END OF AN ERA
Twenty years ago the GALACTIC EMPIRE replaced the OLD REPUBLIC ending the long CLONE WARS conflict. As the EMPIRE secured its power base, many worlds saw this activity as oppressive and tyrannical and so rose up to form a REBELLION.
One year ago, the REBELLION struck their first major blow against the EMPIRE, the destruction of the DEATH STAR, a world killing machine. It's repercussions would be felt throughout the galaxy and the EMPIRE scrambled to spin the story against the REBELLION.
For those in the Outer Rim, news doesn't travel as fast and even those in the know may not even care. It is here that we find the most unlikely of people in a galaxy full of sentient beings put together for some unknowable purpose...
Who is this JackSnap and how in the hells does he (she?) know who I am? This is the thought that permeates your mind as you board the Jade Empress, a luxury liner bound for Brentaal IV, that you only recently found out. Your tickets were sent to you anonymously, but they were legitimate. As the BG-99 Protocol Droid welcomes you aboard, a pang of worry goes over you, hoping that among these other passengers isn't a bounty hunter, Imperial agent or Hutt thug come to collect.
Instead, other than a slight barely perceptible blink in one of its ocular sensors, the droid allows you through. It is then that you arrive at security.
As you wait in line for your turn to be scanned, you ponder the reasons you chose to go along and find this JackSnap and find out just what it is he really knows about you.
Zeylud was unsure what had befallen him to bring about such a nice vacation for him.Who in the world would offer me a vacation, maybe one of my patients that decided I deserved more for my work? was about the only conclusion he could come to in the end. But he still felt odd about that as most considered his bedside manner rather terrible.
Still, he was here and he wanted to see the world a bit more.He walked up in his day clothes. They were a bit heavy and concealed how well built he was for one of his kind. When he came upon the droid, he went through the usual security measures and he gladly handed over his blaster pistol. He wasn't overtly fond of it but he had had it locked into the stun setting so that he wouldn't ever accidentally kill someone if he had to defend himself.
He watched the crowd a bit, looking over the various people here and trying to see if there was anything curious among the crowd.
This was an odd feeling. Tickets to a cruise liner? For him and his cousin... too much of a coincidence. After reading the invite, he nods. This sounds dangerous. But here he is. Handing both his weapons in. Not the best of sercumstances. But it has to happen it seems
A wookiee, soon to be two wookiees. Where is he? Taking so long... will probably draw a lot of attention. So he waits for his cousin just after thr security check
Destiny
Kutishek shows up shortly after his cousin. Tarkazza always seems to know when to be somewhere. This invitation was strange, but he didn't really have any other prospects right now.
Ability Dice 2
vs difficulty dice 1, challenge dice 2
net result
"Here are all my weapons," Kutishek says handing in his mkIV boomstick and bolas. "Hopefully I won't miss them during the trip."
He nods to his cousin after passing through security.
Making sure he isnt arrested or the sort, he begin to walk. Expecting to be given room. Wookiees are not the thinnest of creatures. And he knew his appearance was usually a bit of a shock to most. Though his armor did hide the scar on his chest. And being a grey wookiee also drew attention. Not that it mattered. Even without his normal loadout, he could handle himself.
"Come on. We dont want to be late. We need to get this over with soon" he says as he waves his cousin to catch up
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Caleb feels more than a little ill at ease. Having spent the better part of his life hiding out on the Smuggler's Moon, it was a strange thing -a worrying thing- to be contacted by someone unknown to him and what is more to be sent tickets to a luxury liner. 'And what is on Brentaal IV anyway?' It is perhaps due to these thoughts that he is distracted, the usually attentive man failing to notice much about his surroundings and the people moving about, a fact that may very well prove troublesome sooner or later.
Clean-shaven and wearing clothes both comfortable and relatively well-made, and more than a little sturdy as well, he stands close to six feet tall, his build appearing medium to slender, fit and athletic. His medium-length dark brown hair and hazel eyes are partially concealed by his jacket's hood and he does seem to prefer it that way. He does not pull it down even when it is his turn to be scanned, at which time he hands over the light blaster pistol holstered by his right hip. Other than a utility belt, probably filled with various little things, the weapon seems to be his only other possession.
Zeylud looks around, seeing all the many species boarding this ship. While approximately 80% are human or near-human, there are others. A couple of Wookiees in the line behind him, a family of Ammanin, an Arconan, a Devaronian trio, several Twi'Leks and an Ubese. These are at least what he is able to see in the lines. Other than that, nothing seems amiss. That is until he notices a Rodian in the crowd staring right back at him. The look on his face face isn't pleasant, but before Zeylud can even react, the Rodian's attention is drawn away though when a short growl makes everyone look at the two Wookiees. The security guards were confiscating some of their weapons. They don't seem to put up much of a fuss, but everyone gives them a wide berth as they make their way onto the loading ramp that will take you to the Empress. After seeing this, Caleb gets a notion that he is being watched as well, but pays no mind to it as security is watching everyone...
Brentaal's original colonists largely erased the planet's native flora and fauna over the course of many generations, replacing them with ecological systems found on other Core Worlds. One of the few native species to survive was the kundril, a massive, multisegmented flying insect that lacked eyes and hunted by sound. A number of variations of kundril existed, with most hunting fish and seagoing mammals in Brentaal's seas, and most of the land-based kundrils were wiped out by the planet's inhabitants over the decades. The large amphibian creatures known as scranges, native to the planet Dagobah, could also be found in Brentaal's sewers. Air pollution was once a major concern on Brentaal, but the environmental damage was largely repaired, and the planet's air was made safe again, though it smelled slightly of methane.
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As Caleb passes through the security point, he makes certain he steers clear of the Wookiees, dismissing the feeling of being watched as simply security doing their job and watching everyone.
'Two of them, no less,' he ponders as his gaze lingers on the two large furry humanoids for a few moments longer before turning his eyes in fron of him again as he moves along. He then tries to recall anything he may have heard about Brentaal IV, which proves to be quite a bit indeed.
"A pretty run-of-the-mill planet, I suppose," he muses softly as he walks. "Well, excluding the giant bugs and the smell of methane, I suppose. Both of which I do not really like." A sigh marks the end of his little monologue.
Zeylud watched the crowd with interest. There weren't too many species he hadn't run into before but there was something of note that he saw. He had only seen holograms of Wookies before but it seemed he might get his chance to actually speak to one and perhaps doing an exam on one if they would allow it. The thought of gaining such knowledge first hand brought a smile to his face.
He pulled out his data pad and looked at the ticket bringing up the planet and studying all the information. He had done this a few times before since he had won the ticket but he had a habit of trying to memorize every little fact he came across. When he felt he had it down in his head he began to look for his cabin.
He kept his eyes and ears open for the Rodian that had been watching him. It wouldn't be hard to spot a bit of green in the crowd here and there and he was more then ready to keep himself out of trouble. He tried to take the opportunity that the wookies had given him by distracting him to slip away to his cabin.
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Nebten is in awe as he makes his way through the duraglass tunnel. The Jade Empress is a beautiful ship and appears to have it where it is needed. Nebten tries to stay cool as he makes his way through the security line. When asked for his blaster, Neb is in a bit of a daze before realizing what is being asked of him. He happily surrenders his blaster before making his way into the main hold.
Nebten looks out of place compared to the high end clientele. He is dressed in a black swoop jacket with a thick green band down the arms. Neb brown hair kept in the fashion of the times with knee high boots.
Nebten wanders to the nearest bar. He figures he might as well enjoy some of the high life before getting to business.
Nada.
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Core worlds ability dice 3
"It would seem we are heading to a crossroads of sorts, cousin"
"Cross-roads? What ever. We were given tickets. I dont like being out in the open. Too many unwanted eyes. Hope this goes quick" he grunts and growls. He felt a bit naked without his weapons. But best not cuase a commotion
"Come on cousin. Lets move to a less crowded part..."
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After the security gates, every is allowed to continue through the long transparisteel tube that takes you from the dock into the ship's main receiving area. The Jade Empress is indeed impressive. Twelve decks of living space, recreational rooms, bars and restaurants. Two decks dedicated to shopping. Quad Taim&Bak HyperBolt 5000 Ion Engines power this ship, pushing her to almost 30 MGLT. Her name is obviously from the deep green coloring on her hull and the massive size of her. She almost rivals the size of an Imperial Star Destroyer, or so you've heard.
The receiving area contains several passengers all seeking help from the many concierge droids in the area. One of the concierge droids approaches. It is holding a digital card that reads 'JACK'S NAP'
Nebten is caught in mid sip of this ale when the droid approaches him with the card. He nearly chokes when he is startled when he reads the card. "Lead away, pal."
Nebten throws up his hand to waive at the driod as if to be noticed. Then realizes he probably looks like a fool and quickly lowers his hand. He finishes his drink and makes his way over to the droid.
"I'm a friend of Jack's."
Noticing the droid and more importantly the digital card, Caleb ponders what his next move should be. Given the fact that he has come this far, it only stands to reason that this is just another step down the same path. Still, he is wary, having been a cautious man by necessity for almost two decades now, or at least as cautious as he could manage.
And then the Wookiees appear to be drawn to the droid, and soon after them a human. Thus, just as he was about to do the same, he stops himself, opting to observe what is happening for a few moments longer before making his presence known to people that are unknown to him.
Kutishek follows a couple of steps behind his cousin. Cracking his knuckles and making direct eye contact with anyone who stares too long.
You all begin to gather around the droid and it seems that you are not the only large group in the reception area, so no one pays your motley crew any mind. At least, so it would seem. For itself, the droid seems to be waiting for something.
He nudges his tech savvy cousin. Pointing with his eyes at the droid
"'Shek... no bolt" is all he says. He remains silent after that
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"So, how many more we got joining the party? I hope there are some ladies to even this group out."
Zeylud spied the driod and saw that people were starting to gather around it. He wasn't too sure about showing himself to this many people or having a group of xenos all in a cluster in case some of the Imperials were on board.
Perception GY vs PP
"I don't recognize this model, perhaps it is new?"
The young Bothan looks around at the crowd he is traving with. He puts his hand on his blaster, it's normal. He reads the room as best he can. As he boards the ship he says to Zeylud. It's a nice ship do you know who owns it Cullen adjusts his jacket and his pack.
As one of the two Wookiees starts looking at the various people, Caleb included, the man finally decides to join them and the droid. After all, is this not why he accepted the invitation, a mix of curiosity and something else? Stepping forward, he greets those already there, examining the droid.
"Greetings," he says with a smile, his tone casual and friendly. "We appear to be on the same boat, it seems. And in more ways than one."
He looks the humans up and down. He hasnt been around so many humans before. The only humans he interacted with were troopers. And well. They are soft.
"It seems so" he replies curtly
-Posted with Wayfinder
Nebten looks at Caleb with a sly grin.
"Ahhh, I see what you did there. You here to see Jack too? I figured I couldn't be the only one who got the message. I usually like to get references before accepting a job, but hey this guy has a little passion. Passion means he wants the job done right and is willing to pay top cred for it."
Looking around the ship and then speaking to nobody in particular.
"It looks like a new line CoreEng yacht transport. Probably owned by some shadow corp to run shady deals under the light of respectability."
Cullen is stopped by the security as they ask him for his weapon, they are pleasant but serious.
As all of you get near the droid, you can see that it is definitely not a standard issue protocol droid. Several pieces are mismatched in color and even function. When it seems satisfied, it speaks. "Follow me please."
The droid leads you down the passageways of the ship. It is elegantly built with wide pathways and modern art decorum. Someone spent a lot of time and credits making this ship what it is. You suddenly start to wonder just how much those tickets might have cost. You don't have much time to ponder it as you are taken over a walkway that is several meters above an open atrium with trees and shrubbery and dirt pathways. It appears to be a leisure park of some kind and if your olfactory senses aren't failing you, the plants are quite real.
Continuing on, you are led to an area that reads 'VIS, Special Guests only beyond this point. Thank you for your cooperation.- PharStarLines'. Just when you thought it couldn't get any more odd, the droid stops in front of an open room that contains a large plastisteel table and several plastisteel chairs. On the table are carafes and cups of water. In the center of the table is a holoprojector with an image of a well-dressed older Human, wearing the colors of Chandrillan royalty. The droid bids you enter and the image on the table says, "Please be seated my friends, take time to get yourselves acquainted. I will be along shortly to introduce myself and how I came to know all of you."
"Well, that explains where the money to buy the tickets to such a luxurious liner came from," Caleb comments as he sees the holo-image. 'Now all that remains is the reason,' he adds in his mind, wondering if this will prove to be trap. He has to admit though, there are easier and less expensive ways to set one. Whatever the case may be, he is sure he will find out soon enough.
"I am Caleb," he finally says to the others gathered, "Caleb Rook. Not really much to say about me. I have been calling Nar Shaddaa home, doing odd jobs to make ends meet. I will admit that some of those odd jobs did require a certain... handiness with being able to hold my own in a fight, be it with my fists or with a blaster. And I have been hired once or twice to act as a protector, a bodyguard if you will. But most of the time, I have earned my living doing far less exciting things than that."
He shrugs, showing that there is not much else to say about himself, perhaps out of modesty, perhaps because it is actually true. "What about you?"
"The name is Nebten. Feel free to call me Neb, Nebster, Neberama, but only the ladies call me Nebby. My story is pretty much ditto from what Caleb said, but I'm more of a stick man. I would rather stay out of any firefights and, if possible, avoid any Imperial entanglements."
Nebten smiles and laughs at that last part as if its was apart of some silly inside joke.
Zeylud waits a few moments outside before slipping in to following along behind the droid and the group carefully. When it becomes apparent that he isn't going to be able to hide himself much longer he casually slips up into the group and into the appointed room. He stays close to the back of the wall watching them all mostly out of curiosity.
He looked over the group that had been gathered, a bothan, two wookies, two humans, and if he counted himself in the mix, a selonian. He took a bit of time to recall what all planets they were from and easily eventually came to the conclusion that most likely none in the room were imperial spies.
The two humans he would be wary of, while they don't exactly have imperial origins if their stories were to believed, they were from Hutt space and that was hardly much better. He scratched his chin while his tail trashed about as he pondered some things.
He was more interested in hearing the rest of their stories before giving up his own so he stayed as silent as he could till someone asked him a direct question or the others spoke their turn.
"I am Kutishek, a warrior of Kashyyyk. I track down those who do not wish to be found."
Cullen pulls out the weapon and hands it to the operator. May I get a ticket for this? I will be back for it. He waits for the attendant to give him a slip. After that he makes his way down or join the group. As he listens he makes mental notes about everyone he see. He patiently waits before he begins to to talk. His clan has taught him to listen before speaking.
Looking at the other silent aliens Neb speaks up.
"Are you two here on invitation or just the help? I have found in these situations don't go over well if you are going to play the strong silent type or if one is completely sober. So, I would love to know whom I'm working with or a good Corellia brandy on the rocks. Either one will do."
Zeylud stood up straight having been hiding his height a bit in his clothing and letting his long tail unfurl from around his waist. He raised a brow and stepped forwards bring his left hand from behind his back and clearing his throat a bit while covering his mouth.
"Hmm, well yes I suppose I should speak up now. I have not lead such an extravagant life. I grew up in my colony as most Selonians do and had the unfortunate luck to be born not sterile. But my intellect was my luck and I became a doctor in my own right and with the help of the Republic I got to leave my life as a sex slave to my own colony and learn and work. However the contract stated that I have to get in touch and make my best attempts to come back to the Colony during the majorities heat cycle to breed...I don't like violence so don't expect me to help you kill anyone, but I will help heal you and take care of your well being. And if someone attacks me, I will be willing to knock them out. Don't mistake this kindness as weakness and do not kill anyone that is helpless and we will get along just fine" he said in a bit of a softer voice with a refined air to his speaking.
"I see myself as a libirator. My people has seen more than enough slavery. I plan to put a stop to it where i can. Apologies doctor. But trandoshans and slavers will see no quarter from me. And i believe i speak for my cousin too when i say this"
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"Well, I will admit to it being a noble enough cause, at least," Caleb remarks conversationally. "But perhaps we should listen to the one that invited us before we make assumptions about what may or may not be needed of us? Or before deciding if there even is an 'us' to speak of..."
Turning to the last among them, the Bothan, he says with a smile, "And you? What do we call you? It cannot possibly be worse than Neberama, I wager."
Nebten fires double finger guns at Caleb when he brings up one of his monikers in acknowledgement.
Pew-pew
Cullen listens and continues to make mental notes. He notes to himself The wookies continue to struggle. I wonder what their plan is against the Empire? Cullen smiles and sips the beverage in front of him.
The image on the table begins to move again, turning to look at all of you. Smiling, it speaks as a serving droid comes in with choice drinks and other refreshments. "Well, I see that even on more civilized areas of space we all still have secrets to keep. That is perfectly okay because I am sure that won't come back to haunt you when you are working together." Another smile and then, "Why am I here? You may be asking yourself. I have a question for you then. Why did you take the trip? You were under no obligation to do so, other than curiosity. Yet, here you are, on my ship, meeting new people that you have little in common with. Well, let me fix that for you. You see, all of you have me in common. Not directly mind you, but that past you all are so unwilling to share has people in it and some of those people owe me. Big. By consolidating my resources, I have decided to procure your services in order to help you settle your debts in return. Sound good so far?", he doesn't wait long for a response. "Good. Let's get started. The Empire would have you and everyone else believe that the Rebellion is only a small thorn in their back side or even worse, just a myth. The same myth they use to blame the Rebellion on the destruction of Alderaan or that world killer they called the Death Star, which ironically enough was supposed to bring peace to the galaxy. Odd that. Anyway, unfortunately some of my resources can be traced to Rebellion ties, so anything I might do to help overtly in that area would lead to unwanted results. That's where you come in. I'm not asking you to join the Rebellion, far from it. In fact, the farther you stay away from them, the easier this will be. No, I'm asking you to perform tasks for me that will help them indirectly. In exchange, I can help you with your problems. Money is of no consequence until it is spent in the right direction." He smiles broadly. "And I have a ship for you to take. She's yours, once you agree." He clasps his hands in front of him.
"I'll give you some time to think about it, but not long. Things are afoot that need fixing soon."
"If what you say is true, then I accept, my people deserve freedom. And i am willing to do what it takes to give them that freedom. You can count me in" the wookiee barely used the time to think. Thinking often got you in trouble in tight spots. Reaction. Besides. By now this man could have easily killed or imprisoned them. As he stated, if all this was true, hed be a fool not to accept
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"Lucky for your SnapChat, a couple of appointments canceled, so I'm free for the next few cycles. I've done worse for less cred. And I get a ship out of the deal. I'm in. Can't be worse then some of the jobs I've done."
As the Bothan remains silent, Caleb sighs softly. Still, he does not fault him. A stranger among strangers, why would he not keep his mouth shut and his ears open?
"Certainly," he says simply after the holo-image of the man has finished speaking, adding nothing else. 'This cannot be a coincidence,' he ponders as a smile appears on his lips. 'There is no coincidence.'
Kutishek will let his cousin speak for now. Something about this situation seems too good to be true.
Your host nods appreciatively at those of you who have spoken, smiling to each of you.
Nebten walks over to serve himself a drink. As he turns, he trips on a snag in the rug and spills it over Cullen.
"Damn. I'm going to have to get another drink."