Location:  Det Akari General Hospital

The trip to the hospital is made in relative silence, each team member absorbed in their own thoughts.  Some focused on the loss of their team member Arin, others considered the enigma that was Idaya, others focused on the challenge of breaking through the spaceport blockade before Cor and the ship was lost.  Whatever their reverie, it remained undisturbed by attacks or comm traffic.

The convoy stopped about a block from the hospital.  It would not pay to take a heavily armed convoy, complete with bound prisoner into the grounds.  It was agreed that one speeder would go in to collect Sheila while Idaya was released.

Inside the hospital, Sheila had been kept up to date by Cor on the convoy.  She'd had little to do and had done her best to stay out of the way.  She now waited outside the building (though still inside the grounds) for her ride to arrive.

Inside the back of the truck, Idaya began fighting her way back to consciousness.



OOC:  Well as nobody except Mika has posted to the other thread I've pushed on to the hospital.  The speeder (not the truck) will be used to grab Sheila.  Might be a good chance for anyone who wants to have a private chat to do so.

Idaya, you're waking up, feel free to post any time.  Your arms and legs are currently secured with stun cuffs.  All your gear, including your armour is missing.

Sheila, you're at the just outside the hospital, near the security station, waiting for the speeder to pick you up.  Security seems to have no problems with your desire to leave.  It makes more room.

Each person please indicate where you are and what you're doing.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:56, Wed 26 Mar 2014.

Heigren called out to Dohr and Kyvarr.  "She's waking up!"

He leaned down and removed her cuffs.  He didn't care wether the others would approve or not.  Having Idaya cuffed when she woke up would hardly engender trust.  Besides, the Talons had kept their promise.  They were in a safe place and she would be set free.  He knelt beside her and did his best to support her.

"It's alright.  You're safe here." He spoke calmly and soothingly.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:14, Thu 27 Mar 2014.

The blue-skinned female had been unconscious for some time from the three stun-bolts that had hit her squarely. What begun as a slight stir, led to some restless movement and eventually, an abrupt opening of the blood red eyes. And the more awake she became, the more annoyed the look on her face grew. She could feel where the stun-cuffs had been on her wrists and it was clear, she didn't think the world of the Talons at the moment, for which a contributing factor could have been the fact, the Talons had fired upon her despite the fact, she had not actively threatened them with anything and the purple man, Vyn, had promised her, she would not be harmed. Yet she considered being shot at, even at stun, just that. The blood red eyes shot a very sharp look at Heigren in a manner that would probably have sent uncomfortable shivers through the spines of almost any man.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:58, Thu 27 Mar 2014.

Heigren smiled warmly.  He either missed Idaya's glare or he dismissed it.

"Come on now.  Let's get you sitting.  You've been out for about ten minutes.  Take your time."

Kyvarr had wasted no time when the truck had stopped, and Heigren had said the prisoner was waking.  She'd jumped out of the truck as best her leg could and then removed all of Idaya's weapons, armour and gear and given it to Fiarr to stack on her bike.

By the time she did that and came back Kyvarr saw the prisoner was waking and glaring at Heigren.  She had no real feelings for the prisoner either way.  If she behaved she could go.  If she so much as threatened Heigren she'd tear the woman into very small pieces.

She sat near Heigren and made no move to interfere with his handling of Idaya.

Mika wasn't sure what was going to happen with the blue woman, but that wasn't why they were here, at least not in Mika's mind.

"I'll go see about 3.". Mika moves at a fairly sedate (for her) pace down the street towards the hospital until she spots Sheila.  "He stranger, need a lift?"

Fiarr stayed with the blue woman's bike.  She quickly checked over it to make sure it was still in good working order then placed all the woman's weapons and gear in the cargo bay.  Then she took up a position where she could watch the various approaches for trouble.  Just because they were near a hospital did not make them safe.

Flash watched Mika shoot off down the road and shrugged.  Wouldn't have recommended people moving about on their own but they were close to the hospital.

He moved his bike up next to Devon.  "So what's the plan?  Grab three, dump Miss Sunshine, that I've got.  But how do you want to handle the spaceport?"

"Am I your captive now and if so, what are your plans for me?" It was a valid question, after all. She sat up, feeling the residual ache in the back of her head, result of the energy burst that had shorted her out. Now would vlearly be a good time for an explanation, if any. She offered a glare at Kyvarr, who, unlike Heigren, seemed far less friendly and had been one of the three who had taken a shot at her.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:49, Thu 27 Mar 2014.

Heigren shook his head.  "As promised, we've reached a safe location.  We're just outside Det Akari General Hospital.  You're gear is outside on your swoop bike.  You're free to go."

"So, you take a shot at me, abduct me and drop me off at a different location? Quite a taxi service you people run. What was the point of all this, anyway?" The woman seemed to be at a loss, and no wonder. It all must have sounded rather peculiar - even more so, having been said out loud.

Dohr was relieved to get the truck safely to the hospital. Though he was a soldier by training, he didn't wish to put his team (as the Talons were for now at least) at unnecessary risk. And with his driving skills a combat situation would have turned into a risky one for himself, Kyvarr, Vyn and the Chiss woman in the back even without direct incoming fire. He could only wish their luck remained equally good for the rest of the trip to the spaceport. The doctor left the engine running, but hit the hover hold button to keep the truck immobile. He then followed Kyvarr's example and hopped out of the cockpit.

Limping to the back, Dohr jumped up quite effortlessly inspire of his bad leg. To anyone paying any heed to him, it was obvious that the limp hindered the Kel Dorian a lot less than his gait and the cane would imply. He laid a hand on Kyvarr's shoulder as if to ask her to remain calm. The gesture was meant for both the Cathar and the Chiss. He simply wanted the stranger to understand she was in no danger from their behalf. Even if things hadn't gone quite as he would've hoped at the ACE station, everyone would have to simply push it away from their minds - himself included.

Dohr bowed to Idaya and sat down into a seiza position in front of her beside Heigren and Kyvarr. "Let me start by apologizing for the… somewhat hasty actions of my companions. We are under under stress and in great hurry at the moment, so the threshold of taking action can be quite low…"

The doctor offered his hand in the human way of greeting and continued: "So let us begin anew. Doctor Dohr Veen, at your service. I am pleased to make your acquaintance. And here are Mr. Teckla and Hammer. Might I inquire your name?"

"I am Idaya", the blue-skinned woman said. The gesture of shaking hands seemed new to her, but she still offered her hand reciprocically. "And you are not the only ones under stress on this planet. The reason I fired that warning shot was because I thought you were members of the same gang, I had already had several firefights with and whose dead littered the front of the station. I simply wanted to ensure my own security and that of the wounded ACE officer at the station, thus the manacles on Mr. Teckla. And though he did convince me with his initial story, the more he spoke, the less it was believable. You must understand my side of the whole thing - if you were alone, having been under attack for quite some time, and people claiming to be local soldiers came to you, only to turn out to be something else they claimed, would you hand over your weapons and take their word for not harming you?"

The woman changed her pose, shaking her head slightly. "However, I extended my trust to you by coming out where I could have simply manned the rather good firing position and weeded out a number of you in the eventuality, you would have chosen to attack the station - and for what? To be shot at, despite not acting in a hostile manner. We Chiss do not do pre-emptitive strikes, but if attacked, we do defend ourselves. I hoped, I had made that clear."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:38, Thu 27 Mar 2014.

Kyvarr growled.  This constant whining was getting on her nerves.

"You made yourself real clear.  Now let me make it clear for you.  You are FREE. . .TO. . .GO.  Your gear is. . .OUT. . .SIDE.  We have battles to fight.  Go find a shrink to tell your tale of woe to."

She hadn't meant to cut in on Heigren but she couldn't believe this woman went on so much about unimportant rubbish.  If she was one of Kyvarr's troops. . .well the Cathar allowed herself a few moments imagining that.  It was a pleasant thought.

Fiarr had been watching the local area closely.  It had paid off as she spotted their special intruder.

She spoke on the comm.  "Seven.  There's a probe droid observing us.  Not one of your M4's.  This one is larger and round.  It's also trying to remain unseen.  Do you want me to engage?"

Kyvarr's growling comment was not unexpected. She was a Cathar after all. And she hadn't cut the Chiss into pieces with he claws yet, so that was positive too. But her words were not helping. Anger was not what they all needed right now.

"Yes I agree, it was not something I would have done. But please, try to leave that behind at least for a while. And yes, like Hammer kindly mentioned, you are naturally free to go. But I believe the person currently in charge of this… operation… would also like to have another civilized word with you. However, I do not think he wishes to carry on the argument that was already closed, even if emphatically. There may be a chance to have that discussion later on, should you care to listen to what he has to say."

Dohr reached for his commas and was about to call Devon, when he heard Fiarr go online. It was not good news. The new probe was definitely not one of ACE's as there would be no need for them to hide. There were other well resourced individuals, groups and companies who might employ such devices. Even some of the gangs might have probe droids in their use. But Dohr had no idea why any of them would be so interested in their little group.

He waited until Devon had responded and then activated his comlink. "Seven, Doc here. Our guest is awake. I believe there was something you wished to discuss with her?"

Devon was stood by his bike, stretching out some of the aching muscles he'd picked up over the course of the day.
"huh?" said Devon, straightening up to look at Flash - the shipjacker looked tired and stressed and - with Flash at least - was making no attempt to hide it.
"Frakk knows - best plan we've got so far is Hammer's idea to take out a strong point and then turn its guns on the enemy.  Maybe we take it by stealth, maybe we straight up assault it... insufficient data.   We're going to need to do some recon when we get closer.  Guess Fiarr and the droids are gonna be our go-to for that."


When Fiarr called across on the comms, Devon glanced round at the Bothan and totally failed to spot the lurking droid.
Thinking rapidly he spoke into his commlink.
"No.  No shooting near the hospital - we can always kill it further down the road.  And describe it for Eleven - she might be able to give us a make on it, which may give us an idea who sent it."

Devon remounted his bike and continued talking into his comms.
"OK people, someone's trying to spy on us so its time we left.  Everyone who hasn't got a bike, in the speeder or the truck.  And someone give Two a commlink - I want at least one comm per vehicle."

Astride his bike, Devon looked round to make sure he hadnt forgotten anything before he answered Dohr's query.
"Yeah - you an' Vyn pitch this offer and nothing else:  her whole-hearted co-operation until we get off planet - no arguments and she follows the chain of command without question.  I'll decide what the chain of command is.  In return we offer transportion to a mutually agreed destination.  Destination to be decided only once we are safely away.  If she wont agree to that, then this is her stop.  No negotiations."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:01, Thu 27 Mar 2014.

"Roger that, Seven"

I will decide what the chain of command is… Very well, Mr. Seven. I will accept your leadership until we get off this world and meet with your superiors. It will make things easier.

Dohr lowered his comms and turned his eyes back to Idaya. "So let me pass you the suggestion as I am in a fairly similar situation as yourself… As you may or may not know, the spaceport is under a siege of sorts. The gangs have arranged two barricades at the entrances and getting in means getting through those barricades by some means. While we are quite ready to assault them by ourselves, we would really appreciate the help of an excellent shot such as yourself."

The doctor let the words sink in for a couple of seconds before carrying on: "In exchange for your assistance, Seven and his team are willing to provide you a lift of this world to a safe destination agreed later on. But there is a catch of course. Not a bad one, but one nevertheless. Should you agree to join us, you will have to subordinate yourself to their chain of command and agree to co-operate fully until we get off Det Akari."

"Oh and we need the answer right now."

"Just so you know, the droid is mine. Once I get my commlink that is situated in my helmet, I will ask it to stand down", the woman said. "It is on orders to simply observe for now, so there is no threat from it."

She raised her brow a bit att he offer. "Considering the state of the planet, it would be tactically unwise to deny the request. All I ask, I am given the courtesy, you would extend to any other member of your team and to be treated fairly. In return of a voyage off this planet, I will offer my tactical and martial skills. Now, I suppose my speeder and gear is somewhere outside the vehicle, so I can get my flight suit back on. This bodyglove is a tad exposing to my preferrence." It was an understatement, really, as the bodygloves, usually worn underneath spaceproof flight suits like the one she had been wearing, tended to be very form-fitting and there was no question about her shapes, not that they were not pleasant to watch.

In reply to Mika Trake (msg # 6):

Sheila nodded "thank you,". and climbed on the back of the speeder.

Kyvarr rolled her eyes.  "You 'suppose' your vehicle and gear are outside?  Vyn there told you your gear is outside on your bike.  I told you your gear is outside.  You might want to start listening what is said to you.  Battle has no time for repeating yourself and battle is where we are likely headed."

She pushed open the back doors and limped out.

Mika makes a slow return to the others, hoping that they'll work out the wrinkles with the blue woman.  "so, what happened to you, Janine?  We found where the taxi crashed and some blood.  We went looking for you, but CC9 said you'd been hauled off in an ambulance.  Figuring out where they had stuck you was on our short list of things to do."

The battle droid gets out of his speeder and stomps directly up to his immediate superior, waiting for a lull in the conversation before speaking his synthetic mind.  "As you are no doubt aware the debate surrounding the Chiss is an unproductive use of time," CC9 states flatly to Devon.  "We have no calculated need of her.  If she continues to be a disruptive influence I suggest leaving her behind.  Also, re-evaluating the plan at this stage is counter-productive.  If we have delayed enough at this stop-point I propose that we use the M4 droids to create a gas grenade smoke screen as earlier suggested, their launchers suitable for the task's parameters, and avoid combat if possible by moving quickly before the gang members have time to recover.  If required I will run my speeder into the barricades to create a suitable distraction while the team escapes.  If that does not get their attention I doubt anything will."

Dohr shakes his head slightly as Kyvarr storms out of the truck. "Never mind Hammer. She is… well, a Cathar."

"Your request is not unreasonable. As long as you accept and respect the chain of command, you will be treated with the same courtesy we all are. I suggest you get outside, put on your gear and report to Seven. He's the human male on a speeder bike. We need to move out as soon as Three gets here."

It was quite clear, the Chiss had simply ignored the Cathar and would probably continue doing so in the future, if she did not change her tone towards the blue-skinned woman. She simply gave Dohr a polite nod before heading out and towards her speederbike, from which she unloaded her flight suit and proceeded to slip back in to it. It didn't take very long before she stood in the black suit of armour again. She checked the power pack on her strange-looking blaster (or at least that was what it probably was) and apparently summoned the black, orblike droid, the same one that had been observing the Talons, to her. It resumed hovering close to her, as if she had been a star and it had been orbiting it.

Fiarr saw the blue-skinned alien approach and gave a respectful nod.  The rifle was in her hands but it was not pointed at the Chiss.  Her eyes also only met Idaya's for a second, the rest of the time they continued to scan the rooftops and streets.  She was clearly on watch for trouble.

"Idaya right?  I'm Fiarr.  Your bike and gear are here, exactly as you left them.  I took extra care with your swoop."

When Idaya called the droid over, the Bothan relaxed a little.  "That explains why it was following us.  Good thing, I was planning to subdue it.  I doubted that gangers would operate probe droids but then again who would have thought gangers could destabilise an entire city?"

"Pleased to meet you, Fiarr, though I wish the circumstances were a bit different", Idaya said politely. It was quite apparent, the woman was of both breeding and high education, not to mention somewhat an alien to the galactic culture. "You are quite observant to catch even a glimpse of it - they are built for stealth, after all. And the bike, as well as the droid, are really owned by the Chiss Expansionary Defence Force rather than me, but I do appreciate them being returned in their original condition."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:09, Fri 28 Mar 2014.

Fiarr chuckled.  "I think we all expected this day to be a little different.  I was waiting at a hotel cafe with Kyvarr to have an interview with this team.  We were hoping to sign on.  Then the hotel exploded!  Kyvarr, that's the Cathar with the winning personality by the way, broke her leg.  She risked her life to save civilians and myself."

"Now here we are.  Instead of an interview I'm submitting my application through deeds.  Makes sense though.  These guys have a ship in the spaceport and Kyvarr and I want off this rock.  So wether they take me on after this or not, at least we get offworld."

She spared a glance back at Idaya.  "Well I'd better find my new transport since you'll want your bike back.  Now they've picked up their team member they'll want to move out.  If you're staying you'd better get instructions from Seven.  He's the human male talking to the Duros, the one who ordered you stunned.  Why don't you come with me to see him."

Fiarr headed for Devon to find out her new orders.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:44, Fri 28 Mar 2014.

Heigren sighed.  He'd expected the angry tirade from Idaya but it didn't make it any easier.  Clearly while the Chiss expected people to be polite to her, she didn't feel she needed to reciprocate.  He hadn't seen that kind of bigotry since escaping the Empire.

He was surprised Idaya was agreeing to help the Talons.  Still it was the best way off this planet.  Though he wondered how she'd go taking orders.  He'd seen the way she'd responded to Kyvarr.  The Cathar was a soldier and seemed to act like one.  So if Idaya couldn't get along with her, how would she handle more undisciplined members like Flash and even Devon?  Not well he imagined.

Still, that wasn't his problem right now.  The spaceport was the problem.  Though at this point he couldn't imagine how his skills might be of use for breaking a blockade.

Flash nodded.  "I tend to agree with CC9.  She's probably going to be a bigger pain in the ass then we need right now.  Still let's give her a chance.  I've been called worse then a pain in the butt before and the boss gave me a shot.  If she's too much trouble we can dump her."

"We should get moving.  The sooner we get to the spaceport the better.  If we're going with the M4's firing grenades idea didn't the kitty mention she needs to modify the grenades somehow?  We should get her to do that enroute."

Flash was still astride his bike, awaiting the order to go.

"yeah, and we didn't even shoot you."    grinned Devon then quietly told Flash and CC9: "We dont need her, but we can use her - and I agree, we'll ditch her if she doesnt keep her end the deal.  Ok, lets get organized here."

Devon closed his eyes for a moment, conjouring up memories of the many harangues he'd seen Mark deliver, then he raised his voice to address the group as a whole.
"Ok - unless we come up with a better idea once we see what we're up against; the plan is to use the M4s to dump gas grenades on the enemy to create some confusion then we blast straight through their line in our vehicles without slowing down.  Shoot as we need to, but don't get dragged into a protracted fight.  If you have to shoot, shoot to kill.  Dont mess around.  Eleven will make sure that the spaceport defenders know we are coming and dont gun us down."

Devon pointed to Kyvarr. "Hammer - you need to be modifying those grenades ready for the droids.  Set up shop in the back the truck - both M4 droids, in the back of the truck.  Doc, I think I heard you say you could assist?  Anyone whos on a speeder bike, make sure you got a comm and a pistol - I also want one commlink in both the truck and the speeder.  We've got two rifles - so I want CC9 in the speeder and Fiarr in the truck with rifles to act as shooters.  Vyn, you drive the truck; Three, take the speeder but give your commlink to Idaya - CC9s got an internal comm."

Devon paused for a moment, thinking.
"Ok, bikers - we're the perimeter.  Two, you're on point.  Ten, rear-guard. I'll be on right flank.  Which puts you on the left, Idaya - and I want that shiny spydroid of yours up front blazing trail for us.  Droids are easier to replace than Duros maniacs."

Mounting his bike, Devon looked around to make sure everything was organized properly before giving Flash the signal to move out.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:53, Sat 29 Mar 2014.

"Let's do it!"  Flash called excitedly.

"Okay Three, give me a hundred metre lead.  Only close up if you lose sight of me.  Next stop, Det Akari Spaceport, or somewhere close by."

"Idaya, wanna get that droid going?  We'll be moving at the maximum speed the truck can manage so your droid needs to go faster then that!"

Fiarr turns to Dohr.  "I think Seven has mixed us up."

She offers him her blaster rifle with scope.  "Here, you take this and ride up front.  Kyvarr and I will prepare the grenades."

She quickly jumps in the back and gets to work trusting the Zeltron to get them there and the Kel Dor to ensure they arrive in one piece!  Taking the grenades she sets to work with Kyvarr assisting.



Demolitions: 17

"I have my own comlink, if you want to patch it in to your network", the blue woman said, approaching Devon. "And if you would happen to have a firing pin, then I have got a cannon mounted on my bike." She gave off an air of a military officer, diatinct even through the now closed-up helmet. "And never mind the droid, it can handle it."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:03, Sat 29 Mar 2014.

Dohr nodded to Fiarr in acknowledgement and accepted the E-11 rifle. "Apparently he did. But it's not a big surprise as we have only known each other for a few hours. And they have been quite busy hours, I might add." The Kel Dorian smiled behind his breather and headed over to Flash.

"You should probably take your own link back now. I will not do to have one of you riding without being able to communicate with everyone else. We can get another unit from someone else." The Doc swapped comms with the Duros and headed back to the truck. "Are you ready to roll out, Vyn? Looks like it is you and me in the cockpit. Let us get this truck through the barricade."

It would be Rian's show, Dohr knew and didn't wish to intervene in the way it was planned and carried out. And being honest, he had no need or wish to. The plan was made in haste, but it was a good one. He would've preferred to take out the gangers with snipers and stealth, but there really was not time for any of that. Yet there was a single point of failure in the plan. If the M4 droids missed their mark or were shot down, they would be sitting ducks in the speeder truck. But if that happened, then they would just have to wing it.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:51, Sat 29 Mar 2014.

Not long after Cor finishes her question on the Talon comms a small blocking hovering droid - an M4 messenger droid - swoops up from the direction of the hospital.  The little thing has a number stencilled to the side - '3'.  It circles around Sheila's head beeping in droidal excitement.  'Droidal' is totally an adjective now.  Yep.

"Target located!  Designation: Three!  I am M4-3, your new M4 messenger droid.  Alpha command protocols initiated; how may I serve, mistress?"

"Check."  Mika acknowledges her role as rear guard.  To Sheila, she adds, "Want to stick around or move to the truck?"  She wasn't sure about he comms stuff, but if Sheila wanted to work on it on the way, doing so in the truck would be a lot easier than on the back of a swoop.

Devon watched the others for a few moments and pinched the bridge of his nose.  He couldnt believe what he was seeing.
He raised his voice, doing his best to not sound angry but making damn sure everyone could hear him.

"In case anyone has forgotten, we are in the middle of a damn warzone here.  Five got killed less than an hour ago in an ambush and right now our only way off this planet is in a spaceport that is under siege - if we waste time screwing around rather than getting stuff done then we lose our only way off world AND Eleven gets killed.  We do not have the time to be acting like a bunch of amateurs!  If we keep acting like a bunch of fragging tourists then we will be JOINING Five and I for one dont plan to tell the boss people  got killed because we couldn't get our act together; so I am gonna say this again:

We are going to move out towards the spaceport and recon the attackers positions with a view to staging a break through using gas-grenade equipped droids as a distraction.  Hammer, Fiarr and all the M4 droids - into the back of the truck and get those droids ready to carry grenades.  Vyn, drive the truck.  Doc - take a rifle and get in the front of the truck too."

Devon pointed to each person in turn as he repeated their assignments.

  "Three and CC9, into the speeder.  Three, you drive.  CC9 gets the other rifle and is your shooter.  Those on speeder bikes will fly escort - Ten has rearguard, Two takes point.  Idaya has right flank.  Idaya - our droid expert tells me theres no way your Dark-Eye droid can keep up with us, so either order it into the truck or leave it behind."

"I want one commlink on each bike, Vyn takes another and CC9 will use his internal comms - this way every vehicle can stay in contact.  Idaya - we use encrypted comms so you wont be able to patch in."

Devon paused for a moment.
"Now, has everyone got that this time?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:03, Mon 31 Mar 2014.

Flash looked over his shoulder in surprise at Devon's shouted instructions.  'Haven't we done this already?' he thought to himself.

Then he looked at the speeder behind him and felt stupid.  He'd been giving orders via comm for Sheila to keep the speeder at least one hundred metres behind him and she wasn't even in the speeder!  Where was she?

He tapped his fingers against his handlebars impatiently.  There was a battle to fight and a damsel in distress to rescue.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 22:29, Mon 31 Mar 2014.

Fiarr didn't respond to Devon's repeat of orders, in fact she didn't even hear it.  Since she was already in the back of the truck dismantling gas grenades without a mask her focus was completely on her work.

Heigren climbed into the driver's seat of the truck and held out his hand to Dohr.  "Guess I get the comm, you get the rifle.  Seems fair.  I'd rather talk then shoot."

He waited for the convoy to move out.

Kyvarr would normally have been the first to jump up and assist Seven in getting things going.  Part of her still wanted to.  But since she was busy keeping a grenade fuse from making contact with a detonator cap with her claw while Fiarr rewired the pressure plate, she decided not to move.  The Bothan probably wouldn't thank her if she let the grenade go off so she could 'play sergeant' as Fiarr liked to put it.

Sheila  answered Devon when he told her to drive the speeder., answering mikas suggestion at the same time.   Yes sir, I'll drive.."  She thought she felt up to it.  "They drained all my power packs, so I'll need some."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:32, Tue 01 Apr 2014.

< Pushing forward a bit... >

With the marching orders given by Devon, the Talons (and Associates) get organised and move off.

As designated by their current team leader the placement of the journeyers is as follows (not to scale):

                 SwId

<==     Sw2    SPt     SP     Sw10

                 Sw7

SPt = Speeder Truck (Heigren driving, Dohr on watch; Kyvarr, Fiarr, three M4 droids, the DRK-1 droid and a whle bunch of gas grenades in the back)
SP = Speeder (Sheila driving, CC9 on watch)
Sw2 = Flash's Swoop
Sw7 = Devon's Swoop
Sw10 = Mika's Swoop
SwId = Idaya's Swoop
<== = Direction of travel

---

The journey through the city is hazardous but the majority of danger comes from the landscape itself, not the locals.  Sinkholes force the convoy to detour several times, though never very far out of the way, and while there is one instance in which some gruff-looking folks try to forcibly stop the convoy they get the hell out of the way when they see how well-armed the travellers are.

Much of the city is now quiet, as if taking a shocked breath after the terror of the past few hours.  In these places the broken buildings seem to loom over the convoy, empty windows staring down like the sockets of an agéd skull, shattered doorways and sinkholes in the street yawning to swallow them with the inevitability of a sarlacc.  The death of Arin is fresh still in the minds of the Talons and every now and then the ominous creaking of plascrete high above makes it clear that any one of them - or all of them - could easily be next.

That sound of weakened masonry is particularly grating to Sheila.  She was very recently almost killed - twice - by falling rubble.

The city looks blank and cold.  Normally these urban sprawl planets - Coruscant, Nar Shaddaa, Corellia and more - are alive with the rush of sky traffic, awash with the lurid glare of holographic advertisements, some bigger by far than the buildings they sit upon.

But Akari City is a dry bone under the desert sun.  No signs gleam, no cars rush and even the ubiquitous crush of pedestrians is largely absent.  The place is a graveyard.  Even the Claws District was (and presumably still is) more lively than this.

---

Maybe that's why the group knows with a certainty that they're approaching the spaceport - its holographic sign is still active.  Flickering wildly but preserved presumably by some emergency power source, the giant logo blazes up above the ruins of the metropolis, a flashing beacon to the convoy as they move through rapidly darkening streets toward their goal.

Night is falling when they reach a spot almost half a kilometre from the Det Akari Spaceport.  It used to be some kind of open town square, decorated with holographic projectors that probably once showed models of trees.  The spacious area is plenty big enough for the convoy without being too open to make them conspicuous amongst the carcasses of abandoned and crashed speeders that litter the city.

With a lowering whine of engine power the convoy slows and comes to a halt next to a large and mostly-broken statue of a figure that was probably once humanoid.

The vivid glare of the spaceport's blue logo can be seen over the buildings, casting a lurid glare over the mostly-dark cityscape and flickering like the wings of an injured moth.  As they watch a tremendous orange-white explosion bursts from that direction, too low to see past the surrounding buildings but reminiscent of a small rocket.

While having agreed to help the Talons, Idaya was feeling somewhat uneasy. Some of the people, who had shot at her were surprisingly polite, much to her astonishment, but others were rude and gave a feeling, they didn't really care whether she lived or died. Of course, she was not part of their team, but they had asked her help in exchange of a voyage off the planet and that was something she needed. Yet, they had promised not to harm her and stunned her right afterwards. The future would tell, if they'd hold their end of the bargain.

This was also a wholly new situation to Idaya. She didn't have the might and authority of CEDF behind her, nor her crew for support. She felt lonely and having some of the people, she had just met, act with hostility towards her, didn't exactly help. But they do not know me, she thought. Maybe, if they did, they would appreciate me and my skills.

Dohr heard Devon shout his orders for the second time, but didn't comment in anyway as he was already climbing into the truck's cockpit. The doctor accepted Heigren's hand and let the Zeltron help pull him up. He'd said it to himself before, but he couldn't help thinking about it again. He really liked Vyn. Although the two of them were very much different, they had a lot of similarities too. Would he be accepted into the group, Dohr and Vyn would get along very well.

The Kel Dor smiled and gave Heigren one of his customary nods. "Thank you. Yes, that works for me. I believe you are much better in communicating with your friends and I am an ok shot with the rifle. Let us just hope I do not have to use it." Dohr lowered his window and called out to the women in the back of the speeder truck: "Ok. We are ready here. Give us a yell or a knock whenever you are ready to leave too."

When the notice came, the doctor nodded to Heigren again and turned his attention to the city around them. Fortunately the only real trouble they faced on the way to the spaceport was the city itself, not its inhabitants. The few gangers brave enough to step in their way were quickly convinced of standing aside by the rifles and the blasters Dohr and the others were holding.

When they reached the square and stopped beside a broken statue, Dohr eyed the windows of the nearby buildings through the scope to find out if there were ganger snipers about. He waited for Rian to give them new instructions and Kyvarr and Fiarr to announce that the droids were loaded with the grenades.

Flash watched the distant explosions with trepidation.  "Seven, we've got explosions up here.  Looks like they're firing rockets at the spaceport."

"Idaya, your droid airborne yet?  We need more info and we need it fast!"

Fiarr felt the truck stop and took time for her grenade work to confirm their location.  They were nearly there.  She'd spent the trip modifying the grenades then having Kyvarr load them into the droids.  They gave an equal amount to each droid, working as fast as they could.

She looked in the front.  "If Seven asks we've loaded as many grenades as we could  and the M4's are ready to go on his instruction."


OOC:  I have no idea how many grenades we could have done in transit or even how many fit in a droid.  But we would have done as many as possible and loaded them as we finished each grenade.  One in the first droid, then on in the other and so on.

"Sending it in now", the reply came in accented basic. She gave the order to the droid to keep hidden and scout forward. It was, after all, their best chance, if they could catch the gangers by surprise. Until they got telemetry from the target area, there was no tactical sense to barge in to the situation and Idaya hoped, it was something the man commanding the group understood.

"I hear you, Two."  Devon answered as he halted his bike in the shadow of a wall just as Idays droid buzzed overhead.  he kept his voice low just incase the gangers had some form of rearguard in the area, relying on the commlink to carry his instructions to the team instead.

"Ok, we got recon on its way; so bikers gimmie a perimeter for the moment - keep us safe."
Hurrying across to the truck, Devon hauled the rear door open and peered in.
"Did I hear right - you guys ready?  How much you got for me?"  Devon stepped aside and held the door open so that the droids - as well as Kyvar and Fiarr - could exit.
"OK," he said to the group in general. "We've got a couple of minutes wait till we get some intel back from the droid, so take the time to prepare.  Unless we see something we really dont like, I figure we go in as soon as possible - the longer we wait here, the more time for us to get spotted or those rockets to hit something vital.  The basic plan is a vehicle based breakthrough using the gas grenades as cover and distraction.  If you got something to add, if you see an opportunity, tell me - we all have our own areas of expertise, so play to your strengths."

Looking round their immediate area, Devon called to Idaya.  "Hey, has that droid of yours got a vid-link or something?  Hows it report back to you?  we're going to need to see its data as soon as possible."

Kyvarr limped out of the truck and came to attention before Seven and saluted.

"Sir, we have nine grenades primed and ready.  We've loaded three into each M4 droid.  Each droid can only hold three so they are at maximum capacity.  Would you like us to rig the last three grenades or keep them for manual throwing Sir?"

The Chiss produced a small but rugged looking datapad from a pocket on her suit. "The droid sends telemetry and, if necessary, visual feed to me. I suggest, we let it reconnaissance the enemy carefully and make decissions based on proper intelligence." And while Devon might not have thought much of the woman, she seemed to know quite well, what she was talking about. "We should pick a spot where the enemy is at the weakest, strike through it with the best speed we have, and get in to the spaceport before they know what happened. Taking out the rocket launcher would be a good thing to accomplish, if we wish to get off-planet."

"It would seem time is a precious commodity at present Idaya.  While a detailed recon is advisable, the spaceport can't withstand a sustained rocket assault for long.  We'll have to find a balance between speed and detail.

"You'd also better make sure your droid is careful.  A single rocket or some well aimed blaster fire is all it would take to reduce your droid to scrap."

She looked to Devon.  "You want the M4's to help with recon or hold them in reserve for now?"

"nah," said Devon as he peered at the datapad.  "Save 'em for the actual attack - it would kinda suck if one of 'em got shot early and the grenades went off.  And yeah, I'd love it if we had the time for a really thorough job of recon... but time is a luxury we aint got."

"They're a damn fool."  Flash said thoughtfully.  Anyone who thought he was speaking about them would have seen he was staring off at the spaceport, not at a Talon.

Seeing questioning glances he waved to the spaceport.  "I mean whoever is in charge of spaceport defence.  The gangs are shooting at the walls with rockets, not tanks or heavy artilley but small rockets.  If I was in charge I'd comandeer some ships.  Think about it, even our ship, a stock civilian model has simple shields and a laser cannon.  Commandeer one or two of those and blast away at any barricades.  Even basic shields will survive one or two hits from a missile.  Any unshielded barricade wouldn't last long against a sustained barrage from heavy weapons."

"Whoever is in charge in there has never seen battle.  They're cowering behind their walls."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:08, Thu 03 Apr 2014.

"My mistress concurs that is a likelihood," CC9 states, looking toward Flash, "unless there is some element to this assault that none of us are aware of.  The security force is primarily manning the defence of the main doors and the individual she is in contact with has stated concerns that the force will be decimated 'because of stupid bureaucratic fear'.  I suspect the head of security is not well thought of."

As the others watch there are a couple more muffled explosions, though nothing dramatically huge, as if the gangs are testing for weak points.

As ordered, Mika is on perimeter duty, looking for any approaching threats.  She's moving along slowly, not wanting to draw the attention of the gangers as she looks over the situation.  She's almost certain that there's got to be an easier way, utility tunnels maybe, but of course that'd make it a challenge to keep the swoops.

Idaya clearly says something through the comlink inside his helmet, then turns on the external speaker again. "The reason I said what I said is, if we do not do a proper reconnaissance, we might get in but lose most of our numbers. It will take only a while, but it will be worth it."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:32, Thu 03 Apr 2014.

"I'm sure they appreciate your input Idaya.  But you can ease your mind, this isn't the first time they've done this.  They may appear eager to rush in but you can trust they'll allow us much time for recon as they can."

Idaya's datapad lights up as her droid sends her information.  From the sound of explosions it seems there's audio feed as well as visual feed.

The battle droid clanks up to Idaya.  "My mistress has a message.  If you are willing to connect your datapad to one of the M4 droids via a wireless LAN hyperlink it can use its holoprojector to display the data your DRK-1 droid is sending you."

"Then tell one off them to start broadcasting", she replied, preparing the transmission for viewing. More than one pair of eyes would spot more in the picture than just one.

Waiting for the droid to finish its scouting, Dohr stepped out of the vehicle and did a 360 with the scope. He hadn't noticed anyone observing them yet, but that didn't mean the gangers weren't out there. But at least no one had taken any shots at them so far. While he was looking at the surroundings, the Kel Dor considered their options of entering the spaceport. He'd gathered from what had happened to Three, that the understreets weren't safe, quite the opposite.

Dohr then considered the subways. One of the lines had a major station at the spaceport and the nearest one outside of it was only five minutes away. But he knew that wasn't any good either. If he'd thought of it as a way of entering the port, then probably the insurgents and definitely the security troops had thought about it too. So even if they would be able to enter the tunnel via the subway stop nearby and reach the spaceport, they'd have to fight through the gangers underground and force their way through the station's blast doors. It was a no go.

The only way was through the main entrances guarded by the security force inside and the insurgents outside. PIece of a cake.

Kyvarr stayed close waiting for the recon data.  Since ground warfare was her speciality she imagined her input would be needed.  Most of the people here, based on their idle chatter, were used to planning space battles.  The two were vastly different.

Watching the feed from the droid, Idaya seemed to adress Heigren in a tone that borderlined motherly. "Mr. Teckla, have you ever really served in the military? If so, there is a thing concerning going on the offensive. A military commander has two alternatives - to either attack and hope to win, or to win first and attack only when the victory is ensured. Once we have at least some intelligence on the enemy, we make a diversion and strike where the enemy least expect us to - preferrably right at their artillery."

The M4 droid, connected wirelessly to idaya's pad once the Chiss sets a connection port, lights up its holoprojector.

The group is treated to a scene of some considerable mess.

The front of the spaceport rises up, high and solid, several dozen floors high.  It has many entry floors - all of which are firmly closed with blast shielding - and the carbon scarring across the facade of the building shows many points where the gangers have tried and failed to gain entry.

The droid has neither the height nor the angle to display the roof or breadth of the whole spaceport.  It focuses on the battlefield that is the street in front of the spaceport itself.  The space is strewn with crashed speeders, mangled corpses and errant chunks of building.  The gang members look like they've tried everything to get in and have killed anyone trying to get past them.

The spaceport doorway is a huge set of double doors that have been smashed and destroyed, a pair of sturdy blast doors having slammed down to take their place but even these have sustained heavy damage.  A blue shimmer over the front doors of the space port show that a shield generator must have been set up to give the security forces time to regroup.

Across the road, against the building directly opposite the spaceport doors, are two roughly semi-circular barriers about five feet high made from rubble and pieces of broken speeder - hastily-built sangars, or rifle pits.  Within those two defensive positions the group can see twelve gang members - six in each hold-out point - wielding a variety of weapons.  There are at least three rocket launchers and a tripod-mounted gun of some ad-hoc description, as well as several heavy blaster rifles and numerous smaller guns.  The tripod weapon - definitely a custom-made job by someone who knows their guns but doesn't have the time or facilities to make anything more compact - is long and bears several battery packs at its base.

From the looks of the situation the gangers are well equipped with weapons and know how to use them - but they aren't equipped with breathing gear and only a few wear low-tech riding goggles, possibly more for show than anything.

There is a clear space between the two semi-circular rifle pits, big enough to park a speeder in.  The rifle pits themselves are built probably for four people each; they're getting quite squishy with six apiece.

The street itself is not barricaded and while it is strewn with mess any repulsorlift craft can easily pass over the debris.  From the look of the crashed speeders, however, the gangers haven't given them the chance.  A line of damage down a neighbouring building ends in a crashed swoop at the bottom; it seems the gang members are quite capable of shooting at vehicles attempting to pass over the buildings and good enough to hit.

As the group watches the tripod, manned by a huge humanoid of some rarely-seen species, powers up with the distinct sound of a high-strength generator.  White-blue energy blasts out and sprays across the doorway; the shield holds against the onslaught... but only barely.

There are whoops of delight from the gangers.  The gunner seems annoyed, powering the weapon down again, but one of the others slaps his massive shoulder and the droid is close enough to pick up what is said.

"Hey, don't worry, big guy!  The tank'll be here soon and then we'll blow the front off the whole damn building!"

Time is running out.

Heigren gave Idaya a very sexy grin and flirty grin.  When he spoke, he used a similarly paternal tone to the Chiss.  "I think we both know I have never served in a formal military structure but that does not mean I have not fought in battle all my life.  I served on a different front.  A front where all warfare is based on deception.  One where intelligence is clouded, altered, made chaotic.  For in the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity."

As the intel came up Heigren grinned.  "Now a tank.  THAT'S where they'd least expect an attack!"


OOC:  You're not the only one who can quote Sun Tzu!  :P

Devon had completely ignored the back-and-forth between Idaya and Heigren; and instead was wearing a grin perhaps better suited to an eye-patch wearing, cutlass wielding scourge of the shipping lanes.

"They have a tank?" he asked almost gleefully. "I bet you any money you like they had to 'jack it.  Which means they had to breach its security to begin with.  Change of plan - I want that tank.  We're gonna take it off them and use it to blow those gun nests straight into a black hole."

Devon looked round at the others.  "If we can stop it, I'll get us control of it.  So tell me how we stop it."

One thing was for sure, Devon shared the usual Corellian ability to come up with insane ideas.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:37, Sun 06 Apr 2014.

Sheila had found another heavy blaster that had  charged powerpacks.  "Well we need to see what they have sitting on top of it.  Take them out with a sniper. If we can clear the hatch and drop a flash bang in there, we can take it."

Kyvarr considered Sheila's proposal.  "You'd never succeed with such a ploy with a military tank crew, but given this is likely gangers, a modified version of Ten's plan could work.  Need to know the type of tank before a plan can be made.  For example, not all tanks even have a top hatch to speak of."

Kyvarr was surprised at the suggestion that a group of poorly armed infantry take on a tank.  Any such attempt against her tank would have been almost certainly destined to fail without careful planning and high explosives.  This team lacked both the time and the weaponry.  Still if they could pull it off she knew she was in the right team.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:39, Mon 07 Apr 2014.

"This change of plan is illogical.  Any tank will likely have an escort at least.  Military or not it makes no tactical or logical sense to leave such an asset unguarded and vulnerable.  In addition, to take a tank from the enemy carries one major issue - they have a tank."  CC9 remains where he is, the droid's electronic voice flat and emotionless.

"I agree with the droid. There is no point in delaying our entry to the spaceport until the tank arrives. If we wish to get off the planet, then doing so before it arrives is our best alternative", Idaya said. "I advice the following. We strike at the firing positions with gas, make a quick stop there to remove the heavy weaponry from the unconscious gangers, and head inside. We deliver the heavy weapons to the ACE, warn them about the tank, and in exchange ask for them to let us leave the planet. I also advice sending one of the messenger droids in advance to tell the ACE, we are not hostiles."

Whilst maintaining his patrol, Flash clicked on his comm.  "Want me to go take a look boss?  Can't make any decisions about the tank if we don't know where it is.  Maybe if I find it we can use the 'Barloz Maneuver' on it.  Whaddya think?"

Flash grinned to himself, knowing only Devon would get the reference.

She turned to Idaya, her tone was not rude, just factual and measured.  "Now a minute ago Idaya you were talking about the importance of good intelligence, now you want to ignore a potentially dangerous threat in our rear?  That makes no tactical sense.  That tank could arrive in one minute and blow us to pieces before we've even launched the gas.  It could equally be an hour away and be of no concern to our plans."

Her manner clearly indicated she was no novice to ground warfare, particularly armoured warfare.  "Now Idaya, it's clear you've never served in the Army, definitely not an armoured unit so I'll explain that an infantry commander hoping to take out a tank would never wait for it to arrive unless he had a very well prepared ambush.  If we were to try and neutralise the tank it would need to be before it gets here."

She swung to Seven.  "Sir, I respectfully suggest we get eyes on this tank.  Range, ETA, tank layout any any support vehicles.  I need to see all this so either I need to go or Idaya's droid needs to be taken and relay a holo feed.  I can't recommend a plan for capturing it without more information.  Even if you choose not to attack we need to know how far behind us it is.  It need not delay us attacking the entrenched position.  We can do both simultaneously Sir."

Dohr listened to Devon's change of plans and shook his head slightly. Despite their apparent experience in combat situations, it seemed like Seven had never before come against an armored frontline vehicle like such as a tank. Dohr limped to the human and took a deep breath. He had already thought against giving his opinions about how they should deal with the oncoming fight, but he could not let the mercenaries charge head first into a battle they could not hope to win.

Iday was apparently going along the same lines as Dohr himself was thinking, but with one major difference.

"Rian. Listen. While I do can appreciate your idea about having a tank to help us deal with the gangers, this new plan will not work. The chances of us seizing a fully armored and armed tank would be next to none with the gear we have available right now. With our blaster pistols and couple of rifles we can not hope to damage the thing."

"Then there is the getting to the tank part. While I do not have any knowledge on the tanks this world may have, I would imagine it will have at least an anti-aircraft blaster cannon and possibly a turret as well in addition to a heavy laser cannon. It will shred any speeder or bike into pieces long before we reach it thanks to the radar and targeting systems installed. And trying to halt a tank's approach using hovering vehicles would not work either. And even if we would manage to get past its defenses in one piece and had explosives or mines in use, setting those up to blast open the hatch would be very, very difficult."

Dohr kept a pause and turned to face Kyvarr. "I agree. It would be most beneficial for us to know where the tank is, what type it is and what its ETA is. However… The tank could be anywhere. 'Soon' is too vague a definition for a period of time to help us at all. Like you said, it could be two minutes or it could be an hour. Finding out could take us too long. The droids cannot cover too much ground in five minutes or even ten… However, it would seem to me the ganger does not know how long it takes for the tank to arrive either. So maybe it is not behind the next corner, yet… Maybe. Please bear with me for a minute and I will get back to this."

Dohr turned back to Devon.

"So while I too agree on how having a tank on our side would help us get into our target, I too will strongly advice against trying to capture it. I think we should stick to the original plan and use the gas grenades mounted on the M4s against the barricades. And I would still suggest we make use of Idaya's skills as well. She could have her droid look up good positions for a sniper and move into place. Dropping the big boy and perhaps a ganger with a launcher would definitely cause chaos and panic in the untrained insurgents."

"Idaya, your idea is good. But we cannot count on the grenades to stun the gangers completely. As much I dislike the idea, I believe we will need to use more force to disable them."

"Therefore my proposal would be as follows… Idaya gets quickly into position while whomever has the control of the M4's sends them into place as well. In the meanwhile the rest of us mount the vehicles and move as close to the barricades as we can without exposing ourselves. At 'go' Idaya will start by trying to take out a couple of gangers. It should send them scrambling for cover and allow the droids to approach unnoticed via either the high route or by using the debris as cover. After the grenades have been deployed Idaya can cover our approach by laying down suppressive where needed. Since timing and speed are of essence, I believe we should mount as many as possible on the faster vehicles. The truck can slow down enough to pick our sniper up on the way. Once at the barricades, we take any resisting gangers out. Permanently if need be."

---

OOC: I totally missed Kyvarr's post. Sorry.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:34, Mon 07 Apr 2014.

"Oh, I did consider not all of them falling unconscious. Snipers, preferrably at least two of them, will take out the ones who remain standing. The blaster rifle, you took from the station and my rifle are both equipped for longer range shots, but we still need to be close enough and take outthe biggest threats - the gangers with rocket launchers and the one manning the cannon. And distracting them while the snipers line in their shots would not hurt either."

Dohr nodded to Idaya. "Ah my bad then. Yes two is merrier than one and distraction would be nice too. However should we be the source of that distraction, then that would eat away the element of surprise… Unless it would come from the opposite direction…"

"It could be a bit far-streched, but what if we rigged the truck to drive on its own, slowly, to the space port entrance or past the building? They would certainly concentrate their attention and fire on it, would they not? That would of course leave us with one less vehicle, but I believe we could all fit on the remaining ones for such a short distance. It would not give you much time to get in position, Idaya, but if you had the route and place already selected, it should be enough."

Turning from Idaya to Kyvarr and Devon, Dohr continued: "I think we all agree now that we do not have much time on our hands, so we have to make a decision right now. In my mind the options are:

One. We send out the droids to locate the tank and wait here until they have, or until we have concluded it is not close enough to get here in time to spoil our attack. But would we lose the use of our droids in that case as they are not very fast? Or we send out Forim to look for tank, in which case we can only cover one direction at a time, but a lot faster.

Two. We keep the tank in mind and move in as soon as we possibly can and take the gangers out and then head inside hoping the big gun will not reach the spaceport before we do.

Three, which I do not really consider an option anymore. We make it for the entrance at full speed and take our chances with the heavy weapons."

CC9 speaks up on Dohr's last point.  "Correction.  The calculated risk was never to 'take our chances' with the heavy weapons.  It is to lay down a smokescreen and suppressive fire as the convoy accelerates toward - and presumably through - the front doors of the spaceport while the enemy is otherwise detained.  As long as their vision is occluded the enemy does not even need to be incapacitated by the gas, though no doubt some will succumb and the rest will be busy trying not to succumb."  He pauses slightly.  "There is an element of risk which I calculate as still far lower than assaulting a tank with unknown capacities using a team which has not even full knowledge of its members' capabilities and limitations.  Irrespective of that, however," the droid adds, "if Seven does not decide quickly how to proceed then waiting for or even finding the tank will be irrelevant as it will be upon us.  He is in command; attaining the advice of experts is tactically wise but the decision is ultimately his."  With that he turns to Devon.  "Your orders, Team Leader?"

Mika gets on the comms after seeing the latest round of the gangers assault on the blast doors.  "Look at those doors.  Tank or no tank, they're getting close to breaching 'em.  My vote is we continue with the plan we came up with."

Devon looks at the holo sent from the droid again and grits his teeth.

"Agreed - damn.  But we DO need to know where that tank is and what its doing - how long we've got before it arrives.  So Two - can you and Vyn take two of the bikes and the spybot and go find that tank - keep tabs on it for us."

Devon gets off his bike and checks his pistol.
"The rest of us are going to hit the gun nests.  I'm betting the defenders wont be willing to lower their shields whilst theres rocket launchers out here... which means gassing them probably aint gonna be enough.  We gotta take 'em out.  Six guys per nest, and eight of us.  So we hit both at the same time - one M4 into each nest and gas them, keeping the third M4 in reserve.  Then we get in close and burn em down - they're tightly packed, once we're in range and with them gassed, it should be easy.  Once the nests are dealt with, maybe we'll have time to launch before that tank arrives... or maybe we use the heavy weapons to set an ambush for the tank.  CC9 will lead the assault on the left nest - we'll call that Alpha - and Kyvarr you'll bossing the assault on Beta.  Three, Ten and Fiarr - you're with CC9.  The rest of us are with Kyvarr.  Everyone clear on what we're doing?"

"If you are referring to my droid as 'spybot', I must remark, it is not exactly built for speed but rather for stealth. I doubt, it would be of much help finding the tank - far less than speeder bikes. However, I must say, there is little point in trying to find the tank - it can be virtually anywhere and, as you have quite often pointed out, we are short on time. So, if you ask me, which I suspect you do not, our priority should be getting in quickly and off the planet. Finding the tank will not help in a way or another, nor will it speed our departure. Even if we know, how soon it will arrive, we have no means of stopping or even slowing it down."

Dohr looked at CC9 and spread his arms in surrender and smiled. He hadn't really meant there had been a plan in place to take chances with the heavy weapons in the first place, as there never had. No, the original plan had been to rig speeders into bombs and drop those bombs onto the barricades and then make a run for it. So that was not what he had meant, but it was easy to see why the droid would've understood his words that way as.. well.. literally speaking, he had said so. Of course Dohr had referred more to the 'heading straight for the gates' -part, but it didn't really matter at all, so he let it go. Though the battledroid was in a way quite annoying, the Kel Dor still liked if for some reason. At least the thing was honest in its opinions.

He waited until Devon had finished his bit and looked at their current leader. As Dorh was about to speak, Idaya cut in echoing what he had said only a moment earlier. The doctor nodded to the Chiss and turned to Devon again. "The decision is yours, of course, but I ask you to reconsider dividing us now... Oh and considering the attack, could you clarify your ruling over the sniper or snipers … sir? If we do not have anyone covering our approach, we will be easy targets for anyone who manages to escape the gas."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:03, Mon 07 Apr 2014.

Fiarr watched as the conversation continued.  It was almost amusing at times how people cited the need to hurry but then kept talking.  She kept out of the situation, even when people seemed to completely ignore her friend.  However when the talk again turned to snipers she spoke up.  She liked Dohr and he seemed reasonable so she spoke to him.

"Dohr, while I think the idea of snipers is a good one, I don't think they're practical here.  We simply don't have time to get them in place.  We'd either have to rush them into position, meaning the gangers could shoot us down.  Otherwise we'd have to circle the building, drop them off further away and have them move to position which is time we don't have.  Furthermore, if this goes bad we wont have time to extract them.  I for one don't want to be left behind.  I think we need to risk doing this without them."

"What about the idea of programming the speeder to smash into a barricade?  Wouldn't take long to tweak the autopilot surely?  We could program it to smash into the mounted guns moments after the gas hits."

She went and took position by CC9 and checked her pistol.  She no longer had a rifle so this would have to do.

Flash swooped in.  "Vyn get on."

He looked at Devon.  "No point risking two bikes.  Vyn can hold the spybot and play cameraman for me.  If you breach before I get back take off.  We'll try a Rigel Special Delivery."

His focused turned to Idaya.  "You lending us your droid?  If so, hand it to Vyn.  No way your bot will keep up otherwise."

Once he gets an answer from Idaya he shoots off into the sky to begin his search.  A tank shouldn't be too hard to spot coming.  Just look for the biggest signs of chaos, destruction or fleeing populace.

Heigen climbed on the back of the bike and held out a hand to Idaya for the droid.

"Don't worry I'll take good care of it.  Does it have a name?  Can you tell it to follow my directions until we get back?"

Kyvarr saluted.  "Ready sir.  Right Beta team fall in.  Plan is as follows.  Once the gas is fired we go in with the speeder.  Seven, you'll be our pilot sir.  Drop me off as close as you can then hover and allow Dohr and Idaya to use their rifles to pick off anyone moving.

Primary targets are the rocket launchers and the guys wielding the big guns.  We're going to be a big fat target if anyone gets a lock.  Everyone else is a secondary target.  If you can't see a target, full suppressive fire.  Keep them in the gas.  Ill wear the riot armour and head in to finish off any stragglers at close range.  If our targets are neutralised, assist Beta team.  If things go wrong, but out fast.  Any questions?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:07, Tue 08 Apr 2014.

Mika's swoop comes in from her scouting and she gathers up her gear.  She checks her blaster.  "We going with stun setting?"

She also gets out het stun baton and makes sure it's charged up.  Hopefully, she wouldn't get close to anyone to use the stun stick, but she'd rather have it handy and not need it than need it and not have it handy.

"Doubtful."  Fiarr answer's Mika's question.  "Stun only has a four metre range.  I doubt we want to get that close.  I'm assuming we'll be shooting to kill."

She looked to CC9 for clarification.

"Lethal settings," CC9 confirms.  "A four-metre range is untenable in the circumstances.  Assume absolute enemy hostility."

Mika doesn't like it, she's supposed to be a support role, not a front line grunt cutting down the enemy.  But this was hardly a normal situation and if people were going to die, better the gangers than her companions.

Giving a curt nod to Fiarr and CC9, she sets the blaster back to blast and not stun.

Sheila's come in on the speeder and wasn't sure in this new plan where she was supposed to be with her heavy blaster.   "Who's driving the truck and where do you want me?   She shouldered her bag and slipped the extra power packs from the speeder into her jacket pocket.  Once they got through this, she had to find out who the hell all these new people were.

"I sincerily doubt, you would have a real use for the droid, but it will take a while for it to exfiltrate from the reconnaissance it has conducted, so if you wish to wait for it, by all means., Idaya stated. It wasn't only a waste of time but also a fools errant to go after the tank and reduce the firepower of the team by two shooters. "As for infantry experience, no, I am a naval officer, but I do have a grasp of groundside tactics as well. The fact is, if the tank is close enough to cause a problem during the assault, we are already in trouble with nothing to stop it with. We could simply deploy my droid to watch our rear and stop wasting time on something, we can do nothing about. But that is just my personal opinion."

Kyvarr growled.  "You may have a 'grasp' of groundside tactics but I think we can agree I'm the expert here.  So why don't you leave the ground based tactics to me?  Likewise I wont tell you how to run fleet engagements.  Just because you don't know how to stop a tank with our resources or see a use for your droid doesn't mean I didn't.  However, you are right, there is now no time to recall your droid.  Leave it where it is."

For the Cathar, this exchange had been very diplomatic.  Fiarr would have been proud of her.

"Now get in the speeder and get your blaster ready.  You have your orders, we have a plan.  We go on Seven's order."

She made sure she had one of the M4 droids with her.  She climbed in behind Devon.  That way her two shooters had a clear field of fire on one side.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:30, Wed 09 Apr 2014.

"A Rigel Special?  Always wanted to try one." Devon told Flash just before the Duros roared off.

Devon watched Vyn and Flash leave then hurried over to where Hammer was organizing Alpha team.
"Understood" Devon told Hammer in response to his orders and hopped behind the controls of the speeder.
He made one final check of his pistol and slid it back into its holster, ready for use.
"Idaya, get in." he told the Chiss.  "Time's a-wastin'."

Twisting round in his seat, Devon looked at Hammer.  "OK, we may not be able to talk over the gunfire, so slap me on the shoulder when you want me to stop so you can hop out.  Once you're out I'll circle round the enemy so they have to split their fire and we can flank them."

Devon looked across at the other Talons and the remaining vehicles.
"We're ready when you guys are - so shake a leg." His gaze hovered over his bike for a moment, as if regretting allowing his precious machine to be ridden into combat by someone other than himself.
"And whoever rides my baby, bring her back in one piece, okay?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:52, Tue 08 Apr 2014.

Speaking swiftly to his team, CC9 issues orders - though they are necessarily basic.

"Ten, you will be on a swoop for extra mobility.  You will be backup and mop-up; stay out of combat unless you spot a target moving out of the gas.  Pick off anyone attempting to flee.

"Three, you will assist the assault on Seven's swoop.  Order your M4 to maintain a watch on the skies for aerial reinforcements once it has delivered its payload.  Your M4 is equipped with a light blaster but we require its vigilance more than its weaponry; if the gangs call in extra numbers we will need the warning.

"Fiarr, you are a main shooter.  You will be on a swoop.  Attain close-quarter or long-range distance as suits your skillset and current equipment.

"I will be in the truck, having less bodily agility; I will be presenting the largest target so the majority of enemy fire will most likely be on me.  I will also be the closest as I am immune to gas. If you come under heavy fire manoeuvre behind the truck for cover."

He looks at his team carefully.  "Repeat clarification: shoot to kill.  Fiarr and Three, fire into the gas until it clears and at anything hostile that moves until it stops moving.  In the extremely unlikely event of a surrender, shoot anyone who does not immediately drop their weaponry when so ordered.  These enemies have brought wholesale pain, death and fear to an entire populace.  They have done untold damage and will willingly kill any of you if you grant them the opportunity.  Consider them as you would Imperial scum."

Sheila half saluted in alnowlement of her orders, checked the blasters setting so it was in full, and stepped aboard Devon's speeder.  She took half a moment to familiarize herself with this particular ones controls, slung her bag crosswise over her body and revved the machine.  She took another. Moment to check with her m4 droid and give the orders.  "Once you grenade them, head up and keep watch and alert us of anything that comes in." She will take off with fiarr, wishing her weapon were more long range.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:23, Fri 11 Apr 2014.

Fiarr nodded and pointed towards the rifle CC9 was carrying.  "Want me to take the rifle?  I can offer more support with that then my blaster pistol."

Once she acquired the weapon or not, Fiarr moved off towards Idaya's swoop.  She looked towards the Chiss wondering if she was going to object.  It was her bike after all.

The assault commander had ignored his question completely. Apparently he had made up his mind about not using snipers in providing cover and did not wish to discuss it further. That was a leader's prerogative of course, but in Dohr's mind still somewhat foolish. The wisdom of his suggestion had been questioned by the Bothan as well, but the doctor decided to let that comment be. In his mind she was wrong as the distances were so short it would not have taken a long time for a sniper or two to get in place. Whatever the case, they would be heading headlong into the fight without cover now. As in their hurry to get into action, the other suggestion by Dohr had been overlooked too by everyone else but Fiarr. Using the truck as a decoy or even a sort of battering ram might have given them a slight edge into the coming fight.

""You may have a 'grasp' of groundside tactics but I think we can agree I'm the expert here.  So why don't you leave the ground based tactics to me?  Likewise I wont tell you how to run fleet engagements.  Just because you don't know how to stop a tank with our resources or see a use for your droid doesn't mean I didn't.  However, you are right, there is now no time to recall your droid.  Leave it where it is."

Dohr sighed. The Cathar seemed to have a problem accepting the possibility that others might be skilled in combat tactics too. True, there was a difference between space battles and ground combat, but basic strategies were the same. The doctor personally had been trained and gained experience in real situations in both. He was not just a medical specialist, but a former commander of Kel Dorian army as well. Tactics were his game. But even if Kyvarr was better than anyone else in groundside tactical planning, himself included, neither Idaya or Dohr would have no real evidence of it other than her own words. That didn't mean that he would doubt her skills, quite on the contrary. The Cathar didn't really seem like a person who made empty boasts. Yet, until she proved herself, it was quite bold to expect others to 'agree' on her expertise on the matter.

This was not the time and place though and he didn't like arguing anyway. Hopefully later on when they all were safely inside the transport, the disagreements could and would be forgotten. But first they needed to get inside the spaceport in one piece and that wasn't something they could take for granted.

Hearing Devon's orders, Dohr headed for the speeder, hopped up and slid in to the backseat. He double-checked the rifle almost unconsciously as he had done hundreds if not thousands of times before. He had his cane in one hand and the weapon in the other. The walking stick would go under his robe and belt on his back as soon as he got out of the speeder again. There was no way he could use it and the rifle at the same time. "Doc ready."

Shaking her head, Idaya mounted the speeder waving Fiarr free to use her speeder bike - she did not like the plan at all. She might have been a naval officer, but she had also fleet marine training and she had quite enough grasp of tactics to know, assaulting a fortified position required two things. First thing was a base of fire that pinned down the enemy - that they would have in form of the gas grenades, but it should have been bolstered by two snipers firing from as good vantage points as possible. The second thing was a maneuver element or two that would take the fight to the enemy flanks and wipe out the ones still capable of fighting. But no, the people, who had already been trigger-happy with her, were in too much of a rush to see the forest from the trees.

CC9, who isn't inclined to perpetuate interpersonal tension via internal monologue, nods to Fiarr and hands her the rifle before readying himself in the truck.

Flash's voice came over the comm.  "Seven, Hammer, this is Two.  I've spotted the tank.  She's about five, maybe six minutes out max.  Her crew looks like they're military.  I repeat, the crew looks military, not gangers."

Kyvarr grunted.  "Acknowledged Two.  If you can get some quick holo on the tank do so, then get back here."

Of her several plans to take the tank, they'd hinged on the fact that gangers would be manning the tank, amateurs who would make usual amateur mistakes.  A seasoned crew reduced the success chance of her plans from slim to almost non-existent.

She shrugged inwardly.  It would have been a struggle to put her plan in motion with all the dissenters.  Still Seven had supported her and he had been in charge so maybe they would of tried.

She swept the thoughts away.  She was waiting for the final signal from Seven.  The droids would go in with the gas, then she'd order Beta team to attack.  They'd need to do this quick and break out before the tank arrived.  She quickly set a five minute countdown on her watch.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:46, Fri 11 Apr 2014.

"Frak - we're outta time." muttered Devon. And what the hell were the military doing working with the gangers??

Devon activated his comm so that everyone - Cor included - would hear him.
"Ok - we go now.  Eleven - can you or your droids start pre-flight on the ship if you havent already.  We've got four minutes to take out those gun nests, get inside and launch that ship.   Hammer - the order is yours."

Devon started the speeders engine and readied himself at the controls.

"Understood Seven.  Beta team get ready.  We go in as soon as the droids have delivered their payload.  Remember, we go in blazing, Seven drops me close then hovers at a suitable distance for the rest of the team to snipe the enemy."

Mika jumps back on her swoop and fires up the engine, getting ready to handle her part of the plan.  In her mind, it was just a matter of getting to the ship and getting off this blasted planet.  They weren't prepped to take out a military crewed tank.

Over the Talons comms Cor's voice can be heard.

"Ship is prepped, security chief is contacted and awaiting action, attempting to break into hangar security now.  I may need Three's expertise for that last endeavour.  Good luck, everyone."

The battle droid glances around at his team briefly, red photosensor flashing balefully in the low light.  "Alpha team ready," he reports.  Looking up at the hovering M4s and their surprise deliveries he adds, "Gas squad ready, awaiting command to commence assault."

Idaya prepared her strange looking rifle and crouched in a good position on the speeder. The familiar surge of adrenaline, just like before every battle she had fought so far, shot through her veins and she felt enervated. Her suit would offer at least some protection against the blasters, though it was far too thin to handle anything heavier, except for just glancing bolts. "Let us get this thing over with", she said through the speaker on her fully closed helmet.

Kyvarr took one more quick glance at her team, glad to see Dohr and Idaya were ready to shoot and Devon gripped the controls.  She adjusted her helmet and made sure the seal was good.

"M4 droids, attack."

In a flash the first two of the M4 droids race off toward the attack site, one after the other.  The third, being kept in reserve as per Devon's orders, continues to display the data it gets from the Dark-Eye droid.

Both M4 droids whip around the corner at speed, the whine from their repulsorlifts all but silent in the noise the gangers are making.  Idaya's spy-droid watches as the gas grenades drop right on target; both droids seem to have ejected their entire payloads at once.

The gangers, trapped in their rifle pits, immediately panic.  There are screams of fear, shouts of warning, angry orders given and - for the most part - ignored.  While two or three gangers in each pit might be able to clear the walls and get out of the gas easily the half-dozen undisciplined thugs that are present claw and scramble at one another desperately as thick jets of heavy grey-green steam gush out into the night air and quickly envelop the Talons' hapless foes.  There is brief blaster fire from the pit that Alpha Team is set to hit.

"Beta Team engage!"  Kyvarr called.  "Seven, get me in there.  Idaya, Dohr, kill anything moving, or even if it isn't."

The Cathar held her own shots for now, waiting for the range to close.  At distance the two scoped rifles would be of more advantage then her heavy pistol.

Idaya raised her rifle, gazing through the scope and taking careful aim at the target that seemed like the biggest threat. As her sights were zeroed on the target, she simply stated "engaging", and pulled the trigger. The rifle spat out a bolt, not green or red like the ordinary blasters, but bright blue.

00:39, Sat 12 Apr 2014: Idaya rolled 24

"Alpha team, engage."  CC9's voice carries through both the air and the Talon comms.  With a roar of engine power he pushes the truck forward, moving in a smooth arc across the area, the vehicle floating above the debris.  He moves quickly, coming within six metres of the pit and at a high angle, allowing him to lean out the window and simply spray fire into the pit en masse.

The truck presents a target nearly impossible to miss... but CC9 intends to have them all dead before they even see him through the smoke.

(( I'm assuming from the GM post that visibility is down to or near zero, leaving us nothing to technically aim at, so CC9 is basically filling the rifle pit with death.  ))

Flash crammed his foot down on the accelerator even harder though it was already fully depressed.  The swoop's engine roared in process and the gauges began moving towards the red.  Buildings flashed by at great speed and perilously close at times.  Flash didn't care.  The Talons were heading into battle and he needed to get back.  He felt a momentary pang of sympathy for Heigren who would not be enjoying the ride, then jammed his foot down harder still, willing the bike to find even more speed.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:04, Fri 11 Apr 2014.

As soon as CC9 gave the order, Fiarr throttled the swoop and gained altitude.  She had not been idle while waiting for the order.  She'd studied the terrain the droid had supplied and looked for a suitable vantage point.  An elevated point around 75m away with a good line of sight.  If she had found such a point, she flew her bike there, jumped off and dropped to one knee for greater accuracy.  Else she would shoot from her bike.

Her plan was simple.  Pepper the bunker with as much fire as she could until CC9 entered or she could pick out individual targets, then she'd switch to single shot and make each shot count.



OOC:  So once in position she'll use multifire and shoot blindly into the gas.  Once she can see targets she'll go to single shot and aim.

Per orders, Mika stays on the outskirts, her swoop moving in a fairly slow arc, trying to survey the pit from different angles while not opening herself u to the hangers in the other pit.  She has her blaster at e ready, but feels it's best to hold off shooting while she's still in motion.  Besides, others had better skills and equipment for mowing down whoever might still be a threat.

Devon sends the speeder skimming forwards, one eye constantly only the pit - wary of the possibility of return fire.  He was silently relieved to see that so far the gangers seemed to be panicking nicely.

Spotting a patch of clear ground big enough for Kyvarr to dismount and close enough for her to reach her target quickly, he adjusted the speeders course slightly.

Once the Cathar had dismounted, Devon figured he would circle the speeder at least ninty degrees around the edge pit - that way they'd have their targets caught in a crossfire.

Sheila headed out, noting where devon and Fiarr had gone.  She too was looking for a vantange point that wasn't in their way.  If she finds one within 50 meters, at most, she;ll dismount, otherwise, try to get within that, and fire into the center of the cloud of gas from her speeder. If at all possible, she'll get over them and fire down, until the cloud starts to dissipate.  And hope the bike didn't get hit, since Devon would do mean things to her if it got injured.

The moment Devon flew into position, Kyvarr jumped from the speeder, being sure to land on her good leg.  Then she began moving steadily towards the gas pit.  Her blaster was ready but she didn't shoot unless she saw a good target.

She knew she was putting too much strain on her injured leg and it was going to cost her.  She could already imagine the doctor at the hospital berating her.  But there was a mission to complete and for now she needed to be mobile.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:12, Sat 12 Apr 2014.

The shooting is entirely blind.  Not a soul can be seen behind the gas cloud so aiming is a little redundant; the gangers can sure be heard, though, and what they're saying isn't happy.

Despite the screaming there is return fire, now, from both pits.  Blaster fire sprays across the length of CC9's truck, narrowly missing the droid's head when it reaches the window.  More blaster fire scorches the space around the spaceport doors, quite uselessly, before stopping abruptly with a scream.

Before long all noise of struggle in the pit ceases and, as the gas begins slowly to disperse, the space adventurers can see why.

The rifle pits are now charnel pits.  Each one is filled with bodies, most of them dead and a couple - largely the ones shielded by their dead comrades - are unconscious.  While the potential for failure with the plan was high it seems luck and skill both favoured the Talons (and associates) this day.  The tripod seems scorched but not destroyed; considering the power packs at its base (which are now mostly obscured by corpses) the thing could have made a very, very big bang had it exploded.

The two gas squad M4s return, hovering around obediently.  Behind the scene of death and terror, all but unnoticed, the spaceport blast doors start to rise and the force shield blinks off.

Kyvarr did not slow, did not hesitate.  Seeing a ganger still alive and going for a gun the Cathar calmly fired two shots from her heavy pistol into the woman at point blank range.  A quick scan showed no other survivors in her pit.  Then she got on the comm.

"Area secure.  Seven, get down here.  Idaya, Dohr, grab every weapon you can.  Start with the rocket launchers and rockets.  Take no more than thirty seconds then go.

Fiarr, I need you to help me rig the tripod weapon to blow.  I'll ride with you when we're done."

As she called orders she moved over to the tripod and began wiring the power packs.  When it went up it would do so with a very big boom!



Demolitions - 19
This message was last edited by the player at 00:08, Sun 13 Apr 2014.

CC9 waves Fiarr to assist Kyvarr.  "Ten, Three, weapons collection.  Terminate any survivors, then form up."  He doesn't move from his place in the truck, keeping watch on the proceedings.  "We must continue into the spaceport within two minutes."

Fiarr leaped about her bike and flew down to assist Kyvarr.  Seeing what the Cathar was trying to do, she began assisting with preparing the gun to go boom.

"I'm surprised," the Bothan quipped as she worked, "I'd have thought you'd have picked this gun up and used it as a sidearm."

She knew Kyvarr loved big guns and this thing certainly qualified as a big gun.


Demolitions 26

Kyvarr grunted.  "This piece of cobbled together crap isn't worth the time.  Besides, once we get in the spaceport I can recover Nijel."

Devon brings the speeder zooming into hover right next to the pit, close enough to the ground that his passengers can just hop over the side with no difficulty.  Setting the controls into 'park' mode, he stands up in his seat and starts grabbing items from Idaya and Dohr as they are passed to him, checking the safety is on and then dumping the weapon into the back of the speeder.

"Seriously?" he called to Kyvarr  "You've got a gun called Nigel?" as he flipped a blaster over in his hands a couple of times before finding the safety and activating it.

Devon looked up and glanced round, the other team seemed to have the same plan as Kyvarr and were looting their pit-o-corpses.  Beyond them, Devon could see the spaceports defences opening up to admit them - Devon knew if he was in the defenders shoes he wouldnt want to leave a gap in his defences open for long.

"Thirty seconds" he yelled loud enough for everyone in both pits to hear - not overruling CC9 so much as trying to keep the team to their very tight schedule.  "Thirty seconds, then we run for the door - they ain't gonna hold it open for us all day."

As their deadline approached and his passengers returned, Devon grabbed Dohrs arm and helped the Doc haul himself back up over the side of the speeder.  It wasnt exactly dignified, but they had to launch the ship before that tank arrived - dignity be damned.  Once Idaya was aboard to Devon gunned the speeders engines and roared towards the spaceport.

"Everyone sound off as they get inside.  I dont want to leave anyone behind.  CC9 - you'll have rearguard, gimmie a headcount and make sure we dont miss anyone.  Two, the door is open and we are in.  Whats your ETA?"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:37, Sun 13 Apr 2014.

"How does right now sound?"

As the message came through a swoop bike came hurtling in at breakneck speed and flew straight into the spaceport.  A Zeltron could be seen hanging on to the pilot for dear life!

"What took you so long?" Devon grinned as the swoop screamed overhead, effortlessly overtaking his speeder.
"Get the ship ready to launch fast as you can - open the cargo ramp so we can load the vehicles quickly - bikes load first, then other stuff if we have time and inclination.  Eleven, make sure your contact in there knows they have a frakkin TANK incoming soon.  Vyn - CC9 is counting everyone into the spaceport, you count everyone on board the ship.  We DONT leave anyone behind."

This was going to be a confused and chaotic launch with people scrambling to get everything loaded, retrieve their belongings and get aboard the ship as fast as they could - racing against the incoming tank all the while.  Devon had so far managed to keep the team functioning and intact since he'd taken command, and he was damned if he was going to blow it now.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:11, Sun 13 Apr 2014.

As the speeder stopped, Idaya leaped off and advanced to remove all weaponry from the gangers, beginning with the heavy weapons and proceeding to smallarms. She was meticulous in both removing the weapons and checking the for safety, despite the speed she worked. If it had not been clear before, it was now very apparent, she was a professional. "Do you want to leave at least some heavy weapons with the local law enforcement, or do you plan on taking them all with you and leaving the to fend off the tank with no heavy weapons", she asked Devon while handing him a rocket launcher. "If nothing else, the heavy weapons would be a suitable bargaining chip for getting us a clearance out of the dock." Of course, Devon's answer would further determine her opinion on the man and his crew.

"They won't fight." Kyvarr spoke to Idaya as she worked.. "If he'd fight I'd give him all these weapons. But the security chief hid from gangers with a heavy gun, there's no way he'll take on a tank. He'll surrender or flee. The rockets are in case WE need to make a fight of it."

"You might be right, but I deem it possible, even probable, he did not wish to risk any of his men against the heavy weaponshat have a considerably longer range than anything they do. I would not write him off as a coward just yet."

The fight was short and effective, lethally effective. Or actually, despite the few shots the gangers managed to get off, it wasn't really a fight but a slaughter. The enemy didn't have a chance. They probably didn't even know what hit them. Dohr didn't like it too much, but he did prefer to see the insurgents dead rather than himself of his companions. When it was finally over, maybe 30 to 60 seconds later, the Kel Dor let out a silent sigh. He didn't have any chance to ask the mercs to save the gangers who had survived the attack, as the remaining enemies were quickly put out in effective military style. The gangers probably hadn't shown any mercy to the people they'd killed earlier and deserved none themselves, but still the doctor in Dohr would rather have let them live.

After the gruesome work had been finished, the Kel Dor moved in following Kyvarr's order. He put the rifle on his back and quickly began to grab as many guns as he was able. They really didn't have any time to lose as the tank was only a couple of minutes away, so he deliberately left the heavy weapons to someone else. Dohr wasn't the strongest of people and trying to carry a rocket launcher around might have turned into a mess.

When the Cathar mentioned she needed to pick up a weapon from the customs lockers, Dohr noticed he had nearly forgotten his own. "I need to stop by  at the storage as well to recover some important personal items. It should not take more than a minute or two." He then basically threw in the salvaged guns and gladly accepted Devon's arm to help him climb in. "And job well done, Seven."

Mika zips up to the pit.  She pulls up, dismounts and draws the blaster, looking to gather up whatever she can in a minute or two.  Her first thought is to pad out things they don't have in abundance, grenades, mortars and the like, but she's not too picky given that they're on a clock.  If her messenger droid is out of the house, she orders it back into the swoops cargo compartment.

When time comes, she hops on the swoop, revs the throttle and she races for the spaceport gate.

One by one the Talons (and associates) get through the doors of the spaceport, CC9 bringing up the rear.  They are all barely inside when the shield across the doorway reactivates and the blast doors slam down into place.

What they find inside is a scene of controlled mayhem.  There are rifle pits set up just inside the doors on either side, similar to those the gangers had made outside, creating a deadly choke point just inside the building.  The area is free of bodies and debris but carbon scoring across the floor tells of at least one major firefight, perhaps with gangers who got in and briefly realised their mistake.

Past these rifle pits there is a wide open area and it is in this area that Flash's speeder can be seen surrounded by a semi-circle of armed security guards, all pointing their blaster rifles at Flash and Heigren.  As the other vehicles move in the semi-circle accommodates and those guards in the rifle pits cover the team's rear, hemming them in a rough circle of weapons.

One authoritative woman in an important-looking uniform, wielding a heavy blaster rifle of impressive make, calls out.  Her voice is amplified by a throat speaker making it easy to hear her.

"Dismount your vehicles and put your weapons on the ground!  Now!"

She doesn't sound panicked or even worried.  She sounds like she has herself - and her crew - entirely under control.

"I do highly suggest, we co-operate and agree with her demand", Idaya said in a tone that, even through the helmet's speaker conveyed some sort of amusement. It had been a good ruse from the security forces and she was more than willing to admit that. Placing her rifle and vibroblade on the floor, she stepped forward, removing her helmet with a slight hiss as the atmospheric containment within the suit breached. "As you might have already noted, ma'am, we are a non-hostile entity towards you. I would like to have a word with you on how we could be of assistance to one another." The words were clearly directed at the woman in charge of the local security.

OOC: 22:43, Sun 13 Apr 2014: Idaya rolled 29. Diplomacy.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:59, Mon 14 Apr 2014.

Flushed with the success of their ambush, Devon roared the speeder through the doors and into the hanger... and then his mood came back down to earth about as fast as the blast doors crashing shut behind him  He brought the speeder to a quick halt and took in the scene.  He wasnt really surprised - he'd have done the same.
"Frak.  We dont have time for this." he muttered, then activated his commlink.
"Everyone, do as the lady says - weapons down and hands up.  Everyone.  Eleven - if this lady is your contact, you need to talk fast.  We got about three minutes before the front gets torn off this building."

Devon kept his hands visible and empty as he dismounted, then equally carefully drew his blaster from its holster and placed it on the ground in front of him.  Standing with his hands he raised addressed the lady in the uniform.
"You in charge?  Then you need to listen: you've got bigger trouble coming than what you've seen so far today -  There's gonna be a frakkin' battle-tank knocking on your door in about three minutes."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:51, Sun 13 Apr 2014.

CC9 does not comply until Devon gives the order.  Then he puts the weapon down immediately, spreading his mechanical hands to show that he has no other items.  His model comes with built-in wrist blasters, of course, but those were disabled when he reached planetside.

Three guards tighten their aim, pointing right at Idaya's chest as she steps forward.

"Stay where you are, please," the woman says sharply, though she raises her hand to indicate the guards probably shouldn't shoot just yet.  "You will be searched for explosives and other weaponry.  Your... colleague has alerted us to the military force bearing down on us.  We'll talk about how you might help after we're sure you won't blow us up."

She waits for the others to disarm before continuing.

Fiarr quickly drops all her weapons and raises her hands.

"Be advised, We rigged the turreted gun outside to overload.  It will blow up anytime in the next thirty seconds or so, so please don't be alarmed when it does."

Dohr wasn't really surprised to see what looked like a firing squad waiting for them the second they got inside to the spaceport. He had no idea whether the person in charge lacked skills or courage to handle professionally the situation like the mercenaries had been discussing earlier on. But at least the entrance was guarded by people who knew what they were doing.

An officer called out telling them to surrender their weapons and the doctor saw no reason for them not to comply. Fortunately everyone seemed to be following the same line of thought and had no wild ideas of waving guns at the security force. Dohr slowly stood up in the speeder and pulled out his cane from underneath his robe. He then removed the blaster rifle from his back and held it by the barrel with his right hand making sure the weapon was well in view.  Somewhat awkwardly the Kel Dorian used his left one to help him out of the speeder and dropped on the floor with his good leg taking most of his weight. He then lowered the rifle on the floor, leaned on the cane to ease the pressure on the other leg and lifted his free hand in the air as a sign of surrender.

He thought about the situation for a moment and then carefully pulled the flechette pistol from its hidden holster under the robe and slowly put it on the floor next to the rifle. It probably wasn't wise to take unnecessary risks with these people. They wouldn't be happy about him trying to hide any weapons right now. Devon had the show so Dohr decided to keep his mouth shut. He trusted in his own speech skills and abilities to be good enough handle situations like this with the needed level of diplomacy, but it would not do to have everyone talking at the same time. He felt like too many people had spoken already. Should Rian require or request his assistance, Dohr would be more than happy to do his best to help.

With a fluid motion that suggested she'd done it many times before (which of course she had) Kyvarr drew his pistol, clearly demonstrated it was on safe, popped the power pack out and placed the two parts on the ground before her.  The whole action took less than three seconds.  The weapon was quickly followed by her blade, then like Idaya she removed the helmet of her armour and placed it down.

Having fully disarmed, she moved three paces back, limping much worse then she had previously and put her hands behind her head.  Not a word was uttered but her face was set in a firm glare.  Only Fiarr who knew her well, would likely determine her mask was disguising the pain she was experiencing.  She'd taxed her leg far too much.

"Fair enough." Devon agreed, still stood with his hands raised and his blaster on the ground in front of him. "But lets not take to long about this, yeah?  I think we all know the sort of time limit we're on here."

He jerked his head in the direction of the Talons vehicles.  "You will find an amount of weaponry in both the speeder and that truck - we captured that stuff from your friends outside - if any of it is boobytrapped, thats news to us."

Mika pulls her swoop up short as she's ordered to dismount.  Locking it down, she hops off and takes a couple of steps aside.  Moving slowly, she pulls her blaster and sets it down.  The stun baton soon rests at its side.  The captured weapons are still on the swoop.  Arms held up, Mika steps forward, ready for the security folks.  The quicker they get this done, the quicker they can hopefully ge on the ship and get the hell away.

Heigren refused to relinquish his weapons as he had none in the first place.  He would fight to the death to retain his non-existent weapon figments.  Perhaps his devastating smile would be enough for the security team to overlook his non-transgression.

Sheila dismounts Devon's cycle, mercifully untouched, and does as instructed.   She ejects the power pack from the heavy blaster, lays them on the floor, follows them with the drained blaster and packs and drops the stun baton as well.  She has no idea what Devon has on his swoop, but he can explain it.   Today, she was done fighting, she'd had enough, but then again, she suspected that they weren't.  Damn.

The security chief nods to several of her underlings and the Talons (and associates) are quickly searched.  The security people are clearly working quickly and very competently.  In under a minute the search is completed and an exhaustive list of all weapons is recited to the woman.

Given a few seconds of thought the woman then nods and signals for the guards to lower their weapons.  "Give 'em back their gear, they're clean.  Is the door clear?"  Receiving an affirmative from a guard she nods curtly to the Talons and turns on her heel, marching away even as she speaks to them and her men almost simultaneously.

"I'd give you a better thanks but we don't have time.  Obrunask, get droids in the air right now, I want a line of sight on that tank -"

"Let me through!"  The imperious voice comes from behind a couple of guards who, obediently, get out of the way.  Between them comes a Human male so short one would be forgiven for initially thinking he was a different near-Human species.  Dressed in the snappy business suit of someone's boss he exudes an air of bureaucracy so think the Talons may very well wonder that the spaceport people don't have rebreathers on.

Pointing a finger up at the Talons he squares his stance and yells, "Arrest them!  Arrest the lot of them!  What are you letting them have their weapons back for??  Are you all insane or just near-terminally stupid?"

The security chief quietly restrains a sigh and avoids rolling her eyes through sheer force of will.  "Sir, they're not hostiles.  They took care of the doors for us."

"That just means they're particularly dangerous, you stupid bitch!" the little man screeches, his face going an alarming shade of purple.

Flash completely ignored the shaved Ewok in a suit.  Glancing at his chrono, he turned to Devon, though he spoke loudly enough for all Talons to hear.

"We've got two minutes left."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:01, Tue 15 Apr 2014.

"Ma'am", Idaya said in a polite tone. "If there is nothing more, we would like to head out to our ship. I wish you luck in fighting the enemy, though you seem not to need it."

The arrival of the little man confirmed Dohr's fears. Apparently, and unfortunately, the female officer was not in charge of the whole station's security forces. The important looking little twat could turn into a serious problem unless he could be dealt with quickly. For a second Dohr played with the idea of shooting the man even if it would be a suicide. The doctor had met his kind many times, too many times even, before. The commander was far more dangerous than any of the armed troops in the hall.

It was not his place to do so and he probably stepped on Devon's toes, but as a fellow officer and someone trained in diplomacy, Dohr felt he might be able to do a better job than the others. Heigren with his wonderful smiles and smoothing words might just drive the idiot over the edge. The Kel Dorian did not touch his weapons on the floor, but kept his free hand raised instead and took a few limping and slow steps towards the man in charge. He made sure he didn't get too much closer as that might simply have made things worse. He had to act fast. Idaya was right in asking for the woman to let them go, but Dohr feared that might only draw another yell from the commander.

"Sir, might I beg for an audience with you? My name is Dohr Veen and I am a doctor of medicine with a permit to practice my profession on Det Akari. I would very much appreciate it, if you could spare me a minute of your time." Dohr kept his voice even and calm looked directly at the commander ignoring the officer and any blasters still possibly aimed at his direction. He'd been in similar situations before and knew he had to keep the power-mad human thinking he was still fully in charge of the situation. And even if wouldn't be able to persuade the fool to let them go, he would still buy them valuable seconds. The way he saw it, it would be better to have the tank knocking on the door than to have the security force strip them of their weapons again. In the chaos caused by the imminent attack, they would have a better chance of getting away. Of course the best option would be to get the little man's permission very quickly and get the hell out of the hall before the first blast hit the shields.

OOC: Aarrgh! What a crappy roll in a situation like this.
10:37, Today: Dohr Veen rolled 16 using 1d20+11. Diplomacy roll.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:45, Tue 15 Apr 2014.

Heigren watched silently, observing closely.  This wasn't a time for talk, there was no time for it.  How could they take a minute of someone's time when they didn't have a minute to spare?  Besides, any good sabaac player knew you didn't play your hand, you played the man across from you.  Or in this case, the woman.

Despite his bluster, the suit wearing twat was nothing but a wild card in the situation.  He drew the attention, caused people to change their bets.  The seasoned gambler watched the other player, in this case, the female security chief.  The question was would the player let the skifter alter the hand she was dealt?

Devon ground his teeth as the short moron walked up and started yelling, but he kept quiet and finished retrieving his belongings.  Then when Dohr spoke up he finally decided to intervene - some people just didn't seem to grasp the urgency of their current situation.
"Frak, no we don't want a minute of his frakkin time. We've got two minutes - three if we're lucky - before a TANK blows the front off this building and kills us all.  And you want to waste a minute of it talking to the Scrotum-in-a-suit?"

Devon spun round to face the Talons.
"Everyone - board ship now.  You got belongings to retrieve, do it fast.  This ride outta town aint gonna wait."
Turning to face the spaceport staff again, Devon totally ignored the jumped-up fart in the business wear and instead addressed himself earnestly to the lady in charge of security.
"Chief - you've not been using the biggest guns at your disposal so far.  I think I understand why." Devons eyes darted sideways to the bossy midget.  "But right now we need them.  Let my ship launch.  Launch any other armed ship that willing to work with you.  If that tank gets here and opens fire, we're all dead.  Some might say 'how can you be sure we wont simply abandon you to die?'  thing is... if you DON'T bring out the big guns, we all die anyway - so what have you got to loose?"
All through his little speech, something in Devons manner proclaimed that he knew damn well he was explaining all this to someone who was just as aware of the problem as he was - he was indirectly asking the Chief to disobey orders, and hoping like hell she actually would.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:08, Tue 15 Apr 2014.

A minute didn't always mean a minute. Ten or twenty seconds would have been enough, but that option was now gone. Dohr turned around limped back to his weapons and picked them up. He wasn't angry or disappointed, he had simply hoped a diplomatic solution could have been used. The entrance was protected by both a blast door and deflector shields. It should've been able to take one or two hits from the tank. But the rockets and cannon fire had probably depleted the shield generator a lot and a single shot might be enough to take them down. The plan hadn't been to wait it out and see. He could now only wish the troops obeyed the female officer rather than her boss.

Hearing Rian's command, Dohr headed out towards the lockers not caring about the security troops at all. As he passed the human, he simply asked: "Which bay is your ship at?"

Kyvarr was surprised by Devon's command. She'd been waiting for an order to deck the loud mouth. The Cathar knew they were dead if they were still on the ground when the tank arrived. Their only hope was to be in the air. Years of experience with tanks guided her thinking.  The shield might survive a few hits, then the ship with no room to maneuver would be pounded to scrap. She'd done it herself during the Battle of Deskbar Province.

She moved towards the storage lockers quickly. She wasn't going to leave Nijel behind. She gestured for Heigren and/or Flash to take her there. She wanted intel on the tank as they moved.

There's a moment where the guards tense, ready to stop the Talons leaving, before the Chief waves a hand.  "Let them pass."  She nods to Devon.  "Get your ship in the air but don't take on that tank.  We're abandoning the spaceport and getting off-planet.  If the army's in on this then the place is already theirs.  One tank's just a start."

She strides away, talking into her comms; her voice comes across the PA system all the way through the spaceport.

"Ladies, gentlemen and others, the siege has been broken but things are about to get worse.  Get to your ships and get ready for take-off, you have about ninety standard seconds."

"B-b-but - NO!"  The little man is apoplectic.  "Belay that order!  Belay! BELAY!"  He gets in front of the security chief and pushes her back, reaching for his own comms unit.

The security chief steps back, eyes widening in surprise.  Clearly she didn't anticipate the man would enjoy like being overruled but she didn't expect him to lay hands on her.  Her eyes narrow and as he fumbles with his comm she calmly draws her blaster pistol and shoots him right between the eyes.

"What was that, sir?" she asks as he collapses to the ground as the blue stun bolt glare fades.  "Shoot you in the face?  Yes sir, if you say so."  She doesn't so much as smile as a cheer goes up from her people.  "Can it, folks.  You can buy me a drink when we're off-planet.  Sanderson, tie him up and leave him by Booking Terminal F.  The army can deal with him."

She glances back at the Talons.  "Seventy-three seconds," she reminds them.  "Run."  Then she walks off at high speed.

Forgetting the blaster and stun baton, Mika charges for the swoop and fires up the thrusters.  "Want a ride?" she calls to the other Talons and the others.  With her tool kit stored in the swoop's cargo compartment, she'd worry about replacing her weapons later.

The little man's screams made Dohr smile behind his mask. He'd known it would come, but the intensity of the suit's frustration suprised him. Apparently he hadn't heard what the chief of security had said or hadn't quite grasped what it meant. If the troops were heading off-world, then the fate of one angry little fool meant nothing to them and his cries even less.

Noticing Kyvarr launch herself towards the lockers too, Dohr nodded to her in agreement. They'd both have to run and run fast. But obviously her Nijel was equally important to her as his other cane was to him as she was willing to risk getting on the transport to get it. The sound of the officer's blaster caught the doctor by surprise before he really got anywhere. He halted his steps for a second and turned just in time to see the bureaucrat fall down senseless. The Kel Dorian rarely grinned, but now he couldn't resist doing so. The man had had it coming. "Thanks for the chat."

When the doctor resumed his run after the Cathar, the limp was all but gone. His physique didn't allow Dohr to run for a very long time before the pain would hit him again. But on short distances he was as fast as anyone, despite of his bad leg. Right now he would have to be even faster to make it out alive.

---

OOC: Of course, if the lockers are very far away, a ride on one of the bikes would be very, very nice. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 13:26, Tue 15 Apr 2014.

Idaya hung her helmet on the claspmonnher belt nd picked up her things from the floor. "Mind riding the speeder, if I take the good doctor for a ride on my bike so he can get his things? Or you can do it, just the same", she said to Fiarr. There was little time to waste, so whatever they did, it would require swift action.

Flash waved to Kyvarr.  "Get on my swoop.  I'll get you to the lockers and the ship on time.  I'll also tell you about the tank."

Once the Cathar is aboard he flies off at high speed.

Fiarr makes no attempt to get back on the swoop.  "It's your swoop Idaya, you should take it and get the Doc to his gear.  I'll go with the speeder."

The Bothan lightly leaped into the speeder next to Devon.  She didn't know where the ship was, so better to stay with the team leader.

Devon had initially gone for his weapon when the Chief drew hers, then relaxed when he saw what did.  Then he grinned.
"Asshat deserved it." he said, then added earnestly.  "Thanks Chief, and good luck getting outta here."

Devon turned to his team and started yelling orders of his own as he scrambled back into the speeder-full-of-guns.
"Two - lead the locker raiding party.  Make sure they go fast!  Do not make us wait for you!  Idaya, you're with Two."

"Vyn, Fiarr, CC9, Three, Ten.  You're with me.  We're headed straight to the ship to start loading and pre-flight.  Three, take my bike - you leave my baby behind and I'll send you back to fetch it!  When we arrive, Three - take the systems console, Ten - you're in engineering, I'll be in the cockpit - we get ready to fly fast as we can.  Vyn, CC9 and Fiarr:  load the bikes and as much looted weaponry as you can before Two gets back with the others.  We leave as soon as they and the bikes are aboard.  CC9 - check everyone gets onboard, OK?"

Revving the speeders engine, Devon glances round to make sure everyone whos going straight to the ship with him is ready, then heads off at the best speed the speeder can manage inside the spaceport, still talking into his commlink.

"Eleven - we're incoming to the ship right now.  Get any droids you have spare ready to help with loading operations.  We are on a real time limit here.  Leave the B1s on defence, we dont want a mob forcing its way in."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 22:18, Tue 15 Apr 2014.

Heigren, having been abandoned by Flash, was already running for Devon's speeder before the order came.  He quickly jumped in behind Fiarr.

Kyvarr wasted no words, just jumped onto the bike behind Flash.  Already her security key was in her hands and waiting.  It would be a balancing act to carry her large case on the bike but she'd manage.

Reaching the lockers, Kyvarr pushes her way past any crowds, forces her locker open, grabs the oversized case and runs, leaving the rest of the locker contents and ran back to the bike.

"Doctor, hop on", Idaya said, leaping on to the speeder bike and starting the repulsorlift engines. Time was of the essence,and Idaya wasn't going to miss her flight off the planet.

Flash waited for Kyvarr to get on his bike and Idaya and Dohr to mount up.  He called to the Chiss.

"We'll fly as high as possible to not get caught in crowds.  Stay with your bike and keep your blaster handy.  Hover out of reach while the others get their gear.  Stun anyone who tries to stop them.  Kyvarr, Doc, you have thirty seconds from touchdown to grab your gear and get back.  No more."

He immediately threw his bike into action.

Sheila scooped her weapons back into her pack,  hopped back on the swoop and drove  it to the ship,simple job really, just get into the loading bay and not hit anyone on the way.  That was the hardest part, avoiding the panicking people.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:31, Wed 16 Apr 2014.

Thought he had been prepared to run to the lockers and to the ship from there, Dohr was happy accept the ride on Idaya's speeder bike. In case they would run into panicking civilians, getting through might prove to be problematic. With a speeder they could go over everyone's heads and if the ceiling would be too low, then no one would wish to be overrun by bike with armed riders. Dohr put the rifle on his back and the flechette pistol into its holster and jumped on the backseat of the bike. "Thanks."

Idaya gave the Duro a simple nod and noted the Kel Dorian behind her. "Hang on", she said and the bike shot after Flash and Kyvarr. It was clear, the blue skinned woman was not new to flying. She flew as close to the ceiling as possible, while making sure, they would not be knocked off the bike by some pipe abruptly appearing before them.

OOC: 16:26, Wed 16 Apr 2014: Idaya rolled 30. Pilot.

People in the press of the crowd scream and panic (well, scream and panic more) when a heavy explosion outside marks the end of the tripod weapon.  It's such a tremendous boom, in fact, that anyone except Kyvarr would be forgiven for thinking the tank had already arrived.  Kyvarr would not be forgiven.  She would be gently punished.  Oh yes.

Anyway.

The crowd mills about, pushing at each other in their rush to get to their ships; it's worth noting that the crowd isn't actually that thick and it's panic more than numbers which create the issue.  Most people are already in their ships and probably have been for some time.

The lockers are abandoned when those intending to get there actually do.  With a significant dip in the ceiling in the hallway leading up to it, though, there's no space to safely handle a swoop.  They'll need to dismount and manage the lockers on foot, adding precious seconds to their schedule.

The ship hangars are fine for swoops but not so great for people as it is here that the main press of people are working toward.  The Talons' hangar has a pair of battle droids outside - old-fashioned B1 models - and a number of inert bodies nearby in the wide approach corridor speak of a series of entry attempts.  Lack of smoking holes in the bodies' abdomens seems to indicate they're stunned instead of dead but either way they ain't happy.

The sound of a fully-powered ship can be heard from behind the hangar bay doors which are rapidly opening as the adventurers approach.  The B1s initially level their weapons at the crew but then step aside as they recognise those approaching, covering their entry instead.

The ship itself is ready to go, the three PK droids ready to help.  While unfortunately not very fast they are indeed strong and willing.  As the group approaches the dome above opens onto the sky and the sound (and sight) of ships in take-off can be witnessed as a multitude of vessels erupt into the night sky.

Devon brings the speeder to a halt next to the cargo ramp and PK droids so abruptly that if it had wheels, it would have skidded.  He doesnt waste time, jumping out as soon as he shuts down the speeders engine and sprinting for the ramp and up into the ship.
"You all know what to do - the PKs will help load." he yells over his shoulder. "Get moving!"

Scrambling up into the cockpit, Devon drops into the co-pilot chair and begins the most hurried start up sequence since that time he 'borrowed' a Hutts shuttle to use as a get-away vehicle...

"Two - we are at the ship and starting pre-flight.  Whats your ETA?"

I am guessing a pilot check would be appropriate?  Pilot check: 26
This message was last edited by the player at 20:35, Wed 16 Apr 2014.

As soon as the hallway got too low to pass thorugh safely with the speeder and Idaya slowed the bike down, Dohr jumped off and springed to his locker. The type his gear was in didn't have a code key, but a keypad instead. Fourteen months ago, when he had determined that his stay would be long one, Dohr had come back to the spaceport and moved his rifle and cane into this new longterm storage locker. He didn't trust himself enough to keep the key safe for a year or more, but he knew he would remember the long code sequence he'd selected for as long as he needed.

Glad to see no more panicking people around the doctor headed straight to his locker with determined steps, inserted a cred chip into the slot under the keypad and typed in his code. As the door hissed open, he threw his current walking aid on the floor and picked up his invaluable, beautifully ornamented cane from the cabinet. Next up was the rifle - a rodian made N’Gant-Zarvel 9118 Heavy Carbine that had been modified to make it smaller. The rifle stock had been replaced by a pistol grip and an extra folding handle had been fitted under the barrel. Once ready, the Kel Dorian ran back to the Chiss and her bike. "Done."

Once Sheila arrived to the ship, shortly after Devon, she pulled to a halt and helped the droids load.  Noting the stunned people, she hit the talon com.  "Should we maybe give some of these people a ride out?"

Fiarr looked over at Sheila who had started helping the droids load.  "Excuse me miss but didn't Seven tell you to man the Systems Console?  We can handle loading."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:25, Wed 16 Apr 2014.

Cor's voice can be heard over the ship speakers and the Talon comms.

"No, Three.  It is not our place to coddle people who attempt violent entry of our hangar and the attackers have shown they are largely uninterested in killing civilians.  They are interested in killing armed resistance - namely us.

"Seven, the ship is primed and ready as soon as everything is loaded.  R2-A9 is ready to pilot us out unless someone else volunteers to take control.  I have laid in a course for a small uninhabited planetoid on the edge of this sector, still within neutral space but within the backwater regions.  If nothing else it will give us an opportunity to collect our thoughts before dropping Idaya off somewhere and considering our options for our potential new recruits."

"Nearly there Seven.  Get us in the air the second we board.  I'll join you in the cockpit ASAP."

He called over his shoulder to Kyvarr.  "When we get on board get the ramp closed immediately.  Get Idaya and Dohr to help you secure the bikes then strap in.  This may be a rough ride out."

He accelerated his bike to as fast as he could safely manage, plus a little more.  He didn't bother to check if Idaya was keeping up.  If she was half the pilot she claimed to be she'd cope.


Pilot: 35
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 01:40, Thu 17 Apr 2014.

Ooc sorry bout that, absolutely right.

Sheila looked at fiarr,her eyes slightly unfocused, shook her head as if to clear it, then headed up into the cockpit to handle her assigned console

With Dohr seated again, the speeder bike shot after Flash at a good speed. While perhaps not as crazy a pilot as Flash, the woman knew what she was doing. And despite the speed, it was a reasonably smooth ride for the Kel Dorian.

08:37, Thu 17 Apr 2014: Idaya rolled 29. Pilot.

Flash pulls away as he zooms ahead of Idaya, taking the corners with a skill that is absolutely sublime, though the Chiss is certainly highly skilled as well.  Soon the Duros is soaring through the hangar doors and, a few seconds later, Idaya follows.

As the Talons (and associates) board there is a heavy but muffled boom from, they guess, the region of the front spaceport doors.  It sounds like the tank has arrived.  Wasting no time the Ghtroc lifts up, repulsorfields active and thrusters firing, hovering just above the dome of the spaceport for a few moments.

Four swoop bikes race down into the newly-vacated hangar, ignoring the Ghtroc completely.  From their new vantage the team can see not one, but two tanks outside the spaceport, with nine support swoops nearby.  The front of the building crumbles like apple pie under a sledgehammer - and people flood into the spaceport proper.  About half of them are in military gear, the rest in gang colours.

Most of the spacecraft have raced off through the stratosphere already but a couple still emerge.  A warning siren sounds as someone spots a new threat on the horizon - three heavily-armed gunships roaring over the ruined cityscape - and the Ghtroc lurches into action.

Soon the city dwindles behind them as the craft exits Det Akari's atmosphere at top speed.  No enemy fighters are waiting for them, only civilian spaceships breaking off and going in different directions.

The Talons have escaped.