Master Jedi - The Mobus Insurance Company
posted 17 August 2007, Friday
Lando was dressed elegantly as usual - sporting his signature purple cape and a new pair of one-thousand credit eel-skin boots - as he and Chewbacca walked into the back office of a tiny, dirty warehouse on Nar Shaddaa. The small-time crime boss at the back was the last in a short string of leads that went nowhere. Unlike Chewbacca, Lando was tired and weary of the search for Han. The idea of giving up the search made him feel horrible, but after months with no progress that option was looking very tempting. Lando couldn't believe how little was known about Jorus Nebb. He was either so small no one cared about him or so secretive that no one could, and considering how rarely anyone got to see him it was probably the latter.
It was a short walk to the back of the warehouse, that was no bigger than an oversized speeder garage, where a typical thug carrying a blaster rifle opened the door allowing Lando and Chewbacca in to see someone they only knew as Larry. Larry was an incredibly thin man with slick-back hair sitting at a desk covered in a mound of paperwork. "Those friends of Elec are here to see you," the thug grunted as he shut the door and went to stand next to his boss. "Yeah, Elec said you needed some information, and were willing to pay?" Larry half asked, half stated in a sqeaky voice.
Lando glanced at Chewbacca before addressing Larry, "Yes. We're willing to pay."
"Good, good! Now sit down and state your business. As you can see I'm a busy man so..." Larry motioned Lando to speed things along. He had no idea who the two individuals in his office were, and occupied with his own little world he didn't care.
"Jorus Nebb has a friend of mine. Han Solo. Do you know where I can find either of them?" Lando sat down moving his cape to the side.
At the question Larry cracked a huge smile and leaned back in his chair running his hands over his slick hair. "Do you know who Jorus Nebb is? Apparently not! On top of being an associate of mine he's the third biggest slave trader in the galaxy - soon to be the second. I don't care how much money you got I'm not gonna cross Mr. Nebb."
"One-hundred-thousand credits doesn't interest you?" Lando asked hoping it would be enough to tempt the fool of a man sitting before him, and in spite of the rudeness he remained completely calm and professional.
The large number hit larry and made him think for a minute before shaking his head. "No deal. That's a lot of money, but I won't be alive to use it if I cross Nebb. Now get out. I got a lot to do!"
Chewbacca couldn't stand there anymore and listen to someone who had information about his friend and do nothing. The anger exploded inside him and with a deafening roar he charged the bodyguard. He reached him in one giant step, knocked the blaster rifle out of his hands and almost knocked his head clean off as he sent him to the floor in one blow. Larry was so scared he fell off his chair. In a panic he decided to rummage through his desk drawer for a blaster not realizing he had no chance of finding it in time. Chewbacca plucked him from the floor with little effort and began to shake him furiously before Lando stepped in. "Wait Chewbacca!" He reached behind his back and pulled out his custom built silver plated CP-3 blaster with gold trim. "Sit him down. I have a feeling he will be more helpful now."
Chewbacca roared, [If he doesn't talk I'm going to rip him apart!]
"I know buddy. I know."
"What'd he say? What's he gonna do!" Larry curled up in his chair bug eyed and shaken.
Lando cracked a small smile always impressed with how Chewbacca could quickly put the fear of God in someone. "He says he's going to rip your arms and legs off if you don't tell us what you know. I've seen him do it, and from what I could tell it's a very painful experience." Not much longer before he talks, thought Lando.
"Please... Please God..." Larry squirmed, begged and began to cry. "Please... I don't know where your friend is. I don't even know where Jorus is... No one knows. No one hardly sees him!" Chewbacca roared almost sending him to the ground again. "Please," Larry continued. "All I know is that his main operation is on Tatooine... and that he has a mine there where he sends people he wants to punish..."
"Where's this mine, and how can we find Nebb," Lando asked.
"No one's seen him in months! He does all his work through subordinates! The mine's supposed to be in the middle of the desert somewhere... Hidden underground." Larry was exhausted and scared beyond his limit. He looked faint and ready to collapse.
"Let's go Chewbacca," Lando said as he aimed his blaster at Larry and hit him with a stun blast. This guy's small time. He's not going to bother us, thought Lando. "I know a good bar around the corner. I need to get a drink!"
Twenty-five minutes after their visit with Larry Chewbacca and Lando were sitting comfortably in a small exclusive bar that catered to the tastes of the wealthy. They were seated in a private booth - Lando sipping a sixty-year-old Ruan whiskey and Chewbacca downing some pricey, exotic beer. Another lead had produced little result and the disappointment Lando felt radiated from him. Chewbacca was no less disappointed, but his hope of finding Han could not be crushed. I'm going to find Han or die, Chewie often told himself proving to be the motivator for both of them.
The silence between them was long, and with time's progression Lando found himself falling deeper into the lush, silk pillows that caressed his back. I can't take this anymore, Lando had come to grips with his hopelessness as he stared at his empty glass; watching the light twinkle in its angles. "I'm sorry Chewie. I don't care if you hate me, but I don't think I can do this anymore. Han's my friend too, but I'm wasting away hopping around the galaxy chasing ghosts. I'm going out of my damn mind!" Lando slammed his empty glass on the table.
[So you're going to give up and let Han die in some dirty hole without his wife or son?] Chewbacca wasn't surprised at Lando's attitude. He knew that such a long fruitless search would take its toll on anyone.
"What are we going to do Chewie? What are we going to do? We don't have any more leads and I've asked every friend I have and don't have for help."
[What if we try Nebb's competition? They probably wouldn't mind seeing him disappear and might help us.]
Lando shook his head. "If Nebb's this hard to find the others are probably harder. Besides... We don't need to sound any unnecessary alarms."
Chewie wasn't too happy with their lack of options or with Lando who was drunk. [Maybe you should take some time off while I go back to Tatooine. I will call you if I find something.]
Before Lando could respond the voluptuous, middle-aged waitress who was serving them walked up to their table leading with her enormous artificial breasts - perfectly suited for the frequent guests of the establishment. "Is everything alright over here? I heard a glass fall and came to check on you!"
Lando's eyes leisurely made their way up the lady's body making sure not to miss a single curve. "We're alright. Thank you."
"Okay. Is there anything else I can get you?"
"Not unless you have a way to get my friend back from a slave trader." Lando said needing to vent his frustration at someone other than Chewbacca whom he felt was not on his side.
"Well dear, if you're looking for information you're on the right moon. In fact - You said your friend was locked up right?" Lando offered a quick nod before the waitress continued. "Then I might have something for you." Moving her hand to her chest the waitress slid her long fingers down, in between her cleavage and pulled out a business card. "Someone gave me these to hand out to our customers"
Lando took the card and quickly read it.
"There's no location. Where do I find them?" Lando asked.
The waitress shook her head. "Sorry dear. All I know is I'm supposed to pass them out to anyone talking about getting locked away." She promptly left the booth leaving Lando scratching his head.
[I've heard of them before,] Chewbacca said. [I think they're supposed to break people out of jail.]
"How's that supposed to help us?"
[I don't know, but it's a new lead and I plan to follow it.] Chewbacca sounded optimistic.
"I have a friend who might know about this. Come on Chewie. Let's go back to the fleet."
Deep within the belly of the aquatic city of Mon Saasta on Mon Calamari an old information broker now made his home. He had made his living in the dangerous world of secrets and now found shelter in the heart of the Republic. For five minutes his doorbell had been ringing with no answer, and Lando was getting annoyed. "Open the damn door Nezz! It's Lando! I know you're in there!" He began to bang on the metal door. Finally the door slid open revealing the tired, wrinkled face of an old, bald man. "God damn Lando! Can't you take a hint!"
"So what? You don't even want to see me now? What's wrong with you?" Lando barged into the old man's home without permission. This old man's lost it, Lando tried to justify his friends behavior.
"You're what's wrong. You know I retired years ago but your still looking me up. And if you're looking me up that means trouble, and I don't want anymore trouble! I'm too old!" The old man shut the door and slowly made his way to a plush couch facing a wall-to-wall underwater view of the ocean. He sat down and sank into the hole his body had molded over the years and took a deep breath to recuperate from the trip to the door. "So what the hell do you want now?"
"Ah, Nezz. It's good to see you!" Lando walked up to the glass wall and began to look at the ocean. "You know... I still can't believe you decided to hide down here of all places."
"It's not my first choice, but it makes me feel safe."
Lando smiled, "You know there are people who aren't afraid to look for you here."
The old man became agitated. "Do you know something? Did someone find me out?" This lando always bringing trouble, Nezz thought. God I hope I don't have to move again. I don't think I can take it.
"Don't worry Nezz. I'm not bringing you any bad news. I'm here for your help."
"Is there any other reason you come see me?" Nezz snorted trying to hide his fear.
Lando walked over to the plush couch and took a seat next to Nezz. He relaxed and crossed his legs making himself comfortable. "I need to know about the Mobus Insurance Company." Lando handed him their card.
"So they're passin out cards now, eh? Cocky bastards." Nezz didn't bother reading the card - he couldn't anyway.
"I need to talk with these guys. I need to find a friend of mine."
"That friend you asked me about last time you were here? Well, I don't see how these people can help you." Nezz placed the card on the couch next to Lando. "You have to have a contract with them before they break you out... It's insurance for criminals! Expensive as hell too from what I've heard. They supposedly work out of Mobus - hence the name - but they're so secretive no one has ever been able to track them down. And they're good at what they do too! Don't cross these people."
"How good?" Lando asked.
"Well, the word back in the day was that their network spanned the entire galaxy, and they knew every single person who got locked up. Their record was supposedly near perfect, and they were known to routinely break people out of high security Imperial facilities. The biggest rumor surrounding this group was that they were all droids... not like the ones we see everyday, but 4E's."
Lando thought back to his time at Bespin, "4E's are prohibited by the Empire if I remember correctly. We weren't in the business of making droids so I didn't pay much attention to it."
"Fourth evolution androids were banned by the Republic during the clone wars," Nezz corrected Lando proudly. "They were so life-like that they could easily infiltrate human populations... and other secure facilities. It was a preemptive measure against the droid armies, but that was a long time ago and I don't see a reason for such a restriction now - not that the Empire cares about enforcing it anyway."
Lando quickly forgot the history lesson and moved the conversation back to finding Han. "So how do I find them? Where on Mobus are they supposed to be?"
"From what I remember, there is a city called CM-13. I'd go there and ask around... though I'd be discreet about it if I were you."
"Thanks Nezz! If you need anything you know how to get in touch with me."
CM-13 was a very modern city-settlement on the Mobus moon with a wide variety of life and social structure. It seemed strangely peaceful even though no official guard or police force were in effect. Lando and Chewbacca had just landed the Falcon and after a few questions with locals at the space port were on their way to a nearby hotel where they were told they could find insurance information. A peek through the front doors told Lando that the hotel was a ritzy upper class establishment. He looked at the giant Chewbacca wearing a new grey utility vest and remembered the words of his friend - 'be discreet' - and decided it would be better to go in alone. "Chewie! Why don't you stay outside? I want to keep this as low key as possible."
[Don't take too long! I'm getting a bad feeling about this place.] Chewbacca looked around suspiciously.
Putting his suave charm in overdrive Lando strolled in through the front doors, looked around then stopped at the front desk. "Welcome to the hotel Mirronex. May I help you sir?" A shiny silver droid greeted Lando as soon as he arrived.
"Yes. I'm a business man from Kuat and I plan to begin negotiations on an important shipment, but I don't have insurance. However, I was told that this hotel could recommend me a good insurance company."
The droid reached under the desk and brought up a key card. "Sir, I think you will be wanting to rent a security box. The charge is ten-thousand credits, but I assure you that the security is second to none." The boxy silver droid whispered to Lando clearly offering a signal which he understood too well. Ten-thousand credits, Lando screamed in his mind. This must be a test to see if I have the type of money to do business with them. And he did have the money - more than enough in fact - Lando being the shrewd business man that he was. Taking out a bank chit tied to his regular account Lando input his security code and amount on the tiny electronic card that was no thicker than a piece of paper and finalized his security box rental.
In the private security box room behind what looked like a vault door Lando removed and placed box double-zero on the table. Inside was a ticket redeemable for an expensive bottle of wine at a nearby restaurant, a Mobus Insurance Company business card and another card with instructions:
The Mobus Insurance Company welcomes your potential business, and we look forward to having you as a client. We ask that you reserve a room and stay a minimum of three days at the hotel. If we do not contact you within that time then your application was rejected and we will not be offering you a policy. Any untoward behavior will not be tolerated and will be met with harsh action. Finally, please replace the instruction card in the box before you leave. Thank you, and enjoy your stay.
Lando started to get a sinking feeling in his stomach. The secrecy, high entry prices and security measures being taken told him this operation was very big and professional. Nezz wasn't lying when he said not to cross these guys, worried Lando as he slid the box back into its space on the wall. Back at the desk Lando followed the instructions and reserved a suite for one-thousand credits a night. It wasn't the cheapest accommodation, but he wanted to make sure he and Chewbacca had enough space.
After meeting Chewbacca outside they went to the restaurant across the street where Lando immediately put his coupon for a free bottle of wine to use. Just like the hotel it was an upper class establishment catering to those with deep pockets. Lando, for the duration of the search, had paid for everything. He was a very rich man now thanks to his casino endeavor, and while he didn't mind sharing with his friends the hustler in him always looked for ways to save money while making others give up their own. "It's a good thing money isn't a problem or we wouldn't have gotten anywhere with these guys. It cost ten-thousand just to get in the door." Lando whispered to Chewbacca as he poured himself a glass of wine.
[When Han and Leia return I'm sure they will give you some of your money back.] Chewbacca replied feeling Lando was trying to imply something.
"Come on buddy! You know I didn't mean it like that," Lando started but quickly changed the subject. "Anyway, Listen. After seeing how these guys operate I think I should go talk to them alone if they decide to meet. I know your temper and we need to play it cool with these guys... really cool."
[I'm not afraid of anyone!] Chewbacca growled. Now upset at Lando's plans.
"I know, but these guys are big time. The last thing we need is to have a major criminal organization after us on top of everyone else who wants our heads." Lando leaned in and whispered remembering how frustrating it could be to argue with a wookie. "I know these types of people Chewie. Their rich and snobby, and if I go in by myself acting like one of them we might have a chance."
Chewbacca shook his head not liking the idea. [Fine. I'm going to work on the Falcon then and look into the power inverter fluctuations we've been having. She's been flying non-stop without any serious maintenance so I should do that before we leave.] Chewbacca thought of Han and how he would want to keep the Falcon in top working order. After finishing their meals and the free bottle of wine they retired to their room.
The next day Lando woke up in the afternoon, regretting having drunk an entire bottle of wine, and after checking found that no messages had been left or inquiries made about him. Chewbacca wasn't there so he went down to the ship knowing he would be working on it like he said he would. He wanted to replace some parts so Lando spent the rest of the day part hunting and helping to repair the Falcon. After a modest dinner compared to the previous night they went to bed again without a word from anyone.
At seven in the morning Chewbacca woke up and roared at the ringing of the door bell. Lando jumped out of bed startled and immediately got the feeling that it was time for a meeting. Throwing on his tailor made purple silk robe, that he always traveled with, he rushed to the door and put his finger on the control panel. With his hand in his oversized pocket gripping his blaster Lando opened the door and found one of the many droid attendants of the Hotel. "Please forgive the intrusion so early in the morning, but I have an urgent message for Mr. Calrissian." The droid flicked up his arm holding an envelope. Lando snatched the message out of the droids hand, "thanks", then quickly shut the door not happy about the timing. [Open it!] Chewbacca urged as Lando pulled out the piece of expensive looking paper on which the note was written. After scanning it Lando began to read out loud. "Mr. Calrissian. Please meet us across the street at the restaurant in an hour to discuss your insurance needs. Show this message at the reservation desk when you arrive."
[That's it?] Chewbacca felt disappointed.
"That's all it says, but we got the meeting. Now let's hope this leads us somewhere."
Dressed in one of his more expensive outfits, Lando walked up to the droid at the reservation desk just inside the restaurant's doors. "Greetings sir!" The friendly droid chimed. Quietly Lando handed the note to the droid and watched as he immediately walked off to the side and consulted another droid. Lando was feeling nervous, but trying to not let it show. Damn it. I hate shady meetings like this, Lando reminded himself clenching his fist. "Sir, your private room is ready. Please follow me." The droid motioned to Lando before scampering off towards the back of the restaurant.
At the back Lando was ushered into a medium size room decorated in brilliant white and accented with gold plates, silverware and other accessories. In the center a large table with only two seats presented trays full of fruits, vegetables, cheeses and drinks from across the galaxy. Though Lando had seen his fair share of luxury even he was impressed. "Ruan Choog berries!" Lando exclaimed as he popped one in his mouth. "These are almost impossible to find."
"Enjoy your stay sir." The droid left shutting the door behind him.
After spending a few minutes tasting the delicacies another door which was partially hidden on the side of the room opened. "I hope you are enjoying the accommodations," said a tall man completely dressed in white. He too was white, pale white; his hair, his hands, his lips. The only color the man had on him was his blue, lifeless eyes. He walked over, sat across from Lando and offered his hand. "My name is Mirronex, and I represent the Mobus Insurance Company. I am pleased to meet you Mr. Lando Calrissian. Before we begin I must ask that you agree never to discuss the terms of any policy you may purchase, how you came to be sitting here with me now or the conversation we are about to have. Do you agree?"
Lando grabbed the cold, pale hand and shook it firmly. "I agree." He stared at the all white figure in front of him and new for sure he was looking at an android - an illegal, near-human android.
"Now how can we help you Mr. Calrissian. We have plenty of options available."
"I'm looking to buy a policy for my friend. Han Solo. I hope that's allowed." Lando purposely avoided Han's status.
Mirronex smiled. "Mr. Calrissian you should know that we research potential clients thoroughly. By the time you sit down with a representative we know your net worth, your history and your associations. So we know about your friend Mr. Solo and the fact that he is the prisoner of Jorus Nebb. However, we do not offer policies for those already incarcerated."
"Why not?" Lando offered a worried look. "If they pay what difference does it make?"
"We are not thugs as you can plainly see," Mirronex waved his hand over the exotic food. "We have standards and traditions we like to adhere to. Your situation is regrettable, but there is nothing we can do."
"You mean will do." Both of them exchanged a long look. Lando continued, "Well, if you know about Han then you must know where he is. Can you at least tell me that?"
Mirronex shook his head. "I'm sorry, but we are not information brokers. We specialize in one thing, and doing so has made us the best at what we do Mr. Calrissian. Perhaps one day we will offer other services."
Lando looked across the table at what he now saw as a cold, heartless android. This thing has no soul so how can I reason with it, he frustrated. "We're both businessmen so let's do some business. You know how much I'm worth--"
"Sixty-three million." Mirronex proudly answered.
Lando continued, hoping to regain the momentum he thought he had. "I'm prepared to buy multiple policies for me and my friends. No strings attached. However, if our relationship should lead you to help me in this small personal matter I would take it as a professional courtesy, and be very appreciative... Like you said - We are not thugs."
Mirronex offered a large smile that Lando found disturbing then began to laugh. "I like you Mr. Calrissian. You don't have the arrogance and self-centered view of the vast majority of the clients we have. In fact you are the first client to even mention buying policies for his friends. Come! Enjoy some more of this food and we'll talk more about your friend after we've insured you and your friends!"
To Be Continued...
It was a short walk to the back of the warehouse, that was no bigger than an oversized speeder garage, where a typical thug carrying a blaster rifle opened the door allowing Lando and Chewbacca in to see someone they only knew as Larry. Larry was an incredibly thin man with slick-back hair sitting at a desk covered in a mound of paperwork. "Those friends of Elec are here to see you," the thug grunted as he shut the door and went to stand next to his boss. "Yeah, Elec said you needed some information, and were willing to pay?" Larry half asked, half stated in a sqeaky voice.
Lando glanced at Chewbacca before addressing Larry, "Yes. We're willing to pay."
"Good, good! Now sit down and state your business. As you can see I'm a busy man so..." Larry motioned Lando to speed things along. He had no idea who the two individuals in his office were, and occupied with his own little world he didn't care.
"Jorus Nebb has a friend of mine. Han Solo. Do you know where I can find either of them?" Lando sat down moving his cape to the side.
At the question Larry cracked a huge smile and leaned back in his chair running his hands over his slick hair. "Do you know who Jorus Nebb is? Apparently not! On top of being an associate of mine he's the third biggest slave trader in the galaxy - soon to be the second. I don't care how much money you got I'm not gonna cross Mr. Nebb."
"One-hundred-thousand credits doesn't interest you?" Lando asked hoping it would be enough to tempt the fool of a man sitting before him, and in spite of the rudeness he remained completely calm and professional.
The large number hit larry and made him think for a minute before shaking his head. "No deal. That's a lot of money, but I won't be alive to use it if I cross Nebb. Now get out. I got a lot to do!"
Chewbacca couldn't stand there anymore and listen to someone who had information about his friend and do nothing. The anger exploded inside him and with a deafening roar he charged the bodyguard. He reached him in one giant step, knocked the blaster rifle out of his hands and almost knocked his head clean off as he sent him to the floor in one blow. Larry was so scared he fell off his chair. In a panic he decided to rummage through his desk drawer for a blaster not realizing he had no chance of finding it in time. Chewbacca plucked him from the floor with little effort and began to shake him furiously before Lando stepped in. "Wait Chewbacca!" He reached behind his back and pulled out his custom built silver plated CP-3 blaster with gold trim. "Sit him down. I have a feeling he will be more helpful now."
Chewbacca roared, [If he doesn't talk I'm going to rip him apart!]
"I know buddy. I know."
"What'd he say? What's he gonna do!" Larry curled up in his chair bug eyed and shaken.
Lando cracked a small smile always impressed with how Chewbacca could quickly put the fear of God in someone. "He says he's going to rip your arms and legs off if you don't tell us what you know. I've seen him do it, and from what I could tell it's a very painful experience." Not much longer before he talks, thought Lando.
"Please... Please God..." Larry squirmed, begged and began to cry. "Please... I don't know where your friend is. I don't even know where Jorus is... No one knows. No one hardly sees him!" Chewbacca roared almost sending him to the ground again. "Please," Larry continued. "All I know is that his main operation is on Tatooine... and that he has a mine there where he sends people he wants to punish..."
"Where's this mine, and how can we find Nebb," Lando asked.
"No one's seen him in months! He does all his work through subordinates! The mine's supposed to be in the middle of the desert somewhere... Hidden underground." Larry was exhausted and scared beyond his limit. He looked faint and ready to collapse.
"Let's go Chewbacca," Lando said as he aimed his blaster at Larry and hit him with a stun blast. This guy's small time. He's not going to bother us, thought Lando. "I know a good bar around the corner. I need to get a drink!"
Twenty-five minutes after their visit with Larry Chewbacca and Lando were sitting comfortably in a small exclusive bar that catered to the tastes of the wealthy. They were seated in a private booth - Lando sipping a sixty-year-old Ruan whiskey and Chewbacca downing some pricey, exotic beer. Another lead had produced little result and the disappointment Lando felt radiated from him. Chewbacca was no less disappointed, but his hope of finding Han could not be crushed. I'm going to find Han or die, Chewie often told himself proving to be the motivator for both of them.
The silence between them was long, and with time's progression Lando found himself falling deeper into the lush, silk pillows that caressed his back. I can't take this anymore, Lando had come to grips with his hopelessness as he stared at his empty glass; watching the light twinkle in its angles. "I'm sorry Chewie. I don't care if you hate me, but I don't think I can do this anymore. Han's my friend too, but I'm wasting away hopping around the galaxy chasing ghosts. I'm going out of my damn mind!" Lando slammed his empty glass on the table.
[So you're going to give up and let Han die in some dirty hole without his wife or son?] Chewbacca wasn't surprised at Lando's attitude. He knew that such a long fruitless search would take its toll on anyone.
"What are we going to do Chewie? What are we going to do? We don't have any more leads and I've asked every friend I have and don't have for help."
[What if we try Nebb's competition? They probably wouldn't mind seeing him disappear and might help us.]
Lando shook his head. "If Nebb's this hard to find the others are probably harder. Besides... We don't need to sound any unnecessary alarms."
Chewie wasn't too happy with their lack of options or with Lando who was drunk. [Maybe you should take some time off while I go back to Tatooine. I will call you if I find something.]
Before Lando could respond the voluptuous, middle-aged waitress who was serving them walked up to their table leading with her enormous artificial breasts - perfectly suited for the frequent guests of the establishment. "Is everything alright over here? I heard a glass fall and came to check on you!"
Lando's eyes leisurely made their way up the lady's body making sure not to miss a single curve. "We're alright. Thank you."
"Okay. Is there anything else I can get you?"
"Not unless you have a way to get my friend back from a slave trader." Lando said needing to vent his frustration at someone other than Chewbacca whom he felt was not on his side.
"Well dear, if you're looking for information you're on the right moon. In fact - You said your friend was locked up right?" Lando offered a quick nod before the waitress continued. "Then I might have something for you." Moving her hand to her chest the waitress slid her long fingers down, in between her cleavage and pulled out a business card. "Someone gave me these to hand out to our customers"
Lando took the card and quickly read it.
Mobus Insurance Company
Catering to the insurance needs of alternative lifestyles
Catering to the insurance needs of alternative lifestyles
"There's no location. Where do I find them?" Lando asked.
The waitress shook her head. "Sorry dear. All I know is I'm supposed to pass them out to anyone talking about getting locked away." She promptly left the booth leaving Lando scratching his head.
[I've heard of them before,] Chewbacca said. [I think they're supposed to break people out of jail.]
"How's that supposed to help us?"
[I don't know, but it's a new lead and I plan to follow it.] Chewbacca sounded optimistic.
"I have a friend who might know about this. Come on Chewie. Let's go back to the fleet."
Deep within the belly of the aquatic city of Mon Saasta on Mon Calamari an old information broker now made his home. He had made his living in the dangerous world of secrets and now found shelter in the heart of the Republic. For five minutes his doorbell had been ringing with no answer, and Lando was getting annoyed. "Open the damn door Nezz! It's Lando! I know you're in there!" He began to bang on the metal door. Finally the door slid open revealing the tired, wrinkled face of an old, bald man. "God damn Lando! Can't you take a hint!"
"So what? You don't even want to see me now? What's wrong with you?" Lando barged into the old man's home without permission. This old man's lost it, Lando tried to justify his friends behavior.
"You're what's wrong. You know I retired years ago but your still looking me up. And if you're looking me up that means trouble, and I don't want anymore trouble! I'm too old!" The old man shut the door and slowly made his way to a plush couch facing a wall-to-wall underwater view of the ocean. He sat down and sank into the hole his body had molded over the years and took a deep breath to recuperate from the trip to the door. "So what the hell do you want now?"
"Ah, Nezz. It's good to see you!" Lando walked up to the glass wall and began to look at the ocean. "You know... I still can't believe you decided to hide down here of all places."
"It's not my first choice, but it makes me feel safe."
Lando smiled, "You know there are people who aren't afraid to look for you here."
The old man became agitated. "Do you know something? Did someone find me out?" This lando always bringing trouble, Nezz thought. God I hope I don't have to move again. I don't think I can take it.
"Don't worry Nezz. I'm not bringing you any bad news. I'm here for your help."
"Is there any other reason you come see me?" Nezz snorted trying to hide his fear.
Lando walked over to the plush couch and took a seat next to Nezz. He relaxed and crossed his legs making himself comfortable. "I need to know about the Mobus Insurance Company." Lando handed him their card.
"So they're passin out cards now, eh? Cocky bastards." Nezz didn't bother reading the card - he couldn't anyway.
"I need to talk with these guys. I need to find a friend of mine."
"That friend you asked me about last time you were here? Well, I don't see how these people can help you." Nezz placed the card on the couch next to Lando. "You have to have a contract with them before they break you out... It's insurance for criminals! Expensive as hell too from what I've heard. They supposedly work out of Mobus - hence the name - but they're so secretive no one has ever been able to track them down. And they're good at what they do too! Don't cross these people."
"How good?" Lando asked.
"Well, the word back in the day was that their network spanned the entire galaxy, and they knew every single person who got locked up. Their record was supposedly near perfect, and they were known to routinely break people out of high security Imperial facilities. The biggest rumor surrounding this group was that they were all droids... not like the ones we see everyday, but 4E's."
Lando thought back to his time at Bespin, "4E's are prohibited by the Empire if I remember correctly. We weren't in the business of making droids so I didn't pay much attention to it."
"Fourth evolution androids were banned by the Republic during the clone wars," Nezz corrected Lando proudly. "They were so life-like that they could easily infiltrate human populations... and other secure facilities. It was a preemptive measure against the droid armies, but that was a long time ago and I don't see a reason for such a restriction now - not that the Empire cares about enforcing it anyway."
Lando quickly forgot the history lesson and moved the conversation back to finding Han. "So how do I find them? Where on Mobus are they supposed to be?"
"From what I remember, there is a city called CM-13. I'd go there and ask around... though I'd be discreet about it if I were you."
"Thanks Nezz! If you need anything you know how to get in touch with me."
CM-13 was a very modern city-settlement on the Mobus moon with a wide variety of life and social structure. It seemed strangely peaceful even though no official guard or police force were in effect. Lando and Chewbacca had just landed the Falcon and after a few questions with locals at the space port were on their way to a nearby hotel where they were told they could find insurance information. A peek through the front doors told Lando that the hotel was a ritzy upper class establishment. He looked at the giant Chewbacca wearing a new grey utility vest and remembered the words of his friend - 'be discreet' - and decided it would be better to go in alone. "Chewie! Why don't you stay outside? I want to keep this as low key as possible."
[Don't take too long! I'm getting a bad feeling about this place.] Chewbacca looked around suspiciously.
Putting his suave charm in overdrive Lando strolled in through the front doors, looked around then stopped at the front desk. "Welcome to the hotel Mirronex. May I help you sir?" A shiny silver droid greeted Lando as soon as he arrived.
"Yes. I'm a business man from Kuat and I plan to begin negotiations on an important shipment, but I don't have insurance. However, I was told that this hotel could recommend me a good insurance company."
The droid reached under the desk and brought up a key card. "Sir, I think you will be wanting to rent a security box. The charge is ten-thousand credits, but I assure you that the security is second to none." The boxy silver droid whispered to Lando clearly offering a signal which he understood too well. Ten-thousand credits, Lando screamed in his mind. This must be a test to see if I have the type of money to do business with them. And he did have the money - more than enough in fact - Lando being the shrewd business man that he was. Taking out a bank chit tied to his regular account Lando input his security code and amount on the tiny electronic card that was no thicker than a piece of paper and finalized his security box rental.
In the private security box room behind what looked like a vault door Lando removed and placed box double-zero on the table. Inside was a ticket redeemable for an expensive bottle of wine at a nearby restaurant, a Mobus Insurance Company business card and another card with instructions:
The Mobus Insurance Company welcomes your potential business, and we look forward to having you as a client. We ask that you reserve a room and stay a minimum of three days at the hotel. If we do not contact you within that time then your application was rejected and we will not be offering you a policy. Any untoward behavior will not be tolerated and will be met with harsh action. Finally, please replace the instruction card in the box before you leave. Thank you, and enjoy your stay.
Lando started to get a sinking feeling in his stomach. The secrecy, high entry prices and security measures being taken told him this operation was very big and professional. Nezz wasn't lying when he said not to cross these guys, worried Lando as he slid the box back into its space on the wall. Back at the desk Lando followed the instructions and reserved a suite for one-thousand credits a night. It wasn't the cheapest accommodation, but he wanted to make sure he and Chewbacca had enough space.
After meeting Chewbacca outside they went to the restaurant across the street where Lando immediately put his coupon for a free bottle of wine to use. Just like the hotel it was an upper class establishment catering to those with deep pockets. Lando, for the duration of the search, had paid for everything. He was a very rich man now thanks to his casino endeavor, and while he didn't mind sharing with his friends the hustler in him always looked for ways to save money while making others give up their own. "It's a good thing money isn't a problem or we wouldn't have gotten anywhere with these guys. It cost ten-thousand just to get in the door." Lando whispered to Chewbacca as he poured himself a glass of wine.
[When Han and Leia return I'm sure they will give you some of your money back.] Chewbacca replied feeling Lando was trying to imply something.
"Come on buddy! You know I didn't mean it like that," Lando started but quickly changed the subject. "Anyway, Listen. After seeing how these guys operate I think I should go talk to them alone if they decide to meet. I know your temper and we need to play it cool with these guys... really cool."
[I'm not afraid of anyone!] Chewbacca growled. Now upset at Lando's plans.
"I know, but these guys are big time. The last thing we need is to have a major criminal organization after us on top of everyone else who wants our heads." Lando leaned in and whispered remembering how frustrating it could be to argue with a wookie. "I know these types of people Chewie. Their rich and snobby, and if I go in by myself acting like one of them we might have a chance."
Chewbacca shook his head not liking the idea. [Fine. I'm going to work on the Falcon then and look into the power inverter fluctuations we've been having. She's been flying non-stop without any serious maintenance so I should do that before we leave.] Chewbacca thought of Han and how he would want to keep the Falcon in top working order. After finishing their meals and the free bottle of wine they retired to their room.
The next day Lando woke up in the afternoon, regretting having drunk an entire bottle of wine, and after checking found that no messages had been left or inquiries made about him. Chewbacca wasn't there so he went down to the ship knowing he would be working on it like he said he would. He wanted to replace some parts so Lando spent the rest of the day part hunting and helping to repair the Falcon. After a modest dinner compared to the previous night they went to bed again without a word from anyone.
At seven in the morning Chewbacca woke up and roared at the ringing of the door bell. Lando jumped out of bed startled and immediately got the feeling that it was time for a meeting. Throwing on his tailor made purple silk robe, that he always traveled with, he rushed to the door and put his finger on the control panel. With his hand in his oversized pocket gripping his blaster Lando opened the door and found one of the many droid attendants of the Hotel. "Please forgive the intrusion so early in the morning, but I have an urgent message for Mr. Calrissian." The droid flicked up his arm holding an envelope. Lando snatched the message out of the droids hand, "thanks", then quickly shut the door not happy about the timing. [Open it!] Chewbacca urged as Lando pulled out the piece of expensive looking paper on which the note was written. After scanning it Lando began to read out loud. "Mr. Calrissian. Please meet us across the street at the restaurant in an hour to discuss your insurance needs. Show this message at the reservation desk when you arrive."
[That's it?] Chewbacca felt disappointed.
"That's all it says, but we got the meeting. Now let's hope this leads us somewhere."
Dressed in one of his more expensive outfits, Lando walked up to the droid at the reservation desk just inside the restaurant's doors. "Greetings sir!" The friendly droid chimed. Quietly Lando handed the note to the droid and watched as he immediately walked off to the side and consulted another droid. Lando was feeling nervous, but trying to not let it show. Damn it. I hate shady meetings like this, Lando reminded himself clenching his fist. "Sir, your private room is ready. Please follow me." The droid motioned to Lando before scampering off towards the back of the restaurant.
At the back Lando was ushered into a medium size room decorated in brilliant white and accented with gold plates, silverware and other accessories. In the center a large table with only two seats presented trays full of fruits, vegetables, cheeses and drinks from across the galaxy. Though Lando had seen his fair share of luxury even he was impressed. "Ruan Choog berries!" Lando exclaimed as he popped one in his mouth. "These are almost impossible to find."
"Enjoy your stay sir." The droid left shutting the door behind him.
After spending a few minutes tasting the delicacies another door which was partially hidden on the side of the room opened. "I hope you are enjoying the accommodations," said a tall man completely dressed in white. He too was white, pale white; his hair, his hands, his lips. The only color the man had on him was his blue, lifeless eyes. He walked over, sat across from Lando and offered his hand. "My name is Mirronex, and I represent the Mobus Insurance Company. I am pleased to meet you Mr. Lando Calrissian. Before we begin I must ask that you agree never to discuss the terms of any policy you may purchase, how you came to be sitting here with me now or the conversation we are about to have. Do you agree?"
Lando grabbed the cold, pale hand and shook it firmly. "I agree." He stared at the all white figure in front of him and new for sure he was looking at an android - an illegal, near-human android.
"Now how can we help you Mr. Calrissian. We have plenty of options available."
"I'm looking to buy a policy for my friend. Han Solo. I hope that's allowed." Lando purposely avoided Han's status.
Mirronex smiled. "Mr. Calrissian you should know that we research potential clients thoroughly. By the time you sit down with a representative we know your net worth, your history and your associations. So we know about your friend Mr. Solo and the fact that he is the prisoner of Jorus Nebb. However, we do not offer policies for those already incarcerated."
"Why not?" Lando offered a worried look. "If they pay what difference does it make?"
"We are not thugs as you can plainly see," Mirronex waved his hand over the exotic food. "We have standards and traditions we like to adhere to. Your situation is regrettable, but there is nothing we can do."
"You mean will do." Both of them exchanged a long look. Lando continued, "Well, if you know about Han then you must know where he is. Can you at least tell me that?"
Mirronex shook his head. "I'm sorry, but we are not information brokers. We specialize in one thing, and doing so has made us the best at what we do Mr. Calrissian. Perhaps one day we will offer other services."
Lando looked across the table at what he now saw as a cold, heartless android. This thing has no soul so how can I reason with it, he frustrated. "We're both businessmen so let's do some business. You know how much I'm worth--"
"Sixty-three million." Mirronex proudly answered.
Lando continued, hoping to regain the momentum he thought he had. "I'm prepared to buy multiple policies for me and my friends. No strings attached. However, if our relationship should lead you to help me in this small personal matter I would take it as a professional courtesy, and be very appreciative... Like you said - We are not thugs."
Mirronex offered a large smile that Lando found disturbing then began to laugh. "I like you Mr. Calrissian. You don't have the arrogance and self-centered view of the vast majority of the clients we have. In fact you are the first client to even mention buying policies for his friends. Come! Enjoy some more of this food and we'll talk more about your friend after we've insured you and your friends!"
To Be Continued...
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