"As long as you have a permit, you can carry anything. Otherwise, any weapons are illegal," Varis tells her. "If you've got weapons, just don't get searched."

Aadun stood up and stifled a yawn.  Now that more people were beginning to show up, he walked over and got a small breakfast for himself while he listened to the conversation between Kala and Varis.  'Now, what could she be hiding,' he wondered to himself more due to curiosity than anything else.  He certainly hadn't come clean with all of his own secrets, so it wasn't really surprising that nobody else had either.

Eventually, he turned his attention away from Kala and grinned over at Varis.  "Good advice."

Suddenly, the sound of a door hissed open and through it stepped a familiar visage. With neither a smile nor disdain for the glorious time of day, Joron Sarrus waltzed toward the scent of bountiful nourishment without the usual swagger in his step. Today he had dressed casually, or at least what was causal for him. The ensemble was stylish yet utilitarian. Unlike the robe, which was bent more on impressing peerage and upholding social graces, the slacks, long sleeved shirt and vest he adorned offered more freedom of movement. And when anything could go wrong, that freedom of movement was nothing to scoff at.

"Good morning," the noble said, his voice carrying a vestige of drowsiness not uncommon to those that weren't morning persons. "What are we-" Looking from the plates of others to the holovid display, the news broadcast ushered in a terrible silence. Plague. Quarantine. Four weeks!?

It was a slap in the face, like the start of one terrible event that could only lead to another. For now, he stared at the screen, watching the news cast over and over again. Perhaps...he was in denial or perhaps, it hadn't sunk in. But maybe, just maybe, the noteworthy schemer was trying to discern a way to use it to their advantage.

"We're eating breakfast and discussing the quarantine while we wait for everyone to be up and ready to get started. I was just telling Aadun that I believe it would be an excellent idea to complete the mission objectives as quickly as possible and get off planet."

As the others either enjoyed their breakfast or shared the day’s news Narik looking relaxed entered the dining area. He worn light weight and pale grey clothes, the loose garments were designed to be worn under his usual robes which he evidently decided not to wear for breakfast.

The soldier frowned at the news but made sure to smile at his companions as he served himself a bowl of cereal, seated he poured a cup blue milk before he dug in. Between mouthfuls he addressed some of their concerns ”I’d say we stick together, purchase a gift for Brill and then meet with him” he shrugged his shoulders at the mention of contraband ”my weapons are licensed and my cover here as head of security offers me plenty of reason to remain armed. I’d hope we could complete the mission without getting into a blaster fight however”.

"Wonder if they actually released the fever on the city," Joron murmured as he finally took a seat. Knowing what he knew of Imperial tactics, it went without saying that if cases of it started popping up, they had all the more reason to stay and quarantine people. However, even if they had not, it gave the Inquisitor the perfect excuse to take anyone he saw fit. Were it not for the disease's four week incubation period and their desire to get off the rock as soon as possible, it may have been something to use...

After Narik made his suggestion, the dark haired noble nodded. "Indeed. Did you have anything in mind for a gift?"

”If Brill is an ambitious man then he will be keen to promote a good image. A gift of good taste and obvious value that he could be seen to receive. Could we offer some award from the Kaartuum Design Consortium that he could display in his office?” Narik suggested an idea although the giving of gifts was not his trade, he deferred to Joron ”maybe you have an idea yourself” he prompted Joron.

Aadun listened to the two men's conversation, while he ate his breakfast.  The gift was completely out of his territory and not somthing he had ever really had to do before.  After a few moments of thought, he says, "I'd just get him a bottle of Ryloth's finest, or close enough since I'm cheap."

"If you want to give him a bottle of expensive alcohol, I'll donate something from the reserves I have aboard the Lorelei. If you can find out what he likes to drink, in particular, that would help. Of course, with the quarantine, and no trade beyond Imperial checked 'essentials' any liquor will be in short supply soon enough."

Joron frowned. "The art of gift giving comes from knowing a person, preferably knowing more about them than they of you. For twi'leks, this custom is sign of friendship. Something so simple as a bottle of wine could suffice for an enterprising young businessman and allow us something to toast with during the advent of any...arrangements." Allowing himself due pause, the noble pursed his lips when a new thought came to mind. "If he has any ire toward the Distombe Clan, I would see one of their women enslaved, have her name changed to..." he quickly spoke a word in Ryl. "Then present her to Brill. Though...I somehow feel his father would appreciate the gesture far more."

For those fluent in the language, they would quickly realize the word meant gift.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:47, Sun 28 June 2009.

"So, the plans are to give him an expensive bottle, or a slave woman?" Kala said, as she shook her head a little. "Really, kidnapping someone of that clan would be counter-productive anyway. Think about it, if we kidnap her today to present her to Brill, the other clan members may be alerted that something is going on, and tighten their security."

She shook her head. "With the Quarentine, things are about to get scarce around here. If we have something that Brill could sell for an inflated price during the shortage, I think that would be a good gift for him as a businessman."

Joron stared at Kala as if she had taken everything he said out of context. "Oh I never suggested anything about kidnapping her. I merely expressed that such a gift would be acceptable and welcome to a member of a rival clan. Please keep in mind that the only person among us that has spoken of kidnapping is Kaiten," So saying, he looked to the absent bodyguard's room then shrugged his shoulders. "There are far more subtle ways to acquire a person."

"Your idea has merit, even if it lacks specifics." With a flicker of colluded hazel eyes, the noble stared at the mounding Zabrak. "Aadun, perhaps you can use your computer to tell us more about Brill?"

As if mentioning him summoned him, Kaiten's door opens and the human male steps out. "Good morning," he says, quietly, acknowledging those present with a small nod.

"I saw the quarantine. I guess it must be the Imperials," he says, echoing the thoughts of many others this morning.

"So, we simply obtain this woman from a shop or something? Unless you plan on winning her in a game of chance, the only way we'd get our hands on someone like that would be to either use trickery, get them drunk and bring them back here, or something else that would be kidnapping, no matter the way you look at it." Kala replied, as she shrugged a little. "I don't want to make this misson any harder then it has to be. And making one of the family disappear isn't likely to make our misson easier."

Kaiten shoots Joron a look that says... well, a lot of not very nice things. "I don't even have to guess who suggested kidnapping. I'm with Kala on this one. We avoid kidnapping women."

He walks over and leans over to ask Kala a question, whispering to her. [Private to Kala Jorn: 'I know it was Joron, but who is he suggesting we kidnap?]

Narik spooned the last mouthful of his breakfast into his mouth and leaned back on his stool. A decision would have to be made and an appointment arranged. The soldier offered a clear plan of action ”we should set up the meeting and obtain the gift. Joron and Kala as aides to the negotiator could arrange the appointment for later today whilst Aadun checks where Brill shops and what he purchased we should then be able find a suitable gift in from within the stores of the Lorelei”.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:50, Mon 29 June 2009.

"That would be you," Joron replied to Kaiten with a smile that could only be replied as pleasant. "You were the one that suggested we kidnap someone last night, now weren't you? I've not said a thing about kidnapping anybody."

Still smiling, he turned to Kala. "You really needn't protest; I've already stated that such a gift would make a better fit for Lord Orn rather than Brill, meaning I did not find it appropriate given our present time constraints and...obstructions. However, those aside, it was nevertheless an answer to Master Narik's question. Which was the point to the answer. Some of you may not agree with the culture here, but..." he shrugged. "That's just the way things are."

Though his ideas were often devious, Joron had no intention of making their mission harder or bringing the wrath of the Empire down on them. Still, he was willing to do what it took to succeed and when one worked for a Crime Lord the good and moral scarcely coincided with what someone had to do.

"Unless any of you have an alternative, or a gift that might coincide with Miss Jorn's plan, I agree with Narik's proposal."

_{OOC: Cross posted with Narik, added response.}
This message was last edited by the player at 20:36, Mon 29 June 2009.

"Last night, I suggested kidnapping as an alternative to murder. And we were talking about several men as targets. Today, well, I admit I wasn't here for the conversation, so I apologize if I interrupted. I'm definitely against kidnapping someone and giving them away as a gift, though," Kaiten responds to Joron, unruffled.

"I will look up some information on Brill," Aadun says when he finds an appropriate lull in the conversation.  He then sits back and listens to the "show" without bothering to hide his amusement.

"If you are going to go that far, why not also kill the person you're trying to obtain. If she is a member of the family, then it would accomplish the mission, would it not?" Kala asked, slightly sarcastically. "I would prefer that we appeal to his business sense, rather then his cultural. Sure, having a member of a rival family as a slave would be nice, but credits for a businessman are usually what he covets. Or perhaps find out who his competitors are, and find a way to shut down their operations for a little while. Wouldn't that make a good gift?"

"I'm afraid murder does not garner the desired result," Joron frowned. "Master Kaiten's feelings aside, it only achieves our goal temporarily. To truly remove the Distombe's from their seat of power, shame must be brought to their clan, not simple death. As you can clearly see, when shame is not a factor, the clan that once ruled swiftly moves to retake control. Much as Lord Orn has done."

"If we merely murder a member of the Distombe clan, they will simply rally the support of others and plot to retake Kala'uun. Often times, such acts can bloom to civil war, an act I feel may be blamed on us and our employer should it happen. However, if we shame the clan and remove them from power, they will lose whatever support they have and be unable to reclaim the city. Thus why I previously suggested framing them for stolen artifacts."

"Your idea for a gift is a fine one," Joron agreed. "Though a time consuming one and I think we'd all agree that to leave this planet as quickly as possible is desired. Unless," He paused, taking a moment to look at the view screen. "One of his business competitors just happens to be among the Distombe Clan. Should one of his rivals be caught with performing illegal deeds...and this attention is brought to the attention of those above..." He trailed off, allowing the idea to rest in the minds of others.

"Now, as Narik proposed, we may just go to Brill with a bottle of wine and discuss this all with him. That is, unless Aadun can discover whether or not the above theory holds an essence of truth. Thoughts?"
[private to Kala Jorn: I know our characters are being mildly argumentative, so I just want to ensure you know it's nothing personal. My character is just something of a schemer, coming from Tapani and all. That said, I'll be happy to go with whatever the group decides on doing. :)]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:02, Wed 01 July 2009.

Narik nodded his head to demonstrate his consent for his own plan. ”Once we have conferred with Brill we may be able to grasp a better understanding of our next action. Brill will serve as our local source of information and customs. Our plans will depend on his belief that it will propel either him or his sister into their new leadership role”.

"All right, let's get Aadun or Narik to run a search for what Brill's purchasing habits or interests might be as far as a good gift. Then you can purchase it or take it from my collection, and go see him. It's time for action, ladies and gentlemen."

Aadun stood up and stretched.  He had finished eating his breakfast sometime during the conversation and he went to put the utensils and things away.  "I'll be right back," he says, a smirk of amusement still left on his face.  He bowed his head to the group and then left the room.

[Private to The Force: You rolled 27 using 1d20+14 ((13)). Use Computer]

Kaiten grabs something eat while Aadun is gone.

[Private to Aadun Ogden: Purchasing habits: He's apparently won some auctions for rare vintages of wine. Also likes women a lot and has a small harem of slave women. He collects artifacts from Ryloth's past as well, often loaning them to museums.]