Sh'yl tries to help Karter with the uncounscious man.
Are you sure it's the admiral ?
Karter's quick thinking is enough to keep the man from dying instantly and seconds later you are transported directly to sick bay where Quinn is rushing in at the Captain's orders. She lets out a blast of healing energy summoned from the cosmos that brings the man back to consciousness. "Nanoprobes, I think, Captain." she says. "They're taking down his immune system. Hypospray, quick!" She gives a light blast from a device to the side of the man's neck and gives a sigh of relief. "I think I've slowed it down. He'll be sick for a few days but should recover."
Maheem's deep gravely voice comes in over the radio. "We've got a lock on a sonic rifle in the area captain. Beaming them directly to the brig."
”Let's go check these fools”, Karter grabs the Zul and heads to the brig.
The poisoned man, still wearing a helmet leaving him unidentifiable, is starting to come around thanks to Quinn's mastery of the 'Verse. Meanwhile, a man in a totally rad black vest slams his fist against the force field holding him in the brig.
Xerxes makes sure that the poisoned man is bound tight enough for him not to escape.
Which one would you like me to... craft upon first, Cap'tn?
I think the first to interrogate is the one in the force cage. After all, he's the one who try to kill the one uncounscious.
Says Sh'yl who tanks Quinn for his hability to cure poison.
"Detain the wounded man to prevent escape or any shenanigans." he says to Quinn before taking the Free Captains to the brig.
"Greetings, mystery assassin. I see that you were hoping to get away as well as kill my contact. Luckily, you succeeded at neither." Francis says with a laugh. "Care to make this easy? I can always have my Master-At-Arms deal with you should you choose the hard way." the Captain says.
"Don't worry. You won't die." Francis says with a wry smile. "I promised the Chaplain that." he says with a motion towards Sh'yl. "But there are many ways to keep you living while still giving you the proper incentive to talk. Your choice."
”Eeew... the mind probe...”, Karter shudders for effect.
”You don't want that - or any other probes - let's talk face to face and remove that helmet.
"Detain the wounded man to prevent escape or any shenanigans." he says to Quinn before taking the Free Captains to the brig.
"Greetings, mystery assassin. I see that you were hoping to get away as well as kill my contact. Luckily, you succeeded at neither." Francis says with a laugh. "Care to make this easy? I can always have my Master-At-Arms deal with you should you choose the hard way." the Captain says.
"Don't worry. You won't die." Francis says with a wry smile. "I promised the Chaplain that." he says with a motion towards Sh'yl. "But there are many ways to keep you living while still giving you the proper incentive to talk. Your choice."
The assassin straightens his vest and shakes out his hair. "No probes of any kind necessary. I'm not getting paid for this one, I suppose, so there's no reason to hold my tongue if you'll promise to let go whole and well."
After establishing that he is willing to cooperate, he continues, "Name's Giles. I'm a mercenary and contract killer, plain and simple. You've got a job when this is all done, I'm your man. My employer on this job was a woman named Zarski Galembar of the Jasperleaf Cartel. The whole job included taking out Haddon Pike, Toweena Kellet, and this fella you're trying to save, Corlan. Already took care of the first two and Corlan was the last on the list."
”You don't want that - or any other probes - let's talk face to face and remove that helmet.
When Karter makes to remove the poisoned man's helmet, he shakes his head in refusal. "Leave it," he rasps. "What do you want from me? You saved me. . . why?"
When Karter starts probing. . . for information, Corlan is happy to speak, considering you have saved his life. "I know why I was a target, of course. Haddon and Roweena had already been taken out and we were all part of the same spy network. Zarskia's network, that is. We were all part of the Cartel, the Jasperleaf Cartel."
"Tell me. Why is the Jasperleaf Cartel killing off these three? Surely, you must have some insight." Francis says, a bit relieved that the assassin will be so forthcoming.
"Additionally, what can you tell me of Free Captain Harrigan and his habits?" Francis asks with a gleam in his eye. "Any connection to the Jasperleaves?"
"Tell me. Why is the Jasperleaf Cartel killing off these three? Surely, you must have some insight." Francis says, a bit relieved that the assassin will be so forthcoming.
The mercenary shrugs. "I think they were all part of Zarski's spy ring. She must have had some reason to take them out. Maybe somebody was getting to close to her. You want in to the Jasperleaf Cartel? I was supposed to return there for the rest of my payment. Asking for 'two pounds of powdered thileu bark' at the apothecary is a code phrase to quickly obtain admittance into a secluded meeting room."
"Additionally, what can you tell me of Free Captain Harrigan and his habits?" Francis asks with a gleam in his eye. "Any connection to the Jasperleaves?"
Giles merely shrugs again, quite laid-back about his position. "I don't know much about him. Never taken any contract with him. Don't think he's connected to the Cartel in any way. Would you like me to find out more about him?" He asks this last question with a smirk.
"Interesting..." Francis considers as the man gives them the code. The Captain motions to Xerxes to approach. "Tell the men that we are going to meet for the remainder of the payment and that I want the ship on full alert in case something goes wonky."
As soon as the order is issued, Francis turns back to the mercenary. "Why yes, find out everything you can about the man and I'm sure that proper payment can be arranged." Francis says with a smile. "I owe Free Captain Harrigan a dagger in the back or at least a bit of a scorch as thanks for his introduction to the pirating lifestyle."
With that, Francis snaps and Giles is teleported back to his last location, weapons and the lot still in his possession. In his hand, he finds a note with a comms frequency with the words Stay in touch. written below.
---
"Now that your assassin has been dealt with..." Francis starts as he enters the medbay. "Let us turn our attention to you, Mr. Corlan. Tell me why you are wanted for dead by the Jasperleaves."
Corlan shakes his helmeted head. "Truly I don't know. I was a messenger and a spy, just part of the network. I was compensated for doing things here and there, watching someone, dropping off or collecting a note or some money. But I was never given jobs in such a way that I could piece anything together, you see. None of us were, although a few of us were aware of each other. I knew Haddon Pike and Toweena Kellet, we all knew that we were fellow spies. And when I heard that the two of them had already been taken out, I knew my days were numbered. But what could I do? I'm glad the torment is over, really."
"See... I am searching out some information that is of value to me and your answer just now is just a series of pointless words, so I will be more blunt." Francis says, tired of this task already.
"I need the names of any informants or spies that have infiltrated the inner circles of the Free Captains who report directly or indirectly to the Empire." Francis says with a grin, the vision of the helmeted Corlan burning dancing through his head.
Too long since war and death...
After a long meditation during which he reflected on the recent events, the Protoss turns to his captain.
It appears our course of action is clear, Captain. We need to find this Zarski Galembar, and we need to find her quickly. As soon as news of her assassin's demise reaches her ear, she will do everything in her power to disappear. Shall I order to set course for the Jasperleaf Cartel's lair?
A glint in his eyes suggests that the alien is glad to have cleared any confusion in his mind, and to have once again a clear view of what has to be done.
Sh'yl stayed mute for a while, as he reorganized his thoughts, trying to connect the dot and understand what was going on.
As Xerxes communicates with them, it was like a spark connect all his thoughts. All become clearer !
I agree with Xerxes, a plan is set in motion, people, spies, are killed. It certainly not good for the Free Captain. We need to understand who call the shot and who's behind the murder.
For that we need to interrogate Zarski and capture her alive.
I support Xerxes suggestion Captain. We must go the the Jasperleaf Cartel's Lair.
As for our prisoner Captain, I don't think he knows more than what he's already told us. But, with his aid, we could certainly infiltrate the Cartel more easily.
Corlan is silent as the Captain makes his threats. "I've given you what I think you want. The Jasperleaf Cartel, they're up to something. I don't know what, I was never given enough information. But if they're taking out their own, something big is about to happen. I assure you that."
---
The Jasperleaf Apothecary is a large three-story building among several other shops and businesses. Behind the humble storefront lies the faded grandeur of a decaying manor built a century ago. The first and second floors’ exterior walls are clay brick 1-1/2 feet thick, and the third floor walls are timber 6 inches thick.
The strong wooden front doors are closed and seemingly locked but there are certainly people inside. You note that another client comes and knocks on the door, speaking through it to someone inside before the doors are opened and he is admitted.
What do you think ? Do we stay here, observing ? Trying to get the passcode ?
Or do we go in in force ?
Asks Sh'yl
Our best bet is to use the passcode to get in as soon as we can. The longer we wait, the more risk there is of Zarski sensing that something's wrong with the assassinations. Once inside, we dispatch anything that moves, and neutralize Zarski. She needs to answer many questions, after all. suggests the Protoss.
Moving up to the door, you give the passphrase of two pounds of powdered thileu bark and the doors immediately open. Inside, several guards stand at the ready in what used to be an open storefront area. Four of them lead you past this and down a narrow hallway past several doors to a small meeting room without saying a word to you. They close the door once you all enter the room.
Two padded reclining chairs and a well-upholstered divan are set around a low table here. To one side, a cabinet holds crystal glasses and wine bottles. The large mantled fireplace set with a bronze fire screen in the corner and the wooden paneling on the walls add to the room’s cozy atmosphere.
You only wait in the room for several minutes before the door opens to reveal a young beautiful woman; certainly not typical for a supposed drug overlord. Her hair is done up in matching buns on either side of her head and her lovely white gown is spotless although her sash has been outfitted with several small hyposprays and a few other small mechanical devices of unknown nature. "Greetings. I must admit ignorance here; you are neither the man I was hoping to meet nor one of my usual customers. What business do you wish to do today? Have you been referred to me by a satisfied client?"
"That is doubtful. I am Free Captain Francis Ulhutch of the Millenium Yak and these are Free Captains Xerxes, Sh'yl and Karter. We are the ones who have been looking for you but you seem to keep murdering your employees before they could tell us of your location." the captain remarks plainly.
"You can turn this ugly, however I'm positive that the four of us are more than a match for your guards. However, you can just answer our questions and we can be on our way. I leave the choice to you, however you should know that the hard way becomes.... much harder if I get too excited." he says with an evil grin.
I am Sh'yl M'sshakul, Lord of Tidewater Rock, servant of the Force, chaplain of the Millenium Yack, son of Sh'aar and Sh'uu M'sshakul, blood scourge of the Space, Captains of the Starship Blackdeath.
As my Captain says, I suggest you tell us everything you know. I always hope to avoid bloodshed but our ennemies still try to not surrender and find death instead of victory.
We are between gentleman here, so please, accept Free Captain Francis offer my lady.
Xerxes's thoughts soon invade the mind of the drug lord.
There is no hope for you. Tell us what you know and you might see another day. Lie and you die.
"The Millenium Yak?" Zarski asks with a smirk. "Why, yes, I've heard of you, as it so happens. I did not expect a visit from the newest Free Captains."
She straightens up and the smile leaves her face. "But the terms need not be so dire nor direct. What I do with my own network is none of your concern. Certainly none of your business. And if you intend to cause trouble, it isn't the guards you should be worried about." As she utters this last threat she calmly places a hand on the sash holding the hyposprays and mechanical knobs.
"Jolly good! You are about to make sport of this!" Francis remarks. "Seeing as how you have information and I want it, then it is both my concern and my business. Do you really want me to force you to speak?" the Captain states plainly for the woman.
"Let me pose the question first and then you can decide if the answer is worth some pain." Francis posits.
"Tell me of any Empire-backed spies that currently reside in or around the Nebula King and the Pirate Council."
"On my dead body," the woman spits as she reaches for a device on her sash.
Francis audibly sighs as the woman tries to get the drop on the party, but the Free Captain is much to quick for her. He quickly intones a few words as he rends the fabric of the plane before drawing power from the Plane of Fire.
"Guess it is the hard way!" he yells as the energy pooling in his hands rockets towards Zarski.
Francis singes the drug lord (drug lady? drug dame? drug mistress?) but she only laughs and responds in kind by pulling out two small mechanical devices, activating them with a push of her thumb, and tossing them down at Francis' feet!
Xerxes deftly avoids most of the blasts, and closes the distance between the drug lass and him, then strikes.
"You can turn this ugly, however I'm positive that the four of us are more than a match for your guards. However, you can just answer our questions and we can be on our way. I leave the choice to you, however you should know that the hard way becomes.... much harder if I get too excited." he says with an evil grin.
::thug life::
takes 5dam
takes 5dam
After avoiding the blast, Karter presses a button on his lapel, activating a passive speaker system, then leaps into solid gold action. Queues the backtrack to 0:54, ”Been saving this one for you Sh'yl!!! Hit it!”
Sh'yl manages to dodge most of the fire. He moves toward the drug lord/lady while drawing his sabers.
May the Force be with me !
Then he strikes
The first bomb just singes Francis as the second actually lights his clothes on fire, but the madman, wreathed in flames, pulls from the fires and sends another gout of flame at the woman as he begins babbling in the speech of the Dark Tapestry.
As the fires burn, Francis' skin begins to crisp.
Xerxes dashes up and strikes at Zarskia but she only sidesteps his thrust and then deflects Sh'yl's stab as well! Karter urges his allies on as Francis, now burning on the spot, sends the flames back upon the drug overlord! Zarski steps away from Xerxes and Sh'yl and uses another small device to turn invisible, although in this small meeting room there aren't too many places she could be hiding.
Xerxes closes his eyes, trying to feel around him for where the poisoner might have gone.
Following Xerxes exemple, Sh'yl began to slash each square where she can be.
Xerxes stabs blindly in front of him and although he hits nothing at first eventually he feels his psyblade pushed out of the way in a parry of his last strike. He then motions to Sh'yl where she is standing and the kasatha works his lightsaber over the area!
Karter continues the battle score, and draws out the Zul. If he can just slightly scratch the woman the battle should quickly end. He takes a wild stab at the corner.
Francis draws a bendable text impression from his jacket and ignites the tip of his finger with fire, ready to place the glowing digit upon the flexfilm.
"I guess you aren't that weak after all, however I think my men will have you easily handled before you can do much of anything." Francis says with a grin.
He presses his finger down, hoping this will work.
The flexfilm evaporates and a shimmering wall erupts putting Francis on one side (along with the door) and Xerxes, Sh'yl and Karter on the other with the enemy.
Karter slips and misses as Francis separates himself from the fight. An invisible laugh comes from near the three combatants, who seem to have Zarski trapped against the wall. You aren't sure what she is doing but it sounds devious....
Francis falls over as the Wall of Force is placed into position as the man collapses to the ground, burning from the flames consuming his body.
Xerxes strikes again and again, relentlessly, trusting his predator instinct over his useless sight.
”Capt...?” Karter looks back to see a dirt nap in progress. If there was ever a time for luck, now is the moment. Swinging as if he can actually see the target...
Francis continues burning on the ground as Xerxes and Karter stab at the air to no effect.
Force be damned ! What our Captain thinking ?! I would have been able to save him, now it's impossible...
Thinks Sh'yl seeing the captain traping himself in a force prison while burning to death.
But, Death is only a passage and Sh'yl hoped that It could be able to get back their captain to life some day. Now was the time of ... not vengeance, but justice.
He strikes in each square in front of the wall hoping to hit the druglady until he hits something and finish her off.
He uses the force to accelerate his quickness and strikes five time !
Sh'yl flails his lightsaber about and on one swing hears a distinct grunt and curse from Zarskia's invisible mouth. "Try this, four-arms!" Something invisible stabs at Sh'yl!
Death and glory! For Aiur! For Captain Ulhutch! For the Milleium Yak! The Protoss's thoughts echoes throughout the minds of all those around him as a torrent of psyblade lashes strike madly and blindly at the invisible opponent.