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]

[/div]

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

 

[Gillem]

GILLEM

“Its either always the environment or whatever is spawned on the planet.”

He chuckled.

“You can count on me ma’am.”

He tipped his hat to and took another inhale of his cigarette as he left the diner. The first thing he would do with his credits is grab a slightly bigger ship, temporarily. The amount received was definitely enough for supplies and a vessel with a bit more room, he would be sacrificing some offensive capabilities of his own ship, but that's what his hands were for.

Making his way out to the ship yard he looked around at his options before he decided on his ship. Still a one seater, but a more open main quarters as well as a loading ramp. Payment on return.

After he finished haggling with a stubborn saleswoman she finally relented, lending him the ship. It still had defensive and offensive capabilities. Basic heavy blasters and a basic shield array. She wasn’t pretty but she would do.

Setting up inside he then prepped for his journey, putting in the coordinates in the nav computer and taking off. The longer he waited the longer he went poorer, not ideal.

The ship needed some coaxing before hitting lightspeed but it wasn’t too much of an issue.

Location: Just outside of New Cov.

Exiting from lightspeed he could see the planet floating peacefully on the outside in the void. He opened the envelope with the details and the code he needed as he was being hailed. They requested his codes.

Calmly punching in what he needed the access was granted as he traversed towards Ilic City, passing in through the tube. From the outside, the dome looked smaller. But the inside was just a mass expanse of buildings and city life. He was directed to his landing pad where he landed with ease, powering down everything but defenses. Couldn’t have stowaways.

He then placed his hat back on his blonde head, took a deep inhale and stood up. His slug throwers hung low but tightly on his hips. Finally he walked over to his foldable rifle. Unfolded it and checked it then folded it back and placed it in the inner large pocket that he made for his jacket, as a holster.

The ramp opened and he stepped out.

Liin Terallo​

 

[Liin Terallo]

I watched him as he left, just to be sure that there were no further questions. And then I continued to eat in quiet contemplation. Whether or not he succeeded was not in my hands. It was within his. I had no more sway in this than I did with anything. I hold no power or control over anyone or anything. And in this case it was merely the credits that bade him to follow my request. I just hope that it is all woth it in the end. Only time may tell!

----------

New Cov

Many ships come and go on New Cov. Yet they were highly regulated. Only those with the clearence codes may pass through the domes' vents. The domes themselves were a protective barrier; not only for the jungles, but for invading forces as well.

Oksana sat on one of the crates at the landing pad most commonly used. The old woman was oiling and greasing a sprocket. Her glasses nearly slipped off of her nose as her face was tilted downward. However her gaze was solely on a new ship that had arrived. It wasn't a frequent visitor at all, but a new one. "Well, well, well.....What have we here?"

With more vigor than one might assume an old lady to have; she slid off the crate with sprocket and cloth in hand and then made her way towards the ship just as the ramp was lowering. Tilting her head with curiosity at the new arrival; Oksana continued to grease the sprocket in hand mindlessly while she spoke. "I ain't seen a ship like this before. Now where do you hail from, stranger?"

Tag: Gillem

 

[Gillem]

GILLEM

He noticed the older woman approaching him as he stepped down the ramp, already she looked like she was working on something, the scent of grease hit him and he could tell she was a mechanic before he even saw her.

“Evenin’ ma’am.”

He tipped his hat as the question came to him, a smirk reached his face.

“Nowhere specific really. I kinda just travel around. Pick up odd jobs and what not.”

He looked around at the city scape before him before he looked back at her.

“How’s the harvest?”

He looked at her with slightly squinted eyes as if measuring her, the ramp behind him letting out a hiss as the hydraulics began to relax. He then lit a cigarette with his mechanical thumb and drew a long deep draw, the smoke curled in tendrils off of the rolled paper as the coal at the end shun its bright glow.

“The owner doesn’t want smoking in his ship.”

Liin Terallo​

 

[Liin Terallo]

Oksana didn't physically acknowledge the tipping of the hate towards her in greeting. But her eyes sure showed the appreciation. A lot of folk ignore her as of late and she had gotten used to that. But she needn't try to vie for their attention anyways. Not when there was a lot of work to be done.

With expert hands, she flipped the sprocket over in midair as she tossed it and then caught it again, before rubbing that side down with her greasecloth. "Odd jobs, you say? How lovely. No day is the same for you, I'll bet. No set schedule to keep. It's a bit like being retired you might say, ha ha!"

In regards to the harvest, she gave an indifferent shrug of her shoulders. "At this current time? The yield is poor. But the roots are strong. As long as they aren't choked out, they'll flourish. We've weathered this storm before. And we can do it again."

At the lighting of the cigarette, she took a step back. "Grease and fire don't mix, honey. So be careful."

Tag: Gillem

 

[Gillem]

GILLEM

He gave her a slight look. Eyebrow raised before he ground down his cigarette in his metallic palm.

“That is true. Sometimes I do have a schedule. Sometimes I make deliveries, sometimes I do pickups.”

He reached into his trenchcoat pocket and pulled out an envelope.

“Package for you ma’am. Consider it a receipt for a pick up job. Mailing and deliveries are a bit of a stricter business.”

He gave her a slight nod, trying his best to nonchalantly speak in some code.

He looked around the shipyard as a few smaller droids were arguing with each other while trying to carry tools.

“Some odd workhands ya got, ma’am.”

Liin Terallo​

 

[Liin Terallo]

The old woman pocketed her greasy rag, and tucked the sprocket under the crook of her left arm as she took the package in hand. Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly as she flipped one envelope over and over in her hand as though she was trying to make out the contents without opening it. Then she placed it in another pocket before opening up the other envelope and read it's contents.

"Well, lookie that. Han sent you on a bit of a shopping trip, did he? I keep telling him that if he's so homesick, then he should come home. But no, he's a stubborn fool." She pocketed the envelope and then brought out the rag. She freed the sprocket from her arm and continued to spread the grease as though she never stopped.

Her attention turned to the two little droids. Her eyes rolled at their bickering. "Those two are worse than an old married couple, I swear. But they get their work done. So give me a couple of days. The shopping list should be filled by then. You gotta comm-channel that I can hail you with?"

Tag: Gillem

 

[Gillem]

GILLEM

“Stubborn fools are everywhere in this galaxy. He definitely seems the type to forget to write home often.”

He watched her continue to work on the sprocket as the two droids seemed to argue as they continued their job. He then looked at her and gave a nod.

“Yes ma’am, I do. What all is there to do here while I wait? I tend to like to stay entertained if I’m honest with you. Cards, drinks, stories. Anywhere like those around here?”

He asked his question as he sent her his comms info, and quickly glanced around the shipyard to gauge if any suspicious faces were lurking about. Jobs like these tended to have nosey neighbors, and he would rather keep that at a minimum.

“Or if there's a place that has target practice, that would be nice too.”

He placed his hands in the pockets of his duster as the sound of another ship flew above them.

Liin Terallo​

 

[Liin Terallo]

She flipped the rag up over her shoulder, much like a chef would, staring the man down with a scrutinizing eye. "You like to gamble, eh? There's a casino in the tourist district. You can play some cards there. But if something more rustic is what you're after, then head west a few clicks towards the edge of the dome. There's a couple of pubs that might fit your asthetic better. And if they cheat, well then you'll have some target practice." Oksana snorted out a laugh.

The two little droids had their argument shift into a more violent one as they began throwing tools at eachother. "Hey!!" she shouted. "Cool it or I'll flip your switch!" They didn't really stop, however. Instead they just left the area while they bickered, drawing plenty of curious onlookers.

That was just what Oksana needed. She leaned towards the man, pretending to show him the intricancies of the freshly greased sprocket. "Try to keep away from the foreigners. They all seem a little perkier than most." She wanted to call them occupiers, but refrained from doing so. One day they'll be gone.

She straightened herself up and gave him a biright smile. "Well, I'll see that your shopping list is fulfilled. I sure hope that Han is paying you well. Catch you back here in a couple of days." Without even waiting for him to respond, she turned and headed back follow the two arguing droids. "HEY! BOYS! WE'VE GOT WORK TO DO!"

Tag: Gillem

 

[Gillem]

GILLEM

Gillem tipped his hat to her before she turned away.

“Much obliged ma’am.”

He watched her yell at the two droids and a deep relieved sigh left him.

So glad I don’t work with droids.

He stepped off his ship and towards the pubs. Cards were more of his forte than the bright light loud slots that required more luck than skill. Besides, the guards would likely take his guns and that was off the table entirely.

Two days had gone by when he got the call. Cards were mainly lucrative, a lot of the players were just richer folk pretending to be players and had no idea what they were doing. Easiest five hundred credits he had earned.

He made his way back to the shipyard to find the old lady again, putting out his cigarette before he entered the shipyard. Today was not a good day to be blown up from a guilty pleasure.

Gillem could already taste the credits coming his way, but the job still needed to be finished, and you never celebrate a winning hand too early.

He stopped by the two droids she had yelled at before.

“Wheres your boss?”

The droids looked at each other and gibbered in their own language with Gillem could only suspect was confusion before he cut in on their bickering.

“No, no, your boss! The older lady? Had you guys load up a shipment for me?”

Liin Terallo​

 

[Liin Terallo]

The two droids bickered more as one tried to explain, while the other tried to interject to explain even better, which in turn caused even more bickering.

Leaning against a small pile of crates stood a man watching the whole thing take place. His arms were folded across his chest. The man was clean-shaven, although the look in his eyes hinted at anything else but a clean living. They held a rebellious glint layered with secrets. "BOYS! I'll handle this! Go clean up the shop!"

The two droids wandered off still bickering the entire way.

Meanwhile the man approached Gillem, stopping just outside of arm's reach, but close enough to be heard as he spoke quietly. "You're looking for Oksana, are you? She told me about you. The official word is that she's retired. Unofficially.....well, let's just say that the authorities put her on ice for a while." He gestured to the small pile of crates behind him. "Still, got your shipment ready. I'm to be sure that it all gets onboard. Oksana'd have my hide if it didn't."

Tag: Gillem

 

[Gillem]

GILLEM

Gillem’s eyes found the new face. Clean shaven individual, male. Certainly not the older woman. He slowly stepped up to him, eyeing him down. There was a sudden change in details of the plan, something he did not like.

“Would she now?”

He pulled the cigarette from his lips slowly exhaling the sweet tabac scent.

“And who might you be?”

He stood in front of him seemingly relaxed in his stance but every muscle in his body was ready for just about anything to try and catch him off guard.

“A change in face can certainly bring complications to a mail delivery, surely you’d understand why I’m not too keen on that.”

His eyes followed over the background to catch any suspicious movements, or more suspicious characters.

“What was the charge?”

His free hand rested on the front of his belt, the buckle shone exposing a Morellian Ranger’s Star.

"I'm sure both employers would have our hides if the delivery didn't make it on the ship."

Liin Terallo​