Cats Cradle: A Thief in the Night

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

<center>Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we try to decieve....

Three Weeks After the Events Described in <a href=http://www.swforums.net/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12470>Cats Cradle: Compromising Situations</a></center>

0645, Day 1:

Sasseeri Reeouurra sat in her office, studying a holo of Kessel, idly spinning it around with a touch of a button. Today was the beginning of a great many things. And very soon Kessel would -

She looked up as her secretary knocked timidly on the door. She snarled, "What jis jit?"

The human female cracked open the door, and Sasseeri remembered that she'd turned the intercom off last night when she'd entertained Kal Olorin. She also couldn't recall the secretary's name. Frrrell jit, who rrreally carrres anyway? "Well?!"

The young woman managed to gather herself together. "You asked to be informed when the ships were leaving. Launch pad six and twenty-two have been given clearance by Coruscant Traffic Control for take off... Six is going first, at oh-seven hundred hours, and the Layla, on twenty two, is set to leave at oh-seven hundred and thirty." The secretary quickly shut th door, her message delievered, with a barely audible sigh of relief.

Sasseeri smiled smugly, activating some of the large screens on the right wall to a view of the specified launch pads. There was the Layla, complete with Sanis running around outside it, looking for something. She chuckled, and turned her attention to the other screen, watching the non descript passenger ship finish its warm up. Inside she knew there were seven people, including the Alderaanian girl, Gia Thorn an the hulking Twi'lek, Keto'igwl.

Their job was no less dangerous than the one Sanis and Saa were going on. Sasseeri looked at her chrono. 0658 Today was the beginning of everything she'd been working towards for months. And in four days, it would all be over, proving Black Sun to be what it had always been...the best crime organization in the galaxy. And she, Sasseeri, was the most formidable Vigo of Black Sun.

Indeed, it was going to be a beautiful day. She kicked back to watch the ships take off.

[Gia Van Derveld]

0659, Day 1

I looked up as the big Twi'lek moved past me, and pulled my feet in underneath the seat so he wouldn't step on them. "For the last time, I know what I'm supposed to do!"

He looked down at me. "I know. Your memory, it is perfect. Just what we need."

I glared at him, scooted over a seat, and sulked at the porthole-like window as he settled into the seat next to me. Passenger ship to Ryloth. It was like all my dreams were coming true...except that it was just the nightmares, not the good ones.

Jahn... My memory was so fuzzy about him. It was disconcerting. I would have to look him up and find out what had happened. But not until this was all over. For whatever reason, I had agreed to help Sasseeri, and so I would. But afterwards, I was getting out of there.

[Ketoi Gwl]

0700, Day 1

The Twi'lek Keto'igwl merely ignored the female and closed his eyes for the long trip to his homeplanet.

Many things would happen. It was a beginning...a new beginning for him. With Sasseeri many things were falling into place for him. He was not expecting much of a homecoming. They weren't even heading toward the city of his birth.

In other seats throughout the ship, there were four other people, all in the pay of the Sector Rangers. Rognan Dar, a Lorrdian of no small talent, was in the section ahead of them, studiously ignoring everything around him as he concentrated on whatever it was he was concentrating on.

Keto'igwl closed his eyes, and slept as the transport headed for the edge of the atmosphere.

[Saarrreeaa Meorrrei]

0702, Day 1

Saarrreeaa watched Sanis at the controls of the Layla, and once more was glad to have some time alone with him. The K.A.R. was finally off their backs, at least for the time being, and after the fiasco on Carshoulis, she was ready for a break from Sasseeri.

Not that this was a vacation. Cirr was staying in the penthouse with his energetic little sister, Danaarri. Saa still wasn't sure how she'd gotten charge of the little female, but Daani wasn't all bad. Just mischevious as all get out.

Saa double checked the navicomp, and flashed Sanis a warm smile, letting her eyes stray over his body. "Sssasssssseerrrji betterrr know what ssshe'sss dojing."

[Sanis Prent]

She does. Thats what I'm afraid of.

(I checked the controls, lining up for the hyperspace jump to Kuat. It gave me time to think. The message I'd gotten in the middle of the night was short and to the point:

Kazaar. Tomorrow. Kuat. Noon.

Aurelias Kazaar was a wiseguy of some repute in shady circles. I'd never met, but I could appreciate word of mouth for what it was. He seemed competent enough to not go flying off the handle in a tight spot, and he didn't have any debilitating habits...or at least, debilitating to the point of making you do stupid things. The meeting spot wasn't named, and that led me to believe that he'd find me. It wasn't comforting to have so many parts of the plan out of my hands. Whats further...there was no guarantee that he'd be alone. After all, Kazaar was a wiseguy. Wiseguys only came in pairs, else they get ideas about how to improve their lot in life.

I glanced back to Saa, knowing she was likely running over the concerns I had, at twice the intensity.)

Nobody's ever been able to get the best of me. Even if there's a screwjob in the midst, we'll get out of it in one piece.

(I couldn't help but smile)

At any rate, it might be fun to see if this half-brained idea of mine will actually work. Sass didn't take much convincing, so she's either as smart as we are, or just as nuts. I haven't figured out which one.

(The smile waned as I engaged hyperdrive)

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"So ya don't talk much do ya?" the black haired man sat in the cockpit of The Flying Dutchman, the long cigar in his mouth. The strong flavor filled The Dutchman giving it the smell of tobacco. A glass of bourbon was next to the controls, and the man took a swig from it before refilling it with its bottle.

"Guess not."

Aurelias Kazaar sighed as he turned back to the controls. Gorgja had contacted him to meet with someone from the Cizerack over the spices. They were supposed to steal Vargo's spice cache from Nal Hutta. The bounty hunter wasn't a big fan of Hutts, and he liked Cizeracks a little less. Even if they were interesting in bed.

"So can I git ya a drink?" he asked, trying to get conversation out again. Even if Kazaar's preferred silence, complete silence was damn annoying.

"I don't drink," was the only reply he got.

"ll right jist askin"

Damn it's gonna be a long trip.

Kazaar sighed, then puffed on his cigar again.

[Gia Van Derveld]

1412, Day 1

I yawned widely, and opened my eyes again. "Are we...?"

The Twi'lek nodded. "We are home."

I frowned a little. Not my home. I peered out of the porthole, catching a glimpse of the dark planet below the transport. We were vectoring in for our landing, and I smiled, feeling free for a moment. "I've never been to Ryloth before."

I'd never been anywhere before.

[Ketoi Gwl]

1413, Day 1

He looked over her shoulder. "Ryloth is in a fixed orbit, with no rotation. The dark side is too cold for life, the star side too hot."

The girl looked at him, and he smiled, showing his sharp teeth. "So the Twi'lek live in the one temperate band of constant twilight...right along the middle, between the two." He pointed, and she looked out the porthold again. "Kala'uun. Its buried under the black basaltic mountain in the Lonely Five Range."

The city was accesible only through a winding, subterranean tunnel. There was also a heavy portcullis to protect the city from heat storms, which blew in from the sun side of Ryloth frequently. Keto'igwl frowned, and settled back as the planet loomed in front of them.

[Sanis Prent]

(The trip to Kuat would take an hour. Amid the kaleidoscope of the hyperspeed vortex, I sat with Saa, passing the time as best I could.)

You know...I really need a frelling vacation.

(My eyes roamed over Saa's curves, causing the corners of my mouth to turn upward slightly)

I'm tired of getting yanked around by the leash.

(Getting out of my seat, I stretched a bit, watching Saa as she rocked in her chair. Our eyes met in dead silence for a moment.)

I used to be in control of my own destiny, and I like it that way. Calling my own shots, and playing the game my way. Even if I'm not making it big, I'm doing it how I like it.

(I reached a hand to Saa, brushing it gently against the side of her face, and sliding down her neck.)

Then I met you. And you don't like to share, either.

(My hand moved up again, running through her platinum hair.)

[Saarrreeaa Meorrrei]

She let him run his hand in her hair, and looked up at him, her blue eyes meeting his brown ones. "Ssshould jI have to sssharrre?"

Saa got to her feet, and stepped up next to him, sliding her hands down his chest, and pulling his shirt until she'd untucked it. The female snaked a hand up his shirt against his skin, and smiled. "Long trrrjip ahead." Saa purred, moving even closer to him.

[Sanis Prent]

And what happens when we both want the same thing?

(My hands roamed down to her backside, giving a passionate squeeze that raised her on her toes.)

[Saarrreeaa Meorrrei]

She purred throatily, and nipped at his throat. "We get what we want, of courrrssse." Saa pulled his head down for a passionate kiss. "jI've wanted jyou forrr ssso verrrjy long. Everrr sjince brrreakfassst."

She winked, and managed to pull his shirt off without ripping it. After a few times, Sanis had explained that his shirts did need replacing when they were torn, and so she'd learned how to remove them the proper way. Saa licked down his neck, and wrapped her arms around him, fingers playing across the taut muscles of his back.

"Bejing nerrrvousss about thjisss trrrjip makesss me ssso tenssse." She growled a little as he ran his hands up her sides again, and she started pushing him down towards the ground.

[Sanis Prent]

(I kissed her fully, my hands sliding up to caress her ample breasts and then wrap around her back)

And what if its one way, or the other?

(I halted Saa's momentum, and started to move her to the ground instead)

[Saarrreeaa Meorrrei]

Saa giggled, and let him push her down. Her tail reached up and wrapped around his upper thigh, and she nibbled his neck a little, very careful not to break the skin there. "One wajy, orrr the otherrr? jI don't underrrsstand, Sssanjisss. jI..."

She reached up and pulled him all the way down, on top of her. "...jI want jit jyourrr wajy. jYou've made everrrjythjing ssso djifferrrent forrr me." Saa kissed him again.

[Sanis Prent]

(I paused. It was a bit profound. With a lewd smile and an arched eyebrow, I looked down at her)

Oh. Well that changes everything, I guess...

(Stars and lightyears passed by overhead in the viewport, silent witness to our moment)

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

1500, Day 1

Two o'clock on Coruscant, although it was around nine at night on Ryloth. A female sat at a large desk, watching two planets rotate around in a mesmerizing holodisplay.

Sanis and Saa, the unwilling partners, should be meeting up with the representatives from Vargo the Hutt. Sasseeri was slightly uneasy, since she'd only gotten the name of one of the two Vargo was sending. But Sanis was good...he could handle himself. And if he lost Saa along the way...well who would miss that scrap of flesh?

Sasseeri closed her eyes briefly, and smiled.

[Ketoi Gwl]

2130 Day 1

Keto'igwl led the small group down the tunnel, and paused to look behind, as the heavy portcullis closed behind them. Gia tugged on his sleeve, indicating the transports available to take them up the long tunnel to the city proper.

He grunted, and they piled into two speeders, beginning the dark journey.

[Gia Van Derveld]

I looked around me as the transports took our group up to the city of Kala'uun. Beside me sat Rognan Dar, the Lorrdian. Lorrdians once were ruled by another class on their planet, or so Dar told me. They were forbidden to speak to each other, in order to keep them subjegated. It didn't work. Lorrdians are the best mimics in the galaxy, they can read lips, and have an extensive system of sign language, developed centuries ago under generations of capitvity.

He fascinated me, but this tunnel was fascinanting as well. After a few minutes, the transports slowed and stopped, and we unloaded, carying our bags with us. I slung mine over my shoulder, and tried not to look too wide eyed as we entered the city.

Carved into a huge subterranean cavern, buildings seemed to grow out of the walls around us. Passageways twisted and turned, quickly becoming a vast labyrinth in the honeycombed city. Dar put his arm around me, and I tried not to recoil. I couldn't remember why I wanted to react so strongly, however. Sasseeri had numbed my mind somehow...which was, I suppose, what I'd wanted.

But Dar was just trying to get into our cover...playing at being newlyweds. The group was going to set up headquarters in out hotel room, being as newlyweds really wouldn't want to be disturbed. I just hoped Dar didn't get any fresh ideas in the next few days.

[Sanis Prent]

(I woke early, leaving Saa's embrace and heading below deck. The table in the galley had been cleaned of its contents from last night's meal, thanks to Marcus's attention to cleanliness. Sometimes it payed off. I sighed...sliding into a seat, and removed a black case from underneath the table. Opening it, I found a holoprojector, a strange, metal apparatus with many pieces, and a vanity mirror set. I tapped the holoprojector, bringing up the image of a man I'd never seen, with a name I'd never heard of...who just so happened to have an obscenely large credit in several Hutt-owned casinos, from the look of an attached file. It was all there. My back door in.

The grafter snapped together with little effort, and I positioned it around my head, like a medieval torturer's cage. I cursed under my breath. Synth-flesh was a marvelous little invention...but it was far from comfortable. I tapped a small syringe full of liquid, bit my lower lip, and pressed the needle into the side of my jaw. It burned like acid going in, and my free hand went white-knuckled gripping my chair's armrest...until the pain suddenly evaporated. I yawned a few times, glancing back at the holo as the local anesthetic took its effect. It would ensure that the hundreds of small, precise polymer injections would go without a single wince. Even without pain, the feeling of a mass of "stuff" pooling just under your skin was a bit disturbing. Fortunately, it was only temporary, and with the help of a protein catalyst, could pass out of my system in a day. But the feeling that I was wearing a second skin, just below my own, was nagging. I sighed, plugging a data jack from the holo into a receiver on the side of the grafter. The servomechanisms in the device's gyroscopic rig began to whir, and the grafting needle began to traverse along precisely-programmed bearings, neatly perforating my skin in the exact spot it planned, delivering a varying viscosity polymer. For an hour, the process went on...arduous and uncomfortable. Reading up on my homework, I saw that my friend was from Carida. In my mind, I recreated sound for sound a model imitation of a Caridan accent, considering every nuance and inflection. Once the grafter had moved past the area of my mouth, I tried it out.)

My name ees Nain Gubarek....My name ees Naim Gubarek...

(Practice, after all, made perfect)

[Saarrreeaa Meorrrei]

2230, Day 1

Saarrreeaa woke up, feeling the coldness of the sheets next to her, and flopped over to her back. Sanis had been up for some time...and she yawned and stretched. They had to be almost there. Weren't they?

She sat up and walked to the 'fresher, where she leaned over the sink and checked her face. No puffiness from sleeping, but her hair was a mess. Saa ran a brush through the blonde tangles, and tried not to think about Sasseeri, probably sitting at her desk in the late afternoon Coruscant sunlight, plotting her little chess game.

Only thing is, no one else knew they were playing. But Saa and Sanis knew. Opening up a package of colorcrawlers, Saarrreeaa dumped the lot onto her platinum hair. She let the little animated dye-droids make their way across her hair, leaving dark brown streaks behind them. Ripping open another package and applying strategically, soon a dark red began streaking along with the brown. Fifteen minutes later the hair transformation was complete, down to the little tuft at the end of her tail, now a dark brown to match.

All Cizerack women looked the same to the forrrda anyway. Saa kissed at her reflection, pouted and winked, and then wandered out to find Sanis.

[Ketoi Gwl]

Ryloth, 2145, Day 1

The Twi'lek led the straggling group up to the main hotel of Kala'uun. Gia and Rognan were linked arm in arm, the male was carrying the luggage for the two of them. The other three operatives, all men, were in a separate room with Keto'igwl.

He wasn't looking forward to sharing the room. But it was just for looks anyway. All the real work would be done in the honeymoon suite, where Rognan was going to be setting up shop tonight.

Gia would be sitting up there, memorizing guard movements and timing camera angles, while Keto'igwl and the other men scouted out the exact whereabouts of the warehouse. Tomorrow there was a lot of work to be done, might as well get some of it done tonight.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar sat in The Flying Dutchman still puffing on his cigar. He was supposed to meet Prent soon, in a few minutes or so, and he wanted to finish the cigar and have a drink before he did.

He cracked his neck then looked at his guest.

"What ya never crack yer neck bfore?"

The armored man still didn't move, instead sat in silence and stared out at the space behind the cockpit.

"Picky sonofabitch," Kazaar muttered as he flipped on the hailing frequency.

"Hey Prent ya there? I hear we're supposed t'be meetin' each other...ya got time t'talk or we gonna sit 'ere in space all night?"

[Sanis Prent]

(The call came in on the comm, as I sat in the darkness of the galley. I turned to the wall mount, flipping it on.)

We're thirty minutes out of Kuat. There's a pub, three clicks outside the starport. Wait for us there. I've got a few things to do once we get planetside, but we can get the gist of things once we land.

(I eyed the light coming from the bathroom, as Saa's slender tail swayed in the doorway.)

Is there anything I should know before we do this? Or are you flying as blind as we are?

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar snickered at Prent telling him where the Galaxy Pub was. He did own a portion of it.

"Ya know Prent, hangin' out wit' the Ciz musta messed wit' that minda yours. 'Member I lived on Kuat longer than ya did," Kazaar smirked again then puffed on the dark cigar one last time.

"Look all I know is I was told the meetin' out 'ere. And given th'fact I ain't exactly welcome on Kuat...Deep space might be a bit more profitable...but that's jist me."

He finished his bourbon, "Afta all, what if th' damn New Republic runs inta us?"

[Saarrreeaa Meorrrei]

Saa leaned over the comm, covering it with her hand. "Arrre jyou sssure we don't want to meet jin deep ssspace?"

Sanis shook his head emphatically, and gently removed her hand from the comm. "Thirty minutes, at the bar. Or we're going on without you." He winked at Saa. "But that wouldn't look right to your boss, huh? So lets just get it done with, shall we? Layla out."

He clicked off the comm, and took in Saa's new hair color. She grinned, "Ljike jit?" Saa ran her fingers through her tousled hair. Sanis smiled, and she marveled at how different he looked. Not very attractive, either. She bent down and kissed him on the lips anyway, and then sat down next to him, datapad in hand.

"Jussst a few lassst mjinute detajilsss to go overrr, beforrre we meet up wjith Aurrreljiasss." She tapped on the 'pad, and the Layla continued its journey to Kuat.

[Gia Van Derveld]

Ryloth, 2200, Day 1

I clutched at my bag, sitting on the edge of the bed, and watching the two people in the room setting up a complicated array of wires and monitors. Their names were Snitch and Snatch, and they were twins...only I don't think those were their real names. Snitch sat at the table, and adjusted the screens, while Snatch plugged in a few last minute wires.

"There." Snitch tapped on a keyboard, and pictures flickered up on the screens. "We're into the system."

Snatch waved me over. "Gia, we need you to study these. Your memory can learn the movements of the police and private security faster than we can write it down."

I nodded, and reluctantly set my bag down on the bed and walked over. Snitch got up and I sat down. "To switch between the cameras, click this key." There were already six holocameras playing on the screens, and I looked at them a little warily.

"They aren't going to bite you." Snatch grinned. "I'll be in the other room, but Snitch is going out with the others. If you need me, tap the comm, okay?"

I nodded, and then I was alone. Gritting my teeth, I started studying the viewscreens in front of me.

[Ketoi Gwl]

Keto'igwl was impatient, but finally the human male known as Snitch arrived. He was dressed in non-descript casual clothing, just as they all were. All four of the Black Sun operatives were alert, even after the long trip and the late hour.

The big Twi'lek looked down at his chrono, still set to Coruscant time. It was nearing midnight Coruscant time, which meant they had 24 hours before their plan would have to be ready to put into affect.

Rognan nodded once to Keto'igwl, and then walked off with Snitch, to find some of the more favored pubs..and also slightly drunken troops. Geeda the Hutt, the one of the Syndicate who ruled Ryloth, tended to indulge too much, and didn't mind when those under her did as well. The Twi'lek and the remaining operative headed inthe other direction.

Towards the honeycombed tunnels of the rest of the city. That was where the target was, after all.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar smirked an finished his glass.

"Knew they wouldn't go for it. Wortha shot though..."

His armored companion still did not reply.

This pissed the bounty hunter off. He'd been sitting in the same location for almost four hours, taking time to only say, 'I don't drink'.

Don't care if he is the best...he better damn well say something.

"What ya ain't gonna say a damn thing? C'mon talk a bit," Kazaar snarled as he began sending The Dutchman into a lower orbit to land.

The man finally replied, "If Prent tries anything...I will handle him."

Right sure ya will...jist 'cause you're Gorgja's golden boy...

Kazaar cursed under his breath and prepared to land The Dutchman. He didn't care what Gorgja wanted...his partner was a stuck up punk who had an outdated name and an outdated motiff.

And working with Cizeracks didn't help either...

[Sanis Prent]

(Thirty minutes later, a man entered the bar that Kazaar and his accomplice were waiting in. He smiled to a waitress, whispering something in her ear as he took his seat at a table. Minutes later, she returned with a bottle of champagne, and four wine flutes. As she left the man's table...the waitress approached Kazaar, bussing up the table next to him. She turned, and gestured toward the man.)

Got a gent over there thats askin if you're interested in the stock exchange.

(Across the way, the man smiled to Kazaar)

<img src=http://www.jamesbondmm.co.uk/villains/avtak/zorin002.jpg>

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar looked over his second glass of bourbon at the man.

"Oh Lord..."

Slowly, he lit a dark cigar in his mouth, taking a long puff off of the strong cigar. He watched as the smoke swirled around his face, giving a distorted view of the man.

"Tell 'im all 'm interested in is aquisitions and trades. Stock market can go Bantha poodoo for all I care."

He gazed at the shocked waitress.

"Go tell'im," he motioned with his hand, "Ah relax he ain't gonna be shocked...go!"

[Sanis Prent]

(The waitress delivered the message. The man sat, pondered, laughed softly, and scribbled down a note, and had the waitress send it Kazaar's way)

Mr. Kazaar,

I would think you'd be a little more open-minded. First rule of thumb in the market is supply and demand. Cut the supply, demand increases, as does the price. Sound familiar?

The champagne isn't going to wait for you. We've got things to discuss.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar let out something in between a snort and a laugh.

"Tell 'im t'get his ass over 'ere. If we're gonna talk, tell 'im it's 'ere and now. Not over champagne and tea."

[Sanis Prent]

(She returned to deliver the message. By now, he was tired of Aurelias's stubborn nature. The man flitted her away, returning to his drink.)

[Saarrreeaa Meorrrei]

Aurelias felt a hand on his shoulder and he turned to find an attractive felinoid sitting down next to him. She trailed her hand down his arm to his upper thigh. "Hello therrre."

Saarrreeaa ran her other hand through her tousled and streaked hair, and let her tongue lick her lips.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar raised an eyebrow at the Cizerack as it sat down.

Cizerack...great...

The bounty hunter sniffed then took a drink from his glass.

"I ain't interested."

He then saw the look on her face and smirked, "Tell ya what...you go tell ya friend over there t'get his ass 'ere then we'll talk."

[Saarrreeaa Meorrrei]

She gently squeezed his leg, and shook her head. "We'll go overrr therrre." The female put her hand on his arm, and ever so slightly extended her claws, pricking his skin through his shirt. "Come on. Letsss get movjing."

Saa stood up, compelling Aurelias to rise as well.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar gave a slight nod to someone, unseen by Prent and Saa.

"'ll right. Let's go."

He walked over to the other table, keeping his hand near his blaster, just in case...

[Sanis Prent]

Ahh...Meester Kazaar, Eet ees a pleasure.

(The man embraced Aurelias with a polite handshake)

I am sure you weell understand my eenterest een mutual cooperation.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"Yeh...sure..." Kazaar smirked then pulled out a cigar.

"Want one? Best out there.."

He took another puff from his own.

"So what can I do for ya?"

[Sanis Prent]

You can start by reveealing your accompleece to us.

(The man took a cigar)

I preefer to have such vareeables reveealed to mee.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"Well see that's th'trick innit," Kazaar chuckled, pulling out a black butane lighter and handing it to the man.

"I don't even know ya. And yet 'ere ya come alla way over 'ere 'n try t'get me t'reveal who 'tis I'm with.

"Who're you with pal. Tell me that then we'll talk."

[Sanis Prent]

Our eemployers are deeferent, but eet's one of those, joint venture theengs.

(I smiled wickedly)

You think I'd really show my face in Hutt territory and pull a stunt like this? They already don't like me as-is. It would be all they'd need to really not like me.

[Saarrreeaa Meorrrei]

Saarrreeaa draped herself on Sanis' arm, appearing as vapid and beautiful as she could. Inside her eyes were watching the exits and the patrons around them for anything...unusual.

As Sanis reverted to his normal accent, she allowed her eyes to suddenly show her intelligence, and made eye contact with Kazaar. He seemed surprised, but that was to be expected. She'd never met him before, but Sanis had, that was evident.

She went back to vapidly staring around the room, listening to Kazaar and Prent talk, while lightly caressing Sanis with her tail and one of her hands.

[Gia Van Derveld]

Gia woke up, and found herself slumped on the table in front of the screens. It hadn't taken long for her to memorize the movement of police and troopers, especially once Keto'igwl had informed her via commlink where she should concentrate.

Looking up, she saw Snatch looking at her. "What?"

"I was just about to wake you up. You need to get some proper rest, tomorrow is a busyier day for you." He pointed at the bed that seemed to dominate the room.

Gia felt an unexplicable fear, and then shook it off. "You're right. Are they..?"

"They're all back. Its 3 am." He gently shoved her in the direction of the bed, and as she crawled wearily between the sheets, he flicked off the monitors.

Her eyes closed, and she let herself drift off to sleep again.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"Prent ya think they like me too?" Kazaar took a drink from his bourbon glass and blew smoke towards Sanis.

"I'm 'ere 'cause I'm th'best 'n they knowit."

He looked off towards the corner.

"Kay one of the best," Kazaar nodded motioning for his cloaked companion to come to the table.

"'e's the other."

[Boba Fett]

He came out of the shadows, his armor clinking a bit as he walked towards the table.

A Barabel, interested in killing a Twi'lek standing near him, instantly stopped and stared as the hunter walked past him.

The armored man finally reached the table, his gun resting comfortably in his hands.

He looked down at the Cizerack and at Prent and nodded.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"I think th'both of ya know Boba Fett," Kazaar smirked again and puffed on his cigar.

"Now...let's get down t'business."

[Sanis Prent]

(I gave a reluctant nod, my eyes not leaving Fett's visage. If there was one person in the galaxy that I could give the same kind of respect due myself, it was the mandalorian. His ability to stay alive and do the truly dangerous jobs was second only to me.)

Of course. Our employers have obviously both paid good money. Time to return the investment. Now...lets get to work.

(I pulled my briefcase out from under the table, opening it up, and nodding to Saa)

[Saarrreeaa Meorrrei]

Saarrreeaa pulled a datapad from the briefcase, and handed it to Aurelias. "We onljy need the exact coorrrdjinatesss, and the tjime Gorrrgjia hasss arrranged forrr usss." She settled back onto Sanis' arm, and absently played with his hair.

[Ketoi Gwl]

Ryloth, Day 2, 0600

Keto'igwl stood in Gia's room, and she looked up from the bed where she was lacing her soft shoes. After three hours of sleep she was ready to go again, although the Twi'lek could understand her tiredness. He just wouldn't tolerate it.

"You know what is going on, right?" His voice was brusque, but he was busy thinking about the rest of the day. He and Rognan had observed the procedures for getting into the storehouses, and they were quite involved. However, there was always a way around such things.

Voice match and rentinal scan from two different Twi'leki, not ot mention the guards inside the storehouse, once they finally got past the three outside the only entrance to them. He huffed again. "Ready?"

[Gia Van Derveld]

Gia stifled a yawn, and hopped to her feet. "Ready." Rognan flexed and grinned, taking her arm. She felt uncomfortable, but it was their cover, after all.

The trio walked out of the hotel, and into the twisted windy tunnels that were a Rylothian city. Gia didn't know that she would ever be used to living underground, but the Twi'lek seemed not to mind.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"Shouldn't th'cats have given ya that all ready, Prent?" Kazaar snarled, "This is a frelling bizness venture ya know. What th'hell do ya need the coordinates from me?"

[Sanis Prent]

You've gotten a bit too trusting, Kazaar. I'm not taking anything for granted. If your t's are crossed and mine aren't, then there is a snafu in the works.

(I lay down what little information I had, calling it up on the datapad)

Lets make sure we're on the same page.

(I gestured to Fett)

We've obviously got the firepower, but we need a degree of subtle attack. If the Hutt gets wind of this, this gravy train is gonna grind to a halt. I doubt even Fett can crack a nut like that when the shell's not softened.

(I lit up a stim, running hands through unfamiliar hair)

We've got response time working to our advantage. Gorgja gets caught with his pants down, and the better we manage that, the more leeway we get. They've got a stronghouse that operates as the main storage facility for the cache.

(I sighed)

My information's spotty. Most of what I got is bits picked up here and there on smuggling runs. Hutts were finicky about direct contact. I worked through a broker. That broker had his own intermediaries. Nobody could trace flow from public access to the Hutts, for security sake. It cost them more for operational overhead...but its about as secure as an Imperial clearinghouse. That being said, things are heard on the runaround. I got a few stories to add up, and they all talked about a casino on Da Soocha V. Years back, it was one of Nal Hutta's secondary moons, but I think since Kessel dried up, they were more concerned with consolidating their gains.

(I smiled confidently)

I can get the foot in the door. Question is, what do we do after that? You couldn't haul a load like that out, not if you had a week. We have 30 minutes at most. We'll wipe the cache, take what we can, and bail. Trick is...we're gonna swat a hornets nest doing this. Whatever we can do to take the sting away, will definitely be worth looking into.

[Saarrreeaa Meorrrei]

Saarrreeaa pushed the datapad over at Aurelias once more. "The tjime and the coorrrdjinatesss." She looked at her chrono. "We arrre on a tjight ssschedule, jyou know."

[Ketoi Gwl]

Ryloth, Day 2, 0630

Gia was staring a little blankly at the vent in front of her, as Rognan and Keto'igwl quickly unscrewed the cover. "In you go." The big Twi'lek hoisted her slight frame and she obligingly climbed into the vent.

"You know where you're going, right?" There was a little scuffling, and then her head poked out.

"Yes. And Rognan is staying her to help me out again."

"Of course he is. Now, go quickly." Her head was pulled back inside and the pair of males quickly screwed the vent cover back in place. A holocam turned to look at them, and they appeared to be standing, talking. Nothing out of the ordinary here.

Rognan pulled out a newspaper and walked a little ways away, while the big Twi'lek walked down the passage towards the residential areas of the city.

There was a Twi'leki soldier here that would be getting a visitor tonight.

[Sasseeri Reeouurra]

Coruscant, approx. the same time

Sasseeri opened her eyes and stretched. Aahhhh. She blinked open her eyes, and checked the chrono. Ejight thjirrrty. About six in the morning on Ryloth, and gods knew what time it was on Kuat.

As long as everyone was still paying attention to the schedule. Saa would make sure Sanis stayed on track. And Ketoi was trust worthy...at least she thought he was. Her ears laid back a little, and then she lay back on the sheets and snuggled with her companion.

She couldn't remember his name, but that hardly mattered, as she would probably never see him again. Sasseeri closed her eyes for a few more minutes...

[Gia Van Derveld]

Ryloth, Day 2, 0632

Gia stifled a cough, and crawled through the vent, taking the left fork, and continuing forward. There was no fear of making a wrong turn, she had seen the blueprints.

Up ahead there was another grating. She belied up to it, and peered through, carefully moving a spider out of the way and away from her bound up hair. Inside the warehouse there were rows of pallets, seemingly made out of white bricks. Gia couldn't see the ryll kor from her vantage point, but it couldn't be far.

She counted four pallets by five, making for a total of twenty pallets. The four on the far side from her were a darker shade of mineral powder, more like a tan than a white. The kor. Must be. Gia squirmed forward a little, and checked the position of the cargo door.

It would lead out to the landing pad, which was cut into the side of the balsatic mountain which housed the city of Kala'uun, and protected it from heat storms. The other three conspirators were in the hotel room, perfecting sensor readings that would begin to take affect less than twenty-four hours from this moment. Gia saw no beings inside the room. Everything was still.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

"Ey," Kazaar smirked as he took a drink from his glass, "I'M the one with th'bounty on m'head. 'N noone wants t'hire someone wh'might get killed bfore job's done.

"S'trustin'...'M not so sure 'bout that."

He took another sip of bourbon, "'ere's your coordinates. I'll take th' Dutchman...it'll hold some of th'cargo. Sound good t'ya?"

[Sanis Prent]

(He was shifty as hell...but I'd probably trust a straight-faced man even less.)

Alright, no problem there. I've got a second ship on-planet, so I'll pick it up. It shouldn't cause a problem, since the Hutts can't put my name to its registry. At any rate, its in case things get ugly.

Aurelias, it's gonna take some time to set myself up in the casino, so I need you to lay low. Work with Saa, cause you guys need to find some way to put together a suitcase-sized EM Spectrum saturator. Hell, I dunno...play manservant for a day or two.

(I winked at Saa)

As for you, Fett...you don't seem much suited to charming the socks of a rancor, much less anything else...so I guess work with what you do well. Keep out of sight when we get there, and case the security. Take extra interest in what they've got between the stronghouse at the casino and the spaceport. We can buy some time before things get tough, but we need to know exactly where to hit them, and when.

(Now came the part I didn't like very much)

Ok, lets split up. Aurelias, you and Saa pair up in the Dutchman.

...Fett....you're up with me. My ship doesn't have much leisure room, but I need to make sure you can fly it in a pinch. Its not the easiest system to use.

(The thought of the Mandalorian stepping inside my ship wasn't a very fun one, but I could write it off for the money that stood to be made.)

Alright...lets go. Fett, we're in dock 784.

(I rose, looking to Aurelias and Saa)

We'll spring this at 7:00, three days from now. Don't use registered comm lines. The casino will be bugged six ways to sunday, so meeting there's out. There's a good Alderaanian cafe in Ylesia City's south district named Asgard's. I'll eat lunch every day there at 12 sharp. The Hutts don't bother putting muscle in south district, so we'll be fine there.

[Boba Fett]

Fett made one comment, "I don't need much comfort."

The bounty hunter rolled his neck, popping it beneath the armor. Then he turned and started walking from the table towards the exit.

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar looked about as happy as a chained animal at the suggestion to split up. But there was nothing he could do. Couldn't bring attention t'himself either.

"Ll right cat, you'n me. Let's go," Kazaar finished his bourbon and took another puff off of his cigar.

As he stood up and started walking towards the exit, he turned back. The Cizerack had yet to move.

"Well...are ya coming or're ya gonn sit'here 'll day? The hell're you waitin' for?"

[Saarrreeaa Meorrrei]

She withered him with a smoldering glance, and then kissed Sanis lightly on the cheek before moving away from him. With a few smooth steps Saarrreeaa was draped over Aurelias' arm. "The hell arrre jyou wajitjing forrr?" She nipped at his cheek, brushing it with her sharp teeth, and then seemed content enough to play arm ornament for a few more feet. Once they were outside of the establishment, she released his arm, and looped her tail up into the crook of her elbow.

"What ssssorrrt of ssspecjiesss jisss a ... Dutchman, anjy wajy?"

[Aurelias Kazaar]

Kazaar snorted, "It's a ship, they've got those wit' th'Ciz right?"

He shook his head as if saying, 'What an idiot.' But in reality he knew she was smarter than that. Prent might be a ladies man, but he never just picked 'em up for kicks and giggles. There was always some 'hook' some 'catch' with them. And this Cizerack, no matter how annoying, had the eyes of a hunter. So she knew something even if she was playin' the part of a bimbo in a cat suit.

He smirked and took a puff off of his cigar.

"Ya mind if I smoke?"

[Sanis Prent]

(Bay 784 was just a stroll away...but the silence was uncomfortable. Fett and I walked the whole way in silence. Once we made it, I opened the bay doors wide, and whatever sunlight made it in, glistened of a glossy, victory red finish.)

The Silent Princess...best hunter ship Imperial money can buy.

(I tapped a remote, lowering the gangplank.)

Mind your head...

(We stepped inside, and everything seemed to glow, from the sterile whites and chromes within. It was a stark contrast to the Layla's perpetual dinginess. The Princess was as spartan as any Imperial warship might be, except that it was clad in whites, instead of greys. I made my way to the pilothouse...and the circular depression in the center of the room. Standing on the circular platform, it slowly lowered a distance of three feet. A hissing sound issued, as bracing clamps were attached to my legs. A second later, and the platform rose again, this time, flanked on either side by racks of various contraptions. I removed a helmet from the rack, sliding it on my head, and flipping an eyepiece into place. On either side, I slid my arms into what looked like gloves, which were covered in wires and other electronics. A harness with a clear, liquid-filled bag detatched from the left rack, as a droid manipulator arm tipped with a needle approached my left arm. A clamp squeezed down on my arm, causing a vein to puff out.)

Krasst, I hate this part...

(The needle pierced into my skin, and I clenched my teeth, as the intravenous attachment was made, and secured. For a moment, I felt very uncomfortable, and I closed my eyes until I got used to the motion sickness compensation drugs. A black shroud drew up over the rest of my body, and vacuum-sealed until it was flush and skin-tight...preserving the internal pressure. I glanced over to Fett, who looked on in silence behind his unreadable mask)

Well...I told you it was complicated...