Log:Traders Union: Shady Proposition

Shady Proposition

OOC Date: December 8, 2018
Location: Bottom Line
Participants: Idan Jensa, Zul Gradnk, Liz'diot, Netep Muri

Several partners of the Traders Union were asked to gather aboard the Bottom Line to discuss what Idan had described as a "mysterious opportunity". Once all who are coming have arrived, and seated themselves around the conference table, the Neimoidian voices, "There is wine for those who wish it. I have been offered a contract, the nature of which is... opaque. The Hydian League wishes to hire this ship to carry our full complement of cargo- all ninety thousand tons, from the Etti system." He pauses. "The nature of the cargo is assured to be legal... but it's content and destination must remain secret until the contract is accepted." Idan let's out a short breath. "All our expenses are covered, and in addition a rate of one hundred thousand credits is promised if we accept."

Liz had gotten into the wine. He had /really/ gotten into the wine. It was like, maybe five or six glasses by now. He was wearing his mop wig, "YASSS." Hickup, "A Hundred Thousand in addition to the profit from hauling the freight. I could care less what kind of cargo it is, the money seems worth it..." Another hiccup before he raises the quickly emptying glass. "This is fine Caf, YAS. INDEED." He's moving around haphazardly in his hover chair, clearly impaired driving.

Zul Gradnk raises an eyebrow "A hundred thousand. With a secret nature and destination?" she asks, leaning forward, preferring to drink water for now "Doesn't it strike you as shady in any way?" she wonders "I am quite suspicious about it." she explains, shaking her head "Do we have more information about the Hydian League? Who is behind it? As I said.... it may just be legal... but it is suspicious nonetheless."

"Etti?" Netep echoes from her seat, a faintly purple tinge coloring her upper lip. Seems Liz isn't the only one enjoying the wine. "If they're doin business with the CSA, that'd certainly explain the amble flow of credits." She swirls and tosses back the last drops then turns to wave a hand, dismissing concerns at Zul. "They're much like us. Cept larger...conglomerate of systems rather than individuals. Combining strengths against the threat of piracy out there. Just about wild space, these days, after the fall of the Republic." Shrugging a lock of hair off her cheek, she leans back in seat. "Legal by whose terms? The First Order's? Or older acquaintances?"

Idan Jensa dips his head to Zul, "Oh, it is... extremely suspicious. This is why I bring the question to you all, rather than simply accepting on the spot." Liz'diot and the return of the mop wig draw another musing nod. "Though... the profit to be had is.. most significant." Muri's input meets three rapid nods. "I suspect you are correct.. And legal by... their terms, I suspect. These worlds are outside the First Order's influence, so I... would guess they speak of Corporate or New Republic legality." That wine really looks good, he's gonna have some more, himself.

"Well..." Hiccup, "If you're worried about safety you could always hire some Merc pilots to protect you. Or well... there is the one Quad laser turret I just installed the other day." Liz says before finishing off his glass and going for yet another one.

Zul Gradnk nods, sighing "Ok. I hope it isn't any weapons, parts for star destroyers, drugs, slaves...." she headshakes "I really hope it isn't anything bad." she mutters, shaking her head "Still, no matter the profit, I hope it won't be too bad." she argues "As... I don't want to transport anything which can hurt people."

"Silly Twi'lek..." Comes Liz's voice as he wheels his way back in after having to go to the bathroom to purge himself for more wine. "you probably haul things that hurt people all the time. Don't be so... sentimental." And down the hatch the win goes.

"Mightn't be a bad idea to pay a couple trigger-happies to ride our tail," Netep sidenods at the Bith's suggestion. "Doubt it'd be 90,000 tons of sentient cargo. Weapons....maybe. Can't imagine they'd be for the benefit of the Order, though, so..." Both shoulders and brows go up in a gesture of 'why not' and she reaches across the table to pour herself a little chaser. "Liz'diot.../you/ installed the quad laser? How handy are you around hyperdrives...?"

"Slaves, and the worst of the drug trade have been illegal throughout the galaxy for... hundreds of years. We can rule those out, I suspect," Idan answers Zul with a tight smile (?) flattening the line of his mouth. "As for mercenaries.. I am hesitant. Though having the laser turret does much for my.. ease of mind. We really must get more of those."

Zul Gradnk nods, sighing "So, we need some kind of protection." she hsakes her head "Can't we convince them to send some? They want the cargo flown, after all." she argues, pouting "Or maybe distribute it on multiple ships? Taking various routes, so we are harder to track?" she offers, smiling, tilting her head at Netep "Also, the trigger-happies could just turn on us." she warns. rubbing her chin

"YAS." Liz, the mop wig wearing Bith confirms. "I am OMNISCIENT, a fourth dimensional being. Hyperdrives are but childs play to my over sized brain. INDEED." He turns towards Zul, "Not if you get the right ones... what's the name of that Squadron... Fartbreak Squadron. Those three fools. Dumb as a Gamorian, but loyal as long as the money is good."

Netep's mouth curls up in a little smirk. "We'd need a whole lot of light freighters to haul what the Bottom Line can. Be harder for the Hydian League to track down their shipment that way, too, should one of us opt to abscond with our portion. Not sure they'd be keen to the idea. But...straight shot from Etti to the mystery destination and the only time we might need be wary is upon approach of receiving planet. Or station." *Sip* "I've got a little hardware to upgrade how fast Doaba Hermi can haul her ass. Care to give it a whirl?" A little side-business proposition to Liz there. "I'll pay you in wine. Or spirits. There's a distillery in the badlands of Socorro. Best drek around."

Idan Jensa glances around, "If we are in accord... I shall inform the clients that we are willing to accept this contract. If any of you are familiar with reliable mercenaries, perhaps inquire? Our ship has hangar space for as many as six fighters- Even though hiring such will cut into our profits.." the Neimoidian sounds irked by the need to let go of any money. "As for many smaller ships? No, no, no... That would take.. four hundred light freighters! There would be no money left for any of us, after dividing the contract so many times."

Zul Gradnk nods, sighing "Seems so. As to mercenaries, I know one at least..." she mutters, shaking her head "And another guy I could ask." she wonders, smiling "We need to get a security detail. Like, fighters on our ship." she adds "Then, one of us could fly behind it and leave with thefighter to fight attackers...." she explains, chuckling

Liz looks to Netep, "Since you are less disgusting than other HU-MONs I know and actually intelligent. Yas, I am willing to do the work for you. To be fair I have never had a HU-MON female infatuated with me." He takes another sip, "I accept your Date for Pay. Don't expect romance, I am incapable." He looks around, "We've a lot of things to buy before we get this hauler up to snuff. Right now we have to really pick and choose."

"Yeah, I've had enough brushes with genetic experimentation, don't think I'll be askin ya for a kid," Netep finger-guns at the Bith, flashes the others a tiny grin, and then stretches her hand across to Idan to shake on the /real/ deal on the table here. "I'm in. Can't say I rub elbows too closely with murder-for-hire though, so I'll leave muscle pickin up to her." A thumbjerk at Zul.

Idan Jensa nods twice to the Twi'lek. "Yes, we do. A complement of Starfighters wouldn be... very impressive." He pauses. "What kind of fightercraft are... cheap?" The Bith draws a slow, curious stare from Idan, who chooses to only address that last detail, "Yes, our... expenses remain significant." He meets Muri's extended handshake, and offers aloud, "In perhaps one week, we will meet on Etti."

Zul Gradnk ponders "I saw one for fourty thousand.... Kimoglias are heavily armed... scyk's can be decent enough for the same price." she adds in, shaking her head and smiling "I could get some."

"Excellecnt..." Liz says to Netep, "I will make sure I put on my good mop..."

"Excellent," Muri says, in answer to all. Retracted back into her chair, she takes another leisurely sip of wine and drums fingers on the table. "Where will you have the Bottom Line docked? As rally point, I mean."

Idan Jensa muses, "Nar Shaddaa, at Parmac's mooring. From there, to Etti, and our destination, beyond. And of course..." he adds, "Any members of this Union who purchase a starfighter for our hangar will be raised immediately to the rank of full partner." Letting out a short breath, he drinks again: "To our future prosperity."

Zul Gradnk nods, planning something already, raising her glass of soda "For our future prosperity." she confirms, taking a drink

"To credits." Netep tips back her head and drains the glass without much thought to all the notes and overtones and whatnot that are blended so expertly into the wine.