In Dark Places [Makura Rising S2E2]

[Jiang Winters]

[ooc thread: link]

'In Dark Places'
Makura Rising - Season 2, Episode 2
Starport C59-8,
Wazta

The plan had been simple.
​

Roll into the Wazta sector, drop by Koda Station to rearm and resupply, and then set up an outpost before heading to Cuthbern. Datamining and a bit of probing into galaxy-wide security databases hadn't revealed anything worrisome in the area. Insofar as anyone was concerned, the Wazta sector was as boring a backwater as it'd been a thousand years ago.

Unfortunately, those concerned happened to be dead wrong. The planet Wazta reported that a pirate vessel was in-system and busily stealing supplies from poor townships on the surface. That was a problem. A big one - if they were going to establish a waystation on Koda Station, or get any supplies from Wazta, they'd have to mop up the pirate presence and secure the system. That meant expending precious ammunition, which they yet did not have a means of replenishing.

They slipped from hyperspace a light-second from Wazta. A blood-painted vessel greatly resembling a Gladiator-class Star Destroyer hung in low orbit over the world. A skull, boldly emblazoned on each side of the prow, plainly indicated that it was a pirate vessel. Whether it was resupplying or conducting raids was irrelevant; it powered up its shields and weapons the moment it detected the White Revenant and Solace of Fire exit hyperspace. A mishmash of fighters flocked from its hangar deck and went hurtling at the Commonwealth vessels, while the Gladiator attempted to break free of Wazta's gravity well.

Delun Aldatan, playing Captain of the Solace of Fire due to his knowledge of the galaxy and the weapons and ships within it, ordered the pirate vessel to stand down. He was polite and to the point - if they packed up and left, they wouldn't receive any trouble and they wouldn't be reported to the authorities. He received a litany of profanity and unprintables for his trouble, which served to instantly annihilate whatever patience he might've otherwise had for the pirate vessel and its 'jolly' crew.

Solace of Fire and her sister ship spooled up their tactical hyperdrives and made a second jump, closing from a light-second to some 150 kilometers in the blink of an eye. Their shields flashed into existence - the Pirate warship spun to face them, presenting its dorsal surface to both vessels in the process. Solace unleashed a salvo of accelerator cannon slugs. Two hellish white bolts streaked across the abyss; the leading round smashed into the Gladiator's shields and caused them to glow a brilliant azure. The second slug struck and they flashed out of existence. The massive projectile fractured the hull armor protecting the ship's spine. Atomized metal and atmosphere billowed out in an explosively-expanding debris-choked cloud. The two hundred and ninety-tonne slug's jacket fragmented, creating an ever-expanding cone of destruction that decimated the warship's interior decks while the main uranium penetrator drilled clean through her hull and emerged from the belly in a glittering blast of armor melted by the heat and ferocity of the blow.

The wounded Gladiator returned fire; the barriers of the Revenant flared under a salvo of turbolaser fire. The Solace ventral chemical emergency thrusters exploded in puffs of white, propelling the ship violently upwards to narrowly dodge several bolts of hellish energy. Revenant fired; a pair of white-hot slugs connected with the thickest section of the Gladiator's hull, gutting the ship and spewing molten metal and atmosphere into space. The pirate ship's stern lurched abruptly upwards, the vessel shuddered, then vented plasma as her reactors gave out. She fell into a lethargic tumble far above the surface of Wazta. The slugs, having overpenetrated the warship's hull, carried on into deep space.

As for the pirate fighters, it had taken seconds for missiles and railgun fire to reduce them to silent fireballs.

The White Revenant moved to the ruined, smoldering hulk, while the Solace of Fire scanned the system for additional activity. Nothing - not even a freighter. They slipped into the same orbit occupied by the Gladiator and turned their targeting sensors onto the surface. There were several light freighters planetside in a starport-turned-township and a lot of repulsortruck caravans moving in, but no signs of military equipment or anything threatening.

Del tapped his command console thoughtfully. Neither ship in the force had taken any damage. They'd expended a grand total of four rounds of ammunition, and in doing so had utterly destroyed the first ship to ever stand in their way. Not a bad start, but not something he cared to repeat. The next warship might actually be ready for a fight, and he'd a feeling that ancient Gladiator wasn't in the best of repair to begin with.

He depressed the activation stud for his comms. "Sergeant Mohatu, this is Captain Alda. Stars look safe. Go poke around planetside. Let's find out what our friends were up to down there."

Two bursts of static answered him - a silent confirmation. He manipulated his personal holotank to show the side of his vessel; a pair of squat, ugly light dropships slipped from the hangar, each one flanked by a pair of Claymore heavy fighters bristling with missiles and torpedoes.

Jamall Mohatu and Collin Graves were on the lead Kingfisher dropship. Collin had been insistent on that posting - and Jamall made sure he got it. Apparently Graves was getting tired of double standard gravity and fur. He couldn't blame him.

The dropships made it planetside without incident. Wazta's gravity far less than that of the Kushari homeworld, and so the Makuran vessels' immensely powerful engines and heavy armored hulls handled the descent without any issue whatsoever. The starport was full up, and so they touched down in the middle of what approximated a town square - albeit built atop some sort of armored ceramic-ferrocrete slab that was once part of a massive landing pad for heavy transports.

The second Kingfisher, containing another squad of heavily armored Marines and whomever wanted to explore a human station, settled in a short distance from Mohatu's dropship. The fighters hovered overhead, their chin guns twisting and swiveling wildly as they searched for threats.

A crowd gathered around the alien dropships. Most were farmhands; bored kids and young folk waiting about the starport for the next transport offworld. All were interested in seeing whom such unusual vessels belonged to; they did not lose interest when they saw the first armored figure slip out of the hold, but they did give the hulking power armor-clad Kushari a wide berth.

A few more moments of awed staring and the locals began to move again, idly shuffling past the parked dropships on their way to whatever terminal they were destined for. Jamall tapped Collin's shoulder. "Ve should find a bar." He jerked his thumb in the direction of three repulsortrucks, parked nose-to-tail on one edge of the square. Each one carried a cargo container bearing the same red paint scheme and skull emblem of the ship the Solace and Revenant had laid waste to in orbit. Each truck appeared abandoned - hastily so, as the doors were wide open on the cabs. "Figure out where the pirates decided to hide. I vill... Er. I'll send a squad to secure ze trucks." He grinned slightly behind his helmet - at least he'd finally used a contraction. Maybe he'd be lucky enough to speak Basic fluently before his mane turned gray.

 

[Just Matt Now]

From all the commotion and the drastic change in atmosphere, it was obvious that nothing was going to plan. Even to an outsider, or who was currently an outsider, the way things were supposed to go there wasnt supposed to be any weapon discharge. Being by no means a naval protege, he knew that a ship the size of the one they had blown up, was not alone. And by the looks of it, the skull insignia on the side, Simba knew just who the pirates were. Being bodyguard and personal confidant to a Lorda of the Cartel, information was passed without even the intention of it reaching certain ears. Though, one had to be perceptive when guarding a Lorda, no one could be trusted. In one such instance, Icarus had the opportunity to listen in on dealings with his master and the leader of the very gang they had just attacked. This meeting did not go south, though it resulted in a mutual stalemate to which they would stay the hell out of Cartel space. Seemed as though they respected the Hutts to listen, but Icarus knew that this ship was not their only one.

Sticking with Delun and Keller where he could, Simba trusted them more than he could trust any assigned chaperone they would delve out. Not even getting to that point, the new Kushari stuck with Delun as much he could. He understood the Makurans wouldnt trust him, though why should he trust them either...at least not at first. With tension on the bridge enjoying a relieved pace after destroying the last of the enemy fighters, Simba was able to speak with Delun without having disturbing their operation. The bridge was a bustling command center, and despite Simba being so large as a Damarian Kushari, he still felt like he was being pushed around.

"Mr. Ald....." Stopping himself remembering what Delun told him earlier. "Delun. These pirates, Borga has had dealings with b'fore. They sweep sector by sector, which means there are many more. While, I doubt they could stand to a power that you have, they still might pose more of a problem."

Simba thought to get the brunt of what he wanted to say out before anything else. This way Delun could assess the situation while more information was being fed to him, not that this information was unknown to him. Simba would not hold anything that could help back.

"Just as you said...the 'verse is a wild place. One that I have come to know with the knowledge of a Hutt Lorda as reference. These guys don't play. And the only way the Cartel was able to get these guys to play ball, was through the threat of death." Simba stopped, his mind running further than he could think. The point...his point. He just wanted to help. And if that meant telling Delun what he knew of these pirates than so be it, but he could do more.

"I understand if you want me up here with you, but I know I can help your forces down there." His tail twitched and his muscles flexed as his emotions strengthened. Sometimes the gladiator couldnt even tell when his testosterone levels were getting visibly higher. Yet he kept his composure and realized how tense he was getting. Loosening up, he looked to the ground.

Since meeting with Delun over maybe an hour ago, Simba had felt more at home than he had since he left. This sense made him trust Delun, made him trust Keller. He wanted to help him and his cause, despite even knowing any details of it. It made him feel like he was getting back to his roots, giving back to all the time he had lost being trapped by the galaxy. He only wished he could do so with Delun's blessing.

 

[Andrewza]

It was the fleets first true battle vs a alien ship and it had gone well. Even though it was one small capital ship and a few fighters it was still a moral booster. Even better was that not only did the fleet suffer no damage but it was not even hit. The battle was easier than the training exercises.


With the battle over it was time to land a shore party. It would be a small force. 2 kinger fishers and 4 fighters. LTCDR Mar would fly the second drop ship. Well flying towards the plant Mar watched the destroyed pirate ship. There where still small explosions tacking place every now and again as something finally cooked off. Mar wonder to him self if any body got off.

As the 2 formation approached a settlement Mar flew along with his escorts a circular holding pattern well scanning the ground. Once the first drop ship landed. Mar came in and landed. The powerful engines throwing up a dust storm witch finally settled around the ship.

Well the marines wore heavy armour, this was impractical for Mar to fly in. Instead he wore a flight suit, well still armoured to be able to withstand light weapons such as a pistol and gave great protection against sharp objects, it was not armour. Instead it provided protection against the elements, Fire and the vacuum of space and where the marines helmet was for protection Mar's pilots helmet was more for sititstional awareness. It was linked up to the ship and to Mar and showed all the data of the ship and with a thought could add or remove infomastion, it all so had a ingrated , Night, thermal and optical camera with zoom that could both record and relay everying the pilot saw and being linked to the ship the pilot could aim weapon systems and thanks to cameras placed on the ship the pilot could look through the hull making flying in confide spaces a dream. Of course alone the helmet was not much use since it offered little in protection, so Mar left in the cockpit. While leaving he grabbed a light weight combat vest and his carbin and stepped out side. The local where intrigued by there arrival but kept a health distance. Detailing 4 marines to guard the landing zone, he walked over to the vechlies that bore the same emblame as the ship they destroyed

 

[Ravensmark]

“What.. a.. shit hole!” Collin yelled as he came down the ramp of the Kingfisher. He watched as the towns people gathered, taking care to look for anyone suspicious. Dirty hardworking farmers, and shop keepers nothing be worried about.

Jamall piped up over the comms and tapped his shoulder, then pointing out the repulsor trucks.

Collin turned towards Jamall and agreed and began making his way south. All the dirty places in life, where always on the south side of town. “Well Jamall, I don't know about Kushavo but on most other planets the type of people we are going to find in the bar, this time of day are generally those of the no good variety. Those that can't keep a job, or just won't work and honest day in there life. Either way should make for a fun adventure.” Collin laughed, and sped up his pace.

It felt so free being on the planets surface, he felt light as a bird even he was covered in armor and weapons. Anything was better then spending more time aboard that ship then necessary.

Within a few minutes at the brisk pace Collin spotted a local cantina. “Ok Jamall, we are going to go in there and try to find these pirates. It would be nice if at least one was breathing at the end of this.” Collin slung his rifle behind his back, and removed his helmet revealing a large smile on his face. “But if they refuse to hard, I understand if they just didn't make it.” Reaching down on his side he unbuckled the safety strap on his revolver and gave it a tug to make sure it would slip free if needed. Satisfied all was well, he bounded quickly up the steps and pushed his way inside of the cantina. He wasted no time as he briskly walked to the center of the room.

He spoke loudly so all could and would hear him. “Ladies and gentleman. My name is Collin Graves, and I represent the fine folk aboard those twin warships stationed above this planet.” Collin pulled out a chair and stepped up to make himself more visible and continued, “The very same ships that just pounded that old piece of shit Gladiator into submission. Now we gave them the chance to surrender and live up there, but they chose not to. I will give you the chance to surrender now, or you can try to hide and get away. But we don't take to kindly to pirates.” Collin paused and looked around the room before he continued. “Here I will make it easier.” Collin paused again eying the folk around the room. “I will add fifteen hundred credits to the tab of the person who can point out these pirates to me.”

And with that he waited for a finger to be pointed or a blaster to be raised.

 

[Jiang Winters]

Del's brow furrowed as he considered Simba's words. He stuck his tongue in his cheek - a habit he'd picked up from Keller - and drummed his fingers against his console. "Lieutenant Hasuni, check the logs. Did we detect any outbound communications from that ship before we hulled her?"

Hasuni, a tall and thin-bodied fellow with a blue-black pelt and bright gold eyes, briefly surveyed his console. "No, sir," he softly replied, "Not so much as a whisper."

Alda nodded slightly. That was good - that gave them wiggle room. They wouldn't have to fear retaliation from the pirates anytime soon. At least not 'till the Gladiator's absence went noticed. He tapped a string of orders into his console, dispatching two squads of Marines to the broken warship for the sole purpose of retrieving its navigational core. There might be information they could use in it - or that they could give to Borga as a token of goodwill later down the road. In either case it'd be useful.

The hologram displayed within the bridge showed the White Revenant breaking away from the Solace of Fire and burning hard towards Koda Station. Del watched for a moment, admiring the warship's gleaming white hull and her ebon war stripes, then glanced to Simba. "Go to the hangar. I'll have the next Kingfisher take you down. Jamall will watch your back while you're planetside." He paused, eying the towering feline. "But report to the armory first and get a suit of Templar armor and a combat kit."

Insofar as the Kushari's planetary misadventures went, nothing had gone horribly wrong thus far. No explosions, no mobs kitted out with torches and pitchforks, no inexplicable stabbings or shootings; all was well. The pirate trucks, as Lt.Cmdr. Mar would shortly discover, were wholly abandoned - their cargoes were relatively innocuous. Crates of rations and fresh foodstuffs, reinforced polymer tanks containing everything from sauces to beer to water, and various basic - but necessary - toiletries and other assorted supplies. The pirate vessel had, like the Kushari who had slain it, been popping by for a resupply. The difference was that the pirates had cheated, threatened, or outright stole to get their supplies. The Kushari intended to pay, as the good folks at the local cantina were about to find out.

Jamall had stuck close to Collin's side as they worked their way into the Cantina. Their accompanying squaddies stayed outside to secure every entrance, minimizing the chance anyone would slip through their fingers. Mohatu's fingers drummed against the stock of his overclocked Peacemaker rail-rifle. It had been 'enhanced' - that is, the safeties removed to allow a battle rifle-length railgun to put a round downrange at 1,400 meters a second. No automatic fire, but that was hardly necessary anyways. It'd hit like a freight train. More importantly, though, the long, powerful rifle was a powerful tool of intimidation. Few folk were used to seeing military long guns, especially one in the hands of a green-armored titan. The bar's occupants were visibly unsettled by Jamall's mere presence.

But a healthy fear of the Kushari wasn't enough to drive them to offer up information to Collin. The locals shifted uncomfortably and a few men exchanged fearful glances. An old fellow - a farmer wearing tattered jeans and a well-worn ball cap - squinted at Collin as he tacked on a little incentive to his request for information. Without a word spoken, the old, stocky farmer rose from his stool and held two dirty, wrinkled fingers in the air... Then slowly pointed to a group of six huddled around a table in a dark corner of the bar.

One of the men, a Rodian, sprang to his feet. His fingers brushed his holster and two barks rang out - the distinctive, concussive crack of a good old revolver firing, and the deep bone-shaking electric thud of a railgun. A blue-hot slug flashed across the room, billowing vapor behind it as it ignited the air in its wake. The slug's molten jacket peeled off and mushroomed as it burrowed through the alien, cratering the impact site and leaving a charred, blackened hole the size of a golf ball through his chest. The revolver round hit more or less simultaneously, creating a sucking, nasty wound in the Rodian's chest. Another railgun round followed; smoke billowed from his wounds as he crumpled. The Rodian twitched, wheezed, and then shuffled off the mortal coil.

Guns and knives clattered to the floor as the remaining five, covered in their comrade's blood and bits, disarmed themselves and reached their hands towards the sky. "In the interests of my continuing good health, I'd like to surrender, Mr. Graves," one of them, a human midget, shakily remarked.

 

[Just Matt Now]

Resting more easy knowing that the pirates ship hadnt tried contacting reinforcements, which made sense given the arrogant sensibility those pirates had. They probably thought some confrontation would send these two ships running off. Well, they were wrong. And they paid the ultimate price. Well, like Delun said, they did have some time before reinforcements noticed their missing ship, and in that time Simba would make his way planetside with the rest of the Makuran party.

"That is most gracious of you Mr.....Delun, my apologies." The Kushari scolded himself. He wouldnt make that mistake again. Simba bowed his head and pivoted in the direction Delun had directed. His armory where he would snag some proper armor and perhaps another weapon. While testing the peacemaker, he really found that the most enjoyable to fire, and hoped that it would be in Delun's armory. Though he could only assume.

The ship they had been on was large enough to get lost. And there were so many Makurans scurrying about, clearly with some important job to do. And it wasnt like he could ask them for directions, the language barrier made it so that he literally couldnt. Though, as Simba walked down a bottleneck corridor, the armory was in plain sight. Walking in, it was empty aside from a few pieces of loose clothing left behind. There were lockers on the far end large enough to fit all types of armor. Though Simba's guess was that was where he would find the Templar armor Delun mentioned. Scouting the lockers, his first choice revealed a Makuran sized armor, which certainly wouldnt fit the hulking Damarian. Searching the others, Simba spotted one that might fit. Without even a quick scan to see if he was alone, he undressed himself to reveal the scar ridden and muscular toned body that only a gladiator of his stature could endure. He knew how he looked, and knew that he could get them removed, but he did not want to. They reminded him that he was not invincible. That he could fall just as easily as all those who fell by his own sword.

Deaths fingerprints.

He referred to them as, though his naked body was soon covered in the hardened Templar armor, making him resemble all of the Makuran soldiers he'd seen during the exchange. Simba debated whether or not to wear the helmet. His thick and long mane would get tangled and messed up. So instead, he slung his sword to a sheath hanging over the armor on his back, grabbed one of the peacemaker rifles on the gunrack near the exit, and continued to the hangar with the helmet tucked underneath his arm.

The hangars were much easier to find. Simba could hear the multiple engines revving and shooting off towards the surface. The Kingfisher shuttles were large and intimidating. The next one appeared to be about to start boarding. All suited up, the Damarian started to walk on board when a Makuran stopped him.

"Delun wants me on this shuttle!" Simba spoke in traditional Katar as he lifted up his rifle to show that he is a part of the operation. The Makuran seemed to understand and let him pass. Simba felt alone even amongst the other Kushari on board. He was to meet up with Jamall, though he'd never even met the man. Hopefully things would clear up.

 

[Andrewza]

Walking back to the landing area Mar used his radio to call Mohatu. "Sergeant Mohatu this is LtCDR Mar, I heard gun fire is every thing ok, and if there any pirats left behind you may want to ask where they got there supplys. These trucks are full of stuff, probaly stolen. A good way to win the suport of the locals is for us to return it."

Standing infront of his kingfisher Mar spoted 2 more kingfisher drop ships aproaching. It looked like we may be here for a long time. It would be a good idea to orginize some shore leave for the crew.

 

[DangerousTinkerer]

After a man surrender and was taking by a fellow member of Mr. Graves team, a deep and uneasy silenced filled the cantina. Taking a deep breath, Ko'vas cautiously started to stand facing the man with his left side angled towards him. "Mr. Graves, I understand you don't like pirates. But if I may, who are you with?" Ko'vas asked calmly trying to be respectful and not show his nervousness. Ko'vas paused for a moment to let him recognize who addressing him as well as to face him. "I figured I would ask since I am probably not the only one thinking that." Ko'vas continued slightly relaxing but still nervous at how he would respond.

 

[Ravensmark]

Collin loved to draw his revolver. The joy of the draw, shooting from the hip, the exhilaration of the shot, and the joy of watching the smoke rise up from the end of the barrel. His .68 caliber slug had found its mark, as well as two slugs from Jamall's rifle. He grimaced slightly as the chest of the Rodian cavitated and pieces of his insides showered the rest of his crew. It was a gruesome sight, but always made for good effect.

The pirates quickly surrendered. Collin produced a handful of quick ties from a pocket, and handed them to a near by man. “There will be two hundred credits in it for you, if you secure these gentleman for me.” Handing the ties to the local he continued to scan the room. “Make sure there nice and tight I would want to have to shoot an escapee.” Collin grinned at the pirates as they were secured.

Someone spoke up and addressed him. Collin turned to face the newcomer, pistol still in hand but lowered slightly. He watched as the man came to face him and issue his questions against him. He listened as the man spoke.

“Fair enough questions.” Collin holstered his weapon and began speaking. “I represent the fine folks of the Mukuran Commonwealth, and in there infinite wisdom. Have decided to turn Koda Station into a forward operations base. What this means is basically there in charge now.” He paused a moment for that to sink in. “I know, I know your thinking what get rid of the pirates only to be subjugated by yet another military authority. This is not the case the Mukurans will not harass or harm the good people of Wazta as long as you follow your own laws. And some of there rules. They are mainly interested in restoring that useless space hulk above this pile of dirt to usefulness.” He paused again to make sure people were understanding. “What this does mean though is that they will need supplies, food, medical, and so on. Which they will buy at market value. It also means that there may be more work, in which you will also be payed a good wage for.” Taking a deep breath he continued. “So you get to go on with your lives, with the safety of the Mukurans protecting you, and the benefit of them not truly governing you. Also no pirates!” Collin smiled to emphasis his last point.

Turning away from the questioner, Collin made his way toward the barkeep laying down his card as he stopped at the bar. “So lets see here, fifteen hundred on the tab for that gentleman over there, can you give that fine young lad two hundred in cash. We can say five hundred for the mess we made, and I will give you a thousand for being a gracious host. That brings the total to thirty two hundred, well lets round that to and even four thousand and drinks can be on me for awhile.”

Collin turned and leaned against the bar. “Before we leave and take our pirate friends with us, are there any other questions or concerns?”

 

[Dmitri]

The Wazta Sector was a nexus for unruly activity. Pirates, smugglers, criminals. All coalesced around small farming communities that would just prefer to be left alone. Unfortunately others didn't allow that. The sector became a haven for those who would rather not be bothered, except the indigenous populace. As such, it was the perfect hiding spot for a Galactic Alliance soldier in hiding. With the collapse of the Galactic Alliance, much of its military had either been assimilated or hunted down by the New Sith Imperium.

Many of the planets supposedly had functioning governments. In some sense they did, as a member-state of the Galactic Alliance. Back then, it could rely on Galactic Alliance intervention to deter major criminal activity sprouting in the area. Occasionally some groups perched there, but each would meet its end. The cult Order of 12 Crosses once had an influential control on parts of Koda Station until their untimely death by the Chiss Ascendancy. However, the days of Galactic Alliance or outside help was over. The Galactic Alliance was now just a footnote on history's pages and the Chiss Ascendancy was broken beyond repair. The sector hosted, officially, a working authority that ran things and protected its citizens. However, anyone who had ever visited knew the Wazta Security Forces were a joke. Not only were they poorly armed and staffed, but they were poorly trained and a fearful bunch. Pirates had little effort intimidating the WSF. Drug lords and mob bosses easily corrupted any officials needed. They were basically there to keep the status quo alive, to deter the citizens from making a move against the criminals. In some ways, that was needed more. A Hutt named Gujja once had a shoe thrown at him after he had drained the life savings of a neighborhood. In retaliation, the neighborhood found itself stalked by a serial killer until the shoe thrower had been relinquished to Gujja's men.

Still, there were some cases of the WSF trying to do their job. It was rare, but it happened. Kali would about to witness this firsthand. A former Galactic Alliance medic, she established a niche on one of the planets as one of the doctors. A real doctor who actually knew what they were doing was a rare commodity in the sector. As such, she had found herself immune to most of the criminal activity. They left her alone, and she fixed up anyone who got hurt. She was surprised by how many more blaster burns she encountered in one month here than she had in two months in the service. Luckily most were small time cases. Recently a new gang had moved in, hounding others with its Gladiator-class Star Destroyer. Crime decreased only because the criminals were purging themselves.

As such, she wasn't too surprised to hear of a fire fight in a nearby cantina. She was admittedly surprised and mildly amused that it was the Wazta Security Forces who told her of the situation. Suspecting that Rodian drunkard had foolishly brought his blaster, again, to the cantina for drinks, she grabbed her bowcaster as 13-UZ, her droid assistant, grabbed the first aid kit. She assigned two WSF officers to bring gurneys. However, as she and her team ran to the cantina, she was filled in on the situation. Apparently unidentified feline "Mandalorian wannabes", as one said, destroyed the Gladiator in the system and landed at on the planet where a group went to the cantina and subsequently sparked a brawl. Pirates were suspected to be either injured or dead.

Kali was not pleased with the situation. Stability was starting to form in the sector again, from a certain point of view. A routine building, minimizing tensions between the pirates and the populace as the pirates solidified its control. However, these incidents could only spark more violence and lead a confrontation between the pirates and the unidentified intruders.

The cantina door was still open, a blaster striking the gears that meant to close the door. Door jarred open, Kali and her team strolled into the cantina. Kali's bowcaster was raised as she entered and she pointed it straight at the human by the bar. He was the least armored, from her estimations. As such, he was the best candidate to take hostage, in a sense. A deter against anyone being trigger happy. A warning say, fire and he dies. The WSF reinforcements had weapons too, but they seemed less certain what they were supposed to do. They had weapons drawn, but not aimed at anyone particular. "I've got one for you, sir," Kali said, command in her voice. "The hell do you think you're doing?"

 

[Ravensmark]

Facing the business end of the bowcaster, Collin looked at this new arrival, and responded. "Well aren't you a pretty little thing. But if you had been here just a few minutes earlier, you would of heard my explanation of what we're doing here." Collin gave a big smile, and looked back towards the barkeep. "As for myself I am gonna have a quick drink and point you towards my big gray friend over there for any of the answers you seek." Collin pointed towards Jamall, grabbing the hastily pour glass of what ever passed as a drink on this planet, then turning back to face this woman. "Oh, and Jamall if she shoots me, I would like to expect that to be the last thing she ever does." Collin leaned back against the bar, and tried to enjoy his drink.

 

[Jiang Winters]

Simba'd find himself allowed on the shuttle - Del sent down orders for him to be allowed on. The Kingfisher 'shoved off' the moment he and the other passengers were aboard, and went screaming planetside along with its fighter escort. One of the Peregrine superheavies would head planetside soon to begin a supply train; the Makurans weren't keen on delaying their resupply any longer than absolutely necessary.

In the bar, Jamall paused for a few moments to respond to Mar's message. "Aye, sir," he replied, "I think General Kaede would agree with you. We just nabbed some pirate types in the bar, if you want to head our way."

Jamall muted his mic and briefly surveyed the patrons. They were frightened. He couldn't blame them - few civilians took well to a death in their midst. Especially not human civilians, his opinion of whom was rather low. The feline's tail twitched 'round its waist, unhappily trapped within his armored suit. He shifted his weight and rolled his shoulders, then stood still. Things had gone smoothly. Almost too smoothly. They dropped in, glassed an alien warship before it could so much as nip at their heels, and went planetside to find zero resistance. It was possible that, for once, things had gone right for the Commonwealth, but he doubted that highly. Murphy's Law never slept. Something, somewhere, wasn't right. He just didn't know what it was.

Perhaps it was that odd presence in the Force. Something else was in the Cantina - something with a presence bolder than Collin's, or than that of any of the Makurans he'd brought along. He wanted to shroud himself in the Force and hide away, but there was no point. He was a beacon in the Force. A powerful entity. Dangerously so, in fact; raw, primal energy coursed and ebbed all 'round Mohatu, weaving through him and only barely controlled. He didn't have the strength to hide himself from whatever being was in the bar, but there was no doubt in his mind that the other one took notice.

His ear twitched. Someone was coming. Someone aggressive. He could feel it in the Force. He set aside his thoughts and turned on his heel to face the cantina's entrance just as a woman, flanked by WSF personnel, came in. She had a bowcaster at the level - a bowcaster as big as she was. Mohatu's rifle snapped to the ready and his finger rested on the trigger. The targeting reticule in his HUD settled over her center mass as she piped up. He pressed his chin against one of his helmet's comm studs, recalling the guards he'd left outside to his position. A pair of Makurans, clad head to toe in the same charcoal gray Templar armor as Collin, slipped into the bar behind her party.

Collin didn't seem to give a toss about the gun-pointing. He simply carried on - he even fetched a drink and leaned on the bar. The feline briefly wondered if he'd learned his nonchalant attitude from piloting, or if he simply was beyond caring. Either way, the responsibility of dealing with the woman was transferred squarely to Jamall's shoulders.

"So far as I can tell, ve are doing your job," he replied bluntly. He slightly lowered his weapon, safe in the knowledge that the Marines by the doorway could take the group in an instant. "Lower your weapon and I will do the same, and I will explain our purpose for being here."

He didn't bother pointing out that she was woefully outnumbered and outgunned; an entire squad of Makuran troops had secured the cantina and were filtering in through the entrances, while still more were headed down from the warships above for the express purpose of securing the area and making it safe.

 

[Dmitri]

Kali had enough experience in the Galactic Alliance military to know that soldiers generally had one of two views. Either they believed women were just as capable and valuable in combat as men or they were sexist pigs whose large energy blasters were probably compensating for something. Kali mentally labeled the human intruder as the latter. The nerf herder was barely taking her seriously. She wasn't sure, but she thought she sensed some sarcasm from the man when he addressed his feline companion, who apparently was named Jamall.

Kali lowered her bowcaster. Not to the ground, disarming herself. No, rather than aimed at the man's head, ensuring a headshot, she was now aiming between the man's hips, an area she suspected he valued greatly. Maybe that would wipe the smirk off his face as he got a drink.

The feline intruder spoke up. His weapon was trained on her, and she heard the approached of two more individuals sneaking up on them. They came in quietly. It was almost as if she was being hunted. Be that as it may, she was not about to let herself be intimidated. She did not move her bowcaster at all upon the feline's request, but made no move to indicate she had any intention of firing, unless provoked. She was prey and predator. Her eyes spoke all that required. She did however, show she was at least willing to listen. She made a motion for the WSF to lower their weapons. Lacking any form of superior officer, they decided to follow her lead. She had established herself a private niche on the planet's hierarchy. Not really one of the leaders, but someone who should be followed, if only because the pirates left her alone, as if she had some sort of protection best be respected.

Kali let her eyes drill into the feline, Jamall. "Hardly." The word escaped her lips like icy venom. "My job is to fix people up, not blast everything in sight." She tilted her head slightly to motion to 13-UZ and the gurneys, to indicate she was with the medical team, not a security grunt. She turned her attention back to the human scum. "Well then, lover boy, why not tell me what I missed." Her words evidenced that it was not a question, but a command.

 

[DangerousTinkerer]

With more people now entering the cantina and weapons being drawn every which way, Ko'vas decided currently staying out of the way would be good for his health. Turning to return to his seat till the 'negotiations' ended, he saw the front door jarred open and without thinking made his way towards it. Ko'vas approaching the bar on his way noticed something flowing off Jamall. Pausing and facing him, the flowing spectacle was more intense as Ko'vas focused, realizing he must have a stronger connection then most with the Force as no one else seemed to notice.

After a moment of inqury on this, Ko'vas continued up pass the bar on his way to the door hoping Jamall didn't spot him starring. The barkeep quick slide some money at Ko'vas as he went by before whispering. "Lad, Mr. Graves said to give this to you." the barkeep mentioned before turning back around towards Mr. Graves. "Okay then. Thank you." Ko'vas replied stopping next to the bar as the barkeep started to turn back. Without counting, Ko'vas grab the cash and placed them inside his jack before covering the distance to the door.

"Pardon me. I need to get to the door there." Ko'vas asked one of the WSF soldiers as he pointed to the jammed gear on the door. Confused at first the soldiers eventually realized what he was trying to do and stepped aside. "Thank you." Ko'vas reply as he slide his messenger back onto the front of his right hip before looking over the gear. Ko'vas began trying to determine the best way to fix the problem while trying to not completely zone out of the 'negotiations' currently going on.

 

[Andrewza]

"See you soon sgt" Though Mar was a high rank, he was out of his element so was not incharge here, one of the NCO's had all read started to cear the area for the folow on force. Mar got 2 mariens to walk with him, it was because he was not because he was afraid. But until this plantet was secured no one would go any where alone. On getting to the canteen he noticed a crowed had formed around it. They kept a healthy distance but where still trying to see and hear what was going on. On seeing Mar and his escorts they parted to allow them to pass.

It was then that mar noticed that the mariens here where point there wepaons at some one inside. As he walked through the front doar he got a look at the female pointing a wepaon at there human compaion. Imdetialy the 2 mariens joined the others in aiming there wepaons at her. Mar did not see the point. So many rounds would hit her all ready that one more would be pointless. Walking through the doar anoth armed local stood in his way, this one seemed very scared, it took him only a breif momunt to make up his mind and get Out of Mar's way.

"Sgt why is a local pointing a wepaon at the tail burner, she seems brave or stupid" waiting for a respons Mar then walked striaght towards the female. He gave her a Sniff and looked her straight in the face. She intriqued Mar, all the other local coward in fear of them, but not this one.

 

[Ravensmark]

“Lover boy?” Collin looked at the woman in front of him for a few moments with a quizzical expression on his face. “Nope.... I don't think so. I would be pretty sure I would have remembered if I had shared my bed with a good looking gal like you. So I can't say were lovers.” Collin laughed out loud and continued. “But that’s not saying that its not in cards for the future.”

The smile left Collins face. “Now miss, I mean you know undo disrespect. I understand we may have stepped on your security forces toes by showing up here uninvited and putting a few rounds through that poor Rodian chap. But you have made a fatal flaw, and I would hate for that to be exploited. You see Jamall over there pointing that Peacemaker at your chest, and you have surely noticed the squad of soldiers showing. And by your own request your may have lowered there weapons, while you have semi lowered yours. Now where I admit getting shot point blank by that bowcaster is going to hurt like hell. I am sure that my Mukuran made armor will soak at least one shot. I may be in pain, but you and your men will be dead.” Collin paused again to let all that sink in.

“Word of advise never give up your advantage in combat to make a point. I understand I may have offended you, but know if shit goes wrong only your people die, and that wouldn't get you anywhere.”

Collin raised his glass and downed the rest of his drink, as LTCMD Mar entered the building.

 

[Jiang Winters]

It took every last measure of self control he had to avoid placing a trio of slugs in the woman's chest.

Gods, but she had no idea how screwed she was. He took a shallow breath and let his tail twitch within his armor. Collin was doing his best to talk her down - or get himself castrated by quarrel, he wasn't entirely sure which outcome the human was going for. His brow furrowed and he chuffed in frustration, though both were masked by the dull gold faceplate of his helmet.

Every instinct he had, honed by twelve years of savage fighting, told him to shoot her, capture the guards accompanying her, and be done with it. But humans weren't Kushari. Even if their peacekeepers were being mind-numbingly bullheaded he couldn't get away with shooting them in 'self defense'. Humans always sided with their law enforcement for some unfathomable reason. It was almost like they enjoyed oppression and police states.

He didn't even spare a glance for Mar as the Lt.Cmdr. entered and spoke up. At least he and Mar could speak in Makuran Katari - it'd keep the humans about from understanding a word they said. "Both. Bravery and stupidity aren't mutually exclusive," he remarked, "She also seems t'think a bowcaster can get a first-hit pen on thirty-nine kilos of ceramic and titanium."

He'd never once taken his sights off the woman - and now that he'd finished speaking, he'd made up his mind. She'd bend her knee or he'd break it. The locals hadn't bothered to show up to deal with the Pirates until he'd started shooting them, so that told him that local law enforcement was either cowardly, in bed with the pirates, or both. In either case they were honorless.

He reflexively drew on the force. It welled within him, that brilliant spot of light that he was blossoming into something of an inferno as the cat became ready to put her down before she could harm Collin. He growled, "Throw down your veapons, now. This iz your final varning." A simple, but effective, order. One he fully intended to carry out - he'd offered her a chance to behave like a proper peacekeeper, and instead she'd insisted on maintaining a bullish display of childish independence. This was her second chance, and he wouldn't give a chance at a third.

 

[Dmitri]

One of the locals, a Miraluka, escaped the cantina, probably to avoid what could be coming. Unfortunately, as he left, two more intruders had arrived. Considering their armor, there was little she could do. The man seemed oblivious to the threat she had done, nulling it. She signed, annoyed. "Local insult," she explained, vexed. Technically it was a CRADLE insult, not one from here, but she wasn't about to continue from that.

The man tried to defuse the situation. Though he seemed to have an air of superior to him, she was not happy about it. However, she was right. She didn't stand a chance. As she began to lower her weapon, Jamall barked an order at her and demonstrated usage of the Force. Kali wasn't as trained in the Force, but she could sense he was trained. Her eyes widened in alarm. She knew it was the end. The bowcaster wouldn't penetrate the armor. She had been lax and now it was her downfall. The Sith had finally found her. However, she dared not try to go out in a blaze of glory. Jamall's companion was right, it would only get the people who came to help her killed. She tossed the bowcaster to the ground and hissed, "Sith."

 

[Andrewza]

As the bowcaster hit the ground Mar pick it up before she could change her mind. The marines quickly disarmed the local secruityan who put up no restianc. Mar handed the bowcaster to one of marines.

"Good job Sgt, it would be good if we did not create to many enemies here. Perhaps we could work with her once she as calmed down. She seems to have some respect among the local security forces. O and Sgt before I came here another kingfisher landed, it as our newest guest on board. You meant to be his chaperone"

 

[Ravensmark]

The situation was calming down quickly, the woman had dropped her bowcaster and the Mukuran Marines were securing all the parties involved. Not what he hoped would happen planet side, but not bad. And she hissed that word. "Sith!" Collin"s hand raced down the side of his body and grasped the grip of this revolver raising it to a ready position, as his eyes were darting back and forth across, the cantina. "Where?" he asked to anyone who would answer. "Where do you see Sith?"

"Jamall we could have some trouble here if she is right." Collin moved towards the marine with the woman's weapon, retrieving the bowcaster that had been previously pointed in his direction. Collin turned around to face her. "Point at this Sith, and if your right be ready to catch."