Sidara Vercopa
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Post by Sidara Vercopa on Oct 23, 2017 13:56:29 GMT -8
Sid stared at the console in front of her for a long time. She knew she had things to do but she couldn't make herself move. So she just sat there. Her mind raced with what if's about her fiance. Missions before this one never created so much worry in her... but she hadn't quite recovered from losing him for so long. She was scared. What if he didn't come back. She wasn't sure she could take another hit like she did. Losing him once brought her to her knees. Losing him a second time would destroy her.
She wiped the tears from her face.. tears she didn't even realize where there. She looked at her buy'ce on the console and smiled, hearing him yell at her to put it back on. She sat up, took a deep breath and started on her to do list he left her. She couldn't control what happened to him. As much as it would hurt her to lose him she trusted that he would do everything he could to come back to her. Her ring glinted in the overhead light and she smiled and hoped this mission was a short one.
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Corr
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Post by Corr on Nov 10, 2017 10:41:44 GMT -8
The sun had descended fully behind the rolling hills, sinking low over the horizon to leave but a muted orange smear as a reminded of its presence. Already the stars had made their appearance, twinkling into existence about the quiet landscape as they began to form the glorious tapestry of the heavens above. He had visited many worlds in his life and it always took his breath away to stand on different soil and stare up into unfamiliar skies. He hadn't been to Dressel since Eralam had once lurked on the world, some six years previously, and he had not really taken in the scenery on that visit.
It was a pleasant world and he took particular solace in the peace and quiet of the spot he had chosen as a rendezvous, allowing his thoughts their somber reflection. He would have been fifty two today, he mused with just a trace of sadness and regret. The make-up of the man did not allow for morbid retrospection or excessive manifestations of grief. He was much like his author in that regard. Indeed, the man of whom he now remembered would also not have any patience for such grief, a sharp word of a jovial jest quick to banish any such dark contemplation...
A slight smile graced his weather features, the slight twerk of the voluminous beard and a tightening of the lines around the eyes the only indication of the expression considering the extensive facial accessory. Helm held loosely in his right hand he continued to star up at the darkening sky, feet planted at the bottom of the ships ramp as he awaited the arrival of his allies.
He felt her approach somewhere in his heart rather than by any overt sense. A slight lessening of tensed muscles and angst. A subtle warmth that seemed to rise from within whenever she was near. He again marveled at her effect on him; how she seemed to be the soothing balm or intoxicating elixir to his very soul, his personal haven from the storms of the universe.
Stepping to his side he felt her head touch lightly to his left shoulder guard, her hair draping casually to add a fireburst to his muted green armour. Her arms right arm encircled his left as she leaned against him, her scent drifting up to enshrine him in her mercy.
"It would be his birthday today, cyar'ika..."
His voice was barely a whisper, the soft tones almost lost within the muted tones of the wildlife that lurked in the countryside around them. He was silent for a moment. He knew that she would know of whom he spoke, her attention for dates far outstripping his own meticulousness with such things.
"I should comm Amy later. Its early hours of the morning there right now. Maybe I could track Jaro down too..."
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2018 18:00:14 GMT -8
Dropping onto the bar stool beside Nkosana, the Geheim Masjien's gunner and slicer, Fumnanya lifts a finger to summon the droid tending the hotel bar over, ordering a bottle of Whyren's Reserve and asking for two glasses.
"How'd it go?" Nkosana, a thin, heavily bearded Nish, asks as he restlessly peers around the bar, tapping a rapid beat out on the bar with the fingers of his right hand.
Fumnanya shrugs noncommittally, "I'll reserve judgement until after we get work, see how that work goes. You find anything out?"
Shaking his head, Nkosana, a former Sector Ranger that has a few contacts left from before his addiction led to his dismissal from their ranks, scratches his right arm and then absently starts grooming his beard with his fingers, "Not much. Which is good, really. Means they're smart. Cover their tracks. Rumors, suspicion and innuendo abound, but, like, no hard facts."
Fumnanya nods, sliding a small stack of credits across towards the droid when it sets down his bottle and glasses. "Could also mean it's all smoke. Nothing there. I'll be impressed when we see some credits. Drink?"
"Sure, sure, Nkosana agrees about the possibility that nothing will come of their latest business endeavor, lifting a hand to decline the offered drink. Picking up a paper napkin and twisting it up in his hands, Nkosana asks, When are we setting back out?"
Fumnanya pours himself a drink, takes a sip and then says with a convincingly cheerful smile that does not ever reach his eyes, "Sooner we get back out there, sooner we start earning those credits."
Nkosana bobs his head in agreement, "Right, right. You know, um, though, that the First Order is going to start outla. . ."
Patting Nkosana on the back as she sits on the stool opposite the side Fumnanya is sitting on, Dikeledi spares her captain from the latest conspiracy Nkosana has come across in his constant search for such things on the holonet by saying in a deadly serious tone, "Shhh, they might be listening Nko', gesturing towards a security camera in the corner of a nearby wall. When Nkosana takes his leave after furtively looking around for other possible First Order recording devices, Dikeledi tells Fumnanya, You're welcome," and then uses the second glass Fumnanya ordered to pour herself a drink, her eyes scanning the mirror behind the bar as much from mere habit as to watch for any potential threats.
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Dees
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Post by Dees on Aug 12, 2018 18:38:25 GMT -8
The two strangers wandered among the crowds of people. Dee, under her gold stitched green cloak, hid behind her helmet as she observed the crowds. Her head was starting to clear, but her throat and lips were dry. AVI led them as he hid under his red stitched gray cloak. The bulge on his back was difficult to hide, and Dee rested her hand on it as they walked as a way to assure him she was behind him, and to show anyone that she was with him. Though her form was androgynous under the armor and cloak, she didn’t want to take any chances.
Here. AVI turned into a hotel he had found on the holonet. If they couldn’t find work, they could at least spend the night and get their bearings in the morning.
Once inside, they both pulled the hoods of their cloaks back. Dee flipped a switch and the face of her helmet parted and opened up. AVI began to head to the front desk, but she stopped him. No, let’s look in the bar first, see if we can get a ride out of here, or some work before we throw money at this hole.
AVI shrugged and followed her to the hotel bar. He didn’t need to eat or drink, but he knew she liked his presence. He wouldn’t admit it, but he liked hers.
Dee made it two steps into the hotel bar and stopped in her tracks. She nudged AVI but kept her gaze forward. Hey, it’s those two from earlier. Dikeledi and Funman- Foomen- Fuh-
Fumnanya? He looked at her and then over at the group.
Yeah. I'm so bad with names.
You sure have her's down pat. he quipped
Shut up. You think they spiked my drink. I mean I wouldn’t hate it if she did but-
No, I suspect they had little to do with your mind's haziness.
Dee snickered and slowly moved toward them. She whispered I mean she probably had something to do with it.
Dee! The chastising tone was audible as he was shocked at her insistance.
She approached with her arms spread to the sides, a look of surprise on her face. Hey friends, long time no see?! Small galaxy and all that. Mind if I join you for a drink?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2018 18:53:20 GMT -8
"Not gonna believe, Dikelide says in a mildly suspicious tone as she spots Dee and AVI entering the bar, who just walked in here."
Looking into the mirror over the bar, Fumnanya grins with a shake of his head to let Dikeledi know he finds her occasional paranoia amusing as he spots the navigator and her droid. "Small 'verse, he agrees when Dees greets them. Looking around for an empty table or booth as Dikeledi gives Dees and AVI a cool nod, Fumnanya points to a booth after spotting one and says, We don't mind at all. Whyren's Reserve work for you?"
After the matter of what Dee will be drinking is settled, they all make their way to the booth and sit down, Fumnanya refreshing his glass of whiskey as he asks Dee and AVI to break the conversational ice, "So, have you guys been staying here on Dressel for long?"
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Dees
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Post by Dees on Aug 12, 2018 19:26:42 GMT -8
She walks over and nods at the drink selection but raises a single finger. Sounds great, but just one, please
She looks over to order something else A dark, syrupy soda, and a water please
She follows them to the booth and she takes the inside seat again, with AVI on the exterior. Dee answers with a smile
No actually, just landed this morning. AVI said he found us some work, so we came here. Now we are looking for work or a ride off this planet, whichever comes first actually.
She takes a drink of her soda and lets out a refreshing gasp
What about ya'll?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2018 19:51:32 GMT -8
Sliding the glass he had asked the droid tending the bar for when Dee accepted his offer of Whyren's Reserve across to her after filling it with two fingers of the whiskey, Fumnanya looks over to Dikeledi questioningly when Dees mentions looking for work or a ride off of the planet.
Dikeledi, remembering that Fumnanya had been impressed with Dee's boasts about her navigational abilities, answers her captain's unspoken question with a subtle shrug of her shoulders that lets him know that she'll defer to his judgement. Her suspicion is probably as unfounded as Fumnanya's amusement suggests it is, and Dikeledi has come to trust his judgement of character.
Fumnanya smiles at Dees after Dikeledi's silent indication that she has no objection to his earlier offer of a place on his crew for Dee and AVI, cheerfully informing her, "Those spots on the crew are still there for you both as it so happens, and we're heading off world in the morning to do a bit of work. Sounds like you've found all that you're looking for in one go, cool, right? I mean, he lifts a blonde eyebrow inquisitively, if you both take the jobs that is. What do you guys say?"
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Dees
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Post by Dees on Aug 12, 2018 20:10:07 GMT -8
Dee smiled, nudging AVI with her elbow. She was glad the offer still stood, and AVI nodded in return.
I say, you let me buy you this round of drinks, and I think we could have a deal. You point me in the direction you want to go, and I'll get you there. AVI can pull his weight around too, so he won't be a slouch.
She raised her glass of reserve to him.
So, who's the work for?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2018 20:37:31 GMT -8
Lifting his glass and clicking it against Dee's after she accepts the job as their new navigator with AVI as a part of the package, Fumnanya smiles and says, "Deal. Welcome to the . . ."
Interrupting Fumnanya, Dikeledi lifts a finger and says, "Addendum?"
Looking more bemused than concerned by his first-mate's sudden decision to break her silent routine, Fumnanya says, "Shoot," and then looks over at Dee and shrugs to let her know he has no idea what Dikeledi has in mind.
"Positions are temporary at first, with an option to make them permanent later," Dikeledi says, addressing Dee and AVI as well as Fumnanya.
Looking no less cheerful than before, Fumnanya answers first, pointing out, "That's more a change than an addendum, but it sounds fair enough to me. I assume that if the performances match with the stated curricula vitae, the positions become permanent?"
"Obviously."
Looking over at Dee and AVI, Fumnanya asks, "Work for you guys? As for the work in question, for now let's just say it's for someone wanting to move something from where it is now to somewhere else without attracting any attention. The rest of the details . . ."
"The somewhere and the something we will reveal anyway, we don't even know the someone calling the shots," Dikeledi interjects, not wanting the fact that they don't actually know who their employer is for the job in question as they conduct business through an intermediary to become an issue later on.
"Well, Fumnanya frowns, we know a someone, the someone that . . ."
"Not the point," Dikeledi sighs, her remote exterior giving way slightly as she gives Dee an eye roll to apologize for Fumnanya's wandering off topic.
Rather than argue with Dikeledi, Fumnanya grins and says, "True enough," and then looks over to Dee and AVI to indicate that he's surrendering the floor to them so that they can express their thoughts on Dikeledi's proposed addendum, which is in his opinion more an outright change. If Dee can truly do all that she claims, Fumnanya sees no reason she or AVI would object to the alteration.
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Dees
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Post by Dees on Aug 12, 2018 21:01:49 GMT -8
Dee shrugged and looked over at AVI who nodded in response
That is fair, it's as much of our interview and test as it is yours.
Agreed. Besides, if you don't like how we perform, just kick us off at the next port, and we'll be on our way
Dee wasn't that concerned about who it was they would be working for. Money was money, though she preferred to shy away from certain groups and organizations. She wouldn't be fronting most of the work, she would just be piloting the ship. Point A to point B, and let others handle the customer-facing positions and heavy lifting.
I can't remember if I have mentioned this, but there isn't a lot out there I can't pilot. I have flown everything from small snub-fighters to, heck I commanded a Victory Two at one point, several actually. So I guess as long as the ship does what its supposed to and is in decent working order she winks I won't accidentally-it into a star
AVI nudged her with his elbow
How about instead of jokes, we find out how much this job, or potential job, pays? He looked at Fumnanya Also, what is the ship we will be taking?
And who is the mechanic? I will probably get to know them fairly well. Gotta know who I have to suck up to and all. Dee interjected. Navigators knew that their job relied on the flight crew doing theirs. She was raised and trained to treat them a little better than just about anyone else on the ship.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2018 21:44:08 GMT -8
Doing his best to keep up with the list of questions that Dee, in between bantering with AVI and revealing a bit more about her past experience, begins racking up, Fumnanya has finished his current glass of Whyren's Reserve and pulled the bottle closer to refill it again by the time it is clearly his turn to do some more talking. While he is understandably intrigued by and curious about Dee's admission that she had commanded more than one Victory II-class Star Destroyer, which raises a veritable host of other questions in and of itself, Fumnanya decides that he will leave that discussion for another time in light of the fact that Dikeledi had visibly stiffened at the mention of Star Destroyers, and has now returned to a cool and distant remove that is unlikely to dissipate anytime soon.
Grinning at the joke about a smart pilot knowing to suck up to the mechanic responsible for maintaining the ship they fly, Fumnanya says, "Vejide Diya, explaining, She's that mechanic you'll want to make best friends with as soon as possible. Chuckling as he glances at a chrono on the wall, Fumnanya says, You'll have to wait until the morning to meet her though, she's one of those annoying early to bed early to rise, when the situation allows for it anyway, types. Taking a sip of his drink and leaning back in the booth in a relaxed fashion, Fumnanya continues, addressing AVI as well as Dee since some of the answers he has are to questions posed by AVI, The Geheim Masjien is a YT-2400, and Vejide is absolutely devoted to her, keeps her in tip-top shape, so you have nothing to worry about in that department. Brushing his blonde, expertly dyed so that it looks natural, hair back from his forehead, Fumnanya concludes by saying, As far as the credits issue, all members of the crew . . ."
"All organic members of the crew," Dikeledi interjects in a tone making it clear she is simply reminding Fumnanya of a fact rather than expressing a personal bias against droids or artificial intelligences, her arms crossed over her chest and looking anywhere but at the others in the booth as she has been ever since commanding Star Destroyers was mentioned.
Chuckling apologetically, Fumnanya tells AVI, "Right, sorry, nothing personal intended, it's just that, you know, if others on the crew bought droids and demanded they get a stake too, he lifts his hands from around his glass, palms upward as though asking for understanding, it could get a bit awkward. Anyway, he moves on, we all split any proceeds from a job, minus the cost of food, fuel and maintenance and so on, equally once we get paid. Any other questions or concerns?"
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Dees
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Post by Dees on Aug 12, 2018 22:10:04 GMT -8
Dee watched Dikeledi's reaction with concern and confusion, only just remembering that Star Destroyers in this universe usually meant subjugation. Internally, she chided herself and added it to the list of things to apologize to the woman for later on. Vejide huh, ok Ill be on my best behavior then. But AVI isn't a-
He waved his hand at her concern for his well being. It wasn't worth the discussion now nor the lengthy explanation, and she slumped down. She knew they would just have to work doubly hard to prove his worth to them; that he wasn't a droid but something more than that. She took a drink of her soda, leaving the rest of the reserve in the glass.
I think that will be suitable. For now, I think we shall get some rest, it has been a long day of travel. Dee? AVI got up from the booth and offered her a hand up. He looked to Fumnanya as he pulled her to her feet, sliding a metallic card to him Here is our contact info, we will meet you here in the morning for breakfast?
Dee forced a smile We'll see you in the morning, Captain, ma'am. She nodded her head at them. She and AVI walked side by side out of the bar area.
Once out of the room, and out of earshot, she looked over at AVI with concern. What have we gotten ourselves into? What are you going to do?
He shook his head. You don't need to worry about me. You just need to keep your trap shut a little more before you piss off the wrong person. Did you see their reaction when you boasted about the Victory Twos?
Dee was aghast at him and scowled. But she knew he was right and she pouted, folding her arms in front of her chest. At the front desk, AVI scheduled them a room for the night, and Dee leaned back against the counter
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Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2018 23:41:49 GMT -8
Saluting AVI and Dee farewell with the metallic card bearing their contact information, Fumnanya smiles a somewhat more forced than usual smile as he cheerfully says, "Breakfast here in the bar in the morning it is. Scratching the back of his neck after Dee and AVI have left, Fumnanya wonders what caused the shift in the overall tone of their gathering, so distracted by the question that he forgets Dikeledi's soured mood and asks, Was it something I said? Things were . . ."
"AVI isn't a droid, he's an artificial intelligence," Dikeledi says, more attentive than Fumnanya to tonal shifts given that she so seldom is an active participant in the discussions that give rise to them.
"I was just using droid in the general. . ."
"Doesn't matter to them, obviously. Standing up, clearly intent on leaving, she advises, Also, might want to keep the whole former Star Destroyer commander thing to ourselves for now. Nkosana would freak out if he knew," and then walks off towards the stairwell that will take her to her room.
Looking even more befuddled than before as he watches Dikeledi head away, Fumnanya starts to pour himself another glass of whiskey, stopping himself just before doing so even though the temptation to drown out the horror he knows will be waiting for him when he sleeps is always there, always promising relief, however temporary. Standing up and starting to head away from the booth, Fumnanya makes it a few steps before he turns back for the bottle, telling himself it is only not wanting to waste credits that brought him back.
The following morning . . .
Vejide, a short, bespectacled Lorrdian with an unruly mop of brown, shoulder length hair, is the first to spot Fumnanya as he enters the bar, greeting him by telling him, "She better not touch anything. It took me forever to train you not to mess with anything, and I hate it when people think that just because they can fly a ship means they know how to . . ."
Dropping into an open space in the circular booth where the other members of his crew, other than Dikeledi, are seated and looking over menus or sipping caf, tea or juice, Fumnanya rubs his aching temples as he assures Vejide, "She won't touch anything outside of the cockpit, I . . ."
"I don't want her messing with anything in there either! If she thinks she can . . ."
Groaning and rubbing the bridge of his nose, Fumnanya calmly tells his mechanic, "She will only fly the ship, nothing more. I promise."
"Good, Vejide says, obviously not entirely convinced that will be enough, and then lifts the menu to cover her face as she mutters, Better not mess with my baby."
"Where's Dikeledi?" Fumnanya asks, reaching for a mug and the pot of stim-caf.
Scratching his bearded chin, Nkosana says, "She, like, said she had to check her gear on the ship. Scratching his arm and bouncing a knee beneath the table as he squirms to look around the bar and restaurant for all the security recording devices he had seen earlier, he asks the Bothan seated beside him, Are you sure this table is not in any of the camera's line of sight? Do they swivel? If they swivel, we might be on . . . "
Patting Nkosana's shoulder, the brown furred Bothan dressed in a black three-piece suit reassures him in a deep rumbling basso voice, "Not a single one swivels, nor is this table in direct view of any of them. We tilted the ones that would have such a view upwards as we came in, remember?"
Looking relieved, Nkosana picks up a spoon and starts drumming on a bouncing knee as he nods, "Oh yeah, Sango, we did, yeah. I remember now. Good."
"Can you all, Fumnanya says as he massages his left temple, try to act normal? For a few minutes? At least until they're on the ship and can't escape?"
"They could use an escape pod, Vejide points out with a mischievous grin, adding in a murmur, Unless she messes with it and breaks it."
A furry pinkie finger extended outward as he lifts his cup of tea, saucer in the other hand below it, Sango says, "Unless I'm mistaken, here come our new crew members now," having spotted a duo matching the descriptions Dikeledi had provided before leaving for the Geheim Masjien entering the bar.
Turning around and waving for Dee and AVI to make it easier to spot him, Fumnanya smiles cheerfully and reminds his crew after turning back around, "Normal, remember? For me? Please?"
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Dees
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Post by Dees on Aug 14, 2018 0:02:13 GMT -8
=Earlier that morning=
The dull alarm was going off from her holopad. Slamming her palm onto it, she tried and failed to turn it off. AVI was sitting in the corner, left leg folded over the right and his arms crossed over his chest. Dee continued to slap the tablet and AVI looked up at her. You know that’s not how to turn that off, right?
She knew. She was hoping to get lucky this one time though. MmmmEhhh
Dee picked the holopad up and turned off the alarm. Rolling to face the other side of the bed, she turned the holopad to the net and began browsing sites and watching videos as she slowly brought her cognitive self out of slumber.
After wasting a few minutes, she slid out of bed. The sleep aids she had taken the night before were slow to wear off; there was one thing to do. She walked out of her underwear and into the shower where she stood under the hot water.
The water was cold suddenly, and she pushed herself off the wall of the shower. She was awake now. Hurriedly, she scrubbed and washed the soap out of her hair under the chill of the water.
Crap! Fell asleep, AVI what time is it?
Time for breakfast, hurry up we're going to be late for our first day on the job!
Crap! Crap crap crap crap CRAP!
She toweled off, throwing on a clean pair of underwear and sports bra AVI laid out for her. Digging around in her bag, Dee retrieved her makeup and threw on some base and eyeliner. Throwing everything back in the bag and slipped on the red accented grey robes that were unmistakably Jedi-ish in style. AVI meanwhile was gathering up the rest of the room and packing it away in their two bags. Dee brushed her hair that was still dripping wet. Screw it. AVI we got everything?
He slung both bags over his shoulders Yes, I have everything for you. Ready?
She smiled and nodded, heading for the door. Yeah!
=Hotel bar - Breakfast=
She and AVI walked over, having just checked out of their room. Her hair was still wet, but no longer dripping. She was beaming and brimming with excitement. If she walked any lighter or with any more bounce in her step, she would probably float off.
AVI was unaffected by her emotional exuberance, dropping both bags by a table right next to the booth where he pulled out a chair to sit down. He nodded at Fumnanya, but said nothing, allowing Dee to take point as he leaned onto and allowed the table to take his weight.
She quickly waved at the small crowd, first looking at Fumnanya, then to the other three. Hi, I’m Dee. I will be your pilot today. Weather looks nice and clear, with a small chance of thunderstorms to the east, may be a cause for some turbulence on our way out. Otherwise, it should be a smooth flight. If you will direct your attention to your flight attendant AVI, and he will go over safety procedures.
She turned and motioned over to AVI who sat up and leaned back, arms waving and shaking them and his head. He suddenly wished he hadn't let her lead the conversation this morning. Especially not after having slept as hard as she had last night. Dee, would you stop?
She laughed and grabbed a chair at the table he was sitting at to sit at the head of the circular booth. A waitress came around and dropped an empty coffee mug and a glass of ice water in front of her along with a new set of silverware and a napkin. She looked up and mouthed "thank you" before grabbing the sweaty glass and drinking almost half of it at once.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2018 3:19:19 GMT -8
Fumnanya returns AVI's greeting with a nod of his own, as intrigued as before by AVI and the very humanoid mannerisms and movements the AI exhibits but far better able to avoid staring than he had when first encountering Dee and her companion. Before Fumnanya can introduce everyone as he had planned to do when the newest additions to the crew made their appearance, Dee exuberantly takes the initiative and introduces herself and AVI. Fumnanya is relieved that Dee seems more like the animated, chatty, funny and cheery young woman he had first encountered in the casino, whatever awkwardness that had been apparent when they had parted ways the night before having apparently dissipated.
Vejide, adjusting the set of her large, black framed spectacles on her button shaped nose as she gives Fumnanya an amused smirk, asks him in an aside, "Guess she didn't get the normal speech, huh? Turning her attention to Dee and AVI, she gives a wave and introduces herself in a reserved tone suggesting she is appraising the new crew members before deciding how open she will be with them. Vejide, ship's mechanical engineer."
Nkosana, scratching his left elbow and then beneath his bearded chin as his left knee restlessly bounces beneath the table all the while, grins as he introduces himself next, "Nkosana, but you can, like, call me Niko or Nko'. Gunner. Reaching for the sugar bowl to add more sugar to his caf, Nkosana lifts a finger and adds, Oh, and slicer too. Gunner and slicer. Nice to meet you guys."
"A true pleasure, Sango says, leaning over and holding out a furry hand to shake with AVI and then Dees. Doctor San . . ."
"You lost your license, Vejide interrupts the Bothan with an eye roll, so I don't think you can still use the ti . . ."
A mildly annoyed crinkling of his snout accompanies the Bothan's interjection, "I earned the degree, possess the required skills, and therefore maintain the title. The license is immaterial, a formality that would be required only were I . . ."
Stirring the sugar into his caf and continuing to bounce his knee, Nkosana jumps in before Vejide and Sango can continue to argue the point, "Sango's our medic and chef. Funny combination, but he's an expert in both fields, trust me."
"Doctor Sango Dimka, at your service, Sango says with as much of a bow as he can manage while seated. Lifting his saucer in one hand and grasping his teacup in the other, Sango asks Dee, Do you suffer from social anxiety dear? I cannot help but wonder if your excessive . . ."
Fumnanya, grimacing at Sango's question and wanting to spare Dee from the Bothan's customary habit of asking whatever questions come to his mind no matter how awkward they might be for those he asks them of, asks everyone, "So, we all ready to order? I'm ready to order."
Vejide, looking more than a little pleased and amused by how little effect Fumnanya's warning for them to act normal ultimately wound up having, tells Dee, "Don't mind Sango, he does that. You get used to it eventually. Just ignore him when he goes somewhere you don't want to go, we all do."
"I simply observed that she . . ."
Waving for the Bothan to shush, Vejide suggests, "At least wait until after we eat to start with your weird questions."
Furry hand over his heart, Sango tells Dee, "I apologize if I offended you, my dear. I have an inquisitive mind . . ."
"And no friggin' filter whatsoever," Vejide completes the sentence for him in a cheerful tone.
"So, Fumnanya tries again, waving their waitress over, Order our breakfast now? After everyone has placed their orders, Fumnanya addresses Dee and AVI as he asks, So, how'd you two wind up together?"
"Together? Sango asks in an intrigued tone, arching a bushy brow, Do you mean to say that their rela. . ."
"Traveling together," Fumnanya clarifies, shooting Sango a warning look that causes the Bothan to offer Dee and AVI an apologetic bow of his head.
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Dees
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Post by Dees on Aug 14, 2018 11:31:40 GMT -8
Dee smiled as the introductions went around the table. She snickered at the quips Vijide threw at Sango and poured herself a cup of the black caffeinated liquid. Taking a sip, she looked over at the waitress I would like a stack of pancakes and an order of whatever sausage breakfast meat is served here. And more water, please.
She then looked over at Sango and pointed at him. It was more of an indication of intent to answer his question and was a lighthearted point in nature. Social, no. Generalized, yes, but it’s probably amplified by a lot of things at the moment and less of a chronic condition. Caffeine and food should bring it back down to manageable levels.
She looked over at the other two and smiled, hiding behind her caf as she sipped on it. The waitress stopped by and topped off her water glass before moving to another table
Vijide, it’s nice to meet you. I’ll probably stick with Niko because I knew a Niko back in my NGA days. Er, sorry, Navigators Guild Academy, it was a, uh - She waved a free hand in the air around her head trying to grasp for a word. It was only a moment when she decided to move on without it. - a thing my company had for its pilots and navigators. Anyway, Niko, yeah. And I am really bad with some names, so if y'all'll just bear with me till I get 'em down.
She sat back and nursed her caf for a moment and then looked over at AVI. He leaned forward, resting his mechanical elbows on his knees, taking point on his short origin story. His hands made small movements and gestures as he told his tale
Dee was on an expedition to the far western reaches of the galaxy when she came upon a derelict cruiser. There is no telling how long it had been there or from where it had drifted. I was on board as a central computer system, but my purpose is unknown since most of my memory cores were offline or damaged when I was retrieved. My first ever memory is seeing Dee and her team. I have been traveling with her ever since, though only recently in the more corporeal form you see now before you.
Dee looked at the waitress bringing the platters of food, and her face lit up. Yay! She quickly clapped as her stack of flapjacks set down in front of her, butter slowly melting and dripping off of them. She reached for the syrup and began coating the top. You know, I honestly don’t mind weird questions. She looked up at Sango Though, you should probably wait till we are on the ship, or better yet in hyperspace. Then I can’t really run away, can I? She dug into the fluffy bread and took a bite that was altogether too large for a first bite.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2018 14:20:24 GMT -8
Sango, handing the laminated menu back to their waitress after ordering smoked salar and eggs to break his fast, tells Dee after she has answered his question about anxiety, "Ah, it is fortuitous indeed then that caffeine and food are what have brought us all here, and then turns to Vejide and says, You see, my dear, there are those in the universe that welcome an interest in their affairs."
"Nausage and dustcrepes, Vejide tells the waitress, and then shrugs with a skeptical frown in reply to Sango's observation. Same, she tells Dee when their new pilot says that it is nice to meet her, chuckling when the woman says that she is bad with names. You are on the wrong crew, lady," Vejide jokes, well aware of how, aside from Sango, the names Dee will have to get used to are far from common or easy to pronounce.
Nkosana, bouncing a knee, drumming his fingers on the table, glancing around when there are any sudden noises or movements, and scratching his arms or neck all the while nonetheless manages to follow the conversation flowing around the table, assuring Dee cheerfully, "Niko is fine, sure, yeah. Having retained most of the observational skills honed during his time as a Sector Ranger, Nkosana observes, Never heard of that, when the Navigators Guild Academy is mentioned, and asks, Like, what company was it you were you with?"
Fumnanya listens intently to AVI's answer to the question of how he and Dee had wound up traveling together, even more intrigued by the AI by the time the story ends. Knowing that Nkosana will almost certainly be disturbed by the fact that AVI is not aware of what his original purpose had been, Fumnanya begins counting in his head as he waits for the Nish to comment, getting to three before . . .
Nkosana, rubbing the bottom of his nose and then scratching his right side, asks AVI in a nervous tone, "So, uh, what, uh, would you think, you know, based on extrapolating from the undamaged memory cores and programming you retained access to, your purpose was, or, maybe is? Are there any directories or systems that you can't access that might . . ."
Vejide, rolling her eyes as she accepts her plate from their waitress, says in an exasperated tone, "Here we go, and then leans forward to tell Nkosana in an emphatic tone, Not everything is some huge First Order plot or conspiracy. Hit the hold button on the paranoia and eat, m'kay?"
Bobbing his head, hands up as though surrendering, Nkosana tells Vejide, "That's exactly what they want everyone to think, and then tells AVI and Dee, Sorry, sorry, it's just that once you have learned what the First Or. . ."
"Let it go, Sango tells Nkosana, patting him on the back and gesturing to his food to suggest he follow Vejide's suggestion to eat. Cutting into his salar, Sango tells Dee, replying to her proposal that he hold any more weird questions until they are in hyperspace, I shall do my level best to contain my curiosity until then, my dear, and then almost immediately fails to do so as he says, I cannot help but note that your attire is quite similar in style to that worn by many members of the Jedi Order. Is the navigational prowess of yours that our captain spoke of rooted in the Force? Were you, perhaps, a Jedi initiate or more at some point? Have you ever . . ."
"Have you ever wanted to punch a Bothan for asking too many questions? Vejide shakes her head and tells Dee in an exaggerated pitying tone incongruously accompanied by an amused grin, You are so going to regret saying you don't mind weird questions. He's actually been keeping them pretty tame so far. Just you wait until . . ."
Fumnanya, content so far to sit back and let the crew, AVI and Dee interact to get an initial read on how well they will get along, and pleased to see that it seems that AVI and Dee will fit in well and are already well on the way to being accepted by the crew members present, suggests, "Hey, why don't we give Dee and AVI a chance to ask any questions they might have for us? Gesturing towards Dee and AVI after the others have made noises or gestures of assent, Fumnanya grins and jokes, Ask the more pressing questions first, I can't guarantee they'll keep quiet for too long."
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Dees
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Post by Dees on Aug 15, 2018 16:48:15 GMT -8
Dee looked around the table as the conversations were happening around her. She looked at Niko and paused for a moment as she tried to remember what the alternate name was in this universe. CalCorp. We did galactic transportation on a massive scale. Huge ships retrofitted for cargo transport. We were large enough that we had our own defense fleet. She looked back at AVI and commented Though, a lot of good it did us, eh? He shrugged as she turned back to the table, addressing Niko in particular. So yeah, we liquidated just before the "Eff Oh" showed up on the scene. The company, and subsequently my entire people, left the galaxy. She looked over at Sango as if to cut off the line of questioning before he could get them formed As for why I am here, that is a conversation and a story for another day She thumbed back to AVI for him to explain his origins further as she continued on her pancakes.
He leaned forward in his chair, resting his elbows on his knees and rubbing his metal hands together as he spoke I can assure you Niko, that my chronometer predates the First Order, the Galactic Empire, the Republic, and further. The ship that I was on was ageless, though radio-carbon dating puts it at several tens of thousands of years old. It didn’t have a hyperdrive system that we know of, so it is likely that I even predate the ancients that discovered hyperspace and lay out the lanes we travel on today.
There was no crew remains to analyze, as the bodies had turned to dust in the countless years since our departure. No, there is no way to extrapolate any information about what the ship was used for beyond that it was used for the traversing the gulf of space. It had weapons systems on it, it had computer systems, but it was unlike anything that anyone has found since.
Furthermore, gathering any more details about the ship, and subsequently my origins, would be impossible. The ship was attacked by pirates some number of days into Dees' arrival, and it was decided to destroy the ship outright with the pirates along with it, rather than fight or wait for Corporate backup to arrive. Dee, her team, and I, barely made it out of there alive. The pirates were less fortunate.
Admittedly, it used to bother me that I didn’t know what my purpose was, who my creators were, or where I came from. Over time, that itch faded as I realized that who I was had little direction on who I am. Now, I do not put any processing power on the concepts of my creation. I know that I am, and that is enough for me.
Dee nodded as she continued chomping on her breakfast. As AVI wrapped up his tale, she looked back at him and gave him a thumbs up. Looking back at Sando, she picked up a sausage and waved it in the air. A smirk ran over her face. Perhaps I killed a Jedi and took it from him. She raised an eyebrow and took a bite of the meat, leaving the prospect that she, of all creatures, could kill a Jedi to take their clothes but not the fabled weapon they carried. Glancing over at Fumnanya, she grinned. So, why, how did you form this little band of misfits and what keeps you all together? What’s the glue that binds you all?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2018 20:55:07 GMT -8
While Sango is not alone in appearing to have questions for both Dee and AVI as they recount parts of their pasts, detailed enough to allow their listeners to gain a general sense of what their lives were prior to whatever it is that has led them to this moment while not shedding much light on the more intriguing aspects of their pasts such as Dee's people leaving the galaxy and AVI's awe inspiring age and mysterious origins, the older members of the Geheim Masjien's crew all honor Dee and AVI's wishes to leave the no doubt lengthy and involved conversations that indulging all of their questions would invite for another day.
Fumnanya laughs with a disbelieving shake of his head when Dee jokingly suggests that she took her robes from a Jedi, the reactions of the other members of the crew indicating that they are equally unconvinced, with only Sango looking less than satisfied by the resultant evasion of the question Dee's joke achieves. Dee's question seeming to be addressed primarily to him, Fumnanya fields it alone initially. Having spent enough time on Corellia and among citizens of that world to have adopted their accent and mannerisms as his own, Fumnanya's cocky smirk and indolent wave of a hand as he drawls, "The why is easy. For the credits of course. Though glib, and far from complete, his answer has enough truth in it that Fumnanya feels no guilt about glossing over details he has not shared with any of his crew. Wanting to be as open as he can, Fumnanya, continuing to omit some details, says with markedly less emphasis on appearing suave, When I was younger and foolish . . ."
"Even more foolish," Vejide cannot resist interjecting with a waggish grin.
"When I was younger and more foolish, Fumnanya gamely picks up where he left off, I thought that smuggling would be a way to get rich quick, without all the work a square job would involve, so, he waves a hand, I got myself a place on a crew working for a Hutt on Tatooine. I worked my way up to co-pilot, and when our captain retired he sold his ship, the Geheim Masjien, to me. That was right before I met . . ."
"Me, Vejide chimes in, explaining, I was working as an enforcer for that same Hutt, but was getting bored with it and with Tatooine. I wanted to get away from all the sand and sun, and so after I met, she flips a hand towards Fumnanya, that fool there, and listened to him lie so convincingly about the romantic and profitable life of a smuggler, I signed on with his crew. He had some old demented Rodian geezer working for him as the ship's mechanic at the time, and I learned the trade from him. Laughing, she shakes her head and asks Fumnanya, Remember how he always kept saying he was your mechanic for twenty years? Poor green bastard, it must have sucked getting old and having his sense of time go to mush."
"Yeah, Fumnanya agrees, not correcting Vejide's mistaken assumption that the Rodian was demented to preserve the fictional age he has given his crew as his own. He taught you damn well though, he tells Vejide, and then moves on by gesturing towards Nkosana as he says, and right around the time he passed on . . ."
"I bribed my way onto the crew, Nkosana says, grinning cheerfully while scratching his left bicep while bouncing his knees restlessly. I, like, used to be a Sector Ranger. Got booted when I picked up an addiction to spice while working undercover. I, uh, was also under investigation for some spice and credits that went missing from evidence, so needed a quick way to, you know, disappear. I had been working on building a case against the criminal organization run by that Hutt that Fum' and Vee were working for, but hadn't included 'em in my reports since I was thinking about making them confidential informants before I got caught. So, I reached out to Fum', told him I'd give his name to the Rangers unless he helped me disappear. Looking around the bar restaurant, tugging at his right ear, Nkosana chuckles and says, Long story short, I wound up signing on after we had spent some time together and struck up a friendship."
"That must have been shortly before I joined, Sango says, daintily sipping his tea after having finished his smoked salar and eggs. I had been earning my daily bread by being on retainer for Vasuki the Hutt, patching up any of his minions that came to harm in the course of going about their business. While Nkosana had managed to protect Fumnanya, the Sector Rangers ultimately came down on Vasuki, ending his, or was it her at the time? Shrugging the question away, Sango says, I had patched Vejide up once or twice while she had been with Vasuki, and when Fumnanya sought a medic for his crew after a rather disastrous encounter with a rival smuggling concern that left him and Nkosana grievously injured, she mentioned me. The rest, as they say, is history."
"Dikeledi joined up not long after Sango, Fumnanya explains vaguely, and then grins as he holds his arms out at his sides, There you have it. All the hows and whys."
"You forgot the glue, Vejide points out, and then tells Dee with a shrug, The glue is just . . . shared experience I guess. We've been through a lot together, and that creates ties that don't break. We're like a family. So, you know, she lifts her drink, Fumnanya and the others following suite, welcome to the family."
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Dees
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Post by Dees on Aug 15, 2018 21:39:34 GMT -8
Dee placed her right hand on her chest and feigned shock and exasperation at the contagious disbelief in how she acquired the robes she now wore. Mouth agape, she turned to AVI, who just shrugged and leaned back in his seat once again. Feigning disappointment now, she smirked and finished off what she could of her breakfast as she intently listened to the tale that was woven around her.
She mindlessly finished her coffee, and little by little, the stories started to fit the characters. So many of their quirks and antics made so much sense. Each one had a piece of history they belonged to, and each one was a piece of a much larger puzzle. It had been a long time since she had been a part of such a puzzle, but upon Vijide's welcome message, she suddenly felt a little out of place.
Rather, she had yet to fully find her spot on the puzzle that was the Geheim Masjien. It was like she was being brought in to a foster family.
She would be their new pilot and navigator, but a part of a family, she was leery of being a part of that so soon and suddenly. She hid away all of her reactions behind a thankful smile. She was thankful, just at the moment as the sudden conflicting emotions worked their way out of her system.
Thanks, I hope I can make you all proud. I look forward to sharing more stories with you all.
Likewise
She sighed. It was a happy one. A full one as her body told her to stop taking on more calories for the moment. Those were good flap-jacks The inevitable carb crash would hit her before too long if she continued to sit and lounge.
I will say, I've never actually had a run in with the Hutt’s. Our company mostly dealt with government contracts and large-scale moves from big companies. Heck, we had ships that were built to ship ships, ship shipping ships and such. she giggled at the phrase But yeah never anything like this type of operation, though the only difference is the weapons and drugs we moved were government sanctioned and on a much larger scale. So yeah, no Hutt’s, yet I guess.
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Corr Vhett - puts the "Laughter" in "Manslaughter"..... 
