Future of Justice

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Sidon Eshe"]


As Ferron Troste was just securing his position in the Kuat Drive Yards company, word was stretching in the galaxy of a new Bounty Hunters Guild. It had been a very long time since there was any major organization being about bounty hunters, or one that Ferron had heard about. Being a lone man in this war-torn galaxy, he couldn't expect for government agencies to carry out a lot of law, especially for newly named President Troste. Besides, being war-torn, the territories of the galaxy were harshly split, and for the most part, no one cared about a little crime, unless someone was paid to police the populace. For Ferron, however, the Bounty Hunters Guild was something he felt he could trust. And even if he couldn't, it would be a short-term relationship.

Ferron had sent word along to the Bounty Hunter Guild, through the Holonet and personal messenger, unsure entirely of the best way to get into contact with the leader. Thankfully, Ferron received a response, and Ferron requested a meeting. He was already waiting in the Commercial Zone of the Orbital Array, of course escorted by Security. It wasn't that he distrusted Sidon, but distrusted the populace. Ferron was hoping to ally with the Bounty Hunter Guild, even assist them, hoping in the future they can be trusted to carry out the law in a proper manner. The traffic control men were ready and knew the leader of the bounty hunter guild was scheduled to be here, reserving a docking spot for him.

 

[Chance Bonaventure]

Above Kuat Drive Yards

---

With a flash of light, the Vorantikus reverted from hyperspace, appearing above the expansive construction known as the Kuat Drive Yards. Because of the nature of the trip, namely a proposed business meeting with some new executive of the KDY company, Sidon had decided to use the more generalist ship he owned. There was no real reason to bring the Crossfire, simply because he wasn't chasing anyone - or anything - down, so he traveled in the beskar-hulled personal craft instead. At the controls, a young blond human female piloted the craft expertly. Her hands moved across the panels, adjusting and making corrections, her movements instinctual and well-practiced.

"This is the Vorantikus, contacting KDY control for Sidon Eshe," Vena said, speaking clearly into the comm. "We are here for a scheduled meeting with President Troste."

From behind, walking out of his personal chambers, the fully armored form of Sidon emerged. Helmet locking into place, the Hunter walked toward the front cockpit. The newer ship layout had been simple enough to get used to, but unlike the Crossfire, this ship had the personal quarters further away. Not that walking was an issue, it just made getting to the cockpit in a snap a little harder, if still doable. Nonetheless, when Sidon reached the brand new cockpit, the ship still having that new smell as Vena said, he couldn't help but raise eyebrows beneath the helmet...

"Wow, I'd heard how impressive this ship yard was, but..." Looking through the front viewports, Sidon's eyes scanned the ginormous metallic construction that surrounded an entire planet. It was beyond impressive, causing him to wonder at how much foot space it had. "That is one big factory. No wonder they protect it so heavily."

"A lot of credits flow here," Vena commented, shrugging. She flicked a switch. "More than enough to seek out a job with us."

"Clearly."

The pair quietened down when the comm activated, control responding - hopefully with directions, so the small craft wasn't lost amid the masses of traffic and hangar bays...

[member="Ferron Troste"]​

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Sidon Eshe"]


Surely enough, after the new ship exited hyperspace, they were already being tracked. Word was sent ahead from the Kuat Passenger Port after catching a hyperspace signature passing through. It was good for them to offer a hail before KDY would have had to, made a good impression with security. "This is KDY Traffic Control, we have you on our sensors. Please proceed to the Commercial Pylon. Coordinates being relayed now... when you're close enough, we'll tractor you in. We have Docking Ring 13 reserved for you. KDY Freight Port, out." Word was sent ahead to Ferron over security comms to notify him of the arrival of his new associate, which he gladly got up from his seat, patiently waiting at an average bar. He proceeded to the docking area of the Commercial zone as his guards followed. By the time he arrived, Sidon should be walking through the ring.

 

[Chance Bonaventure]

"Confirmed, KDY Freight Port," Vena responded, checking the systems as the information came through. "Shouldn't take long."

"Alright, I'll prep for boarding the ship yard," Sidon said simply, going to turn and walk out, but he was stopped by the blond pilot's voice.

"Oh, and it's called an orbital array, just so you know," She said simply, eyes never leaving the forward viewports. A smirk crossed her mouth a moment later, however. "Try not to look stupid to the President of the company, now..."

Sidon huffed, glancing down at the pilot through his helmet. He considered a retort but decided not to bother. With a mock salute with two fingers to his helmet, the Hunter walked toward the ship ramp. True to Vena's word, the Vorantikus arrived at the designated landing area rapidly, weaving past considerably slower barges and freighters, the pilot ensuring to leave ample room in case of sudden momentum change. No one wanted a ship-to-ship crash, not with such expensive factories and supplies scattered throughout the area - albeit in a very organized manner.

A small jolt went through the ship, as the tractor beam latched on. Waiting at the top of the ramp, Sidon reached down and checked the single hand cannon on his right thigh, secured inside the holster. Usually the Hunter had an array of weaponry and inventory, allowing him to adapt to most combat situations; but today he was going light, armed only with the shatter gun. Granted he wore his full compliment of combat armor, but that was expected, Sidon never appeared without it. He wondered whether the security on the ship ya-- orbital array -- would try to have him check it and hand it over... tough luck if they did.

<"Have you disarmed?"> Vena said over the inter-comm.

"Mostly," Sidon said simply. "Taking the hand cannon."

<"If you have to...">

"I do."

The ship touched down with a thug of landing struts. The ramp lowered. Walking down, Sidon ducked his head to avoid banging it on the bulkhead above, as the ramp was still lowering by the time he reached the bottom. Stepping out of the beskar-covered ship, the Hunter looked around, taking in the scene and the sentients present...

"Sidon Eshe, Bounty Hunters' Guild representative," He said simply, his voice filtered through the helmet. One man in particular stood out, to which Sidon was inclined to think he was the man he sought. "Here to meet President Troste."

[member="Ferron Troste"]​

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Sidon Eshe"]


Ferron held his hands together behind his back in a proper, formal setting as he waited outside the docking ring. However, he made sure to give the entrance considerable room to ensure Sidon didn't feel like he was being cornered. Unfortunately, not everything prefers going according to plan. As Sidon began stepping through, a small, short alarm went off before stopping. The stationary guards that were standing by already seemed to know what the alarm sounded for, and stepped between Ferron and Sidon, stopping the Bounty Hunter from entering the Orbital Array. "I'm sorry sir, but it's strictly forbidden for any personnel other than security to enter the Orbital Array with weapons. Please hand over all forms of weaponry," the guard requested, reaching his hand out as the other guard aimed a standard issue rifle at the bounty hunter.

Ferrons eyes widened as he realized what was going on, "gentleman, please. Calm down, everything is alright." Sidon has probably never ventured to Kuat before, so a warning should suffice. Even though Sidon has so much combat experience, and Ferron so little, he didn't fear the man. "Sidon Eshe, yes? Who I presume to be the leader of the Bounty Hunters Guild? Or the holder of such? When in Kuat Drive Yards territory, we have a rule - no weapons. Not even I carry one. There's no super-ban on weapons, I know it looks like martial law, but we actually even sell weapons on this station. It's not so much that the weapon exists, it's where it goes. Now, I hope to do business with you and I expect myself to follow the rules of your Guild. For this moment, with Kuat Drive Yards people still getting used to the idea with me as President, and with you being a newcomer to these areas, I can understand your need to defend yourself. I can allow you and your weapon on this station, as long as it is concealable, just this one time. But I hope the next time we meet, we can follow each others laws?" Ferron tilted his head as he made the request. He slowly reached out and patted the shoulder of the guard who was aiming their rifle at Sidon, queuing the two guards to cautiously let down their guard and disperse, allowing Sidon to enter. Ferron reached his hand out to shake hands with Sidon, "Ferron Troste, sole owner and proprietor of Kuat Drive Yards and related business. It's good to finally meet you."

 

[Chance Bonaventure]

Sidon raised an eyebrow when the alarm went off. Instead of reacting like he normally would, namely grabbing his weapon and pointing it at the nearest threat, the Hunter instead kept his cool and didn't move. Arms casually at his sides, he waited and listened as the security approached and demanded weapon confiscation. Sidon was still deciding how he wanted to reply, when another individual stepped forward and began to defuse the situation. Listening, the Hunter nodded when he was asked about being himself, and leading the Guild, before waiting through the explanation of the weapon restriction on the orbital array. It made some sense, certainly, limiting the potential danger that could land on the construction; but it seemed a little odd to limit oneself from carrying a weapon, even a defensive one that stunned would have been suitable. Still, this wasn't Sidon's operation, and he expected people to play nice in his house, so it was only fair he did the same...

"Good to meet you, Mister Troste," Sidon said, as he shook the sentient's hand. "Sidon Eshe. Guild leader. And your house, your rules."

Reaching down, the Hunter slowly pulled the hand cannon free of the holster. He had the grip by the end, clearly in no position to fire it, as he held the weapon up. From the Hunter's back, a small disk-like droid disconnected from the housing on the armor, before hovering over and grasping the pistol with a small claw extension. It promptly flew back to the ship, ascending up the ramp and inside. Glancing to the trigger-happy security guard, the Hunter shrugged.

"Full disclosure, I have a lot of weapons on me," Sidon said simply, looking back to Ferron. "They're part of the armor. Can't remove them. And I don't remove the armor. If that's okay, I'm more than happy to continue on, since I hope removing the blatantly obvious pistol was a sign of goodwill on my part... plus, you're a potential client, and I have nothing to gain from doing anything brash and losing whatever job you wanted to discuss."

If there was one thing the array of individuals could believe, it was that when a Bounty Hunter said someone was a possible contractor, there was no way they would burn that credit-making bridge. But, on a personal level, Sidon was a sentient of his word, and while those gathered didn't know him from a bolt on the ground, honesty was usually the best policy - such was the declaration of concealed weapons, and the assurance of interest in working for the Kuat Drive Yard head honcho.

Now to see where the meeting led the pair...

[member="Ferron Troste"]​

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Sidon Eshe"]

Ferron took a breathe as he realized this Bounty Hunter was kitted the hell out. He shouldn't have expected any less from the leader of the Guild, but jeeze. He could feel sweat producing on his temple as he thought about the fact the man blatantly admitted to being covered in weapons. It's not that he distrusted a bounty hunters word, oh no, from what he gathered this new guild was something he could place his own life into. But he didn't know just how sure he was that this man in front of him was really Sidon, or if he was a hired assassin. And Ferron was going to let the equivalent of a capital-class bomb roam around in his orbital array. Ferron gulped as he nodded, finishing the handshake. "I trust a Bounty Hunters word, as the more unlikable business they do, the less others want to hire them. It's not your word I distrust, Bounty Hunter, it's the fact I don't know you. But in the hopes of good relations, I have to let you enter." As nervous as Ferron was, he felt even if he was an experienced soldier this wouldn't go down well if Sidon meant any illwill. He was the leader of an entire, growing guild, with who knows how many skills and experiences he had with him. Either way, there was no more time to waste. Ferron held one hand behind his back as his other signalled for Sidon to step down and walk with him. Of course, the security guards walking straight behind. Getting back into the Commercial Zone, they were walking towards a bar, figuring a Bounty Hunter with no suit would be bored of a meeting room. "You may order whatever you wish, it's on the house. Before we get started," he approached a table and offered Sidon a seat, as he took one himself, "I was curious how long you had been in the Bounty Hunting business, and how you became its leader?"

 

[Chance Bonaventure]

The Bounty Hunter didn't bother to assert his confirmation of identity. Ferron seemed content to continue, and usually people took Sidon at his word. It generally wasn't wise to attempt to fraudulently adopt another Hunter's identity, especially the leader of the Bounty Hunters' Guild. The sheer amount of resources that could be brought against an individual performing the fraud would be overwhelming, and the result very final. As it was, Sidon was confident his ship and the identification was suitable, especially as it was quite a unique piece of technology. It was very hard to fake a beskar-hull transport, after all, and the Hunter suspected that all kinds of scans had been completed as the ship had approached.

Following the owner of the impressive orbital array, Sidon took note of as many details as he could. Not for any particular reason, but only to put to memory details that could help him later, for whatever reason. The guards walking in their wake were clearly alert, which was a good thing, and the walkways had sentients moving this way and that. Not as many as Sidon had expected, but clearly things were in motion and the ship yard was in swing.

"Thanks, but I don't drink on the job," Sidon said as he sat down, opposite Ferron, the Hunter's back to the wall. It was habit. "Been doing this for... a while now, several years. Usually Outer Rim operations to begin with, then slowly moved Mid Rim. Managed to gain a rep, which is always helpful, and then fell in with the Bounty Hunters' Guild."

Looking to his left, Sidon watched some other guards walk by, passing those standing near the pair.

"Managed to be in a position to take advantage of some lackluster leadership, and was given the proverbial ignition key to the Guild. It wasn't easy, lots of Hunters felt inclined to explain, and some even went so far as to show, how they would be better suited... but, clearly their claims weren't up to snuff, and they didn't take the placement. So here I am."

Motioning with a gloved hand, Sidon turned his helmet as he glanced around.

"How'd you come to own this? And what, exactly, is it?"

[member="Ferron Troste"]​

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Sidon Eshe"]

Ferron listened to the man speak and didn't interrupt him. Ferron could have chosen to be a cryptic fellow and order the man to a dark corner of Kuati, gave him an order, some credits, and let him go. But he wanted a relationship with the Bounty Hunters Guild, one where they could work together. Feeding the monster in the dark and then leaving wasn't much of a relationship, and it wouldn't gaurantee the monster didn't bite the hand off. Ferron didn't typically drink on the job, either, but he was entirely prepared to give the man a full bellys meal before he left. Either way, he wanted KDY's door to be open to these people. He casually raised his hand to one of the waiters of the bar and continued to listen to him. He asked for a water just as Sidon wanted to ask him a question.

"Oh, you mean this station, or Kuat Drive Yards? I guess it's a big question concerning every single shipyard, even after the plagues, the slowdowns and the wars. Personally, I got it by destroying my entire life." Ferron shrugged, wafting a hand until he started to laugh, "I gave up a lot, I focused on business. No family, no mansion, in fact coming to this station so far is the most I've traveled from Kuati. I have lived on Kuati all my life, all I ever wanted was to sit in the big boys office of KDY. Ever since I first laid my eyes on this station I said, 'that's gonna be mine.' All my life I barely slept a wink; everyday I traded, bought stocks, a little here, a little there. A combination of the wealth I had gained, and saved, and the fact the business was starting to fizzle just slightly.... made the price just low enough. But something I still can't answer..." Ferron leaned back in his chair, "How the loyalty stayed. I mean, I've done my best to increase wages, give the big heads actual jobs rather than sit around and be bored, better shifts. But any of them could have committed mutiny and taken over one of the stations. I guess they all had to be in some sort of agreement since the stations really aren't militarized and the old security force is still a thing. But while I've enjoyed our talk, how about we get down to business?" Ferron leaned forward, stretching a little. Sidon gave him a moment of respit as it seemed otherwise the only time Ferron got a fair bit of rest was the few moments he went to sleep; he's still been working hard.

The waitress came by with the water, and it was in good timing. He tapped on the glass for a moment before taking a big gulp. "I'd like to establish good relations with the Bounty Hunters. If a crime happens, it's unlikely the children vying for power all around us are going to bother. And if a crime is committed against me or my people, all I want is that it\s carried out. Unfortunately even if I could risk sending out what men I have I don't nearly have enough to be the home away from home authority in areas. I also don't want to just use you and your people, I want to work with you. My first steps would be to allow free room and board here, on this station, at any time, for any of your people. I would also like to help out in these troubling times; offer a mode of transportation for even the unlucky bounty hunters just starting out. How does that sound? You know all I ask is when a contract comes up I need doing, you do it, of course when it stays in the law. And you do your best not to commit to a contract after me, or at the very least, perhaps, warn me. I'm just trying to keep a few billion employees happy, not a lot of criminal activity I can do."

 

[Chance Bonaventure]

Sidon listened, as he tilted back in the chair, arms crossed over his chest. The story about Ferron was interesting, it said a lot about his drive and determination. Not unlike Sidon himself, save that the Hunter wasn’t running a billion person business. Still, at least the guy was honest, and seemed willing to extend some of that hard earned wealth toward the Bounty Hunters. More than a few companies had contacted the Guild, intent on making offers and earning themselves a private army... and each time Sidon reminded them it didn’t work like that. So when Ferron said the terms, and added that any contract would be legal, Sidon felt a bit of ease.

"Well, that certainly sounds like a great offer," Sidon said, nodding as he sat forward, arms resting on thighs. "And as you said, our contracts need to be held to legal merit. If we started killing or rounding up every thug or businessman that crossed you, or looked at you funny, we would quickly lose our status as an off-shoot law entity... so, as long as your contracts are legal, I’m sure we can deal."

Sitting straight, Sidon placed his hands on the table casually, looking at the man across from him through the helmet visor.

"As for any contracts against you, or warning you about them... I can honestly say that wouldn’t happen, in regard to us breaking contract agreement," Sidon shrugged helplessly. "I can’t allow other clients to feel as though we favour another. Tha breeds distrust, especially when the rules of the Guild are quite clear on dealing with a contract. What I can say, is that being an associate of the Guild would allow you some courtesy... such as being asked politely to come along, rather than blasting through your nice orbital array with rockets and the like."

Sidon cleared his throat.

"If we started breaking trust, by informing of contracts, we wouldn’t have a reputation for long. I also suspect that same rep is why you contacted us to begin with. All I can say is that your contracts will be secure, completed and acquisitions delivered as desired. And on the flipside, we will never share or break that trust by informing others of your dealings. It works that way for a reason, you see, so that a domino effect doesn’t happen between our clients.

"Assuming you can accept reasonable actions, should the worst happen and you have a contract put on you, I’d like to draw up agreements and see what we can do together. Of course, I doubt you’d gain a Bounty, being so busy."

Sidon chuckled, hoping that an offer of security and anonymity was acceptable instead of forewarning...

[member="Ferron Troste"]

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Sidon Eshe"]


Ferron developed a smile smile as he huffed, stifling a small laugh as he looked at the table, listening to Sidon, before taking another drink. "Mister Eshe, it was merely a joke. If I expected you to give me a warning, that would not only be favoritism, but show no respect to the law. If I do bad business, I expect you to come for me. Like anyone else that may do bad business." Ferron sat his glass down and looked across the table, "for old times sake if you were to give me a five-minute headstart, that's one thing, but enough time to hide and evade the law would be criminal in and of itself." Ferron tapped his fingers on the table before coming to a conclusion, "I want to help the Bounty Hunters Guild, of course, obviously so in the long run they can help me. Not for them to show prejudice, but so they are always well equipped, no matter the bounty hunter. Even those representing my rivals. Because when there's a criminal in the midst, downplaying Kuat Drive Yards, I don't have the means to stop them and the galaxy isn't going to care. Speaking of which, I may have a job for you. Do you think you're interested?"

 

[Chance Bonaventure]

It seemed the two were close to agreement, which was good. Sidon had worked hard to supply a baseline for the Guild, enough to allow Hunters a reason to join and be given tools to exceed, but also to balance that with companies willing to supply some of those tools. It had been a long road so far, meeting and discussing intricacies of deals and agreements; so speaking to Ferron had proven to be straightforward and simple, which was a nice change from the usual businessperson rhetoric.

"It sounds like we have a basic agreement then," Sidon said, as he relaxed his posture. "And I’m sure we can work out specifics either during this meeting or at a later date, with the first drafts of any contracts."

The mention of a job was more along the lines of hat Sidon had expected, and he welcomed the opportunity to discuss some business he was very skilled at.

"I’m always open for contracts, Mr. Troste," The Hunter said, nodding. "What did you have in mind?"

[member="Ferron Troste"]

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Sidon Eshe"]


Ferron nodded a couple times, staring at Sidon as he revealed he was receptive to a contract so soon. "I won't mind if you offer it to another Bounty Hunter, or take care of it yourself. One way proves to me the Bounty Hunters are always active and I may not get a favorite, the other would establish stronger relations with each other. So it's really up to you, I'm just giving the job." Ferron took a breath and straightened himself, drinking from the glass once more. "No doubt you've seen the Galactic Empire, the Sith Empire, and other organizations sporting Kuat Drive Yards ship designs. Most commonly our iconic Star Destroyers. We know for a fact those designs weren't salvaged from old wreckages, nor did we license them out. Before I took over KDY, one of the employees of KDY deserted, with multiple batches of plans of KDY ships. A couple I don't want getting released. These designs don't conform to average KDY designs, but they are like that for a reason. The schematics the deserter has are copies, I don't need them returned. But I need them either detained, or taken out. Same pay either way. Detaining them would mean there would be some form of punishment, but I don't want to pay for a jail to hold them. But death means you have a mess to clean up. It's up to you. Two-thousand credits up front, and reward upon return with proof is negotiable. How does that sound?" Ferron wouldn't admit it, but the payment specifically offered before Sidon left the station wasn't concrete, he was flexible.

 

[Chance Bonaventure]

Sidon nodded. It sounded like an important job, but they all were. Besides, with basic agreements in place, it simply came down to whether or not the two groups would sign. As it was, the Hunter had to keep moving, he was currently en route on another bounty and had used the opportunity to stop by and have the meeting to kill two mynocks with one stone.

"Thanks for the hospitality, and bounty offer," Sidon said, as he stood up and offered a hand. "I need to continue to Coruscant, so I'll leave your security with information they need, if you're happy to proceed. Other than that, good meeting you, Mr. Troste, and good luck with handling KDY."

As Sidon walked to security to be escorted back to his ship, he glanced over his shoulder.

"Oh, and I'll propose the contract offer to any Hunters interested. They'll contact you with confirmation if they're picking it up."

With a final nod, Sidon followed the group and was soon back on the ship. As the ramp closed, Vena took off, and they left for space, Sidon wondered at how things would turn out. One never knew on these deals, what with so many moving parts.

"How did it go, Sidon?" Asked the pilot, as the Hunter sat beside her.

"No idea. We'll see."

The ship entered hyperspace, disappearing from the system with a blink of light...