The party make their way down the dusty street, Fennec in the lead with Xizran and Layla close behind. Bane staggers along behind them, no longer making any effort to hide his heavy panting. The alleyway appears to be deserted, and they see no signs of their pursuers as they reach the end of the alley.
This message was last updated by the GM at 19:56, Tue 22 Mar 2022.

"So just how far away did you say this ship of yours was?" Bane wheezes as Stro'to slips sideways and the crime lord's feet begin to drag along the ground. Bane mutters a curse as he adjusts the Twi'lek to once again balance evenly across his shoulders.

OOC: Bane Malar rolled 4 using 1d20. Strength.
Bane Malar rolled 18 using 1d20. Strength.

"Not far," Fennec replies unsympathetically as she peers around the corner of the next alleyway before giving a nod and moving forward once more.

OOC: Fennec Kang rolled 23 using 1d20+11. Spot.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:04, Sun 20 Mar 2022.

As they enter the alleyway Xizran's comlink beeps, as an encrypted incoming call appears with the identification of Loppak Slusk.

Xizran hastily ducks under some signage so no ships can see him from above, removes the trandoshan jacket, brushes the worst of the dust off himself, and hits "answer".

The holographic figure of a Quarren appears on the projector in Xizran's hand. He wears an expensive tunic and cloak and a gold metal sash is clasped at his waist.

"Xizran," he says briskly in Huttese, "Where are you? I tried calling your palace on Duro and your signal was disconnected. I have also tried calling Gendak, Ruushan and Stro'to and their signals are all disconnected. Something highly irregular is happening."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 05:16, Sun 20 Mar 2022.

"Network difficulties," Xizran cites untruthfully. "Needless to say, everything is fine on Duro. The nerf-herders who were responsible for that shoddy job are now food for the fishes. I can't imagine why Stro'to isn't answering you. Perhaps he's too busy with his lady friends to have time for the duties he's been entrusted with."

Bane nearly thinks he hears Stro'to make a protesting noise, though with a suit of armor in between, he can't be sure.

Loppak makes a disapproving noise.

"I am glad that your disruption is only the result of holonet connection issues. I find it difficult to believe that all of the other signal disconnections are a result of the same thing. I suggest that you- What is the meaning of this? I gave strict instructions that I was not to be disturbed."

This last part is directed at a bulky Zabrak who has come into view on Loppak's hologram.

"Forgive me sir," says the Zabrak quickly, "But we are under attack!"

"Under attack?" repeats Loppak sharply, "This must be a coordinated-"

His words become gargled and distorted for a moment, then his signal is lost.

Xizran taps the comlink sharply, frowning heavily.

"Fennec, get Holonetting and tell me what, exactly, is going on."
This message was last edited by a game editor at 06:59, Sun 20 Mar 2022.

"We'll be at the ship in a minute," Fennec nods, rounding the next corner rifle raised as a Bith couple hastily move out of their way, huddled against the alleyway as they pass, "I'll check it out as soon as soon as we arrive."

"What's going on?" Layla asks Xizran frowning.

"I have no idea what's going on. That is precisely the problem," Xizran says, keying in a call to his HQ on Duro.

Xizran's call is greeted by a rather ominous female automated voice informing him that his call is unable to be connected at this time and to please ensure the number he has dialled is correct.

Fennec, meanwhile has reached the end of the alleyway.

"There's our ship," she murmurs as the others reach her, peering over the pile of crates she crouches behind to examine an unmarked docking bay across the street through which their ship is visible, "But I don't see any sign of Haakal or the other guards we posted."

OOC: Fennec Kang rolled 22 using 1d20+11. Spot.
GenoHaradan Agents rolled 23 using 1d20+8. Hide.

"Not too surprising, I suppose, given that we put Lendon in charge of securing that ship..."

"...True," allows Fennec darkly.

Bane seems only too happy for an excuse to put Stro'to down for a minute, slumping him up against the wall beside the crates before moving over to join Fennec.

"What are we looking at?" he hisses, peering over the crates.

OOC: Bane Malar rolled 21 using 1d20+5. Spot.

"Check the rooftops," Layla suggests, wincing as she slumps herself down beside Stro'to.

OOC: Layla Secura rolled 20 using 1d20+1. Aid Another (Fennec Kang).

Fennec proceeds to do so, her eyes narrowing as she gestures to Xizran.

"There. Beside that broken radar dish. Sniper."

Perched on the rooftops is indeed a Duros dressed in the same dark exoskeleton as the assassins they encountered in Stro'to's palace, his blaster rifle trained on the entrance to the docking bay.

"So snipe him then," Xizran orders, ducking to hide better so the sniper can't see him. "In fact, why don't you snipe him, Bane, since you say you are a good mercenary and not as incompetent as you look."

"Snipe him?" Bane repeats, "He's like a kilometer away..."

Xizran glares at Bane judgmentally.

"Fifty meters, give or take," Fennec corrects Bane scornfully as she pushes him aside to line up a shot. She curses a moment later as her blast strikes the radar dish with a loud clang.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:54, Sun 20 Mar 2022.

Bane fires a blast of his own regardless, which still fails to strike the Duros though it does make the sniper flinch as it strikes the balcony wall centimeters above his head.

OOC: Bane Malar dealt 17 points of vitality damage to Kurdaan Klesst.

The Duros has no trouble locating the source of the blasts, signalling at the pile of crates the party are crouched behind as a moment later five more assassins charge out of the docking bay and across the street towards them.

OOC: Xizran rolled 25 using 1d20+6. Initiative.
Fennec Kang rolled 16 using 1d20+7. Initiative.
Bane Malar rolled 16 using 1d20+2. Initiative.
Vek Stro'to rolled 12 using 1d20+6. Initiative.
Layla Secura rolled 8 using 1d20+6. Initiative.
GenoHaradan Agents rolled 6 using 1d20+2. Initiatives.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:05, Sun 20 Mar 2022.

Xizran stays firmly where he is.

"Deal with them, Fennec. And Bane, this time, try not to miss," he orders.

OOC: Xizran is aiding another for Fennec.

Crouched behind their crates, Fennec and Bane open fire on the foremost of the charging attackers. The unfortunate Trandoshan is forced to drop to the ground and dart backwards to avoid being struck by the well aimed shots. He and his companions seem to think better of their reckless assault and hastily fall back to duck behind crates and cannisters on the opposite side of the street.

OOC: Fennec Kang dealt 28 points of vitality damage to GenoHaradan Agent.
Bane Malar dealt 19 points of vitality damage to GenoHaradan Agent.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:17, Sun 20 Mar 2022.

"We need to retreat," Layla calls to Xizran over the blaster fire, remaining hidden behind the pile of crates, "We're outgunned and that gunship is likely to show up any minute. We should make for my contact."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:24, Sun 20 Mar 2022.

As she speaks Fennec is struck by a blast in the shoulder, gasping as she collapses behind her crate. Beside her Bane narrowly ducks as a series of blasts whizz over his head and strike the crate above him.

OOC: GenoHaradan Agent dealt 18 points of vitality damage to Fennec Kang.
GenoHaradan Agent dealt 6 points of wound damage to Fennec Kang.
GenoHaradan Agent dealt 32 points of vitality damage to Bane Malar.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:45, Sun 20 Mar 2022.

"I hate to say it but I think the Twi'lek lady is right on this one," Bane agrees as blaster bolts continue to pepper the crates about them.

Xizran curses as Fennec is hit, looking like he'd have much preferred it if Bane had been their target (which he ought to have been, as the one ordered to fire first.)

"Fine," he says curtly. "But your contact had better not turn out to be a traitor as well."

"We can still make it to the ship," Fennec groans, panting heavily as she manages to prop herself up against the side of the crate, fumbling for another medpac.

"So where exactly is the contact?" Bane asks Layla quickly, ignoring Fennec in favor of non-suicidal options.

"He is no traitor," Layla says reprovingly to Xizran, "He is located in the Saaral District."

Xizran's isn't the only blank face in the party.

"Saaral District?" Bane repeats, appearing to know the city better than any of the conscious party members do, "By speeder that isn't far, but that's a two hour hike on foot, not counting the fact that most of us are at death's door. Perhaps I can suggest an alternative?" he pauses to stick his blaster rifle over the crate and fire a couple of random shots before continuing, "A friend of a friend owns a cantina not far from here and he owes me a favor from a while back. He's got some apartments upstairs we could crash at for the night while we rest up and make a plan to reach this contact of yours?"

Layla considers this for a moment, before nodding.

"We don't have much of a choice it seems."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:18, Sun 20 Mar 2022.

"And just how," Xizran hisses, "are you planning on dodging our friends over there on foot? Counting on them being nice and leaving us alone because they think we're just the local street gang, mm?"

"That I can take care of," Layla replies with a weak smile as she ignites her lightsaber and proceeds to cut through the rough stone wall of the building beside them, "If you have any grenades it might be a good idea to throw them as we leave to buy us as much time as possible."

"I don't. Believe it or not, I don't walk around with military grade explosives on me. I leave that to my minions. Bane, you throw one."

"Upgraded to minion, eh? I'll take it," Bane replies, sounding pleased with himself as he withdraws a frag grenade from his pack, "Just say when."

"She literally just said 'when', Bane. If you wish to be a minion, learn to read the room."

"Uh, right," Bane mutters, hurling the grenade into the air.

"Let's go!" Layla says, leading the way through the opening in the wall into what appears to be storage facility filled with rows of stacked crates and cannisters.

Xizran hurries in after her.

"Fennec. Shoot the CCTV terminals. Let's at least make anyone watching us guess which way we went."

Fennec sighs resignedly as she pulls herself up, scoops up her blaster rifle and follows Xizran through the opening. She glances about, swiftly locating and blasting the pair of old holocams in the top corner of the warehouse which may or may not actually have still been functioning.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:43, Sun 20 Mar 2022.

"All right big guy, here we go," Bane says to Stro'to's limp form as he hoists the Twi'lek up into a now all-to-familiar position on his shoulders, seemingly unperturbed as he clunks the crime lord's head on the narrow opening and sets off after the others.

OOC: Bane Malar rolled 20 using 1d20. Strength.

The Twi'lek's elbow, jolted by the bump, strikes Bane squarely in the ribs, but apart from this the Twi'lek seems unaffected by the rapidly-forming bump on his lekku.

"Get a move on," Xizran says critically.

Layla continues to lead the way through the warehouse while Fennec halts, waiting for Bane and Stro'to to pass before bringing up the rear. She watches warily for any sign of pursuit, but their distraction appears to have done its job and their attackers do not yet appear to have realised that they are gone.

"Which way?" Layla asks Bane as they reach the far side of the warehouse.

"All right, it's three streets away from here if I remember correctly," Bane pants, resisting the temptation to bump Stro'to's head on a passing crate, "We want to head east. It should be quite quick if we keep cutting through these buildings, quite literally," he chuckles at his own pun, "We're looking for a place called 'Durgal's Cantina'."

"We're going to make it very obvious where we went if we can't close up those holes afterwards," Xizran scowls at Layla ungratefully. "Can you at least try to cut them behind the crates so we have a better chance of hiding the evidence?"

"Xizran makes a good point," Layla agrees, "Our pursuers will follow us right to your cantina if we keep cutting through buildings. We should try to make our way there via more conventional routes for the rest of the way."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:40, Sun 20 Mar 2022.

"Fine," Bane allows, "Just cut through this wall here and get us back into the streets and we shall cease our wall cutting from there."

Layla proceeds to do so, and stepping outside they find themselves in yet another deserted alleyway. Bane takes the lead as all but Xizran stagger down the alleyway and into the street beyond, which also appears to be deserted. Indeed, they hardly see anyone in their travels until they reach the street which Bane informs them is the street they are looking for. He leads the way partway down the street glancing about before halting.

"Well I thought this was the street..." he says, not looking at Xizran.

"What you're saying is we're lost," Fennec interprets accusingly.

"Not lost," Bane says delicately, "The cantina is somewhere very close to here I am certain. Just let me check my datapad," he begins to sling Stro’to from his shoulders, "And I-"

"Ssh," says Fennec quickly, motioning for silence. A moment later the low rumble of turbine engines reaches their ears, distant but drawing closer, "Might be that gunship. We need to get out of the street."

OOC: Fennec Kang rolled 20 using 1d20+6. Listen.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:43, Sun 20 Mar 2022.

"There," Layla gestures to a series of cracked second story windows which appear to be abandoned, "We can hide there while you locate this cantina of yours Bane."

Layla ignites her lightsaber to cut through the ground floor door beneath the windows, but Bane stops her.

"If you want to avoid being tracked," he says, placing down Stro’to as he swiftly pulls out a tool kit, "Then might I suggest a more subtle method of entry."

A few moments later the lock gives a click and the rusty door swings open with a loud groan.

OOC: Bane Malar rolled 17 using 1d20+7. Disable Device.

"I'm surprised with your luck that you didn't trip somebody's private security system doing that," Xizran sneers critically.

Fennec glances at the ceiling as she enters as if she almost expects an alarm to go off on queue, but no such thing happens as the party enter the building and make their way up a dingy staircase full of dust and cobwebs and empty consumable wrappers.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:36, Sun 20 Mar 2022.

"Why thank you," Bane says dryly as, taking hold of Stro'to's arms to bring up the rear of the party, he kicks the door closed and drags the Twi’lek up the stairs, the crime lord's feet bumping on every step.

The upstairs room looks as though it was once a fitness centre of some kind. Rusted weights, musty smelling mats and a broken grav mill are scattered about, while an old duelling ring stands in the centre of the room, an empty and broken down kiosk resting by the wall beyond it. The party do not appear to be the first to break into the abandoned facility, as in now faded paint someone has covered the walls with the word 'kark' in Huttese in a creative variety of colors and artistic styles.

"Rather fitting, given our current predicament," Bane says in reference to the graffiti as he slumps Stro'to onto a stained mat and proceeds to withdraw his datapad.

Fennec moves over to the cracked windows, keeping hidden as she glances out for a sign of the approaching ship. The roar of the engines draws nearer until the building begins to vibrate and the vehicle passes overhead.

"Just a freight transport," Fennec informs the others as she leans back against the wall in what she will never admit is relief.

OOC: Fennec Kang rolled 17 using 1d20+11. Spot.
Fennec Kang rolled 25 using 1d20+12. Hide.

Bane, meanwhile, types into his datapad, scanning it for a moment before nodding.

"I told you we were close," he says to the others, "The cantina is just in the next street. Assuming none of our friends have caught up with us we should easily be able to... Well that's not good," he finishes after a moment.

"What's not good?" Fennec demands threateningly.

Bane pauses delicately, before explaining.

"Among other occupations I dabble in bounty hunting. I generally stick to small time miscreants or petty criminals, mind you, nothing too fancy-"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:41, Sun 20 Mar 2022.

"Get to the point," Fennec warns.

"Right," says Bane hastily, "Well as such I keep tabs on several bounty holofeeds... And, uh, this was posted a few minutes ago..."

He turns the datapad, holding it out for the others to see.

The datapad does indeed display a bounty holofeed. The reason for Bane's concern becomes apparent as they read three of the entries at the top of the page. The first is an image of Stro'to with his full name and a bounty of 100,000 credits. Next is Xizran with a bounty of 70,000 credits. Fennec follows shortly afterwards with a bounty of 40,000 credits.

Xizran's chest heaves furiously.

"Why am I less than Stro'to?" he demands, looking at Fennec.

Fennec gives a look that suggests Xizran's priorities might be in need of some rearranging.

"I'm sure it's just a typo..." Bane suggests placatingly.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:49, Sun 20 Mar 2022.

"I hope you aren't thinking of trying to collect, 'bounty hunter'," Fennec directs at Bane dangerously, tightening her grip on her blaster rifle.

"No, no," Bane says hastily, "Like I said, I'm strictly small time. Besides, as fond as I am of small fortunes, I suspect that assisting two Exchange sector bosses would have more long term benefits than turning them in for some quick credits. However, I'm afraid that old Durgal doesn't possess as much foresight. He does owe me a favor, but he would turn in his own mother for a hundred thousand credits, so I am afraid that the cantina idea if off the table."

"This place seems abandoned," Layla interrupts, "Could we not simply stay here for the night?"

"It isn't exactly luxury," Bane says, glancing about, "But then I suppose neither is Durgal's."

"We should at least lock the door downstairs," Fennec points out.

"A very good point," Bane replies, moving towards the staircase.

"Not you," Fennec stops him, "I'm not letting you out of my sight while that bounty is active. Layla can go."

Bane makes to protest, but Layla stops him.

"It's all right. I'll go," she says as she limps over to the stairs. She glances at Xizran as she passes, who still appears transfixed by the bounty notices on the datapad.

"You okay?" she asks, trying to conceal a grin.

"Die," Xizran says sourly, still glaring hatefully at his 70,000.

Layla really does grin as she disappears down the stairs. She returns a minute later, pacing over to the seat herself cross-legged on one of the less grimy mats in the corner of the room. She closes her eyes and proceeds to meditate
This message was last edited by the player at 00:52, Mon 21 Mar 2022.

Fennec meanwhile, has pulled out another medpac from her pouch, tearing off the cap with her teeth and spitting it aside as she sprays the misty liquid on the mess of burned flesh in her injured shoulder. She then prepares to inject the needle into her arm.

OOC: Fennec Shand rolled 16 using 1d20+6. Treat Injury.

Layla frowns, opening her eyes.

"How many of those medpacs have you used today? You'll give yourself a cardiac arrest if you inject too much kolto into your system."

Fennec's lip curls as she glares at Layla, not removing her gaze as she defiantly injects the needle into her arm. She relaxes a moment later, seeming to revitalize considerably.

OOC: Fennec Shand rolled 23 using 1d20+7. Fortitude Save.
Fennec Shand healed 2 wound points.

It is Layla's turn to look unimpressed.

"Suit yourself," she sniffs as she returns to meditating.

Stro'to groans weakly at the mention of medpacs, though he appears to still be unconscious.

Fennec seems to decide it is about time Stro'to did some walking for himself and picks herself up to move over to the seemingly unconscious crime lord. She pulls out a medpac and sprays the mist across his chest, although a large portion misses and sprays across his face, and it may or may not be an accident that she jams the needle rather sharply into his arm in a couple of locations before she finally releases the kolto cell into his system.

OOC: Fennec Kang rolled 11 using 1d20+6. Treat Injury.
Fennec Kang rolled 14 using 1d20+6. Treat Injury.
Fennec Kang rolled 25 using 1d20+6. Treat Injury.
Vek Stro'to has healed 2 wound points.

"Ow..." Stro'to groans, twitching, sitting up weakly.

Bane seems to have found himself a comfortable spot perched among some of the moldier mats stacked up by the wall.

"So, who exactly are these enemies of yours?" he asks Xizran, "One hundred thousand credits is a massive amount even for the wealthiest of crime lords to fork out for a bounty, let alone two hundred and thirty for the three of you. And those mercenaries at your starship weren't your average enforcers."

"Technically, it's only 210,000," Xizran sneers. "But it doesn't surprise me that you also fail at maths."
This message was last edited by a game editor at 04:14, Mon 21 Mar 2022.

"I'm pretty sure it's two hundred and thirty," Bane argues, "One hundred plus seventy is one hundred and seventy, yes? Then you add forty and you get..." he trails off as he does the math and realises what you actually do get.

Fennec grins.

"Whatever," Bane mutters sullenly, before turning to Stro'to, "So, you're Vek Stro'to? Bane Malar, mercenary and bounty hunter."

"And head-bumper," Stro'to finishes with a thin smile, extending a friendly hand from where he's propped himself up against a wall (conveniently beside the largest air vent) and is leaning exhaustedly against it, skin deathly pale. "Ignore our dear friend Xizran's skiting over there. I, too, employ an accountant to do my maths for me. We were not all of us nerds in school."

"Or indeed graduates of school."

Bane decides to take Stro'to's advice and ignore Xizran, leaning forward to clasp the proffered hand before leaning back once more.

"What do you know of these individuals pursuing you?" Bane directs at the Twi’lek.

Stro'to may or may not cough something about having been busy on a thermal detonator in a vault at the time most of this was going down.

"However, we know they are one; rich, two; not working with the government, since they did not fire on the locals, and three; they do not want us to know who they are, since they took the trouble to disguise themselves. That tells us it is most likely a rival operation, and that they hit two sectors simultaneously tells me at least they are not someone I want to find me. The easiest way of finding out who they are would be to hand in Xizran here for the bounty and see who pays us-- a jest, just a jest, Xizran. But surely on the pages, there are details of who is paying 210K for our combined heads?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:46, Mon 21 Mar 2022.

"Hmm, the sponsor of the bounty appears to be anonymous," Bane says, examining the feed on the datapad, "However it has been placed through the Republic's official judicial department so they must be well connected."

Fennec meanwhile, has pulled out a datapad to follow Xizran's earlier instruction to discover what she can of the coordinated attack on the Exchange. She frowns as she scans the datapad before selecting one of the News Galactica news feeds. She sets the volume to the minimum level, glancing warily through the window into the street below as the holostream begins.

"...has been killed in a speeder accident," says a smooth, professional woman's voice in Basic, "The Zeltron entrepreneur, philanthropist, explorer and daredevil was reportedly returning from the Galaxies Opera House when his repulsorlimo collided with a cargo speeder in Coruscant's Uscru District. A Gran male remains in custody and is currently assisting peace officers as they investigate the accident-"

"That wasn't Anton Zerrac was it?" Bane asks, sounding concerned, "He was quite a character from what I heard."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:57, Tue 22 Mar 2022.

Fennec rolls her eyes at Bane as the news report continues.

"And this is why you don't listen to Space Operas," Xizran snorts callously.

"Who died?" Stro'to makes a feeble gesture to indicate the datapad should be moved closer to him so he doesn't have to move and go over to it.

Fennec motions for silence as the report continues.

"In other news," continues the reporter, "Detonations and fighting have been reported across the galaxy in localities belonging to businessmen and investors with suspected ties to the the criminal organization known as the Exchange. Devaronian casino magnate Ruushan Fallus and Falleen noble Lord Xizran are among those believed dead. Estates, nightclubs and casinos across Corellia, Denon, Duro, Nar Shaddaa, Telos and Ord Mantell are among the locations attacked in what authorities are beginning to believe to be an underworld gang war. And now to sport, where Ellorrs Kuzran has beaten Hukta Dax by 0.23 seconds in the Telos Opener to win his third consecutive Opener. In anti-gravball the Alderaan Thrantas have defeated the Anaxas Keffis to move through to semi finals against-"
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:04, Tue 22 Mar 2022.

The report cuts off as Fennec swipes to end the transmission, brown furrowed as she glances at Xizran.

"..." Stro'to digests this development.

"Ha! At least my death is considered newsworthy," Xizran preens pettily.

Layla's eyes have opened at the mention of the attacks on the Exchange.

"It sounds like someone is trying to wipe out the entire Exchange."

"And succeeding, by the sounds of it," Bane adds grimly.

"They can't succeed in wiping out the Exchange. That's like succeeding in enforcing a zero tax evasion policy on Czerka, it just doesn't happen," Xizran scowls.

"I cannot imagine who would have the power to even attempt it," Layla frowns, "The Republic has never had the nerve and the Hutts are too cautious to attempt something on that scale."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:43, Tue 22 Mar 2022.

"Maybe Czerka is behind it?" Bane suggests.

"Half the Czerka executives are in our pocket," Fennec shakes her head, "Besides, that's not their style. It could be the Sith, but they've historically ignored the underworld and organized crime. Besides, if the rumors are true and that Jedi Exile really did wipe out most of their leadership then they should have their hands full just trying to stave off the Republic while they recover."

"If half of them are in your pocket, perhaps you should call one and see what they know," Stro'to suggests.

Fennec scowls at Stro'to.

"I doubt they are still in our pocket now. And if they are ingratiating themselves with whoever is behind this then contacting them isn't a good idea."

"My contact might have some information," Layla offers, "Or at least be able to do some digging."

"Oh?" says Fennec suspiciously, "Just who is this contact of yours?"

"Just an old friend," Layla replies evasively, "But he has a lot of contacts from his days in Republic intelligence."

"An old friend who's fine with the fact that you're working with the Exchange now?" Xizran says suspiciously.

"Firstly, I am not working with you," Layla says coolly, "We all happen to want Stro'to to get off this planet alive, and perhaps discover the identity and motives of whoever is trying to bring down the Exchange. That is where our common interests end. Secondly, my contact no longer works for the Republic and even when he did he was able to see the bigger picture. He will help us, don't worry."

"Well I personally think he seems like a decent fellow," Bane offers after a moment of silence.

"Just know that Stro'to is leaving with us," Fennec says firmly, "If you or your 'old friend' have a problem with that then it isn't going to end well for either of you."

Stro'to looks like he fervently agrees with the fact that everyone wants Stro'to to leave here alive. (He looks less certain that he'd like to leave with Fennec, but Stro'to certainly isn't willing to openly tell Fennec that.)

"What's his name?" Xizran asks suspiciously.
This message was last edited by a game editor at 08:47, Tue 22 Mar 2022.

"Why is that important?" Layla asks.

"You're supposedly an ex-Jedi and now you're working with a supposedly ex-republic. Shouldn't I be concerned?"

"I am a former Jedi and he is a former Republic agent," Layla returns flatly, before shrugging, "His name is Kadon Lane if you must know."

She does her best to look nonchalant but a keen observer would notice her eyes darting quickly to Xizran to ascertain whether or not the name means anything to him.

Xizran looks tellingly blank.

"...That is a common name among humans, yes?" Stro'to says delicately. "We are not talking about the Kadon Lane who shoots my transports and raids my spice and gets upset about slavery just because he thinks nobody should get to be sold into a life of comfort when they could be starving to death in a cave on Ryloth, no?"

"...Um, no?" says Layla hopefully.

"So we're on our way to visit a well armed vigilante who is opposed to everything the Exchange stands for?" Fennec says darkly.

"Nono, she said this was the unethical Kadon," Stro'to says soothingly.

"How did you even get to be sector leader?" Xizran sneers.

"Look, I give you my word he will get you safely off planet," Layla says solemnly, "It's clear that your operations aren't going anywhere for a long time Stro'to, and I'm sure he's more concerned about whoever is behind this attack on the Exchange than simply trying to deal with you three."

Stro'to looks encouraged by this promise. (He deflates slightly at the reminder that his operations won't be going anywhere soon before rallying again.)

"Well, I for one do not see better options. Everybody I know would turn me in for 100,000 credits, including my own mother. If there is a chance this Unethical Kadon will not do so, then I vote in favor of listening to Layla."

Fennec does not look impressed, but she also seems to agree with Stro'to's point about the lure of the bounty to any of their potential contacts.

"Fine," she allows at length, "But like I said, if this Kadon or anyone else tries to-"

She suddenly breaks off, pressing herself against the wall beside the window and motioning for the others to be silent.

OOC: Fennec Kang rolled 29 using 1d20+12. Hide.

Down in the street below three of their attackers from the docking bay, the Trandoshan along with a wiry human man and a Rodian, appear from the direction of the alleyway, moving swiftly along as they peer through the windows and try the handles of the doors as they pass. The Trandoshan squints up at their hiding place, his gaze lingering on the cracked pain of glass beside the wall against which Fennec is pressed, unmoving, but at length he seems satisfied and the trio continue. Before long they are out of sight and Fennec breaths once more.

OOC: GenoHaradan Agents rolled 28 using 1d20+8. Spot.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:34, Fri 05 Aug 2022.

"That was close," Fennec sighs in relief as she relaxes, "It's almost mid afternoon. We should get some rest and be ready to set out at midnight. The darkness should make it easier to get to this Kadon's hideout unnoticed."

With that the party make themselves as comfortable as they can and, with Fennec insisting on keeping watch, set off into an uneasy sleep. A vrelt scurrying along the rusty ceiling beams on business of its own stops for several minutes and sniffs.

A Jedi, a Falleen noble and a Twi'lek slaver! he thinks to himself, Well what next? I have seldom seen those three beings keeping company. And in a grimy old fitness centre! There is something mighty queer behind this!

He is quite right, but he never finds out any more about it.

OOC: End of Chapter III…