Sora, Zirak and Sella have made their way across the platform and Sora has greeted the burgundy-robed weequay. The weequay has bowed somberly, and he and Sora have exchanged some words in Sriluurian. The weequay and his guards have then turned and begun to lead Sora and the others into the fortress.

"We are being escorted to the Conference Room, where my uncle will meet us," Sora explains to the others as they walk.

They enter the fortress, passing through a number of corridors and rooms. The interior of the fortress is elegant in design. The walls consist of a combination of smooth cut stone and dark bronze-coated durasteel. A number of tables and pedestals line the walls, displaying exotic statues, blades or other items from distant worlds throughout the galaxy. A number of holographic portraits and images decorate the walls, displaying landscapes of Ruul and Sriluur, as well as portraits of Sora's forebears.

As they walk, Zirak notices something strange. Sora and the robed weequay walk side by side, but do not say a single word throughout the entire journey. Yet they occasionally glance at each other, or nod, as if the other has spoken. It is almost as if the pair are telepathic.

Zirak seems to suspect that an unspoken exchange is taking place, and glares sourly at the pair for leaving him out of the conversation.

Well, after several minutes of walking, they have arrived at a grand conference room. A long, burnished durasteel table divides the hall equally down the middle, lined on each side by twenty chairs. At the far end of the table stand three high backed chairs, the center most of which has the appearance of a throne. In the center of the table is a large, built-in holographic projector. On the wall behind the three chairs hangs a large painting of a silver moon with the top quarter of a large planet below.

The robed weequay has bowed once more to Sora, saying something once more in Sriluurian before turning and departing. Two of the weequay ceremonial guards follow him, while the other pair remain standing on either side of the door.

"My uncle will join us shortly," Sora explains, "We are to make ourselves comfortable while we wait, and help ourselves to some refreshments."

He gestures, as he says this, to a limeware platter which has been placed at the end of the table. It contains a number of shriveled berries and several pieces of rock-like fruit. Five limeware cups and a flask rest beside them.

Zirak has approached what appears to be a cold meat of some sort, of a blackish color. He has glanced at it quizzically, before shrugging and picking up a piece and sniffing it experimentally.

"Were you communicating with that other weequay in the corridor?" Sella asks, ignoring Zirak.

"I was," says Sora to Sella, "We were communicating by smell, as odd as that sounds. He asked who you were, so I told him you were recent friends of mine. I then asked him if any Jedi had come here recently, and he said 'the zabrak' came three days ago. But nothing else."

Zirak takes a bite of the meat, before giving a look of disgust and spitting it back out. He places the half eaten piece back on the plate before rejoining the others.

"This place is certainly impressive," Sora says, staring out of the massive window which forms one side of the room.

The sun shines down upon the dark, rugged mountainside and valley below. The fortress battlements rise out of the forest below, lined with dozens of landing platforms. Several ships are docked on the platforms, and fifty meters or so below them they recognise the bulky, battered form of 'Malar's Fist'.

"It's actually quite a decent ship," Sora remarks idly, staring down at it.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:34, Thu 03 May 2018.

Even as Sora speaks, Zirak has noticed something ominous. On one of the nearby battlements, partly concealed by a terrace, a trio of weequay are setting up an E-Web cannon, twenty meters above 'Malar's Fist'.

"Bane!" Zirak snarls swiftly into his comlink, "Get my cube and my ship off the ground right now or I will hold you personally responsible!"

Even as he speaks, he ignites his lightsaber and (with no regard for Sora's property) shatters the window.

OOC: Zirak Derasir rolled 21 using 1d20+2. Spot.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:31, Mon 16 July 2018.

"Look out!" Sella has cried from beside him.

Turning from the freshly renovated window, the trio are met by the sight of a pair of droidekas in the doorway, ten meters away, their shields activated and their blasters ready. The pair of guards have also drawn their vibroblades and charged.

OOC: Sora Bulq rolled 21 using 1d20+2. Initiative.
Zirak Derasir rolled 19 using 1d20+6. Initiative.
Korr Sella rolled 16 using 1d20+2. Initiative.
Clan Bulq Guards rolled 5 using 1d20. Initiative.
Droidekas rolled 0 using 1d20-3. Initiative.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:52, Thu 03 May 2018.

Sora has ignited his lightsaber and taken up a defensive stance.

"Tell me you managed, with all your sniffing, to acquire the security codes for my-- our-- accounts?" Zirak snarls as he pulls out a blaster and takes a couple of wild shots at the trio assembling the E-Web.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:43, Mon 16 July 2018.

Sora remains obstinately silent as he prepares to combat the charging weequay.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:57, Thu 03 May 2018.

The trio of weequays have ducked out of the way of Zirak's stray blasts, but have hastily resumed their efforts as 'Malar's Fist' begins to power up below them. Within moments they have completed their assembly, aimed wildly and fired. But too late. The freighter lifts into the air and shoots off with great speed, the cannon blast leaving a small crater in the empty platform.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:56, Thu 03 May 2018.

"And Bane, remember to pick us up on your way out," Zirak calls darkly into the comlink.

"Naturally," comes the slightly staticky response, "After all, Sora Bulq represents just as many potential credits to me as he does to you."
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:45, Mon 16 July 2018.

'Malar's Fist' has arced around to hover a few meters from the shattered window, boarding ramp extended. Below them the weequay shout and wave frantically as they attempt to direct the E-web to the ship's new location.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:38, Mon 16 July 2018.

Zirak wastes no time in springing onto the extended ramp.

OOC: Zirak Derasir rolled 22 using 1d20+5. Move Object.
Zirak Derasir rolled 14 using 1d20-2. Jump.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:31, Wed 18 July 2018.

Sora has glanced at the ship, then back to the advancing droidekas.

"Get behind me!" he shouts to Sella, jaw set as he assumes a defensive stance.

OOC: Sora Bulq is using Total Defense.

Sella doesn't argue, ducking behind him as she fires a blast at one of the approaching weequay guards. The guard dodges nimbly to the side as he quickens his advance.

The droidekas open fire, and Sora only narrowly manages to parry their blasts, one of which strays perilously close to his left ear. A couple of the blasts are reflected back at the droids, but are harmlessly absorbed by their energy shields.

OOC: Droideka dealt 23 points of vitality damage to Sora Bulq.

The pair of weequay guards reach Sora, each one swinging at him. They are skilled swordsmen, and Sora manages only narrowly to parry their strokes.

"Go!" Sora calls to Sella, gritting his teeth as he is forced back a couple of paces.

Sella hesitates a moment longer, face pale as she stares at the gap between window ledge and boarding ramp. She clenches her fists, takes a deep breath, and leaps. She narrowly reaches the ramp, half tripping and skidding forward, clinging to one of the struts to steady herself.

OOC: Korr Sella rolled 17 using 1d20+1. Jump.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:14, Wed 18 July 2018.

Sora parries one last blow before leaping backwards, using the Force to guide him to land lightly in the center of the ramp. He quickly hurries after Sella, as the ramp closes.

OOC: Sora Bulq rolled 16 using 1d20+6. Jump.
Sora Bulq rolled 20 using 1d20+7. Move Object.

'Malar's Fist' moves away from the window even as Sora ascends the ramp, darting off into the sky above. The guard nearest to the window has time to mutter a Srilurrian curse as a blast from the E-Web crashes into the window a moment later.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:28, Wed 18 July 2018.

"Well," says Bane as he directs the ship up and away from the fortress, "It seems your uncle will need some convincing before he gives us- you back your estate."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:29, Wed 18 July 2018.

"Family," Zirak agrees, darkly, "The one group you can rely on to stab you when you are down."

Bane gives an appreciative snort.

"Well," he adds, "You two still need some 'food' and we need information, so I suggest that we land in a settlement somewhere nearby."

"Indeed," Zirak says, "Any ideas, Sora? Preferably ones your uncle knows you know about, since you seem to have an objection to eating people who are not trying to kill us?"

"I can remember nothing of this moon," Sora responds, looking perplexed as he stares at the fortress behind them.

Zirak groans.

"Well then, let's just stop at the first one we see," Bane suggests, practically.

"Fair enough. If we mention he is a Jedi Crusader, perhaps someone will be obliging enough to try and kill us."

"I doubt they know who they are in these parts," Bane surmises, "But finding a weequay who wants to pick a fight shouldn't be difficult."

Bane does not have to fly for more than ten minutes before a fairly decent sized settlement is visible in the distance.

Zirak smiles hungrily.

"As good a place as any to rest and re-fuel."

Bane takes the ship into the settlement. There do not appear to be hangar bays, but rather a rough, stone platform upon which multiple ships can land. There is no sign of a dock officer.

"Well," says Bane, "I vote we find a place to stay the night, since tomorrow you two will likely have another outburst, as it seems to be almost daily. Then we can decide whether or not to keep attempting to get access to Sora's fortune or whether to find another mark."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:49, Thu 19 July 2018.

"We should depart this moon as soon as possible," Sella says concernedly, "Who knows what spies of his uncle could be in this town."

"Are you volunteering to be lunch?" Zirak asks coolly, "Because if not, then I suggest you listen to Bane."

Sella sends him a resentful glare, but does not argue further.

"Do we leave someone with the ship?" Bane asks.

"You, since we need someone to take off if it turns out our food intends to defend itself."

"Fine," Bane says after a moment, "I suppose R5 had better stay with me, since he cannot flee from the 'food' should it turn out capable of defending itself."

"I think R5 had better come with us," Sora says firmly.

"In that case I will come too," says Bane, "I shall remove the passcard and the nav charts, so no one will be able to access our ship."

"Can Sella pilot?" Zirak asks, seemingly unsatisfied with the idea of leaving the ship unsupervised.

"I cannot," Sella replies, a little too quickly.

OOC: Korr Sella rolled 15 using 1d20+5. Bluff.

Zirak has sent her a suspicious look.

"Can't you?"

OOC: Zirak Derasir rolled 15 using 1d20+2. Sense Motive.

"I think you'll manage." Bane adds.

OOC: Bane Malar rolled 16 using 1d20. Sense Motive.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:41, Fri 20 July 2018.

"I'm going with Sora," Sella says flatly.

"You are not," Zirak retorts, "You came last time. Take it turns, like the good sport you pretend you are."

"Come, Sella," says Sora earnestly, "We are not going to leave you on this moon. I shall return, you have my word."

Sella stares at him evenly for a moment.

"Fine," she says at length.

Zirak sends R5 a look that says exactly what he thinks of beings who take other beings at their word.

"Beepity," R5 agrees.

"Excellent. Well, It is almost evening," Bane observes brightly, "Shall we try to find ourselves a half decent cantina?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:51, Fri 20 July 2018.

"Or a dingy alley with a suitable number of opportunistic thugs?" Zirak suggests.

"On a moon full of weequays I think your odds are slightly better than mine," Bane surmises grimly.

Zirak smirks nastily.

Sora, Zirak, Bane and R5 descend a narrow ramp carved onto the stone at the side of the platform, and find themselves on an uneven street consisting of large, rough paving stones. The streets of the settlement are fairly empty at this time of the evening, but the few weequays who are still about stop to stare at the travelers with interest and apprehension, clearly unaccustomed to off-worlders wandering through their town.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:31, Mon 15 Oct 2018.

"Ask them about the cantinas," Bane mutters to Sora as they pass a trio of elderly weequay.

"And the dingy, dangerous areas," Zirak prods.

Sora sighs, and begins to converse with the trio in Sriluurian. The weequays glance at each other hesitantly, but begin to reluctantly respond. After a short conversation, Sora turns back to the others.

"Cantina is over that way," he gestures to their left, "An abandoned factory which serves as the residence of a local gang is this way," he points down the street ahead of them.

"We know where to go first then, don't we?" Zirak says hungrily, starting off in the direction of the factory.

Sora sighs, following after Zirak.

"Very well."

The town is not large, and within a few minutes the factory looms into view ahead. It appears to have once been used as a refinery for some sort of ore or fuel source. Low office buildings stand nearest to them, many of the walls and windows cracked and broken. Behind these buildings a large yard is filled with the remains of machinery and conveyors. At the rear of the facility four massive ventilation towers rise, covered in graffiti and grime.

"So how do you want to do this?" Sora asks, staring at the low, dilapidated buildings ahead.

"Pretend you are chasing me, and fire a few shots over my shoulder. That ought to do it," Zirak replies, staring at the factory complex appraisingly.

"Won't that scare them off?" objects Sora.

"If they were clever it would. I am hoping they are stupid enough to think that strangers wandering onto their 'turf' to rob victims is something they need to discourage. Weequay are not the brightest species, after all. No offense," he adds to Sora.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:22, Mon 23 July 2018.

Sora sends him an unimpressed glance, then turns back to the factory.

"Well, let's try it and see what happens."

"Ready when you are," Zirak replies patiently.

Sora sighs, drawing the heavy blaster from his side and firing a couple of shots into the air.

"Excellent," Zirak smiles, before giving what he seems to feel is a serviceable cry of terror, and fleeing.

OOC: Zirak Derasir rolled 20 using 1d20+2. Bluff.

Sora begins to pursue him into the facility, and they have not moved through more than the first couple of rooms before they are met by a pair of wiry weequay. Behind them, another pair appear in the doorway. Two are armed with daggers, and one with a makeshift club. The fourth holds a battered looking slugthrower pistol, leveled at Sora. All four eye Sora's heavy blaster greedily.

OOC: Zirak Derasir rolled 11 using 1d20+6. Initiative.
Sora Bulq rolled 7 using 1d20+2. Initiative.
Weequay Gang Members rolled 6 using 1d20. Initiative.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:47, Mon 23 July 2018.

Zirak steps forward stretching out a hand at the pair of thugs before him. The pair have given garbled gasps as dark tendrils stretch out from Zirak's gloved hand, drawing their life essence into him. A moment later the pair collapse lifelessly to the grimy floor.

OOC: Zirak Derasir used Drain Life on Weequay Gang Members.
Zirak Derasir has gained 19 vitality points.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:47, Mon 23 July 2018.

Spinning swiftly, Sora has stretched out a hand at the leftmost of the weequays who have entered behind them. Dark tendrils stretch out from his own hand, though not as dark as those which spring from Zirak. The weequay has looked confused as the life drains from his eyes and his dagger slips from his grasp. With a grunt his body collapses to the floor.

OOC: Sora Bulq used Drain Life on Weequay Gang Member.
Sora Bulq has gained 11 vitality points.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:48, Mon 23 July 2018.

The remaining weequay has given a cry of terror, every bit as convincing as Zirak's earlier cry, and bolted off down the corridor.

Zirak has smiled and ignited his lightsaber.

"Are you up for collecting some rations for our next journey?"

"No," says Sora, restraining him, "Let him go."

Zirak sighs, but reluctantly switches off his lightsaber.

"See? Doesn't it feel better having eaten?"

"It does... And yet it doesn't..." Sora says, pensively.

"Well, it makes me feel better knowing that you are not going to eat Bane during our next hyperspace journey," Zirak sniffs disdainfully.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:08, Mon 23 July 2018.

"I suppose it is worth it..." Sora seems to be trying to convince himself.

"Success, I take it?" Bane says lightly, unpropping himself from a nearby wall as the pair step out of the abandoned factory.

"Indeed," Zirak smiles, "I do so enjoy a planet populated by food that charges at me instead of fleeing."

"Well, weequays can usually be relied upon for that sort of thing," Bane replies smoothly, "So, now that we have that sorted, we need information on Sora's uncle. Specifically, any weaknesses we can exploit to help our dear friend regain control of his estate."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:40, Mon 23 July 2018.

"I am more concerned with gaining access to any files with information on these Jedi Crusaders or the cube," Sora replies, frowning.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:45, Mon 23 July 2018.

"Of course you are," says Bane with a sympathy that lacks sincerity, "Now, where is that cantina?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:46, Mon 23 July 2018.

If Sora detects any lack of sincerity in Bane's voice, he does not show it. Instead, he begins to lead the others in the direction of the cantina recommended to him by the trio of weequay by the landing platform.

The sun has completely set, and a dark mist begins to gather about the streets as they walk. Sora continues to lead the way, squinting in the dim light of the fluorescent rods which line the streets at sparse intervals. Zirak, in contrast, seems quite comfortable in the darkness, the the infrared built into R5's eye and Bane's helmet enable them to move about the streets without difficulty. After several minutes of walking through the empty streets, they reach a large, two story building comprised of dull steel and grimy fiberglass windows.

"How... charming," Bane says dryly, looking the building up and down.

"You were the one who wanted to come here," Sora replies defensively.

"So I was, so I was," Bane allows, advancing, "Well then, let's see what morsels of information they have in stock."

The trio enter through a door formed of a dull, bronze metal to find themselves in a room which is not much more impressive than its exterior. A number of stone tables are scattered about the room, and a long, unadorned counter stands at the far wall. The interior is not grimy, but neither is it polished. The lighting within is provided by a series of fluorescent lights mounted about the walls, one of which flickers intermittently. Most of the tables are empty, save for one in the centre of the room, about which five weequay are seated, and one near the corner, at which another pair of weequay converse in low tones. The bartender sits behind the bar, arms folded before him, and makes no move to rise as the party enter. The weequays about the room all cease their conversation upon the entry of the newcomers, all eyes turned in their direction.

"Well, it's not the worst cantina I've ever been to," Bane murmurs to Sora.

"No, nor I, thanks to your charming little haunt on Denon," Sora shoots back.

"Fair," Bane allows, "Now then, let's see if we can't get some information."

He approaches the table around which the five weequay are seated.

"Mind if we join you?" he says pleasantly.

The group of weequay stare back at him, their expressions morphing from curiosity to confusion and apprehension.

Bane sighs.

"Sora, do you want to do the talking?"

Sora frowns, but nevertheless steps forward. He bows, and proceeds to address the group in Sriluurian.

The group of weequay glance at each other as he speaks, but while the confusion in their expressions disappears, the apprehension remains. At length one of them responds, choosing his words carefully and shaking his head.

Sora continues the conversation for a little longer, before turning back to Bane at length.

"They know nothing of my Uncle or the estate," he says grimly, "They are farmers and herders, and their only connection with the estate is in paying tribute every month or two."

He turns to glance at the pair by corner, who quickly avert their gaze, and then at the bartender, who stares back stonily.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:14, Sun 14 Oct 2018.

"Let us see how much they really know," Bane says stepping forward, "No, no," he says hastily as Zirak reaches for his lightsaber, "I'm thinking of something a little more... subtle."

He stands silently for a few moments, concentrating. Reaching out with his mind, he attempts to probe the thoughts of those gathered. After a moment he gives a cluck of annoyance.

"Since when do weequays have strong minds?" he grumbles.

Zirak folds his arms across his chest.

"I might point out that according to the Holonet, weequays have been immune to subtlety for as long as kalzerians have been immune to caring about other people. A lightsaber to the gut is so much more productive for everyone."
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:27, Sun 14 Oct 2018.

R5 gives an appreciative series of beeps.

Sora sends Zirak a disapproving glare.

"They know nothing," he says firmly, "And we are not here to terrorise the local populace. We should return to the ship."

"Speak for yourself," Zirak mutters, but reluctantly takes his hand from his lightsaber, and after sending the patrons of the cantina an imperious glare, sweeps from the room.

The others follow after him, stepping into the mist once more. The dark, muddy streets about them remain empty and silent as they make their way back to the ship. At length the large, stone landing platform looms before them. As they approach the foot of the stone ramp, a figure advances out of the gloom. As the figure draws nearer they are able to distinguish his features as those of a green skinned male twi'lek dresses in a dark combat jumpsuit. He carries no weapon that they can see.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:30, Mon 15 Oct 2018.

"Excuse me," he addresses Sora, "But I think I saw you drop this datapad when you first arrived."

As he speaks he withdraws a sleek looking datapad from a pouch at his belt.

Sora frowns warily.

"I'm afraid you are mistaken. I had no datapad on me when I arrived."

"I am certain it was you," the twi'lek replies firmly, shoving the datapad into Sora's hands, "I am not one to forget a weequay's face."

Sora stares at the datapad in bewilderment.

"I am sure you are mis-"

He glances up to find that the twi'lek has already disappeared into the mist, and is nowhere in sight.

"Weird," Bane mutters after a moment of silence, "A twi'lek on this moon, I mean."

"What does the datapad say?" Zirak asks, practically, seeming to find nothing odd about random twi'leks shoving datapads into Sora's hands.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:08, Mon 15 Oct 2018.

"Now, just wait-" Bane says as Sora presses the activation button.

The screen of the datapad lights up, revealing a few lines of Aurebesh text.

"What were you saying?" Sora says, glancing at Bane.

"Well, it seems to be all right," Bane says begrudgingly, "But in future, Sora, when a random stranger comes up to you and passes you a datapad, you don't just turn it on. It could be rigged with explosives or anything. Just... check it over properly first in future."

"Seems all right..." Sora murmurs defensively, before examining the message.

The datapad contains the following meesage.

Sora Bulq. I know that you recently tried to reclaim your estate without success. A word of advice. Seek out Ak-Yev. He is currently working for Vungo the Hutt on Nar Shaddaa. A friend.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:16, Mon 15 Oct 2018.

Sora frowns as he finishes reading, before passing the datapad to Zirak.

"What do you make of it?"

Zirak swiftly scans the message, before passing it back with a shrug.

"It's a friend who is offering to help us get credits on a planet with plenty of food. I say it looks promising."

Sora doesn't look like he views this as a particularly helpful comment. He shakes his head.

"I don't know who to trust anymore."

"This 'friend' certainly does seem very well informed," Bane says as he in turn examines the message, "But you know the saying, 'Don't look a gift-bantha in the mouth'. No?" he says in response to the two blank looks he receives, "Might just be a Tatooine thing. Anyway, it's a saying, and I say we go and pay this Ak-Yev a visit."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Mon 15 Oct 2018.

"Beepity-boop-bleep-beep," R5 beeps excitedly, trundling up the ramp to the ship.

"How far away from here is Nar Shaddaa?" Zirak asks as he follows after R5.

"A standard day, give or take," Bane replies.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:34, Mon 15 Oct 2018.

R5's head swivels back.

"Beep-boopity-dwoop."

Bane shoots R5 a resentful glance.

"Fine, eighteen-point-four-seven-five standard hours," he says, before adding in a lower tone, "Give or take."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:38, Mon 15 Oct 2018.

They enter the ship to find Sella seated in the cockpit, idly perusing the ship's drift charts. Bane brushes past her and slips into the pilot's seat, igniting the engine with a load rumble.

"You see, we didn't run off," Sora grins at Sella as he follows Bane into the cockpit.

Sella gives him a smirk in response.

"Fair enough. I suppose it wasn't as though you had anywhere to go. Speaking of going, where are we off to?"

"Nar Shaddaa," Bane responds without turning his head, "Sora wanted to do some gambling."

Sella turns to Sora with a quizzical eyebrow raised.

"Oh?"

Sora shakes his head, rolling his eyes at Bane.

"We believe there may be a contact there who can help us get access to my estate. I'll fill you in on the details later."

"Not to mention a planet full of food," Zirak adds nastily as he passes on his way to the crew quarters.

Sella sends a dark glance after him, before turning back to Sora.

"Very well. Though I do feel slightly sorry for Nar Shaddaa..."

'Malar's Fist' lifts off the landing platform and soars into the air. Within minutes it is in the atmosphere, and soon the moon is a small, blue and emerald orb once more. Bane ignites the hyperdrive, the engine glows a brilliant blue, and they are gone.

OOC: End of Chapter VIII...