Royal Smuggling

[David Abarth]

Location: Reim​

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At last, a worthy job. I've been called for a simple transportation work. Hired by the Reim imperium to transport some Walkers and gases from Reim itself to Cloud City. Would be pretty simple if there weren't mandalorians on the way. Could make things worse, but a woman named Myron would come with me to, apparently, make sure I wouldn't steal. Smart move, because if it was good, I would surely run away to sell to someone else.

There was I, near the starport, with my good ol' Rustbox with the cargo ready on my ship. With some help of the folks, it was fast and simple, what would be almost impossible if I tried to to that all by myself. With my leaned back on my ship's hull, with arms crossed, waiting for the appointed person.

I was curiously observing everyone around me. They dressed so different, and the buildings were unusual. Well, maybe not that strange, but to me it was. I've spent most of my lifetime on space, inside ships and on horrible, desertic-esque planets like Tatooine, and was 90% of the time on the pubs, drinking and gambling like a fool, always losing all my credits.

Talking about credits...

- I could use a drink right now. But I'm almost bankrupt... - I mumbled to myself, sighing. - I hope they really pay me well for this one.

[member="Myron"]

 

[Myron]

"Myron, you will be escorting the smuggler. I know that's not what you want, but it is what we need." He spoke, his face was so different to me. I remember him holding me down as children, wrestling we like he thought he had a chance. Oh Tiberius... what have you become. I guess it was only a matter of time before I accepted that I was no longer his friend, not anymore. We were partners, and he was my Imperator.

"Y-yes M'lord. As you command it I shall." I spoke with a nod, to which he smiled and waved me off. Though I couldn't say I was too excited for this. Despite what I wanted this was what was best for the imperium. I rose from my kneel and nodded to my dear Imperator, leaving him as I did so.

As I walked past the engraved pillars I couldn't help but step with rage. Another one of these transport jobs? There is something he is keeping from me.
In my rage I almost chipped the floor tiles with my heavy footsteps. Upon that I noticed something, the carved statues along the walls in beautifully crafted crests. These great statues were in truth large droids, prepared to protect the Basilica no matter what, this was only known by a few. Perhaps this calmed me a bit. Though I still couldn't get over how badly I wanted to be here, with the godslayers, with my family in Reim. Not with some stranger. Still, a transport of the new machinery was being sent to Cloud City to help with the invasion, fair enough. I get how important it is.

His name was David Abrath, known for his work with secrecy. Which was what we needed, it wasn't yet the time for the Imperium to come out of the shadows yet. The discovery of the kind of weaponry we are producing. Well, we wouldn't last long once the targets of the major factions fell on us. Our empire is growing, but not quite that fast.

Once I entered the forum, eyes of many fell upon me. Perhaps it was the alluring golden armor I wore. The shimmer drawing their attention. It wasn't a long walk, as I turned the marketplace, the buildings view now out of my way, the sight of ships leaving and entering the ice planet was visible. It truly was a sight to see, I never was apart of Reim in its prime. I'm only 25. Yet I could imagine, the beauty of a city like the ones built on my homeworld. Utero Hominis...But my home was gone now. This was my home. Reim 2.0 you could say.

My ears then fell to a specific sound, I wasn't quite good at separating sounds but this one was a distinct saying for outsiders. 'I could use a drink right now.'

Without even having to look I knew this was our guy, smugglers and drinking seemed to be a popular combination. I noticed one of the servants, dressed in all white and carrying some large boxes.

"Hey, you there." I spoke rather relaxed, leaning on the wall as I intended to speak with him for a moment.

At first the poor lad looked around, wondering most likely, 'did she just talk to me? The overseer?' He tried to not make eye contact, though once I caught the faint emerald eyes attention I spoke again.

"Yes." I said and rolled my eyes. "I called you." My voice was always a bit... wild sounding. Though my posture suggested kindness. The boy shook a bit more and tried to mutter yes, I would only know this because of my superior hearing. He spoke up once more.

"Y-yes dominus?" He asked me. I then raised my arm and pointed towards the smuggler who had wanted a drink. At this point I would have just been better off getting it for him myself.

I then noticed him nod, and in return I mirrored his gesture and perched my head a bit to the side. Grabbing him by the arm as he left. "Hey, what are those boxes for? What's in them?"

My curiosity was getting to me, as always. "They, they are for my masters." He spoke weakly.

I chuckled a bit, obviously telling in his tone that he was no slave. The slaves in Reim had no robes, they were managed by the people. In fact I hated slavery. I always have inquired, even from the beginning, to outlaw it. But Tiberius insisted it was important.

As my train of thought left me I returned my gaze to him. Catching it before I was lost. "Please, don't lie to me child."

Again my wilder voice spoke another tone, I meant that sincerely, but it came off mockingly.

"These boxes are for my family. W-with food." Aw, he glanced down as he spoke, wiping a tear from his eye.

To this I kneeled down and hugged his neck. Afterall I wasn't evil. I ruffled his hair and walked off, as I left he would have noticed the stack of credits I laid on the boxes. I take care of my people. Now, off to cloud city to deliver a shipment of deadly toxins for gassing the populus.

There I was, chuckling over my wild attitude. It must be in my blood.

As I made my way to the smuggler, my slim golden armor, laid over a formal white robe continued to keep the eyes of all on me. Perhaps on the next job I would wear something less established.

I stepped up to the smuggler and I pushed my scarlet locks back, meeting his eyes as I bowed in the slightest.

"Welcome to Reim."

[member="David Abarth"]

 

[David Abarth]

Of course I was expecting a pro, but not some kind of valorous knight in shiny armor and heroic cape. I saw her for the first time when she was speaking with some kind of... Commoner, I suppose. A different tone of voice catched my attention, so I turned my head to see a pretty woman with some golden armor and scarlet hair. I raised both eyebrows, surprised and admired. She inspired confidence and elegance, but... Had some wild glow. Maybe it was the hair, inspiring unrest and power. That was... Interesting. Seemed like she was going to make the man give me a drink, which gave me a broad grin. It wasn't common to receive free stuff.. But with the end of the conversation, I imagined that he would forget and simply rush home, so I shrugged and forgot that.

Now, with my attention on the woman, she bowed down slightly and I quickly copied it, with my right hand on the hoodie, assuming a gentleman's posture. I couldn't be a simple ragamuffin in front of a gold-armoured, proably noble woman. All my education suddenly came to my mind, as I tried my best to impress her despite my sloppy clothes.

- Thank you. David Abarth, at your services. - I said while bowing down to her. Quickly came back to a straight posture. - You should be Lady Myron, right? They told me about you. - I smiled, raising an eyebrow. No, they didn't told anything about her, they simply mentioned her name, but I bet I SHOULD've known some of her deeds. - It's an honor working with you. Well, the cargo is loaded and the ramp is down. The ship isn't all fancy, but I find it pretty comfy. - It wasn't. But a leather sofa or two, a few drinks should make that impression. - Shall we go?

[member="Myron"]

 

[Myron]

The over exaggerated attitude of the man was obvious to spot out, perhaps not for the average commoner but I was used to it. I could tell he had no idea who I was, which may have made me slightly chuckle as he tried to talk his way through it.

"I like you style David Abrath, though I'll have you know I'm not of noble classification. Not to say that I don't apprechiate the gesture." I raised my brow as I spoke, finding my back to leaning on some of the boxes. I also made sure to note the smugglers desperate appearance, cheap ship, cheap clothes, but drive. I could respect that. For that was why he was here, if Marius wanted to transport our gear we could just do it ourselves, Reim needed a skilled pilot who could blend in.

"No need to waste time with such formalities. Let's get this over with. I'm assuming you know we will be likely encountering pirates? If we are lucky some wandering Mados." With this statement I let a evil grin shy upon my lips as I licked them. Slightly showing off my sharpened teeth.

I found it funny how he mistook me, for I wasn't like he thought at all. I would explain it, though, I find no need. He will soon discover the godslayer I am.

My hand lifted for him to shake; this would be his first hint. At first I approached his own very ladylike, letting him hold mine. I may be a killing machine but I am also a lady. Still, with little warning I would squeeze it hard. Cracking the knuckles for him.

[member="David Abarth"]

 

[David Abarth]

I was surprised. She was simpler than I thought, so I left that formal babbling away. I shrugged, smiling slightly.

- Well, sorry. It's always nice treat your clients as best as possible. You can simply call me Dave, then. And yes, I am aware of the dangers.

She lifted her hand to shake mine, and so I did, holding hers. I wasn't expecting the squeeze, as I raised both eyebrows in surprise, but rapidly squeezed her back, not in the same strength, obviously. It hurt, but I didn't show a sign. She was strong, and her armor could mean that she was a warrior of some kind. That lighted the spark of curiosity in me, who wanted now to know more about her.

- My ship may not be the best, the fastest or the most powerful, but I can assure the safety of the cargo. - I said, as I gestured towards the ramp of my ship. - Shall we go? The faster we start, the faster we and and the happier your boss will be. Ladies first.

I nodded at my last words, as I wanted her to enter first. Right behind her was I, to quickly close the ramp the moment we both enter there. The ramp was right behind the ship, so the first thing to see was the deposit. The crates with everything I had to deliver was there, along with some other crates of mine with stuff that even I can't remember what is. The place was clean, but the ceiling, floor and walls were a bit... Rusted. Just as the ship is outside, and exactly as it is in every room. Right in front of the ramp, there was a small corridor with a locked door on the other side, and a ladder on the middle, leading to the upper floor.

- It's kinda small, but it's perfect for the work. - I said as I walked throught the deposit, then to the ladder, imediately climbing it. Now, it was I who went first. - It's old, too. But don't worry, it won't fall apart. - "I hope", I thought. Now, the upper floor was the bridge. On the back of it, a few meters to our our left, was a small fridge, a leather sofa and a door. In front, our right, obviously were panels and controls. I went there, to the pilot chair and sat on it, pressing a few buttons as the engine was starting. - You can sit there or here with me. - I gestured to the chair on my right to the co-pilot, which I never had. - There must be a drink or two on the fridge, but don't expect anything too fancy. - I stopped for a few seconds, then started to talk again. - So. You are some kind of high warrior on Reim, right? Royal guard, or something like that?

[member="Myron"]