A Tale of Two Freighters [Flashback]

[StarWriter]

Location: Arkanis
Co-ordinates: R-17
Sector: Arkanis Sector

There were few things better after a hard days work, a difficult challenge, or some other equally straining task than being able to unwind in a comfortable environment, with a good drink. One of which was when you could do so in the company of those with whom you could rely on. And for anyone who spent a great deal of time making a living on their own, as Kyllan had, having people to rely on and watch ones back was perhaps the greatest thing of all.

Another successful job was just completed and for once they were back home, the small spread of land on Arkanis that had been their reward for doing great deeds throughout the system. He had been looking forward to the chance to relax, kick up his boots and just enjoy a good long drink.

Kyllan didn't even bother waiting to strip out of his armor, the iconic T-shaped visor of his helmet reflected a bit of the overhead light as it sat on the table in front of him. Boots swiftly came up to rest on the edge of the table as he sat down, one leg crossed over the other and letting out a long sigh before bringing the bottle of Correllian wine up to his lips for a purchase.

The bottle came down to rest in his lap as he brought the back of his hand across his mouth, wiping away the excess liquid. "Good to be home...Arkanis. Never thought I'd call anywhere but Mandolore home, but here we are. And to think, all we had to do was spend three years in a cold war with those damned raiders to get it." There was a bitterness to his voice as he spoke of their old adversaries. The far larger numerous band of pirates, raiders, slavers and smugglers known as Korvo's Raiders had been the bane of their little group of misfits for much of the last few years. And while they had all managed to come out on top, it had not been possible without a few scars, close calls and desperation.

Kyllan's gaze drifted over to the large vibrosword that hung on the wall in the lounge of their homestead's common area as the others slowly filtered in with their own beverages.

Tycho even held a bottle of ale in his right hand lowered himself into the couch across from the mandolorian, a soft concern in his expression. "We earned it. Though I understand how you feel, I rarely spent time on Taris or my parent's ship before Tython. It was the only real home I had for the longest time and now it's gone. And yet, despite everything that's transpired I've found a new one. I think, we all have." The Jedi cast his gaze around to the others, warm smile gracing his face.



​

@Sangga @Pippa Rhute @Frannykins87 @Kaylon Neroka @Killa Ree

 

[Frannykins87]

Alisha did not immediately join the others in the lounge. First, as always, she was inspecting the ship. It did not take her long, but she was thorough. She felt that in order to maintain it properly, it was best to have it checked out after every mission, and regularly, in any case. She also would go around with her datapad making notes, noting anything that could potentially lead to the need for fixing, or cause problems later down the line. With her hair tied in a bun at the back of the head, she finishes her inspection, a satisfied smile on her face. Nothing worth noting. Though, the way this group of adventurers sound like they were going to be going, that was going to change rather quickly, she suspected. She will be ready to do her part.

With a cheerful grin, she finally enters the room, hearing a conversation already started. She puts down her datapad on the table, and greets everyone, addressing Kyllan in particular, with a rather excited tone.

"Hi! So, ship's good."

She grins sheepishly. She was still a little awkard with people at times, but it was nice to know that she found a nice group. She unclips the hair from the back, and sits down next rather close to Kyllan, giving a contented sigh. She doesn't add much to it, instead preferring to listening to whatever conversation might be starting. She sits with her knees folded and her feet resting on the side of the table casually. She smiles at the people around, adjusting her hair so that most of them are on one side.

 

[Killa Ree]

The first thing she had done when landing back to home base was strip off her jacket and stretch, relishing that they were on land once more, and not, for the time being, being hunted or sneaking halfway across the galaxy. And... she was among friends, and those were much more like kin to her than anyone else had been in the last two decades. Carefully, she had replaced her blades on their place of honor on her wall, the whip was stashed away and the freighter jumpsuit was exchanged for a clean one in light grey.

A much more relaxed Kat paced towards the one place she'd stake her creds everyone was gathering in. And she could see why; it was comfortable, and being surrounded by familiar faces was always a wonderful idea. She didn't spot Lizz around yet, so she figured she'd have a drink first then pester her for a tasty mix afterwards. Snagging a beer, then settling back near Tycho, she grinned at Alisha's excitement. "Nice! Having the ships seen by one of the best mechanics in the galaxy will put my mind at ease." A grin followed those words, with her bottle raised slightly in a toast of praise before taking a small swig.

Having heard the last few threads of the previous conversation, she had to agree. "Ryloth was never truly home," she briefly commented. "But those three years of fighting were worth it. Remember that time we almost got caught by Korvo? You lot were gakking geniuses! I never would have thought of using those as weapons..." A small laugh came out, and she too leaned back, sighing. "Home. Never thought I'd miss one, but it's still nice nonetheless."

 

[Kaylon Neroka]

"I wouldn't have thought to use them as weapons either to be honest." Kaylon spoke as he walked in, catching on the topic of discussion. His route to the sofa took him past cabinets where he took a bottle in hand and pulled off the seal with a tug. He'd spare the use of a glass.

"Some of us were still wondering how they heck he'd got the drop on us when we were trying to be so discreet."
In truth he knew some of them were more adept at stealth than others, but they'd needed everyone on hand to move the cargo. Even so, in the dead of night they couldn't have drawn too much attention to themselves.

Sitting and taking a long gulp, he looked around at everyone else and sighed. Korvo had been cunning, and indeed the others in the group had been quick to react. His own attention had been on making sure his aim didn't drift when Korvo's henchmen were on the prowl. Cumbersome though his rifle was, Pippa's adjustments to the firing mechanism had worked wonders to revive the old rifle with a new lease of life. Even if components along its length glowed with the Chadra-Fan's baffling modifications, he was sure when he was laid out to take a shot, its illumination wouldn't be noticed if he took the right precautions.
He was glad they all managed to get away unimpeded, if a bit battered, following their encounter with Korvo. It had indeed been more chaotic than Neroka had expected it to be, but the improvisation of the crew had led to amazing things, and he felt all the more certain that his trust in these people was well-deserved and earnt.

His eyes looked to the pair of Kyllan and Alisha as he took another gulp from the bottle. Those two definitely looked like something could come of them. He knew that whatever happened, Kyllan would be on point as the combat expert of the group, and Alisha's finesse at keeping the group on task had led to saving their skins a few times. The way they sat together, Neroka contemplated for a moment whether something was going on between them beyond idle small-talk. He wouldn't really know as a lot of his time had been spent on the Yoania rather than the Entendre. His mind gave up the contemplation to savour the flavours of the drink less than a moment later however. It was a good brand, though he couldn't read the label written in its native species' tongue. Why there wasn't a translation written under the title he wasn't too sure, but by the burning warmth that it left down his throat and hitting his stomach, he could at least deduce it might've been better to pour it as shots.
With a shrug after looking at the label, he refilled his mouth. What's the worst that could happen?
Kyllan and Kat had been right, it was good to be home. And if that meant they were afforded time to put their feet up and relax then all the better for it. They'd spent long enough dealing with Korvo's Raiders, and he smiled at the thought of how they'd faced down the odds with their lives to show for it.

 

[Sangga]

As he touched down, Hart was very still for a few seconds as the landing gear settled. The ship groaned, and shuddered; he then began flicking the array of switches and dials to the 'off' setting. Lights went out on the console, the engines whine became a dull roar and then low drone from within as the engines were idling at their lowest setting. Another frozen couple of moments, his hands hovering over the console; a conductor waiting to start the next phrase in the piece. He then slumped into the back of the pilot seat, tapping the top of a readout by his side. "Well done gal... another job done, another few credits closer to freedom."

The usual ache returned, that ache you get when you come off of an adrenaline high. When every muscle cluster, every nerve in the system reports in that you've over done it again. This ache returned with a guest, a sharper pain. One that was more concerning, but with both these pains came a greater level of fatigue. He looked out at across the landing pad at the other ship and hit a stud to lower the access ramp, there was no sense in depriving the crew immediate satisfaction of their home. For Hart, the Yoania was still his preference, even after these years. He had a room in the base, but it had been - Gak! he had no idea. Every now and then, he'd say that he had some repair, an inventory check, or simply what he referred to as a 'Pippa check' to do... he'd awaken in his bunk on the ship often, or somewhere else propped up by the bulkhead.

He looked passed the Double Entendre and out across the expanse of Arkanis. They actually had nights here... that was enough to unsettle him. He took of his hat, hanging it off of the headrest and then scraped his fingernails over his scalp. No doubt they were all having a chat, maybe even a drink in the communal area. He should make an appearance, they would only come and bother him in here if not. He got up stiffly, clutching his midsection. Before he went to them he'd do some minor first aid, at least there was no bleeding.

A few strips of dressing, a change of shirt, and waistcoat. A dash of Landien Leap behind the ears, and the returning of his hat to the top of his head . He gingerly made his way out of the ship and across the landing pad, his pace became more purposeful as he entered the base. He entered the communal area to see them all grinning, even Neroka was stable in what he assumed was a pleasant thought. How he begrudged them their happiness, but the pain was stripping any joy from the situation. He grinned a toothy grin, and strode out into the room ensuring to see each of them. He clapped a hand on Neroka's shoulder, and nodded. His grin had already subsided to a smirk. "Alright?" he moved to Kat and was as cautious as ever. "Lekku-locks, well done with the Sentries." he refrained from the drink, the meds didn't agree with it. As he sat down in his chair by the long-range comms unit, he knocked his hat's brim back, as he rubbed his scalp, the hat now sitting around the crown of his head. "Well done to you Kid... you held your own out there..." he waved away the pair. "... and y'know what Buckethead, you weren't too bad either." He winked at the Mandolorian, then began scanning the room for the others. "That took a lot to get out there, it's almost like they were tipped off or something..." he had to shift, his left thigh was going numb; a hated hiss escaped his teeth as the pain flared again.

 

[Pippa]

Pippa finished unloading the last of the cargo safely into the hangar's storage area with her walker. She then stowed the walker into it's dock and left it to recharge, it's maintenance could wait, besides it was going to need refitting for a new idea she'd had about more delicate movement and she may as well perform repairs when she was ready to apply the modifications. As she hopped out of the lumbering machine she took a moment to admire her newly built legs. They had performed incredibly well under pressure and afforded her a much greater degree of flexibility and speed in her movement. Humming cheerfully to her self she bounded along the short corridor to the communal area. She came into the lounge just as Lizz came out from behind the bar with a complex array of drinks balanced carefully on a tray.

Lizz handed Pippa a slightly alcoholic meiloorun and starblossom sorbet-sundae and proceeded around the rest of the lounge, serving everyone a personalised drink. "I do wish you'd wait sometimes" she said with feigned annoyance, waving at the bottle of Corellian wine "I always feel it's such a waste to drink neat like that. There isn't a drink in the galaxy that can't be improved with the proper preparation." Swaying from person to person she came to hart last and pressed a cold glass containing a viscous amber liquid into his hand. Making a point of pressing close up to him as she did she whispered into his ear so that no one else could hear "It's fine, this won't clash, it'll take the edge off and it'll look better than not drinking." Smiling a smile at the broad Hapan that didn't reach her eyes she slunk over to a chair near Illyt with a slightly steaming, completely transparent drink of her own and flumped down comfortably.

"I believe it to be unlikely that we were especially betrayed," Pippa snuffled between contented spoonfuls of sugar, "If my interpretation of the sector media chatter is correct we have simply hit a critical mass of attention in the area. It would appear that those more criminally inclined than ourselves are begging to realise that we are going to be in this sector for a good long while and are beginning to escalate their own forces accordingly." She burped and licked up the creamy moustache from the fur around her mouth. "Though if an increase of difficulty in our tasks in the coming days is likely I will relish it. Since we destroyed the last of Korvo's ships with the unusual plan of detonating our spare water tanks to shear it's hull with the resultant ice shards I feel like we could take on anything. Korvo was ruthless and there were certainly times things looked bleak, like when we lost air pressure in the Yoania while under-fire because of the puncture on the starboard hull. I am still surprised that we survived that at all. I suppose what I'm saying is that I do not believe there is much left in the sector that would not have to think before engaging us, at least nothing that I can imagine." She beamed at the room around her, already beginning to sway slightly and blink profusely. Being barely a metre tall and only having a few precious kilos of body mass even the slightest amount of alcohol quickly got her drunk.

 

[StarWriter]

There was a notable silence from the stoic Mandolorian as he sat and listened to his extended family converse on a few memories of the last several years. The silence was a side effect of the recollections in his own mind of a moment that transpired a little over a year after they began their tussle with the band of brigands. After several months of racing one another to various jobs, waylaying the other in an attempt to hijack their goods in order to complete the open contract themselves. After their ingenues usage of their water tanks to slice open the pirate vessels from the frigid scythes that resulted in their detonations, thus decimating the Raider's fleet significantly in that second year. The leader of the unscrupulous lot had been agitated enough to try and hurt their group the most, by taking out one of the two captains.

"I think when we started doing that was when Korvo truly began trying to kill us." The warrior said after Pippa's voice trailed off, breaking his silence and subconsciously rubbing a hand over the chest plate of his armor in memory.

~~~~~
Three months after they implemented the plan to use water tanks to destroy their adversaries ships, they had earned a momentary reprieve as Korvo's Raiders seemed to leave them be for a few weeks. Buying them a prime opportunity to transport a rather substantial set of contracts that required both ships in order to accommodate the cargo. Legitimate contracts that had been discovered by the Raiders, unbeknownst to any of them. Goods retrieved from Corellia, meant for Arkanis for some large industrial endeavour it was a rather large payday for their merry group. The bulk of the larger goods were aboard the Yoania since she had the greater cargo capacity, while the more easy to unload crates were aboard the Entendre and were meant for a secondary destination on Arkanis. With the bulk of the goods requiring the attention of the more technically minded members of the crew, everyone save for Kyllan, was aboard the other ship during the final leg of the journey. Landing without issue and already unloading a gravpallet full of crates he was unprepared to find himself suddenly under attack by Korvo and dozens of his thugs. "You and your damned friends were a pain before but now you're far too dangerous to let alone, or alive. You take my ships and crews, I'll take one of your captains. Let's see how well they do without you there to protect them."

"Please, you need more men if you think you can take me out with the training you all have. Besides, my crew is just a call away." Kyllan scowled in a defensive stance, hands on his holstered blasters.

"Jamming your comms mate, besides they shouldn't think anything wrong since we changed the delivery coordinates. There is no secondary drop you idiot. Kill him!" Korvo screamed and Kyllan suddenly found himself fighting for his life. Of course, he was never so grateful to have such capable and intelligent friends, to figure out something was wrong. Had they not arrived when they did Kyllan may likely not be here to enjoy the fond gathering they enjoyed now. Even as they came to his aid, he had already gone through most of his weapons and Korvo's vibrosword speared through abdomen. Seeing Korvo's flagship exploding in a fiery ball was a beautiful sight, knowing he had to limp away in one of his lesser ships. Kyllan couldn't remember much of those next few weeks, and went batty nearly from having to be laid up as he as he was recovering from the whole ordeal.

~~~

He glanced around at the others, though seemed to keep from looking at Alisha as she had taken his near death quite hard. "At least going through all of that was the catalyst for us upgrading the fleet." Kyllan had amusingly been referring to their two freighters as such for much of the last couple of years.


Tycho scowled a bit at the Mandolorian, "I've often thought of this since then. Had you not well, faced Korvo like that so long ago, would we have not bolstered the Entendre and Yoania before our run in with the Sith and would that have made the difference in our survival?" The Jedi mused as he sipped the wine from his glass after graciously accepting the proffered libation from Lizz with a nod.

 

[Frannykins87]

Alisha was content to listen to the conversation still, since she could not think of anything to add. One thing was for sure: she was glad things turned out the way they did. When she glanced at Kyllan rubbing his chest instinctively, however, a shiver was sent down her spine. It was a close call that one, and Alisha could not remember a more distressing time, other than the one when she always got kidnapped by slavers as a teenager. She remembers feeling numb when they found Kyllan with a vibrosword through him. Alisha knows Kyllan is tough but that was not good. Blood everywhere when they managed to remove the armour to heal him. Tyco was also quite distressed, for a Jedi. She shivers again.

She didn't want to think about either one of those memories anymore, so she snuggles up to Kyllan, wrapping her arms around his, as a childish way to seek comfort. She knew he didn't mind. She thinks he likes being able to comfort her like that. But remembering she almost lost him was not a happy thought. She grumbled something along the lines "Don't remind me..."

She sighs heavily, and tries to change the topic. "Whatever the case, we''re all here and that's good..Maybe we should drink to that.."

She looks to Liz, who somehow knew, and already got her a drink in front of her, with the usual cheeky wink.

"You're the best Liz.." She smiles.

She also giggles at Pippa. It was rather easy for the small Chadra Fan to get tipsy, it was really rather amusing and it was lightening up Alisha's mood to no end, like she always did. She raises her glass to her friends "Cheers!" She gulps down half her drink without waiting for the others too much, her own cheeks brightening up slightly. She wasn't as good a drinker as the men either.

 

[Killa Ree]

She merely nodded at Hart just as cautiously, the guarded smile on her lips at his thanks greeted with a nod of her own. The memories of all that fighting... it was close. Too close. She would have to upgrade her personal armory soon, and make sure that she and Tycho would have another sparring practice routine. She was getting rusty with the blasters; she would never admit it, but her shoulder still sang with pain when she was knocked aside. She masked it well enough, with usual bravado and a vague devil-may-care. "Thanks, Hart." She still inwardly winced at the nickname; the two lekkus twitching slightly. Not that she'd ever admit it annoyed the hell out of her.

She gave a wink right back to Lizz, beaming widely at the proferred drink. "As always, you have the best timing... and taste," she grinned, taking a deep whiff of appreciation. "May the drinks never cease pouring!" Came the reply to Ali's toast with a wide, easy grin. She glanced about, though, and her features settled into a more grim line, swirling the drink in her hand. "We're all here by some stroke, but I wouldn't call it luck. Just the best gakking crew this side of the galaxy."

She slowly lowered her boots from their stretched out position, and stretched, her arms over her head before settling back. "Besides, Pip's right. Few would test our mettle, now that we've proven ourselves."

 

[Kaylon Neroka]

There was something amusing about hearing the Pippa analyze the scenario in her own words. Like the most unconventional story-telling Neroka had ever heard. Over the years though it had become a familiar mode of speech, and was no different to if he was to recall what happened in his own reserved way. If he was honest his memory was rather hazy in the tumult of everything else that was going on.

"I think when we started doing that was when Korvo truly began trying to kill us."
That was certainly true. What followed was a rather vivid memory, of his eye pressed to the rim of his scope, measuring wind strength, guessing at the range. He must've been over half a mile away from the Entendre as Kyllan was confronted, outnumbered and outgunned by Korvo's men. He couldn't recall who'd realized it was a ploy, a trap, but when they did they'd made all speed for the Entendre and its captain.
He didn't need to be as close as the others, working better from range, they'd dropped him off in the Yoania in advance of their own arrival. Each squeeze of the trigger was to keep their heads down as Kyllan steadily ran out of ammunition. Casting aside even the empty rifle of an enemy who'd gotten too close to the Mandalorian's cover. Sharp, quick moves had relieved him of his gun, followed his head. It said something, as it always did about his training.
Each squeeze of the trigger let out another crack and a flash of the barely concealed muzzle flash. Another body dropped with each flash, and the fight raged on. Right up until that moment Kyllan had Korvo's blade buried in his stomach...

He took a gulp, washing the memory in alcohol.

"Whatever the case, we're all here and that's good..Maybe we should drink to that.."
"May the drinks never cease pouring!"
Neroka needed no further prompting, lofting the bottle up in a mutual toast before swigging once more. His other arm was spread along the back of the seating as he sank into it.

"We're all here by some stroke, but I wouldn't call it luck. Just the best gakking crew this side of the galaxy."

"Here here" He brought the neck of the bottle to his lips but stayed himself from taking a sip, looking at the rim with contemplation. "We all deserve this reprieve"

He wasn't sure how long this respite would last, but if they'd each taught him anything, it was to make the most of it while they had it.

 

[Sangga]

The Chiss' form so close initially roused him from his contemplation. But as she pressed closer he let out another hiss through gritted teeth and took the glass. "Cheers, work on a softer touch." He drained the glass without examining the liquid. Lizz knew her stuff, heck he wondered if there was ought she didn't know. Watching those hips sway off numbed the pain, as much as the liquid that whilst smokey had an odd taste of liqourice. Before anyone could get a word in about the hiss or how he looked. He placed the glass on the table, pulled a small silver case out with a lighter, and headed to the door with his obligations done. "You're welcome Lekku-locks, don't stay up all night you lot. We've got lots more work piling up, I'm going to..." Gak he hadn't come up with an excuse. Quickly he scrabbled for something. "... do a Pippa check. Then maybe sort out the navi-com, it took a little too long. Who knows, maybe I'll do some redecorating..." Too much... they might want to help. He paced off out towards the Yoania's pad.

Once outside, he took out a cigarra, cupping his hand over it to light up with the little blue flame of his lighter. A few gouts of smoke plumed from behind the hands and Hart paced around the ol' Gal a bit. He loved the way she looked in the sunlight, a soft glimmer coming off the metal surface. He drew long draws from the smoke, this is what he'd needed; some time alone with his ship. This was what it was all about, being out in the galaxy with a fine smoke and nothing causing such a concern that you couldn't stop and admire the lines in a starship.

He pretended to look into the landing struts, but really he needed to stretch out his back. The wound screamed out in opposition to this foolhardy maneuvre, so he raised himself to stand. The pain was sharper, and he felt a warmth growing under the vest. He decided to take a few steps back from the flight deck and collpased onto his rear; the embankment around the landing pad provding an nice incline of support. He looked to the doorway, and he felt caught. The blood began to slowly seep out from under his vest.

 

[Killa Ree]

At Hart's hasty departure, she glanced at Lizz briefly, before giving her head a minute shake, then lowering her boots to the ground.

"I think I left one of my blades aboard," she muttered, managing a self-effacing grin before setting her drink down. "Just give me a moment, I'll just need to secure it." Her booted feet left nary a sound at her departure, and though she walked calmly enough out to the landing pads, she made a brisker clip back to barracks first to snag a medi kit, then pace out in a swift gait to the pads.

She stood briefly, arms crossed, watching Hart for a moment. If her instincts were off, it would cost nothing to walk back to her chambers and sleep off a bit of the exhaustion which seemed to hover over her lately. But the moment he winced and sat down, she paced forward, a frown glowering darkly in her eyes.

"You can fool a lot of folk with that bravado, but you can't fool me. Just how long did you plan on bleeding out here?"

If he would protest or say anything in denial, she would merely raise a brow in disbelief, then shake her head. "I brought this, just in case," and knelt down beside him, far enough so that he had some privacy. "Though an old crust like you doesn't need help from anyone, least of all a meddling Twi'lek like me." So she'd simply wrap her arms about her curled up legs and wait. If he didn't want her around, fine enough. But if he called her Lekku-Locks one more time... both lekkus twitched, betraying her annoyance to the nickname. She couldn't help being self-conscious.

 

[Frannykins87]

Alisha was contentedly and quietly sitting next to Kyllan, sipping her drink and snuggling up to him, when she glanced Hart's way after his rather noisy hiss. Or at least for those who were alert enough to hear it. She frowned slightly, but before she could even say anything the man tried to excuse himself. Alisha simply shook her head and leaned forward into the table. She watched him walk out, followed by Killa, who Alisha knew was also far too clever to let Hart's act fool her. As any of them really.

"Why does he even bother..Hope he's ok...." She shakes her head and leaned back down on Kyllan's shoulder

"Stubborn men around here..however are we going to deal with you people.."

She grinned and sipped her drink again, looking up at Kyllan. He'd given her his share of worry with similar behaviour.

"Also if he keeps calling her Lekku locks I think she'll punch him eventually.." Giggles softly. Honestly, part of her would find that rather amusing. She then noticed her drink was now empty. She barley has to look up, and Liz is already at her side, smirking like a maniac and pouring her like a drink.

"Hmmm..it's like you're trying to get me drunk.."

"Trying?" She cackles and goes back to her duties at the bar. Alisha shakes her head at her, but couldn't help but smirk herself. Alisha 's cheeks were slightly red now, and the giggles would come easy.

 

[Kaylon Neroka]

Apparently Neroka wasn't the only one to notice Hart's discomfort. Excusing himself with Killa following not long after, Kaylon looked to Alisha as she leant forward to watch the two leave.

"Why does he even bother...Hope he's ok..."
He shrugged to himself, swirling the bottom of the bottle to keep its contents in continual motion.
"I'm sure he'll be fine. The last thing he'll want is all of us worrying over him, best just give him his space" Kaylon weighed in. It was advice he'd be following, whether others did or not was entirely up to them.

"Stubborn men around here... however are we going to deal with you people..."

Neroka smiled at that, looking over at where she was nestling into Kyllan's shoulder.
"If you've learnt anything about men, its that we're astoundingly simple creatures at our core" He chuckled to himself, letting the alcohol-infused amusement bring his mouth to a full grin before tipping the end of the bottle up to drain the last of its contents into his mouth.

When he next looked to the others, putting his empty bottle on the floor, he saw he wasn't the only one enjoying the moment. Hart was right, they'd have more work ahead of them and each person seemed content to loosen up before the stresses of the job came back to them.
"Also if he keeps calling her Lekku locks I think she'll punch him eventually..."
"I'm surprised she hasn't yet"
His eyes fell on Liz now, moving round to serve another drink to Alisha.
"Hmm... it's like you're trying to get me drunk" Alisha commented.
"Trying?"
Neroka grinned at the exchange, looking at the bottle he'd placed down and wondering whether he could stomach another.
He looked up a few moments later, watching as the Chiss offered a small shot glass out to him. It was a rich, clear green and she smiled to him, moving on after he took it.
Sitting forward, he nodded his thanks before examining it, sniffing and capturing an unusually strong woody scent stronger than he'd expected of an alcoholic drink. It was especially nothing like what he was expecting from a drink so exotically green.
Satisfied with the scent, he tipped his head back with the glass to his lips.

Usually, he was a man of simple tastes. A traditional alcohol aged for a couple of years was more than just fine for him, and yet the flavours the Chiss had presented in such a small glass would have sent him reeling, had he not already been sitting down.
A prolonged groan escaped his lips as he exhaled. The motion washing his lips and tongue with a heat borne of the unusual firewater burning down his throat.
"Let's call it a special brew" Liz called back to him "I figured it might hit the spot"
He was short on words as it played across his palette, saturating his mouth with a raw intense heat he hadn't expected. He really was quite awed by the small drink's potency, hitting him as hard as the entire bottle before had, collectively, and in a single gulp.
"Well?" She asked tentatively, he hadn't realised she'd been watching for a reaction "What do you think?"
"Just trying not to breathe fire" He mumbled, looking to her and giving as warm a smile as he could manage.
Eyes drifted to Kyllan and Alisha at the table, they lingered on the mandolorian most.
"Kyllan" He gestured with the empty glass "You should try your hand at this stuff. It's got quite a kick"

 

[StarWriter]

"Don't remind me..." The somber words that left the succulent lips of the lithe woman beside him caused the stoic warrior to glance in her direction. Reflexively he extended an arm to cradle her waist, sliding between her back and the cushions they were leaning against.

Given the numerous dangerous moments their small family had endured over the years, with his proclivity to face the heaviest fighting and inborn need to protect the rest of them it was easy to forget just how often she'd seen him hurt. Despite seeing that same look in her eyes, or the tremble of her voice whenever he was wounded in conflict, or the few instances that he fell in battle. It always amazed him to see just how strongly she felt towards him.

Glancing about the room, he noted more than a few faces grimaced in recollection of the moment even he himself had thought was the day he was to die. And yet, the very blade that had nearly slain him hung just above them on the wall. A reminder of his survival and near final end.

The mandolorian raised his own glass in toast, a slight nod given before his own libation was quaffed down in haste. Across from him the robed mystic of their group reciprocated the nod and emptied his own beverage. Kyllan had always heard tales of Jedi, rarely encountering them in more than chance passing. Yet even in those moments, he had sized them up generally as a bit of a stuffy bunch. Not the kind one would tend to find mingling in a seedy cantina. And yet, Ren, as they had known him first, could match Kyllan drink for drink, almost as well as Hart could. The Jedi rarely let himself imbibe more than he could easily sober himself up with the Force.

The mandolorian smiled up at Liz when she made the rounds back to him and he graciously took a glass, of vibrant teal hue from the tray and nodded. As Hart cautioned them not to carouse too late he watched his counterpart leave the common room, noting mannerisms he'd himself carried from time to time. Kyllan was after all the one who had practically cornered the market amongst their small band of flotsam in appearing to be healthier than he let on. Something, to his chagrin, Ali had seen through more often than not as she was by far the closest to him.

He watched the other captain leave and shook his head, not surprised when the Twi'lek followed suit. "Why does he even bother...Hope he's ok..."

Kyllan broke his long silence finally and looked to the lovely mechanic leaning against him. "For the same reason I do. Even if he knows that we know, he can't let the weakness, the pain show. The perception, of what we've come to expect from one another. Even in the darkest moment, we can't let you all see us as anything other than what we are. It would be like Pippa, or you Ali, suddenly being unable to perform miraculous feats of technical prowess whenever the chips are down. Yes, we all know that he's hurting but for sake of family morale he can't let it show. At least, not openly in front of everyone." Kyllan's tone grew melancholic for a moment. "When the ones you care for most rely on you, you can't ever let them see you falter. It's going to happen, and you'll need help eventually sure, but knowing you're viewed such a way makes you want to do the impossible."

The freighter captain looked around the room to the others for a moment. "Or he's just a crotchety old codger who's too stubborn for his own damn good." He brought his glass to his lips, took a draw and winked at Alisha referencing her comment on that same note.

Kyllan leaned against Ali and slipped an arm around her shoulders. "Also if he keeps calling her Lekku locks I think she'll punch him eventually..."

"She won't. Not yet. Not the right time. He's dealing with something, she can see that. Once Quint's come to his senses...then she'll knock them right back out." He chuckled.

Tycho bore a wide jubilant smile across his face, his own glass half full still he was content to enjoy the company around him. As much as he longed for his long time home, now destroyed, Tython, he had found solace more in the company of ones such as surrounded him now than those of his own Order. He could sense the extent to which Hart was in pain, yet it was not his place to interfere. They had journeyed together long enough, if things truly became dire enough then his healing gifts would be called upon. Everyone had their own ways of facing their inner demons.

"Hmm... it's like you're trying to get me drunk" Alisha commented.
"Trying?"

At this Kyllan's brow would raise, stifling a bit of an amused chuckle. "Won't take much."

"Just trying not to breathe fire"

"Funny, that's the same thing that goes through my mind whenever I kiss Ali." Kyllan remarked, eyeing Alisha sideways as the teal colored liquid drained from his glass and he set it aside.

"Kyllan" He gestured with the empty glass "You should try your hand at this stuff. It's got quite a kick"

"Well then, have any more of that Liz?" He asked in earnest intrigue, to which he received a slight devilish grin and a nod as she retrieved more of the same firewater and presented it to him.

"Of course I do, you should know that." She gave Kyllan a slight teasing glare of admonishment as she held a similarly green beverage towards him.

Kyllan took the offered libation, hoisted it briefly in cheers and then upended the brim of the glass against his lips. Much like Kaylon, he felt the lingering burn slide down his throat, eliciting a guttural 'hooof' from him as the last of it vanished into the abyss of his gullet. The mandolorian shook his head curtly as the effects consumed his senses and he cleared his throat loudly. "Hng...If you need a name for that...'Ali's Kiss' sounds apt." A pained, yet amused laugh followed rumbling from his chest. It was obvious that Ali had a softening effect on his demeanor, especially when imbibing large quantities of alcohol.

 

[Pippa]

Dlizz's smile and cheer expertly covered a growing unease inside her. As she circled round to deliver another tray of drinks to the conscious assembled she saw an opportunity in the steadily nodding form of the inebriated Pippa. "I should get this one to sleep," Lizz announced to the room a caring curve teasing up the corners of her mouth. Tray of empties balanced in her off hand she hefted the Chadra-fan on her opposite hip like a drunk faintly squeaking toddler. Ignoring Pippa's wiggling and feeble sounds of protest she carried her and the tray away with an apologetic nod to those still in the lounge. She deposited the glasses in the washer and the fuzzball in a cot in the garage, Pippa was asleep before she hit the bedding. Lizz came round through the front of the garage into the evening air.

It was uncharacteristically dry weather. The near constant drizzle and frequent downpours had let up for one day of glorious languid sunshine. As the twin moons hung high in the sky, tinged pick by the crimson glow of the system's red dwarf sun, a cool breeze played about their inconspicuous valley. In an hour or two the stars would come out in force and light up the sky like an incandescent spray of Glowflies gathered on an impossibly high ceiling. It was nights like this that made Lizz grateful to her core to no-longer be on Nar-Shadda. The planet's smog made the night sky invisible. The weather was a mixture of toxic fume and acid rain. Even with it's near ever-present fine misty rain Arkanis was a paradise by comparison. But her appreciation of the cooling evening wouldn't last. Her worries got the better of her and like the whining of a surgical drill they dug in and spurred her into activity.

Striding purposefully outside she looked for Hart. The drink she'd given him would act as a numbing sedative, it should still be a while before it took real effect but if he was out here being an idiot she'd need to get him in. She spotted Illyt sat just on the edge of the Yoania's landing pad and could see Hart's head on the other side of the pad's lip. "Karrabast" she cursed under her breath. Hopping over the lip with total disregard of personal space Lizz knelt promptly down right next to Hart's slumped-back form. She scanned him over and spotted a dark patch growing on his side. All the usual mirth and joviality was gone from her face. In it's place a cold practical frown and not a little anger. "Illyt, could you open up that kit you're carrying, we're gonna have to do something with this lump." Completely ignoring any protestation she grabbed the bottom of Hart's vest and pulled up to reveal the wound. The shirt came up with a sticky pull. "It looks like a short but deep gash, it's not been properly dealt with as far as I can tell and he's opened it up by moving about, what does the kit say we should do?" Lizz looked to Illyt, that practical frown belying a certain amount of fear mixed in to her anger.

 

[Sangga]

He turned his head slightly to look out of the corner of his eye at Illyt, he moved his ass slightly for comfort and regretted doing it immediately afterwards. He let out his pain in a full bodied sigh. "Look Lek-" he was cut off by Dlizz's arrival.

"Illyt, could you open up that kit you're carrying, we're gonna have to do something with this lump."

"Lum-"Completely ignoring any protestation she grabbed the bottom of Hart's vest and pulled up to reveal the wound. The shirt came up with a sticky pull.

"It looks like a short but deep gash, it's not been properly dealt with as far as I can tell and he's opened it up by moving about, what does the kit say we should do?" She was right, some gakker with a knuckle-duster that had a protruding spike got him. He'd staunched the bleeding, but escape and home seemed all the more important from their last contract. They'd still get paid if he died, if not an even bigger share each in that case, and full control of his ship! His stone-faced visage had revealed no pain, or outrage. Most of all it did not show how sickly he was, when trying to push Dlizz and Illyt away they'd see how weak he'd got with the pain and fatigue of saving... well saving his immobile face.

"Look... I... I've... got this..." he tried to get up, but the strain sent him backwards to lay on the rise. "... by the Cluster, hurry up then! You GAKKING WOMEN! I KNEW YOU'D BE THE DEATH OF ME!" Still, even while roaring his face didn't move too much.

 

[Killa Ree]

"What does my gender have to do with anything?!" She'd snapped back with a snarl. More savagely than necessary, she'd retrieved a tube of bacta paste and handed it to Lizz, lips set in a tight line and eyes flashing darkly. More than anything, she loathed it when it was brought up she was female. "Lump indeed! I've met better lumps, with better manners and more gratitude! If I so wanted, Captain," the latter was said with a hiss of disdain, "I could have had the whole gakking group up to see how well you take to being treated for your... your... stubborn, thick head!"

All three lekkus twitched again to show just how much his nickname really barbed at her. "And it's Kat to you! Now, first, apply any anti-bacterial agent;" she addressed this to Lizz,"and then, I think, cauterizing for good measure. Maybe even something to numb it up, like this," and she tossed out another tube, "though don't let the stuff sit on your fingers. Spread it and clean off, cauterize and then a simple patch'll do." She rubbed at her forehead, but some of the anger and frustration at his mentioning her gender seemed to leak out of her with a heavy sigh.

"By the stars, you males drive me insane," she growled at him, before glancing at the Chiss, her features softening. "Think that'll be all well and good? I know nothing about..." she made a vague gesture with her hands, "...patching up and things."

 

[Frannykins87]

"Funny, that's the same thing that goes through my mind whenever I kiss Ali."

Alisha blushed slightly and smiled at Kyllan's words. He was very sweet. She then shook her head but giggled in amusement at Kyllan's suggestion for the drink's name. "Oh come on, I cannot take credit all the time.." She gave a small chuckle.

She then took another sip of her drink, a bit more cautiously this time. It was a very enjoyable flavour, Liz was amazing at making the right drinks for the right people. She remains silent again as she observes Liz take the quite drunk Pip away, but gives another small, tender smile. For some reason, the look of her small, drunk friend being carried away gave her a small tug at her heart strings. She was kind of cute when she was drunk.

Alisha though did not like being unhelpful and instantly felt the need to do something. She sits up straight and looks around for remaining empty glasses, and having spotted a few, starts to stand up. She realized she wasn't completely sober when her attempt to stand up fails, and she slumps to the couch again, her feet unsteady. She giggles, then sighs "Oh boo. I wanted to help.." Her face blushing again, she buries it into Kyllan's shoulder, trying to repress further giggles.

"Could you stop me from maybe drinking any more next time?? Like..I want to help clean up..I can't even stand now..How sad is that?"

Her voice comes out slightly muffled, but it was clearly amused. She is at least glad she's not feeling sick.

 

[Pippa]

Dlizz worked carefully. her steady hands gently and swiftly providing the aid as it was recommended. When the wound looked closed up and didn't seem to be bleeding anymore she put a dressing on it like she was told. Finishing up and snipping the last tape she gritted her teeth and stood back up. The look she gave hart could have burned a hole through durasteel but there was a hint of a tear at the corner of her eyes. "No one else here, in this family..." Dlizz gestured around the A.C.E head quarters "will put your pride before your health. I'm glad Alisha and Pip are knocking together a docbot, even if it's not as good as the real thing at least it can be programmed to override your complaints. Gah!!" she threw up her hands in exasperation "You and Kyllan both. Remember this: if either of you let your selves die because you're being stupid like this, I'm coming for you, in what ever after-life you believe in." The tension and fury bled from her into the air like steam. As it evaporated her posture sagged and suddenly she looked every bit the hard-lived woman she was, years of damage and betrayal evident in the set of her shoulders. "Rochean Honey-mead is a non-reactive soporific drink that is only very slightly alcoholic. It goes down smooth and has a natural warmth. If you lie out here by yourself you'll likely fall asleep before long, so get up and get some rest before it starts raining." She left something unsaid and the weight of it hung in the air for a moment. "Kat, we should get that medi-kit put away." She gestured for the Twi'lek to follow her with an expression that looked like they had something to talk about.