A generic taciturn news theme plays across the comm channel, indicating the return to a popular spacer radio news and debate show from a commercial break. As the theme fades a chipper female anchor's voice comes into focus.
"And we're back. For those of you just joining un, I'm Chase Morgan here on Republic Spacer Radio and this is 'Comm-Linked'. Today we're sitting with the infamous masked mercenary known as 'Fenrir'." The woman pauses for just a moment. "Before the break, you were telling us about your rather violent resignation from the shadow organization 'the Silence Keepers'. What sparked such a sudden and explosive separation?"
The gravely voice of the mercenary comes across quietly at first, and then adjusts to be more even with Chase's. "Heh, explosive... You ever look up the definition of the term 'mercenary' on the Holo-net, Chase? If not, go ahead, I'll wait."
There are a few beeps and a pause. Chase speaks up a moment later. "To quote, 'working or acting merely for money or other reward. Any hireling.' Do you find issue with this definition? Everyone works for money."
Fenrir chuckles. "Ain't the money I got a problem with. Like that more than enough. It's the 'merely'. Them Keepers asked fer somethin' I weren't willin' in a rude way. Figured it was time folks started payin' attention to 'em. So I showed off their pretty little station. It's why I'm sellin' their little 'Archetect's identity. They gotta learn."
"And now you are with the Imperial Moirae?"
"Was, briefly. Been with a few outfits. Tretarkii Syndicate, Dawn Star Freight, The Reclamation, The R.E.A., list goes on. Partnership with the Moirae woulda been somethin' special... But there were bigger fish."
"Who is a 'bigger fish' than the Empire? Were you seeking contract with the Repbulic?"
Fenrir chuckles again. "Hell no - was speakin' of the Hutt Cartel, of course. They're into somethin' big an' I wanted a piece."
"So your talk of a mercenary being about more than money...?"
"Meant every word! See, there are some players out there who question what I can do. Aren't sure of what I'm capable of. S'why I took the Hutt contract, an' why I came on yer show. Wanna make a point!"
"Then is it true that you were a part of the Alderaanian rebellion, those who supported a Republic Alderaan? How do you choose what jobs to take on?"
"It's true. Kinda funny, really, we all thought we were gonna die bein' a part o' that. But, keepin' Alderaan a part of the Republic was a thing - so we fought for it. Surprise fer me when that audiolog started circlin' about the 'net a bit back." The mercenary pauses, and there's a slight creak as he readjusts his seat. "As fer contracts... Take on what I feel like, mostly. Do got myself a master plan o' sorts, but that ain't somethin' I'mma gonna spill here. It's all big-picture-like. Stuff fer the cause. Kinda like yer stuff."
"Like me?" The woman forces a bit of mirth into a chuckle. "How is that?"
"Well, ye did those segments not too far back about the well-bein' of the slaves an' folks on Hutt worlds, effects Hutts got on galactic economy, how the Republic can help them out an' what not. Standin' up fer the little guy. Totally cool. All anti-Hutt."
Chase scoffs. "This is a Republic station, Mr. Dire Wolf. We are proud to show how the Republic can aid those on worlds we've yet to bring a better life to. I stand behind everything that was said in those segments."
"And you should! T'was quality work."
"Thank you." The woman adjusts her own seat. "Does your 'cause' aim to help the Republic in a similar fashion?"
"What, 'cause'? Oh, that, no - I just wanted to get onto the topic of your Hutt pieces. See, my new employers really liked those segments ye did. Only problem was their whole 'Oppose the Cartel' message. So I got paid to come on here and ask ye a question, send a message for the Cartel, and in the process I get to make that point I was talkin' 'bout."
"Oh? What question?"
"Can you oppose the Hutt Cartel... On fire?"
"I don't see the rele-OH MY GOWAAAHH!!"
There is a slight hissing noise and then a full 'fwoosh!' as the anchorwoman shrill scream drowns out the rest of the program. In the background Fenrir can be heard laughing before shouts from Republic security enter in alongside the unmistakable signs of a brawl.
"Hey Bolas, hit the recordin' - time fer the getaway!"
A high pitched 'UTINNI!' and a 'clang' are the last things the show broadcast.
----------
Later, a news bulletin makes its way across the holo-net:
A team of mercenaries led by the Dire Wolf attacked the Republic Spacer Radio Network station headquarters during the show 'Comm-Linked'. 37 station employees, including the beloved host Chase Morgan, and a number of Republic security forces were killed in the attack. The Hutt Cartel has since taken responsibility for the assault with threats that violence will only escalate if interference in their affairs continue.
