Private A Stealth Craft | Not in this Economy

[Nute Griimda]

A STEALTH CRAFT | NOT IN THIS ECONOMY

Vazz ​

In the vast expanse of the galaxy, there were only a handful of hidden havens where one could elude the watchful eyes of the Galactic Powers. These elusive sanctuaries were often found in the vicinity of underworld-dominated planets like Kessel and Nal Hutta, where isolated ports and space stations provided refuge.

Among these clandestine retreats, the Shadow-Port of Mek-Sha stood tall as a stronghold of the Criminal Underworld. Once a mining station, it had transformed into a bustling home for countless smugglers, slavers, and mercenaries seeking respite from the raging conflicts that plagued the galaxy, such as the Mandalorian-Alliance Wars and the Sith Empire Campaigns.

The station provided both a refugee and a opportunity for the Harch Engineer, Olghee Hobhuraoria who was exploring the possibility of using the exonium deposits buried deep within the asteroid for energy-type weaponry and even stealth technology for clients who could pay well.

Extracting the necessary materials was no easy task, but the potential for scientific advancement made it all worthwhile. The Harch, with its many eyes, carefully observed the small monitor in the cramped 14x14 room tucked away in the back alley. Speaking into a handheld recording device, the progress was meticulously documented for future analysis.

"Subject: Day 156 of our Mining Process is not going as planned, I have lost two gonk droid scouts in the past hour."

One hand would gently lay down the device on the monitor; while the others were busy holding the myriad of data-pads needed to support such a project.

 

[Vazz]

It paid to have eyes in different corners of the Galaxy.

Vazz, or at least an illusion of him, walked throughout the base with a calm smile on his face. There was a mineral here, one utilized or stealth. And someone was mining it. There were a number of stealth vehicles in the galaxy, but many were simply known by too many people. Made by too large of a company. It defeated the purpose if people knew what they were or how to detect them. He wanted an unmarked, unknown vessel.

It was why he was here today.

He stepped close to the man seeming to be in charge, seemingly from nowhere. That was the advantage of the illusion he used as his face while his Defel self naturally blended in to the shadows.

"Things going alright here?"

Nute Griimda

 

[Nute Griimda]

A STEALTH CRAFT | NOT IN THIS ECONOMY

Vazz ​

The Harch couldn't shake off the persistent sensation that someone was observing him, their gaze cold and calculating.

While he was accustomed to occasional glares due to his appearance, this stare felt different, akin to a predator patiently biding its time, ready to pounce on its unsuspecting prey.

He could not recall having made any enemies on board the station so it was unlikely that the individual was an assassin, perhaps a kidnapper sent to snare him for a project given his reputation for engineering all kinds of tools and devices.

Despite the significance of the individual, they didn't distract him for long. He continued to scan through various data pads, eagerly awaiting updates from the droid scouts that were sent ahead to ensure the newly discovered tunnels were safe for organic life.

The readings indicated no presence of toxic gases within the tunnel, but he remained cautious as these scans were conducted over a broad region and not specifically concentrated.

As soon as the person stepped out of the shadows and initiated a casual conversation, he finally shifted his attention towards them. It was quite unusual, considering the initial apprehension of a potential kidnapping or assassination.

"Beyond minor complications, everything is proceeding on schedule." It was not within one's interest to lie; certainly not when they upheld themselves to professional standards. This was not to say that there was no fear within him; it was merely disguised behind his grotesque features.

"You have some skill in tracking me down, normally I am much more reclusive."

 

[Vazz]

"I wasn't tracking you down, ironically enough. More watching the product to see when someone showed.. Interest." Vazz chuckled just a little as he glanced over the work. He wasn't lying, though that also didn't mean he didn't look into the man before him. Information was always important, especially about potential partners. Hopefully.

"Tell me, what is it you need this all for? I might be able to help, depending. I have.. Some interests in it myself, but certainly no skill in how to use it. Unlike you, Olghee."

Nute Griimda

 

[Nute Griimda]

A STEALTH CRAFT | NOT IN THIS ECONOMY

The Harch possessed enough intellect to discern that the person standing in front of him had a more pragmatic mindset. They mentioned that they had been monitoring the resources, waiting for someone capable of utilizing them.

It's possible that the Defel created this deception to lure him in, like a helpless prey caught in a spider's web. It was cleverly designed to pique his curiosity and keep him hooked on the conversation.

It was impossible not to notice their deliberate avoidance of making eye contact, which was understandable considering how repulsed they were by his appearance.

The person was eager to gather additional details about the exonium deposits in Mek-Sha, as they had long desired to utilize them but lacked the necessary expertise to extract and utilize them effectively.

"Exonium is a potent fuel source for starships when it is refined correctly; and is self-sufficient. Meaning that we do not have to rely on the intergalactic market to power any potential war fleet, as such deliveries can easily be tracked. However potent the fuel is; there is also the possibility of turning it into weaponry and stealth sub-systems."

Olghee went on a rather long explanation of the uses of the fuel source; just enough to peak the Defel's interest in the subject.

Vazz ​

 

[Vazz]

"Stealth indeed."

That was ultimately the only part Vazz cared about. He chuckled, knowing full well he was tipping his hand by just focusing on that part. But getting a cheap deal for him wasn't what he cared about. Having someone unknown, someone who might have some loyalty, or at least respect business. "Do you think that's something you can actually create with this fuel?"

Nute Griimda

 

[Nute Griimda]

​

The Harch's exhaustive explanation about the multiple applications of Exonium managed to pique the Defel's curiosity. Stealth Systems offered a plethora of advantages, including evading scanners and maneuvering through blockades with minimal disruption.

However, the drawback of these systems was their limited effectiveness on larger vessels, as their heat signatures could be easily detected. Turning a potent fuel source into a stealth system required extensive modification of sub-systems and the internal mechanisms.

"Even a genius can't predict the success of an experiment before it is conducted; there is an hypothesis that the fuel could be utilized to enhance stealth systems already made from the galactic market. But I doubt you want something traceable."

The Harch maneuvered towards the entrance of the 14x14 room; glancing down the street as the gonk droids returned to the small workshop.

Vazz ​

 

[Vazz]

"It's an oxymoron isn't it? A traceable stealth unit." Vazz chuckled slightly as he followed the Harch's gaze towards the gonk droids. The retrievers, then? At least seemed like he was doing proper business with this. Though, also trouble.

"How likely could a system be made specifically to be enhanced?"

Nute Griimda