Public Going Through the Motions

[Eloise Deceaux]

Outer Rim
A moon with a small city and a large tydirium mine.


The ever present stench of a thousand worker-refugees was heavier than normal today. When the crowded frigate first made its way towards the barren moon many on board assumed they were heading to a better life, one filled with hope and joy. Instead they discovered what temperature the interior of a tydirium mine was and how a life working in the employ of Uldin the Hutt felt. It was unfortunate that they had landed here of all places to stop for repairs. Eloise had been on that transport, dodging a few debt collectors on Tatooine. When they arrived one of Uldin’s goons noticed her lightsaber and she was pressed into service as an enforcer. It was decent money and intimidating refugees to do their work wasn’t glamorous but it was pretty simple.

As the young woman pushed a bit of rice around on her plate the flap of her tent suddenly parted and in stepped the beefy teal Rodian, Vaxro. He was pudgy, obnoxious, and entirely devoid of anything resembling morality. So naturally he was great at passing down Uldin’s orders to the mining camp.

A thin orange eyebrow cocked up as Eloise stated, “must be something urgent for you to be bugging me this early.”

“Ya,” the grimey Rodian replied, “it’s uh, pretty big job need you to handle.” He continued in broken Basic, “bunch of refugees talking ‘bout rebelling, want to leave the mine, go away.”

“I don’t blame them,” Deceaux stated, “conditions here have never been great but you lot keep cracking down, was only a matter of time until this happened. I kept warning you tha-“

“Careful girl,” Vaxro interrupted, “may think you is in on it.”

Eloise grimaced and rolled her eyes. She had only met Uldin once, he was clever and ran his organization with logic. His grunts were idiots. Especially Vaxro. She donned her helmet and stood up as she double checked that her lightsaber and blaster pistol were secured on her belt. Straightening her jacket she stepped a bit closer to the greasy Rodian and questioned, “what’s the job?”

“They’s gotta have a leader,” the rodent squealed, “bring him to boss.” The messenger looked her over with a dismissive glance. As if to say, ‘you’ll fail.’ Eloise was used to these cartel games. They didn’t trust humans, especially humans that carried lightsabers and used the Force.

“Consider it done,” the red haired woman said as she left the tent and made her way towards a large group of miner-refugees huddled near the star dock. It would’ve been the end of third shift so it was likely they had just loaded up a hauler. Questioning them would probably be her best bet to finding the ringleader of whatever half baked rebellion attempt was in the works.

The miners didn’t trust her either but they certainly preferred dealing with her over the other goons in Uldin’s employ. Maybe she could use that to her advantage.

 

[Aaran Tafo]

"You dont want to do that." A young man with tan skin and dark brown hair suggested, flicking two fingers at a rather irate Zabrak. The horned humaniod stood above a quivering Twi'lek. Stun baton raised high to strike. The mine guard frowned once. Before his eyes frew distant. Fingers slacking as the stun baton slipped from his grasp and clattered to the ground.

"I dont want to do this." He agreed, his tone hollow and distant. As he began to lurch away. Shoulders slack and arms nearly dragging themselves behind him. The bruised Twi'lek's eyes flicked up to their saviour. Only to receive a shushing motion from the human's lips. "Go on. Git. Dont attract attention. I might not be around to lend a hand next time." Aaran said, standing up from where he had crouched on a nearby crate and just happened to be the witness of such brutality.

WIth a quick muttering of thanks in Twi'leki. The miner scurried off, leaving the Padawan to his own thoughts. Letting out a soft sigh, the burly young man zipped his dark flight jacket closer around his frame. But unfortunately, while he was not wearing his normal robes and armour. The Padawan still stuck out like a sore thumb. His large size, dark skin and generally healthier looking complexion than most of the spacers around him was a dead giveaway that he was not a local.

Stretching his arms. Aaran laced his fingers behind his head as he began to wander. Lips curling with distaste as he began to drink in more of his environs. He had only stopped to refuel the Freebird and perform some minor maintenance. So he was stuck here for the next few hours. And he did not like what he saw.

Tension, despair, overwhelming sadness and crushed dreams. One did not need to be sensitive to the higher powers of the universe to practically taste it in the air. And what was all the more frustrating was his apparent lack of ability to do anything about it. The world was too distant from the usual protectorate systems of his Order for him to call for aid. And any other benevolent organisations he was on good terms with in the outer systems were simply too busy to respond to a cry for help.

And here he was. All the power of the Force at his fingertips and he found himself powerless to do anything to help people aside from the occasional nudge. The frustration was burning a hole deep in his gut. A gloom hanging around him like a palpable aura. Easily deterring most thugs and lowlives who would otherwise see him as an easy mark.

All he could do was wander around the environs of the Space-port and wait for his ship's maintenance to be finished.

 

[BO-8]

-- Beep, Beep, Beeeeeeep

-- "What?' BO-8 turned to look at the Astromec turned Server Droid, "How does one mess up Rice?"

-- The CL-N4 Astromech Droid offered another arrangements of Binary and allowed the rice to fall to the floor.

-- BO-8 just looked at the droid, "Now thats just rude, I worked really hard on that rice, even added my family receipt of Gundarks Ripened Cheese." The PIT Droid stood on his stool with his hands of his hips and holding a wooden spoon in one hand. He also wore a Chefs Hat and a long really dirty apron that was a little too big for him.

-- Beep..... Beep.

-- BO-8 Gasped deeply, "There are children near by, watch your language CLANK." The droid took off his apron and jumped off the stood, a pot over the fire changing its fire from a white to a darker shade. "I need a break, you've really upset me CLANK, I am going for a walk."

-- The Atromech started to panic as he rolled over and started to stir the rice in the pot. BO-8 just walked off in his usual steps of legs that were too long for him. He sort of looked like a newly born animal trying to get use to their legs, however, BO-8 just liked to put a little hop in his step.

-- He was really unsure how he got here, let alone was assigned the duties of the camp cook. He lost track of his friend, hopped on the nearest transport hoping to get a good view to see his friends, and next thing he knew he was in the upper atmosphere. The trip was very boring, and everyone just ignored him as he was a Droid, so he went to make other Droid Friends. It was there that he meet CLANK the Astromech Droid who hated the name CLANK, but BO-8 thought it fit him so well. He also meet COO-53378, a Cook Droid in transport to the camp. Now it was not his fault, but apparently dropping a large container of liquid protein reserves on a functional droid causes the droid to not function anymore. Once arriving on the planet he was forced to work in the kitchen after stating he was a fantastic cook. In the 3 months of his new memories, he thought was a pretty good cook as well.

-- The PIT Droid body continued to wonder through the camp in hopes of finding something interesting. It was then that he felt a weird connection to an individual that was walking by. He could not tell why, but he just continued to follow this weird human that was walking around the camp. Aaran Tafo would find a very strange Droid walking really closely next to him, like almost in step at least two steps behind and beside him.

 

[Eloise Deceaux]

“We don’t know anything about that ma’am,” the disheveled worker repeated. The enforcer was getting nowhere, fast. Whoever was responsible for organizing the alleged uprising they had their people in line. Or maybe third shift wasn’t involved. Or maybe Eloise would need to resort to threats or violence to get anything out of them. No, that wouldn’t help. Torture generally did a poor job of extracting accurate information. Bribes, courtesy, and a bit of banter generally loosened lips with significantly less effort.

“You’re the one who lives with his cousins yeah? A few clicks from the cantina,” the enforcer-turned-detective questioned. Almost on cue the refugee gave a quick nod as he tapped a foot up and down. The rest of his compatriots had walked away by now. Trying to get away from the freaky lightsaber girl before she starts hauling people off to the overseers.

Eloise’s mask hid the sly smile underneath but her head tilted a bit, suggesting a less threatening stance. “Must be a shame, always out of the good grub by the time you get there,” she crossed her arms to share in his frustration, “I bet you barely even get anything but that cheap rice they serve most days.”

His face lightened, seeming to catch on to the game, “my cousin and I rationed some Bantha jerky at first… but last few weeks it’s just been that rice, sometimes a helping of bread or that weird red vegetable they got.”

“Give me a name,” Eloise said sternly, “a name and I can make sure you get a proper meal at least once a day. Maybe some booze once or twice a week.” This was how things got done in the camp. For the miners credits were meaningless. Meat, sugar, salt, and alcohol were worth their weight in gold.

The worker checked to make sure no one was around. That was when Eloise noticed it. A ship she wasn’t familiar with, looked to be docked for a delivery or a bit of work. She couldn’t really tell, maybe it was here on Hutt business or just a passerby.

“Jameson was the one who asked me for a few odd favors,” the worker finally confessed. “Dunno where he’s getting orders from but that’s all I know. Can I go now ma’am?” He said nervously, with a tip-tapping foot and fidgeting hands.

“Jameson? The tailor? Odd,” she thought aloud before informing the scared young worker, “yeah get some rest, I’ll make certain you receive the premium rations tonight.”

As the miner let out a sigh and hobbled away the Deceaux woman peered back at the camp. Jameson was a first shift worker. He’d be near the cantina or heading towards the mine. If she hurried maybe she could intercept him and get him alone for questioning before a crowd formed.

 

[Ivan Stadd]

Location : Unknown Moon in the Outer Rim
Objective : Aid Rebels and Secure Tydirium mines
Tag : Aaran Tafo Eloise Deceaux BO-8

James Cerensp's Ship , the Enforcer jumped out of hyperspace in orbit of the moon. Recently the Sith had conquered Gromas 16 preventing the Directorate from using it's Phrikite Mines. Due to this new sources were needed and James Cerensp was once more tasked in finding sources for Phrikite and Tydirium Ores. After sending multiple DIB agents throughout the Outer Rim , James Cerensp had located multiple locations for Tydirium and Phrikite Mines in which would allow the Directorate to move forth and seize these mines and begin it's own mining operations on those planets to extract the valuable ores. One Such of these planets was not rather a planet but a moon located somewhere in the Outer Rim.

Escorted by 2 Donnager-Class Star Destroyers , the Enforcer arrived in orbit of the moon with the intent of using the possible slave uprising as a means to allow the Directorate to seize control of the moon's Tydirium Mines while the Rebels and the Enforcers would be fighting in a bloody battle only for the Directorate to intervene and defeat both groups. Without the Black Sun , the Hutts could do nothing against the Directorate and James was fairly confident that the Directorate could succeed this time unlike previous failures at Zoph and Pijal. Soon James ordered a group of DIB infiltrators to infiltrate the refugee camps and to set up a bunch of Androids in which would eventually be used to start the Uprising.

If everything went according to plan , these mines would soon be under the control of the Directorate and soon enough the production of Phrik would resume for the Directorate unharmed.

 

[Aaran Tafo]

He did his best to not look at the little droid following him. Aside from the occasional quirk of their personality. Aaran never throught much of the machines that were as common a sight as sentients in the galaxy. It was alsways disorienting for him. To see something moving, for it to be animate and have a personality. But also to be completely and utterly dead to the force aside from the base physical matter it was made up of.

So when it was that he could feel the odd tingle on the back of his neck and craned around to see BO-8 following him at such a close distance. He was a bit perplexed. On an intellectual level he knew that his mind was playing tricks on him, he was not getting a tingle from the droid. It was just the background buzz of emotions of the many sentients around him. He opened his mouth, about the address the miniscule droid. Just a simple question as to why the little machine was following him so closely before someone bumped into him.

Frowning, Aaran turned to look instaed at the figure who had bumped into him. The same twitchy worker that had just confessed to Eloise Deceaux . Following from where exactly the miner had scurred away from. He caught sight of the masked figure. And more importantly, the saber hanging at her hip.

"Trouble." Aaran muttered under his breath. Faint enough so that only the droid next to him could hear it. Sparing one last glance at BO-8. The Padawan shook his head. Dismissing the odd feeling in the back of his neck as his mind simply paying tricks on him. Aaran instead decided to investigate what seemed to be a bigger problem here.

Doing his best to minimize his rather bulky frame. The Padawan attempted to follow the masked woman. Curious as to just what such an oddly dressed being was doing here. Simply due to the weapon on her hip, she was no common guard. A Sith? A Knight of Ren? A fellow Jedi like himself? Or something else? He had no idea, but his natural curiosity compelled him to continue onwards in an attempt to figure it out.

 

[BO-8]

-- The Droid continued to follow the man who was giving this weird feeling. He had felt it before with other beings, but Organics were just a weird concept to him. It was always just better to be observant and see what the organist were going to do. Droid were always an after thought for them anyways.

-- It was following this man that he realized that the other organic that nearly walked into him looked a little distressed. They all looked the same to him, only different was what color they were so maybe he was just constipated and was rushing to the restroom. BO-8 cupped around his head area and yelled at the man walking away, "Community Waste Relief Station is three tents that way and to the right, if it smells like Organic Waste, your in the right area."

-- While he was giving the other human direction on where he could relieve himself he nearly lost sight of Aaran Tafo who was following this other women. He somewhat knew this women, as the guards sometimes make jokes behind her back but never at her face. If he remembered correctly her name was Eloise Deceaux , but the other guards called her Tight Top. He had no idea why organist required shorting names, like BO-8 remembered making friends with a Service Droid with a name of AP-9823 Classification Zeta of subsection 3. Then he remembered he often liked to call him Zeek, and now it started to make sense.

-- He attempted to catch up with the weird human with the weird feeling he felt from. However, as he continued to follow the man he noticed that the person they were following was also different then the other organics.

-- Were they diseased?

James Cerensp

 

[Eloise Deceaux]

Heavy boots pressed into the faux turf of the moon base as the ex-Sith made her way towards the lump of workers heading from the cantina towards the mine. She was on a time crunch, if Jameson made his way into the mine the foreman wouldn’t let her conduct an interview until after his shift had ended. In her experience, Vaxro wasn’t a patient Rodian and he’d want some degree of progress before second shift began.

The mass of bodies swept by her, she scanned every face of the workers who headed towards the check-in desk. No luck, Jameson wasn’t here. Her gaze shifted over to the cantina tent. Rows of metal picnic tables, a messy cafeteria style buffet with droid chefs, and then she narrowed in on a table with two individuals.

One was Jameson, his tattered off-white robes and wirey gray hair a dead giveaway. The other man she didn’t recognize. This day kept getting more and more unusual.

Abruptly she turned on her heel towards the mess hall. Maybe it was because of her sudden movement, or the fact that she was beyond paranoid at this point, but she could swear the jacketed man and rice cooking droid were following her. She tried to ignore it for now as she made her way towards Jameson’s table, the unknown man had stood up and was walking away long before she began her approach. The late middle aged man looked like he was finishing off whatever slop they had served him for breakfast. As he stood and turned he noticed Eloise’s direct approach.

“Morning, can I uh… help you with something?” he questioned.

“Just a few questions I need answered,” she said.

A tinge of fear briefly shone on his sullen face before the wrinkles around his eyes morphed and tried to feign confusion instead. It was common for those with something to hide to pretend to be confused. Eloise was good at reading those tells even before the Sith had trained her in deception. After a long pause and an audible exhale the older man responded with, “I’m all ears.”

Enforcer Deceaux reached out her right hand and grabbed hold of Jameson’s arm. It wouldn’t do for him to try and run, could cause a panic. “Not here,” was her reply, “back at my tent, in private. Not the kind of questions I’d want answered in front of prying ears.” Several of the miners who had been staring at the exchange quickly glued their eyes to their food trays.

Eloise began marching towards her tent, her left hand placed firmly on the hilt of her saber as she kept her focus on the strange man and droid that seemed to be following her. In a hushed tone she spoke to her captive, “Don’t do anything dumb, bad for business if we make a scene.” She pulled Jameson a bit closer to her. This entire situation was making her jumpy.

 

[Aaran Tafo]

He still continued to ignore BO-8 as the tiny droid continued to follow him. As much of a curiosity as the being was. It was not relevant to the situation at hand. It was simply the Padawan's natural inclination to devote his entire focus to what was in front of him. Other such distractions could be ignored for now. HIs focus was kept entirely on the masked woman, Eloise Deceaux with the lightsaber.Trying to figure out just what it was she might be up to on this world.

He somehow doubted it was anythinggood A simple bad feeling that had hung in his gut ever since he landed. It only intensified as he looked at the masked woman. A simple after-effect of the fear she instilled in others? Or was it something about her specifically? He did not know. But he did have a good feeling that keeping an eye on her for now would be important somehow. Be it instinct or a whisper from the Force.

Following her into the canteen. He watched the brief interaction with the older man. The tension in the air between them was palpable. Whoever this woman was. She was not a particularly well liked individual. A local enforcer? A newcomer like him who simply threw her weight around? There were still so many pieces of the puzzle the Padawan was missing.

As their eyes met. Aaran was not surprised that his observations were noticed. Stealth had never been his strength. He preferred more direct solutions to his problems. Be it outright confronting someone with words, or raising his blade in the defense of others.

Of course, he had no intention of doing the latter here unless there was no other choice. Drawing a weapon would just bring unwanted attention to him. And probably get some poor non-combatant hurt in the crossfire. So instead he just kept up his pace. Never breaking his stride as he continued to move towards the masked woman and the older man she was holding onto. A small consolation here was that she'd probably have a hard time outrunning the Padawan so long as she decided to keep her hand on Jameson. The elderly were not really known for their nimbleness

And all while he continued his advance. His eyes flicked from the woman's face to the saber at her hip. Attempting to meet her eyes. A single brow raised in a silent question.

'Just who are you?'

 

[Ivan Stadd]

Location : Unnamed Moon in the Outer Rim
Objectives : Aid the Rebels and seize the Mine
Tag : Aaran Tafo | BO-8


The DIB Agents soon landed at the camp and began seeking Jameson their contact who was the leader of the planned refugee uprising. The DIB agents headed for the Cantina Tent where they were supposed to met with James but when they arrived the Agents did not find him. Then one Agent asked someone if he had seen Jameson and the guy simply replied that Eloise Deceaux one the local enforcers had taken him somewhere.

Then the Agents simply sat down and contacted James Cerensp believing that Jameson had been captured. "Agent Johnson, status report" said James through the Comlink. "Sir we haven't found Jameson according to some we was taken away by a local Enforcer. The authorities here might be aware of our plan." Said Agent Johnston at a low tone. "Then contact Trevor and tell him to begin the uprising as planned. I'll have B
Battalions of Troopers arrive near the camp and join the Rebels. Understood?"

"Yes sir"

Then Agent Johnston contacted Trevor who was Jameson's associate throgh his Comlink. "Trevor this is Agent Johnston i need you to initiate the uprising" said Johnston. "Roger I'll gather up my men and we'll met at the rendezvous point to begin the insurrection. " replied Trevor. "Good I'll contact James Cerensp and tell him that everything is set. "

As the peices were put together everything was set for the takeover of the mines and soon the presence of Uldine the Hutt would be extinguished and replaced by that of the Directorate.

 

[Jend-Ro Quill]

THRONE ROOM OF ULDIN THE HUTT

A Gamorrean had his right arm, a Nikto had his left arm, and a Falleen had his lightsaber. They forced him to his knees before Uldin's repulsor bed.

"My men say you have something to tell me, Jedi," said the Hutt in rich, Core-accented Basic.

"I do," said Quill.

A pause.

"What is it?"

"You should let your workers go free or pay them better."

Another pause. The Hutt belched pensively. "Normally such an ask comes complete with an offer, a rationale, or a threat. Do you have any of those for me to consider? Context that would change my mind? A bargain great enough to match the shutdown of my mine and the loss of my indentured labour force?"

"I don't, no. I just believe you should let your workers go free or pay them better."

The Hutt leaned forward like an avalanche. Huge inhuman eyes met Quill's at close range. "You're not good at this, are you."

A waistcoated Ugnaught ahemmed up and murmured in the Hutt's ear-pore. Those big eyes went wide. A flick of a pudgy hand, and the Nikto and Gamorrean dragged Quill away sans lightsaber. He caught something about Star Destroyers. Something to think about in his cell.

 

[Eloise Deceaux]

BO-8 . Aaran Tafo

Wind whooshed through Eloise’s tent as brown burlap flaps erupted inward. The enforcer moved into the tent swiftly before she flung her aged prisoner towards the single cot in the center of her tent. Jameson collapsed onto the lumpy mattress, bracing his fall with his right forearm. With a grunt of dissatisfaction he raised his chin up at his soon-to-be interrogator.

“Spill it,” she demanded, “how does a guy who organized the community potluck a month ago become the face of a rebellion?” Her gloved finger tapped on the side of her lightsaber, her other hand adjusting the position on the blaster pistol strapped to the right side of her hip.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, I was just eating breakfast when you,” he grew silent as he gasped for air. Violence wasn’t always the best way to get answers but she was out of patience and wanted to make a point. “A-alright, I’ll ta-alk,” he said between wheezes and groans. The ex-Sith relinquished the Force grip she had on his throat. Relief swelled on his face but before he could speak Eloise wanted to get a few things clear.

The daunting woman took a half step towards him. With both hands on her hips she bent over so that his emerald eyes were level with her face plate. “Your people fled disease and famine to end up here. Three meals a day, safety, fulfilling work, and you get to speak with me,” she reasoned as a slight grin formed underneath her mask. “Now you’re gonna throw it all away, get a few dozen of your people killed, and for what?”

Without hesitation Jameson roared back, “we’re sub-human here. Slaves basically. They keep us grounded under a premise of unpaid docking and maintenance fees but we know the truth. We’ll never leave this rock and we don’t want to see our children grow up and die here.” His breaths were heavy, his cheeks red.

“A stirring speech. We’ll see how it performs in front of Uldin,” she said as she gripped his collar to raise him from her cot. The man was a fool. A group of unarmed refugees rising up against blasters, stun batons, and trained mercs. It would be a blood bath. Stability and order, that’s what she brought to this camp and it kept all of these workers alive. At least that’s what she told herself.

The mention of going to see Uldin the Hutt was what finally caused the terror to set into the man. Trying to appear brave he simply told her, “if bossman wants to make me a martyr let him, it changes nothing.”

Eloise knew better, the Hutt wasn’t as simple as most of his employees would suggest. “You wish, he’ll torture you for the names of your co-conspirators and execute the least known ones. Your people will hate you after that.”

As the pair exited the tent Jameson began to scream for help. To whom she was uncertain but as the main administration building connected to Uldin’s palace it would be a short walk from here.

 

[Marlon Sularen]

Wrong Account

 

[Ivan Stadd]

Location : Unnamed Moon in the Outer Rim
Objectives : Seize control of the Mines
Tags : Eloise Deceaux | Aaran Tafo | BO-8 | Jend-Ro Quill

As the DIB Agents talked with Trevor , they heard someone shouting for help. "Jameson" said Trevor recognizing the voice "They have him..." Trevor said. Jameson was vital to the DIBs plans and yet he faced execution. Then Agent Johnston contacted James Cerensp. "Agent Johnson whats the current situation?" Asked James. "Well sir Jameson has been captured and might be executed. We should launch the Rebellion while we can." Then James paused it was to Early and even the refugees had no arms. It would be a bloodbath. "No not now. Have Trevor and his men join me on my ship there we will give them the weapons needed for the Uprising. Meanwhile I'll speak with Uldin the Hutt and let's see how arrogant and foolish he really is."

That said 2 more Subjugator-Class Star Destroyers and 3 more Donnager-Class Star Destroyers jumped out of hyperspace and joined James main force. Soon James would soon send a transmission to Uldin the Hut wishing the test the Hutt and his resolve. "Uldin the Hutt this is James Cerensp of the DIB. If you are receiving this transmission it means that your mining operations here have come to an end and that the Directorate will take over. Faliure to comply will result in the complete utter destruction of any form of resistance and perhaps evenyour death. Once I arrive with my force I shall await your answer in person . But Choose wisely Hutt for yor answer might be your last. "

Soon a Shuttle would dock within the Enforcer and the DIB Agents along with Trevor and a few of companions came out with James Cerensp expecting them. "Welcome Trevor to my ship. Here you will receive everything necessary to begin the Rebellion." James said as he and Trevor headed towards the armory where James had prepared crates of weapons and supplies for Trevor and did his Rebel companions. Soon the Directorate would own that mine James thought and soon Uldin the Hutt would be no more.

 

[Aaran Tafo]

The Droid BO-8 had now fully passed from Aaran's attention. The Padawan's stubborness had kicked into full gear as he continued to stalk after the woman. Forming almost a tunnel vision as he attempted to follow Eloise Deceaux . Annoyingly, the crowd had differing ideas. While his bulk was usually well suited for making his way through large crowds. It seemed that this particular one. So beaten down and depressed simply did not care to move out of the physically imposing Jedi's way. Impeading his path as he attempted to keep pace with the interrogator.

But, as the Force would have it. The Padawan was delayed. The sea of bodies simply was not something he had much experience making his way through. It was enough to slow him down for an interrogation to take place. For Jameson to spill his guts and for a certain Agent to get their forces into position.

The Pieces were arranging themselves on the board ever so slowly. The Force does not play dejarik with the Galaxy. It plays a bizzare game of its' own rulings. Everyone else is forced to play along, blindfolded and unaware of the other players in the game. Or how their actions affect the game as a whole.

And right now, Aaran Tafo found himself in another odd position. His stalkings finally halted right in the Ex-Sith's path. He struck an imposing figure in Eloise's way. A looming mountain of muscle well over six feet tall. Keeping his steady pace towards her as his eyes flicked once towards Jameson. Then back towards his captor.

"I dont reckon he wants to go with you Miss." His voice was calm and collected, hands at his side as he kept his gaze level at the former Acolyte's mask. "Why dont you let him go. We can have a little talk about things instead." It was not a question or a suggestion. It was a not-so subtle warning. The threatening of an elderly man was not something that Aaran seemed particularly enthusiastic for. And would much rather such behaviour stop.

 

[Eloise Deceaux]

Her path towards the headquarters of the criminal Hutt was almost immediately interrupted by the gruff footsteps of… whoever this was. She tracked his movements as he planted himself directly in her path. He was tall, towering over the slim enforcer. His not-so-subtle threat was received loud and clear.

Jameson calmed down at the appearance of Aaran Tafo , but Eloise could tell by his heavy breaths that he was just as surprised as she was. Boots crunched on the faux turf as Eloise dragged Jameson closer to her right side.

This wannabe hero was too well-fed to be a miner she didn’t recognize. Must’ve been a passerby, possibly an over zealous merc. He might have a blaster or a cortosis-weave knife tucked away under that flight jacket of his but hopefully she wouldn’t be unlucky enough to find out.

“I believe you’re new around here friend, so I will do you the courtesy of explaining this once,” she said in a slow and deliberate manner. “I work for Uldin the Hutt. This is official business. If you don’t want any trouble then I suggest you get out of my way and we can pretend this never happened.”

Without turning her head she tried to scan her eyes and see if any of Uldin’s guards were nearby for backup. No such luck, she’d have to rely on this guy being intimidated by someone half his size. Her left hand pulled some of the black fabric away from her left hip so that her lightsaber was clearly visible. That was usually the best way to frighten the riff raff.

 

[Aaran Tafo]

He did not flinch. Not so much as budging as Eloise Deceaux announced her employer. "Who you work for doesn't matter." His voice was almost disturbingly calm. Almost as if the idea of facing down someone carrying a lightsaber, someone who could call down the fist of a Hutt crime lord on his head was not something to be intimidated by. "You're pushing down on someone who's got no way of fighting back. Doesnt take a genius to see something is wrong with that."

Base, simple, innocent and incredibly naive. But nevertheless it was pure. This man was being tormented. If Aaran could do something to lessen his suffering, so be it. He had a sinking feeling that if Jameson was given over to the Hutt's clutches, he would not be long for this world.

He took one step closer towards the masked woman. Not within saber striking distance. If she wanted to do that, she'd have to step forward, release her hostage. "See. Thing about that saber." He began, making a vague gesture towards the iconic blade of a Jedi. "Is that anyone who tends to be half-decent at using it. Is part of one of two orders. For the most part anyway." Both hands were now clasped together, in front of his chest. Both index fingers pointing out at Eloise. "Jedi don't torment the weak. And no Sith would bend a knee to a Hutt. The fact that you havent just cut me down shows you're not one of those Knights of Ren lunatics."

He stepped back, opening both hands. ""So come on then. I'm not keen on letting you take that man to his death. So you can either draw that thing." He raised a brow. "Or you can let him go. And we can talk about your employer huh?" He asked, leaving the next choice entirely up to her.

 

[BO-8]

-- The Droid was enthralled by the two organics as they were illuminated by the threats and vibrations they were pushing off one another. They were both rather interesting individuals and people he would like to attempt to kill one another. This feeling they both pushed off each other was something that would greatly assist with his learning of dealing with Organics such as themselves. He wanted to befriend Organics, but they often did not like to pay a short stack of scrap like himself much attention.

-- It was these words of Jedi, and of Sith that struck a cord with the sorry excuse of scrap metal. He did not know why these two words stood out to him but they were rather interesting.

-- However, it was something else that forced his mind to click and go into another mode. He heard the voice in his head, "Uldin the Hutt this is James Cerensp of the DIB. If you are receiving this transmission it means that your mining operations here have come to an end and that the Directorate will take over. Failure to comply will result in the complete utter destruction of any form of resistance and perhaps even your death. Once I arrive with my force I shall await your answer in person . But Choose wisely Hutt for your answer might be your last."

-- It was at these words that the Droid changed, his singular sensory view port turned red and cross hairs appeared over them. He hopped off his little crate he was sitting on and walked between Aaran Tafo and Eloise Deceaux . He then looked at both of them and a slight viberation through the Force appeared as he began to speak.

-- "Planets under threat," He began and turned his head to the young female force user, "Your employeer is threatened and may loose their life, guessing paycheck from a dead man bounce so... Bigger issued." He then turned his head to the male Organic, "Dead civies is not the Jedi Way either, guessing these guys dont mind collateral damage, common enemy, temporary ceasefire," He paused to just look at the two, "Sound good to you two?"

 

[Jend-Ro Quill]

That said 2 more Subjugator-Class Star Destroyers and 3 more Donnager-Class Star Destroyers jumped out of hyperspace and joined James main force. Soon James would soon send a transmission to Uldin the Hut wishing the test the Hutt and his resolve. "Uldin the Hutt this is James Cerensp of the DIB. If you are receiving this transmission it means that your mining operations here have come to an end and that the Directorate will take over. Faliure to comply will result in the complete utter destruction of any form of resistance and perhaps evenyour death. Once I arrive with my force I shall await your answer in person . But Choose wisely Hutt for yor answer might be your last. "

Of the three relevant thugs, the Gamorrean was especially rough. Quill found himself stumbling, propelled down the hall away from Uldin's throne room. There was a cell, at minimum, in his immediate future.

Behind him, voices chattered and fussed. One stood out: a staticky transmission. The thugs paused, alert for updated orders.

"I can negotiate with them, Uldin," Quill called. "Peace talks."

Someone - three guesses who - burped an order. The thugs hustled Quill back into the Hutt's presence.

"Eight cruisers," said the Hutt, mostly to himself. "This is not a profitable fight. Release the Jedi and give him his weapon. Make your peace, Jedi."

Quill took the snap decision, and the lightsaber, in stride. He tucked the weapon away and went to stand by the comms terminal. He was dimly aware of Uldin slithering off. Maybe these peace talks were just a diversion for an escape. Regardless, though, he liked his chances of saving lives. No harm in trying, anyway.

"Directorate forces, I'm Jedi Master Jend-Ro Quill. Uldin the Hutt has graciously agreed to peace talks. I'd like to meet with your commander and see if we can find a solution that saves lives."

Force, but he was setting himself up for extended conversation and, even worse, meetings.


James Cerensp Eloise Deceaux

 

[Ivan Stadd]

Location : Unnamed Moon in Outer Rim
Objective : Seize the Tydrium Mines
Tags : Aaran Tafo Eloise Deceaux BO-8

As James showed Trevor his stash of weapons and the supplies and equipment his Rebels would have , a DIB Officer entered the room violently with urgent news. "Sir we have received a response from Uldin the Hutt." said the officer. "What did the Hutt say" asked James. "You should see it for your self sir." replied the Officer. Soon James Cerensp and Trevor would find themselves at a Conference Room were the Response of Uldin the Hutt was relayed to them through a hologram. But instead of the Hutt responding the Hologram showed an elderly man soon identified to be Jend-Ro Quill a firece critic of the Grayson Imperium and a Jedi Hermit.

"Directorate forces, I'm Jedi Master Jend-Ro Quill. Uldin the Hutt has graciously agreed to peace talks. I'd like to meet with your commander and see if we can find a solution that saves lives."

The Other officers soon looked at James who reviewed the hologram a second time before making a decision. "Have my shuttle prepared. I will go "negotiate" with these fools." James began as he stood up looking at Trevor. "Trevor return to the Refugee base and begin distributing the weapons. I shall contact Josiah Miller and tell him to prepare his men for the mission" . Trevor simply nodded and headed straight for the Hangar where his shuttle awaited him. Meanwhile James Cerensp decided to head to his private Quarters to talk with his superior Natian Sanorge.

"Status Report Operative Cerensp" Natian asked
"Sir we have arrived at the system . But the mines are occupied by a Hutt by the name of Uldin the Hutt. I have been offered peace talks for the matter but in reality we shall use the talks as a cover for the invaison. " James replied.
"Good we have wasted our time already with a few nuisances and Uldin the Hutt is one of them. Maracel Yorkell II wants us back to the Core Worlds quickly. As there is a Conflict between the Grayson Imperium and the Republic. We need you and Miller for a planned mission in which might provoke a war between the Republic and the Imperium but we can not waste anymore time. "Natian Said
"Launch the Rebellion , Deploy your troops and seize the mines. Have Uldin killed and his death covered up as being killed by the Rebels and not by us. We have no time for quarrels with the Hutt Cartel."
"It will be done sir" James said and soon the transmission ended.

James soon headed for his own shuttle planning to head to the surface of the moon to talk with Jend-Ro Quill while Josiah Miller had yet to arrive and direct the invaison force. Everything was going as planned James thought and soon the Production of Phrik for the Directorate would resume with the capture of these mines.