The Before Times

The Before Times
Date of Scene:	13 December 2023
Location:
Synopsis:	Zeraph meets Vella on Nar Shadaa.
Cast of Characters:	275, Zeraph

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Vella (275) has posed:
The galaxy is in turmoil as criminal organizations, pirates, and cartels all challenge the High Republic?s authority. Lawlessness and chaos reign in many systems on the Outer Rim, and the Jedi have been called upon to restore peace. You find yourself on the bustling spaceport world of Nar Shaddaa, a hub of criminal activity and underworld dealings, tasked with seeking out and disrupting criminal activity.

Nar Shaddaa has a perpetually polluted atmosphere, with a constant drizzle of rain that mixes with the city's neon lights, creating a shimmering effect. Standing just off the main path in the shadows is Vexa Ralix, a Twi'lek information broker with a reputation for knowing the darkest secrets of Nar Shaddaa. She has lekku adorned with intricate tattoos and always wears a hooded cloak, giving her an enigmatic air. Vexa has a network of spies throughout the city, allowing her to gather valuable information, but is secretly has been turned as a Jedi informant, working to gather intel on the criminal cartels.

Zeraph has posed:
As Zeraph steps off the shuttle onto Nar Shaddaa's surface, neon lights bathe the towering skyscrapers in an eerie glow. The planet's lower levels are a labyrinth of narrow alleys and shady cantinas, while the upper levels house the criminal elite and their luxurious penthouses. The air is thick with the stench of corruption, and danger lurks around every corner. He takes a moment to survey his surroundings closely, using the force to give him a sense of any immediate dangers.

Vella (275) has posed:
The spaceport is a chaotic hive of activity, with various species and beings hustling to and fro. A group of heavily armed Trandoshan mercenaries guards the platform entrance, eyeing arrivals with suspicion. The deafening roar of starship engines fills the air as ships come and go. As Zeraph stands on the bustling spaceport landing platform, the constant hum of starship engines and the rain-soaked air create a surreal ambiance. The imposing Trandoshan mercenaries eye him cautiously but make no move to impede his progress.

Zeraph has posed:
Zeraph decides to approach Vexa Ralix, the enigmatic Twi'lek information broker. Zeraph replies, "I seek information about the criminal organizations that plague this world. I aim to put an end to their chaos and restore peace." He keeps up his hood but takes one of the lightsabers from his pocket, slowly moving it to the opposite pocket.

Vella (275) has posed:
As he steps closer, her hooded gaze meets his, and she offers a slight, cryptic smile. "Welcome to Nar Shaddaa, Jedi," she says in a hushed tone. "What brings you to this wretched hive of scum and villainy?" Vexa's lekku twitch with interest as she leans in closer. "Bold words, Jedi. And even bolder aims. I can provide you with the information you seek, but it won't come cheap. What do you have to offer in exchange?"

Zeraph has posed:
Zeraph begins to negotiate the price for Vexa Ralix's services. He leans in slightly and says, "I understand the value of your information, but I believe we can come to a mutually beneficial arrangement. Perhaps we can discuss a reasonable price or find another way for me to repay you?" He shrugs casually, "This world is full of criminals. Throw a stone and hit an immoral wretch. Certainly there are some wretches you would not be sad to see go..."

Vella (275) has posed:
Vexa raises an eyebrow and considers Zeraph's words. After a moment of contemplation, she nods slowly. "You Jedi are known for your resourcefulness," she says. "I have a task that requires someone with your particular skills. Complete it for me, and I'll provide you with the information you seek." Vexa continues, "There's a shipment of valuable spice about to be delivered to Gromek the Hutt's palace. Intercept the shipment and bring it to me. In return, I will provide you with detailed information about the criminal cartels' operations and key players on Nar Shaddaa."

Zeraph has posed:
Zeraph listens attentively, ready to accept the task, pondering the request. Intercepting a spice shipment from a Hutt won't be easy, but the reward could be invaluable. He decides to request more information from Vexa Ralix before committing to the task. He leans in and asks, "Could you provide me with additional details about the spice shipment? I need to know its exact location, the number of guards, and any potential challenges I might encounter."

Vella (275) has posed:
Vexa nods, her lekku twitching with approval. "I appreciate your caution, Jedi," she replies. "The spice shipment is currently en route to Gromek the Hutt's palace, which is located in the upper levels of Nar Shaddaa. It will be transported by a heavily guarded convoy of speeder trucks. The guards are a mix of mercenaries and Hutt enforcers, armed with blasters and some heavy weaponry. It won't be an easy task, but if you succeed, the information I provide will be invaluable."

Zeraph has posed:
Zeraph decides to negotiate the reward for completing Vexa Ralix's task, considering the increased risk involved. He leans in and says, "Given the additional risks I'll be facing, I believe a higher reward would be fair. Can we discuss the terms and the compensation in more detail?" He opens his hands casually. "The risks of something like that are going to be deadly. For me or for them. There's no middle ground here. There needs to be more in this if I'm doing this for you."

Vella (275) has posed:
Vexa's expression remains inscrutable, but she nods in acknowledgment. "You drive a hard bargain, Jedi," she says. "I can offer you a significant increase in credits upon successful completion of the task. In addition, I'll provide you with the most up-to-date information about the criminal cartels on Nar Shaddaa, ensuring you have a tactical advantage." She shrugs lightly and mentions, "Keep in mind, just talking to you puts me at risk as well. Being an informant is a constant noose around my neck. I benefit, yes, but at the constant risk of my own life. So we -share- risk here."

Zeraph has posed:
Zeraph decides to accept the negotiated reward and the task of intercepting the spice shipment destined for Gromek the Hutt's palace. He nods firmly at Vexa Ralix and says, "Very well, I accept your offer. I'll intercept the spice shipment." He shakes his head head lightly, "But I can't deliver it to you. You'll just distribute it to people and keep the cycles of addition spinning. That's something I can't be a part of. The Jedi exist to end such cycles."

Vella (275) has posed:
Vexa's enigmatic smile widens slightly as she extends her hand. "A wise decision, Jedi..." She hitches her head a tick. "But in terms of the spice, that's non negotiable. I need it in order to retain my status here. And my status here is what allows me access to the information I feed to you and the Jedi. If you wish to end the cycle of addiction for all of Nar Shaddaa, you're welcome to try. If you have a hundred thousand more Jedi and many centuries to work at it, you might succeed. But otherwise, give me my spice and solve the problems that you can actually do something about. Pick your battles wisely or you will encounter great and numerous losses as you spread yourself too thin and challenge battles you are not strong enough to win." She extends a hand. "Assuming you see reason, here's a comm frequency you can use to contact me once the task is complete. Be cautious. For light and life." She smirks and adds, "And a bunch of other stuff."

Zeraph has posed:
Zeraph takes the comm frequency and makes his way out of the spaceport, his Jedi senses honed and his lightsaber ready. The rain-soaked streets of Nar Shaddaa await him, along with the dangerous task ahead. Zeraph takes a moment to prepare his equipment, focusing on ensuring that his lightsaber is in optimal condition for the upcoming mission. He inspects the hilt, making sure the energy crystal is secure and the blade is perfectly attuned to his movements. Satisfied with the weapon, he then checks his comlink, ensuring that it is encrypted and ready for secure communication with Vexa Ralix. His Jedi training allows him to tap into the Force, enhancing his senses, and he reaches out to feel the flow of events on Nar Shaddaa, hoping to gather information about the convoy's route and the disposition of the guards, but finds only the barest of information for use. As he readies himself for the task ahead, he can't help but wonder about the challenges and dangers that await him in the shadows of this corrupt city.

Vella (275) has posed:
Meanwhile, Vexa Ralix watches Zeraph from a distance, her lekku twitching with interest. She knows the Jedi's skills and determination make him a valuable asset for her plans. She remains hidden, observing his preparations with a hint of satisfaction. As Zeraph reaches out with the Force to gather information, she quietly sends a coded message to one of her spies, instructing them to provide him with additional details about the spice shipment's route and guards. With her plans set in motion, Vexa patiently waits for Zeraph to take the first steps in the dangerous game that lies ahead, her secrets hidden behind her enigmatic smile.

Zeraph has posed:
With his equipment prepared and his lightsabers holstered and hidden, Zeraph decides to focus on acquiring stealth equipment to help him remain hidden while approaching the spice shipment. He heads deeper into Nar Shaddaa's bustling lower levels, where the criminal underbelly thrives, in search of a vendor who can provide him with the necessary gear. Letting his instinct take over, guided by the force, he takes a circuitous route, sticking to the more reputable areas rather than putting himself in danger.

Vella (275) has posed:
As he explores the narrow, neon-lit alleys, Zeraph comes across a shady merchant known as Raxo. Raxo specializes in providing stealthy attire and gear to those who prefer to remain unseen. The merchant offers Zeraph a variety of options, including a dark cloak with advanced camouflage technology and sound-dampening boots that would allow him to move silently. Raxo, a wiry Rodian with a raspy voice, grins toothily and says, "Looking to stay hidden, eh? I've got just the thing for you."

Zeraph can choose a dark cloak with advanced camouflage technology that blends with his surroundings, making him nearly invisible or Zeraph can opt for sound-dampening boots that allow him to move silently, reducing the risk of alerting the guards.

Zeraph has posed:
Thanks to the exceptional funding of his extremely wealthy friend Vella, Zeraph decides to acquire both the dark cloak with advanced camouflage technology and the sound-dampening boots from Raxo. These items will provide him with maximum stealth capabilities for the mission to intercept the spice shipment. He transfers the credits, taking care that he isn't scammed or taken advantage of. He glances around briefly to make sure his credit chip won't make him the target of an ambush or a mugging. Find it clear, he slowly draws his hand away from his lightsaber awaits his merchandise.

Vella (275) has posed:
Raxo, the wiry Rodian merchant, eagerly hands over the stealth gear, and Zeraph carefully secures them on his person. With the cloak concealing his presence and the boots allowing him to move silently, he feels well-prepared to approach the convoy unnoticed.

Zeraph has posed:
Now equipped with the stealth gear, Zeraph heads back into the rainy streets of Nar Shaddaa, his mission to intercept the spice shipment becoming increasingly covert. As he moves through the crowded alleys, he knows that the shadows will be his ally in this dangerous endeavor. With his stealth gear in place, Zeraph decides to gather additional information about the convoy's route, the expected time of arrival, and any potential weaknesses in the guards' defenses. He knows that a well-informed approach will increase his chances of a successful interception.

Vella (275) has posed:
Using his Jedi senses and his newfound stealth capabilities, Zeraph begins to discreetly inquire among the denizens of Nar Shaddaa, listening for any whispers or rumors about the spice shipment. He also pays close attention to the movements of the local underworld figures, hoping to spot any patterns or clues that might lead him to the convoy's location. As Zeraph discreetly investigates, he manages to gather valuable information about the convoy's route. He learns the exact path the spice shipment is expected to take through the lower levels of Nar Shaddaa, as well as the main streets it will pass through. The convoy is scheduled to pass through a particularly narrow and dimly lit alley known as "Shadow's Passage," a fitting name for a Jedi using stealth and secrecy. It's clear that this is the ideal location for Zeraph to execute his plan.