The peaceful bliss of unconsciousness was slowly replaced with the rhythmic throbbing of a monster headache.  Jace groaned as he came back to lucidity and almost wished he hadn't.  That butt strike to the back of his head had been hard.  Those stormtroopers weren't stuffing around at all.

He recalled the incident now.  He'd been sitting at the bar minding his own business when a team of troopers had walked up to him and demanded he come with them.  He'd merely asked why when the blow had come.  Now he was here.

Opening his eyes he looked around.  He was in a standard Imperial detention cell.  Presumedly he was still on the station, he didn't believe he'd been unconscious that long.  Looking around he noticed he was not alone in the cell.  Another human male was occupying the room's chair.


OOC:  You just pick the loveliest places to meet.  Jace, Dyre, you're in an Imperial holding cell on the station.  You can fill in each other on what you know and get started.  Please keep all posts in this thread please and welcome to the game.

Why can life never go smooth? He asks rhetorically as he checks the lump on the back of his skull.  So, what kind of osik did they get you on? he addresses himself to his cell-mate, And what are we gonna do about getting ourselves out?

"Hnnng." Is the first sound, clutching at his head, "Did you catch that speeder? I think it was white, covered in plasteel, and looked an awful lot like a Stormy. Ahhhh..." He sits up straighter, leaning his head back against the wall of the cell. "Dunno. Just, somethin' 'bout wanting to ask some questions? Ohhh my head." He reaches up his his hand applying it to his temple and rubbing it gingerly.

After a few minutes of nursing the lump he looks toward the door, "Well, if I had about a quarter pound of explosives, and these beds had more meat to them than a womp rat, I'd blow it off the hinges. Maybe try the ol' heart attack routine? Dunno, you got some ideas?"

Not all that confident in my acting or lock breaking skills.  My kind of di'kutla (dee-KOOT-lah) luck, I'd set the alarms off in here, he says with a small shake of his head, wary of igniting the fire in his skull again.  He mutters to himself for a minute, you can't hear all of it, but you certainly make out words like Hut'uunla Chakaaryc (hoo-TOON-lah chah-KAR-eesh) and something about turning somebody's gett'se (GET-say) into a pair of earrings.  You also hear several references to "Akk Dogs."

Finally, he stops ranting to himself, looking up at his cellmate and holds his hand out in a universal greeting. Name's Jace.  Blaster-for-hire.  The shabla (SHAH-bla) mercenary group I was originally intending to sign on with must have taken a dim view of my telling them to jump in a black hole.

Random small talk goes on for a while as the pair get to know each other.  Little goes on outside the cell except for the occasional station security officer doing the rounds.  Time passes slowly. . .or is it quickly?  It's hard to tell when your chrono has been taken and you're stuck in a cell with no windows and a door that leads on to a space station corridor.

The pair conclude it must be evening when a hatch opens at the bottom of the door opens and two MRE's are pushed in.  Given their backgrounds in military or paramilitary organisations, both had eaten more than one 'Meal Ready to Eat' in their time and they knew they just had to break the edge and they would self heat to a filling meal.  Some of them even tasted half good.  The guard merely looked in after pushing the meals in then moved off on his deliveries.

---

OOC:  Just to bring you guys up to speed I try to post every 3 days (2 in combat) or when enough has happened to justify a post.  In this care the time has been hit.  I should point out that my games are very 'sandbox'.  The game rolls on regardless of the PC's actions.  So if you don't act your inaction could lead to issues as much as action.  At present no whiney farmboy soon to be a Jedi is going to swing in to rescue you!

If you ever need context or want to know please ask.  Your characters obviously know things you don't.  So if you're not sure how something will go or you want some information, please ask.  I will let you know what your char will know based on his history, your play style and secret dice rolls.  So if the roll is bad I may give you VERY bad advice (or vice verca).  Depending on the roll I might let you know your confidence (or lack there of).  Roll a natural 20 you'll be mega confident you'll know what you're doing (don't cut the red wire, are you nuts?).  However roll a 1 and you'll be equally confident (it's totally the red wire.  I stake my life on it, hell, let me cut it!)

A few points so far.  You're already discussing busting out (awfully trusting for two strangers who've just met.  What if one of you was an Imperial spy?)  But you also haven't discussed why you're even there.  Could be an overnight stay that you merely need to wait out or a full blown execution is planned for 20 minutes.  You don't know and that will undoubtedly impact on your plans.

Just a few random comments.

Oh and Jace, I appreciate your Mandolorian phrases are more likely for roleplaying effect, but if Jace ever chooses to speak in Mandalorian, I've added it to your language groups (same for your languages Dyre).  The rationale for these is you don't always know who is listening and more importantly, if they understand the language you're speaking.

"Dyre Helrak. What'd they get me for? Hell if I know. I think it was random sweeps." He lets his head thumb back against the metal only to groan at his bad idea.

Eventually the MRs arrive, who knows how long that was but with his head pounding it felt like an eternity. He grabs one, tossing the other over to the... is he a Mando? "Are you a Mando? Some of those words sound... familiar." He moves back over to his side and sits down to open up the MRE.

"Me though. I was with a Merc group. Was-" he takes a bite of the meals rejected by ewoks, and frowns at it "-they feed their people these? By the force that's BAD."

---

OOC: D'oh! Yeah, sorry, I got a bit busy and I was a little off on my timing. I meant to pose more. I'm trying to think up what we should do too. I mean, I'm decent with explosives, but how're we gonna get those in here? I'm thinking I gotta find a way to trick the Imps... I'm not sure! Haha.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:00, Mon 26 Sept 2016.

I do have that privilege he says in response to the Mandalorian question. Born and raised


He catches the inaccurately named MRE without sparing it a thought. Seriously, who do they think they're trying to kid, these things are neither meals, nor ready to eat. . He takes a look at the package, Imitation traladon and powdered tubers in gravy? could be worse. he says with a shrug, taking a bite and chewing slowly. It's the nerf-loaf you gotta watch out for, tastes like boiled boot-leather.. He continues eating, contemplating his chances of grabbing the next guard who pokes his head in and stealing their code cylinder. If both of them worked together, they might have a shot at getting out and finding their kit. Then it would be time to go hunting.

Might not have to fake distress, just wait for the rations to work through our systems, he finally says around a mouthful of imitation Traladon, having been contemplating how they were going to affect their escape. Honestly, if he didn't need the calories, he'd be very tempted to dump it in the 'fresher.


OOC: don't think Ewoks were quite discovered by this point in the timeline, but love your MRE thing.  yes, the occasional uses of Mando'a are for RP value. Having been locked up a time or two RL, there's not a whole lot we can do short of jumping a guard for his code cylinder and blaster. how we manage that is up for debate.

OOC:  Ewoks were probably known of to various anthropologists, etc.  But they would have held as much interest to a couple of mercs as any other primitive alien species on a world with no war.  I.e. None!  So you guys wouldn't have heard of them.

Black Talon Game Mechanics 101
If you want to try and jump the guards or some other escape plan I base it on dice rolls and your plan.  So if you wanted to try the 'sick prisoner routine', the one playing the not-sick prisoner would make a performance/bluff check (whichever is higher), the sick person would make a performance check to attempt a synergy bonus.  Given how terribly cliche that is I'd give the guard a bonus to his sense motive roll.  You can always make rolls if you like but I will do them in the background if you don't.  Some people like to roll their own dice but I like players to focus on the roleplay more than rollplay.

However if you had an incredibly creative idea or twist, or great roleplaying, I might lower his bonus or give you guys a bonus on your own rolls.

"I'm almost for waiting on the rations to work through. If you get sick, I'm pretty sure I can convince them that it's a lot worse." Dyre responded with a pull of his mouth into a smile. His free hand idly rubs his head once more as his gaze filters about the room. Another bite, chew...

"So what'd ya think of that attack? Think maybe that's why we're here? Could be they're just rounding up all the mercs on suspicion." He looks down at his MRE, Dru'un surprise. Do I even want to know what the surprise is? "Well, I don't recommend this one. Oh, look, it even has blue milk substitute in it."



OOC: Hah! I was trying to think of some primitive or backwater species. It's a play on the military joke of "Meals Rejected by Ethiopians." Knew a US Marine who would jokingly call them that every time they were brought up.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:36, Mon 26 Sept 2016.

Better you than me.  Bavodu Fi says i can't lie my way out of a flimsi-sack, he chuckled ruefully.

Wouldn't put it past the di'kute in charge, he responds before taking a bite of the tubers with a grimace.

This one has some kind of to sweet fruit juice, suppose I could fake an allergic reaction, he says, pulling a sour face after taking a sip. and no, you don't want to know what the surprise is, Jace says wryly, having caught Dyre's glance at the wrapper of his meal replaced by everyone.


OOC: knew a soldier (U.S. Army) who made that and similar jokes about the MRE.  Used to put on his best "Crocodile Dundee" cause 'You can live off it, but it tastes like shit'
This message was last edited by the player at 01:16, Tue 27 Sept 2016.

The discussion on MRE's the mercs had known and loved was interrupted as the cell suddenly opened and three people stood there.  None of them wore the uniform of security.  Two were human, a male and a female and the third was a Weequay.  The humans wielded heavy blaster pistols in a manner that suggested they knew how to use them.  The Weequay had a pair of binders in one hand and a large stun baton on his waist.  None of them looked in the least bit amused.

The woman barked in an authorative tone.  "Turn around.  Hands against the wall NOW.  Any funny business and you're fucking dead.  Cuff 'em Slash."  The Weequay looked at the pair as if he'd as happily rip their arms off as cuff them.



OOC:  Food critics maybe?  You have two blaster wielding humans outside your cell and a Weequay wanting to bind you.  There is no sign of security.  You also get the feeling these guys aren't simple mindless thugs.  You suspect they might be mercs.  Whoever they are, you think they're VERY serious.

y'know, you catch more piranha Beatles with nectar than with vinegar, he remarks dryly, making no immediate moves to comply with the shouted order. How's about asking a little nicer?

"Woh, woh, woh." Dyre responds, his hands held up, "Do you really think this is wise? I'm with Crimson Sky Security. And if you know who they are, you know you really shouldn't be doing this." His hands drop down and his head shakes slowly from side-to-side.

The woman said nothing, merely pulling the trigger and Jace gasped as he took the stunbolt full in the chest and fell to the ground spasming.  He'd taken a hit or two in his time but that HURT!  Of course it was nothing compared to the pain when the Weequay casually booted him in the chest with his foot, then again.


The whole attack took less than five seconds and the whole time the male human kept his attention and his weapon firmly centred on Dyre.  He didn't even look over at Jace's punishment.  Clearly not an amateur.  What he also noticed was nobody came running at the sound of the shot.  While quieter than a blaster bolt, surely the guards should have heard the stun bolt?

Jace gasped and coughed as he regained use of his body.  Even as he did so his brain registered that the Weequay hadn't hurt him that badly.  He'd only kicked him twice and not hard enough to break ribs, though it hurt like hell.  Either the Weequay was not that tough or fairly disciplined.  The fact he'd only kicked him twice suggested the latter.

The woman continued to stare at Jace, blaster pointed at his prone form"Next time he won't be so gentle.  Hands behind your back."

---

OOC: Doesn't seem these guys take well to backtalk!  Jace is currently prone and a little bruised.  The woman is pointing her blaster at Jace, the guy at Dyre.  The Weequay is in the room over Jace but is not getting in the line of fire.  The humans have heavy blasters, the Weequay a stun baton on his belt.

Now since combat is an option here (not saying you need to, but it's a possibility, though you're at a clear disadvantage) if you do decide to go into battle be sure to indicate what you do, any benefits you'll use and try to post more than one round so I can continue on.  If one of you does decide to initiate combat I'll prepare a map on roll20 but I'm waiting to see your plans.

A note on combat.  You will notice I use various colours to signify damage be it wounds, vitality, shields or hull.  These are specific:

White = Uninjured (100% of max)
Green = Light injury (75-99%)
Yellow = Moderate injury (50-74%)
Orange = Serious injury (25-49%)
Red = Critical Injury (0-24%)


Jace: 43/55VP 15/15WP
Dyre: 33/33VP 10/10WP

This message was last edited by the GM at 05:57, Tue 27 Sept 2016.

OOC: sometimes discretion is the better part of valor. The odds are clearly against me, and maybe they'll slip up at some future point.

He grudgingly complies with the order this time, wincing slightly against the bruising to his ribs. Not my best kriffing day ever

"Woh! Woh." Dyre says as he backs up from the people. "You do realize you'll wind up with some rather powerful enemies if you start messing with us. Right? We're here recruiting for Crimson Sky Security. You really want that working against you here?" He's not resisting, just not exactly putting his hands up against the wall all 'nice like.'

The sound of a second stun bolt deafened the room as this time the male fired his pistol into Dyre.  It was his turn to gasp as he fell to the ground writhing in pain.  Luckily for him the Weequay was too busy cuffing Jace to reward him with the kicks he'd given to the Mandolorian.  Dyre was still feeling the effects when the Weequay spun him over, secured his binders tightly behind his back then shoved the two bound men on to the bed.

The woman then walked into the cell while the male stood on guard.

"This is how it's gonna be boys.  You speak only when spoken to, you answer my questions completely.  Do that and Slash here won't have to rough you up.  I can tell you he enjoys his job."

The Weequay simply nodded and pulled out his oversized stun bat.

"So.  Where the fuck is our cargo?"


Jace: 43/55VP 15/15WP
Dyre: 33/33VP 10/10WP
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:24, Wed 28 Sept 2016.

Lady, I'm a mercenary, not a kriffing pirate! He blusters in rightful indignation. Check the Imperial impound  He is not happy about the prospect of getting killed in a case of mistaken identity, and it shows in his face.

He opens his mouth to say something else when the stun bolt hit him, so instead he states the truth of life the universe and everything, "Hnnnng!"

Bound and his eye still twitching, among the lovely pain coursing through him, he looks up at her. Winking. "What the hell?! Seriously?! Ahhh that stings..." A pause, wink-wink, "I have no idea where your cargo is! Try where you last left it?"

"Slash." The single word from the woman was followed by an explosion of movement from the Weequay.  A left jab caught Jace in the solar plexus, followed by a backhand punch to Dyre's jaw that had the man spinning to the ground.  The blows hurt and Dyre had to stagger to his feet.  While being bound had made them unable to effectively dodge or even block, the pair were unsure they could have done so even if this was a fair fight.

"Cut the bullshit people.  You're both clearly mercs, you. . ." she pointed to Jace "came aboard less than two days ago.  As for your partner there, there's no record of him even arriving!  The bastards who attacked us clearly had inside help.  Several people, at least one good with explosives.  No ship has left so that help is still here.  You want me to believe it's coincidence you two just 'happen' to be here?  That it's coincidence one of you snuck aboard without detection?  Stop fucking around or Slash will start inflicting damage which is a little more. . .permanent."

The Weequay nodded and ripped a bed leg clear our of it's bracket and began slapping it in his palm.  Jace had worked with Weequay's before and he could tell this 'Slash' would like nothing better than to smash them to pulp.

"Start talking." the woman growled.

---

OOC: It is pretty coincidental that two professional mercs 'happen' to be on station right before the station is attacked.  You're going to struggle talking your way out of this one.  Then again fighting will be tough given you're unarmed, bound and outnumbered.  Typical odds for the Black Talons.  Guess this is turning into a taste for things to come!





Jace: 36/55VP 15/15WP
Dyre: 23/33VP 10/10WP

Come on, how many mercs do you think come through this station on a daily basis?  You just happen to pick out two likely suspects already in Imperial custody? Had to wait til we weren't carrying blasters of our own? Real tough customers aren't they, ner vod?  Guard! we'd like our visitors removed now!  he yells the last part, trying to sound tough in spite of the pain, fighting the grimace that wants to appear on his face.  Ba'buir Kal taught him better than that.

Slash doesn't even wait for a command, simply lashes out with the metal pole dealing a ringing blow that leaves Jace staggered for a moment.  He slowly regains his centre and stands tall.



Jace: 31/55VP 15/15WP
Dyre: 23/33VP 10/10WP

"I don't know!" Dyre calls out in response. "How the hell can I know?! You wanna know why I'm not logged? Because they're all DEAD! I had to stow away to get here! I don't give a damn about your cargo! I'm trying to stick it to the IMPS!"

He's talking with passion, but he's trying not to yell. Just trying to give him the only truth he has after all! "Get us out of here and we'll HELP you track down your stuff. C'mon."

Right, there's an idea, help the crazy di'kute who can't control their pet weequay!  he does spare a commiserating look in Dyre's direction, though, knowing what it is to lose comrades.  Actually, that ain't half bad.  Kills two mynocks with one blow.

Slash snarls snarls at Jace and then says something to the woman in a language neither Jace or Dyre understands.  She shrugs.  "We don't need that one.  Enjoy yourself.  Maybe it will loosen the tongue of the other one."

The Weequay grins and raises it's metal bar, clearly savouring what he was about to do to the Mandalorian.

Sorry to say you might.  Unless one of you Hut'uune is any good at finding potentially armed and dangerous beings who don't want to be found, and not just picking on unarmed opponents locked in a holding cell. he sneers at them, contempt for their methods so thick in his voice you could cut it with a dull blade.

"WAIT!" Dyre damn near screams out, "WAIT! Don't! Don't hurt him! Okay! I give! Look, stop. Stop, don't hurt him, okay? If you leave him be, if you let us go, I'll give you the information you want! I just... I don't know where they are right now. I'll need to link back up with them, and then I'll give you what you want. Just-just no more death. I've lost enough brothers in arms." Dyre leans toward the wall, his shoulders hunching forward as the fight just seems to fall out of him.

Slash moves in despite Dyre's protests and jabs the pole into Jace's midsection, doubling him over, the next strike takes him in the back and leaves him prostrating on the floor.

The woman looks casually at Dyre.  "Oh keep talking, I'm all ears.  When you say something useful, I'll order him to stop.  Though you'll need to be convincing.  I think your friend has hurt Slash's feelings."

A 'whoof' from Jace as Slash brought his boot into Jace's belly seemed to emphasise the point.

---

Jace: 15/55VP 15/15WP
Dyre: 23/33VP 10/10WP
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:36, Sun 02 Oct 2016.

He merely spits blood in the general direction the woman, sitting up with a barely repressed groan. Don't give'em nothing, Kid.  They ain't earned it yet, he wheezes past the bruising he's already sustained to his ribs.

"Jace! Just... Just give in, man. They've got us dead to rights." His head shakes from side to side, "We don't owe them nothing, not after they left us on the station."

Dyre looks more directly at the woman and says, "Hey, please, just stop. We are who you're looking for, but we got separated. You saw what happened to that hangar, right? And the shields? We were the team who took out the shields, a little explosive on a service pipe, but we got sealed inside the station when they destroyed our path back. So - look - we all leave, we'll take you to them. They won't expect us to be leading you to them, so you can lay an ambush. Win-win, right?"

As Jace tries to stand a left jab takes him in the chest, followed by a vicious blow to the jaw.  Again the Mandalorian falls but this time he doesn't get back up.  A mixture of blood and mucous begins to pool near his face.  Slash places his boot on Jace's neck and begins to apply pressure.

The woman looks to Dyre.  "You still haven't told me anything useful you know.  I'm not fool enough to walk into your trap.  Where will you meet your team?  How will you contact them?  Who are they?  Why did they steal our property?  Your friend's life depends on your answers.  Give me something before Slash feels the urge to do something. . .permanent to your friend."

---

Jace: 0/55VP 14/15WP - Knocked out
Dyre: 23/33VP 10/10WP
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:12, Mon 03 Oct 2016.

a gurgle is caught in the back of his throat by the booted foot pressing down on it.

"Wait!" Dyre says, his hands moving out in front of him, waving with the palms out, "I'm trying here. Our rendezvous was this shipyard. I can mark it out for you. We'll all go. I swear. As far as why we stole it, I don't know. It's something with General Kota, I didn't ask, they didn't volunteer the information. You telling me that you always know what you're doing or is the paycheck the more important part? Right?! Now c'mon. If I just tell you where, you'll kill us both. You want our help? The price is our lives."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:07, Tue 04 Oct 2016.

"General Wha. . ." the woman began but stopped midsentence as her comm clicked three times.  "We'll have to continue this later.  Enjoy your stay."  She muttered something and the three combatants moved out of the room slamming the door behind them.

Jace began groaning and coming to his senses.

After a minute or so the hatch at the top of the prison door slipped open and a voice spoke.  The pair recognised it as one of the guards.  "Now, now.  Fighting with each other.  That will earn you another three days in lockup.  Good thing I stopped you when I did.  Best leave you shackled until you both cool off."

---

OOC:  Well your 'guests' have left suddenly and left you bloody and beaten.  You are still cuffed.  .  Jace has also regained consciousness.


Jace: 0/55VP 14/15WP
Dyre: 23/33VP 10/10WP

ungh.... what in the nine hells of Corellia is he talking about? and why'd they leave without killing me?

When his head clears a bit, he'll remember he broke his cuffs, and remove them before getting to work on Dyre's.. so before that di'kut [Language unknown: (oucksa diecec, he whi ilit. ng acnt i artundmen essounove)] knocked me out, it sounded like you knew something.  What's going on? he asks, trying not to sound too judgmental, but he did just get the osik beat out of himself for this, after all. He figures he's got a right to know.

"Apparently we were resisting and fighting each other." Dyre responds to the Mandalorian in a bit of a deadpan tone. He looks around the cell, trying to think of how he could escape from here. It's a bit of a stretch... "Maybe I can get my hand out. If I can get out of these binders, maybe I can help you get out of yours. That'll at least give us some place to work from." He twists his hands, trying to see if he can escape the binds through some contortion. If only he had some tools he could try to pick his way out of it. And then then Jace helps him break them. He rubs his wrists as he looks toward the Mando. "Thanks."

"I don't know much. I just threw out some names and places." Dyre responds with a slow shake of his head. He leans back against the wall, eyes moving up toward the ceiling. "I think I got a hunch where they might be headed. That's about it. I was going to hope we could get close enough, I'd shoot out a burst transmission of a warning. Heck, they don't know who I am, I'm not even sure what they're called."

Dyre slides down to the floor, his wrists on his propped up knees. "Kinda... winging it. I figured if we could get close enough to warn them, two birds one stone, ya know? Anyway-" Another shake of his head from side to side as he looks up to Jace, "-I really got next to nothing. I just saw what they did here to the Imps, and I figured that I could help them keep on doing that. Ya know?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:29, Thu 06 Oct 2016.

He probes himself for broken bones, rolling his eyes at the typical Imperial "care" for those they've imprisoned. How much you want to bet the guard is paid off?

OOC:  Just a note guys.  RP away but what I need to know is do you have an active/immediate escape plan or are you waiting to see what happens (i.e. certain amount of time passes, guard brings food etc).  Remember you'll regain 1WP/day for resting (and this certainly constitutes rest, provided you don't get beaten again!)  You'll also gain 6VP/hour of rest.

So need to know if you plan to do something and how long you rest before you try something.  Just worried the main thread might get too far ahead without you.

"Not going to take that bet, because I'm pretty sure you're right." came Dyre's response.

As unlikely as it might be, he's going to take his time and really search the cell top-to-bottom to see if he can find some way to get out. Loose panels, anything that might be used to that end.

Barring that, then he'll try to help Jace in any of his ideas or - without that - help Jace get some health back.

"I don't know about you, but I'm not a fan of those guys. Got any plans on if they come back? I'll follow your lead, you look like you're better in a fist fight."

While Dyre begins a thorough search of the cell, Jace makes himself as comfortable as he can.  Given one bed is now missing a leg, Jace elects for the other one.

Time passes slowly.  Dyre doesn't take much time to finish his search and finds little of hope.  Two beds, one damaged, a single chair, a fresher and a sturdy door with the electronic console on the other side of the door.  The food and observation slots in the doors were both securely locked.  Both he and Jace had been stripped of all their gear bar their clothes.  With nothing better to do and weary from his beating, Jace sat down on the chair and dozed off.

Several hours later Dyre awoke feeling refreshed.  Sensing his cellmate's movement, Jace reflexively awoke.  He still felt sore and still but at least nothing seemed to be broken.

---

Jace wanted to rest for approximately 5 hours.  Dyre you have no way to assist Jace with healing bar let him sleep.  Dyre is now fully recovered, Jace is feeling better but still sore and bruised.  Nobody has come to see you and you have no idea what time it might be.

Again if you have no specific plans we can push forward until something happens or you can do whatever you wish!




Jace: 36/55VP 14/15WP
Dyre: 33/33VP 10/10WP

OOC: As i stated in an earlier ooc, their really ain't much we can do until someone else comes into the cell with us.


His stomach grumbles audibly, and he scowls down at it.  They plan to feed us again any time soon, i wonder?  How long you think it's been, anyways? he asks rhetorically, groaning a little as he half sits up on the bed.  Figure we can take shifts by the door, there, try to grab the next guard comes in with food he shrugs, not having any better ideas for effecting their escape.  We get out of here, we can find our kit and steal a shuttle or something, maybe find that cargo those krayc mirsh solus hu'tuune [Language unknown: houtinest antei illof waulho si] lost

As Jace began to consider more agressive manners of escape, Dyre sat in quiet contemplation.  He seemed far more suprised by their ongoing imprisonment and beatings than the Mando.  You didn't get to be Mandalorian without taking your fair share of beatings.

Jace's attention returned to the door as someone walked up to it.  The food hatch opened and small box was kicked in.

A voice spoke, it was female, but definitely not the woman who had let the pirates.  It sounded Alien though Jace couldn't pick the accent.  "Thought you might like something to read.  Thought provoking stuff."  The food door closed again.

After a moment Jace examined the box for any form of trap or explosive.  It held neither.  Opening it he found a simple cheap chrono, a hold-out blaster so small Jace could barely hold it and a small datapad.  The timepiece indicated it was 1904 station time.  The message reads:


'I hear you have some trouble with both the Imperials and the Akk Dogs which my group may have inadvertently caused you.  While I'm not sure fully of your circumstances I wanted to give you something neither of them would give you.  A choice.'

'At 1908 exactly your door will unlock for approximately 45 seconds.  At which time you can either choose to ignore it and take your chances with the Imperials.  If you choose to do so merely flush the contents of this box down the fresher and none will know any better.

Or you can make your escape.  You can make your own way off station or you can meet my associate in Storage Room 4D, Level 5, maintenance sector 63.  If we can come to an agreement, we may help you off of the station.  We will wait until 1923, no longer.'

'Please note while I have supplied you with means to defend yourself, if you wish to meet with us you must be quiet and avoid major bloodshed.  We are not squaemish but my team took significant risks to sneak on board and I would like to leave as quietly as I arrived.'

'Good luck, no matter what you choose.'

'6.'

---

OOC:

An anonymous benefactor or a trap?  You have a window of escape and a weapon.  You only have 4 minutes to decide if you take the opportunity or wait for a better one.  Good luck.




Actually there are many things you could try, but granted Jace might not think of them.  Dyre may or may not have some ideas.  Besides, you requested we advance 'five hours game time, or the next time someone comes to feed us, which ever comes first'.  Which I complied with.  We've mostly been waiting for Dyre, but he did state he might not be able to post for a few days.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:45, Sun 09 Oct 2016.

Hey, Dyre, get a look at this, the surprised Merc calls across the cell to his new friend.  Says here someone's gonna pop the hatch in about four minutes.  This could be our chance to get out of here. you in? he palms the holdout, waiting for the promised chance.

OOC: Posting first thing tomorrow. Saturday through about 5 PM today I've been in transit and after some dinner... I just wanna pass out. Been catching up on some business items up until now, just wanted to give you both an update.

"What?" Dyre responds, rousing from his light bit of sleep. It was Jace's shift after all and the other man figured he could get in a little rest. "Who? Huh?"

The human blinks his eyes rapidly, trying to clear the sleep from his eyes as he processes what the Mandalorian said. He reaches out and snags the datapad, looking up toward Jace then back down once more. "Oh yeah, let's go for it."

Dyre gets up and moving to the door, getting ready to open it so Jace only has to worry about attacking instead of handling it too. The moment arrives and, after a quick 3, 2, 1, he pushes the door open for the other.

Alright, first thing is our kit, they're bound to have some central storage facility around here somewhere he says quietly as he checks down both directions of the hall for guards. probably closer to the front he continues, motioning in that direction, leading the way for the simple expedient that he's the only one armed at present. Most likely he'll just stun any guards and dump them in a supply closet. He cautiously but expediently makes his way down the corridor, senses on high alert. Oya, he whispers to himself, Let's go hunting.

Having agreed on a plan the two wait by the door, watching the chrono intently.  As foretold, at exactly 1908 by the chrono, a small click was heard by the pair as the door electronically unlocked itself.  The noise was so quiet that if the pair hadn't been right by the door, intently listening for it, they might have missed it.

Wasting no time Jace carefully pulled the door open and surveyed outside.  The corridor was only two metres wide and he stared at another prison cell across from him.  He noticed there were eight cells, four a side and theirs was third furthest from the guard post.

The corridor ended at a wall another five metres or so to his left.  To the right the corridor stretched about 10 metres before opening into the standard layout for a guard station.  A semicircle of consoles faced away from the corridor, no doubt covered in various cameras, comm equipment, emergency beacons and alert systems.  One had to wonder why the alert that cell door 6 was open but clearly their benefactor had seen to that too.

Behind the desk, Jace could make out a single guard sitting at the station.  He was looking at something on one of the terminals and didn't seem to have noticed Jace yet though he could look up at anytime or see movement in the hall camera.  The Mando estimated he was about fifteen metres away.

---

OOC: Well your door is unlocked and will be for about another 35 seconds.  The guards is approximately 15m away and is sitting down at the console.  You can really only see his head and the top of his shoulders over the console but he only has to look up and he'll see you.

He signals Dyre to wait and keep down with his hands, before creeping up on the guard, stunning him as soon as he's in range.  He'll then motion Dyre forward and do a cursory sweep of the computers to find where inmate property is stored, lifting the guard's blaster and code cylinder before tossing the holdout to Dyre.  With appropriate stealth, keeping their time limit in mind, he'll liberate his kit (a utility belt with a blastech pistol, a vibro-rapier, and a heavy carbine.  He waits a couple of moments for Dyre to grab whatever he's going to grab before heading out, slinging his carbine over a shoulder and fastening the utility belt around his waist as he goes...

Jace crept out as silent as he could.  He felt terribly exposed as he had no real cover to use.  He planned his approach carefully, how to limit fast rushes or blurs the guard may pick up in his peripheral vision.  Making his plan he took a step.

Then the guard stretched.

It was the worst possible movement as it brought the guard eye's up and he stared straight at Jace who had only stepped one foot out of the cell.

<Move/Listen Check - Jace Success>
<Hide/Spot Check - Guard Critical Success>

"What the hell? the guard yelled, clambering up.

---

OOC: Best laid plans brought low by an excellent dice roll by the guard.  You were certainly going to be quiet enough, but he had the chance to see you as well as hear you!  Now I don't normally include dice rolls in my posts, just doing it for a few so you know what I do in the background.  Things happen largely due to dice rolls, not because I have a whim.  Thought you might be able to sneak up on the guard but the dice roller disagreed.

This includes the odd custom rule I have.  One is that I rule that skill checks can be critical success/fails under the same rules as combat.  This is an example of it working against you (usually it's in the PC's favour!).

Okay combat ensues.  Jace is still in the doorway so Dyre will have to suspend until Jace acts anyway.  No surpise round as the guard spotted you immediately (due to his crit success).  So you are still 15m away from the guard.  On the bright side he is rising so he's an easier target!

The only cover between you and the guard is your own cell.  He has his own console to use as cover.


Jace: 36/55VP 14/15WP
Dyre: 33/33VP 10/10WP

With a muttered curse, he throws caution to the wind, running forward and launching into a flying tackle!
This message was last edited by the player at 00:09, Sat 15 Oct 2016.

"Well this is a fine mess!" Dyre responds, as the Mandalorian makes a roll to the side. Dyre reaches down, grabbing the small chrono. He ducks around the edge of the door and throws the chrono at the guard currently standing in their way of freedom. "Grenade out!" He calls, pausing for only a moment before running off after the Mandalorian. Hopefully it'll confuse, or stun the guard, long enough for the Mandalorian to stun him. If not? Well, that's why he's running after.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:19, Sat 15 Oct 2016.

OOC:  Okay guys, putting a little pause here as I think you both need to rethink your posts.  Since this is a first combat and you're new to my game I'm allowing a 'do over'.

Jace I have reminded that blasters have a stun range of 4m and you're 15m away.  Jace would know that wouldn't work.  He needs to use kill or move closer.

Dyre, reverse the situation.  If you were 15m (about 50ft) from someone and they threw a watch and a small box at you, how distracted would you guys be?  Even if you managed to get it close to him it wouldn't really be overly distracting unless you somehow convince him he should be worried.    The chrono is porbably the only thing that would make the distance.  Box is too flimsy, the rest of the stuff in the cell is things like pillows, blankets, etc.

To clarify the situation if this guy hits the alarm you're pretty screwed.  Even if you evade the security teams, the mystery note specifically said to be quiet and clean or they'd leave without you.  This guy has to go down BEFORE he can call for help and with a minimum of noise.

So I'm giving you a chance to rewrite your posts if you wish.  Because at present the outcome will be awfully bad for you two!

If you need any advice or extra info please ask in thread or pm.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:36, Fri 14 Oct 2016.

<Initiative Order - Guard, Jace, Dyre>

Jace growls something in Mandalorian and bursts into a full on dash at the guard.  The guard
who had been reaching for the alarm stopped in surprise in fired off a hasty shot at the charging soldier but his snap shot went wide.

<Guard Attack - Miss>

Jace lept the counter and swung out with his blaster, catching the guard in the jaw.  The blow staggered him slightly but more importantly, knocked the guard back a step and interposed Jace's bulk between the guard and his console.  Now the Imperial couldn't hit the alarm without getting around Jace.

<Jace Melee Attack - Hit - 4 Damage>

Both Jace and the guard rushed to bring their blasters in line.  The guard was faster but pulled the trigger early, his shot narrowly missing Jace's hip.  Jace, with years of experience waited until his gun was dead centre on the guard's chest and pulled the trigger.

<Guard Attack - Miss>
<Jace Attack - Hit (Stun)>
<Guard Fort Check 7 - Fail

The guard gasped and fell over backwards, the stun bolt hitting him with full force.  His blaster fell from his grasp as he landed backwards over on the floor.

By the time Dyre reached the console to help it was all over.  Stopping to listen he could hear no shouts, nobody running to help or check what was happening.

---

OOC:  The guard is temporarily stunned.  Aside from his blaster pistol he has a code cylinder (SW equivilent of keys), a torch, stun baton and a pair of binders on his belt.

Jace: 36/55VP 14/15WP
Dyre: 33/33VP 10/10WP
Guard: Stunned

He quickly and expertly binds the guard's hands behind his back while he's still stunned, lifting the standard issue side-arm and tossing it in Dyre's direction, pocketing the code-cylinder against future need.  He locates the inmate property locker, reclaiming his stuff and then backing out of the way so his companion can grab whatever he wants before they enact phase two of the plan; get to the RV for extraction.

It takes less than a minute to find the property locker and the code key opens the lockers.  In one they find their weapons stacked on a shelf.  In another locker their regular gear is packed in a small bag each.

As they grab their stuff they hear grunting from outside.  "You'll never get out of here scum."  Seems the guard has recovered from his stun.


OOC:  All your gear as listed in there.  None of your power packs are charged (standard procedure) but you managed to find four charged packs in a locked cabinet.  The security guard is awake now, though cuffed, assumedly with his own binders.

He slaps a power pack into his carbine, before walking back to central and putting another stun beam into the guard, then switching to lethal and sending a couple rounds into the control consoles.
Come on, Dyre, let's get out of here

The guard resumes his stun-induced break, slumping back to the ground awkwardly as his hands are secure behind his back.  With a flick to lethal and the firing of several bolts, Jace quickly performs first degree console-icide on the guard's station.  The odd sizzle and smell of smoke comes from what is left of the security console.

Outside the room is a long corridor.  The odd maintenance tech and admin person can be seen moving around.  Rooms take up both sides of the corridor and people occasionally wander in and out.


OOC:  Chrono now reads 1911.

Act casual, like we belong here.  Best way to throw off suspicion.  And hope we don't get lost along the way.  Not like we have a whole lot of time to kill. With luck, we'll be long gone before slappy's relief shows up.

He sets off with an air of confidence, efficiently making his way to the nearest turbolift that will take him to the   rendezvous point.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:05, Mon 17 Oct 2016.

Catching the blaster and retrieving his stuff as well, Dyre follows along with Jace toward the turbolift. As he moves, Dyre spends a bit of time concealing the blaster on himself to look as unassuming as possible.

"Right, act casual. Hey, nice work with the guard there, Jace. You're pretty handy with a blaster." He glances back one last time back at the guard before following him into the turbolift. The idea is to be quiet, thankfully there escape will take some time to be noticed and it's not like they're wanted criminals, so bee-line it and try to talk their way through any barriers they'll run into might be the best way to handle it.

---

OOC:
Deeply sorry, the last few days were a lot busier than I thought they would be.

You don't grow up onManda'yaim [Language unknown: Nteourvenmen] without learning proper care and feeding of a blaster, he says with a wry chuckle as the turbolift doors slide shut.  just remember, we aren't out of the osik [Language unknown: plwhi mimiusme stoun era teliussi] until we're in hyperspace, and maybe not even then
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 20:49, Mon 17 Oct 2016.

The pair do their best to 'act casual' as they move, despite a few stares at the giant bulge in Jace's jacket or the sounds of shouts beginning to eminate from the security area as they enter the lift.

All in all the walk to the maintenance area as described was quick and relatively painless.  There were fewer guards and personnel around than expected.  It took less than five minutes to reach the maintenance bay.  It was a fairly large afair, multi-level with various cranes and repair equipment.  Yet again this room was almost empty, almost.  A single alien, that both recognised as a Duros sat with his back to them at a maintenance table.  The low lighting makes it hard to see him well

"Took your fucking time people.  Could you have made any more goddamn noise?  I swear six has got rocks in her head."

He stands and you can see he's definitely a Duros.  He's dressed in standard workers coveralls and seems unarmed.  He looks the pair over disdainfully.  He points to a bag on the table.



"Strip completely and put the clothes on in that bag.  Leave everything of yours in the bag and I mean EVERYTHING, well you can keep the chrono.  You've got two minutes."

He moves a few metres away from the table to give them room and leans against another workbench.

---

OOC: Normally you wouldn't have got to your destination so smoothly but the main thread is delaying for us.  The Duros wants you to strip naked and wear whatever clothes are in the bag.  He's told you to leave all your personal gear behind.

Up to you what you do at this point (as always).
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:54, Mon 17 Oct 2016.

He slowly, careful to keep his finger behind the trigger, pulls his carbine from under his jacket. This, is my very favorite gun. I call her Jana.  I'm not just gonna leave her behind.. He's not petulant about it, merely stating the facts of life as he sees them.  He of course understands the importance of operational security, the Warrior in front of him is most likely worried about tracking devices in his gear.  With a little more time he might have made the check himself.  As it stands, however...

The Duros shrugs.  "Then you and Jana can leave and shoot your way out or smuggle her out up your ass for all I care."

He looks to Dyre.  "You gettin' changed or staying with Mando-boy?  You got a minute forty left."
This message was last updated by the GM at 10:09, Tue 18 Oct 2016.

"Hey Jace." Dyre says to the Mandalorian. He starts to pull all the stuff out of his pockets first.

"I'll buy you a new one. So let's just try and work with the person who's gotten us out of this mess, yeah?" After emptying his pockets he moves over to the table to retrieve whatever was in the bag and leave his stuff on the table next to it. Assuming it was a new set of clothing, he would change into it instead.

"Yeah. Let's get off this station, my luck's been bad enough already."

"Smart boy."  Flash snorts.  "I guess 'other Mando boy' realises you can't just walk through customs security checkpoints with a carbine stuffed in your pants.  We're taking enough risks helping you guys, more than I'm happy with.  Your lucky my friends are soft 'earted.  They dumped a lot of creds and favours to get you this far.  Now you go through our way or find your own way.  Matters little to me."

He checked his chrono then looked to Jace.  "Sixty seconds Mando boy.  We're on the clock here."

---

OOC: The bag contains two sets of clothing.  Each set is underwear, a nondescript jumpsuit, common among spacers and a pair of boots.  You'll find each is a 'reasonable' fit (likely something will be a size big, something else a size small, etc).  The bag is big enough for all your current gear (including weapons).


Let me know if you fully comply with the Duros's instructions, you reject them entirely or you try to sneak something into your pockets.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:21, Thu 20 Oct 2016.

OOC: Just giving Jace another day or two to answer before I move forward without him.  Really need his post as at present it seems Dyre will go with Flash but Jace won't.

Dyre does indeed follow along. The shirt to big, the pants too small... go figure. In for a cred, in for a kilo, he'd go along with what Flash was saying unless the requests started to get a little outrageous or openly dangerous.

---

OOC: Okay.

OOC: Jace has been attacked by the RL demons and has decided not to continue with this game.  As such I'm pushing forward.  I'll shortly be adding you to the other group Dyre.  Welcome aboard.

While Dyre quickly swaps into his jumpsuit, Jace decided he'd rather take his chances alone then trust the foul mouthed Duros.  The Mando says a quick goodbye to his former cellmate and disappears into the corridor, determined to make it on his own.

Dyre watches him go then finishes donning the jumpsuit.  He looks at his gear for a moment but doesn't worry as it's all replacable.  Then he leaves with the Duros.


It was a whirlwhind of activity but less than two hours later Dyre was sitting aboard the team's transport, a Ghtroc 720, which was safe in hyperspace.  The boarding had been so smooth Dyre could barely believe it.  He realised that it would have taken a lot of skill, bribes and audacity to pull things off so smoothly and he couldn't help be impressed.

The ship stayed in hyperspace for many hours and Dyre was confined to a comfortable stateroom.  Even so he knew there were three others on board.  The Duros who called himself 'Two', a Zeltron male called 'Four' and a Bothan female known as 'Six'.  Two clearly handled security as he insisted they not give names, just numbers.  The other two, especially the Zeltron seemed to think this was a bit much but they went along.

Eventually the ship reached it's destination as Dyre felt the ship revert from hyperspace and then dock some minutes later.  Two returned to collect him.  The Duros now had a pair of small but powerful blasters in quick draw holsters across his chest.

"Taking you to see the boss.  You behave, cause no trouble and we'll see what he thinks of you."