Daaneth looms around the room looking for a way out but gives up quickly, getting bored with the lack of detail in the room. He chuckles out loud as the female voice threatens them and flashes a smile at his teammates.
"How about you let us in to do the job Fialla sent us for, and in exchange I promise not to broadcast the fact that trioxidolation gas doesn't exist?"
"If the giggling is any indication, then no, it does not," Jeren remarks quite drily. "At least it is faint and they are trying to stifle it, so points for the attempt I suppose."
"We have come for...," he speaks up, raising his voice and then pausing, quite possibly for dramatic effect, before continuing, "...the truffles."
He turns to look at Daaneth and Vessani. "I simply could not help myself."
The giggling dies off, and the much-friendlier female voice says, "Well, shoot. Fialla warned you about me, didn't she? That takes some of the fun away, doesn't it? Anyway, the decontamination process is finished. Come on through." The door at the other end of the airlock-type structure unlocks and opens, allowing you to step through...
Into a forested preserve sort of area with dirt paths winding through. Approaching down one of them is a Twi'lek woman, wearing mud-stained coveralls and with a bit of mud on her cheek that she apparently hasn't noticed. She walks up with a smile and says, "Sorry about that. It's always fun to prank Fialla's new hires. Anyway, we started working on the harvest once we got word from the spaceport you were here. If you'll come with me, we've got a lounge set up you can wait in until we finish."
Fiuryo'lan leads you along a path to a lounge with some comfortable chairs and a protocol droid who greets you and asks if you would like something to drink. "I'll be back to let you know when the shipment is ready. Until the, please, enjoy yourselves." The woman leaves you with the droid, who expectantly looks at you waiting for your order.
Daaneth normally doesn't mind a bit of a joke and nods appreciatively at the woman, but keeps his distance. Threatening people's lives, particularly those of smugglers doesn't usually end well, even if it is as joke, but he shrugs it off.
How many new hires does Fialla go through? He wonders, not sure exactly how expendable his position is.
"I'll take a drink, droid, surprise me. I'd like something with a strong flavor."
"All this for truffles." He says out loud to his companions. "Even the black market can be mundane I suppose."
"Nothing for me, thank you," Jeren says before turning to Daaneth. "Still, it does feel a little strange, right? I mean, certainly not all black market items are necessarily more than meets the eye, but truffles? And just that?"
"Black market?" the droid says, as he makes a drink. "Oh, no, there is nothing illegal about Andurian Truffles, nor are the tariffs particularly high. Mistress Fiuryo'lan is a perfectly legitimate businesswoman. She has a delivery contract with your employer, Fialla."
The droid hands Daaneth a drink that tastes quite good, and is well-blended. He doesn't even taste the alcohol in it.
You sense no hidden currents to this mission, nor from these truffles - although you do sense something unrelated on the horizon...
"Nothing illegal?" Daaneth pouts a little bit and shakes his head. "Is this what I've become? Taking legitimate jobs?" He wondered what his old friends would say and shook his head again.
Jarl sits by the comm waiting some word from the Captain and the rest of the crew.
"Tell me Not2bee, what do you think of the fact that we have a Jedi among us? Seeing as there is no one here but you and I, I am curious as to your opinion of them".
NT-2B processes for a moment before replying. "It is an interesting question." He replies. "As I was independently-manufactured, I do not have any inherent bias against the Jedi. I can understand why Cloaked Wisdom would desire to keep this aspect of his life a secret, and in attempting to protect him, I would do so as well."
Pausing for a moment, NT-2B turns to Jarl curiously. "I will confess that not having been in the war myself, I have never seen a Jedi in action. As such, it is difficult for me to imagine that the stories about them are not... exaggerated. What about you? Did you serve with any during the war?"
"I saw a few in action from afar but the bulk of my time was spent with master Kit Fisto. Those stories they tell of their abilities are true amazing really what the Force allows them to do. Of course Master Fisto was exactly that a Master, a younger Jedi could not emulate what he was able to achieve.
I served for a brief time under Master Secura but was demoted and not included in the final assault on Felucia.
To be honest I am still not sure exactly what happened. It seemed like one minute the Jedi were leading the War and the next minute they were traitors. Then the War was over a minute later. I thought it was a Jedi that captured the Separatist leaders but I don't recall any specific story about who that was or what happened.
Once the Republic became the Empire I was assigned to this new battalion they created, the 501st. A Vader or some such led the assault though I don't remember if he was actually there and I certainly never saw or met him. Truth be told I don't remember hearing that name before being reassigned. By that time I was in army logistics more than combat.
After that I asked to be assigned to Imperial Navy instead of the Army as the 501st actions on Kashyyyk turned my stomach. But even then I knew the Empire was not securing freedom but spreading tyranny. I shared my concerns with another Officer who turned me in to the Captain of my vessel.
I suppose I was lucky, they dismissed me without pay and without pension instead of just throwing me out of an airlock.
After that I left the Core and came out here to be away from them but it seems like their influence is growing year by year and soon there'll be no place to run from them..."
NT-2B processes for a moment before replying. "It is an interesting question." He replies. "As I was independently-manufactured, I do not have any inherent bias against the Jedi. I can understand why Cloaked Wisdom would desire to keep this aspect of his life a secret, and in attempting to protect him, I would do so as well."
NT-2B processes for a moment before replying. "It is an interesting question." He replies. "As I was independently-manufactured, I do not have any inherent bias against the Jedi. I can understand why Cloaked Wisdom would desire to keep this aspect of his life a secret, and in attempting to protect him, I would do so as well."
NT-2B spends several seconds processing this time, committing what Jarl has told him to his memory banks, and concatenating it with his existing knowledge and suspicions of the Jedi. "I do not believe you will need to run forever." He finally replies. "There are enough people who are dissatisfied, frightened, outraged. Some day there will be revolt. No empire lasts forever." He pauses for a moment, before returning to the topic of the Jedi. "As to Wandering Scales, and the Jedi... Do you trust them?"
Jarl looks at Not2bee somewhat surprised by the question, "You know, I never really thought about it. I grew up in a family that did not necessarily trust them mostly because the families we served did not.
When I joined the Republic Army though I saw things differently pretty quickly, they truly were the shining example of the way to do things right. They brought a sense of confidence to me and the men I served with. Of course the Clones did not need that but the volunteers certainly did. It was as if no matter the odds we could accomplish our objectives. I did what General Fisto ordered me to do, he was not as reckless as Skywalker or Kenobi, so I trusted that he would not ask me to do anything that he himself would not be willing to do. Not that they were not brave but they got a lot of Clones killed.
How the Empire killed the Jedi I do not understand but I suppose when you expect the men you are serving not to shoot you well... even the Force has its limitations. What I don't get is why the Clones who served under them so faithfully turned on them in the manner they did. The only explanation given by the Empire for why is that Jedi were traitors but where was the proof? An assassination attempt on the Chancellor which was so out of character I can't begin to explain why it would have been attempted? It just does not add up.
Despite all the Empire says about them I guess the answer is yes, I trust the Jedi and by extension Jace.
I will say though that those Jedi who go dark, the antithesis of the Jedi Order, would be frightening individuals to combat indeed. Course I'm still alive so I've never run into one face to face".
Fiuryo'lan arrives at the lounge the three of you have been waiting at, saying, "Alright, everything is packed up. One crate of Andurian Truffles, ready to go. Krasar and Tela will transport you and the crate back to your ship."
As she walks you to where the cargo speeder sits, she explains a bit more. "The crate is a preservation crate designed to keep the truffles from expiring or losing potency, as well as from being contaminated by outside air.. However, the crate only carries enough power for five days before the fusion cell needs to be replaced. It's important that you deliver this crate to Ordana Freen on Taris before then. Otherwise, the truffles will lose potency, and mine, Fialla's, and your reputations will take a hit. Have you got all that?"
As NT-2B and Jarl discuss the Jedi, two notification lights come on in the cockpit. One at the communications system and one on the sensors.
It's a message for Daaneth from his old crew, text only.
A ship has just come out of orbit. The ID it's broadcasting is that of a Victory-class Star Destroyer called the Emperor's Will.
Jarl will comm Daaneth hoping he is within range, "Captain. A Star Destroyer has just come out of orbit...
Also, there is a message from your old crew that just came through, oddly enough text only. You want us to read it or would you prefer to read it yourself when you return".
"GO ahead an read it Jarl, but not over comms, if it contains anything important, then let me know. We're already one our way with the goods so keep the Dwarf ready to go." Daaneth says. His curiosity is off the charts but he'd rather not distract himself further.
Turning to Fiuryo'lan he nods his head. "Thank you for the hospitality. We'll get those truffle to Taris in no time, we've got a pretty good record so far." He flashes his pointy teeth in a broad smile. "Ordana Freen will be another satisfied customer."
With that he starts heading out of the compound, and nods at Krasar and Tela signaling that he's ready to go when Jeren and Vessani are seated too.
NT-2B keeps a close eye on the sensors, observing the Star Destroyer's movements. "If we run, they may try to chase us. I recommend we behave as if we have nothing to hide."
"What does the message say?"
"A Star Destroyer?" The question is more a thought spoken out loud. 'I wonder if the feeling I had earlier involved this ship's arrival,' he finishes the thought in his mind.
"We should not prolong our stay here, Captain," he then adds.
Fiuryo'lan's brow furrows. "Star Destroyers rarely bother to come out this way. The most fleet presence we usually see is an old pre-Clone Wars escort frigate. You had better get back to your ship quickly, and hope the Empire doesn't give an order to ground all transports. Who knows how long that could delay you, and Taris isn't exactly the next system over."
You hop in the speeder, and the Barabels gun it, going a bit quicker than the trip out.
Daaneth,
Probably best you stayed on Krai Ven - our contact for the job on Sluis Van sold us to the Empire to avoid payment. The crew scattered, but the Empire has our ship. I managed to get off-world, but now I'm stuck on Balmorra. I don't know where anyone else is - or if they're alive. If you can come pick me up on that new ship of yours, I'll help get you to Drev Sarn.
Good hunting,
Teeka
Jarl turns to Not2bee, "Let's get these engines warmed up shall we? I think when the Captain gets back we'll want to get right up and out. Can you plot a course to see how fast we can get to Balmorra?"
Jarl hits the comm for Jace's quarters, "Hey Jace. We are going to need to get out of here in a hurry. Head to the loading dock to assist the Captain in getting these goods on the ship".
Jarl then frowns and turns to the Droid, "Should I just lift us off and meet the Captain halfway? I've got a bad feeling about this..."
NT-2B nods, and begins making preparations to jump. "Meeting him part way may buy us a necessary few seconds." Pausing for a second at the controls, he turns to Jarl. "What is this... 'bad feeling'? I have heard the Captain make the same comment."
The vurk will respond in the Affirmative.
He will take a moment to UTF to search his feelings about what is going on.
Jarl grins at Not2bee, "Hard to explain, maybe a latent Force ability all living creatures have. There is just a feeling in my stomach that was not there before".
At present, the Star Destroyer is moving into a geosynchronous orbit. It also appears to have launched a shuttle with a 4 fighter escort - looks like some of those new TIE Fighters you've heard about.
You also know that taking off from the docking bay and landing outside the city will draw suspicion to the ship, and might result in a command to heave to and be boarded for inspection as you leave atmosphere.
Balmorra is a heavily industrialized world at the very edge of the Core Worlds, just inside the region of the galaxy known as the Colonies. It is home to several weapons manufacturing companies. The largest, Balmorran Arms, is a preferred dealer of heavy weaponry to the Empire, and they are rumored to be working on a new planetary defense space station. There is a large Imperial garrison on the world, and it likely has permanent fleet elements stationed there.
The planet itself has a breathable if somewhat polluted atmosphere and is predominantly rocky terrain with vast savvanahs mixed in. The native species, the insectoid Colicoid people, seem to have been temperamentally changed by exposure to the pollutant chemicals and have become quite vicious. They are also able to subsist on the polluted waters of the planet, without any forms of filtration.
It will take 5 days to get to Balmorra.
You sense...patience. A good thing to sense, as master Yoda would likely counsel the same, were he still alive.
The vurk will head to the requested area.
"New information." NT-2B drones. "The Star Destroyer has dispatched Tie Fighters. If we move our location, they will certainly notice. Recommend we instead wait for the Captain here."
"I also estimate it will take us 5 days to reach Balmorra. Balmorra features several weapons manufacturers that deal with the Empire, as well as an Imperial garrison. Rumours exist of a new planetary defense space station, but even if such a thing does not exist, there are bound to be additional fleets patrolling the area."
"I do not desire to leave our new contact there. However... it... will be a very dangerous place for us to travel. Our odds of escape are quite low."
Jarl nods to Not2bee, "Alright then we wait. Glad you are here my friend. My human emotions are getting the best of me!
Then first we deliver this cargo then we will let the Captain decide if he wants to rescue this former crew member of his or not".
Taking no chances like before, especially given the greater speed with which the barabels drive this time, Jeren holds on as the vehicle hastens to its destination.
"I do not like this," he calls out to the others. "The arrival of a Star Destroyer is an ominous event in itself. But to find out that such a thing is also quite the rarity here?"
"I agree Jeren. Seems fishy to me. We certainly can't take on a Star Destroyer with the Dwarf."
Daaneth frowns. "But one thing at a time. We load up the cargo first, if we're lucky, there's someone else the Imps are here to pick up. Once everything is loaded, we figure out what to do about the destroyer."
"Somehow I imagine doing something about it more or less equals getting as far away from it as fast as possible without raising suspicion," Jeren returns more than a little drily.
The speeder lands outside your docking bay, and the Barabel quickly get out to carry the box into the bay. The shuttle and it's TIE escort are visible now, and appears to be moving to land in a much more centrally-located docking bay. Best to keep moving, though. Tarrying might cut into your delivery time for the truffles.
Seeing that the captain and the skeef have appeared the vurk will go to help them unload. In these cases, patience is necessary and recommended, the Force suggests says the vurk to the captain as they unload.
Such is the way of the galaxy, Vessani, now that the Empire strengthens its vice like grip. Patience obtains all things.
"Got to admit, I agree with Jace on that. Might as well just expect Imps everywhere we go."
He helps finish loading the crates and considers his information.
"Not2be, what's the distance between Taris and Balmorra?" He's torn between making good on his delivery and rescuing Teeka from her predicament. Could he sacrifice his oldest friend for some creds and truffles? No guarantee she'd be caught in that time, but no guarantee she wouldn't either.
The stress starts to get to him the nearer they get to take off, unsure what their next course of action should be.
Taris is an Outer Rim world near the Hydian Way. Balmorra is in the Colonies region, fairly close to the Core. It would likely be an extra week to travel to Balmorra, and then another to Taris. A well-plotted nav course would likely shave a couple of days off of that, and more time could be saved - at the risk of the both the ship and those on it.
There might be a way to rig the power cell of the preservation crate into the ship's power supply, thus allowing it to run perpetually until delivery is made instead of running out of power. Such a set up would be jury-rigged, and not permanent, and any fluctuations in the ship's power supply could completely fry the preservation crate's circuitry.
NT-2B turns towards the Captain as he boards the bridge after loading. "I am pleased that you have returned." He remarks. "We should depart shortly."
Once he is told the factors, NT-2B processes for a second, considering the possibilities. "I calculated that it would take 5 days to reach Balmorra. I estimate Taris to be an additional 5-7 days. There is the potential for a faster route, but that of course comes with risks."
Thinking for a moment, he continues. "As to our cargo... I could potentially splice the power cell into the ship's computer. It may damage the ship, especially if we were in a situation where we needed that power, such as a battle, but it would keep the preservation circuits lasting longer than they would ordinarily. I must note that this approach falls outside of the letter of our contract, though still within the spirit."
"We could also split up and try to do both missions. However, with the distance between Taris and Balmorra, it would mean that those who go on the rescue mission would most likely have to find their own way off planet."
"I can't leave Teeka on Balmorra, but, splicing those cells sounds risky if it damages the ship. I don't want to put our reputation at risk either."
Daaneth rubs his chin in frustration. "I'm seriously contemplating finding my own way there so you guys can deliver the goods." He signs, unsure of what to do. "Any opinions? What would you do, f your oldest friend was stranded and in need of help?"