>>6129070>>6129073>>6129074>>6129171>>6129215>>6129256>>6129343>>Visit Teladi space...“A diplomatic mission?” Suzel tilts his head, his expression pensive. “Didn’t think that falls inside our wheelhouse, bossman.”
You chortle, waving a hand dismissively. “Sometimes it does. Missions undertaken by Jedi Shadows aren’t always so cloak-and-dagger.”
“Considering how much combat we’ve seen for the last few missions,” observes Trykov with a frown, “This is a notable change of pace. Though you’ll excuse me if I keep a blaster charged, just in case.”
Elba lets out a low, skeptical growl, casting a sideways glance to the others. Even without HK-82 offering a translation, his tone conveys all of his doubts about the mission staying “diplomatic”. The wookie’s brow furrows, and his massive arms cross over his chest, as if the very idea of a peaceful mission is an affront to his warrior spirit.
But you remain optimistic. The intelligence packet provided by the Alliance’s ambassador had described the Teladi as greedy but hospitable, owing to a mercantile culture thriving on the facilitation of trade. So long as one doesn’t disrupt the flow of goods and services, the reptilians would be more than welcoming. They even outlawed slavery, though in deference to the fact that slaves don’t pay taxes.
“It’s relatively straightforward,” you continue with a smile, “Officially, we’re inspecting the ships being prepared for the Alliance on Keimann’s behalf. And since it’s convenient, we could also go shopping for upgrades to the ship.”
You glance around the table, gauging their reactions. There’s nothing inherently wrong with the <span class="mu-i">Albatross</span>, even if it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of Master Larid’s <span class="mu-i">Boss Bantha</span>. It’s served you well since you’ve received it. Still, you’d more than welcome the opportunity to tailor it even more to your needs.
The Nagai’s face lights up as if Life Day had come early. “So, you remember how I’ve been suggesting forward-mounted torpedoes-”
“-and I thought we wanted to add more maneuvering capabilities,” interjects the clone.
Elba grunts, thumping his chest.
“Translation,” intones HK-82, “We could always use more armor plating.”
You can’t help but smile. They’d been arguing among themselves for weeks about how best to upgrade the ship. Good-naturedly, of course.
“I promise,” you chortle, raising a hand to quell the tide of suggestions, “We’ll consider our options when we get to Teladi space. Let’s keep our eyes open, option flexible…and operation costs within budget.”
The stipend you receive from both the MSA and the Triumvirate is nothing to scoff at. But considering what you know about the Teladi, you’d rather not open up a line of credit to make up the difference.
(cont.)
