A thought seems to strike the Darth.  "If you wanted, you could provide some arms to the Selonians as...'gifts'.  I am not sure how they'd perceive a number of very armed individuals traipsing through their tunnels, but you can rest assured they'll not turn them back on you if you prove helpful to their cause."

"Hey, if you're willing to part with them, I'd be glad to help one of the few groups on this planet that still supports the Republic.  Besides, it might give us a hand in negotiations," Seely speaks at a more audible volume now.  The Darth is honest in this, if in nothing else.

"I am glad to see you're willing to help in this endeavor.  Please believe that I am not like most Sith...I will not say that I am distinctly unlike them, but we live in interesting times.  Perhaps some day I can return the favor you are doing for me.  Jutnam will be here soon.  Do you have any further questions?"  She folds her hands behind her back and waits.

"I hope I never need such a large favor.  There aren't many in the Galaxy who would put themselves out this far..." Seely states, before finally waiting for the others to ask further or to keep their silence.

"I'm trying to save the galaxy from within that which is trying to destroy it," responds the Sith, with the barest hint of a half-smile.  "Would that I could do it alone..."
This message was last updated by the player at 19:17, Thu 14 June 2012.

"Were that so easy, people like me would be teaching pretty boring history classes."

Shanda had listened to the discussion with some interest after the distraction of Rathiks situation. For the most part she had had nothing worthwhile to add to the discussion so she kept her peace. In terms of supplies she had all she required, though perhaps some form of illumination would be needed depending on how rough or maintained the tunnels would be.

Glancing back to Rathik a moment she looked to the hologram, "Will Rathik be joining us later at some point or is she to remain behind til someone else collects her? It seems unlikely that once we collect the force users that the opportunity to return here will be possible."

"She'll be in my care for a bit until I can get her offworld.  I agree with your assessment; it's a long trek...going back there will only increase the likelihood you'll run into trouble."  The Darth appraises you once more before the holo flickers again, suddenly replacing itself with the businessman guise.

"Thank you again," says Imperius' voice.

The door behind you slides open again, and Jutnam steps in.  He's still got a bit of a nervous shake, but barely noticeable, though it only gets worse when he sees the limp Sith in the corner.

Ussol says to him, "She's been subdued in a marvelous display of skill by these fine soldiers.  Jutnam, show the loyal servants of the Republic to the stockrooms.  Let them take what they need, plus a little extra as a token of my goodwill."  You can tell when he says 'a little extra' that he's referring to what you'd be giving to the Selonians.  "May I recommend extra grenades and other explosives.  When they've got what they require, show them to the tunnel entrance.  Take care, my friends."

The holo flickers out.

"At your service," says Jutnam, bowing lightly.  He guides you back to the lift, which takes you to what you would describe as less of a stockroom and more of a munitions dump.  There is a repulsorlift platform you can make use of to ferry some goods to the Selonians as well, so you don't have to carry all of it.

So only Seely is picking up some stuff?

Actually I'll change two of those grenades for stun grenades.  A hostage situation calls for not killing everybody, even if it's only technically a hostage situation.

Far as I'm concerned, we'll load up the Repulsorlift with whatever kinds of weapons they can use.  I figure Blaster Carbines would be suitable for tunnel fighting, but you know.

And sorry, I should clarify: you're 80km from the spaceport from your current position.  You're traveling to a point that gives you access to the rocket tram: this is about 20km away.  You'll be taking the rocket tram for the remaining 60.  Once I make sure no one else is picking up any munitions-type things, I'll set you on your way.

"Kit up. Remember, they may put non-combatants in the line of fire, so you might want to pick up a stun grenade.  They're pretty simple; the models used by the Republic Army were a simple two button, toss model, as you know, Sergeant," Seely explains.

That's a lot more feasible to travel than 80 km by foot, at least quickly.  This is basically my in-character and Out of character recommendation that everyone grab a stun grenade.

Serina considers taking one of the grenades and possible a spare power pack, but her utility belt already has one, and she wouldn't put it past the Sith to put a tracking device on something they give her, so she'll pass.

"Sounds like we have a fair trek ahead of us then"

Shanda tucked her hands into her robe sleeves once more and prepared to head out with the others, the deception over who the business man was in compared to what she really was was an interesting contrast. Still as she belted on her lightsaber she prepared for the trip ahead. "We should also take a few small arms for our escortees just in case they are unarmed."

Not requiring equipment for itself, EAS-05 browsed the weapons idly.  "I agree with Jedi Shanda.  What weapons would be preferred as token of goodwill, Commander Komad?"

"I'd say Carbines for our offering; they're smaller for tighter spaces.  Blaster pistols get more charge out of the power packs, though, too.  Mix it up, about six carbines to every four pistols." Seely glances at Shanda, "It's a sound idea, but we'll have to be careful to who we hand weapons.  Some of them might be younger than others."

How many pistols for the wee ones then?  3?

Three sounds like a reasonable amount, since we have to lug them.

Sorting everything out takes about 20 minutes, and you've got yourself a veritable shipment of weapons ready to hand over to the guerillas.  Grenades, a few explosives, a pair of heavy weapons with ammunition, and the aforementioned carbines and pistols.  The lift seems to take the load in stride, as though you've not put a thing on there.

Mr. Becc takes you deeper down the lift to one of the lowest levels.  The door that opens reveals a section of underground that has clearly been carved out by machinery, but opens up to a natural cave system after about 70 meters.  The air is cold, dense, and moist, and with the door open the air rushes past you, attempting to equalize pressure with the world above.

Jutnam hands each of you a flashlight except for Easy, who declines because he can see just fine.  He also takes the time to inform you, "We're about 300 meters down, heh."  It will take about four hours to reach your destination.  The old man bids you farewell, and you can see the lift begin taking him back up as the door closes.  With that, the air settles, and all you can now hear is the sound of your own breathing paired with the soft hum of the repulsorlift.

Onward?

The Twi'lek takes a moment to sling her newly acquired rifle.  It won't be much use now, but it'll come in handy later.  She also makes sure her grenades are properly secured in her bandolier.  There isn't anything quite as paranoia inducing as carrying potentially volatile bombs on one's torso...

"All right, I'll take point.  Easy, behind me with a weapon ready.  I'm going to stand in front so the first thing they see is someone without a blaster pointed their way.  Everyone else, I really don't care how you sort out as long as you're comfortable with the arrangement.  It's gonna get tight in here at points, so...eyes open, okay?" Seely keeps her flashlight pointed ahead, giving a few moments for everyone to sort themselves before moving ahead.

Shanda nodded simply, falling into step with the others. She kept alert as she took up the rear of the troop and followed Seelys lead.

EAS-05 was thankful the technicians had included superior sensors in its design.  The darkness was of no issue for it as it did a quick scan of its surroundings while the others prepared for the coming trek.

"Affirmative, Commander Komad." EAS-05 moved to take blaster pistol off the lift.  After giving the pistol a quick once over it falls into position, "I apologize in advance for any poor shots."

Serina takes a flashlight in one hand, her blaster pistol in the other and peers into the darkness, before glancing at Seely.

"Maybe I should take point, I've been around natural cave formations before. I have some experience with them."

Seely takes a moment to consider that, before finally drawing her blaster and yielding the front spot, "All right, but take care."

Serina nods and heads up to take the lead, keeping a very close eye out for any traps, either natural traps by the terrain, or unnatural ones set up to keep intruders out, as well as any animals, sometimes poisonous snakes live underground, or possibly poisonous insects as well.