A Standard day passes slowly, and then the following morning everything happens at rapid pace. You are awoken at 0600 hours and hurriedly rushed to your ship. No-one is around except essential personnel and guards. The entire base has been confined to quarters while you depart.

Once on board, the senior astromechanic briefs you on the maintenance and repairs that were done. The tanks have been topped off, and all the loose bolts have been tightened. The ship is as ready as an old, modified freighter can be for action. He also hands you a supply manifesto and invites you to check the ship's stores. A quick check into the ship's stores reveal a few extra pieces of survival equipment and some extra rations. You are as ready as you will ever be.

Less than an hour later, you are wolfing down a few pieces of baked bread you will have for awhile as your ship is escorted outside the system's mass shadows. The time has come to set your first destination. As you are escorted to the system's edge by Rebel starfighters, you consider your destination.

Before heading to the coordinates for Karhexadine, you will need to find a refuelling station to top up. As your destination is not far from a common trade lane, there should be plenty to choose from.

Should you head for one close to a major system, and hope your ship is lost in the confusion? Or should you go to one out of the way, where there will be less traffic but perhaps other dangers?

Picking an empty room close to the cockpit, Kraken unpacks his belongings in whatever chest or drawers the rooms has and checks out the ships systems, checking to make sure the defenses and sytems were all updated.  If someone hacked the ships internal security, Kraken wanted to make it as difficult as possible for the intruder.

OOC:
Using my Slicing Talents:
Technical Aptitude 5:  Reduce time to complete Computer tasks by 25%.
Defensive Slicing 10:  Add 1S per rank of Def. Slice to opponents checks.

'Kraken' rolled 3 successes, 1 advantage. 2P 2A 1D.  Computers - Scanning the ships systems. 

---

OOC:
Primary Objective:
 - Tech-Procurement: Locate the 'Tree of Knowledge' or any information related to it.

Secondary Objectives:
 - Combat Victory: Capture at least one high-ranking Imperial officer.
 - Counter-Intelligence: Sequester knowledge of a Rebel team on Karhexadine 1.
 - Intelligence: Obtain intelligence on any Imperial strongholds on the planet.
 - Personnel: Prevent casualties among Rebel agents.
 - Political Support: Obtain resources relevant to the mission from local support.
 - Sabotage: Prevent Imperial broadcasts for support.
 - Space Superiority: Destroy one squadron of Imperial fighters.
 - Support: Fulfill as many objectives as possible.

Knolwedge:
 "Moff Paydon Montrose, Formerly of Imperial Intelligence, he was awarded his position two years ago.  It had previously been vacant, overseen by the imperial navy. Our intelligence suggests that he spends most of his time traveling back and forth from Coruscant."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:22, Sat 01 Apr 2017.

The departure was a little on the strange side but Caddy suspected that the Rebels were just being careful - at least she hoped that was the case - but she accepts the necessity given the sensitivity of the task and, when aboard, will settle back into meagre rooms.   Aboard ship, she tends to take a 'seat' in the cockpit soas to deal with comms an leaves the running of and fighting with the ship to Forim.   "Everyone ready?"  A general question to folk once they have gathered aboard.

Xyklo bounces past Caddy, saluting on route.
"Ready Maam!"

After the wait he was keen to get going, a quick stroll around the Shimmer got him a sense of where everything was. He checked in with Flight Officer Luk to ascertain his bunk and which turret was his responsibility to man. He dumped his kit bag down at the foot of the bunk, then sat next to it, taking it all in. He poked the pillow to see what was inside. Not that he had a preference, just curiousness.

Opening his bag he checked the weapons were loaded and charged, but with the safety's on. With a smile he brought out the datapad and headphones, slipping them over his antenna he sauntered happily out of the dorm and to the turret, humming out a folk tune as he went. Hanging his coat on the back of the gunnery chair he settled down to practice with the targeting controls.

As the team was usherd out without the chance to spend ANY time looking over the ship for anything, Forim says "New Plan.  I will do the indoor tour while we are in hyperspace, and the outdoor tour at our refueling station."

Getting on board and starting the power up sequence he says on the intercom "Everyone to your stations.  Standard Operating Procedure is to always be in your assigned position when we are not in hyperspace.  This means that if we ever get ambushed, everyone is already at their station.

Plot course for a short stop to an un-inhabited system for us to make our decision of where to go from there.  They are working so hard to keep our departure secret, lets not stick around for any sensor tech to find.  Roger, double check his work" he says to his new co-pilot.


It is not very often he goes through the full checklist for starting up the ship properly, so he takes the time to do so when he has it.  He reads out each item on the checklist one by one so everyone can hear the process.  It takes a good 10 minutes to go through them all properly but they all show green.  It turns out the Rebellion made good on their promise of repair.


Smoothly lifting the ship up and out of the hangar,  he makes his way to space.  He is pretty sure they don't want any com logs of their departure.

Kraken nods as he receives his orders and brings up the astrogation computer to work the flight.   Once finished he shows the flight to alt alum.


OOC
12:36, Today: 'Kraken' rolled 2 successes, 3 advantages.   Astrogation
Give the advantage (boost) to the pilot for pilot rolls.

At work using my cell phone so only a short post for now.

Kraken is preparing to plot the ship's initial jump when his program beeps to get his attention. It seems that there is a malignant piece of code active in the ship's computer.

Something seems to have been added in the ship's navigation systems. A more thorough investigation reveals that it is also present in the sublight engines, the ship's transponder, and the hyperdrive.

Kraken pauses, studying the 'glitches' for a few seconds, "Lt Luk, I've noticed some ... anonamly's that might be dangerous.  I don't know the ship, so perhaps these are systems you or someone in your team installed?  I'll need more time to investigate what these commands are inside the navigation systems, sublight engines, transponder and the hyperdrive."

After afew more seconds, Kraken continues, "It seems to be a maligant piece of active code.  I doubt anyone from the team would install it, but if I have enough time after removing it or seperating it from the ship, I can at least find when it was installed.  That might indicate who might have had access to the systems."

"If we get Jospi to help, we could probably knock this out faster.  I'll get cracken on this code but I'll need my tools." Jumping up, Kraken moves to his room to grab his Slicer Gear and hustle back to the cockpit to get to work.

OOC:
GM, what is the difficulty?  Computer skill?

Forim says "Ah Kriff.  Get it done, and get it done fast." as he pulls his hand away from the hyperspace lever.

Flipping the switch on the internal com he says "All personnel with computers training, meet in the lounge.  Sound off that your battle position is going vacant.  We have a computer bug in the ship.  We need to determine when it was added to our system, and by who.  We need to know if the base is compromised.

Keep your eyes peeled for stow aways, I found a toxic biological entity below the floorboards on our last mission with no idea how it got there." The long forgotten issue rising to his mind when the idea of an intruder has tampered with the system.

Switching to the sensors readouts, he keeps a close eye on them as he continues to pull away from the planet at a constant speed.

Turning to Caddy he says "Orders?  We can send a transmission to the planet and jump out.  We can just Jump out and then come back if needed.  Or we can go back and land.  Or something else I have not thought of."

Zeic is busy adjusting the seat in the turret to an appropriate height.

"Ooh! Has the shooting started already? I haven't even picked out my favorite blaster yet."

Since Jurell's task while in flight was to keep an eye on any mechanical trouble, he was not supposed to be at any real ready position like a person who was supposed to be manning turrets.  So, he had been lounging in the common area behind the cockpit as everyone else was getting ready for takeoff.

At least, he was until he heard Kraken calling out to the Duros about computer anomalies.  That was probably not good.  In fact, he was pretty sure that he had probably caused similar problems in jobs when sabotaging ships, though the slicing work he usually paid a side contractor to perform.  Nasty things those were.  They could do anything from shut down atmospheric thrusters to disable a hyperdrive and leave a ship stranded.  Considering they only had enough food for the mission itself and they were on a time crunch, it was possible that such a problem could jeopardize everything.

In moments, the dark-skinned human was on his feet.  Sharp, emerald eyes were scanning the floor and walls for any evidence of an uninvited guest.  He had already spent enough time with the rest of the crew watching their mannerisms to know what kind of trail they would leave.  He was looking for anything that was out of place that would lead him to whomever had caused their problems.  Stray scratches against the walls of the ship at certain heights, a gouge on the floor.  Hunting a target is what he had been doing most of his life.  That expertise would not change just because he had suddenly joined an organization.


22:10, Today: Jurell Delgar rolled 1 success, 1 advantage using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1A 1P 2B 3D. Perception.

Xyklo turns to look over his shoulder at officer Luks request for skilled assistance. Checking his pistol is accessible he remains seated, one headphone still looped over an antenna, he taps his fingers softly on the turret controls as he sweeps the sights after an imaginary tie squadron.
Kraken seemed a capable sort, he'd have this problem fixed in no time.

Hearing the urgency in the voices, Caddy will leave her cabin and head for the cockpit.  She wasn't normally involved in such things but... needs must.  "So what's the problem?"

Jurell seeks high and low. He checks every quiet corner and behind every tangle of wires. He finds Hypno the R2 unit sitting innocently in the cargo bay. It whirls its white spiral headpiece to track him as he walks.

Also in the cargo hold, Jurell finds a computer access socket that seems out of place. Upon closer examination, Jurell finds that it has been custom installed from spliced wires and a remote terminal.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:44, Fri 24 Mar 2017.

Upon finally being escorted from the prison cell they had been keeping them all in for the past two days, Jospi was in a foul mood.  Their lieutenant had displayed a tendency toward bullying or otherwise ignored her team members.  That left him sitting in a room when he should have been working on the ship, going over all of the systems, effecting repairs, making upgrades and "requisitioning" additional power and fuel cells to extend their range (if only in case of their having to make a fast break from their objective).  As they finally arrived at the ship, some mechanic began explaining to him what he and his crew did to the ship, as if their work came with a warranty.

Waving him off, the engineer beelined it to the engine room.  Letting the doors close behind him, he dumped all of his gear in a corner and began going over everything himself.  Within moments the Duros came on overhead and started a pre-flight checklist.  "Great!  You do that, pal.  Let's go ahead and get moving without taking the time to make sure the engines are even bolted to the frame."  He shouts back; to himself as he had not bother activating the comm so his response could be heard.  His head was deep into the workings when he heard Luk's call for assistance in the lounge.  Muttering, he grabbed up his slicer gear and headed fore to find out what was wrong now.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Arriving in the lounge to find Kraken already there with his own rig, the Corellian gave the Nautolan a head's up and asked, "What's crakin'?"

"What the...?"

Glancing from the R2 unit to the spliced wires of the access panel on the computer terminal and back again, Jurell shifted his weight back slightly as he stepped back on his left leg.  He knew enough not to underestimate droids--especially ones that could infiltrate and pull off sabotage like this.  They were often not just any droid.  The last time he had underestimated a droid, he had two ribs broken for his mistake.

"I found the answer to the computer problems!" he called out back toward Kraken and Forim without taking his emerald eyes off the droid.  "R2 unit over here looks like he's spliced into our system and causing all of this.  Made a new access port and everything.  Either it's malfunctioning--and that would have to be one hell of a malfunction--or we've got a saboteur on our hands."

Eyes narrowing, he lightly punched his right fist into his open left hand in a partly threatening manner.

"Now then, little guy, I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to be here," he said darkly.  "So, you should probably tell me what your objective is and who sent you, or I can find out directly from your memory core after I rip it out with my bare hands.  I don't take very kindly to someone sabotaging a ship that I am on."

Hypno's head spins around in a credible impression of 'who, me?' It bobs on its wheels.

"[Language unknown: Hooswa, houectcon wiwhus. Ha ul Il ri P, manententany ckiv arckfopa bleoerwasent t int Inttedrut Prceei. Ad M stica eve tiooernceout leatte'aiio?]" the droid beeps, buzzes, and whirrs.

Forim responds over the com "That is Hypno.  It was a droid we picked up on one of our earlier missions.  It had a very nasty habit of causing us no end of trouble.  Command wiped its memory and assigned it to our ship.  Keep it in your eyesight, I am going to grab a restraining bolt."

Turning to Roger he says "You have the helm.  Shout if you see anything." as he gets up and heads to the ships stores.

ooc: In Caddy's inventory for group loot, I see a restraining bolt.  I am assuming since it is still there we kept it, and I know where all of our common stores are held on the ship.

Grabbing the restraining bolt, he goes to the droid hoping to affix it and shut it down.  Then the crew aboard can crack its memory banks wide open and have a look at what it has been doing...

ooc: Some time will pass, so I will let the GM / Jurell interact while I am doing this.  Let us know if the droid does anything.

Hypno the R2 wheels away from Forim as he approaches with the restraining bolt.

"[Language unknown: Hisredain Olpech, Te t u dickmi'ngil urerutder! Un thtone allvirdinate i ssst Wasmanbleive is Leslesset ntich Olan'caut es illtholin eauvorrut. Ac wiet caou-wepa ncnciv te Tr seoshi ilutevri u ant Ul i anrepr? I ndepa whi as ntck lesstrear. U ce intousoun'dayart mi urmain eeec omwipe haileceris ut fochad ek ettepr!]"

The Force rolled 2 successes, 1 triumph using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1a 1p.  No reason.
Flipping a Dark Side point.

Forim says "You are under no threat of violence or memory wipe.  However, the Slicer could not have installed that data access panel back there in the little time he has been on the ship.

This is a precaution.  I know that you had a life before the Rebellion and that your memory was at least partially wiped.  Perhaps there is some malignant code within your processors that we were previously un-equipped to handle.

Lets run a full system diagnostic and sort out what is going on.  If you are cleared of wrong doings, then you have my word we will remove the restraining bolt.

I am just worried your past life is coming back to haunt you, and the rest of this crew"

"You guys need any help down there.?" Zeic asks over the comms. He reaches for his ion blaster.

"... with a slave born skin and eyes of green,
She danced her way to the skies less grey,
And there'll be no more tears from Ryloth dreams,
No more fears,
No more cheers,
No more...

Hey...   is everything ok?"

Xyklo finally realises there may be some trouble and ceases his inane and terrible singing while practicing in the turret.

The restraining bolt is, most certainly, still in the stores and exactly where Caddy left it when they loaded their supplies.   She doesn't comment about Forim leaving his post though she does raise and eyebrow... and will slip into his seat as he leaves.  Hopefully she'll be able to keep an eye on things while he is away.

Forim clamps the restraining bolt on Hypno and it shuts down. With a last sidelong look, Forim returns to the cockpit.

Kraken has had plenty of time to work out what the program does. Essentially, it creates a set of shutdown codes that prevent the ship from doing all sorts of mobility-related things. With this program in place, the slicer could shut down the engines, disable the hyperdrive and prevent a jump from being calculated.

It is easy enough to delete. Now, onward!

Forim de-activates the droid.  Giving Jurell the caller he says "Make sure he stays observed from here on out.  Let the computer people do their thing and look into his systems.  As I said to him, I don't want it damaged"

ooc: Assuming at least a nod

Forim heads back to the cockpit and waits for an update from the hackers.

"Have you decided the best course of action mam?" he asks Cassy as he takes the helm back from Roger.

Looking up to Jospi as he entered the cockpit, Kraken points out the warning error codes his splicer gear had picked up. "Some malignant piece of code active in the ship's computer.  Old members say its likely the Astromech droid Hypno."

Doing some quick scans, Kraken confirms it was the droid and managed to shut down the malignant code before it could do any real harm.

"Jospi, I was planning on checking the sytems for any updates that were skipped and ensure the computers were good.  If you want to get started on that, I'll work the astrogation and join you when I'm done, if you need help." he offers.

Looking to Lt Luk, Kraken nods, "I think we are good to go now, here are the astrogation plans, you are good to hit the hyperdrive."


OOC:
Sorry, got done camping but was burnt out by the sun, literally as I had a huge sun migrane.  Feeling better now.

quote:

'Kraken' rolled 1 success, 4 advantages - Computer finding the hacker (Little Droid - Hypno )

Boosts:
+2 to the Pilot- (Astrogation roll)
+3 (Self) Arrogation and Computer rolls 

"Belay that order!  Do not activate any other systems."  Bellows the Corellian engineer.  "If that astromech was able to slice the computers, it could also have sabotaged any parts of the engines or drives.  We need to make a full check inside and out.  We could be carrying anything from transponders to explosives and we don't have a clue."

Turning to the slicer, "Kraken, you'll need to go through the computers.  I have to begin going over the engines and other systems internally looking for anything else that may have been sabotaged."  So saying, he stalks off to the engine room and begins a detailed search for anything out of order.

OOC: I'll roll once there is a difficulty assigned.

Caddy looked up as Forim returned to the cockpit where both Roger and her were seated and where Forim can still hear the 'bellowing' via the comms.   Caddy may not be directly involved, but she is certainly appraising the situation, "You seem to have things well in hand, Forim.   You may wish to discuss this with Jospi though as he has pointed out a valid concern... though I am surprised at his mannerisms.  I was not away we were aboard a pirate ship?"   She laughs lightly.   "While  you're doing that, maybe Roger can plot us...."  She's clearly out of her depth here as she scans the map of the outer rim for any name that catches her eye... and fails to spot any.   Hoping to be 'helpful', she selects a station that looks about 'half way' and in their 'general' direction.  "Here?"

13:32, Today: Caddanra 'Caddy' Manitu rolled 1 failure, 4 advantages using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 3a 2d 1b.  Astrogation.
13:31, Today: Caddanra 'Caddy' Manitu rolled 1 failure, 3 advantages using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 3a 2d.  Knowledge: Outer Rim.

Summary - 2B used to give myself a blue Astrogation dice.   So that's 2B for you Roger.  Bail me out of this mess please! :-)   Feel free to correct me - I am under no illusion that I'm good at this kinda thing and I'm quite glad the dice failed me!

After a thorough diagnostic of the ship's systems, the crew determines that there is no other sabotage or interference with its operation. The mechanics of the ship are tuned to optimum levels.

Kraken, shook his head as Jospi doubted his ability to use a computer, stop a virus and check the computer, however it never hurt to have someone double check.  He may have missed something, so kept his thoughts to himself..

As Caddy begins to make Astrogation checks the Nautolan watches her to see how well she did.  Once she was finished, Kraken smiles, "Not bad, however you forgot this astroid field here Ma'am.  I've also completed an Astrogation plan and given to Lt Luk, if you wish to review." he says nodding to the plan he had given Lt Luk a few moments before.

OOC:
Astrogation Roll

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

quote:

12:36, Thu 23 Mar: 'Kraken' rolled 2 successes, 3 advantages using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1p 3a 2d.  Astrogation.

---

This message was last edited by the player at 15:15, Sun 26 Mar 2017.

Caddy looks around, startled, possibly having missed Kraken's arrival amidst the muddle of events and attempts at astrogation, "Oh... Thank you Kraken."  She looks at the screen and then bites her lower lip.  "Hang on a minute.   What about that asteroid there...."  That asteroid quite literally in the middle of nowhere?

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
OOC#115: Hmm. We had a metric ton of unused advantages there. Caddy may know quite literally nothing about this sector of space or indeed how to navigate it, but there will be various bits of information on these worlds. Backwater worlds require 'something' ... that something is probably retrieved from a nearby-ish world/worlds/location. Would it be a huge stretch to find intuit a path from A to B and use to locate a suitable freighter to 'commandeer' (maybe a distress beacon resulting in a hijack or something like that?)

Basically I'm asking if I can use some of those advantages to see a 'piece useful information' - in this case an economical reason to approach the planet we want to. I am concerned that doing something 'covert' will be spotted considering the forces they had assigned to this place. Doing something 'dangerously legal' is more my style :-)

---

This message was last edited by the player at 22:05, Sun 26 Mar 2017.

Kraken, embarrassed to tell the Lt the asteroid was no where near his path simply nods.  Looking to LT Luk, Kraken shrugs, "I think its getting crowded in here.  Call me if you need help."

Leaving the now crowded cockpit, Kraken makes his way back to his room to do some systems check on the ship and get to know the ship better, mechanically and electronically.

Seeing Kraken get up Forim says "Can you check on the programming of our errant droid please?"

Looking to Caddy he says "Mam, that first jump that Kraken plotted is to a neighboring system.  We have not decided our approach."

He takes a quick look over the vector that Kraken plotted and it looks good enough to him.  Not the approach he would have taken, but they do not look dangerous.  He plugs them into the hyperdrive.

Speaking over the intercom he says "First jump into hyperspace in 10 seconds ... 6.. 5.. 4.. 3.. 2.. 1.. Jump.  Relapse in 10 minutes.  Everyone who wants to discuss our approach vector to the target, please meet Lt Manitu in the lounge."

Turning to Caddy he says "I will stay here in the cockpit and listen in over the intercom.  I can plug in searches to the navicomputer and give you options as you discuss.  Just let me know, Rural, Populated, or somewhere in between.  I can program the specific path."

"Roger, you can stay here with me and help me run the numbers"

Roger nods to Forim, "Roger, roger.".
He deftly co-pilots, waiting for the others to leave the cockpit.  As his fingers move over the controls, he looks to Forim, "What if the saboteur wasn't Hypno, Captain?"

"Flight Officer" Forim corrects, "not a Captain yet"

With a large sigh he says "I dont know.  I am hoping we have at least one other programmer who can verify.  Check and double check the work.  Maybe I am biased, but that little droid is the spawn of something evil."

"Roger, roger, Flight Officer it is, sir."  He looks back towards the instrument panel, "Captain Caland had me programmed with an enhanced skill package, as well as upgrading my neuroprocessors and data storage. He'd included several skills he thought would help him in his, er, grey business deals.  Slicing was one of those skills, sir."

Having thoroughly searched the engines and hyperdrive, Jospi toggles on the intercom to relay the negative findings.  He stomps back up to the lounge area and drops into a seat.  When the Nautolan comes back from the cockpit, the Corellian nods to him.  "Great job finding that malicious code and cleaning it out of the computers.  Just remember, the engines are hyperdrive aren't simply computers; they're physical machinery and that can have other kinds of traps.  Cycling up the hyperdrive before securing it could have had us spread across the system."

Smiling, he offers, "If you need any help with the droid, let me know.  I do need to go to the hold to check out the jury-rigged access point that Jurell spotted."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:22, Mon 27 Mar 2017.

Xyklo had been straining to peer over his shoulders to find out what the troubles were. As Luk's voice crackles through the turret comm speaker, he relaxed. The flight officer carried an air of disciplined control that Xyklo found reassuring. A moment later the viewport from the turret became a swirl of light rendered through the hyperspace continuum.

Smiling he reached down to set the gunnery console back to idle, and flicked a switch on the datapad in his coat pocket, silencing the lilting vocals of the Twi-Lek folk music. Xyklo moves quickly to the Shimmers lounge, taking a seat if there's still one free when he arrives.

"Everything ok? Got the feeling we were having some difficulties back there." He asks, to no one in particular.

Jospi acknowledges Xyklo as he enters the lounge, "Hey, Xyklo, yeah, you missed all the excitement.  Someone, or something, had inserted some kind of code to track us and or stop us cold in our tracks.  Kraken caught it.  We searched the engines and couldn't find anything else, but that held us up until we could be sure."

Forim nods to Roger and says "Good to know.  But the last thing I want is a droid interfaced with a potentially malicious droid.  It could reprogram you.

However, that gives me an idea.  Can you dig into the access logs for that access port and see when it was accessed?  If we can determine when it was installed, we can narrow down the list of suspects considerably."

ooc: Roger won't be on until this evening, can GM Post difficulty for him to roll later!
This message was last edited by the player at 13:32, Mon 27 Mar 2017.

"Well, not much gets past his tentacles eh?" Xyklo joked back to Jospi.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 21:41, Mon 27 Mar 2017.

Caddy nodded to first Kraken (only a small raised eyebrow though not specifically for him - she knew when she was being fobbed off!) and for Forim (buckling herself in, just in case) and then settling in for their discussion upon arrival, "Well.   Our destination is rather 'out of the way'.  It would be hard not to notice our approach.   So how about we don't hide it.  Let's walk in in plain sight and plead ignorance?  Of course, we'd have to make sure we weren't obviously recognisable - and given our previous exploits, that will take time and effort - and we'll need to make sure that once we walk into any 'stop and search' that we're legitimate and more so, that we have something worth trading.   Something that would require us to land, possibly?  And maybe some luxuries that aren't normally available to ensure that those in command are less likely to look deeper into our business?"

Kraken frowns pausing at the door of the cockpit, considering the droid.  "Lt Luk, I thought I heard someone say the droid was reprogrammed?"  Kraken feared two things, either someone did a bad job of reprogramming the droid leaving intentionally or unintentionally the bad programming and command to harm the ship or perhaps there was a spy in the Alliance who reinstalled the bad program in the droid after he was wiped.  Either had subtle but dark tidings for the Rebel Alliance.



"Happy to Lt.  I'll let ya know what I find."



Kraken nods, "Yep, got lucky I guess.  I'll make sure to keep that in mind.  I'm still a bit lost as to why the droid was allowed back on the ship if he was setting off alarm bells.  I guess, if he was reprogrammed he'd be safe.  I wonder how it got the command to sabatage our plans?  If I find anything malign or strange, I'll let ya know."

OOC:
Lt Luk - I thought the cockpit was a 2 person seat, like the Melinium Falcon, my bad.  With you, Roger and Caddy I felt it was too crowded.  ;)
**I looked at party resources and the ship shows:  One Pilot, one co-pilot/engineer   Isn't that a two person cockpit?
As for more than one step in the Astrogation plan, I must have missed that request from the GM, I only rolled once.
I'll wait to roll a second time when it's needed; otherwise I'll forget what I rolled.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:49, Mon 27 Mar 2017.

 “Roger, roger.” Roger turns to the console to his right and begins to interface with the computer.  The small screen near the console is a blur of images and text as he gets to work, his optical sensors and neuroprocessors able to track data much more quickly and efficiently than biological eyes and brains.
20:55, Today: B1-P3 'Roger' rolled 3 successes, 1 advantage using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1A 2P 2D ((2(A), 10(P), 5(P), 4(D), 1(D))).
Use Advantage to determine access ID?

Several moments pass,  “I think I found something, sir.”  Roger cycles the data on the screen, and points to line Eth-Orenth-0035-Yirt.  “This is when the new terminal was first accessed.  If we cross reference the time stamp of the access with the next system commands, we can see the access code used to unlock the system…”


OOC - same cockpit as the Millennium Falcon, 4 seats, two at controls.

Now that you know what you were looking for, the answer is obvious. Someone used an entirely digital access through the engineering section of the ship. It was either done by a droids computer attachment, or a set of slicing equipment hooked up to the ship's computer. A number of upgrades have been made to the sabotage programs, but they began shortly before Mission Kindred power. If the time stamps are being read correctly, during hyperspace jumps.

Forim smiles at Roger and says "Good Job.  That clears our newcomers"

He quickly scans the cockpit for bugs, but finds nothing.
21:03, Today: Forim Luk rolled 1 failure, 1 threat using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1P 1A 1B 2D.  Rolling Perception.

Closing the door to the cockpit to prevent sound from drifting he whispers into his comlink

"Forim to Kraken.  We narrowed down the time frame of what this code was installed.  It has been found that the malicious access came in slightly after Hypno and Roger were brought aboard.  Roger gave us this info, clearing everyone but himself for this.  I might have you go over Roger's programming later, but for now focus on Hypno.  Do not discount the fact that there might be someone or something else aboard that is using that data access port with a data pad.  Jurell's findings point to Hypno as well though.  Can you find out more.  Worst case take out Hypno's power core so he cannot activate himself.  I want a firm answer.  Take the time you need, and the help you need from any of the new crew.."

Forim to Jurell.  We found evidence that points to Hypno, Roger or an uknown stow away.  Roger found this evidence so I tend to think it was Hypno. Access is from before the new additions to Alpha Team, so the new crew is cleared.  Please do a thorough search for stow aways to wipe that possibility away.  Pull in help you need.  Get Kraken to keep an eye on the droid.

Yes, that means Caddy and Myself are suspects.  We know it was a droid, or direct slicing equipment.  Neither I or Caddy have the computer experience for that kind of that.  However, You are the head of the investigation for a stow-away, organic or mechanical.  Bring in whoever you need, but get us some answers.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:43, Tue 28 Mar 2017.

Kraken, working on the systems computers and checking his soft copy of Droid programming listens intently to Lt Luk, responding, "Roger, WILCO."

Drawing out his slicer gear once again, Kraken sets to work.

[Private to GM: I'd like to apply a program on the ship's computer which will alert me anytime anyone uses a ship data access port with their computer name, time of entry, what was done and where it was entered.  What is the difficulty for this?

I'd also like to check Hypno's programs, find what his commands are and what commands apply to this crew and the "Sunset Shimmer."  What is the Difficulty for this?

Talents that might be used:
Technical Aptitude:  Reduce time to complete Computer tasks by 25%.
Bypass Security:  Remove 1S per rank from checks made to disable a security device.
Codebreaker: Remove 1S per rank in codebreaker to break codes or decrypt comms.  Decrease Difficulty of checks by 1.
I'd like to add Defensive Slicing to the ships computers.   Add 1S per rank of Def Slice to opponents checks. ]

Caddy raises an eyebrow at Forim's orders, "All very cloak and dagger."  She doesn't though comment on his assumptions about her computer skills even if they are true!  "So back to the plan?"  He hadn't yet commented on her suggestion.

Xyklo looks around, confused.
"The droid is on our side, right?"

The jump into an unoccupied system goes easily. Now it is time to select an interim destination: a fuelling station, to refill the ship's tank prior to arriving at the mission destination.

The prospect of examining Hypno's current commands is a daunting one. Droid AI is a layered

[Secret to 'Kraken': Kraken concludes that creating an access-logging program is not terribly difficult. He can adapt some of his existing code and some common security programs to do just this. Making it secret is more challenging. If it is to conceal its presence from a slicer, it will have to be woven into the existing programs stealthily, which is more challenging.

2D for straightforward, 1d 1c for secret program]

After running a diagnostic on the R2 unit, the team determines that Hypno is operating under normal parameters for its class. No external programs are running.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:45, Tue 28 Mar 2017.

Working on the droid, Kraken asks Jospi Renning for his assistance, watching the droid as he does his work.  The last thing he wanted is the droid to come alert when prone and have an arc lazer to the face.

Muttering to himself, "Let see if I can work this program into his current program, ensure any slicer who is using the droid to not see what I've done."

OOC:
I'll use Jospi Renning's skills to boost my computers roll w/ 1B.  Thanks Jospi.

'Kraken' rolled 4 successes, 1 advantage dice pool: 2p 2a 1b 1d 1c.  Computer -  Secret program.

Jospi - I'll pass the 1 advantage to you as a boost die.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:34, Wed 29 Mar 2017.

You plot your course and make the jump into hyperspace. Now, nothing but waiting and preparing for a few days.

Some time later, you emerge again from hyperspace at Malastare. It isn't for very long. Once you have calculated the next jump, you are off again.

You exit hyperspace one more time a few minutes later. You are in the system of a white dwarf star with no planets, orbited only by asteroids and one space station.

Shortly after coming out of hyperspace, a comm signal comes to your ship. "Welcome to Lucent Fuelling Station. Please bring your ship within three kilometers and bring relative speed to zero," says a bored-sounding woman's voice.

Forim flips the com on and says "Control, this is the Sunset Shimmer.  Acknowledged.  Moving to within three kilometers and then setting relative speed to zero." before flipping it off

Putting actions to words, he picks a spot basically at random, and smoothly approaches the station.  He does a quick active sensor ping to get the lay of the traffic to ensure he is not causing any issues.

Once this simple task has been accomplished, another message is transmitted. " standby for tractor beam."

There is a brief shudder and bump as the ship is struck by a tractor beam. Without engaging the engines, your ship is gradually pulled towards the station.
As you get closer you got a better look at the station. It isn't exactly bristling with armament, but there are a few laser cannons and turbolasers ready to engage Raiders.

Once you are within a few dozen meters, the comm beeps again. " docking clamp extending. Please disengage all Shields." Sure enough, a metallic arm extends out from the station to take a firm hold of your ship.

"Stand by for boarding." Through the camera, you can see a TC model droid waiting on the other side of your airlock.

Great... a droid.  Caddy will leave her seat in the cockpit having tapped Forim on the shoulder, "Good job."  She then heads for the airlock ready to speak to the droid.

The Droid totters inside in the manner of its kind. It is carrying a strongbox on a strap hanging around its shoulder.

"Good day, sentients. Our Astromech droid is connecting your fuel tank with our pumps at this moment. I am informed that, to refill your tank, it will cost 518 credits. Will you be paying by prepaid cash voucher or with credits?"

Before the Empire, holocom networks allowed a wide variety of communications to be conducted across space near instantly. The Empire has restricted the Holonet to military use only. This has made interplanetary Commerce very difficult, as transactions with one financial institution cannot be quickly communicated across space. The banks have try to adapt by creating cash vouchers. These prepaid cards allow people to carry a portion of their wealth while keeping the cash itself in relative safety. Loss of financial liquidity from Banks has resulted in an enormous downturn in individual savings across the Galaxy. Only large institutions are making money in the Empire.

Stretching out as the ship is pulled into the landing dock for fuel and refitting.  Glad it had gone well, Kraken pulled out his datapad, reviewing the schematics of the astromech droid, puzzling over the times of his updates and when he was whiped last, looking for any names or dates that might trigger a flag.

Looking over to Forim Kraken nods, "Want me to start planning the astrogation for the next jump?  How long will we be here?"

Forim nods and says "Work with Roger to find a good route.  Pre-planning our exit route never hurts if we have to leave in a hurry.  I am not sure how long we are going to be here, but I think the plan is to just re-fuel and move on."

ooc: Roger has 2 ranks in astrogation, but only 2 ability dice to go with it.

Caddy visibly winces, "518 credits... why... that's daylight robbery!"  She shakes her head, "Is there any leeway to bargain?  I ask ask I can pay cash... none of the hassle of vouchers and so forth... and if there is a bargain to be made, I am also looking for cargo to haul?"

[OOC: Rolled Negotiation for the Droid. Left him with a 3d (since he's a droid) and took a bonus for the Cash vs credit.

02:43, Today: Caddanra 'Caddy' Manitu rolled 2 successes using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1a 2p 1b 3d.  Negotiation.

That being the case, I'm looking for a bargain on the fuel (1 success) and something to Haul that would be of use at our destination - luxuries perhaps.   Maybe alcohol if that isn't readily available, or sweets or such things. (1 success)


As for the rest of you - Forim - don't forget the plan Caddy talked about.   This is the layover where the silhouette needs altering :-)]
This message was last edited by the player at 01:47, Sun 02 Apr 2017.

"I am afraid that the station has an exclusivity contract with a coalition of traders," says the droid. "We are unable to sell or buy any cargo from an unlicensed trader. However, the management has authorized me to offer an eight percent discount for cash payments. That would be 476 credits and 6 decicredits."

"Thank you kindly."  She produces a purse and pops it open as if intending counting out the cash.  "Would it be possible to acquire a license with this coalition of traders?   Perhaps your management would be willing to discuss such a proposition?"

The droid demurs. "I am afraid I am not qualified to answer such questions, madam. I am just a protocol droid, here to collect money." It jangles the strongbox suggestively. "If I do not collect correct payment before fuelling begins, I may be deactivated. And I am concerned that they will forget to reactivate me again. I spent a Standard week in a closet once."

Meanwhile, in the cockpit Forim, Roger, and Kraken are working. Forim hears a beep from the proximity sensors and glances up.

A vessel appears in the sky, dropping out of hyperspace near the space station. It is am Action VI transport, considerably larger than the Sunset Shimmer.

Forim gets a sinking feeling in his stomach as he fires up the sensors.  He focuses them on the transport to get a solid reading.

He then pulls up the readings they got from Hypno's previous home and compares them...

In reply to Forim Luk (msg # 58):

Motioning to Roger, the ship droid, Kraken moves to the back seats and works with the droid to plan a good astrogation path from here to their final destination.

Once finished with the planning, Kraken asks Roger to review it one last time to ensure they were not flying through anything he may have missed.  While Roger reviews, Kraken moves to the Co-pilot seat to go over the details with the pilot.

"Lt Luk, if this place doesn't offer the alterations we need for the ship, I found another good port here, about 1/2 way to our destination.  Its a non Imperial port, but they won't report any alterations completed.  This place, if they are run by Imperial backed forces, then the alteration may do us little good.  I found a shortcut that may reduce travel time and save some fuel and the ending point is outside normal travel routes so should make it a bit easier for you to enter the planet's orbit without colliding with any other ships."

Looking at the ships computer, watching Caddy negotiate with the TC model droid he studies the droid, looking for any obvious Imperial markings.

Looking about the port, Kraken checks for any trader markings indicating which coalition traders might be in the area.  Looking to Roger, once he was done with the Astrogation check he nods, "Roger, what do you know of this refueling station?"

Typing on his datapad, Kraken checks to see which coalition of traders backed the Lucent Fuelling Station and if they had Imperial ties.


OOC:
Skill Rolls

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Astrogation - Lucent Fuelling Station to final Destination: 1 success, 3 advantages.  Will use advantages:

• x1 advantage to reduce travel time
• x1 advantage to find additional stopover to conduct silhouette alteration. (if Lucent doesn't work)
• x1 advantage = Boost die to Forim piloting/landing at the last port.

Underworld - Coalition backing the Refueling station: 5 successes, 1 advantage  Extra Success's (Knowledge doesn't offer ways to spend extra success or advantages, so just spit balling an offer):

• x2 Name of a POC here or the second port that can help with our silhouette Alteration.
• x2 POC is Rebel Alliance friendly. 

Boost die based off Roger's knowledge and Trader markings I might see at the port to help identify who's who.

---

 
This message was last edited by the player at 15:29, Sun 02 Apr 2017.

"Great Work" Forim says distractedly as he pours over the sensor readings, however he does not get much from within the hangar.

Looking to Kraken he says "Its Flight Officer, or FgOff if you want.  You can call me Forim outside of briefings though.

That Bulk action freighter" he says pointing to the blip "I can't seem to get past the interferrence from the hanger.  Can you get me a signature reading on it?"

After a pause he says "I know we cleared Hypno, but I have irrationally hated that droid ever since I laid eyes on it.  I hate that command gave us that droid.  We captured it on a Bulk Action transport... its setting off my alarm bells."

ooc: forgot to roll sensors...

Gave myself 2D for active sensors, due to being docked in the hangar (normally 1D for active sensors)

12:35, Today: Forim Luk rolled no successes, 1 threat , 1 triumph using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1A 2P 1B 2D.  Sensors.

Spending triumph to make it so they do not realize it was us who pinged them with active sensors.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:46, Sun 02 Apr 2017.

Xyklo sits up suddenly from lounging in the turret seat. He slips off his headphones and comms back to the cockpit.
"Err...  Forim you seeing this? A threat?"

He gently activates the power feed to the guns batteries.

Kraken is fairly sure that Lucent station would have the equipment necessary to conduct a silhouette modification. It might take awhile, though. Rebuilding the engines with a different signature can take days for a dedicated crew and be expensive.

Kraken recalls the name of an underworld contact that the Alliance has rated as 'conditionally reliable.' A twi'lek who Ardana Tao-ni runs a business out of the station, getting this & that for those anxious to avoid Imperial scrutiny.

The large transport slowly comes into line with the space station. Such a large vessel cannot be moved by the station's tractor beams, so some maneuvering is necessary.

Forim responds "Maybe.  Stay alert bunt dont break any station rules" he adds seeing the power drain "We are docked still remember."

"Understandable.  And it is unfortunate that your masters have treated you so... unkindly."  She removed the appropriate number of credits and places them within the strongbox.  "Could you please arrange a meeting with them so that I can discuss the matter further please?"

Caddy is, as yet, unaware of the new arrival.

"Got it..." Xyklo acknowledged.

 Roger looks to Forim, “You’ve got it, Flight Commander.” Roger works with Kraken, and reviews the calculations when they’re done.
When Kraken asks him about the station, Roger processes for a moment, “I don’t know much more about the station than we’ve already seen.”

14:54, Today: B1-P3 'Roger' rolled no successes, 1 advantage using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2A 2D ((7(A), 8(A), 8(D), 6(D))).
1 Advantage used to … nothing?  I dunno, pass it on to the next person rolling.

His attention shifts to the freighter that’s inbound, “Just looks like a regular freighter to me… why’s everyone so edgy??”

Kraken nods, "I'll see if I can find anything on that ship." he mutters.  with a little assistance from Roger, Kraken pulls up some info on the ship.

"By the way, I know of a contact that works here.  Ardana Tao-ni has done some work with us and is fairly reliable.  Might be better POC than anyone else here to get the silhouette modification work done."

Finishing the computer scan, Kraken taps the computer, "Interesting.  This is what I've got on the scaner for that ship."

"Good work Roger." he nods to the droid, glad to have him on board for the assistance.

OOC:
'Kraken' rolled 1 success, 1 advantage using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1p 1a 1b 2d.  Sensors - 1b from Roger.

The droid accepts the money and checks the strongbox's automated holocounter. As Caddy feeds in coins, it increases until the correct value is displayed. The droid nods.

"Thank you, madam. I will speak to the management regarding your request. Until then, you may wait here or in the station's cafeteria. Fuelling will begin shortly."

The droid totters off back along the gangplank towards the station.

The sensor sweep concludes a few key details. This is a stock trading vessel with a few old laser scores and occasional repairs. The engines are burning a little hot; either it needs maintenance or they've been modified for extra speed. The vessel's IFF identifies it only as "ZC-162-2197."

Forim pulls up the the sensor logs from the action with the Royal Prize, and compares the two, hoping not to find any similarities other then the vessel type... but fearing that dumb astromech droid has brought its co-conspirators here for revenge...

Caddy thanks the droid once again and suggests that she'll be in the cafeteria while she waits for the management response - before heading off in that direction, smiling and nodding to folk on the dock as she walks.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:19, Tue 04 Apr 2017.

The two ships don't seem that similar. Last you saw the Royal Prize it was venting firey atmosphere. Other than being the same model, they don't seem to have anything in common. This ship seems older, and more stock. The Prize had been painted and had extra guns mounted near the hanger. You also see no escort, although they may have fighters in the hanger.

Caddy resolves to go into the station. Some of the team may wish to go as well.

Zeic follows Caddy to the cafeteria, leaving his carbine and ion blaster behind.

Not wanting to be left behind again, Forim sees Caddy leaving on the security holocams.

Getting up and jogging down the ramp, he catches up with Caddy before asking "Whats the status?"

Xyklo notes the senior crew leaving, but that's ok though, they probably had important business to attend to. Gunner in place when not in hyperspace, that was simple, he would stay put. He settles back into his seat gazing out the window at the other ship, the station, and the stars in general. After a few moments he puts the music back on, at a lower volume.

Xyklo's eyes also rove the framework of the turret. Maybe Caddy and Luk would let him put a couple of nice landscape photos there. Possibly a small hanging basket from the ceiling...

"They'll be starting the refuelling shortly.   All is well?"  She continues towards the caf.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:21, Wed 05 Apr 2017.

Landing completed, scan of the area reported, Kraken takes his leave of the cockpit and makes his way back to the interior of the ship, wanting to spend a little more time with the Astromech droid, Hypno, as requested by Forim.

Ensuring the Astrodroid still had the restraining bolt in place, Kraken began to inspect the programming of the droid ...

[Private to GM: Kraken completed the Secret access-logging Programming.

Kraken:

'Kraken' rolled 4 successes, 1 advantage dice pool: 2p 2a 1b 1d 1c.  Computer -  Secret program.

GM:

After running a diagnostic on the R2 unit, the team determines that Hypno is operating under normal parameters for its class. No external programs are running.

If their are no abnormal parameters, how could Hypno have sabotaged the ship? (Kraken's opinion).
My own opinion (I'm not a computer geek, so might be off) is that someone could have remote access to Hypno and done the work using the droid as a remote control.
Or Hypno didn't do it and Roger is causing a smoke screen and he's the problem.]

The station's hallways are cramped and not very clean. Liquids drip from the ceiling and run along the walls. Piles of junk litter the halls. The floor is stained. Pipes that should be covered by plating hang exposed. You are sure you can hear chittering creatures in the bulkheads. Occasionally holocams is visible in the ceiling, blinking as they stares at you.

You follow the clanking tread of the protocol droid through winding halls until you reach the centre of the station. This place is cleaner but not terribly tidy, with piles of junk sitting in corners and against walls where they are momentarily out of the way. One of the bulkheads contains an open window at waist height, about twelve feet across, behind which is a tired-looking whiphid. She is wearing hairnets all across her body. She is checking one of several pots and adjusting the temperature of a hot-tray when you arrive. There are a number of round tables with mismatched chairs around the room.

Back on the ship...

During the flight, Hypno the R2 droid has been employee of the month. It sits in the main room of the ship in low power mode until someone comes along. If they ask it to do something, it rolls off to accomplish the task. When this is finished, it comes back to ask for more tasks. If there are none, it wheels back into its charging alcove and closes down again.

[Private to 'Kraken': Kraken muses on the possibility that someone is using Hypno as a remote terminal. The possibility seems remote as well. How could a signal be broadcast across light years of distance, to be detected without special equipment? Especially if some of the work was done during hyperspace, such things are simply impossible with known technology.

Perhaps there is something hidden deeper in the droid. Something so deep that even a skilled slicer cannot pick it up. If so, it is likely that even a standard restraining bolt cannot stop the droid from pursuing its programming.]

Pulling out his datapad, Kraken considers some options, throws a few away and still is unsure of the small droid.  Using his comlink, Kraken calls Jospi, asking him to join him.

Once Jospi joined him in the cargo hold, where he had more room to work on Hypno.

[Private to Jospi Renning: Kraken frowns nodding to the droid, "I've searched the droids systems, I've found nothing in there.  I think there could be something else in the droid.  Not a program but another device or something."

Looking about, Kraken shrugs, "However I'd like to do a scan on Roger sometime as well, just to cross eliminate him as a thread."

"I'm a pretty good mechanic but a better slicer.  How are you at taking droids apart?  I'd like to take him down to the bare bones to see if there is anything inside which shouldn't be there.  Do you have the time?  I really don't want to go flying around doing what we do with a loose link who might inform the Empire of what we are doing."]

Receiving the Nautolan's call, Jospi heads over to him.  [Private to 'Kraken': "What's crackin'?"  He listens as Kraken explains the situation with the seemingly rogue R2 unit.  "I can dismantle anything.  Yeah, I'll get to work on it right now.  It'll take me a couple of hours to get it down to it's component parts, but we'll know if there is anything 'extra' inside it."]

[Private to 'Kraken': Pulling out some tools, he began the laborious process of dismantling the astromech, looking for anything that was not a stock part.]

[Private to 'Kraken': 03:09, Today: Jospi Renning rolled 5 successes, 2 threats, 1 triumph using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2A 2P 2D. Mechanics - Dismantling.]

Why....  As seems to be the norm, Caddy stands out like a sore thumb, her clean clothing, crisp lines and bright colours forming a stark contrast to the dirt and grime and the place.  And yet she continue on to the caf to await 'management'.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:07, Fri 07 Apr 2017.

This place, while dirty and in disrepair, reminds him of home where he was hatched.  It may be a different station, and the smells here have more of a fuel undertone, but the atmosphere is the same.  Since he left home, he has been on hundreds of similar stations.

Forim follows Caddy, looking a bit nervously at the people here.  Standing out in the way that she does is liable to attract the wrong kind of attention.  The kind of attention that you can't talk your way out of.


Forim walks behind her, scanning the area keeping his hand on his blaster wary of trouble.

Wandering through the hallway comes a human in riot armour, carrying a pump-action slugthrower. He looks you over without interest, then wanders over to chat with the cafeteria lady.

A harried-looking woman wearing a coverall enters, carrying a datapad. She glances around and sees the team seated, then goes over to join you.

"You're from the... Shimmer?" she says, checking her datapad. "Your refuelling is under way. Should be less than an hour now. Your account is settled. What else did you want?"

Having considered the cafeteria lady and the various pots, she smiles at the woman, but chooses to sit down and wait without ordering.

She's considering the security officer's passing when the more officious looking woman arrives and she will smile at her too.  "Ah.  We certainly are.  And well, we were hoping to complete some repairs before leaving and I was hoping to acquire the use of an engineering bay?"   She continues, "That and, if it's possible, it was suggested that I might be able to speak to you about recognition as a trader or haulier in this parts.   We're all looking to make a living and I've a capable ship and as I understand it, you have need of goods transport.  Perhaps we can come to a deal?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 07:20, Fri 07 Apr 2017.

Forim leans in to Caddy and whispers Ardana Tao-ni is the guy Kraken said to look for

The woman rolls her eyes. "We don't own the trading company. It's an independent coalition of shippers. They're called Singing Stars Limited, and they give us a discount on all our purchases in exchange for exclusivity."

"Normally we only service our own ships. I suppose we can help, though. What sort of modification did you have in mind?"

Underworld 3D, Outer Rim 2D 1C, or knowledge skill related to business 2D.

Forim offers a bit of advice, passing on what Kraken told him earlier.

ooc: Boost from Forim, or potentially we can use Kracken's successful roll from earlier.

Caddy nods to Forim though doesn't take her eye off the woman, "Oh really?   Interesting.   Well, would it be possible to liaise with one of these shippers?"  She purses her lips, "I've also heard good things about a certain Ardana Tao-ni.   I'd like to hire him for the job I need done."

[21:53, Today: Caddanra 'Caddy' Manitu rolled 2 successes using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 3a 3d 1b.  Underworld.]
This message was last edited by the player at 10:19, Sun 09 Apr 2017.

Caddanra has heard a large number shipping companies, construction companies, and real estate companies with solar-themed names. It is a kind of code, for those in the know: a Black Sun front company. If you own a refuse collection business and "Solar Sanitation" enters your market, it's time to sell your trucks and move away.

The woman blanches, then glances down at her datapad. She appears to be thinking quickly.

"Ardana? She's a little behind on her business rent. Pay me a thousand credits, and when you negotiate with her tell her that you already paid that much up front."

Negotiation 3d

"And you think that would make her more likely to deal with me?"   She laughs, "I think not.  I believe a small retainer for your assistance is in order."  She produces a 100 cred stick and places it on the table in front of her. "And for the assistance you'll be providing in helping us acquire a suitable cargo to deliver to our destination and papers to allow us to do so legally."  She produces another chip, this one 250 creds, and lightly taps it against her cheek before setting it on the table with the other.   "When this is done to my satisfaction, we can chat about any remainder."

[03:26, Today: Caddanra 'Caddy' Manitu rolled 2 successes, 1 threat using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1a 2p 3d 1b.  Negotiation - 1b from Forim.]
This message was last edited by the player at 10:19, Sun 09 Apr 2017.

Apparently this is acceptable. The woman snatches up the credsticks and stands up abruptly. "I'll rustle up a cargo for you," she says, before booking off. At the door, she calls back.

"Ardana Tao-ni has an office on the engineering level, one flight down from here. I'll let her know you're coming."

"I'll send word to the Shimmer to be expecting a cargo."   She smiles then as the woman suggests speaking to Ardana and adds, "No, I think I'd like to speak to her first.  But thank you for the offer."  She pauses and then looks to Forim, "Perhaps you should accompany this kind Lady to see to the ship's needs - and I'll take Kraken with me to this meeting?"

She'll leave Forim to pass on her orders.

Back on the ship, the remaining crew are gathered in the common area. They busily work on the process of dismantling the R2 unit Hypno.

So far they've opened up his chassis and taken off the dome head, and started to dismantle the droids' modular parts. This is the easy part. These are all designed to be removed for easy cleaning, maintenance, and replacement.

Hypno has apparently had a few parts replaced here and there. It's not surprising for an R2 in active service to need such maintenance. There is nothing unusual. No bombs, no transmitters, no tiny creatures operating pedals and levers.

At this point, the only further investigation to do would be to start unscrewing things and looking at the circuits and machinery itself.

2d 1c Mechanical, because you lack circuit diagrams and blueprints to tell where all the wires should be connected. Any uncountered Despair may result in Hypno's function being permanently impeded.

Caddanra heads down a level to the engineering level. Here machinery groaned and whirred. Occasionally steam hissed out. Pipes ran across the ceiling and walls, turning at right angles and joining up with others in a complicated mess of lines. Wires dangled here and there, sometimes with handwritten notes attached to them. Caution signs were pasted on everything.

The Rebels ambled along the hallway. There were many side passages, but all of them were blocked by durasteel doors, so the main trunk was the only real way. Eventually they came to a hub area. Large pipes, wider than two people could reach around, ran up & down through the ceiling and floor.

One door was open. Inside sat a twi'lek woman, who rises to meet you. "Hello. You don't look like station staff. Do you need something? I'm Ardana Tao-ni. I know, you weren't expecting a twi'lek to have a name like that. I was adopted by sullustians. What can I do for you?"

Kraken shakes his head, "I don't know.  I thought we'd have found something.  Jurell said he thought the R2 unit had spliced into the ships systems ... but he didn't say he found him doing it, only that he thought he had.  I don't think the sabatuer was Hypno.  The evidence points that he wasn't programmed and there is no other ... devices which would have caused him to.  So, who else could it have been?  I'd like to take a look at Roger's programming, see if there is anything there." the slicer mutters to Jospi.



OOC:

Forim says with a smile "She knows where we are berthed, and what we want.  I don't think we need to babysit her.  I would rather be with you when it comes to discussing how the ship will be modified."  after a short pause he says "Unless you insist of course"
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:41, Sun 09 Apr 2017.

In reply to 'Kraken' (msg # 98):

Jospi just shrugged at the lack of problems in the 'guts' of the R2 unit.  "We'll just have to dig deeper to find out what there is to see."

03:09, Thu 06 Apr: Jospi Renning rolled 5 successes, 2 threats, 1 triumph using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2A 2P 2D. Mechanics - Dismantling.04:31, Yesterday: Jospi Renning rolled no successes, 2 advantages using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1b. Mechanics - Dismantling boost from Kraken.00:29, Today: Jospi Renning rolled no successes, 2 threats using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1c. Added difficulty to Mechanics - Dismantling check.

OOC: There is another 1c roll that happened when I duplicated the page in Google.  It was in error.

While the others deal off-ship, or with Hypno, Roger busies himself checking ship systems, monitoring passive sensors, double checking calculations, etc.

Forim clearly wasn't understanding the nuance of this conversation.  Caddy wanted Forim to escort the woman away to ensure that she didn't have a chance to contact Ardana before she herself has spoken to her.   As it stood though, Caddy wasn't going to make a big deal out of things though she'd have to have a word with Forim later though she reminded herself that while her 'suggestions' may have been taken with more weight previously... in her currently occupation, she perhaps needed to be a bit more forthright in her orders.

"Very well...."   She headed down to Ardana's 'office' in the bowels of the establishment.  It was far from pleasant and Caddy's displeasure was obvious to Forim despite her (mostly) silent passage.  Eventually though, they arrive at the hub and see the open door and are greeted by the Twilek.   (She oddly had no preconceived option of the woman based on her name but didn't suggest otherwise)  "Ah.  Please to meet Ardana.   As you rightly guessed, we are not staff.  We are here on business and I've it under good authority that you're the person I should be speaking to."  She pauses, "We're looking for some alternations to our ship.  Would you be interested in taking on the job?"

Forim, completely oblivious, is quite happy to follow Caddy to the engineer's workshop.  He checks it out in detail, always interested in seeing professionals in their element from across the galaxy.

Forim adds "Alterations to avoid recognition in various databases" to Caddy's vague description of the work to be done.

Ardana nods. She avoids asking superfluous questions like "what for?" and "what kind of databases?"

Instead she asks you, after sitting you in her office and offering you distilled water, questions that are relevant to the ship. She asks you what model your ship is, how old it is, and what modifications have been done to it. After awhile, a rodian in a greasy coverall comes in. He adds his buzzing questions to the list.

After getting sufficient information, the discussion turns to price. The rodian keeps indicating the custom work that was done to the engines to make them faster. Apparently it will be harder to rebuild the engines.

Eventually Ardana finishes with a figure written on a datapad. "3 000 credits," it reads.

Negotiation 3d. Every success will reduce the price. Every advantage and triumph will reduce the projected time.

The rest of the crew carefully takes Hypno apart, checking every loose wire and misaligned board. They reassemble it piece by piece, until finally they have created something wonderful: an all new R2 unit, created entirely from autologous donation parts. Far more than a memory wipe, this is effectively a brand new droid with a fully optimized body.

You switch it on and it beeps to life.

"[Language unknown: Anckei, ineestive. Nd p Ecwhic. Pokor ast Pe os hi omfill?]"

Forim takes charge of the first parts of the negotiation, having spent many times under the hood.

He is honest about all the things he has done, and things that he has noticed that are not stock on the ship.

Recognizing the professionalism and the discretion of these men, he asks "How much to get a library of transponders installed"

If they are going to spend this kind of cash on changing the ship's profile every time it gets flagged by the empire, they will be broke quickly.  a bit easier is having a system installed that lets us change the IFF easily in the future.  Not enough to fool a deep scan, but enough for a cursory inspection.

The rodian nods and honks affirmative. "Can insztall zpoof transzponder. Included, fvive exztra zsignalsz. Won't fool imperial warzipsz, but good for lazy cuztomz inzpectorsz. Eight hundred creditz."

Interesting.   It was oddly 'congenial' though ultimately it suited Caddy to discuss matters in this way.  She was more than happy to let Forim discuss the technical elements as she watched and considered the pair and their dynamic as she 'plotted' her negotiating stance.

The suggestions that we might have a library of IDs is an interesting one.  As the Rhodian replies in his own language, Caddy does consider 'taking offence' to it as part of her negotiating stance but discards that in favour of adding, "3000 credits seems a trifle steep."  She doesn't comment about the additional cost suggested by the Rhodian considering he was rude enough not to speak in basic, "Especially considering the fact that you won't be getting an opportunity like this particularly often - and a good price now will ensure future business."


[08:14, Today: Caddanra 'Caddy' Manitu rolled 2 failures, 3 advantages using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1a 2p 1b 3d.  Negotiation - 1 Boost from Forim.

I'll use 2 adv to reduce the time and one to 'notice something important to the scene' - like, possibly, a link to a crime syndicate she is trying to hide or some such?  Possibly future leverage?]

In reply to The Force (msg # 104):

Kraken nods to the droid and looks to the others, "He said  Hello. I am R2-E3 and asked how he could be of service?  I think we have a new droid.  I don't think we'll have any more problems with him."

Turning to R2-E3 Kraken nods, "Welcome to the 'Sunset Shimmer'.  I'm Kraken and this is Jospi.  Glad to have you with us.  What are your programs and applications?  What jobs are you suited for?  I can update your programs if needed."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:38, Wed 12 Apr 2017.

The negotiations go on for an hour or so. Ardana refuses to accept Caddy's offers of future business, saying that she would prefer to have cash-in-hand now. Apparently their equipment needs to be upgraded to be able to make better offers in the future.

In the end, her rodian engineer concedes, reluctantly, that the changes and upgrades will be made within 2 days. He buzzes and shakes his head, anticipating a sleepless night or two. From a satchel, he removes a curled-up DUM-series pit droid and opens it up. He instructs it to go fetch him the blueprints for a YT-1300, and it scampers off.

"Now all we need is the money," says the twi'lek. She pats the table expectantly.

****

On the ship, the droid whirrs around the hallways. Its dome head rotates, taking in everything as if for the first time.

The droid makes use of the ship's computer screens to write its messages in Basic, so that everyone can read what it wants to say.

"I am an R2-series astromech droid, designed for general service aboard a small spacecraft. I am capable of astrogation, technical support, mechanical repair, and assisting in spaceflight. I am vacuum-ready. I have built-in repair tools, including arc-welder. Aftermarket parts include one restraining bolt, connected to chassis. Normal battery life is approximately thirty-six hours continuous operation, with six hours downtime for full recharge. Recommend routine maintenance every three hundred hours of operation. For best results, contact an expert certified by Industrial Automaton in R-series repair."

The droid reaches the cargo hold and spins around in circles. "Masters, a significant area beneath this deck has been hollowed away. Does the ship require repairs?"

Jospi listens as Kraken interprets the R2 unit's speech.  He gets up and follows the droid as it meanders through the hallways of the ship.  At it's proclamation of hollowed out areas beneath the deck of the cargo hold, he holds up a finger for silence.  Tapping a few keys below the display, he types, Where?

Xyklo, after a prolonged period of paranoid staring at the other ship at dock, finally leaves the turret to join the others. He walks in the awkward overly bouncy manner of his kind, pausing at the interaction between the droid and the engineers.

"Oh you've...   tuned him up, or just cleaned him?"

Caddy produces a cred stick, "So that's 3000 less what I paid up front upstairs.  Half now, half on completion."  She doesn't make that a question though she does place the chip on the table.   "That's 1,150 creds."  This is going to get tight real quickly....  "Gather your things and we'll take a walk back to the ship?"

[Private to The Force: Just how much were we given?  I know you said not to micromanage so I assume we have enough, but I just want to make sure we actually do have enough?]

Forim asks "Do we get any day about the new transponder id's?"

The R2 droid is indicating the space beneath the cargo hull's floor that has been carefully hollowed out for use as a smuggling compartment. Apparently it discovered it without particularly trying. It must not be as secure as it should be.

The rodian engineer hands Forim a datapad. On it is a list of ship names, each registered to a planet. There are five.

Trinity -- Subterrel
Legacy -- Toprawa
Olavia -- Kothlis
Independence -- Mygeeto
Pilgrim -- Alzoc III

Meanwhile, Caddy spots something of interest. She notes a holoframe tucked into a partially-closed drawer. It looks like a picture of a twi'lek family; an adult male and adult female, proudly standing on either side of a young girl twi'lek, on a beach.

With the astromech reprogrammed, he was deemed safe but Kraken wasn't sure if the R2 was the one that had attempted to sabotage the ship.  Continuing his investigation during the two days the ship was overhauled, Kraken continued to investigate, checking any deleted viles on the computer, checking for anything someone was trying to hide, looking for any subvert or hidden commands ... trying anything and everything to determine who had left the virus.

Motioning to the Verpine, Jospi points to the deck flooring where the R2 unit had indicated.  He pantomimed for the Verpine to move around it and open it toward himself while Jospi drew both of his dueling pistols and pointed them where the opening should appear.

Xyklo tilts his head quizzically at Jospi, clicking to himself as he works through what is being asked.

Then, on understanding, he bounces over to the hatch, and crouching inside its opening arc, slowly pulls at it.

Forim takes the datapad and nods "Thanks"

Seeing that they are ready to get working and Caddy has reached an agreement, Forim stands up and says "Lets head back to the ship"

Putting actions to words, he heads back to the ship.

Getting back, he sees the R2 unit moving around and says "Kraken, whats the update?"

Caddy wasn't quite ready to return but smiles to Forim, "Go on ahead.  I'm sure you've much to discuss."

When the two men are distracted, she sidles over to the desk and picks up the holo frame, "Your family?"  A telling question given Ardana had just told them that she'd been adopted by a non Twilek family.

In reply to Forim Luk (msg # 118):

Kraken, working the ships computers, scaning the deleted files frowns at a bit of information and waves as Forim enters.  "The R2 unit has been ... reprogrammed.  He is now R2-E3.  Jospi took him apart and we both studied his components to ensure there were no secret parts or anything which might indicate if he was sabotaging the ship.  I found no commands, no applications or anything that would indicate he had installed the virus.  So, the astromech is safe or as safe as we, Jospi and I, can determine."

Shrugging, a bit frustrated for not finding what he had  been looking for, Kraken continues, "So, I'm back to looking in the ships systems, checking for who instealled the virus." he bites off aggravated.

Forim says "Are you kidding me?" then takes a deep breath and says giving the droid a narrowed look "That thing still gives me a bad feeling, but maybe there is another saboteur"

"Good work Kraken, very thorough.  On a more positive note, we paid for a new hull configuration, with a IFF switcher and 5 new identities."

Kraken nods, "Will they start work immediately and can we stay aboard while work is being done?"

Looking at the computer again he frowns and turns to face Forim, giving him his full attention.

"Five new identities?  That is good.  However long it takes to make the re-configuration we can use that time to memorize our new identities along with everyone else's and perhaps learn more about each other.  We'll need to be good enough to pass any Imperial questioning, should it come to that." he offers quietly.

"Do we need to do anything before the re-configuration starts?"

The twi'lek looks uncomfortable. "Well, I wasn't adopted right away," she dissembles. Caddy isn't buying it. With a sigh, Ardana closes the drawer and starts writing on a flimsiplast. "Look, drop the subject and I'll hook you up with a contact of mine. He's a gun-runner, able to get high-yield explosives past Imperial scanners. I don't know how he does it. Luis Slahlvo; lives on Malastare, near Volofar. If you don't need proton bombs yourself, you can easily sell them to other markets. Now would you please leave?"

R2-E3 wanders around the ship, familiarizing itself with the modifications. While this is happening, a group of ASP droids come aboard. They are carrying coffin-sized storage containers. These are standard containers for hauling low-temperature goods. The electronic readouts on the side beep and blink. The ASP droids place them in the cargo hold and make their orderly way out. You peer into the vision windows and see a sloshing blue liquid.

According to a datapad given to the crew, this is a shipment of cordioline trehansicol, mixed with a preservative chemical. It is bound for Sluis Van.

Over the next two days, the ship is a hub of activity. DUM droids scamper everywhere, being harassed by R2-E3 as they drop things and loosen bolts. The rodian engineer, Brolan Vajar, is more of a roboticist than a mechanic. He is eager to learn about YT-1300 freighters and proves as able a student as a worker. He is a little annoyed at his boss for signing up for this gruelling schedule, though.

Eventually the engine has been completely rebuilt. With the ion signature changed and the new transponder in place, no-one be able to compare the squibbed ship with its original model. You wonder if this particular vessel has ever had this process performed before.

Finally the moment comes. You run through a full round of preflight checks and verify that everything is in order. With a full tank and new upgrades in place, the team is ready. It's time to cast off. Next stop, Karhexadine!

In reply to 'Kraken' (msg # 122):

Forim says "Good idea.  Nothing we need to do, their techs should be here shortly.  We can stay on the ship, it just might smell like engine grease." with a smile.

--------------------
While the modifications are being made, Forim remains on the ship.  He hovers over the droids doing the work, keeping an eye on everything being one.  He is a firm believer that a pilot should know his ship, and this was a great opportunity to get to know it.  He was kind of in the way, but he was the customer, so he was not sent packing.

---------------------

Forim goes through every modification that was made after they are given the all clear, making sure to have Kraken and Jospi with him.  He plans to leave in the morning, letting the crew have a good night sleep while the techs go over everything.  He can sleep in hyperspace.  "Oh yea that" he says when the subject of the smugglers hold comes up "We discovered that on our last mission.  There was a toxic organic being in there that we ended up having to fight.  Not much fun at all"

-----------------

"I think we should come in far out on the system with our transponder off, and dark.  Lets hang around for a while doing some recon.  That will let us decide if a direct approach is best, or if we can try a close orbit insertion on the far side of the planet from the majority of the forces"

There is a limit to how far out a ship can appear in realspace from a system. The object cloud outside a star system creates its own mass shadow. It is safest to appear within a few light-minutes of the star, even when attempting stealth.

The Sunset Shimmer arrives in system in a furtive manner, popping in several astronomical units out from the star. Hopefully, any sensor stations or ships will be around the habitable planets.

Your ship arrives in system. Several natural satellites are quickly detected by your passive sensors, and you view them on screen. You appear to have arrived in the orbit of a tremendous gas giant. In lieu of a proper name, you tag it as K3, for Karhexadine 3. It is some minutes away by sublight, and poses no navigational hazard.

Closer to the system's centre is an asteroid belt. Hundreds of small objects travel in a rough orbit around the star. Potentially hazardous if approached callously, an asteroid belt is not nearly as dangerous as the far more chaotic asteroid field. The rocks are at least a few kilometers apart. They move in predictable arcs, so with careful plotting and a steady hand on the flight stick, you should be able to pass through unharmed.

Karhexadine 2, the second furthest body from the star, is a large planet that seems devoid of life. Its two moons spin serenely above a cold planet with a thin atmosphere.

Your eyes are drawn to Karhexadine 1, your target planet. It has one moon. The atmosphere seems rich with nitrogen and oxygen. Your team should be able to breath easily. Although you detect plenty of life readings, there are no radio signals or technology evident to passive sensors.

You are about to discuss your approach when passive sensors pick up another set of signals. Ion engines are roaring across your screen. Between K2 and the asteroid belt are a half-dozen small sensors contacts. They are moving from 'west' to 'east.'

Xyklo had returned to his turret seat a few minutes before the Shimmer left hyperspace. It still wasn't automatic for him, so sparing a couple of moments to double check everything was just right made sense.

He takes in the sensor warning light on the guns console.
"Err...  Forim you reading that? Just a routine patrol right?" He chatters down the comms.

"I see it" Forim says.  Then after a long pause he says "Not moving toward us, so I think so yes.  I am logging the location and speed.  If we are going to go in slowly, we can estimate how long the patrol takes to do a full circuit, and we know when to make our move.

Keep your eyes peeled on K1, we want to know if it is a possibility of doing a close jump from the far side.  Roger and Kraken can start working on an approach path from the far side of the star to see if it is possible with the current configuration of the system."

Caddy raises an eyebrow but allows the top to 'drop' with a simple, "A gun-runner called Luis Slahlvo on Malastare, near Volofar.  Thank you.  I'm sure you're gesture of good faith will encourage a long and congenial relationship between us!"  It is hardly a threat but Caddy has no intention of 'forgetting' this woman. (2 Successes)

She does however leave thank the woman and then heads back to the ship, flimsiplast in hand.

---

During the modifications Caddy will make herself scarce spending most of her 'free' time in her cabin studying maps and browsing intelligence on their destination.   The rebels may not know what they are looking for, but there just might be rumours as to what was hiding there and any clue would be useful.  Unfortunately, none of her searching garners anything useful.  During the downtime, she'll spend time getting to know the crew (and will pass on the details about the gun-runner).

---

When it is time to leave, she'll join the others in the cockpit readying for departure, "That sounds sensible.   Don't make it too obvious that we're keeping our distance though as we are still expected to be traders - even if we are traders with limited skill in astrogation."

---

Upon arrival she offers assistance in the tracking of the various astral bodies but leaves command, as always, to Forim.

---

OOC:

13:29, Today: Caddanra 'Caddy' Manitu rolled 2 successes, 1 threat using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1A 2P 1B 3d.  Negotiation, boost for 'secret'.

13:40, Today: Caddanra 'Caddy' Manitu rolled 1 failure using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 3a 3d.  Knowledge.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:51, Mon 17 Apr 2017.

 “Roger, roger.” Roger works with Kraken to plot a new astrogation route to the destination, pulling in sensor data to bolster the data in the navcomputer.  As he works on the calculations, he mutters to Kraken, “We’ll have to be mindful of object designated Shen-4-4-Esk, it appears mildly more erratic than other objects in the region…

Roger’s Astrogation skill is at 2, ability at 2; Using Kraken's Ability
11:54, Today: B1-P3 'Roger' rolled 2 successes, 1 triumph using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2P 2A 2D ((8(P), 12(P), 8(A), 1(A), 7(D), 6(D))).

Roger completes his work and sits upright in his seat, "OH!  Would you look at that!  Flight Commander Luk, I think I found something that might prove beneficial..." He gestures Forim to observe his screen, "I think if we follow a vector along Krill-Leth-3-0-0-5, Quk-0-0-4-2, Herf-Nen-9-4-3-3, we may fall into a small sensor shadow on approach to Karhexadine 1.  It will bring us close to object Onith-5-2-3, but I think we can do it."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:05, Mon 17 Apr 2017.

After watching for a few minutes, Forim calculates that it would take 2.17 hours for a squadron of fighters moving on their current course to circle the sun, just inside the asteroid belt.

Roger and Kraken assess the system's navigational hazards. They conclude that they may be able to approach the planet within a few minutes' flight time with only marginal risk of detection, provided that the enemy fighters have moved to the opposite side of the planet. This will allow them to use the planet to mask their approach.

"If we are detected, we aren't going to shoot, correct.  That would likely ruin the plan.    We're just plan ordinary merchants looking for a new place to call home." Kraken mutters to himself watching the screen sending a prayer to the Force that this all works out for their good.

Forim nods "Correct.  We are trying to get in undetected, but if we are detected we respond as any merchant was.  We just got lucky to come into an unknown blind spot, and play dumb.  Fighting our way down is probably not the best option."

Then over the intercom so everyone can hear "My plan is to stay on station for 24 hours.  I would like to confirm the schedule of the patrol, and see if there are any more.  Low power passive sensors.  Make sure everyone gets some rest, but not all at the same time.  Head to the cockpit if you want to discuss the finer points of the plan"

---

The Alpha Team settles down on their, shutting down all nonessential systems to minimize their signal output. It seems to work fairly well. The fighters fly on without changing course.

After a little while, some albedo fluxuations seems to be coming from the planet. Without active scanning it's hard to tell from this distance, but it seems that something sizable is in orbit around the planet.

It's been an hour, and you are debating what this means, when an alarm sounds in the cockpit. Forim and the flight team are on it at once. It is a proximity alarm; something has just come out of hyperspace.

About half an AU behind the Sunset Shimmer, a ship enters the system. It immediately powers up its sublight engines and shields and begins racing forward at combat speed. You note its class immediately: a Skipray Blastboat.

Pilot and Gunners must roll Vigilance. All else can roll either Cool or Vigilance.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:06, Fri 21 Apr 2017.

Caddy will remain on the cockpit pending the inevitable hale.  "'Playing Dumb' is right up my street it would seem."   She doesn't crack a smile - hopefully she's not upset by Forim's words.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:30, Fri 21 Apr 2017.

Xyklo is sitting in the turret keeping an eye on the surroundings as he clicks and hums along to some ambient Wookiee drums from the datapad. He was just musing on the gyroscopic nature of hanging baskets in a spaceship when movement catches his eye...

OOC:
12:19, Today: Xyklo Voozul rolled 1 success, 1 advantage, 1 triumph using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1P 1A.  Cool.

Sitting in the navagation seat, Kraken worked the ships system computer, checking and updating, scanning and surfing.

OOC:
COOL - 'Kraken' rolled 1 success, 1 advantage

Forim sees the proximity alarm, and sees the weapons and shields light up right away.  He quickly puts his hands to the power switch...


08:09, Today: Forim Luk rolled 1 success, 2 advantages using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 3A.  Rolling Vigilance.

I am assuming it is heading directly for us?

I know Kraken and Roger planned a jump already, so I should be able to just shove us into hyperspace ASAP?

Also, a skipray blast boat majorly outclasses us, correct?

Caddy gasps as the alarm sounds, her hands leaving the control panel as she does... only to quickly reach back for the controls to open a comms channel to the Skipray, "Unknown Skipray, this is the Freighter Trinity out of Subterrel.   We've just arrived... please stand down!"  She lets a note of 'fear' slip into her voice at the fact that the fighter is approaching what is supposed to be a defenceless freighter. (3 Success Negotiation)

[14:00, Today: Caddanra 'Caddy' Manitu rolled 2 successes, 2 advantages using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 3a.  Cool.

14:07, Today: Caddanra 'Caddy' Manitu rolled 3 successes, 1 threat using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1a 2P 1B 3D.  Negotiate vs 3D.  1B for the 'fear' and the Fake ID.

1 Threat taken in strain.]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:08, Sat 22 Apr 2017.

"Oh my!"

Vigilance
20:26, Today: B1-P3 'Roger' rolled no successes, 2 advantages using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1P ((10(P))).

The Force rolled 1 failure, 2 advantages, 1 despair using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1a 2p 1b 1d 2c 2s.  Rerolling Deception w/adjusted difficulty.

The Force rolled 3 successes, 1 advantage using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1a 1p.  Cool.

Initiative Order:
Alpha Team
Skipray crew
Green Squadron (TIEs)

Doubtless the newly-arrived Skipray receives the message, but they broadcast nothing in return. They don't seem at all swayed by the pleading request. Forim glances down at a beeping light; the Sunset Shimmer is being targeted by an incipient missile lock.

Your comm station does pick up a broadcasted signal, but it is encrypted. Without decrypting it, there is no way to tell what the Skipray is broadcasting. You can make a fair guess, though, as the fighter squadron begins to come about.

Imperial fighters are fast, but they are far away at the moment. At long range, their laser cannons are of little use. The Skipray is closer. At medium range, they are still out of optimal weapons range.

Xyklo tracks the Skipray with the targeting system in the turret, he twitches in his seat.
"Forim, we still holding fire?..." he comms quietly.

OOC: Can I use my triumph on the cool check to get a free aim?

Unable to get anyone on the comms, she looks to Forim, "If we run, then they will be ready for our return.   If we stay, we can still pretend to be clueless freighters.   Can you hold off shooting until we're sure they are trying to kill us?"

[1 Avd to Note something important, 1 adv for a boost to the next allied action.]

Caddenra is working the scanners and gets a zoomed-in image of the object orbiting Karhexadine 1. It's a Type 1 Light Duty Space Defence Platform. These stations are designed as inexpensive adjuncts to larger stations or capital ships. It is currently in a slow orbit around the planet's equator. They are armed with a few turbolasers and concussion missiles, as well as point-defence lasers to protect against missiles and starfighters.

Depending on your vector of approach the planet, it could be possible to avoid it entirely.

Forim shoves the throttle to maximum, tweaking the controls in such a way that the speed is greatly increased. Everyone feels the sharp acceleration, and those not belted in may even be thrown to the floor.  In fact, even Forim grays out a bit, as he forgot to prep his body for the high G maneuver.

"Missile incoming!  Angle the deflectors, try to shoot down that pending missile.  I need a few seconds to get them off our back while we get to the jump point.  Try to jam their sensors so they do not get a good read on us..."

Maneouver 1: Stay on Target
Maneouver 2: Punch it (2 strain)
Action 1: Full Throttle (increase speed by 1 for 3 rounds)

11:38, Today: Forim Luk rolled 5 successes, 1 threat , 1 triumph using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 3P 1A 1B 3D.
Taking threat as a strain.
Would like to spend triumph to keep us out of range from their missiles for one round
Ship takes 5 strain
Current speed: 5
trying to stay out of range for just a bit longer...

Too bad we lost initiative, was hoping to jam their communications and just vape them :P

Missiles?  What missiles?  They haven't fired yet!  Caddy tries to make sense of what she's seeing on the screen.   "I don't see any missiles."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:14, Mon 24 Apr 2017.

Looking into the computer, Kraken furled his lip and focused.  Tapping the keys, Kraken angled the shields towards the incoming threat.  The computer's scann showed a gap in the incoming's shields, "Aim right side, above the gunner port.  Weak spot." Kraken calls into the comms.

OOC:
'Kraken' rolled 2 successes, 2 advantages.  Mechanic's - Boost Shields.
Pass Boost die to next gunner.
Boost Shield for 2 rounds.

"Hey I'm aiming, I'm aiming. Just let me know if I can open up!" Xyklo exclaims, unnerved by trying to outrun a missile lock.

"Little warning next time, Lieutenant?" asks the Sullustan after the ship accelerates. "Ready to start shooting on your orders." His voice suggests far more enjoyment than appropriate for the situation.

The Skipray, despite jamming its engines for all they're worth, does not gain on the Shimmer. They are still too far away to bring their laser weapons to bear. You see their turret swiveling. Unfortunately, in open space there is little chance of losing them. You will need some sort of cover to gain any distance.

The sensor lock warning changes from beeping to solid, and suddenly the Skipray launches a missile. It lurches as it fires. A blue bolt of light rockets through space, correcting its flight slightly as it flies. The proton torpedo is far too fast to outrun.

The torpedo slams against the Shimmer's shields, causing the ship to lurch violently. All hands are thrown forward against their stations. The cockpit crew quickly looks at the damage readout: the hyperdrive is offline!

The Force rolled no successes, 1 advantage using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1b.  forgot 'aim'.
21:14, Today: The Force rolled 3 successes, 3 threats using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1p 1a 2d.  Gunnery.
3 successes 2 threats:
11 damage. Breach 6: reduce effective Defence by 6
Spending a Dark Side point to cause a component failure: Hyperdrive.
Taking 1s on Skipray's next action.

Your turn

ooc: I tried, still got hit though.

21:35, Today: Forim Luk rolled no successes, 1 threat using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 3s.  Forgot the angled shields :).  Taking the threat as a boost to my action to make things easy

Forim growls back to Caddy "That missile". He pulls the levers to shove them into hyperspace and feels the coils power up.  "Its going to be tight!" he shouts milliseconds before the missile explodes against their newly enhanced shields.

Unfortunatly, the shields flare then give out.  That starts a cascade failure which causes the hyperdrive to start sparking.

WAUH WAuh Wauh wauh.

Rather then getting upset, Forim says "Hyperdrive down, looks like we are blasting ourselves out of this!" as he flips the power switches on his console setting the ship into full reverse.  Using the explosion as cover, he dives down waiting for the enemy ship to pass.  Forim was going to overshoot his maneouver, and Roger calculated this.  Acting without permission, he cut power to the flight stick for 1.5427 seconds, just enough to prevent Forim from diving past the optimal sensor shadow.

Just as Forim is about to complain about another problem, power is restored and he sees the ship shoot past and guns the throttle saying "Thanks!" as he tucks in behind the enemy engine wash. "Blast him!" he shouts to his gunners...

Hopefully he is in one of their blind spots and they cant blast him with another missile, just in case, he evens out the shields...


I literally cannot understand how I failed this  roll...
22:02, Today: Forim Luk rolled no successes, 3 advantages using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 3P 1A 1D 1B.
Fortunatly, co-pilot to the rescue:
22:08, Today: Forim Luk rolled 1 success using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1B ((3(B))).

Action: Gain the Advantage.
Maneuver: Stay on Target
Maneouver: Moving shields around 2 rear, 1 fore.
All attacks on that ship are upgraded twice.  Everyone let loose with shots!
2 advantages to pass a boost to the next gunner
1 advantage to pass a boost to the next gunner.
Next gunner has +3B

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:24, Thu 27 Apr 2017.

"Got it," and Xyklo gently squeezed the trigger, strafing the side of the Skipray.

OOC: true aim and shoot.
57, Today: Xyklo Voozul rolled 3 successes using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2P 2A 1B 2D ((10(P), 6(P), 4(A), 2(A), 2(B), 6(D), 7(D))).
Total 9 damage.  .
This message was last edited by the player at 13:59, Thu 27 Apr 2017.

The last time Zeic was on a Skipray, he couldn't wait to get off. A whole squadron of ARC-170s chasing them down. One got lucky and locked their laser cannons right on the engine, and  another one began blasting away at their weapons. Not a fun time, but the efficiency of the way they took that ship apart gave him some ideas on how to start with this one. And then the pilot put him in the exact spot

"You're making this too easy, Forim," he says with a laugh as he squeezes the trigger.

08:36, Today: Zeic Plirr rolled 3 successes, 3 advantages using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2P 2A 2D 4B

A fiery blast briefly lights up the side of the Skipray before dissipating into the vacuum of space to reveal a fresh scar on the side of the missile tube.

"Hit the missile launcher. Nothing's coming out of that for a while," says the Sullustan with an almost audible grin.

That missile!  Honestly....  "Unknown Skipray, please desist!  We are the Freighter Trinity out of Subterrel.  We are not here to fight.  Please stop attacking or we will be forced to continue to defend ourselves!  Please stand down!"  Even a momentary hesitation will help them....

[OOC: Please roll deception vs 1A 2P and any boosts you may like to add from the fact that we did some serious damage!]

14:07, Today: The Force rolled 1 failure, 2 threats using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 3s.  shields.
14:07, Today: The Force rolled no successes, 3 threats using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 3s.  shields.

Xyklo fired wildly, his shots raking the skipray. The recoil knocked the gun out of alignment. To avoid aiming at empty space, Xyklo was forced to drag his turret back into line before resuming fire.
(1 setback on next attack)

Zeic fired carefully as he aimed at one spot on the Skipray. Although his shots were dead on target, the Skipray's shields protected it from the brunt of the attack. The missile launcher was still active.

Skipray takes 4+5 = 9 hull damage.

Meanwhile, the starfighters get closer. They weave and dodge through the asteroid field at maximum speed. One of the vessels misjudges its turn and collides with an asteroid; it explodes, sending debris skittering through space. The rest make it through. They are TIE Fighters, the mainstay of the Imperial navy. Lightly-armed and unshielded, they are nevertheless fast and agile. These ones have green lines painted on their ball cockpits, indicating that they are the Green squadron. The seven remaining fighters swarm around your ship at close range.

The Skipray blastboat maneuvers to compensate for the Shimmer's assertive moves. Its pilot mirrors Forims' turns, and soon the enemy is getting excellent firing angles on the Rebel ship. The Skipray opens fire with its cannons. As dreaded, the patrol boat is laden with weaponry. A pair of forward-firing medium laser cannons begin blasting, along with the turret-mounted twin lasers. In addition, the Shimmer is being painted with another missile lock. Soon another missile will fire!

The Force rolled 2 successes, 3 threats using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2p 1a 3d 2s.  Gain the Advantage. Previous Gain the Advantage is neutralized.
All gunners about the ship take 1s.
The Force rolled 1 failure, 3 threats using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1p1a 2d 1s.  forward lasers.
The Force rolled 1 failure, 3 threats using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2p1a 2d 1s.  Turret lasers.
Wow. The Skipray drops to last in Initiative order. You will act now, and after Green squadron, and then the Skipray will act again.

Xyklo flattens his antenna to the back of his head and wrenches the turret back into position. The effort of recovering control of the lasers costs him his accuracy, and although he hits, it is nothing to halt the Skiprays pursuit.

OOC: 07, Today: Xyklo Voozul rolled 2 successes, 1 advantage using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2P 2A 2B 2D 1S.  Shooting, two aims for strain.
2 Strain. Aim twice, true aim, fire.
8 damage, adv for an extra B for Zeic.

GM Edit: +3s for Skipray Shields
net: 1 Success, 1 threat
7 Damage. 1b for next enemy attack
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:06, Sun 30 Apr 2017.

Zeic quickly turns the turret on the TIE fighters, firing wildly as they swoop in on the Shimmer. As they take evasive maneuvers, a gap opens in their formation that the Shimmer can probably get through.

OOC: 11:05, Today: Zeic Plirr rolled 4 successes, 2 advantages using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 4A 2B 1D 1S
Aim once, one bonus from Xyklo. That should do 9 damage, if I'm not mistaken.
Spending the two advantages to add 2B to the next check.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:08, Sun 30 Apr 2017.

Shields fortified for a few more seconds.  Feeling the blasts hit the Shimmer, Kraken felt stressed and a drip of sweat rolled down his face.  Turning the cockpit turret onto the attacking ship, Kraken aimed and squeezed the trigger, splatting the Skipray.

OOC:
'Kraken' rolled 2 successes, 2 advantages.  Gunnery - Cockpit Guns Aimx2 (2 strain).
6+2= 8 Damage
Pass 2 Boost Dice to the next Gunner shooting at Skipray.

Since no one is actively going to try to jam the comms between the starfighters, she tries to do so herself, sending a broad spectrum signal across the comms bands.

[15:01, Today: Caddanra 'Caddy' Manitu rolled 3 successes, 2 threats using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 3a 1b 3d.  Computer - countermeasures.]

Forim holds the stick steady for just long enough for the gunners to get their clean shots, then dives the ship toward the asteroid field.

He travels through the asteroid field at break-neck speed.  Left, Right, Up, Down, Hard left.  Just encouraging those ships to follow him in.

The world around him quiets as he reads the asteroids and debris around him.  100% of his focus is on the asteroids.  He sees a pattern in their flow and dives toward an apparent gap in the flow of rocks...

10:47, Today: Forim Luk rolled 1 success, 3 advantages using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 3P 1A 1B 3D.  Into the Asteroids for Cover.

Action: Full Thorttle: increase speed to 5 for 3 rounds (reset the clock from before)
Maneuver: Evasive: Upgrade all attacks in and out of the ship until my next round.
3 advantages to ignore the difficulty of the asteroid field next round.
Current Speed: 5
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:57, Mon 01 May 2017.

As the Shimmer's guns hammer into the Skipray, the ship shorts out. Electricity arcs around its hull. The ship's engines go dead and the lights dim. The Skipray is now hurtling through space without guidance or control. It is plainly also experiencing power fluctuations.

The crew of the Skipray is probably trying to use their emergency comms to call for help. Unfortunately for them, the Shimmer is currently jamming the signal. All these different demands on the Shimmer's reactor are causing it to overheat.
2 system strain.

The Shimmer's forward guns fire blasts of energy at the TIE fighters closing in on them. One well-aimed blast hits a TIE's ball cockpit, causing it to explode.

As the Shimmer enters the asteroid belt, the ship is able to use the rocks for cover. The TIEs buzzing around have to time their shots to avoid hitting rocks instead.

The TIEs converge, flying into the asteroid belt after the Shimmer. Their high-output engines are equal to the Shimmer's sudden burst of speed. The TIEs use their superior maneuverability to weave around the asteroids and stay close.

The TIEs, unable to swoop ahead for the moment, fire at the Shimmer's aft section. It is currently protected by a doubled-shield, with their unshielded fore section out of reach. Many of the TIEs' twin-linked lasers strike home. The ship rocks as yellow-green lasers burn into the hull.

The Force rolled 1 success, 4 advantages using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 3p 2a 3b 3d 2c 2s.  Green squadron Piloting.
The Force rolled 1 success, 3 advantages using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 3p 2a 2d 3s.  Green squadron gunnery.
Spending 1 advantage to add 1b to next piloting check
Spending 2 advantages to activate Linked
7 damage presoak from one hit
7 damage presoak from the second hit

Caddy winces as she hear the impacts on the shields and glances briefly at Forim as he, with full focus, continues to pilot their ship through the asteroid belt.   With no shields fore, any mistake would be catastrophic! She had to trust him though as they needed the shields on the rear for now.   At least, looking at the monitors, the bigger ship appeared to be disabled and if it continued on its current course, it too would enter the asteroid belt - without the ability to dodge!

Forim grunts in frustration, as those in the cockpit can hear his teeth grinding.  he pulls a hard turn and dives between two colliding asteroids, narrowly missing both.  The maneouver causes the ties to take a long way around and allows him to pull in close on their tail.

His focus is complete, asteroids, ties.  However, they are diving toward a thick patch of asteriods...

"I can't hold this speed for much longer" he grunts into the comlink.

21:05, Today: Forim Luk rolled 3 successes, 1 threat using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 3P 1A 1B 2D.  Stay on Target!
reminder: Difficutly was lowered from spending advantages last round
Spending threat as strain

Maneouver: Stay on Target
Action: gain the Advantage

Upgrade all attacks twice on those ties!

 “I’m on it, Flight Commander.”  Roger’s mechanical ands begin dancing over the controls as he pulls up communications systems, patch them through the computer systems and begins trying to slice into the nearest TIE’s systems…

23:29, Today: B1-P3 'Roger' rolled 3 successes, 2 threats using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2P 3D ((4(P), 4(P), 4(D), 2(D), 4(D))).
Successes reduce forward defence for 3 rounds… have fun with those Threats :P

“I think I’ve got it… uh oh, that doesn’t quite seem right…  I’ve made one a little more vulnerable, I think, but I was trying to lock its controls, and I think something’s gone wrong…”  If a droid could look sheepish, Roger definitely did.

T.I.E fighters.

Imperial ships designed to hurt and bully other beings, escorts to the similar TIE bombers, Imperial ships used to drop munitions on innocents and children...   eggs even.

A calm sense of joy flowed through the Verpine, and he sung in meandering clicks and whirrs as he traced the flight path of his prey. The turret shuddered with the recoil of the laser blasts, Xyklo shook too, but with silent laughter as he watched bolt after bolt land true.
++You know what that is Forim? That's the Imperial contribution to the asteroid field,++

OOC: Aim twice, true aim, shoot.
13:52, Today: Xyklo Voozul rolled 5 successes, 4 advantages using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 4P 2B 2D 1S.  Shooting TIE filth, double aim. .
11 Damage to TIE, 3 Adv to crit, 1 Adv to recover strain.

Feeling a bit woozy Kraken aimed, focusing on the tie fighter.  Squeezing the trigger too fast, Kraken blasted an astroid causing the ship to be outlined in flames, making the next shot easier against the Tie Fighters.  "Bloody Bantha Poodo." Kraken mumbles.


OOC:
No luck.
'Kraken' rolled 1 failure, 2 advantages  Gunnery - Tie Fighers (Aim X2).
I'll use my 2 advantages and pass boost dice to the next gunner shooting at the Tie Fighters.

"Can't get a good shot!" shouts Zeic as he opens fire again, the lasers shooting past the TIEs and blasting apart an asteroid, exposing the squadron as they fly into a relatively clear patch of the asteroid field.

19:31, Today: Zeic Plirr rolled 1 failure, 3 advantages using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2A 2P 2B 2D 1S
OOC:Can I spend 3 advantages to ignore the effects of the asteroid field on the TIEs defense until the end of my next turn? If not, I'll just add 1 boost die to Forim's next piloting check and 1 boost die to whoever goes next.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:38, Thu 04 May 2017.

Roger's attempt at hacking the TIEs had created a broadcast signal. The TIEs' targeting equipment locked on immediately.

The Shimmer turned as Forim brought it between two asteroids, and the gunners took full advantage. All the Shimmer's lasers opened up on the TIEs, creating a furious hail of laser bolts.

The TIE fighters flew into the maelstrom of light. Two were hit by energy blasts, scything through their wings, struts, and cockpits. One of the TIEs' solar panels was blown off. The explosion knocked the fighter off course, directly into another TIE that had been following close behind. The two TIEs collided with a spectacular explosion. All that remained was a rapidly-expanding cloud of razor-sharp metal.

Although the TIEs were down to three, going head-to-head with the Rebel ship gave them an excellent opportunity to retaliate. Green-yellow laser bolts lanced back at the Shimmer.

The Force rolled 3 successes, 2 threats using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2p 1A 1D 3s.  Green squadron gunnery.
9 Damage presoak
Green Squadron suffers 1S to next action.

piloting no success 3 advantages
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:58, Fri 05 May 2017.

The ship shudders and Forim yells "One more strong breeze and we all die in a glorious fireball!"

Momentum was their biggest enemy now.  He tried to pull the speed back, hard, but the engines whined.  He kept twisting and turning through the asteriod field, trying to


09:06, Today: Forim Luk rolled 2 successes, 3 advantages using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 4P 2D 2C 3B.  Piloting with flipped destiny.

Maneuver: Evasive maneuvers
Maneuver: Evasive Maneuvers
Action: Gain the Advantage x2

Spending 3 advantages to ignore terrain for the next round.

The Shimmer:
Speed: 4
HT: 1/22
SS: 8/15
Speed: 4

Gunners:
Upgrade attacks once, no change in difficulty.

Enemies:
Upgrade difficulty dice on us once (or twice if possible).  Upgrade the difficulty of their piloting check one extra time to attempt to break the gain the advantage.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:06, Fri 05 May 2017.

Xyklo feels the urgency in Forims call out. Straining at the vibrating turret he forces the rangefinder to hold its shape on the green squadron TIE's. A yelp of joy precedes his reply.
"Think...   think I got one..." he calls back, peering between the asteroids at their pursuers.

OOC: Aim twice and shoot.
Today: Xyklo Voozul rolled 3 successes, 2 advantages, 1 triumph using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 3P 1A 2B 2D 1S ((12(P), 11(P), 2(P), 4(A), 6(B), 3(B), 3(D), 6(D), 2(S))).
9 Damage.
Can I use the Triumph to force a pilot check to avoid a ship to ship collision? And the Adv to add a setback due to the check? ;)
If not I'll just take a crit.

Xyklo fires, pouring energy between two asteroids. Some of the bolts snuck through, tearing into the TIE and lighting its ball on fire. Without an atmosphere to fuel it, the fire goes out immediately. The remaining metal glows cherry red for a few moments.

Not all the shots hit. Some of the laser blasts strike the asteroids. One asteroid explodes, sending pieces of stone into a banking TIE. This fighter is thrown off-course. The ship's engines flare and explode, sending it into an uncontrolled forward roll.

The last starfighter in Green Squadron turns to flee. It dodges around the asteroids, making for K1 at all speed.

Your displays beep as the sensors pick up more contacts. Three vessels have been launched from the space station around K1. The largest one has the sensor profile of a Y-4 Raptor-class shuttle. The other two are TIE fighters, flying on either side of the shuttle. They are not heading in your direction. Instead, they appear to be on an intercept course with the disabled Skipray blastboat.

Feeling they were clear for now, Kraken jumps into action attempting to repair this ship and prevent any loss of life support systems, oxygen and power.  Rather than waste time talking,the Nautolan Technician works on the Shimmer.

OOC:
Mechanics - Fixing what I can.  What is the difficulty?  2D?
I've got Mechanics 1P 3A - Willing to assist anyone who is better with boost if they want to fix and I'll hold the light.  ;)

"Someone fix that Hyperdrive!" then to Caddy he says "Persue or run?  We can potentially destroy those ships and any sensor data they have on us... but one glancing blow and we are done."

As you debate, you spot the retreating TIE alter its course slightly. Now it seems to be on an intercept course with the shuttle and its escort TIEs.

"Running and fighting another day seems to be the best course of action." Kraken grunts as he moves to fix the hyperdriver.

OOC:
How long would it take to fix the hyperdrive?
I'll start to work on it, what's the difficulty?  2D, 3D?  Anyone give me a boost or I'll give someone with better skill a boost.

Caddy really wasn't sure what to do.

If they got the hyperdrive online, they might be able to flee but returning would be even more difficult.

"We don't know how long it will take to get the hyperdrive online and they don't know how damaged we are.   Do you think we could call their bluff?   If we chased after and destroyed that last fighter, we could force their hand?"

She rolls a mental dice and discards it, going with her gut, "Let's take out those fighters and find them out what inside the shuttle!"

"Can we use the asteroids as ambush cover?" Xyklo offers hopefully.

Using the computer systems and his mechanical knowledge, Kraken gets to work, trying to determine what was broken on the hyperdrive and how long it might take to fix.

OOC:
'Kraken' rolled 3 successes, 1 advantage.  Mechanics - Figuring out what's broken on the Hyperdrive.
Use Extra success's to reduce time required to find out what's broken on the hyperdrive.
Will use the advantage and pass as a Boost to whomever fix's the Hyperdrive.

This message was last edited by the player at 21:07, Mon 08 May 2017.

Kraken concludes that the hyperdrive is just out of alignment. A basic diagnostic reveals all connected elements are functional, but many are reading a great big red 'X' regardless. Fixing it will be relatively easy.

As you enter the engineering section, you realize that while the fix will be simple, the situation complicates it. It is simply a matter of manually bypassing the reactor and reconnecting the hyperdrive motivator. Should take only a few minutes. However, there is no way to safely reconnect the device while the ship's reactor is powered up. It must be shut down completely during the operation, only to be powered up once the mechanic has crawled out of the ductwork. Do the Rebels dare risk being unpowered in enemy territory?

Mechanics 1d 1s for repairing the hyperdrive. (1s for cramped quarters.)

In reply to The Force (msg # 177):

"Good news, yperdrive is just out of alignment.  Easy Fix should just take a few minutes." Kraken speaks over the ships intercoms.

"Bad News ... there is no way to safely reconnect the device while the ship's reactor is powered up. It must be shut down completely during the operation, only to be powered up once the mechanic has crawled out of the ductwork." he fnishes.

Roger begins trying to tweak and coordinate sensors to assist his crewmates' attacks, to no effect...


21:29, Today: B1-P3 'Roger' rolled no successes using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1A 3D ((4(A), 1(D), 1(D), 3(D))).

Forim says "Yes Mam!  All guns, get ready for a clean shot"

He spins the ship around and keeps it going hard at the loan tie fighter.  He quickly gains on the ship, getting back into range.  He comes around on an oblique angle, catching the pilot unaware!


21:33, Today: Forim Luk rolled 2 successes, 2 advantages using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 4P 2D 2C 2B.  Piloting.
Action: Gain the Advantage
Maneouver: STay on Target

All attacks upgraded twice on that tie.  Blow that sucker up guys!

Meanwhile, Caddy is scanning the comms chatter in the hope of picking up just what and why they'd send a shuttle, a guarded one at that, away from the planet.  It feels like too much of a coincidence and she wanted to know why!

[08:36, Today: Caddanra 'Caddy' Manitu rolled 1 success using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2a 1P 3d.  Comms Chatter - 3D as it is probably encrypted.  1 Light side flipped.]

Xyklo knew these lasers weren't much good at this distance, but hey, you didn't get a prize for saving power cell energy. He squints into the distance and trusts his judgement and knowledge of asteroids, briefly reminiscent of his home. A brief and happy time...
He squeezes, but the shots strafe wide grazing another rock and spinning it into the path of the enemy, distracting them for just a moment.
"Damn, sorry guys.

You see that Forim? Follow that loose rock, should give you an edge on these buckets of krijlik,"

OOC:Today: Xyklo Voozul rolled 1 failure, 3 advantages using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 4P 1B 1C 1D 1S.  Sniper, true aim, med range shot..
1 advantage to recover strain, 2 advantage to boost Forims next pilot check.

The TIEs had been flying a holding pattern as the Raptor shuttle closed with the disabled skipray blastboat. When lasers began cutting through their formation, the TIEs turned towards the attacking freighter and accelerated to attack speed.

The TIEs raced towards the Shimmer and opened fire. Fortunately, the Shimmer's shields deflected the renewed attack.

The Force rolled no successes, 3 threats using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2p 2d 2s.  TIEs, upgraded once.

Moving back to the cockpit, giving up on trying to repair the ship Kraken grabs the forward gun, waiting for an opening shot.  Pressing the trigger gently, Kraken watches as the laser paints the tie with devastating effects.  Sweat dripped from Kraken, stinging his eye, throwing off his aim for his next shot.


OOC:
 'Kraken' rolled 5 successes, 2 threats using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2p 1a 2d 1B.  Strain for Boost.  Gunnery (Forim's boost).
Damage: 11

One of the TIEs blows up in space as Xyklo opens fire.

Caddenra decodes the comm logs and reviews the messages between the skipray and the Imperial space station.

"Imperial Intelligence agent number 0632 calling for immediate support. Send all remaining fighters to engage the target. And send a mechanical team to my location."

"Copy, 0632. We are dispatching all active TIEs with your repair team."

A few minutes had passed. Then, another communication from the skipray.

"No! All remaining fighters, in space, right now!"

"That is all the fighters we have prepped, sir. The rest are being fuelled and scrambled."

"Good job!"  And then as the messages finally decode she call out.  "The shuttle contains a repair crew for the Skipray.  It is carrying an Imperial Intelligence Agent!  Also, there are more Ties coming but they need fuelled and prepped.  Get rid of the last two and the shuttle and we may be able to take the Skipray."  The prize of an Imperial Intelligence Agent... Not a bad thing that....

"Ok... here's my idea.   If we run, we may never get a chance like this again.  The Tie's will be here shortly but if we deal with the shuttle and the remaining two fighters quickly, I say we board the Skipray.   We sweep it and take prisoners giving us a Plan B should the Ties get to us faster than we're expecting.   Plan A though will be to grab the Agent and any intel... and then scuttle the Skipray as we leave, a rigged explosion masking our trail so we don't get hunted down."  Audacious!
This message was last edited by the player at 09:42, Mon 15 May 2017.

"Got it!" Xyklo chirps, getting the turret back in line for another shot.

Kraken nods, typing on the computer, checking the ship.  "She's barely holding on." he mutters to himself.  Looking to Forim, the pilot Kraken prepares to support whatever is decided.

[Private to GM: I'm guessing the ship was too far out for my attack to land?  Can I use my roll for my next attack?]

Forim says "Are you sure mam?  If I botch the docking procedure and give the ship a hard bump, we will lose main power...  I would suggest running now that there are no active ships that know our location.

Not that I dislike the idea of stealing a skipray blastboat that is" Forim adds with a grin "but it is disabled, and probably not able to make the jump to hyperspace before its escorts get here.  Its a big gamble that we can fix it in time."

Forim is ready to follow the orders, but it is his duty to inform the CO of the risks.

Caddy takes a deep breath.  It was a hard decision and she was putting the lives of everyone here at significant and serious risk - but it felt like the right decision and so she nods, "We can do this.  You can do this Forim.   So can you all.  I just know we can!"

13:28, Today: Caddanra 'Caddy' Manitu rolled no successes, 1 light force point using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1F.  The Force is with me....

[Private to GM: Caddanra 'Caddy' Manitu rolled 1 success, 1 triumph using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1A 2P 3D.  Leadership.]

"While we're clear I'll attempt to bolster some of this dama... whoops...  uuuuh, maybe if I..."

22:16, Today: B1-P3 'Roger' rolled 1 failure, 1 threat  using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2p 3d ((1(P), 3(P), 2(D), 4(D), 2(D))).

The two remaining TIEs have entered the asteroid belt. They swoop and dive, trying to avoid the laser fire and the rocks. They are flying more cautiously now.

Your sensors beep as new contacts are discovered. Another pair of TIE fighters has just been launched from the defence platform around K1, and are on their way.

The TIEs' green lasers lance out at your ship. Some scattered bolts strike the Shimmer, cutting holes into the hull.

The Force rolled 2 successes, 3 threats using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2a 1p 2d 2c 2s 3b.  TIEs piloting.
TIEs are only flying 4 speed.
Next attack on TIEs gets 1 free upgrade.

The Force rolled 3 successes, 4 threats using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1a 2p 2d.  TIE gunnery.
TIEs have 1 forced downgrade on their next piloting check
9 damage presoak

The Sunset Shimmer shakes in space. The controls go dead as the ship sustains just a little too much damage. The lights go out, replaced only by a dim red glow from the ship's emergency lighting. In the cockpit, you see the indicators for the shields turn orange, then red.

Even as you process this new information, you see something else bad happening. In the distance, so far away by eyesight that it is barely visible, you see the Skipray blastboat coming back online. The Raptor shuttle detaches from it, and both ships separate.

The Force rolled 63 using 1d100.  critical hit. Shields failing. All defence zones down by 1 until repaired; 2 points system strain.

Forim says "Aye Aye Mam!" And reaches for the speed lever.  Out of no where ties assault them from the rear and Forim yes "Where the Hell did they come from!" before shoving the stick down.  Unfortunatly, the ship rocks with another hit and Forim curses before the power lights die in the ship.

"Sorry, I had no idea those ships were there" he says wincing as the asteriods move around the ship, in danger of ending them for good.

As the view spins around, he sees the rescue boat dock with the skipray blastboat.  After a suprisingly short time, the skipray is under its own power.  "Looks like if we would have got on board, we could have hijacked it" he adds ruefully.  "Orders?"

Caddy watched open mouthed as her plans go out the window with the surprise attack.  To be have been in such a viable and vital position only to have things turn so abruptly against them was undoubtedly a shock but after that moment passed, she gathered herself, "We don't have a choice.  Let's get out of here." If we can.   Somehow they pulled of a miracle and we'll need one too.  "Ok.  All hands to repairs!   Let's do this!"

[Private to GM: And just a reminder of the Leadership Triumph]

Forim says "Aye Aye Mam!" and then says "All mechanics, lets fix this thing as fast as we can.  Since we are powered down here, lets do the hyperdrive first.  Xyklo, With me.  Kraken and Roger, get Main power fixed.  But dont flip the switch until I am back in the pilot seat."

Putting actions to words, he runs to the hyperdrive, grabbing his toolkit on the way by.  He pops the hatch and dives into the componenets.  He immidieatly sees the problem and says "Hold my feet steady" to Xyklo as he dives in deeper.  Scraping off some particle buildup on a key component, he finishes the work in record time.  A minute later he is running back to the cockpit telling Xyklo to re-attach the cover.

ooc: Kraken and Roger on main power, Roger as 2P, so Kraken, you can roll 2P 2A for that.

09:46, Today: Forim Luk rolled 2 successes, 5 advantages using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1P 2A 2B 1d 1s.  Hyperdrive.
Spending 3 advantages to give the hyperdrive "Superior" quality for one session.  This will upgrade astrogation checks once.
Spending 2 advantages to pass a boost on to whoever calculates our next hyperspace route.


He drops into the pilot seat and shouts "READY WHEN YOU ARE" to Kraken and team.

In reply to Forim Luk (msg # 195):

Rushing to help with fixing the Main Power, Kraken grabbed the tool box and set to work as fast as he could.  Sparks flew and the ship groaned as he worked, hoping the force was with them as they strove towards survival.  "Done with the Main Power; it's back online... for now!" Kraken calls out as he checks his work, tightening down the last wires.

OOC:
Kraken' rolled 3 successes using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2P 2A 2D.  Mechanic - 2P 2A.
Use Extra success's to reduce time to fix the Main Power supply.
The Force rolled 1 failure using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1d.  extra D
Net 2 successes
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:57, Thu 18 May 2017.

Caddy spun in her chair and headed off with Forim and the others to do what she can.  She is no mechanic but at the very worst, she could help by fetching and carrying equipment.   When the power come back on, she sighs with relief.  They'd need to limp forward from here but at least they weren't entirely a sitting duck!   "Well done guys."  Then looking to Forim, "Can we get out of here?"

Forim shrugged and says "Well, that depends on what our friends have to say about that.  We have power, but we wont be moving any faster then a limp" as he takes a look at the readouts which are all flickering between a warning yellow and a critical red.  "Weapons offline, Shields offline, the list goes on."

Forim checks the passive sensors to see if they have been left alone in the asteroid field, or they are now about to be boarded...

She's still looking out at the darkness of space trying to catch a glimpse of the fighter, "Where is he?   I can try and reroute power from emergency reserves and life support to Xyklo pod for one shot... but we'd have to get life support back online sharply...."

OOC: She's trying to spot the Tie.

22:59, Today: Caddanra 'Caddy' Manitu rolled 1 failure, 1 advantage using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 3a 2d.  Pereception.

I'll use the advantage to spot 'something important' - obviously not the Tie :-)

Looking to the computer, Kraken emits a short Electronic wave, looking for the other tie fighter that was out there, trying to narrow it's location so they could blast it out of the sky.  "I'll search from 3 oclock to six oclock." the slicer mutters frowning at the computer.

OOC:
Gahh, the force is not with me.
Kraken' rolled 1 failure, 1 advantage.  Computer - Where is the Tie?
Use the Advantage to give someone a boost die?

The only remaining TIE fighter is circling, apparently focusing on flying through the asteroid belt safely. It seems to be on patrol around the disabled Shimmer.

The Raptor shuttle is not entering the asteroid belt. It is drifting on low power, escorting the Skipray blastboat. The Skipray is limping towards K1, unable to activate its engines at more than minimal power.

Two other TIEs are on their way towards the asteroid belt. They are accelerating towards your position. TIE fighters are small, short-ranged fighters that have no tractor beams or ion weaponry.

The Shimmer has very few options at this point. Continuing the battle is at the moment out of the question. Your weapons are disabled, your shields are down, and your engines are no better off than the patrol boat you earlier disabled.

Caddenra notes some more communications being logged on the frequency that she decoded earlier. She turns the Shimmers' comm to that band in order to hear the communication.

"... say again, Agent."

Through the static, you can just about make out a voice. Their comms must be as damaged as the rest of their ship, functioning as crude jamming. However, you are fairly sure it is a human female's voice.

"I say again, do not attempt to capture the Rebels. Order all fighters to seek and destroy."

The other voice replies.

"Understood, Agent. All fighters, commence attack run."

Caddy swears.  "The Agent has given them orders to destroy us while he's limping home with the shuttle to protect hi.  That leaves the fighter out there and two more approaching - not to mention any more that get scrambled in the interim.   We have to leave but we can't do that until we clear the asteroids.   It's now or never.   Grab the O2 tanks from the suites and let's get out of here, Forim.  Make sure your shot, shots if possible, count.  And all other hands - get repairing!   We can do this!"   She'll take her own advice, grab a rebreather, and make ready for Forim to start for the edge of the asteroids (hopefully not where the two other fighters are approaching) and reroutes the power to ensure they get a shot on the circling tie....

OOC: Leadership - to pull everyone together and give everyone a much needed emotional boost versus the obvious fear and trepidation we're feeling :-)   My second triumph!

09:15, Today: Caddanra 'Caddy' Manitu rolled 2 successes, 1 triumph using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2d 1a 2p.  Leadership - Again.

09:19, Today: Caddanra 'Caddy' Manitu rolled 4 successes, 1 advantage using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 3a 2d 1b.  Mechanics.

Xyklo spends a few minutes assisting Forim, but when all is said and done he knows his roll within this team. Grabbing a rebreather from the inspirational Caddy, he dashes back to the turret sliding into the chair, and jiggling the controls in the vague of of life springing back into the Shimmers lasers.

He hums a calming tune...

Spotting one Tie in the gunner's range box, Kraken brings the laster online, trying the Tie's jerks and movements, trying to guess where he was going to lead the pilot, then engage and end his pursuit.  Pressing the trigger to quickly, Kraken threw his aim off by a fraction of an inch, resulting in a miss by thirty yards or more.  "Bantha boo!" Kraken mutters under his breath, trying to fix his aim for his next shot.


OOC:
'Kraken' rolled no successes, 1 advantage.  Gunnery - Cockpit Guns Aimx1
I'll pass the advatage off to the next gunner as a boost.

His tools in hand, Roger works to get us beyond a limp, attempting to improve the repair on the thrust and manoeuvreability systems, "I've boosted the engines, Flight Commander, but we'll want to do a more thorough repair as soon as possible, it may not hold.  I did manage to reroute the condenser plasma through the Copeland agitator, which should give you a momentary boost in thrust if we need it."


10:26, Today: B1-P3 'Roger' rolled 1 success, 1 threat , 1 triumph using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2P 2D ((2(P), 12(P), 5(D), 2(D))).

As the Tie wove a path through the asteroid field Xyklo tracked it patiently with what little power remained in the turret. His humming faltered then stopped as his concentration took over.
A quick burst of laser fire on a bigger gap between rocks, and the satisfaction of a line of scorched metal on the targets flank. Xyklo hissed in pleasure.

OOC: True aim and shoot.
 Today: Xyklo Voozul rolled 3 successes, 5 advantages using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2P 2A 2D 2B 1S.  Aimed one last shot baby
9 Damage and 3 adv for a crit on the Tie, 2 Adv to muck up the Ties next action. 

Forim grimaces as every single error light on the dashboard lights up.  A FOOM sound with slight glow comes from the collar of his space suit.  Forim sees frost starting to form on the viewscreen.  The available oxygen in the ship going down significantly with all the electrical fires back in engineering.

With a sigh Forim yells "ALL HANDS TO THE ESCAPE PODS" hits a button on the dash and a loud Klaxon sounds throughout the ship.  Anyone who has ever paid attention to a safety briefing knows that is the abandon ship signal.

12:15, Today: Forim Luk rolled 4 successes, 2 triumphs using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 4P 1d 1C 1B.  Fancy Flying.
Flipped a destiny

Forim stays at the cockpit, putting the ship through an evasive spiral trying to get into a sensor shadow (Spending a Triumph on this)

As they pass through the shadow, he turns the ship hard keeping them in the shadow for a bit longer.  Putting the ship on auto pilot with a 10 second delay, he runs to the last escape pod with Roger and launches it.

The auto pilot tries its best to leave the asteroid filed, but the limited piloting powers are insufficient for it to leave the asteroid belt.  With a flash of an explosion the Shimmer is no more.  This sends a small fleet of asteroids toward the planet...

Fireing up his local com, which can reach the other pods he says "Follow the debris in, hopefully we will make it..."

ooc: Second triumph to let us pass undetected to the planet.

The laser fire catches the swooping TIE in mid-bank, apparently catching the pilot by surprise. The ball cockpit comes to pieces and flies apart. Distantly, you can see its black-clad pilot flailing as he is thrown through space. TIE pilots wear full life-support suits in flight, so he should survive for a little while. If anyone is willing to brave the asteroids to pick him up, they might have him before he is killed by micrometeorites.

The ship contains a considerable amount of respirable gases; shutting off life support is not an instant death sentence. However, every breath you take now consumes a finite quantity of air. Soon you will begin feeling light-headed and anxious as your bodies struggle to restore themselves on oxygen that isn't there.

Life support also functions to control the temperature. Between the ship's machinery, the reactor, and your own body heat, the ship is always struggling to keep the temperature livable. With life support disabled, soon it will be too hot to function. As this happens, more and more machinery will run hot, entering a spiral of overheating that does not end until a critical meltdown.

Forim aims the ship towards an asteroid. He watches the Shimmer's approach towards the huge, fast-moving rock, his fingers poised over the 'launch' controls. Precise timing is necessary, not to survive the launch but to convince the Imperials that they were all killed in the crash. At the last moment, he presses the button.

The escape pod fires its jets, which Forim immediately deactivates. The less ion signature from this craft, the harder it will be to detect. The Sunset Shimmer crashes into the asteroid at sub-light speeds, erupting into a fiery geyser of fuel, flammable gases, and hope.

Far away, the Imperials have been watching the vessel on their sensor scopes. To them, it looks as though the Rebel ship just collided with an asteroid. Their screens are fogged with debris from the explosion, as well as the asteroids. A few pieces of metallic debris slip their notice.

Inside two escape pods, the Rebels nurture many thoughts. They narrowly escaped elimination, but their pods do not have hyperdrives. There is no escaping this system now. The pods are generously roomy, designed for half again as many people as currently dwell within. Nevertheless it begins to feel a bit cramped as they face one another from the crash couches. The only visual they have of the outside world is a round porthole that allows them to see what is in front of them.

The pods are designed to provide a fair amount of maneuverability, if not actual engine power. However, you dare not apply the engines. If the Imperials detect a trace blast of ion energy from what they had assumed was a stray piece of debris, all is lost. You are forced to use maneuvering jets only as you aim your pods towards your destination.

Hours pass, until nearly a Standard day has gone by inside the pods. You were distantly able to see the Raptor shuttle towing the Skipray blastboat to the satellite defence platform above the planet. Although it is a hundred kilometers away at its closest point, it still feels uncomfortably close.

Although your escape vehicle has been destroyed, your mission is closer than ever. Your escape pods now approach the first planet of the Karhexadine system. Soon, you will be able to commence the mission.

Xyklo is still enjoying watching the straggling pilot tumbling through space when the klaxon sounds. Jumping out of his seat he grabs his stuff from his bunk before remembering his datapad full of music and photos. Cursing he sprints back to the turret to collect it.

On his second attempt to get to the escape pods hisdelay finds him alongside Forim and Roger on the way to the last pod. Landing sprawled on the crash couch, it is easy to see the Verpine is distressed. The others have the responsibility of directing the tiny craft, and Xyklo prowls the interior, rifle in arms, peering out the portholes.
"There! The others are over there Forim, can you see? I hope they're ok. Caddy will look after them I'm sure. And Zeics a Sullust, and they're near as good pilots as Duros, right?

We should try and stay close like, just in case. What happens if...   what happens if they get captured Forim. What do we do?"

OOC: 3 Failures on Disc! :)

Roger's neural circuits mildly overload as he watches and tries to process the events that just happened... "I've never lost a ship before..."
... He continues to look out the port to space beyond...

15:27, Today: B1-P3 'Roger' rolled 1 failure, 1 threat  using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1A 2D ((3(A), 2(D), 8(D))).
-- Not sure how you want to run the threat here :P

Forim gets to the controls of the Escape Pod, easily sitting into the pilots role on the smaller craft. But once he confirms their trajectory he has nothing else to do.

That is when the weight of what just happens hits him.  "I am sorry guys, I let you down" he mutters.

Then answering Xyklo he says "I don't know.  I guess we would have to rescue them.  I am not even sure how we are going to get off the planet if we manage to pull off the mission, which seems unlikely at this point..."

15:13, Today: Forim Luk rolled no successes, 1 advantage using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 3A 2d.  Rolling Discipline.
Boost to next discipline roll.

Kraken, worked the controls, for a brief few seconds trying to maintain a positive perspective on the purpose of the group but it soon became apparent that things weren't so pretty.   Following the others, with what ever he had near him, Kraken jumped in the pod, feeling a bit sick, but overcoming it all fairly well all in all.

Watching the ship explode in millions of pieces, he wondered how they would escape now.  Sensing Xyklo was not doing so well, Kraken sat beside his comrade patting him gently on the shoulder.



OOC:
Kraken' rolled 1 success, 1 threat using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1p 2d.  Discipline.
Pass boost to Xyklo Voozul

At the command to 'abandon ship'- Caddy gathered her backpack, took a deep breath, and launched herself at the first pod.   Apparently she may have seemed a little eager though as despite the smallness of their crew, she'd managed to end up with less than half the crew, only Zeic apparently joining her.   Of course, that left her worried and she bit her lip as she considered their trajectory.  There was never any doubt that she'd continue the mission of that the loss of the ship was more than a 'minor setback' but she hoped the others were ok as she needed them.... Looking to Zeic she asked, "Would you like to take the controls or should I?  Keep a sharp eye out for the other pod but don't do anything that could give us away.  No comms, no distress beacon, no power beyond minimal life support...."

[00:52, Today: Caddanra 'Caddy' Manitu rolled 3 successes, 1 threat using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 3a 3d.  Discipline.]

Roger turns from the port, "We'll get another ship, Flight Commander.  That's the easy part... Captain Caland frequently found a new ship.  We can follow his example."  If a droid could look defeated, Roger did, "The rest of the mission is going to be harder now though."
After a moment, a thought crosses his mind, "Should I power down, sir?  Will my energy signature give us away?"