"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.