Kindness and Charisma

[Aela Talith]

Coruscant
[member="Alexia Santiago"]

Wes frowned slightly, his head tilting to the side as he inspected the painting in front of him.

The piece of was an interesting one, a replica of Refugees of Alderaan. The original had been crafted some eight hundred years ago, currently sitting in the Coruscant National Gallery behind more layers of security than could ever really be described. The piece was quite beautiful in it of itself, though had lost some of it's meaning. It had been meant as a remembrance of Alderaan, a memorial of the planet that was lost to the Empire's cruelty.

Of course, Alderaan like so many other worlds had been rebuilt before the Gulag Plague, and thus the painting was really little more than a memory of the lives lost during the crisis. Wes frowned slightly as he set down the paint brush, noting an imperfection int he top right corner.

This particular copy could never be passed off as the real thing, unfortunately. To create a better piece he would need to get closer to the original, take half a dozen photos, maybe even have a scan...but that was all very unlikely. The Coruscant National Gallery was watched by hawks nowadays, what little pieces they had left being more precious than their weight in Aurodium. A shame really, he knew a few Hutts in the outer rim who would have delighted in the Refugees of Alderaan.

Wes let out a wistful sigh, then turned away from the painting, he would simply label it as a 'reproduction' and sell it in the shop.

Easy.

As he turned away the bell above his door rang, signalling that someone had entered his little art shop on the Corner of Wookiee Lane and Toydaria street. The little rundown store wasn't anything to look at really, just a small antique shop that acted as a front. He frowned slightly and walked out of the back and towards the counter.

"Can I help you?" He asked the woman who walked through the door.

 

[Alexia Santiago]

[member="Wes Spalding"]

Cerulean eyes flickered up from their study of a Starry Night rendition. She knew fake IDs and credchits. It was an art in its own form, same as being able to put on a mask to play a character. This kind of art though? She could appreciate others who were the experts. And it looked as though this Wes Spalding might be an expert.

So said her 'Shadda contact, Maurice.

Still. Being on coruscant made her a little more nervous and guarded. Not outwardly, of course. She wasn't an amateur! But the authorities here were a tad more involved than other place. Couldn't be as bad as Naboo, though.

Easy-going smile worked its way on her lips. "This is really good," Alexia pointed to the painting. "Are you the artist?"

She didn't answer his question. Not yet.

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Alexia Santiago"]

"It isn't an original piece." Wes told her simply.

One didn't go around advertising that they were a forger, especially when living on Coruscant. Even in a rundown place like this the authorities were always on the lookout. Art crime was hardly their highest priority, but if they caught wind of what he was doing...well then they'd very quickly snap him up and throw him in the same prison as half a dozen murderers, rapists, and all sorts of other unpleasant people that Wes had absolutely no need to ever meet.

"A reproduction of the Empire's Fall." That was a lie. It had actually been meant to be a forgery, a quite good one in fact, but the buyer had seen through the disguise due to a slight oversight on his part. Unfortunate really, the painting really was quite a good one. "I did the work yes, but all credit goes to the original artist."

Again that was a lie, Wes wasn't really all that modest.

While painting his reproduction he was pretty sure he could have done a better job, mostly because of the perspective in the painting. "Are you interested in purchasing it?"

 

[Alexia Santiago]

[member="Wes Spalding"]

How did she want to play this? He was smooth. Well-manicured fingers came up to tuck dark strands of hair behind her ears. Her clothes were just below high society, a designer dress but from last season. Nice heels. A bracelet from the senator wrapped around her ivory wrist.

Her look didn't scream money but it was still well-off. Just enough to let Wes take her seriously as a customer but not to get conned. She had no reason to trust him and he didn't her. The good news was, it wasn't like she was asking HIM to do anything illegal. That would be mostly her, a week from tonight.

"No," she finally responded, deciding to take a gamble and show one of her cards. "I was hoping to commission you for something else. The Last Battle of Endor."

Cerulean gaze flickered down a bit shyly.

"The senator I'm dating loves it and I wanted to surprise him for his birthday with a replica."

Here it was, a show of her hand.

"I have a contact on Nar Shadda that pointed me your way."

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Alexia Santiago"]

Ah.

So it was that sort of meeting. These things weren't always as simple as walking up to someone and saying some sort of a code phrase. Ever since the Alliance had taken over Coruscant things were a lot more underground. Everyone you worked with had to be trusted, everyone you had seen and met needed to be verified. It was simply the way it worked unless you wanted to get thrown into the nearest prison. He eyed the woman for a moment.

"I see." There was a way around this of course.

The Alliance, unlike the One Sith, required actual evidence to throw you in jail. That meant they needed specific talk, or marks, or really anything at all that would point to actual criminal actions. Wes knew this well enough, and it meant he could use his one true skill quite well.

"A reproduction." He told her. "That painting is quite difficult to recreate."

Not really, that was another lie. "It would take me several days, and I'd need a reference."

He was pretty sure he had several, but again he wanted more from the girl.

 

[Alexia Santiago]

[member="Wes Spalding"]

Heeled-feet shifted. "Hmm," finger tapped on the edge of that other painting. Days. He'd said days. That would work. The ball wasn't for a week.

She had most everything else in place. Her contact said he was the best so she really couldn't afford to look elsewhere. She wanted this job done right with enough time to grab the real thing, frame the senator, and disappear into another alias.

Eyes tracked away from the scar on his jaw and back to his face. "What kind of reference?"

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Alexia Santiago"]

"A picture." Though they weren't really the best. "A scan."

That was about as close as one could get. "Best of all would be if I could look at the piece myself."

There was no better reference than the naked eye. Of course he would have to remember most of the details, but the best work was most often done when you were replicating something that was right in front of you. The process was far more easy if you could see every line, every blotch, ever single element of whatever you were recreating. More often than not the imperfection with his...replicas came about because he missed some sort of small detail the photograph didn't show.

It couldn't be helped.

"The last would be most preferable." Wes told her as he slowly looked her up and down.

He tried to gauge exactly what she was. He had already guessed that 'loving girlfriend' likely didn't apply to her, mostly because no one wanted a reproduction of a painting they already had.

 

[Alexia Santiago]

[member="Wes Spalding"]

Oh thank the stars. She'd thought he'd meant a reference for HER - who she was. She had her fake ID in her purse but she was worried his artist's eye would catch...something. Still, with the way he looked at her and those eyes of his, he knew. Of course he knew she was up to something since she dropped that Nar Shadda reference.

Things were definitely getting more complicated.

Lips pursed at his suggestion but her eyes remained light, expression easy-going. The senator had an excursion to the museum two days from now. He'd wanted his girlfriend to come but she'd be able to get out of that easily enough. "How about if you swing by the day after next? Say...early afternoon? We can talk more about price as well."

Honey-dark brow lofted at him as her hand fell away from the paining.

"I hope we'll be able to afford you."

And your trouble.

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Alexia Santiago"]

Wes wasn't worried about this being a trap. He had done anything illegal just yet, and most of his deals were months back. If the Alliance had any evidence on him they likely would have moved already, and if they searched the shop they would find only half finished reproductions.

He didn't keep anything illegal within the shop itself.

Most of the stolen goods he moved were in a warehouse in the Works, sealed beneath a heavy shutter door that was covered by half a dozen shelves. The area was more than secure, and he only accessed it about once a month when he was completing a deal. The warehouse manager was more than happy to help out in exchange for a few extra credits, though of course the man had no actual idea of what he was helping to store. Wes liked him, he didn't ask too many questions.

"Excellent." He told her.

This job didn't seem too complicated, make a copy, give it to her, walk away.

He liked easy jobs, they held him over between the big ones. "You'll have to show me around the estate after."

 

[Alexia Santiago]

[member="Wes Spalding"]

"Perhaps," she made no promises. A tour was absolutely out of the question. She'd be taking a big enough risk having him visit the estate even if the senator would be gone. She needed this Spalding guy to be in and out. Quickly.

Digging in her last year's Prada bag, the con artist pulled out a business card, handing it to the artist between two fingers. "Here's my card and comm. Please call before you arrive."

The card was simple, a name printed in fancy but clear font with a single contact number listed, and the estate's address. That was all. The name was listed as the one the senator knew her by. 'Miss Blake Lively.'

"I look forward to doing business with you," hand smoothly reached forward for a shake.

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Alexia Santiago"]

He glanced at the card for a second, flipping it over to check the back for anything of note. When he found nothing he reached out and shook her hand, his grip firm, but not at all crushing. His gaze rose to meet her eyes. He could see the hint of deception there, though whether she was lying to him or everyone around her he couldn't really tell.

Either way this seemed easy enough. "I'll make sure to announce my arrival."

Slowly his fingers withdrew from hers, the card seemed to flip in his palm, and then disappeared into one of the pockets of his coat. Whatever she intended with the reproduction it certainly wasn't going to be legal. Standard logic stated that she wanted to steal the original, and if that was the case then they had more than just one piece of business to conduct. Wes wasn't just a Forger after all, he was a Fence. Most of his business came from selling goods others had stolen.

He was quite good at it too.

"I look forward to seeing you again." Wes said with a smile. "The Senator is a lucky man."

A bit of charm now would go a long way later.

 

[Alexia Santiago]

[member="Wes Spalding"]

"Thank you," there was some color on her cheeks. It was hard to say how much was natural and how much was played. She recognized Wes for how smooth he was. One thief could usually recognize another. Stripes and all that.

"For flattering me." With a turn of someone who knew how to work a room, her heeled-feet took her out of that little antique shop.

The day after next came rather quickly.

When Senator Balmorra came to check on her, her cheeks were red and puffy as well as beneath her eyes. Voice was nothing but a croak. "I'm so sorry dear," she rasped as he sat on the edge of her bed."

Because naturally they had separate rooms.

"Maybe if I get up, I'll be able to rally to the museum..."

The older man put a reassuring hand on her shoulder to ease her back down. She was a beauty. And smart. He wasn't sure how he got so lucky but he didn't question it. He spoke about staying but she assured him she'd be fine. Just needed some rest. Must be that virus that's been going around.

With a little more persuasion, he finally left. Just in time. She imagined she'd be getting that comm from Wes anytime.

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Alexia Santiago"]

Wes wandered quietly down the streets of the estate that Alexia was staying in, his fingers slowly playing with the business card that she had handed him the day prior. The small piece of cardboard seemed to float between his fingers, slowly spinning around in an odd sort of way until it found it's way wedged between his index and middle finger. He smiled slightly as he looked around himself, glancing at some of the buildings and even recognizing a few.

This was the Senate district of Coruscant, one of the few places that someone could actually find lawns. It was all artificial of course, built on a plateau above sections of piping and other less pleasant things. One didn't actually often get to go here unless they had the right clearance, something that Wes simply had to forge. Unlike yesterday, he was dressed up. A tightly tailored black suit hung from his shoulders, his head freshly shaved and his beard trimmed tight.

He glanced up at the correct estate and pulled out his comm-link.

Without even looking he dialed the number on the card. "Miss Lively."

Wes said in greeting as the comm let out a chrip.

 

[Alexia Santiago]

[member="Wes Spalding"]

The comm buzzed. She fumbled with the device as she held it up in bed, next to that box of Kleenex prop. Voice sounded clearer than she looked with that splotchy face of hers. "Right on time Mister Spalding," voice became a bit more huskier. Probably best if she maintained the sick persona. It would make him leave quicker.

"I'll press the code to the gate. They'll open in a sec. Please park near the back entrance. I don't want to ruin the surprise for my boyfriend."

Eyes rolled slightly at herself. He was smart and she knew he knew something. Still, the less he knew the more he was protected. The more SHE was protected.

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Alexia Santiago"]

Wes hadn't taken a speeder of course, mostly because he'd walked here so he could move around the other estates. He had wanted to see what the neighborhood was like, and as he had expected the reputation of the place firmly held up. There were high walls, plenty of security cameras, and dozens of guards that simply seemed to wander around this place. Stealing anything from any one of these houses would be...difficult, if not downright impossible.

"Lovely." He told her over the comm-link.

The gate began to slowly crawl open in front of him, Wes stood around for a moment, pushing his HUD-G's up on his face with a slight smile before wandering down the gravel road. Some of the guards gave him a sideways glance, but they checked their radios and then simply nodded at him. Funny how easy he was getting past all of this security.

Eventually Wes made it up to the back door.

He grasped the handle and pushed it open, stepping into a small lobby like area. "Hello?"

His voice echoed.

 

[Alexia Santiago]

[member="Wes Spalding"]

"Coming," she dry coughed as her silk-robed form and fluffy-slippered feet padded down the expansive marble staircase. Fingers tightened the tie around the waist of her robe.

"Sorry to greet you like this, I've been a bit under the weather," half truths. She was sorry for her attire and she was feeling a little nervous about the upcoming heist. But of course she didn't have a cold.

"You clean up mighty fine," lips curved into a smile. She could flatter too. "Ready to see it?"

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Alexia Santiago"]

"That's alright." He said, glancing towards the silk that tightly hugged her body. "You can lose the robe if you think you'd be more comfortable."

Wes managed to keep the smile off his face, the statement being said with such nonchalance that one might have thought he was talking about what he had for breakfast. Before Alexia could answer him though Wes turned away, walking down the hall she had come from.

He had no idea where he was going of course, for all he knew the Painting was in an entirely different direction, but that didn't matter. The opportunity to get into a place like this was incredibly rare. To get into a place like this with scanning equipment? Even more so. He saw an opportunity here, and though she would likely quickly move to stop him he would take as much as advantage as he possibly could. Jorba had taught him that back on Nar Shadda. Always press the issue.

The Forger glanced at some of the statues in the hall. "Oh that's nice, 343 ABY."

Crafted on Alderaan after it was rebuilt by the looks of it.

 

[Alexia Santiago]

[member="Wes Spalding"]

A ripple of frustration crossed her brow. Whether it was at his abrupt self-giving tour or his comment was unknown. Devious little jawa! Okay. He more handsome than a jawa and bigger of course. But still!!

Slippers were tossed aside so she could match his pace, bare-feet pattering along the expensive floor, arm quickly looping into his, silk pressing along his side, hip jostling lightly against his as she went to steer him the other direction. "Excuse me," she half sputtered. "MISTER Spalding. The painting is in the other wing." He'd see a set of large wi does leading out to a synthetic garden area with a lap pool and myriad of fountains. There was other artwork. A fancy dining hall and ballroom. Much, much more.

She would be able to afford twenty of these houses with the painting scalped and hopefully some of her debt to that hutt.

 

[Aela Talith]

[member="Alexia Santiago"]

He smiled at her. "Of course."

Either she would realize what he was doing, or she'd simply think him an idiot. Either way Wes had gotten quite a few well placed pictures of the inside of the estate and some of the art works located within. He smiled slightly as she beckoned for him to follow, and slowly the forger stepped in behind her. This time Alexia lead the way, waking through the odd winding hallway with fountains and a myriad of paintings that Wes could really only have dreamed of.

Art was wasted on the rich.

"So your boyfriend is a patron of the arts?" He asked as they walked. "Does he admire or dabble himself?"

Most rich men simply fell into the former category. They could look but had no real talent when it came to the creation of art itself.

 

[Alexia Santiago]

[member="Wes Spalding"]

She released her hold around his arm as quickly as he complied. She didn't like being forced into touch. It was more of an art form. She liked to be in control. Still, she didn't get too far ahead, wary of the space between them and the amount he could use to 'wander' off again.

"He is. He likes to collect rare and priceless things." He could be a bit possessive too. But she'd dealt with 'clients' like that before. Nothing she was worried about or couldn't handle.

"But no," she lead him through a few more sets of double doors and up a second set of staircases until they entered a study area. The senator even had a few shelves of flimsy books on the walls. The painting was housed behind a clear security screen on the far wall so it got natural light from the opposite windows. "Admirer only. He keeps his dabbling in politics."