Skriva’s Criminal Calculus

This thread follows Skriva’s uneasy partnership with Mowry, shaped by profit, distrust, and the growing risks of resistance work.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The First Bargain

A Meeting of Interests A suspicious introduction Skriva’s associate Butin Arhava catches Mowry following him and points a stolen gun at him. Mowry responds by offering money rather than a fight. Profit opens the door The promise of a much larger sum interests Arhava and gives Mowry a route into local criminal networks. Trust never enters the arrangement.

The Brothers’ Contract

Violence as Paid Work A transaction with conditions Skriva and Gurd agree to target Colonel Hage-Ridarta for a payment confirmed by public proof. Mowry uses staged rewards to align their short-term interests with his. Loyalty tested at once Skriva intimidates Arhava over a proposed commission. Mowry sees that a group capable of violence may still be dangerously divided by greed.

Arhava’s Fate

The Missing Intermediary A failed partnership Mowry later learns that Arhava is dead, and Skriva reveals that Gurd removed his head. The criminal alliance has eliminated one of its own before he can become a liability. Trust grows thinner The killing confirms Mowry’s suspicion that Arhava might betray him, but it also shows the brutality of the men he hires. Their usefulness carries a cost he cannot fully manage.

The Prison Rescue Deal

Buying a Way Into the Jail Skriva seeks help Skriva offers information from a paid jailer to free Gurd and two companions. Mowry refuses to hand over the full payment without a genuine requisition form and proof of success. Cooperation by calculation Mowry agrees to fund the attempt because escaped prisoners may be useful and may otherwise be tortured into talking. Skriva’s loyalty is inseparable from his fear of losing a profitable partner.

The Partnership Frays

Survival Before Solidarity A split under fire After the jailbreak, Gurd kills Lithar in the car. Skriva then leaves Brank behind and urges Mowry to follow him to safety. Mowry withdraws Mowry declines to rely on Skriva’s hideout and separates from the group. Criminal allies have helped him, but danger and self-interest make continued cooperation uncertain.

Mowry’s first visit to Cafe Susun

Four days after the first meeting

After the Radine meeting

After Gurd is arrested

During the prison extraction escape