Location: Spaceport AV234589-C, Braxant Run

27 hours later


The urgent recall order from Cor had taken all of the Talons by surprise.  No further information had been forthcoming but the Talons responded with their usual efficiency.

Heigren and Lin were the first to arrive due to the simple fact they were already on the station!  Their respective investigations had borne various degrees of success.

Mika, Kira and B2-CC9 arrived in the Ghtroc nearly 26 hours later with the two Y-wing flown by Kyvarr and Fiarr serving as escort.  They had spent the time coming up with a cover story of why they ship had an escort.  Fortunately this was a station that didn't ask too many questions and a few greased palms from Heigren took care of any 'concerns'.

Next to arrive was the Voidsong.  Dohr, B0-B1 and Arcas had caught a lift with Cor who had remained incredibly tight-lipped about the reason for this.

Only people absent were Devon and Aderek who had both been called to a last minute briefing with Colonel Jax.  The briefing was a surprise for both but Devon had been confident it wouldn't take long.  The team aboard Voidsong were surprised Cor wasn't waiting for the pair but a maintenance tech mentioned that Moonshadow had finished repairs so it was assumed that Devon and Aderek would catch up in the shipjacker's pride and joy.

Now the team had begun gathering in the lounge of the Voidsong to find out what this urgent recall was about.



OOC:  Feel free to turn up or already be there as you choose.

Cor, Arcas, Dohr and B0-B1.  Since you arrived on Voidson you are likely already in the lounge.  Kira, Mika, CC9, Kyvarr, Fiarr, you arrived shortly before Voidsong.  Lin and Heigren have been on the station for over a day.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:40, Fri 04 May 2018.

Sitting still in the spaceport, humming quietly within its bay, the Voidsong remains in waiting for the Talons to arrive.

From the outside it looks like a typical Maka-Eekai L4000 luxury freighter.  Superficial imperfections in the hull make it clear the ship is second-hand, but also very well cared for.  There is nothing particularly exceptional about it, with a stock standard paintjob, typical markings and no obvious external modifications.  It looks normal, plain, even boring.

Once inside, however, it becomes swiftly clear that the freighter is under renovations.  By all appearances, its reclusive owner is going out of her way to make the place considerably more comfortable without sacrificing any cargo space.  The layout is still very much stock, but the quality of the materials, especially in the lounges, is in the process of being upgraded.  Droids of various forms work tirelessly to make the changes, following some internal schedule.  Some of them look as if they have been adapted specifically to perform the renovations in question.

Cor herself has remained sequestered in the captain's cabin for the entire trip, showing herself to the passengers only via hologram.  She has been chatty enough, though she has declined to comment on the reason for the gathering, saying only that 'the reason will shortly become clear.'  Arcas, Dohr and B0-B1 have had their needs catered to very attentively, and while it is clear that Cor doesn't own the highest class of food and drink, she is more than happy to share what she has with her team mates.

Now that the ship is landed and waiting, however, a few changes have been made.  Food and drink are set up on the long table in the meeting room, found on the forward port side of the upper deck.  The room is a comfortable temperature and has plenty of space - for a room in a freighter, at any rate.  It's still significantly more intimate a setting than the meeting room on the lost Nightshrike.

At the fore port corner, next to the couch, there sits a bar fridge stocked with cold drinks, including the fizz-pop preferred by the team's chief mechanic.  On the top of the fridge sits a large caf maker, beeping quietly to itself, a visual receptor fixed into its plating.  As Cor's passengers will have found out by now, it has been cunningly converted into a simple droid dedicated to the creation of hot caffeinated drinks of many kinds.


This message was last edited by the player at 13:22, Fri 04 May 2018.

Heigren was waiting at the bay entrance when the Voidsong was cleared.  A small repulsor trolley before him.  Even as the ship's gangway lowered, the Zeltron was pushing his trolley towards it.

Heading into the dining room he smiled and opened the boxes on his trolley and began placing various bottles of alcohol on the top of the trolley along with various glasses and tumblers.  He admired Cor's setup of this room and realised he should have known Cor would have a better setup than other Talon 'briefings'.  Still, more booze was never a bad thing in his opinion.

"Wasn't much of a selection on this station but I did what I could."  He looked around at those assembled.  "So we found a ship to take?  I'm assuming that's why you're all here."

Heigren took a bottle of whisky and a small glass to a seat and sat down.  He poured and swallowed his first generous serve while waiting for an answer.  He shrugged.  "It's no Whyren's Reserve, but it's not bad either."

He poured another large portion and looked around expectantly.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:55, Fri 04 May 2018.

Fiarr arrived at the Voidsong not long after Heigren.  She eyed the Zeltron's collection then made straight for the cad.  She figured it was going to be an important briefing and she couldn't metabolise alcohol like the Zeltron could.

When she discovered the caf dispenser was a droid she grinned widely.  "Oh I like you.  Let's be friends okay?"

Mika left the Gthroc with some concern.  Hanging out with Kira and CC9 had been a bit slow, but such a pleasure after the limited military types on the fleet.  Fly circles around them, cross wire ships to bypass fused components in record time, none of it mattered if you didn't salute the right guy our have your boots polished just so.  Still, Mika had gotten a bit bored.

Locking down the ship, she makes her way to join up with the others.  Mika hadn't spent much time on the Voidsong And looked around curiously while she made her way yo the lounge.  Entering, she gives a wave to those there ahead of here.  "Hey guys, glad to see you all here in one piece.  Anyone know why we called things short?". She moves over and snags a purple fizz pop and finds a place to sit.  It was clear that she'd used some of her time in a fresher, her clothes cleaner than normal but still stained with engine grease.

Kyvarr arrived with Mika and Fiarr and quietly took a caf and then sat at the table.  She was still writing up her report.  He looked around noticing neither Cor or Devon were in attendance.  Cor was no surprise but the latter was.

"Where's the commander?  I'd like to submit my mission report or would he prefer that after this briefing?"

As CC9 stomps into the dining hall, the two B1 battle droids take up flanking positions outside the door.  not being built for chairs and not needing them in any case, the B2 droid takes up a position in the rear starboard corner of the room, not far from the door.

If it is privy to any of the information regarding this meeting, CC9 is certainly not saying anything to that effect.

Kira followes after Mika, glad for other people (And hint's of something happening), but was curious as to what was happening. "Kinda curious about that myself....not that our time wasn't cozy, but glad to see you."

Dohr and Arcas had been sharing a few cups of brew in the galley on the way to the station, so the Kel Dorian was happy they had been summoned to the meeting room instead. He’d already visited the surprisingly large and nicely furnished space earlier to pick up a couple of drinks. But the selection, although far better than the stock supply on a standard military ship, was lacking some… finesse. Fortunately for him, finesse was Heigren’s middle name. And the Zeltron didn’t fail them this time either as he opened his floating case of wonders.

Dohr reached out for the glass Heigren was offering and fished for a top piece suitable for his apparatus from a drawer at the bar. A connecting click later, the Doc sucked in the scent of the drink before taking an evaluating sip. Heigren was right, it’s wasn’t Whyren’s Reserve, but “not bad” was an understatement. It was good stuff. Dohr raised his glass in a salute of appreciation to Heigren before taking another mouthful.

The Kel Dor nodded his greetings to everyone as they popped in, but when CC9 nine clanked into the room, he couldn’t help a smile behind his mask. ”Welcome CC9! You really know how to make an entrance. Do that with your bodyguards at a local drinking hole and the patrons will be all running out for a change of pants. I am glad you are part of our team.”” There was no sarcasm in the Doc’s voice or the nod he gave to droid.

Before Cor had time to explain the absence of Devon and Aderek, Dorh turned to Heigren once again. ”How was the station? Do they have all the regular services available? Major galactic banks? Top clothing stores? Ship hardware and supplies? It has really been a while since I have last been able to visit civilised shops and enterprises. Cor’s call had a sense of urgency to it, but I hope there is time for a really quick visit this time anyway. And no, we do not know anything more than you do about what is going on.”
This message was last edited by the player at 07:26, Tue 08 May 2018.

Arcas, once it became apparent that nothing immediate required his attention, retired into a chair in the lounge with two datapads, making notes and typing, occasionally taking a sip of tea and watching the goings-on. His project would seem like literary research to a casual passerby; Closer inspection would reveal that the topic is "Galactic attitudes towards conduction of warfare post Clone Wars". Despite lacking good reference materials, it felt good to Arcas to have the freedom to do something creative for a change.

To any questions about the purpose of this gathering Arcas simply stated that he was waiting for that information too.

B0-B1 watches the organics enter into the lounge at their leisure and silently observes as each of them centers focus around some form of beverage. As more gather he finds his curiosity taking hold of his more common silent nature.

Why is it that you organics choose to imbibe liquids at a time of meeting? Does it not affect your ability to focus given the nature of fluids leading to the requirement to expel them? More curious I find the alcoholic beverage, does the inhibition caused by ingesting this fluid not limit your capacity to focus on the task at hand, whatever that may be?

He thinks for a brief moment, processing what he himself has said.

Please do not take this for insult. I am rarely privy to these such meetings and am not familiar with this organic custom. Should I be finding a cup to hold whilst we meet?

He moves almost gracefully to the table and picks up a glass, empty, before stepping back and waiting just behind the chairs for anyone to correct any inappropriate behaviour.

"The organic preoccupation with food and drink at such meetings," CC9 puts in, "is theorised to date back from the prehistories of most spaient species, when a meal within a place safe from predators was as much a ceremonial factor as one of survival.

"The tradition appears to calm them by tapping into some primal DNA-based coding within their instinctual matrices, making them more receptive to conversation and less inclined toward reclusive musing.  Obviously," it adds after only the briefest of pauses, "this is not the case for every organic.  But the theory appears sound."

Perhaps unsurprisingly, CC9 does not qualify its statements with a disclaimer that it means no offence.  That's not how it rolls.

After a short while the door to the lift, the one directly inside the dining hall, opens.  The lights dim just a little as Cor steps out, glances around briefly and moves to the closer end of the table.  She looks only a little different than she did the last time the Talons saw her and, of course, this is the first time many here have laid eyes on the reclusive woman.

She is a little short, with the pale greyish skin, bald head and shadowed eyes of her people. Dressed in simple casual clothing, if a little snug-fitting, she moves almost silently across the floor in soft shoes.  She bears multiple facial piercings, some of which are new since she was seen last, and she now sports obviously cybernetic eyes that seem to glow very faintly, though that might be from the green LED beads in the rings at her lip and eyebrow.  Perceptive folks will note that the skin around her eyes looks slightly inflamed and irritated, speaking volumes for the newness of the prosthetics.

A simple M4 messenger droid floats in at her shoulder and she carried a datapad in one hand.  Clearing her throat before speaking, she uses the noise to call people to attention.

"Hello, Talons.  For those of you new to us, I am Cor Lambar.  You have heard my voice, at the very least.  Thank you all for coming, though I notice," she adds, looking about the room, "that Ms Daochi has not arrived."  She makes a note on her datapad.  Her voice is light, soothing and melodic, her Umbaran accent a faint trace in her speech.

"Unfortunately, it is my duty to inform the group that Devon Kismet and Aderek Blaque have been called away to other duties.  Colonel Jax has advised me that Devon's tasks are classified, and that it will keep him away for an indefinite period of time; Mr Blaque, I believe, has remained on the fleet to tend to Brigadier Shepard's convalescence.  While she will not interfere with Talon business the Colonel has advised, and I have taken her suggestion, that we restructure our leadership - which will, ultimately, require a vote.

"Due to this unexpected change I have also been notified that we are no longer bound to fulfil the mission to which we have been bending our efforts.  I doubt the Brigadier would mind terribly if we did follow through with it, but we have been released from the obligation of doing so.  That, too, will require a vote."

Cor glances very briefly at the M4 droid and then back at the rest of the Talons.

"In addition we will, once voting is complete, be reassigning Talon designations, our new leader's first task.  We will be required to revisit the options of joining the Alliance versus remaining freelance, of course, but that matter can wait until we have a new leader and they have assigned positions."

She sits back and smiles, a pleasant enough smile, but it is clear to most that it has been some time since she last slept well.

"Are there any questions, before we proceed?"

OOC: To clarify everyone, Devon and Aderek's players have both decided to take a hiatus of indeterminate length.  As such it is necessary to restructure the Talons and rethink your plans.

Fiarr wasn't overly surprised with Devon's 'redeployment'.  She'd seen how much he hated command, how the obligation weighed on him.  It didn't surprise her he'd jumped at a chance to do something else, steal ships probably.

"I think we might need to answer the question of our plans before leadership or at least accept they're intertwined.  If we stay with the Rebellion we are going to need a more 'military' face.  Kyvarr, Dohr and Arcas have military training which makes them logical choices, at least with dealing with the brass."

"However if we're going back to our wicked, more independant ways then we'll need a leader who can think more. . .fluidly.  Cor has certainly showered her ability to do that.  Sometimes I wonder how much of Devon's plans were really our friendly neighbourhood Umbaran pulling the strings."  She raised an eyebrow at Cor.

Kyvarr was surprised by Devon's 'side mission' especially at such a time in their planning.  Being so rigidly military, she didn't see the problem with the command stucture.  The though of 'voting' for your command chain was still foreign to her.

She looked directly at Cor.  "Chain of command seems clear to me ma'am.  If Devon is stepping down then you are the new Commanding Officer.  I guess that pushes Fiarr and myself to joint XO but we work well together.  She handles space and covert ops, I handle ground and strategy.  I'm also happy to continue serving as our contact person with the Rebellion."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:50, Wed 09 May 2018.

Kira listens to Cor, pleased to put a face to the voice she had heard a few times before. With Devon now on a seperate mission, the leadership and structure may have been up in the air, but Kira was used to such chaos....her last few years she had worked freelance.

She sat there, musing on something going over in her mind. Her skill set had been fixed for many years now, but now had some other skills.

....other opertunities

She snapped herself out of her thoughts to answer the group.

"I think that Fiarr is right....if we are to choose our path, then that path will determine who to choose. My choice would be Kyvarr if we are more military, and otherwise, i suggest Fiarr"

From what Kira knew of Fiarr, she knew that she wouldn't like that type of role, but Kira thought she would be good at it.

Cor blinks in surprise at Fiarr's words, but as Kyvarr speaks up the Umbaran doesn't pursue the matter.  Interrupting the flow of conversation isn't her goal right now.  She makes a couple of notes on her datapad and nods her thanks to Fiarr, then to Kyvarr, smiling a little at the gruff sergeant's input.

When Kira speaks Cor tilts her head from side to side thoughtfully, as if mulling the point over, but she nods and makes a note of the human's choices of leader, tossing a glance at Kyvarr and Fiarr to see their reactions, if any.

Heigren had sat quietly through the main talk as he wasn't technically on the team anymore.  Then again, if the Talon didn't go down the military path. . .just maybe.

"I'm actually wondering who wants the job.  I'm pretty sure Kyvarr and Fiarr could do it.  I know Cor has been doing it.  Who actually wants to stick their hand up?  I don't want it.  I've got my own business to run and that's hard enough!"

"I suggest people actually say if they want to be boss before we elect someone."

He looked around, wondering where Lin was.  He'd warned her about this meeting in advance.  Not wanting to interrupt anything, he knew how a poorly timed comm call could break a deal or a seduction, he left her a message instead.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:15, Sun 13 May 2018.

Lin arrived in a hurry, clad in her spacer clothes and hauling a bag full of gear. ”Sorry for the late arrival”, she said looking somewhat pleased. ”But the gentlemen I was playing Sabacc with desperately wanted a chance to win their credits back.” By the sound of it, the game would probably have turned in to a firefight, had she left before it was truly over.

”So, what is going on?”

Cor watches Lin rush in and take a seat around the expansive table, her expression impassive, before recapping briefly.

"Devon and Mr Blaque have been called away.  As a result, the Talons are in the position of needing to vote for a new leader and to determine whether we intend to remain independent or join the Alliance.  Several people have suggested that we should address the second issue first, as it may affect who is chosen as leader.  I, personally, feel that it works both ways: just as the choice of whether to remain independent or join the Alliance may inform us of the best leader, so too would a choice of leader inform us of whether to join."

She gives a small shrug.  "Whichever way it is decided upon, I am unconcerned.  However, Heigrenn brings up an important point: many of the Talons do not want the responsibility that comes with leadership, or do not feel they are so suited.  Perhaps that, then, is where we should begin."

"I most certainly do not want leadership of this team.  Happy to advise in my areas of expertise, but that's expected of all of us.  Happy to leave being boss to those good at it."

Cor doesn't make a note of that.  Apparently she doesn't need to.  She smiles Heigren's way, nodding her head slightly, a simple but genuine gesture of appreciation.  It's nonetheless touched with a little wistfulness, perhaps even sadness, but the expression passes quickly and she looks about at the Talons gathered.

"I am willing to take on the task.  As has been pointed out, I was already assisting Devon in that responsibility, to a certain degree."

B0-B1 listens to CC9s explanation of the custom of food and beverage consumption and nods, gently returning the glass to the table. He listens around the round as each person states their case as to whom should take up leadership of the group. It seemed to be a group of people unable to settle on a decision for their own person but relied on the greater decisions as a whole. He wondered how they would react if something untoward were to happen during a mission and there wasn't someone in a leadership position to give instruction.

Time would tell. It always did. I am too recent of an addition to beleive my vote holds weight, so at this stage I shall defer to the greater groups decision regarding our leadership. he states with a distinct finality.

Fiarr spoke up quickly.  "That's not how we work B0-B1.  At least that's not how we should work.  If you're a member of this team then you have a say in it's operation wether you've been here a day or ten years."

She looked around.  "I consider myself more a field agent than an administrator.  I guess I could lead if people want me, but I think there are people more qualified."

I am happy to serve at whatever level of the command chain that is required of me.  I'm not sure it's appropriate that I have seniority over people whom have served as officers, but I will take command if that is expected of me."

Mika looks around the room.  The news that Devon was out for the time being was a bit of a blow to her.  She felt quite the kinship with him, and he had been one of the senior Talons.  Thinking about that, it left Mika, and Cor, as the more senior members of the team.  She'd always found it a little funny, him ending up in command.  He'd done a damn fine job, much as he liked to claim he wasn't cut out for it.

"It's a tough one.  The rebellion doesn't take well to us non-military types.  I think if we're sticking with them, then one of you military types should take the job.  I don't care much for how they do things, but I had my reasons for signing on and those are still there."

Mika looks around to see if that surprises anyone.  After all, Mika hadn't really embraced the military life.

Cor makes a note on her datapad, nodding at Mika's words.

"Very well.  I do think that it is best if Sergeant Dulvan remains our liaison with the Alliance whether or not we join with them, and whether or not she takes command.  Are you willing to take command if elected to do so, Ms Trake?" she asks, reminding the mechanic of the other half of the equation.

Lin seemed to think for a moment. ”There are a few issues to resolve, really. First of all, we need to figure out, what our primary purpose is. Are we a military outfit and if we are, what sort of an outfit we are. If not, are we an intelligence team. Those questions are essential pertaining the choice of leadership. I am a new member for the team, so I am not a likely choice for a leader and even less so, if we end up being a military unit. However, if you end up deciding that I would be a good choice for a leader, I will adhere to your wishes and do my best to lead you with efficiency. One alternative, however, would be choosing the leadership for each mission, if not from all of us, then a pool of those willing and capable with the emphasis on applicable skill and knowledge concerning the mission.”

Cor makes a series of notes, flicking to a new screen as she does so, nodding to Lin briefly.

"Thank you, Ms Daochi.  Your input is valued.  Putting aside the team's function and future, however, we are currently attempting to discern who would accept leadership if it were thrust upon them, as that will determine much, including what type of team we may be suited to becoming.  Your willingness to lead has been noted."  She looks down at her datapad briefly.

"Currently, of those who have voiced a preference, only Heigren has indicated a distinct lack of willingness to assume leadership.  B0-B1 has somewhat defaulted to a 'no' by indicating an intention to abstain from the process entirely, which is entirely their right, as long as it is understood this is a conscious choice and not an obligation due to how new they are to the team.

"We have yet to hear the willingness of Ms Trake, Dr Veen, Ms Kira and Mr Endeel.  Ms Trake?" she asks again, turning her gaze back to Mika.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:01, Wed 16 May 2018.

Dohr nods at Fiarr's comment about military types, opens his mouth to say something, but then closes it again as Lin storms in. Polite as he always prefers to be, the Kel Dorian waits for another opportunity to open up. As Cor announces her willingness to take the job, Dohr nods again, this time at the Umbaran.

Once Bobi has spoken too, the Doc raises his hand to indicate he wants to say something. "I support Kyvarr's suggestion. You are the obvious choice, Cor. You are a long-standing member of the Talons and have a great deal of experience in working with Devon, Zyra and Mark."

Sensing others want to put in a word, the Doc pauses for a moment allowing them to speak before continuing: "Then again, should a leader with a military background be needed, I am willing to step up, but it is not my ambition to be a leader. As you all know I am... I was an officer in my previous life and as one have had troops under my command before. I have done extensive studies in military tactics and strategies. Whether such knowledge is required of our team depends heavily on the decision concerning our future.

However my forte lies in medicine and diplomacy. Therefore should Kyvarr assume the lead of our group, I can offer myself as the liaison between Black Talon and the rebel organisation too.

Most Talons have probably already learned that Dohr Veen doesn't wish to make a big number of himself and hates bringing up his strengths or weaknesses in any kind of discussion, even amongst friends. He is more of a quiet observer, but one with a very sharp mind. The Kel Dor isn't however afraid to act or voice his opinion when needed.

Heigren addressed Lin.  "You are partly right Lin about the sharing of leadership.  The philosophy of the Talons has always been that they're a group of independant specialists, not a group of drones.  You are all expected to step forward if the current challenge falls in your personal area of expertise.  If it's a sneak problem, talk to Fiarr.  Problem with medicine, Dohr's your guy."

"Having said that though, the team still needs a clear leader.  Someone who can facilitate all of you into a cohesive unit.  Just because one has expertise in a chosen field does not make one a leader.  Someone has to make the final call, just like Devon did."  Heigren looks over at Cor as he says the last sentence, clearly endorsing his choice for the role.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:29, Thu 17 May 2018.

(( Pushing forward at GM request. ))

Cor smiles at Dohr and puts a hand over her heart in a gesture of thanks, repeating the motion to Heigren.  Then she watches the Talons fall silent for a few moments.

"All right, if this will stimulate a decision more quickly..."

Up on the Talons' datapads pings a link to a poll, titled 'Black Talon Direction' and marked 'confidential.'  https://doodle.com/poll/s4a7wwqypuypqkdr

"Please enter your votes as to whether the Talons should remain independent or join the Alliance formally.  Your answers will remain confidential from one another and you can leave comments or not as you wish.  Once the results are in, we can then vote on a leader."  She then leans back slightly, letting the others do what they're going to do.

(( Feel free to use the above link, or PM Master Servious, or whatever.  All results will get copied to the poll eventually anyway.  And yes, if you're curious, I recently found Doodle thanks to a friend and I've been mucking about with it.  :P ))
This message was last edited by the player at 04:07, Sat 19 May 2018.

Heigren pulled up his datapad and quickly typed in his responses to Cor's poll.  Then he put his pad own and returned to his whisky drinking.

Kyvarr picked up her pad and was going to quickly enter her data when she stopped.  She put it down and looked to the others.

"It's strange.  I know I would prefer to join the military.  It's what I'm best at.  But I've come to realise it's not what this group is best at.  Many of you are not soldiers and putting you in that kind of institution would probably counteract your various skills.  As I said I'm a perfect fit for the military but I think the Black Talons are not."

She picked up her datapad once more and made her choices.

Cor's way of handling the situation came as a total surprise to Dohr, but as he gave it a few seconds, he realised it probably shouldn't have. It wasn't the first time things had seemed to be standing still and Cor was the one who'd gotten the wheels rolling again. The method might have been unorthodox coming from anyone else, but from Cor, the idea was just a brilliant ad-hoc way of kicking people into action.

Dohr had earlier been fairly divided in his thoughts concerning the future of the Black Talon group. On one hand, independence was something that had allowed them to stay under the imperial radar. Now, with the Rebellion, there would be none of that. The chain of command and the strategic minds of the Rebellion would tell them what to do. They wouldn't have to worry about much anything else either personally... Going solo, they would of course still have to try and avoid the evil imperial eye as much as possible, but  the Emperor's agents definitely either already had a file about them or at least of a nameless rebel cell that was wreaking havoc on his operations. Lying low might actually be a good idea for a while.

On the other hand, the Rebellion provided much needed equipment, money, weapons, information and protection. Should they go solo again, there would be very little or even no rebel resources available. That would of course mean that there would be more, a lot more freedom for the Talons to decide what they wanted to do next.

Both options were good and both were bad. And yet, Dohr knew what his decision would be. Cor had already gotten his vote and he valued independence over military might. All those years ago, even the huge Dorinian army had been no match for the far greater power Lord Vader had had under his command... Perhaps a smaller strike force would have had better chances of relieving the world from the imperial control.

Mika laughs out loud at Cor's repeated question.  She hadn't taken the first time as a serious question, but the repeating of it draws Mika's attention.

"If you guys are looking to have a former swoop punk and current spanner jockey in the drivers seat, then sure I'd be willing to give it a go."  She stops to consider a bit more and looks to the others.  "I don't think anyone here is all that interested in my taking the leadership role, but if it were to go that route, one of you military types would very quickly assigned the task to be the Rebellion liaison."

She looks on in amusement as Cor sets up a poll for the choices.  "Well, put me down for sticking with the Rebellion and for the leadership role, I'll support Cor.  She's done more of that with the Talons than any of the rest of us and she's been with the team as long as any of us about."

B0-B1 listens quietly to the arguements back and forth, both about leadership and each individuals percieved role within the talon outfit. He has largely remained quiet owing to his unfamiliarity with the group as a whole, only really having these proceedings to understand what the members are like. Once Cor sends out a vote request he quickly reviews the options and casts his vote, stepping forward after he does so to address the group.

”I had initially abstained from voting based on my recent inclusion to the black talon outfit. It has been made clear that time does not generate my value to the team, merely the inclusion itself, and whilst this concept is somewhat foreign to me, I can appreciate its significance. I am new, so I am coming to understand my role within the outfit, and I am not wishing to step on any toes, but this group seems to be most willing to defer to other people’s opinions rather than risk making the wrong choice for the group. Leadership is a difficult task to undertake, and any leader will make choices that are, as such, ‘wrong’, but it becomes our duty to work together to make the best of any situation.

To me, Cor has shown the most administrative element of leadership. This is not to suggest that she is not a decisive person, merely that she does not wish to create demands in such a delicate time for the group. However, I am willing to predict that she is capable of making those difficult calls in a moments notice when required, as is needed from leadership. Even if she were to maintain orbital distance during missions it would not diminish her overall leadership ability, this is where a mission leader would come into play, with greater command still being in her hands. Cor has my vote for the position of greater leadership of the talons.

Secondly, our position within the alliance is a difficult one to decide. The talons are already flagged by the Empire, so choosing to remain independent may remain more lucrative but there is no “playing both sides”. Do not take this as a betrayal element, merely the ability to talk our way out of capture with the imperial forces. The rebel alliance will employ our services as independents and welcome us as allies. We have to make a decision about this to which we all feel most comfortable; freedom to do more or less as we please independently or fall into another chain of command within the alliance, with further people to defer to, but more reliability to find work. I would personally like to see the alliance show us everything they can do for us before we sign ties with them; we do not need to take the carrot offerered without negotiating our position first. If a vote MUST be made, I vote independent operation for now provided the rebel alliance will continue to table the offer to join. Allow the carrot to get bigger before we bite it.”

He steps back and allows the room time to process. He had not yet been this forward and knew that it was a lot of information that could be taken in many ways.

OOC: so that everyone is aware, I’m currently vacationing, so the time I have to jump on here is relatively limited, but I will try to keep as up to date as possible

The sound of tapping had ceased from Arcas' little workstation as he followed the conversation. He allowed the others to talk as he pondered on the situation himself. When Cor gave the questionnaire, he had formed his own opinion. After giving his digital answer and listening B0-B1's rationale, Arcas rose up and cleared his throat.

"Good points have been made. I am with B0-B1 on this one, but for slightly different reason.

If this group's philosophical goal is the dismantlement of the Empire, I believe our expertise  lies somewhere else than the Rebel Alliance. They are a large organisation who have to devote resources to logistics and management, as we witnessed with the mission they gave us.

As Ms Daochi stated, the Talons are fundamentally an intelligence team. I personally believe that a competent, independent group of intelligence operatives has a better chance of hurting the Empire by exposing its hypocrisies. Corrupt deals, political imprisonments, propaganda offices, all of those are ripe targets.

And if we do not have the resources to take on some task, we can give our intel to the Alliance and let them conduct a strike.

As for the question of leadership, I agree that Ms Lambar has the most administrative expertise and she knows the older members of the Talons very well. If she needs help or insight in figuring out strategies and finding targets, then I am more than happy to assist."

Arcas gives a slight bow and sits back.

When Mika voices her opinion Cor's eyebrows rise in a visible, if brief, expression of surprise.  It doesn't take any kind of psychic to see that was not the answer the Umbaran was expecting.  She notes off decisions as Arcas and B0-B1 voice theirs and finally nods.

"Then we have our direction," Cor states.  "We have yet to receive the votes of Ms Kira and Ms Daochi, but with five voting to remain independent, two to join the Alliance and one abstaining, remaining independent has the majority.

"Therefore, we are now - and in the foreseeable future - the Black Talon Squadron, independents."  Cor touches her lower lip thoughtfully, toying briefly with the piercing there, staring at the datapad with the look of someone with much on her mind.  Shaking herself slightly, she then looks about the group with a small smile.  A new link pings on the datapads of the Talons, marked 'Black Talon Leadership' - https://doodle.com/poll/ud332cvgy2pcyvw3

"Our second order of business, then, is our new leader.  The poll is up, though most appear comfortable voicing their support openly.  I have left everyone's names in the list for the sake of ease."

With the meeting not going quite the way Cor expected, she carefully avoids making assumptions.  How people vote in private can vary significantly from how they vote vocally, and she prefers the certainty of something concrete.

Dohr smiled at Cor and gave her a slight bow. "Well, I have already voiced my opinion and will vote likewise. I would like to see you holding our reins, Cor."

The Doc turned to face B0-B1. "But I too share your sentiments, B0-B1.  I hope the offer to join the Rebellion still stands after this. I trust the Colonel and the Admiral to back us up as much as they can, but they are holding such important positions that their hands might be somewhat tied. Then again, I would assume our role in the rescue operation still counts later on. I did, however, vote for remaining independent, just in case someone wonders."

Mika is quite surprised to hear the vote to stay independent.  The main reason for her was the connection to Mark, but then several of the others joined the Talons after Mark had left, so why would they feel the same?  She also thought that the military types would like being part of the Rebellion, the sort of life they were used to.

Well, she was probably the least military-like of all of them, maybe even including Heigren.  It was something of a relief to not have to salute just so and bunk in with the others all of the time and everything.

"If we're going to stay independent, that opens a lot of questions that I guess we finish the leadership vote before Cor starts answering them.". The smirk on her face makes it clear the she thinks Cor is pretty much a sure thing.

"Well this will be fun.  We have a grand total of two ships and what equipment is on board them.  Without the resources of the Rebellion, we're going to need to make some serious credits just to keep the ships fuelled and power in our blasters."

Fiarr smiled, clearly not bothered by her own statement.
This message was last updated by the player at 02:16, Wed 23 May 2018.

Cor keeps her gaze on the poll as the results roll in, rubbing the corner of one eye with an absent-minded gesture, catching herself and forcibly lowering her hand to the table as she realises what she is doing.  After a few moments she looks up.

"Yes," she nods to Fiarr, "money.  Perhaps few find it as much of a fascination as I do, but with the Nightshrike sadly lost to us, I no longer have as many concerns about the funding of the Talons.  I was keeping track of our resources since we lost the Colonel, and am quite comfortable doing so in the future.

"With the poll results in," she adds, confirming Mika's suspicions, "our leader has been elected.  Thank you for the trust you have placed in me.  If I can perform the task as well as Devon, I have no doubt we shall flourish."

The little Umbaran straightens her shoulders and tilts her head from side to side, eliciting an audible 'crunch' from her neck.  She probably needs to take up space yoga.  Her expression settles into one of confident, calm seriousness - her game face.  The subtle but visible shift in her demeanour would be familiar to anyone who has done business with her before but it may be the first time the Talons have seen her thus.

Then she levels her gaze directly at the Zeltron.

"Mr Heigren.  Prior to this change you felt it necessary to notify me of your decision to leave the Talons, a warning which I appreciated.  Are you still set on this course, or will you stay with us for now?  Whichever way you choose the Talons will support and respect your decision."

Heigren considered.  "When you were planning to join the Army I had no interest.  If you're staying independent. . .well I might stick around.  I might need to vanish from time to time to check in on my business but if you need me I'm here."

Cor nods easily and offers Heigren an even, white smile.

"We can work with that.  I am glad you are staying with us.

"That brings us to the next part of Talon business, then.  Our first order is reassignment of our designations.  The Brigadier and Colonel have left us and are not, in the foreseeable future, returning to our ranks.  With Devon and Mr Blaque also gone, along with Ms Masters and Mr Allen, that leaves the ten of us."  She types up a few quick notes and gestures over her shoulder, her M4 droid projecting a list of names and numbers.


Cor scans the room briefly.  "Please update your personal records if need be and become accustomed to your new designations.  Also, I would like for the team to consider developing call-signs, such as Sgt Dulvan's handle, 'Hammer.'  The more firmly we keep our identities under our control, the better off we are as an organisation."

She stands and heads to the coffee droid, speaking to it in her native Umbaran.  It beeps at her and dispenses a steamy mug of caf in extremely short order.  She remains standing for the moment, green eyes flicking from person to person, glowing faintly in the dimmed light.

"Next, the matter of our direction.  Remaining independent gives us more flexibility.  Importantly, it also changes the nature of the assignment given to us to liberate supplies from the Imperial station, as we will have significantly fewer Alliance resources than before - and, of course, we have just lost our shipjacker.  I have been informed by Colonel Jax that we have been relieved of our obligation to complete that mission, due to the necessary change in our organisation.  However, we can still complete it if we wish.

"I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter, Talons."

Cor takes her seat again, leaning back slightly.

Fiarr shook her head.  "Time is against us.  Without fighter support we are limited to hijacking ships on the ground.  We still haven't found a suitable one.  We've also lost access to the Gamma shuttle so our plan to go in as a prison transport or bounty hunters is also shot to Sith."

"One option is to go in when the Task Force goes in and lies low.  If they manage to take the place quickly enough it's possible we can go in and salvage some valuable stuff before rescue forces turn up.  Other than that I'd say we need a brand new target."

”I concur with the assesment on needing a new target. One thing we need to figure out is whether we want to begin investing time and effort in finding a base of operations somewhere on solid ground or perhaps a ship big enough for the ten of us to operate from and to carry the freighters as well as perhaps some fighters for emergency support. If the latter, I would think a larger bulk freighter would suffice if properly modified, but it would probably take quite a bit of time, effort and credits to transform in to a suitable mobile base - I am sure, Four would have some input on the matter. Also, the matter of obtaining fighter craft is an issue, but it should be solveable”, Lin said, still looking like an ordinary human rather than Pantoran with her disguise on.

Cor tilts her head from side to side - no crunching this time, more of a contemplative gesture.

"The Talon Nest was never handed over to the Alliance, so we still have that, and sufficient ongoing funds to cover its upkeep.  A base of operations is not a concern, though we will need to spend some time there determining what modifications it requires to adapt it to our exact needs.  As for the matter of a single larger ship," she adds, shaking her head briefly at Lin, "it is not something with which we need concern ourselves just at the moment, for matters of sheer cost if nothing else.  As our finances stand we would need to liberate or steal a vessel to afford anything the size of, say, the Nightshrike.  Almost six hundred thousand credits is no small investment.

"According to stock schematics," she continues, "the Ghtroc alone can carry between ten and fifteen crew members, though not in particular comfort.  The Voidsong can carry almost as many, considerably more if cargo space were sacrificed.  Simply moving our team from place to place, or providing berths, is of no issue - even if the Nest were not available.  Armaments, on the other hand..."

She sighs.  "The freighters are not combat vessels.  That is very true, and a matter I have been giving serious thought to since I bought the Voidsong.  They will require heavy modification in that regard - but many a light freighter has been adapted for effective combat use.  Nonetheless we may still need a pair of warp-capable starfighters for support, or fighters with hyperspace transport rings, or models that we could dock to the exteriors of the freighters for warp transport.  Ships are not my speciality, of course, and I would defer to those more suitable for advice before coming to a decision, though there are many Clone Wars models available on the various markets."

She looks over to Mika, bowing her head briefly to the young human.  "In addition to modifications for combat, we will also require modifications for smuggling cargo.  If you could coordinate those efforts with Talons Two and Three for combat purposes and Talons Five and Eight to cover smuggling, that will expand the capabilities of our operation immensely."

Kira listens to the conversation with interest. Her former mentor trained and taught her as a bounty hunter...his former profession, but when kira was with him and his crew he was captain of a mercenary vessel. His jobs, though mostly legal, were not always up to the standards of the empire.

....he did dabble in smuggling.

Kira knew a little about these things, but not a lot. With the group changing their preference to staying independent, it opened up some options to the human, some she had briefly thought of when she joined and talked to devon in a  quiet corner of his profession and some of his past exploits.

Kira looked at Cor with a slight smile. Though my training was mainly as the aim of a bounty hunter, i have known some experience...a little, with smuggling. Even helped with a ship jacking once. Given some time, training and pratice maybe i can get better at it." The human shrugged as she finished talking, then looked around. "With Devon gone, maybe...just maybe mind you, i could help fill that hole."

"Can I suggest another idea?

There are resistance cells popping up everywhere.  My current business works to smuggle these groups needed supplies, mainly food and medicine.  What if we focused on propping up these movements?  We could get them weapons and even our expertise.  Better yet we could pick a planet or sector that seems to be ready to rebel and help form a real resistance movement.  Supply them, support them, lead attacks.  Give them a chance to succeed against their overlords rather then just have them cut down.

When I was stuck on that hellhole I came from, I coordinated communication between a few disparate groups.  I always remembered thinking how much we could have done with some direction and integration.  We could supply that.  We've got military experts, medics, mechanical experts, smugglers.  We could do a lot of good.

I suggest we worry less about big armed ships.  What we have could transport a lot of cargo if we could sneak them in.  Instead, lets help people on the ground throw off their oppressors."

The Zeltron speaks with passion throughout, never touching his glass.  Clearly this cause means a lot to him.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:10, Fri 25 May 2018.

Arcas rubbed his chin, looking up at the ceiling lamp in deep thought. "I agree with Heigeren. Establishing good relations tend to lead to boons and oppotunities. Many worlds have records of old Republic ordnance depots which they might part with."

"Another direction is pirates. Based on my experience in the Imperial Navy, there is no shortage of armed pirates preying on less-traveled space lanes. If the... improvised nature of their equipment is no issue, we could re-purpose our fuel depot idea to liberate some pirate group of their tools. And do some good for the galaxy in the same time."

Mika gives Cor a nod.  "Sure thing, work with Fiarr and Kyvarr for combat mods for the two ships and work with Heigrin and Lin, and Kira, on some smuggling mods."  While she tries to appear casual, it's clear that the changes in number assignments has her a little confused.

"Mark might have his own plans for Talon Nest, but that doesn't mean we can't use it too."  She thinks about mentioning the upkeep and consumables and all of a cap ship, the fuel, coolant, atmo, food stores and all of the 10,001 parts they'd have to stock to maintain a cap ship for very long.

She glances over at Kira, "I've not done a whole lot of ship-jacking, but I've hot wired a few security systems in my time.  We team up on ship jacking, maybe we can put something together."  Then to the group generally.  "Heirgrin's idea has got a lot going for it and we're still helping out our friends and allies, but one of the things we've had going for us is being, uh, open to taking opportunities when they come along."  She holds up a hand and shakes her head, "I'm not talking about going pirate or the like, but there's others we can take out to help the common folk other than the Imps and pirates, corrupt planetary governments, corporations supporting the Imps, crime bosses, no need to limit the options."

She starts doodling some notes on her pad with random thoughts on upgrades to the ships when she remembers another comment of Cor's that almost got lost in the press.  "Oh, and if we're picking nicknames, what about Speedy.  I was thinking of Ratchet or Spanner, but then folk would figure out I'm a mechanic right away."  With the sooty smudges of engine grease and her ever-present tool kit, it wouldn't be a stretch for people to figure that out even if she called herself Mistress Starbuckle.

"I was intending to direct us toward relief work, at least in part," Cor agrees, nodding to Heigren in particular, "but I may as well clarify to forestall speculation in one particular direction: even if I thought the team was willing to take on pirate work, I am not.  I have no intention of running the Talons as a pirate band.  Pirate-hunters, of course," she adds, now nodding to Arcas, "is a different matter altogether.

"Many of these ideas can be combined.  There are plenty of war-torn or oppressed areas in need of relief, which are also locales of pirates - often preying upon relief vessels.  I agree with Heigren that this would be an excellent use of our time, but also with Mika in that as independents we have the capacity to pick and choose our missions and targets."

She drums her fingers on the table briefly before directing her next comment to Mika.

"The Colonel asked if we wished to keep the Nest or turn it over to the Alliance.  I elected to keep it neutral at the time.  Since neither she nor the Brigadier will interfere with the operation of the Talons, as they are no longer a part of it, the Nest is ours to use as long as nobody has found it and decided to squat in it."

Dohr nods to his friends. "I too agree. The mission to steal supplies from the imperial station was not exactly a walk in the park to begin with, but now without the rebel support, it would be suicide."

The Doc takes a sip of his drink and continues: "And while I agree with Heigren's idea, it is along the same lines I had in mind as well and something I have been doing before joining the Talons, I also agree with Cor. We need to make sure we can defend ourselves and if need be, take the offensive. Therefore we do require at least two fighters as well as better armament and defences for the freighters.

We have a base, though we have stripped some equipment from it, where to do the required modifications. I do have to admit though that I am completely useless in such work myself. But all that requires money, a lot of money. And as far as I know, we must currently make do without the Rebel alliance money. Therefore we will need to dig up some credits of our own."

The Kel Dor thought about it for a second or three.

"I share Cor's sentiments; we cannot turn ourselves into pirates just to help our cause, but.. stealing from pirates themselves... or the imperials... It is not really piracy, is it? We would be.. hmm... let us say, liberating and retrieving stolen goods, right?

But money is where I can be of help. During my years, I have gathered a fair pile of credits and have been saving them for a rainy day. And I think the day has come now. So I can help purchase needed equipment or parts for the ships. I do not have enough to get us a new 'Shrike or anything, but it should be of some help nevertheless."

”I concur. I do not care for piracy, but we would do well to provide people in need with supplies and help. I would think, there should be hidden caches of equipment from the Clone Wars still around the Rim. Finding them would probably provide us with not only supplies to deliver but possibly even ships left in reserves. It should not be impossible to extrapolate the locations of such caches from historic data from the war”, Lin said. ”And with proper ships and equipment, we could even rid the Rim of some pirates, which would make the locals a bit safer and provide us with even further resources.”

Lin was considering multiple options for the Talons. The supply caches, should they be able to find them, would provide ample opportunities if properly exploited and their location was kept hidden. Of course, there was the possibility, at least some of them were already found and occupied, even used as bases for some more sinister groups. Of course, ridding the galaxy of such parties would be a good thing. They’d need to think ahead, though, and conduct proper intelligence gathering and reconnaissance, which would fall in to the specialties of Cor, Fiarr, Heigren and herself as well.

Fiarr looked at Lin with interest.  "Sounds truly fascinating Lin.  I assume that means you have the inside track on these caches you speak of?  I won't ask how you convinced your contacts to share."  She gave Heigren a knowing wink.

”So far I have nothing ferrocrete. However, with a conflict of galactic scale, there has been a vast number of caches. The easy ones are most certainly gone, and some of the better hidden ones as well, partially to pirates, partially to former combattants. Some are too dangerous to approach, most likely, but there should be some for us to find if we wish. The fact, I have no solid leads on any does not mean I could not obtain them - I do have a rather good connection with some people that might know or at least know someone who knows of the caches”, Lin replied. She did not seem cross about her idea being questioned like that.

”Finding battlefield salvage would be somewhat easy as well, if we went looking for certain locales - probably even easier than finding an unopened cache. Both take time and effort, though, and there are no guarantees of succeeding. However, finding a good, unopened cache would probably provide us with plenty of things to pass on to any aspiring rebel cells or civilians, if that is what we are looking to do.”
This message was last edited by the player at 17:54, Sun 27 May 2018.

"Why bother with a treasure hunt?"  Kyvarr grunted, ever the pragmatist.  "There are thousands of Imperial supply depots out there, full of modern equipment.  Obviously they'll be well guarded but I prefer a straight up fight to traipsing around the galaxy looking for hidden stockpiles"

”Oh, we can go and fight the Imperials head on. Let us attack a supply depot somewhere, just as soon as we have a full fleet and a battalion of troops available. And never mind the people livin on that world, I am sure the Empire will be lenient with them as they have not done a thing”, Lin said her words oozing with sarcasm. ”But since we do not have a fleet nor a battalion of troops, I suggest playing things smart. It might be, we will never find a single supply cache that is intact, but keeping an eye out for them can provide us with a surprising haul of things.”

Kyvarr glared at Lin, steel in her gaze.  "I don't tell you how to flutter your eyelids at pretty boys or slice a computer, don't presume to tell me how to plan a military supply raid."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:44, Wed 30 May 2018.

"There is no need to become sarcastic, Lin," Cor notes in a mild tone, "you are not being belittled and the Sergeant is no fool; like any of us she simply has her preferred tactics.  Such diversity is essential within the Talons, as we need a broad variety of methods to achieve our goals.

"Between the ten of us we no doubt have a strong network of contacts; both suggestions, of following up rumours of caches and of investigating supply depots that may be effective targets, have their merits."

Cor taps a few times on her datapad and then puts both hands around her cup to soak up some of the soothing warmth and, at least partially, to stop herself from rubbing at her eyes.

"As the sentiment seems to be that our time would be better spent charting our team's future rather than continuing infiltration of our prior target, I will notify the Colonel to that effect and advise her that we remain open to Alliance contracts as independent operatives.  In the mean time," she adds, "we will return to the Talon Nest, so as to familiarise our new members with our base of operations, secure quarters there and assess the need for modifications and equipment."

She looks about the team, her eyes lingering briefly on Heigren as she does.

"Are there any questions or concerns?" she asks.

"None with me.  I just need to know where to bring my things.  I can be ready to leave in under an hour."

Kyvarr's gaze lingered on Lin for a moment longer then she turned her attention back to Cor.  "Ready to move out on your orders ma'am."

Fiarr sighed.  "I was hoping to hit the casino and then make Heigren buy me the most lavish dinner this station can manage.  Still, the needs of the team come first.  I doubt we can just hop a transport to this secret base of yours, wherever it is."

Mika climbs to her feet, "I guess I'm in the pilots chair.  Talons Nest, how fast do you want to get there?  I'm thinking we split the two ships up and take a couple of extra jumps to get there."

Unless some says otherwise, Mika heads for the Grthoc cockpit.

Cor nods quickly to Mika, looking pleased with the proceedings.

"That would be ideal.  Then we will move out in two hours; if anyone has business left on the planet you have that time to conclude it.  I would like everyone with contact networkd to keep themselves informed of potential work.  Ms Kira, you will want to look into bounties suitable for groups.  Heigren, please look into likely targets for our support.  Dr Veen, if you have contacts in the Kel Dor military, perhaps they can help.

"Sergeant," she adds, looking toward Kyvarr, "please coordinate with Mr Endeel regarding possible depots we could target and the best ways to crack them open with the resources we currently possess.  Ms Daochi," she says to Lin, "look into your rumours regarding supply caches.  At this stage," the Umbaran concludes, "we are in desparate need of supplies.  There is no sense in excluding any possible targets when we have sufficient people to follow up all leads."

She taps her datapad and nods to herself.

"I suppose that is 'meeting adjourned,' then," she smiles.  "If anyone has concerns or hears about possible jobs, please do let me know.  Please do feel free to avail yourselves of food and drink while aboard the Voidsong."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:52, Fri 01 June 2018.

Arcas nodded, mostly to himself and finished up the sentence in his datapad before stowing the writing equipment away. He looked at the Cathar, wordlessly handing over the initiative to her.

Lin, however, stole the initiative. She walked straight over to the Cathar. ”I am sorry for the sarcasm, sergeant. I do not deny, there is a call for violence in massive scale every now and then, but I have also seen what happens when the violence is wrongly timed. I am not worried about the team - I understand how this team operates and that it has likely survived a number of missions, most considered impossible. I am worried about the civilians the Empire will pour its wrath upon, if a supply depot is raided. And I advice strongly against belittling the potential of those caches - they can, if found, be far more valuable than what we can dig up from an Imperial supply depot on the Rim.”

"So you apologise for your tone but not your intent, is that it?  You still act like I have no idea what I'm doing, that I'm some bloodthirsty warmonger who gives no thought to civilian lives, all I see is the objective.  Save your pretty speech for the boys and speak plainly with me in the future."

She looks to Arcas.  "Once we are aboard we have planning to do sir."  She gives Lin one more glare and the heads for the Ghtroc.

"Finding people in need of our help is not a problem.  Do you have a rough idea what area of the galaxy you want to work in?  If we could narrow it down to a sector at least I can start probing a lot better.  Are we going to be close to the Atrivis Sector still or will we be working somewhere else?"

Heigren then realises he has one more pressing question.  "Um, which ship should Lin and I take our gear to?  Since we were already on station I'm not sure where you want us."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:56, Sun 03 June 2018.

Cor ponders this for a few moments before smiling warmly to the Zeltron, a man she clearly genuinely likes.

"Remain on the Voidsong, if you would.  There is plenty of room and it is quite comfortable.  I presume Mr Endeel will be joining Sergeant Dulvan for the purposes of planning, so we will be split evenly between the two vessels - Dr Veen, yourself, Ms Daochi and B0-B1 will join me here on the Voidsong, whilst Sergeant Dulvan, Mr Endeel, Ms Kira and Ms Melan'nel will accompany Ms Trake on the Ghtroc."

She waves a hand expressively as she finishes off her caf.

"As for your earlier question, I would like to concentrate our efforts initially on establishing the Talon Nest as a viable base of operations, so keep your due diligence to the Seswenna Sector and its immediate neighbours.  We will spread our activities quickly enough but for now I feel we must tend our own neighbourhood before seeking to delve too deeply into others."

*THREE DAYS LATER*

Location: Talon Nest, Former asteroid mining outpost, Seswenna Sector


With the election of a new leader, reallocation of designations and a decision made, it wasn't long before the Talons were reading to leave the station and head halfway across the galaxy.  The Atrivis Sector was not the best place to necessarily run the Talons as independants.  Despite likely assistance from Mark and Zyra's Task Force 47, the sector was still quite heavily locked down.  Instead the decision had been made to return to Talon Nest, the team's original base of operations in the Seswenna Sector, close to the Hydian Way, a major hyperspace route.

It took nearly three days to reach the Nest.  Numerous hyperspace jumps were needed to cross over half the galaxy, especially when the team decided to avoid entering the heavily patrolled Core Worlds.  The time was spent onboard the ships, the Talons forced to entertain themselves as best they could.

When the ships finally emerged from hyperspace near the small asteroid field where the Nest was located, most individuals crowded the cockpits or observation platforms to look at their new home.  Most of the Talons had never actually been here, most joining well after the Talons had embarked on adventures far from their base.

If the first-timers were expecting an exciting sight, they were disappointed.  The base looked like innumerable other hollowed out asteroids they had seen in their travels.  Only a single aperture loomed on one side to show signs of habitation.  There wasn't any other external signs of habitation.  Only the opening gave away it wasn't a simple asteroid.

There was no magnetic shield or active gravity and the ships were forced to use docking clamps to secure themeselves to the hangar deck.  The deck itself was enormous, easily big enough to have housed several Nightshrike sized ships.  Given the enormous ore freighters that would have serviced the asteroid this was no surprise.  For now, the two transports had copious amounts of space.  The only other item was a spare diplomatic pod for the Nightshrike that Devon had planned to convert to a pocket carrier when he had time.

With no life support or gravity of any sort, the team could only leave the ships when equipped in full space suits.  Mika especially was kept busy for the next day or so, trying to repair the generators which had failed due to overdue maintenance and a loss of power.  The job had been finicky, hampered by her suit but she soon had help.  The three maintenance droids that normally served the nest had powered down.  Voidsong had no shortage of droid chargers and soon the trio were dutifully assisting the mechanic.  Before long power was restored, gravity returned and life support re-engaged.

After this, everyone was finally able to leave the ships.  After the cramped quarters on the ship, the Nest was immense.  Space was no issue with several rooms designed to hold a dozen workers or large storage rooms existed.  There was more than enough room for everyone to take a room at least 5m a side for themselves.

Numerous tunnels snaked off into the asteroid but many of these remained unpowered to conserve energy.  People who wished to explore them would need to wear spacesuits.


OOC:  Welcome to the Nest.  It's been gathering dust a while.  The Nest is a huge hollowed out asteroid that was abandoned decades ago.  It's thick shell prevents scans from outside (except from it's opening).  Downside it is prevents outward comms/scans as well but Zyra/Mark had placed beacons around the local space on other asteroids.  They could pass to a relay in the hangar or a ship could easily fly out the hangar and gather recorded data.

The Nest has a massive hangar (containing your two transports and a hollowed-out diplomatic pod from a consular class cruiser) , at least 15 empty rooms you can use, a galley with serving droid, a large (mostly empty) workshop and lots of unexplored tunnels.

Hoping I can find a suitable map.

Cor has not been idle on the trip across the Galaxy, networking with as many of her contacts as she can and encouraging the rest of the Talons to do the same.  She gets to work swiftly after the freighters reach the Nest.

Her first priority is getting the base's droid force up and running, powering them up and using them as proxies to assist Mika in getting the generators going.  With that done, she sets the droids to work cleaning out any debris and making the rooms ready for habitability.  With a small army of DUM-series labour droids, their chief engineer Mika doesn't lack for help in her work.

Once the extended process of restoring the environment is complete, Cor gets busy in making sure everyone is situated in private and spacious, if austere, quarters.  No sharing rooms at the Nest, unless people prefer to, and plenty of space to allow each to set up their rooms how they like.  She, for her own part, says on the Voidsong.  Confined living is not only familiar to the Umbaran, but preferable.

Nonetheless, she keeps aside a room for an office, with the aim of eventually allowing her direct access from her freighter to the workspace.  It might take the installation of a new hatch in the freighter that can link up directly with a turbolift leading directly to the office - something that she puts on hold until the needs of her teammates are met.

When most of the major repairs are done she sets up her astromech, R2-A9, to trawl through the archived sensor logs for anything noteworthy.  If the droid finds anything, which Cor privately doubts, she will receive notification of it and a section of the logs for review.

Anything in the Nest that no longer works is tagged for possible repair or salvage.  Before long, she knows, they will need to secure a whole heap of parts - maybe a salvage run to one of the many starship graveyards around the galaxy would be worthwhile.  They'd likely need to fight off pirates and possibly more aggressive salvagers, but with skill and luck they'd make it back with their holds full of valuable parts and scrap.

Meanwhile, Cor has issued orders to all Talons to go through the base and give their full assessments - individually or as a group, depending on preference - of what the Talon Nest requires.  Do they need to stock the armory?  A dedicated firing range and/or simulator area for developing skills?  Better medical facilities?  New stocks of water and food?  More nutrient options?  Speciic entertainment?  Engineering gear?  More robust life support?  Enhanced sensor net?  Upgraded comm buoy connections to the wider Galaxy?  Fuel reserves for their ships?  More ships?  Anything, even the obvious stuff, even things that have already been mentioned before, needs to be collated into a list and prioritised.  The way she sees it, in a team of experts, every last one of the Talons will have their own insights into what the Nest requires, as well as what they'd prefer to have.

"Get settled as quickly as possible and notify one of the many droids about if more assistance is required anywhere.  It is a busy time for the Talons, even if it is not terribly exciting yet," she tells the team in a broadcast, "and we will need to all do our part in order to have the Nest as close to fully operational as we can get it, as quickly as we can.  Do not forget to submit your recomendations and 'wish lists' for equipment as soon as you have toured and assessed the station."

Lin went looking for accomodations for herself. She wasn’t picky on most subjects, but she needed a place with good lighting, some closet space and hopefully a sonic shower, so she could build her disguises in good lighting, store her outfits and wash the various masks off, when she was done. When she had found anything that was even partially close to her needs, she left the little she had in physical form save her portable computer and went exploring.

The young Pantoran was curious by nature, hence her choice of profession, but she was also looking for a perfect spot for something. Finding a suitable, quiet spot, she informed the droid she intercepted, she would not only need a much strengthened comm signal, but also a computer system that could use the incom8ng signals from around the system and process them in a number of ways to produce signals intelligence. She’d also need a bay for a fighter and, if possible, a couple of similator pods if any were found at a reasonable price so she could fly training flights from within th station without revealing their presence to anyone who might wander in to the system.

OOC:  Lin (and everyone) finds the rooms (there are at least 15) are just large 5m x 5m x 3m spaces.  Ten of them have a bunk-style bed (so an upper and a lower), a desk and chair and a locker.  They're illuminated by lights from the ceiling.  Any extra interior decorating will be at your own time/expense.

Two of the bedrooms are more spaciously furnished (those that belonged to Mark and Zyra) with double beds, a couch each and better work stations. 

One room is already set up as a dedicated conference/briefing room with table/chairs/holodisplays, wall screens, caf maker, etc.  There is also a dedicated games room with tables set up for cards, etc.  There is also an air hockey table, dejarrak board holochess, holovid (with collection of movies, etc) and the like.

There is a locked room (but you have the code) with weapon racks designed to be an armoury but is currently empty.

The toilets/shower are communal.  Someone could work on plumbing the nest but that would take time and resources.  For now you'll either need to work out a schedule or forget about private bathing.

Setting up access to the comm network would mean setting up some sort of receiver in the hangar bay that can access the external sensor net as the asteroid is too thick for any signals to pass through either way..  No such array exists (but could be set up).  Talon Nest relied on being unnoticed, not on active sensors.  You could set up some sort of external array through the asteroid but again this would require drilling holes, passing cable, etc (and would be easier to detect).
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:20, Sun 10 June 2018.

Having been to the Nest before, Mika knew more or less what to expect.  The lack of power was surprising, and annoying.  The maintenance droids should've kept a minimum level of care, but with the power not staying up, they'd run out of juice.  It was not her favorite thing, tramping around in a suit, working without gravity and only the light of glow rods to work by.  Still, with power on, the return of gravity and light, and a bunch of droids to clean the place up, it was much like she remembered.

Her first thing was to run a diagnostic on the power generators, then to delve into the air processors and water systems.  Then it was checking the spare parts stores.  There wasn't much, certainly not the sort of materials needed to augment the freighters with weapons and the like.  She prepares a report for Cor and goes to the Gthroc to send it.

Though Kira knew about the nest from conversation's of some of thye more senior members of the talons, this was her first time seeing the site, and despite it's ordinary look on the outside, she was none the less impressed with the site. An asteroid with a thick shell like this protected from scanning and was a great hiding spot.

...something she respected.

Once landing, her views became a little less impressive, but she still (none the less) was pleased by the site. She knew it had lay dormant, and though it was rough, the place had a lot of potential.

She spent most of her time cleaning out rooms and organising sites. She also helped Mika where she could. During the time with her on the ship (As brief as it was), she had grown to like the mechanic, and found a kinship with her. Perhaps it was because she saw in her a possible future she could have had if her father hadn't died.

While she ran diagnostics on the generators, the woman smiled at Mika. "Not what i was expecting....in a good way. A little rough, but lots of room to make it our own." She smiled and winked at Mika as she carried out some rubbish.

"Can't wait to fill some of these rooms."

Kyvarr did not waste any time.  She chose the nearest convenient room to serve as her quarters and then inspected the armoury.  It was obviously empty at present but she began to run through the various gear they would need in here.  Storing weapons was fine but they'd also need some powerpack chargers as well as a weapon and armour modification workbench if there was room.  Perhaps an adjacent room would serve better for that.  She sent a message to Cor offering to both take charge of the armoury and the recommendation of an adjacent  modification room.

Then she went searching for a larger room.  She wanted somewhere to turn into a training centre/gym and a 5x5 room wouldn't cut it.  She need something big.  She could use multiple small rooms but then she'd need seperate weight room, combat room, both unarmed and armed, room for ball sports and even a running track if she could manage.  Better to find one large cavern that she could section into seperate training zones.

Heigren walked through the 'Nest' shaking his head.  If the Zeltron had of designed his own version of hell, this would have been close.  Bare rooms, no decorations, no people, no holovid, no creature comforts of any kind.  This place would need a lot of investment before it was remotely livable.  Hopefully they wouldn't be staying for too long.

The Talons settled in to their routines on base.  Mika took charge of ensuring the safe running of the power and maintenance systems, supported by a team of droids and Kira.  Dohr worked in the medical bay while Kyvarr split her time between the armoury, a weapons maintenace room and a gym.  The rest of the Talons chose a room for themselves and settled in, free to do what they wished.

Cor remained mostly on her ship, though her presence was constantly felt through various communiques both electronic and via droid.  She chose a room of her own and worked to power/repair droids as required.  Mostly she oversaw operations, notably the plethora of data, the various satellites around the system had picked up.


OOC: Well as mentioned you all have a private room to do with as you wish.  There is plenty of base to explore and I'm sure Mika/Cor/Dohr/Kyvarr have jobs if people are bored!  There is little in entertainment bar the games room (which has a holovid, card table, air hockey, etc) and what you brought with you.  There is a galley where droids can make you food when you want but again supplies are limited to what you brought and what hasn't gone bad in your time away.  Unless someone is expert in plumbing, all shower facilities are communal.

Basically the place is perfectly functional but will need investment of credits (and shopping trips) if you want more stuff.

Mika found it nice to have Kira helping, but more just for the companionship.  It seems tough to make friends on the team, too many people head out on their own, like Devon. Those that were left, Mika didn't have all that much in common with most.  Cor had rebuffed her attempts at friendship, she had always rebuffed Heigren similarly.  The others, they just seemed so focused on their own specialties, just like Mika herself had.  Odd musings for her, she usually didn't dwell on such thoughts.

Delving into her datapad, she continues to try and pull a map of Talon's Nesr.

Seeking out Kira, Mika says, "I'm going exploring, want to come along?  I want to start with the power feeds, figure out what's pulling power other than the lights and the atmo processors.".

Kira, doing general cleaning and maintenance on the rooms near to Mika, was happy to help the young woman, for not only the distraction of doing something in this place, but also for the company. Kira had (Before her job as a bounty hunter alone) spent time on a mercenary ship, so she had no issues with other people in close quarters. But empty spaces often bored her when she wasn't on a job.

So when Mika asked to come exploring, the woman smiled, brushing dirt off her brown pants. "A little exploration may be good....might find some useful items around."

Shortly, Cor's voice is heard throughout the Nest. 

"All Talons, your attention: we have a lead.  A priority meeting is to be held in fifteen minutes.  As we have not yet set up an appropriate meeting space in the Nest, it will be held in the conference room of the Voidsong.  All Talons are to attend; this meeting is mandatory and time sensitive so please do not be late."

Hearing the briefing call, Kyvarr stopped her room planning and sprung into action.  She quickly returned to her room and ensured her armour and Nijel were polished and ready, the latter having several power packs ready.  She strapped on her heavy blaster, slipped extra packs into her ammo pouch and put extra packs on the charger.  She then grabbed her datapad and headed for the meeting with minutes to spare.  Despite Cor's polite tone, the Cathar sensed they'd be shipping out soon.

Kira heard the announcement and sighed with a smile and looked at Mika"Looks like exploration will have to wait. Seems they found us some fun." She raises her eyebrows with a smile and made her way to the ship with a slight hum and spring in her step, stopping only to gather her gear on her bed ready for quick departure

Fiarr had been largely absent the last day or so.  She had certainly not been in her room in either the nest or onboard ships.  When people began to arrive for the meeting she was not in attendance.

Heigren was one of the first to arrive for the simple fact he had barely left Cor's ship since reaching the nest.  It had not taken him long to determine the Nest needed a LOT of work to be brought up to a standard he considered acceptable.  As such he'd spent the most of the time back compiling a shopping list.

When Cor's call came in he merely left the confines of his cabin and moved to the conference room.  Almost on cue one of the droids brought him his whisky bottle, a glass and various delicacies and canapes.

He continued to work on his list while waiting for Cor and the others to show.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:25, Tue 19 June 2018.