Two Worlds Collide

[Neldar Poska]

[member="Joza Perl"]

Neldar was finishing up some work in the old Wardens Office, he had taken it since it was his old office, and he didn't really have an office in the station anymore. He wanted a tempoirary one after the new main station was built, half way on the other side of the galaxy... but he didn't need to stay here, the warden and the others could run this place without him. Since Neldar had aged, this place too, had aged on him. He held three-thousand slaves on a single station, for hundreds of years. This was Neldars "Legacy," and it started to ache. It was one of the reason he got bored of power. These slaves didn't do anything for him but work and make money. He wasn't poor, he had a steady flow, but it was tight, and the slaves just weren't worth it anymore. Economically, or morally. He shook his head and made his lips make a flibby sound, shaking the thought away, and thankfully, the Wardens Office was getting a ring from ... the warden, in the Control Center. Neldar sighed and blinked a few times, shoving the work away for the Warden to finish and he answered the call in Huttese. <"Ye, this is Neldar, what's up?">

<Leader Neldar, this is the Warden. Your ... special guest seems to have come up on our scanners. We haven't gotten contact with them yet, but if they are in a fighter, we'll send them to the fighter bay, anything larger we'll tell them to dock with one of the Arms or tell them they will have to get out and walk here, sound good?"> The Warden responded in Huttese, thankfully knowing it to make things easier for Neldar. But Neldar wasn't chipper at this moment and slammed his massive fist down, putting a dent in the Wardens desk. <"Shordan, remember! You talk nice about my SPECIAL guests when in front of me. Nobody is special unless I say, and if I say they are special, they are practically your karking god. I'm coming down to overseer how you handle the docking managing."> Neldar shook off the extra frustration and ended the comm, leaving the office to the elevator, which the office was thankfully just above the control center a few floors... No one can say Neldar is a bad architect for convenience!

Neldar finally arrived on the Control Deck, observing the officers and the Warden as they went over technical details and security lingo to make sure everything was proper and correct. "Attention unknown Vessel, this is Warden Shordan, your information has been read out and confirmed. Please proceed to the docking coordinates transferred to your ship. We will meet you when you arrive." Neldar smiled as Shordan seemed like he was being a smartallic while being professional instead of worshipful, but it was appropriate and good enough. "Shordan do good. Good job Shordan. Neldar sorry for being mad, Neldar make sure Warden who has been Neldar friend for long time also good to slaves. Slaves not button, slave alive, slave better work when happy and fed, yes."

"That is correct, Leader Neldar," he said as he turned in a proper stature, "just sitting up here in this creaky old rock gets to the men and I sometimes. Your apology is accepted, as I also apologize." Neldar laughed, listening to Shordan. Neldars people were seen as minions to him, but everyone had a right to challenge his authority when they saw it wasn't right. There's an equal level of respect with everyone; this isn't a cult, or a fight for the greater good, we're all criminals agreeing to work for each other. Even Neldar occasionally worked for the Warden, yes. "Okay," Neldar continued, pointing to the docking bay, "Neldar go meet guest, have good one Shordan." He grinned, waving to Shordan as he waved and turned to leave. "You too, sir." Shordan nodded, turning back to his men.

The Control Center was a bit aways from the docking bay Shordan directed the special guest to, so Neldar had to run a bit if he didn't want to be late. Perhaps it was Shordans little bit of revenge against Neldar. Eh, Neldar would get him back. Neldar hadn't had a formal engagement with an individual not part of his gang for ... much too long, much too long. While Neldar was anti-social, spending a few hundred years which faces that barely change... REALLY gets boring. As Neldar was coming up to the entrance to the docking, he spotted fething Jeremy, no doubt going to sabotage his good day some how. While there was equal levels of respect all around, Jeremy constantly tested that equal respect, but Neldar couldn't judge him, he keeps the company making money. He handles all the minor financials, and... believe it or not, they are friends. If you call the definition of a friend what Jeremy is. Neldar trusts him, and that's all that is needed and asked for. "Fething derka Jeremy," he puffed as he chuckled, shoving into Jeremy as he approached the docking area for his special guest.

"Hello to you as well, Leader Neldar. You sure about this? We've never just given out the coordinates to this location before. What if they sell them?"

"What if Neldar fist meet Jermary tummy, hmmmmm?" He smirked, nudging Jeremy with the force of a full suitcase being thrown at someone.

"Jeeze, Neldar, haha. Alright, they are docking now. Let's see who your special guest is."

 

[Joza Perl]

“I literally think this is the worst idea ever.” Ivan grumbled from the pilot’s chair, eyes staring dead ahead. The Corellian often butted head with his employer, but he was good at his job. Joza, in turn, loved teasing the man and tolerated a certain level of snark. Despite how often they butted heads, the pair worked well together under pressure.

Beside him in the co-pilot’s char, Joza rolled her eyes. “Can it with the fake concern, Volek. You’ll get your paycheck anyhow.” A pink hand rubbed over the bump that was her stomach. She was about 16 weeks along now, and her energy was beginning to return. More energy meant more business deals.

“Yeah, but like…slaves? And what was with those weird messages that you read to me? This could be a trap. This is dangerous, Joza.” His hands tightened on the controls as he received clearance to dock, flipping a few switches as he brought the ship in with much uncertainty. He would never admit that he was concerned over her wellbeing…well, perhaps for the life growing inside her. The child shouldn’t suffer for the mother’s stupidity.

“Oh, hush. I’ve been through worse. Besides, this could be fun.”

“Or you could end up being sold to a Hutt. But hey, go ahead, chance it.”

“Alright, enough. You stay here if you’re going to be a brat, and I’ll start looking for a less sassy pilot first thing tomorrow.” Their fight effectively dissolved as they landed, Ivan turning to Joza and giving her a solid look of disapproval.

Rising from her seat, the Zeltron inched towards one of the consoles, checking her hair in the reflection on its surface. “I’ll be fine, really. It’s business, I’m armed, and you know how to send out a distress signal.” Indeed, the woman had a lightsaber hilt strapped to her inner thigh, and a small hand blaster in her purse. Not much, but the Jedi weapon had helped he through quite a few skirmishes.

As Ivan let down the ramp, Joza departed and smoothed the material of her outfit. While she got the gist that it probably would be appropriate to go extremely low-cut or high-hemmed for this meeting, the Zeltron couldn’t do without a little business chic. She was here representing a dance studio, after all.

Seeing a pair of men close by—one human, one distinctly alien—she approached them with a polite smile. “Hello, I’m Joza Perl from Heartbeat House. I’m looking for one [member="Neldar Poska"].” She wasted no time in looking them over, sizing them up out of curiosity.

 

[Neldar Poska]

[member="Joza Perl"]


Neldar stood with his arms crossed, slouching a little as he waited. He wasn't dressed in any fancy way, whatsoever. A fancy outfit would be extremely too expensive to have custom made since his torso was nearly twice that of a humans, his hands the size of a human head, or nearly, his own skull just a little smaller than a beach ball - he was a monster, and he just kept to his same outfit all the time. Thankfully, he never smelled bad, or so people thought. His forever-attire consisted of battle armor; durasteel chestpiece and leg plates, tied to leather which were his pants and shirt. Jeremy was mildly different, to say the least. As he stood casually with his hands in his pocket and watching the ship land and waiting for the guest to exit, he took a breath, hoping Neldar didn't mes up anything financially. He was dressed in a long sort-of coat; while he was criminally-aligned, he also had to dress for legitimate and appropriate business atire, so his outfit matched him perfectly... in body and mind. However, their reactions wildly changed and were exceptionally different when the Zeltron woman exited her ship, due to her pregnancy, and beauty.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMqCFWgoO7g[/youtube]​

Neldars eyes opened wide as everything seemed to slow down and he lost his breath. Some kind of emotion washed over him like he had never felt before, and all he had ever felt was Gamorrean and Spice Beer. His chest became empty and he clutched it as he stared in awe. His animalistic instincts kicked on as he stared on in wonder; this woman was to be respectful and looked after, no harm shall ever come to her so help Neldars mighty fist. His hand clenched up on his chest as he choked up a little, trying to understand what this feeling was, but before he could start thinking, the silence was broken.


"...looking for one Neldar Poska."

He gulped, the big behemoth frightened for a moment.



"Greetings," Jeremy smiled in an appropriate manner, for business occasions as he reached his hand out, "I'm Jeremy, Golan Arms Repres-"

Neldar smacked Jeremy's face with his hand that was just clenched, obviously unclenched with an open palm. It was less of a smack, more of a 'shut the kark up, Jeremy," as he continued to stare in wonder. It was an awkward silence for a few seconds before Jeremy got upset and pulled Neldars arm away, "Neldar!"

Neldar shook his head and cleared his throat, "herglor perka..." but all that came out were a mix of a dozen languages, Neldar unable to comprehend the situation, as he had never met such a beauty before, never in his entire life... a Zeltron, and her forced attraction were making him hard drunk like the first time he drank a hundred spice beers.

"NELDAR!"

Neldar shook back into consciousness and blinked. "Oh, uh erg... hello." He took his hand back, pounding his chest to bring attention to himself. "Neldar." He represented himself, "Very nice meet Joza. Joza is... new to Neldar. Never see alien like... like Joza." He said as he seemed to be drooling with his words, not literally, but similarly. Jeremy nudged Neldar to get him back into the real world. "Alright, I see Neldar will be taking over this negotiation. If I am needed, every room has an open comm, just request assistance and I will be there. The comms will only actively listen if you state 'Hey GADS,' I installed it myself. Maybe we can speak again some other time. Have a good day, Joza." Jeremy said as he departed, smiling with a wave.

"Duh, uh, Jermar... hmm." Neldar whispered, wishing he would have stayed, now Neldar was embarrassed. He tried to overcome his dumbfoundedness and speak appropriately to Joza. "Neldar speak few other wordages, Neldar Basic very broken, heh" he continued, but spoke in Huttese, as his original language, <"Does Joza know Huttese?"> He gestured her to follow to his office, a more appropriate place to chat, and give the woman a seat off her feet.

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza’s practiced polite smile and demeanor did not waver as the large reptilian man seemed to choke up—was he in pain? Already this meeting was turning out to be odd, as she truly hadn’t known what to expect when going into it. Was there something about her appearance that threw him off?

The human male at his side extending his hand in greeting, and Joza’s own hand went in to shake. “Oh,” She uttered softly as the large alien man whacked the human, withdrawing her arm to her side. A flash of suspicion shone in her eyes for a moment as she stared politely up at the large Vodran. Force stasis, pyrokinesis, even a simple Force push—things she could use to potentially get herself out of this situation should it become dangerous.

“Oh,” She laughed softly as Nedlar introduced himself, proclaiming that he’d never seen one of her species before. “I’m a Zeltron. My kind doesn’t often leave Zeltros, but when we do we usually work in the entertainment industry.” Performers, dancers, prostitutes—the latter being Joza’s own mother. Zeltrons were also found working in underworld operations or smuggling, seeing as how their natural charms let them get away with quite a bit.

Tilting her head towards Jeremy, Joza offered him a smile. “Thank you, Jeremy. It was nice meeting you.” The more rational part of her was a bit on edge at being left alone with such a large creature—but the troublesome part of her insisted she could handle it.

The possibility of Neldar succumbing to her racial charms and becoming infatuated with her did not go unnoticed—but rather, she didn’t know what the man was like so it was difficult to judge. Nevertheless, she kept that in mind while following him towards his office. The words in Huttese were sudden and unexpected. They made her wince, conjuring up memories of tougher times but she smothered them before they could blossom in her mind. <”I do. If it’s easier for you, we can speak like this.”> It had been a while since she’d used that tongue, so she was a little rusty with it.

[member="Neldar Poska"]

 

[Neldar Poska]

[member="Joza Perl"]

Neldar noticed a wince on the woman and stopped walking, extending his brutish hands in a caring manner, but pulling them back in case of frightening her, sad that he couwdo more. "Er, uhm, Neldar have bad basic, but Neldar speak to Zeltron Joza in any wordage. Neldar s-sorry if upset Zeltron Joza," he sighed, trying to be as gentle as possible. He was a little upset, making Joza walk on her feet. "C-can Neldar make Zeltron Joza happy? Er, hmm," he thought and turned to yell down the docking hallway, "Eh Chuta! Neldar need hover bike now! Fethin br-"

"What?" a voice called out, a high pitched, masculine tone from down the hall.

"Gacka Derka! Hover bike! <I will karking shoot you, bring one now!>" Neldar demanded, and a lanky human popped out, driving down the hallway, "Alright, alright, jeezes." he said as he hopped off, giving an invisible hat tip to the woman before scurring away as Neldar gave a grunt and growl, calming befpre turning back to Joza.

"For Zeltron Joza, yes yes," he offered, casually insisting as his protecive instincts kicking in. "Neldar can take Zeltron Joza anywhere, speak about anything," he offered wondering if she would speak up about the slaves he offered earlier. "Neldar personal escort around Neldar base, for Zeltron Joza," he was calm, but mixed emotions and confused feelings made him unable to think straight. His Kalduu communicating him with telepathically to calm him down, triggering Neldar to close his eyes and take a breath as his big hand came up to rest on the center of torso where his Kalduu lived, a gesture of thanks

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza hadn’t realized that her wince slipped through, and that a crack in her well-crafted business façade had formed. It wasn’t typical of her to show any signs of distress during a meeting, regardless of how she felt in side—it was a weakness, something she avoided unless working a certain angle. “Oh, no worries. You didn’t upset me Neldar.” Her smile held a tinge of caution, wondering why this man was being so accommodating. It was not unwelcome, however. “We can speak in either language, whichever you’d prefer.” He was being quite the hospitable host, and she hated making a fuss.

“Oh…no, please. You don’t need to…” Joza held up a hand as he called out to someone, threatening to shoot him if they didn’t bring him a hover bike. The Zeltron just stared for a few moments as the scenario unfolded, processing everything that was going on. “Ah, this is very kind of you, Neldar. But I’d rather keep to my feet if that’s alright. A girl does need her exercise!” Tilting her head down slightly, she looked up at him through her lashes and smiled. She held this position just for a moment—knowing that subtle doe-eyed glance could work wonders in softening a blow. Whether it would work now remained to be seen.

Her hand idly smoothed over the bump that was her stomach—it wasn’t that big, but it was noticeable. Thankfully she wasn’t having any trouble maneuvering around, though things would only get more difficult as time went on. “And please, call me Joza.” Clearing her throat, she decided to dive right in. “You’re quite the host, Neldar. I appreciate you arranging this meeting for us.” A bit of the spark faded from her smile as her voice firmed a bit when it came to more serious matters—though she still remained polite and cordial through and through.

“I must admit, I was a bit concerned by your message regarding slaves. And I’ll be upfront about this; slavery is one thing I have no tolerance for in any form.” Hands clasped behind her back at her wrists, Joza walked with a ramrod straight spine as if she were striding through the corridors of a military vessel. An unusual gait for a Rogue such as herself. She glanced at Neldar from the side. “What is your stance on slavery, Neldar?”

[member="Neldar Poska"]

 

[Neldar Poska]

[member="Joza Perl"]

Neldar acknowledged Joza's request to keep on her feet. While he didn't like the thought, he respected her strength while it wasn't his business. He nodded and shoved the hoverbike against the wall. He did it with speed and strength that showed his natural 'I don't know how strong I am,' but it was not of strength he ever showed towards Joza. It clunked and banged, but stayed hovering... it seems like its been mishandled before, on a station like this, with these gangs, so it was just fine from being thrown. Neldar, on the other hand, felt some dismay and grief. He didn't realize he would be making a woman caring-child board his station for a meeting, but he digressed his thoughts.

Neldar smiled at Jozas gesture of him being a kind host and he clasped his large hands together, looking concerned or very attentive as she continued. "No, Neldar thank Joza. Neldar not been among outsiders for very... veeeery long time. Like Neldar say, Neldar want little funs now, no more big funs. Big funs boring, tedious, take much effort. Neldar build giant station," he said, putting his arms up in the to show how big it was. "Neldar make big gang with big company. Big company help build station. Big bomm guns defend station, company know stations well. But Neldar never do little funs, Neldar very..." he shook a bit, trying to avoid what his rambling got him to, shaking his head to the side a bit, "alone." But once Joza perked up about how she dislikes slaves, and asked him his stance... he basically melted.

Neldar stretched his neck and pulled his scaly lips back, showing his teeth. But it wasn't aggressive, it was more like embarrassed, or caught in some bad act. He shook his head to the side a few times and hissed, hissing away from Joza as he stepped backwards against the wall. "Neldar is, um... eeeeh." Neldar took a breath as he considered the consequences. He just met this alien and she was so king to him, but his station... what was behind the large airlock door just beyond them... just became his worst secret. But no, Neldar is an honest... or mostly honest? Vodran...?

"Gah! This Station is slave prison. Eeeeeeh," he started to speak quickly, "Neldar keeps mighty thousands of slaves on station to repair ships. Station repairs ships and is slave prison. Neldar gets ships fixed fast so they fight more, and slaves get home here. Neldar has had slaves very, very long time. Slave families, yes, yes," he scratched his neck, implying generations of slaves." B-b-b-b-butbutbut slaves not unhappy. Neldar prove it! Please Zeltron Joza no leave! Neldar show happy slaves. Uh... uh, slaves no get drugs. No, noooo, Neldar no like deal with spice. Slaves start as homeless, uh uh after war, Neldar take them. See, Neldar let slaves earn leave. Cuz Neldar no want throw slave out and slave no have money, get found, taken to different slaver. Neldar say..."


Neldar took a breath. "Neldar say to slave, they work for Neldar, if they want leave. Neldar decide when slave do good job, give slave money, let slave leave. Neldar bored with slaves now. Slaves pay for Neldar, give him station, give him army, give him ships and stuff build ships. But that why Neldar say he free slaves for Heartbeat Home, for Zeltron Joza. Neldar want make station not slave prison but...Neldar not able just drop thousands slaves off on planet. Bad happen to abandoned slaves. Worse life than Neldar give. Neldar not... good Neldar, but Neldar not evil. Neldar just want fun, slaves give Neldar things so Neldar have fun. Neldar no abuse. Neldar use slaves yes, but Neldar not bad to slaves... Neldar show." He said, pointing to the big airlock. Beyond it would be a very long hallway, which led to another airlock, and beyond that, one of three smaller stations that was completely a prison for slaves.

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza watched Neldar carefully for his reaction, staring up at him with a clinical gaze. She did not try to be overly imposing—but rather held her posture, tilting her head to the side as she genuinely listened to Neldar’s explanation. He’d been gracious to her, so she would hear him out, ignoring her gut reaction to start cussing and spitting. Slavers were high on her list of ill repute, and typically she would not find herself willingly entering their den unless she was planning a sabotage of sorts. But to try anything now would be absolutely foolish, so diplomacy it was.

Joza sighed, deflating slightly before straightening herself out and sending a hand through her hair. Brushing the red waves over her shoulder and out of her face, she hesitated for a few moments in thought. Being an empath lent her to the emotions of others, and she could feel that Neldar was being sincere in his belief that he was treating his slaves correctly. Therein lied the problem.

“I see. Thousands of slaves. In your slave prison, that repair your ships.” Her tone was cool, but inside she began to seethe. How to approach something like this? “You’ve had these slaves for many years—generations, as you’ve said. This is a unique situation indeed.” Her eyes flickered towards the airlock then back to the large Vodran. “I’ve no doubt that many of them are complacent with this type of life. But living on someone else’s whim is no way to live. Everyone deserves have a life of security and freedom.” Such was not the way of the Galaxy, unfortunately—but it was something she was trying to help build.

“I agree that releasing slaves with no assistance is dangerous—and you’ve taken steps to remedy that when the time arises. That’s very forward thinking Neldar, and it’s something I can appreciate.” A faint, tight smile flickered to and from her face. “If you’d like, I can offer assistance in helping your freed slaves integrate back into society. Financial help, temporary housing and work. That sort of thing. If you are as good to them as you claim, I’m sure that some would be happy to stay on as paid workers.”

Joza counted herself lucky when it came to the realm of slavery. Though the lash scars would score across her body forever, she had a life to go back to and people to support her after she’d escaped. Indeed, some of the slaves she’d liberated over her years had grown up knowing nothing but a life of servitude, and it was them that found it the most difficult to create a life out of something they didn’t fully understand. Guidance and support would be necessary. Without help, they became easy targets for more ambitious slavers.

[member="Neldar Poska"]

 

[Neldar Poska]

[member="Joza Perl"]


Neldar shook his head, "No no, Joza no understand. Neldar... Neeeveer mistreat slaves. Neldar no slaver. No, Neldar slaver, but... Neldar never harmed slave. Neldar not super good hero, Neldar is slaver. But... Neldar smart, see. Mean Neldar no get good work from slave. Nice Neldar, give to slave gift, good food, slave have home. Slave earn leave or slave leave. This all easy life for slaves. Slaves do work, slave eat, slave sleepy happy. Yes, this station slaves only world, but galaxy no kind to people. Neldar maybe not save slaves, Neldar use for Neldar gain, but Neldar never waste. Joza tell Neldar... If Joza believe Neldar, we go talk about dance. If Joza no believe Neldar, Neldar show Joza slaves not mind-changed. Slaves have good life, Neldar only ask they work. But yes... Ehm, wgen Neldar release slave, they not Neldar problem. Slave is slave problem. Those Neldar release may join Joza or Joza have them. Do... Do Joza wish buy slaves from Neldar? Neldar no really get more slaves. Neldar working get rid of slaves, but money tight, need slave fix station, fix ships."

Neldar shrugged, taking a breath after his long speech. "So, Neldar take Joza to office, talk dance, or show Joza slaves are good?"

 

[James Justice]

Dal'Bor was a world of Vice. Some would call it a "less refined" Zeltros, the analogy wasn't lost since it had a rather sizable Zeltron population. For the people of the city, drinking wasn't a past time, it was a virtue to be extolled like none other. And their crime lord James Justice, the fearless leader and hedonist of all hedonists, was a model citizen. He tossed another empty bottle across the deck as his ship hurled through space. But pleasure wasn't what brought James around. He had made a contract to arm [member="Neldar Poska"] and the spacer would stand by his word even if James-y was hearing rumors he didn't like. Yeah, he smuggled, murdered, pirated, plundered, sold spice, pimped out prostitutes, extorted, tortured, and was keen to bootleg too. But Gods damn it he was adamantly anti-slavery.

And that was what brought him here. The Nestis Cora (In my amazing sig, you should totally check her out) came out of hyperspace and dock, cloaked the whole way. Clad in leather, the spacer pulled himself off his red plush leather sofa and began to swagger into the docking port. A young pilot in his teens followed behind him.

"Mister Justice, my what an unexpected--" began the major domo.

James slapped the man across the back with a hearty laugh, "Well I'll be damned, son, ye look like ye could use a few drinks," the fellow gave James a puzzled look. The spacer gave his mind a gentle nudge, "I got a cold Whiskey in the ship for ye, dun't come back till its empty."

James watched Jeremy make his way up the loading ramp into his ship before he got down to business.

"Sammy," James shouted, snapping his fingers, "HIT IT!"

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAgnJDJN4VA[/media]

"Hell yes!" James shouted as he walked through the halls to his own theme song. A few of the passing workers noticed him but no one dared challenge James Justice. His temper preceded him. He felt someone and became side tracked. A female. A Zeltron. Suddenly she overtook his thoughts for a second and a moment later James found himself looking into the face of none other than Joza Perl. He had heard of her, of course, who hadn't? She was unarguably the most charming and captivating Jedi. And in this moment, James knew why. He caught the tail end of the conversation.

"My lady," James said with one of his classic dashing smiles, "I've heard many a rumor about ye, and let me tell ye, they do nowhere near the justice to ye charm." With that he turned his attention to business--sort of. She was rather distracting to a very excitable man. "Slaves be why I am here. I can be of assistance. Poska, Soceras has a slave rehab, employment, and 'restart life' program I been workin' hard to for. Ye drop em off with me, I can promise ye they'll get a good start at life, if its amiable to ye both."

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza inhaled—held it for a moment—then exhaled slowly. Audibly. Even if Neldar was fair to his slaves, she’d spent the better part of her life working against the practice. There were many things she could compromise on—alliances, alignments and the like.

Her thoughts were interrupted however, as music began to blare through the speakers in the hall, announcing the arrival of one James Justice. “Wh—“ Joza looked taken aback for a moment at the man’s sudden appearance. The way he was talking to her…wait, he knew her? She squinted, trying to get a better look at him, hoping that perhaps she’d recognize him from somewhere. Somewhere good, hopefully. Alas, she could conjure up no personal memories…but gradually she realized who he probably was.

“Oh, do go on…Mr. Justice, is it?” She arched a brow, giving him a once-over. Ah, yes. It had to be him. Part Zeltron, devilish good looks, accent…who else could it be? “Mm…” Shifting her weight to one side, Joza turned his words over in her mind. “I’ve no doubt that we can find proper care for the slaves between the two of us, Mr. Justice. And you’ll have to tell me more of this slave rehab plan later. But the issue is, as I understand it, that the removal of all the slaves would strip Neldar of an important part of his work force.” She turned her focus to the Vodran in question.

[member="James Justice"] [member="Neldar Poska"]

 

[Neldar Poska]

[member="James Justice"] [member="Joza Perl"]


Neldar was snapped out of his delirium over Joza as his attention was stolen by the one, the only, James Justice. The man had done right by him, but now it seems James was in a mood to challenge Neldar over his business. Excuqing the rudeness of the interruption, Neldar explained himself.

"Aha, heh, Mistuh James!" he said in basic before going to Huttese. <"Mistuh James, I swear I was going to talk to you the extent of my slave business. But I do not lie; I am trying to ween them out of my business. But getting rid of them all would cause me to go broke. I couldn't handle maintenance or construction. It is true, my younger years I was over eager and used one problem to solve another. But I don't have the credits to have pay a work force to keep up with what I have. I lose the slaves without credits, I'll be lucky to have enough to pay men to crew one ship, let alone this station. And... You interrupted my stations security and my meeting to make me give up my slaves and take the attention of miss Joza for yourself? You devilish, crafty karker"> He joked as he chuckled, James knowing and choosing the best timing. Although, this was where Neldar was king, and just as Neldar respected James Kingdom, he expected the same

 

[James Justice]

"Oh trust me, darlin', I would love nothin' more," he said giving her a playful wink. He let his eyes linger on her a moment longer than necessary, playful mischief in his lingering expression. Her eyes were captivating, green, like two near gorgeous islands in a sea of perfect mauve. The flirty words that flew from his lips were effortless, "Ye place or mine?"

Who said business couldn't be fun?

He reached in his pocket and produced a cigarette, nodding with each word [member="Neldar Poska"] said. A steady stream of smoke began to flow from his lips as James puffed away. He looked back at Johny and gave him a nod, the cue to give them some space to do business. His hand gave Neldar's armored shoulder a good natured slap, <Ah, lemme 'splain meself. I trust ye, of course I do. I wun't do business with ye other wise,> he tapped his nose knowningly, <In the moment things get lost, forgotten, I know, I ain't worried. That's why I came down so we could all find a solution between the two--well, three of us now> he gave Joza a wink.

<I got a viable starting point,> James said tapping his chin and switching to Basic, "Ye tell me what ye think of this--first, droids be cheaper than slaves and mostly more productive, right? No hunger, no fuss, no muss." He pulled out a holoprojector that revealed a series of droids:

JW Repair Droid
K2-Series Astromech
Y1-Series

"Any slave ye release that I can replace with this droids, I'll cover," he let that sink in for a moment, "Then, I'll buy the rest. Wholesale. I am sure that should give ye quite a boost to find and hire or buy replacements, eh?"

[member="Neldar Poska"]
[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza chuckled softly at James’s response and his natural flirtations. If they were in the back of some club with strobe lights dancing along their skin perhaps she would be more privy to that sort of thing—but she was here on business. “I’m certain we can find time to negotiate between our companies on our own time. Today, I am here to do business with Mr. Poska.” She offered him a polite smile, tilting her head towards the Vodran indicatively.

When the conversation switched over to Huttese, Joza struggled for a few moments to keep up. While the language was often used by smugglers and the like and she’d adopted it for her particular sort of work, it took her a little bit to right herself. Instead of interjecting where she was not needed, the Zeltron woman simply listened to the conversation between the two men.

But as James lit his cigarette, Joza would flick two fingers forward to send a small pinpoint of Force his way—just enough to snub the cigarette. “If you don’t mind, Mr. Justice.” Rubbing the bump that was her stomach, she gave him another polite smile, though this one was a bit tighter. Smoke wouldn’t be good for the baby, and Joza had quit cold turkey the moment she found out she was pregnant—which led to an irritable few weeks for the Zeltron.

<”Neither of us want to harm your business, Neldar, please know that we’re not trying to tread on your operations. I understand that you’d like to ease the use of slaves in your company, and I’m more than willing to help alongside Mr. Justice to support a solution that will be of benefit to you, even if it is a slow process. But I’d like to make it clear that I do not do business with those who keep slaves, and I hope you understand if I choose to decline you service.”>

Being a Zeltron, she was fairly tolerant of many things, but could not compromise in this realm. Even if Neldar treated his slaves well, the principle of such a practice would always loom behind and above her like a dark cloud. It was a shame, though if she had to leave—she liked how genuine and gracious Neldar was.

[member="James Justice"] [member="Neldar Poska"]

 

[Neldar Poska]

[member="Joza Perl"] [member="James Justice"]


Neldar tilted his head at Joza, pondering for a moment to her recent decisions. "Miss Joza know Joza no have speak Hutt for Neldar, Neldar speak basic for Joza because Joza hear Neldar Basic. Silly Mistuh James no hear Neldar broken Basic so Mistuh James want Hutt with Neldar, is how we speak. And... Neldar service? Neldar offered service? Neldar swore Neldar wanted beautiful service of Miss Joza and dances... Neldar have nothing offer for Joza. But uh, it not matter if Neldar treat slaves good, what matter is Neldar want get rid of slaves, but very expensive. Which if Miss Joza like, Mistuh James give solution... " he aaid to Joza gently, before turning to James.

<"Mistuh James,"> he started in Huttese, <"If Mistuh James offered to buy every slave, even at minimum price, Neldar could hire a bunch of Ganks to fill their slots, turn the prisons into homes, have the Ganks live on base. Security force also work force! Har har har har! This good deal, Mistuh James, but mighty expensive. I will have to call Jeremy... But I think it might be as much as six million credits... I... Have a lot of slaves. And they are good workers. When I would release them, the money I gave them was also their worth. So, does Mistuh James believe he will pay that much? We would have soooo much credits, we would not have a problem for so many years to come!">

 

[James Justice]

When you owned a smuggling company with subsidaries in droids, weapons, armor, shipwrighting, mining, and your own planet you had credits for dayz. He taxed--though his critics would use the term "Extorted" a planet and held more shipping contracts than most beings could conceive as possible. Six million was pocket change. That was half what he gave to help rebuild Corrusaunt and he hadn't felt a real difference.

James did the math. If the slaves were rehabbed and became productive civilians they'd easily Garner 1 million on the GDP for Soceras. Within six years he'd easily regain the expense of the initial change. Plus there was another factor: liberated slaves were model citizens. They worked harder than anyone else and were the most trust worthy he had. He could take that.

"Ah, sorry, Miss," James said as he stored the light in his pocket with a sheepish grin. "Old habits."

He nodded at Neldar, "I can swing six mil. I'll need a registery of their current skills so I'll know what I'm rehabin' and workin with."

[member="Neldar Poska"]
[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

“Ah, that’s exactly what I meant. I don’t offer my services to slavers, hence my coming here to meet you first before we set up any deals.” Joza held up a finger as she spoke, wanting to get the record straight. “But I’m glad to hear that you want to replace your slaves with paid workers.” A genuine smile slipped across her face at that. Certainly, this would be a tricky situation—it wouldn’t be easy to remove such a large workforce, but James seemed to present an agreeable solution.

She fell silent again as the pair of men discussed business in Huttese, nodding gently in approval towards James when he seemed to accept the deal. That was a large sum of credits to her, considering that her business wasn’t all that big.

[member="James Justice"] [member="Neldar Poska"]

 

[Neldar Poska]

[member="Joza Perl"] [member="James Justice"]


Neldar nodded in agreement and a small smile on his face. He looked at both Joza and James before a slow nod came about him, "Okay, yes, lot of money and numbers for Neldar. Think time for Jermary." Neldar cleared his throat as he spoke in a monotone voice and spoke a little loudly "Hey... GADS."

A sweet and cheerful feminine voice spoke up through a comm speaker nearby in the distant hallway, "This is GADS, Golan Arms Docking Station Computer. Greetings.... Neldar.... , what is it you need?"

"Get Jermary, please," he said, going back to his broken Basic. "Neldar need Jermary for money and numbers. Make him come fast, yes, yes!"

There was a pause, and a system of beeps that played for a very short moment. "Understood, alerting ....Jeremy.... that .....Neldar... needs his assistance. ... ... ... Jeremy has been notified of your location and your request. .....Jeremy.... 's current location is nearby, Docking Bay 4. He is approaching. Have a good day, ....Neldar..."

To most, they may not have noticed. For James, he probably wouldn't have cared, but for Joza... she may have noticed how Neldars voice changed in front of her. It wasn't a broken Galactic Basic when he spoke to GADS, but it was very quick and short. "Mistuh James...?" Neldar looked to James, <"Didn't you just come from Docking Bay 4? What is Jeremy doi-"> Neldar was interrupted as Jeremy alerted the group to his arrival, "Greetings everybody! Oh and, hello Jamesey," Jeremy said to mister Justice, "Neldar had said James was a very welcome and trusted guest," he continued as he looked at Neldar as he gave a little chuckle, "so, ignoring that he came here unannounced and hiding from our sensors, I didn't react to him in any bad manner. After all," He looked back at James as he passed him, brushing an arm gently down James shoulder, "He offered me free alcohol," he looked back at Neldar, "And you know that stuff is like honey to me, Neldar, haha." He kept walking until he was in front of Neldar, clasping his hands together before noticing Joza. "Oh, greetings darling," he grinned, giving her a quick glance, "Doing well, yes? The big oaf not too troubling I hope? Anyway." Jeremy crossed his arms. "What do you want, Neldar, ruining my pleasant time with alcohol, you know I've been dry for some time."

Neldar rolled his head and his eyes. "James want buy all slaves, and Neldar need Jermary for meeting with Joza. You leave for booze and leave Neldar alone with pretty lady. Now, price of slaves. All slaves Jermary." He huffed, shaking his head.

"Every slave, you say?" Jeremy asked, having gotten used to Neldars broken words. "Let's see..." He pulls out a datapad for information on the slaves.

"Mistuh James want skills on slaves, too." Neldar continued.

"Well, excluding the flirty ones who stayed after we released them... every slave would," Jeremy covered his mouth as he hiccupped, clearing his throat,"Oh, please excuse me. They would come to six million, nine-hundred and ninety-three thousand credits. That's just the average head of each. I'm sure Neldar wouldn't want to make it full price since we just need to," Jeremy increased the volume of the next word, looking at Neldar, implying Jeremy himself was the one that told Neldar to get rid of them, "leave the slavery business since they are costing us money now. Add in moving costs, loss of labor for the first week, loss of ore mining the first week.... total is seven-million two-thousand three-hundred and two credits." Jeremy said grinning, handing the datapad to Jeremy to let him confirm the price, also offering it to Joza.

Even Neldar was a little scared of the number, leaning back as he crossed his arms. "fething money hole with loss of slaves, ye," he pointed out. If he just let the slaves go, he'd be out typically that much, and he only made a few thousand a day as it was.

 

[James Justice]

James crossed his arms. He was generous, kind, giving, and more than benevolent. He was a rehabilitator of slaves and an employer of the destitute. But he didn't get that way by throwing credits at the wind like a fool. In fact, that was sometimes the worst thing that could happen.

"Lemme tell ye a story, Poska," James said quirking a smile. "Years ago, when I were younger, I started out with just a rust ol ship, a blaster, and a leather jacket. I dun't have a tin cred to me name, but I had that ship. I loved that ship, it were me dad's ship. Only heirloom the Justices ever had.

"Ye know the dman best thing that ever happened to me?" he shot Joza a sly smirk, "After meeting ye of course." He looked back at Poska, "It blew up. The was blasted by Imperials on an escape run. I lost everything I e'er had, but I had a chance to grow more, fight harder, get a fething fleet to replace it. I turned that damn loss around and I learned to fight. To be hella resourceful. Do ye really think I am gonna discount that glorious learning chance from ye?" He shook his head, "I am a pirate, aye, but I ain't bout to steal that form you. I say I swing to six mill, I will do six mill. Nothing less. Nothing more."

Was it hardlined? Probably but James wasn't about to go soft on this guy. The galaxy was full of sharks willing to rip to shreds. And criminal types like them? Well, there was no protection. It was better for Poska to learn now, with someone like James who was willing to be gentle and not about to take the sheets from under him than for him to learn by having a crime syndicate who rhymed with "Fat Runs" try and take everything he had. Something James had experienced personally.

"What'll it be?"

[member="Neldar Poska"]
[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza nodded politely as Jeremy arrived, arching a brow but saying nothing as he seemed a bit less sober than before. Like before, she lapsed into silence and let the men hash out their deal, but it seemed that they’d come to a roadblock. James wasn’t going higher than the agreed-upon price, and she wasn’t sure how Neldar would respond.

Fetching a datapad from her handbag as the two spoke, Joza tapped away and mulled over her own expenditure and projected increase. “If it helps,” She tapped at the edge of her datapad idly, looking between James and Neldar. “I can offer 40,000 credits along with the six million Mr. Justice is willing to pay. Provided he allows me to help with getting the slaves settled.” She gave the scoundrel a pointed look. “I know it’s not much, but it’s still an offer.”

This was certainly a very different outcome than she had expected in coming here, but to her the slavery bit was less about business and more about the slaves. Cliché as all hell, but Joza had a soft spot for them.

[member="James Justice"] [member="Neldar Poska"]