Now you see me

"Well, I can't fault you for guilding together. Stars know I did my time as a guild lawyer back on Lutrillia. We may take you up on that connection to the Trade House. Just let me consult with my colleagues."

Creds rejoins the others and shares the news about the steep price: 10K now, 4K per month after the first. "Now, I could try to find some wiggle room to get out of union contracts and whatnot, but I'm not sure how successful we'd be and how quickly. May be that we don't have much choice. They may help move the spice, though..."

"I think expediency would be prudent here. If there is anything of value, we want to get there before someone else."

Looking at AD-hoc with a definite hint of surprise, Ken nods. 'Sooner rather than later, but there's always time to shift some contraband - might help raise the down payment.'

Creds chuckles. "If we're thinking 'bout the spice, that's my cue to take a back seat. We'll need to tell the negotiator that we need to raise some funds first." He points to Ken and then to the guild negotiator. "That means you're up, Kenny Boy."

Ken nods and sidles up to the Ocsin on the front desk. 'Greetings friend', he smiles slightly insincerely. 'We will be engaging one of your guides and are looking to convert some...produce into cash.' He continues smiling unnervingly. 'My colleague...' - he gestures to Creds - '...tells me that you have contacts in the Trade House...' His expression switches rapidly to one that is more serious and conspiratorial. 'Our produce is rather...niche, and, shall we say, restricted in many places. I trust your contacts can ensure discretion?'

He studies the Ocsin closely to see how he reacts to the suggestion of trading illicit goods. Whether he is surprised or shocked or takes it in his stride.

'Thank you', mutters Ken, taking the card with a nod and sliding over a suitable number of credits to the Ocsin. He turns to collect the others.

"To the ship is it?" Creds asks. "The less I know about what happens in the next couple hours, the better. Crime-fraud exception and all that. I'll stand lookout at the entrance to the spaceport and come running if things turn sideways." Almost as an afterthought, the Lutrillian adopts an almost robotic tone and adds, "Oh, and, uh, I do not condone any illegal acts you may commit or may intend to commit. Good luck, gents."

"Understood" AD-hoc says to Creds. "Let's go move some cargo."

'Those of us with less qualms about it can make a call to our contact in the Trade House and arrange to shift that cargo', says Ken. 'Why don't you fix us all a drink while we're gone', he says to Creds with a patronising smile.

Ken finds an unobtrusive public comlink and keys in the comm code. 'I hear you're the man to talk to about selling on some, niche cargo.'

'I'll tell you what, friend. You tell me your name and I'll tell you who gave it to me', says Ken - a little put off that he didn't get the suave conspirator he was expecting.