Keep your friends close...

The heavy repeating blaster rifle hummed as Rasper did a few weapon checks, He sat on a side bench fiddling with various components such as energy output on his clips and the overheating cells that kept the repeater from melting from the immense heat of the blaster bolts it fired. Rasper was decked out in his combat armor which he had hidden under a cloth poncho to hide his gear. A fully armored soldier would attract too much attention during these kinds of deals.

Rasper dident normally go along with these shady deals but the galaxy was going through one of its rare quiet times where all sides seemed to need a break to restock and re supply so he needed a diversion.

Rasper slid a power pack into his repeater and then powered down the rifle. The almost soothing hum stopped and he placed the gun across his lap and went back to his own thoughts.

Mandrayk leisurely sits in the crew lounge, his legs crossed, his arms draped across the armrests. He is wearing his usual elaborate attire. This time adorning darker clothing, a knee length jacket encloses his torso the polished buttons are clasped to the far left of his torso leading up to a turtleneck like collar, the tails of the jacket hang loosely. The material is an almost scale like studded deign with the texture of leather; a hidden layer armourweave carefully tailored into the lining, a variation of the Mabari armourweave design. His trousers are made of the same material, clearly as well crafted; evidently this has been personal tailored. Sleek boots similar to riding boots rise to his knee’s. His hair is tied at the back by a simple band, a black leather wide brim hat rests upon a table by him, as do a pair of ebony black circular spectacles and a pair of fine gloves.

He gently lifts a small cup to his lips and sips the warm stim tea, he gently nods and smiles slightly to Lisara as she passes in greeting. All was going well so far the clearance code it seemed had indeed worked. Lisara seemed confident but Mandrayk always was thinking of the many different routes a situation could take and this was no exemption. His own motivations in this ‘deal’; disregarding the obvious pay, was a mixture of his lack of ‘field work’ of late, but also there was a certain item of interest for him upon Taris. An item of great interest, his eyes fell upon a case he had placed to one side. He finished his stim tea and placed the cup to one side. As he had an invested interest in this little escapade, as well as his own security, he had judged it wise to make use of his newer, more potent weapon. He leisurely places the gloves upon his hands and turns his head his eyes set upon, Violet.

Violet kept her eyes on the cup as Mandrayk drank the warm liquid. She hadn't been asked to test it for poison and she had not dared impose. She still didn't have him figured out yet and his decisions sometimes seemed strange to her. So now she worried, her supply of anti-venoms and the like was limited to the poisons she carried herself and there were a galaxy full of lethal toxins that could have been poured in Mandrayk's drink. Well if he'd been poisoned it would be too late to do anything now, all she could do was watch, half expecting him to fall dead before her eyes. A voice sounded over the comm but Violet ignored it and tried instead to relax. Doctor Mandrayk had decided not to ask her to test the drink and she should not think herself wiser than him even though it did seem like a... foolish risk.

The arms trade was a dangers business, both sides would be armed to the teeth and trust was always an issue when dealing with illegal goods. Protection at events such as this was always tricky, you had to be heavily armed to protect yourself should things go south yet too much visible weaponry could make the contact unnecessarily nervous. So Violet had armed herself accordingly. At her hip she wore a standard issue Novatec blaster pistol, high end but unmodified. In the many hidden pockets of her long sleeved jacket several sharp vibroblades were hidden and around her right wrist was the combined shield and cloaking device. Apart from these weapons she carried a number of pouches and vials containing various useful powders and liquids.

Violet allowed herself a quick glance at Mandrayk, she was sitting as close to him as she possibly could without the two of them touching and she didn't want to be caught staring. He'd finished his drink now and his face was no more pale than usual and she saw no other sign of him dying so she tore her eyes away. Mandrayk had brought a case, the contents of which she was unaware but she assumed of value to him so she'd have to look after that as well she realized and pondered if she should offer to carry it for him. No she realized if he and the case were on the same location it would be much easier to defend both, splitting the risk would in this situation be unacceptable, besides it would compromise her combat effectiveness.

Violet's thoughts were interrupted as she saw Mandrayk looking at her but no order came and his gaze wandered across the room. Violet wondered what he was thinking as she covered a yawn with her pale hand, she hoped they'd be landing soon sitting around here made her nervous.

“Your ship is exquisite, most comfortable” He replies happily the points of his sharpened teeth slightly visible. He was no connoisseur of ships though he knew comfort and quality when he saw it, no doubt Lisara had a level of pride invested in her ship. Those of her ‘profession’, Mandrayk had found, held great stock in their crafts. Perfectly natural considering the important role it played in their work as it were. He had doubted that Violet and Lisara had met before. Despite Violet’s invaluable skills, she was somewhat an unsocialable creature. Thusly it seemed introduction where in order.

“Ah pardon me I do apologise, how dreadful of me. Allow me to introduce”. He gestures with his gloved hand towards his companion. “Miss Violet, naturally a fellow employ of the Galactic Trade Commission”. He now turns his gaze to Violet. “Violet this is Miss Lisara Novar our leading connection, as you know, in this little escapade”. He smiles lightly content with his introduction and turns his attentions to Miss Novar. Leaning back in his chair he slides his hands together in a relaxed motion.

“So pray do indulge me, tell me about this contact of yours. I do detest not knowing about those I meet, most un-proper too not to know about those you do business with”. He chuckles lightly. “I know him to be a friend of your fathers but you have explained very little”. If Mandrayk new more he was keeping such information to himself.

Rasper approached from behind Lisara and stopping just behind her.

"Indeed I would like to hear more about this contact of yours, In my experience the people that are the best at double crossings are our friends so a friend of daddy does not make me feel at ease about this deal."


Rasper crossed his arms

"Oh!" Mandrayk waves a limp wristed hand, dismissing the idea that he was worried. "Their are no concerns on my part, I was merely curious, no doubt you have things in hand. Besides you have more experience than me in these matters" He was but a mere doctor after all. He smiles lightly. "Thank you for indulging my curiosity Miss Novar, I look forward to meeting Mister Katar."

Rasper grunted in distaste

"We will see how trust worthy he is"

Without another word he went back to his spot taking his weapon and putting it in a holster on his back. The large was just barely concealed y the large poncho e was wearing but it concealed it none the less.

Violet offered Lisara no bow, nod or words as greeting making it, in her mind clear where her loyalties lay. She peer past the young woman and studied the armoured figure who had yet to introduce himself. The proximity of these unknown people did pose a security risk yet Mandrayk seemed calm so she would stay her blades, for now.

When Lisara started talking and Violet stopped paying attention she glanced up at Mandrayk as he was distracted, his reasons for being on Taris were unknown to her but she didn't particularly care. She did however know that there was no way someone as important as he was there for a simple weapons trade, he could have easily sent her to facilitate it for him if it was important to him.

Mandrayk began to speak and now Violet's attention was returned to the conversation, listening closely to every word. He said nothing of importance really but that alone told her plenty. He had no questions or thoughts beyond the one he'd already asked and even that one was out of pure curiosity. This reassured her that everything was going according to his plans so far but then again there were plenty of time for things to go sideways, they hadn't even landed yet. The man in the back grunted and expressed his scepticism, Violet didn't quite understand this need people seemed to have, to say things like this out loud. That said, she too had no trust for this Katar person, but of course she trusted no one apart from Mandrayk at this point.

Rasper made his way to the cargo bay doors giving Nuscian a nod as he went by, he had a bit of respect for Nuscian, as much as he could give to someone who dident wear battle armor and fight in the front lines. He had not really met his assistant or whatever she was to him. He dident much care as long as she could hold her own in a tight spot thats all that mattered.

He stood waiting in front of the cargo bay doors with his hands behind his back, his body bulking under the large poncho from the thick armor.

Mandrayk waited a while taking a leisurely pace. He slowly stands, retrieving his hat and spectacles and strides to the small case, making sure the claps is secure he slides the shoulder strap securely about his person. He turns to Violet.

“Shall we?” He asks knowing full well if he led, she would follow. She was a fascinating creature, in truth her obeisance and loyalty was unexpected. Not that Mandrayk disapproved, he had found her company most beneficial. He swept around and began his short walk to the cargo bay, naturally expecting Violet to follow in toe. Mandrayk soon appears in the cargo bay, their was no pressing need to pass the armoury he expected Violet was prepared, a most admirable trait of hers, as indeed she was always it seemed. He himself did not openly flaunt any obvious weaponry, that would be unsightly, never the less he did enjoy being a man that had a trick up his sleeve both fiscally and metaphorically. Besides if all indeed went well there would be no need for such actions, this would prove most beneficial for Mandrayk had another appointment to keep upon Taris. He stood in the cargo by and in a smooth motion placed his hat upon his head the brim of the hat causing a shadow to be cast over his features. As he feels the gradual descent of the ship, in preparation to be exposed to Taris Mandrayk adorned his circular ebony spectacles, in a similarly smooth motion. Mandrayk had long since replaced his eyes with a pair of enhanced cybernetic mulit-visual variants. However being Arkanain, seeing only in inferred for most of his life; as you would expect was something of a hard habit to break and not without its benefits, a such he preferred to remain in the aforementioned optical setting. As such he was naturally weary of exposure as he travelled, as he had no wish experience the effects of a 'sensory overload'.

((This takes place about two days before Lisara's ship arrives on Taris))


Miles walked down the brightly lit corridor. The sharp scents of metal and oil complimented by the faintly cooked smell of electrical circuits heating up. Beneath the metal floor plates the ships engine pulsed vibrating throughout the ship. Miles smiled to himself as he continued to the bridge where Carl and the others of his crew he had were waiting for him. Thinking about how far he had come from a minor runner for a hutt now Miles was quite beter off now his commission off the deals he managed for the GTC alone had paid for the customization of this new ship. A Herkalon class transport ship wasnt cheap this one well this one cost five times the normal cost with the modifications Miles had requested. Top of the line hyperdrive with a secondary and a third for back up power plant increase and the gutting and customizing of the intereior hull. No longer was this a transport ship this was a freighter and unlike other herkalon class ships this one was far from unarmed. A feral grin spread across Miles face as he thought about the first pirate that tried to raid him.

Walking out onto the bridge Miles nodded to Carl and the crew in greeting. "Everything ready Carl?" Carl snapped a quick salute jokingly as there were no such formalities "Yes sir she's ready and waiting and a beauty if i say so." Very well Carl lets see what the {Profit Margin} can do get us to Taris as fast as shell go. We have Business to attend to time this ship started earning me money instead of costing it."

Some time later Miles sat in a small office of some small berucrait who was shakeing papers at him telling him he couldnt hunt for salvage here. By this point Miles had all but lost paitence with the blustering fool and wanted no more than to whip out one of his concealed daggers and paint the desk red with his blood. Smiling instead Miles leaned over pulling a document from his briefcase handing it to the stuffy fellow. "Now im sure a little desk jockey like yourself isnt familar with this so take it to whoever your superior is and have him explain it to you." Miles Sat back in his seat looking at the fool with his mouth hanging open. The man had at least enough sense to recognize the seal on the bottom so he stoof up and went deeper into the building. A short time latter the man came running back into the office his face having gone quite pale. Im so sorry sir i didnt realize ill autorize the permits immeadiatly." Taking the stamped permits and putting them in his breifcase Miles walked out without another word to the lucky fool.

Violet kept herself two steps behind Mandrayk as the moved through the ship. Two steps that was the optimum distance, she covered him sufficiently with her body yet she had enough room to easily move around him should there be attackers from the front. Even in narrow corridors like on this ship it worked well as it left Mandrayk enough space to manoeuvre freely should he need to, besides Violet could easily shoot past him and in narrow corridors the necessity of precise aim was negligible.

As they entered the ship's cargo bay Violet moved her right hand to her hip and made her gun ready for a quick draw, then quickly returning her hands to their regular position, one over the other in front of her showing Mandrayk and anyone else that she was awaiting instructions. Mandrayk too had made himself ready for the planet, he was now wearing his eye protection which she was thankful for, one less weakness she'd have to compensate for. Once more Violet released her hands, her left this time reaching up to touch the smooth, cold metal of her collar and her fingers than drifting up to her mouth, fingers tracing her lower lips. She was calm she realized, that feeling of fear-mixed blood lust that had followed her for quite a while was for once more than a whisper away.

Her eyes glanced up at Mandrayk, once more she had direction and purpose the world no longer large and scary there was now only one thing of importance and that focus kept her grounded. She took a slow step now standing shoulder to shoulder with Mandrayk, figuratively of course due to the obvious difference in height. She had her hood pulled down and the dark sleeves of her jacket almost covered her pale hands. She was ready and waiting patiently for the cargo bay doors to open.

As the cargo bay doors opened Rasper slipped his helmet on and his vision was flooded with a HUD that synced with his repeater and vitals to keep him well aware of his ammo and how his body was.

After the bay doors had opened Rasper had kept his hand behind his back on the repeater as the two armored men approached. After they spoke to Lisara and eyed up the others Rasper relaxed his grip on the gun but stayed alert. He adjusted his outer clothing to cover his armor a bit more.

Mandrayk eyed the two contacts that addressed Lisara with interest, though this was hard to observe, his eyes as they are enclosed in his shaded spectacles.

They would have to wait a while it seems, was this usual he was not familiar with the working of this kind of work. He had in his lifetime sold and bought more lucrative items via hall we put it, unofficial channels but this was upon a different level. He would adapt. He looked around at his companions, they seemed unperturbed, Lisara still seemed confident. It appeared all was well for now, and he was not one to waste a chance of a new experience, he would not object a chance to explore the colony for a short spell. This could work in his favour. He walks forward his so that he was by Lisara.

“So Miss Novar I trust this shan’t effect your plans. I shall take a turn about the colony I think. I’ve heard much of Taris. I presume this won’t be an issue; unless, naturally, you require my services.”

Rasper turned to go back to the ship

"I came for a mission not for sight seeing, contact me when your daddy's friend feels he has time for us."

He made his way back up the loading ramp and disappeared inside the ship

Miles sat at a dimly lit table in the back of the cantina. Holding a glass of what passed for corellian brandy on this scrapheap of a planet Miles appeared to be relaxing and watching the people coming and going. This was however not the case tho he was relaxed Miles was actually looking at various financial reports stock listings both personal and GTC interests. The data cascade in front of him through a neural implant was only visable to him to the passerby he just seemed to be looking around aside from occasional rapid eye movement. This wasnt to say that any of the details of the room slipped past Miles as he took a sip of the swill he was drinking he noticed his man Carl come in and start weaving his way across the room. Carl didnt bother to signal Miles as he knew his boss would have spotted him already. Taking a seat to one side of miles so as not to obstruct his view Carl couldnt keep the excitement out of his voice "We found the cache boss just where you thought it would be. Still sealed in the vault air tight too." Miles sat forward the data stream stopping as he blinked a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Excellent work Carl take two of the heavies and as many men as you need to secure the contents get every thing you can but you top priority is the tarasian ale and do be careful since the recipie was lost with the tarasians who made it that stuff is worth more than most small ships. Miles sat back taking a drink of the brandy maybe this wreck of a planet would pay off after all. over the next hour or so some of Miles snoops came and went relaying info to him about his other reason for being on the planet.

As Lisara made her way out from the hanger so did Nuscian, at a discreet distance, Violet in toe. As he walks he speaks softly to Violet.

“I have some of my own business to attend too, just minor chores. However I would be most disheartened if anything unsightly where to happen to Miss Novar in our absence, she is after all a of course a fellow colleague and a key element of our presence here“ He lilts his head towards Violet a smile upon his face, the settlement was small and secure he would be quite safe. “Would you be so kind, there for, to keep an eye upon her, I shall be reachable by com if the need arises and indeed if I wish to contact you. No doubt she may misinterpret my concern and so pray keep your distance, shadow her I believe is the correct terminology”.

Not that he would know of such things, naturally. Quickly assessing his position he makes his way towards his destination. He had some interesting items he wished to obtain while here. He makes his way through the corroders, case in hand.

Miles sat back watching the door so he noticed lisara when she walked in and went to the bar. She was doing a good job of looking around without looking like she was looking around. Waiting for her gaze to pass over where he was at Miles raised his glass slightly and pushed a chair out from the side of the table with his foot. As subtle a invite as was possible in the cantina.