Trading Mishap (Quest-Mod)

[Serori Gibil]

"If you want something done, you've got to buggering do it yourself." Serori grumbled to herself as she walked through the hallways of interconnecting ships. It was a maze to someone who didn't know what they were doing, but to someone like Serori, who'd lived here her whole life, and who had to walk the ships often, it was just memory work. While her feet walked the steps they needed to, she was able to think to herself and rant outloud.

"Stupid, useless grunts, can't do a thing...get out of the way!" A group of aliens skirted to the side of the hallway, pressing themselves against the wall, attempting to press their bodies as far away from the glowing Gerra as she strode swiftly by. "And always in the way!" she continued.

How had it gone this bad? It was a simple enough trading scheme, they traded resources for resources, information for information, everybody's happy. And really? It had come down from the top to solve the problem through any means necessary, but to AVOID KILLING THE TRADER. "I'm going to kill somebody," she growled.

Through the twists and turns, the mess that was the Arcosian fleet. Past all manner of different races, ages, genders...it was a melting pot. Through living quarters, battle frigates, and ships used just for cooking. It seemed like many, many different ships, but the truth was she would only go through about ten at most. A lot of the pathways had to double back, going through different parts of a ship she'd already gone through before.

Finally, she was in one of the more luxurious ships of the fleet. The red, plush carpet, golden rails, deep, mahogany walls. Ornate gold adorned the doors. Upon finding the one she was looking for, she gave three sharp, though light, raps, so as not to tarnish the door. The entryway was revealed as the solid wood was moved aside, and she stepped into the room with an aire of importance.

The grunt that had been sent in was none other than Apuul, the most useless, long headed, froggish alien she'd ever known. Why anybody let him handle any sort of task, let alone just letting him exist, was completely beyond the head of the Gerra.

"Apuul, you've done enough damage, please leave my sight immediately." While he was leaving, Serori turned towards her guest, sitting across from a lovely mahogany table, inlaid with sapphire. "Please excuse my curtness, I've been under a lot of stress lately. I'm Commander Serori Gibli. What appears to be the problem, mister...?"

[Zach]

“Graft, Commander.” a white haired and grey skinned alien in a fine, black business suit of the style his people considered quite fashionable, started. “Hubert Graft.” he continued rising from his comfortable arm chair just enough to reach a pot of hot tea and refill his cup. “And yes there is a problem, several in fact.” the man’s oily words slipped from his lips as he poured and then looked to his guest.

“But they can wait a moment. Tea?” he asked and produced another cup from the tray the teapot had been occupying moments before and began to pour, answering the question for the young woman. “Yes there are problems, the biggest one I would imagine is yours. It looks like one of my cargo ships isn’t being allowed to leave the Sol system. Seems the monkeys don’t exactly trust me when I say I’m not trading with their enemies… as well they shouldn’t, I trade with anyone who’ll pay the right price.” He went on not giving the Commander a moment to speak.

“Now I know that doesn’t exactly sound like it’s your problem but as it turns out, this particular ship is supposed to pick up that shipment of… well what ever it is you’ve been waiting for, I don’t have the manifest in front of me. The point, and I’ll make it brief, is without that ship, or another to replace it for the time being, I am afraid I can’t bring in your shipment.”

[Serori Gibil]

The man's manner was off-putting to the alien. His speaking seemed constant, not stopping a second to let her get a word in edgewise. He didn't even wait for Serori to say "Yes, I would like a cup of tea. Black, if you don't mind" before he was pouring it. Finally a pause for her to butt in.

"Mr. Graft, I can hardly say that is our fault at all, you see-" but it seemed like he was anticipating her response.

"Now, I know that doesn't exactly sound like it's your problem, but as it turns out, this particular ship is supposed to pick up that shipment of...well, whatever it is you've been waiting for, I don't have the manifest in front of me. The point, and I'll make it brief, is without that ship, or another to replace it for the time being, I am afraid I can't bring in your shipment."

"Ship." Serori said, accepting graciously the cup of tea handed to her. She held it in her hands, staring blankly at the table. That shipment was important...damn. There must be a way around the blockade...but she had to keep her cool. She broke her stare with the table, motioning with her hand. "Please, have a seat Mister Graft. Make yourself comfortable. I'm sure we can work out an agreement here." Following her adversary, she took a seat. Serori hated confrontations, especially ones that put her in such a predicamet. It came with being so young in age...everyone else seemed so much older, so much wiser. But this was a chair she'd taken herself, and she planned still to rise farther. This situation here was only practice compared to what she'd have to do at the top.

"Now, you say that they won't allow your ship to leave, with worry that it'd be coming to us. Which, it indeed is." Serori took a thought, drinking from her cup, the bitter liquid cooling her burning insides. "And currently, the only solution is to replace the ship." Serori sighed.

"As I'm sure you read in my last report, we have few enough ships to spare, and those that can are not in the best condition, definitely in no condition to be used as transport vessels. However, those shipments...Would it be possible to compensate for coin enough to turn their head?"

[Zach]

"Commander have you ever tried to bribe a Saiyan?" Graft replied flatly. "If they don't think your insulting their precious honor they try to take you for everything you have. I should know, I made that mistake once and that was the only man I ever had to kill." the grey skinned alien continued. "No the solution to your problem... our problem won't be as simple as a bribe, that would almost be an admission of guilt and jeopardize my business contracts with them. What we need is something more cunning. Some way to get my ship off that planet without arousing their suspicion. I pirate raid or some such nonsense, anything that can't be traced back to your fleet or me." he went on and paused for a moment to sip his tea.

"Anything likely come to mind?" raft then asked, placing his cup aside and sitting back in his armchair.


{Appologies for the long wait and short post, this hasn't been the best week for me.}

[Serori Gibil]

"A pirate raid." Serori's voice was flat, almost disbelieving, almost disdainful, yet retaining all hints of respectful. She leaned back in her chair, crossing legs, cup held in her left hand, the elbow resting on her right. It was a rather risky strategy, with potential loss of life, on both ends. While she didn't care about the lives of the Saiyans, Serori couldn't let her client lose some clientele. Whether or not it was traced back to her or Graft didn't matter, Graft had to stay in business in order to continue trade of needed supplies and information to her. She let a frown cross her lips.

"As I previously mentioned, we don't have ships to spare. However." She let pause to take a sip from her cup. "However, it would be possible that I lead a raid*. Before you argue, think of it this way. I'm an alien. You're an alien. There are an infinite number of aliens out there in the world, and not even a fraction a part of this fleet. They take form, shape, occupation all so completely different, that an alien raid is nearly untraceable. Particularly when the ship is outfitted with a variety of different races, easily able to disperse once the raid is done, and pay is made." She let this sink in, taking another sip from her tea.

((* Note: IC, Serori has a ship. However, OOC, she doesn't. So, for roleplay, she can talk about it, but isn't actually able to use it. As this thread is just the negotiations, I think it's okay that she say this. However, if it's not, just let me know.))

[Tenshu]

A raid...was she serious?

These were saiyans after all. Even a mercenary of Serori's talents had to know her limits. Making an enemy of the saiyan race was a poor decision no matter how you sliced it. Then again what other option did they have? Were they going to let the saiyans continue their extortion to the point of utter ruin?

"Well..."

He said nervously, shuffling a bit at the thought. He was really about to encourage the idea. If the saiyans knew that Graft had turned to such a tactic...well Serori wouldn't be the only one branded an enemy. And since saiyan's traded as well losing their client base, friendship, and good graces was ultimately a career suicide.

"A raid would work, so long as the evidence pointed to common piracy. Creating an enemy out of the strongest race in the galaxy is hardly what I consider a smart move."

The more he thought about it, the more it made perfect sense. Setting his now empty cup back on the tray and beckoning one of the standing servants to take it away he found himself asking for something he never had before.

"It won't solve the long term problem, but it should help this shipment."

[Serori Gibil]

"Hardly smart or not, it would appear that we have no other options. We are in short supply, and need that shipment. You need your ship to deliver, so you can receive your payment. The method is quite clear, and we are both in agreement." Serori took a last sip of tea, not finishing it, but setting it on the tray with Grant's. "As for later shipments, we'll build that bridge and cross it when the time comes. Hopefully by then, we'll have more ships, less ships out, and more options as to how to procure your ship from the Saiyans. I do not plan to make enemies with the Saiyans, nor endanger your business, Mr. Grant, I hope you understand."

Serori stood up, all business. She reached out her hand to the alien across from her. "I hope we are in agreement, then. A pirate raid, to be led by me. Untraceable, no Saiyans or spies will be able to follow the trail back to us. I assure you, Mr. Grant, your ship is in good hands. I thank you for your time, and cooperation."

[Tenshu]

Nothing more needed to be said. With a nod Grant would have Serori seen out. Her task was simple in theory, board the vessel and get it out of saiyan clutches without leaving any proof that Grant was involved. When considering how many saiyans were likely aboard the vessel the simplicity of the mission became less clear. Supply however was on her side. She would be tested in the most intricate way using them. Of course both were adequate soldiers of fortune. Their humanoid figure laid way to proving that they were in fact not completely alien to the saiyans. The first was Victor. A loyal soldier turned merc whose obedience stood in his hatred of buracracy. Asking him to do anything immoral would end poorly, but assuming justice was on their side Victor was more than dependable. Armed with a hand cannon attached to his arm, his Ki would be overwhelming to the enemy. Standing just a tad shorter, and covered entirely in teal armor was Raden. Raden was the resident medic, and although his usual jobs did not involve facing battles head on, he was known for his quick thinking and of course his abilities in the field of medicine. Armed with nothing more than a hunting knife he was perhaps the least combat trained member of serori's squad, yet the most intelligent by far.

They were the only two not currently out on a job. Perhaps with a little more notice the team could have been larger, but she would need to deal with what she had available. With Raden flying the small infiltration craft towards the docking facility run by local merchants, the team was well on their way.

"Commander"

Victor spoke, his voice easily resonating over the vibrating of the small engine. This craft was not armed, nor was it particularly well defended. In combat it would be less than worthless. With this in mind the two soldiers had different idea's on how to proceed with their task.

"It is my opinion that a straight attack would be the best method. If we sent out a signal declaring ourselves a trading vessel we could be in the enemy docking bay in a matter of minutes. Fighting our way to the control panel and then opening the airlock to our remaining friends"

As Vic finished a condescending scoff could be heard from the cockpit. Clearly Raden had other ideas on how they should proceed.

"Sure thats a great idea vic, that is if you want to get blown to shit. Last time I checked there are a fuckton of them and only three of us. We need a better approach, something stealthy. If we land in the trading port rather than the actual ship, we could pose as some of Grants men preparing to redirect the shipment. Then once we are in the trading bay we whoop the guards, steal their armor and make like nice monkeys up to the control panel. Activating a fire alarm would evacuate the ship without losing any cargo, or our heads"

Victor hated being corrected, especially by an idea that he saw as cowardly and frankly ineffective.

"Yeah and what if the fire alarm is a dead give away that we are on board, and what if they notice we aren't saiyans. Most of them don't where helmets and I think we are missing a pretty important body part"

Raden was quick to retort

"Well no shit we take their gear, and why not their tales as well. Mutilating three guards sure beats the hell out of executing an entire ship through the airlock. Assuming we could even do that!"

Obviously the two were at odds. It was up to their commander to make a decision. Which method would she choose? Or did she have plans of her own?

[Serori Gibil]

Just two aliens greeted Serori as she set foot back onto her familiar ship. Victor and Raden. Everyone else was currently busy, and unable to assist in her current endeavors. 'I can work with this,' Serori said to herself in her head, looking the two up and down. On a list of her most trusted allies, they were up at the top. In an event such as this, Serori couldn't ask for better. "I trust you're both ready, and know what we have ahead of us? Right, then activate the engine, and we'll be off."

Serori walked off, back straight, also the body of business. Upon sitting down, Victor's voice boomed through the small vessel.

"Commander. It is my opinion that a straight attack would be the best method. If we sent out a signal declaring ourselves a trading vessel we could be in the enemy docking bay in a matter of minutes. Fighting our way to the control panel and then opening the airlock to our remaining friends." Before Serori could respond, an anticipated cough was heard from Raden.

"Sure that's a great idea Vic, that is if you want to get blown to shit. Last time I checked there are a fuckton of them and only three of us. We need a better approach, something stealthy. If we land in the trading port rather than the actual ship, we could pose as some of Grants men preparing to redirect the shipment. Then once we are in the trading bay we whoop the guards, steal their armor and make like nice monkeys up to the control panel. Activating a fire alarm would evacuate the ship without losing any cargo, or our heads."

"Yeah and what if the fire alarm is a dead give away that we are on board, and what if they notice we aren't Saiyans. Most of them don't where helmets and I think we are missing a pretty important body part."

"Well no shit we take their gear, and why not their tales as well. Mutilating three guards sure beats the hell out of executing an entire ship through the airlock. Assuming we could even do that!"

They were easy to start an argument, although making well enough in camaraderie. Serori actually smiled at her banter, as she raised a hand to her lips. Blowing against her fore and middle fingers, she spread them into a V, as a ring of plasma formed. She stretched this around the rest of her fingers, before bringing it to the back of her head, using both hands to pull her wild, fiery hair back into a ponytail, and using the ring to hold it in place.

"Raden, Victor, you will have to listen to me carefully in order to properly execute this mission. While Raden's plan is much more sensible," Serori would allow a quick moment for Raden to take pride, "he forgot one important factor. While some Saiyans may have helmets, there's no way to be sure that any Saiyans in the dock will have one. Given my skin tone, and hair," Serori allowed herself one flip of the pony tail. "A helmet is an assured necessity. Vic, your plan is quite dangerous, and does not ensure that we can get to the cargo hold, retrieve the goods, make it back to the ship, and be able to get off. Our ship has little to no defenses, and no form of weaponry, and none of us are good enough pilots to pull off such a maneuver. So." Serori took a pause for breath. "We'll do a mixture of both. Send out a signal, declaring ourselves traders. Land in the trading port, take out the guards, and don their armor. The two of you pose as guards, taking me towards the brig, and we slip into the control room while no-one's looking. We'll activate the fire alarm, and blame it on my hair." Serori's hair did not actually give off heat, or an aura, but there was no way that the Saiyans would know that. "Any objections, men?"

[Tenshu]

Vic wasn't one to argue, though her plan was essentially Raden's with a twist. Nodding his head solemnly as the ship began to descend into the docking hangar he prepared himself, fiddling anxiously with the gun on his wrist. Raden on the other hand exuberantly replied.

"No objections commander. Crystal"

A small victorious smile on his face. Even though the plan was tweaked, they were going for a less aggressive approach, and that was all he had wanted. It would be easier, if not more time consuming, to break in and do things the easy way. Though he didn't understand what telling them her hair was creating the heat would do. That would actually cause the saiyans to ignore the alarm if anything. But Serori was in charge, and Raden, being the victor of that argument -Haha punny- would not argue.

As the ship landed a loud voice rang out through the speaker at the shuttles head.

"Permission granted. See the trading constable for a validation of identity upon arrival"

"Commander I think we have to skip this one"

Raden said with a quirky smile as the ship made its final connections with the landing pad. It was highly unlikely that they would be able to openly return to the vessel. That wasn't a big deal, the ship was a floating shack, and they would trade it in for the cargo vessel any day.


"Your lead commander"

Vic said, tapping a button on his neck that released his upper helmet. Head shots would surely be ineffective against his armor...hopefully anyway.

[Serori Gibil]

"Hm." The corner of Serori's lips turned down eyebrows furrowing, as the ship descended, then pushed forward into the empty space by the trade vessel. "I don't like the smell of this. You two go out the back way, I'll deal with the Constable." The three exited the vehicle, a Saiyan approaching Serori.

"I'm with Grant, here to redirect the shipment. I've got the necessary paperwork right here." Serori handed the man a manilla envelope.

[Tenshu]

Following their commanders orders the two soldiers slipped out the cargo hold and crouched behind it. They couldn't very well leave serori if things took a turn for the worst. They could here her speaking to the quizzical saiyan. Vic pulled his wrist cannon up and nudged Raden to pull out his side arm. If things didn't go as planned they would be ready to back her up.

The saiyan who approached however was not the constable, his look of pure boredom actually made it rather clear that he was not anyone of importance.

"I'm just here to make sure you check in lady"

He said, ignoring the paperwork entirely. This was her escort to the main office, which was within their site. Just a few yards away was the central office where traders checked in after landing to get their passes. She would have to leave Vic and Raden behind if she hoped to continue the reconnaissance this way. Or they could take Vic's approach, which would leave this very unfortunate escort the victim of a three way ass rape.

Though serori could not read power levels, the mans armor was clearly of a lower class, and his body was not of a dedicated build. Or in other words, easy pickens if they chose to attack him. That is if no one else noticed the attack.

[Serori Gibil]

The bored Saiyan had another thing coming. Instead of following him, Serori feigned pleasantries, grabbing his hand as if to shake it. With a smile, and through gritted teeth, she spoke to the Saiyan. "Act completely natural, or your life is forfeit. I have two more men stowed away behind my ship, do anything, and we WILL kill you." Serori was still itching to kill someone anyway.

It seemed like her plan would have to be aborted, and they'd have to go along with something like Victor's plan.

"Now, show us onto that shipping vessel." She let out a laugh, shaking the Saiyan's hand as if he'd just introduced himself with a joke.

[Tenshu]

(Rolling the dice for outcome..outcome number 3)

Shaking her hand and nodding slowly the saiyan was obviously in complete agreement about what needed to be done. Dying didn't sound like anything he was interested in. After an audible gulp he quickly turned around. The man was obviously not very good at acting natural, but the other saiyans around didn't seem to notice. Scratching his head as he walked towards the vessel he replied quietly.

"Alright listen I don't want any trouble. But if you don't check in soon they are gonna try and find you. Whatever your stealing or killing, you better do it quick. All I can do is open the ship doors."

Seeing Serori's surprising success, Victor and Raden casually made their way too her, both wearing helmets to avoid standing out among the small crowd of saiyan and alien alike. This was after all an active trading port.

"Smooth commander"

Raden said from behind, obviously feeling better about having asked the stranger rather than murdering him.

As the four meandered to the door to the main entrance of the large cargo vessel the saiyan only needed to touch his hand to the door to have it swing wide open. ~Clearly it is only compatible with saiyan commands~ Raden said so solemnly that he nearly couldn't be heard. With the door open the saiyan took a step back.

"Go ahead I can't help you anymore anyways."

Hoping that the red haired alien would make her way through the door without further trouble the saiyan began to back away slowly from the door, keeping his eyes on her until she made the decision to enter the craft...or worse yet...decided to finish him off.

[Serori Gibil]

Serori shook her head. "I'm sorry, but you're going to have to come with us. We can't take the chance that you'll squeal." She extended an arm into the entrance. "After you. We'll try to be quick about it."

Serori and her crew followed the Saiyan into the ship, Vic coming in last. Serori turned back towards her guide. "Now, I need you to lock the ship, then stay here. I don't want any commotion, no alarms, nothing. If all goes smoothly, we'll let you out before we leave. And if things don't go so smooth..." Serori left a menacing pause at the end of her sentence, to ensure that the Saiyan got her meaning.

Everything was going well. Almost too well. Serori kept an eye on the cowering Saiyan, wondering how it was that they had so easily convinced him to obey her. Death was an open threat; anybody could make a threat like that. Were the Saiyans not actually as powerful as she had been led to believe? Surely there was some sort of strength curve, there was no way that all Saiyans were like this. How else would they keep Grant's shipment form him?

"Vic, Raden, keep your wits about you. I've got a bad feeling about this."