Phrik: Two

[Zaiden Dean]

[member="Ultimatum"] [member="Mythos"]

Matreya swung Silt around in a repeated X before his body, then beginning a slow rotation in place, he let the head of the axe travel around his body until the shaft was captured once again by the opposing arm. Swinging it just a bit further let the wood be grasped by the other arm as well, which powered the death blow even more.

The head of the mighty axe slammed heavily into the dummy, which was made entirely out of durasteel. Jerking it free, he ceased the triune contact between he, it, and the Force, which then negated the aura around the weapon. Flipping it upside down, he slid the shaft along his back in an upward trajectory until it snapped into its hilt which held the axe against the small of his rear.

"Sir, your appointment should arrive soon, are you finished with your training?" Serene asked with an arched brow.

Eyeing the redhead as he grabbed a towel from a nearby rack he chuckled, "Sure. Ultimatum is a good ally, and I don't want him to see me disheveled." Wiping his face, he tossed the towel to the side then gripped his Kinetic Bodyglove which he quickly dressed in, then slid on his Archer Vest and Pants.

Having removed Silt, he placed her lovingly next to the twin weapon. Then he sat behind his desk and waited...

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum endeavored to make the interval period as brief as possible. It was neither professional or polite to keep allies waiting, as far as Ultimatum understood organic ideology in such areas. He had been curious when he had received the communication. Certainly they had done a few things in the past, but nothing that would warrant further action. He had come to the conclusion that this was something different entirely, that perhaps there was something [member="Matreya"] needed or wanted.

The droid was looking forward to the meeting, though at the same time he was uncertain. Thus far this organic had not shown himself to be anything of a potential threat, but then the opposite was also true, he had not done much to show a spirit of cooperation and mutual caring. Then again, that could be because Ultimatum preferred to keep new acquaintances at arms reach until he got to better know them. It was perhaps a weakness and down falling on his part, but he found it to be a safer alternative to instantly trusting newer allies.

He was brought before the organic and he smiled politely as he spoke, "Hello it is good to see you again." He tried to be professional and start with general business openings, like a polite greeting.

 

[Zaiden Dean]

(Sorry for not replying. Wanted to give Myth time to reply. Seems he isn't interested.)

Valashu smiled in return, gesturing to the seat opposite his desk and therefore his own, "Ultimatum, please, sit. It has been a while." He said, bending his arm back behind him, he slid his hand into the pocket of the jacket that hung against his seat. A second later it came forth holding a small metallic container. Flipping it open allowed the contents to be seen: rows of nicotine filled cigarettes.

"Sorry. Started up some old habits I attempted to leave behind." As he said this, he freed one from its protective clasp then placed it between his teeth. A small push from the Force would see its tip lit. If the Droid had any knowledge of cigarettes, the brief odd color of smoke would be a sign that the very end held a passable dosage of something else. Rokna Blue was something he had been getting his hands on once again, despite the commitment to leave it alone back in his own universe.

A deep inhale then exhale paused speech, "Anyway, I called you out for another job. Last we met it was to due with arming men, this time I wish to do similar but on a lesser scale." Another drag was taken, then blown towards the window, "I need raw Phrik, so as to build a project I'm working on. I already have quite a stockpile in the making, but nowhere near what I would need to complete it.

"You are a being I consider an ally, so I turn to you in time of query." Valashu said, doing his best to represent the regal position he now held over such a large organization, "So, I ask, how does some more rare mineral gathering sound to you?"

[member="Ultimatum"]

 

[Ultimatum]

Ah, so it was Phrik he was looking for. The very material that had been used to make the body he residing in at this moment. It was a very handy metal, having saved him on a number of occasions. Often enough it had absorbed the light blaster fire and once even a lightsaber strike. Very useful and Ultimatum would gladly work for more of it. He always had projects that could benefit from such metals.

"I would be glad to aid such an endeavor. I believe that this would be mutually beneficial. If I may, there might be a person I know who may want to help, which could allow for an even greater collection. Would you be alright with a potential third or forth party?" He knew a few people, most of whom were Sith, who would probably have loved such a possibility. However he did not know if [member="Matreya"] would want information on his intended mining operation to become more common knowledge. Ultimatum knew that for some of his plans he preferred to keep them secret and avoid the entanglements that were caused by allowing organics to know of his intentions. It was a balancing act, making certain that it did not appear he was doing nothing while still hiding those things that truly had to be secret.

(Perfectly alright. I will mention [member="Mythos"] every now and then just to see if he still wants in. Would you be alright with [member="Lord Zrixtas"] joining if he would like?)

 

[Zaiden Dean]

"The more the merrier." Val said, taking another hit, "However, let your companions know that there has been smugglers moving stolen Phrik from within the mines I plan to go to. Being that they are there, on my company's land, I will likely shoot first and ask questions later. If we manage upon any of course." Reclining a bit further back, Val finished the cigarette - entirely to quick in many peoples opinions- then lit another.

"May I ask whom these other parties may be?" He asked with an arched brow, "Do I know them?"

[member="Ultimatum"]

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum shook his head as he responded, "Alright, I do not know if you would know either of them, but I guess we will see." He waited a moment, it would appear that he was taking a breath, before continuing. "The first is @Mythos. Ruler of the planet Atrisia, Sith if memory serves. The other is another Sith going by the name [member="Lord Zrixtas"]. He is more interesting, a Shard inside a droid body." He had not spoken with either for some time, but he was certain that they would want the chance for such metals. He had worked with one quite a bit, as fellow planet ruler. The other he had worked with only occasionally, the first time actually building it a new body.

Both were quite capable and Ultimatum had no doubt that they would be able to aid this work effort. But, he was uncertain as to whether this man was willing to work with dark siders. The droid had worked alongside people who hated Sith before and he did not want to force one into it.

[member="Matreya"]

 

[Zaiden Dean]

Matreya visibly stiffened, despite the euphoria found due to the Rokna. Sith. Never had he met a Sith he truly liked. None were worth their weight in water let alone anything of value. But he trusted Ultimatum, so he would attempt to trust these men as well.

"Very well. Let them know to meet us in the Oriona Mines." Valashu said. Drawing the hood of his Archer Armor into place, he next stepped behind his chair to grab his jacket. Slipping his arms inside, he reached to the floor and grabbed Silt. Sliding the axe into his jacket, he let it hang from the sheath found within. Next he placed his Bow and Quiver each to their own hips underneath the coat.

Gesturing to the door, he led Ultimatum out, "So, do you believe that either would assist if a battle ensues?" He asked, knowing there was a good chance, but not a solid one, that they would find opposition.

[member="Ultimatum"] (also would you want a battle with some NPCs? It would make getting the Ore more interesting.)

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum did not need to think about that. Both had fought alongside him in the past. [member="Mythos"] had rescued him from a pirate fleet and had in so doing secured Ultimatum the Sovereignty, albeit in a very bad condition. [member="Lord Zrixtas"] had aided him in a hunt for an ancient AI, and had killed a Sith to save them both. Yes, these two were warriors, if they decided to show up. They had their own lives and their own business, so Ultimatum did not expect them to come at the drop of a hat. This was just an offer.

He sent a message to both of them, "Greetings. This is Ultimatum. I wished to let you know of an operation that will be taking place on Oriona, mining for Phrik. If you are interested please respond and meet us there. Thank you."

While he was creating the message and sending he thought about [member="Matreya"]. It appeared that he too did not like Sith, which was something that made them similar. He smiled at this as he spoke to Matreya, "They have proven themselves in the past to be willing to fight. I believe that if it comes to that, they will be ready should it come to that."

(I am fine with that. I normally do the same thing since it would be rather dull otherwise.)

 

[Zaiden Dean]

Matreya nodded, "Very well." Walking silent a moment, he then snapped his fingers, "Oh, also, just in case there was confusion that is Oriona the major city here on Val'hala." He wagged the pointer finger of that hand, "See, I am horrible at things like that." With that he flicked the butt to the side, guiding it to land in one of the many ashtrays that now lined the halls of the tower.

From his pocket came the same container as before, another smoke was released then placed into his teeth like the last. He chewed its end in silence until they reached the elevator. Offering a broad grin, he gestured to the parting doors, "I will meet you on the ground. I feel like being spontaneously idiotic. To much stiff prestige around here all the time.." He muttered the last as he walked away...

Towards a dead end that led to a floor to ceiling window. Pressing a button on the side, the glass slid halfway open. Taking a deep breath, he reveled in the clean prestine air despite their height. Then he spread his arms wide out, and teetered slowly forward. With his eyes closed for a few seconds, he simply enjoyed the feeling of the wind rushing past his body as he plummeted. At the last moment though, he spun, nocked an arrow then loosed it.

Attached to the end was a cable which, upon the head penetrating the wall of the tower, he climbed down on. Once his feet touched down he worked to slow his breath as he sauntered around the corner of the building towards the front to await his companion.

[member="Ultimatum"]

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum watched for a moment as the organic accomplished a feat which he would have classified as reckless. The droid had thought of doing the same thing often enough, but he would not have suggested it for any organic. He believed that if one could be certain of their survival then it would have been understandable, as a droid he was built tough enough to survive large falls, though it was preferable not to as the stresses would add up over time and create weaknesses that he might not be aware of.

When he came to the exit, after taking the stairs, he smiled, "Guess you don't get to do that often huh?" He waited for [member="Matreya"] to lead the way. After all he knew where he was going whereas Ultimatum did not know the layout of the planet.

 

[Zaiden Dean]

Walking forwarx , Matreya grinned sheepishly, "Not quite. Once upon a time I was quite the adventurist, now though? I have a public image that must be held. With the combining of JAC and MSI, I have effectively tripled my land, stockpiles, and credibility. What I wasn't prepared for was the constant acknowledgement from all angles." He said, then pointing down towards a lift that would lower them towards the ground, "That's the fastest path to the Core where we can catch the train straight to the mine."

Heading for it, he realized stupdily that he had left his cigarette in his mouth before jumping. Of course the item was then lost mid fall. Pulling out another he placed it in his mouth, though didn't light it. Slipping his hands into his coat, he shrugged lazily, "It is kind of a bore honestly. The money and lifestyle is kind of interesting, but still, to lose touch with who I am, just to appease the masses.." Wiping his face in partial disgust he chuckled, "Anyway, how goes things on your end? Anything new?"

Surprisingly, despite the double digit billions found on the planet, the massive groups split to let him, Ultimatum through symbiosis, to pass. It was a sign of respect, combined with optimistic hopefulness. Despite his darkside nature, the last owner of JAC had turned many a pretty penny for the people, aiding in other ways as well. It had reached his ear that they practically worshipped him as they did Zaiden.

Stepping onto the lift, he awaited a few to enter, then pressed the button. As the doors slid closed and began to fall, he looked through the glass surrounding them. The ecumenopolis planet was always bustling, stuck in a never ending perpetual motion. As a thousand levels past them, he was once more stuck upon the sheer size it held. Every level housed a minimum of 200 yard high ceiling's, many more than that. It was as if the planet housed more than a thousand unique planets within itself.

Glancing to Ultimatum he asked, "Ever been here before?" Gazing at the passing locales he murmured, "A planet full to the brim with life, stretching towards the skies to make a literal planetary city."

[member="Ultimatum"]

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum found the response somewhat amusing, his old master had been much the same way. Enjoying some of those more immediate and physical pleasures. The droid could understand the want, but at the same time he did not agree with the lack of restraint. Of course, he was dealing with an organic who enjoyed smoking, another pleasure that would end his life that much soon, given the jumping off buildings didn't get him first. But then again, he was not one to judge. He was a droid and his life expectancy was many many times longer than that of most organics, granted that he maintained a relatively safe life. Perhaps they just wanted to have enjoyment and that was the best way for them. Ultimatum did not know, there were complexities to the organic mind that he could not fully comprehend at this time.

The view struck him as fairly amazing, though all he could think of was what he thought Coruscant must have looked like. However, this did not seem to have the same level of automation. That was a dream he had, or something as close as he could have to one, to fully automate the world of Coruscant, prove that droids could accomplish the feat of maintaining a world and its population. It would allow the organics to place more resources into whatever they wanted, it would free up the population and increase the ability for them to relax and be more productive.

"No I have not. I always wanted to go to Coruscant, but there are things that I wish to bring with me when I do. I assume this must be a regular sight to you." He wondered, perhaps this world could be a testing ground for the theory. He would have to ask, but not now. There was the project at hand that he wished to deal with.

[member="Matreya"]

 

[Zaiden Dean]

"Many call this place the second Coruscant. So practice whatever it is you want here." He said with a grin, then he turned his gaze to the Droid, "Regular? Yeah. Does it make it any less amazing? Not in the slightest." Valashu finished just as their lift touched down.

He exited then gestured to a nearby rail that held an awaiting train, "This should get us there in just a few moments." Climbing aboard, he chose to stand instead of sit. The trip was as said, quite fast.

Once touching ground once more, he walked closer to the mine entrance. At its mouth sat a dozen or so armed guards, each talking softly amongst their group. As he approached they paused to see whom it was, then the lead officer stepped close, "Sir, it appears the recent thefts perpetrator might be inside. The sheer size of the mine is making it hard to check, but it is reported that some Phrik has gone missing."

Val nodded, then looked to Ultimatum, "You wanna wait a second more to see if your allies come?"

[member="Ultimatum"]

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum accepted the statements. It was quite interesting that this world was called the second Coruscant, wasn't Taris once named the same thing? Ultimatum recalled once reading such. But it hardly mattered, this planet would do fine for such experimentation, the test of concept to see if it could work as well as he hoped it might. An entirely automated planet would be difficult to accomplish, but he hoped to anyways.

When they had stepped off of the train Ultimatum answered the question. "I do not believe so, if either wish to join then they will catch up. So long as you are okay with that." The droid assumed that if either [member="Mythos"] or [member="Lord Zrixtas"] decided to join them then they would be there soon enough that no problems would occur. He decided that he would ask about his idea during the hunt, the artificial being doubted that the thief in the mine would be any true danger or trouble.

[member="Matreya"]