Chapter 10

Zeltros was famous for the luxurious lifestyle of its inhabitants and tourists. The planet seemed to be wrapped in a perpetual festive mood. The powerful pheromones of the Zeltron probably didn't help to calm people down either. Those two factors were the reason many people weren't able to leave the planet and lost most of their money in just a rush of memories that reminded them how the time flew by almost unnoticed.

Valin should have expected that what would be a heaven on earth scenario for many wouldn't only be all sunshine and come at no cost. For this amount of people to live the high life, another big amount of people would be necessary to balance the scale.

People that lost their fortune either through getting swept with the tidal wave that was Zeltron, next generations that were born in poor circumstances and had to take risks to overcome their current station and many other had to do their best not to drown.

If one ignored the life one could live with big enough wealth, the planet was one of high risk and high reward. The opportunities were countless and as were the dangers.

Old and rich family's native to the planet or not, new and rising stars, leaders of giant business conglomerates, warlords of poor planets and pirates. They gathered all the same and mixed as if they were of the same breed.

What did Valin and his crew do since they arrived?

They mixed in like everyone else. The first two days he was swept away by the two brothers who introduced him to the local culture in many different ways. Wishing to partake in what seemed usual customs, together with the unsurprisingly open-minded locals, taught Valin a few valuable lessons.

For once he learned that a lonely looking Zeltron lady occupying the bar was capable to put even the best gymnasts to shame. He was sure to commit to memory what he witnessed that night.

Getting back on track he learned that Zeltros was best enjoyed in moderation as not to lose yourself. The sentiment was not shared with both the brothers as they just disappeared with the crowd and appeared out of nowhere again a few hours later for days on end.

Sabe and Freia decided on going for a tour of restaurants and enjoying the best spa the capital had to offer. Valin thought it was probably for the best as any men that would become too grabby would most likely lose their hands in an act that was unprecedently brave and foolish.

Dunn decided to accompany Corvus who wanted to gather samples of local technologies to see if anything could be integrated into any of his projects. To say that Valin wasn't tempted to join them was a big lie, but in the end the last wave of his teenage hormones won out as he decided to enjoy himself. He could always stick to more serious activities on other planets after all.

Now after four days the crew met up on the earlier decided meeting spot to plan their next steps together. Enjoyment was only one of their goals after all.

Currently they were seated in the restaurant of their hotel, as their meals just arrived.

"How have you been captain?" Brachium asked with a shit-eating grin, as he and Thwak could only barely qualify as sober. He was sure that he saw some panties stuck out from one of his pockets.

Valin just shook his head with a smile in return. He'd talk with the brothers, but that was for later.

"I'd much rather know if any of you managed to find something interesting." Valin elaborated, trying to see if there was anything worthy of his attention.

"It seems you are lucky, boss. There's a big chance we will get someone with culinary expertise for our crew." Sabe stated, before she went back to eating.

"Care to elaborate?" He asked in nonplussed.

"What she was trying to say is that multiple smaller restaurants with renowned chefs are targeted by a big company, with the goal to dominate the whole business sector. Since they were unwilling to sell their restaurants, their opposition decided to use different means." Freia explained in Sabe's stead.

"Not that I don't feel for them, but are they really that stubborn? No need to get a blaster shot into the back because they won't budge. If you ask me, it's not worth the trouble and they should just open another one in a different location." Thwak commented from the side. While he was someone that would rather fight, he knew, that not everyone had the ability and mindset necessary to rebel.

"From what I gathered, the offer is from the table already. It would make no difference anymore. For now, they only hired some thugs to harass the staff and guests, but I doubt it will stay as peaceful for long. It's honestly surprising that it has gone so far on a planet like this." Freia replied again.

"Do you know who is behind the company?" Dunn questioned.

"Mhm, it was Nuke Stingray!" Sabe exclaimed as she finished her first dish.

"It's Nute Gunray." Freia corrected her with a good-natured roll of her eyes.

"That's what I said!" Sabe protested as her attention drifted again.

Valin ignored her behaviour as his eyes flashed at the name and he seemed to fall into deep thought. Dunn took notice of it, as he looked at his captain.

"You know him Valin? Dunn asked him. It was no surprise to know who he is, he was the Viceroy of the Trade Federation for years now. It could be said that one had to be particularly world blind not to know of him. What surprised him however is that it seemed that Valin shared a more personal connection to him.

"Yes, I do. While I don't know him personally, I still have a bone to pick with him." He replied shortly.

Seeing all the looks his crew was giving him, he chose to continue.

"I would have told you anyway later on, so I can just do it know, I guess. You remember how I told you a bit about my father? Valin questioned.

As they lived together for a while now, it was natural that they learned bits and pieces to himself. Seeing them nod in affirmative, he kept going.

"As you know, I never knew much of my father and just rarely managed to see him while he went about his business. Like I told you, he was murdered by one of his associates and while I didn't have the most feelings for him, he was still my father and the only reason all of the things I am doing are even possible. That's the reason I hired a veritable herd of different professions to learn who did it." Valin told his by now trusted members.

Getting his father the justice, he maybe did or did not deserve, was his main reason to act. The other reason was to know his own enemy in case he was ever found out. He won't believe that someone that lost as much money wouldn't try to get it back with any means necessary after all.

"It was Nute Gunray, I presume?" Corvus asked with a serious look on his face.

"It was him, yes." Their reaction to his answer was instant.

All of them wore serious faces now. They took bonds to their close people serious and since it was Valin's father and Valin one of them, all of them wouldn't mind spilling some Neimoidian blood.

"When are we going after them?" Brachium asked, now completely sober.

Valin however waved him off, surprising them.

"Don't make those faces. We will go after him, but now's not the time. I'm pretty sure all of you heard rumours and learned about the tensions among big parts of the galaxy already. You'd have to be a Jedi not to see what is right in front of you." They snickered at the last comment before Valin continued.

"That said, I think the Trade Federation will play a big role in the coming conflict, they are merchants after all. Those are always knee-deep in the conflicts that are happening. I'd say we strike when it hurts the most and I wouldn't mind gaining a bit more as the resources of the Trade Federation are humungous as you know. But that doesn't mean that we can't mess with his little venture here on Zeltros."

"That sounds like a very decent plan actually." Dunn commented and the rest seemed to be in favour as well.

"I'd like to blow up one of their ships, captain." Freia requested as if it was the most normal thing to do.

Valin didn't mind however and just gave her a thumbs up. The teleporter was the perfect tool for infiltration after all. All that was left was to build a stealth suit for her and that part was easily achieved for him and Corvus.

"On another note, how were your days Dunn and Corvus?" Valin inquired.

"Perfect, I learned quite a bit and managed to snatch a few gimmicks we could use on the new project we are planning. I will tell you later." Corvus said.

"That's good to hear. What about you Dunn?" He turned his attention to the seasoned veteran.

"Better than expected actually. I kept an eye open for talents while enjoying the atmosphere. There are quite a few capable ones that are side-lined because of their standing. I'd say we try to recruit them." Dunn gave his opinion.

"That's fine with me. I trust your judgement and if you think they are fine, you can bring them over. I'd just like to meet them to make the final decision for joining." Valin accepted it easly.

"Then I will go after we finish our meal." Dunn replied.

"Why don't you take the twins with you, they may need a break after all." Valin suggested as he ignored their loud protests and booing with a smile.

Now he could finally get some shut-eye, since he was unable to get much sleep the days before.