Private Tea and Hutts

[Rekha Kaarde]

She took her feet down and popped the last of the cookie into her mouth. "Yep" she munched, on goody more tea....but she would remember she wasn't forced to drink it..

"Let's try Nar Shaddaa first..." She had no open warrants there...that she knew of. Her fingers danced across the panels turning everything on..."Pucker time" She laughed, most folks did not like take off she didn't think Kay would be any different.

The engines roared as they lifted up and slowly they began the climb. "A few jumps we are there..." She had checked the route thru the navcomp and make her own validations.

With a few breaths and clearing of the gravity wells, Rekha put them into hyperspace and so began the journey.

NPC Treasury

 

[NPC Treasury]

Although Kay was all buckled in, it wasn't as though she didn't like flying. On the contrary she loved take-offs and the way that the g-forces pulled on her.

It was crashing that she didn't like. For some reason she felt safer on bigger ships. Maybe it was because it didn't always feel like she was on a ship.

"We'll have to get a feel for the area first, and check out the slave auctions. I don't want to have anyone blown up or anything. Just need to see how they operate these days." Then she could plan their next moves. But Rekha Kaarde might just want to wait at the ship instead.

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

"So you want to walk into the viper's nest and look around." She sighed, "I'm not for making a show of things. I think we should start out on the docks and see how they are moving their supposed cargo, then work to find out where they take them."

Truth was the auctions made her have the jitters so many eyes peering at anyone walking in, and eyes looking to see who walked in. "Hutts will have eyes everywhere their business is conducted. We need to be smarter than them." Hutts weren't stupid some of them were down right crafty she just wanted to make sure they didn't end up on the block.

"Or did you really figure that looking around the auctions wouldn't get us noticed?"

Maybe she knew more about it than she did, but she'd be damned if the ended up in the dungeons with a rancor looking for a snack.

NPC Treasury

 

[NPC Treasury]

"Have you got some reputation with the Hutts that I don't know about?" Kay used to, with the old Hutt Cartell. The days of Sempra and his ilk were gone, however. Once the Cartel had allied itself with the Galactic Republic, the criminal element found itself forced out. They just couldn't operate as normal.

Broka the Hutt was one of the main crimelords in the area now. As far as Kay was aware, her name wasn't even a faded memory over there. Her exploits at disrupting the slave trade were as equally forgotten. And that was what she was counting on.

She steepled her fingers in front of her. "You can stay behind and watch the docks. I'll go in and see which auction we can strike first and how."

Rekha Kaarde

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

"No I don't have a reputation with the Hutts, I just don't like their main trade, or their ideas of how to treat folks. I thought from what you said you too were aware of that."

Rekha shook her head. How did this go from going to get supplies to saving and breaking up slave markets. What was in that tea again? She glanced over to Kay, "That's right I'll be on the docks looking around and asking questions." Geez what the frell was this, kark.!FETH!

She felt the desire to remind Ms. Kay that protection detail was not part of their deal, but as much as she wanted to say it. She didn't. She hoped that Kay enough stealth about her to not get in trouble, or worse caught.

"We will arrive about 10 minutes...."

She had to make arrangements for a landing area, and to make sure all the taxes and tariffs were paid to keep anyone from coming over and taking a closer look. Not that there was anything to see but it was best not to attract attention.

NPC Treasury

 

[NPC Treasury]

"Yes, I'm aware. I was just double-checking...." That's all that she needed was for Rekha Kaarde to be recognized and forced to leave while Kay was busy scoping things out while working with her cover story.

She leaned back in her chair, keeping her fingers steepled so that she wouldn't be fidgeting so much. It had been so longsibce she had done this sort of thing that her anxiety was starting up. Of course tea would help, but she didn't have time for that at the moment.

"I'll be getting what intel I can. I used to work with bigger teams. We'd hit a couple of auctions simultaneously. The Cartel never knew what was going to happen next. It was quite successful. Times change though. So now it's time to see how much."

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

10 minutes went by in a blur a sluggish voice came across the comms asking for ID check and nature of business. "Rekha Kaarde, its personal." She didn't mention Kay not because she thought it would be damaging but no need to tell anyone anything more than they needed.

She winked at NPC Treasury a sign of saying cross your fingers.

"Rekha Kaarde..." a long pause like they were searching for her name, they wouldn't find it. She tried to make sure that she didn't stand out too badly. Well she hadn't stood out since the red feathers incident. But that was another story.

"Bay 6"

Giant exhale, "On it" she replied and headed down.

"Ok." Rekha got them settled into the berth, "You go play with hutts and their stuff, I'll be here on the docks. If you get into trouble...." she thought about it, "How will I know you're in trouble?"

Please don't say following the sounds of blasters..

 

[NPC Treasury]

Kay held her breath as she waited for either confirmation or decline of Rekha Kaarde 's request for permission to land. Fortunately it was accepted, so she too, let out her breath.

Once the ship touched down, Kay got to her feet, really wishing that she had her old armour for it had a personal cloaking device that made her invisible. Such a thing would be very useful right about now...

"I'm not going to get into any trouble. Or at least, I hope not. Any trouble seems to cause a commotion around here, so I'm sure that you'll see it. Just turn on the engine when you do, and I'll be here soon after." Or so she hoped. "And if I don't, well....go on without me." She'd find some other way out. Surely there'd be some old strings that Kay could pull here to negotiate her release.

She then gave a small smile before heading out of the cockpit and out of the ship with some of her supplies.

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

"Well that's all very reassuring NPC Treasury , thanks for that" Yep sarcasm. It was as close to listen for the sounds of blasters as it could get. She wasn't following now she wasn't following.

She had a few scars from following and putting her nose in...no NO she was going to stick to the plan, talk to folks on the dock. Rekha's green eyes followed Kay as she left the ship. I just know she's going to run into trouble. I can feel it in my bones...then what...hmmm..

Now she was staring boring holes into Kay as she moved away from the ship. Rekha broke her gaze away to stare at the ceiling...ok Kaarde go find out what you can first...somewhere near here someone has a bottle they want to share...tell a story...say too much.

Rekha got up and secured the ship heading to the flight deck boss, "Hey...thanks....where can I get a drink"

A quick scowl in her direction like she owed him money...ooo she thought not a nice person. "Go that way..."

"Thanks" yep same direction Kay went.....I got a bad feeling.

 

[NPC Treasury]

Kay didn't really think much about her own survival. She wasn't really worried either. That didn't mean that she'd be too reckless. It just meant that she didn't have to be too careful either.

She headed through the slumcity, already feeling the dry desert heat permeate her lungs. It had been too long since she was in such a climate and she didn't miss it one bit. Kay kept her eyes peeled for any signs of the auctions. They used to be out in the open, but now it seemed as though they were a bit underground. Hmmm.

Casinos were usually a good place to start. That and bars. Holding into the strap of her satchel, Kay went into the closest one that she could find. It reeked of booze, smoke and sweat, with maybe a hint of spice. The clientel looked equally as vile. Yet there was a specific type that she was looking for. Sleezy with an ego far bigger than what real life had dealt out for them. They were easy enough targets, especially for her truth serum tea.

It took her a few moments, yet she found one. With a pleasant smile Kay made her approach. Hopefully she still had a bit of charm in her left. There was only one way for her to find out.

Rekha Kaarde

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

Not quite right behind her but close enough that Rekha could see the turns Kay made and wouldn't you know it the first place was a bar. Rekha looked up at the sign The Twisted Worm, she wasn't sure she could appreciate the name or not. Now if it had said something like The Oasis she could get behind that, that was a name that represented everything here.

But maybe the twisted worm did to. Shaking her head she walked in allowing for a few moments to let her eyes adjust to the darkness. A quick scan didn't tell her exactly where Kay had gone. She took a few more steps in cautiously looking about...

A deep breath and every scent in the bar hit her. Sweat. Alcohol, Someone's clothes that needed a good washing, and a variety of things associated with specific species.

She really needed a drink now. She stood before the bar, "strongest stuff you got that won't burn"

A nod and a glass appeared with something clear poured into it. It showed promise. As she lifted the glass she felt the warmth of another person next to her. giving over a slide glance she saw....a devaronian. She leaned forward trying to inch away.

"Capn I think you are lost."

Rekha knew that voice, "Malek, I would think you are lost." She sighed and turned, as she smiled. The 'devil' turned and pulled her into a hug.

NPC Treasury

 

[NPC Treasury]

"Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes." Kay gave the sleezeball a warm smile as she approached. "Out of all the people here, there's finally one that I've found that's got some style."

"Darn right, I've got style. You've got the looks too, doll."

Kay let her smile grow as she sat at the bar next to him, placing her satchel inbetween them. "Well thank you."

"That's quite a big purse. Whatcha got in there, doll?"

"Oh I'm just here waiting for someone. I've got a business deal to make. He runs a casino around here and one of my products can make people do...well...I'm not supposed to say. But he's going to pay me top dollar for it."

This keyed his interest. "Yeah? What's it make people do? You can tell me. I won't tell a soul."

"Oh...I don't know. My boss might kill me...."

"Oh come on. He won't find out. I promise."

"Well...maybe if you buy me a drink first."

Kay was quite sure that he was nibbling at the bait. All that she had to do was make it more enticing.

Rekha Kaarde

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

Malek smiled at Rekha, she couldn't help but smile back. "I'm not lost, I'm...looking for trouble."

He nodded, "Come sit with me and tell me about the trouble you seek."

The brunette walked away with her friend, her green eyes darted about looking at who else might pop up in here. This place was a dedicated gathering spot for trouble makers and spies. They walked slowly as they spoke in whispers.

"I heard that there's new movement in the core, CIS...movement."

Malek nodded, "yes...they have made a claim on Atrisia tensions are high with the Alliance right now."

A deep sigh and a gentle nod of her head, "feth. Any...whispers about what they are going to do?" She took a long draw on her drink as Malek whispered, "no...just rumors..."

She then spotted NPC Treasury . She hesitated for a moment Malek however was more observant, "Someone you know Rekha?"

"No....but I have this feeling like I should...."

Malek brought her about, and pointed to an empty seat, "Don't you know her face Rekha?"

She giggled and shrugged, "no...she's a tea dealer from....somewhere."

He leaned back stretching his arms out...."Tea dealer......." He couldn't believe it he knew something that she didn't. He could barter with her about it, but he was feeling gracious today. "That Captain Kaarde is fhe former Queen of Commenor, former Senator...Kay Arenais"

Rekha looked again, "your fething bantha dropping me, she never said..."

Malek offered a glass to Rekha, "surprised?"

"Yes" She took another drink, "What else do you know...I'll trade for it"

 

[NPC Treasury]

As the sleezeball ordered Kay her drink, she glanced about, almost as though she was looking for her imaginary boss. She spotted Rekha Kaarde with someone.

What was she doing here? Wasn't she supposed to be at the docks? Maybe it wasn't Kay's business to pry, yet she was curious.

She turned her attention back to Mr. Sleeze as the drink was served. It happened to be whiskey, which Kay took in hand and had a sip.

"Well?"

She leaned in a little closer to the man. "It has the ability to make people do....whatever you want them to."

"You're pulling my leg..."

"No, no, it's true. I swear it. Casino barons use it all the tims to make people spend their credits in their establishments."

The man rubbed his chin in thought. "It makes people do ANYTHING you want them to?"

"Yes, pretty much." Kay had stretched the truth a little, but it was partially true at least.

"There's a lot that can be done with a product like that."

"Indeed. But don't tell my boss that I told you." Kay sipped her whiskey as he gave the motion of giving a scout's promise.

The bait was continuing to work. Soon she'd have what she needed if things continued going her way.

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

"Why you so interested in some former elite huh?" Malek was use to questions and answers when it came to the Keladian but he wasn't sure what the interest was.

"I don't know...why would a royal even a former one want to be here...there are so many other places to be" Now she knew there had to be a story like why was she a former Queen...did she voted out, or something else? It was Rekha's desire for good gossip even if old that made her ask questions.

"I could find out for ya, but..if she's in here you would save yourself some creds by just offering her a drink and asking her. Those types usually can't pass up anything free."

"Maybe' she whispered distracted by the thoughts, "what's going on with trades around here. I need a shipment to get me home." She couldn't help it but she needed to be on her guard and find out what she needed.

"You still opposed to..their kind of work?" Malek let his hand drop to the table before them. "Are you that desperate?"

Now here was where she could make a choice about a few things...she could say yes take the shipment and then set them all free somewhere that they couldn't be found. She could take the shipment and learn the process then work to break it. She could say no, go back to the ship and wait for Kay to come in.

Maybe she needed to do that because either way if Kay was seen with her anything Rekha did would certainly come around to Kay. so...her buy in...would be helpful.

"You said the CIS had taken Atrisia, are they planning to go into the core?" She needed to know if her home was safe or was a plan needed to protect them all.

"No idea." His eyes never left her face, he could see she was serious, nothing hiding beneath her emotions.

"I'm living on Coruscant Malek, if they are coming, I'd like to know." He nodded, "understand. You want the contact."

"Sure I'll think on it no harm no foul if I don't use it." Malek gave her a disc, "present this at bay 5."

"Thanks...I think" She wasn't desperate in the very least and this came a little too easy. She'd have to watch for....anyone following her. As for Kay, well.....she wouldn't do it what he had suggested. She'd wait till they were on the ship again.

NPC Treasury

 

[NPC Treasury]

"A few drinks in anybody would have that affect too."

"True, I'll give you that. But some people are too wary about getting drunk. They know of the effects. But this stuff....no one would suspect." Kay took a small sip of her whiskey. There was no need to rush the man into falling for her bait. Patience was a virtue at times.

"What about spice sniffers? Does it get by them?"

"Oh yes. Completely natural and most are completely legal too."

The sleeze rubbed his chin in thought. "So what's your boss doing with it? Selling it?"

"Yes and I can tell you where and when. Maybe I'd even get to have some kind of a special deal made for you."

"Oh yeah? What's the cost?"

Kay shrugged her shoulders a little. "My boss wants the cheapest and best workers possible for his factories. Any ideas of where we could get the best?"

"Cheapest, you say? Well I might have some idea." He gestured for her to lean in closer. As she did, he whispered into her ear.

Bingo.

Rekha Kaarde

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

She walked out with the bay and the code. She didn't look at it, or contemplate it too much that would give her time to toss it like her stomach and moral compass told her too.

It was a way in though and offered an opportunity. It would burn bridges though, some of them would never...trust her again.

Then..it hit her. She had a plan. The grin on her face would make anyone wonder what she was up to. Rekha headed back towards the dock.

NPC Treasury

 

[NPC Treasury]

Kay listened very closely to the sleezeball as he whispered in her ear. She smiled to herself and leaned back as the man finished what he had to say. "I had thought that those were illegal now..."

"Only illegal if you get caught." He winked at her.

She smiled then and nodded before getting to her feet. "Well I shall check it out first before letting my boss know. Although I'm sure that he'll be very happy with this news. So thank you. I'll be sure to see that you're properly compensated." Kay then turned to leave, not yet realizing that Rekha Kaarde had already left to her ship. But it didn't matter anyways. She had a little auction to go to. Of course the entrance was in a dark alley, but that was fine. Kay knew the password phrase that would give her safe passage.

Oh this was going to be fun!

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

Rekha knew some sleezeballs, and at least two owed her a favor. But this was a big favor and would wipe the slate clean that is if they would do it....but this was going to take some negotiating.

What could she offer to them? Credits were the usual exchange, but maybe something else....she stood on the dock staring at the wall. She couldn't think of what she could give that would make either of her associates eager or at least amiable to the favor.

Then she remembered she did have a few friends in high places, or in former high places. Maybe there was hope there...she nodded to no one and headed to the ship waiting for NPC Treasury to return once she had accomplished her goals.

Meantime Rekha sifted through her inventory of things and friends..

 

[NPC Treasury]

Kay was gone at the auction house for a while. Nothing out of the ordinary went on there, or at least, not that anyone could see. After making a few purchases, she went to the back rooms to collect them. And as she came across the slave trader, he mysteriously suffered a heart attack. It wasn't fatal, but it was close.

Walking out of the old building, she left the alleyway with five slaves following in behind. Two of them were young teens, while the rest were older. All looked like they hadn't been fed well for months. "Keep up. We're almost there." Kay needed to keep up appearances, that is at least until they had reached the ship of Rekha Kaarde . If the pilot had been keeping watch, she had no doubt spotted the half dozen people walking to her ship. Oh yes, there was certainly going to be some explaining to do. She was quite prepared for that.