getting a subtle read on her body language & prior tone.
She seemed genuine enough.

"I appreciate the honesty." He stated, a hint of his prior warmth returning as he leaned forwards.

"I apologize for my lack of hospitality." He acknowledged that he had made a rather stern impression. "I prefer not to... 'butter up' my employees. I'm not the type of man to lead others on with a carrot and stick, if you catch my meaning."

"As you said: You need work, and I can provide the payment. Best we keep things simple, yes?" Smiling subtly, he continued:

"Your answer was adequate, and rather understanding." The words rolled off his tongue with the smallest hint of respect.
"I'm glad to know someone is capable of seeing through corporate posturing. Though, I still find it intriguing that you opted for the KGM. I hate to admit it, but we aren't exactly the big leagues... (Yet). Perhaps you have the foresight to see where I'm taking things?" He mused over her reasoning, though, ultimately it didn't quite concern him, so long as she wasn't a competitor's plant.

"But, let's not dwell on what isn't important. We have yet to discuss the manner of your work, and compensation. If it's credits you seek, then we've already covered the latter. I assume you desire unmarked credits?" As he continued, he began tampering with his datapad, presumably, preparing to have this information sent to an intern.

After discussing the nature of payment, he moved on:

"I assume you have a basic understanding of what this job entails, so I'll keep this short."

"Your job, put simply: Is to do what I tell you. Any leave of absence must be approved by me. When tasked with an assignment, you are to keep the details confidential, without exception. You will always receive instruction from me directly. My Daughters or Secretary may attempt to contact you if I prove unavailable, but you will always discuss your assignment with me directly." He allowed you to absorb this info, sliding the datapad over to you as he continued.

The datapad projected a rather long list of terms and conditions, to which Adrikobe stated in a snarky tone:
"You can skip past these, so long as you're alright with giving us ownership of your firstborn."
A few seconds later he commented: "I jest. It's mostly just saying a longer version of what I've stated, and confirming your identity. All a formality."

After you returned the datapad, Adrikobe nodded.

"Well, I believe the least I could do for my newest employee is give you a select drink of your choice." He said, pressing a button under his desk. A compartment on the wall to the right opened, revealing a small collection of rare drinks.
"This gift isn't meant to butter you up." He clarified, "Believe it or not, but I can be generous. Now, take whichever you want, I strongly insisted. Sell it if you'd prefer."

Casany Praxor

 

[Casany Praxor]

The subtle read was mutual. She was dealing with no idiot. That might be ironic considering the head of a corporation was surely intelligent. In Casany’s experience, however, arrogance bred ignorance which led to stupidity, especially with a bigger position.

“Credits are credits for my purposes. You can give me marked or unmarked. Whatever is best for your business. I've no preference” Perhaps this guy had more of one type than the other.

Do what I tell you. He wasn’t her daddy but Casany had an understanding. As a regular employee (temporarily or permanently) she would report to him and follow his instructions. Even ask for vacation time, it seems. No sharing trade secrets, though he better hope nobody made a better offer down the road.

“I won’t argue with PTO and medical insurance if they’re both generous but nobody’s taking my kid,” she assured after returning the datapad. “I don’t have one to give.”

At the offer of liquor to take with her, the Mandalorian didn’t get up. “Got any Vod-Ka? If not, vodka is enough. There’s a difference.” Maybe he noticed it in the pronunciation. Maybe he didn’t. It was a slight hint of a Mando’a accent. She’d wait in her seat for him to pour her drink.

“I’m not greedy and I’m not exactly in the big leagues myself,” Casany admitted. She didn’t hate it by any means. “But, well, the bigger the company, the shorter the leash. More money, more problems.”

Bottle picked, glass given, Cas lifted the rim of her helmet to take a sip without taking it off her face. “You gave me the requirements of the job but not the job functions.” She didn’t mind following orders if she got paid for it but what were those orders to begin with?

Adrikobe Kellrule

 

[Adrikobe Kellrule]

“You gave me the requirements of the job but not the job functions.” She didn’t mind following orders if she got paid for it but what were those orders to begin with?

Adrikobe Kellrule

"Correct, I didn't." He replied, taking a sip from his drink.

"Typically you'll be providing muscle, guarding my person, or handling any unsavory business that comes my way. What you'd typically expect in a mercenary field, I suppose. In other words, you'll likely rotate between Enforcer, Bodyguard, or 'Liquidator'. Ultimately the nature of your work depends on the problem that needs solving."
He explained, gently setting his glass back down onto his desk.

"Speaking of which, I already have your first assignment ready. There's a particular pawn I need removed from the board."
He explained, his tone once more shifting back to his 'professional' persona. He retrieved another datapad, pulling up the briefing for the assignment.

Placing it on the center of the desk, he pressed a button, projecting an image of a man, and a planet.

"Korran Veynic. Recently appointed Governor of Echoy'la." He stated, allowing her to get a glimpse of the info and process what he said before continuing:

"I hope you're ok to travel through Diarchy space." He commented with a wry smile, "This isn't just about competition, mind you. Echoy'la is a valuable world, yes, but the statement of an assassination so deep in Diarchy territory will be rather impactful."

His position shifted, before he pressed another button on the datapad, displaying a new set of info detailing the logistics of the assassination, narrowed down to an exact schedule as if it were a work day.

"That's where you come in. There's a reason I took such special interest in your file, after all. Given your people's ties to the world, having a Mandalorian be the one to carry out the deed will cause quite the stir." He explained, continuing:

"During this operation, you will be provided with the appropriate attire. We don't want your identity leaking, after all.
It is of the utmost importance you are seen carrying out the deed. Your escape will be ensured by me, should you follow the following steps accordingly." He referred to the datapad, which outlined her time window for a successful assassination, and instructed her to escape via boarding one of the KGM freighters scheduled to arrive to the world the same rotation.

Allowing her to process everything at once, Adrikobe was silent for a few moments, before leaning forwards and turning off the projection.

"I understand this is a lot for your first day. If you wish to back out now, I wouldn't blame you."
He allowed her a moment to assess the risks, not being so callous as to force her hand. Still, he awaited her decision intently.

Casany Praxor

 

[Casany Praxor]

Enforcer. Bodyguard. Liquidator. Go figure. Ultimately it was, in all honesty, exactly what Casany actually expected her employment to be. As soon as he mentioned a chess piece that needed removing? Suddenly the mercenary and bounty hunter before him had ‘assassin’ in the job description. It is what it is.

In the silence that followed, the Mandalorian chewed on her employer’s words as she studied the projection and the datapad. There was indeed a significant portion of information for her to process. Some things would be retained in the database. The other pieces would remain in her memory, especially the name.

Korran Veynic. Governor of Echoy’la. Diarchy territory. Carry the hit out in public. Then get out of town.

“I’m a bounty hunter,” she finally broke the silence, eyes into visor. “The kind that brings in her bounties either dead or alive. Doesn’t make much difference to me but I don’t have to worry about the ‘alive’ part with this one.” She lifted the bottom of her helmet with a hiss, took a sip, closed it.

“However, we’re talking about the Governor of Echoy’la. That comes with some added risks.” She stated the obvious on purpose. “As much as credits. The incognito approach? Hoping my cover isn’t blown? Trusting you to not be using me as another pawn and abandon me with your ship the moment the job is finished?”

For all she knew, he intended this assassination to be witnessed so that the assassin could suddenly be singled out in the crowd and taken down, whatever his purpose. A guy like this had a hidden agenda but a woman like this wasn’t dumb enough to trust someone just because.

“It is what it is.” She shrugged. “With conditions. I’ll need half of those credits up front given the nature of this mission, the other half when it’s done, my own gun, my armor not far from my position, and more than one exit route, one of which I’ll choose, in case your ship…malfunctions.”

Adrikobe Kellrule

 

[Adrikobe Kellrule]

Adrikobe took note of her terms. A smug sense of satisfaction coursed over him, he'd picked well.

"You'll get 70% upfront, as a show of good faith." Adrikobe stated, his fingers steepling once more.

"I fully understand the risks of this operation, but rest easy knowing it is imperative to me that you both survive this encounter, and remain undercover." He paused, seemingly musing on a though, before continuing, "Your weapon of choice and method of the assassination is for you to determine, so long as you ensure the target is eliminated during his speech, and you're at least seen with the provided armor on."

"You may keep your attire somewhere nearby, though, the time you'll waste to change back into uniform will only disrupt our timetable and increase the odds of your capture."

Adrikobe pondered for a moment about her last concern, the nature of her escape.

"Just as you're trusting me not to abandon you, I need trust that you won't bail on me when the target is eliminated. Though, if a backup plan is needed? You may improvise. You have quite a few rotations to prepare."

After a few moments, Adrikobe spoke again:

"Are these terms to your satisfaction?"

Casany Praxor

 

[Casany Praxor]

Cas had asked for half and was given a better offer as much as another measure of this man. Seventy percent was indeed a show of good faith. He was intelligent enough and less than arrogant to not have reversed the direction. They might have had a problem if fifty became twenty-five, never mind seventy.

“All right.” She was satisfied with the specifics of this mission; the requirements as much as the allowances. “My armor fits in a case and is just in case. I’ll have it placed on the same route I’ll take to escape.” In truth, the Mandalorian wasn’t going anywhere without her ‘gam.

At that, Casany finished her drink, looked right, looked left, met his eyes again with that black T of her visor. He would see her face sooner or later but liked the helmet where it was at the moment. “Got anything to eat?”

Adrikobe Kellrule

 

[Adrikobe Kellrule]

The terms were settled, and her strategy appeared acceptable.

Following her question, a smirk returned to his face.

"You ought to be asking what I don't have." He jested wryly, though now standing.

"That said, not much here. Coincidentally, I intended to go out for lunch after our discussion. Care to join me?" He offered, having since made his way out from behind his desk, now standing to the side of her chair.

"Though, should you, it might be best to change into something less... provocative, if you know my meaning?"

Casany Praxor

 

[Casany Praxor]

Not much here? That sounded surprising given the conditions of this office, never mind this building. However, even as Adrikobe rose, Casany remained seated, weighing her options for sustenance. The Mandalorian had since learned to appreciate more than one version of cuisine come culture or corporation between the stars—as much as eating protein bars.

Provocative. That earned him a snicker from behind her visor. “Well, you’ll see me in whatever outfit and armor you intend for this mission with no helmet sooner or later so hell with it.” At that, Cas got up from her chair and stared at her employer, eyes into visor.

“But, unless you have a red dress with a slit at the hem and a changing room, then I intend to dip back into my ship for a less 'provocative' outfit.” Her tone didn’t express whether she was genuine or sarcastic.

“Better be expensive.” Kriff, he was paying for this dish. Casany was happy for lunch as much as discussion but her beskar’gam might attract some eyes and the wrong kind of attention for him, she imagined, so she went into her ship. Unless he had some other garments on hand that prevented the trip before they headed to whatever restaurant he picked, that is.

Adrikobe Kellrule