Private The Star Lounge - Private Meeting 1

[Ivory Stroud]

The Star Lounge - Private Area, Upstairs

(Parla Pui Piano, Slow)

Upon speaking with the Zeltron bartender, you are escorted upstairs into the Star Lounge’s intimate dining area. Numerous booths & tables provide private seating and a quiet escape from the music below; the ambience is dim, pleasant, and inviting.

Red velvet, dark wood, and brass accents offer a high-class feel to your visit. A glimpse over the railing provides a view to the bar, patrons, and the stage below, but by some stroke of genius design, the music’s volume is significantly less than downstairs.

You are led into the back of the building and through a private door into a section of private booths; each concealed by a red velvet curtain which offers privacy for occupants. Some of the booths offer the same view downstairs, while others are spacious boxes of brickwork and art. The Zeltron bartender, who introduced himself as “Phaelix”, directs you to a single occupied booth in this private wing…

The lone occupant is a beautifully mysterious woman dressed in a sleek, form-fitting black dress and corset, knee-high boots, and sporting a fashionable wide-brimmed black hat which conceals her face in shadow. Numerous tattoos are barely visible through the lacy garment, and centered upon her breastbone is a purple stone set on a silver chain; glittering faintly with a vibrant purple light.

Smoke curls from a cigarra clutched between black-gloved fingers, and a glass of bourbon rests beside her, dappled with moisture. The woman radiates a quiet sense of calm and self-confidence, glancing up from a holo-pad in front of her to regard the newcomer with a pleasant, but reserved smile.

Spoiler: OOC Information. Please Read.

The Donna of The Family has made herself available to discuss all manner of Underworld Business. Respect & Courtesy will be returned in-kind. Members of the Criminal Underworld & the curious are invited to interact - but be warned, any deal struck is binding. The Family does not look kindly on those who do not live up to their word.

Note: Private Threads are open to the first reply. A response will ensure removal from the Public Thread, so-as to render the meeting Closed.

 

[Glar Ulchtar]

Ivory Stroud

Location: A mid-level area of Coruscant.

Time: A few hours before the event.

Glar Ulchtar was riding a public transport with a large crowd of other sentients. It smelled like a mixture of dried up vomit, and cheap disinfectant. Admittedly, the smell was diminished slightly by the mask that he was wearing, but it was still certainly noticeable. This odor did not exactly help Glar’s irritable mood. He had been intending to buy a Holocron from an antique shop earlier that day, only to learn that it had been stolen the night before by an unknown thief.

Now, Glar was heading back to his hotel room on the foul smelling transport. After a few more stops, the transport reached the stop where Glar exited. As he was getting out, he decided not to go directly to the hotel room. Coruscant was a large planet, and it was not every day that he would get to be there. There were so many people anyways, that even if he was seen by an informer for the Pyke Syndicate, the informer would probably see at least 20 other Pykes that could match his physical description.

Glar eventually wandered into a museum, which was dedicated to the Galactic Civil War. He had recently acquired a Holocron which was created by an individual from around this time period called the Grand Inquisitor. Perhaps this museum would have some information about him. While Glar saw some very interesting displays, including a A280 blaster, a 1:1 scale replica of an A-Wing and a fully functional KX droid, he did not find anything about the Grand Inquisitor.

As Glar was leaving the museum, a nervous looking Rodian in a grey suit who was carrying an old fashioned looking briefcase collided into Glar. The Rodian’s briefcase snapped open, spilling its contents all over the steps leading up to the museum. “I’m so sorry sir, I did not mean to run into you. It was an accident.” the Rodian said in the Pyke language. He spoke it surprisingly well, almost too well. In response, Glar politely said in the Rodese language “I am not angry with you, and accept your apology.” He then began helping the Rodian pick up his papers, but slipped a small note up his sleeve. Glar was curious about this Rodian, and figured that he probably would not miss one small note. Once all the papers had been picked up, the Rodian thanked Glar, shut the briefcase, and went on his way just as quickly as he had came.

Once Glar had returned to his hotel room, he read the note. It read as follows:

Tonight: go to the attached address. Ask the bartender to speak to the Proprietor for the information you seek.

Interesting. Glar strongly suspected that was Rodian was intended to deliver the message to someone. Perhaps it was fate that the message had ended up with him? Of course, the Rodian had spoken perfect Pyke, which could have meant a few things. It could mean that whoever “The Proprietor” was could give him valuable information about the current plans and status of the Syndicate. It could also mean that this was a trap. Either way, a few hours later he found himself asking a bartender to speak with “The Proprietor” in a glamorous looking restaurant. Naturally, he had his lightsaber with him if things went… badly.

 

[Ivory Stroud]

Glar Ulchtar

The Zeltron bartender behind the bar looked the Pyke up & down; only mildly surprised to see one of their number present in the Star Lounge. "Phaelix", as his name-tag stated, smiled at the masked entity knowingly - excusing himself from behind the bar and requesting that the Pyke follow.

The pair left the music and glamour behind, heading up the stairs into the intimate & private atmosphere on the upper level of the Star Lounge.

Phaelix showed the man to the private area in the back of the building, and directed him to a private booth.

The mysterious woman seated within glanced up from her holopad - pleasantly offering a curious, but reserved smile. A gloved hand raised, offering a seat across from her in the private booth. Phaelix left them alone, concealing their conversation behind the red velvet curtain.

"Welcome to The Star Lounge..." She said, violet eyes penetrating through his mask as-if it didn't exist. She tilted her head slightly, features concealed beneath a well of shadow created by the wide-brimmed black hat.

"My name is Ivory Stroud, and this is my restaurant. What can we do for you?"

 

[Glar Ulchtar]

Ivory Stroud

As Glar sat down in the booth that the bartender had directed him too, he saw “The Proprietor” already sitting on the other side. Well, half saw anyways. Her face was almost completely hidden in the shadow of the wide hat she was wearing, which made seeing her quite difficult. She identified herself as Ivory Stoud. The name definitely sounded familiar to Glar. Ivory Stoud then politely asked Glar why he was there. After thinking about the question for a few seconds, he responded.

“I am here for intelligence relating to the Pyke Syndicate.”

Glar was not sure if Ivory Stoud would be suspicious of his interests. For all she knew, he could be a spy attempting to figure out how much her organization knew about the Pykes. Before saying anything else though, he decided to see how she reacted to his initial statement.

 

[Ivory Stroud]

“I am here for intelligence relating to the Pyke Syndicate.”

Straight to business, it seemed. The Donna couldn't help but appreciate the sentiment.

She tilted her head, regarding the Pyke seated across from her coolly; her gaze measured and face impassive. After a moment's pause, she reached forward with the same hand which had clutched the cigarra and ground the smoking stub into an ashtray beside her glass - a soft hissing scream rising from it as the spirit of fire perished.

Then, she interlaced her black-gloved hands before her on the table, resting them there. When she spoke, her voice was a sing-song of musical notes; playful, coy, but possessing a cautious note tinged with impending danger:

"Typically, in business dealings of this sort, one begins with introductions before heading straight to business. Who are you, and why would you believe I have information on any group such as The Pykes?"

The first of many questions to come. If he'd expected an equally laconic response, he would be disappointed. No Information was ever free.

Glar Ulchtar

 

[Glar Ulchtar]

Ivory Stroud

It seemed that Glar had not opened the conversation on the best note possible, to say the least. In response to the second question, Glar decided that he should answer it vaguely, but as honestly as he could without revealing too much. “An individual with an old fashioned looking briefcase let me know.”

Glar decided to let the first question slip by, for the time being. He imagined that it would be asked for a second time at some point during the meeting. For now though, he decided to ask his first question, albeit not directly. What could he talk mask it with? Perhaps complementing the restaurant could put this meeting get back on the right foot. “Anyways, I could not help but notice that your restaurant is in what is quite possibly the best location in this entire city subdivision.”

Glar was almost certain that the true meaning of his statement would be picked up on. If not, people like Ivory Stoud always seemed to take compliments well. It had been a while since Glar had gotten to play these sorts of complex mind games. Additionally, if things did not go well for Glar, he could always just tap into the Force and mind trick Ivory Stoud into giving him the information. Or so he thought.

 

[Ivory Stroud]

Glar Ulchtar

The peculiar response did not cause The Donna's exterior mask to slip, but internally, she was beginning to question what, precisely, had walked into her doors. First, the masked individual had requested information with nary an introduction, then he'd skirted what in most common circles would consider vital to developing friendship & trust; his name. Thirdly, the comment about The Lounge she easily recognized as pandering... which was unwelcome.

To his face, she simply smiled... the gesture of her lips coming nowhere within a parsec of her eyes (which were as cold & unforgiving as Deep Space). She suspected he'd continue to play word games and her time was precious, so she decided to cut to the chase. She waved the comment off, returning directly to business. Her tone had changed, indicating impatience... unless he began to play by what she considered The Rules, she'd give him nothing.

"Thank you, but we're past discussing my interests. You asked for information, Pyke. Unless you're going to answer my questions, or reach for that lightsaber hidden beneath your coat, I'm afraid I can't help you."

The truth was, she did have information worth real credits - but in order to get it, her visitor would have to play along.

 

[Glar Ulchtar]

Ivory Stroud

It seemed that Ivory Stoud was done with introductions. Now Glar had to answer the question about his name, which could be somewhat problematic. He was almost certain that a fake name would be seen through, and his real name was somewhat problematic. Well, his real name was common enough among the Pykes that if he was very lucky, Ivory Stoud would not make the connection. Glar decided to answer with the truth.

“To answer your first question, my name is Glar Ulchtar. And I do not intend to threaten you for the information I seek. I only have my lightsaber with me as a precaution. Similarly to how you may or may not have someone not very far away listening in to this entire conversation.”

 

[Ivory Stroud]

“To answer your first question, my name is Glar Ulchtar. And I do not intend to threaten you for the information I seek. I only have my lightsaber with me as a precaution. Similarly to how you may or may not have someone not very far away listening in to this entire conversation.”

She took a moment after he spoke to evaluate both him & his statement, but her shoulders visibly relaxed... no longer guarded, or prepared for instant movement. His admission that he was not looking to harm her, and his introduction, seemed to quell much of her own internal reservations. The pressure she applied had worked, and her demeanor changed.

The Donna nodded, head quirked to one side... before one gloved hand reached up and removed the hat from her head. As her face was revealed, her beauty was suddenly on display - high cheekbones, full ruby lips, skin as pale and flawless as porcelain, and bright & intelligent violet eyes which had softened considerably. Long, raven-black hair flowed down her back in a lovely braid - reminiscent of Alderaanian hair-styles in its intricate braided pattern which was masterfully done. Along her shoulders and chest, a multitude of tattoos were visible - all tasteful and intricate.

Her wide-brimmed black hat was set aside on the table beside her and she looked at the Pyke with relaxed determination. A smile tugged at the corner of her lip, drawing one edge up toward her ear in a barely-visible expression of amusement.

"Well, Glar.. it's a pleasure to meet you." She said. "I have no problem with your precautions, as I'm sure you have no problem with mine." Her fingers once-again interlaced in front of her... calm as could be.

"Now that introductions are complete... perhaps we can get back to business. I would like to help you... but you must understand, The Pyke Syndicate is one of my allies, and I do not give out information which could harm my allies." Unless the price was right

"Now, then... What do you intend to do with the information you request? And furthermore..." She paused, taking a moment to look the being over - noting he did not appear to be flush with credits.

"What can you offer in exchange?"

Glar Ulchtar

 

[Glar Ulchtar]

Ivory Stroud

It seemed that the standoff between Glar and Ivory Stoud had been diffused. Hopefully, it would remain that way for the rest of the meeting. In response to her mention of precautions, Glar responded “It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Ivory Stoud. I do not take issue with your precautions. If I were in your place I would certainly have some as well.” Glar’s upper-class Pyke accent might have made him sound rather unemotive, bored or possibly annoyed to a human, but despite this, he fully meant what he said.

Now that introductions were completed, it was time to discuss the reason Glar had come here. The information about the Pyke Syndicate. As it turned out, Ivory Stoud was an ally to the Syndicate. “Well, this isn’t exactly unexpected.” Glar thought to himself. It seemed he would need to figure out just how loyal of an ally she was to them.

Glar sat back in his seat slightly, and said “I am intending to use this information in a way which would not negatively impact any of your operations, as far as I am aware. However, I cannot say the same thing for the Pyke Syndicate. In terms of what I can offer you, it mostly depends on just how much information you are willing to tell me.”

 

[Ivory Stroud]

The Donna was familiar enough with The Pykes, and business in general, that she accepted his words easily. She appeared to relax slightly, not taking her eyes off of the masked individual across from her, but certainly less confrontational now that they'd found some common ground.

“I am intending to use this information in a way which would not negatively impact any of your operations, as far as I am aware. However, I cannot say the same thing for the Pyke Syndicate. In terms of what I can offer you, it mostly depends on just how much information you are willing to tell me.”

"I see..." She responded, eyebrows slightly narrowed.. but after a moment's consideration, she decided to work with him.

"I can offer you a name. An individual, seeking to reunify the Pykes under one banner... Someone who has designs on the whole of the Syndicate." She said, evaluating his response.

"However, it is this person that I would rather protect, as our business is far more important than that of the fractured groups most consider The Pyke Syndicate."

"I can also tell you a number of worlds where you might find groups of Pykes, but what you do with this information is your business."

She smiled - a wolfish, toothy grin - bearing her teeth in a primal expression of malevolence.

"Does this interest you?"

 

[Glar Ulchtar]

Ivory Stroud

Glar listened to Ivory Stoud’s response. He was silent for roughy twenty seconds as he thought about everything she had said. She had mentioned an individual who wanted to reunite the Pykes under one banner, and had designs over the whole Syndicate. Glar was fairly certain that she was referring to his father. Glar was very fortunate that he was wearing a mask, as an expression of dread filled his face.

This could complicate things. If Ivory Stoud knew about Jej Ulchtar, Glar had a very limited amount of time before she connected the dots and figured out who he was. In fact, it was fairly likely that she already had. It seemed that he would need to pay extra in order to ensure that he would be getting accurate information.

Once Glar had finished thinking, he spoke in a clear but not slow voice. “I am aware of the individual you speak of and his goals. However, I am interested in the locations which you mentioned. I would be willing to offer you 3000 underworld credits for each which you would be willing to tell me.

3000 each was a high price, and Glar knew it. It would probably set him back quite a bit for the next month or so at the very least. However, if these locations held any sort of water to them, it would all be worth it. Unless of course, it wasn’t.

 

[Ivory Stroud]

“I am aware of the individual you speak of and his goals. However, I am interested in the locations which you mentioned. I would be willing to offer you 3000 underworld credits for each which you would be willing to tell me.

His? Now that was interesting...

The Donna cocked her head to one side, a look of curiosity written on her face. Without telling her anything, the Pyke seated before her had told her everything. She held all the cards... and she knew it.

"The individual I'm speaking of is, in fact, not a He... but a woman."

She took a deep breath, exhaling in a quiet sigh of resignation - deciding to give him what he wanted. 3000 Underworld Credits each was quite the price - especially if she knew something he did not.

"Her name is Edaline Black . I'm not familiar with any other person seeking to unite the Pykes... but Black desires to reunify the Pykes under her own banner. She has the backing of not only my organization, but another - and as such, she is not to be touched. However... if you're seeking to bring harm to the Pyke Syndicate as a whole, she might be able to offer... Opportunities... you might not find otherwise."

A knowing twinkle in her violet eyes betrayed a mischievous streak.

"Secondly, I can tell you one off-shoot of the Pyke Family currently operates within what's known as the Spice Triangle." She assumed Glar Ulchtar would be at least passingly familiar with the region of space between Roon, Ryloth, and Tattooine. "This particular subfaction of the Pykes is known to more... obtrusive in their smuggling operations. If you're looking to do harm or instigate a conflict, this might be a worthy place to start your search."

"Mon Gaza, along the Corellian Run, is spoken of in some circles as a smaller scale version of the Mines of Kessel - which are still operational to this day, but well past their prime. I would recommend you not travel to Kessel without a considerable armed escort, however. Of the numerous subfactions of the Pyke Family, I've heard the group calling Kessel home is among the most violent." She paused, "Even against their own kind."

She spread her arms open in a gesture of honesty; showing she had nothing to hide. The entire time, she had never taken her eyes off the masked face which stared impassively back at her.

"I hope this information is to your liking."

She assumed Edaline Black would appreciate knowing she was not alone in her endeavor to bring the Pyke Syndicate together as one. Even if Black was not a Pyke herself, she deserved an opportunity to further her goals. Besides, her opinions on slavery (or rather, her vehement abhorance of it) had set her in the good graces of The Family upon their first introduction. That particular detail, of course, wasn't relevant to Glar's supposed needs... but he didn't seem much like a Slaver to The Donna.

In fact, he seemed like a being with a bone to pick. Even while wearing a mask, she knew the look & feel of a being hell-bent on vengeance.

 

[Glar Ulchtar]

Ivory Stroud

Now this was unexpected. Very unexpected. A second person trying to unite the Pykes? This news changed things for Glar greatly.

Edaline Black was a bit of a strange name for a Pyke. Perhaps she was an offworlder? A question for another time. The important thing was that Glar either had a potential ally, or a potential competitor. Either way, this person evidently had backup from not only Ivory Stoud, but a second benefactor. Glar could only guess about the second benefactor’s identity.

The point was, Glar needed to be wary of Edaline Black. “I will agree not to interfere with Edaline Black’s efforts.” Glar said. ”Unless of course, I am directly provoked into doing so. In that case, I can not promise anything.” Glar stopped talking to listen to the rest of what Ivory Stoud had to say.

Mon Gazza. Yes, that location made a good deal of sense to Glar. Historically, the Syndicate had operated there. Additionally, he recalled hearing the planet’s name in a news broadcast which he had not had the time to watch. In hindsight, he probably should have taken the time to listen to it. Well, now he knew for certain.

What made less sense to Glar was the Spice Triangle. From the last he had heard, that had been obliterated by the Bryn’adûl several years ago. “The Spice Triangle? I thought that was destroyed during the— wait, I believe I understand now. Apologies.” Glar interjected. He then let Ivory Stoud continue.

Glar’s father had always been very deceptive, especially towards him. The Spice Triangle getting destroyed was the exact type of bantha excrement he would use to cover up his loses in order to save face. Glar was annoyed by the fact that he ever believed such an obvious lie.

Now that Ivory Stoud was finished, it was time for Glar to pay up. He took a wallet out of his pocket, and handed over 12,000 credits, as agreed. He then said “I certainly found this information insightful and to my liking. Thank you very much.”

 

[Ivory Stroud]

Glar Ulchtar

The Donna smiled, reaching out and accepting the credits graciously on one black-gloved palm. "I am pleased we could come to a mutually beneficial arrangement..." She said, winking at him coyly.

"Should you require anything further, consider yourself welcome in my humble establishment. If you like, enjoy a meal downstairs on the house."

As her visitor left the private area, Ivory watched him go - curious whether she'd see or hear from him again.

Ulchtar... Perhaps it was an uncommon name. It might be worth remembering, she decided.