Ian
Fringer
Posts: 23
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Post by Ian on Mar 25, 2007 9:49:51 GMT -5
Without a word Ian turns and follows Kuur as he begins to makes a list of solemn vows. While he runs several competing thoughts through hims mind at the same time he tucks away his data-pad into the carrying holster on his hip. While he follows Kuur, he promises himself the following. First, he would never again presume such boldness in a situation involving storm troopers. Second, should these new found companions show the same amazing lack of discretion again he would ensure he has a lane of escape open to him at all times. Third, he definitely needs to get rid of his Imperial identification card and any thing linking him to his former life that can be traced to the identity of Ian O'Shea. With the fall of each footstep sending the sound of his near silent footsteps clicking through his hyper alert mind he reels off a deliberate list and comes to yet another realization.
He realizes just how close he had come to paying a visit to the Imperial Security branch's interrogation rooms. He had to this point only heard dark rumors about the Imperial Security branch's affairs, but had never thought he would actually had come this close. Late night drinking sessions with his mates in the Imperial Engineer Corp always had involved a dark tale about the Imperial Security Corp. Now he is more than likely a wanted fugitive by the same boogey men he had always hoped to avoid. More than that he had in the last ten minutes shown a distinct lack of common sense both on the shuttle and with the Storm Troopers.
Common sense dictates very clearly that should he wish to ensure his survival he will quietly keep his wits about him and draw as little attention to himself as possible. As he thinks to himself he takes the few seconds need to reach down into his shirt he removes his Imperial identification card. He thinks forcefully, 'A fool will seek to stand out in the crowd. If I'm to survive I need to make less of a presence,' as he drops the ID card into a nearby trash disposal unit. Reaching into a pocket as he walks he fishes out his wallet that contains his credit vouchers, travel orders, and other personal items and drops it down another disposal unit as he keeps pace with Kuur all the while thinking of ways to further reduce the amount of attention to himself.
His immediate conclusions are a change of clothing, and his actions. This will take time, and it is apparent that time is something he doesn't have the luxury of. He will definitely seek the services of a high end tailor in the near future and have himself outfitted with a suit typical of a middle class businessman. The sort of suit that doesn't seem out of place on most worlds of the Galaxy due to its blandness. Until then he decides to merely avoid speaking more than is needed. Further he notes that it is how he is carrying himself at the moment.
Rather than display the outward appearance of a seasoned member of the paramilitary organization of the Imperial Engineers he will need to slouch a bit, curse now and then, and assume the unkempt appearance of the run of the mill Engine room hand that seems to inhabit the bowels of starships across the galaxy. This common appearance would do nicely for the time being. When he could he would get a change of clothes and a travel bag to hold his equipment in, but until then he will be content to play the part of a scruffy looking engineer straight out of the dark confines of a tramp freighter from the outer rim.
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Kyc'n Mevek
Jedi Padawan
Force Warrior/Jedi Guardian
"If a Jedi ignites his lightsaber, he must be ready to take a life. ~ Odan-Urr
Posts: 18
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Post by Kyc'n Mevek on Mar 26, 2007 4:52:45 GMT -5
" Close one. " Kyc'n commented as everyone drew near enough to hear him speak. The streets of Phelar were active enough he worried little about the troopers at this point. A frown forming as he seemed to scan past them for a moment; normally he was completely sheathed in a security of 'invisibility' from the Force. Something he and Va had learned since day one as padawans. Leaving very little room for him to be sensed by other Force users.
It slipped though; slipped enough he felt someone else near. This worried him, perhaps he had been followed. Perhaps they were not as lucky as he was beginning to believe.
" We needto get out of here. " He stressed. Kuur nodded his head quickly. " To the Kut-kut cantina. Be safe enough there, aliens and offworlders only go in there. Few spies."
He leaned in closer to Kala as she spoke of Neker and Lunc. " Yes... make things difficult. He might have people waiting for us three, not this now us five. Will make him nervous. Specially that one. " A finger motioned towards Ian against his own chest trying to seem as non-visible as possible. " We go though... explain to him we were... " He word sought as he paused. " compromised. " We was more or less her. His arrival was known. Volda had hopefully secured a transport for him beforehand. He did not like Eriadu one bit; the sooner he could leave the sooner he would be happy.
His eyes slit as much as they could before he nodded towards Kyc'n. " What wrong with your friend? " Kuur, like everyone else had no idea of Kyc'n's Jedi ways, figuring him only to be another Rebel freedom fighter. Had he any knowledge of the mans Force abilities he would merely think them a trick of the mind, an illusion like one of the magician's he'd seen.
" What we do about this Zien and Ian? "
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Zien
Fringer
Posts: 13
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Post by Zien on Mar 27, 2007 14:34:50 GMT -5
Zien let out a sigh of relief as the Stormtroopers moved off and he dropped his arms limply to his side and nodded as Kyc'n spoke. "Yeah a little to close for my comfort." Turning he faced the rest of the group with the look of confidence that was almost always present on his face. "Well I'm all for shoving off, someplace where I can blend in a little better." If it wasn't for his blue skin and bright red eyes he could pass for human, but yeah that always seemed to get him picked out as an alien. A slight sarcastic thought sliced through his head and he chuckled slightly, I wonder why?
His eyes looked around at their surroundings and he felt an sense of ease. He would always feel more comfortable in urban settings and even though Eriadu didn't have much freedom for non-humans he would still feel more comfortable in Phelar then he would in a more remote area. Zien perked up even more at the mention of a Cantina. "Cantina? What are we waiting around for then? Lets go."
Grinning he crossed his arms across his chest and waited for them to point him in the right direction. He had a few things to get out of his system when the arrived at the Cantina, like a Sabacc game or two. Wiping the silly grin off his face he leaned over to Kyc'n and whispered to him, "hey do me a favor friend, stay close enough to me where I can snag one of my blasters in case we run into trouble. Just in case." A look of seriousness passed over his face as he nodded and then was gone. Time for some fun in the cantina wasn't the only thing he had on his mind right now.
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Ian
Fringer
Posts: 23
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Post by Ian on Mar 27, 2007 22:58:37 GMT -5
Listening quietly to Kuur, Kyc'n, Zien, and Zala he begins to realize that it is greatly possible that this group did have its own way off this planet. Perhaps his bold gamble with the storm troopers would pay off with his quick departure away from this planet and place him one step away from the long reach of Imperial justice. He snorts under his breath as he scoffs his own usage of the words Imperial and Justice in the same train of thought. One couldn't call Imperial law just, but none the less the mockery that is currently in place is nothing to trifle with, and trifle is clearly what seems to be on the mind of Zien. It is with this in mind he says, "Perhaps a drink or two and a bite to eat will settle our stomachs after our long trip from Chan Chanma."
The destination of Chan Chanma being real or not he doesn't feel it important enough to elaborate. However, the emphasis on placed on the words drink and eat do have the hidden implication of the need for them all to be quickly gone from this scene. For at least the short term he is now bound to this group whether he likes it or not. No doubt a quick survey of the local shipping reports would reveal to him a remembered name from days gone by that would allow him to place himself in contact with a shadowy figure of past employment.
From there he could easily arrange a departure from Eriadu. Yet the delay and the exposure of staying here any longer than he needed to seems unwise. To throw a bit more confusion into the mix in the event that bystanders are listening in he resorts to his knowledge of high speed small ship racing and says, "If we hurry and make great haste. Particularly if we avoid any more scuffles with those damn Correllian space race fans we will be able to make the next transit to the Sentra 5 Crash and Burn Festival."
Again the words making no real connection are loaded with the emphasis of heavy inner meaning. He didn't expect everyone to fully understand what he is attempting to elaborate, but he believes perhaps Kala and Kyc'n might register the need for discretion and haste. He fully doubts much will restrain Zien other than a blaster shot to the back of the head. Even then he suspects that would only slow him temporarily. No doubt the young miscreant would find all manner of havoc to sow even in his afterlife.
While he wants to quietly mention to Zien that drawing to much attention to themselves would be foolhardy. However, he realizes that Zien alone being young, brash, and noticeable would draw attention away from the others. It further wouldn't be out of place for Zien to behave in such a manner in a cantina as no doubt plenty of other young men and women and beings will be acting similarly. It is with this in mind when he says to Zien, "Do be sure to make sure the sabbac deck doesn't have a shifter card."
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Kyc'n Mevek
Jedi Padawan
Force Warrior/Jedi Guardian
"If a Jedi ignites his lightsaber, he must be ready to take a life. ~ Odan-Urr
Posts: 18
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Post by Kyc'n Mevek on Mar 28, 2007 23:59:35 GMT -5
" I'll stick close enough you can reach them. No worries." Kyc'n responded calmly towards Zien as he walked behind the group near the other man.
Kuur motioned ahead after the hurried pace. His finger pointing at a large rounded building nestled in between two other equally round buildings. " The Kut-kut. " He announced, the sign more than obviously proclaiming it as such. This was the 'slum' district of Phelar. Alien residence, poor lighting, litter, lack of troopers, refuse upon the road-ways and the like.
A place where all manner of life could be seen not as lively as many outer rim planets or as racially mixed it had it's share of variety.
The Kut-Kut was your typical run of the mill cantina, a place to gamble, get drunk, delve into the black market and buy a prostitute or two for the night. Or just as easily get yourself killed.
Dimly lit, crowded and filled with clouds of smoke generated off various substances. Some not at all healthy. Kuur gazed around until motioning again towards a near 2 meter being with a long snout, wide nostrils, bushy tufts of hair and short smooth fur. Wide eyes returned the look Kuur gave.
Kuur leaned to Kala and spoke quietly, " Volda looks unhappy already, we need separate from thems to speak to him. That one if needed though could pretend to be Lunc. " He offered at Ian, and this one Neker. A tip of his head aimed at Kyc'n indicated he meant him. " I am not sure if he will help us if he thinks otherwise. We can make something up about the Chiss... I do not know Kala, I worry much about this. "
Kyc'n overheard more than he was meant to he figured their hushed conversation had him nervous. The Duros seemed uncertain, Kala seemed abit agitated and as confused as he himself. Nothing was planned and they were more or less fugitives. From what he gathered Ian was one as well for making pornography of Lord Vader. The Chiss well... he was no doubt wanted somewhere or near everywhere, a wildman. Though despite the gunslingers reckless ways he rather enjoyed his company oddly, a contrast to his own personality. Someone you could appreciate in at your back in a firefight.
The rest he had yet to see put to action. Kuur was jumpy, flighty, yet quick to fight and had a decent aim. Kala already displayed she could keep her cool under pressure; a plus. Ian... if the man stuck around he would find out the man's talents he was sure.
" You and I should go speak to him Kala. Quickly before he comes to us. " Kuur ducked away from the others as he headed towards the Yarkora.
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Kimimela
Dark Side Adept
Dathomiri Witch
Posts: 4
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Post by Kimimela on Mar 29, 2007 10:12:29 GMT -5
Kimimela watched as the group, that previously held the Stormtroopers attentions disappeared into the mesh of traders going about their business. Almost certain that was her payload, Kim exhaled through her nose, she'd had enough of waiting for her charges regardless if that group of humans and non was them or not. Turning on her toes a half spin she marched into the bulk of her choobiepit, stabbing a finger onto the button to close the hatch. Her Droids binary language squeaking out in various clicks and other chiming noises translating as," Why are we leaving? We don't have our passengers yet.", the confused T3-M4 bot rolled up behind Kim nudging her boot with it's track. Shortly she replied to her 'rolling pile of scrap metal', " I don't intend to wait around any longer, we've lost enough credits on this job already. And...", a slight pause as she dug deep into her control of the Force burying it farther out of pure paranoia before continueing," There is something out there I'd rather not run into.".
As Kimimela spoke her fingers flew over the necessary buttons and switches, haste controled her movements as a satisfied grin made it's way to her features. Sputteringly the power in her ship raised the mechanical components spun and whirred to life, the low pressurizing hiss of the hatch door closing signified the beginning of another quick pushing of a series of controls. The engine flickered to life a moment before the bottom thrusters pouring out blue heat lifted the Theta-class shuttle off the ground. The ignition kicking in full at thirty meters above the docking pad, propelling the ship higher and faster into the air allowing enough time for the wings to lower from their previously locked position at each side of the shuttle, forming a triangular shape around the hull. Off to bigger and better things, this Dathomirian would wait no more, the rear thrusters screamed to life as Kimimela's ship jetted off and out of Eriadu's atmosphere.
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Zien
Fringer
Posts: 13
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Post by Zien on Mar 29, 2007 15:06:35 GMT -5
Zien almost jumped for joy when they finally announced that they were going to the cantina. Finally he could make some money and perhaps something more. Now they were in the slums and Zien felt completely at ease. Slums meant that he could act more normal and wouldn't have to worry about the Imperial presence as much and that meant more business opportunities for him. "Ahh this is a nice part of Eriadu I see."
Walking into the cantina he took a deep breath and then proceeded to ignore Kala, Kuur, and Ian. His glowing eyes focused on one thing at the moment and that was the Sabacc table across the cantina from him. His face broke into a grin and he turned to Kyc'n and rested an elbow casually on his shoulders like old time friend would do. "You see friend even scoundrels can make an honest living." Pointing at the Sabacc table he chuckled and stopped leaning on Kyc'n. "Well I don't know about you, but I think I'm gonna go try my luck at the table, care to join me?"
He didn't look back to see if he was following but fished his credit chip out of pocket as he walked and then flopped down at the Sabacc table and placed his chip on top of it. Grinning he leaned back in his chair, "deal me in." His eyes quickly moved around the table at the people he was playing, most of them human and one Twi'lek. His eyes went from hand to hand looking for people who were palming and also looking for cheaters, small devices that could alter hands.
He smirked and then picked up the cards that had been dealt to him. Shuffling them around in his hand for a moment he mixed them up and then unmixed them and then mixed them up again, his eyes drifted over the top of his cards to the people he was playing and then he tapped his cards on the table lightly, waiting for them to make the first move. He couldn't afford to lose he didn't have much credits left on his chip, but that wasn't on his mind right now. It was time to work.
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Ian
Fringer
Posts: 23
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Post by Ian on Mar 29, 2007 23:08:15 GMT -5
Ian follows Kyc'n, Kala, Zuur, and Zien into the dark abyss of the Cantina. After a moment or two of sensory confusion stemming from his enterance into a dark building from a lighted street. Eyes blinking, left hand waving under his nose to force away the sudden unwelcome odor of the mass of unwashed sweaty bodies, and short step to the left to move out of the open doorway he comes to a rest and without comment begins to survey the room's occupants. He finds himself briefly reassured with even the dim memory of one or two faces that perhaps he had stumbled across in his dealings with various illegal enterprises. His eyes follow Kuur and he snatches a small sample of the conversation with him and Kala, and immediately Ian finds himself annoyed.
Never would he consider entering into a bar, a bar he knows nothing about, and immediately approach his contact. Common sense dictates that he move to the general area of the contact and allow the contact to initiate the exchange. Hoping to at least impress upon Kala the need for security he says to her, hoping she will hear him, "You know out by the Castle Rocks when two nerf herding clans meet they generally pick a ground of neutral choosing to prevent any accidents or unwanted attention." He is fairly certain that Zala, being an Alderaanian herself, would at least get the reference to the Castle Rocks. If anything he feels a sense of growing unease that indicates he needs to begin putting together his own escape route in case this all goes badly.
Part of his growing sense of unease is due to his own independent nature. He is to used to working on his own and seeing to his own arrangements. In this particular situation he has been thrust into the midst of a group that continuously has shown a lack of good judgment. Certainly his own judgment calls haven't been all that wise in two very notable occasions either. Thus far the only ones he can put any faith in is Kala and Kyc'n. Kala seems to have been inclined from the very beginning to maintain a low profile. Kuur appears to be the victim of his nerves and prone to acting erratically. Kyc'n seems to be a steady hand in this affair with calm demeanor that lends confidence to those around him. Zien is an erratic attention seeking sort that appears to thrive on being in the spot light. At least here in the cantina he is in his element and not that all out of place. Given the state of affairs that things appear to be in at the moment earning a few extra credits over a hand of sabbac might not be such a bad idea. Money being another one of Ian's concerns and one he needs to consider thoroughly.
Having discarded with his identity card and wallet doesn't present a problem in Ian's financial concerns. What presents a problem is his ability to access any of his credits he has deposited randomly in several small relatively unknown banking concerns. He isn't a wealthy man by any means and the credits he stored away are the results of his work in the not very legal private sector. Credits accumulated from several years of hard work in that not very legal private sector. He had earmarked the credits for his retirement or monies to be used in the need to make himself scarce. None of the funds are under his own name as numbered accounts have distinctly been used to his advantage in this matter. Numbers that he has long since memorized. The only problem he faces is being able to physically relate the numbers to the banking representatives in physical form. He decides this is a matter that he will need to revisit later as he moves away from the group to take a chair at a table off to the side, and takes out his data-pad.
It isn't a long move of his location, and certainly should Kala had heard his words prior to him moving he wouldn't be at all impeded in being able to hear her response should she choose to reply. Luckily for him the 'Kut-Kut' cantina isn't shielded in such away that it interferes with the reception of his data-pad. He begins to punch away at the plasma screen that takes up the entire front of his highly modified device. He starts the process of calling up the local shipping listings to begin a search for a recognizable name. While he isn't yet departing from the party he certainly isn't going to leave everything to sheer luck. He is more than willing to organize a contingency plan to aid himself and perhaps the others if they choose to accept it.
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Kyc'n Mevek
Jedi Padawan
Force Warrior/Jedi Guardian
"If a Jedi ignites his lightsaber, he must be ready to take a life. ~ Odan-Urr
Posts: 18
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Post by Kyc'n Mevek on Apr 1, 2007 2:33:54 GMT -5
" No... I've got bad luck at gambling. Only ever won once. With those odds I've learned to stay out games of chance. " Kyc'n lowered his head abit as he looked the Cantina over. It was lively enough, dimly lit and carried various smells all of which were a nice change from open lit areas that were so clear to Imperial eyes, of course there seemed anymore really no such place as safe from the Emperor's gaze. Thuogh he already noticed looks the Engineers uniform was gathering.
More unwanted attention. A sour taste filled his mouth looking upon some of the patrons present. Sleezy, scumbags, smugglers, murderers all forms of vile people of ill repute and undesire-able habits. He felt the sudden urge to open himself to the Living Force to feel through it and touch on some of these thoughts or emotions just so he had reason to harm some of them.
Kyc'n was perhaps showing his irritation of this place physically having found a Dug staring at him, climbing over a chair to lift up eye to eye. " Problem here do you? "
A calm flowed through the Force Warrior as he smiled slightly and shook his head. " No problem, just having fun. Don't mind me. " A foot/hand rose up curled into Kyc'n's collar and gave it a shake causing the lithe fighter to stumble before it tossed him backwards; laughter rang up around the area by the Dug's friends and the men at Zien's sabaac table. The young Jedi in hiding stumbled back and bounced into the rim of the bar. Lowering his head to stare down as a glass of green liquid spilled over his forarm and leg.
" Still no problem? " The Dug challenged.
Kyc'n shook his head as one of the men at the sabaac table waved the dug over. " Hey, Jarbo it's your turn! We got a new player too this Chiss here think he has game. " A chorus of laughter, several jeers rose up leaving the short haired man to adjust his jacket and settle down in a chair between where Ian was and the sabaac table. Able to see Kala and Kuur approaching thier apparent contact. Still in a state of mind that had him easing himself into a still calm with trained discipline and practiced methods he blocked out the surrounding world focusing on the tabletop before him. Not having heard much more from Kala and Ian beyond, the words " Castle Rock. "
Volda offered a vaguely reminiscent smile that one could picture on a camel as he nodded his head slowly towards the woman who just spoke his name. " Kala I would presume. " He offered.
" Word travels fast, whether that is a good thing or a bad. It seems an informant of yours decided your well being should be known to the rest of our organization. I was one of the first informed. Good to see one of our Lord's favored agents still breathes and fights... the good fight. " He chuckled as Kuur stayed silent beside Kala.
" Lunc and Neker? " He motioned towards the few she came in with. His question hanging there in the air, his eyes betraying whether he knew the truth of this or not. Seemingly paying little attention to the Dug and Kyc'n and their short-lived encounter. " I'd not expected the additional. Though your leaving was said to be rather... showy. Something that could be fatal in our line of work. Please, seat yourself at my table and invite your friends over. They're... versed in our undertakings? Or am I to presume that we have been more compromised than I earlier assumed and one of our Lords great agents has grown sloppy? "
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Zien
Fringer
Posts: 13
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Post by Zien on Apr 2, 2007 2:49:43 GMT -5
Sabacc was a game of high stakes and the pressure sometimes got to people, especially when they lost and thats what everyone was going to be doing as soon as Zien started playing He had a feeling deep down in his gut that tonight was going to be his lucky night. The feeling quickly went away as he looked up to see some Dug start messing with Kyc'n. Oooh you don't have any clue what your getting yourself into buddy is all that Zien thought as the images of Kyc'n's fists smashing through Stormtroopers' armor and ripping throats out briefly flashed back through his mind. He was waiting for him to hit the Dug and he was going to snag a blaster from him and make short work of the Dug's friends, but Kyc'n just maintained his seemingly stoic composure and calm that he always possessed outside of combat.
Zien's blue face split into a grin and he accepted the jeers of the players and turned his attention back to the table. "Well my friends I will say one thing before I start to emancipate your credits, this Chiss does have game." On cue he called the cards and laid down his hand which wasn't the best it was better then anyone elses and Zien netted himself a quick 3000 credits. "Isn't that a daisy?" Snickering he added their credits to his credit chip after taking out the amount that would go to the Cantina as a percentage. His mind was fully focused on the Sabacc game now, everyone else just floated away. He wasn't worrying about the Imperials, his little group, or anything else he was focused on the task at hand. He won again and the he lost and then he won and the games were going by pretty quick and he was doing alright on credits, but it seemed one of the other players wasn't.
It wasn't long before he did something the Chiss had seen before, human man bet his ship on a game of Sabacc. The Chiss just grinned as the man laid a datapad on the table containing the ship's information transponder codes and location. They were of course hush hush about it and after a few minutes Zien smiled as he looked at his cards. Positive 23. The man called him and he just shook his head and laid his cards down. "Pure Sabacc." His grin turned into a laugh as he took the credits in the pot and the datapad. Now he owned his very own starship. His eyes drifted back towards his group as he thought about telling them. Thinking against that he would keep it for his own escape option whether it was from the Imperials or the Rebels that were with him now, that and he didn't want them all asking for his help.
"Thanks for the wonderful game gentleman, but I have other business to tend to...perhaps next time you'll hold your tongue and not lose your credits." Zien knew when to quite when he was ahead and didn't lose control, so he had no problems with standing up from the game and leaving. His eyes drifted back down to the credit chip as he strolled back over to Kyc'n side. "Well my friend I am now richer then I was when I entered." A hushed snicker slipped from his throat as he looked over at Kala and Kuur. Kala was something else, she was proved that she could act cool under pressure, but he knew she didn't like him that much. Sure he was choobiey and flamboyant, but thats who he was. Zien pulled his eyes away from her for the moment and flipped the datachip over his knuckles absent-mindedly.
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Ian
Fringer
Posts: 23
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Post by Ian on Apr 3, 2007 9:10:35 GMT -5
Ian sighs as he watches the information scroll across the plasma display of his data-pad. The constant flow of numbers, symbols, and signs might appear to some as some obscure dialect of an ancient lost civilization. To Ian they represent nothing more than the local dockyard shipping reports. Buried deep in the bowels of the information waiting to excreted like warm steaming deposit into cold morning air is a hint of a possibility. What exactly that possibility might suggest is to be determined with a bit of investigation, but given the right sort of approach no doubt the possibility could be developed into something far more tangible.
Nothing more would satisfy him than the comforting hum of a starship engine room that is propelling him rapidly away from this vile pit of a planet. Just feeling the vibrations of a ship's engine tends to calm him in moments of stress. Something is so soothing about the power that is harnessed and controlled within the arcane workings of a ship's power plant. Being on Eriadu under these conditions has brought out Ian's desires to be off of the planet in a hasty manner. The sooner the better to Ian, and he quietly hopes that a rapid departure isn't one under duress. Stress had taken on an entirely new meaning to Ian after spending what seemed like an endless lifetime trapped in the choobiepit of a modified Z-95 fighter.
To many the Z-95 is an obsolete pile of scrap. This is not the case with Ian who had some years ago acquired such a fighter via a scrap yard. With great care he had spent several months stripping the fighter down to the bare frame. Three months later he had managed to completely retrofit the fighter into a sleek powerful high speed racing craft. The Z-95's engines had been completely stripped away and replaced with a pair of large Ion engines. The old dials and gauges of the choobiepit had been removed and replaced with a modern digital display that allowed Ian to process information from a dedicated on board flight computer that far exceeded the Z-95's original specifications. Weapons aren't permitted in high speed racing so the laser cannons had been removed along with the wiring and capacitors needed to store the energy to fire the weapons. The armor had been stripped for a new outer coating of an ultra-light alloy. Modification after modification had been added to the fighter for nearly seven straight months of sleepless nights. In the end it of course all had been for nothing.
Ian had intended the fighter to win a series of local high speed racing competitions. Win them he had with great ease. Advancing up the circuit he had become bold and reckless, and this is what had cost him his ship, and very nearly his life. Certainly the incident took just a bit of his sanity as well. His reckless maneuver to shave a bit of time off the lead of one of his competitors in a race through an asteroid belt had slammed Ian and his ship right into an asteroid. The ship had held together enough so that he had survived, but only to be left drifting in the silent hell of space on life support for nearly thirty six hours. With no power he could only watch in silence as rescue ships flew by in their patterns as they searched for his ship. Sheer luck saved Ian as he was spotted by a rescue vessel on its way back from its appointed rounds. The incident had left a deep and very painful impression on Ian and had halted his desires to be a high speed small craft racer. Sighing, yet again, as he taps the data-pad he continues his hunt with only limited results.
Ian has managed to isolate three very interesting facts. First, he discovers that it appears the power control flow on a local A-Class Bulk Freighter was far out of normal specifications. By looking over the energy output readings from the previous port of call scans on the vessel Ian could clearly see something is amiss. Being a decent sort Ian quickly taps out a message, a very anonymous message, flagged for the attention of the ship's engineer and reveals his findings. The second fact is he doesn't really recognize any of the ships on the listing. Third he does notice that there is a nice little space yacht for sale that would no doubt meet the specifications of another young couple advertising their interest to buy such a vessel. A second message, just as anonymous as the first one, is quickly sent informing both parties of their mutual interests and with that accomplished Ian turns the data-pad off and returns his attention to the room around him.
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Post by Jëdî T¥ on Apr 4, 2007 2:10:57 GMT -5
" So. These companions of yours are what to you then exactly? " Asked Volda as his eyes blinked heavy lids almost lazily over black orbs. Rolling from her to the trio who had accompanied her into the Kut-Kut aside from Kuur. Whom stood silently to Kala's right, not saying a word as he felt suddenly even more nervous with the way Volda was eyeballing everyone present.
“Responsibilities,” said Kala feeling the weight of the word thoroughly as it slipped from the tip of her tongue. She did not take it a step further and explain that two of the three were potential liabilities as well, ones that would be taken care of if the need arose.
" Responsibilities... " Volda echoed what she had said, looking towards his left where a large slab of scaled muscle known as a Trandoshan stood. It in return offered a sharp-toothed smile before it's employers head swiveled back to match gazes with Kala. " These responsibilities of yours hold any loyalty to our cause? "
: “Of course.” It wasn’t a total lie, Kyc’n was involved to a degree, though even Kala wasn’t sure how deeply bound to the cause he happened to be. Her stomach growled again and a forced blush highlighted her cheeks. Timing seemed to be everything, even a simple growl of the stomach could break the tension, at least for her. Somehow it was easier to make it appear that she focused on her empty stomach more than the Trandoshan standing near Volda with a grin that left her uneasy despite outward appearances. “I understand the questioning Volda, were I in your position I would do much the same,” she paused to remain composed. This was a touchy situation and the looks being passed about left her very much aware of the importance of each answer given. “If it pleases you, I will disappear and take the lot of them with me.” She only hoped that if Volda were to insist that she do such, that the likes of Zien would comply. Ian and Kyc’n had yet to prove even remotely problematic.
Strange long ears tipped hearing the growl of her gut. He motioned to the Zeltron standing near the bar with his fingertips, she arrived by his side. " Food for our guests. " She bowed, her pink flesh a darker color in the lighting yet very exposed as she moved away. Volda stared once more at Kala in silence before speaking; " No. Use can be made of you and your troupe... a good test of their loyalty, and of course it will greatly assist our ... cause. " He offered in a smile. " Any objections if I propose a small mission? Kuur of course I know you will happily perform this? " He asked the Duros who tightened his stance up, chest pressing forth. " Anything to fight the Empire. " He said bravely yet his voice shook and he glanced sidelong at Kala as if in question.
Kala opened her mouth for an immediate response. Gut instincts told her not to push the situation in this direction. Zien was unpredictable and rash, Kyc’n was still mending the extent of his injuries a mystery to her at this time, and Ian, the man proclaimed himself to be a nerf herder of all things. “You are too kind Volda,” it was a lie, bitter in her mouth. Then Kuur spoke and she could feel him looking to her for answers that she did not have. “What mission is it that you have in mind if I may be so bold as to ask?” It was a constant battle now to avoid looking through the haze of the cantina to see just what her loyal crew did to occupy themselves as she conversed with Volda. But to look away from him and search out the people she traveled in with could betray the calm façade she hopelessly clung to.
" Well... beyond you this should not go. I figure it's leaked enough amongst several others. " He smiled at that again showing broad white teeth. " The amount of information leaked though... too much, so much so that I may not be telling you the full truth. But... there is several key locations that need... redecorated. "
The way he spoke reminded her of cryptic messages being sent to and from her once fairly set location. This was the way things worked more or less. Everyone was kept in the dark on some level, and in turn everyone became more apt to keeping someone else in the dark. This time it was her turn to be fairly clueless. Kala smiled pleasantly as one would expect any woman of confidence to smile. “Redecorated… I see.” What he meant by redecorating was probably a far cry different from her own definition. Just the way he grinned as he spoke it was enough to tell her this was not a task she would enjoy in the least. “What and where?” Her words were brief as they should be; The touch of severity in translation still not having lifted from her shoulders.
" I take it you agree to this then. Splendid. " He exclaimed rather calmly. " Here in Eriadu there is a HoloNet channel being broadcast for actual public viewing. Imperial Propaganda is sent from it's station all across the Core worlds and even beyond them. You and your little group will blow them up. " He stated pointedly as the Zeltron set down a platter of exotic offworld fruits and some green tentacled sludge in a bowl that was vaguely moving. " A simple matter of sneak in under false identities; plant the explosives and get out. With that done I can find you transport rather quickly away from Eriadu. Faster than you will realize you were ever here. Easy enough? "
This was what Kuur and company had been brought here to do? Kala couldn’t help but think he was setting her up. Of course at this point, Everyone, was setting her up. She’d taken a major hit and had no recovery time. This entire ordeal left her feeling like a rat in a maze being forced to find the cheese at such a rapid pace it could not stop to search out the scent. One wrong turn on her part and she’d be… “You’ll be providing the necessary gear?” The thoughts had been maddening and she stopped them cold by answering. The zeltron received a nod for her efforts and Kala reached forward to take a plump blue skinned fruit.
" Of course. Along with one of my own men. " The Zeltron slipped away unseen as Volda glanced down at the moving creature in the bowl, then up again. " A delicacy, I've heard humans rather love the taste yet heard complaints on texture. " I shall inform my man right away. If you are in need of rest first you may use the upstaris for the night, I'll have rooms prepared. I would suggest the morning to strike, while the Imperials are busy. We have their schedule mapped out. "
Just as Kala sunk her teeth into the ripe flesh of the fruit she allowed her eyes to wander the cantina. Volda spoke, and she listened while trying to figure out exactly how she’d pull this off. Zien held her attention as he celebrated his victory of Sabacc in his favor. Juice seeped from the corner of her mouth and a soft “Mmm,” delighted the back of her throat. Whatever the dish was that still moved even if only slightly was of no interest to her. For that matter the fruit could have been ash to her tongue but she had to steadily play this role of self. “Again, you are too kind,” said Kala as she wiped the juice from her lips with the back of her hand. “I will inform my crew of your generosity and retire until morning.” On the inside she cringed. This was horrible, only a night to determine who she needed to usher away and who would be brought into acts of destruction without having any way of knowing just what their intentions truly were.
" Kind... " He chuckled and turned his back towards her. " I shall be seeing you tomorrow then. The last two rooms at the end of the hallway upstairs are unoccupied. They will be open for your party. Be down here in the morning, my man will be waiting for you. Then you can commence your trip to wherever. "
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Ian
Fringer
Posts: 23
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Post by Ian on Apr 7, 2007 3:56:56 GMT -5
Ian curses under his breath in no less than three different languages as he watches the discussion between Kala and Volda. Lip reading isn't his strong point so any hint of what is being said isn't readily apparent to him. His frustrations at this moment stem from conducting business in an open bar where the surroundings are uncontrolled. Working with personalities of all sorts had instilled in Ian the need to seek out areas that catered to the privacy of both parties. Open bars did provide a great deal of background noise, but given the right equipment individual voices can be filtered out one by one until the desired conversation is found. Its a matter of having the right equipment and a great deal of patience. He isn't a trained operative, but he has learned a few points of caution over the years.
One point of caution, again, is the need to seek a controlled environment. More often than not Ian has tended in the past to do the initial meet with his various unscrupulous employers only after randomly switching the meeting spot no less than three or four times. The random switching makes it difficult for Imperial Security to determine ahead of time where to preposition their surveillance teams and droids. As an extra layer of protection Ian never actually spoke to his prospective employers. Instead he would exchange a data-card with them, view it, and then promptly erase it. After erasing it he would personally watch the data-card be incinerated. He had lost several contracts to his paranoia, but it had saved him from the cruel designs of an Imperial interrogation on numerous occasions.
His competitors in the illegal market for ship modifications and repairs had not exercised the same cautions and had suffered in ways he didn't want to begin to imagine. A session in with an Interrogator no doubt involved pain. So much pain in fact that Ian has always made it a personal point to avoid any Imperial Security detachment offices to avoid hearing the screams of pain. Primitive methods, advanced pain droids, and a variety of implements from across the galaxy are at the disposal of Imperial Security teams. One would have to be truly insane, or truly naive, to put themselves at risk of detection that could lead to captor. As he watches the meeting wind to an end he thinks carefully and weighs his motivations inside himself.
He had earlier vowed that should this group showed poor sense again he would depart at the first convenient moment. However, given he is effectively penniless, without spare clothing, identification, and worse no contacts on Eriadu his options are direly limited. So far Kala has seemed to be the wiser of this party, with Kyc'n displaying the mettle one would need for this sort of desperate situation. With his situation so confining he finds himself stuck in a quagmire that he isn't seeing a ready escape from. He grunts to himself as he stands to his feet and tucks his data-pad in its holster in one motion as he begins to move toward Kala as he intends to have a brief word with her.
Weaving his way toward the bar as he ducks and moves through the crowd he is graced with a variety of snarled curses, vehement comments, and other not particularly kind remarks regarding his parentage. No doubt this might have something to do with his clothing. Wearing an Imperial Engineer's working uniform in this sort of place tends to draw unwanted attention. The sort of attention that involves a blaster to the back of the head in a back alley. As he moves a largish alien of indeterminable origin shoves Ian back with a force that is only describable by Ian as mighty. Bouncing off a table, then a chair, and then another table Ian manages to step around the large creature and continue on his course.
A course that hopefully will place him directly in front of Kala in the next few moments. This is barring any more encounters with large Aliens of course.
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Zien
Fringer
Posts: 13
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Post by Zien on Apr 8, 2007 3:21:50 GMT -5
Zien let his eyes roam as he felt his attention waning on the what was going on with the rest of the group. His red eyes wandered all around the cantina until finally coming to rest on one of the Twi'lek dancers. A slow grin spread across his lips as he waved slightly at her. The dancer smiled back at him and started moving a little slower and little more provactive and he simply winked and then pried his eyes off her and put them back on Kala with a sigh as she rose from the table to speak with them. As he listened to her talk the wheels in his head slowly started turning. They could leave? That means he could get as far away from this little group as possible and the Empire as well.
He had a ship now he didn't have to wait for them to procure one for him or find another form of transportation like he was depending on them for earlier. But even with the change in the developments there was still a reason that he was rooted to the spot he was in and didn't leave right then. Alarm bells and whistles were going off in his head screaming at him to leave while he still could, while he was still alive. He diverted his vision for a moment and tried to come up with enough reasons in his own head to abandon the people he was now with.
"Can I have my blasters back now?" he said in a a quiet whisper so very unlike his normal loud and choobiey demeanor. Well at least if he had his blasters he could always make a run for it if need be, but he wouldn't leave without those. And at least he could go upstairs and see what they were planning on doing and perhaps finding out of if there was a way that he could make some profit out of the whole ordeal.
The ship wasn't that far away he was sure he could dodge the Imperials and people in general to get to it, the only problem was being an armed aliean on a planet that didn't like aliens at all, and even more so if they were armed. One thing was sure no matter what happened it was sure to be exiciting and the thought of that justified staying at least for the moment in his mind. He flipped the credit chip across his knuckles one more time before flipping it with his thumb and then snatching it out of mid air with his trademark smile, at least he could stay for the thrills.
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Post by Jëdî T¥ on Apr 9, 2007 2:38:56 GMT -5
rhrKyc'n moved near enough to Kala he could hear what was being said. As her words came out he nodded, speaking quietly. " I'm in for the long run. Those rooms do sound nice though, hopefully more than one bed each. " He glanced sidelong at Zien as the man asked for his guns not hestitating to remove the harness from around his chest, handing them across towards him. Several looks came at them with the exchange but no comments. The table of Sabacc players continued their game, the rest all carried on with their business. " Yeah was wondering when you were going to ask that. " He replied to the Chiss.
Kuur seemed to smile and bob his head almost at the same time that Kyc'n was nodding. " Of course Kala, mes in as usual. I have mission for... " He stopped with his words, blinking towards Zien and Ian, two people who had no idea what their true affiliation was. No doubt by now they could guess but Kuur wasn't going to presume too much.
Ian finishes his short stroll across the bar no worse for the experience. Maybe a few small bruises might come of the occasions, but nothing to significant. You didn't get to be an Imperial Engineer in some of the roughest sectors of the galaxy by being faint hearted. No doubt he could have stood his ground with the bloody great alien, but in the end the sentiments of the crowd are clearly not in his favor. Should he win the fight he more than likely would be losing it even more quickly to the Alien's compainions. Coming to a stop nearby Kyc'n, Kuur, Kala, and Zien he says, "A plan would now be in order. Hopefully a change of clothes, a bite to eat, and some sort of privacy would do nicely also." He hopes that if anything this group will at least consider moving out of the bar before discussing their options. No doubt somewhere in the crowd a Imperial informant could easily be lurking. In his experience, while not extensive but certainly not limited, the Imperial Security Arm had its reach into all sectors of the galaxy human and alien alike. For all he know Kuur could easily be an Imperial Security plant, but he doubted that is the case, though he has seen stranger.
The three of them drew in closer and Kala looked to each face once more as they spoke their peace. Zien was the first to speak and she thought that he would also be the first to leave. Were she in his place without loyalties it would be a tough call and she'd dwell upon it before answering. He however seemed to be more interested in his guns. Kyc'n already being involved to a certain extent did not even remotely surprise Kala with his timely reply. Were she not still under the public eye putting on false airs of control and security she'd of noticeably sighed in relief and clapped him on the shoulder with a thank you to her lips. That was not the case however so she only gave a discrete nod and turned her sights upon Ian whose role was still beyond her. He was the candidate that could easily walk without conflict. Yet he spoke of clothing, plans, food, and the privacy she too hoped to obtain. "Mmm, so let us not linger here further. The rooms were offered for a reason. Shall we?" Kala turned towards the stairs that Volda had mentioned earlier, eyes lifting slightly towards Kuur to indicate that he should lead the way. That is unless someone else stepped in to play the part of guide this being Volda's hold and not hers to roam freely.
If they were expecting him to swear his loyalties to the Rebellion at this point they were severely mistaken. First off he worked for the person who paid him the best, well usually he did. Zien grinned as Kyc'n handed him back his blasters with a look of pure joy on his face. It didn't take him long to strap the blaster harness on and he felt much better, less naked then he had felt since the transport. Everybody was down with the cause it seemed and he looked from face to face and he was still undecided but he had to give them something. "Alright alright. I'll stay for now because for one if I leave who is going to do the blasting?" Smiling he turned as Kuur started to lead them up the stairs and added with some dropped enthuisasm, "not like it really matters anyway." Shrugging some he let his eyes linger on the Twi'lek dancer for a few more moments flashing a confident smile and then turned to follow Kuur, Kala, Ian, and Kyc'n up the stairs.
Kuur turned once he reached the end of the hall. The door pushing open as he slipped in. Kyc'n walked at the rear of the group keeping to himself for now as he looked the cantina over and preceded after. Once inside Kuur began investigating the room, lifting up what meager amount of furniture was inside to scan around. Obviously intent on finding something. He said nothing though, these people would probably piece it together he was playing the role of sweeper. Kyc'n would wait until all were in before he shut the door behind himself and leaned against it. Kuur stayed silent as he performed his business; frowning. He did not trust Volda, did not like him but they were on the same side and he was a valuable ally to have backing you. Even if he was testy and could easily turn from friend into foe. Glad Kala agreed to do everything the man had planned for their own safety. Doubting anyone would make it out of the Kut-kut alive without having gone along.
Ian glad to be moving on from the bar area he follows along with no complaint. He enters into the room and unbuckles his belt with a small sigh of relief. Setting the heavy equipment belt to the side he briefly examines Kuur as he scuttles around the room. No doubt he is searching the room for listening devices, but given the relative plethora of electronic listening equipment it is rare that you would even need to have such a device in the same room. However, if the physical act of searching the room brings Kuur a measure of comfort then so be it. Nothing could be lost from the excercise, and perchance that Volda isn't one of the brighter sort and actually had resorted to placing a transmitter in the room it would be wise to learn of it sooner rather than later. After removing his belt he carefully begins to examine each specific piece of equipment to double check its origin. Getting caught with something that has been issued to him by the Imperial Authorities would only raise eyebrows should a motivated investigator think to double check the inventory of his file.
Kala lingered only long enough to take notice of Ziens eye for one of the dancers. She wasn't impressed by his lack of professionalism, but when working with the likes of Volda by rumor alone she knew that this was not the time to be picky. Not unless she didn't mind seeing the blue man turn rabid just before the cantina ate him alive unceremoniously. Instinct begged her to send Zien through a window, a back door, an exit before all hell broke loose and rained down upon them. But he would stay and see it through, at least for now. "Please don't touch Volda's girls," she whispered in confidence while moving up the stairs. It was a warning of the utmost importance, one that she seriously doubted he would heed. One, she didn't need him distracted by the portrait perfect flesh, and two, this being the most important, girls like that were known for loosening the lips of the men they took down. The last thing she needed was him admitting that he in no way belonged to this make shift group, or something potentially more damning. After entering the room Kala waited while Kuur searched quietly. He was a good one to have around, especially here, where she was left following his lead and considerably thankful that he at least seemed loyal. "Alright, where to begin," she said almost muttered. Kala's guard seemingly came down and she looked less than relaxed. There was no fake smile to her lips and her eyes looked glossy with deep thought.
Zien's grin turned into a smirk as Kala addressed him while heading up the stairs. "Please, last time I checked you weren't my mother." Entering the room he didn't look back at Kyc'n and he didn't look around for bugs or worry that Kuur was, he just went to a corner and leaned up against the wall for a moment before sliding down into a sitting positition. He didn't care about their plan and he didn't really care if they made it out of the cantina alive, because he knew for a fact that he would. The life of an Rebellion agent wasn't for him it was to reserved, to much shadow work, not enough flash for him. It was in the next few seconds that Zien decided he was going to part with this group in the morning and make his own way. Letting out a sigh he ran a hand through his black hair and then rested his head against the wall for a moment. These people were something else. They didn't know how to have fun it seemed, always business with them. Zien just shook his head and unbuckled the weapon harness and slid it off, setting it down on the floor beside him. The blasters were close enough for him to grab and he wasn't worried about someone busting in the room because if they did the first one was catching bolts. Reaching down he pulled off the shirt that he had on and set it on the otherside of him and patted the medicated pads softly that were still covering the hole in his side appreciating the pain killers that they had pumped in his blood. Kuur stopped, scan seeming satisfied that there were no apparent 'bugs' Volda he was sure had them being surveyed somehow. Settling down on the edge of the bed he released a heavy sigh. " Tired, beds look nice... " He complimented, then looked at the rest present. " I am not liking this. Very bad that we are stuck this way. " He didn't make any statements towards what Kala and Zien were currently speaking about, trying to keep his eyes forward on the tasks at hand.
Kyc'n on the other hand lifted his arms up his bicep, frowning slightly as he stared a hole through the floor. If they were being watched mechanically he'd have no way of knowing. The Force could only work through certain ways to a limited extent; it was beyond Kyc'n's and most Force-users abilities to read through electronic means. Not even his Master Orn Toqema knew how to accomplish that task. " I have a few questions... " He looked at the Chiss, then at Ian. " May I ask why the two of you are here? I'm not saying the extra man-power isn't welcome and a relief but..." He didn't say anything more, curiousity plaguing him, however, he didn't try to invade them in anyway by reading through the Force emotions or thoughts. Knowing it would only invite possible negative attention. He lifted his gaze to Kala letting her finish the rest, she would fill them in of course, and they would learn more. Give to get he was sure, usually worked that way.
Ian replies candidly as he says, "It seems I stuck. If I go back I end up facing an Imperial torture session. If I leave here I've no traveling funds, no papers, and no contacts. I'd say my situation is one of desperation fueled by neccessity to survive." Having stated his comments he strips off his work jacket and tosses the garment to the side. At the very least his undershirt would not mark his previous occupation. At least not to the unpracticed eye it wouldn't. Those who have spent anytime in the service of the Empire would be able to see the plain brown undershirt for what it is with a mere glance. Now jacketless he reaches down and picks up his customized hydrospanner and sets it to the side. He continues this routine until he has two seperate piles of equipment. That which has been issued to him, and that which he purchased with his own funds. Thankfully the pile of equipment representing the fruits of his own industry is significanly larger than that which was issued to him.
Something of the way Zien spoke to her took several moments before it fully absorbed and struck home. Not his mother, no, of course she wasn't his mother. A man like him probably didn't know the meaning of mother in any sense of the word. She's let her guard down, and that had been a mistake that now was realized. So a vicious smile formed her lips as she turned to admire the man tending himself in her company. "No… I'm not your mother, I'm afraid I lack a certain… blue coloring to claim a son of your defining features." A brazen step brought her closer, skirt lapping against her ankles in a wave. "You know what, have his girls, as many as you like, but you pay the cost." It certainly wasn't credits that she spoke of. Kala shook her head and turned to look at Kyc'n then Kuur, Ian being sadly an after thought for the moment. "Leave," she said pointedly. "I don't know who you think I am, and I don't know what you think you've gotten yourself into, but what I do know," the smile vanished and venom laced her voice, "Is that I, am not going down… for you." Everything about this woman said in the most direct way, Don't play games with me, get out, I'm not dying just so you can get a fast lay with some flesh puppet. Her hand extended towards the door and that was about as much as she had to say.
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