Golden Link Casino

[Brina Thalin]

Brina nodded. "Yes, he was the principal leader of the Heist on the Casino a while back."

 

They walked swiftly and soon reached the room where Zara and Ganelon were. Brina made her face into a neutral mask, then stepped inside. "Lord Ganelon," she greeted him. "I hear you've offered to do some work to get the bounty called off your head?"

 

She glanced at Zara to see if she had gotten it right.

[Ganelon of Seneferia]

Scowling, Ganelon takes a seat until Brina arrives. It was a miscalculation on his part, and probably one that would cost him. Still, not all hope was lost, though he sat on very precarious ground.

 

Upon Brina's entrance, the defunct nobleman rises and gives a stiff, formal bow. He listens to Brina's query and gives a brief nod. "As I have told your partner," he begins, trying to smooth his voice. "I have found it convenient to do business in this part of the galaxy again. For that, I am willing to work for your organization to lift the bounty also as a means of convenience and achieving a certain amount of legitimacy in my dealings here. Never-the-less," he continues, "my recent endeavors into the underworld, coupled with my previous business experience as a factor for the galaxy's largest commercial enterprise would make my services to this organization invaluable, especially with how it drifts into the twilight between the two."

[Lobo]

Lobo's palm squeezed the man's hand tightly, perhaps a bit too tightly. His body was covered in short grayish fur, with more human-like hair giving him a black mustache, goatee, and long flowing mane. To top it all off, he had piercing red eyes. He was strange to behold, a genetically manipulated hybrid of human and wookiee.

 

"Of course, I'm always happy to sit with a fan."

 

Especially one willing to pay.

 

The bounty hunter hopped onto a stool.

 

"Give us the most expensive drink you have bartender."

 

Lobo was egotistical and pompous, but not a complete moron. He could tell Sabian wasn't your average member of the Lobo fan club. There was something off about him. Especially those goofy clothes.

 

"By the way, the name is Lobo, not Great the Lobo. That just wouldn't make sense."

 

Even a guy with a hearing problem should know that.

 

"So . . . other than the drink, is there something I can do for you? I don't do birthdays or weddings or anything like that. Unless you pay well."

[Sabian]

Never once did the vice grip upon his hand yield any painful emotion. In fact, quite opposite resulted, even grinning as the pale hand withstood the shake. Afterwards, the mild mannered man sat across from Lobo, signalling with one finger for a standard Corellian whiskey shot, straight up.

 

After their drinks had arrived, the question that was asked was to be expected. Firstly, taking a sip of his own drink, the man peered over back at his new acquantence with the same glare behind dark shaded spectacles. The grey haired man spoke softly, yet loud enough to be heard from the usual clatter of the bar crowd.

 

"It is not what you can do for me. As it would seem, you are need of someone with... particular qualities, should I say. A very noble background in league with the Force. Am I correct in assuming this?"

 

Without moving his head, one hand took the same glass once more, poured a bit more down his throat before resting it back down again. He was rigid in his posture, hinting no emotion as he continued to rest upon the stool.

[Durose Roshan]

Durose entered after Brina with a definite hint of disgust in his eyes as he stared the "nobel" down and took his seat.

 

After listening to his purposal, Durose almost laughed, "But if I may be so bold, what makes you think we would trust you with anything of such importance after what you did last time?"

 

Durose almost felt like he was asking a rhetorical question. As far as he was concerned, there was nothing.

[Lobo]

So Zara came through? Color me surprised.

 

Lobo should have figured based on the man's ridiculous outfit, and the elitist way in which he spoke, that he was indeed a Jedi. Lobo, of course, had absolutely no particular issue with the Jedi. Lobo was pretty easy going as far as grudges went. He hated every group equally.

 

"Well, the simple fact is, I think the Jedi need me. I'd be a perfect padawan. I tried that business before, and it didn't work out, but I'm ready to give it another go. I'd hoped to get a chance to meet my old Master, Master Aryian. Is there a chance you can introduce us?"

 

Lobo signaled for the barkeep to keep his drinks coming. He needed to be as loaded as possible to deal with this guy.

_________________

[Sabian]

"Hahaha,"

 

The man seemed to burst at the sides, falling back in the stool, far enough only to be caught back upright by the two hands now clenched underneath either armpit. The loose clothing seemed to move with the jaunty laughter, all the wind expelling out of him in one big uproar before settling back down seconds later, hands reposed back upon the bar counter spread evenly and alligned with his shoulders.

 

"Hoho... Terribly sorry, just sort of came out that way. Anyways," The lowering of his eyebrows denoted a more serious demeanor about him, as well as his voice lowering even deeper, "If you must know, I am no Jedi myself, but I do know of someone who was. Someone who has experienced the subtle, deeper elements of the Force in a unique way, but not by following the rules... Something you already seem fond of."

 

He paused, lowering his mind to deeper thought before continuing.

 

Aryian... No, that name doesn't ring any bells... Nothing I can see, atleast.

 

"I have little ties to the current Order which is operating now, so my connections to bring you to this Master Aryian are little to nonexistant... I only came to you because I felt inclined to enlighten you of this man I know."

 

Finishing the last of the drink, he grinned, "...Besides, it's always good to share a drink with a superstar." Voice saturated in sarcasm and wit.

[Ganelon of Seneferia]

"Speaking candidly," Ganelon answers with a weary sigh, having received this question more times recently than he cared to, "there's no outstanding reason you should. The only other assurance I can offer you is that the robbery insofar as you were concerned, Zara, was just business. It was meant to be professional, clean, quick, and easy. The hiccups occured elsewhere from some of the hirees Black Sun provded." He takes a deep breath.

 

"The only personal consideration in it lay against your former husband Ronin and my former employer whom I knew would be obligated into insuring your loss for a grevious insult and injury dealt to me in years past. You know what bastards those two can be when business is involved and I ended up caught between them in a rather unfortunate set up on Bespin." Ganelon refrained from disclosing the nature of the incident, both due to his personal humiliation and how it could bring down greater trouble on his head than the "mere" bounty Zara put on him.

 

Tired and pained from having to recall such an ego shattering blow, he waves a weary hand in front of his face. He needed a drink.

[Lobo]

Lobo was, needless to say, displeased. Zara had promised him a contact with a Jedi. This fellow was apparently trying to get him to meet this "man" he knew, who was a part of a completely different group. The bounty hunter had no idea who this "man" was or why Lobo would want to see him. Heck, Lobo wasn't even sure who he was talking to. All of this made him quite confused. And when Lobo was confused people got hurt.

 

"Look little man, why don't you stop dancing around and tell me what the hell you want."

 

Luckily for Sabian, there were three things that held Lobo's temper in check. First, Lobo was unarmed right now, second he slightly drunk, and third, compliments were addictive to the bounty hunter, so his threshold was slightly higher than usual. Nevertheless, his tone was clearly one of annoyance.

 

"Zara said I would get in contact with a Jedi who could take me to Aryian. You don't even know who Aryian is. I'm not the smartest man in the world, but clearly there's been a breakdown in communication somewhere along the line. If you've got something to tell me, spill it."

[Sabian]

"Clearly there has," Staring at the bottom of the glass, his head rose back to match his eye level, "Look, I don't think there's many candidates jumping through hoops to train someone like you, y'know?"

 

Both hands gestured out to further prove the point, the edges of them slapping against the surface of the counter from time to time, "If you think this Aryian guy will train you, and most likely will be by the books, then go right on ahead. This guy Sabian, though, he's been through a real life like you, I can tell. And when I received word from her, I knew there would be only one person capable of taking you in. Someone like him."

 

"The real reason why I'm asking this is because I need a favor myself," His eyes, even though shielded by view by the shades, glanced sie to side, shifting his weight lower, even lowering his tone to a whisper, "I need to know if you're in or not now because, in exchange for me setting the two of yous up, I'm looking for somebody. You're a bounty hunter, yeah? Used to this kind of work. It's a win-win situation. An easy bag, too; for someone as powerful and crafty as yourself."

 

"What do you say? Do we drink on it?" He held out the empty glass to the bar keep during the speech, having it filled back with the same toxic dribble before raising the now filled shot to the air.

[Lobo]

Lobo shrugged. This could lead him to what he wanted just as easily. Why not play along and see what happens? Lobo raised his glass to the other man's.

 

"Alright, I'll meet this Sabian fellow. What do I have to lose?"

 

Well, my life for one.

 

Lobo generally didn't agree to go into a situation he was unsure about. But he also trusted his instincts. His instincts told him to take the risk.

[Sabian]

With that same toothy grin, he bent back his head to take the entire shot in one toss before throwing his arm back down hard against the counter, nearly breaking the glass in the process. An exasperated breath of wind escaped him as the acidic liquid moved down his throat and into his gut.

 

"Aaaaah," Wiping his lips, the smirk reappeared again, "I'm glad we got to chattin', then, but I believe this is the end for my role here."

 

The middle-aged man extended his hand once more as he got up from his stool, a barely noticeable curvatured object hidden between two fingers.

 

"...Here's a chip with holomarkings on it. Be sure to decrypt it in a safe spot with no eyes or ears around, alright? It wil also give you your instructions as to the person I seek, as well as where to find him. Farewell."

 

After their hands met, he parted ways without another word, disappearing into the haze of people and fading from Lobo's view.

[Brina Thalin]

A drink was brought to Ganelon as Brina sat back in her chair. She didnt know what to think about all of this, but at the same time, there wasn't much to think about, in all reality. Either to let him do this work and remove the bounty, or not.

 

"I'm sorry if you've already answered this, but what services do you intend to offer? What kind of work are you looking to do for the Link?" she asked him.

[Lobo]

Lobo moved back into the hangar, ordering his ASN-121 droid to decrypt the chip. A hologram popped up, spilling the information that had been programmed into it. Lobo crushed the chip as the message was completed. This was rather inconvenient.

 

Zara totally messed this one up.

 

The hunter returned, submitting to the obligatory weapons check. It was then that he collared one of the Link's employees.

 

"Take me to Zara Nargal now. She did not complete the deal we had agreed upon. If she thinks she can occupy me with some nutcase and call that a Jedi, she's got another thing coming."

[Ganelon of Seneferia]

Ganelon accepts the drink, taking a careful sip. "Diplomacy, intel, and communications are the lifeblood of any business. I've had plenty of experience in that field, as well as working in the criminal underworld and even politics. I'm offering my services as laison with organizations that the Link is wary of doing business with, both for PR reasons and personal ones, as well as acting as a legimiate business factor for when your company needs someone they'd consider expendable to represent them." He gives a small snort at the last, knowing how the Link regared him. But if it took the pressure of the bounty off his head, then so be it... He downs the rest of his drink.

 

"That's at least my initial offer of work, though I'm willing to do almost anything else to get my name cleared at this point..." which may have been true. The grilling he was getting started to wear on his nerves, making him all the more doubtful. If he was going to reclaim his title back home, among other things, legitimizing himself would have to be the first step... Beyond that what other choices did he have now?

[Brina Thalin]

She listened carefully to what he had to say, and took note of his response, although what he offered to do didn't really surprise her that much. A man did what he was good at, and Ganelon would be no exception.

 

She leaned forward. "Well, if I were to make the decision, I'd say we could offer you a position. But if you'll excuse us for a moment," she said rising, "the three of us will talk it over for a few minutes and let you know."

 

She wanted to get Zara's opinion on it, and make hers known as well. She would also want Durose's opinion on the matter. But it seemed to her that this would be an advantageous situation for both of them, and that it might work out.

 

She headed towards the door. "Make yourself comfortable," she told the noble. "I promise to keep you waiting no more than five minutes."

[Zara Nargal]

Making eye contact with Brina, Zara nodded. She wanted the opinions of the other two also as she didn't trust herself not to just throw him into a cell to let him rot. She had to admit that his skills would be valuable... IF he could be trusted not to betray them. Once outside the room, Zara asked,

 

"Do you think we can trust him? His skills would be valuable, but I just don't know if we can trust him."

[Brina Thalin]

Brina shook her head. "Of course we can't trust him, but for some reason, I'm not too worried about it. We have security measures in place now that will prevent anything from happening if he does turn on us, and we won't let him so much access to our systems and other information that he will be able to do damage. He can be like a free-lance merc that we've hired, although I still really don't know what we're going to have him do."

 

She paused. "The only thing he'll really know is who our allies are...and that's nothing to hide. I suppose one thing he can do is keep open conversation between us and the Hutts."

 

She shrugged. "Ultimately, I'd say it's your decision. But I don't have that much of a problem with it, for some reason or another."

[Menthu]

Zara's personal secretary received the comm, and sent a copy of the message on to Zara who was still away from the Casino. Processing the request, she had a new Bulletin added to the main Notice Board for All employees to read and respond to if they wanted to...

 

The Hutt Cartel is currently looking to hire any available mercs, ages 18 to 45, in good health and battle ready.

 

The Cartel is willing to pay handsomely for such services along with bonuses for victories, kills, and the like. If there are any available men or women who are adventuresome, looking to make some good money, and up for the challenge, please notify Executive Rihn over a secure comlink for further information.

 

Current Bounties still active are for Piccolo and Ganelon.

 

In the end he had ditched the one and only Victoria, for no other reason, but to take up this paticularly enticing offer. It was a Job that would clearly allow him to kill. As in that would beone of his g oals, instead of the way it was now, where killing was a last resort, used to protect the casino.

 

It had been far to interesting to pass up and so he hadn't done so, and after much hunting, he had tracked down what he had needed, that comm Frequency of this Rihn person.

 

He opened up a channel, and double checked to make sure it was secure enough, after all that had been one of the main specifications of the requestion, and then with a long drawn out sigh he began his message.

 

Moments later, he signed off, and decided he would go get a drink or too. Mainly because he was off duty anyway.

[Durose Roshan]

Durose pondered it over in his head.

 

"I don't know. He's lucky I'm not a bounty hunter because I'd be making some serious credits right about now."

 

Pausing, he shrugged, "As for whether or not he is actually a threat, he doesn't have someone on the inside this time. He won't be able to sneeze without my security systems picking it up."

 

Then Durose smiled, "And I do know I would like to get out of the PR department. It's not one of my particular strengths. I don't know. It's up to you ladies. I think, all things considered, I'd still have to suggest against such an action. However, if you do decide to hire him, put him under my or Victoria's jurisdiction. That way someone will always have an eye on him just in case."

[Zara Nargal]

Zara looked from one to the other.

 

"There's no doubt his skills would be put to use. I guess as long as he is not put in any position where he can find out information we don't want him to have..."

 

Her gaze turned towards the Cathar,

 

"Since you were in our meeting, I would suggest your capable assistant, though warn her about his poisonous tongue. We've both been paralyzed by him"

 

She indicated to herself and Brina.

 

"I guess we let him know that the Bounty will be lifted... as long as he behaves himself. If he wrongs us, it will be placed back on with a high priority on it"

[Durose Roshan]

Durose nodded, "I think Victoria would be a good choice. I'm certain she can handle him."

 

Obviously pondering something, Durose spoke once more, "I have another idea, too. I imagine with some help could concoct a collar for him. It doesn't have to be anything visible. Maybe a wrist collar or an implant. Still, something that would give us the ability to immobolize his body should he try anything. If he is as sincere as he says he is, he should have nothing to worry about. After all, if we wanted his bounty we would have taken it already. What do you think?"

[Zara Nargal]

"That sounds like a good idea, though I doubt we can get him to agree to it. You can try though"

 

Zara looked from one to the other.

 

edit coz I missed a post:

 

The Link employee gazed back at Lobo.

 

"I'll let her know you wish to see her Sir."

 

Zara was then sent a comm, stating that she was requested to speak with Lobo again and that he 'wasn't happy'.

 

Zara looked back at Brina and Durose. "I'll have to speak with him again. Lets get this over with in here with Ganelon"

[Brina Thalin]

Brina nodded. "Then let's go tell him."

 

She entered the room. "Sorry to keep you waiting Ganelon. We have an offer for you."

 

She turned to Zara, letting her take the lead.

[Zara Nargal]

Zara received a comm before she followed Brina in, eying Ganelon to see what his reactions would be.

 

"We'll employ you and lift the Bounty, but you have to either wear a wrist device or have an implant of ours for security reasons."

 

She waited for him to inevitably reject having to have any device from the Link on or embedded in his person.

 

She would go and see Lobo as soon as this meeting was over, and then meeting with the Jedi Master, well that could be very fortunate being that Lobo wasn't happy with the representative that she'd already had see him. That puzzled her being that she thought she *knew* Sabian... although she had been informed that he hadn't come but someone he had sent in his place. If he had of come she would have tried to see him before he left. He hadn't even seen his daughter yet. Zara shifted her thoughts away from there and back to Ganelon for his response.

[Ganelon of Seneferia]

Despite his private anxiousness, Ganelon refused to let it show. When Zara came back with her terms, the oily Seneferian's gave a jump, honestly being far better than he expected. Permitting himself a half-smile, he nods.

 

"More than acceptable, given the terms of our past dealings and I precaution I'd have insisted on if in your shoes." He rises up and gives a fluid bow. "This is one decision that you will not regret, Ms. Nargal. As sson as you're done putting your collar on me," he adds with a slight grumble, resenting ever so slightly the facts he lost his freedom of movement, "I will be awaiting what ever orders you or Ms. Thalin have for me." Still, even if he did not care for the idea of the collar, he also had a strong inkling what Zara would do to him otherwise if she thought he was playing her false. Her Dathomirian heritage didn't help that inkling either.

[Zara Nargal]

"Durose, if you would have that device fitted to Ganelon please."

 

She had fully expected him to object to the device so it did surprise her that he had accepted the terms.

 

"Do not let us down Ganelon. Be loyal to the Link and we will look after you. Wrong us and you will find yourself in a worse position than you were."

 

Zara shifted her gaze towards Brina.

 

"If you can formalize the paperwork for Ganelon, I'll go and see what Lobo wants. If you will all excuse me."

 

Her gaze rested on Ganelon again before she turned to leave the room. Another staff member met her outside the room, guiding her to where Lobo was waiting and filling her in on some other details.

 

"I apologize for any inconvenience, and for the delay. My people tell me that it was a ... representative of a representative that saw you. As it turns out, the Leader of the Jedi is due for another meeting. I'm sure we could have a meeting arranged for you to speak with her as well."

 

Zara signaled for the barman to bring her a drink, one for Lobo too if he wished for one. After the previous meeting she felt she needed one.

[Brina Thalin]

Brina arranged for the paperwork to be brought down, and when it had been, she presented it to Ganelon. "Just read and sign at the bottom," she said. "It discusses everything we've talked about and agreed to here. When you're finished signing, Durose can escort you to the medical bay for your device."

[Ganelon of Seneferia]

Ganelon picks up the pen to sign, but stops, his orange eyes focusing on Brina. There's a sense of wariness in his eyes. One thing he learned over the years and usually remembered when sober was to always, always read what you sign. Holding the contract firmly in one hand, he taps the pen against it.

 

"Before I sign this," he declares, "I assure you, I will read it over very carefully. I don't want any tricks, traps, or indentured periods of servitude beyond a point in which the Link has been adiquately compensated for the losses to the Casino. If I read it and find any, we could be here for a while as you draft a new one. So in the interest of expediting this process, is there anything I should know about? I'll still be reading it over of course, so I wouldn't want any surprises ruining our business relationship before it began."

[Brina Thalin]

Brina smiled inwardly. She was glad that he was wise enough to ask. Most people just signed anything without giving it even a cursory glance over. He had gained some respect in her eyes for the question, even though it didn't really matter much in the long run.

 

"I assure you," she said, "there is nothing in there that is unexpected to you. It states the terms of our agreements in your service to the Link, and releases you from it once your debt is repaid. It states the condition of you wearing the device, and releases the bounty on your head."