Night time was fast approaching, Coruscant's lights slowly lighting up around the Jedi Temple as Padawan Terra was dismissed from her class. The class had been dismissed early to the esteemed pleasure of the students, the teacher being summoned by the Council for whatever reason. Before leaving, however, the Jedi Master turned towards Eso: "I almost forgot Padawan Terra, someone bade me to hand you this when the class was over." Curious, Eso made her way towards the teacher as the others retreated for the night. In his hand, the Master held a small envelope which he relinquished when Eso took it.

Curious, the Padawan opened the missive and read the one line of text there. She was being summoned to one of the conference chambers, 15 minutes from now.

She quietly made her way to one of the turbolifts and entered when the doors hissed open, admitting her and a few more padawans, before the doors hissed shut again.

The lift stopped a few floors up to accept two more individuals that Eso had never seen before... a Chiss walked into their midst, a mechanised arm holding the door for a few of the Padawans to exit, before he and a Mando in armor, helmet neatly tucked under his arm entered the lift with her.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:04, Mon 03 Jan 2011.

The male human in a beskar set of armor over a dark red flight suit and with a heavy blaster rifle slung over his back watched the young jetiise walk towards them with an impassive gaze.  He wasn't sure what this meeting was about, but he wasn't about to turn down an invitation to a mission by the famous Leia Skywalker herself to a mission that required acceptance to find out what it was about.  He made room for the young Jedi in the lift, stepping off to the side and readjusting his helmet in the crook of his arm.

When the Chiss steps on the lift Eso is suprised. They are rarely seen on any of the core worlds, and one she doesn't recognize is next to unheard of here in the Jedi Temple. This however, does nothing to subdue her reaction to the Mando that steps in. She is flat out impressed.
She brushes the rust/copper ringlets of hair that have fallen across her face back into the larger curls that make up the majority of her hair. Where her eyes should be there is a wide black strip of embroidered cloth, twisted once across the bridge of her nose and vanishing into her hair. Her brow and voice convey her emotion though.

"Nice armour."

From most Jedi this wouldn't mean much, but this little thing is wearing a full set of carefully crafted and tooled armour. The skill that went into it's creation is obvious to even a casual onlooker. The brushed black anodizing, beautifully set off by the deep green highlighting suggest something that is almost a work of art as much a functional piece of equipment. Closer inspection however would require the petite 5'5" woman to remove her cloak. Something few species concider to be a polite request.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:36, Tue 04 Jan 2011.

It's rare for someone to compliment his armor, with hundreds of carbon scoring marks and even a trio of slash marks across the front left by some being that could gouge even the famed Mandalorian beskar. He got a glimpse of her own as she turned, and he replied in kind.

"Thanks. Your own isn't bad. Little flashy for me, though."

She runs a hand over one gauntlet instinctively. "It was crafted for me over quite a period of time. I didn't even know that it was being made for me until I was presented with it so I really didn't have a lot of say in it's design. To object after the fact would have been incredibly insensitive, and I don't want the kind of person who can craft like this to be holding a grudge against me." She says with a smile. "Besides, it's one of the few things that's actually mine, and it's the most comfortable thing I've ever worn, so I'm not going to complain about it being showy.

Yours looks very functional. The structual integrity is sound but the marks of many battles are still there. In some ways yours is more flashy than mine." She adds with a half smile.

Just then, the lift came to a stop and the doors hissed open, revealing the Jedi Temple's lower levels.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:56, Wed 05 Jan 2011.

Having held silent, enjoying his abnormal delegation to wallflower, the darkly blue skinned alien of unknown origin steps forward the very instant the lift comes to a stop. By the time the doors are sliding apart, his foot is already entering the barely wide enough seperation as he moves fluidly from the elevator (his shoulders moving through the widening gap at precisely the moment they've opened sufficiently for such passage. Remarkable timing!) Even the jedi might marvel at his seemingly precise timing. If he held any oppinions on the armor of either, he hadn't voiced them as of yet.

Despite being an obvious outsider within the confines of the Jedi Temple, the man seemed quite confident in where he is going... of that both Eso and Tervax can easily deduce given his continued pace. The view of his backside allows for both an ample view of the oversized and decidedly alien looking pistol strapped to the back of his shoulder. The positioning of the cloth wrapped, and obviously frequently used, weapon indicates that he's no stranger to pulling it in a hurry (despite it's placement) and making good use of it (based on the face that he's still alive). Not much else can be seen from behind, given his own voluminous gray-camoflaged cloak. Judging by the weave, it was standard issue All-Temperature Survival gear. No frills.

From ahead, a mumble can be heard as he audibly reminds himself of the number conference room he seeks just as he turns left towards it's destination. "Fifteen. Fifteen."

OOC: Assuming that he's looking for the same room that I'm heading to. If that is not the case then please feel free to ignore/delete this post.

"That room is this way, friend." Eso says, just loudly enough to be heard by Chemosh. She's holding her arm out the the side, indicating the next turn to get to the desired room. "Most people who are not members of the Order don't know there way around these levels very well. Would you like me show you where it is?" She offers helpfully.

In reply to Eso Terra (msg #8):

[Private to Eso Terra: It is, but you notice that there are two republic guards standing watch in front of the actual room.]

As Chemosh moved down the corridor, he notices a pair of the sentries further down. On impulse he moves towards them. Both suddenly standing at attention, their combat boots resounding up and down the hallway, accompanied by the rattle their riffles made. "Sorry, sir," one of the sentries said, giving the Chiss a suspiscious look, "authorized personel only, sir. Unless you have instructions to the contrary, we can't allow you into the conference room."

"That's alright sergeant... Let them through," came a gruff voice from inside the room. To your surprise the door wasn't closed; beyond was a team of military techs sweeping the room with various devices. Waiting patiently at the table for the team to finish was a woman whose back was turned towards you as well an officer in a general's uniform.

The sentry nodded and stood out of the doorway, "You can go ahead, sir," he said appoligetically.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:24, Thu 06 Jan 2011.

Chemosh's answer to Eso is cut short by the sentries challenge. The armored Jedi likely wouldn't have reacted well to him posessing 3D Holo-Images of the buildings blue prints in the least... making it quite fortuitous an interuption. Considering the difficulty he'd gone through to procure them, Chemosh valued this opportunity to validate their accuracy almost as much as the continued opportunities for employment offered by the Republic. His superiors would be pleased indeed.

Saved the inconvenience of needing to reproduce his summons, Chemosh enters the room as bidden. He pays the guards little heed, acknowledging their apology with a curt nod. They'd done their duty, and Chemosh could not begrudge them. It wasn't like he was taken with wearing a uniform or identifying marker.

Once inside, Chemosh greets the General with a mere statement acknowledging him by his rank. The Chiss had worked for a great many Generals directly, this one was not one of them. Another contact to impress, and add to the list. This done, he moves further into the room in search of a vacant seat or advantageous position to stand in.

[Private to GM: I'm going to go out on limb here...]

Eso walks up to the guard and past him.

OOC: If challenged, she'll be polite as she hands over her summons

Stepping into the room she greets the Master before acknowledging anyone further. "Master Skywalker, how may I be of assistance?" She asks with the proper inflections due from a student to a Master. There is a hint of something else in her voice, it's difficult to say if it's concern over the presence of non-Jedi during a summons or if it's more of an issue submitting to authority.

Tervax followed the blue humanoid and the young woman into the briefing room, leaving his helmet in the crook of his arm.  His cloak was twisted tightly and stuck underneath the heavy blaster rifle slung across his back.  He moved quietly for someone in such armor, and he moved into the room and waited for the briefer to begin.

Having received orders to let everyone in, the guards simply stepped aside and paid Eso (and whomever else entered) no mind as she walked into the meeting room. However, Eso did get a frown from the General before the woman at the table could turn around to face everyone.

"Padawan Terra," said the woman as she turned around, revealing ageless soft skin, brown hair and pleasant brown eyes. She smiled and waved towards one of the chairs, "please, come and sit down. General, I have asked the Padawan to join us."

The General nodded and was about to say something, but was interruped by one of the techs who was trying to get his attention. The sweep was completed and by the looks of things, the team hadn't found anything worth reporting. With a quick nod from the General, the techs were dismissed and the General waved any stragglers to hasten. "Come in everyone, please have a seat," he said encouragingly.

OOC - Will update again tonight.

Realizing that everyone who was here were going to be staying, and that she wasn't about to be dismissed quickly, Eso gives the General an appropriate greeting before finding a seat and setting herself on the edge of it, hands on her thighs and back straight. Poor posture was not something that her Master would allow, and certainly not something that Eso was going to let become an issue. Her Master could find something to chastise her over, but she wasn't going to provide something so easy to be raked over the coals for.

Once everyone is finally seated, the General seems satisfied and nods to the Jedi Master. Thumbing another switch on a strange device, he sets it in the center of the chamber where it begins to pulse sofly. "Now, that our conversation can occur in secrecy, we can begin," he says with a grin, "First off, thank you all for coming. My name is General Crix Madine of the Republic Military Intelligence Service, and of course Master Skywalker, needs no introduction," he adds, waving towards Master Leia Skywalker.

"Thank you, General. Everyone," she says with a smile. "As you might all know by now, my brother Luke disappeared from the temple roughly three years ago. What the Temple has kept out of the media all these years is that he left a dead Jedi Historian, before disappearing from the Temple with all his personal belongings as well as an ancient jedi artefact we found on Telos. After months spent fruitlessly searching for him, the Jedi Council had no choice but to inform the Senate of Luke's troubling disappearance. This sparked a series of heated debates, as many older Senators remember Palpatine and Dooku's respective betrayals. Needless to say that I spent a great deal of effort trying to assuage fears after rumors ignited of another Jedi-led coup.

"Roughly a year after my brother's disappearance, I started having troubling visions of him, swathed in shadows, and I now fear that he may have begun delving into the dark side. I am particularly concerned since the artefact he stole was in fact Sith holocron that we'd only just started to catalogue," she explained, a pained expression crossing her beautiful features.


Sensing that he should intercede, General Madine started filling in the details of the investigation at the onset of Master Skywalker's disappearance. "In sum, it revealed nothing. It's as if he left the galaxy. And then, just a few weeks ago, Republic Military Intelligence received a communique from an agent on a remote outer-rim world. The agent claimed he'd seen Luke Skywalker on the planet. Let me tell you, that we were quite surprised, and we don't hold much credence to the report, but investigate we must. This is where you come in," he said. "So far, any questions?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:48, Fri 07 Jan 2011.

As the technicians leave, Chemosh idly wonders what (if anything) those running Jedi Security thought they might gain from bugging the room... or even the temple. More over, he wondered how any such persons might react to his own suite of countermeasures. Likely few, if any of them, would take well to the sensor-ghost walking through their halls. It was a wonder no one had said anything yet. Content in his own anonimity, if not those beyond the radius of his scrambling, the Chiss listened attentively.

Chemosh nods in acknowledgement of General Crix Madine's identity, having a name to put with so infamous an identity was another perk to his day. Immediately after the introduction he had to repress a laugh. ReMIS. Such an apt acronym for the organization. Republic Military Intelligence Service indeed. His reports on the ReMIS were vague, but not very promising. Likely someone else had been charged with evaluating them in depth, or a third party was providing more accurate reports. Chemosh troubled himself little with them, as it was well beyond his mandate.

"Indeed.

"Which planet was he seen on? Did the informant provide any Holo- or 2D images to support his claim, and/or do we have any recent such images with which to use for validation purposes? Assuming we're being dispatched for an on site investigation, what is our mission should he be located? Oberve and Report? Apprehend and Detain? Or..." Chemosh trails off, courtesy towards the claimed sister giving him pause beyond this despite the cold apathy within his voice. He might not personally care if their mandate went further, but he knew well enough that voicing such wouldn't help an already seemingly emotional issue. The names of the Skywalkers were well known enough, even to one who only paid cursory attention to the current galactic politics within the Republic.

[Private to GM: If an NPC'd roll on knowledge checks would help with insights on the planet named... please feel free. All knowledge skills can be used Trained or not via the Educated Talent!]

She pours reassurance and positive emotions into the Force for Master Skywalker. The distress the Master is feeling is one of the more obvious reasons that the Jedi don't allow family attachments, her case is an exception.

When the General asks if there are questions she can't hold her tongue. "The search for Master Skywalker is a Jedi matter, at the most a politically relevent one that may incur the attention of various Senate members. For lack of a better way to put it, why are we airing our dirty laundry in front of guests?" There we go. Now I've given all the masters something to rake me over the flames for. I'm never going to make Knight if I don't learn to put a leash on my tongue.

POST EDITED -- reference to other players deleted.

"The Senate would disagree quite vocally with you on this being solely a Jedi Matter, Padawan Terra," Leia answered. "The dirty laundry was already aired in public when my brother killed the historian and stole the artefact three years ago. They still fear a Palpatine or a Count Dooku trying to enslave democracy and use us as pawns in a bigger game of chest."

"Which is why, for the time being, this mission must remain confidential and why we're hiring resources outside of the republic chain of command," Madine added, waving towards Claire and Chemosh. "Of course the Senate must be informed, but not until we are absolutely certain that Skywalker has resurfaced. Doing otherwise would unnecessarily incite conflict.

"Which brings me to answer your questions,"  grumbled the General as he turned to face Chemosh. "The Republic has paid many agents on many worlds. This particular informant is called Ulu Teem. He is a Gran… a merchant whose loyalties we purchased some time ago. He’s been our eyes and ears on many worlds, but after a recent dereliction of duty, has has been relegated to Koshibal. Because of this ... unreliability, we've concerns with the authenticity of the report," the general explained.

"We'd need you to go to Kosibal, contact Ulu Teem and see if you can either confirm or deny the intel, or even better, follow the leads and find Master Skywalker whereabouts. Once you find him, you should not engage him. You should notify us at the first opportunity, and we will close in to help bring him to justice," he added.

[Private to Chemosh:
From memory, Koshibal is a former mining colony of little importance, and is not a part of the Republic and is located in Hutt controlled space.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:29, Sat 08 Jan 2011.

"Mmm. Hutt Space." Chemosh says aloud, educating any who'd never heard of the system in question. It also was further motivation for using non-Republic assets in this matter. Converging on anything in Hutt space would not go well for an outright Military or even obvious Jedi force.

Further, Chemosh now understood the presence of the atypical padawan. The skills and training of a Jedi in the works... but the appearance, and youthful inexperience that would dispel any notions of her being a Jedi Knight. An excellent maneuver, albeit one that wouldn't last if she were not cautious with her tell-tale signs. The casual ignition of a Lightsaber, or the spectacular uses of Jedi-Magic were all it would take.

The Chiss nods, coldly calculating their odds in various scenerio's.

"Transportation?" He queries next, hoping they'll not be relegated to commercial transport into Hutt space.

[Private to GM: Claire and Wennyn? Are they in the same room with us? Did I miss something somewhere...? They're in Group A, so. Er. Yeah. Just a bit confused!]

"We’ve arranged passage for you on a cargo transport, The Black Comet. Its captain is a Duros called Pugwis who's worked for us before, and is a decent pilot who knows the outer rim. We’ve promised him an escort as well… which doubles as his payment. Well… you’ll see what I mean. You can find him in his favorite hangout here on Coruscant… the Rodian’s Kiss. Meet him this evening and make arrangements for departure. He's expecting you. But he won't be returning you home... Once you’ve finished in Koshibal, our agent Ulu can arrange transport for you to come home."
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:35, Sat 08 Jan 2011.

Tervax sat quietly through the briefing, listening to everything that was said.  The small jetiise couldn't seem to keep her mouth shut, which could pose a problem if they were in Hutt space and she tried to right every wrong that she saw in their territory.  The Hutts had been enslaving and pillaging every person they could get their grubby little hands on for as long as anyone could remember.  If one single Padawan thought she could fix everything wrong in Hutt space, they were going to have a very long, very trying trip.

"What kind of ship is this 'cargo' ship?  And what is it armed with?  Armament could prove to make or break our mission if it comes down to the nitty gritty."

Suitably chastised Eso had told herself that she'd sit silently through the rest of the briefing, but when the timeline came up she slipped again. "Tonight? _{But I was...}" She clamps down on her tongue. Her mind flicks through a calming ritual as she starts again. "Do we have a critical timeline for this, or is it open ended?" She asks in a business manner.

Chemosh commits the names and locations to memory without even thinking about it, such was his nature. Having near photographic memory tended to help with that of course, and had been a significant reason behind his career paths to date.

He frowns sleightly at the seemingly open-ended nature of their return trip. Standard protocol for ReMIS he knew well enough, butit just wasn't his nature to leave such details up in the air. It was one of the few reasons he was himself remiss at needing to associate himeself with the organization at all. Too many loose ends.

As for the follow-up questions posed by the armored man, Chemosh rolled his eyes sleightly. Even if the General knew anything about the Black Comet, it was sure to have ample surprises that were kept on the low-down. As an independent contractor, the pilot would want an ace or three up his sleeves should he ever find himself in a position of needing to part ways with his employers. It didn't hurt to ask of course, it just wasn't the sort of question Chemosh would pose to the General when they'd be meeting the pilot (and subsequently seeing his ship) soon enough.

The Padawan's question was a little more practical, surprisingly... and yet, to the Chiss the answer seemed evident. Their timeline consisted of the evidence in play. If the reports were true, they'd need to find Skywalker as soon as possible (lest he vanish again). If they were false, or out-of-date... well, time would no longer be an issue at all once they'd found either out for certain. A trail can only be followed if it's real, and recent enough.

None of these thoughts and conjectures were voiced of course. The Chiss Techno-Genius contented himself to silently move towards the exit, after nodding his acceptance of the mission to the General. Payment for Chemosh was something agreed upon before hand, himself being an Independent Contractor of much experience with ReMIS.

He'd await his assigned companions outside (within earshot of any answers, merely for curiosities sake as to what they might get for information... if anything at all).

Camera's and other surveilance equipment within the Temple flicker back to life or are rendered to static as the Chiss moves... his own countermeasures still in play to cloud any recordings of his presence.

Madine turned to face Tervax, "Good question. The Black Comet itself is a Corellian YT-1300, which we expect is heavily modified. What might interest you is the payment Pugwis has asked for: two starfighters which he plans to sell for a profit once in Hutt Space. Obviously, we can't give him top of the line equipment, but the V-wings should come in handy if you do encounter some trouble on the way there."

He looked over towards the crestfallen Jedi Padawan with an amused look on his face. His answer was kind, considering all the years of service the man had, "Yes, I'm afraid that time is of the essence and that you will have to leave as soon as possible. We have a lead, slim as it is, and we have to act quickly in order to follow the trail, if there is one to be followed. Plus, if you leave with the cover of darkness, it should keep you out of the limelight long enough to leave Coruscant incognito," he added.

Tervax stood, sliding his helmet down over his head.

"We'd better get a move on, then.  It'll take a couple of days to get that far out on the Rim at least.  General, Master Skywalker," he said, nodding at each person in turn.  With that, he moved to join the blue-skinned alien.

He was anxious to get a move on; there was no telling how old the trail was, and he wanted to try and get on the trail as soon as possible.  Not to mention the thrill of the hunt against a jetiise  Except for Palpatine, there hadn't been a truly rogue Force-user that threatened the Republic in hundreds of years.  Now he was being given the chance to hunt one down, so soon after Palpatine.

Sensing that the meeting draws to a close, General Madine gets up: "If there are no further questions, then good fortune to everyone. I'll expect regular progress reports from Chemosh over the standard RMI coded holonet channels as things progress. Oh..! I almost forgot, there should be another joining you before you launch, his name's Terkh," he added at which point Master Leia simply smiles, and softly - but with a great deal of controlled emotion - admonishes the team to be mindful.

"I love my brother a great deal, and I wish for his return more than anything, but if he is now walking a dark path, he could be very dangerous. If you do encounter  Luke - please do NOT to engange him. Simply report the discovery immediately to General Madine." With a soft tear and a smile, she adds, "May the Force be with you."
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:21, Wed 12 Jan 2011.

"Force be with you as well, Master Skywalker. General." She stands and nods to each of them as she speaks. Before turning to leave she adds a last thought. "My Master has been or will be informed that I've been given an assignment, will she not?"

OOC: Assuming the answer is positive Eso will leave the room

In the coridoor beyond, Chemosh waits patiently for their third. His mental clock is already lining out a schedule of how long it will take to get to the designated bar and find their informant. He hopes silently that his new colleagues wouldn't need to make any stops, or run any errands on the way.

"She is now, Padawan," Leia answered with a smile as Chemosh and Tervax congregated near the turbolifts. One of the two had pressed the Turbolift call button and the doors hissed open. Normally the lift would have left off a dozen Jedi Padawans and a few Masters, but as late in the day as they were, the turbolift lay empty.

"Thank you." With that taken care of, Eso leaves the room and heads straight for the lift.

Once they're all inside the lift, Chemosh indicates the floor they'd need to exit the Temple.

"So that such things can be put to rest early, I am called Chemosh. It is a nickname, but should easily suffice given the phoenetic limitations of Basic. As the fancy hardware I've replace my arm with might indicate," He allows his cloak to slide back and reveal the most state of the art cybernetic appendage one can imagine. All sleek, and contouted to match that of a respectably muscled (and proportional to his own) arm. No Synth-Skin coating though, which allows various LED's and such to blink on occasion. The displace and keyboard of a built in wrist computer can also be seen. "I'm exceptionally skilled with technology, among other crucial skill-sets often required for contract employment for Republic Intelligence... and even Republic Military Ops." His voice is smooth, and despite listing his strengths... doesnt sound boisterous or arrogant. Just a calm statement of fact.

His lip curls thoughtfully, almost amusingly so as he considers the path ahead. As no transport had been mentioned, Chemosh could but assume that indicated they would need to procure public transportation. Luckily, such was a frequency he kept on hand. Unless...

"Tell me Padawan Terra," Chemosh uses the name that Master Skywalker had used in addressing their female companion. "Do you by chance have access to temporarily procure a speeder from the Temple? Our destination, The Roadian' Kiss, is no short walk away on any level of the city..." Never hurt to ask after all, he spares a glance to the other armored warrior as well on the off chance he might have one parked nearby. "I was brought to the Temple by courrier, and only recently returned to the Planet so had not yet made arrangements for long-term transportation.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:56, Fri 14 Jan 2011.

Tervax shooks his head slightly in negation to the blue humanoid's implied question.  He didn't yet have enough to afford his own speeder just yet.  He rode the lift in silence; he wasn't in the heat of combat, so he really didn't have a lot to say.  He listened with interest, however, waiting for the Padawan's answer.

Without missing a beat she answers the blue skinned man. "The Jedi Order commonly uses public transportation when undergoing low profile proceedings. The airtram is only a brief walk from the west exit. Unless you wanted to com a lift."

Chemosh allows an almost sour look to cross his face. Public transportation was bad enough, but the Airtram was even worse. More cost effective than a taxi I suppose. He justifies silently to himself, before nodding with a defeated exhale. "I see no reason to waste unecessary credits, the Airtram will suffice." Is the answer he offers aloud, seemingly content to accept that Tervax was not yet willing to share his name. Should the need arise, Chemosh has already thought up more than a few nicknames that will suffice.

OOC: I looked back, I don't recall Tervax's name coming up. If I'm wrong, I'll edit accordingly!

Led by the young Eso Terra, the group makes its way to the closest public transportation platform nearest the Jedi Temple's western exit.

Coruscant is obviously a world that has grown upwards throughout its life. Although the planet-city’s lower levels are a place that would even make a Wookiee commando nervous, you happen to find yourself in a market plaza in one of the more respectable neighborhoods. The transparisteel dome over the plaza lets in bright moolight and shows off some of the city scape around the temple. Various species mile about, going about their business, and the smell of various foods and spices fill the air, even at this tardy hour. The beings in this area seem friendlier than most, but the most important thing was the crowd which would let you blend in quickly if there was trouble.


Enter Tehrk if he wishes to post...

[Private to Tehrk Ridonal: I think you were busy at the Rodian Kiss, informing her captain that the group will be arriving tonight.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:16, Sat 15 Jan 2011.

"So, Mr. Chemosh" She begins while crossing the plaza, "Do you know where the Kiss is located? I'm not familiar with that establishment." While she's speaking she steps around people and her attention appears to be on where she's walking far more than who she's walking with.

Chemosh nods. "No need for the Mr, unless your mandate requires such honorifics." As he speaks, he raises his left arm and begins to key in a sequence of commands upon the built in wrist-computer. The Holo-LED-Projectors above the screen light to life and position themselves... and a tiny map appears suspended in the air half an inch above the screen. A glowing red line appears between their current location, and that of the Rodian's Kiss. The current zoom level is condusive to showing the entire route in the span of five inches across... the fine detail indicates he could likely create a much larger map if needed. "Global Positioning Satellites are fairly numerous above this planet." Chemosh says, despite the fact that they weren't ENTIRELY open to the uses to which he might employ them; At least, not legally for the average citizen. A knowledgeable eye might recognize the map overlay he's using as those used by official GAR forces and peace keepers... the details and acrruacy much greater than those accessed by the average Law Enforcement Officer or Peace Keeper... or even citizen could ever hope to see.

GM edited to include Tehrk at the Airtram station.

[Private to Tehrk Ridonal: "Yes Ma'am. The individuals in question should be arriving later tonight, earlier than later, I should hope. I wouldn't know exactly who I'm looking for, but I don't think it'll be too difficult to discern them from the average citizen. I'll contact you at the earliest I can."

I removed this because the captain is a Duros called Pugwis, and that I'd expect you to converge with the others at the Airtram, if only to facilitate the contact. I normally, wouldn't edit someone's post, but you'll see why later.]

Giving Pugwis a brief nod and excusing himself, Tehrk strode away from the ship at a brisk pace, choosing not to remain longer than he had to. While he would be coming back in a bit, he'd be taking a bit of time to explore some of the surrounding area after he'd managed to contact the others. Choosing not to stray too far from the Airtram station for Shawmell, where the Rodian's Kiss was located.

Shawmell is one of the industrial districts in one of the lower wards filled with starship docks and trade warehouses. The Rodian's Kiss is a pilot's hangout, and only an hour away from the Senatorial Station.

Tehrk seems to forcefully blend himself in with the crowd on the other side of the Tram's toll booth, making sure to not stand out too much against the populous or general setting, but not wanting to pay another 10 credits to go back. He doubted himself that it would be difficult to see any particular group of individuals heading towards Shawmell.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:32, Sun 16 Jan 2011.

Finding the other three didn't take him as long as expected. Indeed, who could miss the dark-blue skinned humanoid and the other two that followed? Tehrk quickly converged on them, stating that there would be plenty of time to get acquainted on the way to the Rodian's Kiss. A brisk walk and a few credits later (10 each) sees the team lounging in the seats of an airtram car being whisked accross the planet...

Entering your car a few stops later is a clearly homeless human woman in rags, who smiles a toothless grin as she siddles down at the far end of the car. She clutches several duraplast bags that appear to be filled with random junk, and mumbles to herself, before leaning her head back against the railing, and begins to nap. A few stops later, a group of eight rowdy youths, mostly human, though a rodian and a quarren fill out the ranks, enter the car.

Tervax stood against the wall of the airtram, watching everything silently.  His T-shaped visor was certainly drawing some looks, especially considering he was traveling with an obvious Jedi and a blue-skinned humanoid few, if any people had ever seen.  Add in the fourth person to join their little group, and they made an obvious group indeed.

He noticed the beggar climb on, as well as the youths that followed soon after, and inwardly cringed.  This was not going to end well, and he really didn't feel like getting involved.  But he was certain the jetiise was going to stand up for law and order, and it was going to turn into a brawl where a bunch of kids got their asses kicked for not being smart enough to back down.  He very nearly decided to simply kick their asses right then and there, but it was considered impolite to preemptively kick someone's ass, so he supposed he would have to wait until they started something.

As he saw the new occupants enter, Tehrk seemed a bit less than impressed. Although they didn't seem to be too much younger, the fact that they had numbers was likely why they believed themselves to be better. Although he wouldn't argue the fact, he would decidedly wait to see how things went. However, as anyone else might have noticed, Tehrk wasn't exactly subtle in that his hand was already sliding beneath his jacket, obviously reaching for a weapon if things got out of hand.

Initial observations from Chemosh concerning the band of young scoundrels were far less kind than the silent ones shared by his compatriots. So too were his oppinions on precisely how they'd be drug into involvement, whih would directly impact the time table upon which they'd been set by The General and Jedi Master Skywalker. He frowns, and non-chalantly moves to sit down beside the nice lady~ then begins to key things into the computer keypad integrated into his bionic arm. If they were going to get involved, and he was likewise convinced they were about to be, he would do his best to ensure that the scenerio wouldn't hinder their schedule over-much.


[Private to GM:

Chemosh is wirelessly alerting security. If there is no wireless access on the train for some reason, then he will contact the conductor with text across standard COM Bands. Barring this as an option, he'll alert security at the next stop station to expect subdued malcontents.

Once done with that, he'll begin recording with his Holo-Cam. Would make for sufficient evidence for whatever authorities would eventually take these brutes into custody... provided they survived the enounter at all]

The youth's intentions are made clear as the tram leaves the station and Chemosh moves through them to sit next to the lady. "Hey fella's, take a look at this ugly-looking duros," one of them exclaims, getting in Chemosh's way, "guy's got a nifty shiny arm," he laughs as the others take advantage of the fact that no one could leave the car. "Hey gramma, have you seen someone that ugly before?" one of them says as another holds out a knife close to her eye. She instantly recoils when she notices the knife near her, squealing in fright. The youths have a laugh.

"Say, that arm ain't cheap! The Duros' might be a freak the quarren says, "but he's got some money... You a betting man, Dur?" he snickers at Chemos. "What are the odds you'll need a hand...? Harhar..."

Chemosh offers the youthful boy a grimace, not impressed with his knife in the least. "That's a pretty knife." Chemosh compliments with a verbal jab, hoping to shift the attentions of all the rufians from the old woman and onto himself. He leans back into his seat then, holding aloft his twinked-out appendage for closer inspection by the hulligans. His opposib elbow sets upon the top of his seat, and he crooks the elbow. The motion appears as though he's about to use his hand to hold his head up.

"Sadly, it's value is no where near commensurate to the gamble you'd seek to wager." The hand slides past the resting point, grabs ahold of the worn grip of his oversized blaster pistol and whips it around with a motion so fast and opposite he previously languid manner that it's bound to come as a complete surprise.

"Now if you had something like this? Then, we might talk." Chemosh grins, his perfectly chisled white teeth a brilliant contrast behind his dark blue lips. "Are you familiar with the term MASER? I know it's not one common to these parts... allow me to enlighten you: Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

"Means I shoot you with this, it doesn't just make a little scorch mark in your torso. A blast from this gun will literally disintegrate your punk ass." The smile fades, and he eyes the boy with the knife in a more threatening manner. "Why don't you boys move along to the far end of the cart. It would be a shame to have to explain to security why the hooligans I just informed them of were naught but dust piles upon our arrival at the next station."


[Private to GM:

22:52, Today: Secret Roll: Chemosh rolled 14 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 3. Persuasion.
22:48, Today: Secret Roll: Chemosh rolled 16 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 5. Deception. ]

The thugs seem unimpressed with Chemosh's play, and though the blaster does surprise them, the quarren is quick to remind them that: "Blue's got one shot, mates... we're eight."

Initiative everyone.

OOC: Chemosh has decided he'd like to go first I think. :)

23:50, Today: Secret Roll: Chemosh rolled 32 using 1d20+12 with rolls of 20. Initiative. Wish that 20 would have popped up on his persuasion roll -.-

OOC: Eso Terra rolled 25 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 17. initiative.

I think Eso would like to go second.
Since I didn't get in under the wire for commenting, I'll post one now as if it were before the init, if that's okay with everyone. If not, it can be edited without hurting my pride.

"Really, he may have only one shot, but he's hardly alone. Moving along would be the course of wisdom at this point. You don't know what his weapon is capable of, nor do you know the woman next to him. For all you know she's a Jedi Master who has the power to make you grovel for your very life. Don't look like a fool. Walking away shows discernment. Even a blind woman can see that." While she's talking she doesn't move from her seat, neither does she turn her her head to speak to the hoodlums. She's a study in contrast, her armour gleaming in the artificial light proclaims her to be a warrior, prepared for combat, yet her size, gender, and apparent disability scream helplessness to the thugs.

There are only a few sounds in the Galaxy that are universal.  Famous last words are some of them.  Phrases like "Oh....sithspit," and other variations on the phrase are common in nearly any language, in any life form.  One of the other universal sounds?  That of a heavy blaster rifle being charged.  Something about the schhhick-whooom of a charging handle being slid back and the gas compression changer activating is guaranteed to get the attention of anyone and anything nearby.  Add in the fact that said rifle is being held by a Mandalorian in blood red clothing complimented by blaster and explosion-scarred gun-metal grey armor, and that attention can get riveted rather quickly.

"The lady's right.  Never know whom might be watching."


OOC:
23:58, Today: Tervax rolled 19 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 8. Init.

And here I was hoping for a nat 20 so I could say, "Actually, Tervax wants to go first... :P

02:50, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 15 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 6. Persuasion

"Hey, hey guys. Come on. Can't we all just enjoy the tram ride without violence? After all, respectable gentlemen like yourself would look silly trying to resort to violence for no reason."

Attempting to diffuse the situation without a fight, the human amongst the group seems to try and look as though he was looking for a swift end to the issue.

"How about this, I don't want to see anyone get hurt. You guys look like you have big plans and starting trouble here could be a bad thing for all of us. So, how about this; You guys back down, we pretend this didn't happen and I'll slip you one thousand credits to hop off the tram at the next stop?"

02:59, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 25 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 16. Initiative.

Provided they agree, Tehrk wouldn't have an issue providing the credits to them. However, provided they were set on a fight, he wouldn't hesitate to ready himself in the event they decided to attack.

Initiative - Round 1

32 Chemosh
25 Eso & Tehrk
20 Quarren + 3 Thugs
19 Tervax
17 4 thugs



Unfortunately, Terra and Tehrk's efforts fall on mostly deaf ears or uncaring hearts, and they all start reaching for concealed weapons. "Honestly, now fellas, you don't know when you should keep yer noses out of other people's business..."

Chemosh's turn

07:18, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 10,17 (Attack Rolls. Attack 1 / Attack 2)

07:22, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 16,12 (Damage with Pistols)

Since negotiation wasn't going to work, Tehrk would rely on the tried and true method of shooting. Without hesitating a moment, Tehrk whipped out two blaster pistols and leveled them at one of the thugs. Pulling the trigger on both pistols, he aimed at the one thug blocking Chemosh from view. While normally a bad idea, Tehrk seemed to demonstrate that, at the very least, he had good vision as he intentionally aimed at the thug and not just haphazardly into the fray.

Chemosh throws an arm around the lady, pushing her down in a manner that should propel her into a motion that would place her defensibly under the table... He himself firing a blast of MASER energy towards the knife-wielding thug who'd started it all before following his own advice and diving for the tables underside. Cover was cover after all!

[Private to GM:

Standard Action: Attack
19:38, Today: Secret Roll: Chemosh rolled 10 using 3d6+02 with rolls of 4,3,1. damage.
19:37, Today: Secret Roll: Chemosh rolled 13 using 1d20+06 with rolls of 7.Attack.
Move Action: diving under the table for cover

]

A blue bolt of energy blasts out of Chemosh's weapon and hits the far wall, blasting pieces of duraplast and spark, but otherwise causing little damage as Tehrk's dual pistol action, while impressive also, fails to hit all the targets, though the thug wielding the knife suddenly clutches his arm, as a stray shot stings him in the upper arm.

Eso's Turn, will move on to the Thugs on Monday night if she doesn't post til then.

EDIT: Actually, Tehrk, you did hit with that 2nd shot. So the guy with the knife would have taken 12 HP. Fix.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:29, Sat 22 Jan 2011.

Eso lets out a brief sigh as she twitches a finger. Bits of debri from all around the car spring to life, peppering the area at the end of the car, digging into the unruly youths.  "Why must it always come to violence?"

OOC: Ballistakinisis roll =  Eso Terra rolled 27 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 13. UtF.
Eso Terra rolled 15 using 3d8 with rolls of 6,1,8. damage.
and the best part. Those guys take a -2 penalty to attack rolls till my next turn.[Private to GM: It's an area effect. I'm not sure about the scale on the map that you posted so I'll leave it up to you which ones she targeted. I figure that she can get at least two of them in the area possibly three.]

The dust, scraps of drinking cans and whatever else was on the floor in the car is suddenly gathered together and sent flying towards the Quarren and the two lackies standing near him. They immediate bring their hands to the faces, trying to protect their eyes as debree from all over pelts them from every direction.

Moving out of her area of effect, the quarren wipes his eyes and blarily targets Eso, his shot going wide. The two others with him also get a few shots off which chaotically pepper the roof of the cabin, while the man who had been threatening the woman with his knife, hearing the whine of Tervax's riffle immediate takes out a blaster and takes several shots at the Mando in full armor. Never have shots been better aimed, and Tervax takes them full in the chest. [Private to Tervax: Crit for 38 dam == 25/63hp; -1 condi -- do you have DR activated?]


Tervax's Turn

14:12, Today: Power of the Darkside rolled 21,16,14 using d20+1,d20+1,d20+3 with rolls of 20,15,11. Thugs 1, 2, 3.
14:13, Today: Power of the Darkside rolled 4 using 1d4 with rolls of 4. 1) Chemosh, 2) Eso, 3) Tehrk, 4) Tervax.
14:14, Today: Power of the Darkside rolled 19 using 4d6+1 with rolls of 5,6,3,4. CRIT X2 vs Tervax.

14:06, Today: Power of the Darkside rolled 16 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 9. Leader Attack with Blaster.
14:08, Today: Power of the Darkside rolled 2 using 1d3 with rolls of 2. 1) Tehrk; 2) Eso, 3) Tervax.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:27, Sat 22 Jan 2011.

Tervax staggered under the shot as it slipped between one of his armor plates to find the flesh underneath.  If anyone had asked, he wouldn't lie.  It hurt.  It hurt a lot.  In fact, it hurt so much that he totally missed his return shot and put a great big hole in the ceiling.  He cursed and looked to bring in another shot.

OOC:  13:34, Today: Tervax rolled 10 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 1. Attack vs Thug that shot me.

Really?  Seriously?

[Private to Power of the Darkside: No, I don't have DR activated.  Didn't think I was going to need it this early.  Though I might after this.  A natural one kinda kills the mood of a bad-ass Mando.  Maybe I should've just stuck with Reeth... he at least can kick some ass every once in a while... *eyeroll*]

In reply to Tervax (msg #60):

[Private to Tervax: You have more destiny points than you did with Reeth, if you like]

The rest of the Thugs attack.

Blaster shots fly hither tither, some hitting windows, others hitting light fixtures, others... deadly with their accuracy. Tervax takes another shot in his weakened state and staggers, his stamina being the only thing saving him this time, barely. However, Chemosh's stamina isn't as robust and even the cover of the table is of little help. The blue outsider crumbles from the sheer force of the wounds he's received.

[Private to Chemosh: Man... two crits in a row. :P, briging you down to -1/39hp; which is beyond your threshold and kills you. I assume we're taking a destiny point to fix this problem?]

22:08, Today: Power of the Darkside rolled 21,23,9,14 using d20+3,d20+3,d20+3,d20+3 with rolls of 18,20,6,11. 4 last thugs attack.
22:10, Today: Power of the Darkside rolled 5 using 2d4 with rolls of 4,1. 1) Chemosh, 2) Eso, 3) Tehrk, 4) Tervax .


22:12, Today: Power of the Darkside rolled 20 using 4d6+1 with rolls of 5,5,3,6. Dam Vs Chemos (Crit X2).
22:12, Today: Power of the Darkside rolled 18 using 4d6+1 with rolls of 3,5,5,4. Dam vs Tervax (non-crit ).

Initiative - Round 2


32 Chemosh
25 Eso & Tehrk
20 Quarren + 3 Thugs
19 Tervax
17 4 thugs


Chemosh, Eso, and Tehrk may now act.

23:00, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 6,3 using 1d20+5,1d20 / Attack 1 and 2 (Attack 2 takes -5).

A bit preoccupied with the sudden mess being made everywhere AND Tervax's impeccable aiming at the ceiling, Tehrk swung away from the debris in mid fire, doing his own little fancy maneuvers to shoot at the floor and a nearby window. He had a considerably bothered look as he did so, thus choosing to step back a few paces before preparing himself again.

[Private to GM: Tehrk will be taking ten feet to move backwards and distance himself a bit from the fight.]

Call it Fate, call it Destiny, call it pur Luck. Call it what you will, but somehow someone upstairs was looking out for the blue-skinned alien. Mayhaps it was because his heart was in the right place, trying to defend the old lady... or maybe there was something grander (or worse) in stor for him.

Regardless, the blaster bolt that might otherwise have ended his life is instead absorbed by the narrow shaft of metal that supported the table underneath which he and the old woman now hid. Realizing how close he'd come to biting the dust, he curses at himself. He'd miscalculated his reaction speed somehow, thought he'd held the upper-hand in the arrangement. Now, despite entering the fray upon his own terms... he was in a tight spot. A risks a look out from under the table, his highly destructive weapon clutched tightly and readily as he does so.

[Private to GM:

<sigh> Geeze. Yeah, A destiny point it'll have to be. getting killed before the adventure even starts just doesn't set well with me.

As for Actions this round?

Activating that Energy Shield. Hopefully the old woman is close enough to benefit, or the cover (and numerous more threatening targets) are sufficient to keep her in the clear.

And as the Dice Roller continues to conspire against me... Another useless blast of his Disruptor Weapon goes off into the great big nothing.

<grumble>
]

Reaching out through the Force Eso mentally grabs hold of the thug closest to the old woman. She stands up and makes a gentle tossing motion with one hand, something that would not look out of place if she were dealing sabacc cards. The effects are somewhat different however. Her other hand reaches for her lightsaber.

OOC: Eso Terra rolled 23 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 9. UtF.
Eso Terra rolled 21 using 4d6 with rolls of 6,4,6,5. damage.
[Private to GM: I'd like to toss the one that I've grabbed into one of the others. May as well double my destruction! Also, I wanted to ask, how do you rule when it comes to Move Object? The rules say that you can maintain your grip on an object over several rounds. Some GM's say that once you've hurled something that's it, others allow multiple tosses. Which way do you lean?]

No sooner than the thug nearest the woman got his eyes cleared to take another shot, that he was suddenly flung into the air and sent crashing into his mate a few feet away. Both lay limp and montionless. This got a growl out of the leader who shot at the Jedi at the same time as another thug moved into action. Both miss.

Tervax's Turn
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:57, Mon 24 Jan 2011.

Tervax was pissed.  He was not about to let a bunch of punk-ass little kids take down a Mando'ade that had seen and defeated creatures that would have stopped an entire Republic platoon in their tracks need and underwear change.  He took a knee, sighted in on the punk standing with a clear line of sight to Chemosh and unleashed a crimson red bolt into center of mass.


OOC:
Swift Action:  Second Wind (gain 18 HP)
Swift Action:  Begin Recover (1 of 3)
Standard Action:  Put a punk out of the fight.

09:08, Today: Tervax rolled 27 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 18. Attack vs Thug that shot me.
09:09, Today: Tervax rolled 17 using 3d12+2 with rolls of 10,4,1. Damage.
09:10, Today: Tervax rolled 1 using 1d12 with rolls of 1. Re-roll lowest damage die.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:14, Mon 24 Jan 2011.

Just before Tervax can get his shot off, Eso's 'hand wave' had grabbed the man he was about to shoot and tussled him unto his friend. Grumbling, he quickly redirected his attention at another thug near the bottom doors. His shot hits, and the thug doubles in pain, his shot going astray.

Then the rest of them continue peppering the car with bolts of red liquid energy, though none manage to land a hit this round as the tram suddenly starts to jare, indicating that a stop is not far away.

Initiative - Round 3


32 Chemosh
25 Eso & Tehrk
20 Quarren + 1 Thugs
19 Tervax
17 4 thugs


Chemosh, Eso, and Tehrk may now act.

Same map as before, but the two north of the homeless woman are out.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:19, Wed 26 Jan 2011.

Chemosh lowers the energy shield protecting himself and the old woman, contented that the thugs seem to be distracted with different targets for the time being. Wiht said distractions in play, he levels his weapon and looses another bright blue blast of MASER energy at the nearest of thugs.

[Private to GM:

21:59, Today: Secret Roll: Chemosh rolled 19 using 3d6+02 with rolls of 6,6,5. damage.
21:58, Today: Secret Roll: Chemosh rolled 15 using 1d20+07 with rolls of 8. Attack.

As a disruptor weapon, it treats all targets as if their Thresholds are 05 lower. If damage from this weapon kills or destroys a creature, object, vehicle, or droid, the target is completely disintegrated and ceases to exist. ]

02:34, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 12,5 using 1d20+5,1d20 with rolls of 7,5. Attack 1 and 2 (Attack 2 takes -5)
-----

While trying to steady himself, Tehrk let loose a small volley of blaster bolts towards the thugs furthest from Chemosh. Although he knew his aim wasn't the greatest, he was thinking he may have been a bit off.

Keeping a mental hold on the now limp body of the thug she lifts him back up and takes him in a loop, running inches past the faces of the others. "Drop your weapons or become munitions." She says pleasantly over the sound of blaster fire. With the thug now past his companions she sends him flying at the Quarren.

[Private to GM: I don't know if you want me to roll again or not. Also if the Quarren is out of range then I'll take the closest one who is still holding a gun.]

In reply to Eso Terra (msg #73):

[Private to Eso Terra:

I don't have my book with me, but I think you will need to roll for damage and the attack itself, seeing as I have to compare it to the Quarren's reflexes.

]

In reply to Power of the Darkside (msg #74):

[Private to GM: I wasn't sure if I'd need to do another UtF roll or not, since I'm continuing the same power.
If I do, here are the new rolls:
07:00, Today: Secret Roll: Eso Terra rolled 7 using 2d6 with rolls of 4,3. damage.
06:58, Today: Secret Roll: Eso Terra rolled 17 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 3. UtF.
]

Chemosh levels his weapon at the thug that had waived the knife at the old woman, and the young man's eyes go wide and he shuffles out of the way, the bolt of energy disintergrating the seat's back. He curses and starts shooting wildly at Chemosh, but his aim's off and the shots miss.

Tehrk, meanwhile shoots off two volleys that pepper the youth's body as Eso maneuvers it towards the quarren. The young man, doesn't seem to sense that he was shot at, confirming what everyone suspected that he's probably dead. As it suddenly jostles towards the leader, the quarren nimbly dodges the ghoolish attack, before returning fire at the Jedi who doesn't even flinch as the blast streaks past harmlessly...


Tervax's Turn

Tervax took a knee and lifted his heavy rifle.  Unfortunately, his rifle was big and unwieldy in close quarters; his rifle jostled against a pillar as the train was buffeted by a wind gust and knocked his aim off.  He cursed and tried lining up another shot.

OOC:  Yeah, pretty much.  Sorry.  Had intended on posting it up, but was still miffed about the roll.

Place holder for Tervax.

Noticed his roll... which I assume is why he hasn't posted.

03:20, Yesterday: Tervax rolled 13 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 3. Attack vs closest Thug.

Moving things forward...
This message was last edited by the player at 17:13, Sun 30 Jan 2011.

As the remaining thugs line up their shots, the car comes to a stop, jarring everyone and causing several of the thugs to miss. However, one of them has better aim and a bolt screams towards Eso as the tell-tale sign of law-enforcement vehicles and their flashing blue and red lights floods the car. Looking outside, you notice that the airtram was stopped in between stations.


[Private to Eso Terra:
21:48, Today: Power of the Darkside rolled 18 using d20+3 with rolls of 15 Thugs Attack.
21:52, Today: Power of the Darkside rolled 12 using 4d6+1 with rolls of 4,3,1,3. Potential Dam vs Eso]

Initiative - Round 4


32 Chemosh
25 Eso & Tehrk
20 Quarren + 1 Thugs
19 Tervax
17 4 thugs


Chemosh, Eso, and Tehrk may now act.

Same map as before, but the two north of the homeless woman are out.

21:20, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 22,8 using 1d20+5,1d20
21:21, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 16,10 using 3d6+2,3d6+2


Leveling his pistols towards the closest of the youthful punks, Tehrk lets loose yet another dual volley of shots. The fight, while not having went so well for them so far, would hopefully begin to change.

[Private to GM: 09:32, Today: Secret Roll: Eso Terra rolled 25 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 11. UtF Reaction. The Intercept power is a reaction so this happened during their turn last round.]

The body of their companion suddenly snaps from attacking the Quarren to protecting Eso. Making a lightning fast leap through the car to take the shot intended for her before crumpling to the floor with a smoking hole in his chest.

[Private to GM: This is my action for this round. And I'll go defensive so that I can survive being bold if they decide to take shots instead. I don't have my books in the hotel so I can't remember what that does to my defense/attack scores.]

"The authorities are here now, and the tram has been stopped. You can only make things worse by fighting. Lay down your weapons." She says this with the tone of someone who will brook no further nonsense.

Eso Terra rolled 22 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 13. Persuasion.

Chemosh grins, glad to see the local authorities were quick on Response Time. He'd need to make a note of that time difference in his next report, such intelligence might come in handy should Coruscant ever become a target. He enters in a stime stamp on his wrist computer, which he can compare to when he'd signaled them earlier about the impending situation upon the car.

As a Keeper of the Peace, the Jedi Padawan (Eso) was the best candidate to ask for the thugs surrender... seconded only sleightly by the Lawmen pulling up in speeders at that very moment. Regardless, Chemosh knew his own words had already done little save incite violence. Therefore, he opts not to add anything verbal at that moment.

In reply to Chemosh (msg #82):



[Private to Chemosh: Question:

Does Chemosh walk around with the electro-scrambler activated all the time?]

[Private to GM:

Darned Tootin :-P

AKA Yes, unless he WANTS to be recorded for some reason. Given his intentions of bringing in the authorities as calvary, in hindsight, I suppose I should have typed up a blurb about deactivating it for the cameras in the car if there are/were any.

]

There is a brief moment of hesitation between the youths, they hadn't expected resistance, and hadn't expected law enforcement to be so quick. Frankly, things were getting out of controle and they'd already lost two team members and it was obvious that the Mando wasn't even trying to hit them yet.

They looked at each other as the Quarren gave the jedi a baleful stare. "Let's move out of this car," he said keeping his weapon trained on the group. "If you so much as move, we'll return fire... nice and easy now..." he said to the rest of his troup.

Tervax's Turn
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:35, Mon 31 Jan 2011.

Tervax returned the favor, keeping his heavy rifle on the group, but stepping to one side to allow them to pass.

"I'd hurry.  Corascant Public Security tends to respond a bit harshly to those who cause a lot of trouble on their public transport systems."

The ruffians start filing out of the car towards the nearest exit as the Quarren stares you down. You all get the impression that he's graving you to memory, before he himself files out in a huff, though Coruscani Security is already waiting for them. They also had a lot of questions for you too.

Time passes, and you learn that the security cameras inside the airtram recorded only bits and pieces of event. For some reason, all the tram's cameras worked fine... all except the one you were in which caught mostly static, but with the presence of a Jedi onboard, the security force simply questions you for a while and then releases you and the old woman. Though they did seem to have a lot of questions about Chemosh's pistol, which they eventually return to him.

You all watch as they throw the remaining gang punks in binders, bringing in stretchers for the ones that are unconscious, and a cleaning crew for those that are dead. Through it all, the peddler woman waits patiently and wide-eyed, until she gets a chance to rush towards you grasping at your hands and clothes, thanking you profusely over and over. She starts to cackle when she gets to Chemosh: "Haha...! Oh but that was quick thinking," she says grabbing him by the collar and kissing him on the forehead with callused lips.

Through it all, Chemosh patiently answers as many questions as he can... though his answers aren't always concise, and some are outright evasive (especially noteworthy is his aversion to commentary regarding the malfunctioning cameras in the car). Any familiar with the tell-tale signs of his Disruptor-esque based weapon are likely surprised as hell when it gets handed back to him, more so given the astonishingly legit liscense he pulled to verify his right to carry and discharge such a weapon in Republic Space. His connections clearly ran higher than ReMIS, and/or his pockets deeper than suspected.

The praise for having had the forethought to involve the authorities illicits a soft smile, and a mumbled comment that it was any citizens civic duty to do so... though he knew well that such was not the norm in Republic Space.

"Pish posh, love. Addy be fine, now, aren't we? Oh yes, fine fine... wonderful, we think, and all because you bravely stood up for us," she beamed at Chemosh. Then she snapped a finger, as if remembering something and she waddled over towards her bags and trinkets, shaking one thing and another, as she mumbled to her self.

"A good deed made, a future deed saved..." she cackles as she finds what she was looking for, "Here, love... you have this! We finds everything... you use!" She reaches into one of her filthy duraplast bags and pulls out a battered datapad, cracked and chipped, thrusting it into Chemosh's hands. With a wave, she and her bags are gone.

In the culture Chemosh comes from, a gift is never declined verbally. Though it might be later discarded, traded, or even sold... a gift was a gift. He accepts the datapad with a gacious nod, and soft words, and tucks it safely into his pack for later examination.

Provided the Q&A with the authorities has come to a sufficient close, he gathers his allies and ensures all are well enough to continue before again leading on towards their destination... a quick apology is offered for having gotten them all involved. As they walk, he explains that such behavior is not common for him... but something about the scenerio told him it was something he had to do. Part of his destiny perhaps? He wasn't sure if he believed in such nonsense, and readily said as much with a look that said he held little doubt that the Jedi in their midst surely did.

Tehrk made no intention of really concealing any information, though he was quick to dismiss any comments of aggression on their part. They weren't at fault, the punks were. They'd gone as far as to harass them and, for their own defense, the group defended themselves accordingly.

He made brief note of the homeless woman and left it at that. He wasn't exactly on the way to make some life story for the officials and while he didn't have a reason to be rushed, Tehrk wasn't exactly comfortable around law-enforcement, given his former activities before now.

Eso concludes her discussion with the officers and returns to the rest of the group as the woman leaves something and scurries off. She raises one eyebrow at the exchange, but says nothing about it to Chemosh. Even after his mini rant about not believing in destiny she keeps her thoughts to herself, though the corners of her mouth are definately turned up in amusement.

"Are we all ready to go? We do still have an appointment to keep after all."

Good deeds done and tallied, you are finally able to leave the details to the authorities, but the group now finds itself an hour behind schedule and a captain still to find. The group hurries off to catch the next tram to Shawmell...

The Rodian's Kiss... The smoky, dark, and loud watering hole is neither romantic, nor populated entirely by Rodians, though more than a few are here. A domineering bar towers over half the establishment, surrounded by tiny tables that are mostly shoved together by large parties having a raucous time; while a handfull of dark booths on the far walls play host to romantic interludes, and shady negotiations. On large vidscreens, you see various events being viewed; shockboxing, dosh-ball, as well as pod-racing and many fans jostle and holler, credits freely changing hands in a complex network of betting.

Near the pod-racing vidscreens, a loud Dug is clutching a fair amount of credits and making a scene while others scowl in anger. Nearby, several Sabaac tables and chance-cube throwing pits are also seeing a fair amount of action. The dozen or so human and twi’lek waiters and waitresses struggle to take orders and serve drinks and strange food.

Anyone doing anything?

Tervax stepped down into the cantina and looked around, ignoring the furtive glances that his armor and weapon inevitably drew.  Stepping to the side, the armored human let the rest of the group file into entry area.  Letting Chemosh take the lead Tervax kept an eye out for anyone that might be taking an unusual interest in their group.


OOC:
12:11, Today: Tervax rolled 15 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 8. Perception for unusual attention.

With little to go by in the way of their prospective pilot's description, Chemosh does a quick sweep of the seedy room. Short of visually maaging to locate him on their own, there was little for it save to approach the bar tender and attempt procure the requisite information/introduction from him/her/it.

While not sure what to really do in terms of exploring the Rodian's Kiss, Tehrk notices a Sabaac table not far off and seems to feel a bit of an urge to test his hand. He doesn't seem to make much attempt to disguise his movement from the group, heading straight to the table. His hand already counting out some credits to put up, Tehrk slides into a seat at the table and motions to the dealer that he's willing to dump some credits for some fun. Provided they don't have a problem with a human jumping in on their game, Tehrk shows that he isn't into betting anything trivial, fishing out three hundred and ninety credits (390) and holding them in his hand, waiting to see if he'll be brought in or not.

18:57, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 9 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 5. Gambling Roll (+2 for gambler trait).

(Lose half of stake)(Applied only if they take me to the table or I'm not dragged off somewhere else or halted before getting to the table)

Chemosh heads towards the bar as Tervax observes the room, with all the menace that the Mando armor could muster. Meanwhile Tehrk heads for the sabaac tables, leaving the Jedi to look around instinctively at the bar's scenary.

[Private to Chemosh:  The bar is being run by, surprise, a Rodian but the people at the bar seem loath to socialize with you. Eventually the Rodian barkeep comes over to take your order. "What want?"]

[Private to Eso Terra: You quickly get disctracted by a match of dosh ball. You do notice a duros loudly shouting at one of the pod racing screens though.]

[Private to Tehrk Ridonal: Given that Pugwis is a Duros, you walk around the betting tables and start looking for some good luck. Lady Luck would have it, you notice a few Duros, in one of the corner tables.

Instead of rolling, lets play some poker hands. You'll have to pay to sit in though.
]

[Private to Tervax: A quick scan reveals that the booths are clear of Duros, though all of them are taken and the customers try to remain unnoticed. Tehrk seems to have found a pair, and there seems to be another near that loud Dug near the podrace pits. No one seems interested in the group, though they don't seem to want to attract any notice either.]

Everyone should have a Private Line - let me know if you can't read it
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:04, Sun 06 Feb 2011.

Approaching a small table near the back corner, occupied by some Duros, Tehrk saunters over and slips in, making a brief comment on his interest in playing. Figuring he could spend a bit more, he pulls out a handful of credits and looks around, as if ready to waste some time and credits.

[Private to Power of the Darkside: 890 credits put up so far, that should level me out at 3000 credits remaining in my bank.]

After a second of noticing who's playing and the score on the dosh ball game, Eso pulls her attention back to the task at hand. She approaches the Duros who is wrapped up in the pod race and waits for a moment before speaking to him.

Chemosh flashes the Rodian his most winning smile, his eyes locked on the owners as he inserts his credstick into the terminal on the bar.  He orders a drink, and asks where the Captain he's looking for can be found. A generous tip is added to his drink order to lube the requested information along.

In reply to Tehrk Ridonal (msg #99):

The Duros look up from their cards and consider the stranger for a moment before returning to their cards. "You wana gamble," one of them grumbles. "Pots at 100 creds to start," he says as he starts to shuffle and deals you a bunch of sabaac cards after you toss in your 100 creds worth.

"Janar... your turn to start the betting, or do you need some new cards?" the Duros said, his red eyes observing the other Duros intently. "Right," the other snorts. "I'm raising the pot 50 creds, keep your cards..."

"I'll take a card," the other grumbled, taking one. It peeked at the card before tossing the credits at the center, "raise ya another 50. That brings the pot to 450. You callin?" his red orbs fall on you suddenly as his hand drum on the table impatiently.

23:04, Today: Secret Roll: Power of the Darkside drew the 5 cards:


[Private to GM:

Gambler A: KH, QH, JD, 6H, 5S, Deception 30, Perception 34
Gambler B: AC, QC, 9C, 5S, 3C, AD Perception 26, Deception 19
]
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:24, Thu 10 Feb 2011.

In reply to Eso Terra (msg #100):

The Duros is having an argument over Pod Racing with a Dug. "Sure the four-engine designs go faster but they're harder to control.  You've really got to look at the pilot before you lay money down on a four-engine racer.  Reflexes are important in a faster pod, but what people forget is the pilot has to be quick-thinking technically.  Quad-power binders are really touchy.  Lose just one and the whole rig goes flying apart."

"Refleckshes! Now thatshh exactly wot I'm talking about..." answered the Duros in a drunken slur. "These here... fellas... are jush mad that my clan's ish betters an are angry cause my clan's racer has won the last shhheven races on Malastaire..." he said waving at the screen with a bottle of ale. "HE'S BETTER than YOUR SODDEN RACER...!" He shouts at the screen which makes the other patrons a little more upset, but he waves them off with a low whining noise that could be taken as satisfaction.

In reply to Chemosh (msg #101):

The Rodian's eyes lit up at the tip, and ushered your drink right and proper. He even went under the counter for one of the clean glasses. "If you're looking for the Black Comet's Captain, you might want to ask that loud and obnoxious Duros at the pod races," he answered before making someone else's money disappear in one fluid practiced motion, before serving another drink.

[Private to Chemosh: He's pointing towards Eso and the Duros]

Chemosh raises his drink in toast to the bartender, thanking him for his information, before then snaking through the bar and over to Eso's side. Seeing that she seems poised to speak, he opts to remain off to her shoulder and angled away (but capable of watching the encounter from the corner of his eye). Once comfortably positioned he'll whisper to Eso... [Private to Eso Terra: The Duro knows of the Captain we seek, I have good authority.]

Taking a look at his cards, Tehrk was a bit unsure to whether he should call or raise. He'd paid his credits to get in and was thinking of how much he was willing to spend before he took a look at the pot. Four hundred and fifty was a nice amount, five hundred after his call if he did so. However, he wanted to gauge a bit of the group he was playing with, so he smiled causally and threw some credits in.

"I'll call, let's just hope I get me a low card, hmm?"

[Private to GM: What's my hand?

Also, as for the Deception Check
02:21, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 12 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 3. Deception]

In reply to Tehrk Ridonal (msg #106):

[Private to Tehrk Ridonal: 10:18, Today: Secret Roll: Power of the Darkside, on behalf of Tehrk Ridonal, drew the 5 cards: 3C, 9S, KD, 5C, 6C using a deck of 54 cards]

(Sorry, been kind of occupied with personal stuff)

Taking a look at his cards, Tehrk was a bit ashamed. This was a considerably poor hand, though he might be able to get something out of it. Tossing out three cards, Tehrk motioned to get another three cards back, hoping to pull a bit of a lucky streak.

[Private to GM: Throwing away 3C, 9S and KD]

She mutters a few words [Private to Chemosh: "I was afraid of that."] before stepping closer to the Duros. "Excuse me, I'm looking for Captain Pugwis. Would that be you?" She asks, politely yet firmly. She wasn't about to let the fact that he was gooned out of his mind stop her from getting her assignment done.

The Duros at the table grinned and happily gave Tehrk three cards. "Ya can fold at any time, fella," he said as he looked over towards Tehrk's money and gave him extra cards. "Save your luck for the next hand, har har... yah in or out?"

[Private to Tehrk Ridonal: 12:13, Today: Secret Roll: Power of the Darkside, on behalf of Tehrk Ridonal, drew the 3 cards: 8H, 8D, JS using a deck of 54 cards.

Making your hand: 5C, 6C, 8H, 8D, JS]

---

At the mention of Pugwis, the Duro looked at Eso from top to bottom, "Fraid he's left the esshtablishmment, he did... but if you want his credshh, hheee's not gona want to shheee you anyway. Hheee's got a job, ya shee, an hhee's not shhtoping fer anything til the cargo getsh in hisssh posssessssion... heeeeeheeee..." The Duros waves his mug under the Jedi's nose to emphasise his punctuation, or his point.

"You want to bet on the next rasshhe, girly?" he finally asks as he turns his attention back at the screen, "betting's bout to shtart again... heeeheee... An my Clan nearly destroyed those bi-podzz... geeeee we're cleaning up..!! Haa!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:23, Mon 14 Feb 2011.

02:07, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 10 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 1. Persuasion

"Might not be a bad idea, though I don't suppose you'd be willing to do so yourself, hmm?"

His words were a bit stunted, as if he were trying to think of what to say in response. Mostly though, from his fragmented pattern of speech though, it was almost as if he had something in mind. For now, he'd call his hand and wait for the next round, he wasn't horribly off, but he could be better off too.

Deciding that subtlety is not going to work on this Duros, currently anyway, Eso tries the tactfulness of a brick. "I have his cargo. Where can I find him, so that it may be delivered?" She asks firmly enough that it should keep his attention and cut through the alcohol fog.

The Duros looked over at Eso and waved her away, "No more room fer cargo... hah..." He resumed his shouting at the screen.

---

The Duro at your table grumble some more, "Me? I've got a nice hand..." he said waving airily. The other Duros who was dealing out the cards stayed impassive and unreadable. "Ya upping the stakes fly boy? Put your money on the table..."

02:03, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 28 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 19. Perception.
(+2 due to gambling bonus, Final Total of 30, Perception check used to gauge opponent and seriousness.)

Tehrk looked his opponent over. The guy was good, but he was also just another gambler and fate was cruel that way. Tehrk took a moment to think about his situation and how well he was able to read his fellow gambler. He held his tongue for now, taking a look at his cards and then back at the Duros.

02:03, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 24 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 15. Deception.
(+2 due to gambling bonus, Final total of 26)

"Fly boy? That wasn't very nice.

Tell me, you have a good hand... But does it beat a Royal Flush?"

Tehrk smiled indifferently toward the Duros, but added a bit of levity to his question by sliding three hundred credits forward (total bet of 400 credits so far). His hand slid back just as shiftily as it had when he pushed the credits out, his smile not moving anywhere past a kindly, gentleman's smile.

Keeping her voice level she tries again. "I don't think you understand. I have his cargo. I need to get to him so that he can deliver it. Will you please tell me where he is so that I may give it to him?"

The duros looked at Eso and frowned, "Yeah yeah.... you have the cargo.... he repeated and then, suddenly, his jaw dropped. "Oh!! You must be the Republic agents we're taking with us to..." the inebriated Duros suddenly exclaimed, putting two and two together. The outburst causes several heads turn in your direction.

---

The dealer growls and tosses his hand into the center of the table, but the second looks at you for the longest time. You get the feeling that he's not buying in, but in a split second decision he tosses the hand away. "You smug brat, I'm not putting down that much either," he grumbled.

There's a sudden commotion near the vid-races and they both stare towards Eso and Chemosh.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:30, Fri 18 Feb 2011.

Taking his credits with a smile, Tehrk pockets what he earned (provided he did win), then flips his first card over, revealing the Jack of Spades. His smile grows wider as he turns over his next card to show his victory...

A five of clubs.

He tosses the rest of his hand to the center, showing that he only had a pair of eights to his name. However, just as he was about to put in another bet to start the next round, his attention turned to the commotion not far from their table.

(If the round isn't over, then ask me to edit, otherwise, that's that for my post)

Eso lets her jaw drop. "I thought we had something special! You don't even recognize me! You Phenthunk! Fine. If that's the way you want it... I'll take my things and go." She sputters. Half crying and half indignant, the way only a woman scorned can be. "Where is the ship? I'll have my things off in a half stan..."

[Private to Eso Terra: I'd normally ask you to roll a deception check or something of the sorts]

The Duros simply looked at Eso, his face suddenly dismayed. "What?" He blinked towards the Jedi, his eyes squinting. He got up from his seat and tried to catch up with the girl.

---

The duros at Tehrk's table quickly returned to their card. "Bah!!" cried one of them, who tossed two aces down at the table. "Care to put that back in the pot, fellah?"

As he sees the commotion, Tehrk reluctantly sighs and pats his gun holster, seeming to have a slight indication that something may happen which requires his attention. Turning to the Duros,

"I appreciate you being a good sport about the being bluffed, but regrettably, that woman is someone I need to keep an eye on. Here's for the next pot, enjoy."

Tehrk tossed in one hundred credits as a complimentary token of enjoyment, after which he stood up and went after Eso for some reason he was bereft of. It wasn't much to think of though given his disposition, though he was wary that having good relations with people he had to work with was crucial to having them turn a blind eye when he did something a little less respectable. Despite not knowing her name, Tehrk tossed out the only thing he could really think of at the time, based on their former little events on the tram-system; no regular woman lifted people off the ground and flung them a distance without having some kind of ability.

"Oi? Force-Woman, what's happening? Someone handing out trouble?"

Chemosh follows Eso's lead, sensing her motive behind the charade and seeing that silently playing along would seem the optimal method of support at the given juncture.

Will move on with Eso's post if she hasn't posted by tomorrow.

Sorry for the delay

Eso strides out of the establishment, lip quivering. When she gets to the door she steps to the side waiting for the Duros to come through. When he steps out she raises a gloved hand and begins to make a fist. "You are going to take us to the ship and you're not going to speak of the events of this evening again, ever. We're taking your friends ship for the sole reason of maintaining a low profile. If anyone makes that more difficult for me than it has to be. I will destroy them walk over their cooling corpses to the completion of my assignment." A flick of her hand includes Tehrk in her irritation. "Have I made myself exquisitely clear?"

The Duros' big eyes blink at Eso's reaction, "Woah, woah... easy does girl, no harm done," he says almost sobered-up. "And there's no rush, our flight permit has us leaving at 0900 standard hours tomorrow morning. Besides, I'm making a killing at these races. Sit, relax... get some fun time while you can... place some bets... have a few drinks..." he says as he reopens the Kiss' door, "you guys want a drink? On me..."

"No, now. Either that or you'll be explaining to your captian why the republic has suddenly siezed his ship and both of you are being charged with treason."
She gestures away from the door with a let's go.

Chemosh smiles, pleasantly surprised by the Padawan's forwardness in dealing with their reluctant seeming pilot.

"You wouldn't dare...!" the Duros growls, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "We're risking our sodding hides to get you out of here and through an asteroid belt to make good time, and you're petulantly demanding do things your way? Our permit doesn't let us get off world until the morning... so unless you have some pull with the central port authority, there's no leaving tonight... and we'll get something straight right away," he hissed, "It's my vessel, and I command. Got it?"

The whole exchange happens so quickly that the night crowd outside the Kiss didn't even seem to worry. In fact, Pugwis is suddenly interrupted by a very soft spoken Rodian who plies him with questions in hushed tones.

Tervax watched the by-play with interest.  Perhaps this jetiise had a bit more backbone that he had been given to believe.  If so, this mission could be much more interesting than he had originally anticipated.  He followed the group out of the door and waited while Eso had her discussion.

He started to reach out to take the Duros' shoulder, but stopped when he was approached by the Rodian.  He dialed up the auditory sensors on his helmet, but the crowd washed out anything he might've heard from the exchance.


OOC:  00:30, Today: Tervax rolled 9 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 2. Perception to hear the Rodian.

Chemosh opts to insert himself into the conversation at long last. "Permit? Please. That's just a piece of paper. A few calls on our part and that piece of paper can easily be adjusted. Trust me, we have that kind of pull." The Chiss says with a confident smile, fully believing that between their ties at the Jedi Temple and ReMIS such hoops could easily be maneuvered to their liking. "No one is questioning your status as Captain... but do also be clear: We're not your average passengers, and we'll not settle to be treated as such. Remember where the money comes from, and how far reccomendations in our circles can get a man of your skill." The warm smile turns almost promising, disturbingly eerie red eyes or not.

[Private to Tervax: The rodian: ".... willing to ... shipment .... Koshibal for ...?" Pugwis seems to refuse, "... too risky ... never do ... again." ]Despite what seems like much protest and pleading, the duros captain waves off the rodian who, looking dejected, re-enters the bar.

Annoyed by the encounter, the Duros turns to face Chemosh. "If you can get the authorization, then I'd be happy to take off sooner. Until then," he turns around and walks back into the Kiss.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:58, Sat 19 Mar 2011.

Once their pilot has re-entered the bar proper, Chemosh looks at Eso appraisingly. "Would you prefer to pull strings with the Jedi Temple to expedite our transit, or shall I contact ReMIS?"

"I've had enough of this attitude." She growls. "We won't need either. Give me one more second, if he doesn't come out I'll eviserate him myself." She says to Chemosh before pushing the door back open and entering.

Eso stalks across the establishment. As much as someone of her size can, the effect would be comical if the look on her face didn't promise death to the first person to suggest she looks like anything other than a valkyrie prepared for war.
She stops directly in front of Pugwis. "Hey!" She snaps her fingers in front of his face while continuing her statement. "It's time to go to the ship."
Even though she's taken years of training in the subtle uses of the Force, and is very skilled in using it to gently redirect the desires of beings, this time... she uses it like a sledge hammer.


Here's my Affect Mind roll.
OOC:19:30, Today: Secret Roll: Eso Terra rolled 30 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 16. UtF. 

Mere moments later, the petite Eso walks out of the door and not far behind is your old friend Pugwis with an odd vacant expression on his face. As Eso gives Chemos a "told you so" look, Pugwis keeps on walking past the group and towards the east.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:52, Sat 19 Mar 2011.

Feeling that she's somehow failed to pass this test without using a crutch she still has to maintain her decorum and not allow a satisfied smile dominate her expression while she follows their 'guide' to the ship.

"... and about his Flight Permit?" Chemosh reminds softly, that the Captain did have a point about requiring clearance to leave early.

One corner of her mouth twitches up into a smile. "I got him to go to the ship. She mutters softly so that Pugwis doesn't hear. "Getting early clearance is up to you. Just remember that we're being discrete." She lets that hang for a second.
"I find it a little strange that the arrangements that were made, have us leaving in the morning. Yet, we were advised to go 'under the cover of darkness'. Does that seem a little strange to you?"

Standing by mildly and unassumingly, Tehrk kept a fair distance from the snappy one. Her look of annoyance earlier had been ill-directed, since he hadn't done much to her to warrant the nasty look. However, with things being hurried along now, he kept silent on the matter, though he wasn't much more convinced now about his earlier mindset regarding any Jedi now.

Just letting Tervax add a word if he wants to before I move you on.

Tervax watched with a bemused smile on his face as Eso and Pugwis exited the bar.  She had a smug smile on his face that he readily associated with women from across the Galaxy having accomplished something in a non-conventional way.  He simply followed along, grinning inside his helmet at the satisfied attitude adopted in her walk.

While they made their way towards the docking bay, he pulled out his datapad and opened the notes section, typing some words in [Private to Power of the Darkside: "shipment, Koshibal"] before putting it back into his pocket and continuing on, continually scanning the area.


OOC:  12:22, Today: Tervax rolled 12 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 5. General Perception of the Area.

Stupid dice.  Even digital dice hate me... :(
This message was last edited by the player at 18:22, Sat 19 Mar 2011.

The group follows the Duros from the Kiss and into Coruscant's cool and crisp night aire as you navigate in silence through the shipping district. Pugwis keeps a sullen pace and doesn't seem to have any trouble navigating through the alleyways.

The Duros eventually slows down at a fork in the road and scrutinizes the darkness of one of the alleys, his expression bewildered. The hesitation is short lived and then with a wave of his hand he mumbles an "almost there" before continuing on his way.


[Private to Tervax: You notice nothing.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:07, Sun 20 Mar 2011.

Chemosh snorts at the Jedi's reminding him of discretion. Potentially atypical or not, he found the sheer notion of one of the< giving him any pointers in the life of cloak and dagger was ludacris.

As the group walks through the streets, Chemosh sends out a few coded transmission to his ReMIS contacts... knowing that word will get to where it needs to get, and right quickly, given the code words he'd used and the grade of their current mission. He knew better codes, and faster contacts... but those were best reserved for more dire scenerio's obviously. He knew well the levels and justifications needed for contacting the persons he made a habit of using so as not to ever abuse it (or cry wolf unecessarily).

By the time the hangar is reached, ammended permits would be waiting for the ships captain.

Some of you scan the darkness as Chemosh types up something on a wrist computer, well, computer arm, really... The alleys looked deserted, but something wasn't right as you looked down the western alley where a exhaust vent was venting out warm air into the Coruscanti night. Chemosh was finished his missive just as a deadly bolt of liquid energy screamed past the Duros in front of the group heading directly towards him. With a great amount of luck, Chemosh staggered more from the force of the blast than the actual damage he had could have if it had actual hit him. A sniper, it seemed, lay in the darkness beyond.

Knowing full well a sniper was nothing with which to show any sort of hesitation, Chemosh is already keying in the quick command on his computer as he moves. The air about him crackles and snaps as a potent force-field is raised around his person. The Chiss was no fool to trust in such things alone though, as he moves for cover in the same motion.

Tervax had his massive rifle off his back and out in the ready position so quickly it would be hard to believe that it wasn't in his hand to begin with.  He activated the electrobinoculars mounted into his helmet and the surrounding area was suddenly converted from shadows and dark colors to multiple shades of green and black as the equipment lit up the night through his visor.

"Get cover!"

He pushed the Duros towards the nearest wall, and watched with appreciation as the blue-skinned alien began moving towards cover.


12:06, Today: Tervax rolled 14 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 3. Initiative.
12:06, Today: Tervax rolled 22 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 15. Perception to locate sniper.

15:30, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 16 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 7. Perception
15:31, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 24 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 15. Initiative
15:31, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 15,5 using 1d20+5,1d20 with rolls of 10,5. Attack 1 and 2 (Attack 2 takes -5)

As the sniper bolt came whizzing by, Tehrk instinctively went for cover, diving behind a wall and peering around to see if he could notice anything of the sniper's position. Although there was little room or time to waste, Tehrk acted on instinct and fired a few shots at the general area where the shot had come from, hoping to provide enough of a distraction to disturb the aiming of the would-be assassin.

Without hesitation Eso folds the force around herself. bending light to mask her presence from everyone. She then heads up the alley, seeking the person that fired on them. she wastes no time flittimg from one point of cover to another. Instead she simply keeps to the side where she is less likely to interupt any combatants field of fire.

(sorry for the delay. having some difficulty getting comp time during year end here. So this is coming from my kindle. I can not copy paste my roll but i am using Cloak to run up the alley.

"Run Pugwis!! DAMNIT!!!" someone yelled from the darkness ahead of you, but Pugwis simply walked in daze. "You're all surrounded, I suggest you all turn around nice and slow and walk away... do ya hear?!"

[Private to Eso Terra: You see the outlines of the ship in a hangar, several places where people could be hiding between the narrow alleyway and the open space beyond.]
[Private to Tehrk Ridonal:
You see the outlines of the ship in a hangar, several places where people could be hiding between the narrow alleyway and the open space beyond, but you're not sure where that shot came from.]
[Private to Tervax:

You see the outlines of the ship in a hangar, several places where people could be hiding between the narrow alleyway and the open space beyond. You're pretty sure the shot came from the hanger, more importantly what could be the ramp access, but those other hiding spaces give you pause...]

Tervax took a chance.  He wasn't the talker, but there the chance that their good Captain's crew had seen him coming, walking in a daze, surrounded by four heavily armed people and drawn exactly the conclusion he would have.  So, he set out to fix that impression.  He turned up the volume on his external speakers and replied.

"We're your cargo, bucket-brain.  Your captain wasn't proving amenable to leaving tonight, despite assurances, and proof, we are able to obtain permission to leave earlier."




OOC:
21:43, Today: Tervax rolled 22 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 19. Persuasion.

The person seemed to hesitate a moment. "Ehh... then why's the captain acting weird then?" the voice called out, "just stay where you are and no sudden moves or someone will get hurt."

As the exchange takes place, Pugwis continues to head towards the ship.

"Too much booze was a start, and then he offended a Jedi with a few choice remarks... odds are his mind is clouded or something silly. We saw him on the road as quickly and most directly as possibly to the haven of his Ship, Crew, and our own consequent destination." Chemosh supplies loudly from the safety of his Force Field and the covver provided by nearby debris. He leaves unsaid that the offended Jedi was in their mix. It just didn't seem like a constructive element to the story at present.

"Check the ships communication logs, you'll find the updated Departure Approval in your inbox. Courtesy of your cargo's strong desire to get off this planet at our leisure, and on our way... A feat your Captain felt would prove quite beyond my means."

As Chemosh explains the situation, Pugwis walks catatonically towards the ship and stops 5 feet from the landing ramp. From your vantage point, his silhouette looks up at the ship, scratches its head and places both hands on his hips. "How the heck did I get here?" he grumbles in confusion, "Vertuba..?" he mutters, pretty much at the same time as Chemosh finishes his explanation…



"What?! When did you get here? And how did you find the ship? Bloody furies..!! Never mind... Vertuba, it looks like the cargo's here, so let them in and power down the security before they get sizzled..."

At that, you hear the powering down of weapons (plural) and a dug jumps down cautiously from his perch between the landing ramp and the inside of the ship. Reassured, you advance to get a better view.

As you walk, the hanger's lights go on and you can now clearly see a horribly beat-up old Corellian YT-1300 that looks like it's being held together with several rolls of mesh tape, is what you assume to be The Black Comet herself. Behind the Comet, sitting placidly not too far next it are two used V-Wing starfighters (from the Clone War days from the looks of them), probably the 'payment and escort' General Madine spoke of at the briefing.

"They're early..! Wasn't expecting them before tomorrow morning given the launch permit..?" Pugwis says as he gives you all the once over. "Vertuba, can you check the comms?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:40, Sat 02 Apr 2011.

The dug disappears for several minutes as Pugwis strikes up some small talk. "I hope you guys packed light," he chuckles, "we don't have cargo room for more than 2 tons of gear. Assuming our permit hasn't changed, the Black Comet will head straight for Koshibal at 0900 - well, as straight as one can get..."

Pugwis explains that any direct hyperspace path to Koshibal is blocked by a large asteroid field, which takes so long to go around, that no freighter wants to do it. But the likes of Pugwis desn't have a problem with a two-tiered hyperspace jump, "We'll be dropping out of light-speed and navigting through the asteroid belt manually, then re-entering hyperspace for the rest of the trip to Koshibal. It's very dangerous - but since few are willing to make the trip, I can get excellent prices on my shipments," he says pointing at the two V-wings. "These too... and I'll need two of you to pilot them to Koshibal for me. I hope you don't mind flying escort..." he grins, indicating that leaving the v-wings behind wasn't an option.

"Don't worry though, I've managed to get a pair of hyperdrive rings that are waiting fer us in orbit, so the fighters will be able to travel with the Comet through hyperspace. The hyperspace journey is gona be arduous, cause them fighters need to replenish life support every 15 hours," he added with a shrug as he noticed Vertuba returning.

The dug looks up to the group and then back at Pugwis, "Looks like they're correct.. the flight permit has changed, we can leave immediately."

"Alright then," Pugwis said looking impressed, "who's jumping into the Vs? Time's money... "


Will let you all do one last bit of RP (ie: pilot checks for those of you jumping into the fighters or just plain rp for those that choose to board the commet) before we move on

The Chiss moves to go up the ramp without further word or thought. To his experience, such a trip seemed simple and standard enough... but where he was from, pilots and technology were a bit more advanced than Republic standard. He does wonder with mild curiosity just how dense the Asteroid field can be if it's thick enough to convince most to circumvent, but not so dense as he's willing to take the YT1300 in under his own control AND allow his 'payment' to be piloted through by relative unknowns.

At the top of the ramp he considers offering to fly one of the old klunkers through, but then thinks better of it. He'd seen vids of those fighters in action, and really just wasn't ever impressed enough with them to be willing to climb into one just for curiosities sake. Provided two of his group breaks off to fly them accordingly he proceeds onto the Comet.

00:02, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 11 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 2. Pilot Check

Climbing into one of the pilot seats of the arranged fighters, Tehrk displayed a momentary lapse of ability as he seemed to have a lack of understanding of what controls did what. Fortunate as he was to have done some piloting in his earlier years, piloting a scavenger ship was much simpler than a fighter and it was clear he was somewhat lacking in the overall knowledge of a fighter's specifications. Regardless, Tehrk did what he could and followed basic procedures and focused on trying to see if he recognized any buttons or methods that would simplify his attempts at piloting the craft.

Eso melts back out of the shadows part way through the captain's monologue about the perils of going through the asteroid field. She gives the two fighter craft little more than a passing glance. While she had been behind the sticks in a fighter, just like every other Jedi, her species wasn't known for their piloting abilities and she didn't seem to be about to break that notion. Instead she heads inside the YT and takes a look at the condition of the interior. If the Force is with them, the ship will look better on the inside than on the outside.

Waiting for someone else to jump in the other V-wing was getting on his nerves, so he jumped up onto the ladder and climbed into the cockpit.  As he dropped into the cockpit, he must've bumped something, because as he started the ship, it stalled.  Sithspit...


OOC:
21:58, Today: Tervax rolled 8 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 2. Pilot *crosses fingers*.

Eso and Chemosh make their way up the Black Comet's boarding ramp, leaving Terhk and Tervax to figure things out with the antiquated star fighters under Pugwis' careful and watchful eye. Both fighters give a shudder as their engines stall and the pilots eye each other in embarrassment, which get them a growl from the Duros who is so far looking displeased at the piloting skills so far displayed.

Within the Comet, Vertuba is busy prepping the engine for liftoff, and soon gets the thrusters online. Thankfully, that's about the same time that the v-wings stall a 2nd time (which goes unnoticed due to Comet's engines going online), but  finally flare on their third attempt. Pugwis shakes his head, as if about to say something before he hears the fighters humming to life. Done with the two rookies, he turns his attention on a last bit of cargo on a repulsor lift which he adroitly pushes into the comet and out of view.

Minutes later, the comet and her escort blast off. Pugwis hoping that Chemosh's attempt to breeze through Coruscant's port authority wasn't going to give them further problems...

Will post again soon.

[Private to Tehrk Ridonal:
You notice something interesting about the last bit of cargo they put into the hold. It had your shipping co.'s logo on one of the crates.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:15, Wed 06 Apr 2011.

02:35, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 17 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 8. Pilot roll again.

Attempting to get a bit of the engine started before pressing anything else, Tehrk seemed to make a bit of progress, though slow as he tried to walk himself through the steps. It was when the cargo was going on board that he noticed something almost unnaturally amusing.



This logo was plastered on several crates and it was considerably inspiring to see that these individuals had good business sense. The logo could of likely been better, but Tehrk had been in a rush when he had to consider his options and, therefore, settled on the fact that being a kid wouldn't hurt him too much. Besides, it had something of a ferocious nature to it, so pirates might think twice before attacking.

It almost brought him a shred of joy to know that a few more mouths would be fed because of it as well, though that was minor in the woes of the world at this point. Looking for the communication device, Tehrk did what he could to ask a few questions about it.

"Hey, Duros buddy (speaking to Pugwis if he picks up on it)... What's in those particular crates there? The one with that mask-like logo on it? If I'm not mistaken, those come from a Ridonal sect company, don't they?"

The Duros' voice goes over the comm channel, staticky but clear: "In my line of business, we don't ask questions that might get us into more trouble than the cargo's worth. I suggest you mind your business, fly the fighter and leave my business out of it, especially over the airwaves, rookie." With that the comm-chatter is cut short, and the Black Comet slowly rises from the ground and expertly exits the hanger, rising through the Coruscanti night.

Not far behind, Tehrk manages to follow, though less smoothly, leaving Tervax to figure things out on his own. The Mando manages to get the fighter off the ground and pushes a little more speed from her until he finally catches up with Tehrk's six.

Pugwis' voice comes over the Comm again, "Coruscant Port Authority, launch permit Alpha - three - Bravo - Niner - Niner - Two - Fife; main vessel and two escorts waiting authorization to leave the planet's gravity well, over."

"Alpha - Tree - Bravo - Niner - Niner - Two - Fife; this is Coruscant Port Authority," came the controler's voice in response a few heartbeats later. "Please correct your heading by OH-Fife degrees, and remain at your current altitude, over."

"Coruscant Port Authority; this is Alpha - Tree - Bravo - Niner - Niner - Two - Fife," Pugwis responded, "correcting heading by "OH-Fife degrees, maintaining altitude over."

Several minutes go by, and those of you in the Comet see the impatient Duros drumming his fingers on his pilot chair. His red eyes meet Chemosh's and they narrow slightly. The meaning was clear, 'this stunt of yours had better work.' The look is short lived however, and the Port Authority crackles an answer: "Alpha - Tree - Bravo - Niner - Niner - Two - Fife;  you are clear to leave, Coruscant Port Authority, out."

Not needing to be told twice, Pugwis gives the command to head for the stars...

The next step is to dock with the hyperdrive rings. Pilots, feel free to describe it... I'll let the others RP the details of the ship and how you go about the flight.

IE: Will you be taking turns in the v-wings, etc..?

"Between you and me, Captain, I'd appreciate less skepticism in the future. When I say I'll get something done, it gets done." The Chiss says with a bit of smugness before rising to his feet, and offers the Captain an expression that indicates he'd like to be dismissed from the small cockpit. "If you don't mind, I'll retire to the back. I doubt you'd appreciate my backseat driving."

Provided the Captain doesn't object, The Chiss does just that.

"No offense, but in my line of work that's seldom a trait we find," he said, nodding respectfully. "Thank you for untangling it for us; the quicker we get there, the quicker I can sell my cargo and off to make more money."

Krystoph finally got the hang of the V-wing and managed to bring it under control before he ran into anything... expensive.  He brought the heavy fighter into formation with the battered freighter and maintained it, waiting for their authorization to clear the grav well.

Once that was accomplished, he followed the freighter to their desitantion and managed to bring the fighter to an efficient, if inelegant, dock with the hyperspace ring.  He opened a channel to the freighter.

"V-wing Two docked and ready for hyperspace.  Awaiting your coordinates."

OOC:
15:30, Today: Tervax rolled 18 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 12. Pilot to dock with the hyper ring.

Shortly after the two v-wing escorts are docked with their hyperdrive rings, the Black Comet sends over a stream of astrogation data which flashes on your screens before finally ending and the nav computers synch with the Comet's chronometer. Minutes later, the hyperdrives engage, and the group leaves Coruscant behind.



The hyperspace journey is arduous and long for those of you in the v-wings. A few days go by (and 71 some hours of flight time in the fighters) go without incident. Well, the pilots might tell you differently, but otherwise the Comet and the starfighters are on their final stretch, the fighters more than ready to dock with the Black Comet to replenish life support, and giving Tehrk and Tervax a much needed chance to stretch their legs / vent their frustrations over some hot meals and drinks after a much needed stint in the freshers before making the final leg of the journey. The pilots eye their chronos and the minutes stretch out impossibly long before, finally, it's time to disengage.

The stars field stops streaking and the three vessels find themselves a few hours away from the famous asteroid belt.

Inside, Pugwis interrupts the crew who are relaxing in the mess. "We've just arrived," he intones. "If you want a nice view before Koshibal ruins it all for you, I suggest you come to the cockpit for an eyeful," he says with a grin before turning back the way he came. Those that follow are greeted by the view outside the Comet, and to the disgruntled sounds of the pilots trying to dock with the Comet one final time.





Will let you all RP the next few hours and describe the 3 days if you like before moving you all into the asteroid belt for our first skill challenge.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:18, Mon 11 Apr 2011.

As Tehrk stepped off the V-Wing inside the Comet, he made a beeline straight for the showers. As much as he enjoyed flying, that craft smelled funny and it seemed to have rubbed off on him, which was never pleasant. Although he could of likely anticipated this, it was beyond his ability to focus on such things when he was already somewhat miffed. Either way, for the first part of their relaxing time on the ship, Tehrk would take in the food and chance to freshen up before going to explore the ship a bit so that he knew where things were and where he would have to run in the event of a meltdown.

Tervax was one of those soldiers that followed the old axiom:  "Never stand when you can sit, never sit when you can lay down, and never stay awake when you can sleep."  He was patient enough that he could sleep for a large portion of the time they were in hyperspace, and the rest of the time in hyperspace he spent field-stripping and assembling his heavy rifle.  He was already excellent at the task, but it never hurt to practice some more.

Once they were landed, he too spent a precious few minutes taking a shower to remove the ripeness that had crept into his flight suit over the duration of the trip.  Once he was done, he met with the rest of the group at their agreed meeting point.

Eso spends the majority of the trip in her quarters. When she's in the common area's she is very polite and makes small talk on whatever topic comes up. She doesn't mention their objectives (unless the others bring it up).

Chemosh stares quietly out the viewport at the asteroid field. He still felt that this was somewhat of an unnecessary risk. True, their purpose was moderately time sensative... but pilots in Republic space weren't nearly as regimentally trained as they were in his own home-sector. There he could fully expect only the finest of the finest hands at the wheel. Here, amidst these people, it was anyones guess as to where they learned or how competent they were. Never mind the condition of their ships, and response times of the technology being operated.

Still, Chemosh found no desire to volunteer to pilot himself. Being able to, and being well versed in the art, did little to inspire any sort of desire in his cold heart. He had other things on his mind, better ideas for ways to spend his time.

As the group prepared for the next leg of the journey, Pugwis and Vertuba were busy making the final checks to the Comets shields and weapons. The grumpy Duros paced the corridor and finally stopped where everyone was gathered. "The asteroid field is going to be a challenge, but it's something me and Vertuba have done before. That said, piloting a V-wing through hyperspace is one thing and piloting them within an asteroid belt is an entirely different can of dathomirian slugs," he said eyeing the group speculatively.

"While you've all been relaxing and getting ready, we've spent the last hour prepping and scanning the field. The Comet will be running a course through it, nice and steady. The v-wings will have to follow our lead as much as possible, but you need to be ready for surprises. Just don't do any heroics ya don't need to do. Meanwhile, I've got two gunnery positions, Vertuba and myself will be piloting... hopefully, we won't need anyone in engineering... I need to know, now, who's gonna be piloting the wings and who's going to try to keep some rocks away."

Tervax nodded.  It was only natural for a freighter as beat up as the one he had escorted here to want to maintain that escort, especially in an area that was not exactly conductive to avoiding pirates.

"I've been reading up on the V-wings; I'm confident I can fly one quite well now.  Not to mention quite a few other things."

Chemosh looks around at the various volunteers, realizing that if this is about to become an all hands event... he might as well pipe up on which of the two roles he were better wbout.

"How good are the targeting computers on this boat?" Chemosh asks plainly, not having bothered to investigate as much himself given the nature of their journey indicating he'd never likely encounter this ship again. "I'm a fair hand at piloting... but haven't much experience with starship-scaled weaponry.

"Mind you, the best use of my skill-set would be here should you sustain any damage." The Chiss adds tactfully. He could fly, and by Republic standards he could fly well. Back home he'd rely upon targeting computers, a gunner, or maybe even just pointing his ship in the right direction and hoping for the best with stationary arcs. All said and done, back home he'd still be considered a novice-pilot in the eyes of his fellow Chiss.

"How hard can it be to hit a rock from 20 feet away?" grumbled Pugwis, who had so far been observing the team. "They'll be fine enough for what we've got in mind... if everyone's ready and made peace with their makers, I suggest you find your stations. We're bound to have a bumpy ride for the next few hours or so," he says with a grin.


Ok, so we'll be using skill checks for this skill challenge:

Pilot Checks (even assists for those of you in the comet); Perception Checks; Attacks; Mechanic Checks. I'll post the first strecth of it tonight.

We need 5 (cumulative) successes before 3 failures.

The Chiss frowns at the Pugwis' comment. Either the asteroid field wasn't as risky as assumed, or the Pugwis just had no idea how detrimentally damaging even the smallest shard of asteroid could prove at such speeds. Deflector Shields weren't infailiable, and it only took a minor collision to jar a vessel off course... and some maneuvers could be tight/close enough that that sleight impact could spell certain doom. But, if the Pugwis seemed more inclined to having Chemosh in a gunners chair... he knew the drill as well as any non-proficient space hand!

From his vantage, he offers out what little advice he can to the various pilots over the headsets... but given his stationary vantage and distance from the controls, it's likely not anything special. Still, he's a keen eye for spotting debris on the scanners and is quick to call out vectors and such as required to impediments in the path. Chemosh review the targeting computer at his station, and groans. It was as bad as he'd feared, and his ability to work with the archaic device would certainly not engender him any fans of his ill marksmanship amidst the ranks.

[Private to GM:


16:47, Today: Secret Roll: Chemosh rolled 8 using 1d20+05 with rolls of 3. Ranged Weapon Attack.. (Not even including the non-proficiency penalty)

16:42, Today: Secret Roll: Chemosh rolled 21 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 7. Mechanics Check.

16:41, Today: Secret Roll: Chemosh rolled 25 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 15. Perception Check.

16:41, Today: Secret Roll: Chemosh rolled 14 using 1d20+12 with rolls of 2. Pilot- Assist Check (Suddenly gladder still for not having jumped into a V-Wing)!

]

Tervax climbed into the V-wing while the Chiss and Pugwis talked to each other.  He brought up the systems, lifted it off and moved out of the docking bay.

"This is V-wing Alpha. I've got point."

Leaving the station, he left his comm channel open so that he could talk back and forth with the crew of the frieghter.

"Big one, coming up."

He rolled the ship so that his dorsal fin was pointed away from the massive asteroid and kept close to the slowly spinning giant piece of rock as he gently pulled back on the stick.  As he left proximity of the rock, he rolled again, doing a visual check of the various pieces and checking them on his screens.

"Multiple small ones, moving relatively fast.  Watch yourselves."



OOC:
01:01, Today: Tervax rolled 19 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 8. Pilot in Asteroid Field.

03:25, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 10 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 1. Piloting through asteroids.

Thrusters... Thrusters!

Not working. Propulsion was too much, engines killed themselves. Red lights, inside and outside his head. He tried easing back on the throttle, though he'd barely even touched it. Nothing responded, so how did he manage to exit the hangar without problems?

Sloppy bastards.

"Alright... Not to alarm anyone, but I JUST got the hell out of the hangar and things were fine.

Now, the bad news. My engines are dead. I don't know what's going on, but everything is flashing red and by my most acute sense of perception, that asteroid just ahead of me is about 20 seconds or so from smashing into this V-wing and me. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to live a bit longer, so if anyone at all might have a solution as to why this clunker piece of floating scrap metal won't respond, I'd appreciate knowing about it before I end up as part of the ensuing debris amongst this area.

Thanks in advance."

The next few minutes are spent launching the fighters, and waiting for the Black Comet to start the ball. With a soft push of the thrusters, the old girl swings between to asteroids, giving Chemosh plenty to look at as he looked from his spot in the the gunwell. Actually, the Chiss did notice a few gaps and his mind was quick to point out that the gravity seemed to be less unstable 30 some degrees to starbord. "Good eye," the old Duros grumbled as the ship banked slightly towards the opening.

Meanwhile, Tervax pushes his fighter just as the gap that the Comet just scuttled through disappeared from view, leaving Tehrk cut off from the others until he managed to regain control of his craft. The boulders and debree cracked and thudded near him, making it imperative that he get her straightened right smartly. His broadcast got him a rebuke from Pugwis, that them v-wings were already sold... But anything else was suddenly cut off by a loud curse.

The nice opening you all saw suddenly turns on itself and everyone in the vessel has to hold on as Vertuba over compensates. A good sized chunk of debree hurtles towards them as a shot from Chemosh sends it hurtling dangerously close to Tervax's fighter.

Chemosh notes the trajectory of debris from his first attempt at using the crude weapons. A curse in an indecypherable language is heard across the channel as he adjusts and again looses a spray of blaster-fire towards it (or any other impediments) which might threaten the Comet or it's escort of V-Wings. Further advice flies across the channels as well, to Pilots in each ship:


[Private to GM:

11:22, Today: Secret Roll: Chemosh rolled 20 using 1d20+05 with rolls of 15. Ranged Weapons Attack. (Not including the non-proficiency penalty)

11:22, Today: Secret Roll: Chemosh rolled 20 using 1d20+14 with rolls of 6. Mechanics Check.

11:22, Today: Secret Roll: Chemosh rolled 28 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 18. Perception Check.

11:21, Today: Secret Roll: Chemosh rolled 32 using 1d20+12 with rolls of 20. Assist Pilot Check.


]

Eso sets her mind to a broader plane as she let's the positions of the asteroid field become the dominant landscape for her thoughts. She analyses the trajectories of the rocks closest to them attempting to get a solid level of threat from the debri that they are flying through. Which objects will need to be interacted with while others can safely be ignored.

OOC: 14:11, Today: Secret Roll: Eso Terra rolled 24 UtF.
[Private to GM: I'm not sure if what I'm doing is a 'Search Your Feelings' or a 'Sense Surroundings' roll. Either way those both have a DC of 15.
I eagerly await your responce to my PM.]

Bare with me folks, not much longer.

The election madness in Canada is over, but there's still that post-election crunch at work

03:44, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 15 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 6. Pilot roll for survival.

Trying his best to readjust himself, Tehrk seems to make a bit of progress; he's at least managed to get himself right-side-up, though his engines still won't work. Amidst the chaos, he'd managed to cause a bit of a disaster in his cockpit. For now, he was still worried with using his wits to get the engines working.

Krystoph was definitely feeling better in the cockpit of the V-wing.  He kept an easy hand on the stick, slipping into that mode of awareness that watched the screens, his HUD and outside the cockpit all at once.  He rolled the ship when it was needed and banked, turned and spun where necessary.  He looped back around and fell into formation with Tehrk.

"Everything okay?"


OOC:
09:03, Today: Tervax rolled 25 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 14. Pilot in Asteroid Field.

18:13, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 10 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 1. Piloting attempt.

"No... No, everything is not OK. For whatever reason, that damn pug can't rig up a good ship and even so, I'm not getting anywhere.

So, before I crash and burn, mind getting me back to the ship? I rather like living and find it's counterproductive to die midway through a mission."

Unable to do anything, Tehrk's sense of common sense kicked in and, therefore, he wasn't going to risk himeself again. The channel he spoke to Tervax with was a private transmission, so as to avoid being heard from the questionable captain. Aside from that, all the cargo he'd been carrying was starting to scatter, which he would try to put away while getting a good look at.

(That's the second natural 1 I've rolled for piloting, I'm not taking my chances any further, the dice roller hates me and obviously has been taken over by GladOS.)

Tehrk's last transmission comes when the Comet has already move through the field, leaving him floating before the giant mass of debree by himself. Eventually, the salvage op owner remembers that the A-wings have a kill switch, and manages to start up the fighter. Entering the field last, it forces him to find an alternate route through the field; its configuration constantly changing with the passage of time.

The trek through the asteroid belt is, of course slow and arduous, the fighters often having to resort to last minute evasion maneuvers and the Black Comet's crew to exclaim a few curses as the haul clangs and grates against some of the debree, though none of it quite severe enough to cause real worry. The crossing visibly ages our dear Tehrk, whose flight knowledge is the only thing keeping him alive, whereas Tervax, more accustomed than the lot of you, takes more and more chances as the crossing progresses, landing him on the receiving end of several of Pugwis' outbursts.

Hours of carefull flying later... the Black Comet recieves an unexpected transmission! At the same time, a large transport appears from behind a large chunk of space rock, 4 light interceptors leaving it's bays and streaking their way toward the Black Comet. The voice over the transmission demands that Pugwis surrender Jabba's shipment, "or... we have no problem taking it from the breached hull of your ship!" Despite his denial of carrying anything for Jabba, the pirate insists that they "know" it's there!
[Private to Tehrk Ridonal:
Given that I didn't have time to RP this with you, here's a summary of what you found out about the crate:

During one of the "leg stretches" on the second leg of the trip, you secretly mae your way to the "cargo" crate wirh your company logo on it. It's a computer controlled storage container, and the computer is immediately hostile. But after some excellent Use Computer checks, you manage to shift it's attitude to friendly, and issue a command to unlock. Inside... You find packaged and sealed spice. A ton of it. At the bottom is a simple data-pad with a single message stored in it: "Ulu, here is the spice, you old rascal. I hope Jabba is happy with the speed of this shipment... I had to pull a few strings to get it to you this time." After a few moments to take it all in, you wisely replace the data-pad, leave the spice as is... and lock the crate once again.
]
The starfighters advance...

Well, looked like he was going to get to play with the toy after all.  Tervax wondered how loudly the Pug would complain about getting his ships shot up while they protected his Black Comet.  He grinned; maybe he'd take a shot or two just to make a point.

"S-foils to attack position.  I've got lead.  Tehrk, watch my back."

He flipped the switch and felt the thrum of actuators through his vessel as they closed the fins protecting the astromech port and opened the foils that increased his maneuverability and ability to survive.  He brought up his weapons and settled into pilots seat, settling his hand on the stick and waiting for his shot.

OOC:
10:59, Today: Tervax rolled 24 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 13. Initiative.

Actual Init is 22, due to the -2 for the size mod of the ship.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:16, Sun 29 May 2011.

Ah, yes... A map would help, woun't it..! :D

To follow later tonight..!

"Oh yes, great idea there buddy. Let's have the guy who's having piloting problems watch your back...

Provided I don't manage to make anything spontaneously explode, I'll do what I can."

Sincerely enough, Tehrk's sarcasm was overlaid by his genuine honesty to try, at the very least. However, as he finally managed to give the machine a good kick, things started working again. He was still a bit shaky, but he was now moving on his own accord, not that of gravity and luck. It wasn't a bad feeling, but Tehrk's gut was starting to act up about something... Maybe it was... Nah, focus. Had to focus.

02:36, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 21 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 12. Piloting attempt.
02:35, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 10 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 1. Initiative.

Pugwis frowned when the fighters advanced, then punched the transmit button, "I don't think there's much choice but to terminate the approaching fighters. Good hunting, lads." Pugwis turned his frown back to Chemsh, not particularly happy about the situation. He had become quite attached to his ship, despite having lacked to care for it and he really disliked that it was put in such a dangerous situation. "I think you or the girl might be valuable in the gunnery well right about now... we've got a surprise or two up our sleeve..." he said, a strange gleam in his eyes.


Tervax is First, followed by the Enemy Fighters
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:06, Tue 31 May 2011.

As he closed the distance, Tervax responded.

"Sometimes the only way to get better is trial by fire.  We'll either survive and prosper or die in battle.  If you're not ready for that, you're in the wrong profession."

He flipped a switch in his own cockpit.

"And make sure your shields are up.  Hate to lose a wingman in the first seconds of an engagement."


OOC:
Move action: Move to N09
Swift Action: Raise Shields
Standard Action: None

The enemy fighters close in, Tehrk's turn, anyone on the Comet may also act..
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:19, Tue 31 May 2011.

"Dammit, I'm meant to sell things and make money not die in a ship... I think. Shields up, lasers locked, hopefully this thing won't go critical on me."

Move Action: Advancing to square I-22 (12 squares)
Swift Action: Raising Shields

With his luck somewhat turning away from the dark side, Tehrk began to think of a few things. A head on engagement wouldn't suit him, so he would take an alternate route to try and catch the enemy from the side or from behind. Patching in a line to Tervax, Tehrk seemed to sound a bit more thoughtful of his actions than what would appear.

"I'm going to swing around behind that massive asteroid. I think I can catch them from a side and take some pressure off of your front there."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:38, Wed 01 June 2011.

In reply to Tehrk Ridonal (msg #191):

You can move 12 if you use two moves, otherwise 6
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:15, Wed 01 June 2011.

Meanwhile, the comet heads north 4 spaces, and those aboard the comet may act while Tehrk gives me his final heading.

Chemosh scratches his chin. His expertise with computers and engineering give him a comfortable margin in trying to keep the tub of junk that is the Comet flying while he's still aboard, though he's not sure how good of a shot the Jedi would be in the gunnery well given that she's well... blind?

"Ahh, Pugwis? Might want to send Vertuba to man the gunnery well, as I'm better suited to engineering and keeping your nice shields up and running. I'm going to try to jam those fighter's frequencies... they're too in sync to be a group of mercs. I'd bet my other arm that those are droid craft, maybe I can play havoc with their netgrid..?"

The Duros turned around to look Chemosh, red eye to red eye, then glanced at the Eso, then noticed that she had no eyes. "Right... Vertuba, go aft... and take care of the guns," he ordered, though reluctantly.

Eso grinned and concentrated her sight on the moving rocks around them.

Taking a look at the radar, Chemosh adds: "Enemy Transport's not moving, and keeping its station. Interesting..."


Round 1, ends. Round 2 starts with Tervax.
Map to follow shortly.

Tervax skimmed the surface of the massive asteroid as he blasted forward, waiting for his targeting computer to bring up a solution.  The distance to target counter blurred downwards, his HUD indicator beginning to flicker green as the range closed ever closer.  He thumbed the fire button, sending scarlet bolts in the general direction of his chosen target, more to keep them on their toes and help reduce the chances of that particular fighter's possibility of a target lock with torpedoes, if they had any.


OOC:
-Move Action: Move forward to T09.
-Standard Action: Attack AA09
--20:35, Today: Tervax rolled 8 using 1d20-3 with rolls of 11. Attack vs AA09.
-Swift Action: None

In reply to Tervax (msg #195):

Tervax's shots go wide, missing the incoming fighters widely as they scream towards him. Two of them stay in formation long enough to take advantage of the loan target before them, and loose a volley of deadly bolts at Tervax's V-wing before veering off to intercept the Comet. Bolts criss-cross Tervax's section of the space, most of them missing by a comfortable margin. However, he is forced to evade the last of the beams, deflecting some of the energy on the ship's underbelly.

Meanwhile, the Comet slowly makes its way around the asteroid cluster.


Tehrk's turn, as well as those players on board the Comet.
See new positions in encounter thread.

Move Action: Moving to Q-22 (12 spaces)

Although still on his way around, Tehrk was advancing at a quicker pace this time, aiming to still try and catch the rest of the enemy squadron by surprise. For what he knew, they only saw Tervax. Once Tehrk made it around, it would only be a matter of time before either he crashed or they burned... Either way, lights and sparkles for everyone.

Tehrk rounds the asteroid, seeing that Tervax is surrounded by four enemy fighters. Several shots criss-cross Tervax's V-wing, the orange glow of an near miss lighting up his fighter.

End of Round 2, Tervax starts us off on Round 3.

Map udpated.

Tervax left his thumb off the firing stud while he shunted power to the shields and engines.  He focused in on one fighter and blasted through the formation, snap-rolling and pulling back sharply on the stick, trying to get in behind the enemy fighter.

OOC:
Standard Action:
-21:21, Today: Tervax rolled 19 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 13. Pilot to engage U09 in Dogfight.
Move Action:
-None
Swift Action: None until opponent rolls


Enemy fighter in U09 needs a pilot check to attempt to evade the dogfight; dogfighting rules are on pg 171 of the Core book.  Once the pilot rolls, if I win, I get to make an attack as a swift action.

The enemy fighter was extremely slow to react, and couldn't shake Tervax from it's tail. The expert pilot getting a good lock on the enemy's six.


Tervax now engaged in a dogfight with U-09; Tervax may use his swift action.


13:17, Today: Power of the Darkside rolled 4 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 1. Opposing pilot check

Tervax rolled and spun, spinning the V-wing on multiple axes as he tried to bring his weapons to bear.  If anything, the other pilot was so slow that he missed.  He cursed and waited for his next opportunity.

OOC:
-12:26, Today: Tervax rolled 12 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 4. Attack; +5, PBS, Vehicle Int.

The enemy craft expertly maneuvered out of Tervax's weapons fire and tried to get the better of him while in a dogfight. Taking advantage of Tervax's speed, it slowed down and reappeared behind him and Tervax's onboard computer told him that there was an imminent weapons lock!



Standard, Pilot Check to line up a shot:

17:07, Today: Power of the Darkside rolled 23 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 20. U-09 Dogfight aim at Tervax.

Move: none

Swift: Attack if Tervax loses opposing Pilot Check

He had been suckered once, but not again.  Tervax chopped his throttles, stood on the rudder and yanked the stick back so hard the top of hit his sternum.


OOC:
Free Action: Opposed Pilot Check
-22:33, Today: Tervax rolled 26 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 15. Pilot check for Dogfight. (Take that, evil-doer!)

[Private to GM: Keep these for the next round.
-Swift Action
22:35, Today: Tervax rolled 15 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 7. Attack; +5 BAB, +1 PBS, +2 Vehicle Int.

22:36, Today: Tervax rolled 22 using 3d10+2 with rolls of 4,10,6. Possible Damage, x2.

-Move Action:
None]
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:50, Mon 06 June 2011.

Tervax dodges the stream of deadly bolts heading his way, though a few light up his canopy so intensely, that he can still see the streaks floating wherever he looks. Given the dogfight, and other targets showing up, two of the fighters head north to intercept the Comet and the other swings south to head off Tehrk.

Next up is Tehrk and the crew of the Comet.

Moving to U-14

As Tehrk came into sight and began trying to align himself to take a shot, he quickly readjusted his bearings so that his shots would hopefully hit something dead on, assisting Tervax as best he could.


03:40, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 18,21 using 1d20+1,3d10 with rolls of 17,10,9,2. Laser Cannon Thingers (Medium Range -5).

Attack to hit enemy at U-09 == 18
Damage inflicted on h it ===== 21

Taking aim, Tehrk loosed a small barrage of energy blasts from the laser cannons on the ship, hoping to have caught the enemy off guard and hopefully score some kind of devastating blow to the first ship... Or at least some kind of lucky shot he could brag about later.

Tehrk's skill finally pays off as he gets a good lock on the enemy fighter. Its shields buckle under the assault and the craft takes on some pelting before Tehrk pilots out of harm's way, closing the gap between himself and Tervax.

Meanwhile the Comet, seeing that the fighters were rounding the corner, decided to close the gap and engage the enemy in any way it could. Unfortunately, the Vertuba isn't the best gunner everyone would hope him  to be, and the fighters go unscathed this round.



End of Round, Tervax starts us off on Round 4

Tervax's fighter danced with the other, his fighter spinning and twisting in a duel with the pilot of the other fighter.  He flipped his fighter end for end as the enemy fighter tried to get behind him and let loose a volley of shots, red lasers stitching across the blackness of space towards his target.

OOC:
-Swift Action
22:35, Today: Tervax rolled 15 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 7. Attack; +5 BAB, +1 PBS, +2 Vehicle Int.

22:36, Today: Tervax rolled 22 using 3d10+2 with rolls of 4,10,6. Possible Damage, x2.

-Move Action:
None.

[Private to Power of the Darkside: Whoops, sorry.  Thanks for the reminder.]
This message was last edited by the player at 15:20, Tue 14 June 2011.

OOC: Sorry for the delay, Tervax; didn't notice you had modified your post. I rolled your pilot check, given you're in a dogfight.

Tervax rolls and yaws, suddenly bearing his cannons at the hapless fighter before him. The glow of his laser bolts buff off the enemy fighter's armor, leaving huge red welts in its wake. Another successive hit bursts that part of the armor and the next hit slices through the fighter's fragile interior, bouncing off the rest of the ships armor and causing sufficient structural damage put it out of its misery. A small explosion sends the fighter twirling at a 30 degree angle, where it soon connects with a nearby asteroid.

On the other side of the debris field, the Comet is suddenly engaged by the two unopposed fighters. Bolts of energy race towards the Comet and those inside are shaken as the shields buckle under their combined assault. "Krifes! We lost shields!!" Pugwis shouts as sparks fly from the shield configuration panel, and he shoots at the nearest one. Back in the gunwell, Vertuba's gunnery position whomps away sending bolts across one of the fighter's beam, but misses.

"Can either of you, please get those shields back online!? I'm a little busy here..." Pugwis growls at Eso and Chemosh.

Suddenly, the other fighter was back behind Tehrk, it's lasers lighting up his canopy but otherwise doing him no harm.

Eso / Chemosh are next. Tehrk may also post.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:45, Sun 19 June 2011.

Anyone in here? Tehrk?

Moving to R-16

14:25, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 19,13 using 1d20+1,3d10 with rolls of 18,5,7,1. Attack and Damage.

Attack roll without penalties: 24
Damage roll :                  13

Note: Made a mistake and forgot to remove the penalty for attacking at close range. The attack roll should be five points higher.

Attempting to spin his ship around by making a wider arc, Tehrk brought himself in close to the other flyer that had passed him and opened fire on him. Looking to return the attack, Terhk lined up the shot and took his aim before loosing a barrage of beams at the opposing ship, hoping to strike it at least on one of the wings.

Tervax maneuvers his vessel and lines up his shot nearly perfectly. The fighter's shields buckle and the laser manages to rip several large gaps in the fighter's wing, though it fails to tear it apart, though it does appear severely damaged.

End of Turn 4, Round 5 starts with Tervax. Will post the map soon.

"I can give it a shot. Though I'm not really familiar with your system." She says as she places herself in front of the appropriate station. She flips through the system adeptly before speaking again. "How's that?"
19:33, Today: Eso Terra rolled 24 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 19. Recharge Shields.

Recharge Shields is a Mechanics check correct?

Tervax blew through the expanding cloud of debris and grinned to himself as he heard the rattle of wreckage bouncing off his fighter.  He brought the nose back up and checked the situation.

"OYA!!"

Somehow, they had managed to completely split up the group, which in his opinion was bad form, at least unless the others in said group were Mando'a.

Nonetheless, Tehrk had made a game show, and he looked like he was handling himself.  Tervax banked the fighter into a sharp turn and pushed the throttle, moving past the spinning rocks of the small asteroid field and moving out far enough for him to get a clear shot on the fighters that were harassing the Comet.

He saw the two fighters trying to stay in formation and his grin turned feral.  There were ways to use that against them, especially the simple maneuvers that these two were doing.  He lined up the shot and let loose, aiming at the one closest to him.

OOC:
-Move Action:  Move to T03
-Standard Action:
--09:57, Today: Tervax rolled 18 using 1d20-2 with rolls of 20. +5 BAB, +1 PBS, +2 Vehicle Int, -10 Rng.
--10:38, Today: Tervax rolled 15 using 3d10+2 with rolls of 5,6,2. Dmg x2, then x2 again.
-Swift Action: None

60 Dmg total to M03

In reply to Tervax (msg #213):

Goodness that's a nice shot...

The shot was a long shot, and Tervax knew that it was near impossible or unheard of of actually hitting anything that far, the best you could hope for is perhaps give them a few scorch marks... but he ended up doing far more damage than that. Even from the distance he was at, Tervax could tell that the fighter's shields had failed and that its engine was smoking. The smoke quickly died off, but he sure got that fighter's attention.

It looped around and its engines screamed at him as the fighter sent a deadly bolt streaking towards him. Next thing Tervax knows, the shields are down, but the ship's armor seems to have taken the bulk of the assault.

The other one shot at the Comet, just as Chemosh and Eso get some juice back into the shields. No sooner do they see the shields go up a notch that they're bounced back to zero and the Comet is rocked by another hit, just as the one shooting at Tehrk misses.

People on board the comet may act, Tehrk may also post.

The Chiss frowns at the continued beating the shields were forced to endure, and the see-saw havoc they were in turn playing on the Comet's power grid. This was bad business.

True to his earlier suggestion however, the Chiss was not without ideas. Utilizing MERLIN in tandem with the COMET's COM gear, Chemosh broadcasts a nasty little signal intended to sieze and/or scramble any drone communication signals in the vicinity. Optimally taking control of the drone fighters would be ideal, but he'll settle for alternatives if they presented themselves.

[Private to GM:

21:27, Today: Secret Roll: Chemosh rolled 33 using 1d20+20 with rolls of 13. Use Computer.

]

Moving to N-03

Swinging his ship around after managing, somehow, to destroy one of the enemy ships, Tehrk noticed that his radar marked two ships heading toward the Comet. Since the large ship was likely well defended but capable of being flanked, Tehrk moved himself into position just behind one of the enemy ships and loosed another barrage of bolts at the backside of the ship.

03:04, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 11,17 using 1d20+6,3d10 with rolls of 5,10,2,5. Attack and Damage.

In reply to Chemosh (msg #215):

A lot happens with the Comet's comm system, but nothing happens outside. The fighters continue their advance.

In reply to Tehrk Ridonal (msg #216):

The figter nearest you is still there, forgotto give you your results thouh... So that might explain the confusion. Will update later, must bring the kids to their swimming lesson.

OOC I'm assuming that Tehrk is staying to finish the fighter that's furthest south... if not, let me know.



Tehrk's shot misses the enemy fighter, and it whirls around for another pass..

End of Round 5, Round 6 starts up with Tervax.
Map has been updated.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:00, Wed 29 June 2011.

Chemosh frowns at the readouts, suddenly doubting his observations. Had he been mistaken? Had he merely been over-surprised at seeing such syncronous flying in Republic space that he'd lept at paranoid suspicions?

No. Republic pilots just aren't that good... He redoubles his efforts, broadcasting out the same signal, but at differing frequencies.

Tervax slammed the throttles forward and the V-wing engines howled, more felt than heard through the hull of his small ship.  As the numbers scrolled down, he waited, not lining the target up in his sights for fear of setting off a target lock warning.  At the last instant, he twitched the stick, pressing the firing stud at the same time and watching as crimson bolts of energy lanced through the darkness towards his target.

OOC:
00:27, Today: Tervax rolled 23 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 15. Attack; +5 BAB, +1 PBS, +2 Vehicle Int. Attack against M03.
00:28, Today: Tervax rolled 8 using 3d10+2 with rolls of 1,2,3. Dmg x2.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:52, Wed 29 June 2011.

Tervax's shot hit, but is mainly absorbed by the fighter's armor plates, and it thanks him by returning some rather precise shooting back at him. His already useless shields leave his v-wing exposed to the brunt of the attack that jars him in his seat, the laser fire momentarily blinding him. As he regains his sight, one of the armor plates near the canopy is glowing a nice incandescent red.

Tehrk is also the subject of a rather nice shot, his shield computer suddenly crackles as it goes from all green to red in mere seconds as his fighter takes one on the rear panels, and warms his seat for him. Bounced around more than he cares for, Tehrk offers a silent thank you to the ancient shields and the engineers' forsight at adding some plating.

Meanwhile, back on the Comet, Chemosh and the others are shaken as another shot hits the ol'girl on the top of its already blackened backside. The deckplates rattle, but the hit isn't distracting enough to distract the Chiss at his task, and another burst of frequency waves, more precise this time, burst out into the immediate space around the Black Comet.

At first, nothing seems to happen. And then, suddenly the fighter nearest the Comet passes overhead and starts to loop back towards its target when its engines suddenly choke, leaving the fighter to float at an odd angle midway through its loop. Cheers go off in the Comet at Chemosh's quick thinking, who quickly locks onto the correct frequency and maintains it.


Tehrk and the people on the Comet may now Act.
The fighter nearest Tehrk is still active, Chemosh's attempt having only an effect on the nearest ones.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:55, Wed 29 June 2011.

Ok, now moving to N-03

Swinging up behind the one fighter craft now, Tehrk tried quickly to readjust himself as he panicked to take his shot and not fly into an asteroid or the nearby debris field. Getting considerably close to the enemy ship, Terhk fired his lasers again and hoped that the enemy ship wouldn't move before his shots impacted the backside. Otherwise, the Comet would be getting a reminder that Tehrk had poor aiming skills inside a ship.

03:27, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 22,18 using 1d20+6,3d10 with rolls of 16,8,6,4. Attack and Damage.

Attack - 22
Damage - 18

In reply to Tehrk Ridonal (msg #223):

You can't move to N-03, max movement is 6 squares, 12 if you use two move action.

With the signal to their droid-craft lost, the enemy sees no reason to stick around, but a final signal is sent from the enemy freighter before it makes a jump out of the asteroid belt.

From the enemy fighters' cockpit, a faint red light starts blinking, just as Tehrk disengages from the combat. The enemy fighter suddenly tries to stop his flight and tries force him into a dogfight, but it was a clumsy maneuver, one that Tehrk immediately saw through and dodged. No sooner was he a hundred feet away that the enemy fighter exploded behind him, causing his v-wing to rattle as it sped full steam towards the Comet.

His rush to reach the Comet was moot. Well before he could ever reach them, the remaining two enemy fighters nearest the Comet exploded in unison, sending a shockwave that quickly cuts off all the cheering within as everyone is shaken violently by the proximity of the explosion... suddenly all the pannels were red and klaxons were resounding throughout the ship.

"Krifes!! Someone get me a status reading..! Shields are at zero, and I think we're venting some air..." suddenly the power goes off and everyone is weightless. "There goes the gravity..!"


End of Combat.

As he screamed in on the enemy fighter, it exploded before he could try to shoot it again.  He pulled up on the stick and blasted through the edges of the explosion then chopped his throttle and brought it back around.  He made a slow fly-by of the Comet looking for venting air from the dilapidated ship.

OOC:
19:59, Today: Tervax rolled 23 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 16. Perception.

In reply to Tervax (msg #226):

[Private to Tervax: You notice a weak spot in the Black Commet's dorsal section, on it's port side. The leak is slow, but evident.]

"Mother of All..." Chemosh curses as his feet lift free from the deckplates. His plan, though belated, had worked... albeit not so sufficiently to prevent the self-destruct signal. Must have been a contingency on another frequency. Smart bastards.

He uses his hands to slowly pull himself back down to where he can interact with the ships computers again... still relying on MERLIN as his primary interface, he attempts to rectify gravitational control syncronization and locate where the hull-breech is.

[Private to GM:

14:36, Today: Secret Roll: Chemosh rolled 36 using 1d20+20 with rolls of 16. Use Computer.
]

"Comet, this is Tervax.  You've got a slow but steady outgassing on your dorsal port side.  If the crew doesn't have any patch kits, I suggest sealing that section until we can get to the planet."

He pulled up next to the Comet, checking his sensors for Tehrk

"Tehrk, still alive and kicking?"

When gravity stops she immdiately pulls herself back into her chair using the Force. Half a second later she reaches out through the Force and plants Chemosh in his seat as well. "It's easier to concentrate when you aren't floating across the room."

She starts pulling up the environmental controls to see what she can do about the gravity. Then they can all focus on the hull breech.

17:08, Today: Eso Terra rolled 13 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 3. Use Computer.
Hopefully the computer is considered friendly so I'll get a low DC or a bonus...

Pugwis floated past Eso and Chemosh, propelled by a push from the pilot seat. "Perfect..! Low gravity is the perfect environment to patch..." you heard him say as he passed by, just as Chemosh pressed one final digit on his keypad. All the sudden, the Gravity was reestablished and Pugwis yollered as he suddenly dropped six feet to the deck plates. "... a hull breach..." he groaned.

"Yeah, I'm fine... Sort of... Maybe.

There's something I need to talk to you guys about once we get back onto the Comet. It's something about those ships we were just dealing with, I noticed something weird."

His transmission was cut short as he started, slowly, working his way around to making his way to the Comet.

"Apologies Pugwis, priorities and all... Gravity may make it easier to work, but also allows the air to vent faster. Would you prefer gravity be turned off again?" Chemosh asks of their host-Captain, looking as innocent as possible.

"No... That's fine... Just not used to that much efficiency on a particular day. Port side, dorsal... hmmmmm," he said looking at the bulkhead above, "mind giving me a hand, then?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:01, Sun 03 July 2011.

"Of Course." Chemosh says, rising from his seat (if able) and moving to follow the ships Captain towards where the work needed done. "I imagine that Eso may also prove invaluable..." The Chiss suggests, having felt her telekinetic powers fitst hand now.

With Tervax's help, the people inside the comet manage to find the hull breach fairly quickly and with minimal hassle, though the Duros wasn't very happy about the damage done to the Comet, then thinks much harder about the "mysterious" cargo they are supposed to be carrying on board. He suddenly veers on Vertuba, confronting him about the crate.

"I smell a no good, lying, cheat... Vertuba," he growled suddenly, as he put one and one together. "You've been dealing on the side...!!! AND YOU BLOODY CUT ME OUT OF THE DEAL!! YOU ALMOST GOT US ALL KILLED!!" He yells as he grabs the Dug by the collar and pushes him against a bulkhead. "What the KRIFES is on board?!"


Will give you a chance to react before I give Vertuba's reaction.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:10, Tue 05 July 2011.

Vertuba visibly trembled at Pugwis's anger, "I don... Doon't know," he stammered, "the contact said it wasn't my business but that it was essential that the cargo made its way to K.. Koshibal... Contact th... There would give me 4k, and gave me 1k up...up front..!"

"Didn't I tell you that Jaba was trouble..!? You had the ship damaged you snivling slug..! Nearly had us killed!! WHO'S the contact?!"

Vertuba blanches...

"I did.. didn't think thi... this would happen!" he hiccuped as he nervously backed away from Pugwis. "I.. sw.. swear..!! All I need to do is hand it over to a Gand called Ulu Teem and I'll... I'll ge.. get the credits and we can fix the ship..."

"You'd better negotiate a higher price then, cause that damage will be more than 5K..." Pugwis said, obviously angry. He seemed to calm down and scowled at Vertuba, "I'd fire you, but you owe me... you'll reimburse me the cost, and at the end of that, if you've grown some grey matter between now and then... we'll see."

With that, Pugwis stormed off towards the piloting cabin and the Comet slowly made its way towards Koshibal with its escorts, leaving you to discuss matters before your arrival.

Looking to dock on the Comet, Tehrk hadn't been aware of the former conflict, though that was of little concern at this particular point. With the knowledge of what was in the crate being fresh in his mind, Tehrk made his rounds and looked to get most of the people together, if not all of them. Save for the actual crew of the Comet, Tehrk looked specifically for the group he'd come here with, giving each of them a heads up that he had to talk; Eso, Chemosh and Tervax would each get a request. Looking for a nice, secluded region where there was no kind of surveillance, Tehrk would divulge his discoveries if they decided to show up.

Tervax shows up at the requested time, his heavy rifle slung over his shoulder, clicking gently against his beskar'gam as he walked.  He waited patiently for the rest of the party to show up, curious as to what Tehrk had noticed during the space battle.

Chemosh was early, as was his habit. Already waiting for each member as they arrived.

Eso arrived at the designated point a few minutes prior to the meeting. Not as early as Chemosh but still early enough that nobody was going to say that she was late.

Tehrk, you have the floor. Once you're done, I'm landing you guys on Koshibal.

Minor edits to keep the correct facts together.

Making sure that no one else was going to interrupt them or find about this, Tehrk began to speak to the group.

"Alright, so while I was upside-down and crooked in every direction out there, some boxes came toppling onto me. Might not be anything important, but I found a datapad in one of the boxes. It was addressed to Ulu Teem and said that the shipper hoped Jabba was satisfied with the speed of the delivery. It was hidden in a box of spice that's on board the freighter ship there.

Now, I don't know what he's thinking, because I don't transport spice. I don't deal in that kind of junk, so why he'd have my logo on these crates makes me curious. Beyond that, there was a massive amount of spice. No less in a specially sealed crate. The datapad was hidden underneath some of the spice packages. That's all I have, but I figured the rest of you would want to know."

It particularly troubled him to know that Jabba was involved somehow, though he wasn't sure in what method. Let alone that a crate like this was using his logo, it was certainly going to be an issue for himself later on.

[Private to Tehrk Ridonal: Tehrk, a few ways a crate of yours could have landed as a drug crate... Could have been reused, could have been a fake box, or it's an original and somoe from your company packed it up]
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:59, Sat 09 July 2011.

"Your logo?" The Chiss inquires, not having recognized any connection between the logo and his companion. Not waiting for an answer, he does follow-up with: "Don't suppose you still have that Datapad?"

"Yes, MY logo. I run a salvage business back on Coruscant. Ridonal Sect Three. That's the logo I made, though it was back when I was younger. I took it anyway and ran with it this far.

As for the datapad, no, I don't have it. I did mark the crate easily enough, however. To boot, there wasn't much on it other than the message. The crate's probably a reused crate since most of my deliveries involve having the crate destroyed and sent back once they arrive at the destination. That's my guess. If you want the datapad, I can show you which crate it's in... I'm just don't think Pug-boy would like us snooping through his deliveries."

Waiting to see if anyone else had questions, Tehrk wasn't exactly going to let things sit for long, though he couldn't just jump out at anything yet. He'd take Chemosh to the crate if need be, though only Chemosh; the entire group going might cause a bit of a problem.

"Anyone else got a question? Concerns? Insight even?"

Eso makes a face into her armour as she scratches her chin with her shoulder. Her arms are crossed over her chest. "Any idea why Ulu Teem would be getting this kind of shipment?"



Edited to cover for my stupidity
This message was last edited by the player at 05:34, Tue 12 July 2011.

Tervax added a question to that of Eso:  "Or why he would use your company's insignia?  No doubt Jabba will want to know who that logo belongs too and try to find out everything about you to see if you're worth doing anything with as a company."

In reply to Eso Terra (msg #246):

Nonsense.. It's easy to forget the mission objectives..! :)

[Private to Eso Terra: You get the idea that Ulu might be a spice / drug dealer. The fact that Tehrk's shipping co seems involved without his apparen knowledge might mean that someone's pulling the whool over his eyes, or that it's just a reused crate.]

"My guess... Illegal cargo. Can't say what, but that probably goes without saying. I can't give actual details of my own since I'm still thinking it through myself, but the notion is enough for me to want some answers.

As for my logo there, the crate itself may have been recycled. Those electronic crates are used to transport delicate items usually, stuff that could break easily or that might be dangerous. Annoyingly difficult to crack on a normal day, someone wasn't watching themselves properly, so I was able to break it. Jabba won't be able to do much since I work through the Ridonal family... They don't take nicely to threats from anyone. Besides, Jabba's no problem in any other situation; I'm just a salvage operations manager, I'm clean as well, so anything illegal like weapons or drugs are well out of my league and not worth his time.

I think the best method would be to ask Ulu himself, though that's just one idea. We could get the records for shipment and find out a bit more of where it came from even and who sent it. Figure that out and we'd likely be able to get more of an idea on the recent pirate attack we just dealt with."

Tervax nodded.

"Understandable, and a good plan.  We don't need anything getting in the way of locating our subject.  Was that the only thing you needed?"

"Or, we could just do both." Chemosh suggests, figuring they've got time to research before they meet up with their contact anyways.

"That was all... I just figured letting you all know would be best since one of us suddenly running off would only invite more trouble."

[Done with RP'ing for this portion]

As the meeting died down, the pilots quickly return to their fighters and you eventually arrive beat up, but alive, to Koshibal and soon feel the humm of the Comet's landing gear extending and the gentle thump as she lands gracefull on the platform. Followed by its two escorts.

Eager to get you off his ship, sell his cargo and leave, Pugwis is soon outside. Moments later as you amble down the loading ramp, you walk into the midst of an argument between Pugwis, and the local dockmaster.

It hasn't taken long for the curses to fly. Apparently, the local port authority's dockmaster isn't being cooperative and is demanding a landing fee that Pugwis refuses to pay, as well as a ship and passenger manifest and cargo inspection that Pugwis refuses to allow. "There's never been a krifing fee or an inspection before..." he growls, as he glares at Vertuba accusingly, but the dockmaster smugly agrees: "Well that was then, now times here are hard, and this is the "new policy" instituted by the docking guild. I can always impound her..." he suggested.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:01, Sat 16 July 2011.

Chemosh' eyes narrow. The red slits promising no shortage on annoyance at the prospect of his name appearing on a general crew manifest. He stalks overtothe conversation. "Pardon the interuption gentlemen, but in all seriousness... what's the issue here? Has security been increased on the planet to warrant the increased fees and questions... or is this merely an issue of sufficient credits in hard times?" The noble-seeming passenger asks, politely trying to insert himself into the debate of price versus perks.

[Private to GM:
Any chance Chemosh knows of any big names locally he might drop for added influence?
12:43, Today: Secret Roll: Chemosh rolled 15 using 1d20+09 with rolls of 6. Knowledge - Beaurocracy.

Persuasion roll to be brought into the conversation without drawing ire
12:43, Today: Secret Roll: Chemosh rolled 14 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 3. Persuasion.
]

The dockmaster looks at Chemosh, wondering what sort of species he is and probably settling on something close to Duros or Neimoidian cross bread. He smirks, "As I was explaining to the good captain, the docking fee is 500 credits, and I'm instructed to verify the ship's passenger and cargo lists too, as well as inspect to ensure that someone hasn't a... miscounted crate or the likes."


[Private to Chemosh: With such basic rolls, you know that the Hutts now claim the local space, which one though is something you can only guess at.]

"Ah. I see. If I might have a word in private then?" He asks of the dockmaster, sliding an arm around his shoulders and steering him away from the volatile captain so that he might have his sole attention.

"Such fee's are completely understandable, especially in these dark times. The Hutt's... business men such as you and I can relate on suffering the brunt of these ridiculous tarriffs and taxations just to keep those oversized slugs off of our respective backsides, no? It doesn't matter that distinguished and respectable captains, such as Pugwis here, frequent our ports regularly and keep us afloat. It doesn't matter that in the past his cargo has always been above reproach, or even that his current passenger manifest are all upstanding citizens of Hutt controlled space. To our overbearing masters, a savy cargo haulers tight time table matters not a whit unless it's THEIR cargo being held up, or their personal slaves detained. We won't even start in on the uncompromising nature of our customers, and their own budgetary concerns as they attempt to haggle away our every credit!

"No. What matters, at the end of the day, are the Credits. Am I right, or am I right?" Chemosh grins, pulling back a sleeve to reveal the display of his wristcom. There, on the display, is a bank transmit display already featuring a withdrawl of 2K credits, just awaiting an account number to transfer it to. He shows it to the dockmaster, and indicates that he might enter in his account number of choice... "To business men such as us, it's credits that make the world go round."

[Private to GM:
13:22, Today: Secret Roll: Chemosh rolled 29 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 18. Persuasion.]

The dockmaster nearly chokes when he sees the amount and quickly takes out his credstick to synch it with Chemosh's to complete the transaction. "I... ahh... quite the convincing argument, sir. I won't be troubling you any further, sir. Pugwis, I noticed some ahh... damage... I'll have someone take a look at it for you," he says with a nod before quickly disappearing from view before Chemosh can decide to take back some of the credits he's just parted with.

Pugwis seems impressed, but appears concerned. "Thanks, but I doubt I'll never come back to this blasted place again..." he grumbles and starts inspecting the haul damage they sustained. "You be careful, Koshibal might only have one active settlement, the rest of 'em having long been dismantled or left to decay. This place ain't a picnic either... the worst areas are really bad... incidently, most of the business is done out of the Legitimate Businessman's Cantina, you should be able to find it easily enough if you stay close to the port..."

The smile Chemosh gives the dock master is one that silently says: 'Of course you will.' "Your discretion and generosity shall ever be on my mind when I speak to my colleagues about this planet, of this I can assure you." He says though, adding a little more sugar to the icing.

When the dock master moves on to take care of things, and Pugwis thanks him: "Your advice is noted, and appreciated. In return, allow me to offer some of my own: Off-load your cargo, legal and not, as quickly as possible. Credits can never do much but mitigate greed. Sooner or later, he'll be looking for angles to make more... I'd advise that when such occurs, you have nothing in your possession to attract undue notice.

"I'd also suggest keeping an eye on the repairs being preformed... Dark Times and all." With that, the exotic blue skinned man offers his hand in parting. Per their instructions, Pugwis wasn't bound to wait around for them, and Chemosh wouldn't ask him to. If, when the time came to leave, he WAS around then he would make an ideal candidate for such an extraction. If not, well, he was just another contact in Republic Space that Chemosh could consider himself on sufficiently good enough terms with to call on in a time of need.

If there is a nearby public terminal, Chemosh will sync up with it and download any and all pertinent information on the planet (especially of the settlement they're currently in~ Maps, Points of Contact, Reviews, Notes, etc).

Tervax watched the blue-skinned alien work his magic and smiled to himself under the T-shaped visor of his helmet.  The guy was good, he'd give him that.  Tervax had no problem admitting he would've started blasting, or at least paid the guy.  He shrugged mentally and checked their surroundings automatically, looking for anything out of the ordinary.

Once Chemosh was done and rejoined the crew, Tervax looked over and said, "Destination for our contact?"

In reply to Chemosh (msg #259):

[Private to Chemosh: You easily find a terminal as well as the Legitimate Businessman Cantina's location. It's not very far away.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:04, Mon 18 July 2011.

A 3D wireframe map of the settlement aapears an inch above the Chiss'es wrist, projected there by the built in holo-projector. "The Legitimate Businessman Cantina would be my supposition..."

Moving you all along...

As a former mining colony of little importance, Koshibal now has only one active settlement. The rest having long been dismantled or having been left to decay. Signs of the rot are apparent even in the current settlement, but Chemosh adroitly circumnavigates the worst areas and leads you to the "Legitimate" Businessman’s Cantina.

Judging by its looks, the legit side of the place is probably as crooked as the Cantina's door sign. Your suspicions are quickly confirmed as soon as you pass through the front doors.

Leaving the bright and warm sun's comfort behind, you quickly enter the Cantina's smoky and music-filled atmosphere. It takes a few minutes for your eyes to readjust to the Cantina's dim lighting, but at a first glance you notice that the cantina is populated by scoundrels and smugglers of all types and is rather busy considering the time of the day. A band plays in one of the corners, and the large bar is manned by a large looking human with tussled red hair.

Chemosh eyes the cantina crowd warily. Were he alone, he'd approach this scenerio far differently... as it was, he was attached to a cadre of the Republics finest. Each with strengths and weaknesses of their own, none of which seemed any more suited to locating their contact in this den of inequity any more than himself... and yet he'd just handled the situation at the docks. If he were to continue to put himself forward in such manners, some might start to consider him a leader. Can't be having that now, at least not unless it becomes convenient at some point.

So, he does what a dutiful republic citizen usually does in such a situation (at least in so far as his research on Republic Society indicated)... and turns to the Jedi. "What do you think Jedi? Think your hookey powers can ferret out our contact, or should we do this the obvious and old fashioned way?"

Tervax glanced around the room, looking for Ulu Teem in the off chance he was actually in the cantina and saving them the trouble of having to ask around.  At that moment, helmet electronics decided to futz out and go completely blank, cutting off all audio and visual enhancement.

He looked over at Chemosh and said, "My electronics are acting up.  I'm going to step outside for a moment."

OOC:
09:58, Today: Tervax rolled 8 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 1. Perception.

Ouch.

"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm no Jedi. I'm just a simple merc. The tried and true method is probably the best." She says coolly and for the benefit of anyone close enough to be listening.

The trip here had taken longer than she wanted and things that shouldn't bother her had been getting on her nerves. The thought of what she should be doing was never far from her mind. This silly quest that Master Skywalker had her on was rediculous, though she'd never let the counsel know that she felt that way. They'd probably retract her invitation to train if they found out.

Chemosh arches an eyebrow, it's accompanying expression isn't an amused one.

08:58, Today: Tehrk Ridonal rolled 24 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 15. Perception

As Tehrk was savoring the moment a little less than most, he decided to hang back momentarily to let the rest of them enter first. A brief pause and Tervax came out, which was Terhk's moment to enter. Doing so, he seemed to move past Chemosh and Eso with barely more than a glance, his eyes seemingly fixed on one particular region of the Cantina. Standing still momentarily so that his eyes could adjust a bit more, Tehrk believed he saw something that they were looking for, though to be certain...

A brief step back, a small lean and to Chemosh and Eso,

"If I had to guess anything, then based on the layout and generally pleasant atmosphere, whoever we'd want to look for just might be in that nice little area over there. Not saying they're over there, it's just that the smoke in that area's not as thick as it is over here and the alcohol over there looks a bit less...

Polluted, should I say."

In reply to Tehrk Ridonal (msg #268):

The group is hard pressed in Finding a Gran in the Cantina, but as they move into the area that Tehrk pointed at, they noticed a few free tables, some more recluse than the others, as well as a good view onto a doorway that seems to lead to some backrooms just beyond the bar, where the barkeep is busy working.

She turns away from her unamused companion and heads towards the back rooms. If she's stopped she'll speak with whom ever has spoken to her but if she's allowed to enter unopposed she'll walk in and take a look around for their three-eyed contact.

The Jedi on the prowl, the group heads towards the back of the establishment where the red mopped bar keep nods you through as he cleans up a few dirty glasses in front of him. The Jedi leads the group down a small corridor that leads to a dark corner from where a loan door can be seen. The Jedi quickly opens the doors, and the sound of giggling wafts through the corridor.

There, sitting in a corner of what appears to be a small private lounge is a Gran warming-up to two scanty-clad Twi'lek girls on either side of him. Both were busy caressing him affectionately, but the Jedi's sudden appearance chills the mood and the Gran's three eyes glance up at the intruders in surprise, "What do ya want? Can't you see this room's booked?" His eyes search you for details.


"Maybe they want fun too...? More credits for us..." one of the Twi'lek says with a smile, and the other one giggles in response.

"I'm afraid not girls. We have business with your client. If you'll talk to the gentleman behind me I'm sure he'll cover this evenings cost." She says with cold authority.

Having followed quietly behind the angered woman, Tehrk waited at the door, leaning on the side, to the private room, listening in attentively as Eso spoke to the occupants. At her comment of cost coverage, a hand waved outward with a small chip card in hand. There wasn't much on it, but they didn't have to know that just yet. Putting the card back in his pocket, Tehrk kept his hand on the blaster pistol at his side, just in case the client there tried to do anything funny.

The two Twi'lek girls pout at being dimissed, but otherwise get up and brush past Eso and Tehrk. They make a point of walking sensually past and beyond the door as the Gran watched them leave with the majority of his eyes, keeping the other one on Eso. Once the door closes, the Gran shifts his weight. "This better be good, Nahn-takai."

Chemosh follows a little belatedly, thankfully his tardiness saves him picking up yet another tab on the missions behalf as he's not present when Eso promises the one in the back would cover the lost wages. With his companion already havig broached contact with their source, the Chiss contents himself to stand rearguard and keep an eye on the larger room they'd left behind.

Tervax comes back into the cantina just in time to see where the others are going.  He makes his way through the tables and benches nonchalantly, obviously checking out the pair of Twi'lek females as they walk past.  He joins Chemosh in watching the room, turning up his audio receptors on his helmet to catch the conversation going on within even as he planted the stock of the rifle on the floor and gazed out at the patrons, scanning the room.

I think you have something that you would like to show us. And trust me it is not the same thing that you were about to show those two she says with a thumb gesture over her shoulder at the the departing Twi'leks. "My companions and i were sent to look into some information you claim to have about a certian missing person.
This would be so much easier if she were able to speak freely. Unfortunately given the area of space they were in and the fact that if she came out with the truth right off the top she would probably get to see her blue skinned partner lose his perpetual cool, she forces herself to play the spy game instead.



OOC: sorry for the delay. The battery on my laptop gave up the ghost so now my only net access is mt kindle. this post has taken way to long to write so i apologize if some of my posts come across a little strangely until i get a working station again. I'm sure my punctuation is going to suffer and for some reason this browser will not let me post in the ooc thread.

"Alright, Nahn-Takai," the gran said with what seemed to be a smile, "I guess the intelligence people gave you a pass phrase to confirm they actually sent you?"

"Nope. They just said that you were totally unreliable. So they sent us out here to check up on you." she says while pulling up a chair to sit across from him. "So, are you going to help us out or should we bring you back to tell our boss why you wouldn't let us say hi to her brother" Finally she lets a smile play across her face as she looks through him.

Ulu lifts up his hands in a 'I give up gesture,' his huge ears flicking at the air slightly in annoyance when Eso mentions his unreliability.

"I've been waiting a long time to get back into the game, and I hope this lead on Skywalker will show the uppers I can be trusted again," he says, his mood dampened somewhat. However, he perks up as he takes out a cube-like object the size of a small jewelery box that he puts at the center of the table. "I am very excited about this piece of intelligence I was fortunate to come across... quite by accident, actually. There is no doubt in my mind though, it is Master Skywalker! See for yourselves..."

Pressing a small button at the side of the device, a holo image springs up, its blue light casting shadows across the room. The recording has no sound, but it has obviously been taken from a 30 degree angle above two figures discussing in an alleyway. One of the two is a Neimoidian. The other appears to be wearing a dark cloak and cowl, and though no lightsaber is visible - you clearly recognize Luke Skywalker as he lowers the hood of his cloak and starts a conversation with the Neimoidian.

The image clearly show them bantering, and finally some credits exchange hands, with Luke taking possession of two items from: a datapad, and a small, square object, about the size of a fist. It looks to be made of a black substance - with perhaps some type of script on it - but it's impossible to tell in the holo. Eventually the holo-recording ends, and the Gran picks up the cube again and waves a small data disk.

"This is good, eh???" he says rubbing his hands together.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:28, Thu 28 July 2011.

Having caught most of the show out of the corner of his eye, the Chiss turns and stalks over to their contact with intent to commondeer the recording device- Being an expert in such matters, he figures it should be easy enough to test for fabrication or tampering. "Where and when was this transaction recorded?" He asks without preamble.

In reply to Chemosh (msg #281):

The Gran lets Chemosh take the chip, figuring out his intent well in advance, having been in the business long enough to know. "It was recorded here on Koshibal in one of the settlement's back alleys, about two and a half weeks ago, by one of my drones. It happened to be on a wall, when it caught this interesting bit of intel," he added as he put away the device that had held the disk. At this point he was repeating what Madine had been saying in his briefing, which is why you had made the trip to this miserable backwater planet in the first place.

She shoves her immediate reaction to seeing master skywalker aside before speaking. "Any idea who the other person is or where we can find them?" she asks while givng chemosh some time to check the authenticity of the recording.

The Gran looked at Eso, "That would be Nute Findos, a former chairman within the Trade Federation. His syndicate lost much to the Republic during the Clone Wars and during the peace that followed. He's manage to avoid arrest by staying out of Republic space. Now… he makes his living as an information broker. He’s managed to avoid the pressures of the Hutts – most of which want to own him. He most likely has blackmail-worthy information on each, which is why he's been able to stay independent this long," the last bit of information was most likely speculation, but was proably accurate in its own measure.  "He lives and has offices here in the city… with a private army of droids at his beck and call, no less. No one messes with Nute Findos. He controls nearly everything here."

"Then arranging a meet shouldn't prove overly taxing for you." Chemosh says, before walking away with the data-disc in hand. He doesn't have much care or desire to speak with the informant beyond that for the moment... more interested in inserting the disk into his computer and verifying its authenticity of the feed. "I trust you inspected the site personally? If any nearby security cameras, or even satellites overhead, might have caught Master Skywalker on approach or departing we might be able to trace his path more accurately than words alone can convey."

The Gran laughed, "To what purpose would I inspect the site? What could I possibly gain by going to that trouble? Maybe if I had been quick enough, I might have heard echoes of them whispering 20 minutes after they had left?" he asked, sounding amused. "As to a possible lead from one of the satellites, maybe, but I doubt we'd find him anywhere close to the vector he used to jump, that's if you're lucky enough to know what ship he left on... assuming he left at all. Now that's an unpleasant thought, isn't it?" he said as all humour left him.

"I can easily get you a meeting with Findos," he added, "when would you like me to try to set it up for?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:52, Fri 29 July 2011.

"Your reputation rings resoundingly clear." The Chiss says dryly, not bothering to correct the Gran's deficiencies and shortsightedness beyond what he'd already tried to discreetly do. By now any random security cameras that might have been located and used to trace the Jedi's movements throughout the small city had already recorded over the old footage. This wasn't exactly a High Security Zone. Such information would have had to have been obtained relatively quickly after the original sighting. Within a standard cycle or two at the most.

He sighs, regretting not for the first time that Republic informants weren't trained better. It's almost enough to make him miss home.

"Immediately. Wake him if you must." Chemosh provides, assuming his companions will agree that time remains of the essence.

"Immediately, is unrealistic," the Gran said matter of factly. "If you intend to do that, you might as well go directly to his estate and knock on the front door to see if his protocol droid has an opening - he sets up all appointments through it. But you'd better have something he wants to buy. And there’s three things Findos wants: information, pretty twi’lek women, and spice - glitterstim only, HIGH quality stuff. If you have any of these three things to sell - it should at least grant you an audience."

"Well... Doesn't that happen to be somewhat... Convenient, eh guys? I think I have a few ideas of where we can two of those three, hmm.

Information and women... Man of good tastes I assume?"

He made a snide smile to Gran, as if he knew well enough that what he'd seen in the crate was now, more than likely, something he'd planned to use himself to get to see someone. Now, however, with the crate in their possession, they could get in easily... Or so he hoped.

"When you say pretty Twi'lek women are we talking slaves or just experiences? One is an easy thing to come by, the other is a little more difficult." In all truth, Eso didn't think that a slave would be much harder to come by in the area of space that they were currently in. It was just a lot harder for her to swallow on a moral level.

"And how long would it take to get to his estate from here?"

"When I say pretty Twi'lek girls, I mean pretty Twi'lek girls, though, he is known to having a roving eye for other species... As to his estate, it's about thirty minutes out of the settlement. To the northwest."