The companions followed the hooded man, who quickly led the way. Their route twisted and weaved through a labrynth of Jovan passages, including a ride on the transit system that doubled them back to where they started, only to make progress away once more. They ended up in the Resorts in a back alley behind a massive tower hotel and resort. The man named Ulric walked slowly along the alley wall and Brim noticed as he made slight gestures with his hands. When he did this, the Rodian could feel a roiling sensation as if buffeted by air, though none blew. But each gesture was at a moment when the group was passing in front of, or below, the series of small security cameras that were scattered about the resort. The cameras were used to keep vagabonds from sleeping along the grounds, or bothering any of the hotel's clients. Finally, they came to a door and again Ulric gestured and the door opened of its own accord. He pointed to Kaida to take the lead and he watched as they all entered, then he looked up and down the alley and at last came in himself. They stood within a lower corridor that had a set of stairs that climbed up and a hallway that, by the sound of it, either went to a laundry or maintenance facility for the resort. Ulric pointed to the stairs, "We have a climb."
It was twenty flights that they climbed and everyone in the party, save Sam, felt their legs burning with weariness as they came to the landing. The hooded-man went to the door and opened it. He made a hand signal to someone else in the hall and then he gestured for them to move. They walked out into a nicely decorated and comfortably carpeted hallway. Ulric led them quickly down to a door and it was opened and they all entered. Once inside, Ulric turned to them and pointed, "All weapons on the table. You may carry nothing into the next room."
Caden looked around and realized they were in a luxurious living room of a large suite. There were two doors off the ante-room that led further into the suite, and both were closed.
:ooc: Do you comply with the order to disarm?
"Sir Ulric," Kaida kept her voice calm, and looked about the room casually, but tried to take in any details that may be important. Then she added in the weight of her considerable presence as she fixed him with her gaze. "I pray you do not take us for fools. We live in, shall we say, 'dangerous times', do we not? Surely you would not deprive us of all protection without our knowing where or with whom this engagement may lead?"
She took a deep breath and decided to risk all, "It may not mean much in some quarters of the galaxy, but I give you my word as daughter and princess of Commenor, and perhaps the last surviving member of that noble house," she was amazed that her own voice was so steady, "that neither I nor any in this party will not touch our weapons unless we are attacked first."
:ooc: Persuade check to see if they will be allowed to keep their weapons under the conditions stated:
Rolled 1d20+15 : 8 + 15, total 23
Brim pulled his blaster from its holster and placed it on the table. He didn't exactly know why, but he felt he could trust this stranger. He turned to Kaida and the rest of the group. "In the interest of keeping things friendly, perhaps we should comply with Ulric's request. If anyone intended to harm us, it would have happened well before we arrived at such a finely appointed location. I believe we can trust whoever awaits within."
"Far more dangerous times than some of you may realize," said a voice. The man to whom it belonged had entered the room without notice from a balcony that had been curtained, but door open. He was a handsome man with dark hair and eyes, a tanned complexion, and a moustache and beard that framed his mouth. He was tall and his clothes, though common, were still very nicely kept and regal. He spoke again, "Lovely Kaida... how you have grown. You probably do not remember me so much, but your father and I were friends and many times my wife and I visited your family on Commenor. It was always in an official capacity, and so you children did not abide such things... always off doing your own."
(http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20070927162419/starwars/images/f/f2/Bail_office.jpg)
The man smiled at Kaida and she knew it was Bail Organa, senator of Alderaan. Most of the companions recognized him, but it was from photographs and videos on the holonet. Bail continued, "Forgive the security and hush hush movements through the city, but it is necessary. Forgive also Ulric's desire for my safety... we must all watch over ourselves now."
With that Ulric shrugged out of his cloak and the party saw a youthful man that carried a haunted look within his eyes. He was fit - not overly muscular, but more like a gymnast. He carried no weapons that were visible, yet the keen eye could see where a sheath was carefully woven into the right side of his pants. He wore high boots, like a Corellian, but the rest of his clothes had little flourish - they were more utilitarian, like a flight suit. Ulric nodded at Organa's comment, and seemed to relax. He looked to Brim with a knowing look, while picking up the Rodian's blaster and handing it to him. "You may have this back. It seems Senator Organa is unconcerned with the weapons arrayed before him."
Bail then looked at Caden, "Caden Whitesun... we meet again, but in very different circumstances. I remember you, though it was only a brief acquaintance, but Kal had told me much about you. It is a shame that he has passed." Organa took on a truly sorrowful expression, and the Bestinian was almost completely sure it was real - not a maneuver by a skilled politician. "I know most of the situation on Bakura. I know some of your predicament through legal channels within the Empire. What I don't know is why you have sought me out? Your message sent to me was understandably vague. It mentioned Dan, but I do not see him here. Please..." Bail gestured to the couches for them all to sit. He continued, "Please, tell me what you know and what it is I can do for you."
The companions all moved to take a seat with the Senator only Sam and Ulric remained standing. If there were any other security personnel, they were invisible.
Brim took the weapon offered by Ulric, stared at it for a moment then replaced it in its holster. He turned to the Senator, "This was Dan's weapon. It reminds me of his sacrifice. He was killed by a Dark Jedi during our departure from Bakura. We have quite a story to tell you, Senator. I trust that this is a safe location to divulge all that we know?" Turning to the rest of the group, his gaze lingering on Kara slightly more than the others, the Rodian added, "I think it would be in all our best interests to do so."
Kaida smiled up at the man as he was introduced to them. He was decidedly handsome, even if he was several years older than she. "Thank you for your trust, Senator and for your kind words." She had vague memories of the man meeting with her father and mother. Nothing substantial, mostly he had been full of pleasant smiles and friendly pats on heads for her and her siblings. She had hated such official meetings and always wanted to be playing with her siblings or friends.
She took the proffered seat and crossed her legs. She felt knots within knots in her shoulders and back begin to loosen and relax, once she realized this was not a trap, that he apparently wasn't in lock step with the imperial march toward complete subjugation.
At his request for why they were here, she leaned forward on her chair. "I'm not entirely certain why Caden wanted to meet with you, Senator, something about this Dan friend of his. I never knew him. But I have my own reasons for wanting to meet with you. First, why have you not turned me into the authorities? You know who I am, and that Empire is hunting down all of the royal house of Commenor, along with other proponents of freedom and autonomy? Let us speak frankly. You know where Commenor stood--"
Her voice caught with the sudden lump in her throat as she remembered so many soldiers and valiant men and women she had known whose lives were spent trying to preserve that freedom, who were ultimately crushed under Empire's iron fist. But they would not crush her will, nor the desire for freedom of her planet!
"--and where she still stands. Yet, here away from the cameras and the holonets, where exactly do your loyalties lie?"
:ooc:
Kara looked for a casino.
Quote from: watanabe on Nov 02, 2010, 12:10 PM
:ooc:
Kara looked for a casino.
:ooc: oh crap Kara isn't even there ... so much for my dramatic look of condemnation ...
Quote from: Jingo on Nov 02, 2010, 11:13 AM
"--and where she still stands. Yet, here away from the cameras and the holonets, where exactly do your loyalties lie?"
Sam remained motionless and off to the side. An unassuming droid waiting for his masters to finish and put him on his next task. He did engage his internal recorders though. Provided nothing was in place to scramble the signal, he wanted to make sure he captured every detail of this conversation.
Quote from: BrianM on Nov 02, 2010, 03:30 PM
Quote from: watanabe on Nov 02, 2010, 12:10 PM
:ooc:
Kara looked for a casino.
:ooc: oh crap Kara isn't even there ... so much for my dramatic look of condemnation ...
Kara got sidetracked in the bar, rolled horrible perception and is now paying the penalty by wandering aimlessly. :P
Brim's eyes moved around the group and he realized for the first time that Kara was not with them. She had entered the restaurant, but did not follow them out? The Rodian shook his head in wonder. What was she about? He returned his attention to the conversation and heard Kaida chime in with her own questions.
The senator sat quiet, politely listening to the individuals before him as they told their stories and asked questions of their own. Caden spoke after Kaida, not giving the senator a chance to reply. "The simple answer to your questions, Senator, is I don't know. I do not know why I came to Alderaan, or sent you the message. I guess it was for help... for answers. As Brim said, Dan is dead. Killed by a Dark Jedi on an errand that you had sent him. Now we are wrapped up in a crime investigation that includes drugs and assassination. We know that the Empire is searching for us and I am sure that the grim-robed assassin that killed Dan is not far behind. Kaida here is in jeapordy from a bounty hunter that we met on Cloud City. It is a big galaxy, but I am finding that we are running out of places to go... and money. I can no longer get legitimate work and soon my cred-chip will be empty. I guess... we are just looking to see if you can help us. Ranie got himself involved in something with his friend Seelig's murder, and through his request, has involved us all. Now Ranie is dead and we are out of allies. What's worse, we are suspects in it. You are the last hope that I could think of to maybe help us out of this."
Senator Organa nodded at Kaida, Caden and Brim. "Please, before I can offer any advice or help, please, tell me the whole story. Kaida, I am aware of your plight and that of Commenor, so if you would just please tell me what has occurred since you fled your home."
It took them most of two hours to tell the story of Bakura, Cloud City and now Jovan. They told Organa of Varta the Hutt, whom Seelig had gotten into dirty business with. They told him of the namana drug that was being exported from Bakura - a crime against their planetary laws. They told him of the attack on Ranie's mansion and the death of most of the people within, save for Britton. Finally, they told of their chance meeting with Kaida and how her own challenges had brought further danger to them all. To conclude, Caden asked, "Senator, you had me pick up Dan Qinos and take him to Bakura. Ranie thought him to be a Jedi, but the Empire has supposedly outlawed that order. The funny thing was, Dan had no idea of any talents. He was a soldier, from what I knew."
It was not Bail that answered, but Ulric. "Dan was a young man with potential beyond his knowledge. All he knew was that he could sense things. He was sensitive to the Force, but had not yet learned the disciplines to allow him to use it to a great advantage. Ranie needed help with an investigation and had heard rumor that some Jedi still lived and were hidden in the galaxy. He contacted Senator Organa because he had heard that Bail was sympathetic to the order, having saved and harbored some on Alderaan."
To that, the Senator waved a hand to silence Ulric, "Please, Ulric." Bail sighed and looked around at the faces that stared back at him. He wondered how much he was willing to divulge. There were many that were in danger in this new Empire and the wrong thing said, even here, could see people killed. Swept up by the ISB and COMPNOR and taken away to slave pits, or worse. He saw what was going on. What had happened to his once proud Republic. It had not been without faults, but it was still run by the people, for the people of the galaxy. Now, under the Emperor and Darth Vader's iron boot, the people of the galaxy lived in fear - at least most. There were many that had accepted this new way of life and many of the governors, now called Moffs, were drunk with power of their own. Bail's only hope was that the senate still existed and so there was a chance to return to normalcy. But the Senator also knew that there were many who were rallying to oppose the new Order, and he, too, had thrown his hand in with some of his fellow politicians to restore the Republic in another way. It was still disordered. Many factions uprising, fighting and being crushed by the Imperial tide because of the disorder and non-united front. But what if that front could be realized? What if a rebellion could be organized? He and Mon Mothma had spoken many times in private, but as always, it came down to trust. And Senator Organa did not yet know who he could trust.
:ooc: More to come... be back soon.
Yet, here they were. Organa had come to Jovan Station due to Caden's transmission. What had
he come for? Did he feel an allegiance to these people? Did he want to develop those few that he could trust? Were these people the ones he needed? Of course they were. He needed all the stalwart folk that were willing to stand and face the Emperor and demand their old way of life back.
He sighed, "You said earlier, Kaida, that we live in dangerous times. If you are not aware, the way of the Republic is coming to an end. Yes the Senate still exists, but it is a shadow of its former self. The real power lies in the Emperor's hands and he is using the Senate, and all those that are bending to his will, to bring their respective systems under his complete rule. Those that disobey him either disappear, or they are sidestepped and the Emperor empowers someone else to truly govern. Disobeying comes at terrible costs, as Kaida and her planet know. The anti-Imperial uprisings on Commenor brought catastrophe to the royals and governing officials - most were slain. We... I was unable to aid them directly. Not without revealing my own separatist views and potentially stripping me of any influence. What is worse, I could have brought the same repercussions upon Alderaan. So, Kaida, why have I not turned you in, and where do I stand? Well the first part of the question is easy, because I do not wish to see anything happen to you. The second part is more difficult to define. I, and a few colleagues of mine, have begun discussions, but we are far from ready. There is much that needs done and that will take time. In that time, I must remain inconspicuous to Imperial eyes and so can only extend my aid so far. At most for you, Kaida, I can extend you information and attempt to create some kind of anonymity for you... and give you a place to hide in plain sight."
Bail then directed his words to Brim, "The blaster of your friend that you keep is a good memento of Dan's will. He was a soldier with talents that had yet been tapped, but it was his will to defy the Emperor after what they had done to his own world. What you say of a Dark Jedi concerns me due to the Emperor's mandate that all who use the Force are to be taken into custody. Those that are captured are influenced into serving the Empire, or slain. If this person is a fringer and acts of his own will, then that makes him even more dangerous, but also makes him hunted." The Senator took a sip of a drink that was presented to all, before he continued, "Honor your friend by keeping that weapon and bringing it to use against his enemies."
Finally to Caden, "So it is aid that you seek? I can not make your faces change and dispel of the charges that are against you - at least not easily, and not without having eyes look to me. But I can help you to disappear. Not in the sense of hunkering down in a place and no longer being an active part of the galaxy, or having a life. I mean that I can aid you in taking on a new identity... all of you." He even looked to Kaida. "But this brings an interesting point to mind... you are all in an ample position to aid me, and by so doing, aid the Republic."
"The Republic no longer exists," said Caden matter-of-factly.
"Yes," agreed Bail. "Not as we knew it, but a new Republic can be won. It could be possible that we topple this new Empire, in time, with the aid of folk like you. From my position in the Senate, and as a noble of Alderaan, and the House of Organa, I can feed you all the aid you might need. In return, I ask service from you, to me and a few discreet colleagues, in performing certain acts to assist me in potentially bringing the Emperor down."
"What kind of acts?" Caden asked, not sure if he liked where this was going.
"Nothing that would be against any moral value that you hold, I assure you, but tasks that would aid us in building a united front. Tasks that would prove to my colleagues that we can organize and that there is a resistance to the new Order."
Ulric spoke, "There are many who resist Vader and his master, now, but we do it from hiding using subtlety. We do not wish to bring notice until it is time."
Bail looked to them all, "What say you? Do you wish to aid us further and perhaps bring justice back to the galaxy? Or do we part now, you with no identity, or at least with one that is draped in investigation? And please," said the Senator, grimacing as he did, "do not take these words as an ultimatum. I was part in getting you wrapped up in the dealings on Bakura and I am willing to help in what ways I can, but working together, we could form a stronger alliance."
Caden smiled to himself - the politicians were always good at this stuff. Building up a fervor within those who listened and making them believe all things were possible... at least until someone was killed. He thought of Dan, and then he thought of the countless, nameless souls who perished in the war that had ended just five years past.
:ooc: Organa's Persuade roll
(http://rpg.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice_a.gif)
DC n/a Skill +11-------------------------
Rolled 1d20+11 : 4 + 11, total 15
You guys can roll an opposed roll against the Persuade if you would like randomness to your decision, or you can play it how you feel.
:ooc: Well that roll sucked! Bail will invest a FP on that one...
Rolled 1d6 : 1, total 1
:ooc: LOL! Crazy...
Kaida began nodding before Senator Organa had even finished. Her desires for freedom, for liberty from oppression sang within her as this brave man spoke of not cowering until things "blew over" but actively striving to shape events to eventually topple the Empire.
"Senator, I cannot speak for my companions here, but I, for one, am homeless and on the run. I have nowhere else to go and nothing else to lose. Whatever is needed to help restore the republic, or as you say win a new republic, be it through force of arms or any other means, I will help!
"However," she glanced at Caden, and wondered where Kara was. "Some of my companions may not be so altruistically motivated. Perhaps a few credits involved could help persuade them to strike a blow?"
:ooc: Persuade check to see if she can procure weaponry, items, money for those who agree to fight:
Rolled 1d20+15 : 19 + 15, total 34
"Also, my original reason for wanting to meet with you was to determine the whereabouts of my parents and siblings and if possible aid them. If they are," she swallowed hard and her voice dropped, "still alive."
:ooc:
Come on Bail, you are a senator, you can do better than that! (-D
Caden looked at his feet, lost in thought for a moment. Though he tried not to show it, he respected the Senator greatly - and the rule of law since lost under the Empire's ever-widening boot.
This ragtag crew he'd assembled, besides Sam now completely by chance, had their futures essentially destroyed, and eventually, their lives probably would be, too. It was simply a matter of time now, and he knew it.
His life, such as it was, scrambling from rock to rock to scrape a few credits together, wasn't anything he truly missed, anyway.
If there was a chance for something greater... well, allies like the Senator weren't easy to make - he knew wouldn't ever get a better offer.
Caden looked up from the floor and at the Senator, a deep breath expelling as he did so. There was no turning back from this moment - he knew that - but he thought of his friends Kex and Kal, of Dan and all the others who died on Bakura for nothing.
Maybe, just maybe, he could turn nothing into something.
"I'm in."
Then, he looked to the others... "But, Senator, one of our crew isn't here with us. And, the truth is, even though she's gotten us out of some tough spots... she's not exactly... reliable." He felt guilty saying it - he felt that Kara could still get her life straightened out - but truth was truth, and if they were going to undertake something like this, they may not be able to afford her particular brand of risks.
"I hate the Empire," Britton said, anger welling within him. "They're nothing but bullies. I'm in."
Quote from: sdrotar on Nov 03, 2010, 10:20 PMThen, he looked to the others... "But, Senator, one of our crew isn't here with us. And, the truth is, even though she's gotten us out of some tough spots... she's not exactly... reliable." He felt guilty saying it - he felt that Kara could still get her life straightened out - but truth was truth, and if they were going to undertake something like this, they may not be able to afford her particular brand of risks.
:ooc: Give me a bit here on how Bail is going to absorb this one. In a situation of absolute confidence, and the Senator really not wanting anyone to know his secret travels, a missing crewmember might cause some concern. Especially with the vote of reliabilty she was just tagged with! ;)
Quote from: tomcat on Nov 04, 2010, 10:52 AM
Quote from: sdrotar on Nov 03, 2010, 10:20 PMThen, he looked to the others... "But, Senator, one of our crew isn't here with us. And, the truth is, even though she's gotten us out of some tough spots... she's not exactly... reliable." He felt guilty saying it - he felt that Kara could still get her life straightened out - but truth was truth, and if they were going to undertake something like this, they may not be able to afford her particular brand of risks.
:ooc: Give me a bit here on how Bail is going to absorb this one. In a situation of absolute confidence, and the Senator really not wanting anyone to know his secret travels, a missing crewmember might cause some concern. Especially with the vote of reliabilty she was just tagged with! ;)
:ooc: Hey, don't blame us - that Ulric fellow ain't the sharpest spy around, apparently! On the other hand, Kara's wasted right now and doesn't know where we went, anyway... :P
Bail's eyes flashed to Ulric with Caden's statement. There was a rogue member of this party?! The implications were as deadly serious as falling into a Sarlacc pit. Ulric shrugged to his patron, not sure what to advise. Organa focused back on Caden, "This other member... how unreliable is she? Is there any fear that she could be betraying this meeting?"
Ulric stood of a sudden, "Senator, I do not like this. Until she has proven herself, I do not believe anything else be said here. We cannot jeapordize your life, the life of your family, or the work that you have begun!" To this Senator Organa made a gesture for the man to calm. Looking at the companions, he spoke, "You are all in. What of the droid? Is he owned by you?"
Sam didn't speak, just nodded his head. With that, Organa breathed deep, "All right then, we are taking an awful risk here, so I trust you all to keep our agreement confidential. Understand, if we all fail, we are all dead. The Emperor has proven he has little tolerance for disobedience, and Vader is as cruel a disciple as any could have. Thus our strength lies in our trust and I give mine to you. I must leave now. I will leave Ulric here to escort you back to your ship and to advise you on how you can first lend your aid. While you work on this task, I will be setting up private accounts to keep you funded. Through my connections, you will be erased from the datanet along with your ship. New identities will be given to you and papers for your vessel that will allow you to deal with day-to-day living. All of these things will be transmitted, or given to you at future meetings. Understand, this will probably be the last time we meet face to face, but I will be alongside you each step. Hopefully with our deeds and sacrifices, there can be a new hope for future generations."
Bail stood and extended his hand to each of the companions, grasping firmly to shake while his other hand grabbed the upper arm. Caden always liked that kind of handshake, it signified a bond of friendship. When Organa reached Kaida, he looked at her and smiled, "Dear Kaida, I am not sure about the status of your family, but I will set about looking into it. I can say, and this may pain you to hear, but your father and brother, Delmon, both fell during the scouring of Commenor. Delmon fell with the defeat of his troops, and what I heard is that the new Moff that was given authority over Commenor had your father beheaded. It was to show the people of your world that the new Order had come to topple the foundations of old. It was whispered that you and the others of your kin were secreted off the planet, but I assumed you had all met your fates. It pleases me to see you alive and that gives me hope that others may be also. I will learn what I can and any information I find will be sent to you."
That done, the Senator backed away, "I leave you with Ulric. Good luck, and may the Force be with you."
:ooc: Going with the assumption that Sam would say yes. :|
The companions were surprised to see as Bail did not go to either the door out of the room, or those that led further in. Instead, the Senator returned to the balcony where a silent speeder vehicle hovered just above the retaining wall. A ladder had been setup and an assistant aided Organa inside the darkened craft, and once inside, it disappeared into the Jovan night.
Ulric drew their attention back to him, "We have much to do still, so look here."
The companions were filled in of the mission that was needed to be undertaken via a portable three-dimesional display. The small electronic box sat on the center table and above it was the image of a small planetoid, or a large asteroid. On the surface of the planetoid was a facility that was highlighted amongst the crags and peaks. There appeared to be nothing else to be seen.
(http://rpg.avioc.org/webimages/starwars/tantauII.jpg)
Ulric pointed to it, "That is Tantau II. It is one of hundreds of prison facilities that the Empire, and the Republic before it, had erected to detain some of the galaxies worse offenders. Each facility is set up on a large asteroid, or small planets - the key thing the builders look for is active planetary cores. A large enough body will produce energy through an active core and so aid the facilities in running. They also need to be large enough to provide an appropriate atmosphere and gravity. Oovo IV is another example of this type of prison. Like Oovo, Tantau is a massive gas giant planet with an asteroid belt held in its gravitational well. The prison facility is old and neglected and the Empire only uses this particular location to send minor criminals, or political enemies, away to be forgotten." The man hit a couple buttons on the display and the prison facility was zoomed in on. Ulric pointed, "As you can see, there is a large communication antenna and a power generator. The power comes from planetary thermodynamics, as well as solar radiation reflected to it from Tantau. Bottom line is it is completely independent of any outside source, except to have food shipments and change of the guard twice a month. The prison has stationed within it a total of 35 standard Imperial stormtroopers, and at least 5 other superior officers. With the end of the the Clone Wars, the companies Incom and Subpro have had a bit of falling out, and Incom has made its stance very clear to the Empire that it will not be nationalized. To try and sway the corporate leadership, the Emperor has taken a few of Incom's cheif designers and imprisoned them. We do not believe it is the intention of the Empire to hold these individuals forever, more to try and get the point across. That is why we think that Tantau II was the chosen prison for this man, Antar Danjapa, to be detained. The facility is off the beaten path. It is not filled with the worst the galaxy has to offer, and it would be easy to forget a human being was ever there. But Danjapa is of the utmost concern to Incom, and based on Senator Organa's communications with the company, it has become a concern to him. The only thing I can tell you is the man has led up the design on a prototype for Incom, the TX-65, and the company has no desire in letting the Empire have it. We want you to get it." Again the map zoomed in closer, "You'll need to get it by going there and breaking into the prison and removing Danjapa safely from his cell and bringing him to a location to be designated later. You will see through this faciltity layout, there is a drainage system that exits the building at this point. The sewer leads into the prison and via two sub-basement levels, will deposit anyone trying to get in, here." Ulric pointed at the large maintenance chamber for the massive antenna dish. "Once inside, you can shut down all communications and then by means of stealth, or force, you can remove the prisoner."
He touched a button again and the image zoomed back out to the planetary level. "Tantau II is on the opposite side of the planetoid from that of its mother planet. This is due to the larger amount of radiation that bathes that side of the planetoid. A ship that approaches from this side of the planet is literally masked by the shadow of the planetoid along with the noise created by the radiation. It is a perfect path in. The Empire, or the Republic before it, has never feared anyone trying this because... no one even knows who is on that rock. Basically all are forgotten." Ulric met all of their stares, "Can you do it?"
Caden stared for a moment, in shock at the display. He thought, at worst, they'd be smuggling; gun-running. But this... this was more than he bargained for.
"We're not soldiers," he said. "Well," looking to Britton, "he is, but the rest of us..."
They had made an effective team in a fight, and he was quick enough on the draw, but this...
"Unless you have something else up your sleeve - y'know, like a commando team - this sounds like suicide," he said. "How will we even get close to the asteroid without them noticing? I doubt a backwater prison gets a lot of visiting ships."
Plus, somehow, he was going to have to explain all this to Kara.
"I have a bad feeling about this."
Quote from: tomcat on Nov 06, 2010, 07:01 PM
:ooc: Going with the assumption that Sam would say yes. :|
:ooc: Perfectly fine. Sam knows when to play ball
Sam stepped up after the Senator left and leaned over to look at the holo-display. He converted the rough display shown into schematics and his military circuitry began probing for weaknesses. He was built for this. Running all the time would be the end of them. This was a chance to get back at the Empire that had scoured his planet Bestine IV. The quiet life of trader had been turned upside down. It was time to turn it back.
"Do we have full plans of the facility? Are they recent? Any changes or upgrades to be expected? We can get this done, Caden. And you can get us there."
Quote from: donimator on Nov 08, 2010, 04:30 AM
We can get this done, Caden. And you can get us there."[/color]
Caden chuckled at Sam's remark.
"At least you can get back to doing what you do best," he said with a smile.
Brim had been quiet since the issue of Kara came up. He hadn't even realized she wasn't there. Inside he cursed himself for being so inattentive. This relationship with Senator Organa was vital to their new role ... vital now to the future of so many beings beyond their small group. At the moment, Kara was a liability, but she could be a willing participant in all of this. Brim hoped that under her rough facade there was someone with a conscience.
The Rodian listened attentively to the plan laid out by Ulric. Caden's response was no real surprise. Whether they could contribute or not, they were all in over their heads now.
"Caden, I think Sam is correct. This is a mission we can accomplish, but we must use our strengths to do so. What you said is correct: we are not a military force. A mission that might not be achieved by force, however, could still be achieved covertly."
Britton stopped paying attention after he heard 35 Stormtroopers. 35 was a manageable number, plus it wasn't like they'd be taking them all on at once. He then turned his attention to Kaida.
"Are you alright?" Britton asked quietly. Having just learned of her brothers death and her fathers gruesome execution, he didn't imagine she would be in very good shape.
Quote from: ZehnWaters on Nov 09, 2010, 09:35 AM
Having just learned of her brothers death and her fathers gruesome execution, he didn't imagine she would be in very good shape.
:ooc: I wasn't quite sure if that was something that Kaida knew already that Organa was simply relating that he was also aware of (to assure her that he had kept up with events on Commenor), or if he was breaking that news to her. If it's the latter, yeah - that's something I'll RP, for sure.
:ooc: Yea, that bit of knowledge is new to Kaida... and I am not sure that I had Organa reveal the information with enough tact, now that I look back on it.
Let's go with the story that he at least stayed long enough to show some regret for the woman's loss and tried to comfort her.
Sorry Jared... I had Ulric's mission sitrep in my head, I kind of hurried Bail out of the scene! :|
:ooc: No problem she apparently was too stunned to reply right away anyway, so it works out.
Following the Senator's revelation of her father's and brother's deaths, Kaida struggled to keep her emotions in check. Her father and brother. Dead. Dearest father, the monarch of Commenor. And Delmon, the Prince General of her army. Both cut down by the Empire.
The senator had tried to comfort her and she was grateful. She had said something when he left, but couldn't remember what. As he zoomed away, she felt a part of her die as well. She wondered if he was the only person in this galaxy beside herself that had known her family. Was she now all alone?
Memories bombarded her. Her Father. She remembered his gentle hands playing with her as a little girl. Remembered him reading to her at her bedside in his quiet voice. Remembered the way he looked at her at her last birthday, with such love in his eyes. Oh he was not without his faults, but those were not the things she remembered.
Beheaded. The void take the Empire!
And her brother too. Prince Delmon. At least he died a warriors death, cut down with his troops. She had been secreted away when the palace walls were crumbling under blaster fire from Imperial walkers. Delmon himself had put her into the departing shuttle and ordered her evacuation, she still felt his arms around her and the whispered, words spoken into her hair, "Fear not, little sister, we shall meet again. At the rendezvous point."
But he hadn't shown up. None of them had. No. She would never see him or father again, not in this life anyway. Delmon had always been a tower to her. He was always taller, even when she tried standing in his shoes and on her tippy toes. Tall and strong and wise. He would have made a great monarch to Commenor.
She sat down and stared blankly at the holo display, letting the memories wash over her, and the guilt. She should have stayed and fought by his side. She should have done something.
Was this all the Empire would bring? Death and turmoil? She sat numbly and let a single tear slide down her cheek. Dead. And how many more of her loved ones and friends would be slain before this was all over?
She hurt inside, and felt a deep abiding emptiness in her core. And more than that. She felt anger and defiance.
"Are you alright?" Britton asked quietly.
She nodded and stood, looking out the window for several long minutes, her fists to her sides, clenched in white-knuckled grips. She would grieve later, but not now.
"It doesn't matter what Ulric proposes," she turned around slowly and eyed them all. "We can and will do it."
:ooc: Great post, Jared! ;)
Ulric looked at Caden, "It seems your companions do not think this is suicide. As for your approach, let me show you..." The holoprojector brought up an animated image of the planetoid and its position over the larger gas giant. "If you approach on this path, from the backside of the planetoid from that of the facility, you will come in undetected. The communications and sensor net are blocked by the body of the planetoid and the radiation from Tantau causes a lot of electronic noise."
(http://rpg.avioc.org/webimages/starwars/tantauII02.jpg)
To the droid, Ulric then turned his attention, "All facility data that we have is from the original design blue prints. If there have been any changes to the facility you will learn upon your arrival. It would have been performed by the engineer team that is stationed there - usually a two-man team - so the changes could not be too drastic. We are certain though that the drainage line is there... it is how the prison removes all waste."
The party all thought about how wonderful an experience that soon would be! With the confirmation of each members' willingness to take on the mission, Ulric pulled from his belt a flash drive. "This contains all pertinent data on the facilities layout, monthly supply and change of guard schedules. If you take on the mission soon, you will catch the current platoon of stormtroopers coming off a sixty day cycle. They will not be at their peak abilities having been dulled by the inane garrison. Wait a few weeks and you will have a fresh new platoon of troops.
"If you are successful, on the same flash drive will be a frequency bandwidth that you will broadcast on. It is relayed within a standard holonet transmission, but the frequency has been encypted and will sound like background noise. The success code words are 'Coruscant morning sunrise'... a failure will be transmitted as 'Time table inefficient for arrival'. When we get your success code, new coordinates will be transmitted for Danjapa's drop location. Understood? Any questions?"
Quote from: tomcat on Nov 09, 2010, 09:24 PM
"It seems your companions do not think this is suicide. "
"Yeah? Well, it's not their ship, either," Caden sighed. "If you haven't noticed yet, I'm flying a halfway house."
It was bluster, of course. He knew they had nothing to lose.
"There's some cargo waiting in our bay. It needs to be delivered without question and without alerting the authorities. We were strapped for creds, and I didn't have much choice. If we take your job now, I need you to finish ours. Deal?"
Ulric looked to Caden and smiled, "Always a negotiation, but actually it is best if you take your cargo. Once you have performed your mission, it will give you an immediate task to merge yourself back into the space lanes. It will also offer you credibility in your travels should you be boarded and inspected. do not worry about your wage for the job, nor a timeframe... we shall see to it that there are no problems with your employer." The man looked to them all, "Okay then... if we are done here, let's get you back to your ship and we can all leave Jovan."
They followed Ulric out of the hotel room, back down the stairwell and out onto the back streets of the Resorts, once more. It was evident to all at this point that the man had to be one of those force-users, maybe even a Jedi, that was sheltered by Bail Organa. Ulric quickly led them down the streets, making circling paths as he did, but always coming back to a route that led to Docking Bay 12D. Soon, they cut the corner once more where the electrical conduit had collapsed, and saw the yawning doorway to the hangar. The road was now clear, though maintenance techs worked upon scaffolds that hung from the ceiling. Ulric led them towards the entrance.
Sam followed the group. A combat mission on the slate. A powerful connection that could aid and support them; keep those who wished them harm off their tails. Things were certainly looking up!!! ( #:S)...
Several nanoseconds after that thought was processed, Sam heightened his multi-sensory threat scanning.
Hacks watched the companions coming down the road.
His earlier efforts had failed in causing them to re-route on their way back to Docking Bay 12D, and steer them the only other direction that would allow them access to the hangar, and into the trap that his dark-cloaked friend had set for them. Now repair crews from the station were working all about, on scaffolding and winched platforms, trying to restore the electrical conduits that he had caused to be blown out. The clone still did not think it the best plan to make a huge scene within the spacestation. After all, they would bring the local authority down on them, including perhaps, the Empire. He stretched his stiff legs, lifting up out of the crouch that he had been sitting in for the better part of an hour. Why hadn't Shade just taken them when they had turned away before? And what happened to that bounty hunter? Hacks was a professional and had seen his fair share of violence and death in war, but Fett had a quality that made a man's blood run chill. The clone could not put his finger on it, but he could sense that Boba Fett would befriend you and then as soon kill you for the value of your name. Hacks was a clone, and thus it was hard to say he had too many emotional attachments, or charitable feelings, but even he could not fathom the soul of that one.
He watched as they continued down the sidewalk. "Who's the new guy?" Hacks thought to himself.
The companions walked casually, but their guard was up. Ulric had taken a position in front, his right hand always hovering over the cylindrical holster that was woven into the upper portion of his pant leg. Following behind, the other members looked about making sure that no threat was coming from any direction. Sam had his internal sensor system fully charged and within his frame his processor collated the data that was being retrieved.
:ooc: Sam may give me a Perception test DC 18
The ebbs and flows of human emotions meant little to a droid, but something in Sam was changing so that it did have an effect on him. It stemmed from a will to survive. Many droids did their tasks, but Sam wanted more. He had learned of loss, he experienced desire, but mostly he hoped for a life of his own. The first step was preserving it from one moment to the next and that is why he wouldn't drop his guard no matter how sunny things looked.
Sam's Perception roll
Perception +12Rolled 1d20+12 : 4 + 12, total 16
poop! Force Point bump, if I may...
Spend 1 Force Point (1d6)
Previous roll 16, Target DC = 18Rolled 1d6+16 : 5 + 16, total 21
:ooc: You may. ;) The extra D6 makes a success.
Also, to everyone, do me a favor... if there is ever an action or result that causes changes in a character sheet (i.e a FP use, earn some money, spend money, use up a power cell, etc.), let me know if you made the adjustment by clicking the new Smiley icon that I added to show character sheet updated. Thanks!
Sam's sensor system was modfiied many times over from his initial construction and the droid had made many changes himself, but the base line programming still resided in the system. That programming was what had been originally installed by the CIS when it built the many B2-series battle droids and Sam's processors had the genetic make-up of clone soldiers within its library, so the scanners could easily detect when they were in close proximity.
It was unfamiliar at first, but then Sam began to put it together. He could sense a clone trooper, not the new stormtroopers that the Empire was still expirimenting with, but an actual clone, and his sensors were pointing him in the direction of a maintenance cubby just ahead of them. Massive fluid and conduit pipes wrapped the small closet, but it was accessible by anything man-sized and would make an excellent hiding place.
:csu: (force point) ;D
Luckily Sam had excellent control over outward displays of concern or surprise. He quickly filtered through a list of possible actions and found one that was most likely to succeed by an acceptable margin after many iterations. He kept his voice low enough for only his companions to hear amidst the din of the docking bay.
"We have trouble. Come to a stop and turn to face me as if we are talking." Which they were, really, but Sam hoped they would get the gist of what he meant. He turned his back to the maintenance closet so the group could steal quick glances over his shoulder. "I detected a Clone in the maintenance access behind me. I suggest Brim and I peel off out of sight to cover while the rest of you proceed to the ship. Make it look like you're sending us off on an errand."
If this proceeds per Sam's plan they will cross the street to a position on the wall north (up on map) of the maintenance hatch, out of view of the door, but in a spot where they could see anyone exit.
Quote from: donimator on Nov 18, 2010, 06:57 AM:csu: (force point) ;D
:ooc: That is perfect! Just trying to keep our site nice and easy for communicating! ;)
I do not think anyone is going to challenge Sam's plan but I will wait for more RP'ing to happen before I carry on.
Quote from: donimator on Nov 18, 2010, 06:57 AM
"We have trouble. Come to a stop and turn to face me as if we are talking." Which they were, really, but Sam hoped they would get the gist of what he meant. He turned his back to the maintenance closet so the group could steal quick glances over his shoulder. "I detected a Clone in the maintenance access behind me. I suggest Brim and I peel off out of sight to cover while the rest of you proceed to the ship. Make it look like you're sending us off on an errand."
Caden nodded slightly; this wasn't the first such situation the droid and the freighter captain had found themselves in.
"Sam, Brim," he said, "let's get a look at those load lifters before we take on any more cargo, OK? We'll meet you at the ship."
He said it loud enough to be heard; hoping to draw out any ambushers, thinking that they'd sniffed out their prey. Caden knew Sam lived for this. Himself, not so much - but he wasn't quick on the draw for show, either. His hand slid toward his holster and loosened his blaster as he led the others in a slow walk toward the
Aegis.
"
Where the hell was Kara," he thought...
Britton noticed the the others slip away.
"Something wrong?" he asked Caden.
Quote from: ZehnWaters on Nov 20, 2010, 10:22 PM
Britton noticed the the others slip away.
"Something wrong?" he asked Caden.
"Sam thinks so," Caden said, without breaking stride. "And he's usually right. Get ready."
Hacks watched as the group clustered and spoke. He strained at his helmet receivers to try and hear what was said, but only caught small bits and pieces. "They're separating..." he thought worriedly, as he watched the droid and two others begin to move off. The clone began to do tactical calculations in his mind with the circumstances as they were - three had just vectored off and out of his sight, while three remained. And who was the new one? He had never seen him before. "Where is Shade!" Hacks thought to himself. He had everything ready, it just would take the word from the man he answered to.
:ooc: I do not have it pictured, but I will add it to the next map if we go tactical, but there are pedestrians, some small speeders and hover vehicles, crates, and some small vending booths that line the streets. Traffic of course is either sitting still, or re-directing itself due to the repair work.
I am actually re-working the attached map now, so check back if you don't see changes yet.
:ooc: Things will be happening here soon - I am just needing to see the stand off between Sallo and Kara resolve itself - meaning, I do not want the events of this scene to affect their conversation.
Quote from: sdrotar on Nov 20, 2010, 01:20 AM
Caden nodded slightly; this wasn't the first such situation the droid and the freighter captain had found themselves in.
"Sam, Brim," he said, "let's get a look at those load lifters before we take on any more cargo, OK? We'll meet you at the ship."
"Right Caden, good idea."
Brim could see nothing in the dark recess of the maintenance hatch indicated by Sam, but he trusted the droid's sensors and knew something was about to happen. Perhaps whoever was there had an accomplice ... someone who could mask themselves from Sam's receptors. The Rodian stretched out his own senses as far as he could.
:ooc:
Dark Side Sense (Use the Force +8)
Rolled 1d20+8 : 9 + 8, total 17
A clone? Kaida breathed in relief. Then it wasn't the bounty hunter.
Unless... unless the clone was the bounty hunter.
She frowned, and kept close to Britton and Ulric and tried to position herself behind cover as she walked, so she wasn't easily visible from the maintenance shaft in case trouble did break out. Her hand moved surreptitiously to the blaster hidden under on her hip.
Hacks watched as three of the party separated and then disappeared from his view, while the others continued to move towards the docking bay. What had they talked about? Had they seen something to give him, or Shade away?
The clone started to sweat. Since Jasper's death, Hacks had been having a rough time. His solitude had begun pressing in and the clone knew he was beginning to suffer from the genetic sickness that all of his comrades had faced in their
old age. He wiped at his brow. Where was Shade and that bounty hunter? The weight of his blaster hung on his shoulder. If those people got into the docking bay, all his preparations would be for nothing. His hands shook. His mind questioned. Where was Jasper? No... Shade. Why did Jasper have to die? Why did they all have to die?
He acted.
Upon arrival on Jovan the day prior, Hacks and his incredible electronic skill had gotten busy. He had set a series of small charges in the ceiling. The first was to blow a thermal transfer pipe - the one that the repair crews now worked on to fix. The intended goal was to reduce the amount of traffic to bay 12D, which it had. After the charges were set, Hacks had sliced into the station's security system and he had reprogrammed the environmental integrity controls for docking bay 12D. From his armband computerlink, the clone activated his trap causing the system to believe that the environemental shield to 12D had just failed and the bay was decompressing. This had the effect to cause the massive steel door to roll closed sealing the bay from the passage. At the same time, the computerlink triggered the other two explosives at either end of the passage. These were larger and when they blew, it caused huge pipes and structural plates to tumble down from above. The concussive wave of hot air; the terrible sound of metal tearing; and the fireball that blew out from the corridor had the affect of causing the Jovan citizens and visitors to run in panic.
In the passage, the party members were knocked from their feet and stunned by all of the sound, light, and concussive pressure wave. The two hover skids that the maintenance crew worked upon were blown out of the air as the two-story high scaffold began to tumble down. Screams could barely be heard over all else, as the companions tried to compose themselves and get back to their feet.
Hacks, protected as he was in his maintenance alley, swung his blaster off his shoulder and moved to the entrance. He scanned the smoke filled passage, his trooper helmet electronically aiding him, for all those that he and his partner had coded terminate.
:ooc: Init rolls please.
Hacks
(http://rpg.avioc.org/boards/Themes/default/images/dice_a.gif)
n/a Initiatve +6-------------------------
Rolled 1d20+6 : 6 + 6, total 12
:ooc: I will be adding a new thread for our first round in a bit, but go ahead and post your initiatives here.
Sam's Init roll
Init +6Rolled 1d20+6 : 5 + 6, total 11
:ooc: Rolled 1d20+9 : 9 + 9, total 18
Hey guys, this week is gonna be super busy for me. Afterward I should be totally free.
Kaida's Initiative:
Rolled 1d20+11 : 17 + 11, total 28
Caden's Initiative roll (+5):
:arrow: Roll(1d20)+5:14,+5 Total:19
:ooc: After I posted this, I see you rolled an 11 for me in the other thread - thanks. Let's go with that.