In the asteroid field the Rebels prepared. Quantros took the helm of the Imperial shuttle as Chu-Shkar and Rynn launched the two B-wing prototypes. The prototypes were two man starcrafts, the rescued Verpine prisoners volunteered to fly the prototypes whilst Chu-Shkar and Rynn took the gunner seats. The Verpine's pacifistic nature not allowing them to man the guns.

On board the Alabak's Gold Klyn and Tera manned the cockpit whilst Lyla returned to the gunnery turret.

As the asteroid field thinned the four starships reached the end of the natural corridor. Moments later all the starships broke free of the asteroid field and into open space and a chilling sight. The Verpine fleet was already out of the field and engaged in a one-sided battle with an escort frigate! A comms broadcast came from the Imperial ship "Rebel scum. I am Imperial Commander Bane Nothos and my flagship will take great pleasure destroying your fleet one transport at a time until Ackbar and his project team surrender. And in case you think I'm bluffing..." a barrage of blaster fire leapt from the frigate to punctuate the Imperial statement and a fully loaded Verpine transport exploded in flaming shards.

Even expecting it, Lyla was shocked by the sight. Reacting fast, she transmitted an audio reply on the same frequency, screaming down the mic 'You fool, Nothos! Stand down and cease fire! We're Imperial operatives, the Verpine are our allies, and these are the ships we took from the Rebel base!'

At the very least, she hoped to buy some time. While she waited for a reaction, she switched channels to the Rebel fleet communications. 'Alright, options? Can we outrun or outfight this thing?'


OOC:
14:04, Today: Lyla Rahn rolled 27 using 1d20+9. deception.

Tera looked at Klyn as if Lyla were mad. "We uh...we die valiantly in a blaze of turbolaser fire? Or we maybe check and see if there are any rebel capital ships in the area that can give us a hand?"

Tera started working on the comms, hoping there was a rebel fleet nearby.

Klyn hoped that Lyra's bluff would at least give them some time.

There was little chance of winning against such a ship... Unless those B-wing proved to be twice as strong as they were supposed to.

They couldn't let all the Verpine die either.  But maybe they could distract the imperials long enough to allow them to flee.

OOC: are there places to hit first to reduce the efficiency of the Frigate ?

The docking bay of the TIE fighters to prevent them from leaving maybe?
15:24, Today: Klyn Cors rolled 28 using 1d20+12.  technology weak points?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:26, Wed 01 May 2019.

Chu-Shkar was angry, his body hurt from the many wounds he had taken and he hated the taste of bacta and was not looking forward to going into the tank. And now the Imps were threatening unarmed civilians! Sure they were bugs and he didn't really like bugs, the eyes, but they didn't deserve to die. So at his first chance he lined up his weapons on the Imperial ship and waited for the target lock. As the beeping changed to the solid tone of a lock he fired away!

09:12, Today: Chu-Shkar rolled 22 using 1d20+2.  gunnery for b wing. CRITICAL!

"Well... so much for buying time with words" said Klyn as he saw the B-wing fire.

"All crew to position ! We will draw fire from the transport as long as possible to give them some time to flee....  But we MUST give the plans to the main command, so no heroic dying today!"

'Cruk!' Lyla swore, seeing her hope of talking their way out of this grow ever more fainter. So much for the bare-tailed cheek of bluffing their way out of this. But, thinking fast, she got back onto to the communicator, yelling back at the Imperials 'That's a warning shot! Stand down, Nothos!' Hey, it couldn't get any worse, could it? She spun the turret to target the frigate herself for another "warning shot".

An analysis of the Nebulon-B frigate by Klyn and the mechanics knowledge of starships may well prove vital in the battle to come. All of the Rebels can see that the Nebulon-B is a very large ship and Klyn reasons that even with the B-wings that they do not have enough firepower to destroy it. Klyn was able to speculate that a good clean hit on the main engine at point blank range should render the frigate's propulsion and maneouvering systems inoperative long enough for the Verpine fleet to escape. Klyn knows that the Nebulon-B is equipped with sophisicated scanners and deep-space antenna arrays which will ensure that any TIE fighters will be well coordinated and at a tactical advantage.

There is a pause as Lyla broadcasted her plea to the Imperial ship. In space the Verpine Fleet and the Nebulon-B stand off, moments pass and the Rebels are able to reach the Verpine Fleet before Nothos's shouts his reply back "your fleet his already destroyed Rebel scum it is just a matter of time before you all die" he threatened.



OOC

Alabak's Gold is Colossal size so -10 on Pilot checks. Klyn can shoot with the Twin laser cannon.

Roll Initiative, the battle has begun.

'I don't think he bought it.' Lyla deadpanned, preparing to fire...


OOC: Initiative 18

OOC -10 on pilots checks, -9 on initiative... what a piece of junks ^^
13:03, Today: Secret Roll: Klyn Cors rolled 12 using 1d20+2.  init 11-9.

Klyn readied himself for the incoming fight, hoping there wouldn't be too many TIE...

OOC Klyn has the choice to roll his Pilot skill or Initiative skill. So Klyn could choose to roll 1d20+3. So his Initiative would be 13.

CN                 F  R     HP   DR  SR  DT Spd Torpedos Notes

Alabak's Gold      24 13 120/120 15  25  74  2     0     -9 Initiative/Pilot, +2 attack rolls
Chu-Shkar B-wing   16 18 150/150 10  50  48  3     8     -3 Initiative/Pilot, +4 attack rolls
Rynn B-wing        16 18 150/150 10  50  48  3     8     -3 Initiative/Pilot, +4 attack rolls

Nebulon-B frigate  37 14    0    15 100 137  3

Lyla 18
Chu-Shkar 17
Klyn 12
Rynn 6
Nebulon-B 3

This message was last edited by the GM at 06:55, Wed 12 June 2019.

Taking the lead, Lyla opened fire with the Alabak's quad laser cannon, sending a hail of beams the frigate's way. But even against such a large target, the distance was too great, even for her keen eye. But at least she showed this Nothos she was thinking of him.

'Do we have any kind of a plan?' she begged over comms to her allies.


OOC: Using the Quad Laser Cannon, attack +2, damage 4d10×4
43 squares distance at starship scale puts us at Long Range with laser cannons. With Far Shot, Lyla reduces that to Medium Range, −5 attack.
Result is Attack 6, damage 33 × 4 = 132
This message was last edited by the player at 13:04, Thu 20 June 2019.

Speaking to the Verpine in the cockpit with him, Chu-Shkar said, "WHAT is hour name? I WANt to know what to call you as we do this."

While he waited for a response he sighted on the frigate and locked in the range. He didn't know how many shots they would get at this before the Verpine would be destroyed, and wanted to make his first shot count.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:39, Sat 08 June 2019.

"The plan is easy: we will draw fire while the B-wing get close and fire at the engines, then we get the hell out of here."

He began to move toward the fregate, checking the shields and the various systems.

"And if we can destroy communications, it will be easier to manage the TIE."

19:23, Today: Klyn Cors rolled 9 using 1d20+3.  pilot with malus.

'Good enough for me.' Lyla returned, though she realised that drawing fire was really going to suck for them, she couldn't think of an alternative. 'No time to play safe, we've got to hit them hard and fast... That work for you, Chu and Rynn?'

Chu-Shkar simply lets out an affirmative growl

"Hard and fast is what I do El-Tee. Don't like hanging around where people want to kill me." Rynn said, still testing out the maneuverability of the gunner seat. "I'm just quirky like that."

The impressive Nebulon-B frigate remained stationary, its turbolaser focused toward the Verpine fleet. As the two prototype B-wings rushed toward it the turbolaser modified its aim but shot wide of its target.

The B-wings were much faster than the Alabak's Gold but not fast enough to get into weapon range yet. Closing on the Nebulon-B just made the frigate appear even bigger and demonstrated how it dwarfed the much smaller B-wing fighters.

Run the Gauntlet

OOC I had trouble posting the image so I've posted a link.

CN                 F  R     HP   DR  SR  DT Spd Torpedos Notes

Alabak's Gold      24 13 120/120 15  25  74  2     0     -9 Initiative/Pilot, +2 attack rolls
Chu-Shkar B-wing   16 18 150/150 10  50  48  3     8     -3 Initiative/Pilot, +4 attack rolls
Rynn B-wing        16 18 150/150 10  50  48  3     8     -3 Initiative/Pilot, +4 attack rolls

Nebulon-B frigate  37 14    0    15 100 137  3

Lyla 18
Chu-Shkar 17
Klyn 12
Rynn 6
Nebulon-B 3

This message was last edited by the GM at 18:45, Wed 19 June 2019.

Lyla was gunning hard and fast as suggested, but at this range even her keen aim was worth a tinker's damn. 'Any way we can get closer, much as it would suck?' she muttered over the comms.


OOC: Using the Quad Laser Cannon, attack +2, damage 4d10×4
Still at Long Range, reduced to Medium Range, −5 attack.
Attack 11, damage 21 × 4 = 84
This message was last edited by the player at 13:11, Thu 20 June 2019.

"We can, yes, but you won't be able to fire!" said Klyn.

"Full speed ahead everyone!"


All out movement action

Chu-Shkar held his fire waiting for optimal range. "GET US In range and I'll handle the rest." He told his Verpine pilot. Pausing he asked "WHAT'S your name anyway?

"We are called Goofex. We shall be in weapon range as fast as possible" the Verpine pilot agreed.

Flying in hard and fast the Rebels began to close the gap and their targeting computers began to blip and flash as the Nebulon-B frigate came into attack range.

Run the Gauntlet

OOC Current range to Nebulon-B
Rynn 20 squares
Chu-Shkar 23 squares
Alabak's Gold 29 squares

CN                 F  R     HP   DR  SR  DT Spd Torpedos Notes

Alabak's Gold      24 13 120/120 15  25  74  2     0     -9 Initiative/Pilot, +2 attack rolls
Chu-Shkar B-wing   16 18 150/150 10  50  48  3     8     -3 Initiative/Pilot, +4 attack rolls
Rynn B-wing        16 18 150/150 10  50  48  3     8     -3 Initiative/Pilot, +4 attack rolls

Nebulon-B frigate  37 14    0    15 100 137  3

Lyla 18
Chu-Shkar 17
Klyn 12
Rynn 6
Nebulon-B 3

Laser cannons weren't designed to be used at long range, particularly not this one. So, after her first two wild misses, Lyla's third, now quite accurate, shot probably came as a surprise, both to herself and to the Imperials aboard the frigate that now found themselves under actual fire. Now, if she could just make them all hit.


OOC: Quad Laser Cannon, attack +2, damage 4d10×4
Still at Long Range, reduced to Medium Range, −5 attack
Attack 20, damage 28 × 4 = 112
This message was last edited by the player at 08:35, Tue 02 July 2019.

Unlike the others Chu-Shkar knew lasers wouldn't reach until much closer, so he was concentrating on his torpedoes. Locking them on the weak spot he saw in the design of the ship, the center spar between the bow and stern. Sever that and the ship was dead in space. So as soon as he had a good tone with a firm lock he fired. with a wookie battle yell of triumph!

"WRAAAAAAAAAAA!"
09:12, Sat 18 May: Chu-Shkar rolled 22 using 1d20+2. CRIT gunnery for b wing.
02:41, Today: Chu-Shkar rolled 44 using 9d10. Damage 9d10x2, 4-square splash.88 damage, plus whatever it is for the Critical. Let me know and I'll roll for that damage.

Klyn continue to move toward the imperial ship, ready to boost the shield as soon as they got hit. Which, he is quite certain of it, won't be long.


OOC: I'm not sure Lyla can still shoot as long range is up to 10 square and we are 29 square from the ship.

If she can, the Klyn will just make a double move, if not, all out movement again.

Rynn's heart rate increased as they neared combat, his adrenaline beginning to flow. This "high" was his favorite thing in life. He preferred to be flying and shooting, but was more than happy to put a prototype through it's paces.

He snapped out of his thoughts as Chu's torepedo fly toward the ship and Rynn lined up a shot and fired one of his own.



To hit:18
Damage: 116

09:43, Today: Rynn Culmar rolled 58 using 9d10.  Damage 9d10x2 .

09:40, Today: Rynn Culmar rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  Gunnery for B Wing .

Near suicidal rush at the Nebulon-B frigate slowed as both B-wings released their first shots at the frigate. The torpedoes struck the frigate and its shields flashed brightly and explosions rocked the Imperial ship. From this distance however the damage didn't look too bad and the shields remained intact if perhaps a little weaker. For Klyn's plan to work they had to get closer and hit the torpedoes from point blank range.

The salvo of torpedoes from the starfighters gave Klyn a chance to close the gap and bring the Alabak's Gold close behind them.

The frigate's turbolasers fired again, this time at Chu-Shkar's B-wing but the range and the size of the starfighters made the attack futile.

Run the Gauntlet

OOC Current range to Nebulon-B
Rynn 17 squares
Chu-Shkar 20 squares
Alabak's Gold 21 squares

CN                 F  R     HP   DR  SR  DT Spd Torpedos Notes

Alabak's Gold      24 13 120/120 15  25  74  2     0     -9 Initiative/Pilot, +2 attack rolls
Chu-Shkar B-wing   16 18 150/150 10  50  48  3     7     -3 Initiative/Pilot, +4 attack rolls
Rynn B-wing        16 18 150/150 10  50  48  3     7     -3 Initiative/Pilot, +4 attack rolls

Nebulon-B frigate  37 14   67    15  95 137  3

Lyla 18
Chu-Shkar 17
Klyn 12
Rynn 6
Nebulon-B 3

'Why didn't someone tell me we can't fly and shoot at the same time?' Lyla complained, finding all her efforts were in vain and frustrated that she could do nothing but wait. She drummed hands against the turret console, waiting impatiently to get into decent range.

"GOOFEX get us closer, as close as possible! I WANt us point blank!" Chu-Shkar said angrily, though his anger was at the torpedoes not having done more. He began sighting for his next set of shots, deciding he would wait for the shields to drop before firing the torpedoes again and instead focusing on the ion cannons. he wanted that ship down and stopped so the rebellion could get away.

"Keep your munitions for a closer attack !" tells Klyn, doing his best not to leave the B-wings alone in front.

again all out movement then we will be in range... at least for Lyla ^^

"Roger." Rynn said over the fleet communication channel, before switching to the internal B-wing Comms to speak to his Verpine Pilot. "Alright little buddy, I'm going to need you to get me a lot closer. As close as you can manage." He said, not speaking his desire to be able to both fly and gun the prototype.

The pair of B-wings accelerated to top speed "we have reached the optimum range to begin the attack run. Prepare to fire your proton torpedoes" Goofex communicated with Rynn and Chu-Shkar.

Sensors indicated that whatever damage had been caused to the Nebulon-B's shields in the previous attacks had now been recovered.

Run the Gauntlet

OOC Current range to Nebulon-B
Rynn 6 squares
Chu-Shkar 6 squares
Alabak's Gold 13 squares

The B-wings will begin their attack run at the beginning of the next action. So attacks will be +2, Ref -2. So Rynn and Chu-Shkar will both gain +6 to hit on their attack rolls, I calculate Chu-Shkar will be attacking at +12, Rynn at +14. So Rynn will miss on a 1 and Chu-Shkar on a 1 or 2. May the Force be with you!

CN                 F  R     HP   DR  SR  DT Spd Torpedos Notes

Alabak's Gold      24 13 120/120 15  25  74  2     0     -9 Initiative/Pilot, +2 attack rolls
Chu-Shkar B-wing   16 18 150/150 10  50  48  3     7     -3 Initiative/Pilot, +4 attack rolls
Rynn B-wing        16 18 150/150 10  50  48  3     7     -3 Initiative/Pilot, +4 attack rolls

Nebulon-B frigate  37 14   67    15 100 137  3

Lyla 18
Chu-Shkar 17
Klyn 12
Rynn 6
Nebulon-B 3

'We need to get a little bit closer...' Lyla urged Klyn, trying to sight the Nebulon-B with the laser cannon. She was still outside the maximum operational range, and still had to wait.


OOC: Waiting until after Klyn moves us forward.

"Roger that!" said Klyn as he moved the Gold closer.

"Now this is going to be quite the dangerous game's starting point. May the Force be with us!"

ooc: double move, 4 squares,  lyla can now fire at will^^

'I'll just settle for luck!' As soon as she was within the recommended range, Lyla aimed, and fired. Laser cannons weren't still weren't really designed to be used at long range, so, after her first few wild misses, Lyla's suddenly accurate shot probably came as a surprise, both to herself and to the Imperials aboard the frigate that now found themselves under actual fire. Now, if only she could get the damage done too.


OOC: Poor Will. :)
Quad Laser Cannon, attack +2, damage 4d10×4
Long Range, reduced to Medium Range with Far Shot, −5 attack
Attack 19, damage 13 × 4 = 52

Various lights flashed and warnings sounded as they neared the Frigate and their point defense systems attempted to get a lock on his B-wing. "Keep us in the air, you're doing great." he said to his pilot as he lined up a shot and fired his next torpedo.



10:55, Today: Rynn Culmar rolled 28 using 9d10.  56 Damage.

10:55, Today: Rynn Culmar rolled 28 using 1d20+14. Torpedos away!.

Chu-Shkar began firing his ion cannons as rapidly as they would fire, though that was not that fast, it didn't look like he was doing much damage though. "CLOSER Goofex! GET Us closer!"
11:04, Today: Chu-Shkar rolled 16 using 1d20+12.  attack with ion cannons.11:15, Today: Chu-Shkar rolled 21 using 4d10.  x2 ion cannon damage. so 42 ion damage.

The B-wings began their attack run. Lyla offered covering fire, the Alabak's Gold's lasers strafing the hull of the Imperial frigate. The enormous ship's shields were strong enough to turn aside the attack harmlessly. Determined to make their attack successful Chu-Shkar continued the assault, blasting the Imperial ship with his ion cannons. Again the attack was thwarted by the ship's shields. Then Rynn targeted the engines and released his proton torpedoes, a direct hit. The frigate shook and its shields flickered.

In typical Imperial style the frigate retaliated with brute force. The point defence laser blasted at Rynn ineffectually as the tractor beam failed to lock on to Chu-Shkar's B-wing. The Turbolaser batteries were more effective. Another blast flew passed the Rebels and destroyed another Verpine starship. Closer to home another battery targeted the fast approaching Alabak's Gold, the massive laser struck the jumpship and damaged it badly.

Run the Gauntlet

OOC Current range to Nebulon-B
Rynn 3 squares
Chu-Shkar 3 squares
Alabak's Gold 9 squares

The B-wings are now at point blank range and should remain so for a 2 more rounds. Rynn has scored one direct hit on the engines! Klyn calculates that 2 more direct hits will immobilise the frigate's engines.

The Alabak's Gold took a mighty 60 points of damage, a good hit but not enough to exceed its tough Damage Threshold, so no negative effects to the ship but Shield Rating down to 20.

CN                 F  R     HP   DR  SR  DT Spd Torpedos Notes

Alabak's Gold      24 13  60/120 15  20  74  2     0     -9 Initiative/Pilot, +2 attack rolls
Chu-Shkar B-wing   16 18 150/150 10  50  48  3     7     -3 Initiative/Pilot, +4 attack rolls
Rynn B-wing        16 18 150/150 10  50  48  3     6     -3 Initiative/Pilot, +4 attack rolls

Nebulon-B frigate  37 14   67    15  95 137  3

Lyla 18
Chu-Shkar 17
Klyn 12
Rynn 6
Nebulon-B 3

'No!' Lyla yelled as the Verpine ship was blown out of space. All of those lives... Enraged, she stabbed the communications button, contacting the frigate again. 'You bastard, Nothos! The Verpine are pacifists! They're no threat to you!' She fired back, but her anger and haste threw off her aim.

She changed channels to the rest of the Rebel fleet. 'Stay nimble, everyone. We can't afford another hit like that.'


OOC: Attack 5, miss

That was a heavy hit... Another one like that and they would be sitting duck for the next shot.

Klyn does his best to strengthen the shields and made some evasive moves.

"Hang on! It's going to be a little rough!"

OOC:
double swift action (thanks to vehicle system expertise): recharge shields
standard action: fight defensively no attacks
+10 dodge bonus - 5 to hit for the gunners (sorry Lyla ^^)
12:09, Today: Klyn Cors rolled 30 using 1d20+17.  recharge shields dc 20.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:11, Tue 16 July 2019.

Chu-Shkar felt his blood wanting to boil, butt his wounds and the long day and previous burst of adrenaline made that impossible, which might have been a good thing all considered, having a rage filled wookie in a confined cockpit might be too much for his Verpine pilot Goofix. Instead Chu-Shkar focused his anger towards aiming his guns at the ship and sighting the torpedoes on the spine. He figured if he couldn't get either to work individually he's fire both at the same time and see if that would work. It might take a little reworking of a targeting computer...

Rynn didn't focus on the shuttle's destruction. His task required concentration and that meant putting everything else out of his mind. "Woah!" Rynn called out on the internal comms of the prototype "Nice flying there little buddy." after the verpine did an aileron roll to dodge some incoming fire.

Seeing an opening, the Ubese sent another torpedo rushing toward the frigate.





09:41, Today: Rynn Culmar rolled 53 using 9d10.  damage.

09:41, Today: Rynn Culmar rolled 18 using 1d20+14.  Another Salvo.

Slicing into the onboard computer with lightning fast fingers Chu-Shkar quickly has a patch made that will allow it to fire both weapons. **WARNING PROCEDURE NOT RECOMMENDED OVERLOAD IMMINENT** flashes across the screen. Ignoring it he lines up his cross-hairs on the spine of the Nebulon-B...


13:46, Today: Chu-Shkar rolled 11 using 1d20+7.  torpedoes.
13:46, Today: Chu-Shkar rolled 16 using 1d20+7.  ion cannons.
13:48, Today: Chu-Shkar rolled 50 using 9d10.  torpedoes damage.
13:47, Today: Chu-Shkar rolled 35 using 4d10.  x2 ion cannon damage.
As both attacks hit his system began to overload and making a split second decision he saved the one weapon he felt he would need...
This message was last edited by the player at 20:51, Sat 27 July 2019.

All of the Rebels ships continued to close in on the Imperial Frigate and again Rynn scored a direct hit on the frigate's engines. The enormous ship shook. Overloading the fire-controls on the prototype B-wing Chu-Shkar fired a torpedo and his ion cannons. The torpedo flew wide of its target but it remained live and locked on, it began to change its course ready to try again. The ion cannons fire the Imperial ship but the blast fizzled out when it made contact with the ship's shields.

Wrestling the controls of the Alabak's Gold Klyn managed a manoeuvre which successful dodged the incoming turbolasers. The point defence lasers assessed the biggest threat as the roaming torpedo, their lasers blasting across the flight path of the small target, all missing, leaving the torpedo unscathed.

OOC Current range to Nebulon-B
Rynn 0 squares
Chu-Shkar 0 squares
Alabak's Gold 7 squares

Rynn's torpedo hit. Klyn calculates that 1 more direct hits will immobilise the frigate's engines.

Chu-Shkar torpedo missed but it is locked on so Chu-Shkar can attack with it again in this new round at -5 penalty, you do not need to spend an action to do this. The B-wings fire one torpedo at a time, so Chu-Shkar has 6 left.


CN                 F  R     HP   DR  SR  DT Spd Torpedos Notes

Alabak's Gold      24 13  60/120 15  25  74  2     0     -9 Initiative/Pilot, +2 attack rolls, +5 Ref
Chu-Shkar B-wing   16 18 150/150 10  50  48  3     6     -3 Initiative/Pilot, +4 attack rolls
Rynn B-wing        16 18 150/150 10  50  48  3     5     -3 Initiative/Pilot, +4 attack rolls

Nebulon-B frigate  37 14   67    15  95 137  3

Lyla 18
Chu-Shkar 17
Klyn 12
Rynn 6
Nebulon-B 3

'Woah!' Lyla cried as Klyn's evasive manoeuvres suddenly threw her around in her seat, and threw her aim and sights on the frigate right out of the window. Her view was whirling wildly, but as soon as she got a glimpse of the frigate again, she locked on and fired!


OOC:
Quad Laser Cannon, attack +2, damage 4d10×4
Long Range, reduced to Medium Range with Far Shot, −5 attack
Defensive: −5 attack
Attack 14, damage 16 × 4 = 64 @ the frigate
This message was last edited by the player at 09:09, Fri 16 Aug 2019.

Chu-Shkar's board starts lighting up like a Nameday tree on Shriiwook, and seeing he's getting a feedback loop through the targeting array, has to think quick. Gonna lose one or the other for sure, so gotta chose which to save.... He thinks to himself. Then with a split second decision he begins working furiously and reroutes all the surge through the ion cannon controls. There is a flash and smoke begins to pour out through the panel. Grabbing the extinguisher he sprays it to quell the flash-fire in the circuits and pushes the buttons to stop the alarms for the ships warning system.

Goofix is screaming at him asking what is going on, to which Chu-Shkar just says, "NOTHING I've got it under control." After the fire is out he says, "I'VE GOt good news and bad news, which do you want first?"

Meanwhile torpedo that he had fired circled around and headed back towards it's target...

10:26, Today: Chu-Shkar rolled 7 using 1d20+2.  torpedo attack. Something seems wrong about that so can you check the math please? I went from can't miss, to never hitting.

Rynn's smirk couldn't be seen due to his suit, and the lack of anyone in his area of the ship. This is where he got his high. The exhilaration of the dog fight, explosions in the vacuum of space. Knowing the wrong move, a wrong decision would end it all. Living on the edge of life. He targeted the ships engines again, and let out another torpedo fire away from it's tube, watching for it to slam into the engines again.



16:42, Today: Rynn Culmar rolled 43 using 9d10.
16:38, Today: Rynn Culmar rolled 24 using 1d20+12.  Attack .

OOC My bad, I thought I had posted.

Klyn continues his acrobatic flight, both to attract the attention of the gunners and to avoid being hit.

Tera felt helpless, she tried to do the only thing she could. She sat hunched over the sensor output looking for a weakness in the enemy vessel that might be exploited.


08:16, Today: Tera Inkari rolled 20 using 1d20+12.  use computer.

Swooping beneath the enormous frigate Rynn's B-wing swung around as Rynn released another proton torpedo. The torpedo flew directly into the frigate's engine casing. A burst of electric blue sparks danced across the scarred metal. A rumble tore through the Nebulon-B and then the engines went dead.

The continued blasts from the turbolaser and the point defence lasers at the rebels demonstrated that the frigate was immobile but not vulnerable. The shields of the B-wings proving their resilience against the hits against them.

Ackbar's voices came over the com unit "nice shooting strike team. We owe you our lives. Now get out of here. Our sensors indicate that the rest of the blockade is headed this way" Commander Ackbar then ordered the Verpine fleet to prepare to escape and make the jump to hyperspace.

Then another voice cut into the com unit. It was a cold and menacing voice "savour your victory while you may Rebels. Remember the name Commander Bane Nothos, for one day I shall find you and make you pay, and dearly, for what you have done".

OOC Current range to Nebulon-B
Rynn 0 squares
Chu-Shkar 0 squares
Alabak's Gold 5 squares


CN                 F  R     HP   DR  SR  DT Spd Torpedos Notes

Alabak's Gold      24 13  60/120 15  25  74  2     0     -9 Initiative/Pilot, +2 attack rolls, +5 Ref
Chu-Shkar B-wing   16 18 150/150 10  50  48  3     5     -3 Initiative/Pilot, +4 attack rolls
Rynn B-wing        16 18 150/150 10  50  48  3     4     -3 Initiative/Pilot, +4 attack rolls

Nebulon-B frigate  37 14   67    15  95 137  3

Lyla 18
Chu-Shkar 17
Klyn 12
Rynn 6
Nebulon-B 3

Finally getting his fires under control Chu-Shkar angrily roared expletives into the coms as the imp commander and fired another torpedo at the frigate before Goofex began peeling off.


08:32, Today: Chu-Shkar rolled 15 using 1d20+5.  torpedo attack.
08:33, Today: Chu-Shkar rolled 49 using 9d10.  torpedoes damage.

Tera raised an eyebrow and sent out a communication "Who?"

"Mission accomplished, let's not stay and offer them targets to their anger and shame."
Klyn didn't waste any time and quickly sent the Gold into a quick retreat.

OOC: fastest movement possible

'Woohoo!' Lyla whooped, punching the air as the frigate's engines were disabled. Hearing Ackbar's timely transmission, she agreed transmitted to their ships 'Right, let's haul our tails out of here!'

Still, she couldn't resist rolling her turret around and firing a powerful laser barrage at the stricken frigate while she had range and opportunity, to cover their retreat and hopefully stop this Bane Nothos from coming after them. She doubted they'd see each other again, but didn't want to take the chance of saying something smart and looking embarrassed if they did.


OOC:
Quad Laser Cannon, attack +2, damage 4d10×4
Medium Range, reduced to Short Range with Far Shot, −2 attack
Attack 25, damage 24 × 4 = 96 @ the frigate

Flying as fast as possible in the opposite direction and then initiating a hyperspace jump if Nothos says more or replied to Tera you do not hear it.

At the rendezvous point the Rebels joined the remains of the Verpine fleet. Commander Ackbar invited them to board his ship for any needed medical treatment.

From inside the turret, Lyla made a last scan for pursuing Imperials – frigates, TIEs, or otherwise. Somehow, they'd gotten away with it, achieved all their mission objectives, But not clean, not without a cost. Too many Verpine had died on the way out. She reminded herself not to get too pleased with herself.

Shutting down, she climbed down out of the turret and found Klyn in the cockpit and Tera in the sickbay. 'Alright, let's go see what Ackbar has to say now.'

Chu-Shkar was furious. He had failed to do anything during that last engagement, and it had cost the verpine their lives. He was not going to let that stand. Maybe it was time for him to get some training in weapons.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 22:17, Tue 03 Sept 2019.

They had succeeded... but if they needed another proof that the Empire was a cruel and vicious tyrant, they had it.

"I really hope it was worth it, especially for the Verpines... To shoot unarmed civilians... If there is any mission against that man, I will volunteer, I swear it."

Landing in the prototype in the carrier Rynn hopped out of the gunner seat and clapped his verpine pilot on the back. "Nice flying little buddy." he said, before moving on to his core group. "So as reward I suggest we ask for one of those prototypes. They don't need two...  right?" It was impossible to see the joking smile through his skinsuit, but you could tell by the tone he wasn't being serious.

As he climbed out of the cockpit he chuffed noncommittally at Klyn and said to Goofax "GOOD Work!" He then hopped down before heading towards the barracks.

Meanwhile the techs were looking at his cockpit instrument panels with horrified looks as they surveyed the spliced together and rewired and melted circuit-boards from the kludging together of the fire control, smoke still rising from it's burned out components. He would most likely hear about that later.

The Verpine pilots chittered excitedly upon seeing the surviving Verpine fleet. Their hive was not lost. Goofax waved as Chu-Shkar departed the hangar and looked nonplussed by the alteration the Wookiee had made to the firecontrols. The Verpine was already planning its own modifications to the ship's design.

Commander Ackbar looked worn out but was very pleased to see the crew of the Alabak's Gold, "Commander Tallon's faith in you and your crew was not misplaced Lieutenant Rahn. Well done. I shall be returning to Rebel command and taking the B-wing prototypes with me. I would welcome you to accompany me as my honour guard and receive the praise you deserve" the Mon Calamarian offered.

OOC XP is updated.

Tera looked significantly healthier by the time they met the admiral. One moment at deaths door, but after only a few hours with some medpatches stuck over the worst spots, she looked as though she'd just been through a bad brawl. She kept herself quiet during the meet preferring for Lyla to talk although she was resentful towards the admiral, as he must have known there were significant imperial forces all around.

A glance at Lyla was enough for Tera to tell her she wasn't overly pleased at the outcome of the mission. They'd done a job somehow and miraculously well short of the resources needed to truly pull it off.

She looked resignedly towards the others. "Anyone really hurt?"

Chu-Shkar looked terrible, looking burned and fried, patches of fur matted with dried blood and singed and burned hair all over his face arms and upper torso. He just looked at Tera.

'I took this blaster bolt in the hangar, but it looks like I got off lightly.' Lyla assured Tera, showing her single small blaster burn. She'd done well on this mission, surprisingly, but she felt like she was still carrying healing remnants of burns and scrapes since Tatooine. 'See to Chu and Rynn first, they need it.'

She heard Commander Ackbar's fine words, and wasn't moved by them. A glance to Tera and the others showed they weren't impressed either. Ackbar's operation had been a mess and laid bare to an Imperial mole. She had a few choice words she could say, but was wise enough to annoy a Commander. At least, not too much. 'Thanks, but we'll take the B-wings ourselves. Salin Glek infiltrated your whole operation – who knows what the Imperials know about you, your crew, your ships; what surprises he's left; or if there are other spies waiting. The prototypes are safest with us. We'll just let the Imperials think you have them.'

"Yes, they took the brunt of the fight in the hangar" added Klyn.

"I got a flesh wound, no more."

He liked Lyla's suggestions, but wondered how it would be received.

Rynn nodded his thanks to the Captain at offering him and Chu first dibs at the healing. He found himself wishing for a Bacta bath, but knew his wounds didn't quite warrant that.

At his LTs words, his eyebrows shot up (not that anyone saw) and he tossed a sideways glance at the Admiral, waiting to hear his response.

Tera raised an eyebrow at Lyla's suggestion, of taking the B-wings but said nothing. At the suggestion that 2 of the crew might need more attention, she accepted the comment and went to them. Closing her eyes, she used the force to take Rynn and Chu's pain away and start the healing process for them both. "It won't hurt...not even a bit, though you might feel a bit itchy."

[ooc: consider it a vital transfer]

Any rebuff that Lyla's words conveyed was accepted humbly by the Commander. Ackbar was a peaceful man who had been forced to learn the art of war by the Empire. Everything he did was tempered by his need for justice, honour and concern for the people of the galaxy.

"One day there will be peace and we will be free to not watch our backs and questions our friends" the Mon Calamarian said quietly to the Rebels "now we must depart. I trust the B-wings in the hands of your pilots" he looked at Rynn and Klyn. He waved to Goofax and summoned him over "Goofax can help you with piloting the Alabak's Gold" the Verpine waved its antenna in agreement.

"I shall send the hyperspace coordinates to your ships" the Commander then dismissed them to head toward his own transport.

'Thanks.' Lyla conceded, dropping her challenging tone for genuine gratitude. As Ackbar left, she breathed out, letting go of a tension she hadn't noticed she'd had before, full of relief that she'd gotten away with her defiance of a commander, surprised at her own daring.

She turned back to her team with a grin. 'Well. You wanted to try out those fighters a bit longer, right?'

Teras eyes widened as if she didn't understand what went on between Lyla and the admiral. She looked confused, staring at the others wondering if the reality in which she stood was actual reality or some kind of strange disturbance in the Force. "Uh.... not to raise the question, but are our injured pilots fit enough to fly them anywhere?" she looked at them "I was going to spend a day or so meditating I was hurt that much. Are you guys good to fly these things home?"

Klyn was moderately happy to leave the Gold to someone else, but the idea of piloting a new prototype was also very entertaining.

"Not problem on my part. I don't know about you?" he asked Rynn.

Chu-Shkar was trying to look to see if there was a place to get patched up, but he couldn't see one, and all this standing around talking was irritating him  not good when a wookie is in pain and injured. He let out a growl of frustration "CAN I GEt some medical attention now?" He growled out irritably.

Before the Rebels split up to take the B-wing fighters Tera went to Rynn. The doctor reached out and touched the Ubese pilot. Her touch alone sent a feeling of healing and strength, however Tera's own face paled. She then reached out to help the hairy Wookiee, Chu-Shkar felt the vibrant energy of the Force. This time Tera's face became ashen and she staggered as she let go of Chu-Shkar.

Then it was time for them to go. Each of the B-wings had the hyperspace co-ordinates uploaded and a coded message was sent to the Alabak's Gold.

OOC Tera's healing is 16hp for Chu-Shkar and 8hp for Rynn, Tera takes 12 damage.

Anyone need to do anything before the jump?

Seeing Tera stagger and look pale, Lyla hurried up to support her, not knowing what had happened in that simple touch. 'You okay, T? Maybe you should rest a bit?' she suggested with concern. 'Well, at least you're not flying, anyway.'

'As for me, I want to search the Gold from top to bottom. There's no knowing what Glek and the Imps got up to when they had her. And not just riffling through my underwear drawer.'


OOC: Lyla will Take 20 on a Search check, Perception 29, to see if the Imps left any surprises.

"Feeling better now than I was." The Ubese said nodding to the Jedi for easing his pain. He looked longingly toward the hanger. "In those prototype's I'll be just fine. I survived a fight against a frigate before your healing touch after all."

Tera nodded, not saying anything as she absorbed the wounds from the others. "I'm not fine now, but at least we'll get them to whatever we call home this week." she gave a wan smile before continuing "Believe it or not, it won't take too long until I'm back on my feet again thanks to the golden sun."

'Alright then.' Lyla accepted from the both of them, relieved to hear it. 'I'd say we should take it easy for a bit, but that's never up to us, is it? So, tails crossed we get some peace and quiet for a bit.' It was wishful thinking, she knew, but that was all they had. Either the Alliance threw them back in the fire, or the Imperials brought the fire to them, they had no choice about when or how.

Klyn was too busy talking with the temporary pilot of the Gold - explaining the little quirks of the ships and the likes, almost like a parent to a babysitter - to really notice Tera's doing.

Patiently Goofax listened to Klyn and reassured him that he would take good care of his ship. A search by Lyla of the Alabak's Gold revealed no Imperial surprises or bugs. The hyperspace jump to the Rebel base was peaceful. The astronavigation coordinates provided by Ackbar took them to Neskroff starport. The starport positioned inside the huge crystal mesa was a welcome sanctuary for the Rebels. As the Alabak's Gold flew into the hangar the Rebel engineers recognised the starship and a cheer was raised. When they disembarked the fellow Rebels waved and clapped them on the shoulders. Later the arrival of the two prototype B-wing was greeted with another cheer.

There was time to rest and refresh before they were summoned again to the Audience Chamber. Another ceremony was performed to congratulate the heroes that had saved the Verpine and the B-wings. Commander Adar Tallon gave his thanks and to the surprise of the gathered assembly Mon Mothma, the retired politician and leader of the Rebel Alliance made an appearance. The politician congratulated Commander Ackbar on his project to design and build the B-wings and praised Lyla and the crew of the Alabak's Gold for their skill and courage in saving the Verpine and the B-wings.

The ceremony was ended when Mon Mothma promoted Commander Ackbar to Admiral and invited the Mon Calamari to join her as part of the Rebel leadership. To the crew of the Alabak's Gold she promoted Lyla to Commander, Tera and Klyn to Lieutenant, Rynn to Corporal and Chu-Shkar to Deckman.

OOC New abilities.

Lyla's Commander rank ability has changed: Once per encounter as a swift action she can grant an additional bonus to all allies with line of sight, Lyla grants a +2 bonus on attack rolls on their next attack.

Tera and Klyn now have Lieutenant rank ability: Once per encounter as a swift action they can grant an additional bonus to all allies with line of sight. They may grant an additional move action to all allies or may grant an additional +5 bonus when an ally uses the aid action until the start of they next turn.

Lyla was glad to get back to Isis, alive and free and with no further scrapes with the Imperials. She'd found no booby-traps, bugs, or other surprises either, which was also a relief. When they disembarked, and were met by another heroes' welcome, Lyla threw up her hand and punched the sky in a show of a triumph, cheering with the ground crew for a shared success, rather than for herself alone.

Later, washed and healed and wearing some of her better clothes, she had joined the others in the Audience Chamber, accepting the thanks and praise and promotions with both pride and embarrassment and a lot of surprise. A Commander of the Rebel Alliance? She'd come along way from a daughter of a caravan clan, a Rylothan orphan, a runaway street-kid, a dancer just getting by, and a dusty desert ranger for hire. She could only wonder what Mum and Dad would think of her now, but hoped they'd be proud.

It was no surprise that Ackbar got another promotion for the Shantipole Shambles, however. She just hoped that the newly minted Admiral Ackbar wouldn't go flying into another trap.

When they were done, she turned to her team-mates, a bright grin across her orange face and she fingered her medal. 'Looking good, team!'

Returning to the Starbase he'd been stationed at before meeting up with Lyla's squad was a joyous occasion. He hugged and greet old friends, and was grateful for the chance to decompress and rest a little before the ceremony.

After it was all over, Rynn was beaming proudly displaying the new rank, and mind already thinking about the next task.

Klyn had enjoyed the travel. It had been some time since he took the commands of a fighter.  He was just a bit disappointed not to have been able to test the limits and fighting prowess of the prototype before being forced to give it back.

And now he had become a lieutenant... with responsibilities too...

"Well,I just hope they don't ask me to lead a team on my own. Not something I wanna do." he said.

"More than happy to leave all the responsibilities on your shoulders, commander!" he added with a big smile.

Chu-Shkar was mostly quiet, contemplating the need for some basic training on combat techniques. he was seriously considering going to check out getting training in the basic course. That would take him from the team for a while but he would be a trained warrior afterward. It was something to consider.

'Ugh, thanks.' Lyla groaned with a weary grin at Klyn. She'd been stunned to be made lieutenant, and now to be a commander was beyond comprehension right now. 'Nah, I hope they'll see we work well together and decide not to change us up too much... Though, I would like our next mission to be a light and easy one for once. Maybe now I'm a commander I get to pick, right?'

"Of course!  You will have to pick among the toughest, hardest missions. Those only awarded officials could hope to come back alive."

Tera smiled "You'll get to pick, I'm sure. Option A, a suicidal run against the 3rd fleet or option B, a suicidal run against the 501st legion." she shrugged "Eitehr way I'm sure we'll come out the other end, though it was really on the finest of edges we made it through this time."

'So, business as usual, then?' Lyla chuckled dryly at their options. 'Yeah, we do have a habit of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, don't we? Or maybe it's just getting away by the tips out of our tails.'

She glanced around to see what the crowd and the higher-ups were doing, then back to the team. 'Anyway, how about we hit the cantina and celebrate, before they notice us and give us something to do?'

"Probably both. That time it came closer than we've ever been I think. If I hear the word B-wing again, it better be because they've blown apart a star destroyer...or maybe just a frigate. I sure hope they're worth it." Tera nodded, heading towards the cantina "So... any plans? I mean aside from trying to avoid being noticed by the higher ups?"

'Yeah. Being stuck on an Imperial-held base that we're about to blow up with no way to escape... was not fun.' Lyla ended flatly, unable to put her feelings on the mission in better words. It was a suicide mission, pure and simple, and she still wasn't happy to have been sent on it, necessity and promotions be damned. And damn this war.

She needed to get drunk.

'Plans? I need to get drunk... And maybe laid. But first, drunk.'

Chu-Shkar went to his bunk without anyone noticing and there he composed a transfer request. One that he was sure would surprise his Lieutenant.

A daring escape from the Audience Chamber and the Rebel leaders wasn't tricky for the proficient Rebels, the crew of the Alabak's Gold had faced harder challenges.

Anywhere in the galaxy had a place where people could go to drink, play games and relax. Isis was no difference. The cantina was lively with musicians and gambling being popular amongst its clients. It lacked some of the dangers and threats that many other cantina's prospered on, there was no fighting pit or darkened corners. The crystal mesa lit up the bar and the dance floor sparkled with multicoloured lights.

The bartender, a green skinned Hamadryas, was discrete serving the Rebels and letting them relax after their many adventures.

Feeling a buzz, and long before she'd even gotten a drink, Lyla took out her datapad and checked her messages. After being away so long to Shantipole, she had a lot of unread messages, most of it spam and official communications from Alliance Command that she'd treat all the same. Later. But when she saw Chu-Shkar's recent message, she had to check – they'd just been talking, and he could've come out with them and talked to her now. The formal tone surprised her too, since she'd always been laid-back with the team, and besides the message system was still using her former rank.

Then she read it, and frowned, her head-tails drooped in disappointment. So, sitting at the table, rather than drinking, she tapped off a response while trying to think of one.

Chu-Shkar spends the afternoon Submitting the paperwork necessary for the request he made, and getting things ready, before packing his bags to prepare. he had seen there was a shuttle leaving for the training base at 0800 the next morning and he was confident he would be on it. So he wanted to be ready. Once that was done he sent a communication to the rest of his team asking them to meet him at the cantina for a drink as he had some news.

Rynn, checking his bracer computer noticed the message from Chu, and sent back "Meet you there." He had been swapping stories with the pilots in used to patrol with in one of the hanger rec rooms, during the initial down time. Hands were shook, promises to get together again were made, and the Ubese made his way to meet his hairy friend.

Meet him at the cantina? Lyla had never left the cantina, and had in fact been waiting for the others to show up all this time. Groaning, wondering why they couldn't just party in peace either, Lyla sent back a garbled response that was roughly in the affirmative, and had another swig of Twi'lek fungus ale. But it hadn't felt right drinking alone.

Klyn had left the cantina after a short time, as he wanted to talk with the Verpines about hints to upgrade the Gold... or learn a bit more about the prototypes.

He got the com and took his leave, with a promise to get back quickly.


"So, what's the news?" he asked as soon as he spotted the rest of the team.

Chu-Shkar made his way to the cantina, expecting to be one of the first ones to show up, but actually being the last to arrive. Realizing this he was a little surprised and chagrined, belatedly realizing that the rest probably wanted to take the edge off after the mission. So he came and sat with them, after first ordering another round for the table and a drink for himself, something he seldom did, they knew.

As he sat his Vox Box which he had been working on during his flight back to the station spoke up in a less problematic voice. "Thank you for all coming to meet with me. I have been thinking about a decision for some time, and have made it. With the L.T.'s permission I have asked for a temporarrary transfer to be retrained as a trooper. I  feel I need some combat training, and the lack of it has made me a liability at times for the team. I am not hopefully going to be gone permanently, but will be gone for at least the next few missions as I'm being sent back to basic training and then to infantry training."

He looked around at the team as the next round of drinks arrived. "I have never served with a better crew, nor had a better pack of warriors to fight beside me." Taking his drink he stood and held his glass up for a toast. "Will you join me in toasting the Rebellion?"

'To the Alliance, and to Palpatine being tossed into a sarlacc!' Lyla whooped, raising her sloshing tankard in a raucous toast, then took a good long swig of her next round.

Afterward, she thought deeply, or as deeply as she could in circumstances, on Chu-Shkar's words. Finally, she answered, trying to hide her drunkenness, 'Chu-Shkar, I've always,' she hiccuped, 'Thought you capable and willing, and I've got no complaintsh. You've been a great member of the squad. she complimented. 'But you can take whatever time you need to train in whatever you find sh-satisfying. If it's time at the rifle range you need, I'll be happy to train you myself.' she offered with a glad grin, clapping the Wookiee on his hairy shoulder.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 09:19, Tue 29 Oct 2019.

"It's more than just shooting strrraight. I couldn't hit while firing in the b-wing, and my combat skills in underwater and hand to hand were bad as well. I need a complete overhaul. I'm going to take the basic and advanced infantry courses before I come back." He said after the toast. It was obvious he was looking for more than just a few shooting lessons, maybe he wanted to be trained as a real soldier?

'Yeah, hand-to-hand and starship combat aren't my best areas either.' Lyla agreed, her inebriated exuberance fading as she tried to get down to business. 'I just try to focus on rifle-work and keeping my distance. But that fight with us trapped in the computer room, the Stormtroopers and technicians pouring in all around us...' She shuddered; she might've come through unscratched, but she couldn't protect the rest of the team, and they'd been nearly overwhelmed while she was falling back with nowhere to go, just making potshots with her rifle. 'I reckon I could do with more melee training too.' she mused.

'But don't forget Chu – it was your computer skills that got us through that base, more than anyone's skill with a blaster. We complement each other: I shoot, you slice, Rynn flies, Klyn fixes, Tera heals us, we make a good team.'

"None of us is a soldier" said Klyn.
"Fighting  is something that's happening when our plans back fire... Granted, that happens a lot... We managed to get by each time, but having someone who is trained for such situation might have helped more than one.

You are a good slicer, if you want to get another set of skill, that's good. Never too many skills, that's my motto. "

"That is the idea. The goal is toooo get the training to be a decent warriorrrr so that I can defend myself and others on the team. I will still be a slicer, and a damn good one, but this will allow me to be both a little more self reliant and an asset to the rest of you beyond slicing."

"Well, I'd say enjoy the training, but I flew with some marines for a while as transportation when I first joined up with the Rebels... while the training seemed invaluable, I wouldn't say they had "fun" doing it." Rynn had transferred his drink into the drinking container that attached to his suit allowing him to drink without removing it. "We'll all be here when you get back." he said, leaving off the 'I hope.'. It was always strange leaving friends at war, knowing that those goodbyes might be the last.

'And we shouldn't be soldiers.' Lyla agreed with Klyn emphatically. 'We're ragtag rebels, we're scrappy. If we were soldiers, the Empire would've made us what we never wanted to be – Stormtroopers, focused on fighting, just like them – and the Alliance would be another Empire. But we're focused on more than that. So let us always be a ragtag band of rebels!' she declared.

'And, Chu, may you be the best and scrappiest ragtag-rebel slicer Wookiee around!' she cheered him. She realised she'd definitely miss him on the next mission or so. 'Good luck, and the Goddess smile on you, and may the Force be with you, or whatever. And you'll always have a place on the Gold.' she promised.

'So, do you know anything about your replacement? I won't accept anyone without your approval.

Chu-Shkar Just shook his head at the question about his replacement. "They probably don't know yet that they need one itttt is happening kinda fast."

"But it will probably be someone good with communications if not anotherr slicer. As that's what I'mmm listed as. A comms specialist."

Lyla was quiet for a while, chewing her lip and not knowing what to say, but finally she just had to ask: 'Is being a comms specialist hard, you know,' she waved at his translation gadget, 'When you need to work through that thing?' After all, a Wookiee was an unexpected choice for a role that would require translation. And she'd always thought Chu'Shkar was a mechanic. Oops.

Chu-Shkar chuffed loudly drawing several stares as a wookie laughing is a sight, but the stares were in amusement, not suspicion, which was a nice change of pace from the places the crew had been hanging around lately. "No you misunderstanddd, comms specialists set up communications networks and handle encryption and security for the network. They seldom do the actual communicating, unless it's to other comms specialists. And we accctually have a sort of lingo we use for communicating so it's almost it's own language anyway, so most people use text for communications in that language.Most of them understand Shyriiwook and I understand Basic, so we get by."

As Chu-Shkar's noise, Lyla worried, and indeed feared, that she'd offended the Wookiee. But she relaxed when she realised it was only a laugh. She hoped. He seemed to take the question in good humour anyway.'Ah, okay.' she accepted, trying to remember for the future what comms specialists actually did, and not to piss them off by forgetting. 'Hey, I know it's a bit late, but better now than never – I don't think I know very much about you... Most of you, in fact. We never really get the chance to talk about ourselves on missions. So, where do you come from? What got you into the Rebellion?'

At the question of his past Chu-Shkar gets quiet and a little sad. He sighs as he stares off into the distance for a moment as if looking into the past remembering.

Klyn stayed silent for a bit too.

"I suppose we all have past history with the Empire... sad and angry, most certainly.

They took part of my family who did not agree with their ways."

Whilst the rebels drank and talked the hours passed. The music continued and the bartender continued to fetch them all drinks. The only interruption was a single commlink message to Lyla from Rebel command by the orders of Admiral Ackbar the Alabak's Gold and its crew is to be reposted to the Elrood Sector. It appeared that they were being shifted to a backwater and isolated territory of the Empire. They could only speculative why the Admiral wanted them there, did he want to put distance between him and them after Lyla's challenge or was something important happening in Elrood.

At Chu-Shkar's sad reaction, Lyla's face fell and her tails drooped with regret and shame. 'Oh, crud, I'm so sorry, I didn't think...' she began apologetically, trailing off in embarrassment, before she dug a deeper hole. Her path into the Rebellion had been more banal, her tragedy much older.

Then she was saved by the admiral, receiving a comlink message, and new orders. Once again, she looked rueful. 'And now I've got something else to apologise for – Ackbar's posting us to the Elrood Sector. I don't know what's there, it sounds like a bit of a backwater. But I doubt it's so we can have some time off... You might be leaving just in time, Chu.'

At Lyla's comment Chu-Shkar seemed to realize his reaction and he waved it off. "No you are fine. I am simply forced to be away from my family due to my being wanted by the Empire for killing several imperialll officers on Shriiwook. It simply reminded me that My daughter's nameday is coming up soon and I won't be there for that due to the Empire. So that makes me sad. Nothinggg you can do about it, so..."

'Oh. I'm sorry to hear that, Chu.' Lyla began, patting his hairy arm reassuringly, before trailing off among her own memories and old grief. She didn't think of her family and clan very often, it hurt too much to try. She let those memories lie buried, just like their bones, under the Rylothan desert sand. 'Still, at least you know they're safe, right?' she asked, with a touch of hope.

Chu-Shkar nodded. "Yes, they are protected deep in the forest, in the heart of the deep wood. There is a place known as the Gralla' Tree where our people have gone for generations when dangerrr threatened. It is a holy place and the Ancestor Spirits are said to protect all who reside there. No Wookiee will committt violence to another there, and all would defend it with their life. In the past it was the site of negotiations of peace betweeeen warring tribes as no tribe would fight on the grounds. By having the negotiations there it was a signnnn that the negotiations were sincere."

With the evocative way Chu-Shkar told of it, Lyla could almost see it in her mind's eye, almost carried away to Kashyyyk. She'd seen pictures of the great wroshyr trees, and could only wonder at how much more majestic this Gralla' Tree had to be. 'That sounds... peaceful.' she concluded at last, unable to come up with something better.

But even as she said it, she couldn't hold back. 'My clan... lie buried, under the sands, in a nameless place by the trail. It's peaceful, I guess.' she sighed, tails drooping as she gazed downward in grief.

The mood had shifted from they joyful celebration of the fact they had succeeded and were still alive to a deepest sharing. But a much more sad one.

While he understood the importance of what they shared, Klyn also didn't want to dwell too much on those feelings.

In an attempt to break the cycle he went for another topic.

"Err... hum... Do you think they want us to take some much needed holiday to heal our wounds, both kind..."

"You shouldddd. Tell the admiral to stuff it if he tries to givvvve you a mission right away. You needddd a replacement anyway, anddd can use the time to decompress. Besides It's going to take time for them to fine someone to replace my brilliance and wonder!" Chu-Shkar says seriously.

Welcoming Klyn's change of topic, Lyla chuckled at Chu-Shkar's comment. 'Heh. Nah, it says we're being reposted, so we can say goodbye to Isis. We're going to the Elrood Sector – Imperial territory, but supposedly an isolated, backwater kind of space. With any luck, it'll be undercover monitoring, to make sure it stays that way.' She sipped her beer, somehow already doubting they'd be so lucky.

Chu-Shkar nodded sagely. "Probably best I'm not going then. Wookkies aren't alloweddd to roam free in imperial territory. I'd be stuck inside or forceddd to pose as a slave when out and about. Andddd I'm not wearing chains."