It had been a long trip for the pilots of the Wraith Squadron. Concealed in the  cavernous holds of the bulk freighter "Tiburon" were there 12 TIE Advanced Fighters, snugly settled in break-away berths that would allow them to slip free at a moment's notice. If they got that moment's notice, of course.

Their mission was simple: contact the Premier of The Drift and convince him to align his conglomerate with the Empire. For too long now, The Drift had been functioning as one of the Hutts primary suppliers of raw materials. With Governor Frentran on a special mission to bring the Hutts to heel, the Grand Moff had sent Wraith Squadron to "encourage" the Hutts by cutting off one of their suppliers. LCDR Lorinar, commander of the squadron, would be the only one to make a direct appeal to the Premier. The other members of the squadron would deploy covertly throughout the colony and make Imperial support more necessary. With any luck, the mission would be done in a few days. Assuming of course they survived entry to the system.

The Drift was an ugly collection of space junk, all orbiting a large dual star known only as K-1. Since the earliest days of space travel, explorers and travellers have used K-1 as a beacon, and as a junkyard. After a time, mining the junk others left here  became something of a profitable venture. After a longer time, people began bringing raw materials from all over the galaxy to be processed in The Drift's zero-g factories. Now, The Drift was far more than a junkyard. In fact, it was the home to a thriving conglomerate, and the only location in the galaxy where Ugors and Squib, Verpine and Ugnaughts, and all manner of scavengers could come together to process their treasures". Atop the whole of this rotting pile of wealth stood the Premier. Fortunately for Loronar, the Premier wasn't paying too much attention to the incoming ship log today.

#COM# Drift-Com: This is Perimeter Command. State your cargo and destination, and transmit your registration.
#COM# Tiburon: Understood Perimeter Command. This is the bulk freighter "Tiburon" with a cargo of salvaged TIE Fighters for Squib Processing area 27. We
also have some bacta tanks that we fished up around Thyferra a while back. We would like to sell them at the Central Market, if that is all right with the Premier.
Drift-Com: Standard percentage?
Tiburon: Absolutely.
Drift-Com: You are cleared to proceed "Tiburon". We confirm the ion engines in your hull, and your registration checks out. While you are here, you hold
registration number SK-112. Use it if you are challenged by any other outposts.

The "Standard Percentage" was 50%, before taxes. That cut allowed the Premier to keep his odd assortment of flunkies in line, and it encouraged folks to keep the word on The Drift to a dull roar. Unfortunately, a Hutt on Ithor had cracked three weeks ago under the persuasion of Princess Andrea's interrogators. This bulk freighter was quickly modified and a solid story was prepared to allow the Wraith Squadron to slip in without arousing any suspicion. For once, the Empire's commitment to the Twin Ion Engine paid off, as the perimeter scanners were unable to tell the difference between the TIE/ln and the TIE/Adv. As the massive ship slowly moved into the motley collection of ships, station fragments, and orbital factories, Loronar again questioned why the Empire would want such a stretch of garbage. On the other hand, he had his duty, and he knew his men would carry it out.
Splitting the force into three teams of three, with two men here on the "Tiburon" in reserve and himself on assignment at the central market, Loronar watched as his men fanned out into the marketplace. Disguised as simple mercenary traders, it was impossible to believe that these men were in fact some of the most highly trained and decorated warriors of the Empire. Each one had cost several thousand credits to train, and each one was capable of completing the mission on their own if they had to. For Loronar, the path was not so clear. He had to first find a buyer for the bacta tanks, then be hesitant enough with payment of the "Standard Percentage" to be brought in front of the Premier. The trick was being obstinate, but not so annoying that the Premier's men simply gunned him down. As Loronar moved down the ramp, followed by two droids, a translator and a financial droid, he wondered how long it would take before the Wraith Squadron made its mark here in The Drift.
 
 
 

None Selected Bulk Freighter Tiburon
 

Range: medium
diplomatic mission to The Drift begins
80% independent 10% Imperial 10% Republican

Bulk Freighter Tiburon
exits hs at The Drift
(600 m long)
200/200 S
250/250 H
275/250 Sys.

12/12 TIE Advanced concealed in hull (if they launch, Tiburon becomes useless)

Wraith Squadron fans out
Loronar looking to sell bacta
 

Re: Arriving at the Drift (Gov, Frentran)
 

Posted by Wraith Squadron on September 18, 1998 at 06:06:08:

In Reply to: Arriving at the Drift (Gov, Frentran) posted by Wraith Squadron on September 17, 1998 at 22:46:04:

Lorinar had found his buyer. After only a few hours, a group of Mandalorians approached him and made him the kind of offer one rarely found in the Empire. They would pay him 165% of the tanks open market value, provided that he could deliver them within the day. Discussing the matter in the open bazaar, Lorinar decided to haggle a bit, to be sure that the Premier's troops learned of the deal. When the Mandalorians started to look a little more edgy (which is saying something for them), Lorinar settled the deal, at 170% retail. Dispatching his two droids to see to the transfer, Lorinar signalled the "Tiburon" and made sure that they were ready to consummate the deal. It took the Mandalorians a couple of hours to get the cash together, and what they presented Lorinar was an odd assortment of Imperial credits, New Republic vouchers, and corporate sector doubloons, but it all added up. With the bacta tanks slipping away on repulsors leds (and their Imperial ID tags safely concealed) Lorinar was pleased at how quickly things were going. He headed back to the market, credits in hand, to do some shopping. He knew that the Premier was watching him now, and expecting him to come by with his tribute. Instead, Lorinar checked into a holo-vid, and enjoyed the first ten  minutes of the show. It was then that the Premier's three agents, two Rodians and a haggard-looking human, approached and interrupted the show.

Arton: Pardon me sir, but the Premier thought you might like to pay him a visit.
Lorinar: Oh really, whatever for?
Arton: Well, here in The Drift, all business transactions involve costs. It seems to us that you haven't paid your bills yet. Come with us.

Lorinar was in no position to argue, the two Rodians already had their pistols out and pointed at him. Moving casually with them, he was escorted out of the bazaar and into a private turbo-lift. The car raced through the 36 layers of the central Drift market, arriving at the lowest level, where the command centre and engineering sections were located. Here were more guards of the Premier, and Lorinar knew that he was on his way. Apparently, the price he had won for the tanks was large enough to attract the Premier's attention. So much the better, that way, he wouldn't have to win his way through layers of flunkys. Eventually, Lorinar's three escorts drug him into a large receiving room, not unlike the one on Tattooine where Jabba the Hutt held court.

At the far edge of the room, amid a group of a dozen or so humanoids, sat a 3 meter long Hutt. Lorinar suspected that the Premier was in fact a Hutt, but now he had proof.

Arton: Premier, here's that merchant you wanted to see. The smuggler from the Empire.
(near-Human beside the Hutt): Yeah, so why don't you just take the percentage and go?
Premier: Quiet Pollux. This trader has an interesting cargo and I want to see if there is more where this came from. Bacta is in short supply in the Republic, and we could make a fortune smuggling it into the Hapans. Welcome, Captain Angelo.
Lorinar: Thank you, Premier. I am honoured by this attention.
Arton: He wasn't any trouble, Premier. His deal with the Mandalorians went down real smooth too.
Premier: That is some accomplishment Captain. The Mandalorians have been in a fighting mood since they arrived here. Apparently, their new Governor General
has started a crack-down on the clans, and they are planning some sort of revolution.
The whole group laughs at that comment. Mandalorians periodically lapsed into fond recollection of the days when they stood against the Jedi and fought on a galactic scale. There had been at least a dozen "revolutions" in recent memory, none of which challenged Imperial control significantly.

Lorinar: Well, I don't care about politics, I am just in it for the business. Right now, I have a cherry deal with one of the Moffs, and he is supplying me with quality stuff anytime I want. What did you have in mind?
Premier: First things first. The percentage?
Lorinar (handing over the bag): Of course, Premier. For such a fine market as this, it is a privilege to pay over a share of our profit.
Premier (counting): I don't know that you understood Captain. I don't take a percentage of the profit, I take a percentage of the total sale price.
Lorinar: I suggest that you will win all that back and more, if you work out a deal with me.
Premier: I am listening, but your time is short, Captain.
Lorinar: What would you say to the potential of having all the Imperial surplus you could ever want out here, without any trouble at all with Imperial Customs?
Premier: Go on.

Lorinar spun out the details for another half hour, and the Hutt's photographic memory logged every detail. At the end of the discussion, the Premier decided to send Lorinar to a "guest room", which looked more like a plush cell to Lorinar, while he considered the offer. The next phase of the persuasion of the Premier was in the hands of the other Wraiths.
 
 
 

None Selected Bulk Freighter Tiburon
 

Range: medium
: diplomatic mission to The Drift begins
: 65% independent 25% Imperial 10% Republican

: Bulk Freighter Tiburon
: at The Drift
: (600 m long)
: 200/200 S
: 250/250 H
: 275/250 Sys.

: 12/12 TIE Advanced concealed in hull (if they launch, Tiburon becomes useless)

: Wraith Squadron fans out
: Loronar sold bacta, talked with the Premier
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Persuading the Premier (Gov)

Posted by Wraith Squadron on September 19, 1998 at 09:17:24:

In Reply to: Re: Arriving at the Drift (Gov, Frentran) posted by Wraith Squadron on September 18, 1998 at 06:06:08:

An explosion racked Ugor complex 2. As dozens of oozing Ugors fled the smoke and fire, agents of the Premier attempted to do damage control and prevent the fire from spreading. The confusion of the area was only enhanced by the recriminations called out from the crowd. "Kill the squibs who did this!" "Death to the Ugors, foul merchants of sacred garbage!" "None is safe, here at the Drift"

After only three hours, the situation had calmed enough for the Premier's sabotage team to examine the wreckage. Sure enough, the bomb was a Bothan design, and a quick cross-reference revealed that a group of Bothans, bound for their home world of Bothawui, had just left and had been involved in a tough deal with the Ugors. Like wildfire, the news spread throughout The Drift. Small pockets of violence erupted, with Bothans as the
primary target, and other disfavoured species when Bothans weren't available. The Ugor Director demanded justice from the Premier, demanded that security be increased and that Bothans be banned from The Drift. Hearing all this, the Premier decided to summon Lorinar, and see what he could assemble in the way of security upgrades.

Premier: What can you do for us, Captain?
Lorinar: We could arrange to have some surplus Imperial security droids delivered within two days.
Premier: How is that possible? The nearest Imperial world is at least two days away.
Lorinar: A prudent merchant thinks ahead. I knew The Drift was going to start having trouble with the Bothans. The Councillor for the New Republic, Farliner, has
announced a much more aggressive policy towards neutrals. He is shoving New Republic war cruisers down the throats of neutral worlds everywhere, and his agents are sowing the seeds of dissension and revolution throughout neutral space.
Premier: I had heard of his unauthorized brain scans of civilians, and I knew that a Republican fleet emerged at Allis Asteroid Field, but the rest of this is news to me.
Lorinar: Take a look at Hapes. He has brought a war cruiser to Hapes, and is apparently unafraid of their Battle Dragons. I tell you, you need protection, and my price is fair.
Premier: Very well, I will inspect your cargo, Captain. I will also verify your story. Guards! Lock up any Bothan you find. I will not take any chances with a repeat of today's insanity.

The Wraith Squadron moved silently to their second planned objective. This mission was moving along exactly on schedule, and Farliner's meddling at Hapes was only strengthening their case.
 
 
 

None Selected Bulk Freighter Tiburon
 

Range: medium
: : diplomatic mission to The Drift continues
: : 50% independent 40% Imperial 10% Republican

: : Bulk Freighter Tiburon
: : at The Drift
: : (600 m long)
: : 200/200 S
: : 250/250 H
: : 275/250 Sys.

: : 12/12 TIE Advanced concealed in hull (if they launch, Tiburon becomes useless)

: : Wraith Squadron fans out
: : Loronar sold bacta, talked with the Premier
 
 
 
 
 

Re: Persuading the Premier (Gov)
 

Posted by Wraith Squadron on September 20, 1998 at 08:01:29:

In Reply to: Persuading the Premier (Gov) posted by Wraith Squadron on September 19, 1998 at 09:17:24:

Morning dawned over the central market of The Drift. The entire spread circled the star, so it was always morning somewhere in The Drift, but as the market cleared the obscuring shadow of the "moon" Turalyon, light burst in through the overhead view ports. The Premier's security force was busy dealing with an apparent saboteur. About two hours ago, one of the security alarms alerted to an intruder in the market's primary water processor. When the security cameras swept the area, they could find nothing, but at every stage of the way, another alarm activated. Chief O'Malley, a porcine Corellian, dispatched three full squads to check it out. The Premier would not be happy if they failed to catch this saboteur. Creaping through the dimly lit water processing plant, O'Malley called out to each team in sequence.

O'Malley: Team 1?
Racta: Clear.
O'Malley: Team 2?
Bitura: Clear.
O'Malley: Team 3?
Skreen: Clear. Wait sir! I am getting a quiver on the motion detector.
O'Malley: Shoot it! Don't discuss it!

A series of blaster bolts engulfed the area, while O'Malley and the other two teams quickly crawled into position to back up the firing squad.
After ten minutes, O'Malley ordered the barrage to stop. As the smoke cleared, O'Malley was sure that nothing could have survived the assault. The
plant was significantly damaged, and the Ugnaught repair crews would be in an angry tizzy about it.

O'Malley: Search for bodies! Bitura, check the plant controls to see if everything is functional.

As the guards fanned out, O'Malley scanned the area for any motion. He thought he had a quiver, over by where Skreen was looking (O'Malley's own
men wore transponders, registering their movement with the scanner as non-movement) but then it was gone.
Skreen: Chief! I found something. It looks like a Bothan!

O'Malley rushed over, and was thoroughly flushed by the time he got there. Sure enough, it was a Bothan. One of the ones from Sluis Van. His ID card, which was only slightly charred(the Bothan was nearly unrecognizable), announced him as a representative of the Koensayr Corporation, the Republic's front company that manufactures the Ywing starfighter. just as O'Malley's fears of more Republican treachery were heightened, Bitura called out.
Bitura: Chief! It looks like we have a bacteria deployed in the aquifer. We are going to have trouble here.
Skreen: Chief, I have the Premier on line, he wants a report.

O'Malley: Premier, it looks like a Bothan spy got in here. The water system is going to have to be de-contaminated.
Premier: Republican spy?
O'Malley: Looks like it. He worked for Koensayr.
Premier: Understood. Proceed Chief, and make sure you get them all.

Overhead, Ensign Coriolanus watched O'Malley's conversation. The transponder he stole from O'Malley's technical crew three hours ago continued to mask his presence. A detailed autopsy could show that the Bothan had been dead for two hours before the security guards noted the intruder alert, but Coriolanus suspected that such an autopsy would never occur. Clambering over pipes and posts, Coriolanus signalled Lorinar that his mission had been a success. Lorinar could now bargain for some relief water (and the Imperial technicians and "advisors" that would come with it).
 
 
 

None Selected Freighter Tiburon
 

Range: medium
: : : diplomatic mission to The Drift continues (day 3)
65% independent 25% Imperial 10% Republican (corrected, thanks Cromwell)

: : : Bulk Freighter Tiburon
: : : at The Drift
: : : (600 m long)
: : : 200/200 S
: : : 250/250 H
: : : 275/250 Sys.

: : : 12/12 TIE Advanced concealed in hull (if they launch, Tiburon becomes useless)

Wraith Squadron continues the job
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The small, normal Corellian Corvette exits HS at the trading planet "The Drift", known well for good processed raw material and a good relationship to many pirates and tradesmen. The large dual star dazzles jeremy proctor in the first moment, but the view is dimmed immediately. Patching a course through the space junk, suddenly the comline beeps

#COM# Drift-Com: This is Perimeter Command. State your cargo and destination, and transmit your registration.
#COM# CorCorv Djungel : Understood Perimeter Command. This is the Corellian Corvette Djungel with a cargo of some rare earths , seeds and some pharmaca, which have several possibilities to be processed. We would like to sell them at the Central Market, if that is all right with the Premier.
Drift-Com, bored: Standard percentage?
CorCorv Djungel : of course.
Drift-Com: You are cleared to proceed.  your registration checks out. While you are here, you hold
registration number SK-219. Use it if you are challenged by any other outposts.

"Thanks, Perimeter Command, Djungel over and out"

Scanning the area for security reasons, and comparing it with the log file, he recognizes some other ships, but one bulk freighter is there since a couple of days, following his old registration number.

"Strange", Proctor thinks, and turned around to a crew member "Take an eye on this one over there, its "

After this, he prepared to go down on the planet and check for some strange news, he just heard from the news channel of the Drift.....

Standing at the  central market, proctor was impressed by the business feeling like a financial heart beat....
 

exit at Drift at medium
scanning area (surface + short or more PDFs, NI Ships up to extreme )
Starting counter mission (I will go with your next calc, Teg :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
 
 

Pulling the plug (Gov)
 

Posted by Wraith Squadron on September 20, 1998 at 19:12:14:

In Reply to: Re: Persuading the Premier (Gov) posted by Wraith Squadron on September 20, 1998 at 08:01:29:

Coriolanus: Commander, we've got trouble here.
Lorinar: What are you talking about?
Coriolanus: See that ship? That matches the designation and markings for the NR spy who was working with the Tibro pirates.
Lorinar: Damn, and we were just making progress here.
Wallace: Message coming in from Imperial Command sir. You will want to read this. (handing it to Lorinar)
Lorinar: Well, I guess that is that. We have 36 hours to win over The Drift.
Coriolanus: There is no way we can do it in that time.
Lorinar: Yep, and with that, comes the second part of our orders. We need to rendezvous with a special emergency mission to ***** ASAP. Wallace, call the
boys back, we are moving out.
Coriolanus: But what about the security droids, and the water technicians?
Lorinar: They will all arrive, as scheduled, and we will just have to finish up here later.

With sad regret, Ensign Wallace summoned back the Wraiths. Many delightful projects would be left undone. The seeds were planted, at least, and no
Republican would meet with a happy reception here.
As the freighter pulled out, Lorinar wondered what the Republican spy would think of all the chaos at The Drift. More importantly, he wondered if they
would do any more good at *****.
Blinking into hyperspace, the freighter raced towards its future.
 
 
 

None Selected Freighter Tiburon
 

Range: HS
: : : : diplomatic mission to The Drift ends (day 3)
: 65% independent 25% Imperial 10% Republican Bulk Freighter Tiburon
: : : : in hs
: : : : (600 m long)
: : : : 200/200 S
: : : : 250/250 H
: : : : 275/250 Sys.

: : : : 12/12 TIE Advanced concealed in hull (if they launch, Tiburon becomes useless)

: Wraith Squadron continues the job

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Analysing some of the sabotage targets, and the peoples opinion, Jeremy Proctor just comes with the result "Quo bene ?", and he thinks, that this crappy place is a target of some imperial agents provocateur.

He has still no plan, how to find them, and how to show their evil plans to the public. Strolling around at the central market place he looks for some rumours about strange trades, done lately. He repeats the rumours again and again, because he does not dare to make any records.

"A dozen tons Banta steaks, hmm..., doesn't sound imperial, some bacta tanks, hmm... there was some hassle about Thyferra and the Sith and the jedi, this would fit,... drugs, jedi artefacts, insurgents,... ..."

Suddenly he stops, hand slaps himself at the forehead. He heads for the "news" part of the central market, which is a tavern more or less,  and gets some drinks, and starts to discuss:

Men 1: "This bloody rebels, wouldn't they keep to their territory, we had peace now 30 years, the drift prospered, and , now ? I heard they contamined even the water supply !"

Proctor" Its crazy, its as if they all just gone crazy. You heard, that just before Allis proclaimed to join the rebels, The Grand Moff himself jumped in and started to punch on the ACC ? What do you think about this stupid politicians ? Don't they have enough work to do?"

Men 2, laughing, "You are right, they all behave crazy, until the both young leaders rose to power: this Tierran and this Xindel -  son. And, beside this, I don't know what they want here on Drift ?. We are just trading, and most of it is done by, lets say, ...."
men 2 looks around the tavern and smiles "Guys like us !"

Men 1, getting drunk slowly pointing at Proctor " yaright, I would not wonder, if all this f*'&%+ stuff is all just played to make us nervous. How could we determine, who is who ? I won't think, that any NR would run around, wearing NR uniform, neither any NI. Crap crap crap..."
 
 
 

65% independent 25% Imperial 10% Republican when Wraith squad left
1 day of NR counter mission
(ooc: "if nobody tells me else i'll get the NR loyalty from Neutral, but I'm not sure about its realistic")

so it becomes
60% In / 25% NI / 15% NR

Jeremy Proctor on surface, went into a bar, spreading informations, that you never can be sure about WHO is doing WHAT for WHAT purpose...
 

CorCorv in medium
Shield 150/150
Hull 150/150
sys 100%

3 Z-95 Headhunter docked,
1 at surface with Proctor

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

With a burning headache from the badly mixed drinks on the tavern, Jeremy Proctor awakes in his hotel room. The brown, worn down walls insult his eyes and the smell of the broken toilet reminds him more on the imperial camps of the prisoners of war. His hand still clamped around his blaster, from unknown origin, he tries to recognize why he awoke, when a silent beeping com reminds him, that he programmed a news filter. Sighing, his other hand feels its way to the com unit and he opens the channel ...
 

"Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Galactic Network Service, and my Name is Bonerawer. We just  received the information, that the Imperial 4th Fleet under Fleet Admiral David Seider exited Hyperspace in the New Republic territory at Adim in Marretan Sector and asked for surrender. We have no acknowledging information neither from the Empire nor from the Republic, but it seems, that the cold war heated up again. The Empire broke the treaty of coexistence, that lasted more than 30 years by now. This treaty was........."

Jeremy Proctor rose up, suddenly awaken. "The war, started again... so, my mission is even more important, but even more dangerous ... the war hawks fly again..."

Mixing under the nervous people of The Drift, he he feels the panic, that war or peace, catastrophes or just curious rumours bring into a trading market. Strange deals are made and some bargain was done with some Adims, that just try to get back into their system to save what can be saved.
Proctor is impressed by the 36 layers of the central Drift market, as well, as some of them are closed to normal salesmen, like he pretended to be. All over, he heard about the imperial attack on Adim and what changes this will mean for the Drift. Suddenly, weapons rose in prize, blasters as well as laser turrets. "Laser Turrets, how can they sell laser turrets just on open market ?" Proctor wonders, when he recognizes a certain Rodian following him since 2 levels. "Darn, am I so stupid or do I have the words NR insurgent tattooed on my forehead ?". Continuing looking around, he thinks how to get rid of the observer, but in a way, he won't notice....
 
 
 
 

2nd day of NR countermission
55% In / 25% NI / 20% NR

Jeremy Proctor on surface, strolling around,

the news of an imperial attack swayed 5% by itself :)
 

CorCorv in medium,
Shield 150/150
Hull 150/150
sys 100%

3 Z-95 Headhunter docked,
1 at surface with Proctor

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hyperspace - the vast void. Black is its background , coloured beams seem to pass by the small freighter, carrying Senator Oliver Cromwell towards his next target. Weary, and tired he stands at the main monitor, looking at the spectacle of hyperspace travel.

"The Drift".... he thinks "what is happening out there right now ?" Knowing, that markets are sensible to changes, he fears the worst. He got the same standard intel report before leaving Allis than every NR Diplomatic Corps - and related "Departments" as well.

There was something strange going on there, and, after the following days he wanted to get, what makes him so suspicious. The attack at Adim makes him worrying as well. "The time of peace is gone.. well... if it ever was existent. The dark force broke through."

Cromwell shivers, when in this moment, the freighter exits HS at "The Drift" and suddenly, the coloured beams shorten and become stars.

An ensign steps up to him and clears his throat

"Sir, we have a signal from our support ship, with greetings from Commodore Zeratul. It signals that it will arrive at our destination soon as well."

Cromwell nods "Thanks, ensign!" and follows him to the bridge nearby.

#COM# Drift-Com: This is Perimeter Command. State your cargo and destination, and transmit your registration.
#COM# YT2400 SarRider : "Understood Perimeter Command. This is the Transport Star Rider with Senator Oliver Cromwell onboard. He would be interested in a talk to the Premier."
Drift-Com, bored: What ?
CorCorv Djungel : This is the Transport Star Rider with Senator Oliver Cromwell onboard. He would be interested .....
Drift-Com: hmm.... I'll patch you through... hold on. On meantime you hold
registration number TA-43. Use it if you are challenged by any other outposts.

"Thanks, Perimeter Command, Star Rider over and out"

Minutes later, the Senator awaits the talk with the Premier, when the stand-by-picture vanishes and a Hutt appears. With a poker face, Cromwell notices the fact of the premiers race, and bows slightly. "Dear Premier, I'm pleased to offer you the greetings and friendship of the New Republic Senate and COS Leia Organa Solo. We heard rumours about your System having technical problems due to sabotage activity - the Empire showed its true face at Adim. We concerns that the empire has agents here and offer you our help."
Premier: "Hmmm... what will be mine prise ? Senator ? Now, I'm untouched by any side, everybody can jump in and out as he wishes, and, to be honest, our trading system does not fit well into the New Republic."
Cromwell" As you know, the New Republic is more or less a Federation and we have several grades of association. If this would be your intention, I would be pleased to talk with you more personally. I just come from Allis, and I can show you what progress we did there."
Premier, laughing, "Well, I'd enjoy a good talk, so drop by at any moment."
Cromwell "Dear Premier, even, if it seems to be very fast, I would like to ask for a favour."
Premier "Hmm.. ?"
Cromwell "Ma personal ship is on its way to meet up with me, Its an Apollo Cruiser, armed with defensive weaponry like Ion cannons and Quad lasers, to be able to defend itself especially against incoming fighters...."
Premier, "So ? A warship ? that's.... hmm.... well, keep to medium and lower its shields. Due to its weaponry it will make no harm over there."
Cromwell bowing slightly, "As you wish, Premier."
 

Heading towards the surface in the Yt2400, Cromwell orders the Apollo to exit HS and lower its shields...

The Cruiser appears suddenly in the space of The Drift...
 

YT 2400 exit HS in Med with Cromwell heading for Spaceport at the central market
S: 50/50
H 50/50
Sys 100%
 
 

ACMC exits HS at the Drift in Med

60 Quad
60 IC

S 0/1000 (lowered at orders by premier)
H 1000/1000
Sys 100%
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Proctor keeps on going and visiting the different levels of the central market, passing bye the huge meat markets, clothes, spices, arms, drugs, even slaves, where he stopped shortly viewing a female human being sold to a Hutt. The lizard like creature is fascinated and his fat tail flips from one side to the other. Disgusted from this deal, Jeremy Proctor turns away and enters the gambling zone. - Still followed by the Rodian, he heads for a sabbac table and starts to gamble a bit.

Some hours later, the Rodian disappeared and Proctor leaves the table relieved. Although he lost a LOT of money, he got something better - he was unsupervised now and could go to meet the local rebels. But first, he contacts his ship, and tells him to get the newest NR Intelligence records about Adim to sell them to the local news... ALL shall see what the NI does there. Crossing the market, he sees a crowd of people and he heads towards it....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

When crossing the central market and heading towards his meeting with the premier, Cromwell has a close look at his "honour guard" - mostly those porcine corellian, badly uniformed, the anthems, as played in each official job, had been played badly. This is definitely not a planet for diplomatic chatting. Even as it looks not as a "honour guard" the guardians are very effective in making a free way for the Senator. many traders look suspiciously at the Politician and some of the deals here would be definitely not allowed in the NR. Cromwell recognizes, that this was the Hutts version of a scenic route. It tells him, that this is his lifestyle, that the NR would have to accept this here.

As this is his second, or if including his mission on Ord Pardron where he became Ambassador, his third mission, he starts to recognize the common way, politics is done. Its not necessarily important what you say, but, what you don't say. Its not important what you officially shows, but the things nearby, that you see as well, are as planned as the official visits. They all carry informations and meanings.

Wearing his "politician-face", Cromwell shows a self sufficient habit but don't neglect smiling at the people passing by. He knows, his mission here is unusual, but it has two good reasons. First, it counteracts some intelligence activities from the Empire, and second, The Drift fits very well into the search for raw materials deliverers and processing of it. Allis is nearby, just some short Hyperspace travel, its not too far from the Sluis Van shipyards. Hence it fits absolutely into NR policy. Anyhow, the neutrality made something special out of this place, and this speciality saved more than one rebels live in former times. He's not sure how his talk with the premier will work out, when he suddenly spots a familiar face in the crowd.... "PROCTOR!" he thinks, what the hell...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

mission continues (10% sway due to Cromwell & Insurgent group)
Senator Cromwell arrived, greets people on central market
Proctor lost money in a sabbac game and ordered the newest NR Intelligence record of the Adim attack to sell to local broadcasting company.

45% In / 25% NI / 30% NR

Apollo Class Modular Cruiser in Medium
60 Quad
60 IC
S 0/1000 (lowered at orders by premier)
H 1000/1000
Sys 100%
all Figs docked
Shuttle "Freedom" docked
Shuttle "Peace" releasing YT2400 Star Rider from duty, shuttle waits on planet.

YT2400 Star Rider enter HS too ***** (Art, finally you get your transporter back. Many thanks, it served me well :)
 

Corellian Corvette Djungel in Medium (no NR signature)
Shield 150/150
Hull 150/150
sys 100%
3 Z-95 Headhunter docked,
1 at surface with Proctor

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Puzzled about seeing Jeremy Proctor in the crowd of cheering people, the senator lowers his eyes and hides his surprised face by pretending to have a cold. "That is unusual," he thinks, "Diplomacy is supposed to go a straight line in mine opinion" Then, he remembers the last Senate decision, to raise insurgent groups for swaying popular opinion. It was a new dimension in galactic intelligence work. Those insurgents had not only to be able to work as a spy. No, additionally, they need to be reporter, polling specialist, social structure analysts. But  beside all this, Cromwell knows, that each of those men are deadly weapons as well. Putting all those informations in the most backwards part of his brain, he arrives at the premiers residence.

The huge cavern like hall was illuminated with torches and the burning fat has a stinging smell. All around people are eating and some woman's and aliens are dancing and in the middle,  a greyish old hutt sits on a greasy but warm throne. With a short mark to a nearby standing human, the music stops suddenly.

Premier "Senator, I welcome you to The Drift, the most spectacular and curious planet in this sector. I heard you wanted to speak with me, and its always a pleasure to me to chat a bit."
Cromwell " Premier, as I was informed by the Senate of the New Republic, it is feared, that your system is a target of imperial insurgent groups. This fits well with the problems you encountered lately. Especially , we could gave you a possibility to clear your water and , possibly, getting a proof of the origin of it. My last information is, that around 100 inhabitants of your system died due to the water and ..."
"well, Senator, 100 fled slaves did dye of it, that is right. This scum always hide in the catacombs under the central market and steals my property." the fat Hutt chuckles again, his snail like body wobbling "but, what is your proposal ?"
Cromwell "I could ask for some scientist, e.g. from Allis Asteroid field, that saved my life in decoding and fighting against an unknown virus. This virus, ws artificially constructed and deployed there to do major harm to the population. They won. I know, they will do their very best, and,   I think you would get them cheap, if I ask for them "
Premier "Why should you do this ?"
Cromwell "Well, Allis Asteroid field is the youngest member of the New Republic, we just start to build and try to link their economy to the other worlds nearby. Your market is one of the biggest in the sector, and allis is nearby. We would appreciate, if you could reduce the standard percentage for goods from Allis to 20%. In exchange, you would participate in the technological transfer system - and as first step, the Allis Genetical centre will have a dependance here on the Drift."
Premier " 20 Percent ?????? That's crazy, Whawhahahhaha!"
Cromwell hands the Premier a datapad, smiling, "Perhaps, that's an information I got lately from the Hapan system, isn't it one of your major purchaser ?"
The premier looks at the senator and starts to go through the datapad.....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the mean time, Jeremy Proctor returns from the news-market, having sold the tapes from the Adim attack, where the New republic forces fight a glorious battle against the cruel invaders. But he thinks about how to get the most effect out of the coincidence of the Senators visit and his stay. As the senator is Ambassador of his homeplanet, he had to go through his history and he remembers the story of his life "Former Admiral, hero of Ord Pardron, holder of 5 medals....".

Another time, jeremy Proctor contacts his ship, to get some more tapes from the intelligence database...

A few hours later, Jeremy Proctor sells the life history of the senator to his new friend, a reporter of the local news broadcasting company.....
 
 
 

mission continues (10% sway due to Cromwell & Insurgent group, if anybody wonders, please email or irc)

Senator Cromwell has his first talk to the premier, bargaining about treaty with Allis
Jeremy Proctor orders some more records about the navy time and the battles of former Admiral Cromwell to cheer up the masses :) with good news :)

Loyalty by now
 35% Independent  / 25% New Empire / 40% New Republic
 
 

Apollo Class Modular Cruiser in Medium
: 60 Quad
: 60 IC
: S 0/1000 (lowered at orders by premier)
: H 1000/1000
: Sys 100%
: all Figs docked
: Shuttle "Freedom" docked
: Shuttle "Peace" on planet.
 

: Corellian Corvette Djungel in Medium (no NR signature)
: Shield 150/150
: Hull 150/150
: sys 100%
: 3 Z-95 Headhunter docked,
: 1 at surface with Proctor

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Returning to the fray (Gov)

Posted by Wraith Squadron on September 24, 1998 at 18:02:43:

In Reply to: Pulling the plug (Gov) posted by Wraith Squadron on September 20, 1998 at 19:12:14:

At The Drift, the usual bustle had returned. All the Bothans had been scared off, and the arrival of a Republican Ambassador had put most of the
Republican loyalists back at ease. Security was falling back into its usual low state of readiness. Thus, when the bulk freighter "Arcturus" arrived, it
was allowed to dock with no real concern. Inside, Commander Lorinar had had a chance to read up on this Ambassador, and his agents. This time,
things would be different.
 

None Selected freighter Arcturus

Range: medium
: : : : : diplomatic mission to The Drift begins anew (effects don't begin until after the mission is underway)
Bulk freighter Arcturus
: : : : : (600 m long)
: : : : : 200/200 S
: : : : : 250/250 H
: : : : : 275/250 Sys.

: : : : : 12/12 TIE Advanced concealed in hull (if they launch, Tiburon becomes useless)

: : Wraith Squadron continues the job
Re: Returning to the fray (Gov)
 

Posted by Wraith Squadron on September 25, 1998 at 06:33:56:

In Reply to: Returning to the fray (Gov) posted by Wraith Squadron on September 24, 1998 at 18:02:43:
 

Lorinar: What do you mean, "the Premier is meeting with their Ambassador"?
Derlin: I mean, Commander, that's what's on the news here. "To calm recent tension, the Republic has dispatched noted Ambassador and Senator Oliver
Cromwell to meet with our august Premier". The entire situation has spun out of control.
Lorinar: Don't lose your head yet, Derlin, we may yet have a move or two to make. Jenks, call up the schematic on The Drift.
Jenks: Aye sir.
Lorinar (looking): As I had hoped. Ok, here's the plan.....

Hours later, as the Premier and Senator Cromwell continued to discuss the progress at Allis and what it could mean for The Drift, some curious things began happening around the dock where the Ambassador's command cruiser was docked. Soldiers in Republican uniform got into a bar fight, and rather than allow Drift security personnel deal with the matter, other Republican troopers intervened, and pulled their men away.
By the time the Chief arrived to protest the situation, there was none around, and the guards at the airlock (Republicans also) denied any knowledge of the entire incident. Additionally, a couple of Duros, who were known sympathizers of the Empire, were found dead not 2 klicks from the cruiser's docking bay. Even more curious, one of them had a torn scrap of fabric in his hand, as if he had been fighting his attacker. When the Chief opened the
Duros' fist, he saw that it was the shoulder insignia of a Republican Naval trooper. The crowd behind the Chief saw this as well, and word quickly spread throughout the complex. The Chief ordered an immediate curfew, to forestall any violence, but his own suspicion was aroused, and he knew that word would get around. While these incidents wouldn't affect the beliefs of those who supported the Republic, it would cost the Premier supporters. It looked like he wasn't able to control the Republicans, and he was allowing them to walk all over The Drift.

Meanwhile, at the edge of the system, the convoy carrying the security droids and the water purifying droids that were arranged during the Squadrons last visit arrived. It would take a while for them to be unloaded and put in place, but the plan had proven its resiliency, and the Wraiths returned to their cover activities.
 

None Selected Freighter Arcturus
 

Range: medium
: : : : : : diplomatic mission to The Drift begins anew
30% neutral 30% Imperial 40% NR
convoy arrives

: Bulk freighter Arcturus
: : : : : : (600 m long)
: : : : : : 200/200 S
: : : : : : 250/250 H
: : : : : : 275/250 Sys.

: : : : : : 12/12 TIE Advanced concealed in hull (if they launch, Tiburon becomes useless)

: : : Wraith Squadron continues the job

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The silence carries a tension throughout the muddy hall. Only the gentle clicking noise of the datapad in the premiers small sausage-like fingers is heard.
Premier, ignoring the normally kissing up crowd  "Senator, just between both of us honest men - what in this datapad is true and what is propaganda ?"
Cromwell, taking a deep breath wants to start, when Chief O'Malley rushes inside in the hall, at his uniform some dark spots looking like blood. With a furious look at the Senator he addresses the premier
"Premier, I'm sorry to pop in here as I did, but, we do have problems again..."

Summarizing the happenings of the past few hours, Cromwell listens carefully to the report of the Chief. A bit upset, the premier looks at the NR representative " Senator, what is happening here - if you are just a vanguard for an attack, then its the wrong way to start."
Cromwell "Premier, You  know that this is not the republican way to act. Furthermore, Its not my way to act.  I know, that my proposal for your planet would mean a change, perhaps a big change. But, we normally don't interfere in the planets local politics, as long it don't interfere with the federations policy. That, you didn't do. SO we won't as well. I told you, that I fear an imperial intelligence group being on your planet. " turning to the Chief "As I understand, you don't have a witness to the accusations?"

The chief nods, "But, we have evidence Senator - the NR insignia here "
Cromwell "that you found in the left fist of that Duros ?"
Puzzled, the chief nods again "as I said!"
Cromwell "I just wonder, because in a fist fight or knife fight I won't expect such an evidence - anyhow, there you are the expert. The problem is, that although the indication seems to be a proof - how many fights as you suppose to have happened did you see going on without ANY witness ? I would suggest to get proof, that you might first want to investigate all that indications scientifically - I think, they are faked by the imperial agents ! Alas, even if they would be an original, they could easily  be put there by anyone. Anyhow, If you want me to withdraw all republican troopers, I will let cancel their shore leave, premier. "
Premier "This does disturb the business, Senator, and nervous people don't do good on a crowded market as I do have to lead here. I guess we have to do a big funeral feast to calm people down - I suggest you want to participate in it ?"
Cromwell frowns "What does it mean - do I have to withdraw my troopers or not ?"
Premier "We do have some nice habits here, Senator. One is, that the victims of murder on the market area gets a common, big funeral. Normally, we do this once a month, but, due to those strange happenings, we should do it this week. I would suggest to call back most of your troopers. But those, who wants to show their respect to the death and the victims, may participate.....
Cromwell nods "This sounds fair for me. But, I want you to make clear, that this is no sign of guilt, but of respect. I want to add some specialities, if you allow. The NR will pay for the meals of the audience and we will prepare them!"
Premier nods "Fine, I will go for an announcement then, and O'Malley, you 'll have a look at the NR troopers that will join the funeral and look for the meal."

Returning to his quarters, Cromwell orders to buy most of the meat of the market and let it guard heavily by some of his troopers, that on the same time where watched by the Chiefs men. Although thinking about the mission of Proctor, Cromwell does not have any time to get in contact with him now.

The preparations of the funeral and the show for it starts.....
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jeremy Proctor just returns from his new deal from his reporter - friend, when a message from his ship reaches him. "Jeremy, you told us on arrival to have a look on a certain bulk freighter. This one disappeared soon after our arrival - we just do have a funny thing now, another bulk freighter arrived, other name, same looking, and , as soon our scanner can work without being recognized easily, they do have the same cargo - especially, it was the same cargo they left with  as well. By the way, I may err, because the Captains name switched as well I think. the first one was Angelo, and the one now, damn cannot find it by now.. anyhow that's what I wanted to tell you. If there are news, I will call you again. Djungel over".

Proctor things and his suspicion comes clearer. Switching from his reporter-education to his military thinking, he starts to stroll through the bars again. Many drunken chattings didn't gave him a new hint. Then, he sees some NR trooper in badly fitting uniforms coming into the bar and start swearing, cursing and loud singing. Sitting alone in the back of the bar, he wonders. "Its not the normal group size of NR standard troops - the uniforms fit bad, and this song is not one of the most popular once. "
Shaking his head, suddenly a voice breaks through the noises in the bar. A loudspeaker voice
Premier, through the com " People of the Drift, we life in unusual times. Therefore, and due to the support of NR Senator Cromwell, we will have the usual funeral by tomorrow. (Cheering in the bar) The feast games will be bigger than usual because some Republican troopers wants to have a fight against some beasts and some of our Gladiators. (Cheering) As we normally do, its a fight to the blood, but not to the death. The meals will be served by the Senators crew as well. Here, I'll hand over to the senator"
Cromwell, through the com "People of the Drift, I'm happy to have the possibility to show my deep respect to your traditions (laughing in the bar) and therefore I want all Troops back to the ship ASAP. We need everybody for the preparations. Many thanks. "#com out

The NR-troops look at each other and swear, when they start to leave the bar. Proctor decides to follow them, and he recognizes, that they don't head for the docking bay, but to some quarters.

"I got them !", he thinks, "that here is their headquarters." Double-clicking his com, he let his ship notifying his actual position and heads towards the house, the agents went in....
 

Oliver Cromwell
Questioned the "proofs" of NR soldiers attacking people
Announced to make the "traditional monthly funeral" an even bigger deal with more fun and more to eat as usual

Jeremy Proctor
Sold more material to local news
Found trace of the imperial agents
 

Loyalty
20% Independent  / 30% New Empire / 50% New Republic

Apollo Class Modular Cruiser in Medium
: 60 Quad
: 60 IC
: S 0/1000 (lowered at orders by premier)
: H 1000/1000
: Sys 100%
: all Figs docked
: Shuttle "Freedom" shuttling standard troops back to ship, bringing real guards and cooks to the drift
: Shuttle "Peace" does the same.
 

: Corellian Corvette Djungel in Medium (no NR signature)
: Shield 150/150
: Hull 150/150
: sys 100%
: 3 Z-95 Headhunter docked,
: 1 at surface with Proctor
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To catch a thief (Gov, Cromwell)
 

                                   [ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ New Republic Board ] [ FAQ ]
 

Posted by Wraith Squadron on September 26, 1998 at 06:15:08:

In Reply to: Re: Returning to the fray (Gov) posted by Wraith Squadron on September 25, 1998 at 06:33:56:

Ensign Coriolanus looked up from his re-wiring job to see as Tyrax and Zeb came into the beat-up shack that was serving as the Wraith rally point.
What he saw on the security cam did no please him, and he snatched up a blaster and headed for the assassin's blind in the alley. It took only seconds
to confirm his suspicion, as the man he was watching thumbed off a high-grade comlink. Coriolanus heard only the tail end of the message, the man
was informing someone about his location. That meant that this base would have to be evacuated, and quickly. Taking aim, he fired off one stun blast
that felled the intruder easily. Looking around, he was sure that no one was watching, and he drug the man into the safe-house.

Lorinar: Ensign, what are you doing? I need that re-wiring done before lunch. (seeing Coriolanus' charge) What do we have here?
Coriolanus: I saw this gent spying on Tyrax and Zeb. He called someone on this comlink and I figured we were compromised.
Lorinar: Zeb, Tyrax where were you, what happened?
Tyrax: We were at the bar, about to start a fight with some security personnel when the Republican Ambassador, Senator Cromwell, came on and ordered all
the troops back to their ship. Since everyone else left, we figured we should too.
Lorinar: But you didn't go back to the ship. You came here. Ah. Well, bind this man up, and then break-down our little "estate" here. We will need to move to
staging area delta.
Zeb: Aye sir.

As the unconscious man was bound and shackled, the other Wraiths worked to restore the building to its earlier appearance. With the help of a
"housekeeping" droid, the house would be swept thoroughly, with no residue or genetic markers left around for anyone to discover. Additionally, all
the Republican uniforms were vaporized, to prevent anyone from learning that the true troopers had been impersonated. All in all, the break-down
was accomplished quickly and without too much fuss. The same could not be said of the next move.
Transporting a prisoner without looking like you were transporting a prisoner was very difficult. Eventually, the Wraiths settled on stuffing the man
into a repulsor-barge, tying him down so that he wouldn't move or awaken, and gagging him for silence. They then loaded up other equipment
around him and moved out. Lorinar took the man's comlink, blaster, and the other few items he could find on him. As he examined the comlink, he
became more and more convinced that this was the operative that had driven them off the first time.

Lorinar: Zeb, Tyrax, get this man back to the ship. Lock him up tight, and put him in the epsilon field. I don't want some "homing device" or anything else leading
someone to our ship. Keep him on ice and in the epsilon field. That will block any scans or transmissions. Coriolanus, you keep on with your mission. I have to
go greet the convoy, incognito, and make sure that those droids get into place.
Coriolanus: You're sure I can proceed with this mission? Aren't you worried its been compromised?
Lorinar: Trust me, this agent didn't have time to learn anything. No, you need to complete your mission. We have to strike now against their pecuniary interests,
make it clear to the merchants that neither the Republic, nor the Premier is capable of protecting them. That will pave the way nicely for our droids' arrival.
Coriolanus: Aye sir.

As the four Wraiths fanned out from the building, Lorinar adopted the disguise of a patrol officer in the Premier's security team. He looked the part
perfectly, with a shaggy moustache and an unshaved stubble of a beard. He walked with the casual arrogance of the Premier's security force, and after
turning the corner, he found another officer. Before the officer saw him, he called out to his "colleague".
Lorinar: Hey, cop, I found something!
Gurza: What? Oh, didn't see you there. Hey, what's your name?
Lorinar: I'm Quisque, just signed on after the Bothans left. Thought I could make a pretty penny workin' security, ya know?
Gurza: Ah, right, yeah, you can. Whatcha got there?
Lorinar: I don't know, it looks like a comlink. I found it here, right outside this door (pointing a a house, exactly one block away from the one where poor
Proctor had been bagged)
Gurza: You got your transmitter? We need to call this in.
Lorinar: Nope, I left it back at the barracks. Could you?
Gurza: Sure, no problem.
#COM# Gurza: This is patroller Gurza calling in to command. We have a possible homicide/missing person. I just found a comlink at complex B-22, block 18.
Request orders, backup, and bounty.
Lorinar: Hey now! That bounty needs to be split!
Gurza: Look Quisque, you don't have your transmitter see? Without your transmitter, you are subject to being busted out of the service. The way I figure it, if
you give me that comlink now, I won't rat you out. Now get a move on!
Lorinar: Ok, ok, I get the point. I am getting back to the barracks now. I won't forget this Gurza.
Gurza: Good, maybe next time, you will remember that getting paid is all that really matters in The Drift.

Lorinar walked off towards the air bus depot, leaving Gurza behind to claim the reward and direct the investigation. It couldn't have gone better,
Gurza would never reveal that another patroller was involved, it would cut into his bounty. He would make up details to satisfy O'Malley, and the
whole thing would tie up Drift security for days. In the meantime, Lorinar would make it out to see what the other Wraiths were doing.

On the other side of the sprawling complex of old space-junk and mini-planetoids that was the Drift, the convoy from Arkanyd was being unloaded.
The other Wraiths had managed to get the delivery some wide coverage, and a large group of Drift merchants were on hand to see the security droids
roll off the freighter. Each droid was manufactured to the Premier's specifications, but each droid had some embedded programming that would
come in handy later. The Premier's droid supervisor, an old protocol droid 9D-6, scanned each droid thoroughly before approving it. His scans were
good, but Imperial Intelligence was better. Inserting droids with "sleeper" programming had been a trick of their trade since the rise of Palpatine
almost a half century ago. As the merchants ooed and ahhed, the Premier's droid took an opportunity to speak to the crowd.
9D-6: Our illustrious Premier has arranged for these droids to augment our security forces, and provide you with even better protection as you go about your
business here at The Drift. Do not forget to deliver your percentage to His Eminence in exchange for his protection.

The groups applause was strong and lusty. After the disturbances of the past few days, the merchants were happy to do anything that would return
The Drift to stability. It was in the middle of the applause that the Wraiths struck. An explosion 40 m away caught the crowd's attention. Drift
security was on the scene within 45 seconds, a feat the Lorinar considered quite impressive as he ran to join them. His cover was intact, and the
security force fanned out quickly to determine the cause.
A Mon Calamari restaurant was aflame, and patrons were fleeing the place as quickly as they could. In the back, intermittent blaster fire could be
heard. Suddenly, blasts rang out from the corners, and three security officers were downed. As fire was returned, there were still no clear targets.
Eventually, the rear door burst out, and a group of four humanoids rushed out. Security tried to pursue, but the four humanoids, encased in body
armour, vanished into the back alleys. Inside, the officers found four dead Calamari and one dead Quarren. The Quarren had apparently been
shooting at the security forces, and it was concluded that he was part of the attacking force. The Calamari, on the other hand, were found murdered
in the kitchen. Lorinar helped police the area, looking for clues, but finding none. Within minutes, he could hear the rumours starting.
"This place isn't safe anymore."
"Did you see it, there were only two of them and a dozen of the Premier's security troopers?"
"You know, maybe these Imperial droids ARE the answer. At least they know how to take down a threat."
"What are we doing? Kedrin Xindell has given the Merchant's Guild freedom in the Empire. And at least they are safe from terrorists."
"What do you expect from a Hutt? We have to get some real protection."

Within minutes, the airwaves were filled with the Premier and Cromwell, promising to devote their full attention to cracking down on this violence.
As Lorinar watched, he knew his men were readying their next move, one that would exploit this determination to crack down on crime. While the
Republicans had the upper hand, the race wasn't over yet.
 
 
 

None Selected freighter Arcturus
 

Range: med
: : : : : : : diplomatic mission to The Drift continues
25% neutral 35% Imperial 50% NR
convoy unloaded
Proctor captured (in story only, I have no intention of destroying your insurgent group, I don't even think I can, but he put himself into the area where he would
be an obvious target.)

: : Bulk freighter Arcturus
: : : : : : : (600 m long)
: : : : : : : 200/200 S
: : : : : : : 250/250 H
: : : : : : : 275/250 Sys.

: : : : : : : 12/12 TIE Advanced concealed in hull (if they launch, Tiburon becomes useless)

: : : : Wraith Squadron continues the job

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Captain O'Malley is furious . "Since this bl*#&5 Senator arrived everything seemed to be ok. Now, everything gets a mess." Sitting in his office he goes through the reports
 

1. Attack on a Mon Cal restaurant, 2 dead, lot of injured
2. one missed / homicide report,
3. handling to integrate those security droids,
4. the report of the observationists.
5. whereabouts of salesman Jeremy Proctor from his ship
6. the preparation and security of the funeral feast

Cash flow yesterday : sub average

O'Malley sighs, when seeing the first of the new droids being brought into his office.  Although knowing, that they do the work more accurate and are not prone to corruption, he dislikes the metallic gleaming appearance. He leaves the missing, whereabouts and observation report to the new droid and turns over to the investigation and the security preparations

"Well, if I can always give away those uninteresting things, the tin heads might be a help"
 

The droid gets the informations and  starts to arrange them in a logical way and try to resolve relationships....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cromwell goes through some records of former "funeral feasts" and hopes, that he has no active appearance in them - never. He compiles a tape for those troopers, who wants to join it, and he knows, that lots of them will. They joined the Navy to go to fight, for adventure, so many would like to fight some gladiators. "We will see how this will work out"

The announcement of the funeral feast got a huge sway towards the new republic, but, it will be a huge effort to straighten out the differences.... but it looks good, what is happening here...
 

Some hours later, the funeral starts. Massive trumpets sounds over the central market. Its first level was cleaned from dealers, and in the middle, a huge platform is removed to allow for a look towards the second level. There, the crowd has a look to the participants of the funeral, strung in lines and aligned towards the Premier and the Senator, that stands and waits until both anthems are played - properly this time.

While the speech of the Premier speaks about the death of the poor salesman (and their money, with which the beasts are bought and the gladiators are paid), Cromwell looks around, fearing another attack. But O'Malley put up his men in a good manner and everything seems secure. Shield generators produce sections in the huge arena like place, so that a panic would not rush through the whole crowd. Air speeders with sleep gas are stationed nearby, guarded heavily. "This Captain is hard, but he kknows his job. I wonder how much money he gets or why this Hutt trust him so much."

With the last words of the premier, the sounds of the trumpets rise again, and the cheering crowd glares at the centre of the arena, where the first games starts...
 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Droid SEC-D2 - 564/63AFD compiles the data in the meantime, logic, comparitions and propability calculations lets him come to a decision about his work - and he contacts the Chief O'Malley: "Chief - first results from Droid SEC-D2 - 564/63AFD Concerning this missing person, Proctor, Jeremy, .."

Chief, from the arena through the com:  "You tinheaded thing ! Although I own you, somehow, I don't have time for this now, just act with this thing as you want ! Chief over !"

Puzzled, if a droid can be, the machine stands still and seems to think. Concerning to the Drift precedences, freeing a captured person gives you the right to get a quarter of the possessions it has on the drift. Calculating profits for his owner, the chief, the droids decides to dispatch a message to the other ones...
 

#droidinterncom, (coded)
"Security droids SEC D2 - if no other orders counterorder this one, follow this one: Free captured person - bounty to Chief o'Malley
Situation
1) rodian Observationist - Following a Subjekt "general" (after leeting him think he get rid of me) up to complex B-22, block 17,b after he entered, he did not leave again, but a group moved out. In this mix, he may have disappeared.
2) (comlink found) at complex B-22, block 17 by Patroller Gurza
3) missing person Jeremy Proctor.

Let
subject"general"=missing person=Proctor=Captain of Corvette Djungel
AND
comlink=routed to Corvette "Djungel"
0>>>> Jeremy Proctor is this person <<<<<<0
Propability 33%

INCLUDE error possibility from Patroller Gurza
0>>>> Jeremy Proctor is this person <<<<<<0
Propability 83%

Droid near to complex B-22, ,investigate the rooms in complex B-22, block 18 where a group moved out."
#droidinterncom off

20 minutes later the Droid gets back to work - the rooms where found totally clear - only a smell of disintegrated things was in the air.

EXPECTATION: NORMAL REMNANTS OF PEOPLE
OBSERVATION: CLEAN
QUESTIONING OF NEIGHBOURS: NOTHING

tracing down the kind of paying for the room, the droid gets some more informations and suddenly it connects to his personal database.......
And again, it decides to dispatch a message to the other ones:
 

Plan Freeing persons - follow standard rescue plan
Target: Bulk Freighter Arcturus
Person: Proctor, Jeremy
....
and more details about the layout and the room, Proctor was in with the highest propability...."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One hour later, the droids return to their place of origin. Leaving them, they meant good for the freighter, returning, they mean bad. Surprised, by the view of the droids, the guards didn' t take a lot of care, and started to protest too late - the first droid intruded the freighter and on the protest, the guards where stunned by the 6 droids forming the vanguard. Following the imperial standard protocol, they secure the freighter and free the poor Proctor. Funny, that the droids send a copy of their mission, as it involves the freighter, due to their hidden programming, to the next NI-Intelligence satellite...

While staying in the chiefs office, Droid SEC-D2 - 564/63AFD  records the action and applies for the bounty in the name of Chief O'Malley, while Proctor and the 2 guards from the freighter are carried before the Premier, and a puzzled Senator Cromwell.

A furious Premier gets now the situation - he was in between the New Republic and the Imperials, and looking at the troopers that do well in the arena he decides to think about the Allis deal and joining the new republic security treaty.....
 
 

15% neutral 35% Imperial 60% NR
(World sway to New Republic)

The droids freed Proctor
Cromwell shows to the masses
some guards from the freighter imprisoned
Premier gets the plot
 

: Appollo Class Modular Cruiser in Medium
: : 60 Quad
: : 60 IC
: : S 0/1000 (lowered at orders by premier)
: : H 1000/1000
: : Sys 100%
: : all Figs docked
: : Shuttle "Freedom" shuttling standard troops back to ship, bringing real guards and cooks to the drift
: : Shuttle "Peace" does the same.

:
: : Corellian Corvette Djungel in Medium (no NR signature)
: : Shield 150/150
: : Hull 150/150
: : sys 100%
: : 3 Z-95 Headhunter docked,
: : 1 at surface with Proctor

Comment from the holographic archivist: "This mission was somehow new to the diplomatic history: Although not known in advance, three different "diplomatic" parties worked on the, comparable unimportend, Asteroid field. It was a happy coincidence, that Senator Cromwell and Jeremy Proctor could work together so easily. Furthermore, it was the first time, to reveal hidden spies of  the empire in public. This diplomatic mission presents the last one of Senator Cromwell, who was called back to Yavin and became the last Councillor of the Consolidation Era. Afterwards, the time of turmoild started ."