Onderon

[Zalis Krales]

Zalis sat in the cockpit of Nimbus and watched as the star line broke into what most would consider to be normal. From her view, the planet before her looked calm and ready for the sultry and vice she was eager to bring. Quickly, she opened a comm channel and hailed whoever may be listening.

 

"This is Zalis Krales, ready to bring forth credits galore, along with some favorable company..."

[Zalis Krales]

Zalis almost felt a sense of relief upon hearing Delta's voice come through on the comm. She was glad that he was alive and well, which also meant that the assets she had been acquiring was well worth it. Taking a client acknowledgement, she moved her ship to land in bay 4892 as she was told. Before she left her ship, she made sure they also got dressed up formally for a dinner party of sorts. She wore a black dress of sorts, where the majority of the middle was mesh, but it also had some white trim along the outer seams. She did keep her boots on, which also carried with them her vibrodaggers that she always had on her for safe keeping. She didn't feel a need to bring her blasters along with her, as she was being escorted by four KX-series security droids that had been programed with protocol 18 and protocol 21. Upon spotting Delta eating with someone she did not know, she addressed only him.

 

"Your armor seems to be getting more slick. You still trying to send pics to random females across the galaxy?..."

[Zalis Krales]

The Supremacy blasted out of hyperspace above Onderon in a fashion that almost demanded attention. It was very fitting for Zalis make her way to Onderon, as it was a place that held a few spots that could really strengthen the credit flow for Black Sun. Rumors had it that Malgan Market in Iziz held a decent black-market trade, and a few other spots that would allow for Zalis to make shop. This visit would end up proving very worth her time if she could establish a good connection. Plus, she needed to see Delta to pass of some field test weapons for him to play around with.

 

The Supremacy landed and Zalis was quick to make her way off the ship, accompanied by XP7, LP4 and LP9, leaving WP6, WP5 and LP8 on the ship. As she walked off and into the main streets, she was stopped by the dock authorities to check her starport visa.

 

“Ma’am, we need to make sure that you’r-you’re … Zalis. Face of Black Sun… Killer of men… I didn’t think you held any inte-“ “Queen of vice.”

 

There was a flash of confusion in the man face as he looked at Zalis very puzzled by her interruption. Zalis offered up a smile to the dazed and confused man.

 

“It’s actually, Zalis, face of Black Sun, killer of men, the queen of vice. I interrupted you, from the top.”

 

It was then that Zalis gave the man a wink. The man could only keep his stupid confused face which only made her more upset with him. After a few seconds passed by and the man couldn’t get over his stupid face, she began to move past him.

 

“Alright, I don’t have time for this. LP9, deal with him and whatever he needs. I need to find Delta.”

 

She was very intentional with looking up and down every shop keeper and what they had on their displays. They would be a very good indication on who the shopkeepers were and if they would be the source for her to follow for the black-market. Upon making it halfway up the street of the market, she pulled out her commlink and sent Delta a message.

 

“Hey Delta, I have a present for you. Where are you at?”

[Zalis Krales]

************************* TROS ARDELL ***************************************

 

All Tros could do was give a nod of his head to Terra, all of which she couldn't see as she was focused ahead. He used the slave controls in his buy'ce to his ship, Swift Justice, to have it jump to hyperspace and follow them to Qat Chrystac, a planet that in his entire time of being a beroya had never heard of. But if that was where they would go to honor Kad Ha'rangir, then that was going to be the place he would follow Terra.

 

 

 

 

************************* ZALIS KRALES ***************************************

 

 

Zalis felt a slight twinge of annoyance that Delta wasn’t even on the surface of the planet, but she wasn’t going to turn around to go to him without first finishing what she wanted to do; Setup a Black Sun presence in the black market on Onderon. He would be able to wait. Although she had to remember that being onboard the Sith warship was not his fault. Her disappointment would have to remain out of her voice.

 

“Yeah, sorry Delta. Bespin was lost to the Imperial Remnant. But there are much bigger mynocks to catch. We can get Bespin back at a later time. For now, I have something that I want tested out, and I think that I know the perfect spot to test it. Have you seen the report from Yurri Kane? I’ll fill you in on the full details in a bit. For now, I’m looking to establish our presence within the black market. It shouldn’t take long. I’ll be up your way in a solid hour. I’m sure our allies would love to hear the details.”

Zalis put the commlink down and handed the briefcase over to LP4. She then spent her time working the crowds and the market dealers to find out exactly what she needed along with who she needed to know. After around 50 minutes of walking around and talking to people, she was able to start the ball rolling by providing a small investment in the two dealers who were willing to be black market sellers, along with a promise to allow for Black Sun to put their own supplies into the market through them. She made notes of who they were so that anytime an agent, Vigo, or ally needed something, she could point them in the right direction. After she had finished and made it back to her ship, it had been around an hour and twenty-five minutes since she told Delta she would be an hour. She then had her ship lift off to board with the Scarab.

[Zalis Krales]

Zalis was quick to track down Delta after she had landed onboard the Scarab. She knew that he would be pleased with some of the weapons and progress she was making on Ord Mantell. As she walked, she posted a special operations upon the Bounty Hunter's Network. Walking up to Delta, who was now with a few other people thats he did not recognize, she gave only a head nod to everyone present.

 

"Delta, I must say, I would have thought you would have made a bigger mess in a battlefield here. Glad to see that you're alive and still kicking. No worries about about Thyferra, if Agent Nathan had even sent the message to you. They back out of the deal. I'm going to try a new angle before I let you blow it up. But since you clearly have a new target in mind, may I show you what the factories on Ord Mantell has produced for us to try."

 

Zalis made a very loud snap with her fingers to have LP4 present the other Black Sun Vigo with the present she promised to show him.

 

"Their other progress has stalled out, but they offered up this as a way to cool my anger. They have a full week to produce something that's a bit more worth my excitement then this garbage, but at least it's a new toy. This is the hardworking of Project Kyber Dart: A blaster that holds a dual purpose. The whole frame work is designed around the main mechanics of the Wookiee's Bowcaster. It fires a quarrel that is strong enough to prices through many of the armors. But upon hitting something that it cannot pierce, or if the quarrel is broken by say, a lightsaber. Then it explodes into shrapnel and the gas pellets on the sides release, making it a dangerous weapon to be used against any foe."

 

Zalis glanced around at the Trandoshan, whom she now began to wonder if he was someone worth testing out the other. The scientists gave her three. She wanted Delta to try one, and she was willing to tag along into the battlefield to give one of the others a try. But she would need someone to have the third...

[Zalis Krales]

Zalis lifted her right eyebrow in full on amusement yet smiled so warmly regardless of the unexpected and forced pull in tight. Her own posture changed to a more relaxed state upon realizing that Delta was doing this all for show. Upon his own release of her, she almost flat out giggled her words.

 

“You’re in good spirits. Wish you could offer me a drink that would make me feel that way.”

 

Without any hesitation, Zalis took off her coat and let it drop upon the floor of the ship. Upon doing so, it revealed her blaster at her side, along with two vibro daggers.

 

“You mentioned a war zone coming up. I want in. We had fun on Bothawui. I want to recreate that fun.”

Even as she said it, she moved herself close to him and gave him a slight ball tap before taking a step back and glancing at the deck officers, provided them with a wink that might have hinted she was an easy target to hit on. It would be rather unfortunate if they did try though, as she would remove parts from them that she was sure they enjoyed having. In regards to making credits, she had plenty of other options bringing in credits and she could work on them later. At least with this fun with the Imperial Remnant was an easy target from the sounds of it. It would keep her flexible for other needs.

[Zalis Krales]

Zalis allowed for a single moment of clearing her mind as the ship touched down in Iziz at the starport. Her own mind was racing as she had received reports that Delta had taken the entire fleet to Dark Sun station, which somehow became a lightning rod for the Republic and Jedi fleet. Although, they were quick to lock down the area and sealed off transmissions, but not before Delta had requested backup. The fleet was about to be fully outgunned and the majority of the investors and corporations that banked at Dark Sun were likely to be beyond pissed at the damage that would surely happen. 

 

Letting a massive sigh out, she knew how to spin it in a way that would protect Black Sun and allow for her to keep those special corporations she had built contracts with intact. But it would come at a very high price. Namely Delta. She would need to spin things very creatively in order to maintain things, but luckily, she knew how to go about it. And the more time she spent on Onderon, the better her chances at weaving her web. She didn’t spend a good few months working over Shura Cohl and Amius Hulan just to have everything fall apart within a single battle. She knew what she needed to do. And for the moment, she needed to focus on what she could. 

 

Taking in a deep breath, she stood up and strained out her dress and gave both a head and hand motion to signal for Remo to follow her. On her way down the ramp, she could already see one of the port officials who seemed recognized her almost immediately. Even as she walked down the ramp, he offered her up a smile and began to talk to her. Why do they always insist on these petty conversations…

 

“Oh Zalis, it’s been a while since we’ve had the pleasure of your presence here at Iziz. Word on the street is that Dark Sun bank is under fire at the moment, and words also tie your organization to the bank…”

 

Zalis rolled her eyes very openly to the man. Even as she finished, she handed over her starport visa to the man, as security seemed to never die off since the old days here. As he looked it over for a second before handing it back to her, she offered up a half sarcastic smile. “The Black Sun fleet that arrived at Dark Sun Bank has done so without the sanction of me. I plan to make sure that all of the investors and clients who utilize the bank such as Incom Corporation, SyntheTech and HealthiDrive will have their assets protected.” She took her starport visa out of his hand and raised her left eyebrow as she walked past the man and into the main walkway towards the market.

[Zalis Krales]

Zalis moved through the somewhat busy streets of the Malgan market on Iziz. People moved in and around different posts of all sorts of stands trying to sell different items. Her black backless dress was doing exactly what she wanted it to, and she was indeed getting a few more eyes to look her way as she walked through the middle of the square, pulling behind her a case that had wheels upon the bottom of it. From the corner of her eye, she spotted Yordel Vuxen, who was attempting to make a hard sell to a Twi’lek who seemed to want no part of it. With a smile, she knew her own entrance would help him make the sell. 

 

She walked herself up to him directly, almost pushing the Twi’lek out of the way. In the same motion, she dropped the case and put her finger delicately upon his brown skin with a soft movement over his chin and she leaned in and placed a small kiss upon his cheek. “Oh Yordel, those special items you sold did far more than what you said-I could have ended up paying at least twice as much as what you sold to me for… Oh, I’m sorry hon. I didn’t mean to interrupt your business transaction. I’ll wait until you’re done.” As she acknowledged the Twi’lek, she used her right hand to softly move her right hand against his left forearm with a wink as she stepped away. 

 

As she took her few steps away from the two and towards Remo, she could hear what sounded like a goofy low gitty laugh from Yordel. It made her roll her eyes in slight disgust. The eye roll would only have been seen by Remo, so she felt like it was okay at the moment to reveal to the droid her own feelings on the situation. However, upon getting to stand next to the droid, she could see within Remo’s dome that the Twi’lek was looking at her from the corner of his own eye, so she bent down to whisper to Remo, the stance alone would have revealed to both the Twi’lek and Yordel more than the crack in her buttock. “These poor idiots have no clue how badly I’m playing them…”

 

She then stood up to hear the final exchange of the two, and the Twi’lek took his leave, but not without making a few constant look backs to get a full and final last image of Zalis. She made sure to move slowly and provocatively towards Yordel to give the Twi’lek his last request. As she approached Yordel again, he offered her up that stupid gitty chuckle again. “You know, if you stick around, you and me as a team could make thousands of credits within weeks tops.” Zalis now offered him a look of pity. “Oh Yordel… I’m so sorry that you think that a thousand is a lot…” The man’s face was clearly taken back as she finished. It clearly had never come to the man’s mind that she made so much more than him. But Zalis knew better then to let the man sit in a low place, so she picked up the case and had it drop on the man’s counter with a loud thud. 

 

“Twelve reinforced carbine blasters – as you requested. These bad boys have been deemed illegal by the big 3 political powers that be. Although, only two will actually do something about you having them.” As she finished, she opened up the case to reveal the contents to Yordel. As she finished opening the case, she took a step back and took a glance up at the palace, which seemed to not be a busy as she remembered it. Yordel must have noticed her looking and spoke up. “The Dark Lord and his fleet left the area not more than nine hours before your arrival. Rumor has it… To come your aid.” Her annoyed look returned. “So I’ve heard. Remo, is there a way for you to give me updates on that situation. I’d rather not hear about it from others.”

[Zalis Krales]

Zalis gave Remo a sympathetic nod as she understood just enough of what the droid was trying to communicate, which was the lack of ability to actually do so. Within her own mind, she made a silent vow to find a way to give the droid a vocal processer to make it easier for the two moving forward. Even as the droid had finished his beeping, Yordel spoke up rather quickly. 

 

“My dear Zalis, why do you concern yourself with such people. I strongly beli-“ “What you strongly believe and your opinion may stay within your own damn mind. Know your own role well Yordel, and know my role. You walk a very fine line. So your next words you speak better hold something of value to me, otherwise I’m going to consider this entire visit over.”

 

She narrowed her own eyes at the man who clearly now looked like he had just seen a ghost of sorts. Slowly taking in air with his throat, he adjusted himself to stand up perfectly straight and looked her in the eye. “But of course, ma’am. I understand very well. There is going to be grand party held within two days’ time. Many of the wealthiest business owners will be present. They are all looking for… places to invest in.”

 

Zalis allowed for her to gain a grin from ear to ear as he spoke. A little bit of fear used at the right time was always very effective. “Thank you Yordel. I promise to keep you on the list of market owners that we want to keep supplying then.” Zalis then turned and began to walk away from the stand and more towards some of the higher end cantinas. “Remo, did I pack anything that would be appropriate for such a party?”

[Zalis Krales]

Zalis found herself walking down a fairly grand staircase into the University, Ov Taraba and all its grandeur. There were games of Hintaro, Binspo, Sabacc and Swoop racing videos all as the main focus. Even as she walked down the staircase, she took in all of the beauty that the place held, black and white marble stones for the floor. The sheer beauty of everything was well worth noting for any future projects that she would have Black Sun undertake. Upon letting her foot hit the main floor, she very confidently walked past a server who was carrying a tray of some form of champagne and took a glass off of it and moved towards the main hall where dinner tables were placed for guest to sit and eat. 

 

As she moved herself into the room, if only to draw the attention of others to her, she was suddenly touched on her shoulder ever so slightly. As she turned to see who it was, the voice that spoke made her recognize who it was without any question. “You know, when they say it’s a black and white party, people tend to dress that way and not wear something that’s black, red and gold.” Zalis was already smiling when she met the face of Kyllan. His smooth face with dark black eyes and soft and wavy brown hair made her beam with true joy. “You know me Ky, I always go for the eyes.” Kyllan’s face began to show his own smile in return as he placed his hand back at his side, while he used his other hand to direct Zalis towards a tall standing dining table. 

 

“You know, that last time I saw you, we were on Ahakista in the Daystar. You made me a mark.” Zalis took a sip of her drink before putting it down. “I made everyone a mark back then Ky. It’s just how I operated back then. If I recall… You sold me out to the authorities for… what was it again?... a Kyber crystal?” The statement drew a chuckle from Kyllan. “Yeah, we had a weird relationship back then. Part of me was jealous that security go to search and feel you up before I ever did. But hey, clearly, you’ve moved up in the world. The head of Black Sun I hear?” 

 

The feelings on reminiscing upon their prior relationship was beginning to stir with Kyllan. Zalis made a mental note of it before turning her head back towards her drink. “Yeah. It’s been a very long journey for me. Rough at times, even rougher now. But I feel as if the winds are about to fully change in my favor.” Kyllan raised an eyebrow at Zalis in sheer amusement. “Favor isn’t there yet. Dark Sun station is currently under attack my dear.” Zalis rolled her eyes at the very mention of that fact. She was getting tired of hearing it. The last thing she wanted was to hear about how things were going on a station that was begging to be hit- but no one knew that outside of her. It was her well-guarded secret that such a disaster was supposed to strike Dark Sun. Letting out a very annoyed breath, she lifted her eyes towards Kyllan. “I’m surprised you even care about it.” There was a look of displeasure suddenly on Kyllan. “I own Incom Corporation and Incom-FreiTek now…” Zalis slowly closed her eyes and let out an exhale as she understood now. “Both of which have large sums of credits at the station…”

 

Zalis shifted slightly, but not in an uncomfortable way, but rather to a stance of annoyance. “Oh well. That’s a loss for you then I guess.” The very response drew a confused look from Kyllan. “How does it not affect you?” Zalis turned to face Kyllan directly. “The station isn’t owned by Black Sun, if only through a single connection point- it’s owned by me. The finical impact it has on me and my company are, well, almost nothing. The loss is solely upon the companies who had funds there.” She now turned herself back around to rest her back against the table as she had been doing before. “Contract wise, in the agreement signed, such a loss to funds in this manner are not covered by Dark Sun. We cover disaster or brought on damages from within our company. And since the station is being attacked by X-wings created by your company, it creates a complicated situation of conflict of interests. And the other companies present like HyperTech and HealthiDrive also have suppliers present during the fight… Those funds lost fall upon the companies themselves. So making up those funds come through your companies having to charge more for your products.”

 

Zalis offered up a smile and a wink right before she took a drink. Even as she did, Kyllan’s face began to fully process it. She could tell that he was beginning to understand the move she had made. As she put the drink down, his own words came out of his mouth very slowly. “So… That was your move. To make something so grand and appealing for companies to be a part of, knowing very well that the side nature of your other company would draw fire to it… but there has to be a bigger picture. I know you well enough to know that there is always a bigger picture.” With a soft smile still upon her face, Zalis offered up a quiet response. “Oh, you have no idea of how big the picture is. But yes. There is more to it than that. I know that some companies upon finding out will simply stop supplying the attacking forces. Because of which, the easiest ways to gain such resources now fall upon the black market or with Czerka… of which I also own…” “So your end game in this is to drive up your own funds. It’s literally a win-win for you.” 

[Zalis Krales]

Zalis kept her eyes upon Kyllan as he finished sending off his own report to the Holonet. There was a single moment where she felt what she would describe as glee that sparked within her as she watched him having to resolve to the actions that she had rendered him and many other companies to. Kyllan’s face also began to display some form of what looked like guilt. Zalis knew it well from the days of her youth when she was a mere assassin and her contracts were all crime lords. She could recall one whom expressed openly his guilt of sleeping with her as he undressed before her. It perhaps showed his own weakness and justification of what she did to him. what she did to them all during those days. Kyllan was no different. 

 

“You’ve been laying the ground work for this for years now. I wonder what other elements are still in play…” Zalis picked up her drink and finished it off before she even responded to him. Taking the drink was all she could do to not let her eyes roll so loudly that everyone halfway across the galaxy could hear it. “Yes. I’ve spent a long time to put these pieces into motion. And for your other statement- I bet you would. I don’t indulge information as former idiots who ran this company did. I keep plans close and ideas even closer.” Zalis allowed for a moment for Kyllan to look directly into her eyes. He looked her over and fully understood everything that had transpired. He knew who Zalis was and now fully understood how dangerous of a woman she was. How dangerous she would continue to be if others also brushed her off or thought of her as the common crime lord. No- she was something very different and deadlier than everyone who came before her. 

 

Zalis watched him as he picked up a drink from a waiter walking by. He made it obvious that he wasn’t done talking to her, but was slowly starting to walk towards the Swoop racing oversight. She allowed for herself to follow him, but knew that the next question belonged to Ky alone. He reached the oversight and took a hard drink before placing the glass on the railing and leaned into it himself. She was still approaching it as he spoke. “My god, you really have changed leaps and bounds since Ahakista.” He took a moment to glance her over, and Zalis knew this was her que to turned herself to lean sideways upon the railing next to him. “Your stunning features is where people always land themselves in massive trouble.” Flattery wasn’t something that Zalis handled well, even when she marked targets way back when. It was a learned skill to be able to roll with them, and that was about as far as she could go this time. “So tell me Ky… Why bring yourself here? I mean, outside of Coruscant falling and you needing a new market to setup a large shop… Onderon doesn’t really fit the good guy role at the moment. You’re here for something else.”

 

Her question was enough to put him on edge slightly. He stirred ever so slightly, letting her know that she may have struck a little too close to a raw nerve. After the moment passed, he took another hard drink and refused to look directly at her now. “While I doubt that you could know that much, or that it would even interest you… Before Coruscant’s fall we were looking to setup a secondary HQ. Both of us thought that coming to a location like this one… would draw some attention off of us.” Zalis knew with a quick poke, she could completely unravel him. She knew already far more than what he was comfortable with, and he held no idea of how much she really did know. But, he was still someone whom she needed to not flat out hate her yet, so she had to continue to work her magic upon him. “I’m sorry. I know that the loss of Coruscant hit many companies really hard. The Mandalorian Crusaders really struck out and made it difficult for a lot of people. If I had seen you earlier before that…” She let her own words hang, knowing that Kyllan would feel out the rest of it. 

[Zalis Krales]

Zalis spent the next few days making a few press conferences, comm calls out to other investors and contacts who have suddenly become very aware of the new development within Black Sun and the clear as day change of how they were going to operate. After she finished up her business with everything that she could do on Onderon, she and Remo departed back to Old Mantell to re-establish the pecking order for things to come.