The Rebel Faction

"Mr. Jardec, I promise you that I will be able to answer all your questions in time. But first, I suggest we move off this landing pad so that it may be utilized for its intended purpose."

Tir Esias led Carus and his associate off the landing pad and into the small fuel depot next to. A few moments later the loud hum of ion engines could be heard, and the fuel depot visibly vibrated as a vessel took up refuge on the landing pad. Once the tiny building stop shaking, Tir Esias led Carus and his companion back out into the open.

Sitting on the landing pad was a Delta class escort shuttle, an Imperial model similar in many regards to the famous Lambda class used by many high-ranking Imperials. The Delta class was more of a troop transport than the Lambda and boasted significantly greater firepower. Members of the Imperial military often flew in Deltas because of this advantage, and due to the fact they could ferry around a small entourage of personal bodyguards in its hold. Delta's were not particularly common outside of the Empire, due in part to a large surcharge Imperial manufacturers were forced to add to the price of a Delta when it was not being sold directly to the Empire.

The boarding ramp to the shuttle descended, and a hulking figure began descending it.

"Carus, I'd like you to meet my associate. You can simply call him Qive."

The huge alien titled his head in a slight nod, but said nothing.

"Shall we depart?"

Tir pointed toward the shuttle with his cane, and waited for Carus to start walking.

"I can Mr. Jardec. However, if I do, I must warn you that once you are privy to that information your options become extremely limited."

The insinuation behind that statement was pretty evident. When Carus made no protest, Tir took that as his sign to continue.

"My employer is known simply as the Union. Have you heard of us?"

Carus said nothing, though that was not unexpected. The veil of secrecy surrounding the Union had become frayed but the organization's existence was still a well-kept secret. Of course, part of the reason for the Union's invisibility was its policy towards those who discovered its existence- as to which Xander Griff could attest.

"The Union, Mr. Jardec, is the Empire of the underworld. Imagine for a moment, the notorious Black Sun at its peak... the Exchange at its prime... the Hutts at their zenith. Combine these entities into one, and you have a semblance of understanding about the power and reach of the Union.

The Union is not limited simply to crime. In fact we have transcended the phase when the bulk of our operations were criminal, though crime maintains a prominent role in our structure. The Union's ultimate aim is to concentrate the power that the Empire and Coalition let slip through the cracks: information, money, crime, terrorism.

The Union brings together the Brutus Nogoth's of the galaxy with the Rico Belgardi's of the galaxy- allowing for a synergy that magnifies the individual power of an entity. Creates opportunities for cooperation that would otherwise be impossible. Interconnects groups in ways that have never before been contemplated."

Tir Esias smiled.

"And you, Carus, can become the Union's newest member."

"I think a meeting could be arranged."

Tir felt a twinge of suprise eminate from Qive, but continued.

"And to answer your question, I can assure you that the Union's affiliates extend far beyond Belgardi. However, before we get into that, I think a discussion with the Chairman is in order."

The shuttle began to lift off, and head toward the atmosphere.

"Once we reach deep space we can open a secure channel and you can have your discussion."

Estro Sabrino regarded this man quietly from his seated position from the hidden location he was transmitting from. Even after all this time the Union had paranoia down to an artform. So now, Estro Sabrino sat in his white uniform style suit, examining the man who was seeing his own image. Sabrino gave a small, cold smile and finally spoke.

"Yes, I am the Chairman. I take it our mutual friend has informed you of our interest in your little group?"

Sabrino watched Jardec give a small nod and fixed his gaze on the man further, looking him over closely. Few people outside of the Union ever saw the Chairman, or at least did so and lived to tell the tale. Sabrino was sure this man must have that feeling now, if even in the slightest because no one really knew his face anymore. You didn't see it plastered all over the galaxy like Regrad or Simon Kaine. His name even was probably only held in Imperial files since it was the Empire who had occupied and ruined the Jutraalien Empire.

"I hope you realize how serious our offer is, Mister Jardec. If you turn it down you will not leave that ship alive. So, do you think you will be of service to the Union?"

Estro Sabrino calmly steepled his fingers, considering the answer given to him by Carus Jardec. As for cause, that was something Estro would keep to himself. The Union simply sewed chaos because it was very profitable, espeically if they could get a war to occur. Influence was everything to the Union, as was evident by its expansive control over a number of criminal groups and corporations. These Outcast could prove to be just as useful.

"Well then, consider yourself fulling funded, Mister Jardec."

Estro Sabrino gave his cold smile again.