Without an enormous amount of ado time passes on Det Akari.

Akari City is a wide and sprawling place with much to do and see.  Suborbitals leave every half-hour so access to the entire planet is possible, though most focus of commerce, entertainment and industry is in or around the city.  The main capital on the other side of the small planet, Du Larano, is less rich than Akari City.  Still, there is much to see; halfway between the two cities, for example, is a belt of artificial beach running almost a full quarter around the equator.  It's almost a mile above the actual surface of the planet but still, it's quite convincing.

About eighteen hours after the Talons meet at the bar (and don't really do very much) there is a meeting scheduled at the hotel, held by Zyra.  It takes place in a private function room on the main floor and affords a good view of both the lobby and street outside, privacy assured by one-way tinted transparisteel windows.  Serious, it's transparisteel.  Same stuff used in starship viewports.  People don't throw chairs through the windows in this place.

The place is very plush indeed.  Delightfully so.  The chairs are comfortable and padded, the table is ornately decorated and the refreshments - a series of complimentary finger-foods and basic wine, in addition to anything Zyra and/or Mark have ordered - are better fare than most hotels can boast on their main menus.  This must have cost a lot (in credits, favours or both).

This meeting is, as the Talons know, not compulsory but it is recommended.  Whether the Talons turn up, therefore, is up to them.

Let's see who attends first...

(( Note - if your Talon is not attending the meeting please let me know so that I can start a new, appropriately-scened thread.  Otherwise feel free to post your character's arrival as you see fit.  Remember that this scene takes place at the end of Day 2, so please also include a synopsis of the previous 18 hours' activities.  Presumably it'll include sleep at some point. ))

Zyra was first to arrive as she needed to be on hand to ensure the set-up was as she liked and that other 'preparations' were in place.  She had not been idle the past few days and had rarely been near the hotel.  She felt especially comfortable as she'd spent the majority of the day, sitting on the beach alternating between catching up on her various business concerns and reading a trashy romance holonovel she'd been meaning check out for some time.

The set-up in the funstion room was familiar to the more veteran Talons; a round table with enough comfortable chairs for the whole team.  Long side tables carried the complimentary food and drinks.  Also on the side table was a small holographic projector which could be used to order drinks if Talons wanted to purchase something not provided free.  By the holoviewer was a datapad listing the various dinner options available this evening, a Talon merely needed to enter their menu choices and their name.

Whilst she waited for the others, Zyra sipped a glass of green wine she'd ordered from the bar and flicked through a datapad with her other hand.

Mika had spent the bulk of the time working on the swoop, getting it back into standard trim and then seeing what she could do to make it better than factory defaults.  Of course, once the headache had faded, she was able to get herself a pretty solid nights rest as well.  While that put her in a much better frame of mind, she's still a bit put out at her poor showing, not even managing to finish the race.

Looking around the room, she seems quite out of place.  She'd taken a few minutes out of her efforts to hit the fresher and change into some clothes that weren't so grease spotted and soot covered.  The spacers boots had come out a bit better, at least the scuff marks were gone, but they weren't for show and they showed signs of years of active service.  Mika's hair, always unruly, was no exception on this occasion.

Looking about, Mika figures she can at least sit on the chairs without leaving marks, not that she was overly concerned with such things.  Let the cleaning droids worry about it, that's what they're programmed for.

"Hi, having fun?" she greets Zyra as she moves over to investigate the snacks.  She's like it better if it weren't so fancy, she was a fast food/greasy spoon sort of person, not one to really appreciate the finer foods.  Still, it was free and some of it looked pretty tasty and she hadn't eaten since before the race, so she was pretty hungry.  Taking a plate, she piles it three layers high with the types of foods she can identify, finds herself a drink and settles down to start grazing.

Zyra looked over Mika's ensemble and couldn't help but smile.  While Mika was dressed in her usual mechanics clothes, the Zabrak was wearing a very formal form fitting, ankle-length dress in a cloth of shimmering jade green.  She wore simple but elegant sandals on her feet, she wore a necklace studded with emeralds a pair of earrings also in green and several expensive looking rings.  Her horns had been gilded in gold.  Her hair had been washed until it shined and was artistically designed in a knot on the back of her head.

The two couldn't look more different.  While Mika looked ready to join a pit crew, Zyra was dressed like she should be attending a high society ball.

"Not yet." she answered with a wink.  "But I plan to have a great deal of fun tonight.  Rainbow is taking me to the opera.  I get to watch one of Awmod's finest operas while watching our commander squirm uncomfortably.  Who knows, I may manage to culture him a little."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:22, Wed 04 Sept 2013.

CC9 stomps into the room.  He's decided to forgo the form-fitting jade green shimmering dress and is in his usual metal.  He doesn't speak to either woman and instead simply stands near a wall and waits.  Personable droid, really.  Nonetheless if he's here then Cor almost certainly is by proxy - or could be at a moment's notice.

Mika shakes her head.  Why anyone would go to the opera, on purpose, was beyond her.  "I think I'd rather go to a Wookiee soft shoe dance when they've run out fresh meat.  But I hope you have a great time.". She gives a hint of her usual impish smile.  All things being equal, she was pleased the headache had faded away.

Zyra shrugged, "And I can think of MANY things I'd rather do then have my head stuck in greasy swoop bike engines all day.  You and Rainbow are a pair.  I swear he's only happy when he's flying a starship or fixing one."

Devon ambled in, pulling off the biker jacket he'd got from somewhere.  Possibly realizing it was so dirty he'd mess up the furniture if he hung it over the back of a chair, he dropped it and the backpack he was carrying next to a chair before homing in on the food table.

The others hadnt seen much of Devon since he'd left the bar the previous day, he'd vanished on his speeder, only to return late at night and leave early the next morning.

"Evening, Ladies." he said cheerfully. "I've been exploring.  Spent a lot of time just cruising around on my bike, seeing what's what.  Didja know they got an artificial beach here?  It goes on forever - you could walk for days and not get from one end to the other."

Devon slumped into a chair, plate of munchies in one hand, caf in the other.  He looked from Mika to Zyra and back whilst they talked, then appeared to remember something.
"Oh yeah - and I bought Mister Blossomdancer this."  A few brief moments of rummaging in his backpack and Devon produced a plastic bag with a shops brand name on the side and tossed it onto the table.  Whatever was inside was clearly soft and not breakable.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:56, Thu 05 Sept 2013.

Mika chuckles.  "Well, if it's what we like to do, what's wrong with us doing it instead of getting drug off to some old opera?  You should let him give the 'Shrike an overhaul."

"Yeah." grinned Devon.  "That would save me a lot of work..."

He appeared to think for a moment.
"But then again... I can see the attraction in making him sit through the opera - probably the same reason I bought him that."  he nodded to the bag on the table.

"Take a look, if you want."
Devon leaned forward conspiratorially, an evil grin plastered across his face.  "We HAVE to make him wear it."

SHeila came in as Devon was talking about the bag.  "Who'd you get what?"  She wasn't dressed up, after the dinner and show last night, she had spent today doing useful shopping and had found a couple libraries to spend the afternoon in.

Zyra chuckled at Mika's comment.  "You think I can make Rainbow do anything he doesn't choose to?  I thought you knew him better than that.  He's awfully. . .stubborn.

I'm sure he'll spend time with the ships if he wants.  More likely tinkering with new designs.  You know about a year ago he sent a proposed upgrade for the Z-95 to Incom?  Something about four engines instead of two and something about some sort of moveable wings?  Never heard back of course."

She peeked in the bag and grinned at Devon.  "Good luck getting him to wear that."

'May I?" IF not stopped or refused, Sheila will look in the bag.

Mark walks in a few minutes before the meeting time and despite the Talons being deep in conversation, his entrance causes a stir.  The commander is dressed in an exquisite double breasted tuxedo, that seems to fit him like a second skin.  He is clean shaven and his hair immaculately brushed.  To the initiated, they can tell Mark isn't really comfortable being in such attire as he regularly brushes his jacket with his hand, almost like a nervous tic.

He looks around those gathered.  "I see several of you are here.  Sola I imagine is joining us by proxy." he quickly looks to CC9 for confirmation before looking to the others.  "Anyone heard if Rathon, Vyn and Forim are coming?"


OOC: Arin, Heigran and Flash need to indicate if they are coming to the meeting or not

A few minutes later Flash shows up, wearing his usual clothes, a simple jumpsuit.  He looks over Mark's outfit for a few moments.  "Nice suit boss."

He orders dinner and a lomin ale from the datapad.

"Be my guest." answers Devon. "I think he'll look wonderful in it.."

Shortly after he'd finished saying this, Mark made his entrance.
"Not got a clue if the others are turning up."  Devon paused to look Mark up and down. "Either you lost a bet, or you're due in court.  Which ever, Rainbow, I decided to get you something you'd be more comfortable in."
Devon handed the bag over - and even managed to look reasonably sincere whilst he did it...
This message was last edited by the player at 22:52, Fri 06 Sept 2013.

"I'm just glad he's not dressed p for a funeral.". Mika continues to graze on the bounty.  "Hey boss, when we're done, I'd like to have a quick word."

SHeila watched the 'entertainment' while she got some thing to eat.  She didn't order anything extra, just took some of what was provided.

Although she had to admit, Mr SHeppard was a damn fine looking man.  Just not admitting it out loud.  Highly inappropriate. Just enjoying the scenery.

"Care to have that chat now Miss Stell?  The food hasn't arrived yet and we wont talk until we eat."

He gestures to a quiet corner.

Having cleaned up the outfit he had bought in the Claws district, Arin entered the premises in the black leathery ensemble with blue accents. And even if it had been second hand clothing, he made it look very good, far better than the scrounged jumpsuit. The ex-Imperial did his best to give everyone a friendly smile, even Flash - either he had lost his senses finally or he had gotten somewhere with the Chief of Security. At least they were both still alive and not bleeding profusely.

"Good evening, everyone", he said in a friendly tone. By the sound of it, he was going to be playing nice. He gave a glance at the transparisteel windows. "What kind of a heavy security brig have you brought us in to, Sarah?" He chuckled slightly. "Worried that we'll get drunk and blow the place to smithereens?"

As Arin looks out the window he - along with anyone else looking in the same direction - notices a bunch of people carrying sound equipment walking along.  Probably off to some part or another.  An entertainment droid buzzes along behind, its disco-style entertainment lights and holotransmitter currently off.

"''Oh, Vyn won't be here, so Don't wait for him."  Janine announced to the world at large as she sat down with her food and fizzy drink.

"Well, alright.". She follows e commander to the corner.

Mark chats in a chatlike fashion to Mika.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:33, Sun 08 Sept 2013.

As small talked ensued and people caught up on the adventures of the past two days, dinner was served by waiter droids that rolled in and out silently, placing the dishes on the table without so much as a clatter.  Drinks were provided quickly and were always prepared to perfection.  The meal was highly enjoyable and business was not discussed.

After dinner the waiter droids brought around drinks of whisky and port as well as cups of caf for those who preferred.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:20, Sun 08 Sept 2013.

Mark ate his meal in silence and accepted a glass of Corellian whisky for after the meal.  He took a quick sip, noting the robust flavour, ensured all the Talons were listening and that the waiter droids had left.  Then he spoke.

"Well I hope you've been enjoying your leave.  It's certainly been a trying few months.  I can assure you that things will get harder.  For now I want to raise three issues with you all.  I should point out that Sarah has done a full sweep and declared the room safe."

"First off, happy news.  The final sale of our merchandise has concluded and your individual shares will be forwarded into the accounts Miss Starflare made for you by tomorrow morning.  There should be enough for you all to get in lots of trouble."

"Secondly, we need to discuss the leadership structure of this team.  Recently we have lost both our space force commander and ground force commander.  As such we are missing most of our leadership cadre.  Therefore we need to fill these two roles.  These roles have control over the team and answer to myself and the XO.

Now at present you are all of same rank.  What I want is for you all to nominate who you feel would make the best ground force commander and best space force commander.  I will review the nominees and make the final decision when we get back to base after shore leave.  Nominations should be sent to myself or Sarah.  You can nominate yourself or someone else but be sure to provide rationale for your nominations."

"Finally we need to talk logistics.  Sarah and I have made contact with a local fixer.  Styles himself a high-level dealer in all kinds of goods.  Claims he can access all kinds of goods from starfighters and larger craft to ground vehicles, armaments and medical supplies.  Even says he has a few potential recruits for us, a medical specialist and a tank expert.  The question is though what do you think we need to expand our operations?  We have some liquid capital right now so I want to open it up to you to suggest what we might need."

Mark sits back and gestures to the Talons, indicating it is there turn to talk.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:09, Sun 08 Sept 2013.

Flash, likewise, keeps to himself during his meal and just eats.  He's got the look about him of someone who's used to eating quickly because you just don't know when someone's going to shoot at your ship or try and board you.  As a result he isn't too delicate about his table manners (though he's also not a slob).  He makes sure he has very strong caf nearby and drinks deeply through the meal.

As the CO speaks up Flash listens intently.  He nods from time to time and then, when Rainbow Blossomdancer is done, he clears his throat.

"I'm not gonna kid anybody and I don't see a need to vote silently.  Sheila for space force commander.  Nobody's better suited.  I don't have the temperament to lead.  She's hands-down the best choice."  He spares a nod at Sheila.  "Ground force commander, I say Devon.  The droid over there is probably better suited," he nods to CC9, "but not everyone's gonna be happy following a droid.  Sorry," he adds to the battle droid, "but it's true and I'm guessing you know it better than anyone.  But I reckon CC9 should be advisor - ground force 2IC, sort of thing."

Then he puts his empty caf cup down.  "As for what we need to grow, I think that's the wrong question.  I think we should be asking ourselves which direction we want to grow in.  Cos right now we're space battle specialists - for the most part, I mean - but we could go anywhere pretty easily.  We've got more strength in the skies than on the ground but we're small and flexible.  So I'd say what direction we wanna go in will define what we need to have to get it done."  He looks about.  "Make sense?"

Mark nodded as he listened to Flash's choices.  "Personally I'd elect the person whom you trust to lead you into battle and bring you out again alive, not the person people are happy following.  If you think CC9 is better suited then he should be your choice.  I don't care if the person is flesh or metal, they need to get the job done and keep people alive."

He turns to Sheila and Devon.  "Just because you've been nominated you don't have to accept.  Think carefully over the next two weeks, all of you.  Command is not an easy job and it's not for everyone.  It carries a heavy burden with it.  Also remember you could always nominate a combined space/ground force commander if you think someone is suited."

Flash just shrugs.  He doesn't offer his opinion on Mark's statement that CC9 should be his first choice; the Duros has had his say and he's not going to grandstand.

"I'm quite impressed with your last statement Flash.  I had thought you'd want some oversized manly gun or ship.  But you are right that we should consider where we want to go with this organisation.  Personally I feel we are a little light on our ground capability.  We've conducted a few operations where we could use more ground support.  Though I hear some of you have purchased some swoops which could be used for such a purpose."

Flash laughs with good humour.  "Oh, I want all kinds of huge fast ships with massive guns.  Sure I do.  But while that'd be a heck of a lot of fun it's not necessarily what's best for the Talons."

"I believe I may understand Mr Allen's point, Commander," Cor's voice comes through via CC9.  "As you know, getting people through life-and-death situations is not only about skill in arms or tactical ability.  If your team will not listen to you then it does not matter how skilled a tactician or combatant you may be.  I believe, however, that the votes may tell whether people have confidence in following CC9 into battle or not.  The Talons involved may not be as hesitant as Mr Allen understandably predicts."

CC9 says nothing on his own behalf.  He's arguably equipment.

After Mika finishes her discussion with the commander, she resumes her seat and continues to eat. Unlike the others, she goes for a frizzy fruit drink,   She's surprised at the turn of events, she hadn't thought about such weighty things.  "I don't know, droids are great, but there's more to leadership than stratigic goals, battlefield tactics and expendable assets.  I'm thinking an organic is a bit better amid the chaos...". Mika breaks off as the thought occurs that there was an argument to be made that a droid could cut through the chop and see to the core of things.  "Well, maybe, I'll have to think about it."

Since Flash had pulled himself out of the running, Mika gives some thought to nominating Arin.  That'd be like tossing in a flash grenade into the mix.  A leader had to have the respect of those following and people had been been riding Arin's butt since he signed on. That pretty much left it with Sheila.

For the ground guy, she sure didn't want it.  Her one experience at that didn't go so well.  Despite what the boss had said, Mika didn't think having the same person in charge of space and ground was a good idea.  She didn't think Devon was well suited to it, he was like her, better at keeping stuff working then leading troops. Hmmm.....

Apparently caught out by his nomination as ground force commander, Devon was doing a fairly good 'deer in the headlights' impression - the pastry he had been eating stalled halfway to his mouth.

He recovered as the conversation shifted towards spending money.
"While Flash is right and we do need to decide what our plans are before we decide what to spend, there's some things we're gonna have to buy no matter what our plans are.  You say we're a specialist space force right now, but there's stuff we're always gonna need to stay viable in a dogfight:  we've got a supply of fuel on tap, so we CAN fly... but we've got absolutely no munitions for our fighters and only two of our three fighters are hyperspace capable.  And that's another thing - we got waaaay more pilots than we got fighters."

Devon paused to munch on his pastry and think.
"I mean, I dont care if we buy the stuff or steal it from someone deserving."  a crafty smile spread across his face at the idea.  "But I'd really like to go into a fight one day where we're not outgunned AND outnumbered..."

"I've been pushing our XO and our various quartermasters for some time to get us a steady supply of proton torpedos and concussion missiles.  So far they haven't had much success."

"As for fighter I have been giving that some thought.  While normally I prefer the speed and agility of a Z-95, I think we need some more robust fighters for our less experienced pilots.  Plus some of our team are not pilots at all as we are not purely a starfighter squadron."

"I'm thinking a few Y-wings might be the way to go.  Rugged design, can seat two, which means you can have either a gunner or just a passenger and parts are relatively easy.  Sure it wont match up well to a TIE fighter but what's available right now that will?"

"Another choice would be some R-42 Starchasers, but they're very rare."


OOC:  Please note that the game is still in 2BBY which means X-wings and A-wings have not been produced yet.  In fact the Corellian treaty hasn't even be signed yet, though that's really close.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:38, Sun 08 Sept 2013.

"Oh.  He's 'asked us to get a steady supply'.  Typical flyboy.  Think we can just snap our fingers and illegal weaponry will just pour in.  Perhaps I should go down to the local department store and buy in bulk?  Oh and that's right.  Where have the credits been to buy these items?  It was getting to the point where I had to choose between heating our base or supplying caf.  Probably would have gone with the caf."

There is no anymosity in Zyra's voice.  In fact no Talon has ever seen her angry.  It's clear she's teasing the commander.

Mika glances at Devon, her face thoughtful.  "You know, you got some pretty decent engineers in the room, maybe with some research, the proper chemicals in the proper proportions..."

"...then in theory we could make a handgun that could shoot a hole in the world." grinned Devon.
"But if you don't mind I'll watch the test firing from the next system over.  Yeah, we got some good engineers, and I dunno about anyone else, but I'm no munitions expert - I'm a glorified speeder thief!  That last load of missiles we got?  I built a sort-of ammo magazine to keep them in and just prayed no-one sneezed too loud whilst walking past."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:43, Sun 08 Sept 2013.

Sheila nods at flash.  I appreciate the vote of confidence, but I need to think about it.  As for direction, we need more people if we are going to be able to field a ground force.  Which is fine, we need them for that. Cor is not a leaving the ship type person, So do we want to balance out or stay more the space force.  My question for the boss is, which way are we more likely to find jobs?  Space force or on the ground?  historically? Has there been a change in the kind of jobs over time, so that we are heading more space  or ground, so we can judge from that?  Or has it been staying pretty balanced?"

She's been working through the selection of fruit on the table.  That's one of the things one misses most in space, fresh produce.

Mika sticks her tongue out at Devon.  "Fine, have it your own way.  I'll see what I can dig up myself."

Remembering the events with the freighters, Mika speaks up a bit more.  "Seems to me we need some ground pounders either way.  If we stick mostly to space jobs, we still need some heavy hitters to help handle the captures.  Remember those freighters?  We got lucky, but a few more hard chargers might've made that go a lot smoother, and quicker."

She looks to the commander as she continues, "Which I think means that the guy in charge of the space operations shouldn't be the same guy as is in charge of the ground operations because when the lines blur, one guy would get overloaded trying to keep track of both.  I guess that makes my vote towards Sheila for space and CC9 for ground operations."

"I do not have any future 'jobs' in mind as it were.  Our last operations were designed for one purpose and that was to secure a source of income and fuel for our operation.  It also met with our core objective of hurting the Empire.  That has always been our primary mission.  Weaken the military machine where we may, assist the opressed, formulate rebellions where we might.  If enough groups rise up in rebellion we might one day work to reform or overthrow this tyrannical regime."

"So future objectives will be based on opportunity and our capabilities.  We can't go toe-to-toe with our enemy so we strike where we may.  At the moment that's primarily in space; hit a convoy, destroy a patrol.  A land force would help us raid equipment dumps rather than just bomb them.  But such a force would take equipment, skilled personnel and training which we lack.  This contact of Zyra's claims he has a tank expert looking for work but this doesn't mean they're any good or it's even an area we want to pursue.  Personally I think we need a ground capability.  As Mika pointed out we can't board and capture without a ground team.  We can rescue prisoners without a ground team.  We can't acquire supplied without a ground team.  Wars aren't won in space and it's hard for a fighter jock like me to admit it.  Nallis was our expert on ground warfare but since he's in a coma he's not much help.  Our other specialists, the wookie and gungan are both dead.  I have to wonder if our lack of equipment and training played a large part in that."

"Oh you're such a blunt instrument Mark." Zyra chided.  "You think you can defeat the Empire with bigger guns and bigger ships?  For every one you have, they'll have a million.  Information wins wars.  We need to work on our intelligence gathering networks and we need specialists in intrusion, espionage and the like.

Take our last mission.  Who gathered all that information on the convoy, patrol schedules and the like?  It wasn't your team running around the planet causing havoc.  It was Cor, CC9 and I who slipped in, acquired the information and slipped out without anyone suspecting a thing.  We even arranged departure clearance for the entire team aboard a stolen ship!  Only CC9 had a blaster and he never fired a single shot. Yet without us we wouldn't have a big pay-off and a potentially profitably business venture back there."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:38, Fri 13 Sept 2013.

CC9 doesn't comment to Zyra's statement.  Cor's voice can be heard, a slight, embarrassed cough.  The droid doesn't respond to Mika's statement either.  For the most part he stands there looking mostly inert, almost as if he's been turned off.  Inside, however, he's making calculations.  A lot of them.

Mark turned his attention to Arin.  "Mister Branden, you have been awfully quiet.  I thought you of all people would have some ideas on equipment and plans for future direction.  You have recently served in the Imperial space forces AND ground forces, something few can claim to have done.  How would you suggest we proceed in our struggle?"

Mark was also curious why Arin had not put his name forward for space force commander, something he new the man coveted.  Assumedly he'd approach him in private on the matter.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 11:14, Tue 10 Sept 2013.

"Having been educated as an officer, I would be qualified for the command of the spaceborne operations, but it is more than apparent, very few if any would follow me in to combat except under orders to do so. I will not put my name forward, but should someone do so, I would work hard to do my absolute best to fill the expectations - I don't abandon people, disregard of what people might think. As for whether a droid should command the ground team or not, with no disrespect for CC9, was I to fight on the ground, Iwouldprefer my commander to be of flesh and blood. We organics tend to prefer that, because most organic commanders consider all the options in terms of keeping those under their command safe, even of it causes an inconvenience considering the mission. I'm not sayin, people here would not be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice if needed, but I believe it would not work well with a droid as a commander."

Arin had a short pause to sip his drink. "And Kimy is right - the same person should not be in charge of both teams. It would require too much attention for him or her to perform adequately, I'm afraid, especially in the case we have a mixed operation going on. I can not exactly name candidates for either position as I have not enough knowledge on any one of you to make that kind of a call."

"Well I suppose then you have two weeks to gain the trust of your colleagues Mister Branden since you don't think you have it."

"As to the conversation at hand, I was asking you what tools and personnel you thought we might need to take on the Empire.  What starships would be best to counter TIEs?  What land equipment will give us an edge against Imperial forces?"

Flash, tapping notes on his datapad, flicks to a different screen and types something before flicking back to a screen of sensor data.  He doesn't look up and doesn't say a thing.

"Almost nothing can match the agility of the T.I.E., but the playing field can be leveled by getting or upgrading ships with shields and enhancing the weaponry on them. That requires time and credits, though. As for against the ground forces, mobility and stealth would be the key."

Without so much as moving a millimetre the battle droid finally speaks up.  It's very obviously CC9 talking, his flat, emotionless monotone a grating contrast to Cor's own calm, mellifluous voice.

"Talon 5's intellectual incapacity to calculate my ability to put the functionality of a team at a higher priority than mission parameters is far less relevance than his obvious and very common anti-droid bigotry.  Such sentiments are common amongst the Empire.  My calculations regarding my ability to lead encounter difficulty only in two areas - that his sentiments may be common amongst the Talons and that my mobility is considerably lower than that of an organic or a droid designed for a more... fluid form of motion."  There is a slight pause.  "Put in simpler terms, I am entirely capable of directing a ground force team but cannot do so if I am considered no better than a psychotic toaster and should stealth be desired my physical presence would be distinctly detrimental to mission success.

"Composition of requires ground forces is determined directly by intended use.  Specialist infiltration teams may be small, highly equipped for stealth and entry, geared also for long-distance target elimination.  We now lack a sniper expert."  If he's concerned for Exilim Nallis's well-being it doesn't show.  "All such operatives would need at least basic sniper training, skill in the use of lightweight combat armour, high-quality communications equipment.  Such a team would also require an expert slicer and an explosives expert."

With only a slight pause he continues.  "Heavy-combat ground operations require high-yield weaponry, high-grade armour, armoured transport - preferably with shielding - and, most importantly, cannon fodder.  War is not won without casualties.  Our numbers are insufficient for such operations.  One tank expert and one medic would be insufficient to wage such forms of combat.  The Talons are better suited to stealth infiltration and combat-heavy raiding strikes rather than large- or medium-scale battlefield combat.  Unless we build up a stock of cannon fodder to soak up enemy fire our operations must, by necessity, remain small-scale and highly strategic.

"Nonetheless," he adds, "there are some commonalities that we require whether we intend to concentrate on infiltration, raiding strikes or both.  Primarily, we require an outfitted dropship - shielded, armoured and designed for undetected planet-fall.  We also require suitable armour of extremely high grade - my understanding is that we managed to salvage some stormtrooper armour from our recent raid but we will need more.  A standard weapons and equipment kit for all Talons - consisting, for example, of a high-quality long-range blaster, a close-quarters blaster, med-kit, area jammer, restraints and so on - would also be highly beneficial and would cover gaps that some Talons do not have covered with their personal equipment."

"If anyone is curious," Cor's voice comes through, "his final comment is primarily regarding me.  I own one weapon - an ion pistol.  CC9 has never been... fond of that fact."

Mark nods at CC9 approvingly.  "Now that's what I'm looking for in my officers.  Decisive decisions and new ideas.  Not saying I agree with all of them but that's not the point.  We need that kind of thinking for our ground and space forces."

Praise from the commander not with standing, CC9's comments on their needs already has Mika second guessing her thoughts for a ground commander.  She could probably handle the slicer role and with some study, maybe even the demolitions role, but she wasn't interested in learning sniper rifles or wearing a bunch of stupid armor.  And the equipment pack that CC9 was referencing sounded like it'd be pretty heavy, not all of the Talons were built to pack around a ton of equipment everywhere they go.

Janine spoke up.  "Actually, that sounds like a decision right there.  We can't do much of anything without a ground/boarding force, even if it is just a small stealthy one, so we need to acquire people and equipment for that.  Then move on to upgrading the space force."  She glanced at the droid, then at Zyra.  "We apparently have a first class information gathering team already.  Couple more evening dresses and they should be all set."  She smiled at Zyra and her voice was a little teasing.  Then her expression returned to seriousness.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:15, Fri 13 Sept 2013.

"Sheila's compliments nonwithstanding, I think she's raised an important issue.  You'll remember we said this fixed had two potential recruits for us, a medic and a tank expert.  While we could use two or three more people in the team are these the people we need?  A medic might be useful, depending on his or her skills.  It would free Sheila up to focus more on flying and slicing.  But the tank expert.  Assumedly that person is trained in tanks, perhaps walkers and heavy ordanance.  If stealth and speed are our goals, is this a suitable person for the team?"

"I think we need different kinds of recruits.  A specialist in covert insertion and extractions for one.  I also think we need a 'face'.  Heigren would fit the bill if he decides to stay with us.  We could also use one who has knowledge of the black market to replace Rann."

"Let me know who you think we need and I can let our contact know."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:39, Fri 13 Sept 2013.

"If you so wish, sir, I can write you a thorough report on what we can do to beat the Imperial Navy with fighters. Ground forces, well, I'm more a pilot than an infantry officer, but I can see what I can come up with."

Arin leaned back in his chair. "If I wasn't in the grey area about whether I am alive and a traitor or dead, I could work as a 'face', but I do concur we need one. The things we need for outfitting both our ground and space forces, we can obtain only through black market or by looting them from the Imperials."

"Formal reports can wait Mr Branden.  We're meeting with this fixer tomorrow so just want some ideas from the team.  Give us a synopsis of any specific ships, personnel and equipment you think might be useful."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:01, Fri 13 Sept 2013.

Zyra looked at Arin in surprise.  "Last I checked you were listed as presumed dead in the explosion back on Phindar.  Did you have some reason to suspect your status may have changed?"


OOC: Zyra checked your status not long after you left Phindar with the Talons.  It was when she arranged for you accounts to be emptied and she gave you the money.  Of course that was a year or so ago in RL so understandable if you forgot!
This message was last edited by the player at 00:39, Sat 14 Sept 2013.

Flash shifts slightly in his seat and taps his datapad, leaning over it a little further.  His brow furrows and he mutters to himself in his native language.

[Language unknown: "Plnd cemi caet ionaveher cktila Tr?  Ur wilnteareest enant eiut prinicla, waieti str."]

"I believe that Mr Heigren and Ms Jax are our best candidates for a... 'face' operative," Cor points out.  "Both of them have active experience being exactly that.  However as our XO Ms Jax is unlikely to be able to accompany us as often as might otherwise be... preferable."  There's a slight pause.  "Though I am uncertain if Mr Heigren wishes to continue with our group."

"Correct on both counts Cor.  I have served in that capacity many times but as you rightly point out my responsibilities these days are in keeping our business running, seeking new suppliers of goods and information and trying to keep us one step ahead of the Imperials."

"As for a face, Heigren could certainly do the job, though he's a little. . .unpredictable.  Arin is cute enough but I think he'd be more useful in a starfighter than a suit.  Though he'd look pretty good in a suit don't you think?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:15, Sat 14 Sept 2013.

"Or in a dress," Cor says, the sound of fingers tapping on a touch-screen in the background.  "Better than CC9 would look, certainly."

Sheila snorted at the dress comment.  She glanced at Flash when he had muttered.  She knew what she wanted to say, also knew it wouldn't come out right.   She leaned back in her chair and waited a moment.

Devon smirked at Cors comment, but said nothing.  He did glance from the clothes bag he'd left on the table to Mark though.  Those who knew what was in the bag would be able to follow his train of throught easily enough...

"I sure hope the Imperials have me listed as dead, but I would not put it past ISB to figure out I'm not at some point. Those sneaky bastards have spies everywhere", Arin said with a bit of a shrug. "But what comes to beating the Imperial Navy T.I.E.s, our best bet would be anything with strong shields and direct-kill capability on them. We're not likely to find anything that can beat them in agility. The old Y-wings would work on missions we need heavier firepower and are not likely to encounter enemy fighters but against T.I.E.s they are somewhat obsolete. The R-41 is old, but could be a potential answer to our needs - augmented, of course. It has both firepower and disabling capability and if equiped with missiles or even better, with torpedo launchers, it can do some damage on bigger ships if the pilot knows where to place the shot. A newer craft would be even better. 

Of course, if we're looking for a stealthy and fast ship for insertions and extractions, the CEC has some courier ships that might fit the bill for speed, capacity and if properly fitted, stealth.

Stealth would be our best bet on the ground as well. The less time the Imps have to react, the better we fare. Storm Troopers are a tough nut to crack as we found out already, so we need to stay at least one step ahead of them during the operations. Heavy weapons should be used only as a last resort as they tend to announce our presence to everyone within a reasonably sizeable radius."
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:39, Sun 15 Sept 2013.

"Yes," CC9 states, "large weapons are loud.  An astute observation.  However if we are taking heavy weaponry into a situation that requires stealth we have already failed.  The data from our last battle indicates that with correct preparation and by selecting our battles carefully we are already quite capable of successfully confronting both TIE fighters and stormtroopers using moderate weaponry and suitable tactics.  Both opponents are dangerous but these issues are not insurmountable."  He stares at Arin.  Well, of course he does.  He doesn't have eyelids.  Or eyes, technically.  "Larger enemy numbers would overwhelm us but that is a tactical fact of any battle.  Unless you have a plan to secure TIE fighters we will always be outmanoeuvred unless we employ flight tactics suitable to dogfighting superior craft - as was done by applying the Tallon Weave.  Which, according to flight data, you failed to adhere to.  I am not programmed for space battle tactics specifically but evidence suggests that we do not need to surpass TIE fighter agility.  We only require suitable shielding, hard-hitting weaponry and pilots capable of following orders."

He turns his head to stare at Mark.  "I believe our highest priority in regards to starfighter expenditure should be developing a stock of ammunition - proton torpedos - and ensuring each fighter is hyperspace-enabled and has basic shielding.  Keeping our current fighters flight-worthy appears the most appropriate option.  Newer craft is preferable but only given a surplus of funds; the space patrol craft provided the single largest threat in our last battle and even that was insufficient to bring down even one of our fighters.  In addition, a greater number of fighters seems unnecessary unless we recruit more pilots or purchase droid starfighters.  It would only increase our transport and maintenance requirements to have fighters with no pilots."

"Just asking, but am I going to hear about breaking from the Tallon Weave every time I open my mouth? Kind of redundant to remind me of it every other standard hour or so - I have a perfectly good memory as it is, though not an eidetic one like you droids", Arin said in a dry manner. "And for the record, I have nothing in general against having a droid in the team. My problem wi a droid leading is, droids lack empathy a commander should have. Where in we organics tend to consider a number of things that might sound trivial to a droid, but it's how we organics operate. It might not be the most effective way, but it makes us feel, our leaders care about us and that way, we are more likely to take in even the most suicidal missions if required."

Straightfaced and deadpan.  "An organic co is much more likely to care about us than a nonorganic co.  Which explains why both of us are still in imperial service."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:55, Sat 14 Sept 2013.

"Mister Branden, as I recall I chose not to discipline you for your break from our plan involving the Tallon Weave and there has been no official talk of it since.  End of story.  Please keep your bickering out of such gatherings.  It is unbecoming of a man who says he wants to lead our teams into battle.  I have pointed out several times how CC9 lost two of his team in the boarding operation, yet he does not complain when it is brought up in a briefing.  I believe CC9 was raising a point in his usual non-organic fashion, he's not picking on you."

"As to organics having empathy, Sheila does make a good point.  Imperial CO's hardly care about their pilots unilaterally.  There is also benefit to a lack of an emotion in your leader.  I have seen whole troops due to a commander's ego, his rage, his grief and his pride.  I have seen flights shot down trying to defend a drunken squad leader.  There are two sides to that argument Mister Branden.  I'm sure you've had Imperial commanders worth than a droid?  I've heard of senior Imperial officers throwing dozens of squadrons at a hopeless objective just to salve their own ego."

"I was simply trying to point out the fact, the same thing has come up in all and every discussion since the mission, sir. As for commanding officers in the Imperial Navy, I've had bad ones, terrible ones and some that were beyond the scale. But as far as I know, we are no longer in the Imperial Navy and I hope, none of us is anything like that."

Mika stifles a yawn, with only a partial success.  She's fine with repairing stiff, building stuff and upgrading stuff, but this stratigic planning wasn't really something she was good at and wasn't really feeling the urge to get better.  Well, there was the swoop, and e upgrades.  Her eyes slip out of focus as her thoughts turn to something she is pretty good at.

In reply to Arin Branden (msg # 70):

"MY point was that a organic CO is not necessarily going to be more concerned for his men simply because he is organic.  In fact, I would think, we might need to judge each candidate on their record.organic or not."  She's going to leave the weave out of the conversation.

"One advantage of droids when it comes to decision making?"  said Devon quietly.
"They NEVER have their judgement clouded by emotional reaction.  Example:  In the last mission, one of the Stormies threw a grenade whilst me and CC9 were advancing behind the riot shield."

He paused for a moment, remembering the scene. "That grenade landed right at our feet - on the other side the shield, but less than a meter from me.  I was planning to either get to cover or maybe try and kick the grenade back the way it came...  CC9 overruled me - he ordered the shield droid to brace and shoved me behind himself."

Devon grinned.  "I seem to remember telling him he was nuts, just as the grenade went off.  But he was right - he analysed the situation and got it right.  Ground combat situations are what he's designed for."

Done with his story, Devon turned a baleful eye on the battledroid, and pointed an accusing finger. "And I STILL think you're nuts." he said mock accusingly.


"On the subject of fighters, I'd really like to get our numbers up at least a  little.  At the moment we only have three - one more would let us field two wing pairs.  Another R-41 with its ion cannons would be fantastic.  Apart from that?  Hyperdrives on those that haven't got them, and munitions, munitions, munitions...."

The battle droid remains still and quiet through the comments, not speaking until Devon says his part.  "Both nuts and bolts are part of my construction," CC9 observes, nodding to the human.  He makes no effort to defend his words to Arin, as one might expect; he simply directs his next question to the Commander.

"Commander, do we require other positions as well as ground force and space force leaders?  Communications, navigations, chief engineer or similar roles?  Or will those be filled as and when they are required?"

Zyra raised an eyebrow to Devon.  "So B2-CC9 shielded you with his own body?  Risked his own existence for yours?  Sounds like a very caring thing to do."

In answer to CC9's question Mark consulted a datapad.  "We'll be filling other roles as best we can.  I think Cor is a logical choice for communications officer as well as operations.  What we need is for people to become familiar with at least one station on the Nightshrike so she can be manned in battle.  Likewise people need to consider their role if needed.  Our small numbers require us to be flexible.  Everyone should get some flight training in, especially on the Ghtroc.  We have plenty of trained people."

"Well Mika kept me from crashing the Nightshrike into anything in the last mission."

Mika smiles and gives Zyra a nod.  "Yeah, before I ended up leading the relief mission to the freighter.  Which..." she looks pointedly about the room, "Should make it clear that I'm not suited for the role of ground lead or whatever."

"Affirmative," CC9 concurs, perhaps somewhat bluntly (as if he does anything any other way).  "But it also indicates that Talons will follow you into battle.  Nonetheless your skills seem better suited to repair, upgrades and capital ship piloting than front-line combat.  It would be inefficient to ignore those capabilities."

Mark checked his chrono.  "We're getting sidetracked here and Zyra and I have an opera to get to.  The two key issues we need to focus on at present are these.  What specific equipment would we like this fixer we've met to work on acquiring for us and what sort of personnel would we like to hire?  There's no guarantee he can get anything we want but I intend to give him the chance."

In reply to Mark Sheppard (msg # 80):

"Then I'll agree with a fourth fighter.  Preferably hyperspace capable if he can get it and we can afford it."

Devon nodded enthusiastic agreement with Sheila, then added:
"Hyperdrive compatible with a Z-95."

"I suggest sector-wide contacts for obtaining raw materials for various crafting purposes - weapons, armour and so on."

Mika speaks up, "Aside from the rest, my thought is a couple of good ground types.  Even if we're going to be sneaky about it, a good, stand-up fighter or two would be a good thing."

Arin thought for a moment. "Well, for starters, we need support personnel we can take on missions - medical, for an example. Sheila will be flying, so we need someone who can serve as the medic for the ground team. And what comes to the fighters, Headhunter is a potential one. We could upgrade the maneuvering thrusters and weaponry, for an example, and install hyperdrive if it lacks one. I can draw up some plans for it, if needed. Of course, it depends much on what parts we can obtain. If you have a good source, then I suggest we use that."

"I must admit I have a fondness for the Z-95 Mr Branden.  I've flown them most of my career and have seen few craft to match its blend of agility, durability and power.  If you wish to discuss upgrades to our starfighters, liase with Mr Kismet who is in charge of maintaining and upgrading our fighter squadron.  Any capital ship upgrades can go through Miss Trake."

Zyra checks a wall chrono and stands.  "Our transport will be here in five minutes, we have to go."

"This room is booked for another hour so enjoy it, finish the wine and talk amongst yourselves."

Almost as an afterthought Zyra speaks again.  "I almost forgot.  The hangar bay is off limits to all bar Cor and the droids.  That includes you Flash.  B2-CC9 you are orders to ensure the hangar is kept clear of all personnel except those with specific clearance from me until 1000 tomorrow.  Understood?"

Once she receives an affirmative she hooks her arm in Mark's and steers him from the room, talking about the wonders of Ithorian opera.

Mika catches Zyra's attention.  "My swoop's in the hanger and I've got a things spread out working on it.  If I can't keep working on it, I'd like to at least get back in there to tidy up."

"yeah." added Devon. "I'd kinda like to grab my stuff too, before you lock us out..."

Devon stood and scooped up the bag he'd dumped on the table before the meeting.
"And before I forget... Rainbow, whilst I was out playing tourist, I saw this and thought of you."  he said and handed the bag to Mark whilst somehow managing to look completely innocent.

Mark called over his shoulder.  "Devon, any 'stuff' you left on the ship you'll have to survive without for a night.  Since you've already spent a night in the hotel I can't imagine it's anything urgent.  Same goes for you Mika.  Having tools out for a night wont cause any harm.  Should have packed up before you came to dinner."

"No entry for anyone without my or the XO's express leave CC9.  Understood?"

He knew full well the droid had heard her the first time and required no repeats, it was more for the 'organics' as they like to put it.

After accepting the bag from Devon without a word or looking in it, he follows Zyra's departing form.  The Zabrak hadn't told him about what the security lockdown was for.  In most cases he knew it was better not to ask and just trust her.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:56, Wed 18 Sept 2013.

During her time with the Talns, Mika had done a Fair job of not being a disruptive influence in terms of her disagreement with orders.  But she had been given a well deserved shore leave, she had made her plans and now, for no reason she could fathom, she was being shown e curb like some two-credit death stick whore.  "Okay then, I request express permission from either the commander or the XO to continue my work in the hanger."

"Denied." Mark said curtly.  Then his face softened.

"It's one night Miss Trake.  The XO wouldn't do this unless something important was happening.  You have the luxury of a five-star hotel at your command and two weeks to play with your swoop.  You'll have to manage for one night.  I'm sorry."

Mika replies with a simple, "Fine."

For a split-second, she thinks that her poor showing in the swoop race had convinced the commander that she couldn't be trusted.  She quickly tries to convince herself that the idea doesn't make any sense, after all the rest were being excluded too.  But then....

She looks around to make sure that the commander and the XO had left.  She looks very directly at the droid and asks the room, "Well, that stinks.  So, the question I can't figure out, should I be more bothered that we're being excluded or that Cor's not."

She has a thought of getting her way into the hanger anyway.  She wasn't the droid expert that Cor was, but deactivating wasn't all that hard.  But she dismisses the thought.  That'd just prove the commander right for not trusting her.

In reply to Mika Trake (msg # 93):

"Well, we'll find out tomorrow what's going on. Want to go to a holo, or something?  I'm sure we could find something interesting,"

"Ms Trake, I suffer from a condition that throws me into a blind panic should I step into a space much bigger than a storage room. I do not use droids as proxies simply because I have fine skin I do not wish to burn." Cor's voice is not hurt, not angry. If anything it's maddeningly patient. "I am excluded from joining you because of this condition. I will never ride a swoop, never fly a starfighter, never walk freely down a street like the ones covering Det Akari. I understand that you feel annoyed at having your movements restricted but trust me when I say that you do not wish to trade places with me."

Flash watched Mika's exchange with Mark.  If anyone had reason to be insulted by the Commander's order it was Flash.  He was security chief after all and he'd just been left out of a clear security issue.  He didn't worry about it though.  The boss would tell him if he needed to know.  It was probably a Zyra think.  That Zabrak always seemed to have secrets within secrets.

He looked to Devon but spoke loud enough for all to here.  "Whaddya think?  Quiet night in or has anyone got plans?"

Mika sighs.  "I didn't say anything about changing places with you Cor.  It just doesn't feel right, you and your droids are in charge of security and in the middle of things while the rest of us are being kept in the dark.  It just doesn't sit well with me, that's all."

She looks at Sheila, "A holo sounds okay, as long as it's got some excitement.  None of those star-crossed lovers stuff for me."  She looks at Flash and gives him a particularly effective little girl look as she says....  [Language unknown: "Man rondat ceeiei t al ev.  Wata riatur topa outstrinence isma El ndeyincom, notratkor?"]

Cor doesn't respond for a while but when she does her voice is carefully neutral.  "If you say so, Ms Trake."

Flash raises an eyebrow - or the Duros equivalent - at Mika and says something in the same language.

[Language unknown: "Erof, Di etplwa erareaent e ourinekor lepr winata.  Vir son siast olof nicktean o ca ivnd ndewheons unmate rediv dinwilyin ilomat n ekteis tounan dayortthe.  P tho setterhat lin no utckhi it ouore, ill, ainkor'iouich, nde icayineau allthound ncngho si ndse pr era m p i hiulne ill larounsta esal omlaat ck estndebuttictha ntith lianus te pari whevirure a horom hione erstio'earstaugheve ate diles linvirkor linestugh evetinble to.  Ncof ntiforich tedss t tian inun st peulma."]

Mika takes a deep breath and closes her eyes.  How do things get so complicated?  "Cor, it's still Mika unless you'd rather it not be."

"Why don't we stick to the Basic, shall we? I would hope, there is nothing that secret between the lot of us, it can not be said in public", Arin said.

"My apologies, Mika. Formal language is rather engrained into me. I did the same to Devon earlier." If things are unduly complex it seems Cor didn't get the memo.

Mika glances at Arin, "Well, if you like, I was inviting Flash to join us in seeing a holo, but only if he can leave his issues about you behind."

Mika shakes her head slightly and lets out a breath.  "This is turning out to be a hell of a shore leave.  I hope it's over before we start gunning each other down in the street."

She looks at Sheila and asks as sweetly as possibly, "Shall we?"

Flash lets out a slight groan and rubs his hand across his face, then shakes his head.  "You know what, go without me.  I'm sure everyone'll be happier that way.  I've got plenty to do anyway."

Devon pinched the bridge of his nose.
How the hell did I end up as the one trying to keep the peace here?  I'm supposed to be the irresponsible goof-ball.. he wondered briefly.
"I think what Mika was trying to say is how about we ALL forget about any grudges or issues for the night and just relax?"

Devon spread his hands, wondering how much he was going to regret what he was saying.
"I mean, I'm up for that if you guys are - rather than argue, lets go do something fun; catch a movie, go to a bar, rob a bank...  Whatever, I don't mind!  _{Ok, maybe not rob a bank...}"  Devon risked a smile as he waited for a response.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Sat 21 Sept 2013.

In reply to Devon Kismet (msg # 105):

"there's a good looking bank down the street, i cased it earlier, just in case we needed to."  Sheila quipped. She flipped through the pages on the pad.  "there's the newest Varon DeCrion holo.  Dang, I've been out, I've missed the last 4. (James Bond equivalent), that;s not a chick flick.  There's also Naiad Cor's newest holo, looks like action (arnie schwarzwnegger equivqlent).  BOth are about 5 mintues away, start in a half hour."

The droid abruptly straightens. "Commencing security detail," he states, and marches from the room.

"You like Naiad Cor?  Seriously?"  Flash said to Sheila, sounding genuinely surprised.  "A few days ago you mixed it up with TIE's and an Imperial capital ship and just over a week ago you survived a stormtrooper attack and you weren't even armed.  Hell Naiad should pay you to come to a movie about you."

Devon brightened up.
"Well, how about we got to the Naiad Cor film, and be the assholes who sit in the back row laughing at all the action sequences and explaining how that stunt would never work in the real world?"

Sheila blushed.  "Hey we were looking for action films for ms Kimy here, and they are both good looking eye candy.  What you think Kimy?  . . . .And i was so armed.  You know, I heard Naiad Cor was thinking about going into politics. "  She flipped a few more pages on the padd.  "If you don't like these, Kimy, there's a couple more."

"Even if you were armed, it was still -" Devon paused as something Sheila had just said registered.
"Waaaaait a minute.  Naiad is going into politics?  With HIS accent?"

Just the the concierge comes in looking very polite and well-mannered, a sure sign that something's very wrong.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, ladies and gentlemen," he says after a quick look-around to make sur ethere aren't any other genders in the room.  "There is a disturbance coming from your floor.  Guests in the floors above and below have begun complaining of extremely loud sounds coming from the floor you have booked.  You may wish to take note," he adds in that tone which means, 'You may wish to make it stop.'

Without waiting for a response he bows politely and heads out.

Mika listens to the others for a moment, "Sounds like Naiad Cor movie to me.

After hearing from the concierge,"We'll go take a look.  It must be loud if it's over amp e sound proofing.  Thanks."

Looking to the rest, "Let's go have a look. ". Mika heads for the door, ready to head for their floor.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:01, Tue 29 Oct 2013.

Sheila did a quick call to Heigren.  "Where are you, by chance?"  as she followed up to floor.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:33, Sat 21 Sept 2013.

"If you prefer something a bit more realistic, try the newest Alanna Ferrn-Branden holo." The ex-Imperial sounded like he would have had some inside information about the movie, but where had he gotten it from was a good question. It wasn't Imperial intelligence, most likely.

"Perhaps you should focus less on movies Branden and more to why there is noise coming from our hotel floor.  The whole floor is booked by us remember?  Shouldn't be anyone up here."  Flash growled as he punched the button for an elevator.

Flash wishd he had a more powerful blaster, something was wrong.  He fingered his stun baton under his jacket, wondering if he'd need it soon.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:47, Tue 24 Sept 2013.

"I mean, can you imagine Naiad Cor giving a campaign speech? it'd be like watching a meat golem trying to recite the Bill of Sentient Rights..." muttered Devon before his brain finally caught up with the fact that there was something more important than body builders with strong accents going on.  He nodded agreement with what Flash had said.

"Actually, he's got a GOOD point.  If it aint us - and I'm sure we weren't making that much noise... then who else is on this floor?"

Crossing hurridly to the backpack he had ditched when he arrived, Devon fiddled briefly with his datapad, then started rummaging in the pack.  He soon pulled out his Talon comm and then dug back into the bag.

Heigren does not answer his comm.  He is either unwilling or unable to do so.

"Heigren's not answering."  She pulled her stun baton out of her bag and slipped it into her jacket pocket.

Flash bristled.  Once they were safe in the elevator, making sure nobody but Talons entered the car, he spoke again.  "Be ready for trouble people.  Not sure why someone would make enough noise to alert other levels but we can worry about that later."

He saw Sheila slip her baton into her pocket and nodded. "Keep weapons hidden.  If you're not armed stay behind those who are."

He fingered his own baton, wondering what awaited them.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:21, Mon 23 Sept 2013.

Devon's pad goes 'bing'.

Clipping his Talon commlinks earpiece into place, Devon fiddled briefly with his datapad.

There wasn't much room in the elevator, but Devon managed to set his backpack down and rummage in it some more; quickly producing a stun baton, an unloaded blaster pistol and a power cell.
Making sure the pistol was set to stun, Devon tucked stun baton, pistol and powercell away inside his jacket and straightened up.

"Ok... so who's packing what?" he asked almost cheerfully.

"Stun baton in my pocket and hold-out in my left boot"

Reaching down he pulls out the little hold-out blaster, checks the power setting and offers it butt first to Arin.

"You armed?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:47, Tue 24 Sept 2013.

Arin took the blaster. "I am now." This was no time for argument - whatever there was to be said, it could wait.

"Stun baton in my pocket."

Mika shrugs with a slight frown.  "I was coming for a meeting, I didn't think I'd need weapons."

"Lucky for you, I have a habit of carrying crap round with me..." smiled Devon.

He dug into his pocket and handed Mika his stun baton, then looked at Arin.
"Don't forget: firing that thing on anything but stun is gonna get you arrested..."


Activating his Talon commlink, Devon spent a moment mentally switching gears.
"Eleven, this is Seven.  You there?"  Once Cor confirmed, Devon outlined the situation for her.  "Theres been reports of noises from the floor of the hotel we've got booked.  No-one should be up there - and if people on other floors are complaining of noise then it must be a hell of a racket.  Myself, Two Three, Five and Ten are heading up to check it out.  We're got - I think - two blaster pistols and a few stun batons between us."

"Well, do take care," Cor's voice sounds over the Talon comms.  She sounds unconcerned but, then, she often does.  "Have you been in contact with hotel security?  They will have security camera feeds of the corridors.  It may be better than going in blind."

Mika gives Devon a nod and an impish little smile, making her suddenly look like a cute and winsome juvenile.  "Thanks."

She checks on the status and setting of the stun baton, making sure it's ready for use and hoping there's no reason for her to need it.

"Got that covered", Arin replied Devon, switching the small weapon on stun. It'd not do much against anyone in armour, but at least it was better than going against anyone armed without anything but bare hands.

The turbolift stops at its destination and the door slide open with a soft shoom...

(( OOC: Scene closed.  A new scene will be forthcoming soon. ))