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12:09, 19th February 2025 (GMT+0)

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers.

Posted by Bane MalarFor group 0
Bane Malar
NPC, 180 posts
Wed 31 Jan 2024
at 21:24
  • msg #1

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"What are those two doing out there?" Bane mutters to himself, unable to hear the conversation outside as he peers through the transperisteel viewport at where Xizran and Fennec still remain crouched behind a pile of crates.
Kelsi Tico
NPC, 26 posts
Wed 31 Jan 2024
at 21:31
  • msg #2

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"We need to get him a medpac," Kelsi says faintly to Stro'to, back at the boarding ramp, pale and clammy with one hand clutching her stomach as she staggers past the Twi'lek and Dalnan down the corridor in search of the ship's medbay.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:15, Thu 01 Feb 2024.
Lendon Vuln
NPC, 82 posts
Wed 31 Jan 2024
at 21:55
  • msg #3

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Outside, Lendon and Xizran's bidding war continues.

"600 credits to the one who kills Xizran," he growls, blaster held at the ready just in case any of his thugs are stupid enough to actually take Xizran up on his offer. "And I would call it 'prolonged' rather than 'botched'. Besides, you never even pay your employees' wages on time. Why would anyone think there was a chance you'd actually cough up the credits even if you had them?"
Fennec Kang
NPC, 236 posts
Wed 31 Jan 2024
at 22:18
  • msg #4

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Fennec has taken advantage of the lull in combat afforded by the pair's arguing to pull out a medpac from a belt pouch. Tearing off the cap with her teeth and spitting it aside, she sprays the misty liquid on the mess of burned flesh in her injured shoulder and injects the needle into the wound, exhaling as she appears to revive a little. She tosses the depleted pack aside as she readies her rifle once more.

OOC: Fennec Kang rolled 16. Treat Injury Check.
Fennec Kang healed 2 wound points.
Xizran
GM, 275 posts
Thu 1 Feb 2024
at 04:18
  • msg #5

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Please," Xizran sneers. "If the Exchange central accounting system had issues paying your wages on time, Lendon, that isn't my problem. Everyone here knows that when I hire mercenaries myself, there are no delays in the payment process and I have enough sludge funds to build my own skypalace and buy the air space in Coruscant to park it on. Which means I can certainly afford to pay 700 credits to whoever shoots you, even if I am locked out of my Exchange account."
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 134 posts
Thu 1 Feb 2024
at 04:27
  • msg #6

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Stro'to, who may or may not have gotten more exercise today than he has in years moving this human, makes a wheezing noise meant to indicate agreement (with Kelsi's comment about that medipac, though it's clear Stro'to is greatly encouraged by Xizran's optimistic report on his accessible credits) as he continues moving the elderly human following Kelsi.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:34, Thu 01 Feb 2024.
Lendon Vuln
NPC, 83 posts
Thu 1 Feb 2024
at 04:37
  • msg #7

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Lendon opens his mouth to reply to Xizran, but as he does so, a burly Klatooinian nearby who in whose eyes a greedy glint has steadily growing suddenly spins toward the human mercenary, raising his blaster. He never gets to pull the trigger, however, as Lendon moves even faster, despite his injured state, blasting the Klatooinian in the chest as the thug slumps to the ground with a garbled groan.

"Anyone else feel like dying? Or would you rather get paid?" Lendon growls at his remaining thugs.

OOC: Lendon Vuln rolled 28. Intimidate Check.
Fennec Kang
NPC, 237 posts
Thu 1 Feb 2024
at 04:40
  • msg #8

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Fennec smirks, apparently pleased that she and Xizran aren't the only ones today having trouble with treacherous minions.
Quilran Tarro
NPC, 51 posts
Thu 1 Feb 2024
at 05:10
  • msg #9

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Quilran, who has managed to crawl over to the body of Lendon's bodyguard to retrieve the Aqualish's heavy blaster seems to feel that this brings a close to the verbal exchange, leaping up to blast at the wiry Rodian who fired at him earlier. The Rodian, his attention on Lendon and the unfortunate Klatooinian, is caught off guard by Quilran's blast which strikes him in the chest as he crashes back against a canister behind him, flipping over it to land, slumped lopsidedly with his feet in the air.

OOC: Quilran Tarro dealt 14 wound points to Exchange Thug.
Exchange Thug
NPC, 3 posts
Thu 1 Feb 2024
at 05:35
  • msg #10

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

The Duros by the door fires back at Quilran, his blasts singing the Kiffar's dreadlocks as he hastily ducks away from the blasts. The Nikto who shot Kelsi darts forward in an ambitious attempt to blast Xizran, though his hasty shot doesn't come close to striking the Falleen. The remaining thugs also continue advancing, some blasting at where they last saw Fennec and Quilran, attempting to keep as much cover as they can.

OOC: Exchange Thug dealt 8 vitality points to Quilran Tarro.
Xizran
GM, 276 posts
Thu 1 Feb 2024
at 09:14
  • msg #11

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Xizran's finely-chiseled nostrils flare in outrage at he himself being targeted.

Xizran also seems to be picking the right timing to bolt for the boarding ramp.

"Fine. If you all prefer to stay loyal to Lendon there, forget it. But just remember, I am going to be publishing the footage of today as soon as I get off-planet straight to the Holonet and then it's going to be you lot who have a fun time explaining to your bosses just how I got away. Good luck with that, Lendon," Xizran says nastily, tossing one more grenade, this time a smoke one, that fills the air with a hissing fog of smoke as the Falleen promptly makes his escape.
Fennec Kang
NPC, 238 posts
Thu 1 Feb 2024
at 23:57
  • msg #12

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Fennec also pushes herself up with a grimace as she follows after Xizran, through the haze provided by the grenade. Blasts fly about them as their pursuers fire blindly into the smoke in the vain hope of striking them before they escape, with none coming close as the pair reach the safety of the boarding ramp.
Bane Malar
NPC, 181 posts
Thu 1 Feb 2024
at 23:58
  • msg #13

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"All in?" Bane calls from the cockpit as Fennec hits the button to raise the boarding ramp.
Xizran
GM, 277 posts
Fri 2 Feb 2024
at 00:02
  • msg #14

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

“Obviously. Now get a move on,” Xizran hisses.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 135 posts
Fri 2 Feb 2024
at 00:04
  • msg #15

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Stro’to pauses long enough to type a quick HoloDM to Quilran.

“Not coming?”
Quilran Tarro
NPC, 52 posts
Fri 2 Feb 2024
at 00:47
  • msg #16

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"You kiddin'?" Quilran sends a voice holo back as he darts across the room to leap out of the hangar door opened by Bane and onto the walkway outside, firing wildly into the mist behind him as he does so. "Kalana's worth more than all the bounties combined!" (During his time in Quilran's company earlier he has learned that this is the name the Kiffar has given his speeder.) "You stick with 'em, though, and I'll catch you up. This ain't over."
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 136 posts
Fri 2 Feb 2024
at 01:20
  • msg #17

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Stro'to makes a pained, plaintive noise as the impending doom of being stuck on the same vessel as Fennec and Xizran with no bodyguards while trying to extract 10,000 credits rears its scaled head.

However, as he looks down at Dalnan it seems to occur to him that self-pity needs to have limits, because at least Stro'to hasn't been shot yet.
"Do you have a first-aid kit, Bane?" he calls out, continuing to wheeze his way over to the medbay.
Bane Malar
NPC, 184 posts
Fri 2 Feb 2024
at 08:32
  • msg #18

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Bane ignores him, busy punching controls as the ship's shields are engaged and it lifts into the air before accelerating out of the hangar. Below them, the miniature form of Quilran races along the walkway toward his badly parked speeder, a Rodian and the Nikto in toe. Whether or not he is successful in his escape they left to wonder, as they soar upwards and the walkway is lost from view.

OOC: Bane Malar rolled 16. Pilot Check.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:37, Fri 02 Feb 2024.
Kelsi Tico
NPC, 28 posts
Fri 2 Feb 2024
at 10:40
  • msg #19

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Found some!" Kelsi answers in reply to Stro'to, limping back from the medbay to meet him, two medpacs clutched in the hand not pressed to her stomach.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 137 posts
Fri 2 Feb 2024
at 11:12
  • msg #20

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Stro'to, who had been bracing himself for the necessity of dipping into his own private supply, brightens considerably at the sight of these.

"Well found. Now, if we can just get your friend up onto the medbay bed..." Stro'to appears to take it for granted he'll get no help from either Xizran or Fennec with this task even if he asks, and with a wheeze begins lifting Delnan up, bracing against the wall for support.
Bane Malar
NPC, 185 posts
Fri 2 Feb 2024
at 11:32
  • msg #21

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"I'll expect two credits each for those," Bane calls stingily from somewhere down the corridor.
Kelsi Tico
NPC, 29 posts
Fri 2 Feb 2024
at 11:34
  • msg #22

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Kelsi does her best to help Stro'to, leaning against the bed, eyes closed and panting hard once they have finished, looking as though she is close to fainting herself.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 138 posts
Fri 2 Feb 2024
at 11:57
  • msg #23

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Deal," Stro'to says before Bane can take that back.
Bane Malar
NPC, 186 posts
Fri 2 Feb 2024
at 12:05
  • msg #24

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Wait," says Bane, suspicious at Stro'to's sudden eagerness, "we are talking about the spray-bandages, aren't we?"
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 139 posts
Fri 2 Feb 2024
at 12:07
  • msg #25

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"...Something like that," Stro'to says, a bit too brightly.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:08, Fri 02 Feb 2024.
Bane Malar
NPC, 187 posts
Fri 2 Feb 2024
at 21:48
  • msg #26

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Bane seems to know exactly what this means.

"I'll be down there to ascertain the damage as soon as we get clear of this dratted moon."

Stro'to gets the impression that by 'damage' he isn't referring to the injuries sustained by Dalnan.
Kelsi Tico
NPC, 30 posts
Fri 2 Feb 2024
at 21:56
  • msg #27

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Kelsi has undone one of the medpacs, hastily reading the instructions on the rear of the package, before injecting the needle into Dalnan's side and releasing the blueish kolto inside. The device gives a cheerful beep as the light on the depleted pack goes green to indicate a successful application.

OOC: Kelsi Tico rolled 15. Treat Injury Check.
Dalnan Serrol healed 1 wound.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 140 posts
Sat 3 Feb 2024
at 02:17
  • msg #28

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Stro’to looks relieved, since this is certainly more expertise than he has in this area. He looks less relieved Bane is incoming, but seems to be reassuring himself that Bane really did it to himself by saying “each of those” instead of bandages if those were what he meant.

“A word of advice: Use the other on yourself. It is not every day one is fortunate enough to find 2-credit medpacs while injured.”
Kelsi Tico
NPC, 31 posts
Sat 3 Feb 2024
at 02:56
  • msg #29

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"I'm fine," Kelsi says bravely. "He may still need it later. But you had better hold onto it. We must get him to a medical facility. I don't know if that medpac has helped him, but he's got so much shrapnel in him."

As she speaks she tentatively lifts up part of Dalnan's torn jacket and bloodsoaked shirt, under which they are faced with a mess of torn flesh, peppered with chunks of shrapnel, some sticking out, others buried deep in his flesh.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 141 posts
Sat 3 Feb 2024
at 05:55
  • msg #30

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Stro’to, who has been trying not to look at this, winces queasily.

“There there. It could be worse. At least he is safely in a medbay bed now. The medpac will heal him and stop any infection till we can get him to one,” Stro’to says bracingly, hiding the second medpac securely in one sleeve.
Kelsi Tico
NPC, 32 posts
Sat 3 Feb 2024
at 08:11
  • msg #31

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Kelsi seems to trust that Stro'to has more experience in these matters, and nods slowly, her worried gaze still on the unconscious mechanic.
Fennec Kang
NPC, 239 posts
Sat 3 Feb 2024
at 08:17
  • msg #32

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Fennec and Xizran, meanwhile have made their way straight to the cockpit.

"Any sign of pursuit?" Fennec demands as she moves over to peer through the transperisteel viewport.
Bane Malar
NPC, 188 posts
Sat 3 Feb 2024
at 08:23
  • msg #33

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"None yet," Bane replies, glancing down at the scanners on the desk before him. "By now we should have a clear run to the atmosphere, assuming those mechanics didn't botch anything."
Xizran
GM, 278 posts
Sat 3 Feb 2024
at 08:56
  • msg #34

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Xizran's lip curls scornfully.

"If they did, at least one of them is awake to fix it."
Bane Malar
NPC, 189 posts
Sat 3 Feb 2024
at 10:07
  • msg #35

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"I hope Klatto takes a wrong turn down an alleyway filled with all Aqualish and no Bith," Bane says darkly, making it clear where he is laying the blame for today's fiasco as he directs the ship upwards through the traffic toward the narrow sliver of sky which slowly expands above them.

OOC: Bane Malar rolled 23. Pilot Check.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:08, Sat 03 Feb 2024.
Xizran
GM, 280 posts
Sat 3 Feb 2024
at 10:31
  • msg #36

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"When we get out of this system I am sure a 100-credit bounty on his head can make that happen," Xizran sneers vindictively. "The same amount that will be going on every one Lendon's thugs who crossed me."
Fennec Kang
NPC, 241 posts
Sat 3 Feb 2024
at 10:31
  • msg #37

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"We need to decide where to go from here," Fennec directs at Xizran practically. "I doubt the Denon palace is safe, and it's a good bet spies will be watching your residence on Falleen."
Xizran
GM, 281 posts
Sat 3 Feb 2024
at 10:39
  • msg #38

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"As if Father would let them," Xizran scoffs. "But that's out of the question because I didn't rise to the position that I did and join the Exchange and start my own shipping line just to be stuck skulking back home because a human tried to kill me. Wherever we go it's certainly not going to be Falleen. Or Denon. Find a better option on the Holonet."
Bane Malar
NPC, 190 posts
Sat 3 Feb 2024
at 12:24
  • msg #39

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Terminal over there on the wall," Bane informs Fennec.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:25, Sat 03 Feb 2024.
Fennec Kang
NPC, 242 posts
Sat 3 Feb 2024
at 22:27
  • msg #40

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"I'm not suggesting we book into a hotel," Fennec replies, making no move toward the terminal. "We need to decide who we can trust. Loppak or Zendral, maybe, assuming more of the Exchange aren't in on this. Or perhaps one of your government contacts like Crion or Galvan? Our final option would be going corporate. Assuming Czerka aren't in on this, Morana will certainly have more dirt on Dralvan than anyone."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:28, Sat 03 Feb 2024.
Bane Malar
NPC, 191 posts
Sat 3 Feb 2024
at 22:33
  • msg #41

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Morana Elsbeth?" Bane clarifies, sounding impressed. "President of Czerka? Don't we move in fancy circles."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:34, Sat 03 Feb 2024.
Fennec Kang
NPC, 243 posts
Sat 3 Feb 2024
at 22:36
  • msg #42

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Fennec ignores him, waiting for Xizran.
Xizran
GM, 282 posts
Sun 4 Feb 2024
at 16:49
  • msg #43

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Fancier circles than you I'm sure," Xizran sneers. "And true, are they in on this is something we need to know before we go anywhere near them, so contact someone who we have dirt on-- Grix will do, or Ban-- and get them to check that before we pick our destination."
Bane Malar
NPC, 192 posts
Sun 4 Feb 2024
at 21:32
  • msg #44

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Unless those two are going to have some answers in the next few minutes we're going to have to pick somewhere to go that isn't Nar Shaddaa," Bane points out. "Sitting around in orbit for hours just hoping Lendon won't find us isn't a gamble I feel like taking."
Fennec Kang
NPC, 244 posts
Sun 4 Feb 2024
at 21:44
  • msg #45

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Where's your long range communications array?" Fennec demands, ignoring Bane's comment.
Bane Malar
NPC, 193 posts
Sun 4 Feb 2024
at 21:49
  • msg #46

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Bane sighs.

"Through there," he jerks his head toward the room outside the cockpit. "Desk on your left. But I expect a destination of some kind by the time I reach the atmosphere or else I'm plugging in Kashyyyk."
Xizran
GM, 283 posts
Mon 5 Feb 2024
at 02:26
  • msg #47

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"You aren't plugging anything until I say so. If you want a safe destination sooner, use your own connections to see why they picked when you were showing me that data to blow up my palace. I am sure you are just as high up on the kill list as I am."
Bane Malar
NPC, 194 posts
Mon 5 Feb 2024
at 02:48
  • msg #48

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Bane remains obstinately silent as he continues to pilot through the thickening traffic as they reach Nar Shaddaa's upper levels.
Kelsi Tico
NPC, 33 posts
Mon 5 Feb 2024
at 02:55
  • msg #49

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Back in the medbay, Kelsi has slumped herself on the floor beside the bed on which Dalnan lies, her back against the wall as she hunches forward, pale and clammy and clutching her stomach.

"Maybe I will take that medpac," she says weakly.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 142 posts
Mon 5 Feb 2024
at 03:25
  • msg #50

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Stro'to seems only to willing to pass it to her, clearly not having much of a clue how to use them himself.
Kelsi Tico
NPC, 34 posts
Mon 5 Feb 2024
at 03:57
  • msg #51

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

She takes the device, attempting to inject it into herself, but this seems to be a significantly more challenging task than injecting into someone else, and after a moment of struggling she mumbles a curse as the kolto sprays out across her tunic, managing to get everywhere except her actual wound. She sighs, staring glumly at the depleted pack.

"It serves me right. I should have saved it for Dalnan."

OOC: Kelsi Tico rolled 6. Treat Injury Check.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 143 posts
Mon 5 Feb 2024
at 04:13
  • msg #52

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Stro'to winces, gingerly seating himself on top of a supply canister.

"At least it should stop any infections," Stro'to bluffs, despite having no idea whether Koto does anything like this at all.
Kelsi Tico
NPC, 35 posts
Mon 5 Feb 2024
at 04:30
  • msg #53

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"I guess so," Kelsi agrees, having no more clue as to the properties of kolto than Stro'to. After a moment of silence she casts a furtive glance at the doorway. "Do you think they will go to a medical facility?"
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 144 posts
Mon 5 Feb 2024
at 16:38
  • msg #54

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Stro’to looks torn between honesty and the reflexive urge to tell his audience what they want to hear.

“Ahem. I don’t suppose we could consider setting the destination as Telos?” Stro’to says in a louder voice, pitched to carry down to the cockpit. “My Esteemed Master has many contacts there, and no ties at all with this Lendon figure. And I am sure I can call in favours and get free medical care for your stomach wound, Fennec.”
This message was last edited by the player at 16:39, Mon 05 Feb 2024.
Fennec Kang
NPC, 245 posts
Mon 5 Feb 2024
at 21:12
  • msg #55

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"That won't be necessary," Fennec answers Stro'to scornfully down the corridor. "Though as you know several of our own allies, including Loppak and Crion, are on Telos," she adds to Xizran in a lower voice. "So it might not be a terrible choice, assuming Grix or Ban haven't heard anything to the contrary..."
Xizran
GM, 284 posts
Tue 6 Feb 2024
at 01:32
  • msg #56

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Xizran considers this sourly.

"...True. Fine. Sound them out, and if they're not moving suspiciously, then that is where we will go."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:32, Tue 06 Feb 2024.
Fennec Kang
NPC, 246 posts
Tue 6 Feb 2024
at 03:31
  • msg #57

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Fennec nods as she begins to punch in the codes to contact Grix.
Narrator
GM, 123 posts
Tue 6 Feb 2024
at 04:36
  • msg #58

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Bane continues to make his way through the traffic, swiftly climbing through the neon-lit skyline as he heads toward the atmosphere. He continues to glance regularly at the scanners, but there is no sign of pursuit, and at last Bane begins to relax. The ship shudders slightly as they pass through the atmosphere and into the expanse of space beyond, filled with hundreds of vessels arriving, departing or resting in orbit.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 145 posts
Tue 6 Feb 2024
at 17:31
  • msg #59

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Stro'to, for his part, gets to pulling out his datapad.

"Ahem. Bane, was it? Any chance you would care to share the Holonet password?" Stro'to checks, clearly feeling a convinient datapad nowhere near Fennec is a much more appealing place to look up things like the nearest medical facility than a terminal she's currently standing at.
Bane Malar
NPC, 195 posts
Wed 7 Feb 2024
at 00:23
  • msg #60

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"So you can rack up a dozen credits downloading Holoflix vids?" Bane calls back darkly in response.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 146 posts
Wed 7 Feb 2024
at 01:47
  • msg #61

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Holovids are not everyone's priority when they are sitting in front of someone with a great deal too much shrapnel in their chest," Stro'to says virtuously. "I wish to book this gentleman in to a medical facility."
Bane Malar
NPC, 196 posts
Wed 7 Feb 2024
at 05:19
  • msg #62

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding a medical facility after we land on whatever planet we land on," Bane calls back stubbornly. "If it does end up being Kashyyyk, I'm pretty sure there is only one medical facility. 'Wookiee With Hacksaw' I believe it roughly translates to in Basic."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:20, Wed 07 Feb 2024.
Kelsi Tico
NPC, 36 posts
Wed 7 Feb 2024
at 05:20
  • msg #63

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Kelsi's eyes widen as she glances at Stro'to, clearly unsure whether or not Bane is serious.
Fennec Kang
NPC, 247 posts
Wed 7 Feb 2024
at 05:37
  • msg #64

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"We are not going to Kashyyyk," Fennec informs Bane sharply as she re-enters the cockpit, before addressing Xizran. "Telos seems like a go. Grix has confirmed Crion's clean and as anti-Dralvan as he's always purported to be, though Grix can't guarantee there aren't moles in the Telosian government, so we'd do well to keep a low profile. Ban isn't answering but she should have by the time we reach Telos, so we'll have more info on Loppak then."
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 147 posts
Wed 7 Feb 2024
at 10:02
  • msg #65

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Stro'to does his best to look reassuring for Kelsi and not like he is silently stuck on why this random stranger who owns the ship is being so unaccountably stingy with his holonet.

With a rustle of robes and an oh well sort of gesture, Stro'to stands, apparently resigned to the fact that in life, you do just meet some people who, for their own reasons, do not wish to make life easier for those around them even though it would cost them nothing to do so. (It's not like this kind of person is new, Stro'to already knew he was sharing a ship with two of them and indeed Stro'to works for one.) Bravely (or at least trying to present the appearance of it) Stro'to wanders over so he can use the now-vacated terminal.

Boss?
Stro'to types. We have a slight problem. It appears the reason Xizran 'faked' his death was not because he wished to dodge his debts, but because one of his lieutenants and most of his underlings are currently trying to murder him. With my help, he has successfully gotten off the planet despite one more assassination attempt by what must have been at least twenty people, but understandably, right now, he is somewhat short on funds...
This message was last edited by the player at 10:13, Wed 07 Feb 2024.
Vogga
NPC, 53 posts
Thu 8 Feb 2024
at 03:12
  • msg #66

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

There is rather long pause with the words 'Vogga is typing...' on the screen, before the following message appears.

Is he now? okay perhaps we c an use this to our advantake . this could be a chance to soledify solifiy solidigy vfdvdfvfgbdfbvgbgfbgfbgf. Stro'to guesses his master has angrily punched the keyboard. After a moment, the typing resumes, and Stro'to suspects that one of Vogga's underlings (Nirqus probably) is now typing while the Hutt dictates, base on the speed and accuracy of the next message. "... to solidify our business with Xizran and edge out our competitors. Make yourself invaluable and find a way to stick with him. Find out who else he is buying his fuel from and what prices he is paying. Don't be obvious about it, but do some vrelting around and glean what you can if he drops something in conversation or leaves a datapad lying around or calls anyone.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:14, Thu 08 Feb 2024.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 148 posts
Thu 8 Feb 2024
at 03:56
  • msg #67

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Stro'to breathes a soft sigh of what can only be called relief and being allowed to drop the question of payment and merely focus on ingratiating himself, an art Stro'to has been perfecting for years.

I will find a way to do so. Of course, with only a bronzium credit card at my disposal, there may be certain monetary difficulties in doing so... Stro'to types out delicately. Would it be possible for this humble servant to request a larger budget; perhaps a designated account to draw on, only when direst need arises?
Vogga
NPC, 55 posts
Thu 8 Feb 2024
at 10:09
  • msg #68

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

There is a long pause, as Stro'to suspects Nirqus is doing his best to dissuade Vogga from agreeing to this travesty. If this is indeed the case, the Quarren is unsuccessful in his efforts, as the response eventually comes through.

Fine. The chromium credit card it is. But you had better get results.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 149 posts
Thu 8 Feb 2024
at 10:50
  • msg #69

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Stro'to brightens considerably and is quick to type back and assure Vogga that when it comes to results, his boss can make no finer choice than leaving it (and that credit card) to Stro'to.

Stro'to also takes this opportunity to open a new holotab up and see if any medical facilities on Telos allow for holonet advanced bookings, because Stro'to seems to take it for granted that not being a 100% terrible sentient being unfortunately means the job of getting an injured old man treatment so he can avoid a completely unnecessary demise falls on his shoulders.
Bane Malar
NPC, 197 posts
Thu 8 Feb 2024
at 11:26
  • msg #70

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Bane, meanwhile, has passed through the last of the traffic as they move out into the open space beyond.

"So we're plugging in Telos IV then?" he confirms with Xizran, rising from his seat to move over to the navigation computer on the wall beside him.
Xizran
GM, 285 posts
Thu 8 Feb 2024
at 11:28
  • msg #71

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"That's what I said we would do if my spies don't think the Exchange on Telos is in on this, so obviously, yes, Telos," Xizran sneers.
Bane Malar
NPC, 198 posts
Thu 8 Feb 2024
at 21:34
  • msg #72

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"So now I'm supposed to know who Crion and Loppak are?" Bane mutters as he nevertheless plugs in the coordinates for Telos before moving back to slide into the pilot's seat.

OOC: Bane Malar rolled 13. Astrogate Check.
Xizran
GM, 286 posts
Fri 9 Feb 2024
at 03:09
  • msg #73

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Xizran ignores this, apparently feeling that the obvious answer-- that one either does or does not move in the appropriate circles to recognize the current planetary governor of Telos IV and the current Exchange boss there or one does not-- doesn't need to be said.
Bane Malar
NPC, 199 posts
Sun 11 Feb 2024
at 22:23
  • msg #74

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Bane presses a series of buttons and pulls a lever on the control board before him as the ship gives a rumble as the stars about them begin to speed into lines which swiftly become a blur and soon they appear to be travelling along a corridor of rich hues of blue and purple.
Fennec Kang
NPC, 248 posts
Sun 11 Feb 2024
at 22:33
  • msg #75

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Fennec leaning against the wall behind them, has watched the hyperspace corridor through the transperisteel viewport for a moment or two, before pulling out another medpac from her pouch and tearing off the cap and 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. Treat Injury Check.
Bane Malar
NPC, 200 posts
Sun 11 Feb 2024
at 22:45
  • msg #76

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Bane, who has turned in his chair to face Fennec and Xizran, pauses, tilting his head quizzically as he watches her process.

"How many of those medpacs have you used today? Can't you give yourself a cardiac arrest or something if you inject too much kolto into your system?"
Fennec Kang
NPC, 249 posts
Sun 11 Feb 2024
at 22:55
  • msg #77

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Fennec narrows her eyes at Bane as she defiantly continues injecting the needle into her arm. She relaxes a moment later as she seems to revitalize considerably.

OOC: Fennec Shand rolled 23. Fortitude Save.
Fennec Shand healed 2 wound points.
Bane Malar
NPC, 201 posts
Sun 11 Feb 2024
at 22:57
  • msg #78

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Bane shrugs.

"Fair enough," he allows, sounding reluctantly impressed.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 150 posts
Sun 11 Feb 2024
at 23:11
  • msg #79

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"I am booking our shrapnel-afflicted mechanic into the Telosian medical facility," Stro'to voices. "For a mere call-out fee of 50 credits-- not being Telosians or covered by medical insurance-- apparently they will send a medic with a hoverstretcher to fetch him for us. If you see one approaching the docking bay when we land, please do not shoot the poor medic, Fennec."
Fennec Kang
NPC, 250 posts
Mon 12 Feb 2024
at 00:43
  • msg #80

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Fennec sends him a look that suggests she isn't making any promises.
Bane Malar
NPC, 202 posts
Mon 12 Feb 2024
at 00:44
  • msg #81

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"As long as you have 50 credits to pay for it," Bane puts in, crossing his arms.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 151 posts
Mon 12 Feb 2024
at 01:32
  • msg #82

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"The man has 132 credits and 46 decicreds on him," Stro'to says, sending Bane a wounded look. "Why would I be paying?"
Bane Malar
NPC, 203 posts
Mon 12 Feb 2024
at 01:57
  • msg #83

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Bane gives a dark mutter at the reminder that he will not in fact be getting any of these credits now that Dalnan seems likely to survive.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 152 posts
Mon 12 Feb 2024
at 02:36
  • msg #84

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Stro'to, for his part, seems to feel it's a job well done on his part to get this mechanic safely deposited somewhere were Stro'to will no longer need to feel twinges in the region of his mostly non-existent conscience about what happens to him, and retreats to share the good news (not to mention the bill) with Kelsi and Dalnan.
Bane Malar
NPC, 204 posts
Mon 12 Feb 2024
at 03:40
  • msg #85

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Well," says Bane, withdrawing the data core from his belt pouch once Stro'to is gone and examining it to ensure it has remained undamaged throughout their escapades, "that was certainly more eventful than the last time I visited Nar Shaddaa."
Xizran
GM, 287 posts
Mon 12 Feb 2024
at 04:00
  • msg #86

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"No thanks to you, I'm sure. Who knew you were going to be selling me that info?"
Bane Malar
NPC, 205 posts
Mon 12 Feb 2024
at 05:29
  • msg #87

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Lendon works for you, remember," Bane replies firmly. "The only beings who knew I had the core were the scavenger who sold it to me, and the tech specialist who verified it. Neither of them had any idea who I was planning to sell it to."

OOC: Bane Malar rolled 21. Bluff Check.
Xizran
GM, 288 posts
Tue 13 Feb 2024
at 06:15
  • msg #88

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

“That’s still two more people than the number who knew you were going to be selling that to me. Lendon clearly wanted that data and he clearly knew in advance you had it, no one has that many gunships prepared at that short notice otherwise. Who were they?”
Bane Malar
NPC, 206 posts
Fri 23 Feb 2024
at 00:52
  • msg #89

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Given that Lendon doubtless had access to the encrypted holocall I made to your palace in which I eluded to having compromising information on Dralvan, I would hardly say no one on your side knew about it," Bane corrects Xizran evenly. "But fine," he adds as Fennec glances up from a kolto patch she is in the process of sticking across her wound to narrow her eyes, "since you are so interested, the tech specialist was a Bith by the name of Lig'ran Tr'in. He was nothing short of terrified when he saw the recording, and made me swear I wouldn't tell anyone he had any knowledge of it, so it hardly makes sense for him to then go and tell Lendon or whoever he's working for."
Xizran
GM, 289 posts
Sun 25 Feb 2024
at 05:04
  • msg #90

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Well somebody leaked it to Lendon, and it wasn't me. You are telling me right now you swore you wouldn't tell other people he knew about it and yet you are telling me his name right now. Clearly you can't be trusted," Xizran sniffs judgmentally, clearly unwilling to budge on this point despite having no better than Bane about who actually did it. "Who was the scavenger? If they knew it was worth enough to be saleable, I doubt you are the only one they tried marketing it to."
Bane Malar
NPC, 207 posts
Tue 27 Feb 2024
at 00:09
  • msg #91

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"All right, technically he just asked me to swear I wouldn't tell anyone. I never actually told him I wouldn't," Bane shrugs, unperturbed at disregarding the wishes of the tech specialist. "As for the scavenger, I believe his name was... Drathis Kentor," Bane seems to decide rather than recall.

OOC: Bane Malar rolled 18. Bluff Check.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:06, Tue 27 Feb 2024.
Xizran
GM, 290 posts
Tue 27 Feb 2024
at 03:33
  • msg #92

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Technically first saying he 'made you swear' and then saying you never actually did if we want to get technical about facts doesn't make your track record for honesty any better," Xizran sniffs. "Fennec, run a search on whoever that is. If he actually exists, he should be in a database somewhere or at least have a HoloProfile up somewhere or Bane couldn't have found him."
Fennec Kang
NPC, 251 posts
Wed 28 Feb 2024
at 23:14
  • msg #93

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Is that 'Drathis' with an 'i' or with a 'y'?" asks Fennec in a tone that suggests she doesn't put much stock in either option, making no move in the direction of the computer.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:44, Sat 06 Apr 2024.
Bane Malar
NPC, 208 posts
Wed 28 Feb 2024
at 23:19
  • msg #94

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Bane gives a reigned pause, before sighing.

"Fine, there was no scavenger," he admits, ignoring Xizran's disparagement of his honesty. "But the individual who gave it to me really did make me swear I wouldn't tell anyone his, uh, their name. They hate Dralvan, though, so there's no way they'd snitch on us. They just want to see him burn."
Xizran
GM, 291 posts
Mon 4 Mar 2024
at 01:32
  • msg #95

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Hence why they handed this juicy and extremely incriminating evidence on him to a random nobody at a bargain price, instead of to, say, myself directly or News Galactica," Xizran says, still sounding deeply skeptical.
Bane Malar
NPC, 209 posts
Tue 5 Mar 2024
at 21:42
  • msg #96

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"I believe they did consider passing the information to News Galactica, but it's a risky move. Dralvan's a powerful man, and who knows which executives are playing hologolf with who, or what backdoor dealings an executive might do rather than releasing the information. As for giving it to you directly, well, random plebeians like that hardly have access to an Exchange lieutenant of your standing. I just happened to be a friend of a friend who had the necessary contacts."
Xizran
GM, 292 posts
Fri 8 Mar 2024
at 16:12
  • msg #97

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

“If you’re a friend of a friend, who is the friend?” Xizran scowls. “Because while Lendon is a snake he’s a snake who knew more than I did about what was in that data, the leak must have been from your side.”
Bane Malar
NPC, 210 posts
Sat 6 Apr 2024
at 10:06
  • msg #98

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"The only reason you agreed to meet with me was because I promised I had dirt on Dralvan. I doubt Lendon knew more than you did. You recall he chose to wait until after I played the recording to pull his little betrayal stunt, so my guess is he was gauging just how damaging it was. The answer, as you now know, was 'very'."
Xizran
GM, 293 posts
Sat 6 Apr 2024
at 10:24
  • msg #99

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Fine. If you want to keep your precious ally a secret, that is your choice. I don't need you to find out who betrayed my secrets on my own," Xizran sneers, his tone making it clear that by "I" Xizran most likely means "Fennec".
Fennec Kang
NPC, 252 posts
Sat 6 Apr 2024
at 11:49
  • msg #100

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Fennec gives a dark grunt of agreement as she finishes placing a kolto patch on her shoulder.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 153 posts
Sat 6 Apr 2024
at 12:09
  • msg #101

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Stro'to, meanwhile, seems to be intent on taking full advantage of his newly-granted funding, and is currently browsing Telos' supply of hire-speeders.

"Never a dull moment with Xizran and Fennec, haha," Stro'to says, keeping his voice low enough to hopefully not attract the attention of either of the two. "Do you and your friend, ah, have family you wish to let know you have gone off-planet?" Stro'to says to Kelsi, the unspoken 'not to mention pick up any ongoing medical bills' not spoken but (hopefully, Stro'to seems to feel) implied.
Kelsi Tico
NPC, 37 posts
Sat 6 Apr 2024
at 20:45
  • msg #102

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Kelsi glances up from where she still sits hunched beside Dalnan's bed.

"I don't think he had any family left," she manages, shaking her head. "My parents are on Axxila. But I can't tell them where I am. Not while my sister..." her voice breaks as she tries to stifle a sob.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 154 posts
Sun 7 Apr 2024
at 08:34
  • msg #103

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Stro'to coughs awkwardly, but nevertheless seems to not be immune to female tears, as reaching into an inner pocket, he hastily passes her a (clean) meshkerchief.

"Your sister?" he says encouragingly, possibly out of genuine interest, possibly just to distract what seems to Stro'to to be an imminent crying bout.
Kelsi Tico
NPC, 38 posts
Thu 18 Apr 2024
at 21:44
  • msg #104

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Kelsi accepts the meshkerchief, wiping a glistening tear which has appeared in her left eye. She then takes a breath to steady herself.

"My sister wanted to be a swoop racer," she begins to explain, her voice steadying (much to Stro'to's relief). "She's a good pilot and used to practice all the time back home. We told my parents we'd got jobs in a factory on Denon, but we came here to race instead. At first it was going well. My sister won a couple of races and made some decent credits. But then she tried racing on a circuit owned by a Twi'lek called Lupo Shar..."
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 155 posts
Wed 24 Apr 2024
at 09:34
  • msg #105

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Ah..." Stro'to says, having a more than passing acquaintance with this twi'lek, known in most swoop-racing circles to be a notorious cheat, guilty of rigging matches with his droid racer. (Stro'to seems to feel this isn't the time to point out that Stro'to has scored several generous tips from Lupo over the years for encouraging his fellow slaves and workers at Vogga's palace-- not to mention unwary offworld tourists-- to place their bets against said droid.)
This message was last edited by the player at 09:35, Wed 24 Apr 2024.
Kelsi Tico
NPC, 39 posts
Sat 4 May 2024
at 06:15
  • msg #106

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"He was using a droid, but my sister thought she could still beat him. And she did, at least at first. She narrowly beat his time twice in a row. Then Lupo offered her 1000 credits vs the swoop. We'd loaned 1000 credits to buy the swoop, so my sister saw this as her chance to make the whole thing pay off..." Her voice quavers again, but after taking a couple of breaths she resolutely continues. "But it didn't. She lost the race and the swoop. Then our creditors came for her. They took the credits she'd won, 200 or so, and they sold her into slavery. I didn't know what to do until Dalnan was kind enough to take me on as an apprentice. I was saving to buy her freedom, but now..." she trails off, staring at Dalnan with a hollow expression.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:35, Sun 19 May 2024.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 156 posts
Sat 4 May 2024
at 07:24
  • msg #107

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Stro’to makes a sympathetic noise, the tone of someone who quite sees exactly the problem here. (But isn’t necessarily ready to commit to doing anything about them.)
This message was last edited by the player at 07:24, Sat 04 May 2024.
Kelsi Tico
NPC, 44 posts
Sun 19 May 2024
at 04:43
  • msg #108

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Is there much work for a mechanic on Telis?" Kelsi asks Stro'to after a moment of silence which is bordering on becoming awkward.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 161 posts
Sun 19 May 2024
at 11:51
  • msg #109

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Telos," Stro'to corrects her helpfully, before adding encouragingly: "And I am sure there is. My master supplies fuel to Telos, and our staff report Czerka and the Ithorians regularly sabotage each other's efforts, so repair staff are naturally always in high demand."
Kelsi Tico
NPC, 45 posts
Sun 19 May 2024
at 12:45
  • msg #110

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Right..." says Kelsi, not seeming to be convinced this planet is much better than Nar Shaddaa.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 162 posts
Sun 19 May 2024
at 12:55
  • msg #111

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Between us, Telos is also vastly overrepresented by wealthy Replublic humans and the heirs of those richly compensated for their contributions to the various recent wars," Stro'to adds in a conspiratorial tone, the obvious ‘unlike most of the non human races’ going unspoken. "You look human enough to pass for one. I am sure you would find many there willing to loan or even give you the credits freely you need to buy back your sister, if you were tweak your facts slightly and tell the right sob story to the right people..."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:20, Sun 19 May 2024.
Kelsi Tico
NPC, 46 posts
Mon 20 May 2024
at 12:03
  • msg #112

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Oh?" prompts Kelsi in a tone that suggests she would not be averse to guilting a few entitled toffs out of the credits needed to buy her sister's freedom.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 163 posts
Mon 20 May 2024
at 12:29
  • msg #113

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Stro'to brightens visibly at this appealing solution, whereby Stro'to seems to foresee he can both salve his conscience but not be burdened with any additional costs for helping these two humans himself. (And after all, toffs on Telos can certainly afford a charitable donation or two, much moreso than Stro'to.)

"For example, rather than being sold off to cover her debts because she left home to follow her dreams and was trying to gamble money to get rich quick, why not say that you and your sister went instead to go to Na Shaddaa as part of a mercy mission to volunteer your time teaching hapless refugees useful life skills? Only for you to be afflicted by a long-lasting but not contagious medical condition that is expensive but entirely treatable? Your sister borrowed the money upfront for your treatment, but alas, had no way to pay it back. Thus, she was taken into slavery and now you are overcome by guilt and are desperate to save her, since you cannot possibly tell your loving pare-- grandparents," Stro'to decides, ruthlessly disposing of Kelsi's parents, "who are poor and who raised you both after your parents died and whom both of you promised to return to and look after as soon as you were done with your charitable work that one of their daughters may never come home."
Kelsi Tico
NPC, 47 posts
Tue 21 May 2024
at 02:28
  • msg #114

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Kelsi seems to feel there is a slight difference between 'tweaking facts' and 'outright lying', and looks visibly less comfortable with the prospect. However, once again her desire to free her sister wins out, and at length she bites her lip, nodding slowly.

"What medical condition?" she asks, seeming to trust that Stro'to is more of an authority in such things.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 164 posts
Tue 21 May 2024
at 02:52
  • msg #115

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Lung-related complications from an unidentified viral infection caught off Serroco refugees," Stro'to invents safely.
Kelsi Tico
NPC, 48 posts
Tue 21 May 2024
at 03:18
  • msg #116

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"If I caught it, it would have to be contagious, wouldn't it?" Kelsi frowns. "Also, most infections like that wouldn't cost more than 50 credits to fix. Which is still a significant amount, but nothing like what it will take to free my sister..."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:58, Tue 21 Jan.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 165 posts
Tue 21 May 2024
at 04:15
  • msg #117

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"You are a young human female," Stro'to reassures Kelsi encouragingly. "And humans are an uncomplicated race. As long as you blame it on Serroco, whom the Republic dislike anyway since Serroco always asks them why they will not fix Serroco like they are fixing Telos, they will understand perfectly that it is not your fault that you got sick."
Kelsi Tico
NPC, 49 posts
Wed 22 May 2024
at 06:55
  • msg #118

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Kelsi seems to accept that although this explanation may not fly on her home planet, Stro'to's galactic knowledge is once again more authoritative than hers. She nods slowly, before sliding across to the corner of the medbay to prop her head against the wall as she closes her eyes.
Fennec Kang
NPC, 253 posts
Wed 22 May 2024
at 06:56
  • msg #119

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Fennec sticks her head in the door at this moment, ignoring Kelsi as her keen gaze alights on Stro'to.

"Xizran wants to see you," she informs him curtly.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 166 posts
Thu 23 May 2024
at 00:50
  • msg #120

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Stro'to visibly wilts before pasting a fake smile firmly onto his face and standing up and straightening the creases out of his robes.

"Ah. Did he happen to say why?"
Fennec Kang
NPC, 254 posts
Fri 24 May 2024
at 01:48
  • msg #121

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Fennec seems quite content to leave Stro'to in suspense, ignoring his question as she strides from the room and swiftly ascends the flight of stairs outside.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 167 posts
Fri 24 May 2024
at 02:32
  • msg #122

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Stro'to obediently follows her since Stro'to is certainly not suicidal enough to press the matter.
Fennec Kang
NPC, 255 posts
Fri 24 May 2024
at 13:13
  • msg #123

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Fennec leads the way into the lounge which adjoins the cockpit, where Xizran has seated himself regally on the least dilapidated of the chairs.

"All right," Fennec says coldly, crossing her arms as she takes up position beside Xizran. "Now that the immediate concerns have been dealt with, it's time for some answers. What are you and Vogga playing at?"
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 168 posts
Fri 24 May 2024
at 13:37
  • msg #124

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Erm." Stro'to coughs delicately. "Getting paid for our fuel?"
Fennec Kang
NPC, 256 posts
Fri 24 May 2024
at 22:06
  • msg #125

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Fennec and Xizran look equally unconvinced by this explanation.

"You were set to meet with Xizran less than an hour after Lendon's betrayal. Conveniently you weren't at the apartment when it blew up. Then you of all people somehow track us to the undercity of Nar Shaddaa, leading Lendon right to us. A lot of coincidences, wouldn't you agree?"
Xizran
GM, 294 posts
Mon 27 May 2024
at 07:00
  • msg #126

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Xizran's eyes are also slitted suspiciously as Fennec speaks.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 169 posts
Mon 27 May 2024
at 07:17
  • msg #127

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Stro'to makes a faint clucking noise of protest, but making excuses and explaining away suspicious coincidences is a life skill Stro'to calls upon daily, and he wastes no time launching into today's one.

"I assure you, the boot is entirely on the other leg! I was merely stuck in traffic trying to get to my meeting-- which, as you rightly say was not for another 50 minutes-- when my Master, an avid watcher of the news, hologrammed me and told me that Xizran had gone missing less than an hour before he was due to deliver a rather large payment to us, and told me he had hired a very seedy bounty hunter-- a cheap, seedy bounty hunter whom neither of us have ever worked with before, but whose ProB reviews, which I now see were entirely false! were 4 stars-- to track you and discuss the matter of payment before you left the planet. You are a valued customer, after all. And usually late payments or faked deaths are trivial matters one is able to sort out in a handful of weeks at most, when one is dealing with Exchange vigos or CEOs of businesses worth billions or princes, much less all three. It is not my fault you, Fennec, do not believe in subtlety and therefore left a trail of destruction and threatened destruction in your wake that was very easy to track and for witnesses to remember. If a useless wretch like Quilran could find you, it is no wonder Lendon did too. The only wonder was that he had not already done so already."
Fennec Kang
NPC, 258 posts
Sat 29 Jun 2024
at 01:33
  • msg #128

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Fennec narrows her eyes.

"What do you know of Kaen Dralvan?" she changes tack abruptly, watching Stro'to closely to see if this draws a reaction.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 170 posts
Sat 29 Jun 2024
at 02:12
  • msg #129

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

“…Kaen who?” Stro’to says, looking like he secretly wishes he had a datapad with holonet access and five minutes to call a refresher break to look this up right now.
Fennec Kang
NPC, 259 posts
Sat 29 Jun 2024
at 05:38
  • msg #130

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Fennec eyes him for a moment longer, before seeming to decide the Twi'lek's obliviousness is genuine, giving a slow nod as she glances at Xizran.
Xizran
GM, 295 posts
Sat 29 Jun 2024
at 06:07
  • msg #131

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"...Fine. If you really were not involved, then you can call Vogga and tell him I am dealing with some housecleaning and once we have finished taking out the trash we will obviously settle unimportant matters like one measly outstanding invoice. And unless he wants me to switch suppliers when I'm done with Lendon, he had better continue delivering in the meantime and not chase me over the first invoice we've missed in the past five years."
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:08, Sat 29 June 2024.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 171 posts
Sat 29 Jun 2024
at 06:10
  • msg #132

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Stro'to looks like he would rather swallow poison, but manages to paste on a rather weak smile.

"Are you sure you would not like to make the call and tell him this personally? Or better yet, yourself, Fennec? I am sure you would know the ins and outs of it far better than I, and my Master has always had the utmost amount of respect for both of you..."
Fennec Kang
NPC, 260 posts
Sat 29 Jun 2024
at 06:24
  • msg #133

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Xizran and I both have better things to do with our time," Fennec sneers dismissively. "You can tell him yourself once we drop you off with those techs back there when we reach Telos."
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 172 posts
Sat 29 Jun 2024
at 06:34
  • msg #134

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Stro'to seems to brighten slightly at this reminder (intentional or not) that it is only once he gets to Telos that he will have to make this deeply unpleasant call. (He's certainly far too wise to question what those better things might be when Fennec has heavy blaster pistols and Stro'to does not.)
Bane Malar
NPC, 211 posts
Sat 29 Jun 2024
at 06:44
  • msg #135

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Speaking of invoices which are yet to be paid..." Bane puts in delicately as he withdraws the data core once more.
Xizran
GM, 296 posts
Sat 29 Jun 2024
at 06:46
  • msg #136

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"We weren't," Xizran shuts this down crushingly.
Bane Malar
NPC, 212 posts
Sat 29 Jun 2024
at 06:58
  • msg #137

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Bane opens his mouth, before seeming to decide that now is indeed not the ideal time, and closing it once more.

"When we reach Telos," he suggests, more to himself than Xizran.
Xizran
GM, 297 posts
Sat 29 Jun 2024
at 07:05
  • msg #138

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"And when we satisfy ourselves that you and your friends weren't involved in my palace being bombed," Xizran sneers, clearly having heard that.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:06, Sat 29 June 2024.
Bane Malar
NPC, 213 posts
Sat 29 Jun 2024
at 07:25
  • msg #139

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Indeed," Bane says smoothly before muttering something that really is inaudible as he strides back into the cockpit once more.
Vek Stro'to
NPC, 173 posts
Sat 29 Jun 2024
at 07:47
  • msg #140

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Stro'to seems to take it that it is time that he, too, made his escape, which Stro'to promptly does, murmuring a suitable-sounding excuse.
Narrator
GM, 124 posts
Sat 29 Jun 2024
at 10:27
  • msg #141

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

The journey to Telos passes without incident. Dalnan does not regain consciousness, but his condition remains stable. Kelsi remains beside him, and does not leave the medbay for the entirety of the journey, though Stro'to's predictions prove correct, and the wound in her stomach does not worsen or appear to become infected, though whether this is due in any way to the medpac she failed to apply is unclear. Stro'to smuggles a few snacks from upstairs which she gratefully accepts, and the Twi'lek himself seems to be primarily focused on keeping out of the way of Xizran and Fennec. Xizran himself commandeers Bane's quarters, which Fennec spends the journey guarding, forcing Bane himself to spend the journey in the cockpit, his helmet making it impossible to tell when he is sleeping and when he is awake. The journey takes around 12 standard hours, and soon enough they find themselves coming out of hyperspace above the desolated planet, making for the green mottled, partially restored section of the planet above which the silver, gleaming shell of Citadel Station rests in orbit.
Bane Malar
NPC, 214 posts
Sat 29 Jun 2024
at 10:29
  • msg #142

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Well, time to see if these old friends of yours pay off," Bane remarks as Xizran and Fennec join him in the cockpit, directing the ship toward the station.
Xizran
GM, 298 posts
Sat 29 Jun 2024
at 10:32
  • msg #143

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Xizran makes a sneeringly dismissive noise, otherwise ignoring Bane.
Fennec Kang
NPC, 261 posts
Sat 29 Jun 2024
at 10:34
  • msg #144

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Ban confirmed Loppak is clean," Fennec informs Xizran. "If he's involved in any of this he's been very subtle about it. But Loppak's never been the type to take risks or get involved in messes like this."
Xizran
GM, 299 posts
Sat 29 Jun 2024
at 11:05
  • msg #145

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"He had better make an exception in this instance and take my side, or I will be charging him a 20% premium on any of my speeders he buys once Lendon has been crushed."
Bane Malar
NPC, 215 posts
Sun 7 Jul 2024
at 11:57
  • msg #146

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Good to know we have so much trust in this fine being," Bane puts in lightly from the seat in front of them.
Fennec Kang
NPC, 262 posts
Sun 7 Jul 2024
at 11:59
  • msg #147

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"The only time I trust a Quarren is when my blaster is pressed against their ribcage," Fennec replies darkly.
Xizran
GM, 300 posts
Sun 7 Jul 2024
at 15:01
  • msg #148

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"Which is also exactly what he will get if he backstabs me," Xizran sneers.
Falleen Guard
NPC, 14 posts
Sat 13 Jul 2024
at 01:23
  • msg #149

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

Fennec gives a grim grunt of agreement.
Bane Malar
NPC, 216 posts
Sat 13 Jul 2024
at 01:39
  • msg #150

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

"I always admire the finesse and subtlety with which you two handle negotiations," Bane remarks.
Narrator
GM, 126 posts
Sat 13 Jul 2024
at 01:42
  • msg #151

Chapter IV: Questions and Answers

And with that, he accelerates toward Citadel Station.

OOC: End of Chapter IV...
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