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Star Wars PBP IC - Give me liberty or give me death!

SolarSolar Registered User regular
IT IS A TIME OF GALACTIC WAR

Striking from their secret Yavin IV base, the Rebel Alliance has managed to destroy the supremely powerful Imperial DEATH STAR, bringing the bright spark of hope to a beleaguered galaxy.

But they are not the only heroes with the courage and sacrificing will to stand up to the still terrifyingly potent Imperial military. Across dozens of systems, brave men and women gather to strike back at the Empire with all their strength.

In the Estan System, one such Rebel group inhabits the hidden STARSHADOW BASE. But their battle cannot continue alone, and with the Alliance's recent victory, they have been able to answer the base's call for new recruits with a band of varied soldiers, technicians, pilots, spies and more. Their arrival at the base is timely, for commander TYJAK MORR already has a task for them in mind...

---

The space outside Rika's Cockpit windows definitely wasn't as empty as space usually was. Thick clouds of gas and dust obscured her ability to see even clear star patterns, and the clouds weren't purely visual either; the scanners were being thrown all over the shop by electromagnetic and gravitic interference. She'd have almost been impressed by this as a choice for a rebel base, except she was pretty sure that it was no good for the paint work on her beloved U-Wing. Not that the U-Wing had been flown by Rika for long at all, but if she flew it, then it was her baby. That was the rule. Oh well... "Nav system says we're one minute out, broadcasting docking codes now..."

Not that the Rebel Alliance tolerated discrimination against aliens, but Liakazza the Wookie having the access codes to the base had seemed a little unusual. That said, the Wookie had give numerous polite assurances that the codes he had been entrusted in would be fine, and indeed, that they showed a commendable level of careful encryption and multi-layered program codes. Whoever had come up with them, in fact, might have been called a little paranoid... a minor observation the Spy kept to himself. No need to concern anyone unduly, of course.

The rest of the crew sat in the hold seats, and hearing Rika's call buckled themselves in for the landing, just in time for the U-WIng to smoothly glide the ship out of a cloud... and then abruptly roll to meet the gravitational field of the moonlet beneath them. Nobody had mentioned that this place would be so screwy, but it all seemed to look legitimate in the sense that only someone who definitely didn't want to be found would be. Plus that was definitely a pair of Rebel Y-Wings gliding out of the clouds to their left and right to escort the larger transport ship in. The ships hung back a bit, almost as if they were preparing to launch an attack on the new arrival's ship. Either these guys were nervous, or they were really, really careful...

"U-Wing, receive designate Delta 1/1, do you copy?" "Copy Y-Wing, reading your callsign as Alpha 2/1, that correct?" "That's right Delta 1/1, your codes all check out. Sending a landing flight path to you now. We'll see you inside. Watch out for the comm towers." With a distinct lack of Torpedo fire following it's aft trail, the U-Wing rolled and dived into a canyon zone that seemed to be a dead end, but for a minor cliffside opening, inside which landing lights flickered and signaled green for drop go. With a hiss of hydraulics and the thrum of repulsor systems adjusting to hanger floor density, the U-Wing came to a gentle rest. The hanger turned out to be a rather cavernous space, quite literally. A cave system held up by arcing pillars of natural rock, in between which sat Y-Wings, Z-95s, piles of equipment and fuelling stations, criss-crossing heavy duty power lines, and plenty of starship techs. As the door opened and the crew got out, they found that they had been met on the landing platform by a female Duros wearing a mechanics get-up, thoroughly stained through with use, and a serious looking young man in a featureless space operations get-up of jacket, pants and boots. Both were armed, though neither looked aggressive. That said, a few more Rebels were sat around on nearby cargo crates, all of them packing, and it was hard not to feel slightly put off by this kind of welcome. The Duros turned to the man and said "ship checks out, no trackers, and matches the details." The man nodded, and stepped forward.

"Alright, we're sorry for the... difficult welcome. But we take security pretty seriously around here, and for good reason. I'll need you all to sound off, make sure that your ID's check with what we've been given."

The man did look genuinely apologetic, but his tone and the blasters of the guys behind him didn't brook many arguments...
This is basically a chance for you guys to describe your appearances, give your names and duties, make observations about the situation and the arrival etc.

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Posts

  • Albino BunnyAlbino Bunny Jackie Registered User regular
    edited January 2017
    Rika was hardly impressed with the welcome. Slinking out of the ship and stretching with a yawn, still not a fan of long distance flights. After all she was a capital P Pilot, not some cargo jockey whose dreams died in the invitationals. Her bones creaking at the motion, tugging her flight helmet off and letting her tangled mess of red hair fall out around her shoulders. Leaning up against her U-Wing. Idly running her eyes along the sides of her ship, checking the paint job and making notes of little areas she'd need to have Rehma fix up while they got settled in. Fidgeting with the zip of her jacket, a nervous tic she'd found increasingly persistent as the volume of armed soldiers in her life increased. Breaking the ice with a blunt issue that lived up to all the worst parts of her brash reputation.

    "Rika Flynn, you new Ace pilot, glad you brought my fanclub out to greet me, didn't realise I had them out in the boonies," she commented. Stepping forwards towards the armed rebels on the crates and shoving her backpack into one of their arms. Looking at the shocked man even as she demanded "you look keen, why don't you show me my room and where to get food and I'll get back to blue, dark and handsome when I wake up from my twelve hour beauty coma, I'm sure Rehma can brief you on the ships state," standing there and looking at the young rebel expectantly.

    Albino Bunny on
  • FaranguFarangu I am a beardy man With a beardy planRegistered User regular
    Kornay slowly unbuckled her harness, and methodically filed out of the U-wing with the other passengers, nodding her appreciation of the smooth flight to the pilot.

    Her compound eyes began to adjust to the surroundings, and she briefly fiddled with her breathing apparatus during the while. She patted down her slightly flowing jacket - the concession she made to her traditional clothing of robes. Everything was in place. She soon regained her measured composure, and stood in file with the others. She began to confirm her ID when Rika made her own introduction. A moment or two after, she stepped forward. "This one i...my name is Kornay. I am happy to be of assistance however I can be." She stepped back into line, making a mental note that she needed to get the new pronouns down better.

  • Lord_AsmodeusLord_Asmodeus goeticSobriquet: Here is your magical cryptic riddle-tumour: I AM A TIME MACHINERegistered User regular
    Caldwee calmly stepped out of the ship, stooping slightly, not that she was afraid her head would brush the top being only 5'5" she stood much lower than the clearance of the hatch required, but her tall purple-shaded mohawk stood another appreciable 5 or so inches taller than her scalp and she hated when it occasionally caught on the tops of doorways. Not that it ever did that much, 5'10" still being lower than most doorways which were made to accomadate much taller beings than Rodians who weren't regarded as giants among the stars. Her dark blue-black eyes moved to take in the scene before her, not that anyone would likely be able to tell her eyes had moved to do so. Her hand unconsciously rested on the butt of her blaster pistol.

    In addition to the pistol she was wearing fairly standard rim-world garb in tans and light browns with shirt and vest festooned with pockets and pouches for carrying small items, money, and equipment. She responded to the question of the one who had confronted the group in Rodese, "I'm Caldwee Norwa. I'm supposed to help you sort out some of your supply issues and help get you more of the equipment and gear you need."

    Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if Labor had not first existed. Labor is superior to capital, and deserves much the higher consideration. - Lincoln
  • TomantaTomanta Registered User regular
    Ak-Jabb watched with mild interest as the U-Wing landed and some new people filtered out. The muscular Weequay was wearing an ill-fitting soldier's uniform, the best he could find after arriving at the base. "Nice ship, didn't expect you guys to be that well equipped," he commented to one of the other rebels. He sized up the newcomers as they filed out of the ship while wiping down the long barrel of his rifle with a rag.

    He pretended to be busy as Rika approached and shoved her backpack at one of the other rebels hanging around. Ak-Jabb chuckled softly at Rika's demand, commenting to the young trooper "This one has spirit. You'd best do as she says."

  • HellboreHellbore A bad, bad man Registered User regular
    As the crew piled out of the U-Wing, Rehma clipped her datapad back her belt. She'd been here a few days already, but had been told nothing other than to wait for the team to arrive. She recognized Rika as the pilot exited and nodded a greeting, knowing that there'd be a list of things she'd want tuned on the ship that were minor, but would swear the ship was all but unflyable until they were fixed.

    The Gand and Rodian were strangers, but she greeted them the same way as they introduced themselves. This wasn't the roughest group she had seen in the Alliance, but certainly one of the more diverse. She spared a glance at the lieutenant next to her, trying to gauge his reaction.

  • NeoTomaNeoToma Registered User regular
    Liakazza walked out next. He cracked his sore neck. The somewhat portly Wookie stood up to his full 6'9 height, stretched aching muscles and narrowed blood shot eyes at his new home. The ship wasn't bad persay. Just not built for Wookies. So few things were. He shifts uncomfortably in his trench coat.

    Why was it so bright? Because you're a good guy now. The thought turns his stomach, he searches for pack for a pack of death sticks in his many pockets and compartments out of nervous habit before he remembers he quit. He exhales in disappointed growl.

    It's weird being on team he thought, yawning and scratching under his chin with his claws. He'd always been a contractor before. After brushing the facial fur back away from the face It's important they see your face, he introduces himself with a roar and slight bow.
    "Liakazza. The Autumn Ghost. Pleasure to make your acquaintances and finally this see STARSHADOW in all it's glory."

  • SteelhawkSteelhawk Registered User regular
    Caryse unbuckles herself from her seat and immediately grabs her meagre kit. A few changes of clothes, one or two personal items and low quality holo of her and her brother back when they were young orphans on Byblos, flush enough from pickpocketing a tourist to afford to pay the holo-droid for the pleasure. And, of course, her rifle. Checking it (again) and slinging it over her shoulder, she stepped out of the ship.

    Fairly tall, with attractive features (for a human, anyway) and shoulder length hair the colour of lilacs from Naboo (not that she had ever seen one). She strides across the deck with long limbs encased in a matte black, form fitting combat jumpsuit and high boots. Caryse turns heads and draws stares, but its not clear if she ignores them, or is ignorant of them. She looks primed and ready to action, almost eager for it. With the badass confidence that all SpecForce troopers have. Keen observers will note, however, that the only wear and tear on her gear came from sitting in a jumpseat for hours.

    "Caryse Mahan, SpecForce Commando...Sniper Specialist, reporting for duty!"

  • SolarSolar Registered User regular
    edited January 2017
    The man seemed to check all the information they had given against a datapad in his hand, and nodded satisfactorily. Turning to the troops behind him, he gave a cursory wave. "Alright sergeant, we're good here. Get their equipment stowed in their quarters, they'll be coming straight up for a briefing." The man behind him nodded, and his men jumped to it. The young man with Rika's bag looked a little like his pride had been damaged, but clearly not relishing any kind of argument with his superiors around, he blushed at Rika and hurried off.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard. My name is Lieutenant Rho. I'm the intelligence and security officer on this base, and that means that if you want in our or out of this base, it's at my say so. This is nothing personal, simply a case of safety. When security gets screwed up, people die, and I'm here to make sure that doesn't happen." He stopped himself, and frowned a little. "...not that we're expecting anything like that in this situation. Everything has been cleared, which is just as well. The Commander already has a job for you, something that'll take a few different skillsets. Follow me, please."
    If anyone would like to suggest a skill to garner some information on the base or it's occupants and equipment other than Lieutenant Rho while you're wandering through it, that'd be a Difficulty 2 check (so 2 purple dice). For Rho, it's Difficulty 3, as he seems to be somewhat difficult to read.

    The Lieutenant led them all through the cavern, moving around the rough, purplish grey rock and between clouds of ship hydraulic gases, stepping over various pieces of equipment. That this base was relatively well supplied was clear from the squadron of starfighters and shuttles, but they had clearly seen plenty of action. Blaster burns and lasers markings were clear on the plating of the Y-Wings the recruits walked under. This was definitely a front line posting.

    Heading into a smaller tunnel with metal stairs, the Lieutenant took them into the main base. "You will be shown around following the briefing. I know you've had a long flight, but the Commander likes to keep his people kept up to speed on things asap. Stops anyone from working against a plan they don't know about." The base itself seemed to be quite extensive, if a little large for it's personnel. Despite that, it clearly had the look of a temporary structure erected on a long term basis, with exposed wiring to the lamp systems and basic door shutters. At the end of a dimly lit corridor, the team encountered a solid security door, which opened when Rho put a code into the pad with a smooth hiss. The room inside was plain and dark, with little furniture except for a large, flat holo-table in the middle, behind which sat three more individuals. Rho indicated that the team enter and sit.

    The man opposite them was in his mid to late thirties, with short dark hair. He sat straight backed and eyed them all with a level gaze. This could only be commander Morr. Next to him was a Xexto male, fingers intwined in a complex mesh, leaning forward in his chair with a fiercely intelligent and scrutinising look in his eyes, more like a razor minded teacher than the pilot his flightsuit clearly showed. One the other side, a woman sat reading from a datapad. Her long hair was tied back in a businesslike bun, and beneath her tough work clothes she was fit and athletic. Her eyes flicked up to look at the team as they entered. The Commander smiled.

    "Welcome to Starshadow base. I am Commander Morr, and I trust that you are all here of your own volition, fighters for the cause. But I'd be interested to know your opinions as to why you, specifically, are here..."
    Same goes at this stage too. The Xexto and Commander are Difficulty 2 to use a skill on, the other woman, Difficulty 3

    Feel free to speak to the Commander relatively openly. The Rebel Alliance has a somewhat loose attitude to command structure and the Commander has asked you for your opinion, insinuating how much knowledge you have about their situation in general

    Solar on
  • FaranguFarangu I am a beardy man With a beardy planRegistered User regular
    Kornay stepped forward first this time. "I am Kornay. I am a good shot with a blaster. I have experience with squad-to-platoon scale tactics, and planning and executing operations that utilize those tactics. I am also adequate at basic mechanics and medical administrations."

    She realized then how clinical that sounded, and looked pensive for a second. "People I have met often tell me that I am too smart for my own good. They also follow me into danger willingly. I do not see reason to question their decisions." She then stepped back into line, giving someone else a spot on the floor.

  • TomantaTomanta Registered User regular
    Ak-Jabb followed Lieutenant Rho to the briefing. The security officer had alerted him that after a few days they finally thought they had a job for him, and the Weequay was looking for a chance to stretch his legs a little. The abbreviated tour was a bore, having already been through it once, but the mercenary had barely had a meet and greet with the busy commander. As the group entered the command room, Ak-Jabb found a spot near the back where he could lean against a support pillar.

    Following Kornay's introduction, he remained in his spot and let out a gruff "Finally caught a close up look at how the Empire operates. Don't much care for it, and I know my way around a fight."

  • Lord_AsmodeusLord_Asmodeus goeticSobriquet: Here is your magical cryptic riddle-tumour: I AM A TIME MACHINERegistered User regular
    Caldwee entered the room and maneuvered her way to one of the seats, taking a relaxed but attentive posture, leaning slightly forward. She looked over each of the individuals in the room, and after Kornay had explained the likely reason for her presence Caldwee decided to be the next to declare the purpose of her presence on the base, and to hopefully answer something she was somewhat curious about after her observations of the base, speaking again in Rodese

    (Generally assume Caldwee is speaking Rodese unless I specify otherwise)

    "I am Caldwee Norwa as I told the man who met us off the ship. I am a procurer of goods and supplies, skilled as both a buyer and a seller of arms, equipment and many other things that might bring a profit or, as is the case now, will help the Rebellion. I am curious, when they sent me here I assumed you were having supply issues but your base so far seems fairly well stocked, all things considered. Of course every military operation is always looking to increase their supply lines and stocks of vital equipment especially the Rebellion, but I'm curious if there were a more pressing need for a new Quartermaster here than is immediately obvious."

    Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if Labor had not first existed. Labor is superior to capital, and deserves much the higher consideration. - Lincoln
  • HellboreHellbore A bad, bad man Registered User regular
    Rehma followed the others into the room. She'd never been in here, and had never met the three seated behind the holotable. Nervously, Rehma adjusted her coveralls and vainly tried to brush off the stains. She straightened as Kornay began to speak and waited for a moment before she stepped forward as well, saying, "Commander, I'm Rehma Lon and I'm a mechanic. I've was transferred out here a few days ago and the lieutenant here has been keeping me busy with your fighters in the hanger."

    She glanced back over her shoulder in the direction of the hanger before turning back to face the trio at the table. "From the looks of things, I'd say I'm here because you needed someone like me."

  • SteelhawkSteelhawk Registered User regular
    Caryse follows Lt. Rho, her sharp eyes darting back and forth at her surroundings, taking in everything she can about her new home. Layout, the state of the personnell stationed here, the readiness of their defenses. Anything she can file away for later use.

    Upon meeting Commander Morr, she snaps off a salute and then stands at a loose parade rest. She turns her gaze towards the Commander and the Lt., trying to observe any behaviors that are notable...a habit she picked up in her youth, useful when selecting marks for cons or robbery.

    "Caryse Mahan, reporting for duty, ma'am. Why am I here? I assume you requested a crack shot from Alliance High Command. They sent me. All I need is a target."

  • NeoTomaNeoToma Registered User regular
    "I owe a life debt, to one who believed every living being is part of greater experiment. A universe trying to know itself. And with every action we take, we push the needle in a direction. I joined because I seek to honor them by doing everything within my power to nudge the needle towards good. As soon as I heard of your work liberating the Chik and disrupting the work of slavers in this subsystem, I decided that's something I needed to be a part of."

    "I need my estimation, based on research on my compatriots histories..." One of you might note you never really GAVE Liakkazza files on your histories. "I'm here to make sure these muscle heads don't leave a breadcrumb trail back to the honeypot."

    "I learned in the Shadowlands when you hunt beasts and serpents of it's not enough to strike fast and hard. One must also take care to walk lightly and leave no trace."

  • Albino BunnyAlbino Bunny Jackie Registered User regular
    Rika sat down, shrugged off her jacket and promptly stopped paying attention until she noticed glaring eyeballs on her. Glancing left and right before she commented.

    "Oh, is this round two of the meet and greet? I'm Rika Flynn, I won multiple racing championships and then some corrupt Empire goon locked my family up on trumped up charges for not throwing a race, at least I think that was why, regardless I'm here now, on the good guys team, with our fabulous taste in jackets and terrible taste in cooks," she said glibbly. Eyes darting for a second to see if she got a reaction from anyone before settling down again. Honestly not caring if anyone found her funny or not. She was the best they could muster in raw talent, anything else was secondary and she knew it.

  • SolarSolar Registered User regular
    Okay, this is your information stuff

    Komay sees that the troops here seem enthusiastic and energised at their jobs. This place is informal and a bit messy, but the people move with a purpose when they are ordered and seem to display initiative. No further benefits or disadvantages, you just get a feel for the psychological state of the place

    Rehma sees that the base has is pretty simple in terms of equipment, mostly carved rock with the occasional gantry, metal stair frame and so on. It seems to be as well maintained as possible, but you definitely think with your triumph that there's a sense of a lack of base technical staff. The important stuff is looked after and the other stuff basically has to wait, with a bit of a mess caused from things piling up. Your one threat marker means that you're at a single black dice for the next mechanical roll you make to use base equipment, as you find their inventory bewildering and messy. Your triumph, however, means two blue boost dice for a roll to try and re-inventorise, take some time to learn how things are laid out, which will have it's own benefits and mitigate that black dice.

    Ak-Jabb hasn't seen enough of the base to determine whether it is good against enemy assault. It's a large facility and so far, he's not seen enough. But he does get an advantage, which means you can tell that it's definitely been laid out to be hidden rather than protected against heavy bombardment. When you were coming in you saw terrain which would provide more protection, but leave the base more exposed to detection. Whether it's good against a direct ground assault, though, you don't know.

    Caldwee is successful, and I'll add that into the conversation below.

    Caryse notes that the base seems to have a number of aliens you've never seen before here. These aliens are short, perhaps four feet tall, furred rodents with large eyes and clever hands. They seem to be working with other personnel and are relatively numerous compared to the other aliens you've seen around, which are present but are heavily outnumbered by humans. You can tell these aliens seem very energetic and focused on their task, which they are taking to with great gusto, and that they seem to speak basic, albeit poorly. Their demeanour is helpful and enthusiastic to all, could be useful if you need help in the future with things. She also notices that the base has a number of Y-Wings and Z-95s, the latter being an older version of the X-Wing, essentially. These guys are definitely not flying the most modern of starfighters right now, which is unusual.

    She also successfully cases Rho. His stance reminds her of nothing so much as an Imperial Officer cadre from the inner system, and his short cropped hair and neat if plain uniform suggest much the same. There's a lot about this guy which reminds you of any Imperial Officer you might seem, in fact, and he almost seems to deliberately suppress it. He also seems to be very careful and aware, sitting with his back to the wall and holding his datapad in such a way that nobody can see it. Unfortunately, he seems to notice you casing him out. Whether this is a good or bad thing in the future you don't know, but it does make you feel a little nervous as he now seems to exude a quietly dangerous air. Take two black dice to your next check involving him, and also preventing you noticing anything about the others.

    Liakazza successfully deceives Rho. I can't really think of a downside to this, anything come to mind?

    Morr leant forward, and cracked a smile. "Interesting answers, but good ones as far as I'm concerned. I don't mind why you fight, so long as you do.

    Well, the truth is that this is somewhat of a test. Less of yourselves, and more the Alliance in general. See, I never really trusted that the Alliance was safe to deal with. Oh, Mon Mothma and Organa were definitely well meaning, don't get me wrong. But there's well meaning and there's secure, and the two don't always overlap. A lot of leaks. Lot of dead agents. We..." he frowned, and glanced at the Xexto next to him, who's expressive eyes sharpened somewhat aggressively. "...well, we had dealings in the past. They didn't always go great. I'm hoping with recent successes, though, things have changed. The whole Death Star situation took some impressive work even before the starfighters flew in, and the acquisition of those plans was an intelligence masterstroke." Morr stood up, stretching his shoulders. "Point is, I want us to get closer to the Alliance and you're how that'll happen. There's a lot we can offer each other."

    Caldwee made a slight movement of the hand, and Morr nodded at the Rodian to speak. "Commander, this is all well and good, but I do see why you requested us in particular. Our skills are varied and complex, but do not necessarily correspond to your operations." The man sat back down. "You're right, but that's not why you're here. We need people who can take unusual selections of skills and forge them together into a squad that can be more than the sum of it's parts. Do all the parts of a job, and get out successfully. Fly, discover, trade, deal, fight, steal... a team that can handle any mission, given some time and resources. The war is changing, and the Rebel Alliance needs groups like that to really hit the Imperials while they're reeling, and give the rest of us the chance to hit them again, twice as hard."

    Tugging his shirt sleeves a little in what seemed like a habitual quirk, the commander finished his little speech. "And there's the pep talk for you all. I'm going to pass you all onto the Lieutenants here now. We've got a juicy new mission to welcome you in with." He paused. "Unless you have any questions before we go on?"

  • Albino BunnyAlbino Bunny Jackie Registered User regular
    Rika just burst out laughing "ah, so I'm running transport duty for the freak bus? Gripping," she snorted as she glared at Morr with green eyes that threatened to bore through him. Tired, hungry and just wanting to collapse into bed after piloting the whole trip she stood. Simply asking "is there anything I need to know other than where we are going? If not I would like to take this opportunity to get some rest, wouldn't want the kind of propaganda tool I could be planting her ship into an asteroid or coming across looking a wreck in holo-vids would we?"

  • HellboreHellbore A bad, bad man Registered User regular
    Rehma visibly winced at Rika's outburst. Sighing to herself, she stepped forward again and said, "Sir, since I've been here I've noticed that the base is, frankly a mess. I'd like permission to take some time and people to try and sort things out." She switched her gaze briefly to the flight-suited Xexto, before turning back to Morr. "I can promise that it will save maintenance time in the long run." She stepped back, just nodding to indicate that she was done.

  • SteelhawkSteelhawk Registered User regular
    "Sir...just so I don't make a bigger fool of myself later....there are a bunch of sentients out there I am not familiar with. Short guys? Furry, with big eyes and clever hands? Who are they?"

    Caryse asks the question of Morr, but still keeps her eye on Rho. That one bears some watching, she thinks...

  • NeoTomaNeoToma Registered User regular
    "Natives. Estanians."
    I believe in their language they are the Chik."

    He growls.

  • FaranguFarangu I am a beardy man With a beardy planRegistered User regular
    Kornay looked non-plussed at the words from the commander. She spoke without stepping forward.

    "We are to expect no reinforcements or rescues if our plans fail, then? That is what I am taking from your address."

  • TomantaTomanta Registered User regular
    Ak-Jabb shrugged "Just point me to where you need me. I'm ready whenever, don't need any rest. Prolly don't want me on any holovids anyway." He shot Rika a sideways glance, not sure yet if he found the pilot's attitude annoying or just abrasive.

  • Lord_AsmodeusLord_Asmodeus goeticSobriquet: Here is your magical cryptic riddle-tumour: I AM A TIME MACHINERegistered User regular
    Caldwee glanced at the human pilot that had brought them to the base voicing her apparent concerns over her lack of future challenges, and her lack of sleep and responded, "I assume we are not being sent on any missions as soon as we have arrived. I for one intend to find out more about the specifics of our supply situation, it will be useful knowledge for the missions ahead. As for simply acting as our bus driver, I would not be overly concerned. I am sure you will have many opportunities to get yourself killed in a fiery ball of expanding plasma in the future. There are few dull careers in a Rebel base."

    Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if Labor had not first existed. Labor is superior to capital, and deserves much the higher consideration. - Lincoln
  • SolarSolar Registered User regular
    Morr nodded at Liakazza. "That's right, the Chik. They're not very advanced, but tend to not really need that much technology since they're well adapted to the planet we're orbiting. That said, they occasionally traded for the odd bit of medical technology, odd items and such, and also weapons when they could get them. Internally they're quite peaceful, but they've been subject to Imperial slaving runs a few times, and since then have been trying to protect themselves and some of their best have been sent to assist our efforts. That's something that could come up in the future, though. We need to make sure that groups like the Chik know they can contact us if they are hit by a raid."

    He rubbed his eyes with his hand, and suddenly looked very tired. "The thing is, slaving operations have been stepped up all across the region. We're losing our ability to make a significant dent on things like starship production, bacta extration processes on Thyferra, that sort of thing. We need new people, but we've got to be careful. If we expand without thinking, then we'll get caught out and this base will be flooded with Stormtroopers. Can't help anyone if we're rotting in some Imperial detention cell. Jobs like the reorganisation of our inventory have been left to long, and by the way, feel free to take a look at that, but not at the cost of our operation security."

    The commander looked up then, over his own hand, with eyes that had quickly sharpened. "...Which is probably something worth mentioning. You all knew what you were in for when you joined the Alliance, and this isn't a soft posting. Fighting the Empire is a long career choice and there's no backing out this far in. Especially when you've seen our base, it's location and operations. I won't be throwing you out there without the support I can give, where I can give it, but a the same time, welcome to the real fight kids. You don't like it, then you'd best get tough and quick. As your quartermaster here says, there are few dull careers around this base."


  • FaranguFarangu I am a beardy man With a beardy planRegistered User regular
    "Please do not misunderstand my clarification for a sign of timidity. I merely wished to be absolutely clear on what is at stake. I stand ready to learn more of the operation you mentioned earlier. Or not, if you do not decide me a good match for needed skills."

  • HellboreHellbore A bad, bad man Registered User regular
    "Will that be all, Commander?" Rehma asked, slightly taken aback by Morr's intensity.

    "I can get started on that reorganization immediately."

  • SolarSolar Registered User regular
    Morr raised his hand. "This briefing will cover all of you, but there's be some time before we start putting you into play. I'd like us to get this sorted, and then we'll move onto your personal duties. Lieutenant Rho, please..."

    The Lieutenant tapped his datapad, and the room lights dimmed as the holo-table in front of them lit up, showing a technical readout of an elegant, blade-shaped starfighter.

    "The main duties of this base often centre around starfighter attack and air superiority. We strike Imperial shipyards, disable slave vessels and rescue those on boards, attack convoys and such. Of course, this places a heavy burden on our Starfighter Pilots, who need all the help they can get. In the past, we've been forced to rely on Y-Wings and modified Z-95 Headhunters to do this job. There are downsides to staying out in the cold, and one of them is a lack of more advanced, modern fighters. We do have the plans for building X-Wings now, and we'd like to do that as soon as possible, but it's expensive and we don't nearly have the facilities to get started right now. Y-Wings and Z-95s just aren't cutting it against the increased force protection squadrons we've been seeing." The Xexto laughed, interrupting for the first time. "Victims of our own damned success eh Rho? My pilots are the best, we've well and truly kicked their bloody nest with our hits!" He laughed again, seemingly unconcerned by the implication of his own words.

    Rho coughed. "...Err, quite. As the Flight Leftenant said, we can take a degree of satisfaction in forcing this change of Imperial doctrine on a local level. But it doesn't make our lives easier. We need faster, more deadly Starfighters. Now, looking forward and building the newest models is one answer, but it has come to our attention we may have other options." He gestured at the hologram. "This is the Aethersprite 7B Starfighter. Clone War tech, used specifically by the Jedi Order as well as elite Republic pilots. Two decades old, but cutting edge then and still top of the curve now, especially with a few modifications. They were too expensive to put into general production and so remained pretty rare throughout the wars." He tapped the pad again, showing a blocky transport ship with a serial number clearly stamped on the prow.

    "This is the transport vessel designate Republic TV/SC-14591. Towards the end of the Clone Wars, it was loaded with 12 new model Aethersprites on the way to outer rim territories in order to provide reinforcements to a Republic Battlegroup operating in the Galactic South. It left Corellia with a small escort, taking the latest designs for field testing with a full hold of spare parts, Astromech Droids designed for specialist integration, everything needed to run a full squadron in field test operations against a live-fire enemy. Except it never made it. Records show that the Escorts were discovered derelict, systems scrubbed, no crew and signs of battle damage when they arrived in the Sullust System, but TV/SC-14591 disappeared without a trace. It was assumed lost to pirate activity or enemy sabotage, but Republic Intelligence closed their files on the matter. Things of other importance were happening, after all."

    A third tap, showing a grainy image of the inside of a massive ground hanger with open sides, beyond with a rocky desert stretched to the horizon. In the far corner sat a large vessel, with a tarpaulin tied down over it, which was slightly pulled back, revealing TV/SC-14 in faded letters, with the rest obscured. "This is vid footage taken from a contracted vessel we captured a galactic month ago running Bacta from the Thyferra system to an ISB black operations base in the Outer Rim. It seems the Captain was dealing with all manner of unsavoury individuals in the Sector and kept his sensors running at all times to make sure his back was protected. When we grabbed the ship, the crew abandoned and they scrubbed the drives. All we could recover was this, with a timestamp we estimate to be in the last twelve month. No connecting nav data."

    The holo-table dimmed and the lights in the room re-restored. Rho turned to the team. "To be clear, there is a two decade old Republic Military Transport ship sat in the hanger of some sort of outer rim crime lord, which seems to match the designation of a vessel that went missing with a hold full of top-end Interceptors and all the relevant gear. This is potentially exactly the asset we need, and Flight Leftenant Gennik here-" The Xexto slammed his hand down on the table, cutting the Lieutenant short again "those Aethersprites are damn good ships. Damn good! And we can make them even better! With one of those under me I could blast half the damn Imperial Starfighter corps to the Unknown Regions and back again before I even had breakfast, never mind a whole squadron! I want them, and you're going to get them for us." Rho rolled his eyes again, and continued. "Yes, thank you Gennik." We thing we have a contact who was aware of the operations of the Silent Entrepreneur, that's the ship we captured. Your mission is to identify and meet the contact, verify the data, find out where this ship is, determine if the Aethersprites are on board still, and if they are, steal the whole lot any way you can." His face broke into a smile, the first they'd seen on his handsome young features. "Sound exciting enough for you?"

  • FaranguFarangu I am a beardy man With a beardy planRegistered User regular
    Kornay considered the intel for a moment. "Pardon me, but I have a few questions about this operation. The first, and in my opinion most pressing: Does this not seem to be almost too enticing? The sudden appearance of material that overly covers an area of deficiency in this base, especially when the data was found on a ship involved in multiple cargo runs to an ISB base. I would not put a trap completely out of the question.

    Secondly: Let us assume that the ship and its cargo are intact, and we reach it. Can we adequately pilot and maneuver a ship of that size without specialists? I freely admit that the intricacies of flying anything larger than a snubfighter are out of my skill set, but I would appreciate clarification."

    She straightened her back for a minute. "Regardless of the answers, I volunteer for the assignment."

  • HellboreHellbore A bad, bad man Registered User regular
    edited January 2017
    "I think figuring that out is supposed to be part of our job, Kornay," Rehma said.

    "Either way, if these fighter are as important to this group as you say, I'm in as well."

    Hellbore on
  • NeoTomaNeoToma Registered User regular
    "Oh yeah." Liakazza growls.

    "I do believe our good commander, proposes...."
    *The wookie's eyes widens with child like glee*
    He pounds the desk and roars, "A heist!" With overly dramatic flourish

  • SteelhawkSteelhawk Registered User regular
    Caryse casts a sidelong glance at her assigned teammates, as they magnanimously "volunteer" for the assignment. She was pretty sure this wasn't a volunteer kind of situation. Caryse would go where she was sent.

    She nodded her understanding to the Lt. and waited to be dismissed.

  • Lord_AsmodeusLord_Asmodeus goeticSobriquet: Here is your magical cryptic riddle-tumour: I AM A TIME MACHINERegistered User regular
    Caldwee decided this course of action had probably been considered, and discarded, but it would be remiss of her not to mention it especially when it fell under her own field of expertise, "Is there any particular reason we couldn't just buy those fighters? I assume there are, funds not being the only consideration, I'm just wondering if we couldn't way to get this crime-lord to part with fighters he may or may not even be using on more... diplomatic terms."

    Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if Labor had not first existed. Labor is superior to capital, and deserves much the higher consideration. - Lincoln
  • TomantaTomanta Registered User regular
    Ak-Jabb stayed quiet during the initial flurry of questions, letting the rest of the group's enthusiasm or skepticism play out before he voiced his own questions. "Seems too easy. None of the criminal operations I know would let a ship like that or it's cargo sit idle for this long. They'd either use it or sell it to someone who would use it. A solid cargo vessel and a fighter escort is an instant successful pirate gang."

    He waited a moment to let his concerns sink in, but continued before anyone could respond. "That said, if you want us to check it out, we'll check it out."

  • SolarSolar Registered User regular
    edited January 2017
    Rho raised his hands at the questions. "Everything you are saying is potentially true. This could be a trap. It could be an Imperial plot. But if it is, then that means we need to know about it so we can start to put fingerprints to their activities, identify which agents are behind it. And frankly, if it is true, and we can get hold of these fighters, then that's too much of a prize for us to ignore. We did consider that the fighters might have been quietly sold off... but frankly we can find nothing which identifies the missing Aethersprites or their parts. Dealing starfighter arms is something the Empire also looks very poorly on, so it could be that whoever came across this ship has been too small to really deal with that kind of hot cargo, and decided to sit on top of it. Maybe it's changed hands a few times. Maybe it's empty. This is what you need to find out, see if this is a heist..." he nodded at Liakazza "...worth trying"

    He slid a pad across the table. On it was a young man, his handsome face somewhat tough and beaten in demeanour, though there was still a spark of defiance to his dark Corellian eyes.

    "This man is Daro Kesyk, a smuggler who once worked as a crewman on the Ruthless Edge, that's the slave ship we boarded. Seems like he needed to pay some debts, but dropped off the roster because he didn't like the business he was in. It was this guy we originally got the tip from, led us to the strike and the information, but I think he caught a bit of backwash from that and now he's not responding to any of our contact's calls. He's on Estan III, looks like he's recently acquired a ship and is looking for work. Find him, get anything you can about the Ruthless Edge, see if he can put any kind of location on this image."

    Across the table, the woman spoke for the first time. "Kesyk is a bit nervous about dealing with us, but he's not a bad man. There's something in him that wants to help us, so I suggest you try playing on that. He isn't an incompetent smuggler, and he does have a ship from what I hear. We could use a guy like that. But when you're in the field, you do what you feel is best to get that info."

    The briefing essentially over, the officers all stood up to leave. "You guys should take some time to bunk in, get to know the base, plan your operation. But the sooner we get this looked into the better. There's no reason to think anyone else knows about this, but at the same time, doesn't hurt to make sure we're first in line." Rho nodded "especially as the capturing of the Ruthless Edge could make whoever it was dealing with nervous. Any questions?"
    Now, this is a free lead but not the only lead that might exist. So you can feel free to use your skills, suggest alternative ways of getting information etc, but this is kind of the information they have right now. If you want to tell me what you're doing on the base before you go, we can quickly get that sorted and then you guys can head to Estan III. If you have no questions, or once they've all been answered, you'll have the briefing room to discuss your plan

    Solar on
  • Albino BunnyAlbino Bunny Jackie Registered User regular
    Rika did perk up just a little from her disinterest at the meeting when they got to talk of the Aethersprites. She'd always loved those things as a kid. Even got to see one in person once when a Jedi had shown up to over see the opening of a new race course thanks to some political back rubbing. Though her attention peaked at the sight of the smuggler. Casually commenting "The handsome ones always are criminals or dissident..." she stopped herself. Still rather used to talk more suited for the core planets. Coughing awkwardly before quietly correcting her speech "brave Rebels to be," even her hot headed self not dumb enough to start using the kind of double speak the Empire's propaganda machine were fans of infront of their commanding officers. Standing up and stretching with a yawn as she comments "Well, I'm going to find the twerp from before, get some food and then collapse on a mattress he drags to the U-Wing for me, once you great military minds figure out where we're going feel free to kick me awake," the last statement veered towards sarcasm. After all Rehma still had a scar on her shin from the blaster shot Rika had fired last time she was suddenly woken. No one was quite sure if it was bratty behaviour or genuine trauma that left a core world pilot with that kind of instinct but between her odd habit of sleeping on or near her ship and fidgetting around fire arms most left it alone. Not everyone was born to be a soldier, even if circumstances disagreed with them.

  • HellboreHellbore A bad, bad man Registered User regular
    Rehma shook her head, first sincerely at Rho's question for questions, then at Rika's comments. She had learned what happens to those who 'kick her awake' on their first meeting.

    "If that's all sir?" she asked, hoping to finally be able to get a the first real period of rest since she got here.

  • SteelhawkSteelhawk Registered User regular
    edited January 2017
    Caryse snaps off a curt but respectful nod towards the officers and makes her way out of the command centre with the others.

    Once out, Caryse makes an effort to get to know her new teammates better, whether its a meal or general chit-chat about their new base and mission. She also makes sure to check out her new quarters and stash her meagre, non mission critical gear. She also makes it a point to find the range, and whatever facilities Starshadow base has for supplies and weapon maintenance/fiddling.

    When it comes time to plan for the mission, Caryse has a bit of history with roaming the streets of a major starport but will defer to the less respectable members of her team in that area.

    Steelhawk on
  • TomantaTomanta Registered User regular
    Ak-Jabb grunted as everyone filed out of the room. "Anyone who wants to plan can join me for a drink," he announced, before making his way to whatever the base had for a bar, securing both a large drink and an empty table.

  • FaranguFarangu I am a beardy man With a beardy planRegistered User regular
    "I will join you," said Kornay. "I believe I might be able to discover usable information on this informant."

  • HellboreHellbore A bad, bad man Registered User regular
    With a quick nod to the command staff, Rehma followed the others as they filed out of the room. "A drink sounds pretty good."

    Taking after Ak-Jabb, she also grabbed a (smaller) drink and joined him at the table before turning to Kornay with an expectant look on her face after the Gand's announcement.

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