Post by Salt on Dec 22, 2010 3:25:53 GMT -5
Taryn stepped onto the docking platform and put up the hood of his rain slicker. He took in a deep breath, then had to suppress a cough with his free hand.
"Never get used to the air, here." said Gritt. "Let me help you with that crate."
"You've been here before?" Taryn said. A small, slimy creature with more legs than seemed necessary darted through his feet, and he almost tipped the crate.
"Yeah. Ryloth isn't much better. Watch for those cleppas - they like to get in the way."
"Just like some Hutts I know," came Jorim's voice from the ship's hatch. Taryn saw him strap another blaster clip to his belt as he walked toward them.
"About that." said Gritt. "Why we conducting this little rendezvous here? Nar Shaddaa would've been just as good. I'd prefer the speeder exhaust to the swamp gas we're choking on."
"Urzgah's old-school, likes things done in person," Jorim said. "He wants to see who he's dealing with under the pressure of a meeting on his own ground. Thinks it keeps things honest."
Gritt flashed a grin that made his Twi'lek teeth seem, to Taryn, even more pointed than usual. "Planning on proving him wrong, there, Cap?"
Jorim patted the extra clip. "Not at all. But we haven't heard from Urzgah in a while, and this glitterstim isn't cheap. A Hutt on his own turf doesn't quite give us the advantage."
Gritt made an affirmative grunt. He and Taryn set down the crate of spice on the other end of the platform. A blast door slipped open and several men walked out.
"Come on," said Jorim. "We've got a handful more to unload, and I don't like working in the rain." He stepped closer to Taryn and said, "You remember your part, Echani?"
Taryn nodded. He observed the approaching dock officer walking between the two security men. "It won't be a problem. They look tired, not particularly focused."
"They're paid too much to do too little." Jorim put a hand on Taryn's shoulder. "Just keep it quiet if it comes to it. We need to burn out of here, I want it clean."
"Not to worry. You're certain you don't want me to go with you?"
Jorim started toward the dock officer. "You're more useful doing things that don't require talking, my silver-eyed friend."
Taryn smiled. He heard Gritt snort a casual insult at him, then turned to help with the rest of the cargo.
