Star Wars OPEN Second Chances - A Star Wars SHORTS game [CS Welcome!]

Darth Real Life got you like?



Just wishing you could see a game to the end? Or too many games and just want to add one more for that character in your back pocket?



Introducing a Star Wars MINI-GAME!

4 - 5 months start to finish in 3-week chunks, covering 67 years of the Saga, from the Prequels to the Resistance Eras.

Coming September 20, 2021

Second Chances - A Star Wars SHORTS game
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THE STORY​

We all know how it ended for Alderaan.






However, one line had hung on the Princess’ lips.

“Alderaan is peaceful, we have no weapons. You can't possibly—”

Had there been any sort of defense force, would it have mattered in that moment?

Perhaps not. But, in the years after the destruction of Alderaan, the existence of a nomadic convoy carrying all of the planet’s weapon had become the stuff of Legends. Spacers across the galaxy reported seeing a convoy of four ships drop of out hyperspace, then jump out again never to be seen again.

These rumors were quickly shot down by simple logistics. Fuel wasn’t infinite. Not to mention, the altruistic Ruling Council would never allow such a fleet to aimlessly roam the galaxy. It had to be a legend, a conspiracy theory born out of the need for hope.

But, the legend did have one constant thread shared in each of its retellings.

Twenty years before the fall of the Republic, Alderaan had publicly spearheaded a humanitarian relief mission to the planets in the Western Reaches and Outer Rim. A convoy of four ships - one CR-90 with three escorts - had been dispatched with the dual support of the Republic Senate and the Alderaan Ruling Council. Queen Breha herself had been at the launching ceremony. This mission would go into the edges of the Republic, carrying with it the best and brightest from Alderaan, but also hundreds others from the worlds of the Republic. In its last days of corruption under Chancellor Valorum, the government had come under the thumb of the monopolies of the Banking Clan, Trade Federation and Commerce Guild.

It was their hope that the Republic could be saved by growing more opportunities for trade and commerce. It had been intended as a regular convoy from the Core worlds to the Outer Rim worlds, bringing new products for traders, businessmen, and individuals looking for a fresh start. As the passenger list was open to anyone, there was also rumor that crime families, fugitives and others looking to hide were just as eager to get into new territories aboard the convoy. Even the Jedi were said to have sent an ambassador.

The ships were marvels as well. Crewed entirely by droids.

The first convoy had left Alderaan with much fanfare and it was theorized that the last of Alderaan’s great weapons had been smuggled aboard by the government to hide or dispose of safely in the Unknown Regions as a final leg of the mission. The story was that the humanitarian convoy was a cover.

However, the convoy never arrived.

Regardless of the Spacer’s tales and those of desperate Alderaanians looking for a lost convoy, the one fact was that the Second Chances was in fact real. But what had happened to them? And was here any truth the theories of some lost weapons cache? Only those aboard and on Alderaan would know for sure. Alderaan is gone and in its wake, the Second Chances convoy's became Legend.

This is their story.

————




The spacer absent-mindedly scratched at the week-long beard. It itched coming in, right at the neck. He looked at the droid across from him. He could hear its motors whirring as the headstock surveyed the room - an IG series. Nasty pieces of business, but word was they got the job done.

The spacer slid the holopuck across the table as he activated it. A few clicks and it came to life, displaying four ships in a triangle formation. The front-most ship was clearly a CR-90 Corvette.

The droid didn’t react. Though, should he have expected it to? Where were the eyes anyway? Those red things? Were those eyes? Did droids actually have eyes?

“So what’s your interest,” the spacer asked after another moment of silence.

“That’s irrelevant,” the droid vocoder droned on. “You’re sure of the location?”

The spacer turned off the holopuck and slid it back in his pocket.

“I’ve got last knowns confirmed by a helm officer aboard a -”

“And you trust the source?”

“For the right price. But, hey, don’t get your servos in a tizzy. There ain’t no chance of survivors.”

“Irrelevant.”

“Dead or alive huh?”

“It depends on your definition.”

He leaned forward.

“Ah, so it’s cargo, huh? They carrying something you want.”

“Not exactly,” the droid said, spinning its head stalk slowly around the room. “Your price is acceptable. Payment is processing.”

The spacer leaned back, scratching at the beard again.

“Well, ah, pleasure doin business. Lost a buddy on that convoy myself. Would love to hear how it happened, but I guess that’s a little outside your interest.”

He waved at the air.

“Irrelevant,” he spit out.

“Inconsequential. I know how it happened,” the IG series said. “We were there. Or rather, he was.”

The spacer turned at the sound a blaster safety being disengaged. He didn’t make it a full circle before the blaster fired, and he was dead.

———


PM for details


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The Basics:

There will be 6 Chapters (not counting the 1 week prologue)

• Prologue/Character Introductions - 1 week
• Chapter 1 - 3 weeks
• Chapter 2 - 3 weeks
• Chapter 3 - 3 weeks
• Chapter 4 - 3 weeks
• Chapter 5 - 3 weeks
• Chapter 6 - 1 month

Think of this as a Star Wars mini-game. It’s a side story to the main events, meaning that all the film action is happening out there in a Galaxy Far, Far Away, but your characters have other concerns!

Over the course of 6 chapters, this game will span 67 years in the Star Wars universe - starting in the Prequel Era and concluding in the Resistance Era.

But with a game that has chapters only 3 weeks long, is character development really possible?

YES. That is, if your character survives long enough to make it to the end.

I’m also a huge fan of collaborative GMs that work with their players. We’ll work together to be sure that your characters get their spotlight.

How will the game be played?

• GM updates are delivered every Monday and Friday. Chapters are Scenerio-based, meaning that each scenario will see a conclusion at the end of the chapter and we move ahead in three weeks to the next chapter to advance the story through time.
• If you're familiar with the Another Chance storyline of the Legends, this game is not a retelling of that story, but shares its in-universe premise as a backdrop.
• Player must commit to 3-weeks (or one chapter) for CS to be accepted.
• If you don’t post weekly, you risk your character being moved by the GM and/or killed.
• Game is capped at 10 players (as we progress through the chapters and scenarios, we’ll open up more players.)

Basics for Drafting Your Character Sheets:
1) Characters can be from any walks of life

All characters types of welcome. The convoy was an open invitation to the best and brightest to help out the Western Territories and Outer Rim planets. However, to cover costs, the convoy also opened up the passenger to list to anyone looking to go to the Western Territories and Outer Rim. This could mean characters were going for a new life, to explore, or intended for a short trip. Farmers, smugglers, criminals…you name it. They’re open. Think about another similarly ill-fated ship, the RMS Titanic, if you're looking for a template of the kind of characters you could play.

The lead ship, Second Chance, has hundreds of people on it. So, feel free to be creative! If you would like to fill a specific story-role, feel free to PM me.

2) Character Knowledge

Despite the rumors that spread in the next 20 years, as far as your characters are concerned this is just a humanitarian mission. Any allusion to Alderaan’s weapons is pure conjecture.


3) Game Limited at 10 players

This is to keep the game moving and help with the upcoming narrative. You may however have as any many characters as you’d like.


4) The game starts in the Prequel Era, shortly before the events of The Phantom Menace.


5) Following the 1 week prologue, the first chapter immediately deals with the disappearance of the convoy and your characters. Just FYI.

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Character Sheet​

Character Name:
Age:
Species:
Homeworld:
Purpose for Travel:
Occupation:
Appearance:
Personal Effects:
Brief Character History:

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The Game will start September 20th or earlier.​

​

 

GM Approved

Character Name: Deveraux Bombardier

Age: 20

Species: Human

Homeworld: Corellia

Purpose for Travel: Employment

Occupation: Pilot

Appearance:


Personal Effects: Datapad, clothes, blaster pistol (just in case!)

Brief Character History:

Born on Corellia young Devereaux dreamed of one day travelling the stars and like most Corellians wanted to be the best star pilot in the galaxy. His parents worked for Corellian Engineering Corporation helping to build freighters and weapons systems for use for whomever desired them.


From a young age he was taught to fly, first speeders, then testing him on ships. His parents were impressed by his skills and eventually Devereaux got himself a job as a shuttle pilot ferrying supplies back and forth to the CEC factories.


But Dev as he was known as was getting bored of being a shuttle pilot and fancied doing something more with his piloting skills. Through CEC channels he heard that a convoy was heading to the Wstern Reaches and the Outer Rim, a humanitarian mission.


Knowing that he could provide help to those who needed it and maybe earn enough of credits to own a ship of his own and travel the stars, Dev signed on.


Of course his own journey would end up quite differently.

 

Time Period: 33 BBY ( 1 year before TPM)
Location: Aldera City, Alderaan

Sometimes all we need is a chance.

Someone to extend that hand of assistance, of generosity, or friendship. Good versus evil takes on many forms, and it is as much a personal battle as it is a galactic one.

With all the splendor of hope, the Republic had gathered here on Alderaan - a shining example of what Democracy had to offer. Even with a monarch in power, the Ruling Council of Elders and the Republic Senate had affected so much change here that the planet was the standard bearer of peace, of hope.

They’d had no weapons program for generations. They’d known peace and while they may not know it, this pacifism would be their enduring legacy for eons. The galaxy was about to be spun into yet another conflict.



Queen Breha Organa, recently ascended to the throne, stood amidst a teeming crowd with her husband Bail Organa smiling behind her. Herself weak and nearly left for dead after an accident in her youth, Queen Organa knew something about second chances.

As if on cue, a flock of birds erupted into flight behind her as she offers her speech against the backdrop of snowcapped mountains, a convoy she herself had named. Many may not remember her words this day as the Second Chances convoy made its final checks before allowing boarding. What they would remember was just how palpable the excitement was.

Another chance.

Whether you were a young Alderaanian like Lissa Verlaine on assignment as Junior Diplomat or a member of the Houses of Alderaan like Kendoh Thul - today was a day of opportunity.

For members of the greater galaxy, it also brought out the hopeful from Coruscant, Naboo, and Corellia - among others. People such as the skilled young pilot Deveraux Bombardier had the chance of a finding a home for their skills in the Western Reaches.

For others, though, this was an opportunity for more nefarious reasons. There was little known about Devron Airskipper for example, or even Rion Eedic, though it was said the latter was a known associate of the Syndicate.

As the final preparations were under way for boarding to start, chance was in the air. And chance had a way of going far different than we’d perhaps intended.

*****

“Please! Just give me Another Cha—“

The gran’s pleas were cut short by a crimson energy blade bursting into his throat with a snap-hiss.

The gran had been kneeling, begging before the hooded figure whose singular blade thrummed in the empty hall of the CR-90.

His Master would not be pleased. But, perhaps, his master didn’t need to know.

The black-clad figure powered down his weapon and placed the hilt in his robes. Careful to keep his face concealed from the shipboard automated droid security, he picked up the body of the low-level criminal. He would dispose of the body, and then return to his mission with the time remaining.

Sometimes, all we need is a chance.

TAG: No one yet...soon.
------------

OOC: To all that have sent in their sheets, thank you. If you haven't posted them yet, please post them shortly! I am out of town this weekend and may not respond quickly, but will be back next Tuesday. The game starts Monday, September 20 with a one week prologue that will allow you to write your character introductory posts and get aboard ship. I will have one more update before we go live.

There are also a few spots open. If you want to join, send me a sheet ASAP. Or let me know you intend to, and I'll keep a spot reserved for you.

 

Editing

 

GM approved

Character Name: The Decapre twins, aka
(Sonya Romanoff and Nitara Lightvale)
Age: Indeterminate
Species: Cyborgs
Homeworld: They cannot remember the original homeworld they hailed from; all they remember is being trained on the volcanic planet Sullust.
The purpose for Travel: For security purposes, the envoy hired the company that created and housed the two of them.
Occupation: Bodyguards/ Assassins
Appearance:

Personal Effects: Each cyborg holsters their own Vibroblade, blaster, and slugthrower, as well as propellers on the heels of their footwear.
Brief Character History:
Abducted at an early age, trained, and modified by the mysterious Seviper, the head of the Special ops division within the paramilitary group called Blacklight.

(Seviper)
​

The Decapre twins earned their nickname from their involvement in the Yinchorri Crisis, where Blacklight was secretly hired on classified missions critical failures for the Galactic Republic's diplomatic attempts to pacify the Yinchorri and killing a few knights and padawans along the way. Nitara Lightvale became all the more entrenched in Seviper's philosophy and cause, seeing herself as nothing more than a weapon and tool, with her only focus being to make money and achieving her goals no matter the cost.

​

For Sonya Romanoff, the Yinchorri Crisis, however, has found herself confused by the events. Sonya believes in Seviper's philosophy to an extent; however, whenever the chance arises, she'll always find herself helping the less fortunate no matter what the cause.

​

This difference leads to difficulty and success for the twins, as Nitara can go beyond the call of duty to achieve an objective. At the same time, Sonya can think of those less fortunate and lessen casualties and property damage. This combination has led to Blacklight being seen as more favorable in the eyes of its investors and secret buyers.

 

CS and Double post approved by the GM

Character Name: Devron Airskipper
Age: 24
Species: Human
Homeworld: Nar shadda
The purpose for Travel: After killing his captor and brokering a deal for his safety, Devron is starting from rock bottom, looking to establish a new criminal empire.
Occupation: Banished Crime-lord
Appearance:

Personal Effects: A holdout blaster attached to a shoulder holster and concealed within his jacket; a Vibro-knife sheathed to the inside of his boot; personal datapad and wrist comlink; usually dresses in a smart suit.

Brief Character History:
Conflict was all Devron ever knew; war, death, exploitation, and manipulation were all things that had become normal for Devron growing up. In fact, Devron had grown up a slave on Nar Shaddaa by the resident Draper mob family, a group made rich by their constant heists on galactic banks and liquidating the profit, becoming a criminal empire that could rival the Hutts; it's why they set up operations on Nar Shaddaa, to challenge them.

Eventually, at the age of 18, Devron was noticed by his owners after being a last-minute selection for a heist as a Gunman after every other Gunman before him either backed out or died before the job. The Draper family, Donald Draper the IV, took a chance on Lil' Devron and inducted him into the family as a soldier.


(Donald Draper the 4th)

This was a mistake on Draper's part. Would a former slave really continue to serve someone who knowingly put them through humiliation and ire? Maybe Donald did this before with other slaves, and they happily served him for the rest of their days. But Devron isn't another slave; he's a man who wants everything. So Devron spent years shadowing Don, studying him, reading his files, and gaining allies within. Waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike as he ascended the ranks of the mob, and it came.

The majority of Donald Draper's assets were annihilated in a chance cataclysm, and from there Devron saw his opportunity and struck, planning and enacting a coup d'etat, dividing the mafia in half.

After a year of warfare, Draper's followers began to lose faith in him, especially since Devron had the backing of the Hutts. Draper, tired of the warfare, momentarily took a sabbatical from command of the war, leaving it to his trusted advisor. However, his advisor had other ideas and contacted Devron to make a deal and guarantee his freedom, so the advisor told Devron Draper's location with a heavy heart. So that night, security was intentionally lax, and Devron had killed Donald Draper and usurped his assets, and began building his own empire from the ground up.

But as a condition for receiving the Hutt's help, Devron left Hutt space. His fate was finally his to freely decide.

 

INTRO POST #2

Krrrrrck.

Creaking under wear centuries old, a crate of Toniray Wine was opened by a tall copper colored 2JTJ personal droid. Its motors whirred and hummed as the bottles were removed from the crate one by one and deposited on a tray held by another 2JTJ.

The “crew” of the Second Chance convoy was entirely made up of droids. The three escort ships had no passengers save a few members of the Alderaan security forces for basic oversight and in the event of an emergency. Besides the 2JTJ models, security droids, labor droids and of course astromechs linked with the bridge “crew” of the Second Chances, the CR-90 Corvette that led the convoy and shared its namesake.

Droids such as the 2JTJ droids were unique to the CR-90. While usually in settings of hospitals or rehab centers, the Republic had felt that the droid’s penchant for assisting in human navigation may prove helpful among such a varied crew. While sharing many of the same functions and programing of protocol droids, the Two-Jays also had advanced personality programming and a variety of sensors.

This crate being emptied, the pair departed the cargo hold and proceeded to the door.

As they approached the door it opened, spilling light into the darkened room. Their multitude of sensor nodes, echolocating abilities and infrared scanners meant that they had no need for lights. It also helped that the Two-Jays were linked to the central computer on the bridge - a gift from the Trade Federation.

“Door, 1 meter to your left,” the foremost 2JTJ droid said as it walked down the hall.

It had intended to explain to the running humanoid that irrespective of the existence of the door, it was off limits to unauthorized personnel, namely droids only. However, the humanoid was running while looking behind him down the hall.

The second Two-Jay raised its hands.

“Droid, three centimeters ahead at eye level!” It yelled.

It didn’t matter. The human ran clear into both droids at full force. Their superior balance and strength kept them upright - a hold-over from their programming for assisting those that couldn’t see. Seemingly, this humanoid was amongst them.

“You are on the ground,” TwoJay said, holding the Toniray aloft to keep it from falling.

It leaned its nearly two meter height down to examine the humanoid, now clearly identified as a Rodian.

“Are you alright, sir” asked the other TwoJay in a female voice profile.

The Rodian grunted as it looked up at the two round faced droids. His snout bunched up as if in disgust, but didn’t say anything. He shifted his brown parka as he stood, and was careful that that hold-out blaster stuffed into his trousers didn’t become dislodged.

He looked behind him into the hall way.

“Main reception area is behind you. Do you require assistance?” The TwoJay asked, righting itself.

The Rodian seemed fined, but it was odd it wasn’t talking. Perhaps it had lost the ability to speak as well as see.

If the TwoJay had a tongue, it would click it, it thought.

“Perhaps you should rejoin your party,” TwoJay said, grasping the Rodian’s arm.

Its counterpart lifted the other arm, and they carried the Rodian down the hall.

The Rodian’s feet were half a meter of the ground, and he faced the wrong direction, but the TwoJays were sure he wouldn’t mind. He was running quite fast while looking behind him, so it made sense he was simply ill-equipped to choose his direction. But they would soon set him right amongst the other passengers.

*****

Aboard the bridge, the only sounds were coming from the consoles themselves and the occasional voiced report. Though, there was little need for verbal commands thanks to the droid controller, it did seem to give the human security officers comfort to hear commands relayed.

The Second Chances had been made the jump to hyperspace 1 standard hour before. Aside from a fluctuation in the power distribution system, all was going well.

A series of pre-programmed microjumps and then hyperjumps would soon take the convoy in the Western Reaches.

In the meantime, a few minor disturbances had also been reported by security droids, but mostly regulated to passengers minor issues.

An Alderaanian family had heard that someone from House Thul was aboard and requested a change of cabin. A Gran passenger had also not returned to his cabin before departure, and a report was left with Alderaan authorities.

A power fluctuation was also being reported in the main reactor bay, but as yet, no cause had been found.

*****

Krrrrrrrrrck.

Creaking, the neck of a Trandoshan bodyguard finally snapped under immense pressure. With a thud, the hulking body fell to the deck.

There was little need for the black robed humanoid to dispose of the body with the time remaining, and he returned to his work in the cargo hold of the Second Chance. Alone but for the two bodies at his feet, and the hovering black orb-shaped droid over his shoulder.

TAG: NO ONE.

OOC: One-week Prologue starts Monday, September 20 to get you started before we get to the main story.

 

Time Period: 33 BBY ( 1 year before TPM)
Second Chance Fleet
Hyperspace along the Great Gran Run



Thwoomp. Thwooomp. Thwoomp.

Three heavily armored escort craft drop out of hyperspace almost in the same moment. The area of space around them is vast and empty. No planets. No Stars. No discernible signs of life.

This is the Second Chance fleet, with the exception of the CR-90 cargo ship that at present is still in hyperspace along the Great Gran Run from Corellia to the Western Reaches.

The ships, droid controlled as they are, form a perfect triangle escort pattern. All the while, they scan the system.

It is safe.

A small elongated black craft detaches itself from the lead ship, turns about on the heading they came and disappears back in to Hyperspace.

A countdown begins on the droid systems.

3…2…1.

Thwwooooooooooooooomp.

A CR-90 Cruiser stutters into realspace, behind and slightly above the escort craft.

This is the Second Chance itself. In the decades that pass, this vessel and the fleet along with it would be the source of legends. Today, however, it is the wellspring of hope. For while the escort ships are droid-maned, the Second Chance is only droid-crewed. Each of the four ships are controlled from the central core on the bridge of the CR-90.

For the people on board, this is one part humanitarian mission. For others, it is passage into the Western Reaches - an opportunity for a new life, escape, new income and business or simply adventure.

*******

Aboard the Second Chance

The floors and walls shook violently for a brief moment before returning to normal. A digital bell is heard over loud speakers.

[Attention all passengers.]

A droid voice came over the ship’s main intercom, played on all channels.

[We apologize for the disturbance and encourage you not to be alarmed. The departure from hyperspace is to be expected as we make our way to the Western Reaches. Looking out your windows, you may see that all is well.]

A pause.

[We have experienced a slight power disruption but repair crews are underway. Servers will begin to pass through main cabins with a gift from the People of Alderaan. Toniray Wine is a bubbly….]

The droid voice would go on to continue explaining the taste, look and even history of the vintage Alderaanian wine, though most guests would likely not be listening as it droned on. Most knew what Toniray Wine was, and the droids did have the habit of over explaining.

The convoy had been en route for 14 hours, making microjumps and hyperspace jumps as it made its way into the Western Reaches. Now on the Great Gran Way, this should be one of the final stops necessary.

Nevertheless, everyone would have settled in their own way. The main droids that would be seen are the 2JTJ personal droids who acted as both concierge and server droids to the passengers.



*****

Deveraux Bombardier, a young Corellian pilot, would find himself on the main observation deck, looking out into the stars. It’s possible he understood that the shudder of the Second Chance was unusual.

But perhaps he would also be distracted, as at present a Trandoshan thug was standing a full meter over him in height.

“Are you deaf asssss well assssss tiny,” he asked, hovering over him.

He shoved him against the wall.

“The boss saysssss he needsssssss a pilot,” he said, stooping low to put his snout In Deveraux’s face. “You a pilot?”

Meanwhile, Kendoh Thul, of the exiled House of Alderaan would be walking down this hall as well, having received a message that an opportunity could be his should he make the journey to the Observation Deck.

Upon arriving, he would see young Bombardier and his Trandoshan friend. Additionally, a TwoJay droid, holding out a tray of bubbling blue Toniray Wine.

Would he intervene or wait for his unknown invitee to make their appearance?

TAG: @Jerjerrod-Lennox @Sinrebirth

******

Though the Second Chance was filled with honest men like Bombardier, it also included politicians, military, businesspeople, and laborers. Most could be considered “safe”.

In the entertainment hall, all manners of being would be relaxing and socializing. It’s here we find the Decapre Twins and Devron Airskipper. However, not together, but separated by a sea of some hundreds of people.

Devron sits at a Sabbaac table on the eastern side of the room. How long he’d been here was anyone’s guess. Most would not even notice when he’d come. What was evident however, was that he was winning.

A heap of chips stood before him and a not too happy Gran named Rion Eedic sat across from him. It was said that Rion was a gun runner for the Black Sun Sydicate, but had been playing both sides with the Pykes. He wasn’t known for losing. At least, not losing well.



“How about we up the stakes,” Rion asked in Huttsese. “A simple game of chance. Winner takes all.”

The Gran’s “friend” standing over his shoulder produced a chance cube.

“I’ll even let you roll.”

Across the room, the Decapre Twins had only just made their entrance into the room. Where they had been before was anyone’s guess. It would be harder for the cyborgs to go unnoticed, even in this crowd.

A smartly dressed human male saw them as they walked in. He picked up two wine glasses and made his way over to them through the crowd. Arriving in front of them he would smile his best, generous smile. He’d offer a leg and bowed low, his cape falling about his elbows.

“You grace us with your presence,” he said rising. “I am Senator Thaddeus Paalo the Third, of Alderaan…naturally.”

He offered each of them a glass.

“Would you care to join me? I was only just going to get a table alone, and would love to extend the hospitality of my people. And you are —-?”

The Senator had no idea who they were. What they were were intriguing, and that was enough for him at present.

TAG: @Narancia



****

Meanwhile…

Across the ship, droids are not uncommon. How could they be on a droid controlled ship?

Yet, these droids were new. The black globe-shaped droids fluttered around the halls and seemed to be in every room. One of them had an extended interface arm attached to a security panel outside the main bridge.

Tag: No one

 

IC: Sonya Romanoff and Nitara Lightvale

Sonya and Nitara looked at each other as Senator Thaddeus introduced himself and offered the two a drink. There was a silent moment where both cyborgs looked at the glass as if they were analyzing its contents; afterward, the two whispered amongst each other.

"I believe this Human has an infatuation with us."

"Possibly, or he may be extending a simple courtesy greeting for us."

"We should humor him."

"I don't see how this is relevant to our mission."

"We're supposed to be blending in; we won't be able to do our jobs if we weird everyone out and cause a situation. Come on and follow my lead."

Sonya giggled, turned to the man, and took a sip out of her drink.

"We'd love to join you; I am Sonya Romanoff!"

Nitara looked visibly annoyed by the situation as she believed that their time could be much better spent on the lookout for threats. Still, Nitara relented to Sonya's logic; she wasn't dumb, so maybe there is some benefit to this.

So while Sonya took a sip out of her drink, Nitara merely accepted it and made no moves to drink it.

Yes...Senator, we would love to join you. I am Nitara Lightvale.

TAG: @Kalio_Dynkos

 

IC: Deveraux Bombardier
Location: Observation Deck, Second Chance

That last jump…

He tilted his head to the side, did that last jump sound….off?

As a pilot Dev knew all the sights and sounds of a ship and exiting hyperspace...it should not make that shudder.

However instead of thinking a lot about that he now had a lizard Trandoshan in his face.

And then shoving him against the wall.

Of course he had a blaster but there was no use whipping that out. Just yet. All Corellians did love a good fight.

Whilst the Trandoshan was hustling, what did he spot out of the corner of his eye? Some posh bloke watching it all.

Dev could have rolled his eyes if he could. Typical people with money, only come to watch the show and not save the little people.

"Yeah i'm a pilot" he said, straightening his jacket "Damn good one too. So why should I work for your boss if he sends thugs to negotiate?".

TAG: @Kalio_Dynkos , @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Devron Airskipper

Devron smiled as he took a sip of his freshly served martini. Exile was supposed to be a bad thing; exile was supposed to represent someone at their lowest by; looking at Devron at this moment portrayed another thing. It seemed like Devron the exile was actually at the top of his game as he cooly and calmly chatted with the onlookers as he bested all that dared to challenge him at the game of Sabacc.

Devron looked at the alien across from him and chuckled.

"Sorry, my friend. It seems like luck wasn't on your side today."

But the alien had proposed something to Devron, another match, winner takes all, a simple game of chance, a simple dice roll.

Devron simply responded by leaning backwards in his chair and smirking.

This guy must think I'm an idiot. He rigged those dice just like I rigged this game. That's the simplest trick in the book, a poor 3-bit gangster like him should know better, but then again, not everyone is as smart as me.

Devron smiled, it was obviously a fake one and responded with,

"No thanks, I've had my fill for the day. Maybe you should try your luck with another patron."

Devron subtly loosened the holster that was expertly hidden within his coat as he collected his earnings; this idiot could be a nuisance.

TAG: @Kalio_Dynkos

 

Aboard the Second Chances
Observation Deck

"Yeah I'm a pilot" young Deveraux said in typical Corellian fashion.

The hulking Trandoshan took a step back as the human straightened his jacket.

“Damn good one too. So why should I work for your boss if he sends thugs to negotiate?”

The lips - if you could call them that - of the Trandoshan thug peeled back, revealing a mouth of razor sharp teeth.

A growl gurgled up from his throat.

“Who ssssaid anything about a negosssiasion,” he sneered. “Bosss saysss he needsss a pilot.”

He reached out a clawed hand, grabbing a fistful of Deveraux’s shirt and jacket. Slowly he lifted him off the ground until he was face to snout with the Trandoshan.

“You fly, you live. You refuse…” the Trandoshan paused, hearing a voice behind him.

“So uncouth.”

He turned to see the Alderaanian standing behind him.

“Yeah, on tooth,” he sneered, misunderstanding, and lifted the kid higher still. “Refuse, and be on tooth.”

He licked his “lips”. Waiting for a response from Deveraux.

Behind Thul, a door opened. It produced a black orb-shaped droid that floated down between them all, seemed to scan the room with its one eye, and floated around the corner speaking to itself.

In the open door stood an Asogian.

“Home,” it said.

It sounded like it was grinding the words out between stones in his throat.

“Hooooome,” it said, more deliberately pointing to Thul. “Your reputation precedes you.”

The Asogians were small, stout, paddle footed creatures. It noisily wobbled its way over to Kendoh of House Thul enthusiastically.

“Name is Sacul,” he said. “Information is my best product.”

He pointed a long finger up at Kendoh.

“And you…lost your home. I think I have something that might help someone such as you should you…”

He paused, taking in the Trandoshan and Deveraux for the first time.

“Am I interrupting?”



TAG: @Sinrebirth @Jerjerrod-Lennox


———


IC: Rion Eedic
Entertainment Lounge

Devron Airskipper smiled at his offer.

“No thanks, I’ve had my fill for the day,” he said. “Maybe you should try your luck with another patron.”

The gran laughed, gesturing his cohort away.

“I like you kid,” he said, turning to his side. “Don’t you like him? Kid’s got some guts. Still…”

He leaned forward.

“Not very nice to take some poor old spacer’s money and run. This is a mission of hope, isn’t it?”

A droid came by the table to deposit drinks on the table.

“A flute of wine is on the table in front of you,” it said, and then moved on to the next table.

Rion leaned back in his chair.

“With the kind of luck you have, perhaps you’d like to try something else?”

He scanned his face for a reaction.

“This trip could be lucrative for someone who has the right friends. Some of the backwater planets will pay anything for the right merchandise. Merchandise, my friends and I just happen to have packed with us. Maybes you join us, and give a chance to earn of my money back over your luck?”

TAG: @Narancia

———-

IC: Senator Thaddeus Paalo the Third

The Senator beamed as Sonya accepted his invitation, and that was all he needed to hear.

“Splendid. Splendid,” he said clapping his hands together. “Just this way.”

Thaddeus led the two through the crowd. It was a full house. He smiled and pat a few being on their shoulders.

“So glad you made it. We’re honored to have you.”

He repeated the gesture a few times before coming to a table near the center of the room.

“This is exciting is it not? Peace in our times. I have wanted to see the Western Reaches since I was a child. The galaxy needs more ventures like this, no?”

He waved towards the seats.

“Please,” he said, sitting down himself. “Now, I must confess to you, I’m not usually this forward. But if there is anything I’ve learned from my time in the Senate, it’s important to make friends quickly.”

He waved over their shoulder to an unseen being with a grin, and winked.

“Tell me, Sonya and Nitara, what brings you on our little adventure?”

@Narancia
———

36 years in the Future
3 ABY

In a dark room, a holodisplay of the Second Chances fleet spins slowly - the three escort craft in a triangle pattern and the CR-90 passenger ship behind.

“Ah, the decryption is complete, Mistress,” a protocol droid said, just out of view. “Passenger manifests, cargo manifest…well, those that were public anyway.”

A gloved hand reaches into the hologram, pulling up a schematic of the escort craft.

“Oooh, look,” said the Protocol droid. “This says there were no survivors. I do hope they suffered.”

****

Present Day
Aboard the Second Chances

The black orb-shaped droids had been hovering from room to room. Mapping, targeting, scanning. In a moment, they would escape through the airlock, their last objective close at hand. Their master's final orders nearly obeyed.

One droid that had previously been at the security panel of the main bridge retracted its arm. The bridge was now sealed under a heavy encryption and the droid’s master had already deployed the weapon in the cargo bay.

A countdown was started. The new program had been introduced into the ship's systems.

Meanwhile, outside, the front-most droid-controlled escort ship peeled off away from the formation in a slow arch.

TAG: No One Yet

 

IC: Deveraux Bombardier
Location: Observation Deck, Second Chance

So it was the i'll give you an offer you can't refuse thing.

Or refuse or die.

Dev was being hoisted up by the Trandoshan and he could smell the ugly brutes' breath on him.

Posh Boy was basically it seemed was watching the show.

Before Dev could reply he heard the door open, and someone was now speaking to Posh Boy, And it seemed he knew something about this one.

However Dev had his own problems to deal with. Namely not getting ripped to bits. Or eaten.

"Well it seems you've just arrived in time here fella" he said "Lizard Boy here says his boss wants a pilot but it seems he's only interested in join or die".

"So, you got a better offer? Or maybe the one in the smart looking clothes does".

TAG: @Kalio_Dynkos , @Sinrebirth

 

​

IC: Devron Airskipper

"Oh?"

Devron's eyebrows raised as he was intrigued by the flattery and the appeal to his ego, a big weakness of his. But also, the movements and actions of the Gran intrigued him as well and were very revealing, this wasn't a setup like Devron thought, or perhaps it was.

Nonetheless, Devron sat back in his chair and listened to the words of this Gran as he took another sip of his martini; and concluded that this was exactly the opportunity Devron had been hoping for, a chance for him to reclaim all that he had lost. And maybe, just maybe, he could find himself and who he really was in the process.

Devron leaned back in his chair and thought about everything, was the criminal life all that I could aspire to?

​

Maybe it was, as Devron knew nothing else, all he knew how to do was scam, smuggle and destroy. So it was perhaps fate rather than bad luck when Devron did succeed in taking his captor's empire, only to have it collapse immediately under the dominion of the Hutts.

Despite the outward appearance, Devron was depressed and stressed; he didn't know what to do with this freedom because, in truth, he never had it, so the myriad of choices was overwhelming him. So unbeknownst to himself, Devron was clinging on to what he knew, not because he enjoyed it but because it felt normal; it was as natural to him as breathing, a chore like any other.

Devron looked at the Gran, stared at him, searching deep to find any inconsistencies with his actions and words, and finally said, "You have a deal; I'm in."

TAG: @Kalio_Dynkos

 

Future, 36 years
3 ABY

Alderaan, or that which was Alderaan, slowly floated. A minefield of its own pieces, the asteroid field churned on itself. And yet, among the wreckage - the charred hunks of planet - one single light…blinked.

Present Day
Second Chances Fleet

The front-most escort craft had completed its arc, coming in behind the CR-90. The triangle formation had been inverted yet still hung on course. Droid system scans ran again.

Safe. Ready for Lightspeed.

And yet, all of the lights on the escort craft ….blinked…in unison.

*******

IC: Sacul and Trandoshan Thug
Observation Lounge

Young Deveraux Bombardier was off the ground, in the clutches of the Trandoshan.

"Well it seems you've just arrived in time here fella. Lizard Boy here says his boss wants a pilot but it seems he's only interested in join or die,” he said. "So, you got a better offer? Or maybe the one in the smart looking clothes does".

"I'll pay Lizard Boy to take you away quicker, maybe," scoffed Kendoh.

Sacul waved his hands up at Kendoh’s idea with enthusiasm. His big head bobbed.

He looked to the Trandoshan and noticed the starburst tattoo on his forearm. As an Infochant, it was Sacul’s business to know when to get involved and when sell his product. In this particular case, getting involved was far too expensive.

“Eeeem… Nope,” he said apologetically, splaying out his long fingers.

This was quickly becoming a space he didn’t want to be in much longer.

He quickly reached into the satchel that hung at his hip and produced a glowing rock, a gem.

“A taste of the kind of help Sacul can provide,” he said softly. “My client has a store on ship as a down payment, and more once we arrive at our first destination.”

Of course, there would be exchange required, but Sacul figured he had time if Thul was interested.

Across the Lounge, the Trandoshan wasn’t getting anywhere with Devereraux, and was getting frustrated with his lack of progress. Perhaps the boss was wrong. Maybe the young Corellian wouldn’t fit in after all. He let him down slowly, a growl accenting his actions.

“Puny,” he said with disgust.



TAG: @Jerjerrod-Lennox @Sinrebirth

———-



IC: Rion Eedic
Entertainment Lounge

"You have a deal; I'm in,” said Devon.

The gran grumbled out a laugh.

“See. I knew I liked you,” he said, tapping his head. “Smart kid.”

He nodded to the other beings that had been standing as spectators to the game. They dispersed slightly, giving them more room for privacy.

“Things will move quickly. Best you stay here with me until we arrive,” he said.

A blinking light over Devon’s shoulder caught his attention. His eye stalk followed to a black orb-shaped droid. It’s primary receptor blinking red on and off. Another light in the corner. A second floating droid.

They’d found him.

“What in the —-“

TAG @Narancia

-----

OOC: Last tag replies before tomorrow's GM Update. Chapter 1 picks up directly where this one leaves off.

 

IC: Deveraux Bombardier
Location: Observation Deck, Second Chance

Noone it seemed wanted his services from the two that had entered the room.

Oh well. Their loss.

And Posh Boy was seriously getting on his nerves now. One day he would be knocked off his pedestal and all that.

Karma.

Thankfully the Trandoshan was letting him down now..and did he call him puny?

"Hey pal, i'm not the one making threatening moves here. If you hadn't come in with your threatening techniques, you might have had a deal" he shrugged.

"But i'm afriad you calling me puny has lost you a pilot. Maybe that information broker and that rich bloke have what you need".

"Have a nice day".

TAG: @Kalio_Dynkos , @Sinrebirth

 

Chapter 1
If At First You Don't Succeed​

Future, 36 years
3 ABY

“Ooh, look, Mistress,” the protocol droid said with glee. “Details of the destruction.”

Across the holodisplay came redacted reports. The Second Chances was last seen shortly after its droid navigator had checked in as it left Kinyen in the Expansion Region, though its itinerary was supposed to take the fleet from Corellian Trade Spine to the Great Gran Run (and ultimately its first stop at Takodana).

“It looks like there was some sort of explosion and wreckage, located about 50 parsecs from Takodana,” the droid said.


*****

​

Present Day
Time Period: 33 BBY ( 1 year before TPM)
50 parsecs from Takodana

The Scimitar dropped out of hyperspace and came to a complete stop. Within the ship’s sleek design sat the agent of Lord Sidious. As yet, the Master was unknown to the galaxy at large with the exception of the owner of the Scimitar, Darth Maul.

He sat in the cockpit chair.

Still carrying his wounds from the confrontation that killed the Black Sun Syndicate leader Alexi Garyn, as well as the Nightsister Mighella, the Zabrak assassin had nearly failed in his mission to dismantle the Black Sun leadership. They had all but scattered, and a few had found refuge on the Second Chances, hoping to get free from his grasp.

He’d been forced to expose himself on Alderaan while taking out a Lieutenant and the Black Sun leaders escaped him. But, that wouldn’t matter now they were so far out from the Core.

By now, his droids would have finished their work dismantling the security protocols on board, as well as finished uploading the virus in the droid core of located on the bridge.

An alarm beeped.

Keying his wrist communicator, he activated his contingency plan and returned to hyperspace to make his attack run.

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Everything would be all right soon.

​

*****

Second Chances Fleet

Everything was all wrong.

First, the TwoJays around the CR-90 froze. Those near guests, as were near The Twins and Senator Thaddeus, would come to a halt mid-serve or explanation of something nearby.

The Sabaac table in front of Devon Airskipper and Rion Eedic flickered and then powered down, leaving physical cards and what remained of chips.

For Kendoh Thul and Deveraux Bombardier, standing in the observation lounge, they would clearly see the escort craft out the large transpirasteel window get larger and larger as it drew closer.

The Trandoshan pushed pass Deveraux to get a better look, grunting in confusion.

And then…chaos.

The escort craft exploded!

Debris hurtled toward the CR-90, rocking the craft and those in it. Glasses fell. People grabbed hold of tables, walls, bedsides, and each other.

The escort craft behind Second Chances powered up and launched a volley of emerald turbolaser fire into the CR-90.

The ship lurched, then pitched. Droid navigators on the bridge instantly went into action with evasive manuevers. But it was too late. The second escort craft ignited its engines and rammed the CR-90’s undercarriage.

This was felt violently by all.

One escort craft remained.

And then…it went dark.

Lights turned off across the ship.

The only thing to be seen would be the glowing infrared sensors of the TwoJays, R2 units and other assorted droids peering out from the darkness.

"The lights are off," the TwoJays all said in unison.

In the darkness, the 2JTJ personal navigation droid were perfectly suited for this sort of task - being originally programmed to help the blind. Around the room, they could be heard again and again stating the obvious.

"The lights are off. Do not be alarmed," they said, even as the ship rocked again.

These words coming eerily out of the darkness in both male and female droid voices, would also be accompanied by the droids pointing out obstacles in your path.

The one next to Deveraux on the Observation Lounge leaned in close.

"There is a dead body at your feet. Tread carefully," it said cheerily, as TwoJays often do when pointing out any obstacle.

It would be indicating the Trandoshan thug.

In the darkness, Kendoh would feel the arms of Sacul wrap around his leg in a grip of terror. Sacul let out a warbled scream. However, glowing red gem he'd handed to Kendoh grew brighter in delight!

*****

Entertainment Lounge

The scene here was much more chaotic, as one might expect. There were hundreds of beings in this room - most of which were still alive, but badly bruised and frightened.

The Senator reached out for the Twins in the dark.

“Don’t worry. Don’t worry,” he said. “The backups should be coming online shortly.”

R2 units around the room activated their torch lights located on their domes, providing some illumination as they panned the room. Floating black orb-shaped droids swooped in and could be heard whooshing by. Their lights also panned the room. But instead of providing support, they returned to pre-determined targets.

The gran Black Sun Lieutenant Rion Eedic pulled out his blaster from a concealed pocket and began firing on one directly behind Devon. He could only see it by its torch lights. It dipped out of the way easily. The shot hit an unseen passenger who fell with a grunt. A woman screamed.

Another shot. Another miss. Another body.

And then the orbs started returning fire from small blasters, beams of light briefly turning pockets of the room into red-hued auras.

TAG: @Sinrebirth @Jerjerrod-Lennox @Narancia

 

IC: Deveraux Bombardier
Location: Observation Deck, Second Chance

Well that is definatly not right. Why is the other ship coming closer?

And then it exploded causing Dev to crouch down so he did not get knocked over. Then sounds of cannon fire. Was it an ambush of some kind? As a pilot Dev knew if someone was firing at you, it was bad.

The evasive maneuvers were not enough either as the ship was then slammed causing Dev to fall over.

If I was piloting this definitely would not happen.

The droids were uselessly pointing out that the lights had gone out and not to be alarmed but the droid pointing out to him that there was a dead body at his feet was concerning.

"Well I don't know who killed him but good riddance. Saves me a lot of bother." Dev looked over at the rich bloke who seemed to be holding some sort of red jewel which was glowing.

"Hey there, that might come in useful. I need to get to the bridge, find out what's going on. I'm a pilot and since noone seems to know how to fly CEC ships properly i'll see if I can get ghis bird flying again".

TAG: @Kalio_Dynkos , @Sinrebirth

 

GM UPDATE #2 of #6

In the darkness, sparks of yellow embers falling from the ceiling, from the torch lights of a various droids, and blaster fire briefly illuminated parts of the passenger’s surroundings. From the darkness, the well-meaning but eerie voices of TwoJays filled the space, as well as a general feeling of tension.

The droid repair crews sprung into action. Ever heroic, the R2 units tweeted and twiddled to each other, getting to work. Security droids were dispatched. Medical droids were activated to care for the wounded.

Darth Maul’s droids continued their deadly mission to track down known members of the Black Sun Syndicate that had found themselves on board. In most cases, a single blaster shot was all that was necessary before moving onto the next target.

Admidst this chaos, some tried to help - to put back that which had been put wrong.

Punching in his override codes in his pocket-com, Alderaan Senator Thaddeus Senator Thaddeus Paalo the Third held a breath.

A red blaster shot sang over his head, warming his ear. Too close for comfort, he ducked down behind an overturned table. He’d lost track of the Twins in the darkness, but had to hope that they would have the sense to hide themselves.

His display lit up. Suddenly realizing that this probably wasn’t a good idea, he pushed himself under the table cloth.

The Second Chances was in distress.

****

Observation Deck
Deck 4

The smell of smoke punctuated the darkness. A darkness illuminated only the stars and burning debris outside the observation window, as well as a lone TwoJay droid and the crystal that glowed in Kendoh Thul’s hand.

The gem was red now, illuminating them each, and seemed to shine in response to their terror.

Kendoh frowned.

“Kyber?”

The infochant, Sacul, tightened his wiry grip around the nobleman’s leg and moaned an affirmative. Though he’d never known they could change color! Did the other stuff change color?

“Mooooore,” he drawled out. “In the ca-ca…cargo - ”

A burst of sparks spit from an unseen conduit in the cracked ceiling compartments. It briefly filled the room with light.

The trandoshan thug was there, lying awkwardly against the wall. A blaster was attached to his hip holster.

The door in front of them was ajar. It opened partially, then closed violently. Then repeated the process. This way would lead down a couple of white durasteel corridors to the cargo bay. In front of them, stood a TwoJay droid. Around this hall would be another door that would lead eventually to the bridge, but they would have to go up four levels.

Alternatively, they could ask the TwoJay personal navigation droid for directions to anywhere on the ship. Any droid would present a holodisplay from of the ship readout.

Had they done so, they would see this: (Click the link for a map)

TAG: @Sinrebirth @Jerjerrod-Lennox

****

Entertainment Lounge
Deck 3

Rion Eedic’s blaster finally found one of the blasted black-orb droids and it blew up.- spewing sparks and a minor explosion into the room. However, in the previaling darkness, it seemed a starburst.

He grinned his short snout and ducked down, looking for more targets. Blaster fire continued around the room, guests screamed and tried to get out of the room.

The TwoJays were talking in unison and directly to passenges explaining downed bodies, overturned tables, spilled glasses of wine, and so at length.

The lounge was filled with noise and the acrid smell of blaster fire against flesh.

Another droid exploded on the far side of the room, revealing a duo of R2 units rolling in the entertainment lounge’s open door.

The Black Sun leader made a run for the hall. Perhaps there was time to get to an escape pod, but first, he needed to get something rather important.

Once in the hall, he ran as fast as he could safely, as he heard another orb-shaped droid coming up behind him in the hall. He only hoped he could stay ahead of it long enough.

Meanwhile...

Thaddeus continued to punch away at his com until he finally had accessed a ship’s directory - text only.

A body fell at his feet and he recoiled backwards.

“Oh my god,” he said before he realized it.

And then, in the moment he’d wonder what his junior senatorial partner might think of him here on the floor. Lissa Verlaine was aboard. Had he seen her in the Entertainment Lounge? He couldn’t remember.

He keyed his com to call her.

TAG: @Kurisan



******

Engineering Decks

R2 units burst into action.

Using their in-built fire suppression systems, they set to work trying to restore power and lights to the CR-90 even as outward.

Emergency lights finally kicked on, blinking red in most areas.

Next, they set about repairing the power distribution system to restore some control but were totally locked out of the bridge.

 

Lissa Verlaine



Lissa's aspirations for this trip had started to falter almost twenty minutes after the first jump to hyperspace, when Senator Thaddeus had suddenly made clear her role was to be his personal attendant.

"This will be a great opportunity, you will do so much good work for the Republic!" Uncle Bail had assured her, glowing with pride.

As junior senatorial partner she did not expect to be leading the kind of negotiations upon which Thaddeus would surely embark, but neither did she appreciate the constant calls to fetch his tea, or advice on which shoes to wear. And he can damn well tie his own cravat next time!

She scowled as she downed the glass of Toniray wine on the entertainment deck, plotting how to get moved from her cabin adjacent to his. Luckily, Thaddeus had some other business tonight and had left her alone. Lissa had taken the chance to get into the lounge and see what the kaleidoscope of passengers was like.

And then it all went dark.

Lissa fell from her stool at the bar in the chaos. Droids buzzed, blasters fired. Passengers screamed and stampeded. The stupid twojays kept telling everyone the lights were out.

Lissa remained low and still, and tried to get her eyes used to the low light. She was no soldier, but she was clever enough to know something big was going on, and panic could be a killer.

Her comlink buzzed. Thaddeus. She scowled again and thumbed the reply. "What?" she snapped.

@Kalio_Dynkos