Main Site Forums Holonet Tools About
Forum Index Rules Log in Search Profile Memberlist Usergroups Log in to check your private messages Register
Core Superliner ~Hromsa Rampant~, Llanic System
Post new topic   Reply to topic
Star Wars: Unity Forum Index » Outer Rim » Core Superliner ~Hromsa Rampant~, Llanic System
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Corask Slen'da
Solomon


Joined: 30 May 2010
Posts: 86

 Post Posted: Mon, May 16th 2011 03:36pm    Post subject: Core Superliner ~Hromsa Rampant~, Llanic System
Reply with quote



FOEREST YARDS CLASS-D SUPERLINER HROMSA RAMPANT

Celebratus Archive Repository
Entry No. (212038575-8399183-110384)

Foerest Yards Class-D Luxury Superliner Hromsa Rampant

The Hromsa Rampant is a Core Superliner operated by Gaman Coreward Lines (Ltd) (ref#). The H.R. was the first of the Class-D Superliners built after the Treaty of Union (ref#) to take advantage of the peacetime boom in luxury passenger travel. It's sister ships are the Cortina Regardant, Tralvan Sedant, and Perma Guardant. The H.R. was laid down in 21 ABY and first saw service in 23 ABY. The superliner can cater to most species-types, but only those who are oxygen-breathers (ref# 290-1930).

The H.R is nearly 1.6km along, and contains facilities for 18,000 passengers and 7,000 crew and droids. The liner's interior is fitted out in the art form of the Second Republic (#ref 26610-1110-12). All information on engine, shield, armour and generator capacities are held as confidential by Gaman Coreward Lines.

Layout:
The Hromsa Rampant contains several sectors, each holding several decks.

Section 1: Mostly the command and control modules. The Never Look Back restaurant operates as a fine-dining establishment and sight-seeing deck, and is centred around a massive viewing portal at the very nose of the ship.

Section 2: The Passenger Section. Mostly passenger quarters and services that cater to the the rooms, such as a kitchens, a medicinary, a relaxation spa, sports facilities, and a free-floating anti-gravity chamber.

Section 3: Casino and Amusement Park: The casinos of the H.R. are galactic-renowned as the site of the biennial hundred million-credit pot "Grand Stakes" sabacc tournaments, and include several dance clubs and cantinas. The amusement park contains entertainment and activities for the whole family.

Section 4: Convention Centre and Meeting Halls: The convention centre and meeting halls are able to accommodate several thousand beings.

Section 5: Passenger Hangar: The Passenger Hangar can contain up to 20 personal ships, as well as the main embarkation point of the H.R.'s passengers

Section 6: The Cargo Hangar and Storage Bays. Each docking port can accommodate a freighter up to a W-class Space Barge.

Section 7: The ship's Engineering and Power Generation Section.


Service History:

The Hromsa Rampant plys the Coruscant-Corellia-Andara passenger route, containing over 12,000 passengers per trip. She has been chartered for several special engagements, including several history events.

- The signing of the Daupherm-Botor Peace Treaty
- The Galactic Annual "Grand Stakes" Sabacc Competition
- Most Honourable Guild of Armorers Annual Outer Rim Auction
- Convention site for the Galactic Unions's Coreward Party
- The Marriage of King Jobsphere of Leria Kerlsil to Princess Gunuki of Azbrian
- Refugee Ship during the Second Stenax Massacres ABY 30
- Troop Transport for the Army of the New Republic ABY 30

* * * *

See also:

- Gaman Corewards Lines
- Class-D Superliners
- Core Superliners
- Casinos of the Galaxy
- Entertainment of the Galactic Super-Elite

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

LLANIC

Celebratus Archive Repository
Entry No. (400212555-1984620-28197)

LLANIC, Llanic System, Karthakk Sector (Grid Q-16, 95. 350, -3) A terrestial, warm planet, Llanic was originally settled circa 6,000 BBY by the monk-knights from Zolan, followed shortly by human colonists. Llanic's presence on the Treillus Trade Route (see The Hutt's Highway, ref# ), and it's position as the eponymous terminus of the Llanic Spice Run, has made the planet a major trading centre and port of call.

Population: Originally Zolanders, but additional Human and Klee settlements have boosted the population levels into the several hundred million. Population centres are largest around each continental starport.

Technology: Llanic has kept abreast of galactic technological change, hosting modest development across the face of the planet.

Culture: The three species each maintain their separate traditions, although each culture is to contain an open-minded "trader's outlook". The influx of the trade routes and of spice smuggling has reinforced this, and the markets, bazaars, and entertainment sectors around the starports are some of the region's most popular and infamous.

Politics & Economy: Interally, each colony groups have lived harmoniously with each other for millenia, and the rulers of each group have combined to form a planetary ruling council. For Regional and Galactic representation, the planet stands as Independent.


* * * *
See also:

- Order of Mabari
- Shadowport
- The Hutt's Highway
- Trade Planets
 Back to top »
View user's profile Send private message
Corask Slen'da
Solomon


Joined: 30 May 2010
Posts: 86

 Post Posted: Tue, May 17th 2011 04:58pm    Post subject: The Guild Auction - Pt I
Reply with quote

LLANIC SYSTEM

With a flicker of pseudomotion, the Claw decanted from hyperspace and arrived at the rendevous buoy. Ahead of them, dozens of personal luxury craft were being shepherded into parking zones, where a stream of valet lighters transferred buyers from their parked ships to the Hromsa Rampant. Positioned on each side of the the superliner's bow, two graceful Corona Escort Frigates were in guard positions, while nimble Manta fighters formed perimeter patrols.

Slen'da huffed, surprised. "The Armorer's Guild aren't skimping on any expense for security, are they?" remarked Slen'da.

"Well, a few years back, one of the larger pirate groups nearly pulled off a coup and almost hijacked the whole liner. If they succeeded, they would have carried off some of the most expensive equipment in the galaxy, as well as abducted thousands of the galaxy's richest. It was a mess." Cragus sat back, reflective.

"What happened to them? And didn't it affect the next auction?"

"Well.. the Guild put bounties out the pirates so big that most of the pirates were dead within a year," his voice sounding as if he was reliving a pleasurable memory. "And the next year's auction was even more popular. I guess the Core richese loved the thought of danger, and of rubbing elbows with the galaxy's filthiest and vilest." Slen'da had noticed Cragus's expansiveness. Most of the tension that Slen'da noticed Cragus building up from Aduba had disappeared when they choose the Claw for this mission instead of Slen'da's own scout craft. Perhaps the cyborg was back in his own element, master of his own domain. Or it could be that Cragus enjoyed being back on the hunt, his chosen lifestyle for the last thirty-five years.

The cyborg's own ship was indeed beautiful, and the wide semi-circular ship with soft curves and sharp points reminded Slen'da of a seashell from the coasts of Bothawui. Inside, it was a spacious and comfortable. It was also fast, well-armed, and well-shielded, and overall to Slen'da made a statement in functionalism and lethal grace.

A light beeped for attention, and Cragus 12 flipped it on. A hologram formed; not of the Guild traffic controller, but of Beveri Tark. Her ocular implant looked even more robotic in the hologram.

"Greetings, Cragus. I've got an update for you from that unknown ship you wanted tracked. The person you're tracking seems to be using the shadowport system down the Hutt's Highway. Syvris, Lyran, Arkanis.. and this is strange. The transmission codes from your ship and that person's ship are almost exactly the same."

Surprised, Cragus and Slen'da asked what she meant.

"Your quarry's last transmission and your own current transmission coordinates are almost the same. You're BOTH in the the Llanic System."

Recovering from his surprise first, Slen'da was triumphant.

"It must be Aach Een. We came here to intercept him; those transmissions must be his!"

Cragus 12 nodded, clearly thoughtful. "It does seem like the pieces are coming together, Bothan."

Interrupting Slen'da's exultation, the controllers onboard the Hromsa Rampant contacted them, assigning them a parking zone and arranging a lighter for transfer.

* * * *

HROMSA RAMPANT: Section 5

"We are purchasing agents for Baron-Administrator Calrissian. Here are our invitations and credentials." The Guild emissary accepted the datacard bearing their credentials and slotted it in his datapad, while Guildsmen waved sensors about and searched the pair. While he did so, Slen'da idly wondered how Calrissian had gotten the invitations. They had been warned to leave all weapons onboard their craft, and neither doubted the Guild's efficiency at detecting weapons technology. Slen'da's lightsaber and Cragus's blaster arm had been left back on the Claw. Around the busy hangar bay, many other sentients were going through the same procedure. The emissary straightened from his examination.

"Welcome to the Guild's Outer Rim Auction. The guide will show you and your baggage to your room."

As they cleared the hangar screen, they were both struck by the massive display in front of them. Embossed on the rear walls of the hangar and framing the entryway into the ship's interior were a pair of massive Hromsa Tigers. Set on both sides of the entry portal and facing each other, the pair of highly ornate and stylized Hromsa Tigers. Each reared on it's haunches, horned knees bent, and striking at each other with their forepaws. Each of paws had were a distinctive red claws and the tigers wide faces had fully open mounths, each fully extending their bublous poisonous tongue. The body was made of rich burnished metals and the tiger's tongue, teeth, eyes and claws glittered with red sapphire and yellow rubies. Seemingly held up between the two tigers forepaws was the plaque containing delicate Gaman calligraphy: Hromsa Tiger.



The massive arching tigers were the beginning of what to Slen'da was the biggest mobile palace ever conceived. The endless passages of the liner were lined with statues, fine woods, tapestries, hangings, banners, sumptous carpeting and soft indirect lighting. On every tasteful surface and portal were copies of the rearing tigers seen on the hangar bay. Each door was real wood, rich and sturdy, with intricate carvings and the tiger crest centred over each one.

Due to their low-status as agents, their rooms were far down in the bowels of the ship, where the lower-class passengers or servants of the richer clients were housed. Neither minded; they were just there for the sight-seeing, to catch sight of the Butcher of Rafa V.
 Back to top »
View user's profile Send private message
Corask Slen'da
Solomon


Joined: 30 May 2010
Posts: 86

 Post Posted: Fri, May 20th 2011 12:00pm    Post subject: The Guild Auction: Pt II
Reply with quote

HROMSA RAMPANT - Section 2: Passenger Country

During the trip to their rooms, their Guild guide kindly went over the conditions during the auction. The "conditions" were closer to a peace treaty than traditional rules. Weapons of any kind or make (including poisonous material) were banned on the ship, violence would be met "with disproportionate response" by Guild enforcers. The only droids allowed out in public those used by the Guild, and those were mainly cargo haulers or translator droids. The Guild did not support any bounties, death marks or warrants out any one onboard. Overall, the rules made sense. Considering the fabulous treasures and infamous people onboard, including both sides of some bloody fringe feuds, the Guild had to have strict rules to keep violence to a minimum.

After their guide had withdrawn, the two looked at their accommodation. It was a relatively simple affair made for lower-class passengers. It was a rectangular box with two beds; a door to the refresher room in the back right corner was complimented by a food preperation alcove in the back left. Before Slen'da said anything, Cragus 12 gestured for silence. Opening a small panel on his left forearm and changing the vision of his helmet, and began to scan the walls, floor and ceiling. He paused, and took a pair of gadgets that looked like clips from his belt. Slen'da's expression dawned, as very carefully, Cragus clipped them over the listening devices that he'd spotted.

"I recorded a few day's worth of our conversation during the hyperspace trip here. I was expecting these." Cragus 12 added with satisfaction, waving at the listening devices.

Slen'da's mind turned elsewhere. "The guide mentioned the warrants and bounties. We can't capture Een here, but neither is someone going to try and collect on you." Cragus agreed; it was a weight off of his mind. Slen'da continued. "And on the bright side, since Calrissian contacted you personally, and I'm... not in it for the money, Aach Een doesn't know anybody is looking for him."

"We'd better start looking," Cragus replied "get familarized with the ship, and the auction listings. If we can find Een in one of the rooms, we can follow him back to his room... see who he's meeting. What's the itinerary?"

* * * *

HROMSA RAMPANT - Section 4: Grand Forum

"Greetings Lords, Ladies, Mistresses, Masters, and gentlefolk of all backgrounds!" The booming voice cut through the idle chatter of hundreds of sentients, and attention was drawn to a central dias. Cragus and Slen'da, on mutual agreement, had seperated to sift through the room better. Slen'da had to move from behind a large Ergesh to see him. A Bloxian, red-skinned and resplendent in his formal Guild robes, gathered the assemblage's attention.

"Welcome to the Six Hundred and Eighty First Outer Rim Auction, where the Most Honourable Guild of Armourers is pleased to present it's catalogue of artificats and equipment for your collection." Polite applause greeted this announcement. Auctions and sales will begin tomorrow morning; but the whole ship, and all of it's entertainment, are yours for the evening." At this, the crowd broke up; some were moving toward the drinks and buffet tables, but most moving into the display area, where halls of equipment and weaponry were finally shown to the scum of the galaxy. A few more; notably some of the richer notables, began to move directly to the casino sector.

As per the plan, Cragus 12 moved into the display areas, hoping to catch the Zabrak evaluating his purchases; Slen'da moved into the casino areas, hoping to pick up the trail there.
 Back to top »
View user's profile Send private message
Corask Slen'da
Solomon


Joined: 30 May 2010
Posts: 86

 Post Posted: Mon, May 23rd 2011 05:34pm    Post subject:
Reply with quote

HROMSA RAMPANT

They had agreed to split up and comb the ship to look for the Iridonian Aach Een. The Guild had summarily dismissed their search requests for Een, or for anyone for that matter, citing security. All they could do was look around, and talk to other auction patrons hoping to find linkages to someone who knew Aach Een. Cragus 12 had chosen to start in the conventional halls where the items were on display to potential bidders for the morning auctions.

Slen'da on the other hand chose to follow his feelings and wandered the ship, almost at random. The corridors and intersections were always sumptuously furnished, and the rearing tigers badge was emblazioned on walls, tapestries, doorcrests and inset among the panelling. Larger tigers formed archways or surrounded doorways and portals between the sections of the ship.

While keeping his eyes open and looking over passersby, his mind began to dwell on himself, a frequent exercise. Following his feelings.. in his life, he had always had two mental disciplines. One half was thoughtful, analytical, empirical. It used logic and inference to form conclusions, and automatically sought order from chaos, reason from action. It was a world of correlations and hypothesis, logical and.. neat.

And then there was the life that was dominated by the Force; a power greater than the galaxy itself, yet deeply indefinible, a mixture of fate, doom, chance and destiny. To understand it required deep mediation and mental exercises. To master it took mastery over one's own inner balance. Seeking only balance and good will, and to care yet always amplifying the animalism, the naturalness of one's other emotions and illogical urges. Urges to love, protect, sustain, to be selfless, to be selfish, to fight, hate, despair, mourn, fear, dread, and to take a chance. All of these were part of a wild, uncontained part of his life, and more than his life. Those urges, plus the ministrations and directions of the Force, comprised the other discipline. He was well-aware that his choices and instincts always veered between those two paths, between imposing order and letting go.

Slen'da came out of his reverie near the massive portal to the ship's casino. As always, giant tigers reared up and toward to each to form an archway into the luxurious casino. It was at first impression, massive. Slen'da walked into the lavish and well furnished casino-room. The lower floor was the size of an sporting field, and with various games of mathematics and chance, while a large and apparently well-stocked bar lined one wall of the lower section of the casino. A few steps separated the lower level from the upper level, where some of the more serious gambling was already underway. There were nearly a dozen seperate Sabacc and pajarak tables underway, some serious, while others were far more casual. He moved up to the second level and joined the onlookers. It was a big game; the sabacc pot was nearing monstrous proportions. At one of the casual tables, the remaining players laid down their hands, and in a buzz of applause the game was over. The sabacc pot was won.

Several of the players got up and moved on while the dealer reset the table. A niggling feeling began to rise, telling him to join the table. A feeling from the Force, or from his own inclinations? He decided to play; as he rationalized to himself, he could probably find more information out of the cameraderie of his fellow players than by wandering the ship; and Calrissian had extended a line of credit to aid in the search. He sat down, drew chips from the dealer, and settled in. The search of Aach Een, was temporarily forgotten.
 Back to top »
View user's profile Send private message
Cragus 12
Solomon


Joined: 30 May 2010
Posts: 20

 Post Posted: Tue, May 24th 2011 06:51pm    Post subject:
Reply with quote

HROMSA RAMPANT

Cragus moved up and down the aisles of items, equipment and weaponry. Each were under a protective transparent case, and a display offering an explanation of the device, its history, and projected auction value was projected over the display. The Bothan didn't know it, but it was a rare opportunity to even look at some of the galaxy's rarest equipment and weapons.

It was also and excellent opportunity to look over some of the more serious of this year's guest list. A lot of the Core richese were more interested in rubbing elbows and talking with the galaxy's most wanted than actual bidding, but down here, on the first night, you had the serious buyers. Down here already were a large number of sentients, ranging the product displays. Around the halls were various groups of tall and war-like Jilruans in their hooded dark cloaks, a few sleek-furred Bothans, their close cousins the Felacatians, winged Toydoarians, Zygerrian slavers, rugged Jabiimi, and large numbers of Humans and Near-Humans. There even a few of the more recognizable species: renegade Wookies, Mon Calamari and Sullustan smugglers, Durese explorers. A couple of exotic Celegians within their brain-jars drifted by, their repulsorlifts humming quietly.

To his slight surprise, he'd recognized and crossed paths with many of the individuals on the display floor. Over there was the Duros Bangas Keck, who shot down Spurch Goa in the streets of Ord Mantell. Looking over an exhibit in the next aisle were fellow hunters Boba Fett and Ailyn Vel. That was slightly out of place; Fett didn't take partners for long, although there was rumoured to be some history between them.

And over there was Boddu Bock, his famous red hair now fading to grey. They'd had a falling-out over the debacle on Eriadu, and even now, they cordially nodded greetings to each other. The crimelord Fa'athra the Hutt and his retinue passed by, undoubtedly seeking to add to his renowned collection of Langoonan Death Masks. And over there was Fa'athra's chief rival, the Etti Black Sun Vigo Wumdi, a true survivor in the galactic underworld. Black Sun and Hutt guards glared at each other, but Guildsmen acting as guards were everywhere, their blaster pistols and stun batons the only weapons allowed on ship.

Cragus let his eyes moved over a display of Echani double-bladed vibroknives, when he froze. There was Fos Manar, the Zisian majordomo for Looba the Hutt, with a collection of Ubese and Gotal guards. The green-skinned, orange-eyed Near-Human looked at him coolly, but moved on. Cragus hesitated, then moved to intercept. The Zisian stopped, waiting for Cragus 12 to come to him. He said, instead, with all of the contempt he could muster:

<In the interests of not offending the hosts, I will not have my associates tear you apart, down to your sinews and wire. But Lord Looba has a long memory, cyborg, and the name of R'iiyoon Plasic will haunt you to the end of your shortened days.>

"We both know there is no point in arguing the death of Plasic with you; Zisian, but rather to your master. I wish an audience to clear the matter of his death mark against me, and to prove that I have no ill-will against his designs, nor against his minions. The Guild-enforced neutrality of this ship is an opportune time to clear this misunderstanding up between myself and Lord Looba." The majordomo glared at him.

"There is no misunderstanding, bounty hunter. I am sure Looba would be condescend to hear you out, if only to hear your inventiveness. Once he discovers your presence, however, I do not doubt he will have designs for your death set in motion as soon as you leave the system.> Cragus 12 laughed in Fos Manar's face.

"Well, he can try. Nonetheless, many credits -and the lives of his minions such as yourself- will be sacrificed in his attempts to destroy me. And I understand Looba does not like waste, especially if I offer my services to clear my debt with Looba. Take my request to him, at least." Fos Manar laughed harshly back.

<Lord Looba does not bargain with scum, bounty hunter.> Manar spat, <But I will take this to my liege, and await his commands.>

Cragus bowed from the neck and withdrew. Already, his mind concentrated on the coming confrontation with Looba. The pursuit of Aach Een was, for the moment, forgotten.
 Back to top »
View user's profile Send private message
Corask Slen'da
Solomon


Joined: 30 May 2010
Posts: 86

 Post Posted: Mon, May 30th 2011 09:16pm    Post subject: The Guild Auction: Pt V
Reply with quote

HROMSA RAMPANT: Sabacc Table

To Slen'da, the world focussed to the spotlight covering the sabacc table. He felt the old gambling instincts coming up, and those brought bittersweet memories. He had learned sabacc from his colleagues on Rafa, on those lonely days and nights when there was nothing to do but to wait out the storm to keep digging, or waiting for some test results to come back. But those places and people were all gone, now. From what he'd heard from Dr. Brandt, Rexall and Triggs were dead, and Jiwal still needed a respirator to breathe. In a way, however, sabacc appealed to his spirit. Sabacc combined cold-hard calculation with chance, and the thrill of matching wits and nerves against an opponent.

He focused on the other players at the table. Three people had left the table; he and two others had replaced them, and with the dealer and the two that stayed, the hexagonal table was full, and ready to begin.

The dealer took number 1; unlike the sabacc tables on Coruscant, the dealer was a live sentient, instead of a droid fastened in the centre of the table. A young human with white hair sat across from Slen'da, while a Gossam took seat three. On the right side of the Jedi was another human, an older and scarred who gave the air of a pirate, while between Slen'da and the dealer was a Mirialian. He himself had taken seat number 5.

He didn't have much credit to play with, but unlike the high-stakes games going on around him, this seemed like a more casual table. Apparently, not everyone aboard the Casino ship were the pampered offspring of the galactic elite.

"Welcome, gentlefolk," the dealer droid intoned,"under casino rules, the winner of our last sabacc pot can set the rules of this round of sabacc. Sir?" He indicated the white-haired youth. The young man gazed coolly at the other players with eyes that seemed to hold knowledge beyond his years.

"I prefer Cloud City Casino rules," came the languid reply.

The dealer nodded. "Yes, sir. The the minimum ante will 25 credits. All players have the option to play toward a score closest to 0, as well as plus 23 and minus 23. A positive will beat an equal negative amount."

"Each player begins a round with a three-card draw, with the option of drawing two more cards. You may request a sixth card during your turn, but must exchange it for one of the five in your hand. The card scrambler is randomized." Any unnecessary delays by a gambler to "wait out the randomizer" was seen as poor taste and would have the gambler ejected from the game, and probably blacklisted from the casino. The dealer continued.

"All card values are standard, and the suits are Coins, Flasks, Sabres and Staves. To prevent ties, the suits are ranked in that order. The Idiot's Array is the Idiot Card, and a 2 and a 3 of the same suit. The interference field is set at 2 cards per player; the cards held in your hand will scramble values randomly. The cards are frozen, however, when a bet is called. As for dealing the first card each round, I will begin at seat number 1, then the next round start at seat 2, and so on. The dealer will not participate in the game. Do all players understand?" All assented.

"Then let's begin."

The dealer's multiple fingers flicked out again and again, until each player had four cards in front of them. All the background noises and images faded as Slen'da's world dwindled to the table, and the players around it. He lifted his cards.
 Back to top »
View user's profile Send private message
Corask Slen'da
Solomon


Joined: 30 May 2010
Posts: 86

 Post Posted: Tue, May 31st 2011 01:54am    Post subject:
Reply with quote

"The original buy-in is 50 credits to the sabacc pot. The minimum ante for each round is 10 credits." The dealer of course did not mention there wasn't a maximum bets for each hand. "Please place your buy-ins and antes on the table."

The credits were thrown in and collected by the dealer, and Slen'da examined his initial cards. He received the Commander, the Master, and then the Star, making his total value at 9. It was a safe value to stand on, and he probably had one more scramble before bets were raised. He decided to hold on to the Star, and slipping it in the interference field, Slen'da sat back to watch the others and size them up.

The white-haired man had won the last game; although young-looking, he looked like a cool and dangerous player. The Gossam was a little tougher to decipher, but most Gossam were considered shrewd and cunning. The pirate to his left, despite his loose and foolish looking appearance, had nearly won the last game. And the Mirialian had already settled his tattooed face into an impassive mask. The dealer began, turning to the white-haired Human. "Your move, Lord Calis?"

"Check." Clearly, the white-hair human, Lord Calis was he was referred to, was hoping to get another scramble at the end of this round. The dealer then addressed the Gossam. "Your move?"

"I'll take another card." The dealer slid the fourth card to the Gossam, face-down. The Gossam peeled it back, carefully, his face set. He placed one of his four cards into the interference field, and then moved a credit chip from his stack into the centre of the table. "I'll open at 10 credits."

The pirate made his own moves; matching and raised the bet. The dealer turned to Slen'da, he replied. "I'll match the bet." He he didn't have much, but it was good for appearances to stay in the game. And he was expecting a scrambler to improve his values. After he passed the turn on the Mirialian, the cards scrambled. His expression and his fur remained unruffled, but his feelings sank! He had exchanged the face cards for a pair of twos, a Two of coins and the Two of Staves. That brought his total down to negative 13. He looked up into the uncanny older eyes of the white-haired human. They held his own eyes for a moment seemed to look right through him, then the Human looked away. The Mirilian took a card, then matched the bet. That brought the play back to Salis. "I'll fold." Folding so quickly brought up the heads of the three other players; even the dealer was slightly taken aback.

Each of the others went through their own deliberations and put cards into the interference, drew others, and opened and raised the bet. When it came to Slen'da's turn, he drew another card. What ill-luck! He drew Moderation again, bringing his total to negative 27, dangerously below negative 23. He decided on a drastic bluff and taking a fantastic chance, and put the Two of Coins into the interference field, and withdrew The Star. Then Slen'da matched the bet, again to only maintain his bluff, and hopefully last until the next scramble.

The Ace came up as did the Demise card, and the Five of Sabres. With the Two of Coins, that brought his values back to 9, and the pot went higher. Finally, the Mirialian called the bet, and Slen'da had to fold, and lost the hand. But the game went on.
 Back to top »
View user's profile Send private message
Set Harth
Solomon


Joined: 30 May 2010
Posts: 12

 Post Posted: Fri, June 03rd 2011 09:32pm    Post subject: The Guild Auction: Pt IV
Reply with quote

HROMSA RAMPANT: Sabaac Tables

A Three of Sabres, a Four of Staves, and the Star, value minus 17. So, minus 10. "Lord Calis" looked over his cards, then at the remaining players. A good game of Sabacc is a long game, subject to the twists of fate, and all showed a little weariness. In spite of the twists of chance and fate, Harth was leading the table in gains. Harth had the Force as his ally, and could read the emotions hidden by his opponent's game faces. No one had bombed out, but the Mirialian had folded and walked away, citing other engagements. And then there was the Jedi.

By the Force, that rankled. Of all the casinos in all the ships in the galaxy, a Jedi had to stroll into this one, and choose this table. Harth had not totally discarded his Jedi beliefs; and he certainly did not believe in coincidences. The will of the Force must have directed this Bothan and Harth here. For what purpose; he did not know. But what he did know was that his recent theft, the Amulet of Kalara, worked. The Jedi was completely unaware that he sat across from one strong in the Force; and a Dark Jedi at that. The Bothan could tell something was wrong his Force presence; he had been giving Harth strange looks all night. But under his shirt and next to his chest, the legendary ability of the Amulet kept hidden his presence in the Force.

Harth was intrigued by the Jedi, and in the twist that brought them together. The Bothan did have the Jedi... calmness, but did not look like the standard Jedi. He had an air of intelligence and reserve that you did not find in this generation of Jedi.

Throughout the game, there had been desultory converation between the players, mostly talking shop about the galactic underfringe, and comparing notes on the Guild auction. The Bothan refused to get involved in these conversations, and following a whim, Harth had decided to draw out the Jedi, and talk directly to him.
 Back to top »
View user's profile Send private message
Corask Slen'da
Solomon


Joined: 30 May 2010
Posts: 86

 Post Posted: Mon, June 06th 2011 12:41am    Post subject:
Reply with quote

HROMSA RAMPANT: Sabacc Tables

"So, Bothan, what brings you to the auction?" The white-haired Human asked.

Slen'da took his time answering Calis, as he had been feeling odd Force emanations from the man all need. Through the Force, Slen'da registered Calis as a low-sensitive Human, but every so often of there would be a disconcerting flicker from the man. Almost as if a light flared bright, and then died down again. Although curious, Slen'da had not questioned the man too closely; it wasn't fitting with his cover. He would, however, bring the man's condition up with Masters Solusar and Tionne when he arrived back on Ossus. Up to now, Slen'da had been keeping quiet in the sabacc conversation, but now that he was directly addressed, he already had his cover story prepared. He looked up and smiled.

"I am the purchasing agent for my patron. I'm here to look over some equipment that may interest him." The pirate broke in. "Oh? What auction lot are you looking at?"

Slen'da smoothly parried. "Well, we prefer keeping our interests quiet."

"Ah, you think you know something about a item that others don't, right?" The pirate grinned knowingly. "And get a better deal?" Slen'da smiled graciously and nodded. Lord Calis, on the other hand, looked annoyed that the pirate had broken in the conversation. He asked another question. "If I may ask, who is your patron?"

Slen'da saw no harm in answering truthfully. "The Baron-Administrator Calrissian of Kelada." Calis raised a white eyebrow.

"Is that Lando Calrissian, noted con-man, ex-smuggler, and killer?" Affronted, the Bothan rose to Calrissian's defence. "The Baron is a hero of the New Republic and an honourable man!"

Calis scoffed, "Hah! I remember watching him shoot down three poor gutterrats on Point Nadir only a few years ago." Calis smiled cruelly, and theatrically added. "Ah yes, I remember now, he was accused of cheating at a game of sabacc." The game had stopped, the other players watching the growing argument. Calis clearly enjoyed himself by making these comments.

Slen'da refused to be baited and kept a rein on his anger; but it was time to bring this Calis up short. "Why, that that is why I am here instead of the Baron himself," Slen'da replied, smiling with bared teeth. "He did not want to be force to dispatch any more inept sabacc players, players who would rather call him a cheater than accept they are simply poor sabacc players. Calis's eyes narrowed, clearly taking in the indirect insult. Before Calis could respond, Slen'da had already regretted his rash remarks, and sought to change the subject.

"And isn't that why the Guild is out here? For people who would like to avoid any entanglements?" Calis paused in the act of uttering an insult, and the hard stare had transformed into a calculated one when finally he responded.

"Indeed. And what does the Baron truly want out of this Guild Auction? Perhaps some stolen items? I heard the Baron had suffered a break-in on his personal collection. How.. unfortunate."

Slen'da recalled his original conversation with Calrissian; Lando had anticipated the news would get around, and that was, in part, why Slen'da was out here.

"Without a doubt, Lord Calis, justice will be delivered onto the burglars."

Calis picked up on the wording, and pushed his line of questions. "That sounds like a bounty, Bothan. Are you here for the stolen items, or for information to capture the sneakthief who took them?"

"Me?" Slen'da replied with an knowing smile. "I am simply a purchasing agent for the Baron." At that, the argument tailed off into the next hand. But Slen'da was both troubled. That man seemed to know too much. He needed to find out more about him.
 Back to top »
View user's profile Send private message
Corask Slen'da
Solomon


Joined: 30 May 2010
Posts: 86

 Post Posted: Mon, June 06th 2011 03:33pm    Post subject:
Reply with quote

HROMSA RAMPANT: Sabacc Tables

It was a dangerous moment in the game for Slen'da. The pirate had called Calis on his hand, putting his chips "all-in" to do so. Slen'da had a hot hand, The Two of Flasks, the Five of Staves, the Eleven of Flasks, and then the Evil One, to bring his total to positive 3, a fair shot at victory. He had looked over his cards and then his chips, matching the pirate's bet.

"The bet has been called and matched; the scrambler has been frozen. Let's see your cards, gentlefolk. Master Corask?"

He laid his hand down, and the crowd that had assembled around the table murmured appreciatively. It was a decent hand, and there were only a handful of combinations that could beat it.

"Master Jamis?" The pirate looked smug, and laid down his cards. His four cards were the Seven of Sabres, the 4 of Staves, Demise, the Star, and finally the Queen of Air and Darkness. Minus 21! Admist the muted applause of the crowd, Slen'da's shoulders threatened to slump; no matter what Calis laid down, his hand was beaten. All attention was now on Lord Calis. His luck had been generally good all night, steadily winning all night, only losing minor amounts here and there. Calis seemed to loved the tension in the moment, and drew it out by placing out one card at a time.

Flip. Endurance.

Flip. The 6 of Staves.

Flip. The 10 of Coins. That brought his total to positive eight, with two cards left to place. With great deliberation, Calis turned over the fourth card.

Flip. The Ace! That brought his total to positive 22! But with one card left still to unfold, the pirate was certain of victory, and smug because of it. With a creamy look of satisfaction, Lord Calis upended his last card.

Flip. The Idiot's Array! Calis's hand stood at 22, winning the hand. Crestfallen, the pirate stonily looked at Calis, then left the table. He had had bombed out.


Now, there were only two players left in the game. The Gossam had already suffered a losing streak, and wisely decided to fold before his losses became crippling. Furthermore, the dealer waved off a couple of johnny-come-latelys who hoped to scoop up the small fortune on the table. That set the stage for Slen'da and the white-haired Lord Calis, whose mutual antagonism had been mounting all night.

* * * * * * * *

Lord Calis sneered at the Bothan. "Ready for your fleecing, Bothan?"

Slen'da did not respond; nor even acknowledge he'd been addressed. The dealer flicked out the three cards, and the Bothan picked them up.

The Evil One, Endurance and the 11 of Flasks. Overall, Minus 12. If he could get rid of this 11 of Flasks, it would be Pure Sabacc. He put the Evil One and the Endurance card under the interference field, and when his turn came around, he asked for another card. The Four of Staves. Not so good, bringing his total to minus 8. However, there were several ways to win from here. Get his points back down to negative 23 for Pure Sabacc, or bring his totals closer to 0, Pure Sabacc by the Cloud City rules. Just then, the two cards in his hands were scrambled, bringing him one of the Master Cards, and the 7 of Flasks. Minus 2, and only 2 away from Sabacc!

Harth went through his own deliberations, asking for a card, and raised the ante. His deadpan face contained only the sneer that he had maintained all night. A cruel-looking man, Slen'da thought again for the dozenth time. His turn came around again, and drew the Ace. A total of positive 13. Slen'da looked for ways to build his hand, but could find none except draw cards and hope for another scrambler to bring him a better score. He chipped in his ante and passed the turn. Calis looked over his cards, but apparently needed some scrambling of his own to do, and after drawing his sixth card, and returning on from his hand, he rapped on the table, sending the turn back to Slen'da. The cards scrambled yet again, and for Slen'da, the Demise, the Queen of Air and Darkness and the Four of Sabres appeared in his hand. Slen'da suppressed a grimace, and set to work on fixing the now sum of minus thirty-four.

Slen'da asked for his own sixth card. He took the Evil one and returned it to the dealer. That card was replaced by the Demise card in the interference field. He flipped over his new card, the Master. His total returned to minus 5, a fair amount. He chipped in the ante and passed the turn. Harth seemed pleased by his hand, and stood and raised the bet. Slen'da, when his turn arose, threw back the Queen and got the Commander. Now, his hand stood at plus 9. The crowd had grown, attracted by the tension, the stakes, and the back and forth play between the pair. Both beings sensed that this was the final round, and both were determined to bankrupt the other. For several rounds, Slen'da's cards danced close to either Pure Sabacc of -23 and 0, and the hand pot grew higher with the bets.

The rounds mounted up, but the end came quickly. Slen'da held the Moderation and Master cards, which cancelled each other out at negative and positive fourteen respectively. He also had the Mistress, the 11 of Coins, and the 6 of Sabres, making his total 30. Nearing the end of his credit chips, he threw back the 11 of Coins, and drew another card. Not expecting to see the card, he nearly started when he drew the 3 of Flasks! His value was now 22, one away from Pure Sabacc!

Finally, almost gratefully, he let loose his full Bothan spirit; opportunistic, aggressive. He drove for the kill. He declared, "I am all-in, and I call the bet." and pushed his remaining chips into the hand pot.

Calis grinned malevolently. "I drew you out to this moment, and now you're finished." He laid down his cards, one at a time, just like with the pirate.

Flick- The Commander.
Flick- The 7 of Coins. 19 points total.
Flick- The 3 of Coins. 22 points total.
Flick- The Evil One. 7

Slen'da, and the crowd, held their breath. In the sudden stillness, the last card flipped over loudly.

Flick- The Balance Card. Calis's hand was scored at 1. The crowd made appreciative noises; then fell silent, awaiting Slen'da's own hand. During Calis's display, and after it, he had kept his stillness. The crowd picked up on that and buzzing grew, onlookers guessing if he would win all, or bomb out. Looking Calis straight in the eyes, Slen'da laid down his hand. The gasps of the crowd finally forced Calis's eyes down to count the card tallies. The smugness and condesciension in his face was replaced by confusion.

"We have equal values! So my hand wins!" And Calis started to reach for the pot. But the dealer interrupted.

"Sir, you know the rules of Cloud City Casino Sabacc; you called the rules in this game! The points difference is the same between the two hands, the hand closer value to postive 23 will beat the equal hand value closer to zero. That rules supercedes the ranked value of the card suis. The Bothan is the winner." The crowd murmured over the technicality of the win. Lord Calis's face was like thunder, as if he was going to kill every one standing around the table, starting with slen'da.

"An ugly win. I see you take after your patron at cards, Bothan," Calis spat, "If I see you again, I'll send Calrissian a message tied to your carcass." With that he left.

Slen'da looked thoughfully at the man's retreating back, losing Calis among a crowd of well-wishers congratulating him. Although the man's Force Presence had flickered and flared throughout the game, during his angry tirade it surged like a supernova, dark and terrible. Although the man's Force presence was unusual, it suddenly came to him that he just had a brush with the Dark Side of the Force.
 Back to top »
View user's profile Send private message
Set Harth
Solomon


Joined: 30 May 2010
Posts: 12

 Post Posted: Tue, June 07th 2011 08:47pm    Post subject:
Reply with quote

HROMSA RAMPANT: Never Look Back Restaurant

The view of the Llanic System and the starfield beyond was indeed beautiful. The Never Look Back lived up to it's name, drawing all attention to the massive viewing portal that formed the nose of the ship. The soft glow of Llanic's Sun threw red tones throughout the restaurant. It was a view for contemplation, and "Lord Calis" had many things to consider.

In a secluded corner booth, he dined by himself. He sat back from the remains of his dish of yelosk caviar and mammak oysters and brooded on the sabacc game, and the Bothan Jedi that beat him. So after nearly forty years after the end of the the Emperor's Great Purge, the Jedi were finally making their way back out into the underfringe of the Outer Rim. It was only a matter of time; and Harth knew that the Jedi Order had recovered from worse purges.

Another thing to consider: the limitations of the Amulet of Kalara. The talisman clearly worked, but only covered his presence. He couldn't use his powers without attracting notice; as his uses of the Force throughout the game had clearly shown through. The looks the Bothan had given him happened only when Harth reached out to the minds of his opponents. Once that was realized, he was forced to curtail his cheating, opening the way for the Bothan to win.

Harth focussed the Bothan Jedi. That one has anger, he thought, and uses it. He had gotten angry quickly at the insults Harth had thrown at him. He had also gloated, savoured in his victory over Harth. He also carried a dark burden, some sadness or a grudge on his soul.

But the Bothan was also intelligent, and cleverly had picked up on the hints Harth had dropped about the Kelada case. What irony, he thought with a laugh, the very thing he was looking for was being used against him, right under my tunic!

Well, Harth thought with a certainty, if he ever tracks me down and discovers who I really am, I will destroy him.
 Back to top »
View user's profile Send private message
Corask Slen'da
Solomon


Joined: 30 May 2010
Posts: 86

 Post Posted: Wed, June 08th 2011 04:51pm    Post subject:
Reply with quote

HROMSA RAMPANT: Casino

As he left the Casino, richer and happier, he realized he shouldn't be feeling these emotions. A Jedi does not crave these, his teachings said. And with a sense of shame, he took a breathe and tried to purge the pleasurable feelings of not only winning, but humiliating an obnoxious opponent. But the undercurrent of elation of success remained. That man deserved it.

His comlink beeped. It was Cragus. He sounded urgent.

"I've got him!"

"Who?" Thinking of Lord Calis, Slen'da had momentarily forgotten.

"Aach Een! He's down in the auction holds. Come quickly."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

HROMSA RAMPANT: Convention Hall

Cragus was examining a set of rare Duwani ion rifles. As Slen'da approached him, screened by the display case, Cragus pointed with his finger the direction of his target. A few aisles over, a Zabrak was leaning over another display case, inspecting the items within. He revealed his profile when he straightened and turned to address the Twi'lek beside him.

Light brown hair, green eyes, peachy white skin, white horns emerging from his forehead and around his skull. Thin facial tattoos parted his face like an anatomical chart. Aach Een, the Butcher of Rafa V. Slen'da felt his emotions grow, his vengeance rising like a gorge in his throat. Cragus saw the emotion on the Bothan's face, and motioned him to stop.

"Wait. The Twi'lek he is talking to - do you know who is he?" Slen'da shook his head. "That's Oolak Goyl."

"I've heard the name before. So?"

"I've heard of Aach Een before, the same as you. Aach Een the professional vault thief; going all over the galaxy to acquire new but he always works for somebody, somebody who pays big for the items he brings in. You're looking at his patron."

"Oolak Goyl?"

Cragus continued. "This set-up is beginning to make sense. Goyl has a reputation of collecting rare artifacts - by any means necessary."

Comprehension dawned. "I have heard of him, through the Research Institute. He's one of the Outer Rim's biggest collectors of rare artifacts and artwork. He's one of the Outer Rim's most prolific collectors. He has a whole range of palace museums across the Rim. Do you think he ordered the raid on Rafa?"

Cragus was direct. "Yes, and probably the Kelada theft. The Kelada theft is more Een and Goyl's style though. I've never heard of him killing that many people to get what he wants, but perhaps Goyl thought the Mindharp was worth it. If they have reached a new level of what they're willing to do, the Rafa V killings could only be the start."

Slen'da was adamant. "We have to stop them."

"That is problematic; neither Een or Goyl ever step near a New Republic system, much less a Galactic Union world. We'd never be able to bring them to justice. And the Guild would interfere if we tried to capture them on the ship."

Cragus looked over at the Zabrak and the Twi'lek.

"No, we must follow them as closely as we can throughout the auction, and when they leave the Auction, we will follow. When they've led us to their hidden lair, we make our move. We'll get them, the Amulet, and the Mindharp."

Slen'da nodded. It was a good plan, and he was sure of it.

"We should get your droid to plant a homing beacon on their ship." Cragus grinned mirthlessly.

"I've already sent him the signal to begin analyzing the ships out there."

"There is another thing." Quickly, Slen'da summarized his encounter with the white-haired Lord Calis. "He knew about the break-in, and seemed to know what we were looking for."

Cragus dismissed the man. "A lot of the fringe knows about it; in some ways, the smuggler and criminal networks out here are worse than gossip parlours."
 Back to top »
View user's profile Send private message
Corask Slen'da
Solomon


Joined: 30 May 2010
Posts: 86

 Post Posted: Fri, June 24th 2011 04:36pm    Post subject:
Reply with quote

HROMSA RAMPANT: Passenger Section

The final night of the Guild Auction, a summons had come for Cragus. The messenger departed as swiftly as she had come, Guild cloak billowing behind her. The datapad gave a time and a stateroom number. Judging from the number, it was one of the luxury suites, reserved for the most powerful.

* * * * * * *

As he neared the portal to Looba the Hutt's quarters, he began to slow. No only at the sight of the Gotal guards outside the doors, but also giving himself time to steel his mind against the coming encounter. When dealing with Hutts, you must not appear weak, no matter how poorly or contempuously they treated you. While neither cowards nor stupid, the Hutts could be swayed by argument, not reason, excuse nor logic.

Stopped and briefly inspected by the Gotal guards, he was waved inside. He was stopped only a few steps in, and the doors closed quietly, but ominously behind him. Looba the Hutt's quarters were far more sumptous than those assigned to Cragus. The Guild always catered to the highest bidder, and Looba was one of the highest.

The room itself was covered with rich carpets and fine woods, and furnished with elegant furniture to accomodate all specie-types. Over this, however, was thrown a veneer of a Hutt crimelord's preferred decorations. Tapestries covered many of the wood walls, a few talismans were displayed on tables around the walls, but displayed in the centre of the room were the Hutt's prized possesions, recent acquisitions from the Guild auction.

Framed by the transparisteel viewportals, Looba was a Hutt in the prime of his life. Not thin nor bloated, his smooth turquoise skin still showed rings of muscle through the growing mounds of fat, giving his body a grace it in reality lacked. Looba's orange eyes were also feline, currently fixated on the figure before him, some sort of counselor delivering a report. Beside his liege, the Zisian majordomo Fos Manar stood, obsequiously attentively to his master's needs. Surrounding the court were a range of human and non-human sychophants, and Ubese, Nikto and Gotal guards intermixed among the crowd, a kalediscope of race and clothing. It made him reflect that after a lifetime of working on bounties, mostly for some authority or other, just how far he'd fallen in the the galactic underfringe. Only criminals had that kind of bounty price on their heads that he did now. Was he a criminal?

Fos Manar caught sight of Cragus, and whispered into his liege's ear. The Hutt glanced at him, but turned his attention back to the counselor.

"..and your latest acquisition, the Concubine of Prince Feyd."

Sychophantic applause greeted the unveiling. The sculpture was of a nude woman seated on a pedastal, composed of a dark ruby-black material. The material was opaque, but sculpted within the figure were red highlights, giving her different features under different light. It appeared to be a Human, but was deliberately misleading. The very sculpture was said to deliberately combine the attractive aspects of many species. The hair could have been hair, Twi'lek lekku, or even the montrals and head-tails of a Togrutan. The hands and feet were undefined, and the torso and legs could have been that of a Zeltronian or a Bothan. There was even the suggestion of a tail along one of the sculpture's legs. It was said to be erotic to many species, including Hutts, and was one of the highest-prized art pieces to be auctions this year. The Hutt rumbled his pleasure.

<HOO HOO HOO. Counselor Harsik, you have outdone yourself. A fine work of art. At another time, a quieter time, you will name your price. Until then, enjoy the evening in my company.>

The Hutt agent bowed low, and murmuring thanks, melted into the crowd. Whatever else his plans were for the evening, they were now washed away by the Hutt's command. The Hutt gazed for a few moments longer into the sculpture, absorbed at the shifting features, then Fos Manar murmured once again into his ear. Looba's orange eyes flicked up at Cragus, narrowed.

<Come here, bounty hunter.> When Cragus had done so, he continued. <You interfered with one of my projects, and destroyed one of my personal agents in that project, at a very critical time.> Looba was referring to Cragus's role at the Battle of New Tiz Arriv. What do you have to say for yourself?> Internally, Cragus mentally let his breath out. Looba was considered to be one of the most cagey and cunning of the Hutt Lords, and while not the most powerful out there, he still acted like a Hutt. If he had already decided to destroy Cragus, he wouldn't have asked for an explanation.

<My deepest apologies, Lord Looba. Your agent was simply collateral damage in the larger conflict. Had I known his babbling claims were true, I would have facilitated his escape.>

"LIES!" came a call from the crowd. It parted, and revealed a male human. He wore a tunic of a military cut, his hair was closely shaved, and his eyes showed the fiery gleam of fanaticism.

"This man snuck like a thief in the darkness, assaulted our patriots defending their homes against the Centran murderers, and kidnapped -kidnapped!- or killed many of our finest leaders, and representatives of our most valued allies. Then, this man handed over your ambassador to the Centrans for summary execution!"

Cragus defended himself. "I was doubled-crossed by the Centrans as well over that deal. I didn't shoot him, but that Centran officer did. I'm not innocent in killing Renatasians, but I am innocent in the death of your gun-smuggler, your Eminence."

Somehow, Looba's orange feline eyes looked amused. Cragus got the impression he knew more about both side's stories than he let on.

<That Centran officer was taken care of - by me. My temper has cooled in the matter bounty hunter, although you have imperiled my business dealings in the Centran Hegemony, and caused damage to my organization.> Cragus smoothly cut in, knowing where this was going.

"I am in your debt, Lord Looba, both in causing you distress in your dealings, and the time needed to rectify those dealings. How may I pay off my debt to you?"

<I will temporarily withdraw my bounty, Cragus, while you pay off my debt. But if you fail, or try to hide, I will repost a reward double the size on your head. My majordomo will speak with you later.>

The Renatasian broke in. "That man is a Centran animal! He cannot be allowed to evade justice!" Looba laughed.

<You are witnessing Hutt justice, Renatasian. Keep your peace, and hold your patience, for mine is limited.> The Renataisan took the threat and subsided, but did not stop him from starting at Cragus with death in his eyes.

"I look forward to the opportunity to redeem my injuries toward your person, Your Eminence." Looba and Cragus exchanged an impassive look, and then Cragus bowed, and much like the counselor before him, muttered appreciations and melted into the crowd. Looba wanted him to kill someone for the Hutt's organization, that much was clear. That, and keep the Hutt's name out of it. Now, how to do that and keep Slen'da from finding out about it?
 Back to top »
View user's profile Send private message
Corask Slen'da
Solomon


Joined: 30 May 2010
Posts: 86

 Post Posted: Fri, June 24th 2011 04:37pm    Post subject:
Reply with quote

Kazellis Light Freighter Claw, Llanic System

The Claw was quiet. The quiet was made even deeper by the silence of the two beings seated in the cockpit. Both looked out the viewport, at the massive liner, it's escorts, and the stream of tugs and shuttles departing from the Rampant[i/], toward parked private craft. Already on-board the [i]Claw, Cragus 12 and Slen'da were awaiting their target's move.

"Did your droid do as we asked?" Corask asked.

Cragus nodded. "He did. The signal is strong and clear. To reduce the risk of it being detected, I had GX-89 program the beacon for burst transmissions. Every time they exit hyperspace, it'll send a signal."

Finally, one of the lighters docked with the Muurian transport they had identified as Goyl Oolak's. After a short pause while the Muurian vessel powered up, the transport's engines flared up, and the craft began to move off on a outward vector. Cragus matched their movements, and the Claw unobtrusively followed in the departing traffic.

* * * * * * * * * * *

While clearing the departure zone, there was a short conversation aboard the Claw:

"I heard there was a killing on-ship last night," Slen'da remarked.

Cragus 12 was non-committal. "I know. Probably one crime lord took the opportunity to bump off one of his competitors."

A casual response to a casual remark, but out of the corner of his eye, Slen'da eyed the bounty hunter. Having grown up in the nuances of speech in Bothan society, he noticed the subtleties in people's voices. When Cragus responded, there was an odd inflection, a twinge in his voice, and his spirit. Slen'da decided to test his intuition.

"That was exactly it; the man was an agent to a Fra'thra the Hutt. Even I know Fra'thra and Looba have a Hutt vendetta toward each other. But it's rare for Hutt kajidics to openly fight, yes?"

Slen'da waited for him for a response, but there was none. Instead, Cragus changed the subject.

"Look; they are entering hyperspace. Their vector puts them going deeper into the Outer Rim."

Slen'da set aside the conversation. If Cragus knew more than he was telling, that was his right. And, after long last, the Butcher of Rafa V would be brought to justice, by any means necessary.

"Excellent. Let's plot their vector, and track them back to their lair."
 Back to top »
View user's profile Send private message
Display posts from previous:   
Star Wars: Unity Forum Index » Outer Rim » Core Superliner ~Hromsa Rampant~, Llanic System
Post new topic   Reply to topic All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum