Myrina Ildikó
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It's not about the Size of the Mando’ad in the Fight; it's the size of the Fight in the Mando’ad.
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Post by Myrina Ildikó on Jun 22, 2016 2:51:19 GMT -8
R: The shuttle is two clicks east of here. If shit hits the proverbial fan then we’ll meet there. Exact co-ordinates and personalised authorisation codes will be generated and issued to you shortly. Should the need to change the rendezvous point arise then you will be updated accordingly. Returning here is not an option. Once we move out, we’re ghosts.
Caedda nodded in understanding then jerked a thumb towards the white haired woman.
C: What about her?
R: She’ll be looked after, don’t worry.
The white haired woman looked a little uncertain then bowed her head respectfully. She had been assured by Ellis during their initial exchange that she would not go unrewarded for the information she’d been so willing to provide and so far everything she said had checked out.
R: We’ll have one more recon cycle; out in teams of two as opposed to the two teams I suggested earlier. Familiarise yourself with the lay of the land. Pictures and scan data are one thing but physically seeing what’s ahead of you is another. We’ll have a little change up in the usual team rotations. Jax is with Aaeron taking the buildings and roof-level on the eastern side of the avenue, Caedda you’re with me at ground level. Sacha, Ellis you take the buildings to the west. Once you’ve scouted that out take a wander down towards their shuttles and see what security is like down there; I doubt it will be anything of any real substance but these were Mando’ad so let’s not take anything for granted. Naz, you’re with Zero. Go with him while he sets up his birds nest.
There was a barely audible mutter of annoyance from Naz but Rina let it pass without formal rebuke; she did look at them both however, her pointed finger moving back and forth between them as she reinforced her point.
R: You boys need to learn to play nice. Patrols will move out in an hour. Cover your beskar’gam; I don’t want these fuckers to catch any sort of wind that we’re here. You get a ninety minute window so use your time wisely. Once you’re done get back here for some rest, party starts at twenty-two hundred hours.
She looked to the others with a silence that encouraged questions and when there were none, she gave a nod and dismissed them. The group moved off into their pairs, minus Jax and Ellis, and began their preparations. Rina inhaled deeply and rested her palms flat against the table-top, her eyes inevitably drawn to the stack of photos. The sense of bitter disappointment in her mando’ad brothers was swiftly giving way to the anger that at one point in her life near totally consumed her. The white haired woman sensed Myrina’s silently growing anger and placed her hand on her shoulder.
HF: They’re called senseless actions for a reason.
Rina glanced back at her as her hand slipped to the knife on her waist. She quietly unsheathed it as she studied the older woman’s face then drove the serrated blade through the photograph of the clean cut male that had been deemed to be in control.
R: There’s going to be nothing senseless about what I’m going to do him.
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Achyan IIdikό
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Post by Achyan IIdikό on Jun 28, 2016 5:58:08 GMT -8
**Zero nodded in affirmation. He wasn't happy either about being paired with Naz, but Rina was right; an abvious divide had occured between them and needed mending if they were to function as a team.
Upon being dismissed Zero turned and gathered some things to prepare for the set up. He started pulling out pieces of Bounty Hunter Armor. He quickly stripped off the majority of his armor and switched for the heavier armor. He glanced over at Rina to be sure she was busy before he quickly switched helmets, making sure his back was to her as he donned the new helmet. Once the new mask was on, Zero breathed deeply and began moving about to get adjusted to the new armor. His lighter Beskar'gam went into the bag.
He then meticulously checked all the weapons and gear once more before looking to Naz and nodding in affirmation that he was ready.**
"Your lead."
**Zero remarked as he moved towards Naz. He knew Naz already knew where he wanted to set up so it was on Naz to decided where he felt best covering and making the ascension to the top of the building.**
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Myrina Ildikó
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It's not about the Size of the Mando’ad in the Fight; it's the size of the Fight in the Mando’ad.
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Post by Myrina Ildikó on Jul 18, 2016 7:56:46 GMT -8
Naz gathered his kit, strapping various weapons to parts of his body; a blaster to each thigh, two spare clips to his lower back, a blade to the inside of his left arm. He grabbed a long dirty coverall and tossed it over his head. It damp smell lingered under his nose but it wasn’t the worst thing he’d ever worn. It covered his beskar’gam nicely and allowed excellent freedom of movement. He stood waiting by the door for Zero, leaning against its frame as he fiddled with his earpiece. His buy’ce would have been too obvious and he wanted to blend in as much as possible.
He ran through a quick coms check with Rina; her acknowledgement and raised hand from across the room confirmed the link.
“Ready?”
He called impatiently to Zero. Naz wanted to get out as quickly as they could; making as much use of the time they had been allocated as possible.
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Achyan IIdikό
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Post by Achyan IIdikό on Jul 31, 2016 7:44:14 GMT -8
**Zero saw Naz waiting impaiently for him. He held up a finger to indicate just a second. He walked over to Ellis's station and placed a small gem in the center of the area. He grabbed a pad and scribbled a note on it for Ellis, "About that bet? Looks like I win. Can you analyze this? Thanks Z" Then left the note and gem for Ellis to analyze upon his return.
Zero then walked over to Naz and nodded.**
"Yes I'm ready, so nice of you to care."
**He stepped out next to Naz and the two used the cover provided them as they worked their way quickly and quietly down the street. Zero remarked to Naz as they went.**
"First we need the height advantage while its still dark, then we can see better once the lights up to ensure we have better eyes on them especially if it is over 30 in the group"
**Zero remarked knowing they needed all possible infrmation to gain every edge they could.**
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Myrina Ildikó
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It's not about the Size of the Mando’ad in the Fight; it's the size of the Fight in the Mando’ad.
Posts: 29
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Post by Myrina Ildikó on Aug 11, 2016 4:06:52 GMT -8
Naz stopped and grabbed Zero by the arm. Not roughly but enough to ensure that his words were heard and understood. His expression was serious.
You do realise that Myrina has absolutely no intention of doing this while the sun is up, don’t you?
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Achyan IIdikό
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Post by Achyan IIdikό on Aug 12, 2016 16:38:20 GMT -8
"but the sun's up in..."
**He suddenly stopped himself and realized how little time he actually had to get into position. His eyes quickly moved towards the higher buildings a few blocks over and as he looked for the vantage point he knew to be hiding amongst the warehouses in the outlying port.**
"Ah kriff"
**He muttered barely audibly as he broke free of Naz's grasp and began to quickly move into the nearby alleys with his gear and quickly albeit quietly make his way to the area near the target zone.
Zero stopped a block from the building and checked his gear quickly one last time and looked to Naz. This was the delicate part and he knew that they both knew one mess up now could mean both of their lives. Zero breathed quickly and quietly as he put down motion detectors in the street and allies up from the port. They needed to be sure that any stragglers or members of the mercs that broke free were taken care of quickly and decisively. Zero ducked low and darted between speeders and other obstructions in the streets as he placed the detectors and made his way towards the main intersection.
He approached a large speeder and placed a charge on it and nodded to Naz. Then he unraveled a charge line that would trigger a series of explosives across the street to cut off the way, and rigged a pole to also be blown. He nodded again to Naz to see if the transmitter was processing the signals while he checked the receivers of the charges being placed. Soon their spots would be reversed and he would head up top to cover Naz, but for now...he had to trust Naz while he set the street up.**
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Myrina Ildikó
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It's not about the Size of the Mando’ad in the Fight; it's the size of the Fight in the Mando’ad.
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Post by Myrina Ildikó on Aug 22, 2016 8:03:55 GMT -8
Naz covered Zero as he was expected to do. Despite the fact that he didn’t like him, he was still on the team and the team watched each other’s backs. He glanced back and forth between Zero and the small data-pad that contained all their secured data. Transmissions from the pole mounted explosives and the like were being received loud and clear. Elis had designed the system himself so there was little danger of the system being hacked and used for purposes other than had been designed. He gave Zero quick thumbs up as he tucked his blaster back under his coveralls and grabbed the bag of remaining explosives. Naz half wondered if he should bother to make small talk but decided against it; he had no interest in the man that very clearly hated him and their dynamic suited him just fine despite Myrina’s attempt to encourage a bond of sorts.
Once Zero was finished, Naz climbed a ladder that lead to a metal platform a few feet above them. From the bag he fished out one of the flamethrowers that Rina favoured and primed it for use. He dropped to his stomach, his body half hanging over the ledge, and affixed the weapon to the underside of the platform. He checked the angle of discharge with a small laser and ran through a quick calibration cycle. He glanced across at Zero then sat up on his knees. Out of the corner of his eye he saw movement on the rooftops opposite and he was about to draw his weapon when the cloaked figure turned and looked straight at him. It was Sacha. He exhaled and raised his hand acknowledging her presence and continued with deployment.
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Achyan IIdikό
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Post by Achyan IIdikό on Sept 4, 2016 6:13:43 GMT -8
**Zero stayed below Naz while Naz moved up and onto the platform. His pistol at the ready and rifle slung over his back. He scanned the walkways, windows, and streets while Naz moved into position. Zero’s breathing slowed naturally as his mind settled fully into the task. This was it, this was what it was like to once again be part of a team and counting on others. They, all of them, were fully dependent and relient upon one another for survival. This symbiosis was an element long missed for Achyan and upon feeling it and being invigorated by the cohesion of the unit once more he could feel himself being swept up into the group and its mission.
Zero scanned the scenes too and seeing Naz jump up, made him at the ready too. He couldn’t see with the same vantage point as Naz, but Naz quickly stood down and signaled. It must have been another member of the team nearby. Zero knew he could move now with multiple points covered. He turned around and took four quick steps back into the alley and grabbed on to a drainspout. He tested its load capacity and it seemed in solid shape still thanks to the industrial construction of the region. Using the spout as leverage, Zero quickly climbed up the taller of the nearby buildings for a better vantage point. He stopped every thirty seconds to check on any signal or change from Naz.
It took only a few minutes to scale the building but the pipe offered him the chance to come up with Naz covering, plus a side opposite the ladder which would most likely be covered. Zero looked up and oer, sure enough two di’kuts were on the far side smoking while they watched their headquarters. Zero swung himself silently up and over the ledge, then took off much of the gear to prevent noise. He leaned back over the ledge and signaled to Naz that there were two present and to give him 30 seconds. Zero then grabbed the sword and knife he had with. Both weapons drawn in downward positions for now as he didn’t want any reflections or anything to warn them; he moved up behind a ventilation unit and crouched. He surveyed the scene once more then picked up a small rock, tossing it over the edge and onto a rooftop behind the duo, he knew he had to move now. Darting forward, he timed his advance, as the two turned to check on the noise of the rock. Zero closed the last ten feet on the two men with their backs turned, whipping the knife into the back of the head of the further merc, he swung the sword silently at the closer of the two and dispatched both. Zero moved in between the two as they slumped and helped soften the landing to prevent any noise. He removed the knife and quickly cleaned both the knife and the sword as he moved again back to the ledge and signaled to Naz to move. Zero reached down and put the pistol on the ledge as he started assembling the rifle with muscle motor movements, his head however surveying the nearby buildings as the group was quickly moving into their positions.**
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Myrina Ildikó
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It's not about the Size of the Mando’ad in the Fight; it's the size of the Fight in the Mando’ad.
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Post by Myrina Ildikó on Sept 16, 2016 6:33:48 GMT -8
Naz was impressed by just how quickly and quietly Zero could move in all his gear. There was no doubt in his mind that his speed and strength were a good fit for the team, even if he had yet to see his metal as a man tested in a fully-fledged firefight.
He waited quietly with weapon drawn until Zero gave him the signal to proceed. His ascent was just as stealthy as Zero’s had been; quickly up the remaining ladders, followed by a silent leap over the small wall and onto the roof. Naz spied the two dead bodies in a growing pool of blood. He rolled his eyes and pointed to them with the barrel of his blaster.
You just couldn’t wait, could you?
He understood why Zero had killed them, the real reason was never in any question but he couldn’t help but gibe him just a little. Making his way over to the right hand side of the roof, he peered over the edge. They were a good few stories up with pretty decent vantage points down the road and down towards the location where the two shuttlecrafts were docked.
Thoughts?
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Achyan IIdikό
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Post by Achyan IIdikό on Oct 25, 2016 9:11:54 GMT -8
**Zero finished assembled the rifle and set it down beneath the ledge, then pulled back the cowl and grabbed a dark mask out of the pack. The mask augmented vision and allowed for better visual surveillance in these dim light times. The air looked and smelled dirty from the old industrial units and dusty environment all about them. Steam, fog, and exhaust rolled about in various places too offering further visual obstructions. All of irritated Zero but he knew it also played more to the spec ops team advantage than it played against them.**
“Lots of factors in play here; as long as everyone stays out of sight for just a few more minutes, everything will be set for all of us.”
**Zero began visually scanning the nearby buildings for any signs of a perch or guard post. They all looked like various industrial buildings currently vacated. He did spy signs of recent activity in an office across the way. The window was not dingy like the others and food remnants seemed visible on the desk.**
“Across the way,”
**Zero Pointed**
“There was or is someone in there. It looks like a spotter set up to watch and cover that main approach. I’d bet you’ll find yourself some nice sleepy di’kuts there for yourself. As for those two…They were smoking, I guess no one told them it was bad for their health.”
**He remarked and then continued his visual scan to fan out and cover a few more plausible spots.**
“Also, there is a comm relay on top of the building next to the spice den. We need to make sure that goes down too. You’re the senior, what is the play?”
**Zero asked, and then removed the mask to allow a better chance to breath, the air was dirty, but at least it had a tinge of morning crispness to it; something the ship refreshers couldn’t fabricate. Zero could feel the adrenaline start to kick in as he knew their timeframe was closing quickly. His group was set and now had to silently and effectively coordinate with the other teams in place. The suspense and wait was a high for him, one that he had long missed and was now entirely enjoying. Piercing blue eyes focused on Naz and analyzed him and his words fully but still keeping an active sense as they moved at intervals to scan the scenes around them and ensure that things remained quiet and unstartled with each scan.**
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Myrina Ildikó
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It's not about the Size of the Mando’ad in the Fight; it's the size of the Fight in the Mando’ad.
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Post by Myrina Ildikó on Dec 2, 2016 5:32:42 GMT -8
Naz looked towards the relay, paused for a moment as he thought then settled on his plan of action.
“Chances are that these di'kuts have tapped into it and are utilizing it in some way, so no matter how we take it out, we’ll draw attention to our presence. Corrupting the link with code is preferable to blowing it up but with any luck they haven’t got much in the way of an alert system. I reckon that should be the play. I’m not as good as our boy when it comes to coding though, I'm more of a point and shoot kinda guy. If we do decide to blow it up, we could make it seem like a power surge caused the relay to blow ...”
He paused, pursing his lips as a multitude of ideas started to flood his mind. Endless posibilities, all ultimately leading to the same outcome.
"But it would need to be one hell of a surge if its to take the relay out and then take out part of the building next to it, triggering the secondary explosion and drawing them out. I'm all for subtleties but nothing beats a decent explosion"
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Achyan IIdikό
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Post by Achyan IIdikό on Feb 20, 2017 6:14:31 GMT -8
**Zero grinned and reached into his pack as he realized he had just the thing. He pulled out an EMP Gernade and handed it to Naz**
"I'm guessing this is pretty close to your style?"
**Handing the device over, he assumed Naz knew how to use them. Zero knew it would have a large enough blast so you only needed to get close, but the range wouldn't effect anything else...unless Naz really missed. Zero pulled out visual scanners and began calibrating all the equipment to the range, air pressure, and wind speed in the area. His chronometer was ticking down. As the anticipation of what was to become kept ticking closer to the time, Zero's focus and mindset narrowed in as he relayzed every word of the orders and command in his mind.**
"Once you move into position, don't come back up the ladder or spout as I'll set proxies at each location."
**Zero warned him quickly remembering his own safety nets that he puts up in place. Zero ducked low while blanketed in the local garb and placed proximity mines at each of the two main methods to get to the top of the current building. He kept the triggering unit with him for once Naz left.**
"Ib'tuur jatne tuur ash'ad kyr'amur"
**He remarked aloud to Naz as Zero pulled out and readied a for more weapons at various points along the ledge. Once done, he sat back on his heels and breathed deeply as he watched and waited for the last two minutes on his chronometer time off, enjoy the last few breaths of the crisp morning air, before he would have to replace his mask. Achyan breathed deeply and steadied himself. "This team is my sister's family and that makes them my family no matter what!" he thought to himself. As the chronometer continued to tick down, he moved forward once more and at 20 seconds, he raised the rifle and picked the first target, a patrol walking up the street. He watched his chronometer to get the timing down and in sync. "11..10...9...8...7..." he watched the patrol's steps and moved the rifle crosshairs ever so ahead to account for the delay. "6...5...4...3...2...1..." Zero squeezed the trigger in time with the first explosion. Having aimed it at the outside guard the duo's fate was sealed for no one would hear the first shot and the second shot came when it was already too late for the two guards. Zero then ducked down from the debris and pulled his mask on as the area was soon to be contaminated with spices everywhere and he and the whole team needed their wits about them.**
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Myrina Ildikó
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It's not about the Size of the Mando’ad in the Fight; it's the size of the Fight in the Mando’ad.
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Post by Myrina Ildikó on Nov 7, 2017 8:57:12 GMT -8
Further down the street, Rina felt the tremor caused the by the explosions. Her stomach dropped and she wheeled quickly, staring down the street then up to the rooftops towards where Zero and Naz would have been positioned. She opened a coms channel to the two soldiers but the line crackled with static.
R: “Shit, shit, shit!”
A wave of smoke and dust rushed down the street, rising up against the buildings and then crashing down around them. Caedda grabbed the kit bag and dropped down into cover. Rina did the same, cursing the two mando’ad loudly. Blue and green bolts of blaster fire cut through the air from all angles; clearly those firing the weapons had no idea where their targets were positioned. Caedda’s voice sounded through the com.
C: “Naz? Zero? … Do you copy? … What the fuck is going on?”
Rina popped her head above the large trash can she was huddled behind. A quick scan didn’t reveal a great deal but enough until the dust began to settle. Twisted metal and fallen masonry covered the street and several bodies already littered the floor. From high above, Rina heard the crack of sniper fire; it echoed, perfectly concealing the position of the shooter. At least one of them was still alive.
N: “Surprise!”
Naz sounded a mix of sheepish and excited. There was no way the explosion should have been triggered so soon and he knew that but it was done and now it was on.
R: “What the fuck, Naz!”
N: “I’ll explain later, we’ve got you covered though. You’ve got multiple targets exiting the building and they’re raging.”
C: “How many is multiple?”
N: “I’d say a good dozen or so.”
Caedda and Rina rolled from cover, both on one knee and began firing into the street. Experience had taught them to track and anticipate and as a result their blaster fire was precise. Bodies fell one by one but neither one of them could cover all targets.
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Achyan IIdikό
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Post by Achyan IIdikό on Nov 18, 2017 17:01:08 GMT -8
**Zero ducked and covered as dust and debris from the explosions swept above and across the roof the building he was in. He felt the building sway and teeter dangerously and angrily to the explosives and tremors about. For a brief second, Zero got sick to his stomach with all the movement and hoped that perhaps he hadn't used too much explosives. Once the building started settling, he popped back up over the ledge of the roof and started scanning first for enemies and their locations. He didn't need to get all the kills, just the ones that mattered most, and so he skipped over the troops on the ground and the ones still presently dazed and confused. Achyan set his sights further up the buildings and started scanning other rooftops and spotted two more hostiles appearing on a nearby roof. They had not spotted him yet, and their error made it too late for them. Two quick sharp intakes of breath from Achyan and the bodies slumped to the floor. The dust and debris was still settling several stories below and with that Achyan could not yet see directly below him, but he could hear the firefight start to escalate. He heard the fire below and the sound of a large pole hitting the street. All steps carefully designed to get the hostiles moving in a single direction. Zero's comm though only crackled as a flying piece of debris had sliced the comm on his wrist, but Zero had yet to figure that out. All else was going according to plan to Achyan, and he was certain that soon this would all be over.**
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Post by Deleted on Sept 2, 2018 23:15:24 GMT -8
Strictly speaking, Kaliska's mission called only for the acquisition and destruction of the Dark Side tainted artifacts which the Cerean pirate and thief had stolen and then hoarded here in his tropical lair on Rishi. Had the Cerean not also been a latent Force sensitive that could possibly have been made aware of his Force potential by being in close proximity to the artifacts which, following the train of thought further, could have lured him to the Dark Side, Kaliska might have let him live and simply destroyed the ancient Sith holocron, talisman and warblade that he stole from a private collector ignorant of their true nature and then found himself unable to sell as planned as they began to subtly worm their way into his mind. Thorough as she was trained to be, and with an unforgiving streak at her core that would not let her long entertain the idea of letting the Cerean live after sensing that he had already been poisoned by the Dark Side tainted artifacts, Kaliska killed him without hesitation or mercy; her mandate, and that of all Jedi Shadows like her, to root out and destroy the Dark Side wherever, or in whomever, it might fester and rot before the rot can blossom and grow like a cancer threatening to spread towards or into all it could touch. There is, Kaliska knows all too well, enough Darkness spreading unchecked throughout the universe already without allowing what can be found and destroyed to lay around and strengthen or embolden further those who serve the Darkness.
Some Jedi would no doubt counsel her that the artifacts she obtained should be housed for safety in a vault somewhere, but Kaliska has always preferred to destroy those artifacts she acquires. Her lighstaber reduces the holocron to so much useless, smouldering scrap, but destroying the warblade and amulet requires more than a lightsaber. After searching the thief's dataterminal for any information about criminal associates he might have carelessly left to be found so that she can give the names to her Sector Ranger or Jedi Investigator contacts, Kaliska brings the amulet and warblade to a metal refinery near the starport. After watching the amulet and warblade dissolve and then sink into a vat of molten metal in the refinery, Kaliska makes her way to the starport, where she boards her YT-1760 light transport and departs from Rishi.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 5, 2019 11:17:32 GMT -8
A busy day awaited Duk-Zokma and his gang, and with it, there were scrambles of men, orders and shouts. They would be cutting it close to being fully prepped by the time their cargo ship returned from its ventures on Lothal. Only a year prior, Duk-Zokma had made the decision to set up shop on Rishi, having heard tales of past ventures from pirates and smugglers alike. The planet certainly didn’t disappoint. Settled deep into one of the valleys, they had been left alone without bother... At least not from those who would call themselves a foe. The planet, as the stories all said, had been riddled by abandoned bases from pirates and smugglers alike. For whatever reason, it seemed that no one else had any desire, leaving a multitude of these bases fresh for the picking. Settling was the easy part. Picking one single place wasn’t so easy. As long as they continued to play their cards right, though, Duk-Zokma was more than confident that this new line of business would prove to be more fruitful than his prior days of running spices. Soon enough, the other bases littered throughout would soon enough be his just as well.
Hurrying from the main house nestled to the east of the base clearing, Duk-Zokma took long strides to one of the barracks to the north, which he and his men had converted into what the men called the Den. That was three months ago now. Only a short time before then, he had been contacted by a woman, claiming to be an ally and future business partner. Although wary at first and doubting the legitimacy of her contact, it was the one time Duk-Zokma’s initial feelings were wrong. Thanks to this mysterious woman, not only had profits tripled, but she had graciously supplied them with weapons and a ship. Their profits were her profits, and she couldn’t have them operating with such underwhelming tools, or so was her claims. Either way, his men were equipped to handle whatever was thrown at them now, or so he believed. Luckily, they hadn’t the need to prove that theory. Still, most wandered the base armed, whether or not they were fully prepared to use those weapons. A bad shooter was still a shooter. Chaos was sometimes more useful than a good shot.
Using a keycode to access entrance to the Den, Duk-Zokma was met with the sight of a number of men, women, and children. Gathered in small groups, they all lifted up their eyes to meet silhouette of the man and finally catch a glimmer of the sunlight from outside. Immediately, Akmerta Gru stepped forward, pushing away a slave who was in his way. He greeted his brother, and the two men who stood guard with him, two humans, rushed to either side of him and also greeted Duk-Zokma. The leading Weequay lifted a hand at the two humans and shooed them both back to their posts to watch the slaves. Not like the slaves could go anywhere anyway. They had all been collared and beaten into submission shortly after their arrival to Rishi. Still, the two brothers wanted to converse without the unnerving human stares.
<<Have the collars been prepped since the last auction?>> asked Duk-Zokma silently to his clanmate and brother.
Aye. All that’s missing are the slaves to wear them. Akmerta shot his brother a disapproving look as he started a round throughout the Den. Have you heard anything back from that new help of a captain?
Akmerta’s exuded a sense of distaste and anger to send her out so shortly after her arrival. She would serve better as a slave than a captain to them. Duk-Zokma grumbled at his brother’s lack of trust, though. Araali Biesta was the woman's name. While she was one of the newest ones to put a stake in this line of business with them, he couldn’t deny her credentials. Quick on her toes and cold to cruelty required in this line of business, she proved to be more useful than half of the men who served under him. Still, to ensure everything went smoothly, he also sent Treddu, his seasoned and trusted co-pilot, to raid up this round of slaves of Lothal, and even handpicked the men that went with the two. Even though Araali hadn’t sent a message back, Treddu had shortly prior, which prompted Duk-Zokma to ensure that everything was ready for their arrival.
<<Everything went smoothly. A few lost cargo that couldn’t be helped, but a ship full of product. They should be here within the hour, so be sure to have your men ready when they hit the landing pads. Understood?>>
In Akmerta’s raging anger to his brother’s words, he shoved away a young woman, no older than twenty, out of his way, forcing her to her knees. She crumbled, curling herself up as tight as she could into a ball, as if to try to protect herself from a continued beating or whipping. However, the two Weequay continued their rounds throughout the Den. When she realized it was safe, a little girl rushed to her side as she stood back to her feet, only for the two to fall yet again, however this time into the soiled and broken bed nearby. Duk-Zokma and Akmerta made it back to the single entry and exit point to and from the barracks, and now, the younger brother was at least calmer than he was before.
Check in with Bo before the ship arrives. Akmerta’s request came as he unlocked the entryway, keeping an eye out for any possible escapees. It would be stupid for one of them to try, but it didn’t stop one from time to time. Don’t want him to make a liar out of me.
A chuckle resolved from the older brother as his parting words to Akmerta. The whoosh of the door shutting and locking behind him cut off the sound, leaving the younger to issue a few final commands to the two humans under him before the ship would arrive and they’d be left all alone to hopefully not fail them in letting a few slaves slip through the cracks.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2019 12:46:34 GMT -8
Heading southwest from the Den and other barracks nestled in this open compound, Duk-Zokma continued his rounds to ensure that all would be prepared for the arriving vessel and the products within. As his brother Akmerta requested, he wanted to ensure that Bo, a Kadas’sa’Nikto that quickly joined forces with he and his men years ago during their spice runs, had prepped all of the necessary equipment and was fully ready to move upon the ship’s return. Not like Duk-Zokma had much reason to doubt. Bo proved to be reliable in more ways than one. He was a good shot, but also had tricks up his sleeve to ensure that all cargo was accounted for and protected in some manner or another. Out of the three storage units, two were used for their other line of business. It left only one obvious choice if Bo was really working on getting things ready. When Duk-Zokma entered storage area number three, though, he didn’t find Bo, but Ducan, a newer Bith refugee, alongside of him.
"Bo, where you at? We got word back from Treddu," Duk-Zokma bellowed, announcing his presence. "Ship’s on its way."
Pulling his attention up to the Weequay leader, Ducan was the one hastily working with the finer mechanisms with the collars. A cruel task, one might have thought, considering the young man had once worn one. However, he was quick to prove his worth, doing as was told. One of the less problematic slaves, which is what earned him that blessing to no longer wear one of those very things he was tinkering with. Still, he was a slave. Although those like Akmerta still referred to him as such, Duk-Zokma had a different thought process regarding the slaves that proved just as useful as his own men.
"Master Zix is in the main house preparing for the vessel’s arrival, sir," the Bith answered.
“And he left you here by yourself?” asked Duk-Zokma skeptically.
"Yes, sir." Ducan lowered his head feebly. "I apologise if this is cause for concern."
Quite honestly, Duk-Zokma was just surprised Bo had done that. He tended to side with Akmerta more times than not. Leaving someone like Ducan alone seemed out of place. Then again, Bo was probably again feeling the adrenaline rush. He seemed to get more excited with each new successful raid, so he was probably more concerned with the duties within the main house, since Ducan clearly had a handle on matters here. Duk-Zokma approached Ducan and extended a hand in anticipation for the collar to be handed over. It was a silent command that needed no words, and the Bith immediately gave him what he asked for. Duk-Zokma looked over it, feigning a careful eye over everything that was completed. Not like he could really make out these things and the way they worked anyway. Either way, if Ducan wanted to be kept with such a loose leash, he would keep up the good work he provided him during the few months he had been in this line of business.
"Just be sure that all these are ready to go when the ship gets here."
"Already done, sir. Each of the shock panels are ready to be re-synced to a new transmitter of your choosing and ensured that they are... properly working." Ducan hesitated, a shiver creeping down his spine. While working on them, it was easy to forget what exactly he was doing. It wasn't until he was forced to speak about it like this that he was forced to remember the work he was doing for these pirates. "That was the last one."
Duk-Zokma either ignored or didn't pay all that much attention to the Bith's discomfort. There were more important matters on his hands. "And we should have plenty for a whole ship full, aye?" he asked with a narrowed gaze towards the Bith.
"I would certainly hope so..." answered Ducan quietly. "I've accounted for enough to host roughly three vessels filled with new arrivals."
Nodding his head towards him, Duk-Zokma offered one final encouraging statement of, "Good work," before he handed the collar back to Ducan.
Ducan set the collar down with the rest of those that lingered around him. With the last one prepared, all that was left, as Akmerta had said, were the slaves. Turning on a heel, Duk-Zokma headed out from the storage unit and semi-rushed towards the main house with a long strides. If Bo was in the main house already, chances are he was ready to receive word back from either Araali or Treddu when they reached orbit. From there, someone -- probably Bo, by the sounds of it -- would need to drop the cloaking shield over the compound to ensure they had a safe landing. Another one of those interesting gifts. At any rate, until such a time, all else seemed to be in place for their arrival, and those menial tasks were being handled by his other subordinates that continued their interesting, panicked rushing throughout the base. So for now, Duk-Zokma would wait with Bo for that communication to come. It was only a matter of time now.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2019 14:16:25 GMT -8
As the invisible ship descended into the planet's atmosphere, Araali began loading the coordinates for the base's location. It was cloaked much like the ship, a rather smart move. For the many years she had been doing this, she prized stealth over brute force and large displays of strength, though she wasn't against such methods when the time came for them. But with an operation like this, operating in the shadows and undetected was far better for business.
As the valley came into view, Araali maneuvered the ship directly into the path she knew the hangar and landing pads to be. It was at this point she opened a channel to the main base.
::Base, this is the Enslaver on approach. We're about five klicks out with a full haul. I have the valley in sight and bringing her down. Requesting deactivation of the cloaking device. Dropping mine now.::
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2019 20:12:44 GMT -8
Sitting within the control room in the main house, Bo Zix relaxed as he waited for the call that should have come sooner rather than later. Treddu was with her, so Bo knew she knew the protocols they at least tried to abide by. They might have been just a lot of pirates in the eyes of some, but Duk-Zokma usually did his best to keep everybody in line and all operations running smoothly. Good captain or not, her communications skills were a bit... lacking. At least that earlier call came in from Treddu, to at least warn them of their journey back home. Else, this whole damned thing would have been a mess. He could see the boss now. The way he was already impatient pacing behind him now was a bit unnerving and over the top for such a simple mission. Everything had been set out for them. It was just a matter of showing up as instructed. For all she did, or rather didn't do, he'd have her head for a trophy when she finally did show. Better yet, he'd put one of those collars round her neck and call it a day. Bo knew a few in the market looking for somebody as feisty as the captain.
"Oi, boss, chill. Araali's probably just pulling one of her 'I'm better than you lot' stunts. They're probably breaking out of hyperspace as we speak."
Leaning back with his hands behind his head, Bo caught Duk-Zokma out of the corner of his eye. At least it stopped his restless pacing for a split second. No sooner after he said this, the communication they had been waiting for finally came through:
“Five klicks away?” Duk-Zokma asked incredulously, rushing forward to the controls to send a transmission back. :: What happened to contacting us when you reached orbit, Enslaver? ::
Bo nearly fell out of his seat laughing. Oh, Duk-Zokma would have her head alright. Sure enough, their signals picked upon the ship approaching the moment she deactivated her cloaking device. She was coming in hot, and it took everything for Bo just to control his amusement to the whole ordeal.
"Araali, you're a kriffin' crazy one, alright," Bo muttered. Turning a sly gaze towards Duk-Zokma, the Kadas'sa'Nikto revealed a toothy grin. "How 'bout a little game, boss? Show her what happens when your lacking in the... communications department."
Araali may have had the coordinates to the base, but coordinates didn't do one lick of good if she couldn't figure out where to land the blasted ship without maybe hitting the maintenance hangar, or worse, the slave den in the process of landing. All on her head, too, for not checking in until the very last second. The way that Bo leaned back in his seat, once more putting his hands behind his head in an all-too relaxed position, it seemed he was content with letting the cloaking shields stay active for just a little while longer. All to Duk-Zokma's discomfort.
Four klicks.
"We ain't playing games today, Bo. Kill the shield."
"So I have to follow orders and she don't?" Bo asked nonchalantly, pushing back the command as effortlessly as it came his way. "Besides, I wanna see just how good of a captain this lil girl thinks she is."
Three klicks.
"Bo, kill the damn shield!"
Duk-Zokma pushed his way forward to the controls, which was met with a deflection from Bo. Standing to his feet, he faced his leader head on, no fear. What did he have to fear, really? Araali no doubt would still be allowed to captain a ship when this was all said and done. It wasn't like he ran the risk of getting his blaster taken or locked away. Duk-Zokma's strength lied in those he surrounded himself with. He knew he had a good captain, and so Araali would get away with this. Just like he would get away with this minor act of insubordination with minor repercussions.
Two klicks.
It was just a staring contest between the Weequay and the Nikto. "What, don’t have the nerve to throw a punch, old man?" laughed Bo.
Bo fully expected Duk-Zokma to have tried, so when he only fought back with a steely, narrowed gaze, it came as a surprise. However, at this point, Bo was sure Araali above all else was livid. If she was as tough as she seemed, she was still coming in without backing out. She was a fiery one, alright, and might even hover in place long enough to give away their location, as stubborn as she was. If she honestly didn't try landing anyway. No, Bo figured she would definitely try landing. If Duk-Zokma wouldn't welcome a fight at this second, surely he pissed her off enough to get a fight one way or another. A funny thought, to watch her try and throw a punch.
One klick.
With a defeated and exasperated groan to his circumstances, Bo turned and returned to the control center. If he wanted a fight, he'd have to let her in and make sure she didn't try crashing the ship first. There wasn't time to reach back out to the Enslaver first, so he turned all his attention just in dropping the shield, allowing Araali the sight and clearance she needed to find the landing pads. For a flicker in time, the base was left revealed to outside eyes and scanners, Araali's hopefully the only one. Once the shields were dropped, Bo reached back out to the ship, his voice filled to the brim in his amusement, hoping to further provoke the beast that flew the vessel.
Happy landings, Enslaver.
With a growl and a shake of his head, Duk-Zokma headed away from the control room. The job was done, at least. He would've much rather landed a good punch for good measure before leaving, but he had a feeling Bo's time was coming. For now, there were bigger fish to fry. He paused, turning back to face Bo one last time.
"I expect you out there once the shields are up again, Bo. We'll need some help sorting through today's catch."
"Wouldn't miss it for the world, bossman."
More like wouldn't miss a chance to see Araali's face and the possible steam coming out of her ears. With a deep growling sigh, Duk-Zokma let it go and left the main house to head to the landing pads. He was eager to see what they walked away with today, and that was enough. His men were already ready and rushing to the landing pads to do their part the moment the doors were opened. While Duk-Zokma was prepared to help in that initiative, Bo gave him another mission: to put out the fire that was sparked by his games and shenanigans. Who knows? Maybe Araali would surprise him this time like she did all the others.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 8, 2019 6:41:48 GMT -8
Araali barely smirked as she heard Duk-Zokma come over the comms, questioning why she hadn't reported in when they arrived in orbit. Rolling her eyes, she stayed quiet as she continued coming in. At two klicks away, she began slowing the ship a little bit, but only enough that she could bring the ship to a sudden stop easily enough once the cloak was dropped and she was over the landing pad. And though they were coming in close at a fast rate, the fact the cloak was still up didn't bother her...at first. To her, waiting until the last moment was the best option and considering if anyone had any clue to her skills and knowledge, she'd be capable of handling the situation.
But she grew closer and closer, one klick and closing. No response and no visual on the base. What game were they playing? She knew that someone was present in the control room so there was no excuse there. Were they testing her? Certainly a wrong way to go about in more ways than one. The biggest was the fact that without a visual location of the exact position of the landing zone, she ran the chance of running into something, which would be quite costly with the loss of workers, equipment, and slaves. She was nearly on top of them when the shield came down. Eyes squinting, her hand flew across the console, already ready for it. Quickly and suddenly, the ship's front maneuvering thrusters activated as her main engines died, forcing the craft to come to a quick stop. With a few meters left to go before reaching the proper zone, she pressed forward before setting the craft down within the enclosed hangar.
She expected the cloak to be activated once she was down and out of sight, hiding the base once more. The only thing outside was the two dual laser turrets defending the large entrance. There were a few other turrets spread throughout, but for the most part, defense through arms wasn't the way these guys operated. With the ship down, Araali began powering down systems as the rest of the crew began making their way off the ship to ensure everything was ready to unload. Araali was quick to depart as well, ready to hear the rant that she knew to come. Always a fire when she went out as none seemed to understand or appreciate her approach to her job. But this time, she had a few words for them as well with the stunt they had just played.
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