Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on Nov 8, 2020 12:07:11 GMT -8
Allowing himself to be guided by the child Zed had to stoop somewhat in order to not yank his hand out of the young Tusken. Once they were alone in the room Zed took his pack of clothes and put it in one corner of the room and began to look around at their dwelling. It was small yes, but it was better than having to dig a pit in the sand and laying a cloth over the top in hopes of escaping the heat of the day. This was like a veritable palace in comparison. Turning to look at Nartaga he began to sign a series of motions at the Tusken. I had assumed that each Shaman would take an apprentice and teach them their craft and skills. He shrugged and signed again. I should have known better.
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on Nov 13, 2020 5:25:39 GMT -8
Nartaga tilted his head and returned Zed's signs with one of his own. "If one shaman, but many young ones. One shaman teaches. If many shamans, but few young ones. Shamans may get pick. Depends." Nartaga shook his head as he signed to Zed again. "No way could know. Each clan and tribe different. Even some do not have true shaman. Instead, spiritual guide." Nartaga gave a final sign as he slowly sat down on one of the pallets he had tossed onto the ground. "Impossible know every way everyone do things. Everyone does things different. Same true for Outsiders."Nartaga recounted his days spent at the shaman grounds at the Tusken settlement. Very little of his tutelage in the ways of Tatooine's power had been done here, but what had still stuck with him. Both the good and the bad. "Taught by Shaman of R'Crurak tribe, in R'Crurak lands. Trials done here." Nartaga signed to elaborate what he meant by trials. "Also lets smaller ally tribes show Or'Rrk'Rkr usefulness. Show talent. Prove worth remain self." Nartaga tried to think of the word in Basic, but was forced to sign it instead. "Taken in by force. Or destroyed for weakness." It was perhaps a darker aspect of his culture, but to Nartaga it was normal, even if it was not something he agreed with entirely. Nartaga leaned back onto the mat and closed his eyes, clearing his mind to try and enter a peaceful state. "Tomorrow, much to do. Dangerous rope walk."
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on Nov 13, 2020 9:24:04 GMT -8
Nodding his understanding Zed remained silent as he readied himself for sleep. Laying down on his own bedding he began doing several breathing techniques he had learned to help him fall asleep.
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on Nov 14, 2020 7:45:46 GMT -8
Nartaga did not sleep much that night, instead taking Zed's advice and trying to meditate. He was able to calm his mind, but whenever he tried to reach out to Tatooine for guidance, there was still some sort of blockage that prevented him from fully embracing the energy that surrounded him. It was not as wide of a divide as it had been before, being outright painful, but it was there there. Maybe all he needed was time to heal, not just his body but to come to terms with the feelings and emotions he still had a memory of when he blacked out during the krayt attack.As morning would came, Nartaga had already been awake. Finally getting himself up and walking out, he decided to go ahead and retrieve the sword commissioned from the Artisan. The air was still cold, as the first of the suns had yet to rise. When he returned to the shaman grounds, he carried over his shoulder a sword and a bag, though what was inside was not disernable. The few Tuskens in the shaman area were beginning to prepare breakfast, some grilled meat and h'kak tea. The shaman would move back to the hut where they had been given protection from the elements. He set the sword down by the door gently and bent down next to Zed, putting a hand on the stennes' shoulder to gently wake him. "Almost time." Nartaga rose back up, heading outside once more and grabbing the sword before leaving. Nartaga would be found outside sitting next to a fire, eating and drinking with the other shaman and Tusken trainees, trying to make small talk.
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on Nov 15, 2020 11:33:38 GMT -8
Waking when Nartaga walked back into the hut he made no motion to get up until he shook his shoulder. Nodding he lay there for a few moments until Nartaga left he forced himself to stand. Already he could sense the various beings outside up and moving several of them reaching out and using The Force that expanded energy invigorating his weakened body. He would have preferred to have stayed in this encampment while he recuperated but he understood the need to go look for the other part of this artifact. Doing a few stretches Zed jumped into the air raising his knees up to touch his chest several times to get the blood flowing before he walked outside.
Not speaking much Zed tried to listen in to the various conversations going on catching several of the words but there were still long stretches between words he knew even with the help of any signing that the others had. He did not want the others here to know of his Outsider heritage. Not if it would cause them any trouble. Taking some of the food and drink he ate it without really thinking he as much consumed the food as he did the natural force energy flowing off the various beings within this city within a city.
As he at Zed ate he thought back to the strands of light that surrounded him in the Mospics. Of the people he had left behind and he wondered if they were still following him here. Without meaning too he slipped into his old habits. As more and more people arrived to eat the various people around the fire the others would find it harder and harder to look at and concentrate on Zed. They would remember him exiting the tent, and his sitting and eating with the rest of them. They could even talk to and hold conversations with him if the concentrated but there would be a slight nudging. Something telling them to look away and once they did they would see nothing of him in their peripheral but a blur. Had there been more people, more shamans and trainees perhaps no one would be able to remember seeing him at all. The more people present the more this natural part of his biology would affect the minds of those around him, and in a crowd of hundreds none would be able to see him and remember it.
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on Nov 22, 2020 12:27:29 GMT -8
"That sword should curry you great favor with its recipient." Nartaga looked up from his breakfast tea, confused. He had drifted off into his own thoughts a while ago, trying to foresee how their meeting was to go. The shaman was anxious, ready to leave. "What?" The Tusken who had spoken to him gestured to the sword that was laying next to Nartaga. He nodded, finally coming back to the present. "It is for the Chieftain, made from a Krayt Dragon's fang." The Tusken knelt down next to the sword and waved his hand over the sword's scabbard, looking over the engravings. "May I?" Nartaga nodded, taking another sip from his h'kak bean tea. The other Tusken lifted the sword up, inspecting it's craftsmanship more closely. Gripping the hilt, the Tusken would draw the metal blade out of its scabbard only slightly, so as not to draw too much attention to them. Brandishing a weapon was sure to receive frowns from the other shamans, even if the younglings would be entertained by the ensuing lecturing. "A weapon more than fit for our Chieftain! Did you have it blessed by the head Shaman, yet?" Nartaga shook his head, waving his hand dismissively. "I had plans to bless it myself before handing it over to the Chieftain, in his presence." The other shaman sheathed the sword and set it back down beside Nartaga, before tilting his head from side to side. "Would that be wise, given your...condition? Some might believe that more a curse than a blessing." Nartaga set the metal cup of tea down at the insult, picking up the sword and sack he had brought from the Artisan's workshop, eyeing Zed sitting off. Nartaga gripped the shoulder of one of the younglings and beckoned him to retrieve Patashu before walking over to Zed. Behind him, the Tusken he had been talking to raised his hands up in confusion as to why Nartaga had suddenly left his company. "If Zed ready, Nartaga ready." Patashu let out a low grumble as she came onto the main pathway from the bantha stables, still munching on feed she had managed to put in his mouth prior to being walking out by the younger Tusken. Nartaga put the sword and sack onto the back of Patashu when they went to her side, speaking in still hushed Basic. "Remember plan with meeting? Play along. Not let Chieftain know intent." Nartaga signed to Zed, the frustration he was feeling adding extra emphasis with his body language. "Done with this place."
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on Nov 23, 2020 7:34:21 GMT -8
When he heard his name Zed snapped back to reality and saw that Nartaga was preparing to leave. Once Patashu stood beside them Zed stood to his full height gaining a few glances from the Uli-ah who had not noticed him sitting there. I am ready.
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on Nov 27, 2020 15:01:28 GMT -8
It was a quiet walk back to the Chieftain's dwelling. Nartaga was deep in thought, still going over in his mind how the meeting would go, trying to imagine every scenario and outcome. Lying to someone with as much power and authority among his people was giving the shaman strong reservations. If he had the option of simply walking away he would, even if it meant more shame on him, and would solidify his position as an outcast with no chance of returning. The repercussions of allowing such dangerous artifacts to influence his people, if Zed was to be believed, in Nartaga's mind were far more important. One of the guards opened the door to allow them entry. "Chieftain Or'Rish is awaiting your arrival." The guard said in the Tusken native language as he walked with them to entryway of the throne room. "There was an attack on one of our allied clans. He has been in war meetings with his advisors ever since, though he made it clear you two were to be seen when you arrived." News of an attack gave Nartaga pause, stopping mid-stride. "An attack? Do you know where?" The Tusken guard shrugged and shook his head. "I do not know for certain, but I overheard talk of the territory west of the Xelric Draw." Nartaga frowned beneath his mask, a response to the news unseen by those around him. "So far west?" The guard signed in response, to convey his unsureness of the information.Nartaga could not help but feel relieved at this potential information. The R'Crurak tribe's ancestral territory was closer to the Mospics and into the northern portions of the Northern Dune Sea. It did raise questions as to who the Or'Rrk'Rkr clan were fight, but that was not his concern. He needed to focus on the issue at hand. The two standing guards opened the throne room's door, allowing Zed and Nartaga entry into the chamber they had met with the Tusken Chieftain before. Inside the throne room, there was a large gathering of Tuskens, all sat at the large stone table in the center of the room, save for one; Chieftain Or'Rish, who was sat upon his throne with his grizzled anooba laying at the side of its master's seat. On the stone table was a large map with small carved figurines on it, representing different factions and forces for all the different sides. It was much like the map Nartaga had shown Zed, but much bigger and even more detailed. Many of the Tuskens were barking at each other, pointing at different aspects of the map, moving the figures and stand-ins. Little was able to be understood if one were already out of the loop of conversation.Or'Rish lifted his chin from his closed fist which he had been leaning on as he saw Nartaga and Zed being led inside. His voice bellowed out to the gathering of advisors still passionately discussing strategy. "Leave me." A quiet as quick as an oncoming sandstorm swept across the Tuskens around the table, all the masked faces turning to look at the new arrivals to the war meeting. Or'Rish yelled out again after his order was not immediately followed. "Now!" The group of Tuskens moved quickly to obey the order to leave, so as not to anger the chieftain. Nartaga made note of the different symbols and garb of many of the Tuskens. Not all were Or'Rrk'Rkr clan, in fact most were not. He counted representatives from fifteen clans and tribes as they passed Zed and Nartaga to leave through the door. Nartaga lowered his head instinctively as he saw a familiar symbol; the worn outline of a blue fist on a shoulder pauldron, the emblem of the R'Crurak Sentries. The R'Crurak tribestusken stopped to inspect the duo, looking back to the throne for a moment. The Tusken turned back to Zed and Nartaga, letting out a snort of disdain before continuing on his way. Nartaga was thankful that he was not recognized, as he was not wearing his pauldroned robes with the Sentry symbol.Or'Rish stood up slowly with a slight grumble beneath his breath, causing the anooba's ears to prick up in response. The chieftain gestured for the two to come closer as he made his way to the map table. "I am glad to see you walking much better, Nartaga. You are a fast healer." Nartaga bowed as deep as he could manage, waiting for Zed to join him in it before lifting himself back up. He hoped that Zed would be able to pick up on more of the conversation with him having to translate. He did not mind translating for his new friend, but he wished to be done with this farce as quickly as possible. "It is thanks to your clan's healers I stand here today." Or'Rish dismissed the flattery away with a wave of his hand, fluidly moving the gesture into a show of the map. "I was told you came earlier, but as you can see I have been preoccupied. We are dealing with much and my attention is stretched rather thin." Or'Rish turned and walked to an open room to the rear left of the throne, heading inside for a brief moment before coming out with a small holoprojector, turning on the rare piece of technology after making his way back to the pair. A blue, flickering, topographical map appeared a few inches above the disc-shaped projector. There were large pieces missing from the map, showing just how "The artifact was found in the Deadlands, near here." The Chieftain pointed at an 'X' marked on the map. "I had sent scouts to investigate reports of the Kr'Rark'Cr'Hr expanding into the Deadlands for easier access to our banthas' mating lands." Or'Rish turned off the hologram and held out the holoprojector to Zed, for him to take. "I trust you have much experience with this technology. I shall entrust it to you." Nartaga eyed the small disc suspiciously. Outsider technology was rarely used by most Tuskens, trying to rely on the invaders' machines as little as possible, believing it interfered with their connection to Tatooine. Though he could see the merits of its more detailed map, it seemed odd to him that such a valuable tool was being given to them when they very well may never return. The Deadlands were named such for good reason.Or'Rish put his hands on his hips, nodding as he looked over the duo he was sending out. "It is very important you not tell anyone you are acting on my behalf. If you are captured by another clan, I shall not be able to help you." The chieftain began to turn to walk away, but paused again. "Remember; find the home of the other piece of the artifact. If there is a chance it can be used by our Shamans return it here. Do either of you have any questions?" The chieftain gave ample time for either Zed or Nartaga to voice any concern or pose any questions. Nartaga bowed his head in response.
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on Nov 28, 2020 7:28:47 GMT -8
Reaching out Zed took the device and bowed. Although he had learned a few words and phrases in the Tusken language he did not want to speak them here. He trusted Nartaga enough to talk his way through this minefield and it would be best if he stayed silent unless spoken to. Putting the device away in one of the pockets his clothing held he made sure it was well concealed. Shaking his head Zed remained silent as Or'Rish began to walk away. The task seemed rather straight forward to him and barring any major issues getting to the marked area seemed easy enough. Whether they find anything at all would be another story.
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on Dec 1, 2020 4:28:11 GMT -8
Or'Rish nodded to himself, satisfied in his belief he had chosen capable charges for this mission, before turning back around and returning to his seat upon his throne. The Tusken chieftian's anooba got up from its prone position and rubbed itself against the side of the throne, nudging the chieftain's leg and turning to look at its master. Or'Rish stroked the area beneath and behind the creature's right ear, much to its satisfaction. Or'Rish raised his hand and gestured for Zed and Nartaga to leave. "Gather what you must and make haste on your journey. I shall pray to the Suns for your safe return to my borders." The Chieftain grabbed his gaderffii that was leaning against the other side of his throne and banged the rounded pommel atop the mace-like end against the hard stone floor. Immediately the doors to the great hall opened, and the guards, advisors, and clan representatives that had been in when the two first arrived poured back in, but they were wary of restarting their discussions with the unknowns still inside. The number of eyes on him made Nartaga uneasy, a shiver running along his spine and his face turning red beneath his mask. Nartaga took a step forward, taking off the sword that he had strapped to his back. "Before we take our leave, Chieftain. Your prize; from the krayt's fang." One of the guards that had entered walked over to Nartaga, taking the sword and transporting it to the clan leader. The old warrior took hold of the scabbard with one hand and hilt in the other, partially unsheathing the sword and inspecting it. "You saw my brother, I see. I can tell Ish'Rak's detailed craftwork. There are none that match his carving skill." The Tusken chieftain listened to the smooth sound of the sword as he resheathed it, handing the weapon back to the guard who took it off to the side room that Or'Rish had retrieved the holoprojector map out of. "If there is nothing else I must insist you two take your leave. I have kept my other guests waiting long enough." Nartaga again felt the piercing gaze of the other Tuskens in the room. Nartaga bowed as deeply as he could once more, again waiting to lift from the position until Zed joined him. "By your orders, Chieftain. May the battles go in your favor."Nartaga turned to leave, walking as briskly as his recovering body would allow outside. As soon as they exited the clan hall Nartaga doubled over, breathing heavily, his hands on his knees. He still stood, but his legs were wobbling slightly. He shook his head, trying to clear the creeping darkness at the peripherals of his vision. It had taken all of his willpower to not burst out at the chieftain that he had seen through his plans, but he had done it. He could feel the sweat from the intense stress, and he felt as though he had sprinted halfway across the Dune Sea on foot. It took Nartaga a few more moments to regain his bearings, but eventually the shaman stood up straight, nodding to Zed with assuredness of their next step. "Zed sure weapon...lightsaber...not break?" Nartaga signed to Zed. "Can go to outsider settlement. Find anything need to make sure the light will not disappear." Nartaga signed again, though it seemed it was not in reference to the lack of light literally, especially when paired with the sign he followed it with. "Cannot fail. Will just send others."Back inside the throne room, the Chieftain held a frown beneath his mask. Nartaga's final words stayed in his mind, even with all the other Tuskens loud talk of battle strategy and supply lines. He quietly pulled out another holoprojector, nearly identical to the one he had given Zed and turned it on. A similar topographical map appeared above the disc shaped projector, but the location was that of the Tusken Enclave. A dot blinked in and out of existence on the map. Satisfied, he turned the hologram off and tucked it back into his robes.
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on Dec 2, 2020 5:34:34 GMT -8
Having sensed the turmoil inside Nartaga, Zed had waited until the Tusken regained his bearings. It is never easy to learn that a person you respected is not what you thought they were and harder still to lie to their face and pretend everything is the same. Patting the man on the shoulder he shook his head. It should be okay. Unless we leave this world I doubt we will find a better way to focus the blade. He sucked in a breath of air through his teeth as he thought about it a little bit. The only risk is the battery. The one I have might last for a few minutes we might be able to find the right one at Mos Eisley or Mos Espa. Looking around to see if there were any other Sand People nearby he pulled out the holoprojector and looked at which of the cities wouldn't take them too far off their path. I guess we could try Mos Espa. Putting the machine back into his pocket just before a half dozen Tuskens rounded the corner he signed to Nartaga.
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Nartaga
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Post by Nartaga on Dec 3, 2020 14:50:23 GMT -8
Nartaga looked at the map as Zed manipulated the hologram to see the different distances from their current location to that of the outsider settlements. He appreciated the gift of this technology from the chieftain, despite the true nature of the mission and their own intent, but to lend something this rare and valuable to someone who may not live to return it was odd. The shaman chalked it up to the desire for the chieftain to get the artifact, as well as the chieftain undoubtedly had access to whatever he wanted being so powerful. Nartaga nodded in stern agreement with Zed. "Take no chances. Mos Espa. Find new battery for lightsaber." Nartaga whistled for Patashu, who had been waiting outside the building for them. The bantha came walking up to the two beings. Nartaga took hold of the lead attached to the bantha's saddle and held it out to Zed, for him to take hold of as he moved to reattach the travois which still held their recovered goods. "Need supplies, then can leave this place." Nartaga signed for Zed to follow him, as well as what their final stop would be. "If need anything, get now. No coming back." He said as he began walking to in the direction of the enclave market.The market area was busy but it was still less than it would be later in the day; it was still early, and many were still tending to their morning chores and duties. Nartaga would trade what few goods had survived the krayt attack for what they needed, only using the chieftain's seal when he had nothing left to offer the merchants. The list was extensive, and the shaman felt some guilt about taking so much without paying or trading, but the Tusken traders gave no indication they were upset with the requisitions in the name of the clan leader. Whether it was out of fear or respect for the Tusken chieftain could not be discerned for certain in such a short interaction, but a healthy mix of both was likely. Whenever he saw a powered piece of technology, Nartaga would point it out to Zed to see if the power cell was comparable to the one for his lightsaber, but none would be.The most valuable item he had gotten was a mass-nulling clip container, the size of a small backpack, from a Jawa trader that was allowed to operate within the enclave. Inside which all the water they would need for their journey could be held and more. Two new tents, sleeping rolls, and a radiant heater with a burner on top for heating food, to replace the ones that were lost. Extra wrappings to be able to change, basic hygiene supplies to clean themselves and their clothing. Rations: mostly in the form of dried meats, hubba gourds and hubba bread. He was also able to get a hold of some h'kak beans. Ammunition: for his cycler rifle as well as a cleaning kit to maintain it in the deadlands. Lastly, and most importantly, Nartaga had acquired medical supplies for their travels. Highly diluted bacta ointment, similar to what he had helped heal Zed with in the Mospics, along with bandages, sewing kit, a small container of grain alcohol for sterilizing, and gauze. Along with a box that held healing herbs, crystals, a needle and syringe, and a few vials that looked similar to the items that had been used in the healer's hut. All of these items together were packed onto the travois with a tarp over to cover the contents. In comparison to what was considered common or valuable by those with more ready access to these things it was not much. All they now had in their possession was above and beyond what the average Tusken owned in their lifetime in terms of value.Nartaga would turn to Zed as they arrived at the main gate of the enclave to leave and make their way to Mos Espa, signing to him and giving him a choice in coming along with what could very well be a suicide mission. "Final chance for Zed to leave. Can return to Mospics, wait for Nartaga to return. Complete quest on own." Nartaga believed he knew the answer that Zed would give, but he still felt he needed to make sure the stennes knew he the ability to walk away if he wanted.
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Zed Bakiska
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Post by Zed Bakiska on Dec 4, 2020 13:38:06 GMT -8
Having followed Nartaga around he paid little attention to what he was getting and trading for. Perhaps he would have if there was stuff for him to trade but aside from the clothes on his back, and the lightsaber he had nothing here. Instead he looked out at the ever increasing crowds of people. Keeping his mind focused so that he did not waver he watched them. Several made signs or noises of disgust at them. Whether because word of his own heritage or Nartagas he was not sure. Still most went kept their distance and went about their routine. Those that didn't did not approach them.
No Nartaga. I will stay with you. Zed spoke this time in the Tusken language. It still hurt his throat but he wanted to show his commitment to Nartaga that he would see this through to the end. If the Deadlands are as bad as you make them to be no one should be alone in them.
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Post by Nartaga on Dec 5, 2020 0:00:49 GMT -8
Nartaga nodded his head once and held it for a moment in a bow as a sign of respect and thanks to Zed for not only joining him, but his use of the Tusken native tongue. Exhaling to brace himself, the shaman climbed up onto the back of Patashu; lifting himself up slowly until he got properly balanced. "Nartaga never alone. Zed remember spirit trails." The bantha lifted her head up after Nartaga was safely seated upon her back, the Tusken stroking the area where the nape of the bantha's neck and back of her head met. "And have Patashu." The bantha let out a pleased bleet, and what appeared to be the equivalent of a smile for a bantha, closing her eyes as her value was recognized. "Would have died many times over again without Patashu." Nartaga patted the side of his bantha, before motioned to the gate guards, who opened the gate. Nartaga remembered that Zed had preferred to walk rather than ride, but made note to offer to swap out with him during the long walk to Mos Espa. "Say when need rest from walking. Can pop up tarp on cart to protect from sun." Nartaga signed with one hand, gesturing at the travois with the other before letting out a hearty laugh. This made him grip his still healing ribs and wince, but it was worth the joke. Despite all he had been through, it was a sign his spirits were improving and he recognized that. With little other word Nartaga clicked his tongue and lightly tapped his heels to Patashu's sides, the bantha bleeting once more before heading out beyond the gate of the enclave. Their next stop, Mos Espa.
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Post by Demona Vilebride on Jan 7, 2022 10:16:50 GMT -8
In the sky above the dunes, the CR90 corvette 'Wraith's Wale' flew over the hot sands of Tatooine, engines loud and heard for kilometers as it traveled. At the helm, a young Shiv Kataal piloted the vessel that had recently undergone repairs, occasionally peering down at the radar display to see if anything of interest appeared. There was a large map on one of the adjoining screens, showing the position of Demona Vilebride and her team aboard the jawa sand crawler they had commandeered. The youthful umbaran's pale eyes noticed the occasional bantha or traveling rank of tusken raiders on the camera feed, heading in two different directions. Most of the travel was one way, which was where he decided to pilot the ship towards, counting that the savage desert heathens would at least know the way they were going, assuming the sun hadn't addled their brains and turned them into sand. Eventually he could make out a landmark in the distance, two large cliffs leading into a canyon. He pulled back on the control yoke in his hands and engaged the thrusters, pushing the corvette's engines as he throttled towards the interesting land formation. The ship surged forwards and it was all he could do to keep his eye on the camera feed from one of the visual sensors on the bow, noting something not entirely natural. That was a large stone wall that appeared artificially constructed, extending from one side of the canyon to the next, forming a sturdy looking fortification. As the corvette zoomed over the wall, the camera captured images inside, noting many small bipedal figures and numerous large creatures that had to be banthas. He grinned and let out a whistle.
He had found it, or at least he had found something that fit the description of what the Captain was looking for. This was more than a simple small settlement, however, but a large gathering of the desert savages. Maybe more than Demona could handle, though he'd leave that decision up to her.
Reaching over he jammed a finger into the comm-controls, opening a channel between the Wraith and the sand crawler trailing some distance behind. Static crackled and at first he wasn't sure if the crawler's communications equipment was even working, but then he heard the familiar merciless tone of the boss.
What is it, kid?"
Though pale of skin, he turned a shade darker for all the embarrassment he received over being called kid. He knew he was the youngest member of the horde; he didn't need to be constantly reminded of it. Ignoring the snickers coming from the rest of the crew on the bridge, he leaned forwards and spoke into the comm-station's microphone.
"I think I've found something, Captain. There appears to be a large settlement of the tribals due west of your position. Based on the scans I'm estimating two score, possibly more. There are a few structures within obscuring our view so its impossible to say for certain." He paused, then stated what was on his mind. "Do you, uh, want us to look for another target? Maybe something smaller?"
It was quiet on the bridge as everyone waited for the captain's reply. There would be no shame moving on to a smaller target. Even though they were technologically inept, the tuskens had the numbers and from what they had heard they were probably armed well enough to make them dangerous. Then again, the more that there were, the greater the profits when they sold them as slaves. A score like this would be enough to put them in the black for the better part of a year, unless they drank up all their credits, which they probably would. Finally the static was broken as Demona replied, her voice unwavering and certain.
No, that sounds perfect. We're on our way. Keep circling the area until we arrive. Once we're there you'll provide air support. We'll need a bit of shock and awe if we are going to have any chance at this.
"Understood, Captain."
Releasing the microphone, Shiv took the controls in hand and turned the yoke, causing the corvette to take a long wide bank around the settlement they had found. He eased back on the thrusters, cooling the engines and allowing the locals on the ground to get a better look at the danger stalking them from the air. He watched the radar screen, focusing on the blip that was the sand crawler, slowly moving closer.
Inside the stolen jawa sand crawler, which Demona and the dozen umbarans aboard were now calling the 'Slave Wagon', the captain took a drag from a narrow glass pipe, inhaling noxious spice fumes as she stared out the narrow slit serving as a window. The narcotic mix used in the pipe was the same that her people had pumped into their battle suits during the clone wars, fueling their bodies with chemical stimulants that increased aggression and banished away fear. As she smoked the toxic substance, she felt invincible, laughing aloud as she thought of the chaos that was in store for them. The rest of the crew lounged about inside, some performing equipment checks while others played with knives or engaged in games of chance. Everyone except Demona was slightly on edge, the narcotics having erased any doubt she might have otherwise had. All the while the mobile fortress lumbered closer and closer to the enclave. Within an hour it would come into visual range.
All they had to do was wait.
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