Faction Pilgrims to a Black Sun (Black Sun Faction)

[Bodek Karsin]

Ubrecht - Madrus Ruling Council
Meeting Hall
__________________________________________________

​

The meeting of the Ruling Council had been ongoing for two hours, and still members came forward to speak.

"Our ships in the Vardecht route were asked for a tax," said one Clan chieftan, "and threatened with destruction."

"For us, it was a 'friendly donation,'" said another, "but the Turbolasers they leveled upon us were less than friendly."

"Tribute," said a third, "but for what King, they would not say."

"I heard a name," said the proud Chieftain of Clan Brochul, throwing her hair back in a gesture of contempt, "though whether this is the name of a system, an organization, or a person, I am unsure. They called it 'Black Sun.'"

"A criminal faction," suggested Chieftan Gargas of Clan Kul, "I have seen their symbol. We intercepted smugglers bringing in droid house-servants."

A chorus of rude noises met that announcement. Fully automated devices like droids were forbidden on Madrus. Computers and electronics and cybernetics were allowed- but nothing autonomous. Nothing that could do all the work itself.

The Prime Executive sat in the midst of them all, listening as they swarmed around with comments and complaints.

"I have heard enough," he said at last, his booming voice drawing the assembly to momentary quietude.

"It is clear that we are beset on all sides by petty thieves, criminals, or warlords. And this Black Sun is at the center of it. The scope of their presence is such that War is a risky prospect. So we will attempt Diplomacy.

Most of the impact has been on trade, so we will send a trader to make contact and initiate negotiations. We will try to see if there is some accommodation that can be made with them.

Now... who should this trader be?"

____________________________________________

'Ironclad' Gozanti Freighter Refit - Bridge​

Bodek Karsin stood at the rear of the bridge, looking over the senior officers of his crew. They were waiting for him to make a decision. Fight. Answer. Run. There were few other options.

He shifted his gaze to peer through the viewports set into the ship's bridge.

Beyond the transparisteel, among the stars, lay the ship that had intercepted them. It seemed more like a pirate ship than any legitimate vessel. But of course big guns had a legitimacy of their own.

Within that unknown vessel lay the mysterious representatives of the Black Sun. These wanted a 'Toll.' They were clearly part of the same group which had beset Madrus on all sides. The group Bodek had been sent to treat with.

"Any answer, Sir," Jelka Norv- his communications officer- asked. She was of the Laborer Caste, like him. Her vocal enhancer made her voice particularly pleasant. Her translator chip ensured her response was articulate in any language. Her wide frame made her especially desirable to Bodek's eyes, though as her employer he could never indulge in his fancies.

Bodek nodded once, "Send this:"

He paused, a frown touching his features. He was no diplomat. He didn't even have a knack for business negotiations. He stated his positions plainly. Haggled little.

Then again, plain speaking was what the moment required. There had been too much confusion of late.

"Take Us To Your Leaders."




Hakar Scaleback Velzari Tharn Kinley Pryse

 

[Velzari Tharn]

B L A C K - S U N - S Y N D I C A T E
P I L G R I M S - T O - A - B L A C K - S U N​

What should have been a routine shakedown had spiraled into a much larger situation than intended.

Madrus was one of dozens of worlds graced by Black Sun’s shadowy influence, slowly being entangled day by day. Spice, guns, droids, extortion - small enterprises on their own, but when woven together, a tight net could easily cradle a vulnerable world.

Word reached Velzari at his palace on Nar Shaddaa: the ruling council of Madrus had discovered Black Sun’s encroachment, but instead of pushing back with violence, they sought to make certain… accommodations. To ensure that Black Sun’s expansion into the systems was exacted as planned, the Underlord himself took responsibility for the meeting.

If you want something done right, you’ve got to do it yourself.

“Send them the coordinates to Port Nowhere,” Prince Velzari said. The order made his Davaronian agent grin devilishly. It was providence that the station was close enough for sub-light travel. “An escort to bring them to the Overseer’s Bridge, Lord Tharn?” the alien asked.

“The upper deck will do. Have a booth ready for us. I’d like to show these people what a friendly gesture from Black Sun looks like for those who play the game.”

Tags: Bodek Karsin | Hakar Scaleback | Kinley Pryse
​

 

[Kinley Pryse]

You've been hit by... you've been struck by...

You want mercy? Try praying. I take payments, not apologies.​

“Enjoy my friend.”

Kinley pocketed the credit chip and watched as the Duros male walked away with a death stick in hand. She watched him walk away with a slight smirk before turning her attention back to the crowed. Porte Nowhere was always busy and it was usually a good place to make a few sales when she hit a slump. That much she expected.

What she did not expect was her datapad to vibrate with a message from her boss, Flint. Apparently there was a meeting that he was too busy to attend. As his lackie she had to pick up the slack.

She slid her hands in her pocket and shuffled forward. A few moments later sliding into the room, with a nod to the Underlord. She always felt a sense of unease at these meetings, wondering if the higher ups were getting sick of seeing her face instead of Flints. She never let it show though. To the rest of the galaxy Kinley Pryse was cool as a cucumber.

Velzari Tharn Bodek Karsin

A Smooth Criminal

 

[Bodek Karsin]

Nowhere
__________________________________

​

Bodek was surprised when they were given coordinates that were so close by. He hadn't realized just how near the Black Sun threat had come to his home system. It was no wonder that they had felt the presence of this organization so deeply. Organization... or person? He still wasn't sure. There might very well be a King or Emperor called 'The Black Sun' sitting on a throne somewhere.

A King of Crime, perhaps.

As the Ironclad made its way to the location, he tried to picture what such a King might look like.

Then the destination came into sensor range.

Korda Nerv spoke up, her cybernetic eye scouring the sensor screen for details, "It's some kind of Battleship. Bigger than anything in the Madrus fleet. I think it's being used as a mobile headquarters, based on the amount of ships coming and going and docking with it."

Vordek Maresh grunted, "Maybe they're transient. A nomadic people? Maybe they'll move on, soon?"

Bodek frowned, "That sounds too much like good luck."

Jelka looked up from her console, "They've given docking instructions, and a destination within the... port? They call it... Nowhere."

Bodek imagined a hypothetical conversation with Law Enforcement. 'Where is your base of operations?' 'Nowhere.'

Then he nodded, "Do as they suggest."

When he finally boarded, he had to make the difficult decision of who to take with him. If he went alone, it might convey his confidence... but it might also suggest he didn't have any loyal subordinates to accompany him. Or speak ill of his status in his own society.

In the end, he brought Korda, his Weapons Chief, and Vordek, his Security Chief.

Korda was less than forty years of age, but she looked like she'd fought enough battles for two lifetimes. She wore a patched warrior's suit... a suit that was about as patched-together as she was. Bodek had heard that she'd once been a pilot, and beautiful. He supposed she still had a kind of beauty, now. But you had to be a warrior to appreciate it fully.

Vordek was a bit older than Korda. His lungs had been replaced after a combat injury years ago. It gave him a mechanical sound when he took a breath. When he spoke, his voice was like granite being ground into sand. It was Vordek who trained the crew in close-quarters combat during their off-hours, so that even the laborers might fight well if it was called for. He was a formidable striker and wrestler. Which wasn't to say that he eschewed a good blaster when it was called for.

The two members of the warrior caste followed their laborer Captain through the halls of Nowhere, under escort from the representatives of the Black Sun. Bodek still didn't know if that was a person or a thing.

The inside of Nowhere was as bustling as the outside, and filled with every manner of alien imaginable. The Madrugar people had once been human, according to the lessons of history. But a long time living on an alien world had forged them into something new. Even humans seemed a bit alien to them, now. Freakishly tall and thin in most cases, lacking the broad builds common on Madrus.

Led to a booth, Bodek paused. Normally he introduced himself as a businessman. But today he was representing his people. It was a weightier duty with a loftier title.

"I am Bodek Karsin, Laborer Caste envoy of the Prime Executive of Madrus, and his Council.

This is Korda Nerv, my Weapons Chief. And that is Vordek Maresh, my Security Chief. Warrior Caste, both."

The way Bodek said 'Warrior Caste' implied that those gathered here should be impressed. But these short, stout, middle-aged near-humans might not seem like much to anyone observing them. The armor they wore was robust looking, at least. Their weapons- if they'd been allowed to keep them- were almost quaint in their design. A melding of slugthrower and blaster, as though their society had only recently discovered blaster technology and was hesitant about the upgrade.

"We are here to treat with the person known as 'Black Sun.' Or... the organization with such a name.

It is not clear to us which it is."

​

Hakar Scaleback Kinley Pryse Velzari Tharn

 

[Velzari Tharn]

B L A C K - S U N - S Y N D I C A T E
P I L G R I M S - T O - A - B L A C K - S U N​

Velzari remained seated as the trio approached, but he dipped his head gracefully to welcome them. While credits in the end were nothing to balk at, Velzari's favorite part of a new transaction was this: the initial meeting, the first impressions, the dance. It was too titillating not to enjoy.

"Welcome," the Falleen said with an open-armed gesture, "to Port Nowhere."

The mobile station served many purposes for Black Sun. It was a shadowport for bounty hunters, black market moguls, mercenaries, and fences. It was a forward operating base for syndicate operations and expansion to new sectors. Today, it was a meeting ground. Neutral enough to host a delegation, but secured by Black Sun Guard to ensure no one made an attempt on the Underlord's life.

"Please, join me," Velzari said. "I am quite pleased that your leaders have chosen to seek an understanding with my organization, rather than oppose it forthright." He waved down a waiter and requested a fine bottle of liquor for the table. He assumed two Warrior and one Worker Caste would prefer a stronger libation, if they partook at all.

"I am Prince Velzari Tharn, Underlord of the Black Sun syndicate."

His introduction was brief, but reputation likely preceded him by now. If Madrus was aware of Black Sun, they no doubt knew of the Prince.

"It has come to my attention that, in their eager nature, agents of Black Sun have offended the people of Madrus with their operations. This will not do, and I assure you that they have been dealt with - harshly. To show the good people of Madrus that Black Sun means well, I'd like to discuss an arrangement that would see to it we both make a lot of credits... and do so without crossing one another." The waiter set several crystal glasses on the table and poured a dark liquid into them. Velzari collected one and brought it to his lips, sipping and swallowing without being phased by the proof. "Would that be of interest to you?" he asked.

Tags: Bodek Karsin | Hakar Scaleback | Kinley Pryse
​

 

[Hakar Scaleback]

Velzari Tharn Kinley Pryse Bodek Karsin

"Foul rumorsss of the Black Sssun have doubtlessss reached your earsss."

Hakar leaned forward and bared rows of fangs in a predatory smile. The trandoshan adorned himself in fine silks wearing a necklace that gleamed like pure aurodium. Whether attempting to build trust or out of supreme arrogance the madrugar delegation had been allowed to keep their unusual weapons. Part of him couldn't help but wonder if they were fast enough to use them before he closed the distance and sunk his teeth into exposed flesh.

"Hutt Ssspace hasss alwaysss lacked enough opportunity for legitimate enterprissse," he placed one claw upon his breast, "Lisssten to our offer and you will sssee we are not tyrantsss."

Reptilian eyes dilated as Hakar's forked tongue tasted their scent in an almost hypnotic dance. These near-humans had strange customs and attire. Two were of the same tribe while the other seemed to be in charge of negotiations. He believed Velzari was being so cautious because the falleen didn't quite know what to make of them yet either.

"I am called Hakar Ssscaleback," the vigo introduced himself, "You may think of me asss part of the Underlord'sss Council. My world Dosh enjoysss sssuch an arrangement. Our mossst sssacred traditionsss are ressspected and my people determine their own fate. Asssk yourssselvesss would thisss be ssso if we anssswered to sssome outworld emperor or dissstant core world sssenate?"

 

[Kinley Pryse]

You've been hit by... you've been struck by...

I don't dodge trouble. I charge extra for it.​

Kinley didn't bother with an introduction. She just tipped her hat to the newcomers and let the Prince do the talking. Flint was the Vigo here, not her. And while she knew he wanted eyes on his operations, she was starting to get the feeling the Prince might press her for overstepping. He wasn't someone you wanted to test. Then again, neither was Flint. Lately, she seemed to live between a rock and a harder place.

Her gaze drifted over the strangers, broad frames, strange posture. The caste system they wore like a uniform caught her eye. Imagine that: born into purpose, knowing your place from the start. Better than clawing your way up under a sick old bantha like Flint.

"The Vigo from Cantonica is prepared to offer resources to help an agreeable deal be reached," she said at last, her tone smooth as glass.

She gave the cherry stem in her drink a lazy stir, cool as a night breeze, eyes unreadable.



Hakar Scaleback Bodek Karsin Velzari Tharn

A Smooth Criminal

 

[Bodek Karsin]

​

"Welcome," the man said with an open-armed gesture, "to Port Nowhere."

There were two other persons here, in addition to the security forces. But they had not yet spoken.

"Please, join me," the green-skinned man went on, "I am quite pleased that your leaders have chosen to seek an understanding with my organization, rather than oppose it forthright."

Bodek hesitated only a moment before joining the man and his associates at the table. His Warrior-caste companions shuffled in beside him. The three of them immediately began reaching out to take beverages, without ceremony or preamble.

"I am Prince Velzari Tharn, Underlord of the Black Sun syndicate."

Bodek paused, glancing at his compatriots, who returned his look. They exchanged words in an archaic version of Basic, another clue that they were from a culture that had been largely isolated from galactic affairs until recently.

"Prins? Þýðir það að þar sé konungur? Eða er prinsinn hæsta stig í þeirra stjórnkerfi?" Bodek asked his companions.

Spoiler

A Prince? Does that mean there is a King? Or is Prince the highest rank in their system of governance?

Korda responded, "Þat má vera stíllrík nöfn. Líkt og 'Verslunarprins' er einfaldlega ríkur ok máttugur verslari?"

Spoiler

It could be a stylistic title. Like a 'Merchant Prince' who is simply a wealthy and powerful merchant.

"Hvat sem hans titill er," Vordek mused, "Hann er við hina fínu borðinu. Hann er sá er talar. Hann er í forystu."

Spoiler

Whatever his title, he's at the nice table. He's the one talking. He's in charge.

"Thank you for your hospitality," Bodek said, switching to a more familiar version of Basic as he addressed Velzari, "Prince Velzari Tharn of the Black Sun Kingdom. I honor you in your home." Bodek dipped his head, and held his beard from touching the tabletop.

"It has come to my attention that, in their eager nature, agents of Black Sun have offended the people of Madrus with their operations. This will not do, and I assure you that they have been dealt with - harshly. To show the good people of Madrus that Black Sun means well, I'd like to discuss an arrangement that would see to it we both make a lot of credits... and do so without crossing one another. Would that interest you," the Prince asked.

Bodek blinked. The Prince had corrected his own people for trespasses against Madrus? Unexpected good fortune. That was practically his whole diplomatic mission here done and dusted.

Ah... but nothing was ever so easy. There was the suggestion of business. An arrangement for profit.

Well, that's why the Prime Executive had sent him, wasn't it? This Black Sun Kingdom- Principality? He was unsure. Anyway, it seemed keen on making money. That much had already been made clear. Bodek's job had been to find ways to appease them that didn't end with their Black and Sunny boots on the collective Madrugar neck.

At this juncture, the companions to the Prince spoke. First, a big lizard man. This species was known to the Madrugar. A few had been met in trade in recent years. From what Bodek recalled, they were largely preoccupied with hunting. He couldn't quite recall the name of their species.

"Foul rumorsss of the Black Sssun have doubtlessss reached your earsss," said the big lizard, "Hutt Ssspace hasss alwaysss lacked enough opportunity for legitimate enterprissse." He placed one claw upon his breast, "Lisssten to our offer and you will sssee we are not tyrantsss."

"I am called Hakar Ssscaleback," the lizard introduced himself, "You may think of me asss part of the Underlord'sss Council. My world Dosh enjoysss sssuch an arrangement. Our mossst sssacred traditionsss are ressspected and my people determine their own fate. Asssk yourssselvesss would thisss be ssso if we anssswered to sssome outworld emperor or dissstant core world sssenate?"

Underlord. That was the Prince's other title, wasn't it? This reinforced the idea of the Black Sun being a criminal endeavor. In fact, the metaphors began to make sense in that context. They were led by a Lord, but he was an Under-Lord. A Lord of Shadow? The Black Sun must be the sun that gleams darkly in the Under-World, disguising misdeeds in its umbra. Every noble tradition was flipped. Light for Dark.

Most criminals bristled against being called crooks, but this lot seemed to have embraced it and codified a whole nobility around it.

"Well met, Councilor Hakar. I am of the Laborer Caste," Bodek repeated this fact from earlier, "but my role in the Caste is as a trader. Making credits very much interests me, and many of my people. The Prime Executive anticipated that money-making was your concern, and that's why he sent me."

Then, specifically to the lizard, "And yes, we wish to keep our traditions. Our customs. Our internal structure, intact. We have long heard tales of the Galactic Alliance. The Mandalorians. The Empire. The Hutts. The Sith. Even a distant Diarchy. We thought the day must come when one of these powers attempted to dictate to us. We did not guess at the dawn of a Black Sun in this region... until it was upon our horizon."

"The Vigo from Cantonica is prepared to offer resources to help an agreeable deal be reached," a woman said, her manner of dress reminiscent of an animal-herder.

Cantonica? That was a world on the edge of the galaxy, unless Bodek misremembered his studies of the galactic map. What did such a distant sphere have to do with the Black Sun? Or... was their influence spread so far?

There were other possibilities. There had been a great stellar upheaval not long ago, which the learned men and women of Madrus had been unable to explain. Some worlds had moved sectors away.

"A generous offer, Vigo," Bodek said, finally taking a sip of the drink that had been on offer. Vigo? Another title? He wondered where it ranked with Prince and Underlord.

Hmm. The drink was not bad. These people knew how to get good ferments, at least.

"But before I count myself thrice blessed," he went on, setting down the glass, "tell me what you want from the Madrugar people in return for the freedom and generosity offered."

He steeled himself, hoping it was a price he could pay personally on behalf of his world... but suspecting it was a toll that would ultimately be laid upon all the clans.



Kinley Pryse Hakar Scaleback Velzari Tharn

 

[Velzari Tharn]

B L A C K - S U N - S Y N D I C A T E
P I L G R I M S - T O - A - B L A C K - S U N​

"Black Sun works best when there are shadows to operate in," Velzari explained. "The good people of Madrus are undoubtedly afflicted by the same perils as any other world in Hutt Space; pirates, slavers, spicers, swoop gangs. There is no shortage of villainy among these stars. Anywhere a light shines, a darkness is cast on the periphery. This much is a fact. It is indisputable."

His eyes shifted to Hakar Scaleback for a moment, a silent understanding communicated between them. Black Sun's approach was tried and true, so long as the host agreed to welcome the syndicate into its territory.

Velzari smiled wryly. "My organization's expertise lays in the art of becoming the shadow. You see, we Black Sun can control these otherwise uncontrollable elements. We can ensure that your ships are never pirated, your people are not enslaved. All we ask in return... is the freedom to work without interference."

Tags: Bodek Karsin | Hakar Scaleback | Kinley Pryse
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[Hakar Scaleback]

Velzari Tharn Kinley Pryse Bodek Karsin

"We do not doubt your warrior prowesss," Hakar clenched one of his claws into a fist, "Madrusss can handle pirate gangsss. Exposssure to the galaxy brings more sssubtle threatsss. Foreign idealssss. Jedi religion. The Underlord'sss favor would protect you from thessse influencesss."

The trandoshan's forked tongue tasted pheromones in the air. Through this silent medium Velzari could issue silent commands to his vigo undetectable by most technology. It was an advantage they'd used in negotiations before.

"Keeping local ssscum in line isss only a demonssstration of our influence. Black Sssun hasss consssiderable sssway within the Corporate Sssector. We can advissse you on which contractsss would mossst favor Madrusss. All we asssk in return isss to be a sssmall and sssilent partner."

Hakar gestured over to Kinley who lacked his innate sense of smell and could not pick up on more subtle queues.

"Canto Bight isss a wonder of the galaxy where fortunesss are made and lossst every day. Captain Pryssse reportsss to our Vigo there who ssspeaksss with the Underlord'sss voice. There isss no one elssse I would trussst more transssporting high risssk cargo for the sssyndicate."

 

[Bodek Karsin]

​

Bodek considered the words being spoken.

Hakar was focusing on the promise for enrichment.

Valzari, meanwhile, promised a lack of chaos... if the Black Sun was allowed to act unhindered. But what did that mean, exactly? He suspected there was a thick tome of loopholes in that agreement, and none in the Madrugar people's favor.

"Let me be sure I understand what you mean... When you say Black Sun must work without interference... do you mean you wish to pass through our system without getting trouble from our government? Or do you mean you wish to operate on Madrus itself?

Do you intend to sell Spice or Death Sticks or... Illegal Thinking Machines to the Madrugar?

There are some things the Madrugar people can't tolerate. An outside criminal class violating the laws of our world are one of them. It is one thing to pass on through to other places. That does not concern us. But allowing outsiders to corrupt our own people?

That can't be countenanced."

He leaned forward. "So tell me honestly. Do you intend to conduct illicit operations on Madrus itself?"


Hakar Scaleback Velzari Tharn Kinley Pryse

 

[Kinley Pryse]

You've been hit by... you've been struck by...

"I don't do noble. I do alive."​

Kinley couldn't help but think the Trandoshan was trying to signal something to her. She fixed her eyes upon him for a long moment, trying to read between the lines. The compliment did not go unnoticed either.

....".There isss no one elssse I would trussst more transssporting high risssk cargo for the sssyndicate."

Kinley tipped her hat slightly at the slithery speaker, a bit surprised to hear such things. Perhaps she was gaining a reputation among Black Sun after all. Not that it mattered. Flint would never let her go, no matter how much others spoke about her.

"Do you intend to sell Spice or Death Sticks or... Illegal Thinking Machines to the Madrugar?"

Psh way to take all the fun out of it, Kinley thought. She'd sell death sticks to the chancellor himself if she got the chance. There were worse things than spice addicted people. Personally Kinley thought Hakar had a point about the Jedi and all the trouble they brought. She also realized the Underlord probably wasn't going to like the question the big man just asked. She whistled lowly and sat back in the booth, as if she was completely comfortable, cocky even.

"There are worse things than a little purchased spice. Things that make you worry. For example, worrying if your worlds water supply is poisoned. Worrying your crops won't grow because the soil has been tampered with. Worrying a few dozen convicted killers don't find your planet after a prison break. You could drive yourself mad worrying about stuff like that. Let us worry about all that. Makes your life so much easier."

She smiled in a knowing sort of way. She knew exactly what she said and the intentions behind it. She figured it would pale in comparison to whatever the Underlord had to say however. This wasn't a negotiation after all, not truly.


Hakar Scaleback Bodek Karsin Velzari Tharn

A Smooth Criminal

 

[Velzari Tharn]

B L A C K - S U N - S Y N D I C A T E
P I L G R I M S - T O - A - B L A C K - S U N​

Velzari’s lips quirked into a smile. He hadn’t taken the Madrugar for a people so deeply entrenched in law and justice, and that was a mistake he was quickly seeking ways to correct. Convincing Bodek’s people to allow Black Sun to operate freely would be difficult, but there were other ways to make use of Madrus. Staging grounds, warehouses to store product, chop shops and refueling stations - they didn’t have to peddle to the Madrugar if that’s what it takes, Velzari would be damned if he didn’t try to worm his way into doing both.

“I’m certain you’re aware that criminal acts are committed regardless of their illegality. Madrugar law is no more stopping the sale of deathsticks than Alliance law stops the sale of clones. The difference is that Black Sun can guarantee what the gangs and ramshackle cartels cannot: quality.”

Maybe this would sway Bodek. Velzari prided himself on the notion that his organization was not only the most dangerous, but also the most prestigious. Black Sun’s expansion model included the assimilation of a sector’s top industry leaders, and the extermination of the middling. What remained was the bottom shelf option, which when compared to the new top dog, was indisputably garbage. Buyers and investors had a clear choice between Black Sun’s superior stock, and whatever backyard trash the local street gangs were peddling.

“Black Sun’s products, be they deathsticks, spice, guns, or sentient droids, all come with the same guarantee of quality. We haven’t dethroned the Hutts and forced the Pykes into submission with comparatively low quality trash, after all.” But Velzari could tell it wasn’t the quality of the drugs and droids that troubled Bodek. He was still hung up on their presence at all. “Madrus will never eliminate the presence of black market goods. But it can participate with an enterprise that can provide top quality goods, and afford to throttle them at the request of your ruling class.”

That last bit was a rare offering from the Underlord, one that might draw the uncertain side-eye of Hakar or Pryse. But what Velzari said was true, and perhaps the best thing he could offer the Madrgar government; limits on black market presence to ensure the population wasn’t flooded with illegal drugs and technology, while in return gaining exclusive access to the market itself.

There would be markedly less profit than if the planet were playing openly, but complete domination of its underbelly would pay off the difference soon enough.

Tags: Bodek Karsin | Hakar Scaleback | Kinley Pryse
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[Bodek Karsin]

​

Bodek looked grimly at Kinley as she implied threats.

Then resignedly at Velzari as he promised quality control.

He turned to look at his companions. Something unspoken passed between them. A terrible understanding.

Then, finally, he returned his attention to the Black Sun representatives.

"You do not understand," he said at last, "we can not allow outsiders to insinuate themselves into our culture, corrupting it with drugs and illicit products. That is not negotiable.

But I realize we are here to negotiate."

A hard set to his jaw. Steel in his gaze.

"If there are to be criminal activities on Madrus, then we will do it. We will adopt a new criminal Caste and do what is required. I will explain it to our leadership- it is the price we must pay.

You will give us the required status in your operation, and we will be your agents on Madrus. We will do all that you require there, and make the necessary contributions to your organization as is required of members."

It was a grave sacrifice. Changing castes was allowed on Madrus, but it was not looked well on. Still, to save the Madrugar from foreign corruption, there seemed to be no choice.

They would have to become the agents of corruption themselves.

Only then could Madrus still be of the Madrugar people.



Hakar Scaleback Velzari Tharn Kinley Pryse