Chapter 2 - House Calls

Having listened intently to what Guy has to say Baksed pauses a few moments, as if deep in thought, before responding.

"Discreetness is not an issue. The FSF aren't exactly hard to hide things from. Been doing work on the down low for years and they've never even come sniffing."

He pulls his feet off the table and sits upright on his chair.

"The Empire is a different story; depending on the job. I have some influence with them but they'll stamp down on anything they see as a threat to their presence in our little corner of Bolygo. Doesn't mean I won't do a job they don't like. Just means it will cost extra."

"Now if your job helps the Imps out I can definitely smooth things with them. Supposed to be meeting with a couple officers later this morning, in fact. Could put in a word about your project, see how they react."

---

Just as the Twi'leks get to the door the young women realizes what is going on.

"Oh no you don't!" she yells, and vaults the counter to give chase.

The two men bolt out of the door as soon as the young woman starts to give chase. Gurag joins in the fun, following the woman outside. The streets aren't particularly crowded, but the Twi'leks do their best to try and use the few people that are out there to help their escape; shoving some to the ground in the process.

"Someone stop them! the woman, who is surprisingly agile, shouts as she leaps over a few of the downed spectators.

---

Kip finds that what appears to be a simple shop terminal has just a little more security than one would expect; and even though he initially fails to gain access, the security protocols seem familiar.

Despite his best efforts the shoplifter doesn't get very far before being chased down by Gurag. A quick tug on the Twi'lek's long overcoat forces the nicked tool to fall to the ground where it is quickly scooped up by the young woman from the store.

"Dumb-ass Twi! Think you can steal from my father's store and get away with it! Maybe I'll let my new friend here beat some sense into you!" she says, shooting Gurag a sly smile. "I ever see you, or your friend around my store again I'll stun you both until your head tails stand on end.

---

Baksed seems interested in what he is hearing and sits quietly until Guy finishes with the details.

"You and your boys sound just like what the Imps need. My contacts at that Imperial site have expressed some concern with those Falu Four who have been taking out their resource teams. Rumor is that old Gen is in the process of setting up a trap to catch 'em, but... if we can get them before that bastard does, we can get in good with the Empire; and their credits!"

"I can get you what you need, just line that truck with some high quality sensor mesh for you - sensors can't penetrate it, and any comms your prisoners might sneak in won't be able to get out. Bring the truck by tomorrow about this time and I'll get it taken care of."

---

After paging through what seems like an infinite number of sales receipts, purchase orders, and inventory manifests, Kip finally comes across something that piques his interest.

Imperial Order #THX1138:
================================
03x High Density Drill Bits (cleaned and repaired).
04x 10m Modular Drill Shafts (cleaned).
10x Short Range Proximity Sensors (cleaned and repaired).

NOTES: All items covered in a pink, metallic dust. Kind of sticky, leaves a residue. Took some work to clean the bits, and hosed up the sensors pretty good. Everything working now. Items packaged and ready for pickup.
-Emma S.

Imperial Order #THX1139:
================================
10x Short Range Proximity Sensors (new)
20x 100m by 8m Roll of Sensor Mesh (new)

NOTES: Items packaged and ready for pickup.
-Emma S.

"Well..." Baksed starts "...let's see here. That's going to be at least twenty meter square of our high quality sensor mesh, plus installation. That's going to run you close to 1600 credits just there. Then of course there's the creative accounting needed to ensure the good folks at the FSF don't find out about it, and that's where the real expense is, ya see. 2000 even ought to cover that aspect."

He motions to the front of the store with his head when reminded of the Twi'leks. "Emma's up there. They'd be even dumber trying stuff with her keeping watch."

---

Kip slips out the front without anyone seeming to notice. He can see Gurag in the distance with a firm hold on one of the Twi’leks.

---

The Twi'lek starts off defiantly "Karabast! You want to help keep these ImpSymps in business that's up to you" but starts to back down at the seeming eagerness expressed by Gurag and his knuckles.

"No. I ain't going to give ya no reason. We won't be back."

Baksed nods his head in acknowledgement. "Tomorrow then. Some of the Imperials are supposed to show up here today. I will subtly mention your idea, see what kind of reaction I get, but I have a good feeling they'll be behind it." With that he stands from his chair and walks with Guy to the back exit.

"Nice to have met ya!"

---

Kip has certainly heard Baksed mention his daughter's love of travel, and Kip has indeed met the young woman once are twice before. From what he can tell, Baksed has hope that his daughter will stay in town at some point and help him run the store.

---

"Not too often", Emma answers with a shrug of her shoulders. "But.... some people aren't too happy with my father's friendly involvement with the Imps. and some of them feel hurting his business is one way to get back. Honestly their presence in Falu has been great for business, but I just wish Dad wasn't so enthusiastic about his show of support."

Noticing Kip as she walks by the bench Emma give him a friendly smile and then turns to Gurag.

"I need to get back behind the counter. Thanks for your help. If you're ever in need of some repairs done stop on by, I'll make sure to give you a major discount."