It took the Aegis a mere twenty-two hours of flight to the Abrion Sector and the planet Salliche. From within the cockpit, Caden saw the many hues of hyperspace suddenly cease and the myriad of stars in real space appear. The ship rocked somewhat as it often did in the transition from lightspeed to sub-light. Caden ignored it as he turned to his navplot to see if the stars were where they should be, and thus the Aegis was where it was supposed to be. The computer had already overlayed the starchart to what the sensors were detecting - the various stars, pulsars, and other space anomolies - and he found that they had dropped out right where he wanted. At sublight, the planetary system that contained Salliche would be only minutes away. The Bestinian returned his attention to the ship's controls - he had no desire to have their trip end to soon by him driving his ship into a small moon, planetoid, or even an asteroid. There were always lone bodies outside a star's accretion disc that may not be plotted.
The thirty minutes passed with no challenge and the Aegis soared from planetary orbit to orbit until the agro-world was seen glowing a soft green and blue in the dark of space. It had a solo moon as its only partner during its 412 day traverse around the huge yellow star named Sallus. Salliche was one of eighteen worlds in what was called the Ag Circuit, all closely ruled by the Empire, although this planet's direct interest was managed by the Sallice Agricultural Corporation. S.A.C. had maintained a good relationship with the Republic and during the Clone Wars had fulfilled many contracts for food products to the war effort. Palpatine's new Order did not change this agreement, as the S.A.C. gladly recommitted their cooperation. Still, the planet was garrisoned by Imperial Forces - not enough to cause planetary dissent, but enough to keep an eye on things. Within the Core, Emperor Palpatine believed that was enough.
Caden received his flight approach from the planetary ground control - all was happily in order with his ship and identification. The ground controller ordered them to a docking port on the outskirts of Netassa, the landing bay was 723. It took only another fifteen minutes before they had pierced the atmosphere and visual returned to Caden. Below him was sprawling green country within the planet's temperate zone, with denser foliage along the equator and then frozen poles at top and bottom. It was a typical M-class planet, although this one apparently had fantastically rich soil to allow agriculture to dominate its exports. In fact, it was the Ag Circuit that supplied food to the majority of the Empire and Salliche was one of the leaders of that chain of supply.
The ground quickly approached and the Aegis was soon subject to the planet's curvature. Caden saw gravity normal, atmosphere normal, and temperatures in a quite comfortable range. Netassa soon came into view and he allowed the ship's autopilot to follow the waypoints to where they would land. Once over the port, Caden took control and brought his ship in to land. As he looked out of the canopy, he saw streets and markets along with homes and small businesses. No buildings were much larger than five to eight stories and farmland dominated the rest. One thing that did catch Caden's eye and held it was what looked to be a large gathering of people in a central square.
The landing struts thudded to the ground and Caden hit the ship's intercom, "Welcome to Salliche everyone."
They had just over a week before the prisoner transfer would occur - plenty of time to become acquainted with the terrain, roads, and potential threats. It also allowed Kaida's new pet time to arrive.
With the struts on the ground, Sam opened the landing ramp and vented the ship. The droid was out into the bay in no time, surveying their dock and making sure they would have the room - and the privacy - to move stuff off the Aegis. He did not want to reveal too much, but they would need to ready the speeder bikes and other weapons. He would wait until the routine visit by the dockmaster was over and their docking fees paid before he began his work. He did not have to wait too long.
:ooc: This post amends my earlier post that said it was three days to Salliche. After doing better research via Wookieepedia, I found both planets were in the core bands of the galaxy. Star Wars has never been a big info source for telling us how fast hyperspeed is, so I moved you at the speed of plot and gave you guys a little more room time-wise to make your plan.
Caden strode out to greet the dockmaster, introducing himself and any crew members that joined him.
He explained that they stopped in for a little rest and relaxation; they'd needed to see someplace green again -- and looked forward to purchasing some fresh food while they were here.
As he spoke, he asked the man for the local news; if there was anywhere to avoid while they were there.
He kept incessantly chattering away, essentially trying to cheerfully annoy the dockmaster enough that he wouldn't want to come back after he took their credits.
:00:
Gather Information +12 to learn local news/rumors for the dockmaster:
Rolled 1d20+12 : 9 + 12, total 21
:00:
Deception +12 (or Persuasion +12) to annoy the dockmaster:
Rolled 1d20+12 : 17 + 12, total 29
BIT remained inside the ship, prepping himself and his weapons for the mission to come. With the task of working on the droids coming up, he had to be sure he had all the tools at the ready -- its not the easiest of chores to retask a droid, even starting with a clean slate.
Kaida asked Abby to help BIT get setup with whatever they'd need for the droid work. Combined, those two had a lot of tech expertise and they'd have to draw heavily upon that to get the droid reprogrammed in time for their rescue attempt.
Then she exited the ship and stretched, looking around. She was glad to be on terra firma once more. She took a deep breath and filled her lungs and her mind with the peaceful greenery, the farms and smiled, letting the sun play on her face.
Best not to get too attached, she knew. Their stay here would end in violence and death for some. Best to accept that. But for a little while, she could enjoy it. She tried to relax, closing her eyes. She even toyed a little with the exercise Farok had tried to teach her and stretched out her senses.
Never once in all their sessions had she succeeded. She had picked up the light saber forms quickly enough, her natural dexterity helped her there. But... How was it possible to let the force guide your actions? To feel things through the force? Farok claimed that a trained Jedi could sense a host of other life forms. How was that even possible?
After several deep breaths she grew frustrated with her attempt and shook her head. She refused to let that spoil her current mood and followed after Caden.
:ooc: Just checking to see if I under BIT's character right... he always keeps his face hidden right?
:ooc: I don't know. I'd like some more description on his char too. What does he look like? Any mannerisms he has etc?
Kaida caught up to Caden as the dockmaster left. "We need to get in touch with the resistance here, if there is one." She spoke in a low voice. "Salliche has long been a strong Core planet so there's probably not a lot of discontent here, but there is always some. Care to do some asking around with me at the local cantina? Also it's such a lovely day, it'd be a shame to waste it," she stretched languorously. "How about we rent a hover car and take it out on a spin to check out the likely convoy route and anything else about the re-education camp? You can think of it as a date."
Caden smiled from his success. There would be no interest for the dockmaster to come back around unless they stayed beyond the amount of money that was paid. Their bay had its own warehouse storage which would allow them to work discreetly.
The only troubling thing that the Bestinian had learned from the dockmaster was that the local Agro-Unions were up in arms and walking off their jobs in the fields, due to the Empire's strong-handed control over the planet. The dissent had started quietly about a year ago, but now their was strikes and fields were left to go fallow. There had not been more Imperial presence militarily, but negotiators were trying to sort out the details with th unions. The net affect was that business was being affected across the board and Salliche's economy was beginning to feel the pinch.
Even as they talked, Caden could hear chanting beyond the docking bay in which he stood. Kaida suddenly walked up beside him and laid on her charms. He listened to her offer and thought it at least worth the walk out to the street to see what was going on, and so they did. Kaida and Caden exited the large docking bay and exited out into what looked like a huge cul-de-sac with a series of bays wrapping around the huge circle. Inside the circle could be seen trucks, mechanic vehicles, tow rigs, crates of merchandise that needed loaded or emptied, and finally a large group of people. Surrounding them all along the many exits from the small space port were the white-shelled Stormtroopers of the Empire. They grabbed the two companions' attention, but the more interesting person was a man who stood atop a large platform - or truck flat bed - behind a makeshift podium, who was speaking to the crowd. His words seemed to be igniting the spirits of his gathered workers and they chanted softly as he spoke - the song was patriotic in nature.
The Imperial troops did not seem to be interfering with the rally, but their presence was definitely known.
Along with his weapons and armor, BIT also sat down in front of the ship's computer and began to search for all information that he could on the Confederacy's droidekas. He had battled many of them during his time in the war, and the thought of having one of the things around here was not to thrilling. Granted, they were a perfect killing machine, but that could work out in the wrong direction.
The black marketer had said the droid would be delivered to Salliche within the next two days - they merely had to wait until contacted. He figured he would use the time to make sure the princesses new pet would be kept on a leash.
:ooc: Here are the tests I will need to prepare the droideka:
Modify droid [processor] - DC 20 Use Computer and DC 20 Mechanics (requires a tool kit) and will take 1 full day of work
Re-program droid - DC 10, once the processor has been modified, it can be easily reprogrammed within 10 minutes.
:ooc: Farok and Ardana, along with Abby - feel free to give me some narrative and/or dialogue for what you want to do.
There are a total of 8 days to spend before the prison transfer. These days can be spent doing what Kaida proposed - taking a tour of the surroundings. It can also be used to start the skill challenge if you guys want to hit the bridge.
Kaida watched the crowd for a while, and the man speaking and tried to pick out who some of the other strike's leaders might be. She then asked one of the crowd sympathizers quietly details about the man so she could arrange a quiet meeting with him later.
While she doubted anything would come of such a meeting--these seemed to be a crowd of dissatisfied workers only. She doubted they had suffered sufficient abuses at the hands of the imperials to actually take up arms against their handlers, nor that they had the skills to do so. But, she reasoned, they might be useful in providing a distraction at the time of their strike. Or they might be able to lead her to some who were willing to assist with more direct action.
Kaida and Caden moved on the outskirts of the crowd, showing interest but not wanting to appear like the were part of the rally. They had no desire to be drawn into some trouble if the Stormtroopers decided to swoop in on the laborers - either to arrest them or worse. Still, they walked around listening to the chants, reading the signs, and trying to perceive what the speaker on the impromptu stage was saying. The trouble was that there was a low murmur of a chant coming from everyone and it carried over the throng causing the speakers words to be muddied.
"Workers right! Workers labor! We will fight for our neighbor! Wages cut and longer hours, labor unions have the power! No more IMPERIAL say!"
Kaida read one sign that was written in black an showed a skull with two x's for eyes, THEY WORK US TO DEATH! NO MORE IMPERIAL RULE!
With the words and signs all speaking of dissatisfaction, Kaida began to speak to people as she walked by. They were evidently farmers, or at least field hands and produce handlers. There were men with bronzed skin from days spent under the sun; among them there were women who wore coveralls and aprons.
Kaida received many a cold, untrusting stare when she asked her questions. It wasn't until she came along a young man of mid-twenties that was listening to the rally, all the while holding a small recording device. Again she made her inquiries and he turned to her with a big, toothy grin, "I figured I would get some of this on my cam unit. Try and get it out on the holonet. So much stuff is being suppressed by the new Empire." He listened to another question from Kaida and then pointed to the man on the trailer in response, "That is one of the local landowners. Rich guy... well he, or I should say they, were until after the Clone Wars. Ownership on Salliche has become a battle of powers - both planetary and Imperial government against the long running wealthy graafs. It's actually worse now for the workers. Pay has been reduced; work loads are up; and we get the grace of having those white-shelled monsters looking over us all the time! I mean it was bad during the war, but at least then they seemed like they were on our side. Anyway, that is Graaf Savraan - he is the most outspoken of all of the wealthy. He has been trying to make the laborers understand that it is not the Graafs that are increasing the demands on output, while lowering their earnings. It seem he is also trying to organize a planetary strike that will make the Imperial Senate listen... even the Emperor."
:ooc:
He doesn't hide his face but he's not exactly eager to be out and about. He tries to hide the fact that he's a clone but its been so long, his appearance has change a fair amount from the carbon copies stamped out of birthing facilities at Kamino. He was kinda of special forces but nothing like ARC troopers -- simply well-disciplined and efficient, excelling as a slicer and sniper. The Empire doesn't like deserters of course, but its more like they forgot about him instead of the other way around. He feels no allegiance to The Empire as well.
When it comes around to it,
DC 20 Use Computer - Roll(1d20)+18: 8,+18 Total:26
DC 20 Mechanics - Roll(1d20)+13: 17,+13 Total:30
DC 10 Use Computer - Roll(1d20)+18: 6,+18 Total:24
And I'm sure a tool kit would be available on the ship or request to borrow one from Abby.
"I know this is right up your alley, fomenting opposition and all," Caden said to Kaida quietly, "but we need to get in and get out of here before this stuff explodes. If we're lucky, we can use it as a distraction."
Caden wasn't sure if he wanted to spend his life mounting some sort of rebellion and living on the run -- in fact, he was pretty certain that he wasn't -- but he got the distinct impression that Kaida wouldn't mind it one bit.
"Remember that we're here for your family," he softly suggested, as the anger of the workers swirled around them.
"Where's your sense of adventure?" Kaida smiled at the smuggler. "I mean, really. You are the one who feeds on sneaking illicit goods past Imperial patrols, and you're calling this little pep rally dangerous. But don't worry, we'll get out of here before it gets too exciting for you."
Perhaps he was right though. The anger was palpable. She'd could use this eventually, if she could put a stopper on it until the time for the strike came.
She listened to the young man with the camera give his spiel and then responded with a friendly nod and spoke quietly for his ears alone. "Well, we might be able to help with your situation. How can I arrange a quiet meeting with this Graaf Savraan, without an imperial presence?"
:ooc: Doug, did I ever get any info on the planet with my insane galactic lore roll earlier? Btw, sorry I have been Mia I have been all over the place the last couple of weeks.
Quote from: Jingo on Jan 21, 2013, 06:22 PM
"Where's your sense of adventure?" Kaida smiled at the smuggler. "I mean, really. You are the one who feeds on sneaking illicit goods past Imperial patrols, and you're calling this little pep rally dangerous."
"Hey, I'd
rather move legal goods!" He put his hands up in defense. "There just aren't very many worth the credits. This lettuce, for example..."
"I don't like being shot at and I don't like being on the run," he continued. "I want a sunny beach, a cool drink and a good-looking..."
He paused, making sure to keep his gaze locked. "
Eyes up, flyboy," he thought.
"Never mind."
Quote from: sdrotar on Jan 21, 2013, 07:11 PM
"I want a sunny beach, a cool drink and a good-looking..."
He paused, making sure to look to keep his gaze locked. "Eyes up, flyboy," he thought.
"Never mind."
:ooc: (-D Niice!
Quote from: Jingo on Jan 21, 2013, 06:22 PMShe listened to the young man with the camera give his spiel and then responded with a friendly nod and spoke quietly for his ears alone. "Well, we might be able to help with your situation. How can I arrange a quiet meeting with this Graaf Savraan, without an imperial presence?"
The man gave Kaida a strange look, "I know the guy because he is one of the wealthy landowners, lady, but I am not on his Harvest List! Why don't you go ask someone around the stage?" With that he turned away from the awkward question. Kaida's skin suddenly felt cold. She worried that maybe she went down a path that might not have been wise, but watching the young man she could see he had no intentions beyond ending their conversation. He moved around the crowd laughing and making gestures with the comrades that rallied with him.
Quote"Hey, I'd rather move legal goods!" He put his hands up in defense. "There just aren't very many worth the credits. This lettuce, for example..."
"I don't like being shot at and I don't like being on the run," he continued. "I want a sunny beach, a cool drink and a good-looking..."
He paused, making sure to keep his gaze locked. "Eyes up, flyboy," he thought.
"Never mind."
Kaida responded one eyebrow climbing. "You just don't like to work, do you? Come on, admit it." A smile played at her lips. "You crave...what? The danger? The
glory? I think you'd rather pull off some flashy heist or sneak stolen goods past a blockade or, in our current case, break someone out of prison, than do something as mundane as move legal goods. I don't think you could stand to sit still on a sunny beach, no matter the coolness of the drink or the... shall we say 'exquisiteness' of your companionship."
Quote from: tomcat on Jan 22, 2013, 01:21 PM
Quote from: Jingo on Jan 21, 2013, 06:22 PMShe listened to the young man with the camera give his spiel and then responded with a friendly nod and spoke quietly for his ears alone. "Well, we might be able to help with your situation. How can I arrange a quiet meeting with this Graaf Savraan, without an imperial presence?"
The man gave Kaida a strange look, "I know the guy because he is one of the wealthy landowners, lady, but I am not on his Harvest List! Why don't you go ask someone around the stage?" With that he turned away from the awkward question. Kaida's skin suddenly felt cold. She worried that maybe she went down a path that might not have been wise, but watching the young man she could see he had no intentions beyond ending their conversation. He moved around the crowd laughing and making gestures with the comrades that rallied with him.
Kaida watched him go and studied the makeshift stage. The white-armored soldiers concerned her, but not as much as someone who may have infiltrated the union whose leader she wanted to meet. What if the Empire found out about this rescue attempt all because she talked to the wrong person? She would have to be careful.
"Come on," she said to Caden and moved away from the crowd, far enough away that they wouldn't be caught up in anything dangerous, but close enough that they could watch events until the end of the rally. She leaned against a vehicle and watched, crossing the arms across her breast. She intended to study and watch and pick out who an under-lieutenant might be of this Graaf. Someone who wasn't watched as closely but someone who could line up a meeting.
Quote from: Jingo on Jan 22, 2013, 02:25 PM
Quote"Hey, I'd rather move legal goods!" He put his hands up in defense. "There just aren't very many worth the credits. This lettuce, for example..."
"I don't like being shot at and I don't like being on the run," he continued. "I want a sunny beach, a cool drink and a good-looking..."
He paused, making sure to keep his gaze locked. "Eyes up, flyboy," he thought.
"Never mind."
Kaida responded one eyebrow climbing. "You just don't like to work, do you? Come on, admit it." A smile played at her lips. "You crave...what? The danger? The glory? I think you'd rather pull off some flashy heist or sneak stolen goods past a blockade or, in our current case, break someone out of prison, than do something as mundane as move legal goods. I don't think you could stand to sit still on a sunny beach, no matter the coolness of the drink or the... shall we say 'exquisiteness' of your companionship."
"Wanna bet?"
He harrumphed and followed Kaida away from the angry crowd.
Quote from: Telcontar on Jan 21, 2013, 06:29 PM:ooc: Doug, did I ever get any info on the planet with my insane galactic lore roll earlier? Btw, sorry I have been Mia I have been all over the place the last couple of weeks.
:ooc: Hey Tom, it is cool. I know you are busy. As for your knowledge, you may know anything that you want from the Wookieepedia listing on Salliche as far as common knowledge that is relevant to the Rise of the Empire era. If you are wanting to know something specific, you need to give me a little clarity on what Farok might know (or at least want to know).
more to come - just putting my daughter to bed...
Years of court and politics made things easy for Kaida. Her eyes passed over the crowd that stood around the makeshift stage and soon she was recognizing those that were part of Graaf Savraan's detail. They stood amongst the people but their eyes faced out instead of in. Kaida had seen this many times with her own father's public addresses and the entourage that moved with him and kept him safe. She next noticed a man behind the stage that was talking to some others, probably organizing the Graaf's departure from the rally - he had to be the one she sought.
Caden suddenly drew Kaida into him close, his hands reaching around her waist. The noblewoman was about to slap him for his fresh gesture, but then noticed the two stormtroopers idly walking by. She returned Caden's attention and played the part but the Imperials took no notice of them. The Bestinian watched the troopers pass and then looked down at Kaida looking at him - her expression said you can let go now. The man cracked his winningest smile as his hands slid from around her waist.
Back in their docking bay, Sam had finished bringing the two speeder bikes out of the hold and was working on their repulsors. They had not been started since Malastare and the droid wanted to assure they would be functional when the time came. The room created in the hold was ample for the droideka's reprogramming, so Abby and BIT organized their gear.
The remaining two crew of the Aegis sat and quietly talked in the ship's lounge.
Kaida rolled her eyes and turned from Caden. He was decidedly forward today. His hand on her waist? And jumpy too. Those storm troopers hadn't been remotely interested in them. She gave the Bestinian a sidelong look. Had he just tried to--? She shook her head. Surely, it was just to keep up the subterfuge. Besides, she and ... Caden? The man was hopeless. Handsome enough in his brash roguish sort of way, but stars above, his ship was his woman, bride, and lover! He probably planned to take the Aegis to that beach and share the drink with it. Her. Whatever.
She shook her head and concentrated, scanning the crowd. Where was their target. Ah there. She waited until the crowd began breaking up then nodded and drew Caden after her following after the man.
"Come on. We need to arrange a meeting," she slipped her arm through his and smiled as they passed another group of troopers. They were just another couple on a stroll. "Then we investigate the prisoner route," she whispered.
:ooc: She follows after the man she picked out. She'll make sure he's not being watched by anyone, and then will approach when he's alone requesting a clandestine meeting with the Graaf.
"THEY NEED TO REMEMBER IT IS OUR HANDS THAT HAVE LEATHERED WITH THE LABOR OF TILLING THIS LAND! IT IS OUR LABOR THAT FEEDS THE REPUBLIC! GENERATIONS OF OUR KIN HAVE LIVED ON SALLICHE; TOILED TO MAKE THIS PLANET AN AGRICULTURAL TREASURE! CORUSCANT AND OUR NEW EMPEROR NEED TO REMEMBER THAT SALLICHE BELONGS TO SALLICHE AND ANSWERS TO HER OWN! WE WILL STILL WORK TO FEED THE GALAXY, BUT WE WILL NOT BECOME SLAVES IN OUR VERY HOMES!"
Savraan emphasized the last two words and brought the crowd to a roar. Every Stormtrooper in the area turned to watch, tensing as they did - there were far more Sallichans present then the three platoons of troopers could handle. The Imperial soldiers were there to police, but also to display who was the new kid on the block.
On his stage, the Graaf raised his arms triumphantly and waved at all of the people that surrounded him, his hands reaching out to shake those that were close. Kaida watched the man behind the stage as he directed security to the front and back of the platform, and then the Graaf was off, surrounded by his people. It had the affect of quieting the crowd to a small clamour of talk as the people began to disperse. Kaida grabbed Caden and they moved more quickly into the throng of farmers and workers. She kept a close eye on Savraan's apparent chief of staff as he continued to direct people even though his boss was now out of sight - probably in his vehicle and on his way back to his comfortable manse.
As they got closer and attempted to follow, a large, thick-necked man stepped between them and their path, "Where are you going?" From his vantage point, Caden could see just the empty docking facility behind the security guard and the platform. It was not an area that would be cordoned off for any reason. It just happened to be a location that had a long trailer and made for a great place to stir the proverbial pot.
Kaida slowed. "We're here to talk to Graaf's man there," she nodded toward the man directing traffic. "If you please, I'll make it worth your while." she flashed a smile and produced a credit chit from her jacket pocket. She tossed it in his direction. "If you please," she flashed another chit before passing it back into her pocket.
Persuade skill to allow them passage 1d20+16 : 4 + 16, total 20
:ooc: She'll toss 50 creds to the man.
As he inventoried what equipment they had, the old battleaxe felt the need to speak. "Hey kid," growled BIT to Abby. "You ever reprogram a droid before?"
:ooc: Doug, I'm trying to use narrative to back into my galatic lore roll. if this doesnt work we can scrap it.
Farok and Ardana exited the spaceport a moment after the others had done so. Farok was armed with his lightsaber, but Ardana only carried a baton. Its use was similar to the light saber and the owner of one would not get in as much trouble should she be stopped with one. Ardana also had the added protection of being Farok's slave. While slavery was formally illegal in the Republic and was still so under the Empire the Imperial agents had taken a weaker stance on the enslavement of non-humans. As a result the practice was more commonly seen seeping towards the core from the outer rim than previously. As a slave if the two were caught or picked up breaking the law she would probably be freed or excused of any crimes while Farok took the full brunt of the law.
The two faded into the crowd and barely paid any attention to rhetoric coming from the stage. The contacts that Farok was looking for would not be so loud about what they did or what their intentions were. His first stop was to a bar. The first place he sought out was a spaceport bar, one that catered to off worlders. He had a few drinks there to get a feel for the crowd and let the patron's eyes wander to his Twi'lek companion. He worked local bar staff with innuendos of contraband smuggling in order to get a lead on a bar with more local patrons. From his time on Tatoonie Farok knew how the Hutt's set up and insulated their cartel. Farok was using his understanding of that same system to try and sniff out the underground here on Salliche, with a bit of luck it was probably managed by some of the Hutts that he had run across already. It was common knowledge that some systems were still Hutt space, but lesser known was the fact that their crime syndicate had expanded to greater and lesser extents throughout many more systems.
At the next bar Farok indicated that he wanted to set up an entertainment business, and at the place after that he floated the concept of dealing death sticks to over worked agricultural workers but didn't want to butt in on someone's turf. He wanted to play by the rules and respect the local rings. Knowing the cycles in seedy places he with Ardana's help and a changing story and demeanor slowly gathered information from the girls, the pimps, the dealers, and the bar staff to put together an idea of who was who in this town and what their leanings were. As the Jedi worked few he talked to would ever remember that they had spoken or what they had talked about.
Farok knew that any movement anywhere had contacts and links to organized crime. Just as they had just recently been forced to go to a local crime boss and weapons dealer he knew that others who were in need of weapons, info, or protection would have to do the same. Also frequenting the places soldiers went meant that people who were interested in what soldiers were doing frequented those places as well.
In a short time Farok had a general idea of how popular the anti-Imperial movement really was and who some of the behind the scenes power players were.
:ooc: Hey Tom! Nice to see Farok back here! I will reply to this, Matt's and Jared's posts shortly.
The chit struck the man in his chest and then tumbled to the ground unheeded. No smile broke across the man's face. No look of interest in talking or negotiations. Again the man asked, his voice becoming stern, "Where do you think you are going?"
Caden noticed that there were now a number of individuals of the same ilk that were gathered around them - all of them part of the crowd, but all of them intensely watching the situation.
:ooc: I will post more for Farok either tonight or tomorrow. We'll see how I do, but for now the wife wants my time.
"Apparently, nowhere," She shook her head and gave the man a look that told him he had most certainly lost the deal of the century. "Oh well," she sighed. "Was just trying to offer my services to the Graaf, but if you don't want them..." Kaida shrugged, then turned and walked away. "Keep the creds," she said over her shoulder, "Your movement certainly could use them."
Not wanting to make a scene, she left. It wasn't a total loss, she had some intel on a movement and found out the leaders name, and there was still time to arrange a meeting with this Savraan.
But now it was time to do some sight-seeing. "Come on," she led Caden back to the space port to a shop that rented speeders.
:ooc: Next on the agenda. Get some eyes on the prisoner transfer route.
:ooc: Doug, have we already received the Droideka, or are we waiting for that shipment to arrive?
On the Aegis, Sam had completed his work in clearing out the hold. He made his way to where Abby and BIT stood staring at a monitor. The two biologicals had brought up the schematic of the droideka on the holonet. BIT must have expertly hacked into a Geonosian droid production file that was still out there somewhere for the information on weapon systems were not publicly broadcast - well, at least to the level of detail that the two mechs were studying.
Sam's processor began to autorun code and he quickly made silent changes within himself to shutdown the combat modes that were coming up. He studied the program and saw it was basic step-software that went into operation if ever he would work in tandem with other battle droids. Again, Sam could no longer be called a battle droid as he only shared the chasis in common, but his processor still had resident programming. It surprised him that the code would auto-execute by merely looking at a droideka. Sam praised his creator for making him and giving him independent thought, but he was concerned at times with how much cobbling the human had done in his creation. Sam did not want someday where all of a sudden his programming would take over his self-control.
The ship's comm chirped and the trio turned to look. Being the closest, Sam tapped the control and a message transmitted - "Cuulan Bay calling the Aegis; we are making orbit now and should be planetside in one hour with a shipment for you. We have been ordered to Stravis port, docking bay 16."
"They are early," said Sam. "The shipment was said to need two or more days... do you think there could be a danger?" The droid brought up Netassa on his map and saw that Stravis port was another small vessel port on the east side of the city.
Farok's scouting had been quite the success. He was good at melding in with the people - both the local inhabitants as well as the offworlders. The former jedi had found a few people that had wagging tongues after the introduction of the right amount of coersive ales - that and a gentle push from the Force.
He knew which establishments in town were linked to some illicit organizations and those that were on the straight and narrow. Farok had learned that Salliche was a planet of many generations of farmers. Families had grown into massive corporate holdings and businesses - the leaders of said households called Graafs. The wealthiest made up a governing council, which in turn elected and promoted individuals into the civic duties needed to operate the Salliche government. Like all politicians, corruption was rampant and there was evidence of squabbling between families and so the government swayed this way and that based on who held the most power at any given time.
For the most part, the government of Salliche had been a stalwart member of the Republic until its dying days and now seemed to have assimilated into this new Empire with no challenges. From what Farok heard, the government leaders seemed to actually be enjoying more power that the Imperial throne on Coruscant was giving it, even subverting the rule of the Graafs. It had been rumored that some landholdings had been taken by the military and the Imperial government leaving the owning family penniless. It was said that many of the Graafs had begun to fortify their positions - some by making allegiances to the government that they once controlled and some by consolidating their households into small autonomous state-like entities. Weapons were now showing up on Salliche to arm the opposing Graafs' forces. Farok remembered the nervous smirks and laughs from some of those that he had spoken with who feared what the new Emperor might do to Salliche if these upstart landholders pushed too far.
At the bottom of it all was the people - the field hands, producers, operators, and mechs that kept the vital agricultural business of Salliche moving. They would suffer above all else if war would come here, or if the Empire felt it needed to quell some uprising. Whispers had been heard of other planets who had been forced into submission by the new Order. No one wanted to see the green swaths of fertile land of Salliche burnt and pocked with craters from warheads. The people loved their world. Some said they would die for it. Some were just worried of what might come. All knew that they did not want to see Salliche marred.
A fellow in one bar had told Farok that a few of the Graafs were doing it right. They were rallying the people. They were building up the patriotic desire to defend what was theirs. Farok heard a few names - Savraan, Scuttish, Timoryne, and Ardonis - all households of wealth on the planet that were in staunch protest against the Salliche government's prelation of power. These houses were in the process of gathering to it all Sallichans who would not see their planet and way of life changed. The people followed, too, because even though the labor under the governing Graafs could be at times difficult, none were sure they wanted an Imperial government ordering their lives.
The jedi had also learned of the darker side of Salliche. He had no names per se, but he did have contacts that knew someone, or some other, that might be able to help - whatever that help might be. It was whispered that a stream of munitions and weapons were being secreted onto Salliche. The keeper of said secret would express no more save that the black market, and the crime organizations out there, were increasing their interests here. It was not only weapon caches that were being brought in but drugs and spice. Sallichans - both men and women - were starting to fall prey to the addictive narcotics in greater numbers. Everyone Farok spoke to on the subject knew of no Hutt Kajadic that was making in roads on Salliche - the word was that no Hutt had the desire to operate so deep within the Core. But other syndicates - they were present, even the mythical Black Sun.
Ardana yawned. She was tired of bars and clubs and the type of people that fell to such low places in life, but she knew it was Farok's terrain where he was very effective. The former jedi saw the weariness in his Twi'lek slave girl's face. He had taken her all over town and into every kind of seedy joint he could find. It was time to get her home. Unfortunately, the two found that some of Farok's inquiries had brought a few rats from their holes. They exited the bar that they were in, back out onto the thin street that ran in front of it. The sun was hidden behind a billow of clouds that were crossing the blue sky leaving the world outside a dull gray - more apropos for the state in which the surrounding buildings were in.
Farok saw ten of them. There may have been more hidden in the corners of the entries of other buildings, or in the small alleys that lay between. They were young - not one of them over the age of twenty-five. They were a gang. Farok could see a similar tattoo on each young man's left upper arm - it was some kind of insect, though the jedi was not familiar. Three of the youths looked greedily at Ardana, lust filling their eyes. Four others took on a look of disgust for the non-human female. Ardana looked around the street to see that no one was in sight within the ghetto-like housing. Only dark windows adorned the sad buildings though she was sure that scared people sat within looking out at the streets they no longer controlled. There was no sign of Imperial forces here, nor any Salliche police. The two of them were alone with these ten thugs with likely no aid from anyone within the squalor of a bar that Farok had taken them to, nor any resident that might be watching
The leader, apparent from his mohawk hairstyle that had two braids that hung down over either ear, moved out to block one direction of the sidewalk - a trio of his henchmen closed the opposite direction behind them. He wore makeup - black eyeliner that deepened his eyes - and bore a scar from a prior run in. Farok could see strength in his arms and legs and noted that he wore combat gloves and had a huge knife sheathed on his waist. If any had blasters, they were not yet evident.
He spoke with a gravelled voice that was too ruined for such a youth, "Word is you're walking through my local joints and speakin' of sittin' biz. Hear you wanna move spinnies and stickers - but not step on any toes, right? Well I run this burg. I move it in and on. Don't want no help and will accept no competition. Don't know who you are but I can say this... if you are bureau or Salpol, you and your pretty animal might not see your next stop, ya comp? If you are some new ginnie just wantin' to set up his shop, then I will shut you down. So, might be best if you scuffle on. Know this, too - we know your faces now."
Caden and Kaida moved on from where the Graaf's security detachment barred the way. They watched the duo all the way until Kaida led her companion into a rental shop. Once inside, the noblewoman did a quick move to some cover and then looked back out to see the security had melded back into the crowd and disappeared.
"Can I help you?" came a mature woman's voice from behind them.
Quote from: GandalfOfBorg on Jan 29, 2013, 12:32 PM
As he inventoried what equipment they had, the old battleaxe felt the need to speak. "Hey kid," growled BIT to Abby. "You ever reprogram a droid before?"
Abby brushed back a wisp of hair that had escape her loose bun as she gave the battle-hardened soldier a wiry smile. "You bet," she replied. "Mind you, it's mostly been on ol' mechs and workin' tinnies. I'm imagin' a droideka will be a bit more delicate and all, but I'm sure it'll be nothin' the two of us can't handle. Besides," she added, giving SAM a sideway glance. "we could always just upload Sammy's processor and memory banks to the droideka. Whaddasay, Sammy? Interested in having a little cosmetic surgery?" Her smile betrayed that her comments were purely in jest.
Quote from: tomcat on Feb 02, 2013, 08:48 AM
The ship's comm chirped and the trio turned to look. Being the closest, Sam tapped the control and a message transmitted - "Cuulan Bay calling the Aegis; we are making orbit now and should be planetside in one hour with a shipment for you. We have been ordered to Stravis port, docking bay 16."
"They are early," said Sam. "The shipment was said to need two or more days... do you think there could be a danger?" The droid brought up Netassa on his map and saw that Stravis port was another small vessel port on the east side of the city.
Abby looked over SAM's shoulder as the droid pulled up the map of Netassa and highlighted the Stravis port. She considered the droid's warning carefully as SAM's processor had likely run the probability of risk through it's logic routines prior to speaker. "I don't know, Sam. If they're early and honest, and we dilly-dally, they'll likely leave just as quick with our droid... and the princess will be none to pleased 'bout that." She looked to BIT for their next move, "Whaddaya think, ol' man? Do we wait for the others to get back, or are you gonna show me 'round town?"
:ooc: Abby's going to follow BIT's lead here. For a player's point of view, I guess we could see if we could comm connect with Kaida/Caden or Farok, and see what they say and see if they want to go pick up the package. ALSO... players, if you haven't seen Doug's reply on the last thread regarding equipment, please check it out and chime in. If we do happen to have an Arrow-23 on board now, I think that would be our best ride to pick up the droid.
Farok understood gangs, they reminded him of the packs of predatory animals that lived out in the deep desert. He knew that animals only fought if they were pressed into it or knew that they had a marked advantage. The key to dealing with this gang would be the same thing. The force user would need to use both cunning and strength to perhaps turn this encounter to his advantage. He had to show enough respect to the gang leader so that he would not lose the fear the others had in him that made him their leader, but he also could not show weakness in himself.
He did a quick count to locate the number of adversaries and their general locations. If it came to violence more than likely an overwhelming show of force would cause at least a third of them to scatter, but a fight would not serve his purpose at all.
Farok looked at the tattoos again. While he didn't recognize them as a known organization groups often chose zoomorphic designs to represent some aspect of a creature that they admired or wanted to emulate. Farok attempted to make a guess of the nature of the gang by the tattoos. He also tried to recall if he had seen any gang markers to denote territory in their travels in the bars. While he did so he plucked a cigar from out of a pocket in Ardana's shirt, slowly he drew it out, made a motion to offer one with his hand to the gang leader while placing it in his mouth and lighting it.
While his hands moved he reached out with the force to see what was around them, and also harnessed the force to send out a collective mind trick. He wanted those in the alley to see him as a dangerous opponent, but a possible useful ally as well. If it worked on the ring leader all the better.
"Ahh, look sweetheart the welcoming committee. Seems more like to me I now know who they are doesn't it?"
Farok looked at the youth again. "As you have heard I have come here and shown respect. Not slimed my way in picking at the scabs and bottom feeders who don't know who takes care of them or respect who runs things. I am all biz, expanding markets and all that. Sometimes it's one thing sometimes it's another everything has value to the person who needs or wants it. I'm not here to be you, or take what's yours. So ya see I've been polite this whole fraking time, now you could return the favor by giving my lady friend some room and waving off the guys behind me. She gets nervous when there are people behind her in alleys. When she gets nervous, well... then I have to do something about it or I'll never hear the end of it. I'd prefer this first meeting be one of mutual benefit and spilt blood makes it hard to do business later when hotter heads have cooled. So I prefer not to start that way. I'm not planning on being here long so don't let what could be lucky for us both go sour because the introductions were poorly planned. We can talk about what could be useful to each of us, or you can get the hell out of my way and everyone keeps all their insides inside."
Quote from: tomcat on Feb 02, 2013, 09:04 AM
Caden and Kaida moved on from where the Graaf's security detachment barred the way. They watched the duo all the way until Kaida led her companion into a rental shop. Once inside, the noblewoman did a quick move to some cover and then looked back out to see the security had melded back into the crowd and disappeared.
"Can I help you?" came a mature woman's voice from behind them.
"Certainly," Kaida smiled and spun in a slow circle taking in the different vehicles. "We just got planet-side and wanted to see some greenery up close before we're space-bound again. We'd like to rent a speeder for today, maybe longer."
Quote:ooc: Abby's going to follow BIT's lead here. For a player's point of view, I guess we could see if we could comm connect with Kaida/Caden or Farok, and see what they say and see if they want to go pick up the package. ALSO... players, if you haven't seen Doug's reply on the last thread regarding equipment, please check it out and chime in. If we do happen to have an Arrow-23 on board now, I think that would be our best ride to pick up the droid.
:ooc: Except if the Arrow-23 has weapon systems on it, that might be a problem with Imps around, but if they're removable then sure.
"I've seen these things in action... if anything goes wrong with the programming and we turn it on, it'll get bad really fast. We have to make sure there are back doors to the programming to override it or at least a restraining bolt is put on it. They have big guns but its the shield generator that is what allows them to pack a punch... without it, they are pretty fragile."
----------
"I don't trust anything or anyone early or late," said BIT. "Sam, contact the boss and let her know what's up -- it's her deal, she needs to be there to pick it up. Everyone keeps their eyes out around the ship; I'll listen in to the locals to see if there is any abnormal chatter or alerts. We have a bit of time before they arrive to get prepared for anything."
OOC: Use Computer - Roll(1d20)+18: 10,+18 Total:28 to hack into the local radio freqs of the police, Imperials, etc. ... let me know if you want me to do separate attempts for them.
:ooc: okay, I deducted the funds and added the equipment to the PC treasure thread on the stat blocks thread. I also added the stats for the new Arrow-23.
Now, onto the game - to answer questions:
Aryn/Jared - the Arrow-23 is on the Aegis now and her weapon mounts can be removed as needed - it will take a Mechanics check DC 12 to hook them back up and require at least 30 minutes.
Matt - you don't need to give me multiple rolls, the one will suffice.
Tom, I will add more to this post in the AM. I am exhausted and I don't want to make slight work of the scene.
As Kaida was speaking to the woman, her comm unit began to beep. She smiled but could see a bit of annoyance cross the face of the clerk as she took the call. Sam's voice spoke, "Kaida, BIT requested I contact you. Your package has arrived... earlier than what we were told. Please advise."
As Sam filled Kaida in on the details, she shook her head. Early was better than late, but on-time was preferred. On time was expected and anything unexpected made her nervous on this op.
Her mouth turned down in a slight frown. "I'll be right there."
She flicked off the comlink and gave the woman across the counter an apologetic look. "Sorry, something came up. Business you know. Thank you for your time."
:ooc: Since we can just use the Arrow then by removing the mounts, we prob don't need a speeder. If you guys think we do, I'll do the rental, otherwise, we'll just use the Arrow.
She and Caden left the shop and headed back to the Aegis. She spoke to the man as they walked, careful to not let her voice be overheard. "This transfer is more up your alley, Caden. What do you think? Do we do the pickup now? And at the space port? Or some other place and time?"
Quote from: Jingo on Feb 06, 2013, 09:54 PM
She and Caden left the shop and headed back to the Aegis. She spoke to the man as they walked, careful to not let her voice be overheard. "This transfer is more up your alley, Caden. What do you think? Do we do the pickup now? And at the space port? Or some other place and time?"
"No need to arouse suspicion," he replied, shrugging his shoulders. He'd made runs like this before; sometimes you got lucky and didn't get tangled up en route. "They're probably just early, looking to get this done and scrounge up the next job."
He had found that the best way to keep from looking suspicious was act like you had nothing to hide.
"The spaceport's fine; do business there and nobody bats an eye. Besides, it's nice and public, just in case. And we're on the clock."
Kaida was grateful Caden had done this sort of thing before. She felt on edge about this mission. She wanted it to succeed so badly. Needed it to succeed.
She and Caden moved back to the landing bay where the Aegis rested, moving past the jostling of people. She trailed off in silence, following the smugger, her mind running in circles.
The freedom of her sister was at stake. What if they didn't get the support they needed? What if they bungled it? What if...? Blast it! She couldn't live on what ifs. She'd roll with it, whatever happened, like she'd always done. She frowned, determined.
And followed Caden up the Aegis's ramp, still in thought.
"Sam," she called into the cockpit. "Contact our friends and let them know we'll be there within the hour." She moved aft to the cargo bay and greeted Abby and BIT. She watched them talking shop over computer schematics of the Droideka and then studied them herself for a few moments. She knew some about computers and programming. She had done some tinkering. Jalek was very good at computers and electronics, and you couldn't help pick up some things growing up around him.
"Thanks you two for getting started here. But we need to get the speeder prepped for the equipment pickup. Abby, we'll need to remove the weapon mounts so the Imps don't get suspicious. I'll help if you like, tell me what to do."
:ooc: She doesn't have any skill but she's not afraid to help out. She's educated so she' trained in all knowledge skills. That won't help with mechanics, but there might be something she can do. Read the instruction manual or something... :) Once we're set, we'll take the speeder out and pick up the goods.
The youth looked Farok up and down. The former jedi was hard looking, having lived a life on a planet that aged men - having spent a great portion of time in a bottle. Farok was still fit and openly displayed that he felt no threat from the gang of boys around him. Depending on the situation, the stance could produce varied results. In this situation, the young rogue, though not being threatened, was being stood up against by what appeared to be a haggard older man. What was worse, he was being defied in front of the other members of the gang, some of whom waited for any sign of weakness of their leader so that they might assert themselves, very much like the pack animal to which Farok was mentally making comparison.
Like most people in these types of organizations, they were just a step or a tier of control below the next level. These thugs were the brute force used to scare away any attempts at moving into ones area of control. Farok assumed the young man did have some street action moving deathsticks and stims, but at the end of the day he reported to some higher authority that hid in the shadows - and whom Farok was certain was now interested in his inquiries. The former jedi knew it would probably not be best to do too much harm to this group of thugs, as that could possibly incite an implied 'street war' and an attempt to 'take over the business'. Farok just hoped that the young man would not let it come to that.
Through the Force, Farok felt the number of threats around him and Ardana, and all were visible. He also felt the presence of others, nervous and scared, hiding within their homes and hoping that whatever was going on outside on the street would end quietly. He could not 'see' a path amongst the buildings, but felt an impression of alleys and corridors that he and Ardana could run into to hide, get away, or more easily defend themselves by limiting the number of attackers that could approach. He also seeded each mind that he could with doubt, but also with a dose of what if? What if Farok had connections? What if he were a better man to partner with? What if he could make them rich?
Farok Mind Trick
:00:
DC 12 Use the Force +12Rolled 1d20+12 : 19 + 12, total 31
The gang leader stared at Farok who stood there quietly, cigar clenched in his teeth. There was no sound from any of them, but then Farok saw it - the leader swallowed. It was a sign of nervousness, even submission. The youth then boke eye contact and looked at the trio behind Ardana, "Step down and eye the streets."
Ardana watched as three of the gang members backed away and then took up positions to watch the street in both directions. The gang leader then spoke to Farok, "So... you aint SalPol or bureau? Hmm? So's whatchoo wanna bring to my street?"
Sam transmitted the reply for Kaida and then went after Abby to assist her in dismbarking th Arrow. The Aegis had a landing ramp on both the port and starboard side of the ship that allowed for easy access into the ship's first deck, which was the cargo hold. The primary deck above was where the crew lived and worked. The Loronar also had bulk loading ramps that lowered from her port and starboard sides. So, if something were to big to go up the landing ramp and through the ship's airlock, it could be lowered via the bulk elevator ramp. It was thus that Abby and Sam brought the Arrow down out of the ship. Once the ramp had settled on the ground, the young woman climbed inside the speeder and activated the repulsor inter-coolers. It took a few minutes for the speeder's systems to warm up, as they had not been used yet for any great length of time since the craft came off the assembly line. When Abby was happy with all of the engine and control systems, she started the repulsors and the Arrow lifted up off the ground. She applied forward momentum and the speeder glided out from under the Aegis. Sam pushed the button and the bulk ramp began to rise until it closed and resealed the Aegis' belly.
The two of them then saw about dismantling the the two weapon mounts that were slung over the back side of the speeder. Kaida and Caden came down to watch and assist as they could, but the job was done in short time. The weapon mounts were stored back in the hold and craft was ready to go. Kaida could tour the route to the facility as she pleased and her new toy could be picked up.
:ooc: Due to the lack of posts over the last couple days, going to assume I did not leave you guys with enough. I am starting a new thread to move us on.
Tom, you can pick up with Farok's situation in the new thread, too.
:ooc: Sorry was just busy with other things. But Kaida will take those who want to come to pick up the shipment in the Arrow. We'll prob leave Sam with the ship and take everyone else, minus Farok who seems to be out. But if he's available on the way, we can swing by and pick him up.
:ooc: Ahhah! New thread. Now I see it. :)
:ooc: Doug, no worries. I was trying to think of where I wanted to steer it because it was unexpected. I am trying to figure out how to capitalize on this other than not having a blood bath in the streets.
:ooc: Yeah, sorry for my delayed response to Doug... work has been holding my berries pretty tight this past week. :'(