Log:Traders Unite

Traders Unite

OOC Date: October 5, 2018
Location: Nar Shaddaa
Participants: Idan Jensa(GM), Netep Muri, Kostej, Ria, Kasia Ashkuri, Sajin, Traders Union

Emeraldine Auction Hall - Starport District, Nar Shaddaa

Unlike the glorious auction hall of Nal Hutta, this lesser hall is quite seedy and disgraceful in comparison. Through the tall, mesh doors flood in the crowds who come to the monthly auctions. The floors are tiled in durasteel panels that hold enough muck and muddle to appear black. Toward the far end of the hall is a stage with just enough room to hold an average-sized starfighter. When the hall holds no events, it's quite and dark. Almost haunted.

---

The large, dark emptiness of the Emeraldine Auction Hall is brightened only slightly by a luminous orb hanging above a round table, ringed by eight plain chairs. As each individual arrives, an insectoid protocol droid will offer a choice of translucent cups from a chrome tray.

Idan is seated at the table, still managing to look small in robes and a prominent hat. When the appointed time arrives, the Neimoidian draws a deep breath and speaks in a steady, deliberate voice. "I bid you all welcome, as fellow traders, starfarers, and businessfolk. I am Idan Jensa, formerly of the Sunjin Conglomerate. I lack any ship or any talent in the.. more violent arts. I am a businessman and an administrator of significant skill," the Neimoidian names himself, with a slow pass of red and yellow eyes around at the others, while he speaks. "Before discussing the growing problem of piracy, or detailing the rare opportunity ahead, I... suggest that each here introduce themself, their assets, and their talents."

Making her way in, and accepting one of the cups, Ria finds a seat and settles in, perched more than sat. "Names Ria, I am a pilot and can shoot stuff from ships too. Kinda all around fly anything and blow stuff up from anything sort." She says cheerfully as she peers into the cup curiously.

-Squish*Snnnekt*Crunch-

"Gods," a voice muffled by a mouthful of chewing food laments just one tiny oath in response to the sounds her boots make trevassing this terribly abused floor. One hand shakes another round of rubbery 'fried' food bits into Netep Muri's mouth from a carton as she tediously stickysteps her way to the petite gathering. Her other hand accepts a cup without inspecting the contents OR partaking. Yet. "Idan?" Both green brows shoot aloft with unmasked surprise to find him here. In this mess. A few crumbles take a tumble down her shirtfront as she grins too widely before swallowing and coughs once into said carton. All better! "I'm impressed. Are you going to burn those robes when we're through here?" Her cup hand gestures /at/ the floor and in doing so, adds a few dribbles of drink to the mess.

A polite little nod goes to Ria then and Netep helps herself to a chair. Starts to. She's squinting suspiciously at the seat. "Name's Muri. I avoid the Core at most costs. I fly, I speak - fluently in several, not all verbal - and I wander. Explorer, linguist, taxi driver, vagrant...I go by a few descriptors."

When Kostej arrived, he identified himself as having never been in this location with a mere look of surprise towards his feet. What kind of auction house has scuff marks on its floor? It was not what he expected, but he recovered swiftly enough.

Now he is sitting at the table directly across from the host. He is wearing a fine outfit that is effectively the bastard lovechild of a gi and a bathrobe, but he somehow makes it seem stylish despite it not being "in" here. It'll probably catch on here in a few years.

He waits for everyone to finish speaking--eyeballing Netep's drink as if waiting to see if more spills--before he opens his mouth to emit a voice that is low and crackling; reminiscent of wood cracking as it smolders in a fireplace. "Thank you for inviting me," he begins as he bows his head and rolls his right hand out from his chest. He straightens, then continues back until he is fully relaxed into the chair. "I am Kostej Nesmertenly." His neutral accent would be hard for anyone that has not been to Coruscant to place. "I'm in the system following up on some... business." Each word comes with a slow, smooth roughness, like it is being breathed from his lungs like smoke. "Like most reasonable people, I have a great interest in using whatever opportunity I can to achieve personal success."

Idan Jensa looks at each in turn, his mouth drawing into a tight line along with a small chuckle rattling in his throat at Ria's introduction. The brief amusement fades at Muri's question, and the Neimoidian sighs. "I had been assured that the facility would be cleaned. Apparently on this moon, this is considered 'clean'. I would sniff in disgust, had I a nose." As to burning his robes, after? "..perhaps." Kostej holds the young Neimoidian's eye firmly while he speaks, giving a short, slow nod of acknowledgement, echoing,  "Personal success. Well said." He clears his throat quietly, draws a fresh breath, and speaks on.

"The collapse of the Republic has once more thrown our galaxy's rim into chaos. All here are well aware of the resurgent raids by pirate vessels, capitalizing on the lawlessness. The destruction wrought by these thieves threatens us all: even apart from chance of death, the cost of purchasing and maintaining freighters is pushed higher, driving many independent merchants into either ruin, or into service of a Cartel," Idan summarizes. "To avoid this, I suggest that we and others like us work together. At first, simply to turn a profit. I.. have learned the location of a derelict bulk freighter, with cargo still aboard. At worst, any willing parties may go and undertake a salvage operation that should turn a decent profit. But.." he pauses a moment. "At best, if repairs can be made and legal ownership established, this little union of traders could become something much more profitable, as well as more.. lasting."

Sipping something matching her hair, a trick to be sure, Ria makes an appreciative noise and nods at each in turn. "I am down for that. Then again I think if we all do properly work together we can make greater profit than alone." She isn't the business sort though so leaves it at that.

"I mean I've /been/ in worse...like Pakko's, on ff.." ahem. We're past the floor now, miss Muri. Her boots give the occasional squeak over the surface anyway, in form of continued protest against the half-stoned janitorial service. Listening to the rest of what the Neimoidian's got to say in attentive silence, she wafts the orange beverage under her nose idly. Is it drugged? Maybe. There's really only one way to find out, chemistry kit unattainable. Muri downs about half then places the rest on the table in front of her and waits with thoughtful expression.

"So like the Array Consortium," the little linguist concludes. "Band of traders an' smugglers, workin together for mutual benefits and security? 's not a bad idea, cept I imagine we'll not be the only ones eyein' that freighter, yeah?"

Kostej does not speak out of turn. He listens, he absorbs, and he takes another two-drop sip of the drink from his cup. It is a purple substance that--if someone is watching him closely enough--can be assumed quite tart from how he pulls the tip of his tongue back across the roof of his mouth each time he samples it.

"Assuming you are not suggesting we outfit the freighter to become pirates ourselves..." He begins this directly to Idan, but it is in the dryest manner that he asides to the rest of the group, "Though we should definitely table that as a solid backup plan." Whether he's being sly or not, he continues on, "What has kept the pirates from swooping down on this derelict like vultures at an all you can eat carcass buffet?" He releases his drink and folds his hands on his stomach; thumbs pressed together in small steeple. "And, since you have this information, why do you need our assistance?"

Idan Jensa nods to Ria, keeping his hat well balanced throughout the motion. "This is true, though- to address the next question in the same breath-" he notes, glancing to Muri, "The Consortium is heavily militarized, and has begun dealing heavily in planetary politics as a collective entity. I envision a much less.. aggressive union. A number of partners working together for mutual profit and protection." So no pirates themselves. Which brings the Neimoidian's regard back to the sly (?) Kostej. "I share this with all of you for three reasons. First, because so large a ship will require more skills and hands than I alone possess. Second, as immediate proof that a gathering such as this can be profitable. And third, because while the location of this freighter at present remains little known.. I do not wish to tempt the patience of fate by waiting overlong."

"Fair enough." Muri shrugs a shoulder and lifts the remainder of her cup with a little toast "Chakta sai kae!" Down it goes. "I'll note though that I've had enough years spent as deckhand, mind you, so you can hire some other slummer for that gig. I've just now recovered my coffers from buying the new set of wings and haven't yet sunk it all into upgrading the engine, so uh...min larel's a bit slow. S'just got the one cannon, should we encounter some competition and I've not had cause yet to /test/ the shields so...I'm willing to make a casual pass by the thing, but I'll not be stickin 'round long. Not in my bird."

"Ah-I see." One of those three reasons sticks out more than its peers to Kostej. "A show of faith." The V-cut of his half-gi, half-bathrobe (girobe?) shows a bit more chest as he leans onto the arm of the chair to reach for that extremely tart drink once more. Each sip melts his brain, but he can't leave it alone. He smacks his tongue off the roof of his mouth before he replaces it and looks from person to person at the table. Ria, then Muri, then Idan. Neat hair. Neat hair. No hair.

"I support this plan, and will return your gesture at a future date. There are, indeed, many opportunities for a small group of profiteers." He nods to Muri and adds, "I also agree that we should flee at the first sight of trouble. Maybe even the first sign of a sign."

Idan Jensa nods slowly to Muri. "Help us in recovering the bulk freighter, and receive a measure of the subsequent shipping profits. Work, yes.. but for no capital investment." The Neimoidian seems especially proud of that point. "Or, at worst, an equal share of the salvage, if the vessel is beyond repair." Their caution gets no opposition. "In that, we agree. I have no wish to behave as a mercenary. There are mercenaries for such things. Should we encounter any opposition, I agree that discretion is best."

Did somebody say /profit/? It's definitely the use of that word that summons Kasia. Or more likely she's here because of something that either she or Hex wanted to buy at an auction. She's got a datapad in one hand as she makes her way through the room, pausing near the table of people making plans to do things. Her gaze skims the those at the table, smiling at those familiar and unfamilar.

Muri flashes mr goldskins and mr bighat a pair of fingerguns and wink. "Good to be on the same page." She folds her arms over her chest, jacket crinkling and puffing even bigger on her frame. There's a distinct absence of some butts in these chairs, so she slumps waaaaaay down and barely gets the heel of her boots to hook on the one opposite hers. Yeah. Comfy...notreallybutshescommited. "You sure you wanna finish that?" She points at Kostej's drink.

Netep Muri waggles a few fingers in vague recognition of the buxom gal wandering in, too. Back when Muri was 3rd place winner of Boozapalooza, she lived in Blue Light for a month.

Ria waves as Kasia comes in, yeah she just met the woman the other day but still manners matter. She listens to the banter and nods at points. most of the points in fact but doesn't add to her previous being down for it.

Idan Jensa acknowledges to nearby Kasia with a slow dip of his head, large hat wobbling only slightly with the motion. Then he's back to talking about those delicious profits. "Any merchants or businessfolk who wish to join this union of traders afterward may of course do so, whether with their own ships, or to build toward their own ships. A convoy of freighters is safer than any single vessel.. but only full partners who take part in claiming this first prize, or otherwise contribute in some great way will earn shares of the profit. If we are in agreement?" The Neimoidian asks with the motion of an open hand. "In short order, perhaps some few days, we may embark on this project." He picks up his own cup, and asks, "Do any here wish to offer a toast?"

Looking up and seeing Kasia, Kostej offers a small but warm with a nod of greeting.

"It's quite delicious," Kostej tells Netep Muri after he looks like his brain is melting after another sip. "Would you care to try some?" He offers it towards her perhaps a bit too readily for it to seem as if it is as delicious a drink as he claims. But then a toast is asked for, and he--almost hiding his wince--pulls the drink back in, lifts it, and dryly offers, "To leaving piracy as Plan B!" Aaand another painful drink is taken that has him wanting to turn his face inside out. Yet he does a stoic job of keeping an almost straight face before offering the cup once more to Muri like some worse-tasting antifreeze.

Well that is enough to keep Kasia from simply moving on by, curious gaze moving to Idan. "Union of traders?" she asks, shooting a quick look around. An apologetic smile follows and she lifts a hand. "I can ask later if I'm interrupting, but being as I've been in that line of work before, it's something that I'm curious about should I find myself doing that sort of thing again."

"Ol'val," Muri toasts (again) with an empty glass and eyes full of unsympathetic laughter at Kostej's expanse when he has to resume drinking the awful. "Clear skies. Thing is, the Lorrdians are masters of silent speech, Mr Nesmertenly. Your face screams it loud and clear. I'll let you keep that for yourself." But, there /are/ 4 other cups on that tray. She slinks the rest of the way off the chair and gets to her feet to help herself. And to offer one to Kasia. THIS kind of investing she can do. "We scribbling our info on eachother's hands or you gonna just come sniffin by Waldin's yurt when you want a ride?" She throws back to Idan.

Idan Jensa gives a sigh that audibly communicates a sense that he has just resigned himself to many, many more such sighs in the future as Kostej chooses that toast. He sips his drink anyway (it's rude to deny a partner's toast), but almost eagerly looks back to Kasia when she expresses interest. "You may ask now, madam. We discuss a partnership to develop and defend each other's mercantile interests. The timing seems.. most appropriate-" annnd that's when Muri cheerfully needles him. "Ahem. I.. will remain in contact, Muri. Thank you."

J9-4T buzzes to Muri as she chooses another cup. <Thizzzz drone observes that the skies are only partially clear at this time.>

"I'm not drunk enough for that," Kostej dryly remarks to Muri, but what he is responding to is for the listeners to decide. Rather than scribble his info on anyone's hand, he pulls out something silver about the size of a cigarette case and opens it to reveal... some sort of cigarette. He takes one of these, places it in his mouth, lights it, and puffs it to light before pulling out a second case that is very similar and producing the classiest business cards this side of the Core. He sends one each to those sitting as casually as a dealer sends cards, but without the alacrity. "There," his low crackle of a voice is hardly affected by the cigarette in the side of his lips, "is all of my contact information. If each of you would be so kind as to send me a Holonet message, I will take a few moments to establish a group portal for us so we can communicate from distance if and when required in the future." He clicks his tongue off the roof of his mouth again--still tasting that drink--and pauses. He looks from Kasia to Idan and back in silent question.

"Ohhh shiny," Ria notes as she gets the card and smriks at the toast and teasing. Lifting her own cup of whatever it is, she drinks to the toast and just nods.

"Ah, interesting," Kasia's brows furrow a little as she considers the idea. "A few people have tried something like this in the past, and the idea isn't bad, as long as you can stamp out any corruption that might undermine the endeavor. Which I believe was the downfall of the last people who I knew of that tried something like this. I would be interested in seeing how something like this progressed though."

Sajin had absolutely no business being here. None what so ever. So why was he strolling into the Auction Hall like it was just another bar. He heard there was free food. And free drinks. That's why. He had just gotten off work and now he was making his way towards the buffet to load up a huge plate of... exotic delicacies. The King of Drik might be recognized by some but for now he's busy stuffing his face messily.

Idan Jensa nods along with Kasia's concern. "Indeed, madam. I have no wish to become mired in Cartel corruption, nor become known as part of any smuggling rings. Nor do I wish to play at planetary politics. I am a legitimate businessman, looking to prosper and assist others in prospering. Nothing more or less." Entirely honest. Mostly. The slovenly human (he looks human, okay?) in powered armor that staggers through and begins munching dry hors'dourves only draws another slight sigh.

Though he gave his business card out as casually as someone might dust snow off a sleeve, they are truly a work of art. Each one is the most pale hue of taupe with lettering that looks black unless it is in the brightest light. Only then will it be revealed that the ink is actually a brown so dark as to appear to be the void itself. The font is like that of classic novels printed a thousand years ago, but it is brought modern by the softest of imprints that can be felt by only sensitive fingertips. It's the symbol for the credit.

Kostej's cybernetic eyes shift from looking at Idan, to looking at the random addition of a... meeting crasher? and back. "Indeed." He lays one final business card in front of himself before placing both his silver cases back away.

"What kind of ship did you say you have?" he asks Netep with a glance over her way; once more eyeing her hair.

Worse case scenario, we all go back to life as we know it," Muri trades her empty for a GREEN concoction and shrugs her lack of concern. "Or we're damned to an eternity of floating lifeless in the great void. But I've taken dumber risks for a little cred." Yeah. Idan knows. She wags her brows once. "Hey, Sajin." Muri tosses her carton of now cold chuba fritters at the Hapan which frees up a hand to come back for Kostej's fancy card. "I didn't," in answer to the man in pajamas, "but to satisfy your curiosity, she's a Ghtroc 720. Big and beautiful." In the yellow eyes of this beholder, anyway. This CARD, though! It's so...unbendable. Untearable! It promptly gets shoved into her ass pocket beneath a shrug of too-big tanktop hem where the ride home on that Nightfalcon out back will put its resiliency to the test. She'll admire the calligraphy later, in privacy of her nerdy cabin. "So /where/ did you say this derelict freighter is?" *Sip*

Kasia accepts the drink from Muri, looking at what's in the glass and then giving it a discreet sniff. One might note she doesn't take a sip yet, and instead simply holds onto the glass. "That's good to hear," she says to Idan, attention going from the questionable drink to the person running this thing. "I'll be curious to see how it all starts to roll out."

The fritters slap greasily against Sajin's face as he chews. "Huh?" His dreamy hazel eyes find Netep, "Oh hey Netep..." Then looks down at his plate where the fritters fel. HE blinks, surprised they are there, as if they didn't just hit him in the face when she tossed them at him. "What? Does this plate auto refill?" He starts to eat FASTER to test his Hypothosis. Crunchy chewing and lips smacking moves it's way toward Idan and Kasia. "HEY Kasia!." Said with a full mouth. "What is this thing? It seems really important." Crumbs and bits of food collect at the corners of his mouth and cheeks, bits falling from his mouth as he chews onto the floor and his power armor.

Idan Jensa answers Muri with a wry edge to his words as he echoes her. "I didn't. But to satisfy your curiosity, it is in orbit of an uninhabited moon in the Cato Neimoidia System. Small and insignificant. The prior owner was.. hiding from pirates." Visibly unsure of how to address Sajin, he peers at the Hapan and decides to say nothing.

Smoke prepped, things put away, and drink (partially) finished, Kostej stands, "If you'll all excuse me, I have somewhere else to be shortly, and I still take quite some time to get from place to place here." He offers that almost bow to Idan once more, "Thank you for including me in this." The ladies receive nods. The third gentleman in the room receives a look that isn't hostile, but more like an expression someone that is sniffing milk to see if it is bad or not might make. As he passes by Kasia, he offers her his card, "Since I didn't have them on me at the time we met." And then he heads out... once more looking at the floor as his custom shoes stick to it with each step.

"Jee nobo,"(wise ass) Muri adopts the language of the Y'toub system's overlords for a moment while sparing a small smile over the rim of her cup to Idan. [Language: Huttese]

"Yeah see ya 'round!" she calls with turned back to the exiting gentleman and then offers her own little bow out from the meeting. "Look forward to playing host for you all aboard the lovely Doaba Hermi. And am thankful at least /you/," she points to Ria, "will know how to fire the turret. Ya know. Just in case." So yeah. Time to get some work done on the beast. Muri scurries out, shtik shlac squish across the floor.

Idan Jensa's mouth pulls into a tight line (probably a smile?) at Muri's rebuttal, raising his cup in salute before taking a short sip, as the woman announces her departure. As Kostej bows and withdraws, the skinny Neimoidian sets his cup down and rises to return the short gesture. "Until we speak again," he bids the older human. "There are chairs aplenty if any among our new guests would like to sit?" he invites Kasia and Sajin by extension, with a smooth gesture of one hand.

Sajin munches away, he looks to Idan "Oh hey... if you guys need an escort or something with your trading? Call on Heartbreak Squadron. We're eccentric but good." A Squadron full of Heartbreakers... Okay, two Heartbreakers and one eccentric fool. Eccentric Zhu? He takes he offered seat though and just continues to munch. "I don't have a fancy business card or anything."