Expansion: Plans for the Future Pt. 2

[Zaiden Dean]

Recent workings with J.A.C, though catastrophic compared to what Valashu had expected, had revealed itself to be more beneficial than the Phrik gathered: he had manage to snag a Databank that houses many of Damien Daemon's contacts!

It had been this information gleaned, that led Valashu Elahad to Mustafar. A Droid that went by the name Ultimatum was generally found here, as per his understanding, the droid ran the planet!

Drawing the leather cowl about his hood a bit lower, Valashu departed his vessel after it docked. Stepping off the ship, he instantly felt the heat emanating from the magma of the terrestrial, his outfit leaving arms exposed for better maneuverability. At his hips were both a fully stocked quiver, fill to brim with the many gadget arrows he was known for, while opposite it was his compound bow, unstrung and folded to show lack of hostility.

Walking towards the escape from the heat found in a massive building, he entered through sliding doors. Adjusting his sunglasses, his cybernetic eye began a swift reading of his environs. As a Droid stepped forth to offer assistance, he cut it off, "Ultimatum please. Tell him it is about business."

"Yessir, but what is your name sir?"

"Doesn't matter, let him know I am new, having gained his name from Damien." He said, then stepped to a nearby chair where he managed to not get any of his gear snagged as he sat. Crossing a leg over the other, he continued letting his eye scan the area for danger.

If any arose, the appearance of calm would never change, but his enemy would find his speed intense as he could flip his bow to its proper shape while simultaneously stringing hlit, in a single motion that took less than a full second. The drawing of an arrow? Far less.

[member="Ultimatum"]

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum had been surprised at the call. He had not expected an communication from the local security forces. Yet here they were, messages on his mental desk. Reports of a visitor who claimed to have found out about him from another man. Ultimatum was uncertain of the name, he thought he recalled the person whose identity was held by this name, but there was no guarantee. He therefore put his efforts in preparing proper security measures. The first and most important was to divert most of the organics from that area of the spaceport. If something did happen the last thing needed was civilian casualties. The next step was to get the weapons in their place. The first of these was his blaster pistol, easily concealed and hopefully powerful enough for him to hold out. The second weapon was the Fate. The ship was already preparing for lift off, aboard were the few clones that he had.

Ultimatum sent his reply, which would be relayed through various people until it reached the intended recipient, [member="Matreya"]. He would be arriving shortly. That was it, from what Ultimatum could guess in the limited time frame, this man was not one of the Sith he usually dealt with, he did not need the flowery words and redundant sentences. It would be interesting to see what this organic had in mind. Most certainly, it would be an exercise in combat readiness for himself.

 

[Zaiden Dean]

Matreya was caught off guard by the droid's relay, which included the belief that its owner was sure he was Sith! "Tell him, never have been, never will be!" The sheer horror and offense at being called such was plainly evident, "I have dispatched more Sith than anything else!" Shaking a head slowly, he looked down at his body, wondering why he could be interpreted as a Sith. Was it his approach? That was just collective brisk readiness. His dress? It was typical archer attire of the Jensaarai-Ka.

Whatever it was, he would need to ask Ultimatum!

[member="Ultimatum"]

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum was glad of the reply. Most Sith would have taken pride in their status. Few would have thought to say openly that they had killed Sith. At least few that had come to this world would have. He was intrigued, most of the people who did come were Sith, as if this planet was a light to the moths. He wondered therefore what this man was here for.

It was only a minute or two before he arrived at the spaceport. The Fate was far off, waiting to be called if something should go wrong. Meanwhile Ultimatum walked to where the security people were telling him before they too left the area. He walked casually up to [member="Matreya"] saying, "You certainly know how to get my attention. How can I help you?"

 

[Zaiden Dean]

Rising from his seat, Val offered his hand for introduction, "Valashu Bonkai. I got your name from an acquaintance of both of ours', Damien Daemon? I believe he has helped you retrieve Stygium, and ran with you on a few other missions." He said, "Well I have something similar to ask of you. Would you, per my paying you of course, be willing to travel to O'reen with me, to help sell my arms and equipment? I understand it may be a strange thing; a new man you have no interaction with, showing and offering a job, but that's the case.

"What do you say?"

[member="Ultimatum"]

 

[Ultimatum]

Well this was a surprise. Ultimatum took the hand and shook it politely, much like a businessman would have done. Was Damien doing the same that Animus had been doing awhile ago, telling people about him. Blasted organics, did they think he needed the extra publicity?! He was already famous on the planet as ruler, did they want his name to be shouted across the stars until the entire galaxy knew of his existence? He already had had experience with what happens when one draws the wrong kind of attention, and he did not want to bet that he would make it out as good as he had last time. He had actually gotten a ship out of the kidnapping, but he did not want to test his luck again. As with the smart gamblers he took his money and wanted to leave while he was ahead.

"I would be most interested in this job. What sort of arms and equipment are trying to sell?" He wondered what was the connection between this man and Damien, were they enemies? Allies? Friends? He would have to ask later. At least for now he could hopefully avoid conflict. This person definitely did not seem intent on a fight, which was good. That was the last thing that he wanted.

[member="Matreya"]

 

[Zaiden Dean]

"Blasters, ships, and tergeting systems mostly." Pausing he grinned, "Don't worry, he didn't tell me. I happened to...wind up with a Databank of his that had your name in it." Valashu said, his mind having followed the Droids rather easily. Turning he gestured to a nearby lesser Droid, "Can you bring me a map?"

In a few seconds the thing projected a holographic map that encompassed the room. Striding to one side he pointed, "Here is O'reen. From my knowledge, they once were a base for the Republic. Since the departure of the planet however, the Lords of the Fringe held dominion over it for a time. Now, they have been alone for more then a decade. I wish to bring them arms in an attempt to protect themselves!

"And I believe this to be a worthy cause to endeavor to ask for assistance from people I don't know." He stated, "So, when can we leave?"

[member="Ultimatum"]

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum thought about that before replying, "You are correct and we can leave whenever you desire."

The droid sent silent orders through his connection for the Fate to stand down and prepare for long distance travel. Then he sent commands to get the small freighter he had ready for the flight. He doubted that [member="Matreya"] would want to fly very far in the Fate, it had been an old Clone Wars dropship, it was not built with comfort in mind. That was why he had bought the freighter, it could carry more people comfortably than either of his two ships he had had at the time. He was still working on getting another ship that was better suited, but for himself he had no need for the comfort it was for the organics who he knew would prefer beds and distractions on longer flights.

Ultimatum was curious as to how the man got hold of these databanks, but the question could be asked later, on the way out would be preferable.

 

[Zaiden Dean]

Val nodded, moving the cowl atop his head a bit, then headed for the door, before pausing. "Your ship or mine?" He asked, then shrugged, "If its alright, I will ride with you." With that, he sent out his senses in a Force Shadow, launching through the halls and doorways of the massive building. Eventually Val's senses returned, and he walked past Ultimatum towards the hangar he had recently found.

"Have you ever been to O'reen?"

[member="Ultimatum"]

 

[Zaiden Dean]

Ignore.

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum was fine with his own ship. That was normal, and he began leading the way. He wondered what this organic was like. Was he similar to Damien, or quite different? That would be something to be seen as they traveled. Perhaps he would get to understand this organic more, perhaps not. It would be interesting all the same. "I have never been to that world. What is it like? What can I expect?"

He wondered if this organic was Force sensitive, certainly he had been meeting many of them recently. He had plans of finding a way to make a sensor for Force sensitives. It was still someway off, but he was beginning to make progress.

[member="Matreya"]

 

[Zaiden Dean]

"My understanding, is it attempts to be a self relient militaristic planet, though geographically I have not studied much. Honestly figured I would play this one by ear." Valashu replied, climbing aboard the ship, "Do you pilot, me, or an astromech?" Not truly waiting for an answer, he sat in a chair in the passengers locations. Yawning, he said, "Hope its a droid that pilots. Have a few things to ask of you, if you have the time."

(Sorry about the length. I typed up a better one the other day, and it seems that it didn't save.)
[member="Ultimatum"]

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum took in the information. It was not much to work on, perhaps he would look up more about it on the HoloNet during the trip. Once aboard the ship, Ultimatum sent the command to lift off and coordinates of the final destination to the ship's computer. It had originally been a ship built by a company based off of some famous ship, it was supposed to be driven by pilots, but Ultimatum had added, with the majority of his ships, a droid brain that could fly the ship almost as well as an organic pilot.

"I most certainly have the time. If you are not too tired of course." A few minutes and the ship lifted into the air by itself. Most organics would have found it most strange to have a ship flying itself, but Ultimatum doubted that much would faze this one. Taking something from a Sith was no small feat, he himself had not stolen anything from Sith yet. "I have questions for you as well. But you start."

(Its alright, I have had that happen as well. Really annoying when it does.)

[member="Matreya"]

 

[Zaiden Dean]

Val chuckled, "I haven't slept but 12 hours, maybe a little more, in a week and a half. Haven't caved when it wasn't necessary yet." He said, sitting up a bit straighter, "I wonder, what is the likelihood of a contract between your domain and my corporation?

"Not at the moment of course, but soon enough I will require a larger material base. As is, I have enough for the next fiscal quarter, but afterwards I will begin running short." Val stated, "As well, I only ask as I have heard Mustafar is rich with alloys. Other than what is rumor however, I know nothing more. If a deal can be struck, what is the outcome? Durasteel purchases? Steel? Titanium? Rarer minerals? These are the topics of my inquiries."

Of course flying a ship was one thing, having a droid pilot one another, but a ship flying itself was also yet another ball park. While he knew of such, he had yet to indulge in the prospect. Didn't mean he had fear, or nervousness about it.

And when it came to stealing from a Sith, there was little Valashu had not done. He had toppled entire planets by the precise death, theft, or planning involving Sith in his universe. This one was hardly different. He had stolen a single memory bank and would likely perform far more soon enough.

[member="Ultimatum"]

 

[Ultimatum]

Ah materials, the true lifeblood of the organic societies. In fact it was integral to all societies. Everything needed something. Ultimatum had many metals, resources required by the greater galaxy for war machines. That was where he found much money, but he did not need money, that was an organic system. He did not mind giving away the resources of the planet, after all there was too much for him to use in a lifetime.

"I believe a satisfactory deal is possible. Mustafar is rich with Durasteel, Titanium not so much. I would be willing to trade. I am not certain what you have to offer." Ultimatum was interested in this organic, he had taken something from a Sith and did not appear to be afraid. That was something that he wished more organics were like.

[member="Matreya"]

 

[Zaiden Dean]

Val smiled, "Well I have little that a droid cannot manage to make for himself. What I meant, was a purchase contract, where Merr-Sonn received a certain amount each Standard Month." He said, yawning once more he shrugged, "Either way, don't worry about it for now. I'm going to rest until we get there."

Laying back, he drew up his hood, and in seconds was sound asleep.

----------------------------------------------------

Val awoke just as the ship began its descent. Sitting upward as he double checked that his now and quiver were still attached, he felt each with satisfaction. Standing, he walked by Ultimatum, "Something is wrong..." He murmured. The Force was going crazy, for what reason he could not discern.

By the time the ship had landed, the door opening slowly towards the ground, he spotted why: more then two dozen armed guards waited on the outside. In the blink of an eye he held his bow, then in only slightly more time it was also popped together with its strings in place. Just as he finished, two arrows shot free of the quiver at his hip. Both were guided by ways of the Force, as they rocketed directly into the necks of the two closest men.

Before these men fell, Val already had three arrows notched and ready to be fired, which he did. As each of the shafts sailed toward their opponents, the men finally had time to level their Blaster Carbines to fire! Ducking back behind the corner of the ship as blaster fire commenced, he called out to Ultimatum, "Pirates! Those are Blas-Tech and Merr-Sonn weapons they're using! They probably are attempting a coup of the government!"

[member="Ultimatum"]

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum was intrigued, he had no problems with accepting payments for materials. It was just not common, in fact he had not had a single company before pay him for resources. He looked forward to seeing what was on planet and the array of weapons and tech that this organic intended on selling here.

When at last they arrived Ultimatum lowered the loading ramp. At first he was not surprised that there were people there. He had expected a welcoming committee of some sort. He had not been too worried when [member="Matreya"] had spoken about something being wrong. He had known some organics who felt that about most things.

When the men had weapons, Ultimatum pulled back from entrance. His pistol came out of its compartment and he took aim at those who prepared to fire. He was impressed with his ally's skill with the bow, he was doing well at taking down enemies. Ultimatum fired a few shots before stepping into the open. His body was made to resist blaster fire, that would allow him to fire much more accurately and perhaps draw fire to him and allow his friend to deal with them more effectively.

He called back, "Why? What is so important here that they would want to take over?"

 

[Zaiden Dean]

"The Fringe was here! They likely left things behind!" Valashu called, "I should have thought of that!" With that, he aimed around the corner, and shot three more arrows. As they were loosed, he stepped out, using the droids diversion to his advantage. Cloaking himself in White Current invisibility, he walked around the direction of the shots. Once close to the edge of the ramp, a thought sent multiple arrows into the air. Catching them with the Force, he whipped them across the air between he and they.

Next, he summoned illusions of mass of men moving from the interior of the ship. As they saw more opponents, the remaining enemies began to fall back. Holding the image as best he could, he had them walk around Ultimatum then down the ramp.

He felt himself slip, caused by interest over what was on planet that caused this... Had the fringe left something worthwhile? This slipping thought, sent the illusions to the wins. Luckily, most of the men had fallen back behind a small hill, likely for an ambush.

Appearing so that the droid could see him, he gestured silently the opposite way. Which he began a silent run towards, looking for a building or something they could duck inside of.

[member="Ultimatum"]

 

[Ultimatum]

Ultimatum had continued taking fire until the organic showed his powers to be quite effective. Well, the droid did not know much about the Force, but he had learned enough to guess that this was related to that somehow. The use of the bow was still an interesting decision, he wondered how well it did with armor, but to each his own. Ultimatum preferred fighting with information, perhaps drawing two to fight among themselves before going in and dealing with the weakened one.

He was interested in what the Fringe might have left behind. Something worth reverse-engineering and using in the creation of new tech for later use? That was of little importance as the enemy ran. Ultimatum used the ship's sensors, much more powerful than his own, to track the targets as they retreated. He could keep their location in his mind and therefore hopefully see if they attempted an ambush. [member="Matreya"]'s idea of attacking from elsewhere was brilliant, for an organic.

He followed the near-human as he led the way, looking for something to hide in for the time. Ultimatum sent a signal to the ship to lock itself and activate security measures, should someone try to steal it later. He had been impressed the illusions used, having not expected what appeared to be extra forces to come to his aid. It was an amusing trick, most definitely one that would have made him double-take had he not known there were no other organics aboard his vessel.

As he followed, Ultimatum saw what appeared to be an old bunker with severe damage to it. Perhaps they could slip in there? He decided to leave that to the man who knew more about the planet than he.

 

[Zaiden Dean]

Spotting the same bunker as Ultimatum, Valashu pointed, and ducked inside after approaching and having the door hacked by Blue Max, whom he did his best to keep concealed from even Ultimatum. Instantly he was met with armed guards, though these bore weapons made of old materials, some even had the JAC insignia bore on their sides. These were officials of whatever make, not like the pirates before.

"Hold on!" Valashu quickly called, "Friendlies! We don't work with the pirates!"

The man closest slowly lowered his gun, the others did not, "Who are you then? Speak fast, archer."

Valashu nodded, "I am Valashu, Valashu Bonkai, owner of Merr-Sonn Munitions, Inc.," He said, "I came, unaware of the conditions of the situations on your planet, with the intent to sell arms. It would appear I came at the proper time!" Valashu then slowly, so as not to cause panic, reached inside his vest to the pocket inside, then drew forth a holopad. Pressing down on a button, it displayed a large list of the weapons and munitions sold by his company.

"Lower your weapons." The older man told the rest, which they did, "Come mister Bonkai, your droid as well." He said as he turned to lead the way.

"Not to be rude, but please do not insult Ultimatum. He is not under my possession, nor is he your everyday droid. His sentience warrants respect." Valashu said, defending the being that had recently taken fire to aid his endeavors. The droid would bear Valashu's respect; something no more then three people in this universe could say.

Walking to the rear of the bunker, Valashu explained as they went that it would be likely they need hurry. There were men outside that would seen come this way, and it would be best if every man was ready to battle them. Including himself.

It took nearly twenty minutes, but eventually they had arms sold to the O'reen people, with promises to deliver them within a few hours.

"Ultimatum, it is up to you whether we stay and help. It is your choice. But all in all, my job here is complete."
[member="Ultimatum"]