Star Wars Saga: Lost Hope IC

Sakutian

Destabilized by the deaths of Emperor Palpatine and the staggering casualties incurred during the Battle of Endor, Imperial forces were recalled to the core worlds to support Emperor Pestage. Several high ranking officers have splintered from the Empire, each with their own private armies.

Meanwhile on the forest moon of Endor the Rebel Alliance has been reorganized into the Alliance of Free Planets with hundreds of worlds and civilizations banding together against the tyranny of the New Order. While Mon Mothma continues to expand the new government through diplomatic channels Admiral Ackbar has been tasked with building up their military.

On the Outer Rim an army composed of the native Gungans and Naboo’s Security Forces has launched an offensive against the occupying Imperials. Despite their best efforts they have been unable to drive the entrenched opposition off world and a prolonged siege seems likely. Admiral Nammo of the Defiance has been deployed in an effort to break the stalemate.

Kandor Tarkas
Coruscant, the Imperial Palace, One Month Earlier

Entering the towering spire that housed the Imperial Palace’s hawkbat population Kandor glanced up towards the massive dome of glass high above his head. Stepping around the scattered piles of excrement that littered the circular path around the interior of the spire he searched for signs of other visitors. The predatory birds that occupied this portion of the palace were usually enough to keep anyone at bay. In truth the he Kandor had never liked the creatures much himself, but he enjoyed walking through their habitat when his schedule allowed it. The solitude and silence found here were rare treasures on Coruscant and they helped him cocentrate. He smiled remembering the savory fresh hawkbat egg he’d enjoyed for breakfast several hours earlier.

A Chagrian wearing robes dark green robes that complimented his blue skin rounded the corner ahead of Kandor. Two of the helmeted Royal Guardsmen followed in the Chagrian’s wake, each of them armed with an identical force pike. Mas Ammeda smirked when he spotted Kandor ahead of them. “The Emperor has summoned you.”

Keeping his face directed towards the guardsmen Kandor’s eyes darted in either direction searching for an escape route. He was unarmed and outnumbered, best to try and buy himself as much time as possible. “He doesn’t usually provide an armed escort within the Imperial Palace, although I appreciate his concern for my safety.”

The lethorns draping down onto Mas Ammeda’s shoulders swayed as he shook his head. “You were carless making your last transmission to your rebel friends.” The Royal Guardsmen advanced on Kandor raising their force pikes. “Once you’ve finished dispose of the body on the lower levels, he belongs down there with the rest of the filth.”

Taking a step Kandor reached for the small blaster hidden inside of his clothes. His hand slipped on the grip of the weapon when the sounds of blaster fire and glass shattering erupted overhead. An armored figure being propelled by a jetpack landed heavily between him and the guardsmen. Shards of glass crashed to the hard floor around her and shattered in a cloud of glittering dust. Kandor recognized the woman’s armor as that of a Mandalorian instantly.

Ducking beneath one of the rocky outcroppings provided for the hawkbats Mas Ammeda pointed at the armored woman with a trembling hand. “Assassin! Kill her!”

Before the guardsmen could move to stop her, the Mandalorian spun on her heel wrapping her arms around Kandor’s torso. Flames belched from the jetpack strapped to her back, and the two of them shot up through the shattered remnants of the roof. Amidst a swarming mass of screeching hawkbats they soared up into the frigid air outside. Before the howling wind forced him to shut his eyes Kandor caught a brief glimpse of the dazzling skyline of Coruscant. In the next instant the skyline was rushing up to meet them as they plummeted towards the streets below. Kandor saw the cavernous mouth of an open refuse bin growing ever large as he fell towards it like some sort of a swooping hawkbat. They crashed into the filth and pain rocketed through Kandor’s back and shoulders as they collided with the metal innards of the bin.

Struggling to pry himself free of the clinging bits of filth and muck oozing muck that had collected in the refuse bin Kandor wiped some stinging liquid from his eyes. “Are you completely insane?! I was safer back there with the guardsmen!”

The Mandalorian woman plunged her hands deep into the garbage pulling some tattered clothing free. She tossed the sloppy mess into Kandor’s arms and climbed out of the bin. “Put those on.” Her voice was muffled by her helmet but no trace of emotion was present.

As he examined the ruined garments Kandor wretched at the very idea of wearing them. He tossed them out of the bin and they landed in the alley with a wet splash. “That’s disgusting, these are filthy.”

Pulling an all temperature cloak out of her utility belt and wrapping it around herself the woman fastened it in place without looking up. “We have less than a minute before the Imperials are out here in force. I suggest you change quickly if you want to avoid your own execution.”

With no further comment she strode towards the end of the alleyway. Without bothering to remove his own clothing Kandor pulled the dirty rags over his head with great difficulty.

Tendau Bendon
The Forest Moon of Endor, Two Weeks Earlier

Two stormtroopers charged through the thick underbrush of the forest. One of them was limping on a leg that threatened to buckle with every step while the second soldier moved ahead with a blaster pistol clutched in his hand. Their pale armor was streaked with a mixture of mud, tree sap, vegetation, and blood. The armed stormtroopers helmeted head turned this way and that tracking every sound as it echoed up into the looming canopy.

The wounded stormtrooper’s leg gave out beneath his weight sending him crashing down into the mud with a heavy thud. Turning to help the fallen soldier regain his footing the second trooper glanced down the slick slope they’d been struggling to climb. That smoking remains of the AT-ST was crumpled in a heap at the base of the hill.

A sharp blow to the back of the head sent him rolling down the hill until he crashed into a tree trunk with a sickening crack. The wounded soldier gazed up into the face of the armed Ithorian towering over him. He seemed to have popped out of the ground like some strange burrowing creature. Before the stormtrooper could make any attempt at escape Tendau aimed his blaster at the soldier and fired a single shot into his back.

Hefting his blaster out of the way Tendau crouched down and seized the unconscious man by the wrists. With a small grunt of effort he began dragging the stormtrooper up the muddy hill singing.

Titus Anteras and Jado Der’Merra
The Forest Moon of Endor, Three Days Earlier

“No.” Titus hefted himself over a massive fallen tree coated in wet moss while the Balosar girl following him simply ducked under it. When he landed on the other side of the tree he felt a sharp pain shoot through his knee and winced.

“But…” Jado’s eyes snapped to Titus’ knee and he knew that she’d sensed his pain.

“No.” He hefted the pack on his back and adjusted the rifle strap that had started digging into his shoulder. A few of the younger recruits acknowledged his passage with rapid salutes before they returned to their duties. Titus strode on uncomfortable with being saluted by his fellow soldiers.

“Why…” The Balosar girl smiled at the recruits and waved as she passed them determined to keep up with Titus’ longer strides.

“No!” Titus stopped in his tracks and took a deep breath. When he opened his eyes he noticed that several heads had turned in their direction and several people were now watching them cautiously. “You are not charging into another warzone. Not if I have anything to say about it. You’ll stay here where it’s safe and that will be the end of it.”

Jado stamped her foot in the mud and shouted after Titus. “A padawan is supposed to stay with their master!”

“Well then it’s a good thing I’m not your master.” Titus glowered as he continued walking towards the shuttle that would carry him off of Endor. Hurrying out of his path two soldiers tipped the large crate they’d been carrying between them onto its side. Ration packs spilled out over the rough trail, their bright silver wrappers glinting in the sunlight. Stepping over the spilled food Titus kept his gaze locked on the shuttle in front of him. He knew that if looked back Jado might convince him to let her come and he had sworn that Endor would be her final battle as long as she was in his care.

Kandor
The Defiance, Present

The private cabin Kandor had been assigned to was roughly the same size as the closet of the apartment he’d had back on Coruscant, and an odd fishy odor hung in the air. The only furniture was a firm mattress recessed into the wall, a rather squat desk tucked into the corner, and a straight backed metal chair. Kandor had been sitting at that desk growing increasingly frustrated with each passing hour. As he poured over datapad after datapad trying to memorize the customs of the Naboo and the proper way of greeting Gungan he found himself yearning for sleep and real food.

Setting the datapad down on the desk he rubbed his eyes and gazed up at the ceiling of his cabin. “Why couldn’t Mon Mothma have chosen someone else to go to Naboo?”

A soft knock at his door drew gave Kandor an excuse to tear his eyes away from the datapads for the first time in what felt like days.

Tendau and Titus
The Defiance, Present

The holding cells of the Defiance marginally less comfortable than the barracks, something that Titus would have said was impossible before spending the night inside of one. Lifting himself off of his cot on his elbows he touched his chin gingerly and cursed. He could smell the dried blood on top of his chin which had been split open by a rifle butt. A circular metallic container bounced off of the wall next to Titus and landed on his chest.

“The salve will heal your wound in a matter of hours.” Tendau’s face was a mass of painful looking bruises partially concealed beneath a pale blue paste. The Ithorian scout had been humming to himself since he’d been put into the cell. Titus had complained bitterly about the noise a few times but in truth he’d rather liked it.

“Thanks.” Titus unscrewed the lid of the salve, a sharp smell flooded his nose and made his head sway. Dabbing his finger into the semiliquid mass he applied some to his wound and felt a cooling sensation spread through his face almost immediately.

A pair of muffled voices in the security station down the hall from their holding cells drew Titus’ attention. As the bulkheads rattled he was certain he had heard one of those voices barking orders at him quite recently. Captain Baldor stepped through the corridor leading into the holding cells and stared at the prisoners through the bars. “Can either of you give me one reason why I shouldn’t leave the both of you in here for the rest of this war?”

Arin
The Defiance, Present

A wiry youth slapped a spoonful of some white mass flecked with glittering green crystalline shards onto the middle of the tray in Arin’s was holding. She turned and looked around the crowded mess hall for a vacant seat. Most of the tables were already occupied by soldiers or crewmen. The room hummed with life as voices bounced off of the inner hull. A few people turned their heads in what they must have thought was a causal glance as Arin passed their table. Whether they were curious about her identity or they were sizing her up as a warrior it made little difference to her.

She placed her tray on one of the few vacant tables at the center of the room and examined her food. She’d been told that it was some sort of nutrient paste laced with crystalized minerals developed by miners on Sullust. Grimacing as it jiggled unappetizingly at the end of her spoon she found herself yearning to injure one of those miners.

“The trick is not to let it touch your tongue on the way down.” A man with light brown hair sat dawn opposite of Arin and smiled. His pale green shirt was stained down the front with a black substance. He pressed his spoon against the food on his tray and took a large bite. “You know I think half the people in this room are worried you’re going to start shooting up the place.”

Jado
The Defiance, Present

Jado wiped the sweat off of her brow on the sleeve of her robe. The darkened confines of the ration pack filled crate she’d slipped inside of three days ago had become stiflingly hot. Discarded wrappers from the ration packs she’d eaten crinkled loudly every time she shifted her weight trying to find a comfortable position. The pale green light of the glow rod suspended from the ceiling cast eerie shadows around the crate’s innards.

Clouding the minds of the soldiers on Endor and slipping inside of her hiding place had been easy. However she’d come to regret her actions more and more with each passing hour. Her throat was terribly dry and the ration packs had left her with a terrible thirst. She was also starting to worry that Titus would be furious when he discovered what she’d done. However her fear at how Titus would react to her disobedience was being suppresed by her eagerness to stretch her legs and see where she was.

Solar

Standing, Kandor wished that this room at least had a sink with a mirror, so he could make himself presentable. As it was, he simply checked his diplomatic attire for stains, mercifully finding none, and brushed a hand through his hair. For a few moments, he closed his eyes and breathed deeply, focusing his mind. The last few days had driven him insane with boredom, being stuck in this little cell was very different from the expansive, busy political life on Coruscant. Not for the first time, he cursed his lack of attention to detail on that last message. He should have known better, and would remember in the future to postpone his attaches if the data transfers were not entirely reliable. Hopefully at least someone in the Alliance would have benefited from their spy's last information drop. If it hadn't been for that Madalorian...

Brushing the thoughts from his head, Kandor focused on the now. Neatly sliding his datapad within his robes, Kandor stepped towards the door. In truth, he was well groomed despite the last few days, but worrying about such was the nature of a young diplomat. Raising his hand, he assumed a friendly yet non-committal smile, and pressed the door release button.

If this turns out to be yet another meaningless military procedure, then I swear Mon Mothma, Leia Organa and the whole Alliance Diplomatic Corps will pay...

Skiddles

Jado had definitely had enough with sitting in a sweaty crate. Taking a moment to flex her cramped muscles to prepare them for her escape, she struggled to contain her excitement. She was still young, and although she had learned the basic mental exercises to calm her mind and keep her from bolting as soon as they had left Endor. But now was the time for action, time to sneak out and find her master, and hopefully not get into TOO much trouble in the process.

As she prepared to open the container, she extended her feelings to her immediate environment, looking for others in the area and hoping to get a general sense of their emotional state.

Force perception check (1d20+16=30). That'll do, Donkey.

Sakutian

A gold plated 3PO-series droid holding a tray was standing in the hallway outside. The droid bowed rather jerkily when Kandro came into view. "Oh, good morning sir, I was unable to procure the items you requested however I hope this will be satisfactory. May I come in?"

The plate on the tray held a sizable salad composed mostly of something that looked like seaweed. A thick dressing coating of pale yellow dressing had been poured over the veiny weeds.

Sakutian

It didn't take the padawan long to extend her senses beyond the tiny enclosure, and the presence of life around her became immediately apparent. Several people were moving through the space outside and none of them seemed to have noticed her presence so far. She sensed a vast arrary of emotions coming from the people outside. Fear, excitement, and a sort of anxiousness were all writhing inside of their minds. The hazy fog of exhaustion clouded a few minds from Jado but she detected no malic or ill intentions in anyone she sensed.

Skiddles

Waiting for a good time when nobody seemed to be too nearby, the padawan stood up, raising the lid off of the crate and gracefully sliding out and onto the ground- the gracefulness marred only by a calf muscle cramping up on contact with the ground. With a slight limp, she shook off her leg and started walking casually in a random direction, still scanning the area with her feelings to look for sudden feelings of concern or suspicion.

The good thing about being a kid, she thought hopefully, is that nobody really pays attention to you.

Sakutian

Moving along the narrow gap between twin rows of crates stacked a inches apart Jado caught a glimpse of the people she'd already sensed. The shadow being cast over her by the crates allowed her to remain hidden from sight as she examined her surroundings. Although her expertise on starships was limited she was certain that she wasn't on the shuttle that had left Endor anymore. The room she found herself in was easily three times the size of that entire shuttle and the walls had an odd texture to them. They looked more like the shells merchants had tried to sell to the unfortunate tourists on Balosar than any sort of metal she'd ever seen.

People wearing the pale uniforms supplied by the Rebel Alliance were moving throughout the room. Severl repuslorlifts loaded with cargo were being steered carefully along the walls. Everyone she could see was moved quickly and methodically. It looked as though they were taking an inventory of the cargo. A few ASP-series droids were pacing along the rows of crates lifting heavy loads and chirping to one another in binary occasionally.

Skiddles

Jado moved quietly among the crates, looking for an exit. From the looks of things, she was going to need some sort of pass to move around the ship, so she also took a look at the Rebel uniforms for obviously displayed keycards- she might have to try and swipe one if she was going to remain undetected.

Perception check, in case the keycards require a check to spot. (1d20+3=15)

Super Namicchi

The young woman narrowed her flint eyes and ate a bite of the goop, almost spitefully. The grin the man had been wearing at his own joke grew a little pained and finally he dropped it as the Mandalorian ate yet another bite of white mess, with even more resentment and spite.

"I'd considered it," she said, casting her eyes around the room before settling them back on him. "This cooking is a war crime."

Sakutian

Jado

Spotting keycards dangling on the front of several of the crew member's uniforms Jado tried to think of the best way to get her hands on one of them. Before inspiration could strike a man stopped just a few inches away with his back turned to her. His keycard was hanging from a metal clip jutting out of his back pocket.

Arin

"I'm sure you'll survive, don't Mandalorians have armored stomachs?" The man took another bite of his food then pushed the tray away halfheartedly.

Skiddles

Somewhat taken aback by her fortune, she reached out and put her hand on the clip, slipping it carefully out of the man's pocket.

Untrained pickpocket check to swipe the keycard (1d20+6=19)

Solar

Kandor always made a point of being polite to droids. A lot of people didn't bother, but he thought it was a bad habit to get into. You never knew when you might mistake the ambassador of some suit-wearing alien species for a robot and commit the worst kind of faux pas. Besides, there was never any excuses for bad manners.

Before allowing the Droid in, Kandor checked his room to see if there was anything important lying about. He'd developed a slightly more rigorous attitude towards information security since his unceremonious extraction from Coruscant. Nothing seemed out of place now, however.

"No, please come in. Forgive me but I don't recognize that dish, of what origination is it?"

Food was a generous term. Trough feed seemed more accurate. Perhaps foliage if one wished to dress it up a little. Despite himself, Kandor's stomach gave a little rumble. Damn, he thought. If that is appealing to me then I really do need to get out of this damn room.

Super Namicchi

Arin snorted derisively. "And we're eight feet tall, breathe fire, and can turn invisible at will."

Seeing him push the dish away, the young woman smiled mirthlessly and quickly cleared her plate in a manner that could only be described as lethally precise.

"So what is it you have to say? If it's a pickup line let me shoot you now and save us both some time."

Skiddles

Now in possession of the borrowed keycard, which was slipped into a pocket, Jado slipped across a few rows and continued down the line of boxes, searching for an exit she could use.

Excitement filled her as she went- of course this wasn't life or death, but she would definitely get into trouble if she were caught. And besides, this was great practice for when she became a real jedi... if she could make it all the way to her master's room undetected, he might even reconsider letting her join him.

Sakutian

Jado

It didn't take Jado long to find what seemed to be the only way in or out of the room. As all of the rebels were still thoroughly occupied with counting field rations and other emergency supplies no one was bothering to pay attention to the door behind them.

Kandor

"It is known as a Deep Current Salad, I'm told the recipe originated on Dac sir." The droid stepped into the cabin and examined the crowded surface of the desk. "Where would you like me to place this?"

Arin

"Sorry but you aren't my type. I just thought you might like to spend a moment with someone who doesn't gawk at you as though you're a sideshow attraction on Coruscant." The man held his hand out across the table offering it to Arin. "Jequin Dram, I'm a medic."

Skiddles

Jado walked purposely up to the door and hesitated a bit. There was no handle (unlike any door she would have been using on Balosar), and she hadn't really gone into too many high security areas before. She understood the theory behind keycards, of course, but had never really used one before. There was a slot- maybe if she just put the keycard in there....

Wincing slightly, she looked up at the console and saw a green light flash.

Use computer check to figure out how to do the easiest thing ever (1d20+2=11)

Solar

Deep current salad. Wonderful. So it wasn't foliage, it was fish food. Or something. They didn't have many fish on Coruscant, it was something that Admiral Ackbar was always raving about. Come to think of it, he didn't even know if Dac had fish either. Well, whatever lived in the depths of that planet, Kandor did not share common tastes. He was not a fish. Thing. Whatever.

Rubbing the corners of his eyes gently while the droid was distracted, Kandor then quickly brushed a space clear.

"Set it down there, thank you." The droid obediently did it's job. Sometimes Kandor wished he was a droid. Then he wouldn't have to deal with idiots all the time. Actually, he probably would, he just wouldn't have to care. He bent over and looked a little closer at the food, gave an experimental sniff. Hmmm, not that bad. His stomach grumbled again. Alright fine, he would eat. It was at least real and not some processed garbage.

"Will that be all sir?"

"Yes, that's fine. Now if you'll excuse me..." with the practiced ease of someone used to dealing with uninvited guests to one's office, Kandor gently shooed the droid out of his room. For something with an immobile metal face, the Droird did a remarkable job of seeming somewhat put out about it's quick removal from Kandor's quarters. He beamed at it. "Thank you for the food. May I request who ordered it sent down to me?" Always wise to know who ordered a meal, in case it was your last one.

Heir

Ignoring Baldor completely, Titus appeared to concentrate on something else in the distance before snapping back to reality. Turning to the Ithorian, Titus picked up where he left off before he and Tendau had traded blows. "I told you not to let her on this ship you overblown wind-bag! She's too young and inexperienced to go where we're going. If she gets hurt on Naboo we're going to have another 'discussion.'" Baldor cleared his throat loudly, but Titus just held up his hand at the captain as he continued to glare at Tendau. "And that's another thing, who do you think you are...."

Tendau seemed to chortle at his continued rantings (Titus wondered suddenly, can an Ithorian chortle?). He interrupted the aging Jedi before he could continue, "For being one who levies insults like "wind-bag" at his companions so readily, you sure are full of hot air." Titus face started to get redder as he stammered to come up with a retort, but the loud banging of a stun baton against one of the cell doors halted the argument. Captain Baldor stood there impatiently. "I asked you a question soldier"

Titus sighed, losing his steam. "Sir, he let the girl on the ship. You know she's not ready for combat..."

The Ithorian interrupted with a quick retort "She is a Jedi, the Force will protect her."

The man who was once a padawan, a mercenary, then a soldier, and finally a mentor, shook his head. "Lot of good that did Skywalker, going off and playing Jedi like that against two of the most powerful beings in the galaxy...."

"Regardless, it wasn't right for me to look my cool like that Sir. It won't happen again." He snapped a salute at his CO, hoping a little show of respect would get him out of his cell.

Klivian

Tendau snapped a similar salute and barely suppressed a grimace as one of his bruised ribs protested against the sudden motion.

"No, sir, it won't happen again. I take full responsibility for Miss Jado stowing away on board the Defiance. In my judgement her skills are uniquely suited to our mission on Naboo and leaving her behind on Endor was..."

Tendau pauses and glances sideways at Titus as he struggles to find a word that doesn't insult him.

"...short-sighted. If the captain would like, I can put her to work with me repairing the hydroponic bays."

The Defiance escaped the Battle of Endor with only moderate damage. The hydroponic bays had taken the worst brunt when proton torpedo penetrated a gap in the shields and vented almost every fresh fruit and vegetable on board into space.

Tendau puffs out his chest proudly, "We've got them back up to twenty-one percent capacity! And not a minute too soon, I might add. You might have a mutiny on hand if the crew had to keep eating nutripaste for three squares a day!" He points down at an untouched tin plate of crystallized grey sludge that had been passed under the bars at mealtime.

Super Namicchi

Arin looked at the offered hand like it was a squirming bug. "I'm not here to make friends, baar'ur, and I'm certainly not stupid. What do you want, Jequin Dram?"

Sakutian

Jado

The door slid open with a loud scrape that made Jado wince, but thankfully one of the labor droids dropped a large pipe at the same time. The metallic clang of the pipe bouncing along the floor covered her exit as she slipped through the door and out into the corridor outside.

Once she was out of the storage room Jado was greeted by an expansive window giving her a clear view of the space surrounding the ship. Stars that were being elongated and warped out of shape slid in and out of view as she gazed at them. Where ever theship was now it was clearly traveling through hyperspace.

Titus and Tendau

The captain looked between Titus and Tendau hefting the stun baton in his hand experimentally.

"It might teach the three of you a lesson if I had the little stowaway tossed into a cell with you for the rest of this campaign." Baldor returned thrust the stun baton he through a loop on his belt and tapped a code into the security pad on the wall next to him. A locking mechanism chirped cheerfully as the cell door swung opened. "If the Balosar girl is on board then I want her found within the hour. Keep her in the hydroponics bays on out of my sight."

Baldor turned and walked back towards the security station but stopped when he was halfway through the door and fixed Tendau with a peircing look. "You'd better have a decent meal waiting for me in the mess tomorrow Ithorian. If I don't get some decent food soon I might become unpleasant."

He rounded the corner stomped away down the corridor.

Kandor

Turning with the same clumsy motions that seemed to plague every protocol droid on Coruscant the 3PO flapped it's arms at Kandor. "Admiral Nammo suggsetd that I bring you something from the hyrdopinics bays now that repairs are underway. She stated concern for your health sir. Shall I tell her you are feeling up to a briefing after your meal?"

Arin

Jequin withdrew his hand and pushed his mostly uneaten plate of nutripaste closer to Arin. "Actually I was hoping to get your take on the tactical situation on Naboo. Military strategy has never been my strongest subject. Just one of the reasons I decided to carry a surgical kit instead of a rifle."

Solar

Admiral Nammo. Kandor had to confess to himself that he hadn't met the woman, and didn't know much about her. A meal and then a quick search on the Alliance database would hopefully reveal some pertinent details he could use to ensure they got along.

"Tell Admiral Nammo that I am very grateful for her consideration, and thank her for the meal. Also inform her I will certainly meet her after I finish my repast for a briefing."

Dealing with Admirals and other high ranking military figures was difficult. Kandor knew that they generally had a low opinions of politicians, diplomats and, well, anyone who wasn't in the military. But play them sweetly and they would come around, especially the clever ones, who realized they needed you as much as you needed them. Kandor was an up and comer in the Alliance, and hopefully Nammo would see the benefit of having such a man onside.

With that, the Droid bowed awkwardly and left, Kandor doing a little bow in return. Well now, he thought. Perhaps this journey will soon improve. If anything, a briefing will punctuate the boredom.

Skiddles

As she wandered through the halls of the ship, Jado started with her biggest need- she was parched. After a couple of minutes spent wandering the corridors, she ran across the ship's mess hall. Restraining herself from simply running toward the water dispenser, she sauntered into the mess, grabbed a glass and poured some liquid into it. Thinking for a moment, she grabbed a tray along with two more glasses of water, before turning around and looking for a place to sit.

At that point she noticed the disturbance, as everyone in the room seemed to be looking-but-not-staring at a couple of people who were exchanging heated words...

Klivian

Tendau relaxed and let out a huge sigh, which from an Ithorian sounded not unlike a hydraulic lift valve being purged. Captain Baldor was not known for his leniency when handling disciplinary matters.

Tendau had to admit that his plan to smuggle Jado on board had not been well thought out. The "plan" just consisted of a box of ration packs and a thermal blanket hastily tossed in the last cargo crate being lifted off of Endor. Jado had thought it brilliant, stood on her toes to hug Tendau, thanked him in her endearing, babbling way and bounded into the crate.

Tendau resolved to help her after overhearing Titus and Jado arguing in the mess hall the night before. Tendau could not fathom how Titus remained calm, almost *cold*, as Jado sobbed and pleaded to go with him. "It's not FAIR!" Jado finally shouted as she stood up abruptly, knocked over her chair and fled out of the mess hall. Titus sighed, continued to drink his caf and stared off into the distance.

Tendau stepped out of the holding cell and turned to Titus saying softly, "Jado should be in cargo bay 3. I suppose we should go retrieve her."

Sakutian

Jado

Two crew members carrying trays and talking animatedly stepped out of line behind Jado. One of them, a woman wearing a bright orange vest and a toolbelt, looked in the direction of the disturbance across the mess hall frowning. "Can you believe they let a Mandalorian on this ship? Her people are as bad as the Empire."

Her companion, a tall broad shouldered man, nodded his head in agreement.

Kandor

Twenty minutes later Kandor had made his way to the main bridge. Despite his unfamiliar surroundings he'd encountered several members of the crew along the way who had been able to point him in the right direction. Flashing his keycard at the men guarding the door Kandor stepped onto the bridge. The first thing he noticed was the panoramic window that provided the members of the bridge crew an impressive view, however it only served to make Kandor regret eating his deep current salad as a fresh wave of hyperdrive sickness washed over him. A massive holoprojector table stood at the center of the room, although it was inactvie at the moment.

Kandor couldn't help noticing that the bridge crew was entirely Mon Calamari. Diligently carrying out their duties as they piloted the massive MC80 star cruiser through hyperspace there was a great deal of activity. Mon Calamari seated at consoles were conveying orders throughout the ship as they made more adjustments than Kandor wanted to imagine.

Searching for the face of Admiral Nammo among all of the wide eyed members bridge crew he spotted her sitting in a chair that had been fixed to a large swiveling robotic arm. As he approached the chair pivoted to face him and Admiral Nammo rose. "I am pleased to see you are well Representaive Kandor."

Heir

Titus momentarily glared back at Tendau before sighing and closing his eyes. He seemed to murmur to himself for a minute, and Tendau could tell his eyes were rapidly moving under the man's eyelids. The Ithorian scout thought he heard the tell-tale throaty rasp of the Balosur language interspersed in the muttering, but couldn't be sure. After another moment, his eyes snapped open and he looked at his companion. "She WAS in cargo bay 3. You of all people should know she can't sit still for an hour, let alone days."

"With any luck, she knows to stay still so we can find her. She knows we're coming."

Brushing past the Ithorian, Titus strode out of the holding area, already steeling himself for the pleading and whining he'd have to deal with when he found his errant apprentice. He hoped Tendau at least had sense enough to keep quiet while he lectured her. Knowing him though, it wasn't likely.

Use the Force: Sense Force, Use the Force: Telepathy (1d20+13=22, 1d20+13=30)

Both beat DC15 checks. Sensing her location, and then trying to convey to her that she needs to stay still while they come to her. I know Telepathy can only

Sakutian

Tendau and Titus

When they arrived in the mess hall a few minutes Titus and Tendau found it was in the usual state of controlled chaos. A line of people wee milling around outside of the serving windows complaining about the food, their duty roster, and a plethora of other topics. Voices raised in high spirits echoed loudly as the members of the crew seated around the scattered tables talked animatedly. The scrape of a several hundred knives and forks on plates put Titus' teeth on edge as he scanned the crowd.

Even with so many distractions the force drew Titus to his apprentice at once. He wouldn't have needed it to find her in this crowd however. She was easily the youngest person in the room by at least five years, and the only member of her species present.

Skiddles

Jado frowned and momentarily forgot about the two exchanging words at the table, as she overheard the humans being bigoted and sensed her master's command. Brushing everything else away, she looked up at the woman with a pleasant expression on her face.

"Excuse me ma'am, I couldn't help but overhear your comments about Mandalorians just now. Do you know this particular Mandalorian at all?"

The woman stared at Jado as though she were speaking binary.

"It's just...it seems to me that a lot of the reason we're fighting against the Empire is because they generalize based on species. I would hope that as Rebels we might give others the opportunity to prove themselves as individuals. To show that we're more- or less- than what we would have assumed by the way they look. Don't you agree?" With that, she smiled a disarming smile and looked up at the two humans.

Sakutian

The woman stared at Jado for a moment, and she could sense the emotions at war within her even though she hadn't intended to do so. "You're right, we should giver her a chance."

Smiling she glanced at the tray of food the Balosar girl was holding curiously. "Looks like you've been working hard. Would you care to join us?"

Skiddles

"I'd love to, but I'm about to get in trouble for stowing away on a starship. Maybe some other time?" she held out one hand to the woman, expertly balancing the tray and water glasses in the other. "I'm Jado, by the way".

Sakutian

With a clear look of confusion the woman took Jado's hand and shook it slowly. "Nice to meet you Jado, I'm Kay."

Skiddles

Having shaken hands, Jado put her tray down and started drinking water determinedly. She steeled herself and reached out with her mind and spoke directly to Titus while she finished downing her water- she had had a long 3 days to think about what she needed to say in her little crate.

I hope you aren't too disappointed in me, Master. I know you are only trying to protect me, but I can't just sit things out while those I care about are in danger. I've thought about it and I was wrong to run headlong into the fray last time, even if I knew that I could handle it, because other people I care about ended up taking unnecessary risks because of my actions. I can't promise I will always obey your every order, but I can tell you that I have learned from my past mistakes, and will consider the consequences of my actions more in future. Please let me accompany you and prove to you that I belong by your side, where I can learn from you and use my gifts to help the Alliance?

Heir

As Titus strode towards the Balosar girl, his mind was suddenly assaulted with Jado's telepathic speech. He clutched at his head and cursed under his breath. Tendau seemed oblivious to his pain, or at least gave no impression that he noticed (or cared). As Titus reached Jado, he held up his hand in a "stop!" motion.

"You know I don't like it when you do that." He scowled at her, but her pleading eyes softened his expression quickly enough. "Well you're on the ship now, there's not much that can be done about that." He shot Tendau a quick, accusing look, but continued. "That still doesn't negate the fact that you're not authorized to be on this ship. So you and your best friend here are going to spend time growing something more palatable than the gruel they're serving currently." Jado seemed to perk up at being given a task, but he put a damper on her rising spirits, "...AND you'll get plenty of 'action' when I find a few remotes onboard for you to practice with." Without pausing, he pointed an accusatory finger at Tendau. "And don't you even THINK about turning down the power on those for her. I'd rather her have a few burn marks and a numb limb for a while than get sloppy and get that same limb blown off during real combat."

Titus stormed off without giving either of them time to protest. He found a bowl, and after having it filled with some sort of noxious concoction, he sniffed it and nearly wretched. Finding a table, he started to eat with the precision of a soldier. He felt Jado send a quiet apology through the Force to him. Sighing, he sent back reassuring feelings, letting her know he was happy she was near.

Skiddles

Jado smiled contagiously, despite the drubbing she had just received. She was with the people she cared about and would be allowed to be a part of the Alliance operations... That was worth any amount of yelling, getting singed or... working with plants, apparently? She looked up at Tendau and sent a quick mental Thank you to the Ithorian, still beaming.

Her smile turned a bit sheepish, and she turned to Kay, who was staring openmouthed at the most recent exchange. "Sorry you had to witness that, Kay. I meant to find him somewhere a bit more private, but the old man is apparently quicker than I expected. Not the first time I've made that mistake..."

Klivian

Tendau lowered himself into a chair at Jado's table with a sore sounding grunt.

He gestured to his bruised face and swollen eye.

"Yes, your master is *much* quicker than he appears."

Sakutian

Kay dropped her tray spilling nutripaste and water across the floor with an awed expression. Kneeling down in the mess she took the girl's hands and held them with something like reverance and bowed her head. "You're the Jedi girl everyone kept talking about back on Endor. I'm so sorry I didn't believe the stories."

At the word Jedi several heads turned backward and necks craned as people turned to look at Jado. A few of the diners even rose from their seats in order to get a better view of the girl. People who had just left the line forgot about their meals and gathered around Jado and Kay in a writhing throng of bodies. Those who were two far away to get a proper look started standing on top of their tables and chairs.

Skiddles

Jado looked around slightly panicked, and then shrugged. She didn't want all this attention, but as long as she had it, she may as well use it. She hopped up on the nearest table and addressed the crowd of people.

"Hello, yes thank you- that's my lightsabre... please don't touch that." a hand jerked away from her side. "Hello everyone! Yes, I am indeed the girl you may have heard about who is training to be a Jedi. I think you'll be disappointed in the reality of me- I'm just a scrawny little girl who happens to have some modest abilities with the force." some mutters erupt from the crowd that she quickly talked over.

"But as we fight against the Empire, please know that I am here at your side, and that I am as determined as any of you that we will beat back those who would enslave us, oppress us, and generally bully us around. And while I have your attention, I have a favour to ask of you, each and every one of you... No matter what we might encounter out there in this war, always keep in mind why we are fighting, and very specifically WHO we are fighting. It's important we win this war, but it's just as important that we win this war with our spirit and our ideals in tact, so that in winning we don't turn into the very people we are trying to unseat. Thanks for your time, and may the force be with you!"

With that, Jado performed a graceful somersault over the heads of a couple of the onlookers before sliding off of another table and smoothly to her feet, where she started running, not even checking to see how well her speech was received.

Acrobatics check to pull off a graceful exit from the throng of people (1d20+11=21) woo!

Heir

Titus looked up from his gruel, watched Jado make a fool of herself, sighed, and went back to eating.

Sakutian

Applause erupted across the mess hall as diners watched the young Jedi putting on an acrobatic display. The chorus of cheering only stopped when a crack that sounded like a piece of the hull plating being split in two rang out across the hall. Captain Baldor was standing next to one of the tables, half of his stun baton shaking in his hand and half of it spinning on the floor next to him. His face had reddened until it resembled the complexion of a Togruta.

"Officer on deck!" Soldiers rose from their seats and saluted with a great scraping as they pushed their chairs away from the tables. Others hurriedly arranged themsleves into two single file ranks along the aisle between the tables and stood as still as statues.

The captain paced along the lines of rebels looking at no one. When he finally spoke his voice was steady butstill furious. "When Skywalker turned up a lot of people thought he was going to defeat the whole Empire all by himself. But he didn't, did he? No. He got himself killed because he just couldn't resist a chance to show us all how special he was. The Jedi aren't going to save us from the Empire, and neither will the force. If you have to believe in something then believe in that!" Baldor pointed the spintered end of his stun baton at the flag hanging next to the drink dispenser. The emblem of the rebel alliance that had been stitched into the fabric was utterly still in the windless room.

"By all of Alderaan's ghosts I've never been so ashamed to be a serve in this army. All of you report to your stations and start acting like soldiers or jettison yourselves in the escape pods. Dismissed!"

The rebels flooded out of the room in a flurry of motion as they rushed to escape the captain's anger. Within seconds nearly everyone was gone except for Jequin who remained standing next to his seat.

Captain Baldor marched along the tables until he was standing next to Jado and he yanked the girl down to the floor forcefully. Staring at her with something like disgust plastered across his face he shook the ruined stun baton under her nose as he spoke. "As for you, if I ever see you cause another disturbance like that I'll drag you back to the cargo bay and have you bolted inside of a container myself. Is that understood?"

Heir

Titus got up in a hurry when the captain had arrived. When everyone was dismissed, he walked hurriedly over to where Baldor was scolding his apprentice.

"Don't worry captain, I'll keep her under watch for the remainder of the trip. She won't be having any more outbursts if I can handle it." Titus looked at Jado sternly, but she could tell he was just trying to shield her from being yelled at more than she already had been. "Tendau was just about to show her where the hydroponics area was anyways, ain't that right kid?"

She nodded meekly, and Titus clapped her on the shoulder. "We'll make a soldier out of her yet sir." He couldn't help but grin.

Sakutian

The captain kept glowering at the pair of them but he turned and strode out of the mess hall without shouting anymore.