531. Black Phoenix - Raezyr

The quarters they were given at the Black Phoenix Headquarters were sparse, but that was fine with them, as they didn't intend to stay but a couple of days. They not only found themselves rooming together, but speaking through the Force more than they were used to as well. Neither of them trusted this crew to not have some sort of listening devices planted in or near the room.

Trychon sat cross-legged on his bunk, eyes closed in a meditative state. The cash flow problem here makes it all the more imperative that our plan goes through, he thought to the other Sith, who was taking up a similar pose on his own bunk on the other side of the room.

I know. I still don't like it, but I don't see any way around it, the younger man replied before changing the subject. What do you think about our role in the meeting tomorrow?

I think it will show that Falka and the Black Phoenix are not to be trifled with, not when they are powerful enough to command two Sith Warriors, Trychon thought back. But we must be cautious. Hutts are known for their treachery and deviousness. I sense there is much potential for a trap, though.

The two Sith continued to discuss the situation for a bit, although their thoughts passed back and forth less frequently as they each sank deeper and deeper into meditation. Each was aware of each other, but each sought out sources of power to draw upon, sources of raw emotion and feelings given off by others and drawn into themselves as they wrested with the new knowledge and techniques they were attempting to learn.

At the appointed time the next morning, they met Falka and Haley in the hangar bay next to the speeder and swoops which had been brought inside for them.

"Let's go over this one more time," Trychon said to Falka. "We don't want to mess this up."

"Very well," Falka said, beginning a review of their mission. "Jama'Rukus Rus'El is a Hutt who has recently been put in charge of the local crime syndicate, known as the Desert Raiders. He isn't the brightest star in the Galaxy, but he makes up for that in sheer meanness, and his Desert Raiders follow that lead. 'Just succeed,' is their motto, and they've done it by any means necessary, back stabbing and double-dealing their way to the top. Even Czerka Arms pays Jama a fee to leave them alone.

"Apparently our small amount of success has already caught Jama's attention, and he contacted us, summoning me and a small retinue to his presence," Falka explained. "I believe that he is going to tell us that our business cannot be conducted without his approval, or he's going to demand a percentage of our profits," Falka concluded.

"Which is unacceptable," Haley interjected. "I will be going along to attempt to slice Jama's computer systems, if I can get the chance, and see what kind of information we can get on Jama's business. Originally Falka was going to take Tocar and two others, but since you are here, we are hoping that if it appears Falka has Sith Warriors who do his bidding, Jama may be bluffed into backing down."

"I like it," Raezyr said, his voice altered just slightly through the helmet's vocabulator.

"Lord Raezyr and I will use our abilities to watch your back, Falka," Trychon assured the Khommite. "Just don't back down from a slimy Hutt. If you give in now, any ground we try to make up later will be just that much harder."

"Understood," the gray-skinned alien replied.

"Let's go then," Trychon ordered, placing a pair of goggles over his eyes and straddling his swoop. He caught himself watching Haley as she climbed into the speeder next to Falka. Her aloof demeanor, and cyborg implants made her seem like a living computer. A sexy, attractive computer.

And computers were one thing in this Galaxy that Trychon knew inside and out.

He tore his gaze away from the blond and looked over at Raezyr, who was sitting astride his own swoop, looking straight at Trychon.

Even with that blue helmet on, he could somehow tell that his younger brother was grinning at him. He shrugged his shoulders and held held his hands out, palms up and mouthed the question, "What?" as if he didn't know what his half-brother was grinning about.

The other Sith just shook his head, and grabbed the throttle. In an instant, Raezyr was gone, slipping through the barely parted blast doors and into the blazing sunlight of Tatooine's twin suns.

A moment later, Trychon's swoop, and Falka and Haley's land speeder followed them out.

Despite the fact he and his team were going up against Jama'Rukus Rus'El the Hutt on the Desert Raiders home turf, Trychon felt it was going to be a good day.

530. Black Phoenix - Trychon

Tocar and Falka watched on the monitors carefully as the two cloaked figures slowly but deliberately walked towards the main entrance to the Headquarters. They paused several times, as though trying to decide on their approach... or perhaps as though they were waiting for something.

Within just a few minutes, the Gamorreans showed up on the monitor, having come out of a small security door to the side of the main entrance, which only opened from the inside. Tocar made a note to work on their response time, even though he knew they were great for general security work, and not inclined to improve otherwise.

Off to Falka's right, a door slid open and Haley Stargazer walked in.

Falka gestured her to join the other two of the command team in monitoring the situation. "Ah, Ms. Stargazer... your timing is perfect. We have a potential situation."

Tocar jumped in. "Although your response was slower than the Gamorreans, which isn't great... you may want to check your link with your security protocols. I thought you'd worked out all glitches."

Haley walked up to the computer by the display and tapped several controls in rapid succession, giving them a much improved view on the intruders and the guards simultaneously, though the intruders' faces were still hidden. "There were no 'glitches'. I am always finding ways to improve however. I got the alarm when the intruders entered the outside proximity range, before the general security is set to note their occurrence. I was in my room and chose to monitor from there and also monitor the other security protocols in case they needed to be controlled remotely. Once the guards were in place, I sought you out."

Tocar grunted and nodded approval. He tested many of their personnel by prodding at them in such ways. Haley knew she had more than passed his 'test' question.

"Very good, Ms. Stargazer." Falka noted.

They all turned their attention back to the security feed. The two shadowy figured seemed to be talking at the Gamorreans, gesturing at the guard door. The guards turned around back towards the entrance, signaling to open it up. Tocar put his hand over his eyes as the guards inside complied and let them in.

The grisly second in command keyed the comm. "Tocar to front guard. What in the twin noon is going on?!"

The comm was filled with excited grunts. Tocar interrupted them. "What do you mean they MUST be allowed to see the Captain?" After a few more grunts he became even more agitated. "No, that's not for you to decide, let alone let them in for!" He had to resort to interrupting again "Yes, you already said they must see the Captain. That's not really the point..."

He turned to Haley. "Dispatch a full security detail to intercept at the Front Guard Station, and lock down any further access for the time being..."

"I don't think that's necessary or wise at this point, Commander." Falka pointed at the monitor, which Tocar had turned away from in his fury.

On the display, he saw the figures... who had finally removed their hoods. Recognition rang over his expression.

-----------

Trychon and Raezyr sat nonchalantly in the conference room they'd led themselves to, and waited for their 'hosts' to join them.

"Well, I'd say that went pretty well!" Trychon joked, to break the silence.

"It was beautiful." Raezyr chuckled a little. They had been in the small meeting room for just a couple of minutes, but they were both growing impatient.

Finally, the command team walked in on them in proper order. Falka went to a spot at the head of the conference table, flanked by Tocar, then Haley. "Welcome." Falka spoke without prompting. "We've been expecting you."

Raezyr acted as though he was looking at an invisible wrist crono. "Really? We've been expecting you, too."

Tocar was still obviously upset about the form of their intrusion, though to his credit he did seem to be trying to control it. "It's a rather large facility..."

"We noticed." Trychon responded in an offhand manner. "I assume it set me back substantially."

Falka nodded. "You would be correct. We did get an unbelievable deal, or it would have been beyond our means entirely. It has limited our ability to purchase some of our other needs for the time being, but as you so wisely pointed out at our last meeting, a strong figurative base for which to build on is key. This non figurative base was one we couldn't pass up on."

Raezyr nodded. "Fine. We'll get into the specifics later. If I had to venture a guess, we won't be taking a share just yet. That will need to be rectified, but take care of your biggest needs first. For now, how is the crew? Other than your guards, that is. We met them."

Falka ignored the verbal jab. "Our crew is our biggest asset. I'd say we have a strong beginning. Very strong."

"And how do you think our return will be received in general?" Trychon added.

Falka thought his response over carefully. "To be blunt, I'm not sure. Some may still hold some resentment over how we got to be here. Others may still have questions about working for Sith."

"I think the word you mean is 'do', not 'may'." Trychon gave Haley a quick glance, wondering if she'd caught her mistake in her guess on the mood of the crew. She did not meet his eyes. "You do not need to hide the truth from us. In fact, I don't recommend it. Your attempt to save our feelings is noted for its intent though. In the meantime... let us go ahead and get back to the specifics. What do you have left, and what is it that you need. Even better... We may be here for a short stay. What can we do to help, briefly?"

529. Black Phoenix - Raezyr

Falka sat with his First Mate, Tocar in what used to be the War Room in the old Guild Stronghold, before they moved their headquarters to Nar Shaddaa, and then to some large star cruiser type ship.

One of Falka's men had had a contact within the guild, and they had been lucky enough to acquire this location at the price they did. It had still taken a huge chunk of their start up capital, but have a secure location from which to work was essential, and the Khommite knew that.

They were discussing an upcoming job when one of Tocar's men knocked, then entered the room. "Sirs, sensors are detecting two swoops approaching from the south at a high rate of speed."

"Have they attempted any communication?" Tocar asked.

"No sir."

"Then what makes you think they are bound for this location, and not just out sight seeing, or scouting for mineral deposits or moisture farm locations?" Tocar said with a hint of irritation in his voice. Prospectors and farmers were not uncommon, and even occasional tourist wasn't unheard of.

Falka kept looking down at the computer screen which showed the specs for the mission, acting as if he wasn't paying attention. This was Tocar's domain, and if the men were to have confidence in him, Falka must show he did as well.

"Sir, they've been on a straightline course for the last several minutes. They aren't wandering as a sight seer might, and they are moving much too quickly to be taking and sensor readings," the sentry reported.

Tocar sat silently for a moment, reflecting on this new information. "Thank you. You're dismissed."

The man hesitated for a moment as if waiting for some instructions, then he apparently decided to do as he was told and spun on his heel, leaving the War Room.

"Falka?" Tocar said, seeking the Captain's input.

"Go check it out and get rid of the intruders. Two men shouldn't be a problem. People disappear out here in the Jundland Wastes all the time," Falka instructed.

------------

Tocar watched the screens from the sentry room. From here, all the bases ground approaches could be monitored and the defenses activated and controlled. On the screens he watched two individuals in black cloaks racing up a canyon at an impossible speed. Even the locals that had joined them since their arrival several months ago, who had grown up here and knew the canyons like the back of their hands didn't dare to travel that fast in the twisted maze of the Jundland Wastes.

Finally, the swoop bikes stopped a hundred meters from the entrance and dismounted. He squinted at the screen as the figured adjusted their hoods, hoping to get look at their faces, but between the bright sun, and the deep shadows, he couldn't make anything out.

"Send the Gamoreans out to meet them. Have them find out what they want... then kill them," Tocar instructed.

528. Black Phoenix - Raezyr

After looking over the communications, Haley gave Trychon and Raezyr the coordinates to Black Phoenix headquarters before parting ways. After she had gone, Trychon checked the location on his data pad. "Oh man," he said in dismay.

"What is it?" Raezyr asked. It was hot underneath all the armor, standing in the street.

"The base... it's about 15 kilometers north east of here," Trychon said. "Too far to walk, yet it would be too much of a pain to take the ship."

"That's just great," Raezyr commented. He didn't relish the idea of leaving his ship somewhere the Black Phoenix crew would have complete access to it. He was worried their "hostile takeover" might still be too close in many of their memories, despite what Haley had told them.

"I think it'll be alright," Trychon said casually.

"What under these two suns makes you think it'll be alright? We're about to go visit a group of people whom just several weeks ago, were trying to kill us while we slaughtered their coworkers, and now we are going to leave my ship in their base where their mechanics can have access to it. How is that going to be 'alright?'" Raezyr asked.

Trychon shrugged. "I don't know, I just think it will be."

Raezyr just rolled his eyes. They continued walking down the street in silence. A Jawa ran up to Raezyr and began chattering at him. Annoyed he placed his hand on the short alien's head and shoved the creature into the dirt and kept on walking.

"Did you even listen to that thing?" Trychon asked Raezyr, looking over his shoulder at the Jawa sitting in the dirt, shaking it's fist at them.

"Why would I listen to that thing?" Raezyr said, annoyed. "It's lucky I didn't kill it. I think I really hate this planet."

"Why's that?"

"Well, if there's a bright side of the galaxy, this planet has to be farthest from it."

"With these two suns, I'm pretty sure that isn't true. It's about as bright as it gets here," Trychon said grinning, shading his eyes and looking at the binary stars.

"Anyway, that Jawa was trying to sell you that piece of junk landspeeder over there," Trychon said.

"So?"

"So, lets buy some swoops."

Raezyr stopped in his tracks and looked at Trychon. "That's got to be the... best idea you've had today!"

A couple hours and 4,000 credits later, the two Sith drove out of a used vehicle dealer's shop on a pair of Mobquet Flare-S swoop bikes. They weren't in pristine condition, but they were solid, and reliable.

After fueling up, they headed out for the Jundland Wastes, an area which consisted of numerous canyons surrounding large mesas. In no time at all, they were racing up and down the canyons at full throttle, reaching speeds in excess of 600 km/h, using the Force to guide their actions and keep them alive.

527. Black Phoenix - Trychon

The Jet Razor settled down into one of Anchorhead's many docking bays. Haley Stargazer had followed her instructions well, matching up documents for their arrival. They had clearance to land nearly immediately after exiting hyperspace in the Tatooine system.

Trychon had sent her a brief message before leaving the Korriban system, giving her simple instructions on preparing for their arrival. He had opted not to actually speak with her, simply sending a brief holo informing her that they would be there, and she would meet up with them prior to their dropping in to meet with Falka and perhaps some of the crew. He figured that was the best way to send the instructions, because that's exactly what they were... instructions. He didn't need to have a conversation with her, though both he and Raezyr were curious about the progress that the crew was having.

They had spent just a few days on Korriban, going through a few tomes and a few exercises, particularly a few on mind influence. They had plenty of training resources handy between holocrons, tomes, and even some training programs... but training and researching on Korriban was something different for them. It was almost as though the Academy or the planet itself was willing them to grow in their powers.

With so much else they felt they needed to accomplish though they stayed only a short while, nearly two days. They'd gotten what they came for and more... they expected a chance to hone a few Force skills, but they left with a pest's holocron and three lightsabers as well. They were reluctant to remove much of the resources actually native to the Academy, so it worked out well. Their brief stay was longer than they'd planned, but they always lost track of time in the Academy and they didn't rest until they were in hyperspace en route to Tatooine.

Raezyr and Trychon shut the Jet Razor down and headed out into Anchorhead. Having checked their chronos, they had a bit of time before Haley was expecting them at one of the cantinas so they wandered around for a bit. A relatively small oasis on what amounted to a desert planet, Anchorhead still was a rather large place when wandered on foot. It didn't take long before they realized that there wasn't much it offered that they couldn't get in better shape or prices on Den Var or any other number of planets. Still having plenty of time to spare, they opted to head to the cantina early, just to get out of the heat of the Twin Suns.

As they turned the corner towards their destination, they were slightly surprised not only to see Haley Stargazer already waiting for them, but more surprised to see that she simply waited out front of the establishment for them, hands clasped behind her back.

Raezyr gave Trychon a slightly annoyed look, and then they headed into the bar, walking directly past Haley. They found a dark booth and ordered a few drinks from the display. Haley wasted no time in following them in and taking a seat at the booth.

Raezyr didn't look up from the menu, pretending to still be interested in the measly selection. "Very discreet, Ms. Stargazer."

Haley looked at Trychon. "Your instructions mentioned a discreet meeting, but you also told us to follow our own judgements. We have found that 'discreet' catches more interest here than being a bit more open. The people here are very good at noticing the hidden, so sometimes it is best not to try too hard."

Still unhappy with the surprise, the two Sith conceded the point and moved on to question her about some of the general actions of the Black Phoenix group they'd helped to create, but they concentrated a lot of their questions on the morale of the members. Haley did her best to answer them, but she answered with a lot of half answers and guesswork.

Trychon ordered his third drink, having finished the one they'd ordered for Haley, who declined. "You don't seem like you were very well prepared for this briefing, Ms. Stargazer. Why not?"

She blinked, but held her gaze. "I was expecting you to ask me more about our current activities, and less about the crew."

Trychon shook his head. "We can get that information when we meet with Falka. We need the story behind the story. In short, you're not sure, but you're fairly positive that everyone's pretty comfortable with the direction of your organization so far."

She broke eye contact for the first time that Trychon could remember. "Yes. If you really are looking for a barometer of the mood of the Phoenix, perhaps you should select someone else. I grew up plugged into terminals from a young age. Emotions are not my strong suit. I won't be upset if you choose someone else. I will not tell Falka or Tocar."

Trychon smiled. "That's why we picked you, Haley. The list of things we can trust is pretty short, but your ability to be objective is about as good as it will get in your circle. Working directly with Falka will cause most of the Phoenix to feel more loyal to him, forgetting who they truly work for in the end. You will not." Haley looked to Raezyr, who nodded consent as Trychon continued.

"We may have asked too much from you today. We will help you learn what to look for and how to interpret it. You need to start by monitoring all communications from personnel, private or not. Scan their logs and holos as well."

Haley looked back to Trychon. "I have everything monitored. What do you need to see?"

Raezyr smiled now. "I guess you were right after all, Trych..."