|
|
Post by Terranova on Aug 26, 2016 11:29:05 GMT
"I told you all everything you wanted to hear and you came. I said there would be great opportunity here for you and that is what I am delivering. Don't complain because it wasn't what you expected. Be glad you are one of the few who get to be here," Apollo said. "And what if we choose not to participate?" A hooded figure asked from the back of the crowd. "Well then. I guess that means you don't wish to fight for your belongings. I said the winner gets everything and that's my guarantee. A winner with the wealth and power equal to over a dozen individuals players! A game unlike any other, don't you think?" Apollo finished as the images on the holo-terminal changed to displays of different types of chariots. In the eerie silence that followed, Illya was the first to speak. "That's ridiculous." She crossed her arms defiantly over her chest. She wasn't stupid enough to walk into a Hutt's party with a bag of jewels and the access codes to the mines. "Sure, you're a Hutt. But you don't have the power to strip us of anything." |
|
|
|
Post by superkamijoker on Aug 26, 2016 12:20:13 GMT
Adraiv was beside himself with anger. A million thoughts swirled in his head, driving him to the brink of madness. He knew he had to indulge Apollo, he was a client and a well-paying one. Adriav also couldn't afford to look weak in front of the others in the room, especially after the braggadocio, he showed earlier. He needed these other businesses for his family and for Zygerria.
Adriav looked over at the defiant woman. This must be her first time on Taris, he thought to himself. Apollo is the underground on this planet.
He relaxed his hand and let go of his whip. Adriav promptly walked over to Apollo, stopping short of him, and bowed. Arms out-stretched and not taking his eyes off the golden Hutt,
"Very well, Apollo. I'll play your little game. But know that our business isn't concluded yet."
|
|
|
|
Post by SSJRuss on Aug 26, 2016 13:08:01 GMT
In the eerie silence that followed, Illya was the first to speak. "That's ridiculous." She crossed her arms defiantly over her chest. She wasn't stupid enough to walk into a Hutt's party with a bag of jewels and the access codes to the mines. "Sure, you're a Hutt. But you don't have the power to strip us of anything." "Ohhhhh. So you doubt me?" Apollo grumbled then gave a slow chuckle. "She isn't the only one. I have serious doubts you'll be able to deliver anything you've said here tonight," said Hansol Ettaka, a tall pale human whom hadn't said much until now. "Agreed. Honestly, how do you plan on forcing a Count to just give over everything he owns if he loses some game he hasn't agreed to? It's ridiculous!" Count Cornel making his thoughts known. It was at this point Adriav approached the golden Hutt and agreed to his terms. Adriav was however, stopped short of approaching too close to his host. Two security droids blocking his way roughly 10 feet from Apollo himself. "I'll play too. Ain't got much else to do here anyway," Morgan Coor said with a smile. His smile immediately faded when he saw the look on his partner's face however. Scratch didn't say anything, but her eyes said enough. Coor just shrugged. With a flick of his finger, the holos in the room changed again. This time they showed each of the contestants assets. Cylan's crew, his flag ship, his gold. Zall's yacht, his small estate, and each of his warehouses scattered around the galaxy. Adriav's family estate, his title and standing within the Slavers Guild, various images of slaves and credits. Portraits of his mother and brother. Illya's diamond mines, her and her father's home, her ship. And many more images, all similar but all personal to each individual. "This is the prize, my comrades. Everything you see here. And I've already taken the liberty of securing these assets, so you need not worry about cheaters or an opponent not giving you their wealth when they lose. It isn't up to them anymore!" Apollo said with a grin. |
|
|
|
Post by Terranova on Aug 26, 2016 13:27:43 GMT
"Ohhhhh. So you doubt me?" Apollo grumbled then gave a slow chuckle. With a flick of his finger, the holos in the room changed again. This time they showed each of the contestants assets. Illya's diamond mines, her and her father's home, her ship. "This is the prize, my comrades. Everything you see here. And I've already taken the liberty of securing these assets, so you need not worry about cheaters or an opponent not giving you their wealth when they lose. It isn't up to them anymore!" Apollo said with a grin. Illya paled. He had already secured these assets? He had already compromised her father and her mines? And to add insult to injury, he had exposed all of her wealth to a bunch of criminals. And gave them an offer to steal it for themselves. The center console still displayed a golden chariot, like some giant mocking hologram. Everything would be settled by... A race? She glanced at Cylan and the others to see how they would react to being blackmailed. |
|
|
|
Post by superkamijoker on Aug 26, 2016 15:32:36 GMT
With a flick of his finger, the holos in the room changed again. This time they showed each of the contestants assets. Cylan's crew, his flag ship, his gold. Zall's yacht, his small estate, and each of his warehouses scattered around the galaxy. Adriav's family estate, his title and standing within the Slavers Guild, various images of slaves and credits. Portraits of his mother and brother. "This is the prize, my comrades. Everything you see here. And I've already taken the liberty of securing these assets, so you need not worry about cheaters or an opponent not giving you their wealth when they lose. It isn't up to them anymore!" Apollo said with a grin Adriav's head snapped in the direction of the holo. Fire burned in his amber eyes and the fur on the back of his neck stood straight up. He turned back toward Apollo and casted a menacing glare, "Apollo... Leave. Them. Out of this. I agreed to play into your insane little game, your business is with me. I'M the head of my house, not my brother, and not my mother." he hissed |
|
|
|
Post by SSJRuss on Aug 26, 2016 17:29:10 GMT
Adriav's head snapped in the direction of the holo. Fire burned in his amber eyes and the fur on the back of his neck stood straight up. He turned back toward Apollo and casted a menacing glare, "Apollo... Leave. Them. Out of this. I agreed to play into your insane little game, your business is with me. I'M the head of my house, not my brother, and not my mother." he hissed Apollo's eyes glared down his guests. Most of them didn't seem to like his little game. But they certainly wouldn't be complaining if they won, now would they? Besides, Apollo was creating something that had never been done before. No Hutt in the last three generations had ever secured this much wealth and power. This was his crowning achievement, the thing he would be known throughout the galaxy for. And doing it all on Republic soil... Even if this idea had costed him everything he had, there would be no doubt, whomever won, that Apollo would be leaving with more than enough wealth and prestige to out-match what he had now. Finally, Apollo turned his attention to Adriav. "Well unless you win, one of them will be in charge of your slaves and household," said Apollo pointing to the guests on the other side of the terminal. "And I'm confident that one of them will take very good care of your... assets." "I have no interest in his slaves!" Cylan Krosh protested. "Speak for yourself!" Zall said, turning his head in Cylan's direction, then back toward Apollo and Adriav. "This is outragous, how did you even secure any of these assets? How could you have even known about some of them?" Cornel said, face turning red. "And why the hell are they here? They don't even own anything!" Diego, a dark skinned human male with a cybernetic eye, said as he pointed in the direction of Baron Orfess and two other individuals. One a Duros, the other a Balosar. "Opportunity, Mr. Goh. Everyone loves an underdog," Apollo responded. APH-1478: "Now onto one final bit of business. Firstly, the contest will be held in three Tarisian rotations. You will be expected to show up on time for each race. If a contestant does not show for the race, they will forfeit their claim to any assets and will be removed from the contest. This will be strictly enforced."
"Furthermore, there is no need to purchase a chariot, as all supplies will be provided by His Eminence. Weapons and modifications added to chariots are permitted. Those who share assets are considered one individual and will share one chariot. Those individuals are: Mr. Gar and Jaxx. And Mr. Coor alongside his partner, Scratch."
"Those present are also given a choice of champion. You may either choose to be in the match yourselves and control your chariot, or you may choose a champion who will represent you and your assets. All rules apply to chosen champions. If your representative loses, the results would be the same as if you were representing yourself."
"The race itself will be conducted as a series, as to provide maximum entertainment to the audience in attendence. Three chariot races will take place across three consecutive days. Each race will have eliminations. The first race will end once six chariots have been eliminated. The second race will see five more chariots eliminated. The final race will continue until all but one chariot has been eliminated. Crowning a champion and the winner receiving every asset at stake. Are there any questions?" |
|
|
|
Post by Terranova on Aug 26, 2016 18:52:20 GMT
Finally, Apollo turned his attention to Adriav. "Well unless you win, one of them will be in charge of your slaves and household," said Apollo pointing to the guests on the other side of the terminal. "And I'm confident that one of them will take very good care of your... assets." It was only when Apollo pointed in her direction that she realized how serious this 'game' was beginning to be. Trading slaves and spice was not something that she signed up for. Sure, what she dabbled in was illegal, but it wouldn't end her up in a cell for life. Just in a particularly big financial scam... Beside her, Cylan had been vocal in his agreement. "I have no interest in his slaves!" "This is outragous, how did you even secure any of these assets? How could you have even known about some of them?" Cornel said, face turning red. "It could be a bluff," Illya added after Cornel's great questions, "He has eyes on our assets, but how do we even know he has the numbers to take them?" "And why the hell are they here? They don't even own anything!" Diego, a dark skinned human male with a cybernetic eye, said as he pointed in the direction of Baron Orfess and two other individuals. One a Duros, the other a Balosar. "Opportunity, Mr. Goh. Everyone loves an underdog," Apollo responded. Illya looked over her shoulder at Baron and the other 'underdogs'. Mr. Goh was right. From what she knew of Baron, he couldn't keep an apartment for more than a couple of months, much less credits in his account. He was a reliable information broker, but his cash flow was only enough to fuel his spice addiction. Of course, Baron DID have a new ship. But the thing wasn't worth the storage fee from the hangar it was sitting in. She had bet her boyfriend 50 credits that it would crumble to pieces before it ever left the ground again. Still. Baron being handpicked by a Hutt to attend an event this grandiose? What had been the selection process? What was the point? The sound of APH's whirring gears distracted her... "Now onto one final bit of business. Firstly, the contest will be held in three Tarisian rotations. You will be expected to show up on time for each race. If a contestant does not show for the race, they will forfeit their claim to any assets and will be removed from the contest. This will be strictly enforced." Illya wondered if anyone would vanish in those three days. The 'underdogs', at least, didn't have anything to lose. But she doubted that Baron would back out of a chance to come into so much wealth... She wondered if SHE would vanish. Maybe she could hideout with Vik and forfeit her mines. The thought made her recoil. There was NO WAY she was giving up her family's business and all the credits she had accumulated. It had taken her YEARS to afford her ship. She would not be dropped from the position of 'potential diamond tycoon' to 'Vik's Republic-aligned housewife'. Of course, the entire spectacle could still be a bluff. But with the holos displaying her home, the threat was very real. Could she chance it? "Furthermore, there is no need to purchase a chariot, as all supplies will be provided by His Eminence. Weapons and modifications added to chariots are permitted. Those who share assets are considered one individual and will share one chariot. Those individuals are: Mr. Gar and Jaxx. And Mr. Coor alongside his partner, Scratch."
"Those present are also given a choice of champion. You may either choose to be in the match yourselves and control your chariot, or you may choose a champion who will represent you and your assets. All rules apply to chosen champions. If your representative loses, the results would be the same as if you were representing yourself." Well, Illya figured, at least she didn't have to risk her life as well as her credits. But who could she trust with the huge task of representing her entire fortune? It's not like she could trust Vik. He'd probably lose on purpose too make her quit the business. And she's also have to find someone willing to play dirty in the heat of the moment. She glanced at Cylan. Had he not been in the same position as her, she would have considered him as her champion. And unfortunately, they had a lot of the same contacts. Anyone that she hired could double-cross her in Cylan's favor. Not a risk she could chance. "The race itself will be conducted as a series, as to provide maximum entertainment to the audience in attendence. Three chariot races will take place across three consecutive days. Each race will have eliminations. The first race will end once six chariots have been eliminated. The second race will see five more chariots eliminated. The final race will continue until all but one chariot has been eliminated. Crowning a champion and the winner receiving every asset at stake. Are there any questions?" Three races, Illya mentally repeated over and over. She'd have to survive and win THREE races. Right now, she was still concerned about winning ONE. She scanned the room. Sure, Apollo was pitting them against each other --making them all enemies-- but she still knew quite a few of these people by name. Cornel wasn't a fighter. He was more of a diplomat. Ludwig could be talked in a circle. Cylan wouldn't want to fight at all. The odds were in their favor if they teamed up for the first two rounds... She decided she'd wait until after the meeting to make her proposition. She had three days to either skip town, reclaim her assets, or form a team. That would be more than enough time.... When the droid asked if there were any more questions, she stewed in her muddled scheming tirade. It was mocking them. The emotionless droid and Apollo's hearty laugh. The contrast was infuriating. |
|
|
|
Post by superkamijoker on Aug 26, 2016 20:09:03 GMT
Finally, Apollo turned his attention to Adriav. "Well unless you win, one of them will be in charge of your slaves and household," said Apollo pointing to the guests on the other side of the terminal. "And I'm confident that one of them will take very good care of your... assets." "I have no interest in his slaves!" Cylan Krosh protested. "Speak for yourself!" Zall said, turning his head in Cylan's direction, then back toward Apollo and Adriav. Rage filled Adriav. He honestly could not believe this was happening. 'What could Apollo possibly think to gain from all of this?' he thought, 'A puppet? Someone who would owe him absolutely everything they had because of this... Opportunity?' Adriav knew he had to represent himself. He couldn't entrust everything his family has built over generations to just anyone. But he's never done anything like this before. He's never even been to a pod race. He turned toward Apollo, "I represent myself. And if there's nothing else, then I'm leaving." "And you," He says as he turned towards Zall, "I'll see you on the field, skug." His words dripping with venom |
|
|
|
Post by SSJRuss on Aug 27, 2016 13:50:54 GMT
"It could be a bluff," Illya added after Cornel's great questions, "He has eyes on our assets, but how do we even know he has the numbers to take them?" "Bluff or not, I will not stand by and let one of these criminals take away my power or status by means of some silly spectacle. You've lost your mind, Apollo," Josep Cornel added. SSJRuss said: "The race itself will be conducted as a series, as to provide maximum entertainment to the audience in attendence. Three chariot races will take place across three consecutive days. Each race will have eliminations. The first race will end once six chariots have been eliminated. The second race will see five more chariots eliminated. The final race will continue until all but one chariot has been eliminated. Crowning a champion and the winner receiving every asset at stake. Are there any questions?" Three races, Illya mentally repeated over and over. She'd have to survive and win THREE races. Right now, she was still concerned about winning ONE. She scanned the room. Sure, Apollo was pitting them against each other --making them all enemies-- but she still knew quite a few of these people by name. Cornel wasn't a fighter. He was more of a diplomat. Ludwig could be talked in a circle. Cylan wouldn't want to fight at all. The odds were in their favor if they teamed up for the first two rounds... She decided she'd wait until after the meeting to make her proposition. She had three days to either skip town, reclaim her assets, or form a team. That would be more than enough time.... When the droid asked if there were any more questions, she stewed in her muddled scheming tirade. It was mocking them. The emotionless droid and Apollo's hearty laugh. The contrast was infuriating. Once the droid was done, several of the guests spoke up. "Yeah," Morgan Coor said with a cock of his head, "What about 'early eliminations'? You did say we had three days before this thing started, yeah?" he finished with a sly smile toward Yongo Puba, the young Rodian among the guests. Yongo didn't appreciate the look in the man's eye, putting a hand on his gun as a threatening sign to the Bounty Hunter. "More than enough time to get this business over with, I'd say," Hansol agreed. APH-1478 chimed in, "Eliminations may only take place during a race. Any eliminations outside of that time frame are strictly prohibited."
And with that, Yongo shot his own smile back at Morgan Coor. Rage filled Adriav. He honestly could not believe this was happening. 'What could Apollo possibly think to gain from all of this?' he thought, 'A puppet? Someone who would owe him absolutely everything they had because of this... Opportunity?' Adriav knew he had to represent himself. He couldn't entrust everything his family has built over generations to just anyone. But he's never done anything like this before. He's never even been to a pod race. He turned toward Apollo, "I represent myself. And if there's nothing else, then I'm leaving." "And you," He says as he turned towards Zall, "I'll see you on the field, skug." His words dripping with venom Adriav would turn be the first to turn and leave, however the Gammorean security still guarded the locked down. And they hadn't been given any reason to open them yet. Zall's eyes locked onto the Zygerrian. His rage and bitterness grew to a boiling point. "And I'll be damned if I let you get that chance, Slaver. If I have to compete in this silly game, then you can bet that I'm going to use this opportunity to get even." Before any more questions could be asked, Apollo would signal the doors to be open. "You all will be contacted with more details before the event. Our business here is concluded. Drinks are on the house!" |
|
|
|
Post by superkamijoker on Aug 27, 2016 14:49:57 GMT
Adriav didn't even bother acknowledging Zall's empty threat. He knew the Ugnaught wanted him dead but if he really had the ability to, he already would've.
He stormed towards the doors, stopping short when he realized they were still locked. His blood was boiling and he needed to get in touch with Odae. It was her fault he's in this mess.
He stood there eyeing the Gammorean guards as the doors slowly open. He rushed out of the doors and made his way down the corridor and outside the palace as quickly as he could. The warm, sticky atmosphere filled his lungs and was a welcome reprieve. He immediately sent Odae a holo.
"We need to talk. Now."
|
|
|
|
Post by Terranova on Aug 27, 2016 18:00:12 GMT
Before any more questions could be asked, Apollo would signal the doors to be open. "You all will be contacted with more details before the event. Our business here is concluded. Drinks are on the house!" Illya watched Adriav, Zall, and a few of the others rush out of the meeting room. Cornel was among them. She gave Cylan a subtle nudge and a whisper, "I'll meet you back at your table in a few minutes." She separated from him quickly and without a second glance, taking off after the Count. "Josep," she said as she approached. |
|
|
|
Post by SSJRuss on Aug 27, 2016 18:15:59 GMT
Adriav didn't even bother acknowledging Zall's empty threat. He knew the Ugnaught wanted him dead but if he really had the ability to, he already would've. He stormed towards the doors, stopping short when he realized they were still locked. His blood was boiling and he needed to get in touch with Odae. It was her fault he's in this mess. He stood there eyeing the Gammorean guards as the doors slowly open. He rushed out of the doors and made his way down the corridor and outside the palace as quickly as he could. The warm, sticky atmosphere filled his lungs and was a welcome reprieve. He immediately sent Odae a holo. "We need to talk. Now." The night air wisped through Adriav's fur, bringing with it a chill that was rather uncommon on a warm night such as this. Odae hadn't answered his call right away, so for the moment there was nothing for Adriav to do about his situation. Adriav would be able to tell that activity in the city had risen since he had gone into the palace. There were more citizens on the walkway, more speeders in the sky. A dreaded smell would hit Adriav's nostrals. The smell seemed to be coming from the Undercity. Adriav would also notice that more holo-signs were lit in his area than there were earlier. Advertisements for clubs and venues seemed to be everywhere now. A familiar tone would chime. Adriav's holo-communicator was getting a call. A flick of the device would reveal a young woman. Odae Mat. Adriav's mandalorian contact. "Hey. How did the meeting go?", the image of Odae would ask. |
|
|
|
Post by SSJRuss on Aug 27, 2016 18:29:39 GMT
Illya watched Adriav, Zall, and a few of the others rush out of the meeting room. Cornel was among them. She gave Cylan a subtle nudge and a whisper, "I'll meet you back at your table in a few minutes." She separated from him quickly and without a second glance, taking off after the Count. "Josep," she said as she approached. "Waste of time...," Cylan huffed to himself, not making eye contact with Illya as he walked through the door and back to the Guest Hall. Gar and Jaxx stayed in the room, conversing with one another excitedly. Illya would hear something about 'getting totally hammered'. Diego would walk over to the pair and stare them down with his robotic eye. It didn't appear that he said anything, as he left moments later. The tall human Hansol would eye Illya as she approached Josep but would then turn his attention to the hooded figure, who was also leaving. Morgan and his partner, Scratch, made sure to bump into Yongo as they made their exit. Count Cornel would turn in Illya's direction once he heard her call him out. She would see that his face was still flushed from earlier. He didn't give a response, but he did give Illya his full attention. |
|
|
|
Post by Terranova on Aug 27, 2016 18:41:16 GMT
Count Cornel would turn in Illya's direction once he heard her call him out. She would see that his face was still flushed from earlier. He didn't give a response, but he did give Illya his full attention. Illya stopped just a few feet away. "Are you leaving already?" She glanced around to be sure that no one was eavesdropping and dropped her voice. "Surely you want to brainstorm some sort of plan out of this madness. Just in case this isn't a bluff..." |
|
|
|
Post by SSJRuss on Aug 27, 2016 18:52:34 GMT
Illya stopped just a few feet away. "Are you leaving already?" She glanced around to be sure that no one was eavesdropping and dropped her voice. "Surely you want to brainstorm some sort of plan out of this madness. Just in case this isn't a bluff..." Cornel gave her an intense look. A look she had not seen on the man... ever. Apollo had succeeded in getting one of the most collected men she'd ever known into a rage. "I have a plan, my dear. It's leaving and resecuring my assets. I suggest you follow suit. That is unless you plan on dying in some foolish game like the rest of these imbeciles!" And without another word, Cornel turned and resumed his departure. |
|
