**TWO HOURS LATER**

Kyvarr, Idaya, Fiarr and Dohr find the next two hours pass very quickly.  Between eating, grabbing a shower and checking gear the time flies.  Before long they hear an announcement over comms calling all crew to a briefing.  From their various locations, the four watch as all the members of this mercernary group move into the starboard cargo bay, a few stopping long enough to grab food and drink in the galley.

After the last of the crew entered the cargo bay, the door closed, leaving the four alone.


OOC:  This thread is currently for those not in the Talon meeting (i.e. Idaya, Kyvarr, Fiarr, Dohr).  You know the crew are all having some sort of team meeting in the starboard cargo hold.  Since it's been two hours since your last posts, you can assume you've eaten, washed, and checked over your gear.  What you do know is up to you!

Talons, this thread is not for you (unless you walk out of the meeting!)

After eating her fill, Kyvarr, with the assistance of Fiarr had relocated to the port cargo hold, ensuring she put no weight on her injured leg.  Now she was propped in a chair with her leg comfortably resting on a storage crate with pillows on top.

She'd arranged to have her case brought over and now she was carefully pulling out various components of Nijel, cleaning, oiling and testing each part before moving on to the next.


OOC:  Figured it's easier to be social in an open cargo bay then a small room!

Fiarr had spent her past two hours cleaning up, keeping an eye on Kyvarr and aimlessly wandering the ship.    Once she had finished all that she settled down in a chair near Kyvarr and began scouring a datapad she'd found in her travels and began accessing Holonews and financial reports.  It paid to keep up on what was going on in the larger universe.  Who knows what would happen in the next few hours.

If Idaya or Dohr wandered by she invited them to join their little 'exile group' as she jokingly called it.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:54, Tue 29 Apr 2014.

And Idaya did wander in, indeed. She was headed for her bike, tailed by the chattering orb-shaped droid, but changed her course towards the Cathar and the Bothan upon noticing them. "I take it, you are looking for employment with this group, are you not", she asked in a polite tone. Even if she had had some disagreements with the feline creature, she was determined to be courteous. She was of good breed by the sound of it and despite her accented basic, she gave off an air of gentle nobility.

Of the four outsiders Dohr was the last to arrive to the port side cargo hold. After the meal when the women had left the cabin, the Kel Dor had sat down on the floor, lowered his canes beside him, put his hands in his lap and closed his eyes. It had been a while since he had last had the chance to relax and meditate. Decades ago, when the Kel Dor had still been a young boy, his mother had began teaching him meditation. Lacking jedi training or sensitivity to the force, learning to calm himself down had been difficult for Dohr. But Shara had not given up on the boy. Though he would never master the art on the same level his parents had, now, all those years later, the doctor was able to fall into a trance-like state very quickly. A minute into the meditation he was somewhere else and didn't notice the passing of time.

About an hour later Dohr Veen let the hum of the engines lead him back to the present and opened his eyes. Feeling very relaxed an refreshed, the doctor nimbly pushed himself up and silently thanked everyone for letting him have the room for himself for so long. Stepping outside Dohr headed to the galley to find the three women, but no one was there. Since the areas they as passengers and non-members of the crew were allowed to enter were limited, it didn't take him long to find the others in the port hold. Fiarr noticed him coming before he saw her and invited the doc to join their 'exile group'. Dohr smiled and gave the Bothan a bow. "I would be delighted to, Fiarr. Thank you."

The Kel Dorian picked a spot beside Kyvarr and followed her example. It had been too long since his rifle had been serviced last. Of course as a disciplined soldier, Dohr had cleaned and oiled the 9118 thoroughly on his trip to Det Akari. The air-tight locker had kept the carbine in perfect state, but still he felt he should take it apart, clean everything up and put it back together again. Twice. It was probably quite obvious for the women present that the Kel Dorian's robe and vest must have been specifically fitted to hide both the modified carbine and the flechette pistol underneath. They had for sure already noticed that instead of one cane, the Doc now carried two. Both were intricately ornamented with engravings and embossed figures, but on closer look one was somehow quite a bit more beautiful than the other and Dohr seemed to handle it with more care or… perhaps respect.

Fiarr greeted Dohr's arrival warmly then turned her attention to Idaya.  "You are correct.  When all the gang trouble erupted Kyvarr and I were sitting at a cafe waiting for a job interview with this group.  Kyvarr had been approached first as they were impressed with her military history.  I managed to. . .uh. . make an impression on one of the group at that big party a few nights back, the one dubbed the 'Party of the Century'.  Either way we were supposed to meet the group for an interview when all the trouble started.  Now we're here.  I have no idea if they're still planning to interview us or drop us at the space station.  Either way I need to get my friend here to a hospital soon."

"You made an impression?" Kyvarr echoed, looking up where she was in the process of assembling Nijel.  "You stole Kimy's credstick and you call it making an impression.  You're lucky she didn't come after you with a blaster rather than offer you a job!"

The blue woman raised brow. Fiarr was a thief? Well, a band such as she had concluded them to be could probably use an 'acquisitions expert' for scouting and getting in to places, they were not supposed to go in to. It made tactical sense. "A former soldier and a light-fingered individual. I say, you make a rather unexpected team, but I can see the tactical wisdom in it", she said, but she clearly meant no offense. "So, Kyvarr, you were infantry?" And she did acknowledge Dohr as well, as he walked in, by nodding at the doctor even though she was still waiting for the answer from the Cathar.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:14, Wed 30 Apr 2014.

Fiarr chuckled, her fur rippling.  "One little lift and now everyone thinks I'm a professional pickpocket!  I should explain before you start worrying about your money."

"It happened at the party of the century.  I had attended with a young Duros, a refugee who had just escaped an Imperial World.  He was suffering terrible post traumatic stress and one of the doctors who visits him suggested a night at the party would show him he's safe and allowed to have fun.  I thought a party would be fun so Kyvarr and I went as chaparones, though she spent the time having drinking contests with a Wookie!"

"Well this young Duros is having a ball and the group he's with end up in an off-limits bedroom.  Nothing devious, they just wanted a new place to dance and have fun.  Unfortunately this was Kimy's room and she took the intrusion in a less than ideal fashion.  She began screaming at the intruders and waving a stun baton at them.  Overkill on her part, though I can appreciate not wanting to be disturbed.  I don't think she was happy with the party in the first place."

"Well, having a human shouting at him and threatening him with physical harm was enough to send the Duros right back into his trauma.  He'd had humans beating him and yelling at him for years.  Now this woman had undone all the rehab we had done in one minute.  I incorrectly assumed she was an Imperial as she seemed to be acting like one."

"Rather then cause a scene, I decided that this Kimy could pay for my charge's ongoing rehab so I 'borrowed' her credstick.  I had every intention of returning it after she'd made a sizeable donation to a refuge that was caring for the Duros, and many other refugees who'd escaped from Imperial oppression."

"Fortunately when Kimy came looking for me, she'd cooled down somewhat.  Instead of causing a scene, she actually offered me a job interview!  After I returned her credstick of course!  Though I hope they're not just looking for a thief.  I lift one credstick and suddenly I'm labelled by it!  Never mind I attended the Bothan Military Academy, served in the Bothan Space Defence Force, received extra training in Spec Ops and was recruited by the Bothan Spynet!"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:16, Wed 30 Apr 2014.

Kyvarr lets Fiarr finish telling her story before starting to answer Idaya's question to her.

"Yup, enrolled in the Praxis military at the age of sixteen.  After basic training I wasn't allowed to join a commando squadron as I'm too short so transferred to armoured corps instead.  Started out as a loader and ordanance specialist in a AT-TE walker.  Good job, learned to manage and build explosive ordanance from scratch.  Managed to score a gunnery position when the usual guy got arrested.  Saw a lot of small skirmish action and quickly rose to sergeant and got my own command, a TX-130 Saber-Class tank.  Now she was a beauty.  Small, but fast and powerful.  Pulled off many a successful hit and run operation with her.  Just the thing for chasing down insurgents.  I also served as the base's unarmed combat instructor.

Everything was fine until the damn Empire invaded.  It was a slaughter, most of the armed forces were killed, arrested or defected.  Barely got out with my tank crew and the clothes on my back and Nijel here."

She held up the weapon she'd finished assembling for Dohr and Idaya to see.  As they looked she depressed the trigger to test the cyclic action.  Naturally the power cell wasn't inserted!

"He's a beaut isn't he?  Wanna try him?"  She held Nijel out to anyone who wanted to take him.




OOC: Anyone with a suitable military background would know it's a Clone Wars era Z-6 rotary autocannon, lovingly maintained and assumedly customised.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:12, Thu 01 May 2014.

Fiarr grinned.  "She's left out the best part.  Why don't you share the story of 'Lieutenant' Dulvan and the Battle of Neylem Ridge?"

Kyvarr rolled her eyes and sighed.  "You just had to bring that up didn't you?"

The Chiss listened to their individual stories, nodding every now and then. Even if the first inpressions had been poor, things were now different and she found the company acceptable, if not even better. When Kyvarr deployed the weapon, a faint smile arose on her face.

"A rotary carbine. I see. A fine, reasonably rapid-fire weapon, though I suspect has one particular drawback like all the energy weapons around here. You see, the bolts are stopped by anything thick enough, but we Chiss have developed our Charrics in a way that will penetrate any non-metallic armour from a distance. And we have similar weapons for our ships." It was quite apparent, the woman knew her weapons technology and was proud of the products of his kin. "But a fine weapon you have there, indeed." She put her rifle on to a crate for them to see - a weapon unlike any they had most likely seen before. She detached the power pack. "Would you like to try it on for size", she asked. A scope was mounted on top of the weapon, most likely to facilitate accuracy at a decent range.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:15, Thu 01 May 2014.

Kyvarr snorted as she put Nijel down on the table before her.  "Reasonably rapid fire?  This baby has a cyclic rate of well over a hundred rounds per minute!  Actually the main design flaw of the Z-6 isn't armour penetration.  Nijel here will knock down light spacecraft and a moderately armoured personnel carrier.  Can't see your popgun managing that, especially if the target is shielded.  No, Nijel's main flaw is the stock energy clip only lasts about 30 seconds on full fire.  Either need a power supply or a large supply of clips.  I've managed to design some larger energy packs that push him to nearly a minute."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:48, Thu 01 May 2014.

Fiarr smiled at Idaya.  "She's very protective of Nijel there.  I also think she's trying to change the subject.  Doesn't want it known that she served as an officer once and pulled off an exceptional victory."

"Some victory."  Kyvarr scoffed.  "Over forty percent casualties, unconditional surrender of the Praxis Military Forces an annexation of the entire sector by the Empire."

She looked over the proffered weapon from Idaya and examined it.  "Seems like a modification on the maser design.  We experimented putting these on tanks a few years ago.  Found it cut the range somewhat."

She hands it back.  "Better be careful who sees that.  In some sectors, maser weapons are considered as bad as Doc's flechette pistol or even disruptors.  Might want to get yourself a more traditional blaster for day to day carrying.  Not too many muggers wear armor."

Idaya smiled slightly. "I have met some good non-commissioned officers, who would have done well with a commission. My former Chief of Ship was one of those. I just hope, they gave the ship to my executive officer - he really had already earned his own command." It did not sound like Idaya would be divulging any great war stories for now, even though there was quite a few for certain. "And what comes to my rifle, they would only figure it out by sight when I fire it, at which point they are arguably late."

Fiarr shrugged.  Idaya didn't seem interested in sharing any history.  Probably had none of her own to share or was just too secretive.  This thought brought a grin to the Bothan's face as secrets were as akin to her as breathing.  "I suppose it depends on your military's advancement system.  Do they go by seniority, meritocracy or connections?  In the Bothan military where I served it was more about connections.  Who you knew, what power base they enjoyed and so forth."

She kept quiet about the rifle comment, assuming it was a joke that lost something in cultural translation.  She didn't believe the Chiss actually meant it.  Though she was a naval officer, not a solider, so it was possible.  She looked over to Kyvarr to see if she was going to say anything about it.

She then turned to the Kel Dor, who'd said little.  "You've very quiet there Dohr.  Everything okay?"

Dohr listened to the women exchanging stories and knew his turn would come up soon too. Being 37 years of age and having spent 15 or so of those mostly off Dorin, the doctor’s story would be too long to be told in all its entirety. There were parts and times he would not like to disclose or even remember. And yet there were many occasions he would hold dear for all his life. It was genuinely interesting for the Kel Dorian to hear Kyvarr talk about his army history. And Fiarr’s description of the events at the Grand made him smile. People had been fairly tense and things could’ve have gone much worse, but compared to the events on the following day the little incident seemed quite irrelevant.

Nijel was a beast to behold. Dohr had been expecting a heavy weapon, a heavy blaster or even a light repeater. But Nijel was a Merr-Sonn Z-6, a blaster of an entirely different breed. The Dorian armed forces didn’t use the Z-6 as the Kel-Dor soldiers rarely were strong enough to handle one properly without a harness, but Dohr had seen a few on this trips around the galaxy.  Fortunately he’d never been forced to be on the receiving end of one. Idaya’s rifle on the other hand was quite alien by appearance. It had some similarities to Dohr’s own Rodian carbine, but yet looked very different. But that didn’t really surprise the doctor. He’d seen so many members of different species that nothing much did anymore.

Kyvarr was indeed very protective about her Nijel it seemed and the Chiss considered the weapons of her own people superior to others as was quite natural. But before the differences of opinion had time to turn into an argument, Dohr decided it was his turn to speak. He looked at Fiarr, smiled behind his mask and nodded. ”Yes. I am very well, thank you.”

He then turned to the Cathar and the Chiss and pointed at the guns with a clawed finger.”Both of your weapons are very beautiful and deadly, but in my childhood I observed a weapon even more lethal and beautiful on a daily basis.” Dohr surprised himself with the words coming out of his mouth. There was really no reason for him to share the particular fact of his background with these three women who were basically little more than strangers. Not that it really mattered as there was really no way the information could hurt him now or in the future.

A couple of seconds and a silent sight later the doctor continued:”A lightsaber… or in fact two. I could have watched my father and my mother practice their different forms against each other all the time every day. Little did I understand of the danger hidden in the wonderful dance of those humming colourful blades back then. Having retired from the Jedi Order, my parents did not participate in the war between the Republic and the Separatists, but concentrated on making our world’s defences stronger instead. For you see, the leaders of our people feared the galactic struggle would at some point reach Dorin as well. Sixteen or seventeen years ago when the republic was torn apart by Emperor Palpatine, their fears became reality…”

Dohr shook his head sadly and carried on: ”I do not know how powerful Jedi my parents were as I had never seen them in real action, but the constant practice and general Veen’s status as a Master of the order made me think they could win anyone… I was not with them when the Imperial forces arrived. I was posted with my troops at the defensive line inside the main spaceport. The generals and the ministers initially considered fighting, but quickly decided such a battle would be futile and have the same end result with a lot of our young dead. Therefore after a few short skirmishes, the Kel Dorian nation surrendered.”

”Apparently my father or my mother or both had known what would happen and what they would be up against. That was why they had returned home and sent the servants away to keep them safe. After the things calmed down, I was finally able to head home. Nothing could have prepared me for what I saw…” The words just seemed to pour out of the doctor’s mouth. He was surprised about how sad it still made him feel after all those years. ”All of the palace personnel had not left the premises in time. At the gates two guards had been ruthlessly shot down by a hail of blaster bolts. At the stairs leading to the entrance, Aira, the butler had faced the same fate… Father and mother had not gone down without a fight. The floor of the grand hall was littered with bodies of dead clones. The stormtroopers had been foolish enough to attack them openly and had paid for the mistake with their lives. But they were not the only ones dead. My parents were lying lifeless on the cold tiles. The blaster bolts had not been the end of them as there were long cuts… burned cuts across their bodies. Mother had lost her hands and father his head and yet there was almost no blood to be seen.”

Dohr had been fiddling with the cane he’d picked up from the spaceport while he talked. He raised his eyes from the silvery stick and looked at the women in the room. ”The rumours of an evil Jedi, a Sith lord serving the Emperor had been true. Later on I heard stories of a black armored giant commanding the clones. He had hunted down two more Jedi in the capital and slain them mercilessly and after that the whole imperial force just left. Some of their officers had told the remaining Dorinian leaders that the world was now under Emperor’s protection and that the mighty ruler of the galaxy would send advisors and guardians to help in our world’s transition from the evil republic to the Empire… Later on I managed to get my hands on some security vids that showed this Sith, Lord Vader. He was an imposing figure whose gaze even his own soldiers tried to avoid.”

The doctor held the cane in his hand as if it were a sword, made a couple of swings through the air with it and let out a deep sigh. ”After the funeral, I did not linger long at home. There was really nothing left for me there anymore. I was nearly mad with revenge and hatred towards the imperials and the black Jedi. I swore I would devote my life in fighting against the evil Empire and its servants. And while I would love to drive a dagger into Vader’s black heart, I know it will never happen. He is too powerful and too well protected for me to accomplish that.”

Dohr let out a dry laugh that came out through the vocalizer more like a cough. ”Oh, but do forgive me my ladies for wasting your time with such a sombre tale. It was not my intention to ruin anyone’s good mood.” The voice became lighter and happier. ”I will finish by saying that for the last 15 or so years, with the exception of my time on Det Akari, I have roamed the galaxy causing havoc and pain to the imperials wherever and whenever possible. It is probably not completely sane, but that is the only thing I have left in my life. That… and the pointless hope to one day find my sister alive.”

Fiarr listened to Doh'r tale in silence.  It was like so many others she's heard during her life.  Imperial aggression, sensless murder and distraction.  The armoured 'Black Jedi' was a new touch.  She really didn't know much about them.  Most references to them had been destroyed after the had betrayed the Republic.  It was illegal to discuss them and any Jedi item was now contraband.  She hadn't bothered chasing down information because she had no reason to.  As far as people were aware, the Jedi were extinct, one of the first victims of the New Order.  Her overall knowledge was largely limited to heresay, the odd report and the media.

"I remember hearing about the Jedi.  Bunch of people with incredible strength and agility who liked to fight with laser swords and served as the Republic's police force or some such.  I remember hearing their leaders tried to assassinate Palatine and overthrow the Republic.  Guess the Emperor didn't take too kindly to having half his face melted.  I'm assuming your parents were victims of the Emperor's genocidal response to a small groups treachery.  I feel for you."

"Well we certainly share the desire to hunt Imperials.  I think this group does too.  I remember one of them saying they primarily targeted the Empire.  Perhaps one day I can put a sniper bolt in the helmet of this Vader fellow for you."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:57, Sun 04 May 2014.

"All three", Idaya said, commenting on the promotions in the Chiss Expansionary Defense Force, "and far too much on political basis, if I am asked. An officer should never mix in politics - we execute the policies of the politicians rather than meddling in creating them."

She listened to what Dohr told and shook his head. "I know very little of your Republic and even less of the Emperor, but a government that kills their own citizens in retribution has already lost their mandate to rule. The military is to protect the citizens, not to harm them. Of course one could argue, an outright rebellion needs to be quelled, but even then innocent bystanders must be protected at all costs and one can not simply assume guilt by association."

The talk about the Force seemed to make Idaya rather thoughtful. "I think these Jedi of yours are like a certain cult of mystics in the Ascendancy. They are very few and far between, but I believe, there has been similar people amongst mine." Idaya could recall stories about individuals with mystic powers, but she had written them off as ghost stories and fairytales.

"Strict seniority on Praxis.  Damned annoying really.  Getting passed over for promotion by some moron who hadn't even seen combat just because he'd been pushing datapads in some office longer then I'd been on the front line?  Idiots."

She looked at Doc.  "Only heard a little about Jedi during some military history lessons in basic training.  Know they served as generals in the Clone Wars despite having no military experience.  That's leadership by political connection if I ever heard it.  Hell, even their Jedi recruits were senior officers apparently.  Seems awfully presumptuous, rank based on belonging to a specific group?  How does belonging to some cult give you the experience to lead armies in battle?  Officers train all their life to do that."

"Still we should leave the past in the past.  Sounds like you Fiarr and I share a common hatred of the Empire Doc.  Seriously hoping employment with this group will help me thin the Imps out.  If not, maybe they'll help me find groups who do take the fight to them.  Guess I'm a mercenary for hire now.  Still I still want to hurt the Imps, hurt 'em bad for what they did to my home, and to loads others."

She didn't mention she didn't think any mercenary company would hire her with her leg as injured as it was.  She pushed that thought aside.  She had no idea how she would pay for surgery or prosthetics.  She had no money, she knew Fiarr had very little too.  Though the Bothan had a knack for finding things when they were needed, it was one of her many talents.

Dohr listened to the conceptions and images Fiarr, Idaya and Kyvarr had about the Jedi. Suddenly he felt very old. In his childhood the Jedi had been a very vidid and living thing. Of course he had been privileged in a way to live under the same roof with two, but in addition to his parents, there had constantly been stories in the holonet or the news of the Jedi, the Trade Federation, the Separatist and of course later on, the Clone Wars.

He was about to correct the views the ladies had of the Jedi Order, but then thought more about it. Being honest to himself, he didn't know that much more himself having spent all of his youth on Dorin. What little knowledge he had of the Jedi had mostly come from his mother. Father hadn't been too keen on telling tales of his past. He had always been burdened by the loss of their first child Aam, a Jedi knight herself. General Veen had never admitted as much, but Dohr had always suspected his sister's disappearance had been the reason for his father's resignation from the order a few years before his own birth.

The Kel Dor could understand why the younger generation of Chiss, Bothan or Cathar could see the Jedi as they did. He had no idea whether any of their species had had Jedi of their own. From what his mother had told him three decades ago Dohr had learned that not all did. Why it was so, he had no idea. And it didn't really matter now. The imperials had as far as he knew hunted the Jedi down and destroyed them all.

Kyvarr's comment about the Jedi not being worth their role and status as generals in the Republic army during the Clone Wars made a wave of anger flush through Dohr's body. But the feeling was gone as quickly as it came. She could well be right. Perhaps that was why Palpatine had been able to overcome the Order's mighty masters and Council so easily. Maybe they lacked training in military tactics and failed to see the evil rising and to protect the Republic. The thought made it all seem a bit foolish even to him. A few hundred or thousand Jedi protecting trillions of people. It was a wonder the Republic had survived for so long. Yet the current situation was hardly better. The Emperor and his armies weren't exactly the saviors they had initially posed as. Many worlds had been enslaved or nearly destroyed as they had attempted to resist Palpatine.

Dohr nodded to the Cathar warrior. "Yes. I believe you may be right. It does indeed seem foolish to place mere children in charge of armed veterans. But like my mother always used to say: The Force works in mysterious ways." The doctor shrugged. "Although I know some Jedi did have a lot of, too much even, experience of wars and leading troops. And some, like my father, also had military training. He had in the end risen to the rank of a General of the Dorinian Armed Forces, not the Republic Army."

The orange-skinned Kel Dorian spread his arms as if in surrender. "And you are right. Let the past be the past for now and until it is needed again. The Jedi were not supposed to give into anger, but if the hatred towards the imperials keeps us going and helps us get employed, then I see nothing bad in feeling angry about how the Emperor's armies treat those who do not wish to accept their "offer" or even some of those who do."

"Hatred is useful."  Kyvarr commented.  "Hatred of the enemy will get your troops over the lip of the bunker.  It will get them to charge the enemy even though it seems hopeless, it allows them overcome their fear.  If we didn't have anger and hatred, none of us would fight the Empire.  No sane being would give us one chance in a billion of succeeding, yet we still fight and we will win.  Or we will die in the attempt.  If I die, I want to die with a smoking pile of stormtroopers around me or lie in my ruined tank, surrounded by the remains of the Imperial walkers I took with me.  That would be a glorious death."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:13, Thu 08 May 2014.

"Hatred might make one more willing to fight, but it also blinds. In war, one must keep his bearing and not fall in to the trap, his mind is trying to set. I know it is easier said than done, but however, it is true. And one must remember, no military plan ever survives intact the contact with the enemy", Idaya stated matter-of-factly. She was not going to turn the discussion in to an argumen, but simply stated what she considered true. It also seemed, she liked the debate between the doctor, the tank commander and the infiltrator quite a bit - not having known them properly before, she felt, she could possibly come to like them at some point.

Kyvarr suppressed a snort.  She knew Idaya believed what she said.  She also had to remind herself that combat for a capital ship bridge officer was far different to an army rank and file soldier.  It was clear the Chiss had never been an enlisted soldier.  That was fine.  Wars needed officers as much as they needed soldiers.

"No offense intended but standing on the bridge of a ship ordering soldiers to die is nothing compared to standing shoulder to shoulder with them in the trenches waiting for the order.  It's the waiting that's the worst part.  Do you think it's some military plan that gets them over the lip of the trench?  No Idaya it's emotion, pure and simple.  Hatred of the enemy, love for their family back home, pride in the soldiers standing beside them, fear of their officers and discipline instilled by non-stop training.  That's what a soldier relies on Idaya.  Officers, by necessity, play by a different rulebook.  It's why you commanded a capital ship and I preferred being a sergeant."

Three soldiers. No. Four. Four soldiers from different walks of life. Totally different. Four soldiers, four different military branches, four species. That was a lot of coincidence packed into one small cargo hold. The Force works in mysterious ways… It would've been his mother's answer to young Dohr's question about coincidence. He wasn't sure he bought that way of thinking… that the Force had a say in everything… that he Force dictated how everything worked n the universe. No,l in his mind them four being together was simply a lucky chance. Of course the mercenary group was looking for certain types of expertise to hire, but having such versatile and complementary skill sets available could not be anything but chance.

Dohr observed Kyvarr and Idaya as they exchanged their views and Fiarr for her reactions. From an officer's, a leader's point of view it would've been a great opportunity. Of course he'd only known the women for an incredibly short time, but already some aspects of their personalities, ways of thinking, behavior and attitude was starting to open up to the doctor. Sure, there would no doubt be surprises on the way or secrets hidden under the surface, but that was only natural. Everyone had his or her quirks and twists, but that was how it should be. The Kel Dor smiled behind his mask. He could definitely work with these people.

Idaya and Kyvarr had very different views of bringing emotions to combat. As they should. A commanding officer could not start crying over the death of every lost soldier, otherwise she would risk the whole operation. To her, knowledge of tactics, use of strategies and reading the enemy would be the key. Emotions would come in play after the battle, if at all. A warrior in the front line could not afford to break down either, but to her the feelings of anger and hatred could bring strength. On the other hand letting rage take over and pushing all caution aside could easily become lethal too.

Dohr nodded to Kyvarr. "A glorious death it would be yes. But would it not be even more glorious to die of old age having won all the battles and having let the enemy live too? We all know our real enemies are not the clones attacking our homes and killing our loved ones. They are merely tools of destruction without a home or families of their own. I do not feel sorry for the life of an imperial soldier I take in self defense or when helping others survive the evil holding our dear galaxy in its grip. When I have been forced to kill a clone trooper, I have felt mixed emotions… On one hand the thought of a lonely human male who has not and never will experience love makes me really sad. And on the other hand I am happy I will not leave anyone grieving after him - I do not cause pain to more people than just him. And yet… And yet every life should have equal rights to live."

The Doc raised his hands to stop the others from denying what he just said. "Yes. I am well aware they are the ones causing terror and agony in people who do not deserve it. And even if they really are very little more than slaves for the Emperor and have no real say in what happens to their lives, they are creatures of free will at least to a certain extend. A stormtrooper in the end is the one who makes the final decision to squeeze his trigger. That is exactly why I do not mourn for their deaths. If anything it only makes me more angry and makes my hatred towards their leaders grow."

Dohr takes a breath and once more swings the cane through the air lazily a couple of times. "That is why I think we… or anyone opposing the imperial oppression, should pick our targets carefully. We need to strike them where it hurts the most. Killing the leaders, destroying their shipyards, supply chains… That is how we can make a difference. As long as the resistance is nothing more than thousands and thousands of tiny, separate, unorganized groups around the galaxy, fighting the clone armies is just one big, useless waste of countless lives."

Having sent his new assistant of on it's errands, Heigren wandered into the galley, restocked on Jumja chips then wandered into the other cargo bay where Dohr and the other were.  He grinned.

"Hey guys.  Hope you've been entertaining yourselves alright.  Everyone scrubbed up and eaten enough?  Apparently we're about four hours from our destination."

Fiarr greeted the Zeltron as he entered.  "Oh we've kept ourselves entertained."  She jerked a finger towards Kyvarr and Idaya.  "Those two have been doing the usual soldier chestbeating.  You know, who has the better gun, are you allowed to get angry in battle.  Who makes the better officer.  The usual!"

Sheila hit the fresher and  showered quickly, running her clothes through the cleaning cycle while she was in there.   Foetunately it didn;t take long.  Once done, she ran through the galley to get a drink, and something portable to eat.  WHile she was fixing her sandwich, she thought about it, dumped more chips into a large bowl and set up some caf to take to the new meeting.  She found some other easy food, and spent the rest of the break moving the snacks into the meeting room.

*THIRTY MINUTES LATER&

A lot of things happen in the port cargo hold over the next thirty minutes.  While Dohr, Idaya, Fiarr and Kyvarr watch, a procession of PK droids move several chairs in until there are ten in total.  One is also supplied with a long crate at it's base, presumedly so Kyvarr can elevate their foot.  A makeshift table is made with crates in the centre of the chairs and droids, along with Heigren bring in pots of caf, cups as well as various snacks.

M4 droids buzz around and various members of the crew pop in and out.  Word quickly spreads to the four newcomers that there is to be a meeting involving them.



OOC:  If any of the PC's have anything they want to do with the past half hour, do it in a retrospective post please.  Else it's been half an hour so time for Devon's second meeting.  Turn up as you see fit, assumedly Dohr and the others are already there.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:20, Tue 13 May 2014.

Heigren had kept very busy during the half hour between meetings.  Rather then do as he planned and make himself some food, he instead spent his time preparing food and drink for the second meeting, then rushing it back and forwards to the cargo bay.  He stopped to speak to anyone who wanted to chat, then continued his mad cooking frenzy.

By the time the meeting rolled around he was sitting in a chair waiting, happy with the piles of food he had prepared.  He'd even tried to arrange some species-specific food and drink for Dohr, Kyvarr and Fiarr.  The culinary database had no record of 'Chiss' so he hadn't been able to make anything for Idaya.  Hopefully she wouldn't take it as a personal affront.  Then again, he'd managed to offend her nearly every time he spoke to her.

This time though he hadn't neglected himself.  A monster sandwich was sitting on a plate before him and his bottle of whisky was still a third full.  He engaged in his repast while he waited for everyone else.

Having being given no indication to join the table that was being prepared, even though one was clearly hers, Kyvarr stayed where she was and continued to clean and oil Nijel.  She watched the collection of food and furniture with interest.  There was clearly going to be some kind of meeting or gathering, presumedly about them.  Would they put them off the ship?  Part of her urged her to arm herself and be ready for a trap.  She forced that part of her mind to the back.  She'd been living on a knife's edge for so long she found it hard to trust easily.  Still, these people had been honest with her to date, no reason to believe they'd double-cross her now.  Besides, Fiarr was renowned for sniffing out trouble.  It made the Cathar wonder why then her Bothan friend was so often in trouble then!  Kyvarr thought that Fiarr secretly enjoyed it!

Fiarr watched Heigren and Sheila going back and forwards with all the food and drinks.  She moved over to Kyvarr and nudged her.  She then pointed at Heigren rushing out the door.

"Cute and knows his way around a kitchen.  That one would make someone a good wife!

Through her levity she watched with interest as the chairs and food were brought in.  It seemed unlikely they were just getting together for a meal.  They'd all been told to help themselves to the galley.  This had the feel of a meeting.  So she wasn't surprised when her suspicions were confirmed.

Assumedly the meeting would be about what happened next.  She, Kyvarr and Dohr had approached this mercenary group seperately about employment.  Were they going to now be told if they were successful?  She hoped so.  If not she would have to start planning how she would arrange funding for Kyvarr's medical treatment.

But despite the lack of personalized or race-specified portion of food, the blue woman seemed not take offense. On the contrary, she seemed to be quite content with the things for now. She smiled at the mention of comparing weapons and such, and it even spawned a comment from her in her accented Basic. "Well, let us call it differences in services. That is what one gets from putting a naval officer, an armour non-commissioned officer, a medical officer and, lacking a better word for it, a spook in the same room. Of course, I am not a stranger to infantry action as I have commanded the fleet marines in combat."

An M4 messenger droid, one with the number '11' stencilled to one side, zooms into the area and hovers in front of Heigren.  The voice that comes out of it is that of the woman heard over the comms planetside.

"Mister Teckla, I have forwarded to your personal M4 droid the relevant list you have requested regarding potential employment for our passenger once we reach our destination and she is safely on her way.  One trusts that she will find employment within one or two solar days."

Devon arrived just in time to catch Fiarrs comment, and snorted.
"Pay me a million credits and I wont tell him you said that.  or I can tell him you want a date - y'know, whichever you prefer.  But either way it'll cost you."
Plonking himself down on one of the chairs, Devon twisted the lid off a bottle of beer and swigged whilst he watched Heigren go zooming past with another tray full of food.

"I swear he never slows down." Devon said to no one in particular.

After their meeting, Mika heads for her quarters for a fresher and a change of clothes.  When she emerges 15 minutes later, it's hard to tell she'd gone through the effort.  Her hair is still in disarray and while her clothes don't carry the smell of battle and look a bit cleaner than those on the planet, they were still rumpled and spotted with engine grease and the like.  But the impish smile on her face suggests that she likes it.

She hits the galley to grab up a quick sandwich and washes it down with a fizzpop.  She walks into the next meeting with another sandwich and two more bottles in hand.  Taking a seat at the table, she notes those already in place and greets everyone with a happy, "Hi."<blue> or a <blue>"How you doing?"

In an aside to Devon, she adds, "Hook'm up.  I'd bet credits she could keep him in line."  She giggles at the thought.

Devon snorted again - clearly he didnt fancy Fiarrs chances of taming Heigren.
"I'd pay money to see someone try."
He turned to the Bothan.
"So whats it gonna be - buy my silence or use my dating service?" he asked cheerfully.

Hearing what the droid said, Idaya's expression turned slightly towards grim. "I suppose, that means, you do not have a need for a professional military officer", she said quietly to the nearest Talon. It is said with a bit of a resignation.

The M4 droid spins around and approaches Idaya.  The voice of Cor is precise but mild.  As usual.

"It means, Ms Idaya, that we agreed to transport you offworld safely and that Mr Teckla has very kindly offered to assist you in finding employment once you leave our company.  That is, as far as anyone has been led to understand, the nature of our agreement."

The Chiss gave a shrug. "Well, I am looking for work, should you have a position available. Would save Mr. Teckla some credits if you did. If you prefer not to hire me, I shall look for work elsewhere without any hard feelings."

"Do you understand the nature of our employment, Ms Idaya?"  The M4 droid hovers in place, its photosensor fixed firmly on the Chiss.

"What I have gathered, you are rebel insurgents fighting an oppressive government. While I would normally not think very highly of you, having heard what this empire of yours does to its own citizens, I would prefer fighting alongside you than being hired for petty cash with some planetary government that either serves or is crushed by the said empire. What I can offer is considerable knowledge of tactics, naval operations and gunnery as well as some servicing skill with both starfighters, capital ships and their weapons, to name a few. Of course, if you do not need these skills, I can also offer experience in leading fleet marines on boarding actions."

"Then, if I am to understand you correctly," Cor's voice states, "you know only rumour of the Empire, would normally disparage us and would like to join our organisation on the gamble that what you have heard of the Empire is true.  We are within neutral space, an area which is not governed by the Empire and despite the activity on Det Akari shows no sign of falling.  Is there a reason you would prefer to take your chances with us rather than remain in neutral space?"

Her tone is not accusatory.  It is quite neutral.  The question, in all likelihood, is an honest one.

"I am a soldier and when I was in the service in the Chiss Expansionary Defence Force, I stayed out of politics as soldiers carry on the policies, set by the politicians rather than make them. However, the soldier is responsible for protecting the civilians from tyranny and oppression, including illegal orders to murder the civilians. As I am not able to return to the Ascendancy space, I believe, I would prefer to carry on the tradition of protecting the innocent here. As I have come to understand, the empire is expanding to independent systems and subjugating the local governments by force. If that is not tyranny, then I must say, I have made a grave mistake with your vocabulary."

There is a pause as this explanation is given due consideration.  "Your reasons and claimed skills have been noted, then," Cor says evenly.  The M4 droid turns to observe Devon.  "Commander, your orders regarding Ms Idaya?"

"But you hate us!  Heigren blurted in surprise at Idaya's request to join.  "Ever since we met you've accused us of being unfair, unreasonable, trigger happy.  I'd have thought you'd want to get as far away from us as possible."

There is no animosity in Heigren's tone, just sheer surprise that Idaya would make such a request.

Fiarr shrugged at Devon's 'threats' about Heigren.  "Tell him what you like.  I merely made an observation and I stand by it."

The Bothan said nothing about the exchange between Cor and Idaya, just watched with keen interest.  She'd been surprised the Chiss wanted to join the team, though she wondered if that was really what Idaya wanted.  Was there some angle Idaya was working here?  Nobody looking for a job said they wanted to join because it would mean a teammate wouldn't have to loan them money.  You also didn't join a team like this without background information.  These people could be terrorists or extremists who'd kill a thousand children to take out one stormtrooper.  Whatsmore, why did she want to join a group like this if she found pre-emptive strikes abhorrent?  Fighting the Empire would mostly be ambushes, and hit and run tactics.  A formal military post would serve her sensibilities far better.  No, this Chiss had a strategy and Fiarr would find out what it was.  Nobody outdid Bothan's at political manipulation.  For now though, she had to focus on her own application, as well as Kyvarr's.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:13, Wed 14 May 2014.

Devon had almost choked on his beer when Idaya made her request, and would have spoken if he hadnt been fighting down a coughing fit.  Then Heigren saved him the trouble and said almost exactly the same thing Devon had been thinking.

Whilst the conversation between Cor, Heigren and Idaya went back and forth, Devon made a hurried note on his datapad, and glanced around the room to gauge the reactions of the others.

The shipjacker sighed inwardly as Cors M4 droid focussed its (and by extension, her) attention on him. Turning to look at Idaya he said mildly:
"Actually, Vyn makes a good point.  We'd sorta spotted these subtle hints that you didnt want to be around us.  Why the change of heart?"
Devon waved a hand to dismiss the question and stood up, stretched.

"That can wait.  You may as well sit."  Activating his commlink, Devon said
"CC9, Forim - we're just waiting on you two."

Once the droid and the Duros arrived, Devon spoke again, walking round the table inside the circle of chairs as he continued.
"Ok, so... first things first:  I wasnt really planning on running this as a formal interview - for a start I wouldnt know how! It's gonna be more a chance for us to question you guys, and you to quiz us back.  Be aware though, we wont answer any questions that would risk our security - You're not part of the group yet."
He paused a few moments to let that sink in, then continued.
"Also, you need to know that the final decision as to who gets to be part of the group wont be made by anyone here.  All we'll be able to do is give a recommendation to the boss and the XO.  It'll be them who make the decision."

Stopping in front of his chair, Devon pointed straight at Kyvarr:
"And to pre-empt one question I know has gotta be bugging you:  You messed up that leg whilst working with us - if we hadnt hustled you outta the hospital in such a rush you'd still be in there getting proper treatment.  You may not be part the group, but we've already agreed that we're going to pick up the bill for gettin' your leg fixed."

Slouching back into his seat, Devon picked up his beer again.
"So, who wants to start?"

Fiarr sat silent for a few moments.  Silently she was thankful that Kyvarr was being taken care of.  Would there be a cost down the road?  Perhaps pay cuts as part of her contract.  She'd be sure to read the fine print of anything they agreed to sign.

Noticing that nobody else had spoken up she decided she might as well start.

"I suppose the obvious question is who are you and what do you do?  Not really sure if you guys are mercenaries, some obscure branch of special forces, rebel insurgents, spice runners or what.  I appreciate you can't tell us everything, but I'd like to know a bit more about what you do and what your goals are."

Janine sat quietly in the circle of chairs.  She was feeling unsettled, she didn't know why.  But she did have a simple answer to the question.  She glanced at Devon, then answered.  "As near as I can tell, our goals are to make money, not die, and do as much damage as possible to the empire along the way.  I think that makes us mercenaries, but we try to keep it within our definition of moral, we don't do ad things for bad guys."  She glanced back at Devon and flash.  " That about cover it?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:44, Fri 16 May 2014.

Flash twitches a bit and then shakes his head, sighing.  "Considering everything, yeah, I guess.  There's a lot we can't say cos just about everything we do is classified."  He shrugs.

Fiarr turns to Flash.  "Why?  I can understand your need to keep certain components of your organisation secret, but mercenary companies hardly hide their name, areas of operation and combat capabilities.  Hard to get work if the employer doesn't know what they're getting.  You don't sound much like any mercenary company I've ever heard of.  Your description makes you sound more like anti-Empire insurgents or terrorists.  But you also say your goals are driven by profit.  I think I'm more confused then before I asked the question!"

Kyvarr had remained mostly quiet during the exchange.  Except for a quick "Yes sir, thank you sir." to Devon when he said they'd pay for her treatment, she let the Bothan do the talking.  She was better at this kind of thing then he was.

She listened carefully, her leg resting on the provided crate, Nijel laid across her lap.

"Not 'driven by.' Our goals require profit. We are self-funded. But in essence we are a group that makes strikes and counter-strikes on the current galactic power. You might call us 'terrorists' but our aim is not to spread terror, nor is it our weapon. What, then, is a group that seeks to harm oppressors but cannot oppose them conventionally and is not predisposed to strike at innocents to make political points?" Cor's voice lilts, almost with amusement at the intellectual exercise. "They will certainly consider us terrorists but theirs is a powerful propaganda machine indeed. Nonetheless the problem exists where you must know for whom you may potentially work, and we need to know that you will not betray us should you decide not to work with us. You understand the dilemma."

"Of course. It's the same dilemma we face.  How far can we trust each other.  I think I've already made it clear I think the only good Imperial is a dead one.  If you want to pay me to do it, all the better"

During the conversation of terms, Mika chuckles and mutters, "We're self-employed mercenaries."

As conversations continue and a lull makes itself felt, she chimes in, responding to Fiarr.  "We're not looking for hirelings, we're looking for, call it business  partners.  If we all agree..." her gesture includes the non-Talons, "That this is a mutually acceptable situation, then you'd be on the team and get a share of the profits just like the rest of us.  Of course, given our sort of work, we all got to know we can trust each other."

"Yes," Cor says in an uncharacteristically bright tone, "trust is certainly an important commodity amongst us."

Kyvarr spoke up.  "I need to know that you only attack military and security targets.  I understand in war there is always collateral damage, but I for one don't go bombing school buses, even Imperial ones.  People who choose to serve in the military or police forces accept the risk."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:43, Sat 17 May 2014.

"Since I joined the team we have attacked only targets staffed and defended by Imperial troops," Cor says truthfully.  "If the team had a penchant for attacking civilian targets prior to that point I do not know about it.  On the contrary, one of our number laid down his life in defence of a safehouse full of non-human refugees, the friends and family of Mr Teckla there, and did so alongside Ms Carstairs.  Sadly not all of the inhabitants of the safehouse survived the attack but our deceased team member and Ms Carstairs stood against a squadron of trained stormtroopers for the sake of civilian lives."  There is a slight pause.  "I am confident that despite the dangers any of us would do what we could in such a situation without hesitation."

Dohr sat still and kept quiet as the droids began building up a meeting room into the cargo hold. He said nothing as Vyn walked in followed by Janine, M4 carrying Eleven’s voice, Rian and finally K. He didn’t say anything even when Idaya really took them all by surprise and practically asked for a job. The doctor was just as astonished as everyone else was at first. But as Vyn and Rian voiced their concerns, Dohr gave it a deeper thought. And it sort of made sense to him…

The Chiss was apparently very far from this Ascendancy of her people, whatever that meant. She was clearly as much in a strange world right now as she was a stranger to the rest of them. And in that strange world Idaya had no anchor points. She had no place to go and no friends to visit. And from what she said, Dohr had understood it was not easy for her to get back to her home world for some reason. Therefore, to Idaya no matter how strange it might seem after the clash she and the mercs had had earlier on, the people gathered in the hold were the ones she probably knew the best. They were honorable and according to what little they’d shared about themselves, they fighting for a righteous cause.

The Kel Dor nodded to himself. In her shoes, he’d done the same. Even if she could probably get a job as a mercenary or a guard anywhere in the galaxy, Idaya might end up working for far worse people than this lot. Rian played it smart though and cut the wondering short. That could indeed wait. Now it was time to talk, ask questions and give answers.

Dohr waited until Eleven finished her response to Kyvarr’s question. What both women said, confirmed some of Dohr’s earlier impressions about the Cathar as well as the mercs. They really were all in it for the good of suffering people, not only personal welfare. And it was a big deal to them too just like it was of great importance to himself. The Doc gave the M4 a bow. ”I am sure we would. Let us just hope we will not be forced to…”<b>

<b>”Let me properly introduce myself now that there are no insurgents trying to blow up the city around us… Oh and let me use this moment to say I am truly sorry the loss of your friend back there… So I am Major Dohr Veen, DAF, Retired…” He carried on pretty much repeating what he’d told the three women earlier, but also added in a lot more of his history:

At the age of 16 (coming of age for the Kel Dorian) Dohr had entered the UniMed - University of Medicine. He’d done well in his studies and was close to graduation when the days of the Republic came to an end and Emperor Palpatine seized the power. Like everyone else, he was called into service as the Kel Dorian government desperately tried to build up the world’s defences to stop the imperials from taking over Dorin.

In 18 BBY the imperial attack had yet not reached Dorin, but the world’s military was stronger than ever and most males had received at least rudimentary level of combat training. There was already a movement from the army back into the civilian life as the society and infrastructure could not handle having a major part of the work force idling in military service. Dohr too balanced between the army life and the university. He wished, as did his mother, to complete his education and receive a degree, but somehow it all felt quite unimportant at the time.

Fortunately for him making the decision became a lot easier as his superiors offered him a way of combining both. Instead of getting his own detachment of soldiers to command, Dohr was put in charge of a section of the Military Medical Department. That gave him the time and possibility to finish his studies as he was training others himself.

All in all things were looking fairly good. It appeared the Empire had all but forgotten about the Kel Dor and everything was returning to normal. Until on one summer afternoon in 17 BBY the life of Dohr Veen took another turn.

Everyone on Dorin too had heard the news of the terrible Jedi Purge that had taken place all across the galaxy sometime earlier. But now the same thing was heading their way too. From the moment the immense imperial fleet dropped out of hyperspace it was obvious the battle was already lost. A vast armada led by a Mandator II –class Star Dreadnaught and 8 Venator –class Star Destroyers practically filled the sky of the Kel Dorian capital.

A couple foolish admirals led their destroyers into a hopeless battle against the dreadnaught. But their attacks weren’ even able to pass the behemoth’s shields before both Kel Dorian ships were annihilated by a concentrated barrage. Dohr happened to be outside when the short-lived battle took place. The fire from dozens if not hundreds of turbolaser batteries literally lit the sky despite the broad daylight so brightly that Dohr had to cover his eyes. Even without looking the young officer knew the defending ships had been destroyed and so had hundreds of his fellow Kel Dorians with them.

A few minutes later a planet wide announcement of an unconditional surrender was given. All the preparation for the attack had been in vain. There was no way Dorin could have fought off the oppressors. Now they could only wait and see what the Emperor wished of their barren planet.

For some strange reason Dohr suddenly felt the urge to go home. But before he had requested and been given the permission to leave, the day had already turned into evening. A report said the imperials had already sent in a small detachment headed by someone called Lord Vader. The name sounded ominous, but little did he know…


It took Dohr the next few days to sort things out at home. He locked down the estate and used a great deal of the family’s money to make sure the place would stay safe for the next few decades. After the funerals Dohr returned to the garrison and never visited his home again.

Some years later the way things were run on Dorin had changed somewhat. The Empire had placed a small contingent of stormtroopers in the capital and appointed an imperial governor to look after the local administration. Dorin wasn’t exactly a rebellious world and there was nothing of value for the Empire on it, but the unusually large number of jedi it had provided the
Republic in the past apparently made it a dangerous place in the eyes of the Emperor.

So while the imperials had the control of the world, there were too few of them to take care of the security of Dorin and its people. Therefore the Dorinian Armed Forces and Dohr with it, carried on pretty much as it had before occupation. They fought pirates, terrorists and were even forced to join imperial clones in taking over a neighboring world in the name of the Empire. Those resisting were quickly shot along with their families as an example to everyone else. The guilt of not being brave enough to take the bolt still made Dohr's heart feel heavy after all these years.

Despite the imperial rule, intergalactic trade flourished on Dorin as well and with the merchants came rumors of rebelling groups of insurgents all around the galaxy. As nothing was holding Dohr back on the home world, the idea of leaving Dorin behind and going out looking for these rebels started to feel like a good idea. He’d only been twice off-world with his parents
so far anyway and getting to know other planets and species of the galaxy was something he’d always wanted, but hadn’t gotten a chance to do.

Therefore on a night in the Spring of 13 BBY, Dohr resigned the army, packed his back and left Dorin behind. He had spent the last decade or so criss-crossing the galaxy and joined various rebellious groups here and there to fight the Empire as much as possible. Finally his trips had brought him to Det Akari, a neutral world and with no sigh off any imps or groups fighting them.

When Dohr finally finished his story, he stood up and gave his crowd a slight bow. "Please forgive me for letting my thoughts carry me away. I did not mean to steal so much of your time."

"It is good to have thorough background," Cor notes through her M4 droid.  She doesn't say anything else.  The Talons are likely to (correctly) suspect that she's typing away at her datapads; whether the newcomers gather that as well may be a different matter.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:53, Sat 17 May 2014.

"Sounds familiar Dohr.  Only difference on my world, Pracis IV, was there was no space battle as we had next to no space forces.  The battle took place on land.  There are rich mineral deposits on my homeworld and the Empire wanted the infratructure intact for their war machine.  So instead of Star Destroyers it was AT-AT's and stormtroopers moving through the city.  They didn't discriminate between civilian and military.  You weren't Imperial, they gunned you down.  My group got out with four tanks and two personnel transports, less than fifty people total.  Not sure how many others escaped.  I heard most of the survivors now have to work in the mines and processing plants."

She gripped Nijel tightly as she spoke, the anger evident.  A couple of times Nijel began to spin up to full cyclic and then slow as she gripped and released the trigger.  Her hatred for the Imperials was in no way disguised.

"While we got off to a bad start, you have shown far more reason than I would have given you credit for by the first impression. And yes, there might be other forces, I could join, ones that would most likely welcome my expertise and knowledge, but they are unknown to me while this group poses a slightly better known quantity. It is only logical to make the conclusion, we could work together.

As for my background, I am the daughter of one of the ruling families among my people. I have studied warfare for years and served as gunnery officer, executive officer and commander of naval units in the Chiss Expansionary Defence Force. I graduated from Csilla Military Academy with honours and have served in the fleet for twelve years. While you can not check this due to the fact, you can not access the Chiss Ascendancy Public Network from here, and even if you could, you would require high enough clearance to read my personnel file, we could arrange for me to demonstrate my skills somehow." The Chiss sounded sincere enough.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:10, Mon 19 May 2014.

Devon looked up from making notes on his datapad.
"You know we dont really do fleet level actions, dont you?" he asked Idaya mildly.  "Since planetary defence fleets cant stand up to our opposition in a straight fight, we sure as hell cant - only capital ships you're likely to see are going to be trying to kill you.  What else can you do?"

Devon looked at each of the new recruits in turn.  "OK, so I'm sitting here makin' notes and we've got an idea of where you're from now.  Well, most of you..."  he gave Fiarr an expectant look. "So next up is what skillsets can you bring onboard?  Each of us has our own fields that we're experts in, so what can you guys bring on board?"

He nodded to Fiarr.  "You've been awful quiet so far, why dont you go first an' fill us in on your background too?  Kyvarr may know you, but we dont."

Kyvarr looked at Devon. "I can command and operate nearly any tank or walker. I'm trained in the use and maintenance of heavy weaponry.  I also hold a level 6 in Praxis Defence Force unarmed combat instruction. I can serve also in both demolition and infantry roles sir."

"I am qualified with both capital ships and fighters, and I happen to be rated as a technical officer in both type of craft as well as weapons technician for all starship weaponry. And to be able to fight fleet battles, one needs to understand the operations below fleet level, so I am quite aware of small-unit tactics in both space and aboard ships."

Fiarr was surprised by Idaya's claim of such broad tactical expertise.  In the Bothan defense force, naval captains dealy with fleet maneuvers, starfighter colonels with ship tactics.  That's what combined force tactics were about.  These Chiss must do things differently, especially if they taught their naval captains land tactics as well.  It seemed highly ineffective and must dilute their talent.  Being a jack of all trades made one a master of none.  Still it could all be bluster and hyperbole in order to impress this group.

When Idaya had finished and Rian looked to her she grinned wickedly at him.  "Nothing unusual.  I'm just an ordinary gal.  Attended the Bothan Military Academy for my office training then entered starfighter training.  Served in the Bothan Space Defence Force until the Special Operations Section recruited me for cover operative training."

"I'm trained as an infiltrator.  I can move unseen and unheard.  I am skilled at 'acquiring' items as Kimy found out, sorry about that."  She bowed her head to Kimy.  "It's been equally useful for planting incriminating evidence on people.  I'm also trained for wet work.  Be it close range, long range or covert.  I have some training in demolitions.  If you want an Imperial dead I can do it noisy or quiet.  I can also arrange 'evidence' to lay blame on another."

"Other then that I'm still hold starfighter flight status with the Bothan military and my shooting was ranked sniper grade, though I haven't attended formal sniper training.  Just taken the heads off a few Imps at long range."

"I should warn you I am a member of the Bothan Spynet and it's not an organisation you can exactly resign from.  It is possible at times they may contact me with a mission.  I hope this wont be a problem.  I can assure you they'd never work to assist the Imperials, quite the opposite I'm sure."

Devon had been making more notes on his datapad whilst people answered his question, but paused to give Idaya an openly skeptical look before turning his attention to Fiarr.

If the Corellian was surprised that Fiarr claimed membership to the infamous Bothan Spynet, he didnt show it beyond a raising of the eyebrows.  But then again, perhaps he'd heard the old joke: 
Q:  In a room full of Bothans, how do you find one that's in the Spynet?
A:  Throw a rock.

"I'm findin' myself wondering what would happen if the Spynet gave you a mission that had you workin' against us."  Devon paused, thinking.  "What would you do then?"

Mika gives Fiarr a smile.  "No worries, long as it doesn't happen again, except in the line of duty." she chuckles.  But she let's anything else slide as Devon had a rather pointed query on the table.

"I don't know much about them honestly.  I'm not an active member of the Spynet but I have been approached before.  All I know is they may call on me to gather information and since their activities are strongly Anti-Imperial I can't imagine it will impact on the group."

Devon grinned.  Fiarr had given him exactly the answer he'd expected - no answer at all.
"That really doesn't answer my question, does it?  I'm asking what you will do if the Spynet gives you a mission that puts you at odds with our group."

Dohr waited for the room to quiet down before speaking up again. This time he made sure to keep it short. ”What am I skilled in? What would I bring to the table… As you have without a doubt gathered from my story, I am man of two sides. A healer and a killer in one body and mind. It is a contradiction for sure, but it is also what I am - who I am. I have been a doctor for all of my adult life, a combat medic, a surgeon. It is what I do best.” Dohr took a sip of caf through a mug made for his kind.

”But I have also been trained to kill and when needed and justified, I do not hesitate to take a life. I am a soldier to the bone and infantry is my branch. Other than that, I do not have a real military specialization. I have learned to take a realistic approach to what I can and what I cannot do. My physical… limitations deny me access to effective mobile use of heavy weaponry even though I am fairly skilled in their use. I am a good shot with a blaster, but probably not sniper grade. Naturally as an officer of the DAF the main focus of my training was in military tactics.”

”But the Kel Dorian way is to negotiate first and then negotiate again before taking up arms. It does not make us weak, at least in our own minds, but strong. We try to use the peaceful approach for as long as possible, yet many have witnessed out might and our wrath. When possible and worth the while, I too prefer the weapons of diplomacy over destruction. But sometimes… Or perhaps fairly often in our line of business, forceful approach is the only option.”

Dohr looked up from his hands and straight at Devon. ”So. That is me. Got questions? Fire away.”

Fiarr shrugged.  "That's a very difficult question with a lot of 'what if's'.  All I can say is if I'm approached before a mission I would request a leave of absence.  If it was during a mission I would do nothing to compromise the safety of the team.  As I mentioned, the Spynet is strictly Anti-Imperial so I don't forsee a problem there."

"Simply stating that you calculate the odds of this occurrence as being negligible is insufficient.  Perhaps you mistake the point of the query.  You fail to address the underlying issue," CC9 states flatly, "which is: given your acceptance into this group, if your SpyNet contacted you and gave you a mission that specifically put you at odds with this organisation - whether directly against us or not - which would secure your higher priority?  The SpyNet or your team?"

Fiarr stared at CC9 with a bemused look. "I stated I would do nothing to compromise the safety of this team. What more do you want?"

"Inaccurate. You stated that if you were approached thus you would not compromise the safety of the team if you were currently on-mission. While you would request a leave of absence should a call come while off-mission you have stated you would request a leave of absence; not compromising our safety on-mission is not the same as stating outright that we will not find ourselves in direct conflict with you. Your words imply much but do not state whether you would turn the SpyNet down should their wishes put you at opposition with us." CC9 tilts his body slightly forward, perhaps as emphasis. "Nor whether you are even permitted by the SpyNet to turn down missions."

"I suppose it would depend on WHY the mission would bring me into opposition. If your group is on a low risk mission motivated by profit and the Spynet had an urgent mission that would save numerous lives or seriously hurt the Imperial war machine I would have to support the Spynet. I would hope in such a case this team would accommodate me.

If by 'direct conflict' you mean assassination of a team member, the Spynet deals in information, not death. Information I should add that they are sometimes willing to share for services rendered.

And yes, I can refuse missions unless they are of critical urgency."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:55, Thu 22 May 2014.

Devon watched the back and forth between CC9 and Fiarr with interest, but didnt move to interfere.  Once it appeared both had simmered down, Devon gave them a moment more - just to be sure - before turning his attention to Dohr.

"Just so you know, the nature of our work means we sometimes dont have the time to negotiate.  In our last mission, a capture mission - and yes I am avoiding specifics - we did give the defenders of our target an opportunity to surrender...  They chose not to, so we took the target by force."

Devon paused, watching the Kel Dor.
"I personally am all for giving the other guy a chance to walk away.  Gimmie a choice and I will shoot to stun, if I shoot at all.  But sometimes we wont have that luxury - today was a good example.  I hope that wont be a problem for you."

Dohr smiled and nodded to Devon. ”Do not worry. I have been there myself. It does not mean I like it, but in war or warlike situations taking the enemy by surprise and using lethal force can be necessary. Only few hours ago we had no choice but to gun down the gangers. I know I did at some point suggest talking to them, but that would not have worked. They were set to kill anyone approaching. So in principle we acted in self-defence. And they knew the risks when they picked up the weapons and started killing people.”

”To me it would seem you did negotiate during your last mission. Your enemy had a chance to surrender, but did not take it. End of discussion. Sometimes diplomacy can be handled without a word. Begging, bargaining, bribing, threatening… They are all forms of diplomacy.”

”So no. It will not pose a problem for me.”

Sighing and sitting back in his chair, Devon swigged from his bottle of beer before continuing.

"OK.  So after we get Kyvarr patched up - I'm thinkin we move on from that station.  We're gonna need a place where we can lay low for a couple of weeks - till we can link up with the boss and head back to base."
Devon left it unsaid that there was no way he was taking anyone back before Mark and Zyra cleared them.
"Plus we're all gonna need to pick up supplies and stuff - replace what we lost back on Det Akari.  And we're gonna want to run some exercises - see how well we can all work together, that kinda thing."  The shipjacker shrugged. "Might even be fun."

"Fortunatly, I've been looking at star charts and theres a place nearby thats gonna let us do all three - and have plenty of scope for some actual real downtime as well.  We're going to Nar Shaddaa."

Fiarr was surprised at Rian's choice of destination.  Not in the least bit disappointed, but surprised.  The Bothan was looking forward to going there.  It was a place where nearly anything was possible, if you had the credits.  The fact that she and Kyvarr had no money was irrelevant.  Nar Shaddar was also a place of opportunity, especially for someone with her skill set.

Kyvarr looked at Devon curiously.  "I've heard some soldiers in my squad went there on leave but never went myself.  Is it some kind of pleasure planet?"

The name, Nar Shadda, had little meaning to Idaya. She was foreign to the planets on this side of the galaxy and waited to hear more about the planet  from those who knew it better.

"'Pleasure planet' would be one way of describing it, Hammer," Cor notes, "though perhaps 'opportunity planet' would be more apt.  It is a highly urbanised moon owned and run by Hutts - an enormous amount of power and wealth is displayed and hidden there.  Significant capitalist focus.  The local law enforcement is entirely owned by the Hutt Cartel.  It is, in fact, a little like Det Akari was - though a great deal more so.  As long as one has credits one can make or break a fortune there.  Though it is worth noting that the owners make sure that no matter whether a visitor makes or breaks a fortune, they themselves always come out on top."  There is a pause.  "It is not a place to safely take at face value but the Hutts have a vested interest in making certain that nothing too disruptive occurs there.  Not visibly, anyway."

There is another pause.  "It would perhaps be most wise to keep CC9 and the two B1 droids aboard the ship for the duration of our stay there, though certainly the M4 droids should be no issue.  Idaya, your DRK-1 droid may also attract undue attention."

"Sounds great!"  The Zeltron blurted, speaking for the first time since the meeting began.  "I wonder if I can top the 'party of the century'!"

"Perhaps you will be able to, at that," Cor's voice comes evenly.  "We are still on shore leave, technically, after all."  She's staying on the Ghtroc so whether he throws wild raging parties or not doesn't concern her overly unless he plans on throwing them on the ship.

Sheila says nothing, merely frowns a bit, when the party of the century is mentioned.

"And that probably makes this a good time to lay out some ground rules.  Yes, we are still on shore leave and like you I wanna relax and blow off some steam - but I aint gonna be able to do that if you jokers are causing too much trouble."

"So here's the rules.  When we aint running exercises and tests, feel free to go nuts.  Drink all day and grab ass all night - I don't care.  But don't go doing anything that's gonna end with"
Devon counted on his fingers
"Angry mobs, angry Hutts or angry Imperials.  I don't wanna have to bail anyone out of jail.  I don't wanna have to pay off any mobsters or bounty hunters."

Turning to Heigren, Devon continued.
"And Vyn?  you're last party was great - and if you wanna attempt suicide-via-party again, go ahead.  But do me a favour and do it some place where anyone who doesnt want to be involved aint gonna get a nasty surprise.  And yes, I know the 'nasty surprise' last time was because invites didnt get sent... and it wasn't your fault.  But work with me here, OK?"

"If you're gonna throw another party, give me some heads.  I'll want to get clear and to a minimum safe distance for the duration.". She smiles to take the sting out of her words, but it's clear that there's some seriousness beind her words.

Hearing the name of their next stop after the space station made Dohr raise his eyes from his hands to Devon.  He knew he’d heard right, but he still had to see if the human was kidding. Apparently he was not. The Kel Dor had to dig deep into his memory to find some details of Nar Shaddaa, but he did. He’d set his feet on the Smuggler’s Moon only once himself, but the doctor had heard more than a few tales and seen a few holovids of the place during his trips around the galaxy. Nar Shaddaa was not a nice place. It was probably the best place to go to when someone wanted to disappear for a while. But it was also way too easy to get lost for good on the pollution filled world…

It was a dangerous place and Dohr would have liked to avoid going back there. An associate of his had gotten messed in some business he should’ve stayed away from some seven years ago. The poor human had fallen for a Twi’lek girl, a sex slave, and tried to first buy and then steal her. It hadn’t ended up well for either of them. Shaking his head slightly for the bad memory, Dohr had a look around the hold. The mercenaries seemed like intelligent enough people, so they probably had a very good reason to go there. Apparently they really needed to get their hands on some supplies that couldn’t be found on any regular, neutral worlds. Something places like Det Akari or Nar Shaddaa had readily available and without imperial monitoring.

Dohr didn’t see a need to comment going to Nar Shaddaa and Hutt space, but he nodded his acknowledgement to Devon. As the human gave them the ground rules however, the Kel Dor would’ve rolled his eyes had it been possible for him. Drinking all day, grabbing ass… Not his cup of tea. And throwing a party in Vertical City might be incredibly foolish and dangerous unless big money was paid for security.

The doctor stood up, limped to the makeshift table, picked up a little something to bite and returned to his seat. ”You probably do not need to worry about angry imperials on Nar Shaddaa or even happy imperials for that matter. They have a presence on the moon, but they are pretty much sticking to themselves and staying out of the Hutts’ way. Probably wise. But I agree on getting one of the crime lords mad. That would be suicidal.”

”There is one thing about the place that is at the same time both good and bad for everyone… We do not have to worry too much about gun control on most areas. The districts where the high-ups live are tight, but many of the other areas have no rules whatsoever. So unless we head to Corp territory, no one should give a damn if a Cathar walks around carrying something huge and deadly called Nijel. Unfortunately of course that also applies for everyone else. So even the little crooks will probably be carrying.”

Location:  Space Station 1174-Alpha - Neutral Space



With the meeting effectively over, some people begin to move away while others stay and talk about Nar Shaddar and other stories.  The time passes quickly, with people catching up on rest, food, hygeine or just general rest.  Who would have thought shore leave could be so tiring?

It is a little less then four hours later when the Ghtroc makes dock at Space Station 1174-Alpha.  An unassuming name for a bustling place.  The space station is moderately sized and serves as a stopover point between Hutt Space, the Core and Rim worlds.  As such it sees a large amount of traffic, with species of all shapes and sized.  The odd Imperial vessel is seen, but nothing large enough to be a threat.  The station boasts several ship maintenance facilities, two casinos, more then a dozen eating establishments, a fully staffed medical centre and merchants of all kinds.  Deals can be done here, both legitimate and those less so.

Kyvarr is quickly taken to the medical centre with Devon who organises treatment and payment.  The medical staff assure them that Kyvarr will be out of treatment in six hours.  Passsengers have that long to play before heading on to Nar Shaddar.


OOC:  Pushed things forward.  You have six hours to kill docked at the station.  It has various shops and amenities but you might want to wait for any non-essentials.  Buying stuff here is like going on holiday and purchasing stuff at the airport.  You'll get a tenth the range and pay three times as much!  The ship will (assumedly - Devon will confirm) be leaving as soon as Kyvarr's treatment is done.  I'll give the post a few days then push on if nobody wants to do much here.

Since the ship was fully fuelled and serviced by Cor and her droids on Det Akari, there is no need for any work to be done on the Ghtroc.

"AE3 and AE5, please continue to patrol the ship.  All support droids to the recharge station.  CC9, you are on internal airlock guard.

"Have fun on the station," she adds to those going off the ship.

As soon as the boarding ramp is down and any customs cleared, Heigren disappears into the crowds and is lot to sight.

"ok..." Devon told everyone as they debarked.  "If you're not aboard when its time to leave, then I'll assume you ain't coming.  We leave in seven hours."
He had to yell the last sentence after Heigrens retreating form.

With Kyvarr safely delivered into the care of the medics payment agreed on and the medics givem a comm code they could reach him on, Devon ambled off into the station intent on getting a few questions answered, most of them of interest to no-one but him; his M4 droid, which now had 'Sev' freshly stencilled on its flank buzzing along behind him.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:02, Fri 30 May 2014.

Mika considers.  "Anyone want to grab a bite?  I'm not interested in any of those high class, snobby places just some decent comfort food type place.  Oh, and boss..." she responds to Devon, not wanting to use his name in ear shot of anyone who shouldn't be hearing it, "I'm not looking to be left behind.  If I'm not back on time, means I'm in trouble and you should come looking."

"We'll be sure to leave a nice note for whoever kidnaps you." Devon calls over his shoulder as he ambles off.
"if you're headed for a cantina I'll probably catch up with you in a bit."

Fiarr unexpectedly nods at Mika's suggestion.  "I'll come with you Kimy.  I promise not to steal your fries!"

1174-Alpha There were innumerable space stations around the galaxy and Dohr Veen certainly hadn’t even heard of the them all, let alone paid a visit. But 1174-Alpha was located in a strategically good place in the crossroads of traderoutes between three different “areas” of the known galaxy. It was naturally possible to get from the Core worlds to Hutt space via other runs, but this particular node happened to be on one of, if not the fastest and most used route. This was not Dohr’s first visit to Alpha.

The Kel Dorian was not in need of nourishment yet and his funds were currently fairly low, too low to allow him to purchase much anything in this place. Therefore there was only one thing drawing him out of the freighter - the Cathar warrior. ”I will go with Kyvarr. It is not that I do not trust the local medical staff, they have done their job very well before. And while you probably do not need me to hold your hand, I would be professionally interested in overseeing the process of your healing.”<b> The last words were obviously pointed at Kyvarr. <b>”And even if creds do most of the talking in a place like this and the surgeons are experts in their field, I believe it would not hurt to make sure everything goes as it should.”

In the event the Cathar accepted his company, Dohr headed of to the medical centre with her. They still needed Devon or some other merc with them to cover the costs, but from there on the Doc took over unless someone objected. He gave the receptionist nurse the details of Kyvarr’s injury and gave a cursory description of the events that had led to the state her leg was in right now. Dohr made sure to leave any details of the combat out of the story and simply mentioned the explosion at the hotel. It wasn’t the best of stories and the doctor had difficulties in hiding some parts while keeping from lying. He could only hope the receptionist cared more about the money than what had happened.

If needed, Dohr presented a holochip with the details of his medical career. He was quite adamant in demanding access to the observation room of the operating theatre. He was after all “her doctor” and had initiated the emergency care and wanted to his patient getting the best treatment possible.

The hospital staff accept Dohr's arrival with warm welcomes.  The medical and nursing staff listen to his pre-hospital care with intense interest and is subjected to a great deal of questioning by the surgical team whilst Kyvarr is in the admission area.

When Kyvarr is wheeled into theatre, Dohr is politely but firmly refused entry.  They gave him permission to wait in the recovery area, somewhere normally off-limits to visitors.  A burly Weequay orderly stood watch over the theatre to ensure Dohr stayed out.


OOC:  The staff treat Dohr will all the respect of a skilled medical professional but flatly refuse to let him in theatre.

"I'll go with to the hospital to verify the payment, if you like, rian,". Assuming g that's ok, Janine will go along to the hospital.  Once they are in the recovery area, janin will turn to dohr.  "Let's get something to eat.  They aren't going to let you watch.  We'll make sure we're back up when she comes out."  There should be a cafeteria here somewhere.

It wasn't exactly what he had planned to do, but a little snack with Janine would definitely not be worse a pastime that what he'd had in mind. He didn't even believe himself in his chances of finding what he was looking for on this space station anyway. Dohr nodded to the woman and smiled behind his mask. "Why not. They have my comlink id and promised to let us know when the operation is over. I am not really hungry yet, but it has been a few hours since we ate last. So perhaps we should indeed use the time wisely and eat. In any case I would enjoy a chat with you very much. In this short while I have gotten to know a little about you people and while I know you cannot reveal much anything about your organisation, it would be nice to get to know you better personally."

As they stepped outside, Dohr had a quick look around and dug into his memory. "Now, if I remember right, there should be a nice Corellian seafood restaurant just around the corner. A quiet and sophisticated place that serves dishes suited for my kind as well. And it is not overly expensive either. I am sure you will like it... If it still exists, that is."

The group seperated and went their own way.  Dohr was happy to find that his little Corellian restaraunt was still where he left it.  Their menu had extended slightly, but still held the seafood he had enjoyed on a previous trip.  He and Sheila were quickly ushered to a table.

Mika and Fiarr meanwhile had found a more relaxed dining experience at a local fast-food franchise.  The kind found on space stations throughout the galaxy, high on the fat, salt and sugar.  Just the thing for travellers wanting a quick bite.

Heigren had vanished into the crowds and had not been seen since.  Devon had similarly vanished into the shopping complexes.

Flash, Idaya and Cor had to date remained on the ship with the droids.

Unbeknownst to Kyvarr, she underwent intensive orthopaedic surgery before being moved to bacta.


OOC: Giving people a chance to do a little more on the station if they wish.  Don't forget at present, every 'group' has at least one Talon, who assumedly have their comms.  So all groups can contact other people as needed.  Well except Kyvarr who wouldn't answer even if she had a comm!

"Out of curiosity," Cor's voice comes over the intercom system, "do either of you intend to be leaving the ship, Forim, Idaya?"  She doesn't ask if CC9 is leaving.  He's a big droid.  He can handle himself.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:43, Mon 02 June 2014.

"Just checking our astrogation course for the next leg and going over a few things.  I may go for a look later."

It was a flimsy excuse.  Flash knew R2-A9 could do the job and he knew Cor knew it.  Still it was better then the truth at this point.

Mika kicks back.  "What looks good?  My treat."  For herself, she gets a mess of fried Corellian flatbread chips and some blue milk cheese dip, along with a large, Muja fruit fizz drink and some bar-b-que'd nerf ribs.

When they get a bit of distance away from the rest of the patrons and in between bites, she speaks in low tones.  "So, had any time to think about the job offer?"

Having eaten on the ship, Fiarr bypassed a main meal and purchased a 'Supernove Sundae', a massive concoction of different flavoured ice-creams, cream, nuts and a large pot of warmed chocolate sauce.  The Bothan had visions of long runs in her future to work off this indulgence.

As she savoured her first bite she considered Kimy's question.

"Time to think, absolutely.  However it is really no easier to know if I'm making the right choice then it was before.  Take how your team worries if my. . .affiliations will interfere with my duties.  I have to worry about what this job might require me to do.  We are working on a mutual trust."

"Still, I have been impressed by many things in your group, such as your kindness and charity.  I have been with you all only a few hours and already I have seen the team offer to pay all of Kyvarr's medical bills, I see Vyn offer a large sum of credits to a relative stranger with no expectation of reward.  I have seen Sola give you all droids."  She gestured at the M4 following Kimy.  "A most expensive gift no doubt.  Those things aren't cheap."

She waves at her sundae with a grin.  "And now you offer to buy me lunch.  Such charity."  She grins slyly.  "Of course you'll have to help me with this.  Since I didn't bring a man to eat half my dessert, you'll have to take on the role."

"Well, buying you a sundae doesn't quite compare to the other examples.  I guess I had it a bit easier than you, I didn't have anyone to be a possible conflict of interest.  We're just trying to make our risks as small as we can.  Trust can be a tough nut to crack.  Of course, the medical bills is just what's right.  You get hurt helping someone, it's only right they return the favor.".  She eyes the sundae a bit, "I wouldn't mind a taste...  Maybe even two."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 00:05, Wed 04 June 2014.

Fiarr turned the sundae bowl lengthways so Mika could easily access it and called for a second spoon.  Then she delved back into the conversation.

"I can certainly understand the medical bills, though I'm still highly pleased.  People don't always do the 'right' thing.  But I must say Vyn and Sola intrigue me.  Are they both naturally generous?  Do they generally supply your group with such lavish gifts or do you suspects an ulterior motive on their parts?"

Sheila ordered something off the menu, honestly, she wasn't paying a lot of attention to the menu,  "well, it will be nice to have a real doctor with us, I'm more of a first responder. I prefer to fly, I got my medical training under duress."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:01, Fri 06 June 2014.

Mika considers a moment.  "Well, Vyn....  He's just looking for his next party, whether it's like the one back, uh, before."  While there's probably nothing to worry with mentioning Det Akari, Mika still opts not to mention it by name.  "Or it's something a bit more personal.  I'd say one on one, but I suspect two on one, five on two, six on eight, or whatever is fair game.  He's a good time looking for a place to happen."  she chuckles.  While her ideas of a good time didn't mesh with Vyn's ideas, she still usually found him an amusing person to have about.

"Sola...  talk about tough nuts to crack.  I've tried to get to know her a bit, but she's pretty stand-offish.  She doesn't like being around others, at least nor more than a couple at a time.  Feels more at home with droids about then with us organic types.  She wanted in, but does everything to keep herself apart..."  Mika just shakes her head at her lack of understanding.

At a guess, she got the droids for her benefit, let's her interact with us better than comlinks and still let's her stay locked away in her private little bunker.  If you stick around, maybe you can help me figure Sola out."

Mika sighs.  If they don't get to stop using these damned aliases soon, she'd not be able to keep anyone's right name straight, probably even her own.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 23:07, Thu 05 June 2014.