personal 2

Anyways, I have my first ship, currently registered as Impulsive Acquisition. Very Neimoidian, and I suspect it's been kicking around in the Trade Federation's fleet for several centuries. Interior's… reasonably clean, but the thing desperately needs a refit. Still, the important parts work. I plan to rename this thing to the FSB Memetic Hazard, because I intend to fuck with things.

On the topic of planning, I've also learned that the Battle of Qotile (Opening stroke of the Stark Hyperspace War) happened yesterday after taking the time to familiarize myself with Aurebesh, so I've shot off an unencrypted message to Jaster Mereel to inform him that some especially well-armed faction plans to ambush him on Korda Six, and if the intel proves useful, I'd like him to meet me somewhere in the Chommel sector to discuss some mutually beneficial ideas.

HK eventually speaks up after we get some quiet. 

"Statement: I'm quite disappointed you did not allow me to butcher all these worthless meatbags. Query: Why couldn't we just take what we wanted and leave this worthless molten rock behind?"

"Because, HK, that drops a hell of a lot more attention on our heads than what we need right now. Keeping our noses clean means we don't have sector authority on our asses the instant we hit Republic space, and I'd rather not drown in conscripts and shitty 'security' droids. Not to mention, I want to develop a reputation; I like even-handed dealing, but if I get fucked over, the knives come out."

"Observation: Interesting preference, but inefficient. What benefits do you hope to gain from not enacting a campaign of brutality upon inconveniences?"

"Many things, HK, many things. First, I don't want to make enemies of the Jedi order, not unless I have to. Second, what I would gain in expediency by taking, I'd be losing out twice as much in reputation and credits, and I'd rather live comfortably than dangerously if I can help it. Thirdly, I want to get a functioning company up and running before I start getting proactive about problems."

"Resignation: Killjoy."

"Buddy, you have a new gun to play around with and I promise you can go nuts with any pirates that cause us problems."

"Commentary: That is.. Acceptable, but I reserve the right to negotiate this agreement after you have your company."

"Deal."

- - - - 2 hours later - - - -

We had boarded the Acquisition and took off for Eriadu. By this point, I had actually gotten a response from Jaster. I read it aloud; 

"Intelligence was helpful. Meet me at the Halcyon Stars cantina in the Kalinda system. We have much to discuss." 

I pumped my fist in celebration, then learned that Jaster sent us a thousand credits for the tip. Damn, that was good timing.

While we waited for the ship to exit hyperspace, HK had been doing detailed scans of the C96 I had given him. 

"Observation: despite Galactic norms, this slugthrower is both sufficiently simple and powerful to suit my purposes. I can now begin making some improvements to the design. Query: Any other interesting new devices to share?"

"I can inform you of some.. Interesting developments in 'slugthrower' technology that my people had developed, and once my computer is in working order, I can show you some of the patent blueprints involved. I'm sure you'd love the Ma Deuce."

HK leans in. 

"Statement: I am listening."

That discussion goes on until we hit Eriadu, which, as you will learn, was an unpleasant experience.

- - - - 4 hours later - - - -

"Officer, I've told you several times that this ship was lawfully purchased from a facility on Mustafar, and that my droid is in fact a very sassy protocol droid I've had difficulties with reprogramming."

"Uh huh, sure kid. You don't have any identification, and last I checked, most protocol droids aren't programmed to operate blasters."

"His previous owner reprogrammed the smug tin can to double as a security droid, and besides, if you call up Overseer Bog Tawem at the Klegger Corp Mining Facility on Mustafar, you'll get your confirmation."

"Sure, likely story."

"Fine, I didn't want to do this, but you leave me no choice." The Eriadu sector authority officer tenses. "I'm willing to offer you 500 credits to just look the other way and save us both the headache of paperwork."

The officer calms, then chuckles. 

"Fine, fine. Here's your pass, I recommend picking up some fuel while you're here." 

I grimace. 

"I'll be sure to do that. Have a pleasant day, officer."

We head back to my ship after a bit, fork over around 400 credits on food, fuel and licenses, and begin heading off down the Hydian Way and through the Triellius Trade Run to finally make it to the Chommel sector, passing through Naboo and eventually make our way to the Kalinda system. By the Force, I'm glad I can just skip over the bureaucratic corruption for a week.