S.S.C: The pilot

[Ongye-Ui Miutigheid]

Kwenn
Kinsdred​

Time spent is often wasted as the humdrum bureaucratic exchange of information goes through verification after verification. Countless correspondents, figureless faces, and lying scammers. Ongye had enough of it. Allocating his precious time to help someone whom he barely even knew. Angrily continuing none the less. Their pact had seen fruition and debts were due. The least he could hope for is that Theraph lends at least a little help. Even if he did, it was all consuming. Leaving little in the way of leisure. This spurred him to grasp at anything he could. Frustrating himself with every dead end that crossed the net.

After all the mindless toil behind screens and codex, there came a promising candidate. Records indicated that this pen pal was indeed credible. Having license to operate heavy freighters and a plethora of others. It seemed this Kalcutti was truthful. Strangely enough he requested no compensation but required something of them. Suspicious but the only lead to go off of. With little information and an inability to secure a private network, they had little choice but to meet in person. Kalcutti insisted on conjugating on Kwenn. Discussing the formalities at an overcrowded club called Nephurst. Secrecy wasn’t entirely necessary but Sith had a less than positive reputation in Hutt Space. They formed a plan to charter an independent civilian transport to Kwenn station. From there it would be a simple skip. Hoping from satellite to Kinsdred on the surface of Kwenn. However, they did require identification which was easy enough to obtain. Ongye impersonated a simple farmer on his way to see distant relatives. Theraph hadn’t announced anything specific but perhaps his was just as ambiguous. Ongye found this to be an unnecessary hassle but opted for it all the same. ‘Wouldn’t want someone tracking us down.’ He’d say to the companion. These days, force users were being fought by anyone willing to take a challenge. Something about carving out destiny made others uneasy and for good reasons.

Landing on Kwenn was slightly turbulent. Shaking at the re-entry. Luckily nothing unordinary occurred. People did stare at them. Two dark figures resembling thugs or worse. Their demeanor didn’t assist with masquerading as simple civilians. Someone whispered about Sith in the distance. Ongye allowed this talk, bringing attention to it may just exacerbate things. Maybe he was being paranoid or perhaps it was simply the years of perpetual underhandedness which followed him. Whatever the reason, they were safe from important eyes prying into their affairs and that was what mattered most.

Nephurst was a simple club located in Kinsdred. It’s unimpressive sign spoke volumes about the unsavory characters which idled here. Making illegal deals, exchanging lives, and perpetuating the Cartel morals. Ongye entered first, scanning the room for their contact. He hadn’t given any indication of himself besides a name. Suddenly someone bumped into him. One of the female servers rudely passed by. Before any altercation could occur, she winked. Bidding them to follow her stride. Ongye did so. Maneuvering through a crowd of rowdy patrons. Passing through a set of doors which lead to a section of the club where private rooms made host to important clientele.

The Twi’lek swooped a keycard and allowed them to enter silently. Sitting alone was a human. Aged and grizzled by years of a mysterious history. “Thank you Vervora for your services. I won’t be needing anything else for tonight.” The woman left with a courteous bow. Respectfully leaving without another word. Doors shut tightly behind them. For a few moments, there was silence. Suppressed music reverberated trough walls of steal, indicating the party was very much alive outside. “Please, sit.” Said Kalcutti. “We’ve much to discuss.”

Ongye agreed and took a respectable position in the booth. Securing himself on the inside seat. Partitioning enough space for Theraph to sit should he wish. ”Thank you. You’re Kalcutti, right?” Eager to skip pleasantries he continued on. ”I understand you’ve offered your services and ship. The only question hanging on my mind is why?” Truthfully it made no sense. Pilots like him could easily demand a hefty salary. Yet, this human was only interested in whatever services the Sith could provide.
Kalcutti scratched the back of his neck nervously. “I’m not expecting to be lavished like a king. Certainly there will be times where I request something. Credits for food or clothing. You’re more than graciously paying may fee if you can assist me.” There raised a goblet by his hand. Lifting to parched lips.
Ongye clasped his hands together. ”Whatever it is, I can promise we have the skills to do it. But I won’t agree without hearing the particulars.” Cracking sounded through the room as he twisted his neck nervously.
The chalice returned to its previous location marked by a circle of condensation. “My ship. I need it. The local government has seized her. Claiming that it’s stolen. They’re lying of course.”
The Sith turned his head slightly. ”Then why did they take it.”
Kalcutti was growing unsure. “I owe the local mafia something of a debt. Gambling losses that haven’t been payed. They bribed the officials to dismantle it, stranding me here.” There came somewhat of a slight smile. “Lucky for me, the owner is letting me hide out here. Unfortunately I’ve overstayed my welcome. He’s threatening to throw me out. If I can’t find a way off Kwenn, I’m as good as dead.”
There is was. The truth behind his bargain. Life as a Sith pilot was better than no life at all. ”So, if I’m understanding it correctly, you’re asking that we infiltrate the facility holding your ship hostage. Fight god knows how many guards. Then casually stroll away?”
Kalcutti rose the cup into the air and chuckled slightly. “You got it!”
Ongye turned towards Theraph. This was his decision.

 

[Theraph Ghusk]

Ghusk remained standing, his cloak brushed slightly on the alcohol stained floor, he looked down on the weathered pilot. 'We will do what you ask, you can be sure of that, but first I need something from you.' Kalcutti raised an eyebrow in anticipation 'Ask away' he replied. 'If you have any information on this facility, it would be wise to share it now, exits, enterances, rough number of guards, anything at all.' His tone was a lot less sharp than usual, no point in off-putting a potential ally.

The pilot nodded softly, 'I've only had a peak of it you see, as you can imagine they're not too keen on somebody trying to retrieve a ship they've impounded.' He quickly took a gulp of his chalice before continuing 'I'd say they have about 8-10 guards stationed there at all times, professionaly armed to.' His face creased into a serious expression 'But that's not what you really want to know about, the bastards have a small scale anti-air defense system, complete with a canopy to stop any of them ships actually leaving without permission.'

@Kur Harwutma

 

[Ongye-Ui Miutigheid]

Kalcutti raised something square and glassy from within his pocket. Light glistened off its mirror like surface. The screen flashed as it powered on. Fingers slid from right to left. Cheeks formed into an unsure smirk. Transforming to a smile as the file was opened. He placed the tablet on their table. Allowing his guests to examine it.

Ongye looked down at what he could only assume was a rough blueprint. Carefully taking each section into consideration. Formulating different strategies for tactfully neutralizing the base. Kalcutti spoke up in the silence. “Best I could do, this little sketch cost me what little credits I had left.” Ragged bones cracked as he pointed to the buildings south side. “There’s two main entrances. Right for supplies and personnel. Left is where civilians can enter. I wouldn’t suggest going through either.” The screen magnified upon an small outlook on the western side of the building. “They have a small garden area here. If we can repel up to this section, we’ll be right next to the control room.” Kalcutti turned up to face the two and gauge their reactions.

Ongye had observed silently. Making sure to hear the human out. ”Wouldn’t they wise up to what’s going on if we raise the canopy first?” Certainly anyone stationed in the shipyard would notice something odd. Especially without notice.
Kalcutti quickly replied. “I’ll remain in the control room. You two will continue down the hall, killing or knocking out the guards as you go. Once the anti-air is offline, I’ll retract the roof and meet you in the yard.” His head nodded assuringly looking at both to confirm it wasn’t a terrible plan.
Ongye had taken his mask off to help create the illusion of a regular man. The expression he bore was viewable by all. Clearly it seemed possible but still uncertain. ”What’s this purple stuff?” Possibly the last question he had but important nonetheless.
“Oh…” He replied. “They represent workers and guards we might encounter. There’s usually at least one stationed at every entrance. The rest inside are just an assumption.” No signs of lies came to the surface of his hardened exterior. Even after drinking enough to spur slight twitches.

The plan seemed okay, the only real thing to go off of. What other choice did they have? Kalcutti was probably their only lead and turning away now would be foolish. At least they could enjoy a night clubbing if Theraph didn’t like it. ”Easy enough. I think this’ll work perfectly. Theraph?” Maybe it was a slight twinge of anxiety which spurred the question. Hoping that they could simply quit and leave this affair to rest. He knew that it was just laziness which provoked him.

Should Theraph agree, or formulate a better alternative, Kalcutti would then say “Fantastic! If we wait another hour, it’ll be the dead of night. No one will see us coming.” Then he’d offer them the room or allow them to leave should anyone need something. Afterwards, they’d meet on the west end. Kalcutti would be swathed in a black robe. Preparing their assent with grappling hooks.

@Theraph Ghusk

 

[Theraph Ghusk]

The ivory, chitin looking exterior of his mask betrayed nothing of his thoughts, but Theraph conceded to the plan. 'It shall be done.' He couldn't see a clear alternative to the plan, as far as the pilot spoken, their was no secret maintenance tunnel or back alley enterance to exploit. 'And where do you plan on getting these grapplers from?' Kalcutti leant back and his chair and gave a light chuckle, 'I have my ways, not that I'm going to share them with you here' he said humorously.

Ghusk's split lips bore themselves into a crude, twitching imitation of a smile. 'Good, I shall make myself scarce for now, but we will meet again shortly, once you have your equipment of course...'

@Kur Harwutma

 

[Ongye-Ui Miutigheid]

Time had passed all to slowly. Ongye had separated himself from Theraph. Choosing instead to partake in the festivities. Drinking lightly to maintain some control of his mental faculties. The bar had been kind to him. Serving drinks at half price. Though he thought his intake minimal, it was obvious that something strange was coming over him. The scenery became glazed with a static and face started to blur. ‘Time to leave’ he thought. Kalcutti was more than likely waiting impatiently. Hopefully it wouldn’t leave a bad impression on Ghusk.

Rocks and fauna illuminated in the starry night proved adequate enough coverage to shade figures. Ongye was relieved to find he hadn’t been tardy. Their associate Kalcutti would be the last to arrive, stating “Pardon me fellows. Show me a man who deals siege gear at night, I’ll show you a rich man.” This joke, if one could call it that, was lost on Ongye.
Was the man rich because he sold at night? Seems that prospective buyers were more active during daylight. ”I don’t get it. Was the grapple expensive.” The brows over his eyes curled to narrow.
Kalcutti’s shoulders lowered. “No.” Shimmering like a shade in night. He presented a single hook and rope. “I had to steal this actually.”
Quick interjections came loudly. ”You only brought one!” Ongye quieted himself. Finding it a bit difficult to control himself. ”There’s three of us. Are you expecting us to go up one at a time?”
Kalcutti nodded. “That’s the plan.”
Ongye sighed holding his hand out to take it. The large metal outcropping looked rather imposing. More so for how it seemed to stretch higher the longer her looked. Partaking in refreshments hadn’t effected him that much, had it? He shook the image and twirled his grapple. Releasing at its peak ark. More than likely, the hook would have grabbed on perfectly but Ongye assisted it by way of Force. However, that created a low clang which reverberated off the walls.

Within the gardens two guards held position by the double doors. “When’s rotation?” Said one.
“An hour.” Replied the other.
“Think I could sne-“ His thought was cut short by a metal clank. “Did you hear that?”
The Nagai standing next to him shook his head and agreed. “Sounds like it’s behind the green house, I’ll-“ The man was interrupted his companion.
“I’ll check it out.” Walking oddly. Making way behind the greenhouse.
“Don’t go peeing off the side again!” Said the Nagai.

Ongye quickly ascended. They only had a few more hours before twilight. Then it would be only minutes before daylight. His haste brought him three feet to the edge before stopping. Footsteps clacked against metal. One of the guards must have heard him. “Karking dung, I’ve been holding this in for hours!” Zipping followed his statement. Ongye’s eyes widened. He wasn’t about to get a face full of urine. The force launched him forward. Kicking the grapple off. Then grabbing his lightsaber. “Wha-!” Bright red light flashed into existence and disappeared almost instantly. The human guard was now missing a head. His body slumped forward hanging over the gardens edge. Ongye landed less than gracefully, falling onto hands and knees. The mutilated corpse started sliding forward, loudly. Panicked hands grasped at armor pulling its owner back.

“Lekupht! Something wrong!” Another set of footsteps started approaching. “I swear! If you’re taking a piss of the edge again…” Ongye wasn’t much for praying but he hoped someone would be coming to aid him.

 

[Theraph Ghusk]

Theraph was the second to ascend the wall, although it wasn't an easy task, mainly because the grappler clearly wasn't designed to heave 150 pounds of durasteel, Ivory and mottled flesh. Eventually he hauled himself over the edge of the edge and he stood a by Ongye. Had he noticed Ongye's look of horror a few seconds earlier, he might have been able to gauge that a compound guard had just come entered the scene.

'I swear if you'll taking a piss of the dge again...I'm goin-.' The guard stood there, half-baffled by the two figures that had seemingly appeared out of thin air, and the beheaded corpse of his comrade mere metres away. The guard then tried to scream, but he couldn't say much beyond a wet gasp as he felt a ring of invisible pressure wrap around his neck. Theraph envisioned the tight coils of empyric energy, and he willed them to tighten into an infinitely closed knot around the guards throat. His trachea snapped with a sickening moist click, and his body seemingly folded as it hit the floor like a puppet with cut strings.

'That was close, here, help me cast them off the edge.' He said to Ongye, who was still half-crouched at the time.

@Kur Harwutma

 

[Ongye-Ui Miutigheid]

Relief flushed over Ongye’s face as the guard was expertly silenced. Ongye hesitated for a moment before allowing his corpse to ease its way over the edge. Judging by the silence which followed there were only these two guards. What noice came from their clanking against metal walls was no concern now. The grappling hook dropped down for Kalcutti. Ongye waited patiently and assisted their comrade onto the landing. “I see you’re making friends.” The sarcastic announcement was less than welcomed. He could feel that tension and kept from making further quips. “Guess we should find the door.” Ongye agreed with the statement and proceeded to follow. Before them was a standard entrance lacking any form of security.

The doors opened to show two guards facing away from them. Ongye quickly drew his pistol shooting for the figure on the right. His attack blasted through the man’s shoulder while two blasts buried into the walls.

 

[Theraph Ghusk]

It was at times like these that Theraph, and most likely Ongye aswell, was most grateful for his cybernetic alterations. Perception enchancement stimulants flooded the regions of his organic brain. His claw was quick to delve into his cloak, and draw his blaster pistol, the barrel burst forth several projectiles of superheated gas and plasma. The first shot slammed frictionlessly into the chest of the left guard, soldering flesh and bare skin into uniform, and incinerating most of his right lung. He fell vacantly to the floor, the light leaving his eyes completely shortly after. Another shot made its mark on the shoulder of the guard of the right, close to wear Ongye had already wounded him, his weapon clattered to the floor as he cried out in pain and staggered back, before crouching into a semi-foetal position.

Theraph stopped himself and nodded slightly to Ongye, he would let his fellow sith have the pleasure of ending the wretches life. After all, they were meant to be allies.

@Kur Harwutma