Cupee wakes in the familiar cell she's been living in for a couple weeks now.  Today there is someone new.  Or perhaps, some thing.  A droid is sitting quietly at the back wall facing the bars opposite.

https://vignette.wikia.nocooki...st?cb=20071011201258

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FSn5...CocY/s640/Iconic.jpg

(minus the skeleton)
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:49, Sat 08 Sept 2018.

Cupee is unsure she will ever get used to the metal people. This one looks kind of scary, but Cupee has seen far scarier be friendly.

Thankfully, learning Galactic Basic wasn't something Cupee had to worry about since she has been wandering the stars for years now. Her voice is as small as she is, if a tiny bit gravelly due to having just woken up. "Hello?" she says as she rubs an eye with her fist before standing up and looking more directly at the robot. "I am Cupee. Who are you?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:00, Sat 08 Sept 2018.

The droid turns its head to look at Cupee without the usual whirring sounds that droids make when they move.

"Hll.. ehem.  Hello, Cupee.  Pardon the frog in my throat.  My name is Rodger.  Surprised?  Well it is what it is.  I don't have a normal name like 'Letter Number Letter Letter' or 'Letter Number Letter Number' like all the other kids at school.  So what brings you to this fine establishment if I may ask?"

As it talks, the eyes flash slightly brighter with each syllable.

"...Master."

Speaking of never being used to the metal people, this one has eyes that glow and flash with every syllable! Cupee's eyes go wide upon seeing this, though not with fear so much as wonder and awe.

Cupee walks towards Rodger and says, "Nice to meet you, Rodger. I do not have numbers in my name either... master? I'm sorry, I do not understand. Am I supposed to teach you something?"

Her eyes don't flash, but they are a very vivid blue that are as close to glowing as non-glowing eyes can get, for whatever that is worth to one with glowing eyes.

Rodger stares into those beautiful eyes for a moment, trying to process Cupee's reply.

"An albino baby Wookie that speaks perfect Basic.  Now there's something you don't see every day.  Eh err um... 'Master' is a term of respect one gives to their betters, Master Cupee, Sir.  Would you like to have a number in your name?  Like, Cupee-3?  That has a nice ring to it, doesn't it.  And I beg your pardon if my question you were unable or unwilling to answer.  Would you like me punished for asking it?  Master."

Cupee squeaks and protests, "No! No.. you shouldn't be punished for such a simple thing... you poor deer. What horrible things you must have been through..."

Cupee calms herself and says, "I am not a wookie, I am an ewok. I do not know what an albino is, though... Thank you for the respect. If you would like the same respect, I could call you Master Rodger?"

But she does idly wonder if this is Master Rodger's neighborhood (sorry. couldn't resist). "Are you from around here?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:55, Sat 08 Sept 2018.

Rodger's eyes flicker repeatedly like his eyes are blinking as he once again stares at this amazing unicorn he has encountered.

"Albinism is the congenital absence of any pigmentation or coloration in a person, animal or plant.  In mammals this results in white hair and pink eyes.  So I guess it was foolish of me to label you albino for clearly your eyes are not pink.

"Please forgive your servant's ignorance on the topic of your species.  You are most welcome for the well-deserved respect, kind-hearted Cupee.  I do not know if I would like the same respect.  But I calculate that it would not be helpful for you to grant it to me in this place.

"I'm sorry, but I am not from around here.  I have only just arrived, a prisoner of the Imperial Navy.  I calculate that they intend to use us as target practice for their new soldiers."

Cupee gulps. "Target practice? But... why? Why do they hate us? I didn't do anything harmful to them. I didn't break any rules or insult them. And what about you? Why are you stuck here?"

Rodger rubs his chin.

"Let's see.  By my calculations, the logic is like this:  A stationary target is not challenging enough.  One that moves predictably is more challenging, but not enough to be like real enemies.  But targets that want to survive are the most challenging to hit.

"Predators need not be offended by prey to eat them.  Or sharpen their claws on them.  Or whatever else they choose to use their prey for.  I am stuck here because the door is locked and the guards would shoot me if I were to walk out even if it weren't."

Cupee says, "....you're right. They have no reason to lock us in here besides wanting to be cruel. Maybe our chance to escape will be when they use us for target practice. If they plan to kill us no matter how we compose ourselves, then the only reason to not defy them is to wait for the proper time to act. When the time comes, will you work with me to escape?"

Rodger nods.

"Yes.  Escape sounds like a good idea.  Perhaps if we capture a cadet we can force him to be our pilot off this planet."

Cupee nods and says, "I guess until then, we may as well get to know each other... where are you from and what led you here?"

An Imperial guard interrupts the conversation with tossing Constantine into the prison with the other two.

"Might want to make your peace.  You're going to be target practice soon!  Hahaha!"

Constantine wants to say SO many things to the guard, but knows that even though he might soon be dead, he would like his teeth to remain where they are. He'll worry about annoying comebacks when he's actually close to death. So instead, he just averts his eyes from the guard with a calm expression that barely masks the fear and rage he is feeling.

Once the guard closes the door (or leaves), he turns to the other two. The odd couple seems to make his facade fade away and reveal his anger more plainly. "A droid and a cute little teddy bear? It's like the Empire isn't satisfied with just being tyrants! Are they so desperate to find the most innocent, undeserving people and use them as target practice?!"

His fists clench. "By The Force! I pray there is an afterlife where these monsters get to experience being used as target practice over and over for all eternity!"

Cupee reaches over to Constantine's hand and pets his arm in a comforting motion. "Shh... it's going to be OK. My name is Cupee. This is Rodger. We are going to escape with you..."

Rodger waves to Constantine.

"I must say I'm surprised you'd include me in the 'most innocent, undeserving people' category.  Thank you.

"As for the Empire's motives, we were just discussing that.  My take is that the Empire is simply following the basic programming of most predators.  The Alpha of this pack, though...  Very interesting individual.  Never met him in person, but I knew someone who was very close with him.  Betrayed when he completed his master's bidding.  Not like most Alphas to kill a member of their own pack for obeying.  I'm still trying to figure out the advantage.

"As for praying for eternal suffering for your enemy, I can assure you chances of ever knowing their post-death fate is quite unlikely.  I calculate that it would be more practical to think on ways to escape and survive.

"...Master."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:15, Thu 13 Sept 2018.

Constantine says darkly, "Alpha... call it what you will, but it is wrong and it is cowardice. They believe themselves above morality, allowed to do anything they want because of their numbers. Don't they know? You only have power over people as long as you don't take everything away from them. But when you've robbed someone of everything, he's no longer in your power—he's free again."

He looks down at the petting hand and then to Cupee. Then sighs and says, "Sorry for the outburst, I'm just... very angry. I plan to channel that towards the escape effort. I'm glad to meet you. If I die in the next few moments, at least I had sympathetic sorts to keep me company in my last hour. Thank you."

Cupee says, "You are right. Evil people do not often last. They destroy themselves. Let that inspire you when we make our escape."

She looks at Rodger. "How did you know this person you're talking about? And what was the task he completed?"

Rodger's eyes flicker again like he's blinking in surprise at what was said.

"Count Dooku was my boss's boss.  Dooku oversaw the staged 'kidnapping' of his own boss, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, during the battle of Coruscant.  But for his success Palpatine had him murdered.  I was an eye witness, and it still baffles me."

"...Sir Cupee."

Constantine says, "My guess is you don't have the whole picture. That sounds too random and too high up in the ranks to be that random. So I'm sure there was a logical reason. Not a good reason, but a logical one."

He finds a spot to sit and does so. "None of that will matter when it is time to escape. Unless... unless it will matter. You are a droid. And those names mean something to most people, right? What if you told them this kind of treachery is what they can expect from being in the empire? At the very least, their subconscious doubt will lower their accuracy when shooting at us. Heck, the more evil-minded ones will be thinking they better betray their superior officers while it can look like an accident before their officers betray them."

Cupee says nothing, looking kind of lost. She isn't sure what to say to poor Rodger. And what Constantine says only makes half sense to her. But it is slowly sinking in from the context that Rodger must have worked for the mean people in some way. So confusing... why would a nice guy like Rodger work for them in the first place?

She shakes it off and says, "It won't hurt us to do what he is suggesting, will it?"

Rodger shrugs.  "Sorry, but I cannot predict what sort of reaction we will get to the divulging of that information to our enemies.  Though I am certainly happy to see that it being told to the two of you has not made you unhappy.  I'm sure that you will know how best to use what you know when the time comes.

"...Master.  Sir Cupee."

Constantine goes quiet for a moment. Then looks at Rodger. "I am upset. But not at you. You are a droid. You didn't have a choice. But when this is all over, I hope you will feel what it's like to make choices of your own... choices that matter."

Cupee at least gets the concept that droids are not even seen as third-class citizens. They are seen as property. So that is the context Cupee sees Rodger having "no choice". Personality programming is still a foreign concept to her. "Thank you for your input, Rodger. Constantine is right, though. And so far, the choice to escape is already a choice that matters. It will matter a lot more when we do escape, though."

The prison doors suddenly open and alarms begin to blare!  A voice over the intercom announces, "Jail break!  This is not a drill!  Secure all exits!  Lethal force is authorized!"

Rodger stands up and walks out, looking in all directions.  He then stands at attention and salutes to someone the other two can't see yet.

"Major Derlin!  PFC Rodger, Orange Squadron at your service, sir."

A gruff voice calls back, "A droid with a rank?  Psh.  Why not?  Alright, Private.  You're with me."

"Sir, yessir!  I have two friends who would like to escape, sir."

"Well bring 'em!  We're busting outta this place!"

Distant blaster fire can be heard coming from the opposite direction.

Constantine leaps to his feet. Someone already orchestrated a full-on jailbreak? He decides not to look a gift horse in the mouth and rushes to join Rodger before looking at who this Major Derlin guy.

Cupee squeaks in surprise at the sudden noise and almost jumps. Then follows Rodger and Constantine only to look upon Major Derlin. Then looks expectantly at Rodger. "Looks like you're leading the way, Rodger."

When the group enters the hall they can see who Rodger was saluting.  He looks tough, but he's also unarmed and very roughed up.  Dry blood covers half his face from a broken nose and busted lip.  But in spite of it, he grins when he sees the adorable teddybear and pretty boy show up.

"Welcome to the Alliance, kids.  Rodger's your squad leader.  Follow me, and I'll get us outta here."

He turns down a corridor heading away from the sounds of blaster fire.

Bren Derlin's smile gives Constantine hope and he smiles back!

Constantine follows and says, "Just so you know... I'm a doctor. I know we don't have much time for checkups, but I'm relatively sure I can do a quick patch job on the injured when we come across them."

Seeing Derlin's courage: It fills Constantine with determination!

Cupee smiles back also, and brightens up when she hears that Constantine can heal the injured. She follows Bren. "Honored to meet you! Thanks for the warm welcome!"

The halls aren't quite choked with confused prisoners, but there's plenty along the way.  Apparently all the doors unlocked on their own.  Most recognize something different about Derlin and his crazy bloodied smile convinces them to fall in behind him.  Rodger seems to recognize some of the prisoners and calls them by name and rank with a salute, but none of them recognize him.

Eventually the great outdoors is discovered past a pair of wide open blast doors flanked by a pair of disabled security droids.  Just outside the doors is a small group of unsavory looking armed escapees busting open crates full of weapons.

"Ugh!  These are all just stun weapons!" a thugish looking man complains.

"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth," a much more grizzeled man answers, eyeing the weapon in his hands.

He takes a look at the latest escapees arriving and doesn't seem at all hostile, if a bit suspicious.

"Gotta say though, this is awfully 'convenient.'  Crates full of stun weapons just laying here at the exit after that big-mouth boasted he could hack the security system never to be seen again.  I get the feeling this is some kinda setup."

Major Derlin chuckles and answers, "Would you prefer a much less suspicious firing squad?  Whatever twisted target practice they're using us for, at least this way we've got a fighting chance."

"Something familiar about...  You're the Rebel I was supposed to meet up with, aren't you?  Captain Red Hand at yer service.  And this be me crew."

Without a word, Constantine goes for one of the stun guns. "Let's make them regret their arrogance."

The story of who was meeting who for what can wait. Escape is now. All it means for Constantine is more allies. Though he does give Red Hand a second glance. As a hapons, Constantine can trace his ancestry to space pirates.

Cupee also grabs a stun gun. She has seen how these things work. You point and pull the trigger. But to be sure, she asks Rodger. "Rodger? Just checking, but: This end forward and pull the trigger, right?"