What Lies Beneath

[Arlan Zy'rosh]

Sekalus​

Phrikite Caverns​

The bustle of a dozen or so recruits hurrying about filled the air around the drop site. Though Arlan would have preferred otherwise, the job The Carrion Company had accepted would not be one completed in just one run. In lieu of that, the first order Arlan gave after touching down was to set up camp about a mile out from the target area's entrance. So, as it were, he now sat in the quickly assembled command tent going over a few last minute details with his second Feeran Ji'kar. They had mostly decided upon a sound plan to rid the caverns of the pests lurking there that hindered his employer's progress, but like always Arlan found it prudent to prepare for even the worst cases should they arise. Besides, there was still a little time to kill before the camp was set up and his employer arrived.

"No, no detonators." Arlan said as his fingers traced a spot in a survey map spread across the table before him. "These tunnels are old, reports say they're solid enough but I don't want anyone blowing a hold in a wall and bringing a hundred tons of rock down on them."

"I agree with you on that point, but we have to do something." Feeran crossed his arms and sighed. "Ridding the caverns of the beasts and leaving their nests or burrows in tact will not eliminate the problem permanently."

"Flame charges then." Arlan barked. "Tell everyone on the extermination teams to trade out their explosives for flame charges." Arlan shook his head in agreement with his own idea. "No better way to rid a place of vermin than with fire anyway."

"That will probably work." Feeran agreed whilst flipping through a few items on his data-pad. "I do not see any indications of natural gas pockets within the tunnels. Should be safe to use incendiary devices."

"Good, then it's settled. I want the first team prepped in an hour. No sense in sitting around and watching while the recruits set the camp up." Arlan stood and walked towards the tent's entryway. "This job is gonna take awhile, might as well get started with it."

Feeran nodded and cleared the tent, his voice immediately piercing the thing walls from outside as he ordered around a few troops. Arlan had thought about venturing in with the extermination team, but after a long afterthought he decided against it. It was far more pressing that he stayed in the camp and ensured everything was squared away with his employer before he did anything that might put himself in harm's way and endanger the contract. Sasori was paying good to see these caverns liberated from the creatures that dwell there, chomping at the bits for the Phrik that lay just out of reach. The Carrion Company had been the ones whom promised they could deliver the place, Arlan in particular. So now the commander waited for Sasori's representative to arrive and inspect the place, wondering all the while to what length's this job would take him.

[member="The Wicked Truth"]

 

[The Wicked Truth]

[member="Arlan Zy'rosh"]

The twins had come to help protect some of their interests, Sasori was a valued thing to work for in making gear Ranger's could use and they liked being rangers more then most. It gave purpose and Ranger's who could use the force allowed for some nice things with their new force weaving to allow augmentation and enhancement. The two were moving in as they held the assault rifle in their hands and their field pistol with training lightsabers ready to begin the clearing out of the phrik caves that had been getting infested with some of the local creatures. Their lightly armored bodygloves with channeling gloves and combat boots gleamed from the stealth unit on their belts and the shielding amulet on their arms.

 

[Arlan Zy'rosh]

Sekalus​

Phrikite Caverns​

​

Arlan wiped a bead of sweat from his brow as he stood among the now fully set up camp-site. His lips pressed against a container of water, taking in long deep gulps in an attempt to alleviate some of the exhaustion from his body. The day had been long and his duty's were only half completed, that thought made him cringe. So far the the clearing of the tunnels had gone fairly well though, that was something to at least be grateful about. The extermination team was already on it's second descent into the caverns and they were reporting little resistance at their current location. The beasts had come though, Sasori had not lied about that. This venture was more akin to a raid than clearing a mine-shaft, for every inch of their progress was impeded by the vicious inhabitants of the tunnels. Thankfully claws and teeth were no match for blasters, so The Carrion Company was able to press on. Now though Arlan simply waited. He waited for his men to finish clearing the tunnels for the day, he waited for Sasori's representative the arrive, and waited simple for the sake of waiting. He never liked being in the same place for too long, and Sekalus had already began to wear on his nerves.

"Sir!" A grunt approached and saluted. "An unidentified pair have entered our perimeter from direction of Sasori's assets. Your orders?"

"Let them in." Arlan sighed, taking another drink of water. "That's our contacts I believe. About time they showed up."

[member="The Wicked Truth"]

 

[The Wicked Truth]

[member="Arlan Zy'rosh"]

There was a look between the pair while they were moving forward. With most of their attention was on some of the things around there, the jungle was where they had found most of the mines but there was also ruins connected to them. Old vases and sections of carved stone. They could travel through the jungles to the deserts and the polar regions al day. Gathering phrik for use well armor, weapons and the special weaves when it was intigrated with the crystals the jedi had been using all of the crystals for. The harvested those on the world as well when the time was needed before reaching the place and looking at the man as the two remained at the ready for anything.

 

[NG-888 (Eights)]

If Eights could sweat, he would, but the heat just put his coolant system on overdrive. The mission that he was bought for... well... it wasn't going to be an easy one. A wildlife preservation group had offered a ridiculous sum for his services, but the fee was reasonable, considering the danger. Phrik harvesters weren't exactly the most warmhearted of fellows, and it's never know if they'd be ones to shoot the messenger. Eights reviewed his notes again, summarizing the key points he would have to convince the harvesters. As he walked, he extended his antennae to pluck communications from the air. Just as he suspected... more messages about "clearing the vermin". Surprisingly, this wasn't the only message coming through. Something about the lead harvester's "contacts". Finally, Eights strode into the campsite, flashing his diplomat insignia at the guards who leveled their blasters at him. Eights pushed aside the flaps of the lead tent and walked in with purpose.

"Arlan Zy'Rosh, my name is NG-888. I am here to confront you on behalf of the Wildlife Preservation Association of the Phrikite Caverns. Your extermination of the local fauna is unlawful and disregards basic preservation laws. Your destruction is so wanton that it may cause the extinction of entire species. I am here to negotiate the cease of your wildlife genocide and agree on a way to harvest your desired phrik without farming the local ecosystem."

 

[Arlan Zy'rosh]

Sekalus​

Phrikite Caverns​

​

It was Arlan's luck that just as the two women he had been expecting arrived, so too did another nuisance. It hadn't been the first time some hokey agency had attempted to put a stop to work he was doing, but like always they had come to the wrong person with their complaints. Arlan and his men were employees, hired to do a singular task under lawful contract. It was all part of being a legitimate organization, but that hadn't stopped people pestering The Carrion Company on a regular basis. Why not? It was far easier to get into touch with the boots on the ground than the head of a multi-billion credit company. So here Arlan was, staring down two young women expecting results from him and a droid that expected him to stop. For as long as he had been in business Arlan had prided himself on holding a contract with great care, and always completing it once paid. He saw no reason to stop now despite some minor protests. Besides, Sasori would just hire someone else to come in and do the job if he quit. Arlan sighed for a moment and looked at his guests, shook his head, and began to speak.

"Ladies, glad you could make it. I wasn't expecting you till a bit later, but as always I'm glad Sasori has sent a delegation to oversee it's venture." Arlan spoke harshly, the rough tone of his voice masking the pleasantries he had tried to convey. "As for you." Arlan looked at the droid. "I was hired to clear these caverns by Sasori Research and Design, I could care less about the Phrik in the caverns or the creatures that live there." Arlan continued. "I'm under legally binding contract to continue clearing these caves until it's safe for the miners to proceed. If you have a problem with that then take it up with this planet's government for giving Sasori the permits to mine this place."

[member="The Wicked Truth"] | @NG-888 "Eights"

 

[Morr Zard]

Morr was late. He could see though how being a member of a legal paramilitary organization they might need him to be...on time. Walking briskly to the center tent he barely noticed the recruits and soldiers walking around hurriedly. However he was always glad to see the company progress. Especially in the world of finance. Walking in to the tent he must have seemed rude to come in un-announced. If he could talk that is. Gesturing to the droid Morr signaled "Sir would you like me to escort the droid out?" He hated it when other groups butted in on their business. Legal or no. Speaking of business he peered through his helmet at the pair. Nothing set off his alarms so he was content to serve their interests. For a price of course.
[member="Arlan Zy'rosh"]@NG-888 "Eights"[member="The Wicked Truth"]

 

[NG-888 (Eights)]

Eights's wrists sparked a bit in frustration, but he knew that annoyance wouldn't get him anywhere here. The soldier who had just arrived was a distraction, but he wasn't going to let that remove him from his original goal. Though the leader of this operation had been dismissive at best and hostile at worst, he was confident in his negotiation skills. He knew that the evidence he had was sure to sway this man, if he had any honor at all.

"Zy'Rosh, I understand that you believe what you are doing is perfectly justified. However, I have discussed the matter with the Wildlife Preservation Association and brought the issue to a government level. Through the bureaucracy, it seems that the local government hasn't signed any contract of the sort. I believe the... legality of your operation here has come into question."

 

[The Wicked Truth]

The twins looked at the being and raised an eyebrw as here on Sekalus there wasn't wildlife going extinct anytime soon. The two of them looked at each other while speak. "Strange." "He speaks likes he knows." "But Sekalus creatures prosper." "Satochi's preservation efforts made it so." They looked at him for legality while keeping a stern look on their faces. "Shinra bought the mine." "From the queen and mining rights." "Perhaps check facts before coming here." "We have her on speed dial should you wish." Both started walking while allowing their com to open for [member="Sanya Val Swift"] to answer as she took time to set up things and give them their nice mine. "Lady" "Swift." "There is something here bothering us, please send local authorities to remove it." They spoke together. "Sasori Research and Design has established contracts on world for phrik, crystals and aurodium. As we recognize the dictatorship present and pay needed fees. If Councilor Swift had a problem she would handle it herself or send the Sekallian army or Black Rose instead of a droid. We shall proceed and continue into the mines."

[member="Morr Zard"] [member="Arlan Zy'rosh"] @NG-888 "Eights"

 

[Sanya Val Lerium]

[member="The Wicked Truth"] Ξ @NG-888 "Eights"

Like most days Sanya sat in her seat but instead of facing the desk she gazed out the window at the city blooming with life. Outer colonies have started to become towns now. The population raised massively since her first day of queen. Although there seemed to be something strange happen every day. Maria walked into the office with a steadily paste. "Miss Lerium? You have a call on line one. Would you like me to patch it through." The Droid said in it's mechanical feminine voice. Sanya would simply swivel in her seat rolling up to the desk. "Put it through." She said brushing her silver fringe to one side. An image of two twins would appear speaking in such an informal way. Although the second they had mentioned sasori she looked on her personal data pad. "Yes I have the contract here. Yet to file it through. As for the Droid I don't appear to have any units in the area." It was a brief second to trace the com. All units on world has a location tracker installed due to security reasons. "If ts one of mine then zeta five two eight." She spoke out a set of override codes that actively switched combinations. "Priority directives aid sasori personal with their operation." She spoke with haste.

"As for you two be careful I've had concerning reports in that area of Charon. The group has seemed to relocate since my last encounter. Please try to subdued them with heavy sedatives and take them to the local town. They will know what to do. If that is not an option shoot to kill." Looking further down the contract she read over one of the clauses. "Remember to leave half the aurodium ores in the purple crates that have been provided. My people will be by each week to collect the mining fees. If that is all I will return to business." Switching the holo com off she'd swivel back around in her chair to gaze more.

 

[Arlan Zy'rosh]

Sekalus​

Phrikite Caverns​

​

Arlan had almost forgotten Morr had traveled to Sekalus with the troupe, a refreshing turn of events considering how things were going at the moment. Arlan shook his head at the mercenary's offer, not wanting to engage in any sort of political bustle by damaging someone's droid. Perhaps letting the machine linger would cause problems, but from Arlan's point of view the twins seemed to have it under control. Ever quick on the uptake, the two called in this little discrepancy as soon as it happened, clearing up once and for all that the extermination was legally valid. While Arlan didn't particularly care if it was or not, he was glad he would not have to be looking over his shoulder for authorities to show up the entire time they were stationed here. With a sigh and the nod of his head Arlan turned towards the droid, glancing at Morr and the twins yet again as he did so, and waved his hand as if asking what now. Depending on how radical the droid's programming things could get fairly dangerous quickly, but Arlan suspected things would not turn out that way.

"So there you have it." Arlan spoke calmly, taking another sip of water after he finished speaking. "Legally valid and binding. I'm afraid that the only ones out of line in this instance is your preservation group." Arlan addressed the droid, then turned to the twins. "Thanks for clearing that up. Last thing I wanted to do was argue with a droid for the better part of the day." He smirked. "Anyway, now that everyone is here why don't we go over what needs to be done and has already." Arlan's eyes then darted back to Morr. "Escort our mechanical friend out if he isn't able to find the way himself won't you Morr?"

[member="Morr Zard"] | @NG-888 "Eights" | [member="The Wicked Truth"] | [member="Sanya Val Swift"]

 

[NG-888 (Eights)]

Eights sparked at the neck, sending a twitch down his chassis. Keep it under control, keep it under control. He was praying his decision-making processor would stay fully functional during this conflict. The last thing he needed right now was to go berserk and get shot for his troubles. Eights had been wronged on one side, and he was gonna find the karker who spread the misinformation and end their diplomatic career.

Eights extended his antennae to full capacity and sorted through incoming and outgoing communications until he isolated the WPA's feed and the feed of the one known as Sanya. He stood stock still as he filtered these communications for signs of deception, unaware of the strange looks he was given by those around him. The WPA's feed seemed clean. There was no outward sign of misinformation being spread. Then again, the corruption could have originated within the association. This lead was unclear.

On Sanya's feed, however, he found the money. It seemed that the contract hadn't been approved yet. Eights's servos whirred with satisfaction.

"Misses... whatever your names are, information has come to light that disproves your statements about the contract. It seems that it is yet to be approved. Without governmental approval, none of this is legal. I suggest that you withhold further destruction before the contract is approved."

Eights thought for a moment, then came to a new conclusion.

"Scratch that. I believe that we can end the misunderstanding here and now."

With a slight movement of his antennae, Eights tapped into the private feed of the Lady Swift. Though speech or holographic communication was impossible through this medium, Eights sent a terse message that would go directly to her personal holo-com and alert her. The message was short and to the point:

start_transmission < Please review Sasori contract 482 immediately. Lives are at stake. > end_transmission

Technically, the lives at stake were only those of animals, but the Lady didn't need to know the distinction before she reviewed the contract. Hopefully this would end the conflict once and for all.

[member="Sanya Val Swift"]

 

[Morr Zard]

Morr didn't care what the droid was up to. He was given an order from a superior. Not so gently he kicked the droid before gestureing to the exit. To emphasize the point he tapped the blaster twice before walking out the tent. Once there he waited impatiently for it to follow. He was eager to get to work. After all he wasn't paid to baby sit. The carrion company specialized in paramilitary operations not dealing with legal issues. Though if the issue was more of the violent kind than he was sure that'd be something they may do.
@NG-888 "Eights"

 

[NG-888 (Eights)]

Eights took a step back at the kick of the ominous-looking guard, but his gyros quickly stabilized him. The not so subtle gesture to his blaster was clearly intended to frighten, but a droid wasn't scared easily. At least he had stepped out of the tent instead of standing around poking Eights with his blaster. He was intended to follow, wasn't he? Oh well. The guard couldn't really do anything; there'd be hell to pay if he got shot on commission. Eights wasn't moving until he got an answer.

"I'm sorry sir, but I'm afraid I'll have to stay. My orders are to bring this to justice, and I am willing to leave only when that is complete. Thank you for your time."

Eights tried to sink as much ingratiation into his statement as possible. And if the guard got pushy... A long arc of electricity flickered from his neck to his left wrist. Well, he'd just have to get pushy back.

[member="Morr Zard"] [member="Arlan Zy'rosh"] [member="Sanya Val Swift"] [member="The Wicked Truth"]

 

[Sanya Val Lerium]

[member="Arlan Zy'rosh"] Ξ [member="Morr Zard"] Ξ @NG-888 "Eights" Ξ [member="The Wicked Truth"]

Sanya gritted her teeth by her coms been hijacked. Swiviling in her chair once more she stood up and slammed her fists onto the desk. "I AM THE KARKING GOVERNMENT!" She shouted in a haste of words. "For a bloody Droid you certainly have a tendency to stick your nose in where it doesn't belong. You won't find that is approved because that information is closed to the outside world of "privet" server's. Only three people and two droids have access to that information and you Droid ain't one of them. Contact me again or disobay my orders I will personally come over there shut you down and melt you into a metal tooth picks." She was agitated that this droid was butting into matters that wasn't of it's concerns. "Maria get my stuff where leaving." She said to her droid. She had a feeling that she would be having to go out and deal with this droid.

Opening her draw she pull out both sabers clipping them to her side then pull her hood over her head. She was hoping for a relaxing day dealing with minor issues not major annoyances. She made her way over to the landing pad connecting to her office and climbed into the VOI Speeder. Maria would follow suit with Sanya's trenchcoat. Sanya opened up the con channel with the twins again. "Make sure that Droid stays there." It was obvious there was frustration in her voice. Although anybody would if their day off got ruined. Still if that droid was a person they'd probably try running now with the wrath of a queen on their backs it would make most people unload bricks.

 

[NG-888 (Eights)]

"Hmmm. That did not go as expected."

Eights turned to the drinking man and the twins next to him. All three were giving him death glares. Not the worst he'd seen in his career, but fairly bad ones. And the way their hands shifted towards their weapons wasn't exactly friendly.

"I know you all would love me to go, but I'm afraid that's no longer an option. I'm not happy with this turn of events either, but it seems I'm stuck with you. Based on the transmission I've just intercepted, your scantily-clad queen and her mechanical friend are coming to take me down a peg or two. Ladies, I'm sure you two have just been ordered to make sure I don't leave. Don't worry, I won't cause you any trouble."

Eights dug his foot spars into the ground, rooting himself in place. It didn't really help him this circumstance, but it was more of a visual thing.

"I'll be right here. I'm sure we can be civilized in this discussion. Blaster diplomacy will only get you a heaping fine. Now if you all don't mind, I'll stand here and wait for my judgement."

Eights stood up straight, hands at his sides, soldier style, and waited. This was going to be fun.

[member="Sanya Val Swift"] [member="Morr Zard"] [member="Arlan Zy'rosh"] [member="The Wicked Truth"]

 

[Arlan Zy'rosh]

Sekalus​

Phrikite Caverns​

Arlan sighed as he looked towards the droid and then back to his compatriots. He had not expected things to go this way, especially the part involving the droid, but things had a way of coming about when people least expected it. So, as it were, Arlan just shrugged and moved over to the table on which a map of the caverns resided. With all this petty drama happening Arlan had sidelined his duties and that was not something he liked to be known for. For now, since they had gotten the go ahead, Arlan and his men would continued putting down every last creature living within the mines with undue prejudice and would do so quickly. The way things seemed to be headed on this planet Arlan wanted to be well finished with his contract before political dealings made the whole venture go belly up. Far better for The Carrion Company to finish things now than be stuck with empty pockets at the end of things. Another sigh would leave his mouth, quickly followed by Arlan raising his com-link.

"This is commander Zy'rosh to extermination teams one through four." Arlan's voice rang out over the comms. "I'm authorizing a joint entry as of now. Team one and two, sweep through the remaining caverns. Three and four, you clean up behind them." Arlan continued. "I want all the critters in there burned to a crisp before midday."

Perhaps this way of doing things wasn't the most elegant or respectful, nor was it safest for the caverns and nearby flora and fauna, but the droid had pushed Arlan's hand by threatening his contract. Everyone knew that was one thing you did not do to a mercenary, and now the consequences would become apparent. Before, Arlan's men were merely destroying the forward nests within the cave system, ensuring the miners would be safe in their venture. Now though The Carrion Company would go in with the intent on clearing all lifeforms from within, a much faster approach but with a hefty cost to the creatures within.

"Just ignore the droid. He's not going anywhere and he has no power at an official level. I can't afford re-tasking any men to haul scrap to the edge of camp anyway." Arlan barked. "Let's just get this finished and we can all move on with our lives."


@NG-888 "Eights" | [member="Sanya Val Swift"] | [member="Morr Zard"] | [member="The Wicked Truth"]

 

[The Wicked Truth]

The twins remained there listening to it as they sang duets in their heads compared to some of the things trying to just block out the sounds of... something. Sanya had said go and they were just waiting for the others while letting the time pass. Then [member="Arlan Zy'rosh"] was ready to go with his team as they stopped nodding and getting their weapons ready. "Finally, this has been boring. We should have used an ionic disruptor when we had the chance." They shrugged while moving to go into the cave and meet witht he Shinra drone. "Live and learn." They had the drone ready giving the infrormation to them about what was in the mines before moving as they hefted up the rifles prepared for anything with the other teams coming in.

 

[Morr Zard]

Morr wasn't used to a droid being this stubborn. Walking back into the tent he was tempted to blast it into oblivion. However taking the wiser course of action he simply stood there waiting for his orders. When he heard the order for the teams to go ahead and sweep through the remaining tunnels he took it as a sign to leave. Hoping not to miss any action he pulled out his blaster and walked briskly out the tent. He didn't have anything to burn the vermin with but he was sure his blaster would do just fine. Of course he was sure the creatures would agree too. Passing by several carrion soldiers he didn't bother them while they were at their tasks. Morr had his job they had theirs. Remembering the brief image of the map in his mind he made his way in the direction he believed the caves where located in. If he was wrong then pity to any poor animal who happened to be walking by.
[member="The Wicked Truth"][member="Arlan Zy'rosh"]@NG-888 "Eights"

 

[Arlan Zy'rosh]

Sekalus​

Phrikite Caverns​

​

Little time had passed since Arlan's orders had been given, but already things were underway. His men moved fast, pressing deeper and deeper into the caverns with each passing second to fulfill their directive. It was a shame everything had taken such a drastic turn but with the twins heading into the mines as well Arlan figured it prudent to hurry on his end of things. Last thing he wanted was one of them getting injured somewhere he was supposed to be securing, and though they both looked like they could handle themselves luck was certainly not on his side today. With the droid still lingering within his command tent, some diplomat on her way, and the foreboding feeling of foe that had fallen over the camp, things did not favor The Carrion Company on this day. Still, as things were, a contract was a contract and Arlan made it a point to never back down once he had accepted a job. Whether or not he would regret that little self-imposed law had yet to be seen.

"Morr will be coming in to assist with clean up from the looks of things, give him a wide birth when he enters." Arlan radioed ahead to the teams already underground. "The twins from Sasori are making their way in also, let them progress at their own speed. I'm sure they plan on going it their own anyway." Arlan finished, sighing once more before setting down the com-link. "Just a few more hours Arlan, you can manage that."

[member="The Wicked Truth"] | [member="Morr Zard"] |[member="Sanya Val Swift"] | [member="NG-888 (Eights)"]