Kiddrik drops the droid carelessly on the floor. Without thinking, he quips, "how they hangin', Doc?"
"Low and to the left son, but don't expect to see them anytime soon. They've been known to frighten the weak of heart. Now, can we hear the damned mission already?"
HK remains silent for a moment as the data chips awaken programs throughout his data core, his photoreceptors dimming slightly as power is redirected to his processor.
Vash'elie isn't sure wether she wants to be found or not so when she feels a powerfull precance searching the force she tries to stay hidden.
"I'm working on the archives now people, give me a few minutes. Here! Look at the schematics while I'm buisy, find th best way out."
Looking at HK she says; "I've replaced your image in the camera archives with another protocol droid. Keep your head down and you should get out of here without drawing attention to us and therefor endangering our mission."
"Look folks, we've squandered our luck. No sense pushing it further. Can we leave and regroup someplace where we aren't at risk of being caught?" offers Gol.
HK remains silent for a moment as the data chips awaken programs throughout his data core, his photoreceptors dimming slightly as power is redirected to his processor.
Okay, you've gathered up the cipher chips A to F and placed them into HK.
Again, you get a momentary bit of 'static' followed by the blinking that you have had new data updated in your system.
Mission Balmerion's Fire variant Zeta Four
Stage One
Objective: Obtain deniable transportation mode for mission.
Area of Operation: Various hangouts of suspected Pod Hopper gangs. Intel may need to be updated on site due to rapid change in these groups locations. General known and suspected locations are listed in Appendix A.
Resources: Black Valkyrie personnel along with their cached supplies and any other resources from their cover identities.
Support: No exterior support is available for this mission.
Mission Plan:
Part A: Black Valkyrie is to locate a Pod Hopper gang with suitable Pod Hoppers to cover their transportation needs and approximately 500 kg of cargo.
Part B: Black Valkyrie will obtain the Pod Hoppers by means they determine prudent. Mission Security is to be maintained at this point. It may be prudent to have a place to stash bodies where they won't be discovered for 24 hours.
Part C: Black Valkyrie with their supplies will use the Pod Hoppers to move to co-ordinates You will await at the co-ordinates for your mission update.
Rules of Engagement: Mission Security is primary concern to mission success. Lethal Force is not authorized at this stage of the mission as it is felt to have a detrimental effect on Mission Security. Non-Lethal Force is authorized. Doc Vallorin has the skills to keep any Pod Hoppers captured in an unconscious state for at least 24 hours.
Kidd shrugs at the laughter, "whatever works, right?'
As Kiddrik leaves the scene, he decides to stretch some more of those old muscles.
"Recitation:" HK begins, the red glow returning to his photoreceptors, "Mission Balmerion's Fire variant Zeta Four - Stage One.
Objective: Obtain deniable transportation mode for mission.
Area of Operation: Various hangouts of suspected Pod Hopper gangs. Intel may need to be updated on site due to rapid change in these groups locations. General known and suspected locations are listed in Appendix A.
Resources: Black Valkyrie personnel along with their cached supplies and any other resources from their cover identities.
Support: No exterior support is available for this mission.
Mission Plan:
A, locate a Pod Hopper gang with suitable Pod Hoppers to cover their transportation needs and approximately 500 kg of cargo.
B, obtain the Pod Hoppers by means they determine prudent. Mission Security is to be maintained at this point. It may be prudent to have a place to stash bodies where they won't be discovered for 24 hours.
C, use the Pod Hoppers to move to co-ordinates System Co-ordinates provided which you recognize as being outside of the Space Station You will await at the co-ordinates for your mission update.
Rules of Engagement: Mission Security is primary concern to mission success. Lethal Force is not authorized at this stage of the mission as it is felt to have a detrimental effect on Mission Security. Non-Lethal Force is authorized. Doc Vallorin has the skills to keep any Pod Hoppers captured in an unconscious state for at least 24 hours.
End Recitation."
HK pauses for a moment before adding his own comments.
"Addendum:" he adds in a disheartened tone. "How disappointing, I was most eager to participate in some unadulterated violence. Ah well I am sure the time will come, it is already most satisfying to have my assassinate protocols reactivated.
Inquiry: Shall we initiate part A? I am sure a local Pod Hopper gang will be easily found."
Inquiry: Shall we initiate part A? I am sure a local Pod Hopper gang will be easily found."[/b]
"How about we focus on the task at hand, which is to leave this place without you or anyone else on this team getting caught. From there we can make plans for our next mission." offers Gol curtly.
"Review: I was under the impression that Ms Vash's skills had successfully dealt with the security systems, leaving the aquarium should prove a simple task."
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Kidd nods at both Kol and Vash'elie, recognizing their force essence from earlier. Then turns to Gol, "I agree with the Duros." He turns to him apologetically, "Not tryin' to be rude; we can make introductions later. I say we split into groups of two. Who all besides me have comlinks? Once we make it out, where you want to meet up? I'd vote for somewhere public and loud... until we have a secondary plan, anyway."
To the droid, "There's a whole crap-load that can happen between 'should' and 'will'. I vote for playing it safe til we have a better handle on our surroundings."
"I'm almost done here." Vash'elie says still typing furiously. "There! she exclaims, "That should do it, as per mission security we were never here." she smiles as she turns back to the group.
"I'm Vash'elie." she greets Kiddrik, "and I don't like spliting up if we don't have to. We have the scematics for the place and the administrative codes for everything we can dream of for this place. I suggest we exit through a staff exit somwhere, redirect the cameras and issue orders so our path is clear. What do you think Kol? You have a better grasp on strategie than I have."
"Answer: This unit possesses a hand held comlink, as well as one installed internally. Groups of two will be less conspicuous, that is a sound plan. Inquiry: I am aware that many force monkeys are able to alter the minds of other organics, perhaps I should travel with somebody possessing this ability? We could subsequently rendezvous in the spaceport's main square?"
"Compliment:" HK adds after a moment's thought. "Excellent work Vash, your skills are impressive for an organic."
Kidd nods at both Kol and Vash'elie, recognizing their force essence from earlier. Then turns to Gol, "I agree with the Duros." He turns to him apologetically, "Not tryin' to be rude; we can make introductions later. I say we split into groups of two. Who all besides me have comlinks? Once we make it out, where you want to meet up? I'd vote for somewhere public and loud... until we have a secondary plan, anyway."
To the droid, "There's a whole crap-load that can happen between 'should' and 'will'. I vote for playing it safe til we have a better handle on our surroundings."
"Intros later is fine. The less we know, the less we can divulge if caught. I have a com-link - let's synch up frequencies and meet at the spot the clanker suggested." offers Gol.
"Intros later is fine. The less we know, the less we can divulge if caught. I have a com-link - let's synch up frequencies and meet at the spot the clanker suggested." offers Gol.
"I'll head out with the Duros, here. Security already knows us and shouldn't give us any issues. Let's meet in one of the unused cargo bays on level 4. I think 4-B7 is free."
"Intros later is fine. The less we know, the less we can divulge if caught. I have a com-link - let's synch up frequencies and meet at the spot the clanker suggested." offers Gol.
Kidd busies himself syncing his comm with everyone else's. "Force monkey... I like that. But no, I'm not sure I can do that. Maybe one of these two," indicating Kol or Vash " can, though."
You search your feelings but in the next ten minutes you can determine that neither option is any different.
"Confusion: My records do not show any mention of Force potential in Kol." HK answers, as he syncs up with the others. "Inquiry: Vash, are you capable of this."
"Statement: Yes, the medical charade was most effective." HK agrees, nodding agreement to Doc's idea
"I'll head out with the Duros, here. Security already knows us and shouldn't give us any issues. Let's meet in one of the unused cargo bays on level 4. I think 4-B7 is free."
"Intros later is fine. The less we know, the less we can divulge if caught. I have a com-link - let's synch up frequencies and meet at the spot the clanker suggested." offers Gol.
Either the Spaceport Main square or the cargo bay are acceptable choices.
At the end of the work week, there will be more people in the Main Square since there are many restaurants, stores, and clubs located there and the surrounding structures. It is also closer since the Aquarium is not far from that point and is an easy walk.
The cargo bay would have less people but would be farther to travel from where you currently are. There would be no refreshments or stores if you want to make a last minute purchase. I'd suggest some sort of repulsor lift vehicle (which likely most of you have in your cover identity to get to the cargo area).
"I don't care between the cargo bay and the square... long as we head out pretty quickly. I guess the cargo by would allow us more privacy for conversation." He looks over at Kol, "I guess I could have been confused."
He speaks the word "secret?" into Kol's mind.
Gol looks to the Doc and just nods. Once the com-links are set, he will start to venture off with the doctor to the rendezvous point.
"I like privacy. I'll jet on over to the cargo area with Doc here. Meet up asap folks." offers Gol as he moves out.
As they get out into the parking lot, Gol just waits by his speeder bike until he knows everyone got out of the aquarium okay before flying off.
"Answer: Affirmative." HK replies, nodding to Vash and suggesting she lead the way. "Instruction: You're a tech, you're taking me for maintenance."
Sighing Vash heads off with HK. "Fine! Just keep your vox-box powered down. Learn discression." Heading through the staff area for the parking lot, taking her airspeeder to the cargo area.
Okay, with the security system under Vash's control there is no trouble leaving the building and avoiding SoroSub Security entanglements.
Just describe briefly how you got to the cargo area and I'll assume that you made it safely. You can continue your conversation there.
If you want to stop for anything on the way to the cargo area then just note the cost in credits (provided it is a regularly obtainable item or service).
Synchs comlinks.
"Right, cargo bay it is then."
He speaks the word "secret?" into Kol's mind. (UtF 23)
Kol stops and looks around. He swore he heard someone whisper...
Shaking his head he moves out to the parking area and takes his speederbike towards the rendesvou point.
Gol looks to the Doc and just nods. Once the com-links are set, he will start to venture off with the doctor to the rendezvous point.
"I like privacy. I'll jet on over to the cargo area with Doc here. Meet up asap folks." offers Gol as he moves out.
As they get out into the parking lot, Gol just waits by his speeder bike until he knows everyone got out of the aquarium okay before flying off.
Doc accompanies the Duros to the lot, pointing toward a nondescript speeder, "This one's mine. See you soon. Drive safe." Doc will then drive at a sedate speed back to the medical facility. He'll check in, see his messages, then tell the staff that he's off for house call. He'll take his speeder and fly over to near the cargo bays, leaving his speeder parked legally. He'll take his medical kit and if anyone asks, he'll gruffly answer, "Routine medical exams. Damnable insurance rules." He'll keep his pace steady and head to the cargo bay.
"I am an assassin droid, I am fully capable of deception and discretion - I simply prefer manipulation, threats, and mass slaughter when possible. It makes a happy buzz in my circuits." HK replies in an eery tone as they slip out of the building.
Doc accompanies the Duros to the lot, pointing toward a nondescript speeder, "This one's mine. See you soon. Drive safe." Doc will then drive at a sedate speed back to the medical facility. He'll check in, see his messages, then tell the staff that he's off for house call. He'll take his speeder and fly over to near the cargo bays, leaving his speeder parked legally. He'll take his medical kit and if anyone asks, he'll gruffly answer, "Routine medical exams. Damnable insurance rules." He'll keep his pace steady and head to the cargo bay.Gol looks to the Doc and just nods. Once the com-links are set, he will start to venture off with the doctor to the rendezvous point.
"I like privacy. I'll jet on over to the cargo area with Doc here. Meet up asap folks." offers Gol as he moves out.
As they get out into the parking lot, Gol just waits by his speeder bike until he knows everyone got out of the aquarium okay before flying off.
Gol follows Doc, even if he doesn't want it. He'll tail and shadow him if necessary. Gol won't split up and be alone after all that has just happened. The idea of information and memories stored in his head that he didn't necessarily put there made him quesy at first and angrier as time passes on.
As Doc exits the medical facility he will find Gol waiting. "I got lost and ended up here." Gol says with a grin. "Shall we go over together then?" offers Gol as he revs his speeder bike.
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Kiddrik arrives five full minutes behind Kol, his beat-up old speeder bike shuddering to an unstable stop.
Eyeballing both rides, Kiddrik steps up to Kol shaking his head, "You sure can make that machine move… where'd you learn to fly?"
When everyone arrives, he'll lean up against some empty crates, waiting for someone else will take the lead.
"You sure can make that machine move… where'd you learn to fly?"
"I was a swoop racer as a kid, then a fighter pilot... I think. Now I ain't so sure. It's bugging the hell out of me too."
He looks at Kiddrik, eyebrow raised. "How about yourself? What's your story?"|
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"Oh, ya know, same story, really... but replace 'swoop racer' with 'orphan' and 'Fighter pilot' with 'warehouse monkey'. Come to think of it, that's not really the same story at all, is it?" he says with a self-deprecating wink and smile. "Though you're right; as of a couple hours ago, there are more than a few things that don't quite add up anymore." To bring home the point, he causes one of his riding gloves to float a few inches above his hand and do a little impromptu dance in mid-air. I gotta admit this seems more fun than the alternative. Sorry for the misunderstanding earlier, by the way. I'm still wrapping my head around all this. Guess I got a little confused."
He casts an eye over the group of arriving semi-strangers, "So who do you think is leading this shin-dig, anyway?"
Once everyone is gathered again, HK addresses the group once more.
"Statement: If we are all here then I shall go over our instructions again. The first part of the mission requires us to locate a Pod Hopper gang with suitable Pod Hoppers to cover the transportation of the six of us and approximately 500 kg of cargo. Inquiry: Does anybody know of such a group in the local area?"
Once everyone is gathered again, HK addresses the group once more.
"Statement: If we are all here then I shall go over our instructions again. The first part of the mission requires us to locate a Pod Hopper gang with suitable Pod Hoppers to cover the transportation of the six of us and approximately 500 kg of cargo. Inquiry: Does anybody know of such a group in the local area?"
Appendix A of the Stage A Mission information has the best guess of intel at the time on Pod Hopper gangs. It lists areas where SoroSub Security has made arrests or had incident reports.
Vash can also do a Use Computer check with her wrist comp for daily 'Alarm Box' reports in the Station Media filings for common words, phrases, and patterns. That would further refine things.
Gol, through his security cover, could get more recent activity report information. Gol could make a Knowledge: Tactics check since knowing the patterns and names of 'trouble makers' is a major part of security. He likely gets a daily briefing that includes people that are offenders in his area and major offenders on the station.
Doc, through his medical cover, likely gets a weekly report of types of people and types of injuries coming into the station medical units. People are given a level of privacy in the report of not having names mentioned but he could use, Treat Injury to know the location of people commonly coming in with the types of injuries common with Pod Hopper gangs. He could also make some guesses on who is currently 'winning' and who is getting 'drummed' regularly.
Kol, through his space yard cover, likely gets a weekly and daily report of local space hazards. Pod Hopper gangs, due to their activity of 'hitching rides' on ships going out to hyper or coming in from hyper are listed as hazards. The intel is less detailed then others but it does list general areas the Pod Hoppers gather off the Space Station which includes area that the Pod Hoppers loiter looking for ships and small 'club houses' composed of various space junk and left over wreckage from various accidents and battles that have occurred around Sullustan creating debris fields.
Kiddrik, might have heard a thing or two but likely everything he knows the others in this case know more. Kiddrik can mover around in the areas where Pod Hoppers are to be found and likely not get questioned or spotted as easily as standing out.
Perception skill and Use Force (search feelings) will work when people are in an area close to where Pod Hoppers are gathered.
Info you would all know.
Pod hoppers
Pod hoppers started as vehicles used by workers to travel from ship to ship or the station out to the ship. They were slow, open units that were fairly cheap but did allow workers to live for a while in space as they extended the life of environmental suits. They are also called Remora because of the magnetic couple that is used to latch on to ships.
Later, faster Pod hoppers were made to do parts delivery and mail runs to various ships that were parked near the space station.
It was then that youth started to get involved and started to modify the delivery hoppers to make faster versions.
SoroSub quickly realized there was a potential market and began to make a series of Remora that were based on their Swoop design specifications of Speed and Excitement. Teens flocked to the market and can often be seen zipping around the space stations and ships of Sullustan. Many Teens like to use the magnetic couple for a ride out to the hyper limit. It is a bit of a game of chicken as the Teens like to see how long they'll stay on before letting go.
This has caused some problems as there have been some injuries and deaths from youth failing to let go before a ship has entered hyper. Sullustan has had to issue a warning for Captains to check that they don't have Remora attached to them before activating their hyperdrive units.
The Star Eel is one of the most popular and faster models. It's price is not beyond most teens to afford which makes it popular. It is often modified with a larger engine for even more speed then the original SoroSub factory rating. Another popular model is the Star Badger which is a wider, two seater model. The popularity of the Star Badger led to the King Badger model which has room for either three or two with a small bit of cargo in a sort of sidecar arrangement.
The fast and maneuverable Remora has attracted attention of various criminal gangs and smugglers. Police often use starfighters to try and control or interdict the Remora but the smaller Remora often swoop around and dock to various crevices making them hard to reach with the Police starfighters. Police are stuck as many of the Remora are piloted by Sullustan Teens and it would look bad if they shot a teen dead that was later reported to just have been out on a lark run.
Use Computer
"Well, I can drive. But I've had no training in piloting." says the blind girl with a smirk as she taps away at her brace computer looking at news reels 'Alarm Box'.
"How many pilots we got in this crew? I mean, other than our boy Kol here, who I can vouch for as a demon behind the stick."
Gol raises his hand as Kiddrik asks about Pilots. "I've been flying longer than you been sucking air boy." he offers with a wink and a grin, obviously proud of his flying abilities.
Treat Injury:
"I can fly. I'm not so durn good at it, but pilotin' was one of the basic skill classes for medical school. Never know when there won't be a pilot nearby when you've got to get a wounded man to a hospital..."
"Answer: None, meatbag," HK replies, obviously enjoying the banter, "and it would be wise not to assume so, but a King Badger should suffice for our cargo needs. I do not possess any pilot programming myself, however I am capable to filling the role if there is no other option. Observation: With three dedicated pilots among us we could fly in pairs, a Pod Hopper is perfectly adequate for two."
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"Good. So we need a King and two Star Badgers. If you guys will give me some potential places to check out, I can go scout them on foot." He grins, "Once we have our chosen rides, it's just a matter of separating them from their owners. Today just gets more and more fun."
A thought occurs to him, "Is there anything we lack still in terms of gear? Someone can make a store run while I check out the Hopper Gang locations."
"Statement: I believe I possess all I require, I am also equipped with a full scanning package and a translator unit if we need to perform any more covert surveillance. As an apparent protocol droid I can go many places unnoticed."
"I have everything I need."
"I'm all for gettin' some info while apart but we should meet up and work together to get what we need. I don' mind workin' alone or in pairs but there is strength in numbers. What happens if'n we get another message and we're apart? We need to be able to act quickly. Anyone disagree?" offers Gol, trying to explain his plan.
"How long's everyone need to find out stuff?"asks Gol to the party.