Fiction Gallery

My Friday Night

Ok so there I was. Just got out of the shower when all of a sudden, I hear a knocking and shouting at my door. I thought it was weird. Especially at this time of night as it was well after dinner mind you. So I throw on my robe and look out the small viewport. There's this guy, dressed in noble clothes dancing around like he’s been holding in a piss for days. I open the door and he practically runs me over to get inside.

“Master Jedi, I’m Brentisha Necktowallawalla, Chief Envoy for the Vatali Medical Service Corps. I’ve been sent here to bring you to the Haven Class Station to meet with our head Medical Officers to discuss what we’re planning to do about the Kiast outbreak of the Nox Virus. Please come quick. We don't have much time!”

I’m like, “ok, wait what station?”

“You know, the one above Kiast. We don’t have a name for it because we’re leaving it up to a people vote, but it’s up there and I have to get you there.”

Now, I’m getting a bit chilly because I’m still wet and standing there in my robe, so I tell the guy, “I need to get dressed then we will leave immediately.”

Nope, not good enough for that guy. He grabs by arm and pulls me out of the house to a shuttle he parked unnecessarily far away. Theatrics must be this guy’s thing.

So we get to the station and he’s shaking. Not like a little turbulence shaking, but full on, full body spasms. Liz would have loved to watch the guy, but probably would have killed him for walking in on her getting out of the shower. Anyway, we dock and are practically running through the corridors to this meeting I HAD to be a part of.

Finally we got to this meeting hall and he burst through the door. Pretty much like he did back at the house but immediately gets down on one knee and bows. There are more, what I had assumed were nobles standing around in both fancy robes and medical attire. Now picture this. Me in a robe standing in front of a bunch of Vatali nobles with the vibrating idiot on my left. Crazy right?

One of them finally says something, “Glad you could join us, Master Jedi. I’m Doctor Summeroff with the Vatali Medical Service Corps.”

Right? Like “thanks bud, glad to be here” is what I wanted to say but instead I went with the more diplomatic, “I hear there is civil unrest as a result of the Nox Virus. What can Odan-Urr do to help?”

I walked over to the table at the center of the room, but not before giving a “friendly nudge” to the idiot still bowing on the floor. I’m not even joking. He was still there. Made this really weird noise too when he lost balance. Ah, should have been there.

So I’m looking at this map of Foothold. They start showing me where the insurrectionists are and relate that to important government building and such. Good to know because I hadn’t been on Foothold in quite some time. But anyway, it’s a fairly serious problem so naturally I start making my calls. SeNet was the first one, as I know the Sentinels have the city pretty much fully scooped out. What info they had was helpful. The people are scared and need a cure is the word on the street and I sympathize. I do. It can be a scary thing. Especially if your government is still trying to put itself together after two very recent conflicts. But eh, that's why we’re here.

After about, maybe 20 minutes of wrangling up various assets to aid in bringing control to Foothold, I board a shuttle and make my way down to the surface. What shuttle? One of those T-4as I had to buy without anyone knowing. No, not his. That piece of crap looked worse than your wife in the morning. Hahaha, I’m joking. She’s sweet. When is she making that roast again? It was amazing. Ah, good, I’ll bring the booze.

Back to the story, we land on Foothold and the place is just a wreck. Panels are torn off the sides of the structures. Garbage is everywhere. Stuff is one fire. Just a mess. So as more landing parties arrive, I start giving them orders to fan out. Looking first for any injured. None found. Then we come to this barricaded part of the city.

Right, they used the panels to build a wall. I’m at the entrance, still in my robe, and I call for their leader.

Now, you’re going to think I’m making this up but if you’ve been listening, what actually happened is weirder than anything I could ever possibly fabricate. So this skinny, pale human with blue hair, tattoos and piercings walks out.

“Are you the leader of this little group?”

“Yes. We have declared this our territory and by you being here, you’re showing aggression towards us. I demand that you leave.”

Yeah, I know. It gets better.

So I look at this kid, who by the way couldn’t be any older than 13? Maybe 15 tops? I don’t know.

“Well what you’re doing here. You have to stop. I’m asking you to disband and go about your business. If there are any injured, you can release them to us so we can provide them with care.”

The little pale creature went from a soft pink to a bright red and began to speak louder. “You have no authority here. We declare this our safe space. You can leave.”

“Nah, not going to happen. Look, I understand the times are tough and you are all scared. I get it. I’m scared to,” don’t laugh, I was being diplomatic, “But we need to return this city back to normal.”

Then the little shit got really angry and started stomping up and down. “No! You have no authority here. This is our space and you need to leave!”

At this point, I’ve had it. I was ripped out of my house, brought to a meeting with nobles, still in my robe and now being screamed at by a tiny human inches away from my face while there is a massive virus going around. No, I wasn’t having a good day. You think I handled it well? I guess. Oh that didn’t last long after getting hit with a bottle. Yeah, some idiot threw a bottle at me. Hit me right in the chest. Nah, didn’t hurt too bad. I looked down at where it hit, then looked at the bottle on the ground. My eyes must have been burning red because when I looked at the little red human, oh man. Frozen with fear. So I grabbed the kid by the collar and looked that little shit in the eyes.

“If you don’t cut this shit out, I’m going to end this very quickly. So who do you want to end your little party. You or me?”

Hell yeah I said that. No, I made sure nobody heard it. Can’t have Jedi threatening children you know. It’s not a good look. Hahaha.

Well that worked because a second later a little puddle gathered on the ground under the kid. Why would I lie about that? I did, literally that. So I put the, now trembling and sniffling human back down and motioned to open up the “main gate.”

Things went back to normal shortly after. We didn’t charge the kid with anything. A few ruffians who resisted Sanitation were arrested but for the most part everyone was just relaxed. Oddly enough.

Yeah we have vaccines out now. It’s about time right? So that was my Friday night. You guys up for a game of craps at the casino?

Revak Kur
Pin 12565

Manually added by Warden Aurora "Aura" Ta'var

Full Frontal Assault.

Headquarters of the 1st Armoured Regiment Twenty Miles South of the Temple of Fire Sepros

The temporary headquarters was an impressive building, well equipped and able to be dropped, assembled, and if necessary dissembled with an efficiency that was practised time and time again on drops on multiple worlds and in multiple environments. This time it was the Orian Warhosts home and capital planet, not some foreign system light years away. This was no drill however. What satellite imagery they had that the assaulting forces over the planet had no destroyed indicated that the enemy had landed and was advancing through the dense jungle at the best possible speed. With the other regiments holding the other side of the planet or other locations in the system the 1st Armoured was all that stood between them and the heart of the clan. In his quarters Colonel Sarto 'Eloth' Kousir stood over the display watching the lights flicker on and off as the estimated pace of the enemy made its way inevitably closer. Based on the assessment of the opposing force, his four battalions would have a hard job holding them for the required time until the alleged reinforcements from Taldryan would arrive, if there was any truth in that.

He turned as the door slid open and his adjutant entered and snapped a salute. Colonel sir, you have a visitor.” “Who?” Eloth demanded. “A colonel from intelligence sir.” The Chiss face darkened. What did intel want now? So far they had not exactly covered themselves with glory, this invasion having slipped right past them. “Show him in Lieutenant.” He was surprised when a plain looking young man appeared, not dressed as an officer but wearing a suit of plain black arc trooper armour and carrying his helmet under one arm. He also had a grenade launcher strapped to his back and a sword hanging from his belt. “Who are you?” The man gave a quick salute. “I am Colonel Senth, of Warhost Intelligence.” Eloth studied him. “I have heard of you. The clone. You were the one doing those propaganda broadcasts last year during that business at Arx.” The clone officer did not react to the slight slur. “Indeed.” “So what are you doing in my headquarters Colonel. Can I assume you have good news for us on our reinforcements.” “Not so far,” Senth replied, “though we are assured they are en route. In the time being I have come to make a formal request for assistance.” The Chiss colonel wrinkled his brow. He had an invading army hours away and they had a request? “What request exactly?” “You have a special missions company attached to your 3rd Battalion Colonel. I am here to requisition it.” “For what purpose?” “That is classified Colonel.” the clone replied. “Then the answer is no, Colonel.” Eloth replied. “You are no doubt aware of my situation. I am not releasing one single trooper without a good reason.” Senth met his gaze. “I have the authority to request assistance from any serving officer Colonel.” Eloth shrugged. “The important phrase in that sentence is 'request'. If you have a problem you can take it up with General Cargas. I will answer later assuming we survive the next few days.” The clone studied him. “Very well. Is this room secure.” “As secure as anywhere,” the Chiss replied. “Very well.”

Senth stood next Eloth by the display map. He pointed to their current position, and then his finger trailed down. “According to our latest intelligence there are four regiments of enemy forces approaching from this direction, three infantry and one armoured. Their estimated arrival is in five hours at their current pace, and they have ample air support. Our current assessment is your regiment can hold them for a maximum of eight hours without your own air support.” Colonel Eloth nodded somberly. “That is my assessment as well.” “We have calculated their route, as no doubt have you,” the clone continued, “their is no practicable landing site near here, so they will have to traverse along this path, and pass through this ravine ten miles to the south at this point.” “So what is your plan?” the Chiss asked. “With your company I can plant explosives along the ravine shelf, and bring it down. If we time it right we may be able to do it when they are passing through, or at least block them entering it. We estimate if we can bring enough of the shelf down it will block it sufficiently to delay them for some considerable time, possibly enough for reinforcements to support your position.”

Colonel Eloth studied the map thoughtfully. “It is a serious risk Colonel,” he replied, “it is possible their scouts are already in the area. If they are then you could be leading my company into an ambush.” “I am aware of that,” Senth admitted, “but if we do not proceed Idoubt you will be able to hold them anywhere long enough for to be reinforced, and the temple will fall by tomorrow.” Eloth looked back at the map, then at the clone officer again. “Who are you exactly Colonel? I have heard stories about the clone in intel, especially after that assault on Inos 13. You apparently have no official command status, and your rank exists only on the rosters. I am not trusting you with my girls and boys until I know more about you.” Senth nodded. “Very well. My official designation is Delta 19, and I was one thirty two advanced commandos created and trained by Admiral Simonetti under the Dlarit Special Operations Group. I was given a rank in the Warhost following its creation but informally I serve the Overlord in whatever capacity he sees fit.” The Chiss raised an eyebrow. “A DAC? I thought you boys were all dead or insane.” “As far as I know I am the last, yes.” “Very well,” Eloth replied, “I was D:SOG. Before that I fought on Antei as a lieutenant in Nineteen, ironically against the same people we're hoping are coming to support us now.” Senth shrugged. “I do not understand politics but we are assured they are on our side this time.” “We can hope,” Eloth replied. “I will order Captain Enis to prepare her company and meet you in the compound in ten minutes. Good luck Colonel.”

The transports moved quickly over the forest, with bikes escorting them either side and in the front. Senth sat in the lead one with Captain Enis. She had turned out to be a grizzed veteran, though brought into the Warhost as a mercenary rather than having come from the former Dlarit military like himself and Eloth. She seemed content to trust the intelligence officer though and appeared to prefer action instead of waiting around. Senth was looking at his datapad, the map indicating their present position and the target location. The captain was talking to the transport's pilot on her communicator. Then she raised her head. “ETA ten minutes Colonel.” He nodded. “We will need to split into two groups,” he replied, “and take either side of the ravine.” “We have the target locations sir,” she replied calmly, “our engineers know what they're doing.” They waited until the transport came to a stop, landing smoothly on the ravine floor and the hatches at the side lowered down, as the company disembarked and quickly formed up, while scouts made their way quickly to survey the surrounding area on their bikes. As Senth jumped down to join her, Captain Enis began to quickly give orders. “1st Platoon will secure this location. Second Platoon take the east side of the ravine, 3rd platoon the west. We do not know the current location of the enemy so keep them peeled and be careful.”

As the 1st Platoon moved out around the transports and made a defensive position, Senth followed the 2nd up the ravine wall as they expertly climbed up the steep surface, planting pins in the rock securing the ropes making it easier for those following. Senth was pleased with their effficency and progress, though to the clone commando this was easy going. He was content to follow though as the lieutenant and sergeant lead them to the top. The six demolitions specialists with them made slightly slower progress but they too were fit and trained and did well. Quicker than he expected the platoon reached the top. Senth could make out 3rd Platoon had done likewise and were now moving dispersing swiftly along the opposite shelf. The 2nd Platoons Sergeant, a gruff older NCO was barking orders at his troopers who were moving quickly south in fire teams, each escorting a specialist who remained in the middle. Sharpshooters moved out to pick defensive locations and screen the dense forest for signs of enemy forces.

Senth watched them alongside the lieutenant and the senior NCO as each specialist took drilling lasers from their backpacks and began to work on the rock below them. He felt a bit redundant being here, the troopers clearly knew their business and worked well as a unit. To even be considered for one of the special missions companies the Warhost or the House forces had you had to be the best in your speciality and have a high level of ability in others. They were proud men, women and others who had a healthy respect for each other and also a rivalry to outperform. He turned and looked into the dense jungle. The scouts had reported nothing, and somewhere beyond them the bikers were out screening them. It was entirely possible the enemy's own scouts had not reached this location yet, however it was also possible they had. “Any news sergeant?” the young lieutenant asked. “Aye sir,” the NCO replied, “they're making good progress but the rock is denser than they anticipated. Its taking some cutting.” “They must reach the correct depth,” Senth added, “we don't want to just blow up this area we need to bring the sides down.” “They know that sir,” the sergeant replied calmly. Senth continued to watch, occasionally looking over across the ravine where the 3rd Platoon were also working. He had confidence in the troops he had brought, but this was still a risk. His estimation of the enemy force had not been over estimated. Without a delay they would overrun the 1st Armoured and take the heart of the Clan before the rest of the Warhost and their Taldryan allies could do anything to help. This had to succeed.

The sergeant suddenly put his hand to his helmet, adjusting the frequency, and listened. “Sirs, the scouts have detected enemy in the jungle to the east, moving this way.” The lieutenant looked quickly at the NCO. “How many and how far.” “They can't tell sir with the visibility out there,” the sergeant replied, “they don't want to get too close and alert them. Maybe about a company size and a few minutes away. A second force is moving on the west side.” “They must just be scouts,” Senth replied, “they could not possibly have brought a large force up here in this time.” He heard a voice in your communicator. “This is Captain Enis, have you heard the report?” “We have,” Senth confirmed, “we have to defend this position. If we withdraw this entire thing becomes redundant.” “Good luck then. We will make sure you have safe exit when you need it.” The sergeant glanced at the lieutenant then began to speak to the platoon. “Alright everyone, enemies coming in from the jungle. Assigned troopers continue to shield the engineers, the rest of you take defensive positions.” As the troopers began to move the lieutenant glanced at Senth. “You may want to retire to a safer location sir.” Senth looked at him, and then reached up and then reached back and pulled his Relby V-10 from his back, checking it was loaded and then gripped it. “I will be fine lieutenant, we need every one we have.” He headed for the trees.

Senth crouched on a tree branch high above the jungle floor. He trusted the platoon to perform in the coordinated way they were trained for and had no wish to interfere. He would merely add support where needed. He gripped his weapon and let his gaze drift over the floor below, watching as the blips of moving objects. He could see the 2nd Platoon were taking cover behind whatever they could find, with the sharpshooters further out and some in higher places like the tree he perched on. The specialists would be hard at work laser drilling down to the charge depth he had agreed with them, and some of the toughest troopers crouched round them, ready to defend despite their lack of cover. The clone admired their determination. His gaze drifted to the east where the moving blips of the enemy could be seen, some densely packed but around them more spread out scouts. They were approaching firing range. Did they know the Sadow troops were here, or were they just securing the area before their army moved through? It was impossible to say. Somewhere to the west the other platoon would be facing the same quandary.

He listened patiently to the quiet orders on the scrambled channel from the lieutenant, as he watched the enemy draw closer. They at a louder order the Sadows began to fire into the trees, from behind their cover or from their perch. The enemy forces scattered for their own cover, returning fire, and below the air scorched with the sound of blasters and shouts. Senth waited, looking down at the dense floor through the trees. Then he saw a shot from ahead, a rocket flaming down from the trees to explode amongst the defenders. Senth quickly followed the line and saw an enemy trooper crouched in a tree a fifty metres ahead. The trooper was preparing for another shot and Senth brought his rifle around and targeted smoothly from years of practice, and sent a shot from the launchers blaster. The rocket trooper did not even see the shot coming, and as he fell the rocket scorched upwards to explode amongst the trees. Senth nodded in satisfaction then sought out another target.

From below he heard the sound of an engine and followed the sound. From the trees to the south a Gian speeder left the trees, manoeuvring round to fire on the defenders on the ridge. Senth watched it moving forward, the pilot and gunner controlling the vehicle and weapons in practised efficiency. Behind them an officer sat watching the display. Senth touched a control on his back and his jetpack ignited, carrying him smoothly through the trees. He fumbled for a high explosive round into the grenade launcher and as he soared closer to the speeder he fired a round in it's path. As the explosion burst from the ground in front of it the speeder was knocked up and rolled, the officer jumping clear as it hit the ground upside down. With a nod of satisfaction the clone fired again, hitting the speeders underbelly and the vehicle exploded. Senth landed on another tree branch, and as the officer got to his or her feet Senth sighted his blaster and fired, pitching them to the ground.

The Sadow defenders were making headway now, the attackers numbers winnowing and it did seem they had only been an exploratory force. Then he saw movement to the North, and a small group of enemy troopers emerged, surrounding a figure in a black robe. The apparent force user stood behind a rock as his defenders shot at anyone coming near, as the enemy used seemed to concentrate. Senth had seen this enough in his fellow Sadowans to recognise the meditation, and below the attackers began to move forward with more purpose, timing their shots better at the defenders, including those remaining guards of the specialists. Senth admitted an uncharacteristic curse and fired his jetpack once more. He sped across the open area towards the little enemy group until he was nearly overhead . He fired a grenade which exploded near the group, but its energy was dissipated by a sudden barrier. Senth considered a second shot to test the force user, but changed his mind. Reaching to his belt he produced a sonic grenade, and then tossed it at the force user and their defenders.

As the deafening and disorientating blast rocked the four troopers, Senth landed amongst them, the Sith sword he had borrowed from the Dakhan Quaestor in his hand. This was not his preferred method of confrontation but he could manage when necessary. As the disorientated troopers struggled to recover the sword slashed amongst them, hacking down one, and then two in quick succession. As a third prepared to fire directly at the clone with his rifle, a lucky or helpful shot from nearby hit him in the back. Senth ignored him and as the fourth aimed at him he thrust, knocking the weapon aside and driving the sword into the chest of the trooper, the alchemically sharpened blade passing through the armour and finding the heart. Then Senth felt a surge of pain and disorientation as flashes of lightning hit him, arcing around his armour. By training alone he leapt aside, leaving its path and landing, gripping his saber. He saw the force user looking at him, her face angry beneath her hood as she pointed her left hand at him, the right gripping a red saber.

“You will die!” she shouted, as she unleashed another blast. Senth fired the jetpack and soared above the lightning, landing directly in front of her, thrusting his sword at her. She was quick, bringing her saber around to knock it aside, and then with steely determination in her blue eyes she slashed at him. Senth moved back, angling his body away from her, blocking the strike. She had been startlingly quick, and it was all he could do to block. He continued to back off dodging or parrying her strikes as she advanced on him. Around him her forces continued to fight, but were loosing ground again against the Sadow forces with the meditation gone. Senth was oblivious to this, focusing on the force user. He was incredibly proficient with a sword, he had practised for years and against most non force users he was lethal. He had also sparred against some of the best saberists in the Clan, and could usually hold his own and had learnt each time, sometimes after a very painful lesson. His opponent however had the force and that advantage was testing him, her movements quick and her defences almost seeming to anticipate his attacks before he had even made them. Additionally his armour was slowly him despite years of working in it.

Inevitably one of her strikes hit home, slicing into the left of his armour and searing along his side. He gritted his teeth as he saw a flash of triumph in her blue eyes. With a two handed blow she hacked at him and he desperately parried, and he felt his hand shake as the lightsaber and the Sith sword met. She snarled and brought her saber back for another blow, and he hacked at her. Then he realised his mistake. She twisted her grip saber flicked down scoring along his right arm, cutting into the flesh and his fingers opened in spasm dropping the Sith sword. He dropped, reaching for it with his left and then looked up at her, as she stood over him in triumph. She raised her blade for the fatal blow, and quickly Senth's left hand moved instinctively, not for the Sith sword but for the little cylinder on his belt. Thrusting his arm up he pressed the little button and the almost invisible blade burst forth, and he drove it up and into her chest, putting all his remaining strength into that one strike. She gasped in pain and her face blanched, before she dropped her own raised weapon and collapsed backwards, landing on the forest floor.

Senth slowly pushed himself up with his one good arm and looked around. The few remaining attackers were backing off into the tree cover as the Warhost forces fired at them. Then he heard a voice over his communicator. “This is Captain Enis. All charges are planted. Withdraw to my location in good order.” Senth reached down and retreived his sword from near the force users corpse, and slid it into his belt. Then drawing his blaster pistol in his left hand he backed off towards the edge of the ridge, as Warhost troopers formed around him. As the began to scramble back down, he fired a burst from his backpack and allowed himself to travel down smoothly. As he landed Captain Enis approached him, her eyes passing over his torn side and arm. “Looks like you've been in the wars Colonel. Get in a transport and I'll have a medic look at you.” “Thank you Captain.” A brief smile touched her lips. “Well done with that force user, the sergeant of the 2nd says they are lucky you were along. Now hurry the enemy column is getting nearer. We're bugging out.”

Senth watched from a safe position on a rocky hilltop. His arm and side were bandaged and he was wearing a simple flight suit he had found in the transport, but he had refused to return to the 1st Armoured Regiments's HQ with most of the company, and now waited with Captain Enis and a small group of troopers and specialists. He watched the ravine through borrowed quadnoculars as the first of the column entered it, heavy APCs moved forward, accompanied by AT-STs whose turrets rotated back and forth along the ravines top, and behind them he could make out 2-M hover tanks and more APCs. The column was an impressive sight, four regiments of death moving to knock aside Colonel Eloth's defenders and take and hold the heart of Sepros and Orian. Or so they thought. Senth and the captain watched as the column rumbled across the ravine floor, and above they could make out bikers and troops on the top guarding them where Senth and the 2nd and 3rd Platoons had been earlier. Captain Enis was watching as the column reached the half way mark, and began to climb to the easier terrain beyond. “Now Colonel?” Senth nodded. “Now.” She looked at her specialists. “Light them up.”

The scouts on top of the ravine walls heard it first, as the ground shook beneath them as the line of high explosive charges buried in either side detonated, knocking them from their feet. Then a tremendous tearing noise of rock sounded in the ravine, as cracks began to appear in the sides. The enemy forces in the ravine looked up in horror as small rocks began to roll down towards them, and then larger ones as the walls continued to crack. Above as the scouts ran for safety the ground beneath them split, falling off from the wall and sending them tumbling down with it. The APCs and walkers tried to stop and reverse as larger rocks and then entire pieces of the wall hit them, but the ravine was a bottleneck as pieces of rock larger than the vehicles themselves crashed down into the ravine, causing explosions as the hit and crushed the walkers squashing them down, or hit the APCs driving them to the floor to be buried under immense chunks of the scenery. As the ravine wall continued to collapse section by section, the vehicles closer to the rear of the ravine began to back off quickly for safety, before snarling up with the confused ones behind still moving forward. A few of the unlucky ones were hit by boulders that were thrown further than most of the collapse.

Senth watched in surprise alongside the Captain, who was cheering with her troopers. When he had planned this he had not expected it to be so devastating. The noise was still deafening as more of the ravine walls collapsed, shook down by the vibrations of the earlier devastation. Finally there was a deathly silence, and around him the troopers were silent. The sound of a few smaller rocks falling was the only sound, as an immense dust cloud rose over the ravine. All that could be seen were building sized rocks filling the now wider crevice, and the odd fire of partially buried vehicles. In the distance he could still hear the remainder of the column trying to reverse and turn in the narrow path leading to it. “Well done Colonel,” Captain Enis commented, “it will take them a day to clear that at best. They might get some smaller speeders over it but nothing big. With luck when our reinforcements arrive them might catch them there still.” If they were coming, Senth thought to himself. He would not know what was going on with the rest of the battle for Orian until he got back to the HQ, or even then. Still he had done what they had set out to do. Captain Enis was climbing onto a bike. “Behind me Colonel you're not riding anywhere with that arm. When we get back to HQ I'll stand you a drink.” He turned and nodded. “I do not drink but I appreciate the assistance. Your company performed admirably, no one could of asked for more.” He climbed behind her as the bikes began the journey back to the 1st Armoured Regiment's Headquarters and the rest of the war.

Manually added by Warden Aurora "Aura" Ta'var

Manually added by Warden Aurora "Aura" Ta'var

Manually added by Warden Aurora "Aura" Ta'var

Manually added by Warden Aurora "Aura" Ta'var

Manually added by Warden Aurora "Aura" Ta'var

Manually added by Warden Aurora "Aura" Ta'var

Manually added by Warden Aurora "Aura" Ta'var

Manually added by Warden Aurora "Aura" Ta'var

Enjoying The Festivities

An Unpleasant Settlement Tatooine The Outer Rim

CaptainCerys Dagen sipped her cold drink and listened to the noise around her. After several days cooped up on the Lancer Patrol Craft she served as pilot of it was good to feel the fresh air on her face, even if it came with a dose of sand. The Miraluka watched the glowing figures of citizens and visitors passing her through her force sight. She could hear her companion making disapproving noises from nearby over the sounds of conversation and engines nearby. “He is late,” Malisane commented beneath his hood. “Yes so it seems Warlord,” she replied, not having much else to say. “I will be pleased when we can return to Aeotheran,” he said coldly, “for a planet that apparently features so prominently in Galactic history, it is a cess pit. I thought Tarthos was unpleasant until I came here.” Cerys shrugged. “I did suggest an alternate site but our contact refused.” She was about to add more when she felt a vibration at her side and reached down, taking her datapad from her belt. Her figures touched the screen and she concentrated as she read the message. She sighed. “I am afraid I have bad news sir,” she told him, “our contact has been delayed. He anticipates he will be here tomorrow.” “Unacceptable,” Malisane replied gruffly, “well I am not waiting here. We will return to the Deathshead and wait until he arrives.” She turned to him. “I have bad news on that as well sir.” “What?” he asked. “Due to the championship the spaceport is currently sealed off sir,” she explained, “apparently there was interference with the racing in the past. This is a new rule.” Malisane looked at her. “They can not be serious. How long does it last?” She tapped her datapad a few times, and then her fingers brushed against the screen. “It is due to finish in about five hours sir.” Malisane looked around them in distaste. “So we can either watch five hours of idiots on ludicrously unsafe crafts crashing and burning with inane commentary while the crowd cheer or go “oooooo”, or we can go and find somewhere half decent for a drink until the spaceport opens.” “Second one sir?” “Yes.” He paused. “Move out now and be quick about it.” “Sir?” she asked, slightly offended by his tone. “Not you,” he looked down as a black astromech droid emerged from under a nearby table, its head rotating left and right, and it made a deep disapproving tone. “Lead the way Zero,” Malisane ordered.

As it turned out the second option was not as easy as it sounded. The Championship was a popular event, and it had drawn a large crowd and every sort of stall and game had been brought to make money from them. The assassin droid was pushing its way through the packed crowd, making loud noise every time they got too close. Both Malisane and Cerys kept their possessions close to them as they were jostled occasionally, both aware this was a haven for pickpockets. Malisane watched and Cerys sensed the attractions around them, as a wall of noise and smells hit them of games, food and people. Malisane grew impatient and pushed past the droid, heading for a smallish clearing. Then he heard a voice “Hey you in the hood, come over here.” Malisane's had went down to a concealed pocket in the back of his robes, where his lightsaber was hidden. His gaze turned curiously as he prepared for action. Then he saw a brightly dressed man waving at him. “Yeah you, come and try your luck, only five credits a go.” Malisane saw several people surrounding the man looking at him, and after a seconds hesitation walked over.

The man was stood in front of a small table, on which were three upturned cups. He was beaming at the Warlord. “Sir, for just five credits you get a chance to win fifty shiny ones. All you have to do is watch and then guess which cup the balls is under.” He was holding a small golden ball in one hand. “Very well,” Malisane replied, producing a credit note from a stash he kept for emergencies when he did not want a digital trail. The man put the note on the table in front of him. “Okay sir, her we go. I put this ball under the middle cup, do you see it there sir?” “Obviously,” Malisane replied, and heard a slight chuckle from those surrounding him. “Good sir, you're a natural, now watch closely sir as I cover the ball, and then try and follow it. If your eyes are keen you win the fifty credits.” The man's hands now began to move quickly, moving the three cups around expertly in an apparently random pattern, and Malisane's blue eyes watched them quietly as others leaned in for a closer look. Finally the man stopped and stepped back. “Alright sir, I hope you were watching hard. So tell me, where is the ball?” Malisane looked down for a few seconds, and then his gaze passed up the man's brightly coloured shirt to look him deeply in the eyes. “Your left hand,” he replied in a quiet tone. The man's face did not flicker. “I beg your pardon sir?” “The ball,” Malisane said slowly and slightly louder, “is in your left hand.” There was now a murmuring from the crowd, including previous unlucky players, and it was becoming darker. The man's face remained passive, but now his eyes showed a hint of fear. “I think you are mistaken sir,” he replied, “I'll show you.” His hand moved quickly for the centre cup, and then stopped as Malisane's gaze descended to it. His arm began to shake and the man now showed signs of discomfort, as his arm slowly raised up, and his knuckles turned white as he tried to keep his fist clenched. Finally as sweat broke out on his face his fingers opened to show the ball. As Malisane stepped back, around him the crowd suddenly stepped forward as one towards the man, who now brought his right hand up and grabbed his cash box. As the crowd continued to move he turned and bolted off into the people behind him.

Malisane watched the pursuit with interest. “Better than pod racing.” “That was probably unnecessary sir,” Cerys replied. “I can not stand cheats,” he told her. She thought for a few seconds. “But if his game had been honest you would have been cheating,” she reasoned, “you're a force user.” “I could sense his deception before I agreed to play,” he replied, “had I not I would not have bothered.” “Very well.” she replied. Malisane looked down. “Zero, find us a cantina. Lead the way.” They walked a bit further, until Cerys stopped. “One moment Warlord.” Malisane looked around suspiciously, “What?” “That knife throwing game.” “What about it.” “I wish to take part,” she replied. Malisane shrugged. “As you wish. I will find a table.”

He continued walking until he found a cantina that was not too busy. He walked inside, Zero following him. He looked around. It was obvious why it was half empty. The atmosphere was dark and oppressing, the patrons skulked over their drinks, casting the odd suspicious look at the door whenever anyone entered before looking back down, and the furniture was old and basic with little comfort. Malisane nodded to himself. This would do nicely. As he approached a bar a Toydarian fluttered over, and hovered in front of the Sith. “Welcome custome. I am Hogi, you want table and drink?” “Of course,” Malisane replied, “do you have a problem with the droid?” The Toydarian looked down at the assassin astromech droid, and then back at Malisane. “Of course not, everybody welcome here, so long as the little fellow buys his round. Hahaha!” Ignoring the derisive tone from the droid, Malisane nodded. “Good, then I will have a table and bring me something strong.” “Good!” the owner replied as he flew over to an empty table in one corner, “you come at good time, this is happy hour in Hogi's Bar!” Malisane looked around once more at the dark cantina with its quiet skulking half sozzled customers. “So I see.” “One moment and I bring you best drink you have for years.” Hogi flew off towards the bar and Malisane was seated, being careful to face the door and most of the bar.

After a few moments a man approached the table and leaned over the Sith. “Hey do you want..” “No,” Malisane replied. “You don't know what I was about to ask,” the man protesest “The answer is the same.” “Hey you,” Hogi said as he flew over with a flagon, “I tell you no deathstick selling in my bar, and if you want to use you go outside. You give Hogi's bad name. This is family place.” The death stick dealer and Malisane both looked around the bar again, and shared a quick puzzled glance, and then the man shrugged and walked away to his table.” Malisane looked at the small glass that was put in front of him. He picked it up and took a drink of the liquid. As his throat burned and his eyes watered slightly he recognised the drink. “You have Ewok Liquor here?” “Yeah, is very popular. Label say it is brewed on some remote world by ewoks, from ten types of plants and berries. Of course is nonsense is probably brewed in Coriela factory.” Malisane knew the planet it was brewed on and the Sith-spawned Ewoks that did the brewing, but he shrugged. “Who knows? Bring me another.” “Good sir, if you like I keep them coming.”

After a few minutes Cerys entered, her sightless eyes failing to notice the grim atmosphere but her nose wrinkled slightly as she smelt it. She headed over the the Sith's table. Malisane looked up at her. “I assume you were successful, from the bantha you are carrying.” Cerys put the toy on the table and sat down. “I came second actually, the first prize was a set of crystal glasses. I was close but lost.” “Life is full of disappointments Captain.” “So what is the plan sir? I assume you do not intend to eat here?” “I am not that hungry. I am prepared to wait until we can get back to the ship.” The Toydarian appeared with a second drink. “Hey you meet lady friend, I told you is happy hour at Hogi's. Is good for romance!” Cerys looked up at him coldly. “Just bring me whatever he is having." Malisane's lip twisted in what could be amusement but he said nothing.