Nar Shaddaa

...in a game of Corellian Spike. The Wraith was taking it almost too casually, and in the end secured the pool by what looked like a pure stroke of luck.

LM9. Gambling (Tier 1). Cheating (Deception). Influence. Mask.: 2eP+1eA+1eF+1eC+1eD 1 failure, 2 advantage, 1 Dark Side


[2 Dark Pips for Success, +120 net gain.]

T1 gambling /w 100 credits, cheating, +advantage: 3eP+2eB+1eC+1eD 2 successes


Hala was at a nearby table, throwing dice like she usually did in the morning. And having a good morning to start, at that.

The details had been acquired. Coordinates of the target. The only thing he didn't have was the why some had been left out. But, Durasay arrived to the Viper. He had preparations left to make for the day.

For all he knew, it could be his last day.

He found Wraith, sitting at a table, and then the good Colonel. Sliding into a chair next to Wraith, he passed a data tape.

"The plan is tonight." He spoke plainly, looking at the masked Twi'lek.

Moyr watched his approach discretely and turned a little as he sat. Then listened, and finally nodded slowly.

"Thank you, Durasay. I'll review it when you'll be talking to the good Colonel. She has something for you, I believe."

"I heard your friend is holed up in Club Vertica," Hala said with a slight smile.

Kriff.

"Makes perfect sense. Hard to get into without an invitation or the funds." His were already committed to outfitting himself. He nodded to the Good Colonel.

"Thank you. His chase has gone on far too long."

Moyr ran the content on her datapad, then placed it before Hala at a particular line.

"The organiser's name."

She then raised her face toward the Pantoran.

"Do you know anything more on the nature of what they have been developing?"

She was using ambiguous phrasing not to draw much attention to them.

"A bioweapon. Something that creates abominations. And trying to weaponize it." He looked angry, the rage boiling underneath. "They were testing it. On children." His teeth clenched, as he looked at the red mask of Wraith.

"If it gets out, if they are able to produce it... I don't want that Galaxy, Wraith. Not one kriffing bit."

"...Let me get this straight. It's a bioweapon that doesn't kill but transforms people into killing machines?"

She breathed deeply, taking in his anger.

Sounds a lot like rakghoul plague to me. Nothing new around the singularity..

"And you believe this team will destroy it?"

"If we can't destroy it... I'll personally make sure that station is sterilized." There was commitment in his voice, that rage cutting through to something cold, callous.

Hate.

"I will not let something that vile be allowed into the Galaxy, Wraith. I can't."

"And what makes you think that disposing of this station will solve the problem? The results of their research are very likely to have been stored in external data cores, and an off-system facilities might be already replicating the processes. If you really want to stop it, one physical obliteration might not be enough. If you really can't allow this, you need to find a way to develop an antidote, or at least a neutralising agent. How would you go about it? Anger is not a substitute for reason, Durasay. You need both."

The Red Wraith allowed a sliver of irony to colour her voice to provoke his emotions further.

Durasay fumed, his fist clenched, his knuckles blanching. "Carabast, you're right." Durasay shook his head. He had to be the one in control. Not simply to lose himself.

"We have to prevent the spread, and develop the antidote. Otherwise, they won't stop." He began to relax, looking into her mask. "I won't let them succeed."

"This is a SIS ploy, Dursay. Whether Mr Varliss is a vigilante, a dupe, on payroll or rogue matters little at this point. There may be people on his team whose agendas behind the whole operation are more political than humanitarian, and when the push comes to shove you might not be seeing eye to eye with them. It would be most unfortunate if you found yourself without options and were compelled to cave under the gun."

Moyr glanced at Hala, then returned her full attention to the Pantoran.

"I don't cave under pressure, Red." He offered a weak smile, trying to push the doubt away. "I won't be duped by SIS. If push comes to shove, I can shove very hard." He leaned forwards slightly, maybe even boldly, seeing how she would react.

"I'll keep my eyes wide open."

She put a finger against his forehead, the bite of her nail felt on his skin.

"Eyes open are not enough. You'll need firepower."

"That was my next stop after this, Red." He didn't withdraw from her finger, but he didn't push forwards, either. "I've got a few purchases to make. What did you have in mind?"

She began rising, holding him at her fingertip until she was standing. Then, she pulled her finger away.

"More."

She took back the datapad.

"I'll go to see to something, but I'll be back soon.I believe the Colonel and you still have things to talk about."

With that, she wandered away, assessing who of the Mandalorian leadership was around.

"What time did you want to go drag him out into the light?" Hala asked with a slight smile.

Corso finishes a meeting where a rodian is being drug off by two of his Mandalorians. He sees Moyr and rises to his feet and says, “I would say it’s too early for a drink but then I would be a hypocrite.”

He finishes his glass and says, “It’s tough being the man everyone looks to.”

"Well you could ease your conscience by getting me some of what you're having. It's evening somewhere in the galaxy." She smirked after taking the mask off. "You better get used to being the mighty honcho. Though if it's any relief, I haven't come to look to you but to give you something you may find useful to act on."

Corso pours her a cup and says, “Nothing is ever given for free, what do you have.”

"If you act on it in some way I'll already be in a sweeter place than I am right now."

She gave him the holotape as she took the drink.

"These are the coordinates of an undercover Czerka research station in this system. They've been developing a pretty nasty bioweapon there, both quite lethal and likely highly mutagenic for selected few. They've put considerable investment in it, and have been reaping test subjects from here. The now dead broker, Aris N'ventas, wanted to hire some people to storm the station and take the data cores from there and then likely sell them to the highest bidder. This is how Imperial interests and I personally got involved, I had some dealings with Aris in my previous life. But after he croaked, some people got fast in looting his assets and getting their own leads. Contacts went poof right after and the Imperial side got shut off by what I now have word on being some SIS elements, probably both mainstream and rogue. They have organised a hit and it is tonight. Fortunately I have a man on that strike team who has provided these details."

She took a swig.

"Acting directly against the Republic at the end of the peace negotiations would put the Empire in a bad place, and yet I'd not like them to get away with it. I am less interested in getting my hands on the research and more in teaching a lesson and not let them have their way. So if you choose to deploy, whatever you claim there would be for you to keep, use or share. Regardless of your thoughts on the military usability of whatever shit the Czerka came up with this might be a good asset in the war you have in planning. And maybe an opportunity to give your men some action, let the anxious prove themselves in getting the shit done. Pulling something like this off might be good for the morale. But all intangible things aside, that thing, as any mass effect stuff, has strategic value, even if only as a deterrent."

Col. Hala Moraal wrote:"What time did you want to go drag him out into the light?" Hala asked with a slight smile.

"This Afternoon. I want to end this before I leave for the facility. No unfinished business on the moon." He looked to the Colonel, softening his features. "I have a few things to pick up before then, but the sooner the better."

"Not getting mixed up in that I have other concerns, too much jockeying already," he responds.

"Well, I suppose I understand." Moyr nodded. "If this thing ever causes you trouble I guess you'll at least know where it is coming from, though it will probably be a little to late to develop any suppressors or antidotes." She mused as she stepped away. "Will you be at the party tonight?"