Kandji listens to Mittens' stories about the Empire with a concerned frown.

"Wow, I had no idea the Empire had done such terrible things... I mean, I know Biggs hasn't been so keen on them since he joined the Academy, and my father has never been a big fan of them, but killing your mother? I'm... I'm so sorry. I don't know what to say..."

She bites her lip, sending Mittens a sympathetic look as she briefly halts to allow a series of landspeeders to pass through an intersection in front of them.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 00:56, Mon 22 June 2020.

Biggs also frowns grimly at Mittens' story.

"Don't worry Mitts," he says with resolve, "I'm not going to let the Empire draft me into service, that's for sure. Still, some things are best left to discuss in the safety of family homes. You never know when the Empire might be listening..."

As he says this he glances darkly about at the passing foot traffic and merchant stalls before Kandji once more accelerates off.

"As for Klivian," he continues, "Yep. All of the above, Mitts. He's not a bad pilot, but he's arrogant and craftier than a sandsnake. He's got all the instructors in his pocket and a gang of the most thuggish members of our year to follow him around wherever he goes. I'm not convinced he isn't cheating, to be honest."

Angel pets Mitts' shoulder. "You see? Biggs isn't falling for it. You can calm down where that is concerned." She'll talk with Mittens about it later.

To the topic of Klivian, Angel says, "I realize what the old adage 'cheaters never prosper' means, but there really needs to be a better way to word it. Like 'cheaters prosper for a time, but in the end it catches up with them and they fall hard' or something."

Angel gets a look on her face like she has an idea and asks, "Besides piloting, what areas do you know you can beat him at? In particular, I'm curious if you think you could beat him in hand-to-hand combat."

Mittens is sooo glad Kandji didn't dismiss her loss.  Or worse, repeat what happened before.  It's such a hassle to keep emotions reigned in.  Though maybe it's a blessing in disguise.  Had she not been born attuned to Forcery and thus assigned a Space Zen teacher, Mittens would likely be a wanted killer by now.

"Thank you for your kind words, Kandji," Mits answers, calming down, "I can see now that I was right to assume, 'Well if Biggs likes her, she's gotta be awesome.'  Dad is a soldier in the Alliance.  So I've gotten into the habit of openly bad-mouthing the Imps all the time.  I apologize for putting you all at risk with my big mouth."

Mits raises an eyebrow at Biggs claiming the Empire can't make him fight for them.  Clearly this must mean he's already joined the Alliance.

"Sounds like Klivian is well on his way to being made an officer.  A poster child to 'prove' that the Empire is a 'meritocracy.'  What they don't mention in the propaganda is that what they consider 'merit' are all the traits of the classic High-school Drama boss bully."

Mits snickers at Angel's hinting at a fist fight between Biggs and Klivian.  "Hah!  That'd be a sight to see!  It'd be like that scrap between Fixer and Tank, only leveled up!

"But for what it's worth, Angel, Master would argue that the saying doesn't need any adjustment."

She puts a puppet on her hand that resembles her Master and quotes, "Klivian has already lost because he's a pitiful creature forever enslaved to his base instincts that'll just snowball with more and more chains the more he 'prospers' by being a monster."

Mits then realizes that Kandji might get the wrong idea from the title, 'Master,' and explains, "Oh.  In case you're wondering, Mittens is not a slave.  She takes martial arts lessons from a martial arts Master."

Kandji sends Mittens a sympathetic smile as they near the edge of the spaceport.

"I wish I had more to offer than just kind words."

Her smile turns a little shy as Mittens praises her.

"Aww, you're both so sweet. And don't worry about the Empire around here. I've never seen an Imperial soldier on this planet. I'm pretty sure this planet has nothing that would interest ever them."

"Ooh, you're a martial artist?" she says with interest, "You mean like Echani or Teräs Käsi and stuff?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:43, Tue 23 June 2020.

Biggs also reddens slightly as Mittens mentions him liking Kandji, but he gives Angel a nod of agreement.

"Indeed. Cheating may cut corners, but it catches up with you sooner or later. Hmm, fist fight you say? Well, Klivian likes to boast how he goes to the hologym all the time, but I doubt he's ever been in a real brawl... Of course, brawling was always more Tank's forte... Maybe you could teach me a few martial arts moves? Although I know a lot of that takes years of exercises and conditioning before you can really use it properly."

"And it's all right, Mitts," he smiles, "I agree the chances of an Imperial spy listening in on us is pretty slim. Still, once we are out of the city and in the open it will be safer to talk about your father and this Alliance he is a part of."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:50, Tue 23 June 2020.

Angel says, "The martial arts Mittens is learning is more like fencing than Echani. So if you wanna learn some fancy sword work, that's most of what she knows. She and I both know a little Teräs Käsi, though, due to the sorts of enemies her master expects her to run into. Years of training to be good at it, sure, but it only takes an hour or two to teach some solid moves that will help out in most altercations."

Due to hanging out with Mittens, Angel knows enough Makashi to be an OK sparring-buddy for Mittens (and to hold off a dark jedi long enough for Mittens to save her bacon if it ever came to that).

Angel looks back at Biggs. "Reason I ask is... someone like Klivian needs to be kept from climbing the ranks. If you were to challenge him to a one-on-one fight and call him a coward if he backs down, his men might lose faith in him if he refuses, but also if he accepts and loses. Thugs tend to only respect people who can punch their way out of a problem. Not that I want you getting into trouble, mind you, but it is something to keep in mind. He may inevitably do the same to you, but if you wait till he challenges you, it'll be on his terms and he'll be ready with a way to cheat."

"Mittens thinks Kandji is super cute with her overflowing kindness, sweet words, and interest in art.  Eager as she is to give an immediate demonstration of the 'surprise hug' technique, speeder seat is in the way and Mittens' arms aren't that long.  So... Surprise pigtails!"

Mits takes out a pair of hair scrunchies and reaches over to give Kandji a pair of pigtails.

"Master has taught me a variety of martial arts, but yeah.  The main focus is Soresu - 'The Way of the Mynock.'  Never did get to prove to Biggs that I can deflect a blaster bolt with my glow stick.  Angel has taught me to be decent with a blaster, but she's the true master of that art.  Most times she can peg me on the second shot."

The first shot is to force you into an open position, making you easy prey for the second.  Master doesn't see the point in proving how many of Angel's shots he can block, so he's rebuffed every one of Mittens' arm-twists to give it a try.

"Much as I'd loove to see Mr. Bullyface get schooled, especially with one of our favorite techniques, clearly the wiser decision is to not return to the Academy."

The Master puppet explains, "Nothing teaches better than defeat, so why make your enemy stronger through 'teaching them a lesson' for free?  Being an obstacle for a creek over time gives it the strength of a lake."

Kandji grins at Mittens' flood of compliments, but she seems to be quite ticklish, giving a giggle and scrunching up her face as the pigtails ruffle around her. The speeder gives a sharp jolt to the left, causing Biggs to swiftly shoot out a hand to steady the controls. Kandji regains control of the vehicle, still giggling as a passing Dug shakes his head darkly at the speeder full of 'young hooligans'.

"Soresu? I've never heard of that. But I don't know anything about fencing. My dad does own an old vibrosword..." Kandji says after she has regained control of herself, "And what is a Mynock? Wow, blocking blaster bolts with a stick? I've never heard of anything like that before. You've got to show me that!"

"Sword fighting, eh?" Biggs says, "Well, maybe I could challenge Klivian to an old fashioned duel. Assuming they have those on whatever planet he comes from. But then we'd probably have all sorts of problems with the Academy. Fist fights happen all the time. Either way I like your thinking, Angel. I don't see how it can hurt to take him down a peg. And if he does happen to win, well, he can't be any worse than he is at the moment. So yes, if you have time to teach me a few moves that would be-"

He breaks off as Mittens does her pigtail hug and the speeder swerves, trying to look serious but grinning despite himself as Kandji giggles.

"Sorry!" he calls over his shoulder at the grouchy Dug.

"Hmm," he says after things have calmed down, "I can respect your Master's view Mitts, but I'm inclined to agree with Angel that sometimes the only way to stop a bully is to stand up to them. And if he learns a few things by getting a broken nose and getting pummelled into the dirt, I guess I can live with that. As for returning to the Academy, well, let's discuss that later."

When the near-accident happens, Angel pulls out a gun, but keeps it out of view. Once it calms, Angel puts her gun away and glances at Mittens. "Well now we know she's ticklish... I'll get her back for you, Kandji."

With that, Angel turns to tickle Mittens.

As she does, Angel answers Kandji, "Mynocks are these bat-like creatures that live in the vacuum of space and like to feast on energy, so they often chew on ship wiring and stuff. Soresu is about deflecting blaster bolts, so it is called "the Way of the Mynock" because of the Mynocks's tendency to wrap itself in its leathery wings to protect itself from predators."

She knows because as soon as she heard it was named after what most consider to be a  very annoying space-pest, she just had to know why.

Angel says to Mittens, "I don't know if "broken nose and wounded pride" is considered 'free', Mittens. Besides... sometimes, losing is what teaches us to be better people rather than just simply more skilled. And before you say it, I realize chances of Klivian learning to be a better man are microscopic, but I'm just saying." she sticks a tongue out teasingly.

Angel is guessing Mitts' master could block as many shots as his physical energy allowed. She figures if she were able to use the energy of youth, she might just wear the guy down till she got a hit in. But that would take a long time and probably wouldn't improve the skills of either her or the master. In short, Angel agrees with Mitts' master. Even if she'd like to see it proven just once.

"Wheee!"

As if she wasn't already having a ton of fun with the swerving speeder and the ticklish Kandji, Mits squeals and giggles like a child when Angel tickles her in revenge!  A quick exchange of Mittens parrying Angel's hands only to be tagged again from a new angle shows that while this young Jedi is no slouch at hand-to-hand, she's no match for her buddy.

"I surrender!  I surrender!  You win, Angel!"

Once things calm down, Mits considers the conversation, though still hyper-vigilant to defend from another attack from Angel.

"Ahem.  I see that Kandji didn't mind the surprise pigtails.  Mittens will be happy to give more demonstrations of her strange talents."

She nods, smiling that her friends are rejecting her Master's wisdom, just like she did.  "Hey, I can't disagree.  If it were me, I'd probably have already provoked the guy into a fight.  Your restraint proves that you are more mature than Mittens.  (Not that that's much to boast about.)  Even so, as a self-contradictory and selfish type person, Mittens is far more interested in recruiting Biggs to join her righteous cause than she is in sending him back into the meat grinder just for the satisfaction of knowing that a well-deserving bully will be getting clobbered.  Like for serious.  Here's how I expect this to go:"

A very villainous looking puppet appears on her hand and asks, "I do not care who started this fight.  What I want to know is for what cause did you fight?"

An exaggeratedly stupid looking puppet answers, "Sir, I am certain you already know the answer, sir!  As class leader, I could not allow a challenge to my position go unanswered.  I felt that it would be a disgrace to my uniform to do any less, sir!"

"And your answer, Private?"

Mittens answers, "He's a low-down, no-good, dirty, rotten, bully who abuses his position and harms the morale of my fellow students with his insults and..."

"That's enough!  The teachers and students alike have nothing but good to say about Klivian.  Your feelings were hurt so you resort to violent insubordination and slander?!  I've heard enough.  You'll be spending the next month in solitary confinement to think on your actions!"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:13, Wed 24 June 2020.

Kandji laughs as the girls have their tickle fight, reaching the edge of the spaceport and passing through a sandstone archway and out into the open desert beyond.

"Aha, right," she replies to the mynock explanation, looking as though she still doesn't really have much of an idea about what the creatures actually are. She grins at Mittens offer to demonstrate her strange talents.

"I look forward to it! You certainly have a lot of talents!"

Biggs also grins at the tickle fight, but he seems more interested in the theoretical fight with Klivian.

"I hope one day Klivian becomes a better person," he shrugs, "But I'm certainly not holding my breath."

He grins at Mittens' puppet show.

"Well, yes, I would have to be a bit more tactical than simply challenging him to a brawl in the mess hall or something. But I've also got a certain degree of respect from the instructors, so it would just be a case of timing it right and making sure I had a good excuse ready for the officers..."

Angel giggles from the puppet show and says, "Your ability to see ahead is getting better, Mittens. But you're right, I take it for granted people would not be impulsive and execute plans unprepared."

Angel looks about at the desert briefly and says, "Ah the memories. Two suns. Heat. Sand. Heat. Sand-*people*. Heat."

Angel reaches a hand forward to put it on Biggs' shoulder. "We really did miss you, Biggs. And worried for you. You know how it is. When you love someone, you worry for them even when they are Grand Krayte Dragons. But the flight here was worth it just to hear your reassurances in person."

She smirks. "Though I gotta say... Kandji alone is also worth the trip."

Angel leans back in her chair. "It's good we were able to stay in touch this past year, but you just gotta see friends face-to-face sometimes. I'm really thrilled to be here."

"Mittens regrets not having met the marvelous diamond in the rough that is Kandji the last time she was on Tatooine.  She wonders to herself what it is about this desert world that produces such great friends.  Come to think of it, seems like all of this Galaxy's cool people come from single-climate worlds.  Such as that awesome Bard family from Coruscant."

Mits chuckles darkly and glances sheepishly at Angel, "Thanks, but it's probably more hindsight.  My brief first time joining the Alliance ended in me getting kicked out by their officers.  Good excuses and impulse control aren't my strong suits.

"But yeah.  It's great to be back.  This place is so epic!"

Speaking of poor impulse control, Mits wedges her legs between the seat and side of the speeder to lean over the side and run her gauntlet along the ground to kick up some dust and sand.  "Whee!  Y'all mind if I try some sand-skiing?  Yeowch!  Hot!"

She retracts her hand and removes the now sand-blasted gauntlet.

Kandji smiles at Angel, then at Mittens.

"Aww, you two," she gushes, blushing, "You really are a nice change around here! Most people around here are so mistrusting of people and are always looking of ways to take advantage of people. You two are like a breath of fresh air!"

She laughs at Mittens' description of the planet as epic.

"I'm sure it's nothing compared to Coruscant, but Tatooine does have its charms. And it's home."

"Oh!" she adds to Mittens, "Careful, that's... hot."

Biggs grins at Angel as she pats him on the shoulder.

"It's good to see you both safe and sound too," he says warmly, "The galaxy is a dangerous place. And yes, I know exactly how it is."

His gaze strays to Kandji as he says this, before glancing back to Angel.

"Yes, I heartily agree with your assessment of Kandji, and look forward to hanging out with you two for a week or two. And I'll take a dozen suns and all the heat that comes with them over having to put up with Klivian and his goons."

"Kicked out by the Rebel Alliance?" he says to Mittens, "Now that is quite a feat, even for you! What happened?"

He laughs at her attempt at sand-skiing and her reaction.

"Yeah, probably better to try that this evening or early tomorrow morning."

Angel watches Mittens burn herself in the sand and reflexively grabs Mitten's tail to make sure she has one more anchor to keep from falling out. "One of the things Mitts and I agree on all the time is that variety is the spice of life. Coroscant, Tatooine... each place has its own charm that you can't get in the other. Many worlds are like that. So traveling is very much fun."

She looks to Biggs. "Evening seems better because then we could shower afterwords. How late will we be able to stay up tonight, though?"

She leaves the answering about being kicked from the Alliance to Mittens.

The tip of Mits tail spun about wildly when Angel grabbed the kitty's built-in leash.

"Mittens remembers getting a face full of hot Tatooine sand.  Thought that two layers of heat protection would be enough."

Mits sits back down, smiles impishly at Angel, and wraps the tip of her tail around her buddy's wrist.  "In Rimworld Tatooine, Tiger's tail got YOU!"

Mittens sighs when asked how she was kicked out of the Alliance.

"Basic training.  I'd already been given several warnings about insubordination and disorderly conduct.  We were doing P.T., jogging around the base perimeter, when I sensed danger from inside the nearby woods.  Knowing that the D.I. wouldn't listen to my warnings, I decided to try and head it off at the pass so my fellow students could get away.

"It wasn't long before I found it.  A big native animal.  Like a Reek.  And quite angry.  Fortunately not very bright, so I was able to out-maneuver it among the trees.  Unfortunately, my D.I. and fellow students decided to follow me into the woods.  And I'm sure you know how stubborn people can be.  No matter how much I shouted at them to get away, they wouldn't listen and opened fire on it.  Blaster fire was like pouring fuel on the fire.  Trees were toppled, people were injured, I was forced to kill the animal.  And of course I was told it was all my fault that I'd put everyone in danger.

"In retrospect, if I'd simply smacked the D.I. on the back of the head and run toward the base daring him to catch me, he'd have ordered everyone to run me down and nobody would have gotten hurt.  And I might have even been praised for saving the day.  But sadly, clever plans like that tend not to occur to me till much later.

"Upshot, I've been allowed to re-join and was even given a promotion.  Specialist Mittens!  Even PFCs have to salute her!  But that's a story best told with puppets."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:11, Fri 26 June 2020.

Biggs grins at Angel.

"Well, I don't know if Luke would agree with you about the 'charm' of Tatooine, but I suppose it is a nicer place when you are visiting for a week or two and can leave whenever you want. As for staying up, we can stay up as late as you want really. My father won't mind, and Luke will be staying at my place tonight so he won't need to worry about getting back."

He listens to Mittens' story with interest.

"A reek?" he frowns, "Never heard of it, but it sounds nasty, whatever it is. Sounds like it was a good thing you were there. It is unfortunate that sometimes heroic actions aren't seen for what they are, but I'm glad your merits have been recognised now, Specialist."

He gives her a salute and a grin.

Kandji smiles at Angel's praise of her home planet.

"Just don't venture too far from the house after dark," she warns grimly as they discuss their evening activities, "The sand people have been bolder than usual lately."

"Wow, maybe it is the sand people who should be watching out!" she says after hearing Mittens' story, "So, I'm going to look like the total noob here, but what is a D.I? And P.T? And PFCs?"

Angel answers for Mittens. "D.I. is Drill Instructor. P.T. is Physical Training. PFC is Private First Class. Also known as E3, because it's the third rank up in the Enlisted ranks. For instance, Specialist is E4." she chuckles and adds, "Military trains you to talk in acronyms. Don't feel bad for not knowing military terminology."

Angel then says, "Military life is for some, but not for me. I've heard too much about the command structure and feel like I wouldn't be a good fit. I'm more likely to be some kind of bounty hunter."

Angel ponders. "Sand people would make for good target practice. Speaking of, I've heard they have women, children, and a whole community?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:52, Mon 29 June 2020.

Mits grins and returns the salute.

"Thanks!  Never imagined I'd ever be saluted by an Imperial Cadet.  Will have to add that one to my list of unlikely achievements.

"Reek...  Imagine a giant lizard about three quarters the size of a bantha with three horns sticking out of it's head.  According to Master, they were a part of an epic Jedi battle on Geonosis during the Clone Wars.

"Far be it from me to begrudge anyone wanting to leave home and see the Galaxy.  Staying put isn't my style.

"Thanks for the warning, Kandji.  Chances are that I'd survive my second encounter with Sand People so long as I have a means of escape.  But also, chances are that once again, some of them would end up dead, and someone I care about would wind up wounded.  So I'll do my best to not put them or me in danger of killing one another.  Any rumors on what's got them more up in arms than usual?  Maybe I could ask Master to try and negotiate less aggression.  He'll probably refuse since natives that aggressive won't ever negotiate unless you kill several dozen of them, and he's not keen on killing en masse even if its for the greater good."

Mits smirks at Angel and points out, "Well technically we already are bounty hunters, Angel.  We've turned in several bounties.  Sort of.  Nevermind that Dad had to act as proxy because of our age."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:39, Mon 29 June 2020.

"Aha!" says Kandji, nodding at Angel's explanations, "Wow, I'd never remember all that! Makes you sound very cool though! As for sand people... Well, I've heard they have communities and stuff, and I guess they must have some kind of females and children somewhere, but I've never seen them. Only the men and their banthas. Unless the women dress like men... But yeah, I've never had any desire to know more about them than I have to."

"I have no doubt you two girls could deal with them if they attacked, with all the scrapes you have come through. Still, it would be a bit unfortunate if your holiday ended in a sand people shoot out or if either of you got hurt."