Far away from Det Akari, flying toward a small planetoid with no official designation beyond the serial code RLA-1550, the Ghtroc is full of fuel and full of relief.  The escape from Det Akari was narrow but they managed it - with a number of new acquisitions in the hold and several passengers to boot.

As the starscape rushes by and adrenaline levels settle down to be replaced with bone-jarring weariness, however, there comes the question: now what?

Kyvarr was not one gathered around a viewport or sensor display.  Once the ship had safely escaped, she had collapsed in a corner.  Pain burst over her like a tidal wave, her leg felt like it was being alternately dipped in carbonite and molten lava.  She wan't sure she could even stand up.

She'd been walking on her broken leg for hours.  She'd run on it, even run on it while wearing kilos of heavy armour.  It had been necessary.  Like the professional soldier she was she'd shunted the pain aside, willed herself to go on.  Focused on the mission.  Now the mission was gone and so was the associated focus and adrenaline.  All that was left now was pain, searing intense pain.

Slowly, she pulled herself to her feet and dragged herself to Dohr.

"Could use a little help Doc." she said feebly, then promptly passed out.



OOC: Haven't had a GM ruling but Kyvarr's leg was badly broken in the hotel bombing.  She had a cast put on it when they got to the hospital but Kyvarr's has been walking, running, jumping and wearing heavy armour.  I imagine her leg is an absolute mess.  Hopefully there's some good medical gear (like a bacta tank, full surgical suite and George Clooney) around as Kyvarr is kind of attached to her leg and would hate to lose it!
This message was last edited by the player at 22:57, Thu 17 Apr 2014.

(( Bleh, George Clooney.  Don't get the appeal. ))

Cor's voice comes over the intercom system.  She seems to be assigning tasks today, perhaps to keep everyone's minds off the worst of the day.  Her voice is soothing and calm, the odd lilt to her speech a warm cadence.  While she is clearly not a native Basic speaker her voice is nonetheless pleasant to listen to - even if her habit f not using contractions makes her sound a little... formal.

"Three, Seven, I request the presence of your M4 droids for maintenance and final touches.  Seven, if you could come along as well I would like to talk to you in private.

"Three, please attend to any wounds the team may have; Doc, you are under no orders, of course, but if you could work with Three in that endeavour I would greatly appreciate it.

"Two, please maintain a watch as we progress.  I am sure none of us wants pursuers to surprise us."  Despite this her tone seems to indicate that she doesn't expect they'll be pursued.  What would be the point?  Without much of a pause she continues.

"Ten, please assess all team equipment for damage; if we require more materials for repair then we need to know soon.

"Vyn, if you could assign cabins and make certain everyone has sufficient food and drink while they perform their tasks that would be lovely.

"AE3 and AE5, return to the hold and remain on standby.  CC9, please self-assess and report damage and repair requirements via the normal channels.  PK droids, assist any team members with assigned tasks if and when they request assistance.  R2-A9, please monitor holonet chatter for news on the situation on Det Akari and route it to datapad SS-9A."

There is a pause and then she adds, "Other passengers, please let us know if we can aid you.  Vyn, I am sure, will be delighted to offer you sustenance if you require it.  I suggest you get some rest after the ordeal planetside.  We will have a general meeting, located in the common area, in three hours to discuss our... mutual situation."

She hasn't assigned any tasks that should take even close to three hours so it looks like everyone will get a chance for some recuperation time before then.

Flash clicked the comm on from the pilot seat where he was still sitting.

"Actually Sola, can you keep the B1's active and on patrol?  By my directive, none of our passengers may access any section of the ship other than the recreational areas and cargo bays.  The cockpit, engineering and all other key systems are off-limits.  Vyn, please ensure our guests know their limitations."

"Yes, of course," Cor replies easily.  "AE3 and AE5, follow Two's orders with Beta-6 priority."

Devon groaned and heaved himself out of the co-pilots seat.
"No rest for the amazingly talented and devastatingly handsome, I guess." he muttered to Flash and Sheila to as he slouched towards the door.
"Good call on the passengers , by the way - I shoulda thought of that.  Oh, and lets make sure we got all the Talon commlinks back in our hands."

Giving R2-A9 a friendly rap on the dome on his way past, Devon exited the cockpit and dived immediately into the nearest refresher station to wash away some of the grime and blood that he'd picked up during the day.

By the time he arrived at Cors cabin, Devon looked somewhat cleaner, although even a casual examination would still reveal signs of ground in dirt and filth.  He'd also managed to snag a bottle of beer from somewhere which he twisted the lid off as he eyed the M4 droids hovering in the corridor.

Swigging from the bottle, Devon knocked and then slipped inside when the door opened, closing it behind him.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:31, Fri 18 Apr 2014.

Idaya had parked herself in the galley and begun servicing her equipment as thoroughly as her limited tools allowed. The black orb-shaped reconnaissance droid hovered about, orbitting around her every now and then, chirping merrily in binary. She didn't exactly looklike she'd be pushing people away, should they wish to talk to her, but she was not going around the ship, looking for a discussion either, especially as she did not wish to seem like she was snooping around.

Sheila went over to Kvarr to help dohr veen assist her to the med bay.   Then she looked around at those remaining.  "Is anyone else hurt? The sick bay is this way."

Ooc, I am assuming the dohr is responding to Kvarr .

She will lead any and all comers to the sick bay, such as it is.

Mika responds to Cor's request.  "Sorry, I'll have to check on the gear later, first priority for me is the engines."  Mika heads down to the engine bay to make sure that everything's okay with the ships engines and other systems.

A Ghtroc 720. Not the fastest ship around, but a solid and worth the credits. There was no time to have a closer look at the freighter before they took of, but Dohr was fairly sure the mercenaries had done some modifications to it. The model was known as a reliable tranport, but not the most effective one in combat. The group didn't like seem like people who would take on the risks of the Outer Rims in a basically defenseless ship.

There was no time to have a chat about it with Rian or anyone else when they were well out of Det Akari's atmosphere either. Kyvarr brought the state of her leg into Dohr's attention and it was a good thing too as he had all but forgotten about it in all the hustle. The Cathar still didn't cry out even though the pain must have been agonizing. The Doc was sure no one else (well other than a Wookiee perhaps) could have withstood the torment for so long and it was a miracle she was still standing.

As if to emphasize the seriousness of her condition the woman collapsed at his feet, unconscious. Dohr knew the right technique used to lift heavier and bigger people, but Kyvarr was just to heavy for his weak muscles to carry. The Kel Dor knelt beside the warrior and was about to call for help when Janine Carstairs appeared from somewhere. "No. I do not think anyone else is injured, but she definitely does not look good."

Together the Talon medic and Dohr managed to carry and drag Kyvarr to the sick bay. With a quick look around Dohr could see it was well equipped for handling combat injuries, if not a full surgery. He was relieved to finally have proper equipment and pharmaceuticals to take care of the Cathar's leg. With Ms. Carstair's assistance he would have no trouble operating on the limb, but he still hoped all the running around had not caused more damage to the fracture.

The doctor wasted no time cutting open Kyvarr's trouser leg and scanned the injury with he onboard medisensor. After a proper surgical hand scrub he set to work.

---

OOC: Could've rolled better..
22:33, Today: Dohr Veen rolled 23 using 1d20+14. Treat Injury roll
22:33, Today: Dohr Veen rolled 15 using 1d20+10. Knowledge: Medicine
This message was last edited by the player at 19:50, Fri 18 Apr 2014.

Since a stock model Ghtroc 720 did not boast something as elaborate as a medbay or even a biobed, Dohr and Sheila moved Kyvarr into one of the premium cabins.  Fortunately, for all her ferocity, the Cathar was barely five foot tall.  Supplies were slightly better as the Ghtroc carried an assortment of medpacs and medkits.  There was even Cor's 2-1B medical droid which was probably in Cor's room.

Dohr was quite worried as he examined Kyvarr's leg.  It was worse then she'd let on.  As soon as he removed the pant's leg he could see the extensive swelling and deformity.  The bone, which had been a clean break, now felt like it have splintered in several points, probably damaging underlying muscles and nerves.

Furthermore she was showing signs of mild to moderate hypovoleamic shock.  The more he assessed, the more he wondered how the Cathar had kept going.

Working quickly and confidently, Dohr and Sheila managed to stabilise Kyvarr's condition but they couldn't do a lot for her leg bar immobilise it and pump her full of painkillers and antibiotics.  Dohr needed a surgical facility to save the leg, even then he wasn't sure he could.


OOC:  As per the schematics, there is no medbay on this ship.

Heigren had quickly gone to work as host, even before Cor asked him to do.  He'd arranged for a droid to prepare the two 'economy bunk' rooms should any of the guests wanted to rest and then ensured the kitchen had caf on the pot and plenty of food available for anyone who was hungry.  He had no doubt various Talons would be hungry too.  When he'd come across Kyvarr, he'd quickly helped Dohr and Sheila move her to one of the premium rooms.  Then he was promptly pushed out the door by the medics so he'd returned to the kitchen after informing the Bothan of Kyvarr's injuries and location.

He'd been preparing some snacks in the galley when Idaya had walked in.  Heigren had been tempted to leave.  The Chiss had been exceptionally rude to him everytime he'd tried to talk to her before.  Still, that had been a bad situation.  They were safe now, the Talons had kept their word to get her offworld.  Maybe now she'd be friendlier.

He called over, "Hello Idaya.  Could I interest you in a snack?  Braised nerf strips perhaps or some Jumja chips?  It's not gourmet but it's filling.  You need some caf?  The regulars tend to set it so strong that it can melt durasteel but I can turn it down if you prefer."

Mika checks the engines.  They're fine.  It seems R2-A9 has been maintaining them, probably out of boredom, the entire time the Talons have been away.

OOC: All kinds of wrong guesses in my previous post. :D Though the part of Dohr not being strong enough to carry Kyvarr should be right as his STR is only 8.

---

Dohr had assumed the mercs had turned one of the cabins into a medbay, but perhaps they hadn't had the time or the resources or the knowledge to do it yet. Or perhaps the Ghtroc was not normally used to carry them into and out of combat. The room Janine led them into would just have to do.  After another look around, Dohr understood that the equipment was not good enough to do much else than stabilize the leg again and numb the pain as well as possible.

The doctor didn't need the scan results to tell Kyvarr's leg was in a really bad shape and she wasn't doing too well on the whole either. She had lost a lot of blood and there was no synthetic substitute available. Shaking his head, Dohr cleaned the wounds, applied anesthetics and antibiotics, wrapped the leg with fresh bandages and put a new splint in place. He nodded his thanks to Janine and sighed.

"There is really nothing else we can do right now. She needs surgery badly. So unless we get her to an operation withing two days, she will lose the leg. If that is not possible, then we need to find a bacta healing station or a bacta tank. She will also need to stay in bed until we can offer her proper treatment, but I fear getting her to accept that might prove to be very difficult for me or you."
Feeling very exhausted all of a sudden, Dohr sat down on one of the chairs and looked at Sheila.

"Janine, would you be kind enough to ask Fiarr to come in here as soon as possible, please. I think she has the best chance of convincing her friend to stay lying down. I will wait here and give her the bad news when she comes to."

"Oh and if you could also let Rian know about the hurry we are in. Thanks."

Heigren's guess aboutIdaya seemed right. She gave him a bit of a smile. "I suppose, I could use something to eat, Mr. Teckla. It has been quite a while since I last ate anything more than emergency ration bars." It was a different type of a response for a different kind of a situation. Through the accented basic, her words showed a quite different person than before - a highly educated and well-raised individual, who clearly was not only a pretty face, but of reasonably good social skills. "I am sorry, if I seemed rude down on the planet. It was a wholly different situation there."

The chirping little droid seemed to follow the conversation and whistle in comments until Idaya said something to it in an alien langueage, after which it hovered down next to her and seemed to go in to hibernation.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:16, Sat 19 Apr 2014.

"Coming right up."

It only took a few minutes and Heigren came out with a plate stacked with enough food for four.  He placed it in front of Idaya then returned for two cups of caf.  He handed it over with a smile so devastating it could reduce a rancor to an obedient puppy.  It was clear Heigren was drop-dead gorgeous and had an extremely charming personality.

"So tell me something of yourself.  I've never seen your race before, but that's not saying much.  As of a week ago I'd never been off my home planet."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:22, Sat 19 Apr 2014.

Sheila nodded.  "I'll be back."  She steps out of the room and goes looking for Fiarr.

After take-off and making it safely offworld, Fiarr did what any self-respecting girl would do. . .went for a very long, very hot shower.  It was the first chance she'd had in weeks to have a proper soak.

By the time Sheila found her she'd had a long hot soak and was now working to dry and brush her fur using a hair-dryer and brush.

Idaya smiled. "I am a Chiss. You have most likely not encountered my kin any more than I have encountered your kind. The Chiss Ascendancy is in, what I believe you call The Unknown Territories or something similar. We are honourable people and to us, attacking someone first is a taboo, though we do defend ourselves when needed and those foolish enough to attack us have found themselves biting more they can devour."

Tasting the food between phrases, she continued. "I am a former naval officer of the Chiss Expansionary Defense Force fleet arm. My last posting was as the commanding officer of a corvette during the most recent pirate trouble at our borders." But despite her telling Heigren this, Idaya was clearly looking for reciprocity. "How about you, Mr. Teckla?" Of course she had no idea about Heigren's true identity.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:10, Sat 19 Apr 2014.

In reply to Sheila Masters (msg # 17):

Sheila found fiarr in the room vyn had put her in.  She knocked (or the sw equivalent).   "Fiarr?"

Heigren ignored the hook.  Clearly flogging a dead Equine was a local pastime for the Chiss.  Instead he answered her question.

"Not much to say.  Born on an Imperial World.  Father was murdered when I was a kid, mother was sold in to slavery.  Spend most of my life on the streets where being different was a death sentence.  Survived twenty years there, built a small, peaceful, community of fellow outcasts, directly under the boot of a mighty war machine that claimed to be 'honourable'.  Until the day the Imperials sent a team to wipe us out.  Only half of us escaped.  My only regret was not getting to kill the man who led that raid myself."

He took a swallow of caf them smiled again.  "So, is it back to the Chiss Ascendancy for you?"

While Heigren might have perceived it flogging a dead horse, it had never been meant as such. Idaya had simply been describing her people.

As for the question, Idaya shrugged, taking a sip from her cup. "Probably not yet", she said. "But the question is, killing the man who led the people who killed your friends, would it have brought them bad or changed anything except yourself? I might not agree with your people shooting at me, but dwelling on it will not take me anywhere and thus, is a waste of time."

"You're comparing Juju berries with Kavasa Fruit my dear.  I have been shot, stabbed, burned, starved and had various other depredations heaped on me by the Empire over two decades.  I was never offered quarter, they did it for fun.  Yet I never sought revenge.  If your mother is ever sold into sex slavery, your father murdered before your eyes for a perceived slight then everyone you love persecuted, starved and finally exterminated because they are 'different' then we can compare thoughts on revenge."

There was no anger in Heigren's tone, just a firm resolution.  "But you didn't answer my question.  You're free now, we'll keep our word and drop you somewhere safe where you can catch a shuttle wherever you wish to go. Any idea where that will be?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:16, Sat 19 Apr 2014.

Fiarr was still in the bathroom brushing her fur when Sheila found her.

"Yes Janine.  Did you want the shower?  I'm almost done."

"No.  I was looking for you.  Dohr Veen thinks you have the best chance of keeping your friend Kvarr in bed long enough for her leg to heal."  She paused.  "She's rather stubborn, but this is a preventative measure."

Fiarr laughed. Stubborn she is. But you don't need me. Just have the Doc order her to stay in bed as Chief Medical Officer.  Otherwise have Seven make it an order.  Kyvarr is a good little soldier, she'll obey her orders.

"I have no idea on where to go. I have never been outside the Ascendancy territory and have nothing but my equipment. I doubt, it will fetch much out there, so I would be looking for employment. But judging what you have to say about the Empire, I suspect, I would not find nor want to find employment there", Idaya said. "And I fear, there is not too many people, who would have use for a naval officer as such."

Another bite and she continued. "And what you described there sounds like the politics on Csilla. I would rather face a full battalion of Vagaari shock troops than get mixed in to them."

"I'm afraid I only rode in a starship for the first time a week ago.  I know nothing of formal navies other than the Imperial Navy is big!  I recall the commander saying something about his home planet Chandrila having a space force.  I'm sure there are plenty of planets with navies you can enlist with.  Maybe Kyvarr or Dohr know more, they're both soldiers aren't they?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:04, Sun 20 Apr 2014.

Having confirmed that the engines are in good shape, Mika goes to start inspecting the gear.  Swoops and vehicles would come first, then the weapons....  "Hey 11, need any help with the 'droids?".

In one of the premium cabins, Dohr hears a groan behind him.  Kyvarr is slowly regaining consciousness.

There is a pause before Cor answers, probably busy with Devon, but when she does her voice is as composed as ever.  "I do not particularly need help, Ten, no, though you may certainly assist if you wish.  In fact there are a couple of questions I would like to ask you on the matter so perhaps we should discuss it after Devon and I are done?  Unless you would prefer to get some rest.  It has been a trying day."

Mika shrugs.  "Call me when you're ready."

She decides to continue on towards the hanger with the vehicles.  She'd see how well they had fared, then look at the equipment.  She'd left her blaster and stun baton behind, she'd have to find suitable replacements.

Another brief pause before Cor answers.  "Very well."

To fiarr

"Then there shouldn't be a  problem, but I'm sure she'd like to see you when you are done and she wakes up.  Is there anything you need? I can point you to the galley."

Fiarr finsihed brushing her fur and pulled on her jumpsuit.  She really wished she had a change of clothes but she'd left everything behind on Det Akari.  She'd have to start anew, still that was never a problem for her.  Her immediate concern wasn't herself, it was her Cathar friend.  If she needed ongoing medical attention, it was unlikely this group would accommodate that, it was less likely they'd pay for it.

Her mind began flicking through possibilities for acquiring credits quickly.  It would depend on where she ended up.

"I'm sure I can find all that.  I can smell the braised nerf from here.  What I'd like to know is how is Kyvarr's leg and are we heading somewhere with an equipped medical facility?  I doubt you have bacta tank hidden on this ship."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:54, Mon 21 Apr 2014.

Kyvarr growled.  It was more an instinctual noise than a response to any painful stimulus.  She didn't feel any pain, hell she didn't feel much of anything.  She could tell she'd been pumped up with heavy pain killers, wasn't the first time and she knew the effects.

Fighting the mental cobwebs, she slowly shook herself awake and managed to open her eyes and look around.  She was in an unfamiliar room, probably a starship bunk given the tight quarters.  But she relaxes as she saw the familiar face in the corner.

"Hey Doc, what's up.  Man I feel like a building fell on top of me! Oh wait, a building did fall on me!"  It was a feeble joke, but it was her mechanism for saying thanks.

"I suppose, I might, but that would require you dropping me off somewhere, they have a station at", Idaya said, sounding very much unbelieving, that would be the case. "Besides, I am not sure, they would just hire someone who is not a citizen to the planet in question." Truthfully speaking, finding employment other than with the Talons or a group similar to them, Idaya most likely had little chances of finding work she would be willing to do.

"Not really.  It would involve you catching a transport from wherever we drop you off to somewhere they have a station at.  We wont just dump you on a rock, we made a deal.

As for navies not wanting you, I guess you haven't been around this area of space too long.  When you're fighting the Empire, smaller military forces value skill over species.  I'm sure if you're as good as you say you are, there are numerous planetary military forces that would give you a naval command in a heartbeat.  You could probably even talk them into paying you mercenary rates rather then standard military pay."

"I have nothing that goes for money around these parts, so unless I want to sell my gear, I will be stranded. But I suppose that is my concern, after all." Idaya sensed, she was not exactly wanted around, so maybe there was no point in trying.

Mika selfishly looks to her own swoop first.  It had been bumped around quite a bit, first in the tight quarters below the city in their search for Sheila and CC9, then getting shot at by the blue woman, not to mention the initial shake up from the race.  That seemed like an awful long time ago, to have been what, a day?  Maybe two?  She shakes her head and finds it only slightly uncomfortable.  All in all, she'd managed to survive shore leave.

On the data pad, she makes some notes on what she might do with the swoop.  The patch job was holding, but didn't look at all professional to her overly critical eye.  Opening up the cargo compartment, she takes stock of what she was able to pick up from the pit, hoping there's a good blaster in the mix that she could use to replace her own.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:54, Mon 21 Apr 2014.

"Nope, no bacta.  I wish."  She sighed "that's my next thing to do, to talk to seven about the situation.  Her leg's not good, but she's alive. Go see her, tell her the chief medical officer tells her to obey dr veen's every command."  Sheila gave fiarr a smile, directions to the makeshift sickbay, and headed out, fingering her com.

Ooc. I figure there's been a decent bit of time, so hopefully cord done with Devon.

"Seven? Three, I need to give report on Kvarr."

After a moment, Devon responds via commlink:
"Seven here - whats up?"

"Ah. Kyvarr. Good to see you awake again." Dohr smiled behind his mask again. He really did like the Cathar. "I have done everything possible on board this freighter to ease your condition, but unfortunately that is not much. As you no doubt are aware, I have given you a heavy dosage of anesthetics and antibiotics to dull the pain and to slow down the infection. But that is all I can do for now. And that is the good news."

Dohr kept a pause to consider his words, but he had a feeling the warrior would want him to tell things straight out. "I am glad you are already lying down. For the fact is that we need to get you into a theater as soon as possible or you will lose that leg. And I am afraid we only have 48 hours or so to get there… And I really want you you to understand this. Those 48 hours are what you have if you stay in that bunk. Any stress you put yourself through will cut down the time considerably. You need to avoid exertion at all cost. So I am asking you…"

The Kel Dorian shook his head and his soft voice became harder and colder. "No. I am ordering you to stay where you are." Then Dohr did something he almost never did. He grinned. Of course the breathing apparatus hid most of it, but the rest of his face and body probably revealed it to Kyvarr. All of a sudden his voice had a mischievous ring to it. "You see, I am fairly sure I outrank you… at least technically. I am a Major of the Dorinian Armed Forces and I believe the most highly trained medic on board… You have your orders, soldier. Follow them."

"I will get you something to drink and nibble at. I will ask Fiarr or Ms. Carstairs to help you visit the refresher. And no. I do not want any complaints. You will not try to get there on your own. Now unless you have something to ask me, I will try to find whomever is in charge of this boat."

In reply to Devon Kismet (msg # 42):

"Kvarr is as repaired as we can get her, but she's going to lose the leg unless we either get her to an operating theatre or a bacta tank in the next 48 hours, assuming me and the doc can keep her in bed.  I'm heading back there now, he throughout fiarr would be useful in making sure she cooperated.  Can we get her there."

Idaya's last comment caused Heigren to have an epiphany.  He'd been a fool.  He'd let the Chiss's cool confident exterior fool him.  Underneath all that military facade, was a woman, far away from home, lost, with no money and scared of the big universe.  She was no different to the hundreds of refugees he'd helped through the years who were escaping the Imperial regime on Phindar Prime.  He'd be the same if he was in her shoes, hell, he'd been in her shoes for half his life!

'She's alone. . .and scared.'  he thought to himself as he hunted in his pockets, finally pulling out a chip and placing it in Idaya's hand.

"Take this.  It has five thousand credits on it.  That will be more than enough to book passage to any star system that has work.  Will even leave you enough for a week or two of accommodation when you arrive if you're careful.  I'll speak to everyone on the ship for you and find out who has naval contacts or backgrounds in the military.  I can also have one of our more computer savvy people search the Net for anyone recruiting."

The Zeltron sat back and sipped his caf.  It felt good to be helping people again.  He made a mental note to comm Raana and find out how the rest of the refugees were going in their new home.  It had only been a week or two since the Talons had smuggled them offworld to their new home but he bet they were doing well.  He doubted he'd join them for more than just brief visits, an agricultural world, largetly devoid of other people was not his idea of fun.  He was no farmer.





OOC:  Servious/Raiwaw, I'm right in assuming 5000 credits would be enough for ship passage and some hotel accommodation?

Kyvarr nodded in appreciation at Dohr.  She liked someone who was a straight talker.  People who danced around the issue annoyed her.  If she was going to die, say you're going to die.  Dohr had clearly stated she need surgery to save her leg.  She knew where she stood.  She winced at her own implied pun.

"Understood Doc.  But it's gonna cost you.  Have someone send me FOOD, not nibbles.  I'm not a rabbit.  Get me a heaped plate of whatever I can smell cooking.  Plus something to wash it down with."  She held up her hands before the Kel Dor could speak.  "I know, I know, no caffeine or alcohol, I've heard the drill before.  Water is fine.  I'd love some nerf milk but I doubt there's any on board."

She looked around, surprised the Bothan wasn't already in the room.  Probably skulking around decks somewhere.  Hopefully she wasn't causing too much trouble.

Cor's voice comes over the system.

"I am afraid I still have Seven captive, Three, working out some of the harder matters.  We will have a meeting in two hours, just before the general meeting, so the team can go over some things in private; perhaps your report can wait until then, so we can all hear it at once?"

In reply to Cor Lambar (msg # 47):

"Okayyy.  I just gave it to him.  Only thing I need to know ASAP is if we can get anywhere appropriate within the time limit, the sooner the better."

Shelia hummed to herself as she walked back to the sickbay..

"I will make sure it is done," Cor promises.

Fiarr moved into the kitchen and waved to Heigren and Idaya.

"Hi there guys?  What passes for caf around here?  Figured I'd better grab a cup and then load the biggest plate of food I can.  Janine just asked me to play nursemaid to Kyvarr and the only thing worse then a bed-bound Cathar is a HUNGRY bed-bound Cathar."

As she piled a mix of whatever food was available into various plates and bowls and loading them on a tray, she spoke to the pair at the table.

"So any idea on where we're going?  We were so eager to get off-world we really didn't stop to talk about our destination."

The first thing that spawned in to Idaya's mind, when Heigren offered him money was, there was something the Zeltron wanted in return. "Why are you doing this", she asked, knowing it was a question that could be well or not-so-well received. But nevertheless, it was a question she had to ask. "Not that I would be ungrateful."

But before Heigren could answer, Fiarr busted in. "I have not the faintest idea. Mr. Teckla might know better, though", she said. "He told me, he'd try to find me work - I know very little of this region."

Up in the cockpit, R2-A9 suddenly spins his dome around, staring at Flash and letting out a staccato pattern of beeps and whistles.  A display in front of the pilot lights up with a new course, one that will take the Ghtroc to a small space station in a neighbouring solar system, still deep in neutral space.

At Idaya's question Heigren shrugged.  "Because you need it more then I do.  Because I promised you we'd get you somewhere safe."

When asked about their destination he shrugged.  "I know as little as you do.  I'd assume we're heading to a safe port somewhere.  Space station or backwater world.  Somewhere no questions are asked."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:44, Wed 23 Apr 2014.

Flash voice came over the ship's comms and was audible in all areas of the ship.

"Attention everyone, this is your captain speaking.  You'll be please to know we've plotted course for Space Station 1174-Alpha, an uninspiring name for a little known unaligned station on the borders of Hutt space.  Our records show it has up to date medical facilities and regular transport to locations within the Core and Rim worlds.  Best of all, no questions asked."

"So sit back and relax everyone, we'll be there in around six hours.  Until then passengers are reminded they are limited to the port cargo bay, aft berths and recreation facilities.  All other areas are strictly off-limits.

Crew be advised there will be a staff-only meeting in two hours in the starboard cargo bay."
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:20, Wed 23 Apr 2014.

After checking her own swoop, and having confirmed that it hasn't suffered much additional damage to what she patched up after the race, she moves on to the equipment she'd gotten from the pit outside the space port.

OOC:  Can I get an inventory of what she managed to scavenge?

Fiarr listens to the communication from Flash then smiles at Idaya and Heigren.

"Well I guessed he just answered our question didn't he?  I'd better get this food to Kyvarr."

She waves and balancing the overstuffed tray, makes her way to wherever Janine told her Kyvarr was resting.

Flash settled back into the pilot's chair and stared out the viewport for a few moments.  Now that all the action had ceased and they were safe he was beginning to feel restless.  He stood.

"A9, I'm going for a cup of caf.  Comm me if there are any problems."

He stood and walked over to the entry ramp, leading into the main corrdior.  Standing in the passageway he nodded to Sheila as she walked past and entered the port premium cabin.  Within he could see Kyvarr stretched out on a bunk bed and Dohr standing near her.  Before the door could close, Fiarr came down the hallway, carrying a large tray of dishes and cups and entered the room too.  The door closed.

Flash stared for a moment, then turned his mind to the pilot's cabin which he knew Cor had taken for herself this trip.  Part of him found this a little presumptuous, then he shrugged.  Mark hadn't made an issue of it and in fairness he'd been in a five star hotel the last few days, only fair Cor got the best room.

He considered knocking on the door as he knew Devon was with Cor then changed his mind.  The urge for caf was greater then the need to talk.  Besides, better to wait until their meeting.

He moved to the starboard cargo bay.  He took a quick look at the Talon's gear stowed and noted B1-AE5 dutifully keeping guard.  AE3 was watching engineering he knew.  He didn't think their four passengers would cause trouble, but it was better to be cautious.  He also noticed Cor had set up a makeshift droid charging and repair station in here.  He quickly checked his bike was still securely locked down, instructed a PK droid to set up some chairs for the meeting in two hours, then moved on.

Flash only stayed in the galley long enough to grab a cup of caf.  Heigren and Idaya were busy talking about a credit chip in Idaya's hands.  'Was the Zeltron trying to hire her 'services'? he wondered.  Normally Heigren didn't have to pay for a woman's attentions.

He continued on to the port cargo bay which contained the bike belonging to Idaya, all the passenger's gear as well as the gear collected from the fight.  Mika sat at a small bench at the side of the bay, examining weapons from the haul.  The Duros wandered over still drinking his caf.  He looked over one of the two rockets launchers and shrugged.  It was fairly primitive.  Just a single-shot unguided rocket launcher, nowhere near as high-tech as the MiniMag PTL's they'd found in that Imperial convoy one time.  Still they'd make a decent sized hole in a vehicle, possibly even a tank 'if' you could hit it!

He looked at Mika.  "Not much of a haul.  Some of this gear looks old by Clone War standards. he muttered between sips of his caf.



OOC:  I took Flash on a tour to help bring everyone up to speed on where they are (at least where I think they are!).  To clarify:

Kyvarr, Dohr, Sheila and Fiarr are in the port premium cabin
Cor and Devon are in the pilot's (port crew) cabin
Idaya and Heigren are in the galley
Mika and Flash are in the port cargo bay

Mika, you have 2 rocket launchers with 6 unguided rockets total.  The rest of the booty includes 4 serviceable blaster pistols and two blaster rifles.  The rest was little better then scrap.

Dohr, wasn't sure if you still planned to look for Devon given Flash's announcement so I've left you in the 'sickbay' cabin with Fiarr, Kyvarr, Sheila and enough food to feed you all for a day!
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:25, Wed 23 Apr 2014.

"About damn time you showed up."  Kyvarr growled at Fiarr.  "Good thing you brought food or I might have to have sampled Raw Bothan Meat."

While the tone was menacing, both Kyvarr and Fiarr knew there was no sting in it.  The pair had become close friends very quickly when they'd first met at the shelter.  It had become a bit of a running joke about the 'scalpel and the hammer'.  It was truly a case of opposites attract.  Kyvarr lived up to her 'Hammer' callsign.  She was tough, direct and solved problems by smashing her way through.

Her Bothan friend was completely different.  She kept to the shadows, dealing with things quietly.  She'd slip in and out of a room before you knew she was there.  While Kyvarr would kill an enemy general by driving a tank through his compound or flattening a square mile with an orbital strike.  Fiarr in contrast would sneak in and slip a little something in his nightcap or perhaps a blade between his shoulder blades.  Or with a silenced rifle from a kilometre away.  The pair were so different, yet strangely they got on.

She looked to the other two in the room.  The woman Sheila she couldn't figure out yet.  She'd kept to herself and seemed distracted.  Probably by the loss of their teammate in that ambush.  Kyvarr figured she'd get over it.  Whatever this team she belonged to did, she imagined lots of people died.  Maybe this dead team mate had been her mate.

Dohr was easier to fathom.  The Kel Dor screamed officer at him.  His bearing, his confidence, his expectation that people follow his lead.  The man was a soldier, right down to the swagger stick.  She didn't know if he was a good soldier yet, there battles had been so brief and Dohr had not been given a command role.  She thought he probably was.  She liked his 'get to the point' way of doing things.  She thought he'd probably be the kind of officer she'd have liked leading her tank platoon.  He was certainly a good doctor.  Her leg already felt better.

Fiarr laughed, then with a lightning-fast move, snatched a bowl of Jumpa chips Kyvarr was reaching for then lightly vaulted onto the top bunk and munched loudly.

"Manners Kyvarr, manners.  Threats of bodily harm could result in Nijel having an intimate encounter with an airlock.  Wouldn't want that now would we?"

She looked over at Dohr and Sheila.  "Surely between the two of you, you can manage some sort of personality transplant?  Can't we have a nice kitty that curls up on your leg and plays with string?  This cranky old alley cat is no fun at all."

She munches loudly on the chips.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 01:14, Thu 24 Apr 2014.

"Yeah.  These blisters are probably okay, but the rocket launchers are not worth much.  The rest is worth even less."

Mika takes a bit of time sampling each of the blisters, trying them out in her empty holster, doing what she could to make sure they were serviceable and picking the one that seems the best to replace the one she left behind.  "If we get enough time, I think I can modify this to be worth hauling around."

She takes a deep breath.  "So much for shore leave.  Maybe the boss'll give us a nice little combat mission soon, give us a chance to rest and recover, you think?"

"Not for a few weeks.  Don't forget the commander and XO didn't expect to be back from wherever they were going until after we came back from Det Akari.  We were supposed to be there two weeks!"

"We're going to have to make our own fun for a while.  Any ideas?"

As he waited, he eyed the blaster Mika was looking at keeping.  "We have plenty of blasters in the armoury that are better then that one.  Why not take one of those?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:25, Thu 24 Apr 2014.

In reply to Fiarr Melan'nel (msg # 59):

Sheila smiled in response to fiarr'a request.  "I can't do those.  Besides,".  She counted off on her fingers.  "Fiarr, idaya, Kvarr, dohr veen, who is Nigel?  What would we so with a nice kitty that just played with string?"   She recognized, even if she barely knew them that these two were familiar with each other.

She rubbed her forehead and pulled the bottle of pain meds out of her pocket, read the instructions and replaced them.  No more pills for another 4 hours.  And she had a couple other things on her mind as well.

These people had to be the most diverse he'd ever worked with and that was a lot said. During the last decade or more, Dohr Veen's travels had taken him here and there and back again and he'd met representatives of numerous different species. But usually the underground movements or rebellious elements that had employed him (having paid him or not) had consisted of members of a single species, human, Twi'lek, Sullustan… Of course that hadn't always been the case, but in this group or the ones he'd met so far, there were humans, a Duros, a Cathar, a Bothan, a Chiss and a Zeltron. And the mercenaries even had a battledroid as a part of their team. And that was only the physical side. The personalities and characteristics varied a lot as well. But that was in his mind there was wealth in variety...

Thinking about the diversity of the people on board the freighter turned the Kel Dor's thoughts to Jitt'quin Shak and Dorank. The Twi'lek fixer had not been someone who the doctor would have called a friend, but he'd grown to like Jit nevertheless and now worried about the man's future. But deep inside Dohr knew the shameless Twi'lek would be fine. He'd survived worse. Dorank, his former Zabrak assistant, was another matter. Whatever or whomever had been behind the barbarous murder of Majara, could be targeting Dorank as well. But somehow Dohr was fairly sure that was not the case. The Zabrak was a very skilled nurse just like the human female had been. He would have no trouble getting employed. But the events Dohr and the colorful group had escaped might be life threatening for Dorank as well. For unlike the doctor, his assistant had had no military training whatsoever.

The joking between Fiarr and Kyvarr brought Dohr out of his contemplation. The two women seemed like a couple who'd been happily married for decades. Such teasing wasn't natural to the Kel Dorian, but he'd come to understand the kind of behavior during his years off Dorin. Dohr had learned to appreciate people who were able to joke to lift spirits in deadly serious situations and he'd even learned to lighten up a little himself too. He had no idea what the leader or leaders of the mercs were planning and whether they all would be accepted into the group. But if for some strange reason the he would be the only one of the trio to get invited, Dohr would have difficulties deciding whether to join or not. He'd grown to like and appreciate the Cathar and her Bothan friend so much that he might consider going with them instead.

But now there were more important things at hand. Kyvarr's injury needed proper treatment and the mercenary group were doing all they could do help her get healed. It spoke on their behalf. The group (Dohr realized he still didn't know what it or its members should be commonly called) was benevolent and honorable to go through such trouble on behalf of someone who was not part of their organization yet. Judging from Forim's call, Janine had informed at least him, but probably also Rian and… Eleven. Dohr had never heard of Space Station 1174-Alpha before, yet the up-to-date medical facilities sounded really good.

"Personality transplant? Now that you mention it, I have heard of a pioneering experiment concerning such. The results have not been very encouraging, but I am sure Janine and I can come up with some kind of a change in her personality…" Dohr wasn't very skilled in joking, but it was the best he was able to come up with. Then again at least he had no trouble keeping a straight face behind his mask.

"Thank you for the food and beverages, Fiarr. However if you do not mind, I will go and have a shower first. I probably smell so bad you will all lose your appetite, if I do not."

Dohr noticed Sheila taking painkillers and the smile behind his mask froze. "I am sorry, Janine. I had completely forgotten about your accident. How are you doing? Would you like me to have a look at you?"

Mika shrugs and considers the blaster, "Yeah, you're right, I'll have to browse a bit." but the blaster does end up back in her holster.  She could get a replacement, but with all the non-Talon's on board, she feels better with a bit of weight at the hip.

"I don't know about our own fun, I guess figure out what we're doing with the visitors.  We were supposed to interview some of 'em for a job, once they get a chance to recover, maybe we should do that."

Idaya gave Fiarr a slight nod of acknowledgement as the Bothan left, turning back to Heigren. "You are a strange man, Mr. Teckla", she said. "And in a good way. I must say, your chivalrous offer has taken me by surprise, albeit a very pleasant one. You show compassion to a complete stranger and that is far more honourable than I would have expected."

She took a sip from her glass, took a deep breath and then continued. "What I am about to tell to you is for your ears only, at least for now. The reason I am here is, I was convicted for crimes I did not commit, because it was politically convenient. I was a decorated naval officer, destined for glory, and several political entities within the Ascendancy made me offers, I refused. As a military officer, I considered myself challengable concerning politics - in my view the politicians make decissions, the military enforces.

With the offers refused, I became a liability and others, not bound by the same morals as I was, were driven to bring me down. Not only was I convicted, but the shuttle that was taking me to a penal colony was attacked by a pair of fighters along the route. I found myself in a shuttle that was flying without a crew and managed to unlock the controls, engaging the hyperdrive just before the shuttle was destroyed. I managed to limp to Det Akari with the mortally wounded shuttle, and crash it without causing more than minor property damage. I was detained by the local authorities for a moment, but they let me go and I joined them when the gangs begun the revolt. That is, where you found me eventually. When the fighting started, there were twenty officers with me. The last one, beside me, you most likely found inside. I hope, this clarifies, why I was so reserved and cautious about you."

23:12, Thu 24 Apr 2014: Idaya rolled 25. Diplomacy: Sincerity.

Heigren nodded.  "You were stuck in a warzone under constant attack.  That's enough to make anyone paranoid.  I hope you've also come to appreciate why my team was so overly cautious with you.  They'd been attacked several times and watched one of their own die."

"I got a feeling that's what the staff meeting is for in a couple of hours.  We have to figure out what to do with our guests and where to go from there.  We are NOT taking them back to the Nest.  Not until the Commander or XO has approved the three of 'em for entry into our team."

Sheila looked at the three guests, them nodded.  "I have something I need to do.  I'll be back in a few minutes, but comm me if you need me."

Sheila went out in search of heigren, checking the common areas first.  She will eventually are it to the galley,

Heigren, say so if you are not still in the galley.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:48, Fri 25 Apr 2014.

Heigren looked up as Sheila walked in.  "Janine, welcome.  Come join us.  Can I get you some caf?  Something to eat perhaps?  Fiarr stole a lot of the food but I can always make more."

He looked to the Chiss and gave her a wink to signify their conversation would be kept quiet.  "What about you Idaya, another cup?"

The Zeltron rushed to make himself busy in the kitchen.


OOC:  I am most certainly still in the galley as is Idaya.

In reply to Heigren (msg # 69):

Well, she was hungry, make that ravenous to go with her headache, but first things first.   "That's ok.  I'm not, well, yes I am, but later." She crossed her arms, looking uncomfortable.  "May I speak with you alone for a couple minutes."

Heigren nodded.  "No problem at all."

He placed more food in the oven, put caf on the boil and then led Sheila out of the galley, down the corridor and into one of the empty cabins.

"What's the problem?"

"I do not see, why not", Idaya replied and as Heigren and Sheila made their exits, she turned back in to servicing her gear.

In reply to Heigren (msg # 71):

Sheila followed heigren into the room and fidgeted as the door shut.  Finally she said, I need to apologize to you for my behavior at the party, as well as pretty much everything I said to you."  She pulled the credit chip out, with the $2000 credits on it and handed it to him.  "I'm paying you back for what you spent on me, I'm guessing at the amount, because you were wrong, but because I was not worthy of the gift.  I can't pay you back the time you spent on me.  Use it on someone more deserving.  I will understand if you have difficulty working with me and I will do my best to not cause any fuss with you."

There, she'd said it.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:14, Fri 25 Apr 2014.

Heigren nodded but made no move to accept the credit chip.  "Your apology is accepted but your credits are not.  It is not for you to decide wether you are worthy of a gift, that privilege lies with the GIVER of the gift, not the recipient.  You can choose to enjoy the gift, space it or give it away.  But every time you try to give me money you insult me.  If you are my friend, you'll stop doing that.  Please."

In reply to Heigren (msg # 74):

Sheila frowned and her eyes sparked, her hackles were up, she was going to argue, then suddenly she deflated.  She slid the credit chip back on her pocket. "I'm sorry. Is there something I can do in atonement?"  Her eyes were downcast, staring at the floor.

Heigren raised an eyebrow.  He considered a typically flirtatious remark but refrained.  He could see how uncomfortable she felt.  He reached out and took her hand.

"Just try to enjoy yourself and have some fun.  If you feel the need to repay me for the gift I gave you take that credit chip and spend it on your fellow team, donate it to a charity, do something that makes you feel good.  If you buy me a present with the money I will happily take it, provided it's a gift from the heart, not an attempt to repay me.  The former I can't refuse can I?"

"I spent this money on you because I wanted to make you happy.  Making people happy makes me happy so the gift wasn't entirely selfless.  Just promise me you'll try to have fun when you're not busy blowing things up or patching up your team?"

In reply to Heigren (msg # 76):

She stared at his hand.  "I'm not very good at receiving, I'm sorry.  Gifts, particularly large ones, have usually implied a beholdenness to the giver and I have issues with owing anyone very much."   She shrugged.  "I guess that hinders some things. And I'm not real sure how to fix the situation."

While servicing her weapon, Idaya pondered on her current situation. She came to think, she might have misjudged at least some of the people, she was with. Of course, they seemed to want her off the ship and out of the way. It might not have been the best alternative for finding employment, but for now, it was the only one.

Heigren smiles.  "You and your gungan friend saved the lives of many of my friends and family back on Phindar Prime.  The gungan gave his life and I think you would have done the same.  The way I see it, I still owe you, not the other way around."

Dohr’s goggled eyes followed Sheila as she walked out of the cabin. She obviously hadn’t heard his question as she seemed to be deep in thought. Something was clearly bothering the human medic, but Dohr didn’t wish to push it any further. If she later on would like to talk about anything with him, he’d be there. There wasn’t really anywhere the doctor could go and despite of his childhood wishes he’d never learned to disappear or turn invisible.

The Kel Dor turned to the remaining women and bowed. ”I will have a look at that refresher now and return a little later for a bite, if you don’t mind.” Dohr didn’t really expect or wait for a reply, but simply limped out of the room and headed towards the refresher he’d noticed on the way in. He really needed a wash as did his clothes. Naturally the freighter did not have a suitable atmosphere for him to breath without the mask, so taking it off would have to wait to an unknown point of time in the future. He nodded to Flash, Idaya and Sheila as he passed the galley.

Dohr stepped into the bathroom and locked the door behind him. He was happy to notice a dry cleaner in a corner that had once had been used as another shower. The doctor quickly undressed the robe and removed all of his belonging from its pockets. He then took off the belts and specially made holsters and his guns. Next to follow was the Kamperdine vest he always wore under the robe. After all of his clothes were happily rolling around in the cleaner, the Kel Dor that had been underneath them a moment earlier was now noticeably thinner. His muscles were wiry at best. Physical strength was something he had never really needed in his life even if it would have been very useful on many occasions.

While the clothes were cleaned and dried, Dohr took a shower and enjoyed the peace and the quiet. He had a feeling it wouldn’t last for long, but for a moment he was back at home on Dorin in his thoughts. He was still a kid and was playing with his big sister, the mighty jedi knight Aam in the palace garden. She’d been the one strong in the Force like their parents. Dohr, to do disappointment of General Veen hadn’t even registered on any virtual “meter”. There was no Force in him. Back then he hadn’t  known much about the Jedi order and still didn’t. But during the years he had grown to understand that the marriage between his mother and father had been incredibly rare, if not unheard of, amongst the Jedi.

In the daydream Aam was exactly like she was in a holovid their mother had once shown him. Dohr had never met her in real life as she had gone missing on a mission from the order two months prior to his birth. Though his parents had long since (before their own deaths) considered Aam dead, the young Kel Dorian boy hadn’t believed it then and still didn’t. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he was sure his sister was still alive.

A few minutes later, Dohr shook himself back into the reality and turned off the shower. He’d probably used more than his share of the recycled water by then. He let the water dry on his skin for a couple of minutes more before removing his now clean and dry clothes from the machine and putting them. Dohr smiled. He felt like a new man as he stepped out of the refresher again. All of a sudden he felt very hungry.

In reply to Heigren (msg # 79):

Sheila makes a face, not a bad one, just a face.   "Saving a life during combat is different.  It's just something that happens.  And honestly, once the imps attacked, I would be just as dead as you guy, except maybe with a little torture thrown in if they managed to identify me before killing me.  It's different, you don't owe me anything for that."

Heigren grinned.  "You see the irony?  You insist I owe you nothing yet I feel I have to pay you back.  You feeling you have to pay me back but I insist you owe me nothing?  I'm willing to try and call it even if you do?"

He held out his hand.  "Deal?"

Sheila sighed.  "Yeah, but I was mean to you and you weren't to me, I think you even volunteered to have sex with me and I think I said no.  It's still a little fuzzy, That was a pretty big bottle next to my bed."  She took his hand.  "Deal."