Tatooine heat

[tomcat]

Kara had wandered the streets in an aimless fashion, but it was not the case for the Corellian. She had her reasons for her path, learned by a lifetime of needing, or wanting, to not be predictable. Thus she felt confident that no one saw her, knew her, or was following her. She was mostly right.

Brim had been attached to the Scout Service and tracking was his forte. He also was experiencing many new things with the Force and he had been able to sense Kara along her path, so when he turned the corner and saw the low-profile cantina, he knew she was inside. The place was within a transient part of the town with spacers, smugglers, and other non-outstanding people resided. The cantina was simply called Starlight and it boasted the best music and gambling in all of Mos Entha. I wonder, thought Brim.

Inside, Kara had found a comfortable couch and had just purchased a drink from a Twi'lek girl in a very small outfit. The main bar room was full of loud talk, as the patrons needed to speak over the band that played in the corner. In a side room, sabaac tables and gambling machines were busy with people playing the stakes. Kara could see that some at the bar were trying to make deals with other patrons to get back into the casino to have one more shot at the big win, and that the lender would definitely get all of their money back. As she expected, Kare watched many disappointed losers. Some lay with head on bar, suffering from both alcohol and loss. Well, that was not her... she knew when to play and when to quit. Picking up her drink, she moved into the casino.

Brim walked to the Starlight's entrance and saw that like most buildings on Tatooine, there were stairs that went down into a subsurface room. It was a good way to make your place cooler temperature-wise. He walked down the stairs and entered the smoke-hazed bar. The band was just finishing a song and the lead singer was calling out that they were taking a break but would be back on in fifteen. The Rodian scanned the crowd and saw Kara enter the side room casino.

As he stood there, Brim felt a presence. It was a feeling that he had had around the Jedi, Ulric, back on Jovan station. He scanned the bar and room trying to pinpoint who might be affecting him so. Could there be another Force-user hiding within the folks of this transient world? Could this be another Jedi friend of Organa, and potentially be their contact? Brim shook his head. What were the chances that Kara would wander to the one bar in all of Mos Entha where their contact might be waiting? Little, he thought.

Brim's eyes fell upon a one-armed man as he puffed on a cigar. The drink glass in front of him was empty. The Rodian shook his head - that could not be the source of his Force impression. He continued to look around as he mingled with the other patrons.

Farok sat comfortably in his seat glad now that the band was taking a break. Suddenly, there was a twinge within him; a movement within the Force. It was not a dark presence and so he did not fear for himself - the Empire had shown itself on Tatooine, but he had not heard of any purging here of Force-users. He looked around and saw nothing, only a Rodian enter the room and merge with the crowd.

[tomcat]

Sam had not wanted to leave the Aegis. He wanted to work alongside the droids managing the ship's servicing, but Caden had been persuasive. Now the two were walking through the streets of the hot city looking for purveyors of droid parts. It seemed a lucrative business here, but most of the parts - including fully operational droids - were junk. Sam knew from his memory programming that there was a species on this world known as Jawas that collected the refuse and brought it in to the cities to sell.

Finally with the help of a few credits being shown to prove that the money was there, the real merchandise was revealed. A droid maintenance shop sat quietly amongst three evaporator repair shops and the owner was a lean man who was all legs. His torso was way to short for his body and he had no apparent neck. Caden wondered about his breeding but did not let it get in the way of business. The shop owner's name was Ed and he waved Sam and Caden in once the credits had been displayed. The trio walked to a backroom and Ed entered a digital combination in a door lock. The door slid back to reveal another room, which cool air seemed to roil out at them. It was refreshing. Ed led them inside and lights activated automatically.

"Well, here is what I have. Take a look and let me know if you are interested."

There were many droid parts about in neat order based on part. Sam walked over to a stack of durasteel plates that looked like they had only recently been manufactured. He lifted a plate and turned it over. Inscribed in the metal was a part number and cut date, but the manufacturer stamp code was missing. It was stolen merchandise, taken from the manufacturing plant before the parts were stamped and inventoried.

Caden looked at other items. There was nice stuff here. Some new, but a lot of stuff cleaned and rebuilt. Ed knew his business well.

[tomcat]

Even though her attempt to arouse Logar's interests had fallen short, the Zeltron woman knew that she had still made an impact. She smiled at Logar and again he felt flush, "No... I am not too familiar with weapons dealers. I hear that there is not much of that in Mos Entha. Well, if you should change your mind, I am happy to join you for a drink and show you round."

She ignored Kaida's dismissal, never taking her eyes off of the soldier as she walked slowly away. Finally, she winked sweetly and broke her gaze with Logar. It was then that he heard Kaida, "Let's go." She pulled at his tunic and Logar felt a little disappointed that he had not taken the Zeltron's offer. His mind was only half there as Kaida went on about his armor and gear and not blending in.

They moved towards the hub that the Zeltron had called the Acer. It was easily one hundred stories high and dwarfed the rest of the city's structures. There was a large round apron around the building with a wide, flat flight deck for ships of various sizes. Their movement was broken up as Kaida made quiet inquiries for dealers, materials, or any information on where such items might be obtained, but she met with the same answer each time, "Not here... the law does not allow for the sale of weapons. You need to go to Mos Eisley or somewhere else if you want that stuff."

But as Caden and Sam had found, credits talked. Kaida placed a few credits in a series of hands and by the time they had come to the Acer Hub, they had a name of a contact - Gorman Taxian - and they knew now where he conducted business. The noblewoman was hot and sweaty now, too, and had no desire to pursue Mr. Taxian for the rest of the day. Instead, she was intrigued at the services that might be available within the hub. Again she pulled Logar along to a paved entrance with large glass doors that was shaded by the huge circular flight landing deck above. The doors opened automatically and air conditioned air cooled them instantly. A porter quickly moved to greet them, "Welcome to the Acer! How can we help you today?"

[Jingo]

Again she pulled Logar along to a paved entrance with large glass doors that was shaded by the huge circular flight landing deck above. The doors opened automatically and air conditioned air cooled them instantly. A porter quickly moved to greet them, "Welcome to the Acer! How can we help you today?"

Kaida smiled at the porter as the gust of cooled air caressed her. "Thank you. For now, a cold drink--with ice--is foremost on our list, and possibly a place to stay for me and some friends of mine."

It felt invigorating to get in out of the heat and she did not relish the thought of going out to see this Mr. Taxian today.

[Telcontar]

Farok took a long draw off of his cigar, things just got interesting. While he didn't prescribe to all the teachings of the Jedi, he knew it for a fact that when he sensed things it was usually important. The feeling came when the Rodian entered the bar. First he was distracted by thoughts of his old master and now this.
The first order of business was to get two drinks, on a gulping day getting two saved time. He kept an eye on the Rodian and tracked his progress through the bar keeping an eye on him and tried to get a read on what his business here was.
Farok guessed that he had just come from off planet. He didn't have the gritty sandy look that most people had after having been around for a few days. He also didn't look like a force hunter, but it was of personal importance to remain cautious.

The Rodian had looked right at him, he had felt the same thing he was sure of it.
Farok waved at one of Twi'leks, she had circled him at first but had determined early on that feeding the human a steady stream of drinks was all that was required.  "Hey Eye Candy, two doubles this time."

[sdrotar]

There were many droid parts about in neat order based on part. Sam walked over to a stack of durasteel plates that looked like they had only recently been manufactured. He lifted a plate and turned it over. Inscribed in the metal was a part number and cut date, but the manufacturer stamp code was missing. It was stolen merchandise, taken from the manufacturing plant before the parts were stamped and inventoried.

Caden let out a low whistle at the shiny plates Sam held; he knew that they were hot, too - no way a guy like this could have stuff like that, here, otherwise.
However...

"Sam," he said very quietly, "we can't be too picky about what we're buying or who we're buying it from right now. Let's face it - we're already wanted for a lot worse than out-the-back-door metal."

"If it works, it works... does it work?"

He was already figuring out the angle he might take with the fence if the plates would keep Sam in one piece - he wasn't interested in losing his last friend.

[tomcat]

The porter nodded with a smile and pointed at a set of escalators, "The resort frontdesk is up that escalator, and there are a number of restaurants, casinos and bars throughout the hub. Feel free to walk around and find something that suits. If you have things to bring in, just let the frontdesk know and one of us will lend a hand."

As the two took the escalator they noticed that the majority of the cultural, entertainment and government establishments were contained within the spaceport dome - as they were in all four of the domes. The hub contained a large multi-level, controlled environment hotel that catered to the tourist trade. Also contained within the dome were many government offices, shopping centers, restaurants, museums and theaters.

Logar began to notice the looks as they mingled in the crowds. There were not too many people armed moving about and his blaster rifle stuck out like a bright beacon. Kaida began to worry about the authorities making an appearance to question them as to their intent.

[Callowmoryne]

Logar just smiled at Kaida. He leaned in close to whisper. "If theres trouble. Ill be ready. If the authorities hassle us it might be wise if you speak to them. Tell them im your bodyguard, and your the queen of the galaxy or some such." It wasnt far from the truth in Logars mind. He intended to see that Kaida was safe. And she did have an air of nobility around her. Even covered in sweat. Even covered in blood she fit the part Logar thought.

[Telcontar]

Farok got his two drinks and managed to smile around the cigar he had in his mouth. "Thanks a bunch." He shot down one before the Twi'lek even had a chance to walk away and handed the glass back to her. "Old habit, since I cant really carry two." He grabed the second drink in his hand and made so as to observe the Rodian and determine what was a foot here in the casino.

[tomcat]

The Twi'lek waitress smiled at Farok. He was a regular face here and she had become acustomed to his sense of humor. "Arni'soyacho! I'll put these on your tab, dwa'la." She referred to most of her cutomer's in this native Twi'lek word which simply meant love.

Farok moved through the crowd and entered the gambling room. The Rodian was standing there looking at a woman who had sat down at a Sabacc table. Kara brought forth her money and motioned for a drink. Chips were exchanged for credits, a tall drink was placed before her, and then the cards were dealt. The Corellian now felt at home. Brim, having watched it all from a few feet away realized that Kara was not getting herself into any trouble and so decided he'd join her. He walked over and squeezed in next to her, "So... what brings you here?"

Farok stood watching the duo. There didn't seem to be anything going on, save that the Rodian still made an impression in the Force. It was dangerous. If he did not know how to supress his connection to the Force, he would be recognized as a Force-user and either slain, or taken away and... who knew.

In the Starlight, another figure had paid attention to Kara, Brim, and now Farok. He watched intently from under his hooded cloak, and then stood and moved silently through the crowd and out of the cantina.

[tomcat]

"If it works, it works... does it work?"

They will definitely work.

[Telcontar]

Farok looked around the casino again. He really wanted to head back to the bar and leave the rubes to their own fate. He half turned to go and the nagging feeling returned. He had buried himself at the edge of the civilized world to escape from these troubles and problems of conscience and here they were still. He repeated to himself his own mantra, "lay low, don't come up on the grid, mind your business." Farok turned to go back into the bar and had actually taken a step in that direction when he turned around and found himself heading to the card table.
Farok studied the Rodain as he moved closer. Perhaps the Rodian was strong enough to sense him as well. Several scenarios played through his head on how to deal with this. Again the best seemed to walk away, but call it the legacy of training or the hand of fate he had to at least warn the guy.
Farok approached the card table, the effect of the booze he had been drinking all day washed off of him as his body prepared itself for action. He could feel the familiar outline of his lightsaber tucked in his cloak where his arm used to be. He didn't think he would need it, his senses told him so, but knowing it was there made him feel better.
Approaching the card table he approached the Rodian so as to not divide him from the female he was with. He could then read both their reactions to his approach. Coming up to him quickly and at an angle he called out to the Rodian when he was only a couple of steps away.
"Dak! Dak, how are you? How did you end up here?" He placed his drink upon the rail of the card table so that he could grip the Rodian on the shoulder and look him in the eye as he spoke. His grip and face tried to convey a message other than the words he used, that he knew he was not the person named, but to go along with it.
"When did you arrive? If you have a moment I have a table at the bar and a Twi'lek that is madly in love with me so I don't have to wait for drinks. Bring your lovely friend too if you want."
He leaned in to embrace his old friend and said quietly, "whether you know it or not you're in danger. Not immediately but will be."
Farok straightened and smiled, grabbed his drink and walked back towards the bar. Farok thought to himself, well he has been warned, the rest is on him. With a little luck he could go back to drinking with a clean conscience and the Rodian would blow him off as a sun baked drunk.

[Jingo]

Logar just smiled at Kaida. He leaned in close to whisper. "If theres trouble. Ill be ready. If the authorities hassle us it might be wise if you speak to them. Tell them im your bodyguard, and your the queen of the galaxy or some such." It wasnt far from the truth in Logars mind. He intended to see that Kaida was safe. And she did have an air of nobility around her. Even covered in sweat. Even covered in blood she fit the part Logar thought.

"Queen of the galaxy," she muttered and shook her head. That wasn't going well. She didn't want to chance the authorities. "Look, try to keep a low profile, ok?" she said in a smiling whisper as she walked. "Can't you cover that thing up or something?" All the same, she held her head high like nothing out of the ordinary was taking place and proceeded to a cantina. "Let's get a drink first." 

[donimator]

Sam calculated the value of the plates he would need replaced (surely just a few, those that were the most blast-damaged) and ran them through some likely markup routines. He didn't like the numbers. His credit flow was low and he would not be a burden on his friends - there was that word again.  Sam inspected some plates and scanned their dimensions and curvature to the nearest cubic micrometer. For interest, and drawing on his mechanical background, he tried to determine what these plates were actually meant for or if they were just generic. Selecting one more than he actually needed, he posed the query to Ed, "How much?"

[tomcat]

The base cost for a durasteel shell is 1600 (x cost factor 1), but I am going to subdivide this even more based on where the plates go:

Torso = 600 credits
Arms = 200 credits each
Legs = 250 credits each
head = 100 credits

I need to go through my books to see if there is a rule regarding the reduction in protection by armor due to damage, but for now I am going to rule that Sam's armor is reduced by 1 in efficiency due to the damage.

Ed's inventory markup is 50%, and Sam needs to replace his torso plating plus one arm and one leg... thus...



Ed looked at Sam and saw the plates on his torso and right arm and leg were peppered with holes. It was not detrimental to the droid, save to reduce the amount of protection the armor allowed. It also looked bad. The droid tech did a quick calculation in his head and answered, "For what you need to replace... 1,600 credits."