Star Wars Underworld Episode 2
Star Wars - Underworld
The intrepid crew of the Glass Eye, Arri Tatha, Captain Jolian Dice and M3d1c have arrived on Cloud City, their ship heavily damaged and in need of repairs leading them to take a job that aims to steal the fabled korusca gem, The Jewel of Yavin.
Many preparations must be made ahead of the Bespin Grand Prix, a race through the clouds they must win in order to gain entry to the black market auction where the gem will be bid upon. With the auction being held at the Figg Museum in 3 days time, the trio must hurry to discover a way to retrieve the gem and set in motion events that will drive the bidders against one another.
But Cloud City is more dangerous than any of them know and dark forces are also vying to win the Grand Prix and take the gem for themselves...
Episode II: Ugnaught Spit
Early morning sunrise sent deep red cascading across the skies of Bespin as M3d1c trundled up the cargo ramp of the Glass Eye after a night spent doing research. Excited to report his findings, M3 moved into the ship's common area where Arri Tatha and Jolian Dice slept.
Dice appeared agitated in his sleep while the Wookiee snored loudly. Cocking his head at Dice, M3 analysed the Human, "Nightmares," M3 muttered to himself, the whirring of servos and gears processing information in his mind. "Treatment unknown. Perhaps a closer look..." One of the droids thin arms produced a tiny circular saw that clicked on with a noisy buzzing.
Arri's ears had been trained as years as a hired gun and he snapped awake at the strange sound. He caught the droids' arm just before the saw could lower to Dices skull.
"What are you doing?!" Arri bellowed.
The sound woke Dice who scrambled to his feet looking warily at M3 as Arri let the saw arm go.
"Captain Dice was experiencing a nightmare. I simply wished to help. But now you're awake so it is no longer necessary." M3 retracted the saw and looked from Arri to Dice in turn, seemingly pleased with himself. "I have spent the evening looking into the information Miss Shen provided. I have learned some details that might help us with the bidders."
Wiping the sleep from his face and feeling a bit like he owed Arri a drink, Dice sat back on booth seat he had been sleeping on a moment before. He wanted to avoid any further talk about the nightmares that plagued him, "We should get started, I suppose."
Arri looked upon Dice with concern, whatever the nightmare had been it was apparently something that left the old cop shaken. Arri nodded agreement with Dice and crossed his heavy furred arms over his chest, "Lets hear it M3."
M3 relayed what information he had gleaned on the data-net which was enough to give them an idea where to start with preparations for the heist. The droid chose to leave out that his hack had been traced by some unknown slicer, he had managed to divert the trace to a body guard that arrived with Cowtho the Hutts menagerie after all, and in his dealings with organics, M3 had learned that sometimes leaving information out could be better for everyone. For the time being anyway. M3 concluded telling his companions of the bounty hunter was prudent, however, as all 3 of them had bounties after escaping Coruscant and the Lista-Gon Spaceport.
"I also learned that Cowtho the Hutt has brought a bounty hunter named Karrik with him to Cloud City. I believe I noted his accounts being accessed for drinks at the 124 1/2 Bar no less than an hour ago."
"Karrik?" Dice perked up at the name.
"You know him?" Arri asked.
"I've heard of him," Dice nodded. "I was trailing this gang of slavers back on Coruscant some years back. He was one of the hired guns involved. I was closing in on them and my guess is Karrik knew it because I got a tip from someone in the gang that lead me right to their hideout. He was the only one to get away. I looked into it and he had joined up with another crew on a job that took him off world." Dice leaned back, scrubbed a hand through his blonde hair. "He's not the loyal type."
"Good to know," Arri pawed at his silver and black fur beard, pondering.
"Perhaps he can be bought," M3 produced a fistful of credits in each of his 4 hands.
"Put that away, M3," Arri growled. M3 obeyed. "Though it might not be a bad idea to get face to face with this Karrik. If he's a bounty hunter he'll be on the lookout for any fugitives on Cloud City and our paths are bound to cross eventually. In my experience its best to make sure a meeting goes on your terms, not theirs."
"Fair enough," Dice yawned, still waking.
"It would be best if just M3 and I went," Arri added. "No offense, Dice, but you'd fit in better with the Windguard than the crowd at some illegal cantina."
"Perhaps you should focus on the Grand Prix," M3 suggested.
Dice nodded, "Yeah, I haven't piloted in a race in over a decade and even then, that was space racing. Atmo is totally different." Dice conceded. "I'll comm Eriss and look into the ex-racer she mentioned."
Using his commlink, Dice contacted Eriss who answered despite the early hour.
"Greetings Captain," Eriss said. "I'm pleased to see you are getting an early start. How can I help?"
"You mentioned an old racer? I'd like to talk to them about the Grand Prix. You got a name and location?"
"You'll want to head down to the Industrial Level and look for Honest Grex Speeders. You'll find Merl Terl there, one of Bespin's finest retired racers. He's won 4 times, a career high." Eriss sounded like a fan.
"Do you know anything about a bounty hunter named Karrik?" Arri chimed in. "We believe he's at your husbands bar."
"Only that he is acting as Cowtho's proxy on Bespin, taking care of the black market work while that slimy slug enjoys the resort." Eriss did nothing to hide the disgust in her tone. "If you go there I must warn you to be on guard. Voors will not be pleased if he has discovered that you knocked out his henchman following me yesterday."
"Does she know we paid the attendant to make it look like he got drunk?" M3 blurted out.
They could hear Eriss laugh through the comm, "It sounds like you have things well in hand. If there is nothing else, I do have matters of my own to attend to."
"No, that's all for now," Dice said. "Thanks." Clicking off the commlink Dice stood again and stretched, looking a bit like he wanted to run away, still haunted by the nightmare. He started for the cargo ramp. "I'd better get a move on. I'll be in touch."
Arri and M3 watched Dice go and exchanged a concerned look.
"Ready to hit the bar?" Arri asked the droid.
M3 nodded and they headed for the exit as well.
"You know I don't drink," M3 explained. "I don't eat either, for that matter."
Arri managed to keep a patient tone, of course he knew, but the droid was just so likable. "Is that so?"
The Industrial Level was in the darker interior of Cloud City where sunlight penetrated only through wide access tunnels designed for ships and speeders. Windguard patrols were few and black market traders lurked on corners trying to entice aliens and droids passing by. Ugnaughts seemed to be the predominant race in the lower levels moving in packs and chattering aggressively with one another. After asking a few of the locals who pointed him in the right direction, Dice stood in the neon light of a sign that read Honest Grex Speeders. Finest Speeders on Bespin!
The garage appeared to have seen better days, numerous speeders in varying states of disrepair lined the garage bays and rust had begun to eat away at some of the walls and doors of the building.
Dice wandered inside and feigned interest in a speeder that seemed nearly complete until an old Sollustan made his way out of a back room using a dingy rag to clean grease from his hands.
"Welcome to Honest Grex, traveller! What can I do for you today?"
"Are you Grex?" Dice asked.
"Ah no, that was my old business partner. I'm Merl Terl. And you are?"
"Jolian Dice," he shook Merls hand. "You're just the guy I'm looking for."
"Oh?" Merl looked taken aback.
"From what I hear you are the guy who knows how to win the Bespin Grand Prix."
"Ah, a racer then," Merl smiled dreamily as if reminiscing about days long gone. "At least one of you pays me a visit whenever there's a race on, looking for a driver. If that's what you're here for I'll tell you what I tell them, my wife says no." Merl chuckled to himself.
"Ah, a racer then," Merl smiled dreamily as if reminiscing about days long gone. "At least one of you pays me a visit whenever there's a race on, looking for a driver. If that's what you're here for I'll tell you what I tell them, my wife says no." Merl chuckled to himself.
"I understand," Dice smiled. "But surely you wouldn't mind giving me some pointers? You see, I'm a pilot myself, but I've mostly done space racing and I haven't even done that in a decade."
Merl looked aghast, "well I hope you have some skills boy, the Bespin Grand Prix isn't to be taken lightly. You'll die if you aren't careful. Why the beasts alone could swallow your ship whole."
"Beasts?" Dice hadn't expected creatures to be involved in the race.
"It's the ship emissions they're attracted to," Merl replied. The old Sollustan seemed eager to chat. "And that's just for starters. You need to watch your back too. The other racers wont be easy on you. There'll be traps and dangers you can't imagine. What are you gonna do when they ignite a Tibana cloud in front of you and blind your sensors? You better consider what you're getting into before you risk your life Mister Dice. The Storm Hawks from Mandal Motors are dangerous enough. Their ship will surely be made to dish out and handle plenty of punishment and I'm sure you know just how legendary Mandalorian ferocity is."
As if catching himself being pulled in, Merl turned away from Dice and started inspecting one of the more worse off speeders.
Dice considered the words for a moment, "I have to win, Merl and I'm sure I can if I have your help."
Merl looked Dice up and down as if wanting to assist but unsure it would be worth the time and perhaps suspecting the motive was beyond that of just the glory of winning the race.
"How about this," Dice examined the same broken speeder, "If I win you can have my cut of the purse. I've got a cloud car that could use some upgrades to help with the traps and critters you mentioned. And I've got a ship that needs fixing too. This could benefit both of us."
Merl shook his head, "None of that is worth it to me if you die out there."
"Alright then," Dice noticed an operable cloud car parked at a docking back in the back of Grex and pointed to it, "Let me fly the course. You can show me the way and I'll try not to get us killed while I try to beat your best time."
Grex looked surprised but pleased as if any reason to climb into a cloud car was enough. "Alright then, Mister Dice. Let's see what you've got."
It took Arri and M3 longer than they would like to admit to find the 124 1/2 Cantina. The problem was that the bar was located between floors 124 and 125 in a utility space between a heat array and coolant facility.
It didn't take a trained eye to see that the cantina was a hotbed for criminal activity, bustling with Sabaac games, skulking figures and angry voices challenging one another.
M3 was quick to spot Karrik, a tough looking human with a thick gray mustache and wearing a wide brim hat, seated alone at a table across the room. Before Arri could say a word, M3 hurried toward the man.
By the time the Wookiee caught up with the droid both had arrived at the table drawing the attention of Karrik who wore a dark smile as he downed a shot of liquor.
"Well well well,I don't usually have a pair of bounties walk right up to me." Karrik mused in a deep, gravel voice. "You're lucky I'm under contract with Cowtho."
Arri glared at Karrik but the man seemed unfettered by the intimidating Wookiee.
"Well we are desperate for information-" M3 began to say when Arri elbowed him with a sharp clank.
Karrik raised one eyebrow.
"What does Cowtho need with a bounty hunter?" Arri growled.
"What does Cowtho need with a bounty hunter?" Arri growled.
Karrik shrugged, "I go where the credits tell me. I don't suppose he has much need of a bounty hunter, per se. But he need someone who can handle themselves to take care of...business."
Karrik set down the empty glass hard on the table and turned to face Arri and M3, his jacket parting just enough to show the blasters at his side in an intentional warning.
"Let us order you a drink," M3 offered.
Karrik nodded in acceptance and M3 flagged down the bartender, a Twi'Lek named Brie who looked constantly exasperated with the vile scum she had to deal with.
Soon Arri and Karrik had drinks called Ugnaught Spit, a horrible tasting but potent liquor. Both downed the drinks in a shot and after a moment M3 thought it safe to speak.
"What does Cowtho want with the Jewel of Ya-"
Another furry elbow to his torso shut the droid up and drew a glare from the Wookie.
Karrik seemed pleased, as if he had just found the missing piece to a puzzle, "Ah so that's what you're after. And here I was thinking you were helping Jolian Dice win the Grand Prix."
Arri scowled, the hunter knew too much already.
"Well Cowtho just wants to resell the gem on Nar Shadaar," Karrik answered honestly, almost fearlessly. "He can get a lot more credits for something like that in a place that doesn't have to fear the Empire."
Arri understood, Nar Shadaar was the hub of the underworld and an unspoken treaty between the Empire and the powerful Hutt Clans helped to strengthen that claim.
"Are you sure you've chosen the right side?" M3 asked, an honest and surprisingly astute question based on what Dice had recalled about Karrik. "This is Mister Voors' cantina and he intends to outbid everyone."
Karrik barked a laugh, "Voors wouldn't have enough credits to oppose Cowtho even if he didn't blow it all on alcohol. Even if he did somehow come up with enough to outbid the others, we will just order him some drinks and provoke him into a brawl that gets him tossed out. We don't have to worry about that-"
As if ending his sentence for him, Karrik's comm buzzed. "That'll be the master calling," Karrik rose to his feet and tipped his hat to M3 and then Arri, meeting the Wookie's glare with his own. "I'll be seeing you again."
Karrik sauntered away.
"Well we've struck out here," Arri growled.
M3 tugged on the Wookie's fur drawing his attention, "Not quite yet, Arri." M3 pointed toward the bar where a Twi'Lek man sat alone trying to converse with Brie who looked thoroughly annoyed. "That's Pos Podura. He works for Thora Tech and is one of the bidders."
Arri put one heavy paw on M3s shoulder, "Lets try not to say too much to this one."
M3 cocked his head processing the advice and nodded, "Perhaps a double shot of alcohol will relax him?"
Arri nodded and patted the short droid's head, "that's a good idea, M3."
It took a few minutes for Dice to acclimate to the controls of the cloud car and the handling in the atmosphere of Bespin but once he had a feel he punched the engines and rocketed through the clouds directed by Merl in the gunners seat. They raced past hover beacons placed periodically to define the checkpoints for the Grand Prix, through heavy clouds of Tibana gas and finally through the canyons of the spires extending from the top of Cloud City. By the time they reached the end of the race course Merl was laughing and slapping the dash.
"How'd I do?" Dice asked from the cockpit.
"Oh not bad my boy, not bad at all!" Merl praised. "You didn't beat my best but you've proven your worth. I'll help you."
Dice smiled, he liked the Sollustan and was glad for the expertise. Taking the cloud car for a pass over the Glass Eye, Dice pointed it out to Merl.
"That's my ship down there. Think you can work on her for me?"
Merl assessed the blaster damage and frowned, "It'll cost you. And not just from the purse! You'll have to pay something up front."
"How much?" Dice asked, also frowning at the damage to the ship.
"Well, 2000 up front for the cloud car upgrades. And another 2500 to get to work on your ship."
Dice winced but nodded, "Alright. I'll have it wired to your account. I just have one more question."
Merl turned to look at Dice, his face expecting something impossible.
"Where can a guy get some decent food around here?"
With a smile Merl hooked a thumb over his shoulder, "Tranfer flight control to me. I know a great place with the best noodles."
The cloud car wheeled away from the race finale back toward the city oblivious that the practice run had been watched...
Arri feigned accidentally bumping Poss Podura, spilling the young Twi'Lek's drink down his fine clothing. Brie noticed the thinly veiled 'accident' and scoffed but Podura didn't seem to realize and cursed under his breath as he tried to wipe the alcohol from his shirt and pants.
"I apologize," Arri said in a deep voice that caused Podura to go wide eyed upon seeing the Wookiee standing there.
Fumbling with his words, visibly intimidated, Podura stammered, "that's okay. Think nothing of it."
"May we offer you a drink to make up for it?" M3 said.
Podura looked confused by the pair but nodded and M3 turned to Brie to order 2 more Ugnaught Spits.
"And make it a double." M3 handed the credits to Brie.
"I'd like a Pangalactic Gargleblaster as well," Podura added.
Brie looked annoyed but filled the order, setting the drinks before Arri and Podura before turning to clean glasses.
Sucking down the Ugnaught Spit, Arri settled at the bar next to Podura with M3 standing between.
"So, how did a Wookiee escape Imperial custody? I thought you were all....well, enslaved." Podura stammered, the effects of the liquor edging into his voice.
"That's a story for another time and another place," Arri sounded mournful. He turned his attention to Podura's fine clothing and tapped the young man on the shoulder. "What's an upper crust type doing in a place like this?"
Gazing over the din of the cantina, Podura said, "I like to remember where I came from."
"Where did you come from?" M3 asked.
Awoken from his nostalgic daze, Podura seemed suddenly guarded, "Well I work for Thora Tech supplying Kuat Yards with computer tech for their ships. I'm just here looking for new tech."
M3 tugged Arris fur to get his attention causing the big Wookiee to lean close.
"He's here for Shreya." M3 reminded Arri.
Arri understood, Podura was caught in a lie. He returned to the conversation ready to steer it his way.
"I bet you're glad to be here for the Grand Prix. You have any favorites to win?"
"Ah," Podura looked relieved to talk about something he truly enjoyed. "The Storm Hawks will no doubt win it. Mandal Motors is deadly, and I do mean deadly, and they have a new ship every year. My bet is on them."
"So you're here at the cantina to bet eh?" Arri pressed.
"Betting is the best part of the race, more exciting even, in my opinion." Podura stated.
"Another exciting thing I overheard was something about some illegal rare gem getting auctioned off." M3 jumped in, unceremoniously.
Podura was visibly put off, sucking the last of his Gargleblaster and rising to his feet.
"Oh don't go yet," Arri tried damage control. "You haven't even finished your Ugnaught Spit yet."
Podura lingered with an uncomfortable smile, "I really should be going. Do you have a business card, perhaps?"
M3 was quick to process and print a card that popped out of a small compartment in his torso. He handed the card to Arri who read it quickly, clearly impressed by the droid. It read, Yarith Bespin Hotel. Arri handed the card to Podura who took it with a glance and began to quake.
"You...are you with Cowtho?" Podura sounded panicked. "I don't want the gem if I have to do business with the Hutts."
Arri gave M3 an appraising look and noted in the back of his mind that he would have to ask why the little droid thought to use the slug as motivation. He put a hand on Poduras neck threateningly strong. "What gem, Poss?"
Poduras brain tails twitched nervously and Brie giggled behind the counter.
"Dumb boy, caught in his own words." Brie mused.
"It's the Jewel of Yavin," Podura stuttered out the words, drunk and cringing under the weight of Arris paw. "I came here to bid on it for Shreya but I'll never have enough credits. I just can't stop thinking about her ever since I took her archaeology class and I heard she was going to the auction so I left work and forged my credentials just to get here. I'm a nobody!"
M3 chimed in in his friendly manner, "Perhaps you could help us get the gem and we could help you get Shreya."
Podura shook, his drunken anxiety setting him to trembling and stammering until he could finally spit out a communication code and duck out of Arris grip. Podura fled the cantina nearly running.
Arri and M3 shrugged at one another.
"Well that could have gone better," Arri said.
"I thought it went well," M3 replied.
Arri pulled out the commlink, "lets check in with Dice."
Before the comm finished its first buzz Dice answered.
"Dice here."
"Dice, M3 and I are done at the cantina. We heard of some group called Mandal Motors we might want to ask for help."
There was a slurping sound and then Dice again with an older gentleman speaking in the background.
"Oh I don't think they'll help us." Dice said.
"They'll blow your head off for asking!" The other voice said.
"Where are you?" Arri asked.
"Oh Merl and I are at Aldor's Noodle Shop on Market Row. Floor 121, you guys should come down. I'll introduce you."
Arris stomach rumbled at the mere mention of noodles.
"We'll be right there."
Reunited at Aldors Noodle shop, the crew of the Glass Eye conversed with Merl Terl until the late day sky burned down to the color of blood. M3 transferred the 4700 credits Merl required to start working on the Glass Eye and the Shen's cloud car. He excused himself soon after, he had been away from the shop too long and he didn't want his wife to worry.
When Merl had departed Arri, M3 and Dice swapped stories and planned their next move.
"We need to scout the museum," Arri said. "The 3 of us aren't exactly conspicuous."
"But an entrant into the Grand Prix surely would not be noticed." M3 suggested looking to the Captain.
Dice nodded in agreement, "We should look for some kind of schematics as well. Any hidden hatches, entryways, flaws in the structure, would be helpful. Maybe Eris knows where we can find some." He retrieved his commlink and called Eris who answered in a hushed voice.
"How can I help you gentle-beings? Did you find Merl Terl?"
"He's agreed to work on the cloud car," Dice replied. "And our ship. We need that moved to his shop, by the way. Could you have it moved to Grex?"
Eris sounded huffy but agreed, "I'll have my servant take care of it once he has delivered the cloud car. Is that all?"
"Captain Dice is about to do a walk of the museum, I believe the term is 'casing'?" M3 checked with Arri who nodded. " We are looking for original schematics," M3 said.
"Schematics..." Eris pondered on the word hesitantly. "We have had trouble acquiring those. The original builders, Encom, went out of business some time ago and their base is the only place you could find their original schematics, if the computers are even operational anymore. The building has been taken over by an Ugnaught Construction Guild that doesn't play too well with others. They have a very...strong willed leader named Joff. If you want to try your luck the base is in Port Town down on level 154. Word of advice though, don't say 'yeah', apparently it's an offensive curse in the Ugnaught tongue."
"Thanks for the advice," Dice said wryly.
"If you're going to walk the museum you should stop by the Bank of Bespin in Fig Hall. You need to find a way to ensure the transfer of the highest bid goes into our account, a job that will undoubtedly be done by one of the banking droids there. Your little droid might not like this but, if you intend to hack one of the droids you'll have to destroy it completely after, including the central core."
Arri and Dice exchanged a glance and looked at M3 for any sign of reaction. Destroying the central core for any droid was essentially killing it.
"Noted," Arri replied. "M3 and I will look into it while Dice walks the museum."
"Excellent," Eris replied. "It's getting late however and I suggest you hurry. The bank closes in an hour and the later you wait to visit the old Encom building the more dangerous the lower levels become."
"Thanks Eris," Arri replied and Dice switched off the commlink.
It took the trio nearly a half hour to make their way to the museum, Dice handing off his blaster to Arri before entering.
Dice kept his visit brief, pausing to look at each exhibit while noting in his mind camera placements in the corners of the rooms. He made 2 sweeps to ensure he had observed them all and noted a worn pattern on the floor that he guessed to be from years of the same security patrol.
When he returned to Arri and M3 he retrieved his blaster and they continued on to Figg Hall, a large space populated by government buildings and corporate headquarters, and nearly at the center of it all was the Bank of Bespin.
"Your turn," Dice held out his hand to take Arri and M3s weapons, tucking them into his jacket for safekeeping, shaking his head as the droid handed grenades one by one.
Wookiee and Droid entered the wide arch entrance and were greeted by a protocol droid who, despite being mechanical, somehow looked very wary as it approached, halting them near the entrance.
"Greetings gentlebeings. How may I assist you today?"
"Ah well we are err...inquiring about opening an account today?" M3 turned to look at Arri for confirmation.
Arri scratched his head and grimaced, "We are just here for the Grand Prix and would like to secure out credits for the trip."
M3 swiveled his head around, scanning the building with his bright yellow eyes. If they hadn't seemed suspicious before, they certainly did then.
The protocol droid looked from M3 to Arri and gestured back toward the entrance, "The bank will be closing in less than 30 minutes. I'm afraid if you do not have an appointment I must recommend you utilize one of the many banking droids stationed around the city. They are all connected to the central bank and can process your needs."
Arri smiled, a toothy grin that made the protocol droid wince, "Thank you." Arri said. "We'll do that."
He turned to leave and wrapped one big paw around M3s shoulders to drag him along too.
"Leaving so soon?" M3 asked, confused and offended, turning back to wag an arm at the protocol droid. "How rude! Karrik wont be happy about this!"
Again Arri wondered what M3s plan was by involving the Hutts menagerie in their investigation but for the time being his questions would have to wait. They approached Dice lurking at the corner of the bank watching the crowds of citizens moving through Figg Hall.
"That was fast," Dice commented as they returned.
"I was able to scan the main room and locate a number of security measures before we were kicked out." M3 spat the last of his sentence, turning back toward the bank and unsheathing sharp medical equipment in each of his 4 hands, "I'd like to teach that protocol droid some real manners."
Arri and Dice batted at M3s arms trying to hide the sight from anyone walking by.
"Put those away!" Arri hissed. "We don't need the bank."
"We don't?" M3 froze, his anger suddenly gone.
"No," Arri replied. "There are banking droids all over the city and they're all connected. There might be a way to use that to our advantage."
"Without destroying any droids," Dice added hoping to reassure M3 if he had any worry.
"Well we can always scrap that one," M3 muttered as he retracted the scalpels and saws into his torso, turning one final defiant stare toward the bank.
Dice returned the weapons to his companions and looked to the sky where red had deepened to purple and nightfall was soon at hand. "We should get down to Encom. I want that schematic while the museum is still fresh in my mind."
Arri and M3 nodded.
"Lets go," Arri said and he and Dice started off while M3 lingered, still looking toward the bank.
"I'll be back you....jerk droid." M3 muttered to himself with a chuckle.
"Come on M3!" Arri growled.
The trek to level 154 was one of increasing darkness, machinery and noise and the variations in species thinned until the stout Ugnaughts became the majority, bustling about with a perpetual angry determination. Many of them looked at M3 with a hunger in their eyes.
It wasn't long before the trio stood before the wide bulk of a rundown, patched up warehouse with a dead electric sign hanging over the entrance reading ENCOM Inc..
They hesitated at the threshold and M3 said, "Remember, don't say 'yeah'."
"Right." Dice nodded and tried to hold the thought for a moment. "Well, lets get this over with."
They entered into a dank reception area that had been stripped and patched with layers of grime and grease and wires hanging like vines from the ceiling.
A shell of a protocol droid, mostly wires and skeleton, emerged from a dark room in the back leading a stomping scowling Ugnaught who was spitting words in his language.
"This droid better have more protocol functions than the last or I'll-" M3 was unable to finish his sentence before Arri covered his speaker with a paw.
Pausing before them the protocol droid waited until the Ugnaught fell silent and then translated, obviously trying to clean up the speech. "Master Joff wishes to know what you are doing here?"
"Greetings to him too," Dice replied. "We are looking for some blue prints for our ship. It was designed by Encom and this seems to be the only place we might find them..." Dice trailed off, he could see the anger in Joffs eyes deepen. Arri nudged Dice, nodding to the darkness beyond Joff where at least a dozen Ugnaughts had appeared all carrying some kind of weapon.
Dice scratched his head in annoyance, "I hate this underworld crap." Taking a deep breath Dice switched gears and decided to go with the truth. "Actually we are pulling a heist on the museum and we are here looking for the original schematics. We'll give you 500 credits in exchange."
Arri and M3 looked stunned, M3 even hitting Dice in the shoulder and shaking his head to Arri as if exasperated.
Joff spoke again and the droid translated, "Joff counters with 1000 credits. I urge you to accept."
Bristling, Dice started to speak, "Yeah well-"
He froze as every weapon in the Ugnaught Construction Guild raised in anger with snarling words and vengeful glares.
"Ah scrap," Dice raised his hands to indicate he meant no harm, cursing himself under his breath.
Arri interjected, he had dealt with this type of scum his whole life and he knew just how to appeal to their senses. "1000 credits and we will throw in our cloud car after the Grand Prix. In return we get the complete original schematics and...you take your crew and sabotage Mandal Motors the evening before the race. You'll have plenty of parts to use on your new speeder once we complete the race. And ensure none of your crew tampers with us."
There was a moment of hesitation as Joff considered, every breath in the building was stopped until finally the Ugnaught burst out laughing and nodding.
With a relieved look the skeletal protocol droid said, "Although your Human companion is highly offensive, Master Joff agrees to your terms."
Joff made his way into a back room and returned a moment later to hand a datapad to Arri.
"The schematics you requested," the droid said.
Arri accepted them with a slight bow of thanks.
"One more thing," Dice added, and the Ugnaughts turned, gripping their weapons tighter in case he misspoke again. "Do you know of any ways into the museum that others might not? Working this close to the core, I assume you must have some idea."
Joff paused, considered and then spoke and the droid translated, "Master Joff says there is a way through the central core to almost all areas of Cloud City but the climb is dangerous and populated with wild animals."
"How do you deal with those animals?" Dice prompted.
"Shoot first," the droid replied for Joff.
The Ugnaught gang dispersed into the darkness of the building interior leaving Arri, Dice and M3 with the datapad of schematics.
It was dark and late and Dice let out a yawn, "I think that's enough for one day."
Arri and M3 nodded agreement and they departed the Encom building chatting with one another.
"Your negotiation skills need improvement Captain," M3 stated drawing an ironic glance from Arri. The droid patted Dice on the back as they left. "Don't worry, I'll give you some pointers."
Sucking down the Ugnaught Spit, Arri settled at the bar next to Podura with M3 standing between.
"So, how did a Wookiee escape Imperial custody? I thought you were all....well, enslaved." Podura stammered, the effects of the liquor edging into his voice.
"That's a story for another time and another place," Arri sounded mournful. He turned his attention to Podura's fine clothing and tapped the young man on the shoulder. "What's an upper crust type doing in a place like this?"
Gazing over the din of the cantina, Podura said, "I like to remember where I came from."
"Where did you come from?" M3 asked.
Awoken from his nostalgic daze, Podura seemed suddenly guarded, "Well I work for Thora Tech supplying Kuat Yards with computer tech for their ships. I'm just here looking for new tech."
M3 tugged Arris fur to get his attention causing the big Wookiee to lean close.
"He's here for Shreya." M3 reminded Arri.
Arri understood, Podura was caught in a lie. He returned to the conversation ready to steer it his way.
"I bet you're glad to be here for the Grand Prix. You have any favorites to win?"
"Ah," Podura looked relieved to talk about something he truly enjoyed. "The Storm Hawks will no doubt win it. Mandal Motors is deadly, and I do mean deadly, and they have a new ship every year. My bet is on them."
"So you're here at the cantina to bet eh?" Arri pressed.
"Betting is the best part of the race, more exciting even, in my opinion." Podura stated.
"Another exciting thing I overheard was something about some illegal rare gem getting auctioned off." M3 jumped in, unceremoniously.
Podura was visibly put off, sucking the last of his Gargleblaster and rising to his feet.
"Oh don't go yet," Arri tried damage control. "You haven't even finished your Ugnaught Spit yet."
Podura lingered with an uncomfortable smile, "I really should be going. Do you have a business card, perhaps?"
M3 was quick to process and print a card that popped out of a small compartment in his torso. He handed the card to Arri who read it quickly, clearly impressed by the droid. It read, Yarith Bespin Hotel. Arri handed the card to Podura who took it with a glance and began to quake.
"You...are you with Cowtho?" Podura sounded panicked. "I don't want the gem if I have to do business with the Hutts."
Arri gave M3 an appraising look and noted in the back of his mind that he would have to ask why the little droid thought to use the slug as motivation. He put a hand on Poduras neck threateningly strong. "What gem, Poss?"
Poduras brain tails twitched nervously and Brie giggled behind the counter.
"Dumb boy, caught in his own words." Brie mused.
"It's the Jewel of Yavin," Podura stuttered out the words, drunk and cringing under the weight of Arris paw. "I came here to bid on it for Shreya but I'll never have enough credits. I just can't stop thinking about her ever since I took her archaeology class and I heard she was going to the auction so I left work and forged my credentials just to get here. I'm a nobody!"
M3 chimed in in his friendly manner, "Perhaps you could help us get the gem and we could help you get Shreya."
Podura shook, his drunken anxiety setting him to trembling and stammering until he could finally spit out a communication code and duck out of Arris grip. Podura fled the cantina nearly running.
Arri and M3 shrugged at one another.
"Well that could have gone better," Arri said.
"I thought it went well," M3 replied.
Arri pulled out the commlink, "lets check in with Dice."
Before the comm finished its first buzz Dice answered.
"Dice here."
"Dice, M3 and I are done at the cantina. We heard of some group called Mandal Motors we might want to ask for help."
There was a slurping sound and then Dice again with an older gentleman speaking in the background.
"Oh I don't think they'll help us." Dice said.
"They'll blow your head off for asking!" The other voice said.
"Where are you?" Arri asked.
"Oh Merl and I are at Aldor's Noodle Shop on Market Row. Floor 121, you guys should come down. I'll introduce you."
Arris stomach rumbled at the mere mention of noodles.
"We'll be right there."
Reunited at Aldors Noodle shop, the crew of the Glass Eye conversed with Merl Terl until the late day sky burned down to the color of blood. M3 transferred the 4700 credits Merl required to start working on the Glass Eye and the Shen's cloud car. He excused himself soon after, he had been away from the shop too long and he didn't want his wife to worry.
When Merl had departed Arri, M3 and Dice swapped stories and planned their next move.
"We need to scout the museum," Arri said. "The 3 of us aren't exactly conspicuous."
"But an entrant into the Grand Prix surely would not be noticed." M3 suggested looking to the Captain.
Dice nodded in agreement, "We should look for some kind of schematics as well. Any hidden hatches, entryways, flaws in the structure, would be helpful. Maybe Eris knows where we can find some." He retrieved his commlink and called Eris who answered in a hushed voice.
"How can I help you gentle-beings? Did you find Merl Terl?"
"He's agreed to work on the cloud car," Dice replied. "And our ship. We need that moved to his shop, by the way. Could you have it moved to Grex?"
Eris sounded huffy but agreed, "I'll have my servant take care of it once he has delivered the cloud car. Is that all?"
"Captain Dice is about to do a walk of the museum, I believe the term is 'casing'?" M3 checked with Arri who nodded. " We are looking for original schematics," M3 said.
"Schematics..." Eris pondered on the word hesitantly. "We have had trouble acquiring those. The original builders, Encom, went out of business some time ago and their base is the only place you could find their original schematics, if the computers are even operational anymore. The building has been taken over by an Ugnaught Construction Guild that doesn't play too well with others. They have a very...strong willed leader named Joff. If you want to try your luck the base is in Port Town down on level 154. Word of advice though, don't say 'yeah', apparently it's an offensive curse in the Ugnaught tongue."
"Thanks for the advice," Dice said wryly.
"If you're going to walk the museum you should stop by the Bank of Bespin in Fig Hall. You need to find a way to ensure the transfer of the highest bid goes into our account, a job that will undoubtedly be done by one of the banking droids there. Your little droid might not like this but, if you intend to hack one of the droids you'll have to destroy it completely after, including the central core."
Arri and Dice exchanged a glance and looked at M3 for any sign of reaction. Destroying the central core for any droid was essentially killing it.
"Noted," Arri replied. "M3 and I will look into it while Dice walks the museum."
"Excellent," Eris replied. "It's getting late however and I suggest you hurry. The bank closes in an hour and the later you wait to visit the old Encom building the more dangerous the lower levels become."
"Thanks Eris," Arri replied and Dice switched off the commlink.
It took the trio nearly a half hour to make their way to the museum, Dice handing off his blaster to Arri before entering.
Dice kept his visit brief, pausing to look at each exhibit while noting in his mind camera placements in the corners of the rooms. He made 2 sweeps to ensure he had observed them all and noted a worn pattern on the floor that he guessed to be from years of the same security patrol.
When he returned to Arri and M3 he retrieved his blaster and they continued on to Figg Hall, a large space populated by government buildings and corporate headquarters, and nearly at the center of it all was the Bank of Bespin.
"Your turn," Dice held out his hand to take Arri and M3s weapons, tucking them into his jacket for safekeeping, shaking his head as the droid handed grenades one by one.
Wookiee and Droid entered the wide arch entrance and were greeted by a protocol droid who, despite being mechanical, somehow looked very wary as it approached, halting them near the entrance.
"Greetings gentlebeings. How may I assist you today?"
"Ah well we are err...inquiring about opening an account today?" M3 turned to look at Arri for confirmation.
Arri scratched his head and grimaced, "We are just here for the Grand Prix and would like to secure out credits for the trip."
M3 swiveled his head around, scanning the building with his bright yellow eyes. If they hadn't seemed suspicious before, they certainly did then.
The protocol droid looked from M3 to Arri and gestured back toward the entrance, "The bank will be closing in less than 30 minutes. I'm afraid if you do not have an appointment I must recommend you utilize one of the many banking droids stationed around the city. They are all connected to the central bank and can process your needs."
Arri smiled, a toothy grin that made the protocol droid wince, "Thank you." Arri said. "We'll do that."
He turned to leave and wrapped one big paw around M3s shoulders to drag him along too.
"Leaving so soon?" M3 asked, confused and offended, turning back to wag an arm at the protocol droid. "How rude! Karrik wont be happy about this!"
Again Arri wondered what M3s plan was by involving the Hutts menagerie in their investigation but for the time being his questions would have to wait. They approached Dice lurking at the corner of the bank watching the crowds of citizens moving through Figg Hall.
"That was fast," Dice commented as they returned.
"I was able to scan the main room and locate a number of security measures before we were kicked out." M3 spat the last of his sentence, turning back toward the bank and unsheathing sharp medical equipment in each of his 4 hands, "I'd like to teach that protocol droid some real manners."
Arri and Dice batted at M3s arms trying to hide the sight from anyone walking by.
"Put those away!" Arri hissed. "We don't need the bank."
"We don't?" M3 froze, his anger suddenly gone.
"No," Arri replied. "There are banking droids all over the city and they're all connected. There might be a way to use that to our advantage."
"Without destroying any droids," Dice added hoping to reassure M3 if he had any worry.
"Well we can always scrap that one," M3 muttered as he retracted the scalpels and saws into his torso, turning one final defiant stare toward the bank.
Dice returned the weapons to his companions and looked to the sky where red had deepened to purple and nightfall was soon at hand. "We should get down to Encom. I want that schematic while the museum is still fresh in my mind."
Arri and M3 nodded.
"Lets go," Arri said and he and Dice started off while M3 lingered, still looking toward the bank.
"I'll be back you....jerk droid." M3 muttered to himself with a chuckle.
"Come on M3!" Arri growled.
The trek to level 154 was one of increasing darkness, machinery and noise and the variations in species thinned until the stout Ugnaughts became the majority, bustling about with a perpetual angry determination. Many of them looked at M3 with a hunger in their eyes.
It wasn't long before the trio stood before the wide bulk of a rundown, patched up warehouse with a dead electric sign hanging over the entrance reading ENCOM Inc..
They hesitated at the threshold and M3 said, "Remember, don't say 'yeah'."
"Right." Dice nodded and tried to hold the thought for a moment. "Well, lets get this over with."
They entered into a dank reception area that had been stripped and patched with layers of grime and grease and wires hanging like vines from the ceiling.
A shell of a protocol droid, mostly wires and skeleton, emerged from a dark room in the back leading a stomping scowling Ugnaught who was spitting words in his language.
"This droid better have more protocol functions than the last or I'll-" M3 was unable to finish his sentence before Arri covered his speaker with a paw.
Pausing before them the protocol droid waited until the Ugnaught fell silent and then translated, obviously trying to clean up the speech. "Master Joff wishes to know what you are doing here?"
"Greetings to him too," Dice replied. "We are looking for some blue prints for our ship. It was designed by Encom and this seems to be the only place we might find them..." Dice trailed off, he could see the anger in Joffs eyes deepen. Arri nudged Dice, nodding to the darkness beyond Joff where at least a dozen Ugnaughts had appeared all carrying some kind of weapon.
Dice scratched his head in annoyance, "I hate this underworld crap." Taking a deep breath Dice switched gears and decided to go with the truth. "Actually we are pulling a heist on the museum and we are here looking for the original schematics. We'll give you 500 credits in exchange."
Arri and M3 looked stunned, M3 even hitting Dice in the shoulder and shaking his head to Arri as if exasperated.
Joff spoke again and the droid translated, "Joff counters with 1000 credits. I urge you to accept."
Bristling, Dice started to speak, "Yeah well-"
He froze as every weapon in the Ugnaught Construction Guild raised in anger with snarling words and vengeful glares.
"Ah scrap," Dice raised his hands to indicate he meant no harm, cursing himself under his breath.
Arri interjected, he had dealt with this type of scum his whole life and he knew just how to appeal to their senses. "1000 credits and we will throw in our cloud car after the Grand Prix. In return we get the complete original schematics and...you take your crew and sabotage Mandal Motors the evening before the race. You'll have plenty of parts to use on your new speeder once we complete the race. And ensure none of your crew tampers with us."
There was a moment of hesitation as Joff considered, every breath in the building was stopped until finally the Ugnaught burst out laughing and nodding.
With a relieved look the skeletal protocol droid said, "Although your Human companion is highly offensive, Master Joff agrees to your terms."
Joff made his way into a back room and returned a moment later to hand a datapad to Arri.
"The schematics you requested," the droid said.
Arri accepted them with a slight bow of thanks.
"One more thing," Dice added, and the Ugnaughts turned, gripping their weapons tighter in case he misspoke again. "Do you know of any ways into the museum that others might not? Working this close to the core, I assume you must have some idea."
Joff paused, considered and then spoke and the droid translated, "Master Joff says there is a way through the central core to almost all areas of Cloud City but the climb is dangerous and populated with wild animals."
"How do you deal with those animals?" Dice prompted.
"Shoot first," the droid replied for Joff.
The Ugnaught gang dispersed into the darkness of the building interior leaving Arri, Dice and M3 with the datapad of schematics.
It was dark and late and Dice let out a yawn, "I think that's enough for one day."
Arri and M3 nodded agreement and they departed the Encom building chatting with one another.
"Your negotiation skills need improvement Captain," M3 stated drawing an ironic glance from Arri. The droid patted Dice on the back as they left. "Don't worry, I'll give you some pointers."
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| Merl Terl |
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| Poss Podura |
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| Karrik |
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| Joff |
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