At precisely 1000 hours on the Atunda after your various interviews, private comlinks sound, alerting you that Jaerad Kienaan requests that you attend him in his office. Security will arrive to escort you to see him in one standard hour.

OOC: Any preparation you would need should be posted before security arrives. Also, note, you are not allowed to wear a weapon in Jaerad's presence. You may post in this thread now, but I will not be posting in it again until Monday around lunch. Any in character preparation you do should be posted here.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:53, Sat 09 May 2009.

Days had past since he first became a guest at The Queen of Air and Darkness. The staff was helpful, as was his most gracious host but those facts never discounted the dismal truth. In a way, the wonderful casino had become a cage, a jail in which to find a modicum of amusement outside of the negativity that presently filled an otherwise bleak existence. When Joron's pager sounded for the very first time, it came with more than any small amount of surprise. Like a call to arms, his eyes flickered to a nearby desk and stared in what very well may have been disbelief. So, the Crime Lord finally had need of something, a service that was, perhaps, catered to his skills.

And that in and of itself was a frightening thing.

What kind could Jaerad Kienaan, a master of the underworld on Nar Shadda, truly need help in achieving? Crime Lords were, if anything, elusive and most powerful creatures. To ask for outside aid, especially his, seemed almost odd but in a place filled with deceit and trickery who better was there to turn to than a man who grew from the duplicitous seeds that tainted an otherwise haughty and vainglorious earth? He had an hour, one standard hour, to see to any and all needed preparations. But how or what was one to prepare for, outside of the meeting itself, when the message came with grave uncertainty?

Footsteps traveled from one end of the room to the next. A door opened but it was neither to a closet nor the entrance. The deep silence of Joron Sarrus' suite died when water poured from within his shower. The water, like meditation, was a means in which to relax, to feel the weight of unease wash from his mind like the very filth that left the skin. When finished, he adorned his well-toned physique in stylish yet utilitarian clothing that was concealed by a hooded black cloak. Overall, it seemed perfect, at least...it seemed perfect to Joron, who now sat idly by, lazing on the sofa as he awaited his escort.

It had been a while since Kala had returned to Nar Shadda, so she had used her time wisely, to meet new contacts, learn as much information as she could, and relax a little. The spartian room she had been issued hadn't phased her one bit. She was used to more cramped accomidations on other worlds, or a small room on a starship as she had ventured around the galaxy.

Most of her downtime had been spent in meditation and thought. Some of the people she had met in the casino so far were intriguing, the Zabrak gamler was pretty funny, but he was also pretty drunk when she had met him. The woman in the mandalorian armor was a mystery, and she had sensed at least one force user, and gotten a good look at him. For good, or ill, things were going to come to a head eventually.

When her private comm-link buzzed, notifying her that it was time for a job, she quickly prepared herself. A trip to the refresher and a quick shower later, she dressed herself in her regular garb, pants and a shirt, with a brown vest over top. She left her blaster on the table in it's holster, and her lightsaber had been taken apart, it's pieces scattered around the room, hidden from view. She knew she couldn't trust this Jaerad, especially if he was trying to get in bed with the empire. And so, she waited for the escort that was supposed to be coming for her.

Krysten sat at the single table on the single chair in the small room that had been assigned to her.  On the table, her two  pistols were spread out, field-stripped to their basic components.  The parts were divided down the center of the table in such a way that they could both be reassembled quickly, while her carbine rested on the table to one side of the small desk, ready to be grabbed and used in an instant.

She was meticulously going through each piece, cleaning and slowly reassembling the pistols as she went.  While her hands went through the motions, her mind was still on the floor of the casino, going over the various sentients she had seen on the single floor she had visited.

Her mind continued on past them, idly wondering what they were good at, how her skills would fit in and who she would be teamed with.  Some of the people she had seen she was fairly certain were hired much the same way she was, while others she placed into the "possible bounty" list in her mind.

She clicked the last piece of the second pistol into place and slipped both into their holsters before removing the wrist rocket-launcher from her wrist and laying it next to the pistols and carbine.  She would re-attach them when she returned to her quarters.  When they were arranged to her satisfaction, as well as arrayed so that she would know if they were moved while she was away, she turned the chair so it faced the door and simply sat and waited.

Settling in to a new apartment was no problem for Narik. Through out his military career he’d made frequent and short trip to different locales. Here on Nar Shadda he had much more privacy and freedom than any barracks he had encountered. He’d slept peaceful with what little possession he owned nearby. Narik made no effort to make the place homely.

He was resting alone when the call came from Jaerad’s office. He confirmed his readiness to the call, he had little to prepare. The soldier checked his gear, his robes were pressed neatly and his boots highly polished. His two side-arms he laid on the small table by his bed. He felt uncomfortable leaving them behind but knew that Jaerad would not yet allow him the privilege to bring them into his office. Then he waited.

After a good night's sleep and a day of pain (and much vowing to never drink the Antakarian Fire Dancers again), Aadun began working on his comlink.  When Kienaan gave him the "challenge" it was important for his reputation that it was done by the next time he saw him just in case it comes up.

The encyptions that came with the comlink were pretty good already, but he could see already where it could be improved.  He took a great deal of care, breaking down the encryptions with the intent to build them back, better and stronger.

[Private to GM: You rolled 26 using 1d20+14 ((12)). ]

Kaiten had been meditating in his small apartment when the call came.  Kaiten slowly got up and put on his robes. It was finally time to meet with Jaered and start developing a relationship with the man. If he played his cards right he might even learn more about his dealings with the empire.

Knowing he would be searched for weapons again Kaiten placed his lighsaber underneath his mattress. Not the most cunning place to conceal it but there was nowhere else to put it.

Once he had done that he sat down and awaited his escort.

Security collects each of you individually, running a quick scan and search just to ensure that you are not armed before you are escorted to a turbolift, where you are taken to Jaerad's office.

It is in the corridor outside his office where you assemble together for the first time. You arrive outside the office in the following order: Kala, Joron, Kaiten, Krysten, Aadun, Narik, Bohka. Once all of you are there, you are escorted through the office where you initially met Kienaan and had your interviews, and through a side door into a plush conference room. There is adequate seating of twenty.

Jaerad is at the head of the conference table, already seated. Varis Rei, his mistress, is seated on his left, and an older, but fit twi'lek is seated on his right. Some of you have met Varis, but by this time, you have all heard of her and know she is his mistress. The twi'lek is unfamiliar to everyone. A pair of bodyguards flank Jaerad and a third man, a human in casual attire makes a study of looking deadly as he examines each of you in turn at the door.

"Please, take your seats and we will begin the briefing," Jaerad tells you.

Filed and herded through the casino, Joron followed just behind the Zeltron and security. It was an interesting thing, to see Kienaan's group assembled for the first time. Though he had been here only days, some of them were familiar to him, while others...he may or may not have seen on one floor or another. Though discussions were one thing, the thinly veiled truth of each of their skills was another. It was all about what a person could do or what they could not do and just what made them useful to an enterprising lord of crime.

When instructed to take a seat, the young ward gave the room a quick look of appraisal before waltzing down the row of chairs so that he was seated next to Kienaan's Mistress. Unlike her relationship to Jaerad, her true identity came to him as a surprise. It had been...interesting...to learn that she came from similar stock such as he and that left him with a lingering interest in her. She was like a kindred spirit, a lady he could relate to on equal terms and that was a gorgeous reprieve. The twi'lek, however, was a different story. He, like some of the faces present, was an unknown and that, he hoped, would soon be rectified. As he adorned a look of interest, Joron glanced to Jaerad and awaited the meeting to begin.

Checked and searched Narik was compliant with all the security arrangements. Assembled outside the office Narik stood with his back straight. He didn’t know any of his companions until the Trandoshan arrived; the soldier gave a nod of recognition to Bokha when he joined them.

When invited in Narik followed the others in an orderly fashion and sat down toward the head of the table so he could pay attention to Jaerad brief. Narik gave little away about himself; he did not slouch in his chair nor rest his hands or arms on the table.

Kala had been searched for security, and come up clean. She let them escort her to the lift, and eventually found herself outside of Jaerad's office. She seemed to be the first to arrive into the corridor, but then the others began to arrive. Some, she recognized, some she did not. Either way, this was going to be the group that the missions were to be accomplished with. She nodded slightly to Aadun, before heading into the office itself.

Once there, she waited until Jaerad bade her to take a seat, and she did so. A slight nod to Varis, and then a couple looks, examining the human at the door, and the Twi'lek.

Frowning at the search and Narik's greeting, Bokha took a seat along with the others who had already arrived. He says, smiling suddenly and to no one in particular, "Bokha gets dragged away from the fights for a party? Or there is killing work to do?"

"The fighters down their replace half you skinny human types. Then Mr.Kienaan have no more troubles. Unless he use one of them walking carpets. They just as good to tear him up!" The Trandoshan laughs at his own broken Basic and rocks back and forth in the chair.

Krysten scanned the group that she was to be operating with as she waited for them to be admitted to Jaerads conference room.  Her armor was freshly painted and polished, colored an artful combination of blue, black and green over a black flight suit.  She felt naked without her assortment of weapons, but if worse ever came to worse, she was qualified in hand to hand, as well.

When the offer came to sit, she remained standing, albeit she did take a place behind one of the chairs, placing her hands on the back of the chair in plain sight.  The jetpack integrated into the armor was an obvious reason for her not to sit, though she made no apologies.  She turned her helmet towards Jaerad, keeping an eye on the Twi'lek, the unidentified human and the various bodyguards.

The room was left very much in the condition that he had arrived since he made sure to clean up the bed and put away all of his things.  He even remembered to hide his hip holster and blaster pistol before security arrived.  Once he passed his search, he followed them to the office.

Once he made it, he got a good look around studying each of the people in turn.  His face blanched slightly though when he saw the pink-skinned woman.  His memory was quite fuzzy, but he at least remembered making an ass of himself in front of her.  Once he was comfortable, he chooses a seat and sits down, giving Kienaan his attention.

"Allow me to introduce Orn Ziveri," Jaerad begins, indicating the twi'lek, "previously one of the members of the Head Clan of the city of Kala'uun on Ryloth. Lord Ziveri offers a unique opportunity and I will be employing all of you on a mission of vital importance to capitalize on his offer. Presently, Lord Ziveri will brief you on certain details, and answer questions, then I will outline my goals. As the situation on Ryloth is likely to be volatile, you will need to think on your feet once you arrive. Orn, if you please."

The twi'lek, who is of the rare red-skinned minority, nods and activates a holo-projector in the middle of the conference table, which provides essential points of his presentation. "For the sake of completeness, I will assume that some of you know nothing about Ryloth and our leadership system. This will cut down on confusion and questions, I hope," he begins in a deep, sonorous voice.

"On Ryloth, individual cities are ruled by Head Clans, family groups, usually male. It can take decades to amass enough power to gain the rule of a city, especially one as large and important as Kala'uun. The ruling Head Clan has almost absolute authority while they are in charge. The only way to remove a Head Clan from power is death. Once one member of the Head Clan dies, the family is removed from power and the remaining members of the Head Clan are exiled from Ryloth for the remainder of their lives. Their families inherit their assets and inevitably, their successors take decades to once again consolidate their holdings. As Jaerad has noted, I was a member of the last ruling Head Clan of Kala'uun, and I was exiled when my brother was assassinated.

"The new head clan, the Distombe Clan, is not as powerful as was mine, and they are having problems consolidating their hold. In addition, my sources indicate that their security has several major holes, which could be exploited to remove them from power quickly. If my family were to regain control of the city, Jaerad's organization would gain a considerable foothold, as I will be able to exert influence over my children. Ideally, my sons and daughter would gain control of the Head Clan. A female in the Head Clan would not be entirely unheard of, but it would certainly be unusually.

"As I was already planning this little coup when my brother was assassinated, I left all of my assets to my daughter, Sinya. My sons have their own businesses, which I assisted them in setting up, and all of their assets, combined with those which Sinya inherited will ensure they have more than adequate resources to obtain and maintain control as a Head Clan.

"My eldest son, Brill, and my daughter, Sinya, will be the two key players to convince. I will provide you with letters of introduction to both of them. Brill has always been able to dominate his brothers, but Sinya is an entirely different matter.

"In addition to contacting my children and getting them to work together, you'll need to eliminate one of the members of the Distombe Head Clan in order to have them exiled and their resources broken apart and handed to their children. I doubt that they are in any position to have been planning for the possibility of their downfall, as I was."

Orn looks around the table, meeting the eyes of each person in turn. "I will now open the floor to questions."

The massive reptilian's words earned a quick glance and a small arch of Joron's noble brow. Neither a look of challenge nor disgust, it was a pensive gaze that seemed to consider those words spoken in broken basic as if they carried more weight or sense to them than they seemed. If their mission was meant for brutal combat, who was he to argue with the Trandoshan? After all, such things were never part of his agreement with Kienaan. However, as fate would have it, that wasn't quite the case, for as Lord Ziveri finished speaking, their mission became truly apparent.

Dissimilar yet similar to him in several ways, the lethan twi'lek's predicament brought on a small twinkle in the young aristocrat's eyes. Like a fragment of a broken mirror, there were things in the exile that Joron could see in the shard, things he liked, disliked and noted. Now this was familiar territory, a place he could manipulate with eloquent words and pretty poisons. Tenting his fingers together, he looked Lord Ziveri and spoke.

"Yes, I have a number of questions. Firstly, can you tell us more of these security holes you spoke of...and perhaps elaborate on the members of this clan's habits? The places of business they frequent most?" He asked with a small perk of his brow and, perhaps, an insinuation on whom Orn personally, if anyone, he wished to see dead. "Secondly, will you tell us more of your children? Specifically Brill and Sinya. Their likes, dislikes, general personalities or anything of note you feel might be used to gain their trust and be used to... persuade them if necessary? Thirdly," he paused, glancing toward the Trandoshan momentarily. "Will the death of the Distombe Clan member need to look like an...accident?"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:24, Tue 12 May 2009.

Narik mused on the quirk of fate that the Distombe Clan had brought upon themselves. By taking the city by force they had led the hand of Orn; he was now set on taking it back by force. It seemed a straight forward enough procedure and Narik told himself that as the Distombe Clan were the first to draw blood the death of one of their own would be a casualty of war. The overall use of power to gain control was similar in nature to the rule of the Empire. Would a stronger clan bring peace or more bloodshed? Narik didn’t know how to bring peace to the galaxy but doubted the spilling of blood brought the best results.

”As well as yourselves other clans will seek to take advantage of the shift in power. After the death of a member of the Distombe Clan how is the new Head Clan chosen? Will they be other challengers for the power beside your own clan?” it was obvious to Narik that before they could consider killing anyone they had to be sure that Clan Kala’uun were in the best position to retake power, he needed to know who their rivals would be. As Narik posed his question he remained still with his hands in his lap.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:08, Tue 12 May 2009.

Kaiten paid close attention to the Twilek and his presentation, though he was somewhat pertubed by what was being propose. He was being told to take part in what would ultimately be an assassination. Murder was a clear path to the dark side, apart from being flat out wrong. However he wasn't surprised, working for someone like Jaeden meant he would be asked to get his hands dirty.

On the bright side the assasination itself would be a long way off, prior to that they would have to find a way to get the siblings to work together. Kaiten silently looked around at the others, studying their expressions and listening to what they said in lieu of saying anything himself.

Ziveri addresses questions in the ordered voice. "The security holes are not specific or constant, but they are there. This Head Clan simply is not accustomed to defending itself yet. In particular, Skaan Distombe, the youngest member, still does not seem to realize that certain activities, such as visiting nightclubs, are no longer safe. While he does try to vary his routine, I suspect that some investigation into his habits will prove fruitful.

"The letters of introduction I give you will spell out the details of what my children should do very clearly. I'm not going to give you any information that would be too useful in the long-term. Sinya might prove difficult, however, as she is a physician, and will not want to give that up. If you can convince her that what she does is for the good of Kala'uun and Ryloth, however, that might help sway her. The Distombe's are not 'nice' people and evidence of their crimes will be useful. Unfortunately, that isn't something I have access to here.

"The general public of Kala'uun won't care a bit whether the death of a Distombe Head Clan member is an accident or an obvious hit. Such are the political realities of my homeworld. Sinya, however, will probably care if it is an outright assassination, unless you are very persuasive.

"Once a Distombe has died, there will be an election. All of the clans in the city will be voting, but most of them will simply be selling their own votes, because they will not have a chance of holding power. Assassination, Blackmail, Bribery, Intimidation, and anything else that might alter the balance of power are all considered fair game. Many outside influences and allies will be brought in, because there are many interests in Kala'uun, including the Hutts and the Empire in the form of Sienar Fleet Systems.

"The month of mourning before the election will be absolute chaos in the capital." As he speaks this last piece, it is almost with a certain sense of nostalgia, or reverence.

The answers, while not everything he desired, were certainly sufficient. It was to be expected that someone in Lord Ziveri's position would not give up the power over his children so easily; were he to do so, it would eliminate a need for him and allow Jaerad full control. With a small stroke of his index finger across his chin, the hazel eyed noble considered a handful of options. Yes, the daughter, the daughter could prove most difficult in this gambit, however, physicians were easily manipulated when given the right...motivation.

"If she feels as you say, would this letter to your daughter not be counterproductive? If she feels so strongly against assassination, it would not take much to connect one to the other. Though, I suppose that could depend on subject matter..." Not to mention how they performed on the mission. Oh but the virulent wheels were turning and Joron already had several methods of attack in his mind.

Narik was attentive as Orn answered his question. It was clear from what Orn said that if they could successful kill one of the Distombe clan heads they should escape the city swiftly before it erupted into chaos. Narik nodded to Orn ”you’ve made yourself understood. We should contact your children then once they know of your intentions attack the Clan Distombe” the task would no doubt be difficult but he understood the purpose. It seemed the young man Joron had a better feel for the finer details of what they would do once landed to Ryloth, so Narik let his own mind think of other matters.

As it was Jaerad that had employed him Narik then turned to face the crime lord ”do we get the use of a ship? I don’t want any delay in getting off Ryloth after the deed is done” all the time Narik spoke he was a model of discipline. He remained at attention, as if on drill.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:51, Wed 13 May 2009.

Aadun listened to the conversation, looking back and forth between each speaker, giving each his undivided attention as they spoke in turn.  The assassination really didn't bother him, even though it wasn't his usual gig, so he gave that hardly a thought.  What really caught his attention was the mention that there should be holes in their security, especially with certain members being not as careful.  With any luck they wouldn't need to sneak into a stronghold or anything in order to find somebody to "take out".  Even still, he made a mental note to remember his tool kit.

Krysten was busy entering notes one-handed into the bracer computer mounted on her left forearm.  She declined to say anything, instead preferring to let the others do the talking for her, which they were doing quite well.

Kaiten continued listening to the others, his features partly hidden underneath the hood of his robe. He still did not deign to add anything to conversation however, as the others were doing fine.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:00, Wed 13 May 2009.

Ziveri quirks an eyebrow and his lip inches up condescendingly as he addresses Joron. "Young man, if you think that I am so foolish as to give my daughter the same information that I give her brother, then you are sadly mistaken and very naive. Whereas Brill can be fully briefed on the situation and expected to actively assist you, where possible, Sinya's letter will focus on reminding her of her duty to her family and Ryloth, as well as the importance of keeping the influence of the Hutts and the Empire to a minimum. That this also happens to coincide with our goals is a fact that doesn't need to be mentioned. And if she sees through attempts to make things look like an accident, perhaps she can at least be prevailed upon to take the opportunity presented, regardless. She is a very bright woman, so it's very probable that she will not be fooled. I'm not going to spell things out for her, though. Better if she can at least deny a few things in her own mind."

He turns to Narik. "I hope that you can be a little more subtle than that, but that is, indeed, the core of the plan. I believe Jaerad has made all of the travel arrangements."

Of course it will, Joron thought as an exceptional smile appeared on his face.

Self-righteous and self-important, Lord Orn Ziveri was a true man of nobility. So certain was he of his abilities that, when questioned, it only left him with the option to first insult Joron and then agree with him. Just as the darkly dressed human had pointed out, Sinya possessed the intelligence to connect the pieces. Even if the content of the letter was different, was it not a letter of introduction as he first claimed it to be? If so, what was the cover behind it? In all his wisdom, the twi'lek had failed to mention that or was he left to think that up as well? Had Orn done so, he might have staved the mind that sought to question and exploit everything.

"Indeed," Joron agreed. "Well then, I do hope the letter to your daughter provides a most favorable introduction. I assume a suitable cover story has been planned?"

Narik briefly smiled at Orn’s words. Here on at the Outer Rim they talked as if they knew the Empire but they were yet to learn. Subtlety was a trait not encouraged by its masters. The Empire’s would lay waste to anything that stood in the way of its plans, whether it be with a legion of Stormtroopers or a Star Destroyer.

In accordance with rank however Narik’s smile vanished and he nodded his assent ”at you request I will tread lightly”.

"Orn, thank you. I believe I can fill in the rest of the details."

Ziveri looks at Joron with some annoyance before he answers Kienaan, "Of course, Jaerad."

Kienaan activates a different program and the holo-projector displays a ship, a sleek transport sporting numerous maneuvering fins and thrusters, as well as very powerful engines. "I have a lead on a vessel for your permanent use. Until such time as it can be acquired, however, you will use the ship displayed here, a Kaartuum Design Consortium Banshee-class transport. For your mission, it will have papers from Corellia designating it as the Lorelei.

You will be posing as a trade delegation from Kaartuum Design Consortium. Joron and Kala will be aides to the primary negotiator. Narik will have paperwork appointing him as head of security. Aadun will act as chief of staff. Bohka, Krysten, and Kaiten will have considerably more freedom to act, as they will have documentation that they are contract bodyguards hired specifically for the mission. There will also be a command crew of three for the transport and four security personnel who will be tasked with guarding your quarters, and Varis will accompany you as a chief delegate." Orn looks mildly surprised, while Varis seems to be completely shocked, though she hides it after a momentary lapse in her facade.

"While on Ryloth, the penthouse of the Olan Marquis Hotel will be your base of operations. The hotel is centrally located, has a rooftop hangar attached to the suite which is large enough for the Lorelei, and it has extensive lower levels which will make it much easier for you to slip away when needed into the different districts of Kala'uun."

Kienaan leans back after he deactivates the holo-projector. "I think you may find the entire mission easier and faster if you split up, perhaps visiting Brill and Sinya simultaneously. The quicker things can be handled, the less time there will be for Sinya to think or be suspicious. The trade delegation cover will give you almost two weeks to complete the mission, after which time, Varis and the rest of the delegation will have to leave and you will be on your own.

"Questions?"

It was then that the thoughtful expression returned to Joron's face. Mired by an array of different thoughts, his eyes looked down and to the left for a long moment before returning to a state of normalcy. Nothing, he had found nothing wrong with their proposed cover, nor the surprising addition of Varis to the mission. She, like the others, would prove to be a valuable asset. Without further questions or comments, he replied with only a dismissive wave of his hand with a small shake of his head.

"No one gonna wanna be head clan after Bokha's done with them Distombes," Bokha says, smilingly. With that, he stands up from his seat and looks to the others impatiently, his sharp-toothed grin full of mischief.

"Lorelei is a real frakked name for a ship though, jahumba," he tacks on.

Kala listens, a little shocked that Varis would be accompanying them, and a little more shocked when she saw the expression on her face for that brief instant.

Still, she was rated to fly everything that wasn't a line battleship, so she was suprised there was a crew to be assigned to the ship.

Narik didn’t like the idea of being left high and dry on Ryloth after two weeks if the mission had not be completed by then. It didn’t seem worth mentioning however, best to worry about that when the time came.

The soldier felt it would be good to get back into space ”when does the Lorelei launch for Ryloth?” he asked.

"The Lorelei will launch tomorrow at noon, giving you just about one standard day to complete any business you might have here on Nar Shaddaa." Kienaan looks around the room, assessing each being seated at the table. "Anyone who has objections to this mission is free to leave at any time before the launch. Simply leave your initial payment, comlink, and access cards at the front desk of the casino and leave. I will write off your first week of lodging and we will call it even."

Jaerad's gaze sweeps around the table once again before he continues. "I do not pretend to be a nice man, although I understand courtesy and I reward results. If you are on the ship tomorrow, you are in this until, by mutual arrangement, our association ends. Anything else will constitute a breach of contract. Breach of contract will result in termination." His tone leaves little doubt that termination will be a permanent solution.

Kienaan clears his throat and smiles. "Unless there are further questions, you are dismissed."

Finishing the notes in her bracer comp, Krysten waited until the dismissal before nodding once and turning towards the door.  She was one of the first ones out of the room and headed back towards her assigned quarters.  She had weapons to re-integrate into the armor, and she felt vulnerable without them.