Welcome to Rutan

[Arlan Zy'rosh]

Rutan​

Carrion Company Headquarters​

It had been a while since Arlan had actually been on Rutan, having spent many of the previous months on one random job or another. Now though he was back and as always his first order of business was signing off on various forms of paperwork before he could take any measurable amount of time to rest. Today though, instead of the normal humdrum he was used to being force-fed by the people he left in charge whilst he was away, Arlan had a particularly interesting meeting to attend to. So he walked down the hallway to the meeting room, Feeran by his side as always, discussing what exactly needed to be done before he left once again. The Carrion Company had been able to hire more men recently, but not quite enough to excuse Arlan from going into the field himself. In truth, he hoped he would never have to relinquish that small privilege.

"What's left Feeran, after this meeting I'd like to actually rest while I'm home." Arlan said as he shuffled thing around on the data-pad in his hands. "You work me harder than any contractor does."

"You just have to approve the new hiring budget before you leave again." The Rutanian said in his typical monotone voice. "Besides, this is what it means to be in charge."

"And don't I regret it." Arlan clicked one last button before handing back to data-pad and going into the conference room. "I'll have to do the rest later, the one I'm meeting with will be here soon and I can't afford to screw this up."

"Who is it this time?" Feeran asked, arching his brow in a way only a Rutanian could.

"Someone other than myself that can lead men on some of these contracts."

Feeran would simply nod at that and enter the conference room with Arlan. It wouldn't be long before Leon was escorted to meet him, and Arlan had just barely made it in time. With a sigh and a wayward hand running through his hair Arlan took his seat and looked at the clock. He was confident Leon would end up joining the company, but he wouldn't take any chances. Mercenary or not, this would be conducted like a proper business dealing. Arlan only hoped that would be enough to sway the Keshiri's mind.

[member="Léon"]

 

[Léon]

Travelling to Rutan had been a wild blur of excitement and fear. Léon had never been on a shuttle, let alone a transporter with a hyperdrive. The act of flying, and traversing the stars, was bewildering. It had frightened the other Keshiri mercenaries with him. All of them wore cotton tunics and trousers, leather jerkins and holstered steel blades. Their boots and sandals had seen their fair share of travels.

They only numbered four, and none of them spoke Galactic Basic. They had bought a translator while at Kesh's capital but Léon had the feeling they charged him more than they should have. Keshiri had no idea the prices of such strange devices, but surely it was not worth the pouch of silver coins he had paid. He ran a hand over the missing pouch as he was escorted by a strange creature into the room. The other Keshiri just stared at it, while Léon inquisitively searched the room as his eyes fell on Arlan.

Léon was the tallest of his small group, but by no means taller than Arlan, but certainly more muscular. The Keshiri were known for their great physique. His head was shaven on the sides with a flick of black hair on top, and a forehead tattooed black. He had the eyes of the Sith, a burning orange, but yet he knew nothing of their mystic ways nor was he Force Sensitive. He looked human, but everything about him said otherwise.

"Je cherche un emploi. On m'a dit par un marchand de retour sur Kesh que vous recherchez de bons hommes."
"I'm looking for a job. I was told by a merchant back on Kesh that you were looking for good men."

[member="Arlan Zy'rosh"]

 

[Arlan Zy'rosh]

Rutan​

Carrion Company Headquarters​

It was a rare enough occasion to lay eyes on one Keshiri in the vast expanse of the Galaxy, so one could imagine Arlan's surprise as Leon's group entered the meeting chambers. A wayward hand would extend towards the empty chairs around the large table taking up most of the space in the room. Arlan had chosen one of the more aesthetically pleasing places in the base to conduct this little parlay, but even it wasn't that much of an upgrade from the rest of the complex. Posterity and practicality were the main factors Arlan had looked at when going over the plans of the complex, so rarely could one find a place meant simply to be visually adored by guest. That being said, these Keshiri didn't look the sort to care more for pleasantries anyway. With their sort, Arlan thought it prudent to be direct and let things fall as they will.

Feeran leaned forward in his chair to Arlan's right, pushing a data-pad across the table to him. "I've never worked with a Keshiri before." Arlan spoke plainly as he typed a few thing down on the data-pad and handed it back to Feeran. "Met a few though, tough lot." Arlan continued, resting his elbows on the table and clasping his hands together. "And you heard right. I'm in need of good men, men that can be trusted to get things done." Arlan looked to Feeran, then back to Leon. "Simple manpower though, I have enough of at the moment. Near a hundred men have signed contracts with The Carrion Company and operate on an official level." Arlan's eyes gleamed as his voice echoed out within the small chamber. "Those people though, they can't do the things I can do or what Feeran can. I need men that can be trusted with more than simple escort jobs, more than being an overpaid bodyguard." Arlan stopped and leaned back in his chair. "I need men that can lead the masses, so to speak. Are you a person that can do that?"

So the die had been cast. Perhaps Arlan had been a little too direct, but negotiating had never been his strong suit in the first place. Arlan was a soldier, and he believed Leon was too. Only strong men seemed to prevail in their line of work, and Arlan was in desperate need of strong men to assist him. If Leon and his companions weren't ready or able to serve The Carrion Company the way Arlan needed them to then there was little for them to speak on. At this moment Arlan could only hope that Leon would consider his words, and chose his own carefully.

[member="Léon"]

 

[Léon]

The small group were hesitant to take a chair. They were more used to small wooden stools, chairs tended to be for the rich or a craftsman. There was a pause, and the Keshiri looked confused at the words the man was speaking. The translator was taking a moment to convert it to their native language. As they waited, they all were gawking at their surroundings, and the attire Arlan wore. It was nothing of the fashion found on Kesh. The translator burped out the translated conversation and Léon slowly nodded his head along with what was being said.

Léon studied Arlans face, noting the deep and brooding hazel eyes, and the way he carried himself, even when seated. There was a lot to tell about men in the way they moved, or didn't move. He didn't seem familiar with the business of meetings, so straight-forward that Léon had been taken aback, but he had the look of a man who had seen much. Maybe too much. He was not green-as-grass like Léon was. Green he may be, but he wasn't stupid either, nor inexperienced.

His skill with a blade was mythic, as were many Keshiri, one of a rare few species who still used traditional blades and studiedswordplay. He had heard of vibroswords, it sounded like a cheap shortcut for those who lack talent. Those who didn't know how to swing or cut, but by the description of the swords raw power made him wonder if his swords would be up to the challenge, or would they be cleaved in two. It made him a bit squirmish to think something could cut a sword in half.

"Aye," he said, his voice, while lagged, was translated to Galactic Basic, "I can lead, and I'll do what you ask for a good coin. But what of my fellows?" he asked and hiked a thumb to the three others, another man and two women. He had naught an idea of contracts, or what they mean't on a legal level. Heck, he couldn't even read and write in his own language let alone Galactic Basic. The lower-class, farmers like his family, did not need to read nor write, that was for nobility. He couldn't even write out his own name if you held a gun to his head. With no concept of contracts, he reached forward across the table, "But I accept." He held out his wrist, so that they could firmly shake, as good as a contract to any Keshiri.

[member="Arlan Zy'rosh"]

 

[Arlan Zy'rosh]

Rutan​

Carrion Company Headquarters​

Arlan's eyes stayed locked on Leon as he and his comrades looked to one another. He still found it a mite amusing that four Keshiri were sitting just feet from him when most people went their whole lives without meeting one. Arlan seemed to have been right when talking to Leon, for better or worse he appeared to be the de-facto leader of his little party. Leon seemed like a decent man, by Arlan's standards anyhow, but in truth he know little about Keshiri other than their reputation. Feeran had been kind enough to fill Arlan in when he scheduled this meeting, noting that most Keshiri share a disdain for modern technology, bound themselves to honor, and were extremely skilled with a blade. The last two Arlan respected, the first he understood, and so far Leon was living up to what he had heard. So, as it were, Arlan waited for an answer as he peered down towards his mysterious guests. Thankfully, he would not have to wait long.

"Good." Arlan said in retort to Leon's answer, rising slowly from his chair and extending a hand to meet the Keshiri. "Good. Don't worry, if your friends want a job they have one as well. I'll even put them on assignment with you." Arlan released Leon's hand and nodded towards Feeran, whom in turn stood and slid four data-pads across the table to the four of the Keshiri. "You and your men just sign your names at the bottom of the screen there and you'll be registered as employees of The Carrion Company." Arlan smiled a toothy grin and crossed his arms. "You'll live here, officially, but most of the time you'll be out on the job. Protecting, escorting, and even killing should the contract dictate such from you." Arlan locked eyes with Leon as he continued. "Of course you are free to take on independent contracts as well, just as long as they do not interfere with company business." Arlan closed his eyes and nodded, waiting for Leon's translator to catch up before he divulged too much more.

So far so good, but things were not set in stone as of yet. Even if they did sign the contracts the Keshiri may well fly the coop if they are displeased with how things are done within The Carrion Company. For the average man, signing the contract would let any other paramilitary groups out there know not to touch someone until the contract expired, but for a group of Keshiri that cared little for Galactic politics that would matter little. No, only Leon's word would bind him to The Carrion Company and that was yet to be given.

[member="Léon"]

 

[Léon]

As Arlan extended his hand, Léon reached a bit further and gripped the small of his wrist tightly, shaking it twice. Arlan kept talking, and he tried to remain focused on the man but the words were a jumble to his ears. His strange friend pushed a set of blocks towards him and the others, and they just looked down at the bright side of the object. He could see scribbles and knew it was writing. Where was the ink and quill? he wondered, as the translator began to pour over the information and repeat it to Léon, he pushed the datapads back at the alien like a dog with unwanted food.

"We can't write - or read," Léon explained, though the galaxy had much to offer in alternatives to this, such as devices that could read text for him aloud, albeit he knew nothing of this. "On my honor, and the honor of my forefathers, and the honor of Kesh, we do swear service to you and your.. Carrion Company." He nodded and looked content with himself that a shake of the wrist and a spoken word was as binding as a legal contract, if not more-so, for breaking such a bond would dishonor him and his bloodline.

He stood when he swore allegiance, and the others followed with him. Each one of them reached across to shake Arlans wrist and repeat the mantra. Had anyone not known they were Keshiri that could have sworn they were homeless and looking for work. Two men and women standing in what could be considered rags with boots and sandals showing years of wear and tear, their clothes made of simple cotton and wool, showing cuts and scuff marks. Hardly inspiring of leadership. First thing is first, they would have to find something new to wear. Unsure of where to begin as a new member of this Company, he looked to Arlan for guidance.

[member="Arlan Zy'rosh"]

 

[Arlan Zy'rosh]

Rutan​

Carrion Company Headquarters​

​

Arlan smiled as Leon shook his hand, quickly followed by the others Keshiri with him. It was a bit surprising that everything had worked out the way it did, so peacefully and without incident. Arlan was certain that the Keshiri would make a ruckus as Feeran had suggested they would, and it was rare that the Rutanian was wrong. Shock aside, Arlan was quite proud of this outcome and and held a genuine air of acceptance about him as the Keshiri shook his hand. They were a simple lot, that was evident since they first entered the room, but Arlan had no plans of pulling a fast one on them. The Keshiri would be paid well, treated better, and shown that they were valuable members of The Carrion Company from this day forward. It was the least he could do for them. After all, he would be asking the Keshiri to do more than the average member was expected to. There was no doubt they possessed the skill to get the jobs he had planned done, but their lack of practical knowledge worried Arlan a bit.

"That's fine, if your men cannot write then just make a mark." Arlan said as he shook the last of their hands. "It's just to get your name an details registered in our system. I do have to say though, I'm humbled by your pledges." Arlan crossed his arms. "Not many people I know would be willing to do something that grand for a simple job, but then again I suppose you aren't most people." Arlan turned to Feeran whom had already began entering the new details into his own data-pad. "After all of your get yourselves signed in I'll take you around the facility. It's not much right now, a lot of it is still being built, but it's the only home most of us know. Besides, room and board is free for members of the company so most of our employees just settle here." Arlan nodded as he reached into his jacket and withdrew a cigar, pressing it firmly against his lips before lighting it and taking in a long drag. "Welcome to Rutan, home of the greatest paramilitary group this side of the Outer Rim." A whiff of smoke exiting Arlan's mouth as he spoke.

It wouldn't take long to show Leon around. Once he got them all stowed away it would be time to start scheduling contracts for the Keshiri to take, preferably some of the more difficult ones. It might be a tad insensitive to send his new hires out on a job as soon as they arrived, but Arlan didn't have the luxury of taking things easy. The Carrion Company was stagnating, and the king of Rutan saw that. Their arrangement had been for Arlan and his men to provide planetary defense against would-be hostiles. As it were Arlan couldn't fulfill that promise if he wanted to. He need more men, more ships, better defenses, none of which he could get without a hefty influx of credits. So far he had just been able to bring in enough to keep their head above water, but now Arlan felt as if things were due to change.

[member="Léon"]

 

[Léon]

At the direction of Arlan, Léon scrawled a mark onto the contract displayed on the datapad. He didn't know what it mean't but he had seen it once, in a temple back on Kesh. He was just a boy at the time, his father was taking him to the markets so they could sell their harvest. He turned his head when the others began to scribble other familiar marks on the contracts. He recognized one, a symbol for one of the skyborn.

They all moved for the door, not to leave, but to await for Arlan to show them around. From what they had seen the place was nothing like their homes back on Kesh, wooden and thatch huts. This had chairs, tables and he had spied many beds on the way to this office. He had only slept on a bed once in his life, and that was on the refugee ship from Kesh to Rutan. Yet he still found comfort sleeping on a meager pile of hay on the ground.


[member="Arlan Zy'rosh"]

 

[Arlan Zy'rosh]

Rutan​

Carrion Company Headquarters​

​

After giving the Keshiri due time to sign their marks, Arlan moved to the doorway with a somber nod to Feeran. The Rutanian knew that meant he was to process their paperwork right away, rather than tagging along with Arlan like he was bound to have planned to. At any rate, Leon and his compatriots would soon be the new brothers of The Carrion Company for all that was worth. The group was small, but growing, and like all paramilitary groups locked in a better rivalry with every similar group in the Galaxy for work. Still, Arlan managed to wrangle up more jobs than the group was able to handle at the moment which meant expansion was a much needed step if they were to stay above bar. It was hard to think about moving forward when so much still needed to be done, but Arlan was no procrastinator. Active thinking and immediate action were the names of the day and he aimed not to be left behind in the race for wealth and glory.

So, as it were, Arlan walked down the halls of the company's headquarters with four bewildered Keshiri on his heels. Every great now and then he would stop, point out a particular room or area and explain it, and then once more begin walking. The headquarters wasn't all that big, but still far to large to devote large portions of time to every single place within it. Eventually though, Arlan reached the barracks. He figured that here, if anywhere on the base, deserved to be explained. With that in mind he punched in a code on the wall and allowed the double doors to slide open before him, and then promptly turned to those following him.

"This is where you'll be able to rest when you're not out on a job." Arlan said as he stepped into the room with bunk-beds lining the walls on each side. "There aren't assigned beds so just chose a free one when you feel like it, and don't let anyone try to tell you one of the beds are theirs." Arlan smirked. "We've had more than one fight break out because of that." He turned and looked to Leon. "Any questions?"

[member="Léon"]