Star Wars BREAK THE SKY

-BREAK THE SKY-​

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The Empire has been defeated. At long last, the Galaxy is united under the peace and democracy of The New Republic. The remnants of the Imperial fleet has withdrawn to the Unknown Regions of Space. ​

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But how long will this peace last?​

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Whispers from the Outer-Rim have shaken the Core Worlds. A great terror lurks in the darkness, gathering strength in the wake of the residue instability of the Civil War. A terrorist organisation known as The Phantom Horsemen is waging a war against the New Republic, still only in it's infancy. Could the tales of a super-weapon created by The Phantom Horsemen be nothing but hear-say? Or is there something far greater -far darker- behind it all?​

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The New Republic is already stretched thin, reigning in their new Galaxy. They need new adventurers to investigate the troubles in the Outer-Rim; whether it be for the sake of the Republic - or just because you're in it for the pay.​

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Welcome, to Break the Sky, a galaxy spanning RPG set in they year 5ABY. You can be anyone you want; a tough-guy merc with a mouth? Sure. A Jedi Padawan sent out on their first mission? Great! Even an Imperial Spy!​

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Here's a Character Sheet for you to fill in, send it to me via PM first for approval.​

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Name:​

Gender:​

Age:​

Race:​

Appearance:​

Personality:​

Force Sensitive (Yes/No, if Yes, to what extent?):​

Weapons and other equipment: ​

Biography:​

Goal (Why have you answered The New Republic's call for aid?):​

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Here are some rules:​

1) The GM's word is the law. PM me if you have any issues or questions. ​

2) Don't Godmod. It's not fun for anyone.​

3) Follow the TOS​

4) If you go inactive for more than 31 days, I'll take over your character as an NPC. Do this multiple times without good reason, and you're outta the game.​

5) Have fun! Seriously!​

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The New Republic put out the notice for all adventurers to gather outside the Senate Building on Coruscant. Once I've given the all-clear on your CS, we'll work together to write you into the story, and get going from there!​

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See you around!​

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GM Approved

Name: Karina Maru

Gender: Female

Age: 24

Race: Human

Appearance: 1.75 meters (~5’7”) Has short black hair dyed bright pink, scar across her right temple, several piercings across her lip, nose and eyebrow, and a tattoo of a blooming flower and vines that starts on her left shoulder and runs down to her elbow. Wears light grey pants and a white shirt under a loose fitting green jacket with a Corellian Defense Force patch on the right shoulder, name patch on the left side reads, Haliae.

Personality: Quiet, a little reserved, dislikes loud noises, and loud people, enjoys music, especially Voil in her down time. Talks in rather soft tones.

Force Sensitive: No

Weapons and other equipment: Carries a LPA blaster pistol tucked into the waistband of her pants, usually in the small of her back hidden by her oversized jacket. Has a high power comm set on her back, powerful enough to reach into orbit planet side without needing a satellite. Its accompanying headset is on the right side of her head. Has her trusty datapad, loaded with all sorts of slicing aids stuffed inside her jacket.

Biography: She grew up on Carratos the daughter of an Imperial official father and musician mother. Her father expected the best from her, to excel in all her classes, mandating that she study rigorously and do her school work before any recreation. He was stern and didn't allow her any breaks when it came to slacking off in school, she was to become a productive member of Imperial society. Where he was a little lax was in her personal appearance, mostly at his wife's insistence. This allowed her to get away with her piercings, hair dye and tattoo.

Many nights she would study to the sound of her mother playing the Voil, one of the few joys in her and her father's life. He said that after a long day, it helped him feel human again. It gave Karina an appreciation for music and her mother. While she would have loved to solely study music, her father had other plans. He had her focus on communications and information technologies, stating that those skills were always necessary and sought out by the Empire.

This didn't necessarily make her father a tyrant but, more a monarch that listened to others in the household but, always had the final say. He did let her take music lessons from her mother but, only after her coursework was completed and check by him.

With her rigorous study habits and keen mind, Karina was able to graduate from her academy well ahead of time, moving straight into technical school where she focused on communication technology and computer science. The regime her father had instituted came with her there as well, being that she still lived at home during her attendance.

Her dedication and diligence made her top of her class and watched by many local Imperial higher ups. When she graduated she was approached by the Imperial Security Bureau and offered a position. Her father of course strongly encouraged her to take it, good pay and the respect of being in the ISB was important to him. She was tempted by the access to all the latest technology.

She accepted the job, and was shipped out to a hidden base in the Outer Rim tasked with sifting through mounds and mounds of personal data looking for any signs of rebellious activity. Each operator was given much leeway in writing their own programs to better identify patterns, or sniff out hidden Rebels. Quickly it became something of a competition between all of them, seeing who could 'bag' the most rebels.

This led to many innocent people beings being sent to Imperial prisons solely on an operator's say so. Karina never got involved in that, she even brought it up to her superiors. They just told her to keep quiet that the numbers meant more funding and prestige for them. This didn't sit well with her it was unfair. The one thing her father always stressed was fairness, that a person should be judged on their words and actions, not by some arbitrary metric, or by the fact they didn't know the right people. That was how the Old Republic worked, the corrupt system the Empire burned away.

With this immorality exposed to her, the once somewhat strong belief in the system she held was broken. She started subverting it, not reporting certain beings, overlooking some data. As the months pass she developed a devious plan, one that could dismantle her whole division.

She started leaking information, giving tips and warnings to the Rebels spread all across the galaxy, all under the alias 'Whisper'. She saved many a life with her messages, which had to be heavily encrypted, and secured, so that the Empire didn't catch on to her. She was smart and very good at what she did but, she couldn't fool the people she worked with or her superiors forever.

When the signs that someone was on to her were apparent she activated her exit strategy. She sent an urgent message to Alliance command requesting an extraction. As she waited she prepared the way, having already sliced her way into many of the security systems in the base. She created a fault in the long range sensors causing them to go in and out, she put bugs in the IFF of the automated defenses that would cause them to fire on each other or Imperial personnel if they were activated, and lastly she planted a virus in the main server that would delete all data stored there. Her plan in place she now just had to wait, and hope that the Rebels arrived soon.

It was a tense few days as she tried to act as if nothing was happening, that everything was fine. She could see it in her coworker's eyes, they were waiting for their moment to strike, just looking of any excuse to lock her up.

One day two Stormtroopers approached her desk. They asked her to accompany them, this was it, the Rebels were too late. As she got up her terminal beeped, then the alarms sounded. The troopers quickly threw her to the ground and put a blaster to her head. They expected her to lie still and accept her death. She didn't, she struggled fighting to get free. In the tussle the a blaster went off, scorching the side of her head. She gritted her teeth but still got to her feet, slamming her hands down on the keyboard of her terminal, activating all the other traps she had setup.

Doors came unlocked, turrets turned on the troopers, sensors went on and off, then went silent, and comms went dead. The guards where in a panic as the Rebel strike force closed in on her position. The two troopers chased her all across the facility finally cornering her. She faced them a scowl on her face, she didn't close her eyes when two shots rang out. Much to her surprise the pair of plastic men fell instead of her. Behind them stood a man with brown hair and two red cybernetic eyes, he wore a green jacket and a lopsided grin.

There was no time for introductions as he led her back though the base and to the ship he had waiting, along with the rest of the team that had been sent to get her out.

With a flare she hadn't seen before the red eyed man pulled off a daring escape between two converging Star Destroyers. Once safely away introductions could be made, the man with crimson orbs said his name was Rann Haliae.

At first she didn't really much care for Rann, he was a brash, loud, Corellian, who rarely listened to anyone not even his superior, the captain of the team that saved Karina. And his advances were somewhat unappreciated. However over time as they found themselves working together he wore her down, and she eventually found his antics a little endearing. With a foot in the door, he took the opportunity to teach her how to fly. Initially she accepted only to broaden her abilities but, she found she enjoyed spending time with him, and he was actually a good teacher.

It was a little before Endor when her team was ambushed. Surrounded by Imperial ships and getting hammered, they jumped out but were pursed by two faster ships. They were far too damaged to fight them. Rann rushed to his fighter launching to buy the crew more time to make another jump. He promised to make it back, that he'd catch up later.

He bought them the time they needed but, he never made it back. Looking over the chatter of the battle Karina could see the influence of her old team, they were still active, still supplying the Empire with information. They killed Rann, Karina wanted revenge but, the Alliance was unwilling to let one of their best slicers take a leave of absence not with an important operation coming up.

She was part of the team that decrypted the Death Star II plans giving the Rebellion the information it needed to break the Empire. After Endor, Karina left the Alliance, taking up the hunt for those of her old squad that were still active, a year on, she still hunts them.

 

GM Approved
CHARACTER SHEET

Character Summary
Name: Borek Tek
Gender: Male
Age: 23
Race: Human
Personality: He can have quite a cheerful demeanor, for a hunter. Most of the time, he can be rather laid back. But with the flip of the switch, he can also be quite dark and deadly in both mood and purpose.
Force Sensitive (Yes) Force User
Weapons and other equipment: 2 vibro-axes, needler hidden on forearms, extending batons (one regular, one stun), Grenade launcher with various grenades, (See below)
Projectile rifle with various ammo (See below), SonoMax 100 sound rifle, 1 The Ripper and 1 Dissuader KD-30 projectile projectile pistols, 4 vibro-daggers
Flying drone - (Zeek),
small jumper pack.
Personal shields SHIP: Rupert's Run
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 183

Physical Description: Tall and lean, tanned skin, past should-length black hair, kept neatly in a low ponytail. Always wears wraparound eyepiece, that has an heads up display. Usually wears a large cowboy type hat.
Clothing: Dark Blue Tunic, Black pants, knee high black boots, Armor Padding, chest, leg/thigh, armor, bracers. finger-less gloves. Large cowboy type hat. Wears a blue scarf and a dark grey/black reversible short cloak. lock-picks, 2 sets handcuffs. Also has a old poncho he likes to wear from time to time.

Bio:
Tek is A Bounty Hunter. He did have some Force user training early in his youth, before deciding that he was destined for another line of work. But he trained enough to become skilled in the use of his abilities. His mental control is by far, his most powerful of all his abilities. He also knows how to wield a lightsaber blade, an ability he keeps to himself. He decided Form I was enough for his needs. All that dancing and prancing about didn't really appeal to him. He enjoys Bounty hunting, far more. He only infers to the Guild, or his employer, depending on his current contracts and assignments. But ultimately, the decisions are left to him, once he has been given a target. After all, if they could do the work themselves, they wouldn't need to hire his services.

Needler ammo:
sleeper dart
tracker dart
poison dart
acid filled dart
pulse wave dart
toxic paralyzer dart

grenade ammo:
CyroBan - temporarily freeze targets
concussion
stun

 

Combo Post with Shekel_1383​

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IC: Karina Maru​

Coruscant​

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It's a particularity hot day for Coruscant. Humans and aliens alike carry umbrellas for shade as the baking hot sun beats down upon the long road up to the Senate Building. Statues of long dead heroes flank each side, their metal frame glinting in the sun. Briefly, a breeze whistles by, offering a refreshing cool as it passes. Guards patrol up and down the road - ever since the rumours of The Phantom Horsemen arrived security has been tight to say the least. Nonetheless, the seemingly never-ending traffic lanes float around the sky, and the inhabitants of Coruscant have gone about their business. The Republic put out their call for aide three weeks ago, and she stood, Karina Maru, at the beginning of the long stretch of road leading up to the Senate Building.

She relished in the slight breeze that whipped across her skin, letting out a breath as she wiped her brow. Why did it have to be so hot the day she arrived here? Haliae's jacket was tied around her waist, still covering her blaster, while it was good in the cold of space, in this weather it was unbearable to wear. She shielded her eyes against the harsh sun looking up at the unending streams of traffic above her. It'd been a while since she'd been here, last she remembered it was the capital of the Empire, the seat of the Emperor's power. Now it was free, thanks to the efforts of the Alliance, which she once was a part of.

It had taken her three weeks to get here, working her way through a somewhat complex network of transports from the outer rim to the galactic core. It would have been faster if she had her own ship but, she didn't make enough to afford the maintenance that would be required for the kind of ship she could get ahold of. Besides her work was mostly done across the holo-net, from parsecs away.

It was very rare that she had to meet someone face to face but, this job called for it, and she needed the money. She looked out over the city that stretches to the horizon and beyond. It looked different than she remembered, brighter, more colorful, maybe that was just her eyes playing tricks on her. As she walked down the avenue that led up to the Senate building, the august camber that was once the heart of the Old Republic. On either side imposing statues of long gone heroes rose up giving bits of blessed shade from the baking sun.

She nodded to the people she passed, trying to be friendly. She'd be working with people again, something she kinda fell out of for a bit. The last team she worked with for any length of time was…She shook her head, that was the past, and she was working on fixing it. She bounded up the steps, the dome blotting out the cursed star that saw fit to fry the planet this day.

She wasn't sure where exactly to meet so at the top of the stairs she stopped, leaning against one of the many pillars that lined the entrance. She was content to wait but, hopefully not too long, not in this heat.

A guard wearing the typical Alliance armor, and carrying an even more typical blaster approached Karina.

"You don't look like a politician. What's your businesses here?" A weight of caution carried in his voice. The tensions were clearly high in the planet-city, especially given current events.

"Uhaaaahh…" she was startled a little by the guard, she needed to work on that. She noted the blaster in his hands and instantly brought hers up, not above her head or anything so showy just enough so he could see that she was unarmed, at that moment. "I'm here about the job, the call for aid?" her voice was, even after her start, was quiet and soft but, still audible over the sounds of the city.

The young guard gave an equally confused look. After a second, his face un-knotted itself, and he dropped his blaster to his hip.

"Ah, yeah..." he let out an inexperienced, nervous chuckle. "Yeah, sorry about that. Ever since we got word of a PH attack on the Core Worlds, we've all been on edge. It's good to see people like you have shown up to help out though!" he let out another nervous laugh. "Just go inside, take a left and take one of the elevators up to floor 27. Commander Frefer should be pretty easy to fin-" before the guard could explain who commander Frefer even was, a loud booming voice shot from where the guard had approached from.

"Antily! What did I tell you about leaving your post to talk to loiterers? Get back to your station NOW!" and with that, the guard sprinted off, clearly terrified.

Karina let out a breath trying to settle herself again, the loud voice that ordered the guard back to his post caused her heart to jump, and by the actions of the man, his too. She rubbed her left arm, pulling the short shelve of the white shirt she'd been wearing up a bit, revealing more of the green and purple vines that run for her elbow to her shoulder. As the young man sprinted away, she smiled in his direction, he was just as nervous as her.

She followed the directions, and got into the lift, as it ascended she thought back to what he said, an attack on the Core Worlds by the Phantom Horsemen. Had their reach extended this far, was the New Republic so powerless that it couldn't even stop attacks so close to its center? Of course it was, it was still in its infancy, stretched thin trying to protect everyone, and the transition from rebel group to fully fledged galactic government probably wasn't doing them any favors either.

The doors opened on the 27th floor and she stepped out, looking for Commander Ferfer.

The elevator door slid open, revealing only a single, relatively small corridor leading to another door, with two, more experienced looking, Alliance guards.

Well this was simple, she walked forward, boots thudding against the floor, the two guards loomed imposingly on either side of the only door. The pink haired woman approached cautiously not wanting to startle them, or be startled herself.

"Commander Frefer?" she asked pointing to the door ahead of her, she kept moving hoping the door would automatically open so she could escape the gaze of the guards.

The guard on the left just grunted and nodded his head towards the door. The guard to the right said nothing, keeping a menacing watch over Karina as she walked through the door. It slid open with a quick hiss.

Inside the room, was not what one would expect to see in the senate, of all places. There were no windows, just two lights hanging from the ceiling offering bare-bones lighting. The smokey haze from a cigar sitting neatly in an ashtray filled the room. A long mahogany table filled most of the room, several chairs surrounding it. In the middle of the table sat a deactivated holo-projector. The walls were covered in papers, some holographic mugshots of unrecognisable individuals were hung around on the walls too. At the head of the table however, lent a tanned, aging man in full Alliance battle dress. Thick shoulder pads were stacked on top of a thick chest-plate. A beige cape draped around one of his shoulders and fell down behind him. His white beard was impressively long, yet somehow relatively neat. Grey hair flowed back to just above shoulder length, tied in a lose pony-tail.

"You one of the 'newens?" the commander said with a gravelled voice only a man in his late 50s could have. "Sit"

The door opened into a darkened somewhat smoky room, Karina softly coughed into her hand looking around. A long table with many chairs but, what drew her eyes were the walls, walls plastered with papers, mugshots, and other things. In the back of her mind she was seeing flashes of the facility, huge screens covered with data, pictures, invoices, financial records, and it the bottom corner, the 'Leaderboard' the running tally of how many 'Rebels' each operative had helped capture. She could see her name always at the bottom.

At the head of the table next to a smoldering cigar was an older man with a long white beard and grey hair pulled into a ponytail. The armor and cape gave the feeling of authority from him. His gravelly voice ordered her to sit, and she did. She put her hands in her lap and looked nervously around the room, hoping more people arrived soon. Just so she didn't have to suffer Frefer's sole attention.

TAG: Shekel_1383

 

GM Approved!

Name: Pol Munjar

Gender: Male

Age: “What, do you just ask everyone how old they are for no reason? Rude.”

Race: Human

Appearance:


“That’d be me in the foreground looking extremely handsome, mind you, not any of the idiots in the back.”

Personality: “I’d describe myself as affable, gregarious, generous, intelligent, wise, reflective, and above all: humble and modest.”

Force Sensitive (Yes/No, if Yes, to what extent?): “Oh yes, I moonlighted as a Jedi knight during the war for Galactic independence or whatever they’re going to end up calling it. I was all ‘swoosh swoosh’ with my laser stick - that’s the technical term, actually, ‘lightsaber’ is a common misconception and I actually can do the thing with the hand wave and clouding your mind like a pro. Master Jedi Pol Munjar they called me. Why are you giving me that look?” (Yes, barely, only manifesting as seemingly improbable luck.)

Weapons and other equipment: “You’re not seriously suggesting I might be carrying various illegal armaments on my person with this question, are you? I am offended. Deeply. Truly. I have nothing on me but my trusty pazaak deck and this… um… well, you see, this might look like several different blaster weapons in an elaborate holster system, but those are actually precious heirlooms from my dear departed aunt. Candles. Metal, blaster shaped candles. Yes. We have strange customs in our family."

Biography: “I’m glad you asked that question. Sure, you’ve heard tales of the legendary Pol Munjar, greatest smuggler, card shark, Jedi, Imperial academy defector, bon vivant, pod racer, starship pilot, master of disguise, expert spy, et cetera, but what’s the real Pol Munjar, aside from, of course, all of that, and yet a distinctly normal seeming fellow of Dantooinian descent, Coruscant-raised? The answer is a simple man, trying to make his way in the galaxy by stumbling from incident to incident keeping only my wits about me. That I have so miraculously infiltrated so many aspects of life is a testament to my abilities.

“Now, uh, you may be aware of certain… criminal records that may or may not indicate damning involvement in certain large-scale thefts and swindles, but I assure you those documents are a fabrication of Imperial intelligence designed specifically to discredit me, a decided threat to their interplanetary operations. … The New Republic has similar records including an incident of hijacking supply ships from Rebel shipments? Well of course they do, it’s part of my deep cover. I'm involved in upper echelon stuff, my friend, above your pay grade. Even your superior officer wouldn’t be aware of it. Now kindly put those restraints away.”

Goal (Why have you answered The New Republic's call for aid?): “Why, I seek only the benefit of aiding my fellow Republicans in the time of their need. …But, uh, for curiosity's sake, if you wouldn’t mind elaborating on that bit about the reward…”

 

GM Approved!

Name: Deng Stormrider

Alias: Ven, Shadowhunter

Gender: Male

Age: 32

Race: Human

Appearance:

Personality: Observant. Headstrong. Loner.

Force Sensitive: Yes. Former Jedi Padawan

Weapons and other equipment: Veridian Lightsaber. The Force. Martial Arts. Data pad, comlink, medkit. Repair kit. Black cloak. Black clothing. Scout Trooper Blaster. Lots of credits.

Ship: Invisible Hand; A-24 Sleuth. Astromech droid; R0-N1N, ( Ronin)

Biography: Deng was a committed jedi, whose sense of justice often clashed with that of the Jedi Council and that of his Master. Still, both Master and Padawan preferred working in the Outer Rim, where they felt they could do the most good.

Fate, however, brought on Order 66 upon them. Dark Times had come, now that the Jedi Purge was unleashed upon the order.

Deng’s Master was killed during a fateful encounter with Clone Troopers. Before sacrificing himself, his Master ordered him to go into hiding and live.

Though filled with anguish and remorse, Deng did as he was told, honoring his Master’s last request. Deng spent the following years living under the Shadow of the Empire, doing what little good he could, sabotaging evil when able and feeling unworthy to call himself a real jedi. Eventually, he encountered a secret Teras Kasi sect, who where also hiding from the Empire. He remained with them for a time and learned their ways.

Years passed, yet, Deng was still unable to reconcile with his jedi past, and so, he decided to reforge himself as a self-appointed shadowy justiciar. Ven Shadowhunter. Under his new identity, Deng found himself mired in an extended mission, where he fell-in with a group of mercenaries he had befriended as part of his lengthy investigation on crime and corruption. He had not expected to fall in-love with a local zeltron dancer, but he did. In time, he came to understand these men and women well, and even called them friends. This would be the first time he would have allowed himself to form bonds with anyone, since his young days at the Jedi Temple.


As he closed in on the criminal mastermind, Deng found out the zeltron he loved was courting the same crime lord he sought. In a jealous rage, Deng blew his cover and slew his ‘rival’, unaware that the zeltron was an undercover member of the same mercenary group he had befriended. Chagrined, heartbroken and also hunted by the Crime Lord’s men, Deng was forced to flee and ‘disappear’ for some time. He now knows he could never return to being a Jedi, there was just too much darkness in him, and the Jedi Order was no more. He’d finally accepted this truth. War, Pain, Love, Loss and Grace. He’d experienced them all, and so, he would embrace all.

Slowly, Deng resurfaced from obscurity, made stronger by his trials, better suited for his path; for evil never sleeps and neither should the few who oppose it.

 

Combo post with Shekel_1383
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IC: Ven Shadowhunter
Coruscant, Senate Building


It's a particularity hot day for Coruscant. Humans and aliens alike carry umbrellas for shade as the baking hot sun beats down upon the long road up to the Senate Building. Statues of long dead heroes flank each side, their metal frame glinting in the sun. Briefly, a breeze whistles by, offering a refreshing cool as it passes. Guards patrol up and down the road - ever since the rumours of The Phantom Horsemen arrived security has been tight to say the least. Nonetheless, the seemingly never-ending traffic lanes float around the sky, and the inhabitants of Coruscant have gone about their business. The Republic put out their call for aide three weeks ago, and there he stood, near the beginning of the long stretch of road leading up to the Senate Building.

Ven remained in the shadows, surveying the entire area. He took account of the guards, their route and the time it took for them to complete their rounds. He'd picked up nothing unusual in the comm-channels he was able access. R0-N1N reported no unusual activity either. The astromech was still aboard his ship, using the ship's sensors to boost his range and glean anything he could. So far, there was nothing out of the ordinary.

He’d never would have imagined himself being back, not after all these years. Not after all that transpired.

Coruscant. He'd been away for far more years than he'd lived on the planet. This was no longer the place he knew, but rather, a strange locale which only brought on painful memories. Ven steeled his mind and focused on the task ahead, blocking all thought of all that was before. He focused on the now. He needed to get inside the Senate Building, preferably without incident.

Now for the hardest part.

Ven was garbed in black, as usual. He wore his cloak, but let down his hood in order to minimize his suspicious appearance. He had not seen any 'mercenary' types walk down the promenade. That was curious. Perhaps too few were interested in answering the Republic's call against the Phantom Horsemen. The former jedi couldn't help but to sigh in disappointment. In the end, what mattered were his own actions and decisions.

Before moving on, Ven did a mental checklist. On his person, the only weapon he carried was the Scout Trooper Blaster he had holstered. His ‘other’ weapon was completely broken down and wrapped in a black cloth he tied around his waist. Reforming it would only take a moment or two. All around him, his force senses revealed a notable elevated level of potential danger, given the heightened security status attributed to the latest threat to the Republic.

'Fear is a path to the darkside'

Ven released a centering breath, then began his approach towards the Senate Building. He walked calmly, blending in with the crowd as much as he could, all the while hoping to bring little to no attention to himself.

Upon climbing to the top of the stairs leading up the Senate Building, two guards approached Ven, each armed with blaster rifles. Seeing so many guards openly carry weapons around the Senate probably only made tensions worse, a constant reminder of the higher threat level.

"Halt, wanderer. What business do you have with the senate?" the taller guard demanded. The smaller one almost shied away, gripping his rifle a little tighter than he should.

Noticing the guards, Ven did as he was bid and stopped, then inclined his head in greeting. Aware that his back was still to the stairs, he moved slowly, repositioning himself as he responded to the tense Senate guards.

"The Republic has requested assistance regarding the Phantom Horsemen. I am here to lend what help I can render. I hope I am not too late. Could you point me in the right direction, if you're so kind."

Ven nodded amicably to the two guards, quite aware of their tension and staying alert, despite his polite manner.

The guards -stone faced as ever- turned to each other, quietly mumbling.

"....two others already here....yes we let them through... Frefer want's em."

The guards turned back to Ven, lowering their blasters into a more relaxed position.

"Ok you're cleared. Two others have already arrived; head into the Senate Building, take a left and take the elevator up to floor 27"

"You have my thanks."

With a curt nod, Ven took his leave, calmly and steadily walking ahead. In the same manner he came, he made his way to the elevator bank. For a moment, he studied the passengers and those around him. Coruscant was under security alert for a good reason, so he was not about to take any chances either.

Opting for a 'relatively' less crowded elevator, Ven made his way to the 27th floor. Upon exiting, he moved to one side and took stock of his new surroundings.

Smoothy taking out his comlink, Ven brought the device close to his face and spoke in low tones, silently thankful he was still getting a signal.

"Ronin, run a search on the name Frefer. Let me know what you find."

The adventurer quickly disengaged the com, aware of security protocols, and stowed the device within his garments.

"Hmmm."

The guards did reveal that at least 'two more' had already arrived. Ven scoped the area before him, looking for any sentients that might resemble an 'adventurer' or mercenary; that, or a Republic official. He didn't exactly expect a welcoming committee per-se, this was not a social occasion. But surely there would be at least a protocol droid to point the way.

But, alas, there was no droid to point the way. On Floor 27, there was only one corridor, leading to only one room. A soft red carpet leads the way to a door, which is flanked on each side by serious looking Alliance guardsmen.

Ven nodded to himself, having seen and understood all that was their to see. He'd come this far and was not about to turn back.

A brief vibration of his data pad informed him that he had a message. Ven quickly looked at the information received before moving down the corridor.

[ Frefer. Likely: Commander Frefer. Distinguished rebel hero, noted for his actions in the battles of Hoth and Endor.]

Intriguing. Ven thought, as he raised an eyebrow. He had no expectations regarding this mission from the moment he arrived, for he’d mentally prepared himself for any contingency. This bit of intel, however, could be useful.

Ven walked up to the single door with a bit more confidence in his step, stopping at a neutral distance before the guard to his right.

"I'm here to see Commander Frefer regarding the Phantom Horsemen." He informed.

The guards glanced at each other quickly, clenching their rifles.

"Go in and sit down" the guard on the left said, his hand gripped tightly around his blaster.

Inside, the room was hazed with smoke from a cigar, still sat in it's ashtray. There were no windows, and what little of the actual wall you could see was cold steel. Most of the wall however, was covered to the brim with papers on the Phantom Horsemen, holographic mug-shots of unknown terrorists and the occasional piece of string connecting some links together. Two lone lights swung from the ceiling, offering minimal lighting. Below them, a mahogany table stretched out across the room. At one side was a young, pink haired girl, sitting silently, albeit awkwardly. Next to her was a slightly older, brown haired man with glasses, sitting back relaxed, waiting for something to happen.

At the head of the table however, stood a man in his late 50s, gray hair flowing down to just above shoulder height tied in a loose pony-tail. His beard stretched to impressively long lengths, yet still remained neat. He wore thick Alliance Armour, shoulder pads, chest-plate and all. A beige cape wrapped round one shoulder and fell behind him. Even when leaning on the table, he was tall and imposing, his character oozing with gravitas.

Ven nodded at the guards in thanks and did as he was bidden, crossing the threshold and entering the room. He did briefly wonder why the guards seemed so nervous.

Instantly, the ambiance of the room drew his attention. Ven did a visual scan of the room and allowed his force senses to radiate within. There were indeed two other individuals waiting, but they did not readily seem to be mercenary types, but rather, looked more like civilians. Were they aware of the dangers they’d have to face in the Outer Rim? Ven could only wonder.

The large forensic map and holos dominating the back wall caused him to pause, Ven narrowed his eyes and studied it briefly, not seeing any 'familiar' faces displayed on it. At least not yet.

"Greetings Commander Frefer, I am called Ven."

The adventurer offered a firm not to the large armored man, but did not expect a response in return, seeing that he was busy. He then turned, nodded to the other two who had answered the call, then proceeded to find an unoccupied seat, preferably one in a dark corner.


Tag: @Shekel_1383

 

Combo post with Shekel_1383


Borek Tek (Tek)
Coruscant, Senate Building


It's a particularity hot day for Cosruscant. Humans and aliens alike carry umbrellas for shade as the baking hot sun beats down upon the long road up to the Senate Building. Statues of long dead heroes flank each side, their metal frame glinting in the sun. Briefly, a breeze whistles by, offering a refreshing cool as it passes. Guards patrol up and down the road - ever since the rumours of The Phantom Horsemen arrived security has been tight to say the least. Nonetheless, the seemingly never-ending traffic lanes float around the sky, and the inhabitants of Coruscant have gone about their business. The Republic put out their call for aide three weeks ago, and here Tek stood, at the beginning of the long stretch of road leading up to the Senate Building.

Tek grinned as he looked down the long road that winded its way towards the Senate building, thankful for his large hat providing him with shade. He paused for a moment, looking at one of the statues of somebody he had never heard of before, looking regally out at the masses. So silly. But he guessed a certain amount of foolishness was necessary on this planet. He didnt like Coruscant much, and he liked the Senate Building even less. Tek checked his data-pad. Yep. Awhile back, he had received the notice 'bout the New Republic needing help. Was about the same time he started hearing those rumors about the Phantom Horsemen. And they sure must be believing it, for it was not hard to see that security around the place was a lot more visible than normal. They sure must be a might worried about things, if they was desperate enough to send out a call to 'hire' some mercs.

Was funny, how things like that worked. Upstanding, 'good' government, trying to act like it was on the up and up. But let the need for some 'dirty' work to be done, and then them same high falootin' folks, would start going after the same folks they was trying to clean up, to do the work for 'em. Course, they would never admit it. But that didnt matter to Tek. Long as their pay was good. Besides, war was good for business. Sometimes, too good. But peace, yeah that would put a dent in your paycheck. So when they put out the call, Tek was curious. If there was a new bad guy out there, he wanted to know. Slipping his data-pad back into his pocket, he looked over his shoulder to where his companion, Zeek had been hovering silently.

"Well Zeek, why dont we go on in, and check out what fun they got waitin' for us to play with?" he asked. Zeek simply flashed a green light. With a sharp laugh, Tek gestured, and Zeek floated down, latching on to an attachment on Tek's belt. Grabbing a piece of nerf from a pouch, he put a wad full in his mouth, and began walking towards the Senate building once more.

By now, three other un-stately looking peoples had arrived at the senate, answering the Republic's call for aide. When the guards at the very entrance of the Senate saw Tek, they assumed that he too was part of the same party, so they let him pass. The most authoritative looking guard gave a grunt of approval as he walked by.

"Take a lef', then tak' th' elevator up t' floor 27. The commander's up there." For someone supposed to keep those none affiliated with the aristocracy out, he certainly did have a.... provincial accent.

Tek walked up to the entrance way, noting some other people that did not look like they had normal business here. The guard, in a most interesting accent, gave Tek directions to where he was supposed to go. Tek's eyebrow rose a bit, but he gave an appreciative nod of approval. "Thank's partner." He drawled slowly. They must really be hurting for help. That, or the regular guards have been pulled someplace else. Interesting indeed. The Commander, hmmm? Well, this should prove interesting. Tek looked over towards the lifts, and walked over to one. Once the doors opened, he stepped in, and pressed 27. As the doors opened, Tek casually scanned his surrounds, as he stepped out of the lift, and looked to see where this meeting with the Commander was supposed to take place.

Stepping outside of the lift, there was a single corridor. Velvet red carpet led the way to one single room, lights hung from the ceiling leading down the hallway. At the end of the hallway was a door, an experienced guard either side of it.

Tek looked at the carpet. Red Velvet? Tacky. Well, the corridor lead in only one direction. Good plan. In case there was any trouble, this was a murder hole, for sure. With a grin, Tek walked confidently down the corridor, heading for the guards that stood on either side of a door. Must be the place. Tek moved his poncho behind him, to show that he was not holding any weapons in his hands as he moved, and reached the lone doorway at the end of the corridor.

"The Commander, I'm guessing?" he stated as he came to a stop in front of the doorway. Tek sized up both of the guards, watching their mannerisms and how they moved. He waited for the guards reactions.

The guards studied Tek carefully. Of all the people to show up so far, he was the most... abrasive. They weren't intimidated however, as he sized them up they did the same to him. Eventually, one of the guards spoke up, breaking the stand-off.

"The Commander is right through here, yes. Go in. Sit down." the guard broke eye contact.

Tek reached up, and touched the rim of his hat. "Thanks." he responded, even though the guard had broke eye contact. At least that one knew his stuff. Tek could respect that. Tek wondered if the Commander was the one who had set all of this up. Guess he would find out soon enough. Tek stepped up to the doorway, and stepped in as the door slid open. He walked though, eyes quickly scanning the area around him, as he walked in.


The door slides open with the almost-silent technical slush typical of it's kind. Inside, a long mahogany table fills the centre of the room, with 3 beings sat around a table, and one stood at the far end. A young girl with pink hair sat calmly and quietly with her hands on her knees, next to two slightly older men. One had a look of dexterity and quickness around him, dressed all in black. The other, sat back relaxed with his brown hair and glasses. The room was filled with the haze of smoke, drifting upwards from a cigar sat in an ashtray next to the standing man. There were no windows, or at least you couldn't see them under the papers, holographic mug-shots and red string connecting them all which covered the vast majority of wall space. To provide the light, two solitary lights hung above the table.

Upon noticing Tek's arrival, the man standing looked up, taking a long draw from his cigar. He had an immediate authority around him. He wore full Alliance battle armour with a thick chest plate and shoulder-pads. A beige cape wrapped round one of his shoulders and then fell down behind him, along with his greyed hair tied loosely in a pony tail, which fell to just before shoulder height.

"That's almost everyone. Sit down."

Tek said nothing, as he moved to find himself a seat. Not hard to tell who the 'Commander' was here. And Tek could appreciate another who wore a pony tail AND a cape! At least he had his fashion sense in play. And a cig to boot. Tek simply grinned as he moved to find a seat.

No, his attention was drawn more towards those who sat at the long wooden table. The gal with pink hair looked interesting. Tek wondered if she was a slicer of thief. She was calm. A good quality. As Tek found a seat, he tipped his hat towards Pinky, flashing a smile. He then looked to the others.One man, there was something about him. Reminded him of someone from his past. Not so much his looks, but his movements. But the all in black look was a nice touch. Assassin? Another hunter? Again, interesting. Of course those who were most likely to respond to the call.. well Tek could only smirk about that. Tek gestured with his fingers, letting Zeek know that he wanted him to take a look at the items that hung from the walls. It looked like a vast amount of information. Tek then studied the other man. He seemed rather relaxed, and the man wore glasses. The man seemed rather plain and ordinary. But Tek doubted that, or he woudlnt be here. He would be one to keep an eye on.

Tek took a seat, and leaned back. So, he wasnt the last to arrive to the party. There was still a player or two to arrive, before the games would begin. Tek reached into his pouch, and pulled out another chunk of shredded nurf, and put it into his mouth. He reached up, tipping his hat backwards, and then crossed his arms across his chest as they waited. While they waited, Tek's eyepiece scanned the room. He seriously doubted the room was as plain and innocent looking as it seemed. He had other ways to scan the room as well, but he would wait until the discussions were in play. It would be better that way. Until then, Tek simply sat back while he waited to see what eyepiece scans might reveal.



TAG: Shekel_1383

 

Chapter One, Part One:​

-Fight Fire With Fire-​

IC: Commander Frefer
Coruscant Senate Building, Floor 27

Commander Frefer had seen combat many times. Throughout the Rebellion, he'd fought more battles than he could count; he'd laid in the frozen trenches of Hoth, he'd stood silent amongst the thick trees of Endor. Both times he'd prayed that the Imperial war machine would falter just one more time, that the Rebels would stumble there way to victory. And so they had. But in all his years fighting for the now-Alliance rebels, he'd never come across such an unpredictable, despicable foe as the Phantom Horsemen. For 3 years now they'd ravaged the Outer-Rim, looting, raping and plundering as they went. So far, the Alliance had managed to contain the threat to the Outer-Rim and Wild Space, but now rather convincing rumours had arrived that the Horsemen were plotting an attack on Coruscant, the very heart of the Rim-Worlds.

Frefer ran his hand through his beard, staring out at the 5 people who'd shown up to defend their galaxy. It was strange. Out of the trillions of beings in the Alliance, only 5 had shown up. Perhaps the citizens of the galaxy were not too used to the new government yet. He could feel the scars on his face as he rubbed his eyes - he hadn't slept in days. There hadn't been time between organising the bolstered security of the planet and trying to find a solid location where the Horsemen could be. Thought they may not ride Horses, they certainly were good at being Phantoms.

As Frefer drew a long drag from his cigar, he looked at the people who had turned up. The first was a younger lady, with bright pink hair and tattoos running down her arm. She sat there, at least attempting to be calm, with a rather advanced looking set of communication equipment. The second to arrive was an older looking man, who sat back, relaxed; occasionally he tweaked his glasses. Third, was a man of similar age, but wore black robes and seemed quieter, more observant. Next to arrive was another younger one, a male wearing a large hat, clearly a hunter of sorts. And finally, was a nervous wreck of a man, who rushed in and sat down.

"All right, looks like you're all here" Frefer growled, blowing out smoke. Chances are, if he didn't smoke so many cigars, the lighting in the room would be a lot better, due to the almost fog-like haze in the room.
"As I'm sure you all know, the Alliance is stretched thin as a bed-sheet reigning in the galaxy. That means us poor laserbrains are left to deal with everything else. Which includes...." He lent over the table, cigar in mouth, and turned on the holo-projector that sat in the middle of the table. The blue light cast around the room was hampered by the smoke, but it offered a surprising amount of lighting. Eventually, the light focused into an image.

The image showed a shaky looking picture, but the details were just about decipherable. It was a photograph, taken from the ground looking up towards the sky. A massive ship, painted in red and black, hovered above. It's weapons fired down upon the the area around it.

"... these Nerf Herdin' bastards. The Phantom Horsemen. This image was taken during a raid on Cardooine. As you may know, it's where we made our A-Wings for the battle for Endor. They flattened the entire villiage that was taken from." the commander nodded towards the projection. "And that's just one of the planets. In the last 3 months alone, they've hit 6 other planets." Frefer took a seat, taking another drag of his cigar, and looked out at his five would-be adventurers.

"I'll keep this part short and simple. We'll pay you 30,000 credits each if you go out to the Outer-Rim and find a solid lead as to where the Phantom Horsemen may be. You'll get 5,000 credits on acceptance and the other 25,000 on completion. So before I brief you any further, are you all in?" Commander Frefer sat waiting for answers.

TAG: galactic-vagabond422 Ktala Ramza greyjedi125 HanSolo29

​

​

​

 

IC: Ven Shadowhunter
Coruscant, Senate building, 27th Floor

So, they were all assembled. All five of them.

Inwardly, Ven was not at all surprised that so few souls had answered the call for aid. Sure, the New Republic was…well, new, and the galaxy had just finished fighting a war, but it still felt like a deep sleep had fallen over the citizens. They all seemed to be living in a bubble of denial, afflicted by a systemically paralyzing passivity, which these Phantom Horsemen were clearly exploiting to their benefit.

He had no idea what any of his fellow adventurers specialized in, but he was pleased to see variety, at least outwardly. He had no doubt whatever skills they possessed would be needed. Details would come later, for sure. Taking a dangerous assignment such as this one, required a measure of courage…or something close enough.

Everyone seemed agreeable enough, so he did not readily foresee any problems regarding basic cooperation, however, it was still too early to tell.

From his darkened seat, Ven listened to Commander Frefer with a measure of intensity. These Phantom Horsemen seemed a right terror, and could not be left unchecked. With the New Republic forces stretched thin and systems still recovering from war, recruiting willing adventures was understandable.

The pay…..

Well, thankfully, Ven wasn’t doing this expressly for credits. These 'credits' were but a means to an end, like most things.

The Commander offered a total of 30,000 credits for the job. 5,000 for accepting and 25,000 for completing the job. Their objective: To find a solid lead on the Phantom Horsemen. Of course, Ven wished for more than just that, but…one step at a time.

The black clad adventurer did not speak. He made sure to make eye contact with Commander Frefer and nodded his head, signifying an affirmative answer. He was in, but would voice it aloud after hearing from the others.

He had questions for the Commander, but waited to ask them in due course. He also needed to learn about the other four adventurers, since team work would be crucial for the success of the mission.

Only time would tell, as it always did.


Tag: @Shekel_1383, @galactic-vagabond422, @Ktala, @Ramza, @HanSolo29

 

Pol Munjar
Coruscant, Senate Building, 27th Floor

If there was one thing Pol Munjar had down to an absolute, fine science - and I mean of course legitimately, for he himself would happily claim extensive expertise at the slightest provocation - it was the fine art of sitting still and listening (well, half-listening) to a presentation. Particularly one about money. Particularly one about the amount of money rumored to be on the table.

You see, Pol Munjar - Pol to his friends, which were few - loved money. He loved money the way some people love a significant other, or a beloved pet, or long walks on a beach. He loved accumulating it. He loved spending it. He loved taking on exotic new means of acquiring it. He even, in an almost masochistic way, loved running out of it, the forbidden sting of recurring bankruptcies. This is not to say there was anything particular about the physical currency itself. He was more than contented with the glow of numbers running up and down in accounts under names that were certainly his, you doubt that his dear sweet mother would name him anything other than Gorak Mingus? And while he’s here he needs to make a withdrawal for his good friend Morak Gingus, no relation but it’s the damnedest coincidence, you know how it is.

But I digress.

I merely provide these details to establish that Pol Munjar was seated in this room, on this floor, watching this briefing, a briefing on a mission only five people in the entire fledgling Republic were crazy enough to accept, because he’d heard figures in the tens of thousands floating around if you knew where to look. If you had a good eye you could see his right eyelid twitch almost imperceptibly when the figure was named, and in the right light his pupils were dancing.

No one spoke at first. It made sense: hey gang, let’s all volunteer to track down a terrorist cell for an unproven government, who’s with me?! does not a rallying cry make. Eventually the man clad all in black nodded.

Talkative sort, clearly.

Deciding there was never a better time or place than right now to listen to the melodious - nay, dulcet - tones of his own voice, Pol chimed in: “I would think patriotism itself would provide an ample motivation to track down these black-hearted scoundrels, if indeed such polite phrasing suits their dark machinations, but if you’re willing to sweeten an already delicious offer with financial restitution, well, it behooves me to not turn up my nose at our government’s fine, fine offering. I should be only too glad to accept your conditions, Commander.”

He smiled broadly. It was the sort of grin that suggested he bought his own poodoo.

“Ah, but how rude of me to forgo the customary rituals. Pol Munjar, at your service.” He glanced expectantly to his left and right as he held his hands up as if expecting applause. “I see you do not recognize my true moniker. Fret not, I assure you that you have heard of me in one impenetrable guise or another.”

They probably hadn’t heard of him in any form whatsoever, but by this point you’ve figured that out.

TAG: All

 

IC: Karina Maru
Senate building, 27th Floor, Coruscant

Karina checked her com set she had put behind her legs as she sat down. It was one of most expensive items in her possession. It rarely left her back, and never left her side. The head set dangled hanging off the side of it. Her head snapped up at someone coming in, next to her was an older man, glasses and brown hair he didn't seem all that concerned or worried. Karina wondered if he was here the whole time or just slipped in when she wasn't looking. The person that was entering was a lithe form, clad in black. The way he moved was like water flowing easily from step to step. He took a place shrouded in shadows, suiting his mysterious demeanor. She took out her datapad and began taking notes. If her time in the Empire taught her anything, it was that no piece of information, no matter how insignificant, was useless.

Next to enter was a tall lean man it an odd broad brimmed hat. The way he walked, he seemed armed, how armed was another question, for another time. His poncho obscured most of his outline making it hard for Karina to see, to interrogate. She sat quietly datapad on the table watching those around her. Some of the paranoia of her days as an Imperial held strong in her mind. Especially with what she knew she felt she had every reason to be so.

A rather mousy man with brown hair and glasses, thinner than the man next to her, burst through the door drawing her eyes. He sat down and tried to disappear it seemed but, he'd been noticed.

Commander Frefer grumbled noting that all who'd answered the call had arrived. Was this it, five beings against the Phantom Horsemen? She already didn't like their odds.

'Never tell me the odds,' Rann's voice called out from the past. Ever a Corellian but, look were that got him. She swallowed hard fighting back the painful memories. She looked at the holoprojector, a massive ship, black and red, colors of danger of violence. She noted it down in her datapad. She also studied it closely trying to identify what class of ship, was it Imperial, Alliance, Pirate? What they used tells her a lot about who they are.

They also moved quickly, striking six more planets in three months, one of them being the factory for A-wings. Her mind began working, her fingers moving across the keys of her datapad, taking down notes and questions to ask. This was something she was good at, analyzing data, putting it together connecting dots, finding connections no matter how small.

Compensation was mentioned, quite a healthy amount. That would do, that would do very nicely. Her mind was still working with what bits had been given it.

The Commander asked if everyone was it, given the fact they'd come this far she thought the answer was obvious. The darkened man merely nodded, quiet, she liked that. The man next to her however was less so. Jumping into a soliloquy about patriotism being enough to accept the task laid before them. Karina set her jaw, she believed in a system once, she'd believed in the Empire, and then it turned out to be something not worth fighting for. Patriotism was a poor reason to take up a task, making the galaxy safer, for everyone, that was.

The boisterous man mentioned his name, which Karina instantly took down. Then he mentioned other names, guises was the word he used, impenetrable. Something sparked in her mind, that sounded like a challenge. She put a few words next to Pol Munjar's name. At least she'd have something to work on in the downtime.

The room was a little quiet as she looked up, she wanted to ask so many questions, interrogate Frefer, get every last bit of information she could out of him that she could but, now wasn't the time for that. Now was the time to state intentions.

"I'm in." she said softly, almost in a whisper.

TAG: Shekel_1383, greyjedi125, Ktala, Ramza, HanSolo29

 

Borek Tek (Tek)
Coruscant, Senate Building 27th Floor



Tek was silent, as he listed to 'Commander' Frefer drop the information he had at the moment. Of course, not too much. Just enough to wet their appetites. There was an image of a massive ship, painted in red and black. The Commander spoke, while the image hovered between them all.

"... these Nerf Herdin' bastards. The Phantom Horsemen. This image was taken during a raid on Cardooine. As you may know, it's where we made our A-Wings for the battle for Endor. They flattened the entire village that was taken from." The commander nodded towards the projection. "And that's just one of the planets. In the last 3 months alone, they've hit 6 other planets." Frefer took a seat, taking another drag of his cigar, and looked out at his five would-be adventurers.

Busy.


"I'll keep this part short and simple. We'll pay you 30,000 credits each if you go out to the Outer-Rim and find a solid lead as to where the Phantom Horsemen may be. You'll get 5,000 credits on acceptance and the other 25,000 on completion. So before I brief you any further, are you all in?"

The man in black simply nodded his head. The other man, who had been setting at the table, seemed to be a talker. He introduced himself as Pol Munjar, and then proceeded to tell them why he was so great. What a load of nurf poodoo. This looked like it might be a fun job after all. Tek chuckled. The gal with the pink hair spoke up next.

"I'm in." she said softly, almost in a whisper.

The guy who had come in last, had not said anything yet. So Tek simply sat up straight in his seat. "Yep. Guess I'll dance in this little shinding of yours." he stated, and then leaned back in his seat, giving a lopsided grin. He continued to study the ship on the holo-projection, while they waited for the last guy to respond, and the Commander to continue with the briefing.



TAG: Shekel_1383, greyjedi125, galactic-vagabond422, Ramza, HanSolo29

 

IC: Commander Frefer
Coruscant Senate Building, Floor 27

To the aged commander's surprise, each of the Humans in front of him actually accepted the mission. The wise, dexterous looking man simply nodded, while the slightly older -obviously more open-lipped- man launched into a speech of patriotism.

"Cool it, kid..." Frefer knew that this "Pol Munjar" was not a kid in age, but to the commander, anyone under-ranking him was a child. "...I honesty don't care why you're agreeing to this," he nodded towards the projection. "I just care that you do it"

The other three, the nervous looking girl, the bounty-hunter sort and the other nervous wreck all fell into line.

"Alright ladies and gentlemen," Commander Frefer took a long draw of his cigar as he lent back into his seat. "We'll be shipped out to Cardooine, we're gonna poke our Galactic-Government-Ordained noses around, and hopefully we'll find ourselves a lead. Our ship -The Scipio- is waiting for us. We can all get to know each-other on the way to the Outer-Rim" Frefer looked forward to getting out of the windowless room he'd spent days in piecing together dead-end leads and other information more than anything.

"But while we're all sat down, has anyone got any questions?"

TAG: HanSolo29 greyjedi125 Ktala galactic-vagabond422 Ramza

 

IC: Ven Shadowhunter
Coruscant, Senate building, 27th floor

Ven sensed a number of shifting emotions surrounding the small group of adventurers gathered in the small room. Generally, he preferred to work alone, but was not entirely opposed on joining forces with other capable individuals with similar goals.

It was far too early to tell how things would unfold with this group, but at least they had one thing in common. They all wished to collect the reward being offered, and to do that, they would have to find common ground and work together to achieve that end.

At least that was a start.

Ven allowed himself a ghost of a smile as he listened to Commander Frefer and his brusque manner. He did not know if he was an honest man per-se, but he appreciated his bluntness and direct demeanor. It made things less…complicated.

Hmm. Cardooine. Formerly a Rebel Alliance Base….hmmm…

Ven stroked his chin and waxed pensive for a brief moment. This was most intriguing indeed.

The Commander was right. They would need more information, in addition to forging an efficient working relationship.

“…While we’re all sat down, has anyone got any questions?”

“I do.” Ven declared audibly from where he sat.

“Has the vessel in that image been identified, or the class? What other planets have the Phantom Horsemen attacked, before Cardooine? I wouldn’t mind studying what information you’ve gathered. Lastly, I have my own ship. Should I leave it where it is?”

He had no intention of delaying them within the windowless room, no doubt the Commander wished to get the investigation underway. One did not need the Force to glean that fact from his tone and posture.

Still, he needed something to think on, a thread to lead him into the great mysterious tapestry that awaited them.


Tag: @Shekel_1383, @galactic-vagabond422, @Ktala, @HanSolo29, @Ramza

 

Borek Tek (Tek)
Coruscant, Senate Building 27th Floor


The Commander seemed to accept the fact that everyone at the table agreed to the mission. As Tek watched, the one who listed to talk began to speak. "Cool it, kid..." Tek suppressed a grin, as the Commander continued. "...I honesty don't care why you're agreeing to this," he nodded towards the projection. "I just care that you do it." That suited Tek just fine. Then the Commander looked out at them once more.

"Alright ladies and gentlemen," Commander Frefer took a long draw of his cigar as he lent back into his seat. "We'll be shipped out to Cardooine, we're gonna poke our Galactic-Government-Ordained noses around, and hopefully we'll find ourselves a lead. Our ship -The Scipio- is waiting for us. We can all get to know each-other on the way to the Outer-Rim." Tek raised an eyebrow. The Commander was going with them? That was unusual. This was getting interesting. The Commander spoke up once more. "But while we're all sat down, has anyone got any questions?"

“I do.” the thin man in black declared. Tek turned to look at the man. “Has the vessel in that image been identified, or the class? What other planets have the Phantom Horsemen attacked, before Cardooine? I wouldn’t mind studying what information you’ve gathered. Lastly, I have my own ship. Should I leave it where it is?”

Well now. At least the feller had the same question that he did. Well, at least that last one. Tek had his own ship as well, and he didnt want to leave it behind if he could help it. An separate exit strategy was always a good thing. Now that other stuff, well he was pretty sure that grainy photo they had been showed earlier, was the best they had at the moment. Tek picked up his head.

"I got a question, Commander." Tek stated, as he leaned back in his seat. "Does dis here ship, de Scipio, does it got any kinda of trackin' gear?" he asked. "Cause a ship like the one de' four horsemen be using, might have a trail we can track. That is, if we gots the gear." Tek figured he'd better ask now, before they left ole Coruscant. Easier to get stuff before they left. Tek waited to see what the Commanders response would be.



TAG: Shekel_1383, greyjedi125, galactic-vagabond422, Ramza, HanSolo29

 

IC: Karina Maru
27th Floor, Senate building, Coruscant

"Alright ladies and gentlemen," The Commander said looking around the room, Karina did as well. He should have used the singular, lady. From what she could see, she was the only woman on this team. "We'll be shipped out to Cardooine, we're gonna poke our Galactic-Government-Ordained noses around, and hopefully we'll find ourselves a lead. Our ship -The Scipio- is waiting for us. We can all get to know each-other on the way to the Outer-Rim." The young woman's stomach dropped, she knew this mission involved dealing with others but, a trip to the outer rim, that felt like too much. Hopefully she had a room to herself far away from the others, especially the loud man next to her. With an august name like Scipio, it should be a bigger ship. Then again many a small ship has been given a grandiose name. It wasn't that she disliked people, she just found it hard to communicate with them to get her point across.

She actually liked watching people, seeing what they did, and how they did it. She got a little bit of enjoyment in predicting what they would do. Many believed that sentients couldn't be predicted but, they were just as much creatures of habit as anything else. All it took was a little knowledge.

"But while we're all sat down, has anyone got any questions?" Frefer continued

Karina wanted to be the first to speak but, was cut off by the man in the shadows,

"I do." He started, "Has the vessel in that image been identified, or the class? What other planets have the Phantom Horsemen attacked, before Cardooine?" both of those were questions she would ask, part of her was annoyed that this man was sealing her inquiries and another was glad to see someone else thought about such things. "I wouldn’t mind studying what information you’ve gathered. Lastly, I have my own ship. Should I leave it where it is?" Her pierced eyebrow went up. What did this man do to be able to afford a ship? She'd been working for a year and she'd barely scraped together enough to get here.

"I got a question, Commander." The man in the hat spoke up, "Does dis here ship, de Scipio, does it got any kinda of trackin' gear?" his accent was one she hadn't heard before possibly from the outer rim or other such far flung place, she wondered if this man was born into it or picked it up in his travels. "Cause a ship like the one de' four horsemen be using, might have a trail we can track. That is, if we gots the gear." Everything, and everyone left a trail, something that could be tracked, if someone knew what to look for.

Karina waited a beat then spoke up in her barely audible voice, much quieter than the other two that spoke.

"Do we know anything about the people in the Phantom Horsemen?" she started, "Do we have any names, any faces, any fingerprints, any physical evidence on them? Do we have any idea as to their numbers, and capabilities? What is their presence on the holo-net like, has anyone made references to them, positive or otherwise? Do we know how they are recruiting? What is their ideology?" While the tech one uses tells you something, the person themselves can tell you more. People, no matter how careful, leave a trail, something to follow, and something that reveals more about them. A person is calling a certain number several times a week, the number is either a significant other, or a contact, each possibility is useful.

"As well," she continued not really letting anyone get a word in, "what kinds of targets have they hit, were they all military installations and factories producing war material, or were civilian places hit as well? Did they claim responsibility or is it just assumed? Have all the attacks been orbital bombardments or have other methods been used? Have there been any similar style attacks that haven't been linked to the Horsemen? Is it possible that others have been inspired by them?"

"And lastly do we have access to everything the Republic has on the Phantom Horsemen or, is that kept in confidence due to 'Galactic Security' concerns?" it didn't really matter to her, she could get at the information either way but, having it given to them would be easier than slicing her way into the Republic's databank.

TAG: Shekel_1383, greyjedi125, Ktala, Ramza, HanSolo29

 

IC: Commander Frefer
Coruscant Senate Building, Floor 27

It seemed like the group were an inquisitive sort, which was helpful, the Commander thought. If they were to get anything done, they'd have to be willing to get their hands dirty and ask some questions. After stroking his chin, the shadowy looking man spoke up.

"I do." He declared audibly from his seat. “Has the vessel in that image been identified, or the class? What other planets have the Phantom Horsemen attacked, before Cardooine? I wouldn’t mind studying what information you’ve gathered. Lastly, I have my own ship. Should I leave it where it is?”

Frefer stood up and walked to the longer side of the table. Here, he lent forward, pointing towards the ship. "All we know is that it's called something like "The Kashmir", but we can't be certain. Likewise, we haven't had any conformation on it's class, but..." he leaned back and stretched his back, a couple of bones clicking together. "...I'd say it looks like a re-purposed Separatist Dreadnought. The Force knows how they got their hands on that, but we don't. As for your other question..." Frefer returned to his seat and cigar. "Originally the Horsemen stayed around the Jospro sector, hitting planets like Cardooine and Engira. But they've started to branch out, attacking seemingly random planets. One of the things we need to learn is the scale of their attacks. And there's room for you to dock your ships, if any more of you have one, aboard The Scipio. She's a EF76 Nebulon-B escort frigate, so there's gonna be plenty of room. We've managed to get such a ship because the Alliance is giving out aide to those on Cardooine while we're there."

"I got a question, Commander." The man in the hat spoke up, "Does dis here ship, de Scipio, does it got any kinda of trackin' gear? Cause a ship like the one de' four horsemen be using, might have a trail we can track. That is, if we gots the gear." Frefer didn't think he'd ever heard such an accent. It must be from some barren desert world in the far Outer-Rim.

"Aye, The Scipio has tracking gear. But we're only getting dropped off by her. She'll be on Cardooine for a long while giving aide to those affected by the Horsemen's attacks, so if we need to go somewhere other than planetside, we'll have to find another ship. Should be easy enough though.

Next to speak up was the nervous looking woman. The commander didn't expect her to say a thing, but she shot him a barrage of questions, not letting anyone else get a word in sideways.

"Do we know anything about the people in the Phantom Horsemen?" she started, "Do we have any names, any faces, any fingerprints, any physical evidence on them? Do we have any idea as to their numbers, and capabilities? What is their presence on the holo-net like, has anyone made references to them, positive or otherwise? Do we know how they are recruiting? What is their ideology? As well, what kinds of targets have they hit, were they all military installations and factories producing war material, or were civilian places hit as well? Did they claim responsibility or is it just assumed? Have all the attacks been orbital bombardments or have other methods been used? Have there been any similar style attacks that haven't been linked to the Horsemen? Is it possible that others have been inspired by them? And lastly do we have access to everything the Republic has on the Phantom Horsemen or, is that kept in confidence due to 'Galactic Security' concerns?"

Commander Frefer looked slightly aghast for a moment, at the sheer speed and delivery of her questions. He chuckled through his cigar, and began his answer.

"Well kid, I'm sorry to say we don't know much. That's why this is such a kriffin' issue. They came out of nowhere, and as of now they're doing a fantastic job of staying hidden. As you can see, we know of a few low level thugs who got caught.." he made a motion with his cigar, pointing to the various mugshots and papers around the walls, boards and floor. "but we have no idea who the higher ups are. We have plenty of physical evidence, that being the destruction they leave. Hell, the only reason we know their kriffin' name is because they've left a couple of messages for us on the Holo-net."

Frefer got agitated as he spoke of their lack of information. He'd searched far and wide for months, and found only a single lead to follow. "We're going out to Cardooine because we believe there is still a Horsemen presence there. If we can find that, we can get more information -as well as destroying the cell of course. As for their ideology, again we don't have anything solid. They haven't even put out a list of demands. I assume they're just taking advantage of galactic instability but I can't be sure. They've hit everything from military installations to villages in the barren wastelands. One pattern we've managed to detect is that they usually start off an assault with orbital bombardment, then they sweep in with ground teams to loot and burn what's left. And finally, Miss Questions, you have access to any and all information we have on the PH. What we don't have however, is access to all of the Alliance's resources. We're spread thin already, so we're gonna have to find what we can out in the field."

He gave a brief pause after answering the first volley of questions. "We also don't have much time to sit around, so are there any other questions?"

TAG: greyjedi125 galactic-vagabond422 Ktala HanSolo29 Ramza

 

IC: Ven Shadowhunter
Coruscant, Senate building, 27th floor

Though he remained silent, a dark eyebrow was raised again. Both the Bounty Hunter ( he had to be, his manner and his gear nearly confirmed it), and the girl, who seemed to be a slicer of some kind, added some insightful questions of their own. This was heartening.

More so, was the fact that Commander Frefer actually took time to answer all of them as best as he could.

In addition, he would be able to bring his ship on the mission field. The Scipio was an EF76 Nebulon-B escort frigate, courtesy of the Alliance. It could dock smaller ships and take them on its journey. Perfect.

Turning his head just so, Ven nodded at the pink-haired girl and the man in the hat, then at the bespectacled man who had introduced himself as Pol Munjar , and lastly, to the nervous looking man. One had to wonder if he would bolt as soon as the doors opened, but to his credit, he remain seated.

By the sound of it, it seemed that Commander Frefer himself would be heading the mission. That would be good, as they would need his experience and expertise on the field.

“We also don’t have much time to sit around…” the burly and armored Commander stated. “….so are there any other questions?”

“Not from me, Commander.” the cloaked figure answered simply.

“Please, call me Ven.” He said, introducing himself again.


Tag: @Shekel_1383 @galactic-vagabond422, @Ktala, @HanSolo29, @Ramza

 

Borek Tek (Tek)
Coruscant, Senate Building 27th Floor

Wall, after dat, it just got plum loco. De Commander had em asking all kinds of question. And he did his best to respond to every single one of em. Tek got the most important parts, that he could dock his ship inside of the ship they were going on. She was a big ole frigate, so that was useful. But when he asked about trackin, that answer wasnt so good.

"Aye, The Scipio has tracking gear. But we're only getting dropped off by her. She'll be on Cardooine for a long while giving aide to those affected by the Horsemen's attacks, so if we need to go somewhere other than planetside, we'll have to find another ship. Should be easy enough though."

Hmmm, well, no frettin about dat now. Would have to wait until they got more info.

The pink haired gal was the next to speak. And BOY, was she a pistol. Literally. She fired off so many questions, so fast and quick, that nobody had a chance to get a word in. Tek held back a chuckle. Even the Commander looked rather shocked for a few seconds afterwards. Gal was definitely a tekkie.. or a cop. She asked all the technical stuff. The Commander chuckled
through his cigar, and began his answer.

"Well kid, I'm sorry to say we don't know much. That's why this is such a kriffin' issue. They came out of nowhere, and as of now they're doing a fantastic job of staying hidden. As you can see, we know of a few low level thugs who got caught.." he made a motion with his cigar, pointing to the various mugshots and papers around the walls, boards and floor. "but we have no
idea who the higher ups are. We have plenty of physical evidence, that being the destruction they leave. Hell, the only reason we know their kriffin' name is because they've left a couple of messages for us on the Holo-net."

Left messages on the holonet? Well, that was interesting.

The Commander added, "We're going out to Cardooine because we believe there is still a Horsemen presence there. If we can find that, we can get more information -as well as destroying the cell of course." The rest of what he stated, was mostly just more of what little intel they did have. Once he finished, he asked, "We also don't have much time to sit around, so are there any other questions?"


"NOPE." Tek stated. "Just tell me where to park my ship, and we can get this little pony show on the go." Tek pulled his hat back down, and stood, ready to get going on this mission." Tek flashed another smile. "And, of course, my pay."



TAG: Shekel_1383, greyjedi125, galactic-vagabond422, Ramza, HanSolo29

 

IC: Karina Maru
27th Floor, Senate building, Coruscant

The older man seemed taken a little aback by Karina's sudden barrage of question. She waited patiently for her answers, she didn't just want this information, she needed it. Deep inside her she couldn't stand not knowing things, and the more she didn't know the deeper she dug into a problem. A mystery was a challenge a challenge she happily took on, and lived for.

"Well kid," She furrowed her brow at this comment, she might have been younger than everyone at this table but, that didn't make her a kid. "I'm sorry to say we don't know much. That's why this is such a kriffin' issue. They came out of nowhere, and as of now they're doing a fantastic job of staying hidden. As you can see, we know of a few low level thugs who got caught…" She made note of the mugshots noting to get their names and all information related to them at her earliest convenience. A slight shiver runs up her spine. She hoped these thugs were being treated better than her father, locked away, for the rest of his life. He could be dead for all she knew. Last she saw of him, it was on a recording from outside her home on Carratos. He was not resisting the troopers that came to take him away. He held himself with distinction, walking upright, literally looking down his nose at the men taking him off to prison. She'd heard rumors, unsubstantiated as of late, that Imperials were being summarily executed for no other reason than general revenge on the Empire.

She knew her father wouldn't do well, he was a clerk, a faceless cog in a massive machine. He wasn't a soldier or a commander or a moff, he didn't deserve what the Republic did to him. Though it was also his own damned fault. At any point he could have renounced the Emperor and the Empire but, he wouldn't. She could read his lips, as they took him away.

"You have no authority to do this," he said moving at a stately pace to the waiting speeder, "You are not a sovereign government; you have no power to do this. You are but ruffians trying…" his soliloquy was cut off by an arm nearly throwing him into the back seat. Though she could see him, tall and slender, straighten himself in the back seat. Ever the man of decorum he wouldn't even let himself become disheveled as he was bundled off to a dark hole for the rest of his life.

"but we have no idea who the higher ups are." She shook her head, she had a job to do, she could deal with her issues later, this was bigger than her and her family. "We have plenty of physical evidence, that being the destruction they leave. Hell, the only reason we know their kriffin' name is because they've left a couple of messages for us on the Holo-net." She would need those messages, to analyze them for word choice and word frequency, along with education level. Yes, analyzing data and words, that's what she was there to do. It would give her a good idea about the kind of person that wrote them, she'd also need any and all information as to where and how it was posted. If they were as spectral as they tried to be it would be difficult to pin them down but, that was just another challenge and just what she needed.

Frefer seemed annoyed at his lack of information, and given the state of the walls he'd been searching for anything for a while. "We're going out to Cardooine because we believe there is still a Horsemen presence there. If we can find that, we can get more information -as well as destroying the cell of course." She pursed her lips all of this felt too close to what she did for the Empire, using information to track down Rebel sympathizers, to break up cells. She felt more than a little conflicted using these skills in that way. And for a government she had severe reservations about. Right now she is trying focus on the fact that the Phantom Horsemen were a danger, to everyone.

"As for their ideology, again we don't have anything solid. They haven't even put out a list of demands. I assume they're just taking advantage of galactic instability but I can't be sure. They've hit everything from military installations to villages in the barren wastelands. One pattern we've managed to detect is that they usually start off an assault with orbital bombardment, then they sweep in with ground teams to loot and burn what's left." Her face soured a bit, so crude, so unnecessary. "And finally, Miss Questions, you have access to any and all information we have on the PH." Good that would make her job easy. Give her something to do aboard the Scipio.

"What we don't have however, is access to all of the Alliance's resources. We're spread thin already, so we're gonna have to find what we can out in the field." Scrounging a time honored tradition in the rebellion. She wasn't the best at it but, she would do her part, you can find a lot on the holo-net, if it's operating in certain parts of the galaxy.

The commander paused allowing Karina to think a little more, she looked to him. Maybe he could be useful, maybe he had some strings to pull. She'd have to look him up, study him as she would any other target that came into her sights. It was possible that her division once investigated Commander Frefer, although he did seem one of the 'Loud and Proud' as they called them. People that didn't care if the Empire knew their allegiance, beings like Mothma, Solo, and Skywalker, Organa eventually ended up on that list but, only after her 'Mercy' missions were found to be a sham.

"We also don't have much time to sit around," The older man continued, "so are there any other questions?"

"Not from me, Commander." The shadowy figure called out, "Please, call me Ven." The name was instantly noted in her datapad, for later study, at least she wouldn't be bored.

"NOPE." The man in the hat shouted drawing Karina's attention, "Just tell me where to park my ship, and we can get this little pony show on the go." The woman squished her face a little making note of the phrase he used, odd, one she wasn't familiar with, must be a rim expression. Although she was raised in the Inner Rim her education was straight from the Imperial Academies. This made various idioms and other common phrases among the Outer Rim a foreign language to her. Thankfully she picked things up quick she wouldn't have been able to survive out there this long without some fast thinking.

"And, of course, my pay." The man finished, rising from his chair. That was also important, were they just going to hand out five thousand credits in hard currency? Or could it be made a direct deposit? She would prefer the latter, she traveled light and would prefer not to carry around that many credits on her person.

A screeching brings her eyes to the mousy man in glasses. His ears almost glowed with embarrassment. Without taking her eyes off him Karina made another note, this one was nervous about something, she'd have to find out what. Her to do list was growing ever longer, perfect, would keep her far away from the others, just where she wanted to be.

"S-sorry." The man started shoulders slumping, "That, uh…I have no further questions, Your Honor—err, Commander." This one was defiantly worth looking into, she mentally moved his name up in her list, right behind Pol Munjar.

With a silence she looked around the room, she had more questions but, with access to all the information the Republic already had she could find her answers on her own. She slid her com set to her side,

"I'm ready." She said her voice still quiet, gently breaking the small silence that had settled in.

TAG: Shekel_1383, greyjedi125, Ktala, Ramza, HanSolo29