[i]A collab between [@Letter Bee] and [@CaptainBritton][/i]

[b]Ques, the Deal Site (23.311° N, 57.437° E)
0940 hours, 16:6, 4 ABY[/b][hr]
And as Ken and his followers were guided to the [i]Ark[/i], they were met with the man himself. Elias stood rigid, A280 hooked across his chest, off to the right of a manned E-Web. The Sergeant and Corporal which escorted Ken and company now dispersed, spread out with weapons at the low ready, leaving the prisoners before Elias, who removed his helmet and withdrew his cowl, the rain now soaking into his hair.

If there were chairs, Ken and his team would be sitting on them, before the former would say: “You are the commanding officer of this outfit, right? If so, what do you want to know? Note that if you want information that compromises the freedom of slaves, I will try to kill you and you’ll be forced to kill me.”

Elias had guided them in, indeed, and a table was set, a slab of metal surrounded by folding chairs. However, only Ken was seated, the others allowed only to seat elsewhere, amongst the folding chairs farther from the discussion. Elias, seated opposite of Ken, now drew a cigarra from his breast pocket, biting off the end and lighting it, slipping it between his lips. “Cut him free.” He ordered sternly, and such was, the Sergeant stepped forward to briefly ensure there were no available weaponry on Ken’s person, before drawing his combat knife and slicing away the zipties. “I am. Elias Folen, commander of this private contractor outfit. Am I correct in assuming you’re the commanding individual of your band of, ‘runaways’, did you put it?”

A nod as Ken felt himself more at ease. “Yes, me and my friend Puevi back at base. We’re freed slaves seeking a refuge.” A pause. “You might be wondering why we selected a spot easily reachable by starships; that’s because we’re not without...friends. A smuggler or two that gives us food in exchange for rare herbs and some local fauna. Either way, we don’t mean to cause trouble.” Well, not exactly true.

“We’re only here on a contract. We’ve no interest in turning anyone in. There’ll be quite a bit of activity here in the coming hours, and we’ll be guarding it. My only request is that you depart from this clearing until that activity ceases. We mean you no harm, but if you try anything, my troops won’t be as empathetic as I am.” Elias puffed on the cigarra. “Rest assured, you’ll be allowed to return here by nightfall. Now, you mentioned something about contacting your comrades? I will allow such a thing, so long as you relay my request and comply. Is this a deal?”

Ken offered his right hand to shake. “It’s a deal. Surprising that a merc would be so reasonable. Anyway, I know you heard my name on the comms, but let me introduce myself properly; my name is Ken Neumann.” A thought. “Also, if you need extra manpower for one day - not for this job, but in the future - we might be available. Again, if it doesn’t compromise freedom of slaves.”

He then smiled. “Friends? Well, sort of?”

Elias reciprocated the handshake, replying. “Honest contractors are a dying breed indeed.” Elias paused. “It is enjoyable to meet you. We will keep the offer for manpower in mind. And indeed, if not friends, acquaintances. Now, how about that commlink call?” Elias beckoned the young Corporal with the back-mounted long-range commlink, unhooking the receiver and offering it to Ken. The receiver itself had a piece to listen through, one to speak through, and many dials to specify frequencies. In tandem, Ken’s comrades were cut free from their zipties.

Ken called Puevi through the base’s local frequency; it had only basic encryption and authentication. He would then say: “Puevi, it’s Ken! I and the trio are all right! Anyway, I made a deal with the mercs; they’re letting us go and we get the clearing after nightfall.” Some chatter. “What’s that?! Ah, okay, you got it. Well, we’ll be returning back shortly - prepare dinner!”

He then looked back at Elias. “Thanks again, Mr. Folen! We’ll be escorted out, we’re sure?” 

Elias nodded. “No problem. Please, do call me Elias. Indeed, the two who brought you in here are prepared to escort you to the perimeter. Your weaponry will be returned upon arrival there, and you’ll be free to leave.” And the Sergeant and Corporal again were prepared to walk alongside Ken and his comrades.

And with that, Ken and the trio of kids behind him would walk out, actually happy...