The Lorelei exits hyperspace as scheduled. Kala is at the controls, having been alerted to their impending arrival by crewmen on the bridge, as promised. The approach to the Kala'uun is routine, since the vessel already has clearance and a dock, arranged in advance by agents of KDC.

As Kala guides the ship down from orbit, the dagger shapes of two warships loom overhead as they come into view from the far side of the planet. These vessels are not as large as the new Imperial class star destroyers, and they are not members of the slightly older Victory class introduced during the Clone Wars, either.

The ships are not easily forgotten, but as they make no move to exit their orbit, they do not represent an immediate danger, and so the Lorelei shortly finds the berth which has been assigned. Kala notes that the crewman in charge of communications has routed a private call to Varis. Otherwise, the entire flight and landing is perfectly in order.

OOC: You may begin posting here immediately.
[Private to Narik: Narik recognizes the two ships as being from the new Vindicator class of heavy cruisers, designed for situations where a Star Destroyer would be too much. ]
[Private to Kala Jorn: It was easier to let you take 10, as there was no penalty involved in any of this, especially with backup systems and a copilot.]

The soft glow of luminescent light flickered and highlighted barren skin. With eyes downcast, Joron studied the text displayed on his datapad's screen in what had to be the last of his solitude. He absorbed them, mentally recording what he needed to know and discarding the sentences he did not. His fingers tapped, idly changing the display. Every now and again, his lips moved, whispering in a tongue that was most certainly Ryl. It was not a person, nor a mechanized voice that drew his attention away. It was the subtle change in the ship that told him they would be landing soon. Looking to the ceiling then to the floor, Joron slid his datapad away then went about gathering his belongings for their departure.

When it was announced that they would be exiting hyperspace Narik followed the crew to the bridge. It seemed that during the voyage Narik made every effort to remain close to Kala and try to engineer an opportunity to be left alone with the Zeltron pilot. Stood by a vacant console the soldier watched the descent to Ryloth. At the sight of two warships he spoke ”Vindicators” he stated firmly. The Vindicator class were new so Narik had not see one close up before but its shape and size was undisputable ”they pack a punch, that’s a hefty Imperial presence for the Outer Rim” Narik was not concerned about his own position, he may have been a deserter but doubted the Imperial authorities would garner him much attention, this was something serious ”something must be happening” he gripped the console in front of him tightly ”have we picked up any transmissions from the ground or other cruisers to indicate what?” he asked the communications officer.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:15, Wed 03 June 2009.

"No, sir, there's nothing we can decrypt, at least. They've got the normal fighter pickets out, and the com traffic pattern seems pretty normal between the fighters and the capital ships. I don't pick up anything between the ships and the ground, though."

Varis contacts the bridge a moment later, through the ship's intercom. "Please inform Narik that the delegation has security concerns, so we'll be postponing the first formal meeting until tomorrow while he and I meet with them to discuss the situation. This frees Joron and Kala for other duties today."

The cavern that houses Kala'uun is truly massive. If not for the blast doors, which protect the city from the heat storms of Ryloth which are frequent along the narrow strip of the habitable surface between the night and day side, an Imperial Star Destroyer could fit through the opening. The city of Kala'uun has been here for a very long time and every available surface has been used for buildings, except for a few spaces which have parks or are being rebuilt.

The Olan Marquis Hotel sits at the edge of the upper level, away from the port. Flying traffic beyond the port is quite rare, although there are a few airspeeders, and the Lorelei is the only space capable vehicle this far away from the port. Groundspeeders zoom along the avenues, boulevards, and alleys below.

The Marquis is rather impressive from the outside, a column of stone and metal standing head and shoulders above the other buildings in its vicinity. It has a unique position on the cusp of the drop to the next level, and so as they make their approach to the hangar, those on the bridge can see that the Marquis extends down two more levels. The design is such that a shift in the position of either of the two shelves above the floor would result in the building being snapped like a massive twig.

In the hangar, a group of five sentients await the disembarkation of the KDC delegation.

With his duties already decided Narik left the bridge and returned to his quarters. He secured both his blasters in their holsters and he straightened his robes. Narik then disembarked the Lorelei to meet up with Varis and find out more about this security concern, he already felt certain it would involve those Imperial cruisers.

Kala had taken her time in piloting the ship in. Luckily, she didn't have to make many snap movements, since their lane was clear enough that she could probably fit a Corellian Corvette through without much effort.

As she spotted the Star Destroyers, she gave an inward sigh. She hoped there wouldn't be too many Imperial entanglements while she was on the planet. "Ever been to Ryloth before Narik?" She asked, trying to strike up a conversation as she continued the approach procedures.

The room had aleady begun to feel like home even though the stay wasn't too long.  When the ship landed, Aadun found himself almost longing to be able to stay right where he was and sleep a while longer.  It could also be because he didn't feel like working to make his credits, but that was something else entirely.  He stood up and slowly gathered the things he felt like he would need before stepping out of his room and wandering up to the common room in order to wait for some of the others.

As long as nobody was around, he keeps his shoulders slumped forward and took his time, but as soon as he comes into contact with somebody else, his posture improves and he looks a bit more presentable.  He remembered vaguely that he was supposed to be the Chief of Staff, so he had remembered to dress nicely and appear well put together.

Disembarking not long after the others, Joron Sarrus makes his way down the ramp and to the rest of the group. His appearance is contrary to that of the short journey to the twi'lek home world. He appears aloof, dressed for business and any bruises he might have suffered via sparring in the weapon salon remain hidden. Looking to the group of five sentients, he eyes them warmly but says not a word. After all, this was Varis' show, and he was but an aid.

Before he exited the starship Narik shook his head at Kala ”no, should be quite an adventure” he paused and whispered to her ”look out for yourself, don’t trust anyone not even Varis” he warned as her as he left, ”I should be back soon” he spoke louder.

Of the five beings in the hangar, three are twi'leks, and two are human. Two of the twi'leks and one of the humans are dressed in uniforms, indicating they are security personnel. The remaining human and twi'lek are dressed in business attire, with the twi'lek sporting a pin on the lapel of his jacket which indicates he works for the Marquis. The human has a Sienar Fleet Systems security badge.

The human walks up and greets Varis, taking her hand to kiss, and they move off alone to have a conversation. The twi'lek smiles at the rest of you and speaks, "I am Anwara Olan, manager of the Olan Marquis Hotel, and chief of security. Welcome to out hotel. I hope your stay is productive, safe, and comfortable. May I ask which of you is Chief of Security Narik? We have some security concerns which need to be discussed. One of my associates here will show the rest of you to the penthouse, which is yours for the duration of your stay."

Kala stood up, the landing finished. She nodded to the other crew as she left the cockpit, and headed for her room. She wondered what an aide to the chief ambassador would wear, and decided on something professional. She only took a small bag with her, as she could bring in her other items later, and waited for Varis by the boarding ramp.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:33, Sat 06 June 2009.

Her armor dulled once again, Krysten stepped off the transports ramp, maintaining the image of a calm, cool, collected and well-paid Mando bodyguard.  She simply watched, and said nothing.

"And to you a fortuitous and lucrative future," Courteous and well-mannered, Joron bowed graciously to Anwara before he continued speaking. "We thank you for your hospitality, Anwara Olan, you have a lovely hotel." When the twi'lek inquired where their chief of security was, the noble inclined his head in his direction - or the direction he should be - then bid the manager farewell and good day then sauntered to one of the associates so that he might be guided to the penthouse.

Kaiten, still in plain robes, walks down the ramp. He is quiet as he follows the others, his eyes scanning the hangar warily. He seems to have been spooked by the appearance of the Imperials in orbit.

The associate bows politely. "If you will follow me, ladies and sirs."
He leads the group the rear of the hangar, where there is a private turbolift. He hands out passkeys from his jacket to each of those he is leading. "These keys will give you access to the penthouse, hangar, and all of the public levels. There is also a private lounge which you may access with these keys. Please contact us if there is anything we can do to make your stay more comfortable. Additionally, the keys will allow you access to the lobby levels located in the lower sections of the hotel."

He slides the key into a reader and then presses the button for the penthouse. The doors open just a few moments later, and the turbolift is so smooth it doesn't seem like you've even moved.

The penthouse foyer is exquisite, tasteful, and obviously ridiculously expensive. Rare and exotic woods are in evidence in every piece of furniture and there is seating for twenty.

Leading you through the foyer, the common areas are spacious with high ceilings featuring murals and much carved stone. The theme of the whole dwelling is antique. All of the floors here are marble with rugs and runners serving to dampen some of the echo from the high ceilings. "The acoustics in the penthouse are such that it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for listening devices to function. Even with this, and the fact that our cleaning stuff are thoroughly vetted, we sweep daily. Your privacy is guaranteed during your stay."

He takes you on a brief tour, showing you the entrance to the master suite, and all of the guests suites, which number twelve, each with its own private refresher and in-floor bathtub. There is also a wide variety of green plants in planters and small tasteful water features with gurgling fountains.

"Your security detail will be quartered on the level below, which is accessible through a private turbolift and stairwells. There is also a kitchen in the lower level if you desire to cook your own meals, but otherwise all of your meals will be prepared by our chefs."

He shows you a garden terrace as well, which is on the opposite side of the building as the hangar entrance. "The terrace is shielded for your safety, and it is quite nice and green outside, however there is, sadly, very little view, just more buildings."

When he finishes the tour, he asks, "Do you need anything else?"

It took him a few more minutes than he would have liked to calm his nerves and get himself under control.  He figured it was about time to head over to the turbo lift, so he pulled himself together and stepped off of the ship.  He allowed himself a moment to look around the hangar before he steps forward.

Aadun, being a few minutes late, gets off the ship about the time that Narik and Varis are finishing up with their greetings and initial security discussions.

Varis is speaking to Narik in low tones as they walk towards the turbolift. She glances up and smiles at Aadun. "Running a little late, Aadun? Come on, you can head down to the penthouse with us. I have a particular situation that your computer skills might improve."

She leans in close to him as they board the turbolift. [Private to Aadun Ogden: I need you to use the security panel in our penthouse to get access to the system for the entire hotel. I want to use their systems, but they have denied us permission.] She leans back. "Think you can handle that?"

Aadun hadn't been standing at the end of the turbo lift very long, before Varis notices his arrival.  He grinned in response to her query about his lateness, but he didn't give any sort of an explanation.  He leaned in towards her as she was speaking to him, listening to her request.  Once she was done he nodded curtly and says, "Certainly.  Just lead the way."

Varis enters the penthouse from the turbolift, Narik and Aadun in her wake. She makes a brief tour, checking that all is in order. The associate is properly obsequious, and she dismisses him before telling Narik to take Aadun 'belowstairs' and show him the security terminal.

Narik apparently has a map on his datapad because he consults in briefly, and then gestures to Aadun to follow him. They head to a mirrored panel in the foyer, which slides back when Narik presses a catch next to it. There's a stairwell behind it and they walk downstairs.

"The master suite is mine, naturally, but the rest of you may put your things wherever you like. Everyone, save Narik, is free of official duties this afternoon. I hope you manage to turn up something interesting. Good luck."

She starts to turn away, but then stops. She drops five credit chips on the table. "Each of these has two thousand credits. Don't lose them. And don't worry about Narik, because he already has his."

She walks to the master suite.

Kala had followed the others with her small suitcase. As Varis explained everything, She took it in with a nod. Why people would make places like this was beyond her, but she came from a different lifestyle then this. 'You'll just have to get used to this, and tough it out...' She thought.

Walking over to the table, she picked up one of the credit chips, and put it in one of her pockets. She was a little suprised that Varis handed Narik his, but not Aadun, if they were both going downstairs, wouldn't it have been easier? If that was the case, she would simply take a seat, and make sure that Aadun received his fair share, not that she trusted him or anything, but he was a team member, and she wanted to make sure no one got slighted.

Long and dexterous fingers accepted the key as hazel eyes kindly thanked the hotel employee. Special keys for special guests, it was not unlike when he arrived to the casino and became a ward of the crime lord. Sometimes, uncertainty was a bell, a sound that caused him to question his actions that day. Desperate, he was desperate and in need, though he didn't quite look it and now he was more or less an errand boy performing demeaning work with the working class. However, even as his mind voiced those opinions, it found comfort that the Duchess, too, had to take part in this mission.

As Joron Sarrus followed the assistant out of the turbolift, he drank deeply the scenic beauty that was the penthouse suite. If Jaerad Kienaan's casino contained acceptable lodgings for someone of his taste and stature, this hotel was on an entirely different level. With the advent of Human High Culture aside, there were some things a human just couldn't help but admire. Even for a species that had yet to develop their own means of interstellar travel, twi'leks possessed things that were to be commended... or at least subtly admired and discussed with peers. Art was but one of them.

Though ears paid haphazard attention to the guide, the noble's mind wandered. A student of galactic history, art, and lore, every exquisite antiquity called to him. Occasionally he would lag behind their guide, his steps slowing just enough to sate personal curiosity in one piece or another. There were times, many times, being submersed in so much beauty would have pleased him but the more he thought about it, the more he grew to miss the humble collection of antiques and art aboard his vessel. His chambers were a place to relax and meditate during a journey and now...now he was without this precious things.

When the guide mentioned listening devices and their staff performing daily sweeps, the young ward might have looked to Aadun and perked his brow but the Zabrak was nowhere to be found. Strangely, his gaze settled upon the visage of a rather spooked Kaiten. Before, he seemed calm, even assure of himself and his role in their little plan, but now...now he was like a wounded child. Through narrowed eyes and disillusioned vision, he pondered idly what the cause may have been. Perhaps it was something he might ask him later?

"Thank you. We at the KDC value your hotel's diligence and will always keep it in mind for future business prospects on your planet." Neither flattery nor a lie, the words the dark haired gentlemen spoke were true. Privacy they valued and privacy they attained. Should the Olan Marquis Hotel fail in that regard, he had a feeling that Varis and Jaerad would not hesitate to choose a more secure location. When asked if there was anything else, Joron smiled and shook his head, giving the twi'lek his thanks before turning to see Varis and the others enter.

"Naturally," he said with a grin and a coy look as if to say he hadn't staked a claim on it...yet.

Sauntering to table, Joron scooped up a single credit chip with a look of indifference then slipped into a pouch on his belt.

"If you need us..." Though they were here for different purposes, he and Kala were still the lady's aides for the duration of their stay. If she needed anything, all she needed do was ask.

Suddenly, without concern for whatever damage it might cause Kaiten's ego, polished shoes twisted as hazel eyes narrowed to confront the fidgety basket case. "All right, you've been acting strangely since we landed! What's gotten into you? Don't tell me you just remembered a debt you owe or someone on Ryloth you crossed that will cause us problems..." As Kaiten's detail oriented roommate, it was unavoidable that Joron would notice the not-sosubtle change. However, what Joron did not know, was his insipid roommate's true identity...

Kaiten eyes Joron speculatively and with little attempt to veil his contempt for the noble. "When it is your business, I'll tell you. I have never been to Ryloth, so there's no worry that someone here would cause you trouble. I'll do my job and you do yours."

"Someone come find me when we're ready to go do something." So saying, Kaiten turns on his heel and stalks to a bedroom, closing the door behind him.

Varis opens the door to the master suite a few minutes after she has left. She's wearing a dressing gown and is apparently in the process of changing for her meeting. "Anwara just contacted me to let me know he's sending up a bounty hunter I requested. I'll interview him and if he's suitable, he'll assist you here. He's familiar with Ryloth and he's supposed to be a little more... tame, than most of them, perhaps even cultured, we can hope. You can pre-screen him out here and give me your opinions before I hire him."

With that, she disappears back in to her quarters again.

Palming one of the remaining credit chips, Krysten looked around at whomever was still in the same room with her.

"Who's going to the cantina?  I could use a drink, and maybe a little intel."

"I wouldn't be averse to hitting a cantina with you. Though, let me know if I need to wear something to dissuade some of the more... rowdy people." Kala replied, as she smiled at Krysten.

She shrugged.

"I'll be in armor, possibly minus helmet.  That should be enough to dissuade anyone thinking of being rowdy."

The turbolift chimes to let the occupants of the penthouse know that it is arriving on the floor. When the doors slide open silently, Anwara is standing there with a human male. Anwara steps out, and bows slightly. "I have the honor of introducing Thallas Arno. Lady Varis requested that I seek out a bounty hunter who would be of assistance here in Kala'uun. I was instructed to bring him up immediately for an interview."

Suddenly, the mirrored panel in the foyer opens up again and Aadun steps out.  He closes the door behind him, turns and just looks around to see who is still about.  He grins happily to himself as if there was some private joke that nobody else was let in on.  "Hello everyone," he says and walks over to where his new comrades were gathered.  "Did I miss anything fun?"

Thallas stepped out of the turbolift and looked the room and its occupants over. He tried to keep his emotions to himself, and be as calm as usual; yet he was evidently pleased by the opulence of the room.

"Greetings," said he, "Glad to be of help, ladies and genlemen."

Only when the human entered through the turbo lift did the grin on Aadun's face subside.  He turns and looks at the new man critically for a moment, before his face softens.  "Greetings.  Did you need anything?" he asks, wondering if there really had been something he missed.

"No, not really," answered Thallas, "I was promised job interview, though. And a few hints about that... employment might be helpful too."

Seeing Aadun emerge from 'below stairs' Anwara looks a bit puzzled at first, then flashes a look of annoyance, before he controls his expression. "This is Thallas Arno, a bounty hunter who is here for an interview with Lady Varis.

"Tell me, sir, what is your position with the delegation? May I leave Master Thallas with you?"

"I'm the Chief of Staff," he says, and grins at Anwara.  "He will be more than safe here with us, and when I see her I can tell her that he has arrived."  He barely noticed the man's presence in the room before he entered and hoped vaguely that his being "down below" wouldn't cause any problems.  Since nobody sent him a message, there was no way for him to know that he would be in the room when he popped up.

Kala Nodded to Krysten. "Aright. Sounds good." She said, as she began to head over to her room. She switched out her outfit, from her more diplomatic attire, to something that would be more comfortable in a cantina. A low-cut plain shirt, and some rather comfortable slacks was selected, and quickly donned.

"There we go. All ready." She said, as she returned to the group, before making her way past Aadun. She whispered a few words as she passed. [Private to Aadun Ogden: 'Check the table.']

When Anwara realizes that Aadun is the chief of staff, his posture relaxes slightly. "Thank you, I'll just excuse myself, then. Please pardon my rudeness."

He steps back onto the turbolift and the doors close behind him.

Thallas raised an eyebrow and looked at Zabrak quizzically.

"Rather effective way to deal with these, I must admit. So, shall I wait of arrival of that Lady Varis, or you can tell me what it is needed from a... seek and retrieval expert?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:40, Sun 07 June 2009.

"To be honest, I was indisposed.  Did Varis leave us any instructions while I was away?" he asked to nobody in particular, but expected that one of them would pull him aside if there was something that he needed to know.  Since he had a moment, he did walk over to the table and noticed the cred sticks lying there.  He wasn't really told anything about them, but common sense said that at least one of these was probably his, so he picks one up and pockets it.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:04, Sun 07 June 2009.

A look of amusement and indolence appears on Joron's face as Kaiten stalks to a bedroom like an angry, wounded, puppy. Whatever was on the man's mind seemed troubling and the fact he wished not to share the cause was more than just a little suspicious. Maybe he did owe someone on Ryloth money or maybe there was more to it than that. Whatever the case the sudden emergence of Varis and Aadun is enough to offer a brief reprieve. Listening to the lady's words, he offers a small nod in return then takes a seat in a nearby chair.

"No thank you," he says to Krysten and Kala, apparently disinterested in going to a cantina quite yet. "Perhaps later," he assures them, hoping neither takes offense. Turning to Aadun, he did his best to answer the Zabrak's question. "The lady is presently indisposed. Though she did mention that someone of Master Thallas' talents would be arriving shortly for his interview. I'll inform her that he's here."

Nodding to the two gentlemen, Joron stood from his seat then ventured across the room to the master suite. Knowing full well what she was doing, he raps on the chamber door twice then stands aside to lean against the wall. For now, there was no need to call out or whisper; she probably knew the purpose of the knock to begin with.

While Kala was changing, Krysten was in her own quarters, removing her two blaster pistols from their mountings on her armor.  When she emerged to meet Kala, they were in a pair of hip holsters, slung low on her hips in easy position for a speed draw.  She nodded at Kala when she said she was ready.  She was still helmeted, but that would probably change when they got to the bar.

"Let's roll.  See you boys when we get back.  Try not to let anything go wrong while we're out."

Varis's door opens to reveal S3-X1. Joron can't see Varis, but hears her as she calls out to him, "Five minutes, please."

Aadun shrugged.  "Well, Thallas why not just make yourself comfortable until she calls on you," he says and motions to one of the chairs.  "I can't give you any advice really, since she wasn't the person who interviewed me.  Just be yourself.  Anyway, bounty hunter, eh?  Sounds like an exciting job.  The credits good?"

"Thanks," replied Thallas, taking a seat, "I think I can handle that interview by myself. As for money -- it depends; sometimes there are a windfall, sometimes you're going dry. It's like other jobs, I guess."

"That sounds like some of the ohter jobs I've had, so I can agree with that," he replies and then sits down in one of the other chairs.  He sits up straight and crosses his arms over his chest in a guarded position.  "What do you like to do for fun?"

Thallas shrugged: "I've blessed to have an occupation that gives me all the excitement I need and then some. In the free time, however, a nice R&R in the cantina might do, especially in a good company."

Varis walks out of the master suite a moment after Thallas answers Aadun's inquiry. Her hair is in a severe twist, her suit is tasteful, but austere, and her make-up, if it is even present is spartan. While she remains a beauty, her current demeanor speaks of business, purpose, and determination.

She strides over to Thallas with a certain economy of movement, still graceful, but not as artful as has been seen by the others so far. She looks him over carefully. Then she turns to the others. "Well? Let's not beat around the bush, gentleman," she begins, noting immediately that the ladies have made their exit. "You need someone with Thallas's skills and he'd like a job. You've had your chance to talk with him. Any objections to my hiring him for the job now, with an option to retain his services on a longer term basis if he's suitable?"

Joron shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly at Varis' question. He didn't seem to mind the man's presence one way or the other. Unfortunately, he hadn't gotten to know the man better - though he expected the Duchess to during the interview. Pushing himself from the wall, the cadence of graceful footsteps made their way toward the small gathering. [private to Varis Rei: When Joron passes Varis, he gives a look as if to say, "Only if you think he wont double cross you and try to collect on your head afterward."]

"His skills would be useful and he seems a likable sort." Joron stated matter-of-factly. "Are you discreet Master Thallas?"

"Keeping the arrangements with employers secret makes it easier to get the result. Discreetness in the methods helps to be paid bigger bonuses," nodded Thallas, "Though, despite my efforts, accidents do happen, I have good success rate."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:14, Thu 11 June 2009.

"Well I can't argue with that," Joron said with a shrug, as if acquiescing to hiring the man. Looking to Aadun, he waited to see if the slicer had anything to say for or against the bounty hunter.

Aadun nods his head.  "I didn't notice anything that would concern me during our brief conversation.  I would be fine with having him along," he responds, though he can't help but think to himself, 'Not that I'm the best judge of character.'

"Considering that Narik is still downstairs and Kaiten is in his suite, the two recommendation will have to suffice. You get an equal cut of what's left of the twelve thousand credits budgeted to the mission. Upon successful completion of the mission, you get a free ride to Nar Shaddaa if you would like and you take up the possibility of a bonus for your services with our employer. If that's acceptable, you're hired."

"Fine by me," replied Thallas, barely making a short pause to not appear too eager, "I mean, this is acceptable. Now, can I be briefed on my task, please?"

Varis looks at Aadun and then at Joron. She shrugs. "Aadun is my Chief of Staff. He'll brief you on what is needed. I have an appointment in the Sienar Fleet System office in twenty minutes and there's no time right now for me to explain right now."

As she walks over to the turbolift, she palms a comlink. "Narik, are you done? We've got to leave. Meet me in the hangar on the double."

Aadun smirks slightly and says, "I'll try to keep this brief.  Basically, we've been sent here in order to force a change of power within the ruling family.  There are several objectives that must be met including assassination of a member of the current ruling family and talks with the children of the client, whom we are hoping are going to then take control of the situation.  We've only just arrived so we haven't gathered the proper intel, but we do have a lead on a possible assassination target."

"That..." Thallase hestitated to get the right words, "...doesn't matter to me. Hunt is hunt. So, I presume you need me to locate that one? What lead you have?"

Aadun leans in to Thallas and makes sure that his voice is lowered, "Guy named Skaan Distombe seems to be the easiest target.  He's one of those sorts who doesn't realize they could be in danger.  Still goes to nightclubs."