Star Wars STAR WARS: INTERVENTION (A story-telling style OT starfighter game)---Always taking new players!

OOC: Bravo, no objection to moving “He” off the Imperial Justice. Timing looks suspect, but given that the game hinges on Time being hand-waved, who cares?

IC: General Perez (Jod npc), inside the Surveillance MCB, Sword of Justice hangar.


Perez now timed his men and women dealing with the landed fighters, while beyond them, the shields went up, and the heavy duty bay doors began to close.

Now hear this! Now hear this! This is the Captain speaking-

And not in any way, some malcontent who has found his way to the PA system, and is even now, struggling to sound calm as Bridge Officers and Security Guards try to wrestle you away from the controls, he fancied, feeling in that sort of mood.

-Prepare for Red Space travel in two minutes. All crews to your stations for Red Space travel.

He could see on the monitors, from their body language, several hangar crew considering the size of the vehicle and aircraft strewn hangar bay, and thinking they’d never get to the blast doors in two minutes!

So, Stakes wanted him to find ways to motivate them, did he.

Fingers on his right hand tapping several keys to patch him through to the tannoy for the hangar bay only. He leaned toward the voice pickup, and sent: “Release, the attack vornsk!”

Several of the crew accelerated towards the exits, drawing chuckles from the officer.

Tag: Mitth, Kasumi

---

IC: Jod Guard, Jod Pilot, Sounil Mistry, Flight Lieutenant Yavscout, Delicate Delinquent dome entrance, Jod shuttle Unidade Aurek, and somewhere on the Javin Bucket, respectively.
Location: The Greater Javin

Dome ante-hall

Even as Bridge Officer Bob moved from the pair of clones he had been chatting to, to move back along the line of Mercs behind them, one of the waiting soldiers heard one of the two call after him: “ My apologies sir. We didn't realize we were being vague. Not sure where you need help. I can do security or the like, and C.T. is good at transmissions and signals. Does that help you?”

The trooper decided to step into the breach. “Right, you two. Over here. Right you,” He looked towards the one that had not spoken last, “Cee-Tee, is it? Transmissions and signals? While I don’t know if we have immediate need of your services, please head up to the Bridge on deck CT6, and introduce yourself.” The guard wavered between the GSO and GSE rank clips, eventually handing over the latter. “All the communications personnel in the Kingdom’s Navy have been officers, but I cannot make that decision from down here, so this shows you as Guardian Squadron - Enlisted. If you prove your worth, they might make you an officer!” The man smiled, “And then I’d have to salute you; Queen forbid.”

He then turned his attention to Herc. “Right, we really need beings who can operate quad laser cannon, but we certainly won’t turn our noses up at security volunteers” He handed over one of the rectangular orange clips with GSS typed onto it.

* * * *

Authority shuttle, Unidade Aurek

The pilot of the first passenger shuttle carrying ex-residents of the Block prison facility, felt a bit nervous about his cargo, though the female alien sitting beside him in the cockpit wasn’t bad.

Ahead of them, between them and the huge bulk of the Imperial cruiser, a Lambda-class shuttle broke approach formation, and banked hard to port, disappearing beyond the left edge of their front port.

“Does that make us next?” The twi’lek enquired, her hands in her lap as he glanced at her.



“Guess so. But there is still a shuttle in the bay, which we need to leave before we can take your group aboard.” He looked at her again. “So…what was it like on the Block?”

“Hell on toast. Hell on toast.”

“Sounds……………” The pilot was unsure how to finish that sentence, and let the moment hang.

“Crunchy? The Block could be crunchy, sometimes.” Sounil tried to put a philosophical lilt into her tone, but at the end of the day, she doubted she would ever be able to describe the place to someone who had not been there as an in-mate.

That lieutenant aboard the Authority had split the new crew up into groups of twenty.
The Sentinel-class landing craft, “shuttle” was easier to say, could hold double that even with the standard seating in place, but Zotoman was being over cautious, wary of losing too many people if the convoy got caught out in the open between the Authority and the Delicate Delinquent.

The pilot leaned towards his voice-pickup. “Delinquent Control from Unidade Aurek. We are standing by for approach, over?”

“Maintain position, Aurek, please.” The response was prompt enough, but it was not what either wanted to hear.

“Copy.” The Jod exhaled and leaned back in his seat, the both of them staring out at the cruiser’s sleek lines.

“She’s pretty big.” Sounil observed, “Six hundred metres according to Lieutenant Zotoman.” She glanced over as he kissed his teeth in clear, unbridled derision. “What?”

“The Authority could take it. Only a hundred metres difference, but we’ve got half a dozen all purpose mass driver cannon. Now, I have no idea what a mass driver cannon does, but it’d knock that thing’s lights out.”

“Big deal. Me kicking out the wrong plug would do that too.”

The Jod looked over his scans. “Well, I’m only reading quad-laser emplacements on that thing. Unless her hull and shields can stand up to some punishment, you really don’t want to run into any non-allied King-class battleships. Six mass driver cannon, four heavy double turbolasers, twelve turreted laser cannon-”

“You want a tissue?” She enquired sweetly.

“Huh?”

“Never mind.” The twi’lek’s smile turned grim, leaving forward with her elbows on his thighs. “That is still more positive than Zotoman’s take. Anything packing torps could take her. We’ll need some robust anti-starfighter processes in place for when trouble hits.”

* * * *

Javin Bucket

Granted, it would not have taken that much to surprise the elf, but when Yav awoke to find himself in the back of an ambulance, barely able to see, and thinking about AT-AT's, specifically whether one had tried to kick the back of his skull in, the 'S' word can fairly be said to apply.

Holding the back of his head gingerly, and waving off the ministrations of a nearby hovering IM-6 medical droid, Yavscout swung his legs off the gurney, and looked at the other organic occupant, on the second stretcher, not moving.

Using both his eyes, and his special Norrathian senses, he could tell the other was dead. That and the bullet hole in his forehead.

Wincing from his thumping head, Yav squinted at the other. He looked very familiar, a feeling only increased when he opened the back doors, and half-stumbled, half slid down the step outside, the wet heat hitting him like wet flannel being slapped in his face.

It was a night-time city street, several ULAVs in emergency service' livery sat around, haphazardly parked, their revolving rooftop flashers casting green light across the residential building facades.

A black human with rolled up shirtsleeves, and a too-prominent choobie was talking to three other Causasian humans in crumpled suits. Obvious cops.

Yavscout's eyes widened as he recognised the dark one with the big...anyway! Inspector Todd! Which meant the DB - dead body - in the ambo was Mikey Tandino, Axel Foley's best mate in one of his favourite action holos, Babali Hills Cops.

Recent memory crashed into his head, overcoming the pain from the gash and lump he could feel back there. He had commed Zotoman aboard the Authority to find out how long it would take to get everyone aboard the Delinquent, and realising he had time to play with, that did not need to be spent trudging slowly through the pressure tube running from the Javin Bucket to the interdictor, he had headed off into the self-styled shadowport that was the Javin Bucket, spend some of the credits that Dak had finally stumped up from Yav's last three missions, give or take.

He had been intrigued to find a shop offering to "re-enact your favourite holo-movie scenes, or try our 'lucky dip'!

"Lucky dip, my backside." The Surefall Paramedic muttered. He could Heal himself, but didn't want to do it in the middle of...wherever he was.

He must have said that louder than intended, for the dude that looked exactly like the Todd holo-character, left his three mates, and stalked over to the Merc. "Axel, I thought I told you to get to the hospital to get that bump on your head looked at."

"I can't believe you fraggers hit me!" Yav winced, his right hand holding the back of his head permanently now.

"This case belongs to Mayfield."

Yav paused. Sounded like this whatever-it-was, intended to play out the scene regardless of what he said. Was it a cheap synthdroid or what? Realising he had probably paid for this, or would before he left, he might as well play along. "Um, uh, all due respect, but Mayfield hasn't left his desk in twelve Standard Years!"

"At least he's had twelve Years!"

"But you don't mind if I-"

"Don't you do a damn thing, Axel!"

"Hey, this was a friend of mine!" Despite his injury, Yav found he was getting into this.

"Yes, and let's look at that, why don't we? A spice-jacker friend, a professional hit, in a cop's apartment. This sticks to Oseon and back."

"Uh, Boss." The way he was reeling these lines off, the elf knew he needed to get out more. "How do you know it was a professional hit?"

"I didn't just step out of the Life Orchards of Rafa, Axel. Whoever shot your friend wasn't worried about your narrow ass. Otherwise you'd be in the back of the medical lartie with him."

Yavscout's wristcom bleeped for attention, so he put up a palm to forestall the Inspector while he answered. "Yav here."

"Flight Lieutenant? Chief Engineer Williams here."

"Hey, Chief. Wassup?"

"I'm aboard your interdictor, but I need you to sign out some heavy stuff from the Johnny Boy Stores, and bring it over. I have sent the Mother back for you to use, and called ahead to the Stores. That okay?"

"No problemo, Chief." The elf felt perspiration roll down his face, and wondered how easy it was going to be, finding the Johnny Boy from here.

"Williams, out"

He looked up at Todd, and sighed. "Well, its been fun, but business calls. How do I get back to my ship from here?"

"Stay away from this case, Axel. "

"Yeah whatever, Scouts Honor." He paused. If they were determined to finish the scene... "Look, Boss. I got some vacation days coming."

"If I find you that you-"

"No no, I just feel I need some time to get over this. Woe is me, etcetera."

"Alright." Todd stared as if sizing him up. "As soon as you have finished at the medi-centre, consider yourself on vacation. But if I find that you have interfered with this investigation, it'll be the longest vacation you ever spent."

The police inspector froze at the end of the sentence, eyes suddenly blank and glazed. An oval blast door squealed open to his right, an even brighter light spilling into the 'street.

"Finally." Yav decided it would be worth having this setup aboard the 'Delinquent. Something to entertain the Guardian crew. Maybe not the 'Lucky Dip' option though; he'd have a fragging mutiny.

He would talk to the proprietor, then head over to the stores.

Tag: Herc, C.T.

OOC: This last bit is based on Beverley Hills Cop. The lines are from my memory.

 

IC: Fress Colias/Cody
Sword of Justice hangar bay

"Sometimes listening and just being there is all it takes. There is no guarantee that you will be able to help them even at that, but you have at least offered to listen. Only they are the ones who can take that advice and open up." Kasumi smiled. "Which we both know to be the case, but there are times that we each forget that. And sometimes silence is the best answer to a problem. Those that are fighting with demons don't want to hear about what they should do, they want to just be surrounded in silence."


(Silence was too much for me.)

Fress glanced down at Buddy and smiled slightly. “Silence doesn’t do me well either, Buddy. I would go mad,” she turned her attention to Kasumi and knew there wasn’t much she could do for Jeth. She gave a weary smile. “I guess sometimes it’s nothing I can do even though I wish I could. I do care about everyone here and usually anyone under my command. I did leave an open invitation to approach me if they ever needed to talk to someone a long time ago. It’s been so long since I was in the lead that I forgot a few things. I would definitely be leaving that invitation open again. I want to feel that I did everything I could for them. Try to focus on the needs of the pilots as much as I feel will be allowed.”

Before Kasumi could say anything she noticed a man approaching the X-wings. She glanced at the rank on the man’s shoulder and frowned. “What is it, Lieutenant?”

“Captain Stakes wants the Guardians in the briefing room in twenty minutes,” the Lieutenant reported.

Fress closed her eyes and counted to ten as she released a deep breath. She needed to relieve some of this tension in the worst way but it seemed the Captain wanted a quick briefing. She gave an apologetic smile to Kasumi. “We can continue this conversation later.”

Fress walked over to Jeth’s fighter. “Hey Jeth, we’re needed in the briefing room in twenty minutes. Captain Stakes is waiting.”

Fress headed towards the briefing room expecting the others to follow her. Cody stepped in beside her as they left the hangar bay and neared the briefing room. “Did you offer to buy Jeth a drink?”

“I wish you wouldn’t do that,” Cody muttered under his breath. “Yes I did. I’m not sure what his answer is, as we’re needed in the briefing room, not being given a chance to answer. I hope he takes me up on it. You could use a bit of remembering, Fress. I know it’s been years since you led but you used to be far more open minded.”

Fress sighed and nodded in agreement as she stared at her friend as they walked towards the room. “I know. I guess I forgot and got caught up in my own world. I’m going to leave an open invitation with the squadron for anyone who wants to approach me about anything that maybe bothering them that they may do so without me biting them.”

“That sounds like your old self coming out to play,” Cody chided as they neared the door. “Why don’t you offer to go drinking with Jeth?”

“The day Hoth warms up,” Fress answered with a small grin. “He probably thinks I could use one right about now.”

“Probably,” Cody answered with a frown. “There’s no harm in having one or two drinks. It’s when you go above it to the point where you don’t control your actions as well is when it becomes a problem.”

“I do like the occasional glass of wine,” Fress said with a frown. “I suppose I could offer and approach Jeth that way. That’s if he lets me after the way things went out there.”

“You never know, if you offer to buy. He may take you up on your offer,” Cody pointed out as they stopped in front of a wooden door.

“I suppose,” Fress said as she opened the door and entered. She paused for a minute as she studied the Captain who seemed to be over ally stressed about something. She recognized that expression anywhere. “If I had fifteen credits each time Skywalker had that expression on his face, I would be able to retire early. We’re on our own, aren’t we?”

Tag Bravo, Mitth, Coffee

IC: Wolf
Delicate Delinquent

"Any way we can help you here?"

Wolf nodded as they glanced at the other groups that were being assigned. He knew the other two needed to be assigned but as to what. He thought about it for a minute and smiled. Before he could say anything, the one officer stepped forward and assigned both to certain areas. “I could use help in security as my depth perception isn’t all that great anymore. If you don’t mind, Herc?” He glanced at Herc as the other had assigned both. “C.T. looks like you have an invitation to go mingle with those who like to play with codes.”

Tag Herc, C.T.

 

IC: Beskaryc Taab
Lounge, the Crusader

Taab watched and listened as the various theories about the rescued troopers true purpose on the Interdictor were bandied about. It was a common enough thing for a soldier to try to figure out what a mission had been all about afterwards. In cases like this, they were usually far too busy just trying to stay alive during the mission to do anything else. It helped them to decompress, and it was good to see these soldiers acting as any others. In some ways they reminded him of the Clone troopers he had trained on Kamino before the war had started, though they ceratinly weren't as homogeneous. That point was driven home as the one called Professor reached back into his thermal detonator pouch. Taab tensed for a moment, his arm shifting slightly as he prepared to bring it up and fire upon the stormie if necessary. But it was just a set of Sabaac cards, Taab relaxed.

"Everyone is getting so serious, so, Sabacc! Staves are Wild!"

That had been Taab's last capture as an independent bounty hunter. After he had turned Dorn over to Vigo Xizor, he had turned away from bounty hunting and decided to take on only strictly mercenary jobs. They suited him much better anyhow. His first stop had been the civil war on Ranklinge where he had discovered Atin. Of course that had necessitated taking on some bounties to show Atin how they were done. Funny how things worked out.

"With an impressionable boy present. You can't just turn the place into a casino!"

"But they've already got a gaming table."

"Doesn't matter. Probably came with the ship." The female stormie looked over to Taab. "I'm sorry. His Clonemaster dropped him as a baby."

"Don't worry about it, that boy has seen and done things alot worse than happen in any casino." He looked again at the display settings before standing up. "We will get to our destination sooner rather than later. For those of you who don't want to play or talk there are bunks farther aft so you can get some shut eye." That said he headed back to the cockpit to watch over the ship's progress from there, and to try to figure out just where he and Atin would go next.

IC: Atin Taab
Lounge, the Crusader.

The attempts of the troopers to figure out what their real mission had been had begun to go a bit over Atin's head. For the most part he knew how to fight, and he knew that when he was hired he knew who to fight. But figuring out the intentions of that person were beyond him right now. He had mentioned that to buir and was told that it was just something that came with experiance, and most of the time it didn't matter. "You just have to watch out for those times where what you didn't know will kill you. Other then that, just do your job." Atin though still had a hard time with that. He wanted to fight for something, other then just credits or a contract like his father did. Maybe he would become cynical like his father was with time, but not yet.

When the cards came out he was excited and curious. He didn't know how to play sabacc. His youth was spent on more important things like trying to survive, and the past few years had been spent on Mandalorian training. There had been no time for card games.

"With an impressionable boy present. You can't just turn the place into a casino!"

"Hey!" Atin exclaimed, "I am not that.." but he was cut off by the troopers banter.

"But they've already got a gaming table."

"Doesn't matter. Probably came with the ship." Simone looked over to his father now. "I'm sorry. His Clonemaster dropped him as a baby."

Atin looked over to buir as well. No one else could tell, but by his posture Atin could tell he was deep in thought. "Don't worry about it, that boy has seen and done things alot worse than happen in any casino." It was true of course, but not something Atin really wanted to think about. When he was adopted by buir and became a Mandalorian, his former life ended and his new one began. "We will get to our destination sooner rather than later. For those of you who don't want to play or talk there are bunks farther aft so you can get some shut eye." Then his father left him alone with the troopers. He wondered for a moment if any of them would head aft to rest, or if they would sit here and try to teach him Sabacc. Or maybe they were curious by what his buir had meant.

He took a chance at that, not sure if they would care or not. "I grew up on Ranklinge's SouthCont. Buir found me there five years ago and...took me in". His eyes focused on the forward bulkhead as he continued on. "He's right. I may not know how to play Sabacc, but I am sure I have seen things that would give even you nightmares."

TAG: Sith-I-5

 

IC: Hangar Chief Ler, Deputy the Astromech, Fury the DD Astromech, Engineer Bromley, Johnny Boy hangar bay, and the Delicate Delinquent, respectively.


"Oh, you are back, are you?" Ler asked the Merc's returned Lambda-class shuttle, rhetorically, as the Mother's landing gear settled once again on the hangar bay's deck. "Where in the Original Light did you go?"

The LE-Repair droid reacted to sound of moving from the rear of the hangar, and looked that way, seeing the elf's black-and-white R2 unit towing a hover-wagon, loaded down with clothing and equipment.
"You arrived just in time." Ler observed, stomping over to his shorter counterpart. "The shuttle has only just returned."

[I was told to expect her.] Deputy whistled and bleeped back. [Yavscout should be along later with some heavy stuff from the Stores, so we don't want the shuttle leaving just yet.]

"They don't listen to me. Her pilots are a law unto themselves, today. Still, we got no more craft coming in or leaving, which gives me some operational latitude."

Behind the Hangar Chief, the Johnny Boy's bow doors started to close.

Ler looked down at the cargo, focussing on something rectangular, black, and 46 inch square. "Hold on. Is that one of the entertainment screens from our cabins?"

[Might be,] Deputy whistled evasively.

* * * *

Deck Three - Repairs Hall

Back inside the repair hall, Bromley looked over at his newest helper.

Circuit watched as the droid made its way to it's designated position.

"Ok Bromley, who's next?"

"Okay, you have a selection of droids of the same style over there." He indicated about seven transparent-domed R3 astromechs to Circuit's left. "Continue with them, please."

"Sir, this one is done." Advised another member of his team, down on one knee beside another R3 unit separate to the group he had assigned Circuit to start on.

"Good job. Send it out."

Meanwhile, the freshly-named Fury left the teeming repair area, into the too quiet of the corridor outside, and bleeped with relief. H did not mind the presence of other droids, but you could have too many in one place, you know?

He sought out the nearest computer port, and plugged himself in, quickly ascertaining the status of the ship's gun emplacements, to help him decide which of the twenty would be best for him to operate.

Bottom two were out of action, according to the electronic stream it dipped into.

Protect the bridge, it decided, then detaching its computer probe, heading off to find a suitable turbolift.

Tag: Coffee

 

OOG:

So after researching dark nebula and black holes and my brain feeling like a toilet's flushing water afterwards, I am hereby cheating. Introduce Star Trek Badlands. Yes, it completes what I need done for the purposes of the Northern Stretch. No, we're not introducing cross-universes into the game. Just borrowing a great idea from Star Trek.



IC: Captain Timothy Stakes
Conference Room A, Sword of Justice, Greater Javin


“I suppose,” Fress said as she opened the door and entered. She paused for a minute as she studied the Captain who seemed to be over ally stressed about something. She recognized that expression anywhere. “If I had fifteen credits each time Skywalker had that expression on his face, I would be able to retire early. We’re on our own, aren’t we?”

Stakes looked up from where he sat, "Yes, we are. Please, take a seat," When all three pilots---Kasumi, Fress, and Havah---sat down, Stakes took a remote and activated the hologram in the middle of the table. In the middle of the table now floated the Javin Bucket and the Authority, "The Authority will be taking over full time protection of the Johnny Boy; Repairs are taking longer then expected. So, we will on our own into the Kingdom of Jod. Other then that, we are truly alone. Our only 'in', the King-class Battleship Gettysburg, has declared her loyalty to the new government change in our kingdom---oh, I'm sorry, if you haven't been told, the Royal House has fallen on the Kingdom of Jod, as of 24 hours ago our time. With the Gettysburg on the side of the new government, the newly crowned Eminence William P. Aragaunt now leads the equally new Confederacy of the Regions. I'm sorry if this is sudden, it's all sudden to my crew," Timothy sighed as he got up, the holo projector changing to the Northern Stretch (Star Trek Badlands).






"The Northern Stretch. On the other side of the Northern Stretch---which between entrance and exit of the Northern Stretch is protected by mine fields, space defense stations, and other defense systems---is the highly classified---the holo projector changed to show the below imagine---Actualize Station...





...it is the Kingdom of Jod's essence of naval power. No one knows of it's location, except for the highest within the naval command structure. I knew it...because of my connection with the King a special message he had for me. If not for that, I would have had no idea of it's existence. Not only the Kingdom's Navy, but also a sizable army force is there. If we can make it there, we will have a fighting chance. Actualize Station was only under orders to communicate with the outside if contact was ever lost with the Royal House. This, Actualize Station, is the hope of the Kingdom of Jod and of the galaxy. It is the legacy of King Alex "The Just" and a legacy that no one understood and why they killed him. If the King let anyone know of Actualize Station's location, then surely the Beasts would have agents within our ranks to find a way through the Northern Stretch and capture it.

"Actualize Station can make it's own ships and have been producing the new line of King II-class Battleships. I've never seen one, but I hear they can challenge your galaxy's Imperial-class Star Destroyer toe to toe. It's also been rumored that new carriers have been produced and other vessels. In each of these large circles you see on Actualize Station, up to four King II-class Battleships can be serviced. Rumor has it that two of those circles have been reserved for the new military force."

Timothy sighed as he looked along the walls; the flags of each region hung: the Southern Region, a gold background with a red circle outline around a red lion; the Eastern Region, a black background with a blue river flowing in front of yellow buildings with yellow smoke rising from smoke stacks; the Western Region, a white background, gold high-tech buildings, and a brown road running through two sides of the gold buildings; the Northern Region, a blue background with white mountains; the Central Region, a white background with a gold castle and blue mountains in the background of the gold castle. On the opposite side of the Kingdom's Naval flag was the King's Army flag, which had a red background with two of the brown rifled blasters at a angle rising up to meet almost at the muzzles with a silver infantry sword in the middle of both rifles' "arch".

He returned his attention to those gathered, "I don't need a rocket scientist to tell me that the Kingdom of Jod does not have the population to support what I think is going on at Actualize Station. And I ask that you all keep an open mind to what may or may not be happening there. I'll answer any questions I can later. But the reason as to why your all here," The holo projector changed back to the Northern Stretch...





"While I know the Kingdom of Jod possesses some of the best starfighter pilots in the galaxy, I know talent when I see it, and I do not think my pilots could handle this mission. I need you three to navigate the Northern Stretch and find each Communications Satellite and up link to it's central data processing unit. You'll probably have to exit your starfighters via vac suit or have a astromech droid to the work for you. Collect the data, which should hold a sealed document containing the "safe route" through the Northern Stretch. Transmit the data on a secured channel to the Sword of Justice and then move to the next satellite.

"The catch are the satellites themselves. They are hidden and double as sensor relay stations for any automated defenses within the Northern Stretch. So, your approach will have to be quiet and swift. Furthermore, they are usually protected by several Gun Emplacements. A further problem is finding the stations, they are very well hidden and this mission is time sensitive. The Sword of Justice cannot proceed to each satellite until you have located it, which will make our movements slow. I would advice that once the first satellite is located, all other satellites should be within range of the others, that the three of you split up and locate each one. Beware, however, if you split up; the Northern Stretch has automated defenses that I do not have the safe code for. These defenses include other randomly placed Gun Emplacements, mine fields, and possible captured old reprogrammed Droid Starfighters on patrol from deep and hidden automated defense stations. I would avoid the automated defense stations at all costs, for they are probably armed for capital ship combat. Destroy the droid starfighters before they can report back to the automated defense station. Please beware that your communications will be limited or non existent while in the Northern Stretch....but so will the defense stations and droid starfighter patrols, which will give you an edge hopefully.

It will take several days to trek through the Northern Stretch, so we will only be able to move so far each day. A few satellites a day and we should reach the other end.

"Any questions or rejection of this assignment?"


Tag Coffee, Falcon, Mitth

 

IC: Herc/C.T.
Delicate Delinquent

He then turned his attention to Herc. “Right, we really need beings who can operate quad laser cannon, but we certainly won’t turn our noses up at security volunteers” He handed over one of the rectangular orange clips with GSS typed onto it.

"Sir, let me know if you need the cannon operator, for now I will do what I can to help with security set up."

Wolf nodded as they glanced at the other groups that were being assigned. He knew the other two needed to be assigned but as to what. He thought about it for a minute and smiled. Before he could say anything, the one officer stepped forward and assigned both to certain areas. “I could use help in security as my depth perception isn’t all that great anymore. If you don’t mind, Herc?” He glanced at Herc as the other had assigned both. “C.T. looks like you have an invitation to go mingle with those who like to play with codes.”

Herc nodded at Wolf and found a place to stash his armor.

"Lets see what we have here and what we need to do to get this ship secure."

C.T. nodded.

"I'm going to do my thing brother."

Herc patted his brother on the shoulder.

"No one better. Go show them how it's done."

C.T. smiled and went to help the other code talkers.

Tag: Fress, Sith

************************************
IC: Circuit
Deck Three, Repairs Hall

"Okay, you have a selection of droids of the same style over there." He indicated about seven transparent-domed R3 astromechs to Circuit's left. "Continue with them, please."

"Yes sir."

Circuit went to work on the other droids. He loved the challenge that each one brought and he did the best he could to ensure that each was going to be set to do it's best.

Tag: Sith

 

IC: Kasumi
Conference Room A, Sword of Justice, Greater Javin

"Any questions or rejection of this assignment?"

"Let me get clarification on this sir. You want us to fly in there, get the information needed to get the Sword of Justice through safely, and at the same time figure out what stations are actually the ones we need to get the information from? This is not made easy for anyone."

Kasumi stood as she spoke and began to walk around looking at the flags of the different regions. She gently touched each as she passed. Each banner represented people, a culture, a way of life, and as whole they made up the Kingdom of Jod. That was something that the King was willing to die for, and something that, as she assumed, the Queen was trying to hold together.....but a sinking feeling told her that that was not an easy task either.

"Captain, I cannot speak for everyone here, but..." Kasumi turned to him, "I'm in. However, there on one request that I have. I would like to get a message to a few friends before we do this."

Kasumi made her way back to her seat after stopping at the flag for the Northern Region one more time. Something about that region, something about the mountains. Each symbol gave off a resonance of the life that it was protecting and what it stood for. But this one...was different. She just couldn't put her finger on why.

Tag: Bravo

 

IC: Fress Colias
Briefing room Sword of Justice

Fress leaned back and thought over what the Captain was proposing. Either his men weren't really up to the task or he plans on saving them for the bigger fight ahead. They recruited droid fighters? And reprogrammed them? She turned her attention to Kasumi as she spoke and nodded in agreement. “I would also like to get into contact with some friends of mine and my ten-year-old son. That’s if the Imperials didn’t find him and he’s waiting for a pick up.”

Fress felt frustrated and began to regret leaving CorSec. She didn’t sign up with the Mercs to get involved with another war, especially when this Aragaunt sounded like another power hungry Palpatine in disguise.

“I do have a question about the possible defenses, how many droid fighters did you reprogram for each satellite? And may we have use of the Simulators? Saber still has the old droid fighter simulators programmed into him and it wouldn’t hurt to have a refresher. And time to rest before we attempt this mission? And access to your network so we have space to write up reports for later review,” Fress watched Stakes carefully wondering if he was holding anything. She highly doubted it but experience made her weary of others and their intentions. “And I’m curious, how do you feel your pilots are not up to this task considering they’re supposed to be the best? Sorry, make that several questions,” she planned to leave instructions with Cody in case she didn’t come back.

Tag Bravo

IC: Wolf
Delicate Delinquent

"Sir, let me know if you need the cannon operator, for now I will do what I can to help with security set up."

Wolf smiled in C.T.s direction. “I’m sure you can show the younger ones a thing or two. Have fun, C.T.,” he watched his brother walk away as he turned towards Herc. “I think we need to get the Mercs access to their network so they have some place for reviewing files before each mission,” he commented with a frown. “And we need to find out where everyone will be sleeping.”

Tag Coffee

 

IC: Sydney Ayres
Hangar Bay, Delicate Delinquent

There was something about the Imperials that Sydney had to give them credit for and that was the logical and efficient layout of their capital ships. Stepping onto the hangar bay floor, Sydney marveled at the fine polish of the black reflective material that made up a standard Imperial hangar. High above were the scaffolding and crane system used to move the TIE fighters around for launch. The mag-con field in the distance seemed luminous and vibrant with the energy that kept the black of space at bay. His head might've been elsewhere but his heart knew that he was in the right place and that was aboard the Delinquent in whatever capacity she required of him.

His tool belt clanked and jingled as he stepped over heavy duty power lines and refueling ports. For a ship this size, the hangar bay was more than adequate. Though, truth be told, he really wanted to get a good, hard, look at the gravity well projectors and not from the outside, either. He wanted the up close and personal examination. Sydney wanted a lot. But wanting ain't getting, so the saying went.

Ayres looked around and whistled a little tune. The tune echoed off the walls bringing a smile to his face. Had he been in a singing mood, Ayres would've belted out a song right then and there. Impressed all the hangar staff, impressed everyone, with his not so stellar singing voice. But today was not one of those days. Today was a day to work. Today was a day to get his hands greasy and get right down into the thick of things.

Yeah, Ayres thought, today is going to be good.

Snatching his comm off his belt, Ayres keyed in the frequency that should put him in contact with whomever commanded this Interdictor.

"Ayres here, put me to work, my good man."

Tag: Sith-I-5

 

IC: Samantha Irisa, Technician Flavin, Chief Engineer Tim Williams, Aurora Cradmoon, Sil the Astromech, Delicate Delinquent bridge


“Still no word from Sergeant vestor as to whether we can release that shuttle, and yet we have the crew transports lining up outside now.”

“Alright,” Flavin decided aloud. “We’ll have to utilise the TIE Hangar, then. Except we don’t know if there is room for them to land in there. The firefight left the place a bit crowded.”

Samantha stood reluctantly, “So whose going to operate Communications?”

“Er, I had a note about that.” Flavin looked at one of his screens, and scrolled back through the information. “Oh yes, a young being named C.T. should be on his way up.”

A new voice came over the Comms. “Half Moon calling Delicate Delinquent. Requesting permission to board.”

Tim frowned and pulled out his merc issue datapad, calling up the list of named Mercs assigned to the cruiser. “She’s one of ours; Aurora Cradmoon.”

Flavin caught the other’s expression, while Sam’ sat back down, and asked the pilot to ‘stand by’. “What are you thinking, Chief?”

“Captain Taller likes to treat his starfighter pilots as Officer Lite. Not as senior as command personnel, but higher up the list than regular crew. Have her land in the TIE Hangar; oh, what’s she flying?”

“Snubship. X-Wing class. What?”

Tim glared. “They are supposed to be really new. Little bit worrying that the Imperial starship database is that familiar with them.”

The tech shrugged. “Saves me doing it.” He looked over at Irisa. “Go ahead and give her directions to the TIE Hangar, and that she is to take charge, and call us as soon as she lands.”

“Copy that,” she nodded, relieved that she would be able to stay up here, after all.

“Then as soon as this C.T. finds his way up here, I want you headed down to join her. Your pilot skills will come in handy if we need to clear a space for the first transport.”

“Yessir.” Samantha tried not to let her disappointment show. “Half Moon from the Delinquent. Permission granted. Please approach us from our starboard side, and come under to find the dorsal entry. As you come up, you are to land in the right-hand bay, as close to the walls as you can manage.”

“Copy that.”

“Once you are landed, take charge of the hangar, and call us back for further instructions.” Movement out of her periphery vision, caught Irisa’s attention, and she looked up to see Flavin drawing his index finger across his own throat.
Knowing that the signal either threatened ‘death by over-acting’, or he wanted her to cut the call off, she added, “Bridge out.”, and manually flicked the comms off.

* * * *

X-Wing interior

Aurora felt like she was pushing to the front of the queue as she pushed foward on the control yoke to take her fighter past the line of Jod-marked shuttles and transports.

{Alright, now take a good look at this thing;} Her droid's words flickered into being on her readout. {if we have to go anywhere with star destroyers, I don't want you landing us on the wrong vessel.}

Cradmoon frowned. “Hey, that's not funny!”

{Whose joking?}

The interdictor loomed large before and below her, as she took the fighter round to make the approach from starboard, the bulk of the Javin Bucket above, providing her sky.

She was uncomfortably aware that guns on the surface of the de-commissioned Venator-class stsr destroyer were tracking her as she passed underneath.

The X-Wing dove slowly past the interdictor hull to go under it, then levelled out and looked up through her canopy at the underside.

“Oh, I see it. The opening for the hangar.”

{Lot of carbon scoring. Surface damage.}

She said nothing, carefully ascending, giving both her visual scanners some attention, as well as looking out both sides of the cockpit to make sure her closed s-foils were well clear of the vertical walls.

There was plenty of room here for a mere fighter, but she had embarrased herself enough in combat, that she wanted to prove she could still be a pilot.

{Getting near the roof.} Sil supplied.

Aurora had noticed the welcome light spilling out from the hangar to her left, while the right one glowed through a milky white, opaque energy barrier.
The X-Wing stopped dead, floating between the two bays, slightly banked towards the one on the right.

“That's not solid, is it?”

{Reading as regular magnetic containment energy, Aurora. Harmonics have been messed with to give it that colour. No idea why.}

She did not like this one bit. Flying into a solid looking energy barrier took quite a bit of faith, even if her own scanner readouts duplicated Sil's own findings.

“Can you change it back to transparency?”

{Well, not from here, obviously.}

“I hate this.” She cautiously nosed through the field, teeth gritted as the line of milky energy moved up her craft's nose, then up over her canopy as she moved into the smaller hangar.

Cradmoon released her held breath as soon as the line was behind her, as she could see the mess of the bay laid out before her, carefully and minutely adjusting her incredibly slow course, less than the walking pace of a distracted toddler, to the left to avoid scraping the edge of her starboard foil on a big solid-looking behemoth of a transport, at least fifty metres high.

If she mentally divided the space in here into six blocks, with three blocks against the back wall ahead of her, and the other three level with where she floated now, the block to her laft was clear, the right had the behemoth thing, like a dark pyramid that had optimistically tried to pass under a low bridge. The block beyond the transport was clear, the one ahead of her was just filled with the crushed and rended panels of a nearly flattened spacecraft, the treaded war vehicle that was the likely suspect, and the left block to that was half-filled by a big orange inflatable yacht.

“What in Hapes is that?” She wondered aloud.

{There was trouble here. You accuse me of listening in on your comms with your boyfriend, but let that indicate just how invested we can be in the safety of our masters. Some R2 unit crossed the ARC Threshold, capturing or defending this ship.}

The Merc knew a lot of ARC terms, from the six-foiled Incom ARC-170, to a style of soldier from the Clone Wars. She had never heard of the ARC Threshold yet though.
“Record what you see, and transmit up to the bridge.”

{Copy.}

“Okay, I'm putting us down.” She aimed her craft for the clear space beyond the big vessel she had almost swiped, deploying her landing struts.

The Merc waited a count of thirty for a squad of stormtroopers to come running in, then popped the canopy.

Getting down was a little dicier without technicians putting a ladder at the side of her craft, but her boots adhered securely to the white hull, and she managed to jump down onto the polished black deck.

Sil blatted a query at her, from her socket at the back of the craft.

“Sure, come on out.” Aurora pointed to the offending magcon, which was like a blank white wall shutting off her view of the other bay. “Besides, I need you sorting that thing out. If we want to get a shuttle in here, they will need to see where they are going.”

Aurora pulled her comlink. “Mac? Moon. I am aboard the 'Delinquent now, in case you wanted to know.”

Tag: Coffee; CPL

 

IC: Havah Jeth
Briefing

Leaning against a wall he rubbed his chin at what was being laid out before them. It was certainly a full task and one that had him wondering where Pic had run off to on this new vessel. Still he stayed quiet as the briefing concluded and the question portion was opened up, both the mentals were quick to fire off questions about their dangerous assignment, to which he simply rubbed his eyes. "How much?" there was always the bottom line, and if this fellow didn't want to risk his own pilots meant he was sending them on a suicide mission as the annoying mental case had properly hinted at. Which left the basic question in his mind, how much was their lives, of these Jod's faith based Merc recruitment worth?

TAG: Coffee_Ninja , JediFalcon , Bravo

 

IC: Lead Scientist Van Halfin the Third
Project Zero Construction Site, Imperial Research Center, location classified








Van Halfin the Third looked down from the Project Zero Research and Observation Space Station (pictured above). Below, the Red Rock Planet took form (planet pictured below):







The 84 year old scientist knew that, under all of that planet formation, that the Red Rock pieces were there, hidden under all the planet's forming process on the top layer of the planet. Hidden to the eye...a jewel to be prized. His father may, finally, be proud of him. He had recreated a planet.

Project A-1O-C growled and screamed softly in union; Van turned to his chained creation, the first successful combining of a captured Beast soldier and a POW from the Galactic Civil War. So, POWs finally did have their uses, instead of draining the Imperial budget dry for housing and food to keep them alive for no reason. Behind the Beast-Human hybrid stood two very nervous looking Imperial Navy Troopers for security. Because this station was "observing" a re birthing of a star----in the civilian field with civilians and media reporters and "check and balance" civilian Imperial agencies, nicely placed in the middle of a Imperial Navy Fleet War Games Maneuver Site---no "combat" troops were allowed on the station. Instead, only station security was allowed on the station and that's where Imperial Navy Troopers fit the bill perfectly.

Project A-10-C had not only been the first successful hybrid of Beast and human, he had also been the first successful hybrid that Van could ever control. Many of his assistants and lesser scientists under him had experienced being torn apart when attempting to control such hybrids. But Project A-10-C had paved the way for other successful attempts on his brothers downstairs...a course, after the many fatal attempts that had failed before. In the depths of this station, a whole army was being formed of captured Galactic Civil War POWs and Beast POWs. And it was a beautiful sight...and one no "civilian" reporter or government agency ever knew about.

The blast doors opened and in walked Darth Vader, flanked by two of his loyal 501st Stormtroopers.

"My officers tell me it is ready," Darth Vader spoke from the doorway.

"Your spies are correct, Lord Vader," Van spoke as he took his cane and walked his way towards the Dark Lord of the Sith.

"Watch your language, Halfin," Vader rebuked the old man, "My officers are not spies."

"When they are overseeing my work without my permission, then yes, they are spies. I told you Lord Vader I would notify you immediately once the Red Rock Processing Unit was completed."

"Completed was ten minutes ago."

"Can't a old man enjoy the view of a planet forming?" Van asked, then lead the Dark Lord out, "Come A-10," Van said to his beast creation.

Vader, Van, monster and two escorting troopers, and both Stormtroopers took a quiet walk, except for Vader's breathing, through corridors, down turbolifts, and through secured access points. Finally, they all stopped in front of a cargo bay-sized blast door flanked by two sentry Imperial Navy Troopers.

Van was speaking, "...the Red Rock Processing Unit is online and installed Lord Vader. As soon as Investigator Hilick Soal arrives with the last pieces, then we can shoot his fragments towards the planet and everything should click as they say. And you and the Emperor will have your completed Project Zero. The Red Rock Processing Unit should, in theory, rearrange the Red Rock's energies to match your and the Emperor's will. But we won't know precisely until Investigator Soal gets here. Ah," Van looked back to their party of followers, "Everyone will have to wait out here, Lord Vader. This is a strictly classified area that not even the Emperor's stormtroopers have access clearance to."

Vader turned to his two Stormtroopers, "Wait here. Contact the Devastator. I want to know the ETA of the Star Destroyer Darkest Night."

"Yes, Lord Vader!" Responded one of the Stormtroopers, who promptly started contacting Vader's flagship through his communications unit in his helmet.

As the cargo blast doors opened to a small built in tunnel corridor and anther lesser armored blast door, Vader and Van disappeared behind the closing blast doors. Once the outer heavier cargo blast doors closed, the lesser armed blast doors opened to welcome Vader and Van into a grand scientific lab.

"No security cameras," Vader observed, his voice carrying around the empty room with buzzing scientific and medical equipment.

"The Emperor promised me my privacy," Van replied as he limped towards a research desk cluttered with notes and data-pads next to a upright giant circular device large enough to hold a Wookiee; Van stopped and turned to Vader, "Lord Vader, we both know what is about to happen."

"Treason. I know."

"The Emperor will find out."

"You said your legacy is what mattered, correct?" Vader's eyes drifted to the series of round covered circular containers in the far part of the room.

Van followed the Dark Lord's eyes, "What part of that legacy do you want, Lord Vader? For you or for...?"

Vader's head snapped around, "Be careful of your words, Halfin."

"As you wish. The Emperor, Lord Vader? I'm sure he has his spies here..."

"If it works, we will not have to worry about the Emperor anymore. I will be stronger then him! And if it works, then I will follow through with my promise to you."

"Lord Vader, do you have a Jedi?"

Vader was quiet for a long moment, "No. The one Hilick Soal had captured---Jason Lasso---escaped. As did the girl with him...Kasumi. It was reported to me that shortly after Lasso's escape, Kasumi was killed by a Rebel strike against the Imperial shuttle...I have my doubts about that report."

"And if your doubts are correct?"

"Then Hilick Soal will pay the price for his lies."

"My Lord, you do understand that I cannot go forward without a Jedi for the capsules behind us---"

"They are not just capsules to me!"

"I'm sorry my Lord," Van stressed his next words, "Lord Vader, you must listen to me. Without the Light Side of the Force---if the Dark Side is not the answer---then we may not have another chance at this again. This may be our only chance!"

"You will make it work, Halfin. I will ensure your safe departure from this station if it doesn't and you will continue your work. But as my Master once told me, "The Dark Side of the Force is a Pathway to many abilities some consider unnatural." [1] And I still believe in that power today. The Jedi is merely a fall back plan. But one I would like on hand just in case."

Van nodded, "So be it, Lord Vader. You are signing my paychecks and ensuring my family name's legacy. Your wish is my command. Let us test the Red Rock on you first and ensure it will work. The upright circular capsule to the left of my desk here is designed to breath for you and protect your body. I will need you to enter the capsule and remove as much of your suit as you can. I have a holo camera in there to monitor you for any signs of trouble. Lets proceed please. We don't have much time before the Emperor's spies puts the pieces together and comes looking for us."


TBC

References

[1]Revenge of the Sith (Movie, 2003)

 

OOG: Last Vader post, fyi, Vader does not about Kasumi. It was my mistake. Replace 'Kasumi' with 'female passenger'. Thanks all.



IC: Captain Timothy Stakes
Conference Room A, Sword of Justice, Greater Javin


"Let me get clarification on this sir. You want us to fly in there, get the information needed to get the Sword of Justice through safely, and at the same time figure out what stations are actually the ones we need to get the information from? This is not made easy for anyone."

"You won't have to be finding out which satellite is the right one and which one isn't. Through the Northern Stretch, there is only one safe passage; these satellites mark where it is and should be within close proximity of each other by way of a traveling starship or other space worthy craft. There are numerous other routes to navigate around the plasma storms, but these are not predictable and never the same, which is why this stretch of space is avoided by most and a excellent defensive barrier for our home world."

“I do have a question about the possible defenses, how many droid fighters did you reprogram for each satellite? And may we have use of the Simulators? Saber still has the old droid fighter simulators programmed into him and it wouldn’t hurt to have a refresher. And time to rest before we attempt this mission? And access to your network so we have space to write up reports for later review,” Fress watched Stakes carefully wondering if he was holding anything. She highly doubted it but experience made her weary of others and their intentions. “And I’m curious, how do you feel your pilots are not up to this task considering they’re supposed to be the best? Sorry, make that several questions,” she planned to leave instructions with Cody in case she didn’t come back.

Stakes shook his head, "I am not privy to the defenses of the Northern Stretch; because of this very reason, you must locate and silence any defenses as soon as you can. The quicker the Sword of Justice can get into the Northern Stretch, the quicker we can support you in case the need arises. I would imagine, because of the plasma storms, any droid patrols will be on the safe predictable safe route, patrolling the only safe way in or out. The only advice I can give in that regard is, in case you can't find the next satellite, follow the droid patrols. As for their strength and numbers, I have no idea. I don't even know if warships are hiding in there. All I do know is that I have my best slicers working on getting the safe passage code as quickly as they can, to aid in this mission and make the journey faster.

"As for simulators and rest, we do not have time. In less then thirty minutes, we will reach the Jod Portal Number Three, which is one of the thresholds of space that separates Jod space from the rest of the galaxy. Once we pass that threshold, we will have only minutes before we reach the Northern Stretch. As to why my not my pilots and yours; my pilots, frankly, are going to be the cannon fodder that keeps you three alive in case things go south and everyone of those pilots knows it. We will take the blunt of any attack for the sake of your success."

"How much?"

Stakes understood the question from the mercenary. In ideal terms, this mission should have been done for "free," since they were all on the same page. But right now, mercenaries were looking out for themselves until their leader, Captain Taller, got better. "If we reach Actualize Station? Name your number and it's yours. Within reason, a course."


Tag Coffee, Mitth, Falcon

 

IC: Sergeant Vestor, Main Hangar, Delicate Delinquent


The sergeant straightened on hearing a new, strong clear voice: "Ayres here, put me to work, my good man."

He looked up into the face of the bruiser who had dropped the flight simulator manual at his feet, and told him. "Thank you for this; now get off my ship. We need the room." He got onto his own comlink. "Bridge? Vestor here. You can reverse the setting on the Main Hangar magcon, please." He advised, choosing his words carefully, lest whoever was up there dropped te whole thing, andf blew him, the blonde pilot, and everyone else out into space.

He left the Merc pilot, who had his instructions , and heraded for the sixty-ish looking human male, with the tool belt.

"Oh, am I glad to see you! You ran the hangar aboard the Merc corvette, didn't you?" The Jod taped his own chest. "Sergeant Vestor." He indicated the shuttle where the pilot was boarding via a ramp at the back, ducking into the craft, "As soon as they frag off, we'll be getting passenger shuttles in here, one at a time. I need you to liaise with the Bridge, tell them when you are free to have another one come in, and when the passengers are disembarked, advise the Bridge that the transport may depart."

The Authority shuttle lifted, and started to reverse silently through the transparent magnetic containment energy field, giving them both a view across the wide bay, at the xx's fighter, and Jim Palso's freighter.

Vestor spied the manual where he had left it on the deck, and crossed over to pick it up. "Oops, wouldn't want the next vessel through here crushing that. I'd never hear the end of it." He held the heavy tome in his right hand and looked dubiously at both Mac and Ayres.

"Any idea what I should do with this?" He asked.

Tag: Liam, CPL

 

IC: Fress Colias
Sword of Justice Conference room

"As for simulators and rest, we do not have time. In less then thirty minutes, we will reach the Jod Portal Number Three, which is one of the thresholds of space that separates Jod space from the rest of the galaxy. Once we pass that threshold, we will have only minutes before we reach the Northern Stretch. As to why my not my pilots and yours; my pilots, frankly, are going to be the cannon fodder that keeps you three alive in case things go south and everyone of those pilots knows it. We will take the blunt of any attack for the sake of your success."

Fress bit on her lip as she glanced at Jeth knowing what he really meant and it had nothing to do with credits. How much were their lives worth to the Kingdom of Jod? Half an hour wasn’t much time to do anything. She didn’t trust this captain as far as she could throw him and yet Taller did to an extent. She wasn’t sure to what extent. “I need ten minutes to record a holo and leave instructions with my friend outside this door. I want Cody on the bridge, not that I don’t trust you to keep your word, Captain. But I want to make sure you keep your word and not hold back your pilots for the bigger fight ahead.”

Fress leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms and one leg over the other. She moved her foot up and down as she made direct eye contact with Stakes. “If I don’t make it, I want my payment made out to Brice in the form of a college fund. It will collect interest over time and he does not touch it until he reaches the age of twenty-one. You would owe my son that much for this suicide mission. Nothing personal, Captain, I’m just making sure my son is helped financially in the future. I’m not doing this for myself. I’m doing this for my son so he doesn’t have to pick up the fight later on in life.”

Tag: Bravo, Coffee, Mitth

 

IC: Havah Jeth / Pic
Briefing

Removing his helmet he sat back and sighed at the Captain's words. The mental fliers had their questions answered, and so did he. No rest for the wicked.

Fress of course went off at the mouth as if she had a position of power in this situation, while Kasumi seemed to be drawn to the tapestries. "Feel free to ignore her first request Captain." he grinned as the door opened and Pic came trundling in with a crystal faceted bottle in its manipulators. Nodding at the droid he took the bottle, stood and hurled it with all his might. The bottle soundly hit the banner of the northern region square in the middle of the white mountains dominating the blue background. The bottle for it's merit didn't shatter, it merely gave a deep resounding thunk as it colided and fell to the ground.

"I would like to request at your descretion Captain that Pic possibly be allowed to assist your techs in the code cracking. He is a fine droid and able to such tasks. If I perish he is manumitted but I would request your considerations in such an event as to my pay. Keeping in mind that what my kind finds reasoneable is often gawked at by you younger races." Bending down he pulled out a data rod and held it out, the little droid tilted it's head before staring pointedly at it's owners boots as a small compartment opened. Placing the rod inside he withdrew a small auto-injector and two viles which he openly injected into his own neck in quick succession. Pushing himself back into his chair he waited as he allowed the unlabled drugs to take affect.

Oxies were always such nasty things, but that and a stim were what he needed right now to keep going. The day was long in the tooth, and he had many parsecs yet to go before it was done, many parsecs yet to go.

TAG: JediFalcon , Coffee_Ninja , Bravo

 

IC: Fress Colias
Conference Room A Sword of Justice

Fress shook her head as she watched Pic walked in and handed Jeth a bottle. She watched as Jeth stood up and chucked the bottle against the wall? She chewed on her lower lip and shook head. And some people thought she was impulsive? She never ever was to a meeting where she witnessed something very reckless. He proceeded to inject something into his neck. “And some people think I’m impulsive?” She stared at Jeth and hardened her expression. “I don’t go randomly tossing bottles against the wall during a meeting. You know you could’ve hurt someone? Namely Kausmi who was standing there not even two minutes ago.”

Mitth

 

IC: Admiral Jon Thaw, the Bad Boy Golan III space defense platform.
Location: Gyndine

The admiral, back in navy grey, with an admiral’s red and blue rank squares upon the chest of his tunic, stood at the vast transparisteel window, knowing that he was master of all he surveyed – star destroyers, interdictors, defense platforms, corvettes, picket ships.

But in terms of what he and all this was here to guard…

Thaw turned slowly from the window, to the visibly shaking officer. “Tell me again, what did Lord Vader say, regarding this Red Rock Processing Unit?”

“Haww-hooo-”

“Without the breathing sounds.”

“Sorry, Admiral. Uh,” The Imperial commander managed to put on a passable impression of the Dark Lord’s hollow-sounding voice synthesizer. “if anybody asks, I have taken it for dinner and a show.”

“And this raised no red flags for anyone?”

“This was Lord Vader, Admiral!”

Thaw sighed. “Yes, of course.” He started to wave the subordinate away, then stopped. “I don’t suppose he named the restaurant. Actually, no. Don’t go there; its probably the Red Rock Cafe or something. Dismissed.”

He glared at his reflection in the window. So Vader had half-inched (pinched) the blasted thing.

“Sarah?”

His aide, Midshipman Walker, stood in the shadows, swishing the hem of her dark grey skirt about her knees in boredom. She looked up. “Admiral?”

“Get a description of Vader's ship off that commander; take a paper bag, since he's probably hyperventilating somewhere, if I am any judge. Alert all commands and disperse the fleet. I want Lord Vader found!”

“Yes, Admiral.” Excited to be doing something more useful that Operation Stand Around And Look Pretty, she jogged off to find someone that the various ships’ captains would listen to, if they did not listen to her.

Thaw’s jaw set as he thought of the man he had revered when he had last been a Naval flag officer. What was Darth Vader up to now?

And where was Hillick Soal? The two beings most involved with this project, and neither of them were here, leaving the new admiral holding the baby.

In fact, Vader had taken the baby!

All Thaw had was the soiled nappy, and fistful of damp pastel-coloured flimsis. Well, at least he hadn’t started to wipe.

Jon caught himself, and shook his head. There was such a thing an analogy too far.

“Vader, you rat *******.”

Tag: no-one

 

IC: C.T.
Delicate Delinquent Bridge

C.T. rounded the corner just as he heard, “Then as soon as this C.T. finds his way up here, I want you headed down to join her. Your pilot skills will come in handy if we need to clear a space for the first transport.”

He had to laugh to himself. "Master Yoda would say you were being impatient. Takes a while to find your way around a new ship, but I got here as fast as I could. C.T. reporting for duty sir."

Tag: Sith

 

IC: Kasumi
Sword of Justice Conference room

Kasumi used the force to move the bottle to her hand and looked at looked up just a Jeth injected himself with the unidentified medicine.

“I don’t go randomly tossing bottles against the wall during a meeting. You know you could’ve hurt someone? Namely Kausmi who was standing there not even two minutes ago.”

"It's alright Fress. No harm done." Kasumi could tell the Fress was more than annoyed with the display of agression than anything.

"Captain, I would like time to create a message for a few friends of mine in a holo to be sent to them once we leave for this mission by my R2 unit. They have a right to know what is going on, and I have a few instructions for them, just in case. If that is alright with you sir, that is. After that is done I will be in the hangar bay getting ready for this mission."

Kasumi stood from her seat and walked over to where Jeth was, carrying the bottle.

"Sir, I believe this is yours," she goes to hand it back to him, but in a split second shatters it on the corner of the table. "Just to ensure it doesn't quiet those demons that made you throw it, as we may need your anger to get through this. And your younger races as you call them each have a part to play in this, just remember that. And we can't help you when we have wounds on our heads from bottles being thrown...or..." she picks up the syringe...."when we are put in harms way." She places it back down.

Kasumi leans in and quietly says to Jeth, "I know you have demons, I know but a small amount of the pain you are dealing with, but silencing them with such remedies will only make them louder in the end.....will only make them more volatile. Your remedies are fueling their ability to control you and, in their own way, are allowing the Empire to lay claim to you."

Kasumi stands up and backs away from him...waiting quietly by the door....waiting for the go ahead from the Captain Stakes.

Tag: Bravo, Fress, Mith

 

OOG: Mitth "shamelessly" convinced me to post this today or risk losing my nerd card.


IC: Captain Timothy Stakes
Conference Room A, Sword of Justice, Greater Javin


Between Fress' demands and Havah's sudden injection of drugs, Stakes was wondering if his pilots should take this mission and let the mirco manager and addict become cannon fodder. It was a tempting option but one that Stakes knew he had to resist. For the sake of the prophecy. Now Stakes knew why the King was considered a fool by some...look at what the "prophecy" gave them. Maybe, just maybe, Fress and Havah would turn into super heroes and save the day. While Stakes reserved this possibility for Fress...he doubted Havah could ever reach the application stage of super hero.

"First, Havah Jeth. I'm going to ignore the fact that you just threw a bottle at one of my country's flags and second, that you injected a unknown drug into your system in front of me. While we don't yet have a operating manual for this little joint adventure we're on as Jod and Mercs, I will firmly state that you will get tested for what that drug was before you step foot into a starfighter. My guard detail will escort you to the medical bay, Squadron Leader Havah Jeth for a full work-up before you fly. Let me remind you, Havah, that this mission is more then just you. It's about this whole ship's crew, my home world, and your galaxy. Don't forget that the next time you step foot into a starfighter under my command. If you have a problem with that, I can arrange a house arrest at your quarters on this ship and you will stay there until you can be transfered back over to the Johnny Boy. Your dismissed to the medical bay, Squadron Leader. Guards?"

The two Naval Guards in the room quickly flanked Havah to escort him to the medical bay; Stakes look at the guards, "You are to escort Mr. Jeth to the medical bay for a full medical work-up. Top priority, he goes in front of any and all patients. You are to not treat him like a prisoner, but as one of us. Is that clear?" Both guards nodded and waited for Havah to stand up.

Stakes hit a comm button on the table, "Bridge here," Came a reply for all to hear.

Stakes replied, "Have navigation find the best hiding place close to the Northern Stretch. We'll need more then thirty minutes."

"Yes, Captain. Bridge out."

Stakes turned to Fress and Kasumi and shared glances, "I am putting my crew---and yours---lives on the line here. Both of you have two hours to do what you need to do. Hand any holo recordings in to the Hanger Chief and he'll make sure they get to me. Make sure you have instructions for your payments. As for any guests on the bridge, to show trust, this one time Fress. But he'll be under guard. Dismissed."



Tag Mitth, Coffee, Falcon

 

IC: Havah Jeth
Briefing Room

Fress of course had an outburst, he was curious if how hot her blood would have to be to finally silence her as she brightened in her output of infrared. Although to be honest that wasn't a fair question, especially since he could easily look up the answer through certain medical databases. It was amazing what trivia doctors both sane and insane had generated for the myriad of species throughout the centuries. So he just ignored her and allowed his white orbs to settle on the leader of this sit down, of course Kasumi had to do something.

What she did very nearly brought a tear to his eye, none fell, but he did get a little misty eyed when she shattered the bottle. "You could of scattered shards into my eye. We're even." he softly spoke to her. Wasteful, just wasteful. As for his comment, it was justified. While her race had been low tech slaves of the Rakatta, his had already created a new race that advanced and was apart of the galactic community. Such was life though, that and poor galactic history classes, so many commoners and younger races had such a limited scope in their primary educations. As to her whispered comments, such a simple minded view. To think that he was a drug addict, that he would abuse substances like that to quell his inner demons? Ludicrous, those would not quiet them, would not numb the mind to forget stretches of time to give a repast from self but rather merely let the demons run rampent. Besides, he didn't have inner demons. He was one.

The Captain of this tin boat finally spoke up now, and proceeded to have a small fit. Guards and everything. Looking at Pic, who still had the small tool bet dangled as it normally did during either ship repairs or relocations. "Open secure case, prepare data rod M25J64." Standing he looked at the guards and gave a small nod and grin before turning to the Captain. "Understood and acknowledged. This shouldn't take long as I will provide your doctor with the stim and blood purifier chemical compositions that I just took, as well as a history of recently injested substances over the past three days. That should limit the time needed to verify everything so long as your medical facilities are on par to the Empires." with a nod he turned to Kasumi.

"Here I thought your kind were not supposed to assume so quickly?" with a soft shake he walked out with the two guard in tow and Pic quickly keeping time ahead of him to lead to this medical bay with a red data rod held high and forward, like one might bear a precious part of a long held ceremony.

TAG: Coffee_Ninja , JediFalcon , Bravo

 

OOG:

Sith, am I correct in assuming the Delicate Delinquent is still by the Javin Bucket? I'm sorry for the question, I'm catching up on my reading of posts this weekend. Been behind due to college and work. Sorry.



IC: Mon Mothma
Somewhere in the galaxy, safe house

Mon Mothma sighed as she stood up from the desk she sat behind and walked to the window overlooking a giant city landscape; the night was dark and the sky full of rain and thunder. No, it wasn't Coruscant or even her beloved home world of Chandrila. No, such places of heaven were gone for her these days. Now, her life consisted of running and hiding from the Empire and it's agents, while running the Rebel Alliance, the Empire's chief and most public enemy.

And her job also had requirements in it like today, where she had to take necessary evils to secure a better future. When the Rebel Alliance had it's first founding soldiers, even before it was an organization back 19 years ago at the end of the Clone Wars, a mixed group of non-clone Loyalist Republic soldiers and clones who refused Order 66 took up arms against the newly crowned Emperor Palpatine. It was a whole brigade of soldiers, lead by then Captain Rick Taller, the highest ranking officer left after Order 66, for that group of soldiers. They had laid traps for Palpatine, had soldiers and snipers in position. Everything seemed to go as planned, having every possible exit point for Palpatine's hover car covered. Mon Mothma had even donated troops to secure the men under Taller's command a safe exit.

Mon Mothma's soldier never secured the brigade's exits and Imperial security forces, who had been tipped off by a unknown caller, had quietly moved in behind Taller's soldiers and eliminated the clones and non-clones while Palpatine's hover car and escorts went by. Only a handful of Taller's soldiers---among them a handful of clones, non-clones, Terrel Vacks, Chris Streets, and Vacks' brother "Dog,"---survived. While Mon Mothma had her reasons, chief among them she had been alerted to the Imperial security forces and was going out there herself to support Taller (but didn't have time to alert Taller to the problem, Rick never bought it. Instead of seeing that Mon Mothma was trying to save the top future Rebel Alliance leaders from all being captured or killed by the Emperor, Taller saw it as Mon Mothma leaving him and his soldiers to the Empire's mercies and never forgave Mon Mothma. For years, Taller's "Mercs" operated separately from Mon Mothma and later the Rebel Alliance, refusing to help the desperate Alliance even when they needed his help. Only in the last month did Mon Mothma and Taller ever solve their differences. But the pain remained for both.

And now, Mon Mothma would have to betray Rick Taller one final time. It broke her heart, crushed her to the deepest parts of her soul, but it had to be done. Very reliable sources have hinted at a possible Imperial spy aboard the Javin Bucket; that information had been confirmed when the Rebel Alliance spy network happen to fall across a brief one signal beam burst from a TIE variant of some short to the Javin Bucket. When the signal was decoded by the Rebel Alliance, they found that the signal shared a Imperial frequency used months prior at another Imperial operation and it said, simply, "GO". At that point, Mon Mothma gave the go ahead to eliminate Rick Taller.

The Imperials weren't there to capture him. Or kill him. They were there for his brain and would dislocate it from his body if need be to gain the information needed. If the same "GO" code matched the same one used months prior, it was a former medical doctor gone Imperial spy. The dislocation of the brain from body, freeze to abstract the information, could all be done if the medical doctor knew what he was doing. And the last Rebel cell that was dismantled by this "Imperial Spy Doctor" was living---or rather dead---proof of his capabilities.

So, Mon Mothma had decided to not take the risk. The code had been sent one hour ago and she knew that the Imperial Spy Doctor was close. So it was a race to Taller. And Mon Mothma knew the Empire had back-up agents in the area and she couldn't get a Rebel ship down there in time to save Rick Taller.

While Mon Mothma soaked in her own justifications for killing Taller, she also knew it was for another reason.

Mon Mothma turned back around, opened up the middle drawer to the desk, and held the piece of Red Rock, it's beauty lighting up her face in the dark room.

The "other" reason for killing Rick Taller. It was a very good reason indeed and needed no justification. All Mon Mothma had to do was return it to it's home and the Galactic Civil War would end as promised...


No Tag


******************************************************


IC: Captain Rick Taller
Medical Bay, Johnny Boy


Taller removed the vibro blade from the Special Ops Teams' neck, took his blaster pistol, and limped out of the surgical suite. Sure, they said he wouldn't live, but he wasn't dead yet. And he wasn't stupid.

Kneeling down, he checked Chief Medical Officer Russel Cook's life signs; he was alive, but not much could be said for the two King's Army Soldiers that sat slumped by their posts, a trail of blood on the white walls marking their decline to the floor.

So the Rebel Alliance came after him first. After the Red Ocean mission, he wasn't surprised more "Rebels" came after his Mercs. It was only a matter of time before the Alliance became as corrupt as the Empire over this Red Rock business.

Just then, a man stepped into the medical bay wearing one of the uniform's of the Javin Bucket's crew. The two men shared glances for a long moment and as the "worker" went for a hidden blaster, Taller shot the man dead with two blaster bolts to the chest.

And that would of been the Empire.

One of the medical droids came floating up to Taller and Rick looked to the droid, "Get the doctor healed," as the hovering droid went about it's task, Rick turned and went to the console, "Bridge?"

"Dak here. Captain, is that you!?"

"Keep it quiet, Dak. How are repairs?"

"Limping along."

"Is this comm channel secure?"

"Yes, Captain."

"Are we fit to travel?"

"Not hyperspace. But the wing has been reattached. You have an idea?"

"I do. Get hold of Yav. It's time we make an exit."

"I'll patch you through directly. Any other orders?"

"Do a system wide scan. Look for any tracking, spying, or other like devices. And have the Jod troops start to escort our Javin Bucket guests off my ship."

"As you wish. Your patched through to Yav's comlink. Good planning, sir. Bridge out."

"Yav...can you hear me? Yav?" Taller asked, hoping to get Yav's attention.


Tag Sith

 

IC: Sydney Ayres
Delinquent Hangar Bay

"Oh, am I glad to see you! You ran the hangar aboard the Merc corvette, didn't you?" The Jod taped his own chest. "Sergeant Vestor." He indicated the shuttle where the pilot was boarding via a ramp at the back, ducking into the craft, "As soon as they frag off, we'll be getting passenger shuttles in here, one at a time. I need you to liaise with the Bridge, tell them when you are free to have another one come in, and when the passengers are disembarked, advise the Bridge that the transport may depart."

Sydney nodded. He would be pulling air traffic control duty again. No problem. So long as the pilots of the incoming passenger shuttles weren't a bunch of ex-military types. Those guys could be real frakkers, break the rulers kind of people. They quickly wore out his patience in the backwater planets he had traveled to during his "hiatus" from Rothana Heavy Engineering. Vestor seemed like a decent guy. Had that look of a level headed gun. That was fine with Sydney. He needed all the level heads he could have around him.

"Any idea what I should do with this?" He asked.

Sydney chuckled and replied, "Use it for tissue paper. Time is of the essence, here, people," Ayres said as he keyed his comm to speak to the bridge.

"Hangar Chief Ayres here. Let's get this party started."

Tag: Sith-I-5

 

IC: Kasumi
Sword of Justice Conference room

Kasumi nodded to the Captain. Two hours would be long enough. The question would be at that point, who would get the payment? She had some ideas, but that would take some doing. She already knew what had to be said to her friends....and to Fress. She watched as the guards flanked Jeth and began to escort him out. He paused briefly and spoke to her.

"Here I thought your kind were not supposed to assume so quickly?"

"I may have assumed about the injection, Jeth, but not about the bottle. While we have different means of getting there, I want what you want. I want the Empire to end and for peace to return. While I cannot get the screams of dying friends out of my head, I know that there was nothing I could to. The only way they will be avenged is through the restoration of peace to the galaxy, not by falling to our own demons."

Kasumi watched him walk out and waited for Fress to stand.

"Fress, I wanted to speak with you about this payment thing."

Tag: Bravo, Fress, Mith