Private Smuggling Assets

[Liin Terallo]

This was it. Time to start the next phase of my research. However as always there was a slight hiccup.

I had acquired a new laboratory space hidden on Trevua. While some might assume that I would hide myself upon a world with Force fluctuations, or one teaming with life to better hide my Synthetic signature; I had instead had chosen a world where the droid to human ratio was incredibly high. It was not to hide myself so much as it was to hide the high level of energy input that my research requires.

The equipment to conduct this next phase unfortunately required unique items of it's own; the type of equipment that sat within a facility that I used to work at on New Cov. I had not been there in some time; not since it was taken over by a foreign power. My parents had gone underground with many of the other elites of NCBC, forging themselves a rebellion force to retake our homeworld. Under the Emergency Protocol; all communication with them has been stopped. I am not supposed to reach out to them. So instead I sent out a communication for a proxy; letting them be aware that I needed some very specific equipment to continue an important project that I am working on.

Of course that equipment needed to be smuggled out of New Cov. And for that I needed someone discreet; someone so rough around the edges that most people would just look the other way. Someone that could handle themselves in a fight if need be.

I scoured through the holonet; using the identity of the proxy to send out an advertisement for a smuggler. The sensitive information that I had to get the smuggler onworld and to rendevouz with the right people needed to be said in person. So I had to meet the smuggler in person. I am just thankful to not be anyone that was well known. So it made hiding out in the open a little easier.

The building that I chose was a small restaurant in one of the port cities of Trevua; and not near the building that I am renting for my new laboratory. Still, I needed to be close enough to it to be able to run off again to another world if need be; without leaving much behind.

Patiently I waited for the smuggler to arrive. I sat at a booth towards the back which gave me a great view of the front entrance. The instructions given was for the smuggler to look for the lady in white. Now I may be colorblind, but this was one color that I never got wrong. Instead of my usual labcoat or a gown; I merely wore a white hooded poncho of sorts. In front of me was a small assortments of appetizers and a tall glass of dark wine. I will at least not let the time spent here completely go to waste, on the off-chance that the smuggler did not show.

But time will tell.

Tag: Gillem

 

[Gillem]

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The area seemed to be full with more droids than humanoids. A lot of beeping and clicks, followed by some speaking of various alien languages from speakers and voices alike. After haggling with where to park his ship he finally paid for his space as the annoyed droid began to show sass towards him before locking up his ship.

“And don’t you dare take her for joy rides nor do I want to see ANY damage whatsoever. I know its distance like the back of both of my hands and so help me I will trade you for salvage.”

The droid responded back with its own language which Gillem could only assume were just curses daring him to try. He stuck his cigarette in his mouth inhaling the sweet tobacco before giving the droid a look.

“Not. A. Scratch”

Is all he repeated before he made his way into the city area. It wasn’t necessarily odd to see more metal than flesh in the streets as he weaved through the crowd with little effort, keeping his credits close and his guns closer, he was not taking any chances.

He took up a smuggling operation, apparently some rich lady needed some valuable tech and equipment. He took a slow pull from his cigarette his lungs expanding deep as the stress of a high dense area melted away, then slowly exhaling the sweet scented smoke into the face of another cyborg.

“I’m looking for a diner. Ya know? Small restaurant? Stools, long table, booths?”

The cyborg spoke but the crowd was too condensed to hear him before the guy got irritable and pointed down the street towards a small building.

Gillem flicked him a credit, the sound ringing out cut through the noise as the cyborgs eye followed it.

“Much obliged, stranger.”

Tipping his hat, he then continued to the diner. He opened the door and the scent of tobacco and rugged travels filled the air as he stepped in. His boots tapped on the floor while he walked in and gazed around for a quick view.

Woman in white.

He remembered as his eye began tracking, labeling. A few low credit bounties were in the building but that was not his business right now. Finally the eye caught the woman in white, sitting in a lone booth in the very back. He flicked the ash from the rolled paper in his fingers before grinding it into the front counter and walking in, stopping just an arms reach from the table.

“Ma’am? You called for a specialist on your…pest problem.”

He spoke cryptically as he sat down. Picking up a piece of finger food he gazed at it as his eye labeled its cooking components, no signs of poison. He plopped it in his mouth.

“How might I be of service?”

His eye picked up her bounty, but he dismissed it for now. Chewing slowly as the waitress brought a small glass of water.

Liin Terallo​

 

[Liin Terallo]

I was in the middle of sampling a tasty meat-filled pastry when the smuggler had arrived. At least, I had assumed that it was him. He seemed to stand there for a moment scanning the restaurant. And as his gaze fell upon me, he made his approach. But not before dousing his cigarette on the countertop.

Rough around the edges, indeed, I thought.

I took a sip of my wine to wash the pastry down as he approached the booth, and made no effort to stop him as he sat down. Afterall, I had wanted him here.

"Hello. It seems as though I had left my home office in too much of a rush and had forgotten some things that I require for the pest control. Outside threats have made it near impossible for me to go back and I have deadlines to meet." I pause for a moment as I study him closely. "Do you think that you would be capable? It is very delicate equipment, afterall." I did ask for someone rough around the edges. But he could also be a little too rough for the job.

Tag: Gillem

 

[Gillem]

GILLEM

“Hm.”

He mumbled to himself as he sampled the food. Definitely better than traveling rations. His eyes fell to her as she spoke of the job.

“I tend to know my way around sensitive equipment. Tech is not really a lost subject on me, if it’s expensive, you can be sure I will get it to you functioning like it was just the way it was.”

He then took a few sips of the water as he rested his boot on a nearby chair off to the side, then gently setting the glass back down. The cold rush of the liquid settled into his gut, where he came from drinking alcohol was the safer option over water, but that water was filthy. Clean water had a much more different taste. Well cleaner water, he wasn’t sure how clean this water was.

“How big is the equipment and how expensive are we talkin? Images also help as well, so I don't accidentally pick up the wrong thing.”

He pulled another cigarette from a small container in his coat and offered her one.

“Smoke?”

A quiet offer as he placed the other rolled paper between his lips, his mechanical thumb folded backwards to reveal a small torch-like blue flame that he used to light the end as he took small puffs.

Liin Terallo​

 

[Liin Terallo]

I can only hope that he knows how to handle fragile equipment. But at least it should be packaged well enough before he arrives on New Cov. At least, that is my hope.

"It should be boxed up for you in a few standard sized crates. I have some contacts on the ground for you to rendevouz with." That is if all went well. I picked up another bit of pastry and had a bite, chewing it down and swallowing before I continued speaking. "The equipment is not valuable to anyone outside of my field of study. But I am in need of it."

He offers me a cigarette upon which I politely decline with a shake of my head followed by a "No, thank you." I have never been one to smoke; although I know of plenty others that do.

"I can pay you 2000 credits now and another 2500 credits once you return." My credit flow is a lot smaller than it used to be. Afterall, I have been living on the run for some time now; taking on small jobs where I could to earn more.

Tag: Gillem

 

[Gillem]

GILLEM

He took another slow drag as she described the job. Forty five hundred credits total for the job. Damn near half up front. Seemed decent enough to him. His eyebrows raised slightly when she spoke about the price for the job.

“Sounds extremely important.”

The exhale came as a cloud of sweet earthy smoke escaped his mouth and nostrils.

“Any call signs or passphrases I should know when I land?”

He took another piece of small meat from the dish, picking it apart and eating bits.

“I'm assuming I will have the coordinates soon.”

He took another sip. A commotion just outside the window just barely catching his attention. Enough to know what kind of threat it may be or if it will just pass by. Looked like the second option to him, as a humanoid began to argue with what looked like a droid vendor.

Liin Terallo​

 

[Liin Terallo]

It is very much extremely important. But not just for me. For the Galaxy as well. If successful; this final phase will break the Catalyst and help bring about a new era of balance in the Galaxy; whereas the population of Force Wizards will be dwindled down to near zero. It is not an extermination; but evolution that will take some time to progress through.

I just hope that I am successful, for my life depends upon it. I was already marked for death by some due to the first phase of my research alone. I do not expect to live to a ripe old age or to have any sort of family of my own; but I hope to at least get to finish my research first before my life comes to an untimely end.

"New Cov is your destination. Each domed city has it's own codes for access through large pipes. You will need to go to the capital, Ilic City. I have the codes that will gain you clearance, plus the coordinates of where you can meet to collect the shipment." Quietly and carefully I reached into the pocket of my poncho and brought out two intricantly folded pieces of papers, each sealed with wax. One was labeled with Covie, while the other was much heavier as it contained not only the information that he sought, but also the downpayment of credits as well. "Ask about the harvest and give this to anyone that responds with: the yield is poor, but the roots are strong. They will direct you from there." I slide both folded papers towards him on the table. "Meet me back here when you are finished. Any further questions?"

Tag: Gillem

 

[Gillem]

GILLEM

He watched the folded parchment slide towards him.

“Domed cities hm? That's quite a thing. Don’t think I have ever seen anything like it.”

He picked up the papers and placed the Covie into his jacket then shook the other one with credits and other information. A smile came to his lips.

“Ain’t nothing prettier than the sound of clangin’ credits wouldn’t ya say?”

He placed the parchment into his jacket.

“Ilic City, pipes, harvest. Pick up and return. Sounds simple enough.”

But truth be told, it rarely was that easy.

“I don’t believe I have any more questions ma’am. Rather efficient of you.”

He grabbed another piece of meat from the tray and plopped it into his mouth as he stood up and started to walk away before stopping midstride and lifting a gloved finger.

“I lied, I have one more question.”

He slowly turned to face her.

“Whats the time frame here? I know to get back here ASAP, but is there an actual date this has to be done by?”

Liin Terallo​

 

[Liin Terallo]

I was both surprised and unsurprised that he had not heard of New Cov's domed cities. More often than not; most people have not heard of New Cov at all. I only blame myself for it gaining the spotlight enough for it to be taken over by a foreign power. "The domed cities are vital for the survival of the Covie. The flora and fauna of the jungles are lethal. If not for the domes; we would not be able to survive it. I suggest that you steer clear of those jungles."

I watched him as he prepared to leave; only to stop shortly thereafter. The question that he posed was a fair one. I may have been clear on a lot of things; however a timeframe was not one of them. "As soon as possible is preferred. But within two standard weeks is best." Whether or not that was too much or too little; it all depended on him and the obsticles that he could face along the way.

And if he does not show? Well then I will just have to try to earn some credits in order to buy the equipment from elsewhere.

Tag: Gillem