Tatooine heat

[watanabe]

Kara stood, and gave three times the credits she was owed.  It was not every day that someone found a magic glass.

"I'll come, but I get to keep my new magic glass!" she said in a voice that was more suited for outdoors, but drunks weren't very good at self control.

[Callowmoryne]

  Np on the credits

Logar offered his hand to the merchant. "I'm called Phoenix Acheillies." Logar smiled at dropping the ridiculous alias. He hadn't used it in years, and still found it funny. "I'm looking predominately for frags and possibly some decent armor. I was told you were the man to speak with."

[tomcat]

Kaida leaned against the wall trying to keep herself out of the sun as much as possible. It was dreadfully warm and dry, and she wanted to return to the Acer hub as soon as possible. Her head turned left  and then right, scanning the streets as she did. No one had approached her, although the people on the street occassionally took notice of her. It was then that she noticed a figure at the far end of the street. He was tall, and wore a hooded cloak up over his head. It was not unusual. The population of Tatooine favored the cloaks despite the heat, as it kept the beating suns off of them. But this figure stood looking at her, and then once noticed, moved and disappeared around a corner.

Taxian gave Logar's hand a vigorous shake, but the soldier could tell that the black marketeer was appraising him. "Welcome to Tatooine, Phoenix. I have never met you before, and neither have I heard of you in the circles of buyers around this area." Gorman smiled, "It is a huge galaxy, though." Even though he maintained the smile, Taxian's eyes squinted in his judging of Logar. "So, how did you make your way to me?"

Logar gave the entire run-down of their quest to find Gorman Taxian. The merchant nodded as he recognized a name of a place or a referral. Once done, Gorman crossed his arms and then rubbed his chin with a hand and then appeared to come to a conclusion, "Well you don't look like ISB - not that they get out here too much. You also don't look like Entha police... they wouldn't hire a guy that looks battle-worn like you. Still, if you try anything funny, and I mean anything, I promise that your bones will bleach white under the desert sun." The smile never left his face, "I assume you have money?" Again Logar made a re-assuring gesture to Taxian by showing him his credit amount. The black marketeer smiled, "Well let's see what that can get you!"

He led Logar out of the lounge and through a door that went down a good thirty stairs. It was cooler here and the sweat on Logar's body became chill. At the base of the stairs, Gorman led the soldier down another passage. They passed two check points of guards - big, pig-faced Gamorreans that held cruel-looking battle-axes. "I get these guards as protection from a Hutt that I do business with." Logar was not sure if Taxian told him that to impress, or to let him know the depth of the business he was getting in to. The Hutts ran most illegal business in this sector, and it was dangerous to cross them - they never let go of an insult.

Taxian opened a large rolling bay door and gestured again for Logar to enter. It was even cooler in here, as there was a air conditioning unit that aggressively blew cold air. "I need to keep some of this stuff at a certain temperature, so that there are no accidents. He activated a serie of flourescent lights and the room began to glow a bluish-white. There were a series of crates about the 30x20 chamber. "Frags, you said?" Taxian hit an electronic control and the crate opened. A hydaulic-springed table within the box lifted of its own accord and then it scissored open to reveal three levels of assorted weapons nested in foam.

Gorman began a rundown of all the things that Logar had shown interest in, "I have frags, ion, and stun grenades. I have thermal detonators available, but you will need to let me know how many you want, because I keep that stuff somewhere safer. I've got blasters - rifles and pistols. I can get heavier stuff if needed, but money is in advance and then I bring it in. As for armor... I have full suits or piece-meal stuff, a lot of it is left over from the Clone Wars. I can get you a suit of Clone armor... pretty good stuff. It is the same as the stuff their putting on Stormtroopers, now, except the design is different."

Having run down the menu, Taxian began to say prices, "Grenades are 250 to 300 credits each, depending on types. Weapons will also be priced based on type, but the cheapest I can give you is around 400. The armor, well you can buy stuff in pieces or if you want a suit, well, it will cost you by type. A cloner suit will cost you about 9,000, but that includes the helmet package." Gorman smiled again, "So... what'll it be?"

Brim was beginning to like their new acquaintance, but he was hesitant to reveal too much about them yet. "We are on the back end of a mechant run. We needed to set in for fuel and supplies and so here we are. We will probably be here for a few days... I understand the captain wants to have a few things worked on on his ship."

All the while, beside them, Kara mumbled to herself regarding a magic glass.

With the new plates acquired and employment agreed upon, Caden and Sam made their way back to the ship. They moved through the crowds of people and finally arrived at the docking bay. The tunnel that led into where the Aegis sat followed around the circular bay and then deposited them inside the large dock. The Loronar sat quietly, her landing ramps up and locked so that Danjapa would not be harmed, or taken, or come outside to be seen. A few droids still maneuvered around the underside of the ship checkin line connections and taking readings from the on-board comp system to assure that the ship was powering correctly and that her fuel tanks were being filled to the right capacity.

A protocol droid saw Caden and moved to speak to him, "Sir, the re-supply of your ship's food and water store is only waiting for you to open the loading ramp." The droid received a nod from Caden and began to turn away, "Oh... and you have a visitor, sir."

Caden and Sam looked to where the protocol droid pointed and then noticed for the first time the tall man standing near the forward landing strut, his fingers tracing along a conduit on the underside fo the Aegis's belly. He was handsome, well dressed, and his face held subtle expression. In any case, Caden did not get a good feel from the stranger.

[Callowmoryne]

  I guess i shouldve asked around if someone wanted a new blaster. Anyone care to comment. i cant afford armor at these prices so ill prob just settle for backpack full of frags. So does anyone want a new blaster or anything specific?

[tomcat]

I have no problem if PC's wanna chime in with a grocery list that they gave Logar before he left.

[sdrotar]

I guess i shouldve asked around if someone wanted a new blaster. Anyone care to comment. i cant afford armor at these prices so ill prob just settle for backpack full of frags. So does anyone want a new blaster or anything specific?

I think I'm good, but thanks. Caden would probably just blow himself up with a grenade, anyway. 

[sdrotar]

With the new plates acquired and employment agreed upon, Caden and Sam made their way back to the ship. They moved through the crowds of people and finally arrived at the docking bay. The tunnel that led into where the Aegis sat followed around the circular bay and then deposited them inside the large dock. The Loronar sat quietly, her landing ramps up and locked so that Danjapa would not be harmed, or taken, or come outside to be seen. A few droids still maneuvered around the underside of the ship checkin line connections and taking readings from the on-board comp system to assure that the ship was powering correctly and that her fuel tanks were being filled to the right capacity.

A protocol droid saw Caden and moved to speak to him, "Sir, the re-supply of your ship's food and water store is only waiting for you to open the loading ramp." The droid received a nod from Caden and began to turn away, "Oh... and you have a visitor, sir."

Caden and Sam looked to where the protocol droid pointed and then noticed for the first time the tall man standing near the forward landing strut, his fingers tracing along a conduit on the underside fo the Aegis's belly. He was handsome, well dressed, and his face held subtle expression. In any case, Caden did not get a good feel from the stranger.

"Well, Sam," Caden said under his breath, "Let's kill him with kindness... first, at least."

Caden checked his holster and sauntered up to his vessel as casually as he could before breaking into a wide smile as the stranger turned to face him.
"Not bad, eh?" He nodded to the Aegis, as if trying to show her off like a proud parent.

"So, the droid over there said you needed something," he said, thumb toward the protocol droid. "What can I do ya for?"

[Telcontar]

Farok nodded to Brim, "we were speaking of being hunted a moment ago. The galaxy is wide and large, but the noose grows tight around our kind. Even the common people out of need for money, or out of a misplaced devotion to the Empire, become our betrayers. The great deeds and stories of old are now told as tales in these times of dishonorable peace. So here I sit in this sand trap of a casino getting drunk. Unbecoming I imagine you're thinking, but I am no ones pawn, not a dead Jedi's, not the Dark Ones, and not the Forces. It is best to hide and stay off the grid, if you take no notice of the galaxy it will take no notice of you. I only hope that the Force will do me the courtesy of leaving me alone."

Farok knocked the extra idle glass he set aside off the table as he swung his one good arm in emphasis. The sandstone floor greedily drunk up the fluid before it could pool and in moments it was just a damp spot on the floor. He then pointed at the Rodian.

"A line of reasoning you would do well to think on yourself. Hide what you know Brim, do not use your abilities lightly, it's echoes and ripples travel far and before you know it your wrapped up in it. Both sides of the Force will try to claim you as their tool and some jawa turd out their will want you to be his apprentice, that is if you're not just outright killed.

BAH! Jedi....I ask you this, how many shades of grey exist between the extremes of justice and revenge? When does one become the other? A lack of emotion may lead to peace, but is their justice there? What have people more need of, passive monks burning incense reciting words talking in circles or guardians wielding swords?

You must make your own way; no mindless recitation of words will give you guidance. Don't trust in tenants and codes. Trust yourself, there you will find the truest guide to your actions. "
Farok took another drink from his whiskey, looked at himself and then at Brim, "Don't judge the worth of the words by the messenger.  Now if you don't mind I am going to wallow in my own hypocrisy and have a smoke..... This day has gone to complete shit."

Lighting another stub of rolled leaves he took from his cloak he looked at Kara, "So sweetheart what's your story? Wander down the wrong alley?"

Once lit he refilled her glass.

[tomcat]

I am enjoying this crew of misfits!   

More to come in a bit.

[watanabe]

Kara looked at Farok, and contemplated smashing the magic glass into his face for calling her sweetheart.  Then she remembered the glass was magic, and that she needed to protect it, especially if it gave her more whiskey magically.

She starred down at the glass for a few moments, and sure enough more liquor appeared.  She looked away and then back down and the liquid was gone.  In the back of her mind, she realized she had been asked a question.  She jolted her head up violently looking at Farok, clearly she had lost control of some of her motor skills.

"My story is..." she looked around.  "I saw a droid, and followed it, things went boom, I went boom back and next thing I know I'm flying the ship for this group."  She was now swaying back and forth.  "I've done my share of odd jobs, shipping, mechanics, all kinds of stuff around the galaxy, but while I may not have a regular paycheck with this group, at least I don't have to sleep with a blaster under my pillow every night."

Kara looked down at her glass, on the verge of passing out.

[Telcontar]

Farok smiled at the pilot, not a mocking condescending one but one of understanding, "Yes the boom does lead one down strange paths." Farok looked again to Brim, "Have you lodgings here in the city? I offer you and your companion shelter from the sun and sand without the debt of water. Now are the quiet hours of Tatoonie, most business and traffic occurs at night when its cooler, and the rats crawl from their hiding places looking for easy prey. It would be unwise to bring her through the streets in this state at that time. Here is safe enough, I have eyes and ears other than my own and no local trouble will bother you here as long as you're quiet and stay out of trouble."

Farok tried to blow smoke rings while he took long draws off of his cigar. He looked around the casino again observing the people that came and went sipping off of his drink. Within a minute or two a twi'lek came by the table with a small container of ice and water. She was an interesting shade of blue, almost like deep ice, a color that seemed to change depending on how strong and from what direction the light was. Small shots of the water were poured for Farok and his guests. The glass and water were ice cold and as soon as they were set upon the table they began to bead and make water rings on the table.

Farok handed one to the Corelian, "Here is the finest drink in Tatoonie." Farok raised his, "To the Booms of Life."
To his guests the first impression was that it was simply ice water, once it was drunk however the clear cold water did indeed taste better than any glass of water ever drunk, such was the heat and arid qualities of the planet that this simple thing on other planets was indeed a luxury here. More ice was added to Kara's magic glass and the Twi'lek took away the other empty glasses. As she began to refill Farok's drink he placed his hand over the top indicating that he was done for the moment. The Twi'lek smiled at him and left the table.
Gazing around the room Farok again concentrated on smoking and observing the patrons coming and going.

"How did it come to this...."

[Callowmoryne]

Logar eyed the mans wares. He was starting to worry about Kaida waiting for him out in the slums. He needed to get this over with. "Armor sounds a bit pricey. Ill have shop around a bit on that. How much for twenty frags and a couple bandoliers?"

[Jingo]

Kaida leaned against the wall trying to keep herself out of the sun as much as possible. It was dreadfully warm and dry, and she wanted to return to the Acer hub as soon as possible. Her head turned left and then right, scanning the streets as she did. No one had approached her, although the people on the street occasionally took notice of her. It was then that she noticed a figure at the far end of the street. He was tall, and wore a hooded cloak up over his head. It was not unusual. The population of Tatooine favored the cloaks despite the heat, as it kept the beating suns off of them. But this figure stood looking at her, and then once noticed, moved and disappeared around a corner.

Kaida felt a twang of alarm when she saw the figure watching her. Was she being shadowed by imperial agents? If so, how had they tracked her. Or was this someone sent by Organa. She decided to phone in to Logar. She touched the comm and whispered into it what she had seen. Then she ended with, "It could be danger or it could be our contact. I'm going to take a quick look, but hurry it up in there. I'll keep in contact."

She scanned the streets for any other possible signs of danger then pushed away from the wall and walked nonchalantly in the direction of the corner the figure had rounded. One hand was clasped inside her cloak ready to draw quickly if needed.

She'll move to the corner, stop at a booth feigning interest in some oddity being sold on the corner, and will peer around it looking for the tall figure.

[tomcat]

Taxian smiled, "Twenty? Going to be busy?" He didn't wait for Logar's reply, "You buy twenty from me and I will even cut you a 10% break and throw the bandoliers in for free. So, 4500 credits. Deal?"

Brim sat and thought about Farok's offer and only then did her remember that Kaida had communicated to them that she had rented rooms for them at the Acer Hub's hotel. They were not close to the resort, but neither were they close to the ship and it was moving into the later afternoon hours. Already one of Tatooine's two suns was beginning to lower itself on the horizon and its refracted light now shone amber casting everything in a golden-red light.

The Rodian had no desire to get Kara back to the ship, by himslef,  in her current state, but neither did he want to stay here and watch her fall deeper into the bottle. And yet, he was not completely sure he could trust their new benefactor.

[more to come when I get home...]

[Callowmoryne]

Logar met the merchants eyes with a knowing grin. "Its a good price, a tad bit above my entire savings however. How about 19 frags and the bandoliers for 4,000? I wont be staying on planet long. But ill be back Taxian. Once ive made inquaries about funding my little adventures ill be back. I think i can make you a rich man if you were interested in steady business. But really whats a promise like that worth in our line of work. Likely one of us will end up a mound of slag by then." Logar finished with a chuckle. "So does that sound fair, 4.000 creds for 19?"