Prologue

[GandalfOfBorg]

"Hmmm, gimme a hand at the wheel and all you'll need to do is close your eyes and hold on tight... but that emergency route might be needed if we continue with Kara on the mission," and BIT relayed the interaction he had with Kara and his impressions.

[sdrotar]

"Hmmm, gimme a hand at the wheel and all you'll need to do is close your eyes and hold on tight... but that emergency route might be needed if we continue with Kara on the mission," and BIT relayed the interaction he had with Kara and his impressions.

"How come everybody comes on board and wants to fly my ship," he said with a grin. He really didn't know BIT yet, save that he was good -- very good -- in a fight and seemed eager to help for whatever reason. He was growing fond of the man; he wasn't a borderline psychopath like Logar'Dan, and he was clearly very skilled. "But he's not getting the stick," Caden thought. "I don't even know his name."

"I've noticed Kara," he said simply. "I've been trying to get her clean since I met her, with... mixed results."
He shook his head. "I want to believe she's not a lost cause. She's a good person."

That said, she was a clear risk; a potential loose cannon that -- either aboard the ship or off of it -- could conceivably sell them out for a fix if she was that desperate. It concerned him a great deal -- it was part of the reason he had tried so hard to get Kara straightened out.

He didn't share those thoughts with BIT... but he had a feeling that the man had reasoned this out already.

[Jingo]

Kaida took a deep breath, and stopped briefly to look in a store-front window. She pretended interest in the item but she instead studied the reflections around her. Were they being followed? She didn't think so. She had been careful. Her brother Jalek was better suited for this sort of thing. Whatever "training" she possessed had been "on the job" training, so to speak. "On the run" training was probably a better term, she thought wryly. Those first few months when she had been all on her own and constantly on the run came back to her. She felt the old chill, the desperateness again. Her escort had been killed off one by one as bounty hunters and imperial agents had trailed and hounded her.

But now she was part of a team and they were taking it back to them. It both alarmed and thrilled her.

She buried her memories and studied the storefront again. When she was sure they weren't being followed, she rapped her knuckles on Sam's head to get his attention and motioned with a jerk of his head for him to follow. She moved through a side-street and then into an alley, following the directions Rizzo had given. Sam followed silently on rubber soled feet.

She shook her head ruefully. For not the last time she wondered if maybe she should have brought Caden instead. But the Corellian treated the Aegis like his lover and didn't want to let "her" out of his sight for longer than two standard minutes. But Sam seemed...distracted at times. Internal diagnostics were likely churning away at fantastic speeds. Programs to ensure that redundant systems were functioning. And probably a bunch of other things she didn't understand. It all took processing power. She didn't know a lot about droids, but she had to trust that bringing Sam was the right one for this particular purchase.

She paused in the alley way and whispered to the droid. "We're going to need some extra fire-power on this one Sam. I need a special piece of hardware that's right up your alley. Something that specializes in the anti-personal fire power arena." she smiled slyly and filled him in and wondered what the droid "thought" of her idea.

She had read several after-action reports on the units and tactics of the battle droids during the clone wars and hadn't been terribly impressed with the Separatist's choice of grunt troops with their focus on the B1 battle droids. Mindless and underpowered, they made up for their weaknesses with sheer numbers. But the Droideka series... Well, she had always thought that a Droideka battle droid, in just the right situation would be very useful.

Maybe this "Old Herm" could come through for them. This had better be worth it. She had paid some pretty credits to get the information she needed, and if anyone would have access to the equipment she needed, he would.

She stepped inside.

Time to go shopping. Here's what she wants Santa Herm to bring in order of priority. She' been a good girl, so stuff those stockings!  She's interested in prices and availability on the following:

• A Droideka battle droid (new vs. used) - the benefits speak for themselves. She wants it reprogrammed to take orders from her. BIT is good with computers and might be able to do that.
• An Astromech Droid - it always helps to have a mobile toolkit around.
• A jet pack - She's envious of BIT's mobility.
• Portable anti-vehicle or anti-air missile launcher and prices for missles
• Land mines?
• Smoke Grenades - useful in various tactical situations, but she wants something that would hide from thermal sensors
• Normal Frag Grenades

[/color]

[tomcat]

The shop smelled heavily of engine oil and sweat. It was warm in the daylight sun, even though Herm had two industrial blowers drawing air through the place. Sam and Kaida moved amongst tables of metal parts - some new some scrap, generators, hyperdrive coils and intakes, and sublight engines - all of which were scattered about the room.

A Sullust technician was laying on a flat dolly underneath a power generator when the two walked past. He slid himself out from under his work and called out to them, "Can I help you?"

Kaida turned to see the jowly faced alien - his mouth glistening with either perspiration or drool. She asked for the shop's proprietor and the technician disappeared through a door that led to a back office. A moment later old Herm came from the same door, a large sandwich of multiple meats and vegetables layered between a sliced roll. He wiped his face and looked at the droid and woman.

"Yes, can I help you? Need some parts for your droid, Miss?"

Kaida quickly shook her head and began to talk to Herm about looking for select items and that she had been sent to him through a private referral. Herm took on a cautious air as he listened, all the while eyeing the droid behind her. He didn't need anything stated that could be incriminating and recorded by her companion. He waved to both and escorted them back to his private office.

It took Kaida some time and finally an exchange of credits to the old mech for him to open up about his contacts. The noblewoman started asking about a few items that she was interested in procuring - a droideka droid in particular. The tripod-like battle droids were deadly opponents from the Clone Wars and she knew that surely there had to be some of the units still available in the galaxy. If it could be reprogrammed, it would make for a perfect mobile, shielded weapon system. She continued with her requests of more military hardware from land mines to a portable anti-vehicle or anti-air missile launcher. Kaida ended her list of needs with a personal jetpack and a simple R2 unit.

Herm listened quietly, never really easing his tension, but not closing the conversation down. When Kaida had finished her shopping list, Herm scratched at his stubbly chin and made a half smile. "I think I know someone who can help you, but I am pretty sure you're going to need to show you have the funds before your wishes will even be entertained. You know how illegal a droideka is right now? This Empire that we now live under is confiscating all the weapons that they see from most civillians. They control all manufacturing and distribution and most of the hardware from the war has been accounted for." Kaida didn't buy his last statement - the war had raged across the galaxy, there was no way that everything had been accounted. "Let's see what your friend has to say."

"All right," nodded Herm. "I will arrange the meeting. You'll need to give me some offertory for my contact, or you wont be seen."

"How much?" asked Kaida.

"Four thousand," said Herm matter-of-factly.

Kaida sighed and Sam whistled. The noblewoman displayed the most intimidating bearing that she could muster that years in a political life had taught her, "All right, I will give you four thousand credits but you will arrange the meet and you will let the contact know that this isn't offertory money, but a down payment on our product. Otherwise, me and my people will blow your small business off the face of this planet."

Herm looked uneasy once more. He cleared his throat and softly said, "Okay."

Kaida and Sam stood and began to exit the room. She stopped long enough to set a cred chip on a counter, and then turn around, "Tonight... at 2100 hours."

Exiting the back office, Sam and Kaida reentered the shop to see that there was a new patron talking to the Sullustan mech. An attractive, young woman with long auburn hair stood with hands on hips. She looked at the two as they entered the shop, her eyes betraying that it was Sam and Kaida that she sought.

[Jingo]

Kaida passed by the other woman as if she hadn't noticed.

For a moment her insides churned. Was this an imperial agent? Had she been followed after all. Yet clearly the woman wanted to be seen--possibly wanted something from her. Either that or she was a rookie. But if a rookie, how then had she been followed? She had been careful.

Her face remained a studied mask as she and Sam moved outside. She waited until she was certain the other woman was following then she moved into an alleyway, letting her cloak follow after just as the other woman excited the store. "This way," she whispered. They moved behind some crates. She was glad the droid moved silently, his only sound the soft whir of his servos. "This could be trouble. Follow my lead."

She loosened the blaster in her holster and her cloak hung to cover both hands. She didn't quite pull it out, but it was readily available if needed.

Then she waited.

[tomcat]

Abby, you can follow her out as you please.

Jingo, just so you know... Sam has spent a good deal of time and his personal finances to make himslelf un-droid-like. He characterizes himself as human, trying to emulate them in posture, poise, movement, and speech. He wears a long jacket, kind of like a cowboy's duster and a hat (kind of like Cad Bane's)...actually the Cad Bane characters garb is a perfect example of what Sam wears.

Anyway, he has also padded his feet with rubber to not 'clank' when he walks. So, except for the servo-sounds, he does a good job at emulating a person... at least until you get up close and see his droid face.

This was all part of his development by his former player, Donimator. I just want to stay true to the character. 



Kara moved like a ghost around the ship. She heard the soft voices of the two men talking and knew that BIT was reporting her condition to Caden. She didn't care anymore. They could talk about her, think their ill thoughts, be disappointed in her, or whatever. She didn't care. Kara just wanted to get out of the Aegis. She skirted around the circular corridor, past the lounge, and towards the access ladder to the lower deck. From there she could go down the ramp and get off the ship.

She had enough credits in her pocket to make a good score, buy some lunch, and perhaps a bottle. Well, maybe not lunch, she thought to herself with a grin. From there she would need to make some more money... was she coming back? Again the thought of who cares pressed on her and she started down the ladder.



Again, if anyone wants to intercede with Kara's departure, roleplay it in. Caden and BIT can give me a Perception check DC 14 if they want to notice her pass the main corridor to the flight deck.

[Posterboy]

With a "Go on with ya" nod from Rizzo, Abby made a quick exit from the shop and headed out to catch up with Herm. She knew the old fella well enough. Herm had been a acquaintance of Pash, and likely would have taken her on himself if he'd had the work. Over the course of the past couple years, they had continued to run into each other. "hopefully, he's not going to be all secretive about these folks," she said quitely to herself as she approached Herm's shop.

Entering in the Herm's place was always a joy for Abby. He vast network of connections always seemed to garner him and his techs with some of the more interesting jobs. Quietly making her way amongst the tables and tools, Abby found Jien, Herm's Sullustan tech, working under a power generator.

"Hey Jien," she called out, causing the Sullustan to near crack his skull against the magnetic conductor. Abby smiled at the tech as he rolled himself out. Switching to Sullustan, she asked, "How you doing?"

Jien replied back in his native tongue, "This unit's been getting the best of me all day."

"Mind if I take a look?" Without waiting for a response, Abby slid under the generator. With in moments, she chirped, "Youse guys got a timing curcuit box lying around. The one on this venting ring," she held out the part to Jien as she slid back out, "has seen it's last days. It's the one connecting the coil coupling to the intake..."

Jien just his head and smirked, "Yeah, yeah... I got it, Miss Wiz. You come here to put me outta work?"

Abby laughed lightly, "Nah, I'm actually looking for..." she turned in the direction of Herm's office, just as two figures walked out the office. That's gotta be them, Abby thought to herself. "Actually," she turned back to Jien in an effort to stop staring, "you know what? I was going to ask to see if youse guys had any linked-carbon diffusors, but I just remembered where Rizzo put them. So, I guess I'm good... thanks!" She made her way to exit.

"Always a pleasure, Abby," Jien called after her.

The pair, a woman and droid, had a bit of a head start, as Abby hit the streets, but she was able to follow them. What are you gonna say, Abby, once you catch up with them, the Arkanian thought. "Just gotta be honest, I guess," she mumbled to herself as she caught up to the pair an side alley. Approaching the woman, Abby's words tumbled out, "Excuse me, ma'am. I was just wondering if maybe youse might be able to help me. See, someone said that maybe youse were looking," she dropped her voice a bit, "to head to Salliche. And, well, I... ah... got some... business on the planet myself. And, I'm wondering if I might be to get passage with youse guys. Not for free mind you... I have some credits saved. And I'm a good ship hand... got a way with machines and all." Abby looked at the droid, "Good with them types too. Upgrades, reprogramming, repairs... you name it, I can probably handle it."

Well, that surely was honest... might want to shut up now before you go telling them your whole life story... The young Arkanian tech paused to take a breath.

"So... yeah..." Abby ended with one of her sweet smiles, shoving her hands in her pockets, looking hopeful.

[tomcat]

Excellent post, Ayrn! I like how you filled the gaps I left.

[Jingo]

Anyway, he has also padded his feet with rubber to not 'clank' when he walks.

:ooc:Gotchya GM. I fixed up my posts. [/color]

[Jingo]

...See, someone said that maybe youse were looking," she dropped her voice a bit, "to head to Salliche...

Kaida rose one eyebrow, and looked the Arkanian steadily in the eye. "We might be, and we might not. I'm not the captain. Who did you say you gave you your information? And supposing we did go to this Salliche, what sort of business did you have there?" she questioned cautiously.

They had been careful and would continue to be careful. No alarm bells yet, but this could turn south real quick. She studied the woman very carefully to detect any lie. It could still be a  trap. Or it could be the contact they needed that could put them in touch with any anti-imps on Salliche.

Or, the other possibility, one she didn't want to consider: someone on their ship had loose lips and--no! she tried to bury that thought. She wouldn't think badly of any of them. They needed to trust each other, especially now, even-- Kara? Her one-time friend had been acting strangely the last several months. Or maybe she was just acting more her original self lately. Ever since Brim and Logar ate space dust, Kara had dipped further and further in dissipation.

Kaida wished now she had spent more time with her, but her training with Master Farok had taken nearly every hour, and Kara had spiraled back into her bad habits.

[Posterboy]

Abby returned the woman's gaze, not with a hard look, but one of angst with a hint of desparation. They're heading to Salliche, the Arkanian reasoned with herself, but how do I get this woman to trust me. Abby had known of her father's location for almost a year now, and here was the first really chance of getting a step closer... and only fear and distrust seemed to stand in the way... the new way of life under the Empire.

"My name's Abby," the tech began. "I heard about youse from the owner of shop I work at, a Toydarian named Rizzo. She said she heard about youse from Herm and said youse were headin' to Salliche. She knows I have some business there and thought I might try findin' passage with youse, tis all. No harm. I'm just lookin' for my dad... got some information said he was on Salliche."

Abby paused to let the information sink in. "So... maybe I could meet your captain and see if we might work somethin' out?"

[Jingo]

Kaida searched the other woman's face and just saw only desperation. Maybe it was all an act. If so it was a phenomenal one. No, she was confident the Arkanian was not lying. There was a lot of desperation under the Imperial's draconian heavy-handedness these days. She saw it in far too many faces.

The question is could they afford to take her along. The better question might be could they afford to leave her behind if she did happen to know details about their little trip best left unshared. Best to keep her close for now, she reasoned.

"Look, Abbey, I can't promise you anything. Personally, I think we could use a good tech on board." That much was true. With Kara becoming more and more erratic, many tasks had fallen to Sam and Caden to fix. "But it's Captain's call, not mine. And we're running on a very tight schedule, so we're leaving as we're restocked, possibly tonight." Hearing no objection she continued. "Very well, follow me."

When they passed by Sam, she spoke out of the corner of her mouth in a bare whisper certain to be detected by the droid's audio intake. "Sam, take up the rear, behind and keep a lookout for any trouble or anyone else following us."

As Kaida led the way through the streets to the starport, She asked questions about the Arkanian on the way. Where she was from. How long she's lived here, how her work with Rizzo. Kaida didn't provide any information about herself, yet or their crew, or their mission.

Once at the ship... 

"Let's wait out here, it's a mess inside with all the restocking going on. Sam, please fetch Caden. Tell him this time we have someone who can pay."

[GandalfOfBorg]

BIT gave a rare laugh.  "Caden, you love your ship, I get it.  But Kara is worrisome, that problem needs to be dealt with soon.  Perhaps when Kaida gets back," he shrugs.  "You know where to find me if you need anything."

[tomcat]

The afternoon stretched for the crew that remained behind in the Aegis. Farok and his Twi'lek consort spent the time working within the hold on lightsaber maneuvers and defenses. The former jedi wanted to make sure Ardana had as much training as he could give her before the rest of the gear was loaded back into the hold - primarily the two speeder bikes that sat outside underneath the Loronar's belly.

Sam entered the ship of a sudden and looked at Farok and Ardana, "Seen Caden?" he sked.

The jedi pointed up with his new hand and the droid moved on in silence. Once on the primary deck, he found the captain looking through a few items that Sam was sure belonged to Kara. He dismissed any questions and spoke, "Caden... Kaida and I have returned and we have news. The princess has found a potential dealer in weapons along with someone else." The way the droid hung on the last statement made Caden cringe. Who now wanted ride?! he wondered to himself. Not letting him ask any questions, Sam continued, "You are requested outside the ship in the hangar bay."

[sdrotar]

Turning to BIT, he finished their conversation about Kara. "If you've got any bright ideas, short of killing her," he said with an uneven grin -- he didn't think BIT the type to leave loose ends, "I'm all ears."

***

He hemmed and hawed as Sam caught him poking through Kara's things, looking for...
"I was just, uh, seeing if," he stammered before realizing, of course, that Sam's metal face wasn't about to show any emotion. "Never mind."

He walked to the hangar to greet Kaida. "What'cha dig up?"
He paused to look at the grubby young woman with her. "And who?"