o:o:o
Since the Empire had destroyed its cities and reduced its inhabitants to barbarism, Toprawa was virtually forgotten by all those who weren't from there. Even the small plant and animal life were only making very slow inroads into returning. As the inhabitants had no concept of life outside their own small areas, the planet was a perfect place for smugglers and those who didn't wish to be found.
Staying amongst the cloud cover, the Jedi completed one full circle of the planet, keeping an eye on their scanners. "Looks like there are three major cities, or what-used-to-be-cities," said Phaelon, the blue lights of the console reflecting on her face, "but I get no significant technology or populations from anywhere. If anyone's down there, they're not showing it."
In order to keep an eye on all the smuggler traffic on and off Toprawa, Zak set their ship down on the bottom of one of the three moons caught in geosynchronous orbit around the planet and powered down everything but the passive sensors.
After what seemed like hours, a small light on the sensor board began to blink accompanied by a very shrill warning beep. "What's that?" asked Zak, coming fully awake with a snort.
"A YT-2400," replied Phaelon, studying the sensors carefully. "Could be our friends."
He nodded. "So, what's our plan?"
Phaelon scowled at him. "Since when do I do all the planning?"
"Since I was sleeping," he retorted with a grin.
"All right. Let's wait and get an id on that ship first." Just then, the IFF blinked with an id and she smiled. "It's the Lucky Strike, and I'll give you three guesses who it's registered to."
"Well then," – Zak began strapping himself in. – "Let's go get them."
"Hang on," she replied, "We go blasting in there right now, they'll run. Let's make sure they land and get down to business first."
Sure enough, the freighter made a cursory pass around the moons before settling carefully in the midst of the largest group of ruins. Phaelon smirked. "Give them a couple of minutes to get set up, then let's move."
Two minutes by Zak's chrono later, the Jedi engaged the drives and shot towards the surface.
"Let me do the talking," Phaelon muttered as Zak set the ship down carefully on the outskirts and lowered the ramp.
o:o:o
The smugglers didn't run as the Jedi approached, which Phaelon took to be either a good or a bad sign. As she neared the city, a male Bothan appeared, smeared in grease, from the ramp of their ship as though he had been fixing something. "Engine trouble too?" he asked. "There's some nasty stuff floating around out there."
Phaelon smirked. "Indeed there is. It makes you difficult to get a hold of. Borga sent us on a little business trip."
At the mention of the Hutt, the Bothan became all business, his eyes narrowed and his fur rippled. "What makes you think we have anything to sell?"
"Borga was quite insistent that we come to you seeing as we may have a need for several hundred laborers in the near future. She said you could supply us with the best."
The Bothan nodded. "That we can, but it'll cost you."
He held out a clawed hand, but Phaelon shook her head. "First we want to see them. I like to know what I'm paying for."
At that moment, a human male – Carth Freelancer – appeared. "Karka, what's going on?"
"Borga's sent us some clients," the Bothan explained, "They're looking for a large order and want to see the goods first."
The man smiled. "Of course. A friend of Borga is a friend of ours." – He gestured towards a hole in the wall of the nearest building. – "Please. Follow me."
They followed him into the building and down a ladder where the Twi'lek woman was standing guard with a heavy-duty blaster rifle.
Carth Freelancer smiled. "Don't worry. None of them are dangerous. It's just helps keep them from entertaining ideas of escape." He opened the door and led them into a long, low room full of holding pens. "So, what exactly were you looking for?"
"Well," said Phaelon, "We were hoping to get some quick and easy help in the mining industry."
He nodded knowingly. "I think I can help you with that."
o:o:o