Ask Reflex, Recog, Repeat

[Dr Ilana Morata]

Some patients were never forgotten.

Through the years, the good Doctor had met many individuals. Some would have called them the scum of the galaxy, but she knew better. She spent her time around gangsters and kings, presidents and civilians. She met with the most brilliant minds, conversed with aspiring tabloid writers, and dealt with scandals and threats, more than she could count.

And yet still, she stood.

But a good Doctor always held follow-ups of all her patients; Shane just happened to be next on the list.

He would be invited to a place he never would have expected. A duracrete bunker in Paqualis III, far from Chateau Vidalis, with a pair of blast doors the only indicating entrance. A droid guard stood at security, prepared to allow the man in when he would arrive.

"The Doctor waits for you inside."

Inside, a wide duracrete lobby greeted him. And far away, he would hear a familiar, bone-chilling sound.

The sound of blaster fire.

@Taz

 

[Covax]

There were very few people in the galaxy Covax trusted. In fact, he could count them all on one hand and still have a finger or two left over. Doc was one of those few.

So when he got the invite to meet her on Paqualis III, he literally dropped what it was he was doing and prepped his ship for the trip. He had expected an office or even a mansion. Not some doomsday bunker in the middle of nowhere. The reinforced doors of which looked like they could take a direct hit from a Star Destroyer.

The syndicate vanguard almost thought he was in the wrong place, even going so far as to check the message and location again on his smart-pad. Indeed he was looking at the phone, when the droid came out of it's "guard post" to let him know he was to be expected.

Just then the doors would open and the hulking human would make his way inside. The further he went, the more it set him on edge. "What is this place?" He mumbled.

Then he heard it. The unmistakable sound of blaster fire. "Doc!" He yelled. Holdout blaster, suddenly in hand. The former mercenary started running toward the danger.

@Killa Ree

 

[Dr Ilana Morata]

Something that Shane might not have noticed with all the dimmed lights came more into focus as he came barreling in. A series of narrow corridors, with curious tables at the start of each one. And far ahead, illuminated with a singular canned light, stood a familiar figure.

She was dressed plainly, in a black t-shirt, black leggings, and boots that seemed more suited to a Ranger than a humanitarian Doctor. Long white hair was left undone over her shoulders, and a pair of amber glasses shielded her eyes. In her hands was a DG.7 heavy blaster pistol.

She paused when she could sense it. A ripple of alarm, fear even, shuddered through the Force, and she lowered the blaster to the floor, hesitating.

"ALL SHOOTERS, PLEASE LOWER WEAPONS AND DISENGAGE, PREPARE FOR NEW TARGETS."

A robotic voice blared over the intercom, and yellow lights flashed in the dimness. She set the blaster down on the table and stepped back, pulling off her headphones to glance at the familiar figure of Shane, barreling down at full speed at her.

"Shane," she greeted coolly, a hand on her hip. "Welcome. I hope you don't mind," she gestured towards the shooting range, "But I figured, since this is your time of year for a tune-up... this range would be more at home for you than the typical series of tests." She cocked her head, eyeing his holdout blaster. A smile flickered on her lips, momentarily, before it vanished. "But it seems my droid failed to inform you properly. No outside weapons were permitted."

As she spoke, the wall at the end of her gun range whirred. A humanoid hologram flickered and disappeared, replaced by another. A Rodian.

"The gun rack is behind you," she gestured over a shoulder. "Pick one. But be quick about it, the next cycle will begin in two minutes."

@Taz

 

[Covax]

Covax hardly noticed the corridors at first. The doorways with narrow areas, like stalls with long narrows halls. Or at least what looked like hallways when one is running full force to action. Soon enough though, it was clear it was in some kind of underground training compound.

IIana was dressed in a black on black outfit that looked incredible on her figure. But, also reminded him of a holo-movie full of action heroes from his childhood. "Waa...huh?" He stammered.

"Doc..?" He said, looking a little confused as the followed her gesturing. Fully taking in the size of the place finally. "Well....not exactly what I expected....no. Wait, tests? You called me for a check-up?" Suddenly realizing he was here for a doctor's visit. Covax then looked at the weapon in his hand, as IIana did. "Yeah, he didn't say shit." Covax answered bluntly.

As Doc told him to quickly grab a weapon and turned to the wall. It was a soldier's wet dream. Row after row of the guns. Quickly though, he grabbed a mat black DA-34. Sith standard issue, medium power and high shot capacity. Perfect. Covax press checked the power pack to make sure it was fully charged and grabbed a couple of spare packs before joining Doc on the firing line.

"Ready."

@Killa Ree

 

[Dr Ilana Morata]

Was he disappointed? Perhaps so, but they didn't have a lot of time to talk.

She had to test his reflexes and see how his hand/eye coordination held up since their last visit. Still, a glint of humor glimmered in amber eyes, and she held her heavy blaster.

"Whoever racks up the most head shots gets to pick the next test."

As she spoke, the yellow light flashed again, and the droid voice once more came over the intercom.

"SHOOTERS. PREPARE YOUR WEAPONS. COMBAT SIMULATION BEGINS IN 3...2...1..."

She expertly turned on her heels, picked up her blaster, and began to aim, peering down the sights as the Rodian hologram began to reach for its' blaster. For Shane, a Devaronian appeared, and it too seemed to reach for its' blaster as it seemed to stare down the mercenary.

Spoiler: Shooting Rules

Roll a d20. Higher rolls mean better shots. 2-5 is a 'non-lethal' limb shot, 6-10 is a non-lethal torso shot, 11-15 is a crippling shot, and 16+ is a lethal shot. 20 is instant death, 1 is a complete miss. There will be 3 rounds.

@Taz

 

[Covax]

It was perhaps more confusion than disappointment. In very typical Doc fashion, her message was vague as to the nature of the meeting. Had he known this was going to be a range day, he might have brought more of his own guns. Or perhaps not expected to have a nice...more casual afternoon with an old friend.

Instead Doc's coy smile and amber eyes gave way to....was that a competitive grin as she explained the rules, well...rule. "Your on." He replied lifting his eyebrow.

As the light flashed above, Covax took immediate notice of the two targets, which was Doc's, and which was his own. As the Devaronian reached for the blaster at his hip, quickly aimed down the sights. Front sight focused, admittedly aiming center just below the nipple line.

The unfamiliar weapon fired once, catching the alien in the liver area. Not Covax's best, but still a crippling shot for a humanoid. Enough to get a point on the board, so to speak.

 

[Dr Ilana Morata]

The Rodian reminded her of a certain Syndicate crime boss. She had to admit...

She would have no qualms shooting.

She held up her blaster levelly, staring down the sights. A trio of neat shots blasted out, focused on the Rodian's blasting hand. With the heavy blaster, the AI calculated the duo's shots; the Devaronian staggered forward, grimacing, while the Rodian's arm blew off in a very convincing manner, uttering a screech in a language she didn't know.

It would certainly be a crippling blow to an experienced gunner.

Round two was beginning fast; their opponents vanished, replaced by B-2 Guardian droids. Each would lift their wrist rockets. They'd have to be fast to avoid the supposed threat.

@Taz

 

[Covax]

Covax was pleased with his shot, but also had to admit. Doc was more then just good looks. She was a crack shot with a heavy pistol. He also had to admit, the Rodian did look a little like a certain dead gunslinger.

"Damn Doc, keep it up I might have to hire you." he said, trying to flirt a little.

Before he had another moment to think, the two holograms vanished. Then reappeared in the shape of a couple of B2 droids. He noticed the droids raise their arms and fold their wrists. Arming the rockets. Covax tried to beat the speed of the projection. But sadly came up short.

"Cover!"

@Killa Ree

 

[Dr Ilana Morata]

She took a deep breath. Aimed...

And the blaster malfunctioned as the shot was laid out.

"Fuck!" she snarled, putting down the blaster. The shot went wide, pinging against the droid's chest armor before dissipating. Sparks flew from the old heavy blaster, singeing the synthskin of her mechanical arm, and she scowled, peeling the skin off and flinging it away.

"Nuisance."

The droids let off two shots from their wrist rockets each; they blasted against the blasterproof glass, making it shudder as though it was really hit, and she turned away, selecting a differing blaster from the rack. Giving Shane a wry side eye, she gave him a slight grin.

"Still want to hire me, Shane? I might be too much for you."

Round two was over. Round three began with something else. Even Shane would recognize the visors from dramatic history Holovids; the visors of Death Troopers, the holo flickering with the impression of lethal black. The two visuals moved in deadly sync; even if this was a shooter game, a slip-up could be dangerous.

@Taz

 

[Covax]

He should have known there would be some kind of safety shielding or glass between them and the targets. Instead he had taken a knee behind the shit cover that was the tables. Meanwhile Doc's hand nearly exploded as the blaster took a shit while trying to fire the weapon.

Realizing they were both having a terrible time with these weapons, "When was the last time you were here and who the hell maintains all these guns ?" Then seeing her peal away the fake skin of the arm, "You ok ?"

Seeing her wry smile. Covax could not help but return it, and shake his head in amusement. Something about her always brought out the the younger boyish nature in him. And other feelings, he'd never express. He was well aware she didn't feel the same. Still, every tiny smile he could not help it.

"Perhaps for your medical knowledge..." He retorted then.

The lockstep march of boots brought him back to the task. The Vanguard quickly got back to his feet then, and with a practiced motion. Dropped the power pack on the pistol, slapped in a fresh mag and racked the slide to re-energize the weapon. Then took aim to double tap both troopers.

The black clad figure on the left, taking two shots to the helmet before falling. The holo quickly fading as the trooper fell. The second trooper took a graze off the shoulder. "Son of a bitch.." Now Covax was getting frustrated. As the other trooper raised his weapon, Covax unloaded the rest of the pack. Center mass. No more fucking around. Just rage at his poor showing. He was a Vanguard after all. He should be able to shoot a man down nearly blind. Then he realized.

"Shit I forgot to charge my eye last night."

@Killa Ree

 

[Dr Ilana Morata]

She mostly watched Shane by this point; having been distracted enough, she didn't even bother putting in the effort for a real shot; it also grazed a shoulder. However, at Shane's words, she chuckled. The holograms flickered out, and the final score had been given.

Shane had been the better shot.

Giving him a wry grin, she cocked her head. Planting a fist on her hip, she gave him a cool golden-eyed stare.

"Winner chooses the next challenge. What would you like to do, Shane?"

@Taz

 

[Covax]

The game done, the 3D image of the death trooper suddenly gone. Covax looked toward the empty shooting range and then over toward Doc, who seemed rather amused as she announced he had won. He looked confused. Looking back to IIana's warm amber eyes.

"How...are you sure?" He questioned.

Covax was sure she let him win but he wasn't going to fight it. Instead, he thought a long moment. You know what, she played his game. Perhaps he'd try hers. So, after sending a quick message to his droid from his smartpad. Covax would retire to the dinning room area of this underground bunker.

There in the room the Criminal Vanguard's BA-10 astromech placed a six pack of beer and an old retro game on the table. This one had been slightly modified. Instead of a buzzing sound, the tweezers would send a low volt shock to the user's hand if they touched the board pulling a piece.

Covax took a seat and cracked one of the beers. "Take a seat Doc, lets see what you got."

Spoiler: rules.

Simple rules. Each post, flip coin dice roll. Heads, pull a piece out successfully. Tails, get shocket. # Successful rolls wins and chooses the next game.

@Killa Ree

 

[Dr Ilana Morata]

Beer and a retro game...?

Somehow, this felt oddly like her early college days, when people thought she could 'loosen up' after a few drinks. Picking up a beer, she hummed once in curiosity, then perked a white brow.

"Operation..?" she murmured, then glanced up at Shane. Golden eyes glimmered, and a rare smirk touched her lips. "Cute."

Picking up the tweezers, she cocked her head. One strand of white hair slid from her ponytail, gliding against her cheek, and she absently flicked it behind an ear.

The tweezers entered into the body cavity effortlessly, and she prised the heart free. Holding the tiny plastic object, she perked a brow, then set it by side, offering the tweezers to Shane, amusement glinting in amber eyes.

"Your go, Shane. Hopefully the low-battery eye won't be to your detriment. I'd hate to recalibrate it on a long-standing patient."

@Taz

 

[Covax]

Covax smiled at the question. An authentic one, as Doc was one of the few people who seemed to bring him any amount of real joy of being in their company. His grin only getting bigger as he took notice of her own smile. "Thought you'd approve." he mused.

Covax took a seat across from his pale skinned goddess and took a beer in hand. Popping the top to take a swing and Doc took the tweezers in her skinned hand. The strand of hair falling from her ponytail. For some reason, he let his guard down. And he with his free hand, using two fingers, brush the hair back. Brushing the Doc's fingers in the process.

"Ooh...ahh..." He stammered. Slighhtly embarrassed.

Then quickly took a drink from the beer and returned his attention to the game. Trying to move past the moment. To which she did, exportly pulling out his heart from his body...the...the heart. "Well look at that." Covax mused. Then took another drink.

The Vanguard then gave the Doctor a sarcastic smile and a little jostle of his head. Before gentle taking the tool from IIana. Nicely plucking out an arm bone he couldn't name, with ease. "Oh, yeah. Look at that. You might have to hire me instead." He joked, dropping the tiny bit of plastic beside the heart. "Your move Doc."

@Killa Ree

 

[Dr Ilana Morata]

She wasn't blind to others' attraction to her. It was always vague, superficial lust, like one would feel for a model or someone like President Thorne. Old Ilana would have indulged him; in fact, she could see it play out in her head like a bad holo.

Fingers scraping against his jaw, cold hard metal, as they slid against his throat. A light pressure, as her lips would ghost his ear, tease him with rasped whispers of promises she had no intention of keeping. Sliding closer, a knee pressed into his thigh, as she would lean forward and grip his throat in her hands. Parting just far enough for him to look in her eyes, and see...

The nothingness she once held inside.

No.

She wasn't that person anymore.

Freezing when his hand brushed against her cybernetic one, she cocked her head, then leaned back, popping open the beer and watching him without once breaking eye contact. Taking a long pull, when he lofted the plastic piece she gave him a half-grin.

"Not bad, Shane. Let's hope you can continue to keep your legendary cool."

Taking the tweezers from his hands, she cocked her head to regard the body before them, before plucking out a leg piece and giving him a humorous stare.

"Don't get me wrong, your efforts are excellent. But don't get too cocky."

@Taz

 

[Covax]

Doc was one of the few people who had gotten the know him. All of him. Knew his loss, both emotional and physical. Knew his demons and his work. More or less. By the force, she even knew his first name, and was the only person he let call him by his first name. No what they had was real enough. At least for the Crymorah Boss. He would have given her the galaxy, if she had the mind to ask it.

Instead he was getting smoked, both in beer drinking and doctoring. He gave her a look of mild admiration at her drinking skill, always assuming she was more of a wine girl. Then a truly irritated set jaw as she pulled the leg bone out with what appeared to be even more ease then his heart.

"Oh you know me better then that." He retorted purposefully with a devilish grin. Then proceeded to stab a whole in the bottom of a new can before putting it to his mouth and popping the top. Shotgunning the beverage in about three seconds. Before then turning his head away to burp.

Recovering, he looked into Doc's eyes while using the peripheral view of his prosthetic to keenly pluck the other leg bone out from the fake man before placing the plastic piece next to hers. "I mean, it's just insulting you would insinuate such a thing." trying to keep a straight face.

@Killa Ree