"Should we give them the crystals, Grenz?"
Ova was sitting in his mining command frigate and leaning over the HoloNet computer, reading the message from
Antipater
. His hand gripped the back of Grenz's computer chair.
It was a massive order for over 2 Million credits of kyber and Dantari crystals, much bigger than usual, and it had sent the order ticket system whirring with activity regarding a possible fraudulent purchase.
"No", Grenz said immediately.
Grenz was Ova's bodyguard and son-in-law.
Ova took him at his word, because Grenz was a computer whiz, and he was excellent at conducting "credit checks" (counter-intelligence for UTA).
"Look at this" Grenz said gruffly, navigating the screen to a website.
Grenz searched for "Iron Sun Intelligence" and showed Ova Ziss the responses from HoloNet. Grenz showed Ova numerous HoloNet news articles about the "New" Imperial Order, including comments they made in the past –
around the time that Dantooine was being shelled by the Sith - bragging about their conquering of the Braxant Run. This is the critical trade route that travels from Bastion, through Dantooine, and into the core economic regions of the galaxy. Without this key trade route, the United Trade Authority probably wouldn't exist at all; the Sith seemingly took pleasure "
resettling" it.
This, quite honestly, ruined Ova's mood for the night.
Sularen got him back after all, he reasoned.
But he wouldn't let him win.
"Run a full security check, Grenz. Balls to the walls", Ova demanded.
"You've got it, Chief."
Effectively, through quite a bit of research and "credit checks", Ova discovered that
"Iron Sun Intelligence" was in fact some sort of legitimate Sith Executive making a purchase. It wasn't clear exactly who the buyer was, but they were a high-level authority, and they would likely come and take the kyber crystals by force if he denied them.
Ova considered his options.
He could send them the crystals properly, trying to demonstrate some empathy and understanding. They would take the credits – it
was all about the credits – but the kybers would surely be used for an inappropriate purpose.
He could sabotage the crystals, making sure that they were received yet inefficient. Of course, if he did that, he'd never hear the end of it from UTA or from the other, less-aggressive Sith factions who purchased kyber crystals. Sending bad supplies was bad business, no matter the intentions.
He could send a little explosive surprise – if he could be certain that it would work, and that the explosions would not damage his expensive frigate fleet. Ova ruled out that idea pretty quickly. He was not a terrorist or a soldier. He couldn't bear the thought of hurting his own people.
Another idea occurred to Ova, however. He remembered
his social faux pas against the Dark Empire at the Grand Diarchy Declaration. He had stood up to the Sith in-person once before, and he could certainly do it again. But this time, he would make sure to bring some of his friends.
"Let me see that computer", Ova said, taking the seat in front of the computer and displacing Grenz to the space beside him.
"I think I know what to do."
"If they show up, and if they explain why they need the kyber crystals – they can have them."
He quickly typed a message, inviting the purchaser for an in-person rendezvous. Grenz looked at his stepfather, wide-eyed. This was way out-of-character for the old man.
Ova leaned back in his chair, gesturing to the POK Bowcaster that was propped up on a stand. Then, he grabbed his governor's cloak and made his way to the shop floor.
"Wait…DAD, wait!"
Ova opened the secure crystal storage and began packing up kybers and Dantari crystals into two separate metal boxes. He turned to his son-in-law, snapping to him – which was
way out-of-character!
"Have them meet us here. That's an order."
Sender: United Trade Authority
Receiver: Iron Sun Intelligence
Subject: Order Pending
Thank you for your order. This is a summary of your order.
Dantari Crystals [1X Crate]
Kyber Crystals - Assorted [1x Crate]
Your order has been processed and 2M credits have been withdrawn from your account.
Due to the volume of your order, your order has been held on Dantooine for inspection and safe storage. Governor Ova Ziss requests an in-person meeting at the CornerStone Plus Club on Dantooine so that the crystals may be transferred in person. You may inspect the quality and size of your crystals at that time, which we believe will be a satisfying experience.
For the inconvenience of the travel, we will also gift you a
Tactical Autonomous Battlemech companion free of charge.
Thank you for choosing the UTA,
Governor Ova Ziss
