"The small dusty enclave is a testament of a being's will to survive. Mos Zuba sits on the remote outskirts of a planet that is itself on the edge of the galaxy.
The dusty neutral surfaces of the oddly-shaped duracrete domes and primitive clay brick buildings are offset by the occasional outcropping of technology. Perhaps a signal tower or moisture station or data hub would sprout from the sand and dust.
At the south end of the town is a large, open and abandoned spaceport with a derelict warehouse attached to it. A symbol of a bygone era when corporation's newly commissioned mining expeditions would land their crafts and unload expensive gear and expensive employees infusing the town with much needed credits. Locals refer to it as the Spacer's Denizen now, as it is sometimes occupied by mysterious and rough-looking characters. Some speculated are pirates.
The north end of town is dotted with small shops, an open plaza and marketplace as well as an abandoned government building that would also occasionally house cronies of Gardulla the Hutt.
The Oasis was at the center of town. A modest cantina tending to the needs of the local townsfolk while serving as it's main source of information. Ironically named, it is perhaps the most thriving element of the area. A welcome respite for most who needed a break from the misgivings of a somewhat hostile planet. The proprietor, Bella Cuna, an Aqualish, somehow managed to keep the town going with the aid of his friend Boon, a wookie, seated as usual at the end of the bar.
Just east of the Oasis was the "Mad Zabrak's" Speeder shop as he was called. "Patchjobs" is what Bella would call them before the Zabrak would slam down his drink and threaten to fight him to the death.
Southwest of the Oasis is "Uncle" Osslo's place. A basic junk and spare parts store. He is passionate about his work and enjoys restoring droids when not tending to the customer's needs.
Mos Zuba was a remnant. A town of spares...spare parts, sparse opportunities, and spare people.
I rolled in here on a Czerka transport long ago and never left. Not because no one wanted my company or help mind you, I just found that it was a perfect place to raise a family, ah ha ha ha," the intrusive Sullustan's shoulders would move up and down with his annoying laugh as he tried to befriend the newcomers at a large round table surrounded almost entirely by a booth. The Sullustan was ugly, even for a Sullustan. He learned that the newest arrivals were from a Correllian mining corporation, surveyor's to be exact. So did the rest of the ten or twelve beings inside the Oasis.
A female warrior , sits quietly in the corner soaking in her drink and all of the wonderful information gathering conducted by the Sullustan.
A young human male, hooded , sits in the opposite corner of the place but not with his back to the wall like the warrior.
Unbeknownst to everyone, a sentient 2nd-degree droid,
stands just outside the Oasis, deciding if it is worth going inside and dealing with other non-droids.
"My name is Zoo Lom by the way. Are you sure that you are not here for the job offer by Mr. Cuna? Because I was thinking of taking that assignment," the excited Sullustan continues to ramble on before getting a sharp eye from the Aqualish.
Bolts strides backwards and forwards in front of the cantina entrance the servos of its legs whirring. It pauses every couple of minutes or when someone enters or exits and try's to get look through the door. " Silly squishy's rules... " it says, in a barely audible voice. " Why can't droids go in? What is so good in there? All the meatbags go in everyday... " It pauses as a couple of people move past. " I will go in. I can make up something... A reason. "
Bolts strides through the cantina door and states in a loud voice. " Osslo sent me here. He needs a... " The droids head swivels back and forth taking in the room, all the beings drinking in the haze. " Drink! " He concludes, sounding smug as he finishes what he believes is a great lie.
Nyla eyes the excitable Sullustan warily. "What job are you speaking of, precisely? I doubt the proprietor here was requesting my particular skill set."
If this leads to another dead-end job, I'm going to end up working for those slimy Hutts. I won't let your legacy be reduced to that, Father.
The young Mandalorian's attention is redirected towards the entrance as the odd walking amalgamation of droid parts makes its ungraceful entrance. "Oh, this ought to be golden," she mused with a smirk as she took another sip of her drink.
The Aqualish is excited at the prospect of hiring the proper muscle as the woman looks to be able to handle herswoman ith exceptional prowess in a fight. Before he could answer, in walks a droid with a ridiculous request.
"Boon! We have another. Show it the door please," he states matter of fact.
The intimidating Wookie responds, " Aryruuuurgh YAAAAA," as he becomes annoyed at having to get up.
Then the Wookie grabs the arm of Bo1t5 and pulls him toward the door.
The Aqualish, with complete confidence in the ability of the Wookie, continues his thought and inquires of the woman warrior, "What is your name and qualifications," in basic.
Nyla lets out a somewhat disappointed sigh. I was hoping for more entertainment there...
After the droid was removed, she turned her attention to the Aqualish. "I can hold my own in a blaster fight. Not quite up to speed on my hand-to-hand combat though. I am also trained in military tactics, as well as demolitions."
" I will inform Osslo, but I don't understand why I can't collect a bevera... Woh! " the droid says, the stream of word continuing right up until he is thrown out onto the street. Hmm, rude! Well drinking various beverages in a cloudy atmosphere hardly seems exciting... Perhaps it is the conversation that beings come for? Bolts clomps off down the street.
Impressed, Bella is at a temporary loss for words and then the phrase hits him, "My nephew, Sloot, lives west of here in a small village of moisture farmers. He inherited the place. The village has recently experienced an increase in attacks from Sand People. I'd like you to go there to check on him and to encourage the Raiders to move on back to the Wastes. 1000 credits now and 1000 when you get back, provided you are successful of course. Oh, you might want to enlist some help. This group is a nasty lot."
Nyla smirks. "2000 credits with half up front to deal with some savages? You, my friend, have a deal. Help? A Mandalorian doesn't require help for such a simple job. If you hire others to assist, that is on you. But I will not be asking for "help" for this job."
That money will be a huge chunk needed to get my armor!
Maybe I can sneak in all quiet, maybe if I cover myself in material in meatbag fashion... Bolts stops in its tracks halfway down the Main Street. Suddenly it ducks down an alley spying some clothes hung out to dry. It grabs a blanket and wraps it around its body. " This will do. But I'll need something to cover my head... " Bolts heads north into the market looking about till he find a hat stall. Then he addresses the vendor.
" Excuse me, Squi... Sir. My Master has sent me to the market to buy a hat so he can go into The Oasis... "
Joran quietly sits at his table, attempting to avoid notice. His master had asked him to wait here, and he was intending to do that.
As the droid entered and was just as quickly thrown out, Joran thought, [i]That droid seems to be going somewhat haywire. I think, perhaps, he needs a memory wipe and tuneup.[/dice]
Listening to the Aqualish telling the mercenary woman about the sand people problems, Joran thinks about what he knows about them.
Joran remembers that the Sand people are a sentient non-human race who lives in remote areas of the desert and mountains. They are typically reclusive, but have a recent history of aggressiveness towards human settlements.
Zoo Lom frustratingly glares at Bella for giving away a job that he thought was his. Bella looks to him as says, "Equip her and any of her cohorts and I will reward you nicely. "
Zoo Lom is not pleased with the offer but mutters something about needing the funds and goes to Uncle Osslo's shop before heading to Zabrak's.
The neimoidian at the hat stand blows off the cantankerous and odd droid.
"Move along, it will be dark soon. I have much more to sell."
As the Bo1t5 droid is sulking around the marketplace, Zoo Lom approaches it with a proposition." Listen, I know that woman, Mando or not will not be able to complete this task alone.I also know that you are no protocol droid. We rescue the princess, save the kid and get Bella's reward. What do you say? " ZL asks of Bo1t5s.
The neimoidian at the hat stand blows off the cantankerous and odd droid.
"Move along, it will be dark soon. I have much more to sell."
" How rrr, rude! " B01T5 stomps away from the hat stand muttering about how hat salesmen will be the first against the wall in the mechanical uprising.
As the Bo1t5 droid is sulking around the marketplace, Zoo Lom approaches it with a proposition." Listen, I know that woman, Mando or not will not be able to complete this task alone.I also know that you are no protocol droid. We rescue the princess, save the kid and get Bella's reward. What do you say? " ZL asks of Bo1t5s.
The droid stares at Zoo Lom for a couple of seconds while it adjusts its blanket. A princess? This sounds serious... " I like you. Buy me that wide brimmed hat and you have a deal. "
"What?" Zoo Lom completely understanding the request, but finding it odd. ZL flashes his cred chip and easily purchases the hat. He shakes his head and hands the hat to Bo1t5s.
Come on. Let's go...Wait, what do I call you? Lom asks Bolts.
Bolts takes the wide brimmed hat, and with a flourish places it on its head, running a hand along the brim to pull it down low. " I, am Bolts! " the droid states as a dramatically as its vocabulator will allow. The grey blanket wrapped around the droids body falls into the sand. Bolts bends and picks it up. " I need to work out a better way to wear this... What do you think Master? " He asks Lom " Maybe if I put a hole in the middle and wear it over my head? " Without waiting for an answer the droid rips the blanket and wears it like a poncho. He does a few test jumps and swivels to make sure the blanket stays in place. " Excellent, let's go save that Princess! "
Lor sits near the back of the Oasis, a cloak around his shoulders. He is wearing a sleeveless and brown pants with boots. A slugthrower rifle with a scope is slung over his shoulder and a bandolier is across his chest with several ammo clips and a vibrodagger inserted into the bandolier's pouches. He has several small scars on his face and his breath mask and goggles have some scuffing on them, but nothing serious
He overhears the job offer. Tuskens,huh? Ha, easy money taking out those scum. Haven't had many good bounties lately, most of the offers weren't for hunting those who've violated the moral code of the galaxy greatly. Strangely makes me wish there were more scumbags in the universe.
"Tell me, bartender, where exactly is this farmstead, and how far away is it? I don't have a mode of transportation, so do you know of anywhere I can purchase or rent a speederbike or other mode of transportation?"
I need to save up for my own bike as well as the armor. I'll need to start charging more for my services.
I know my master said to wait here, but if there are people in danger, I cannot sit idly by. Besides, I may learn something about the sand people and their recent aggression.
Getting up, he walked over to the mercenary woman and said, "Pardon me, but I overheard Bella speaking of the troubles with the Sand People, and thought, perhaps, I could assist you with this task. I am quite capable of handling myself in a fight, and may have other skills to assist you."
Bella responds to the Mandalorian woman, "See the Mad Zabrak across the street. He'll loan you a speeder. Don't comment about how bad it looks. It will run. The farm is about 50 km west of here. I would advise stopping in at Uncle Osslo's if you need any supplies. "
Lor gets up, walks over to the bar and hands his glass back to the bartender.He then walks over to the Mandolorian woman as well.
"Heard your little job discussion over here. Work for me's been slow, so sending some Sand People to their graves sounds entertaining. May I join your little excursion?"
Nyla considers the offers of the two newcomers for a moment as she sizes them up. These two may be of some use in a firefight. Perhaps they are skilled warriors like myself.
"You may accompany me. I can show you what it is to fight alongside a True Mandalorian! Let's go see this 'Mad Zabrak' for a ride, and then check in to seeif this 'Uncle Osslo' has anything of use for us," she says before turning back to the Aqualish. "Thank you for your job. We will return later to claim the remainder of our payment."
A Mandalorian? This will be an even more interesting adventure than I first suspected.
Nodding, Joran says, "Lead the way. I look forward to seeing your prowess in battle."
Bolts waits looking at Zoo, after a moment (in which the Sulustan may be wondering to what Princess the droid is referring to.) Bolts speaks up again." So, where is the Princess being held Master, is it far? Will we need a transport? " then it leans in conspiratorially " Dont worry. I am equipped for trouble" a compartment in the droids right leg pops open and it takes out a large blaster pistol. Bolts spins it on a finger before placing it back in the compartment, the door snapping shut with a soft hiss of a servo. One of the droids red eyes winks out and then turns back on. The droid straightens and adds " Though if she is being held by a Krayt Dragon we may need some explosives of some kind! "
Stunned, Zoo Lom's facial features show surprise as he is unable to speak for a moment.
Either I have lucked into something really good here, or I have made a big mistake.
Zoo completely blanks on all questions and comments from the unusual droid except for the question about the transportation.
"I have won a speeder from the Mad Zabrak in a game of Sabacc. It will get us there." He responds to bolts.
" Ah Sabacc. A game of counting cards while simultaneously predicting the odds of the random card fluctuations... Good job Master. " the Droid makes an arm motion as if to say 'after you' and waits to follow Zoo Lom to the speeder.
"Alright, let's get to hunting." Lor readies his rifle, double checking that the clip is full and loaded and making sure the scope is tightened enough before following the Mandolorian and the other man.
Mando,huh? Only heard about them from the old war stories my dad read to me in holobooks. Should be interesting to see one in action.
After taking B01t5 down a dark alley, Zoo Lom brings him to a very small domed building sandwiched in between two larger warehouses. Zoo enters grabs a quick bite to eat from the table and begins to load some supplies into the tarp-covered yellow and rust speeder outside the front of the building. Among the items is a large metal cone and a vox recorder.
The young Mando woman walks across the street with the eager bounty hunter and inquisitive cloaked scholar in tow. They make their way past an alley where an ugly Sullustan and an odd-looking droid wearing a blanket and wide-brimmed hat are loading a beat up speeder. They go inside the small warehouse piled with junk just in time to catch an aging Zabrak curse and launch a wrench at a swoop bike. His black hair is streaked with grey and he is wearing a patch of his left eye. After you enter and he launches the wrench he turns to unleash on you. "What do you want?" he rudely inquires of the trio.
Bolts offers a stream of questions/comments as Zoo Lom goes about his business. " Is this where the princess is being held? ... Why do beings sit as they eat? ... This speeder looks in need of some serious repairs. ... What is this cone for? ... Is it time to save the princess yet? " Though the droid does help with a lot of the heavy lifting.
"Good day to you, sir. Bella, at the Oasis, has informed us of a job that needs to be done involving some hostile Sand People, and he suggested that we could rent a speeder here. Would you be able to assist with that?"
Nyla approaches the aging Zabrak, her attention wandering between the various speeders, bikes, and swoops in various states of disrepair before returning to the vendor.
"As my associate has stated, we need a ride. Do not attempt to cheat us, as my friends here," she pauses to pat her sidearm blaster pistol and motions to her blaster carbine, "are not fond of being cheated."
"Plus if you cheat us, I can make some arrangements to put a price on your head that I will then collect."
Incensed, the Mad Zabrak slowly places a blaster on the counter, ignoring Nyla and Lor and addresses the Jedi. "I would just as easily kill your friends than to make a transaction with such unpleasant ilk. However, you seem like a man of reason. I will outfit you with Bella's speeder. These two may end up in Gardulla's Rancor pit." he says as he points to the woman and the bounty hunter.
Awaiting reply, Mad Zabrak tucks the blaster into his belt and leads the trio to behind the warehouse through the backdoor. He starts the speeder and then points to the fuel gauge. " It should be returned with the same amount of fuel that you took it with," he remarks.
The speeder runs pretty well, but it looks terrible. What is not dirt is rust. The windshield is filthy and opaque. It looks as if the only part that may not have been repurposed was the chassis.
So aggressive. While helpful against the Sand People, it isn't always the best course of action with shopkeepers.
As the Mad Zabrak led them towards the back, he said, "Thank you, sir. We should be out of your hair presently."
Joran eyed the speeder slightly askance, as he wasn't entirely convinced of the structural integrity.
"It sounds alright, and doesn't seem to have any issues with the engine."
As he awaited the Zabrak's reply, he studied him, attempting to discern any sign of deception.
The Zabrak adds, "Go left out of here and about two blocks down the street, you'll find a Mon Calamari that goes by the name of Uncle Osslo. He may have some items to assist you in your task. He knows that you are coming.
He turns and walks back inside the shop.
"Didn't wanna be rude to the guy, but if he's gonna get temperamental, I'm gonna call him out on it."
Jordan gets in the back of the speeder, preparing to let someone else drive.
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After the speeder is loaded and while Zoo Lom is inside doing something "Meatbaggy" and uninteresting Bolts waits next to the speeder. After a couple of minutes standing absolutely still the droid starts tapping one foot, then after a minute of doing that tools suddenly sprout form its forearm compartments and it starts making an odd kind of music with them Ting, Ting, Woorp, Woosh... Ting Ting Tang, Woorp woorp, Woosh, Zzzzt. using all sorts of tools to get the different sounds. (Sonic welder, Fushion cutter, and his electroshock probe etc) This goes on for a couple of minutes, then after snooping at Zoo Lom's door he moves over to the engine compartment of the speeder and pops the hood. " HMmmmmmmmmmmm " It drones as it looks the engine over. Then it goes to work making some "improvements"...
Nyla ignores the cantankerous old mechanic and strides to the back with the others. She stops upon seeing the condition of their ride and simply sighs. Looks like I'm stuck with these people. Oh well. A job's a job, and I'll see it through no matter what.
Nyla examines the speeder to see if it is structurally sound before getting into it.
"Let's get going. We have a job to do."
"Music to my ears." Lor gets in the speeder, setting his rifle in the side rack if there is one.
"Shall we visit this 'Uncle Osslo' then, and see what he has we could use?"
Lor Hook jumps into the junky speeder as it powers up quick and strong. They make the few blocks down the main street to Uncle Osslo's shop.
Uncle Osslo's shop is located in a small duracrete domed building. It has tall shelves cluttered with thousands of partial items, most include droid parts. There is a counter along the back wall and a door with a blanket covering it as they enter. An electronic gong sound goes off as the door opens and shuts behind them.
A middle-aged Mon Calamari appears from behind the blanket, sets down his tools on the counter then begins to wipe his hands.
"Greetings! How may I help you?" He asks of the group of newcomers.
Zoo notices his new friend fiddling with the speeder.
"What are you doing? Stop that! Now I have to check to see if you broke anything? Sheesh."
Zoo checks the speeder as another speeder races down the street towards Uncle Osslo's.
"Hurry, get in. They will be leaving soon." He demands of Bo1t5.
"Good day to you. We have been directed to this shop by Bella. He has asked us to take on a task involving some Sand People bothering his nephew, and suggested that supplies could be acquired here. Tell me, what do you have?"
Nyla quietly and discretely taps into her limited knowledge of the Force to sense her surroundings.
Upon arrival at the shop, she walks in and takes note of all of the various nick-knacks scattered everywhere. How is that Mon Cal surviving here on this desert backwater? she thinks to herself as her gaze wanders to the shop-keep.
"Yes, what supplies can you provide us to tackle these "sand people" and accomplish our mission?"