Open The Stardancer’s Contract

[Rylan Vox]

As Riya made her way through the ship, Rylan couldn't help but appreciate her independence and determination. It was clear that she was used to looking out for herself and getting the job done, qualities he valued in a crew member.

When she asked about leaving her bag, Rylan nodded without looking back, his attention still focused on the star chart. "Sure, make yourself comfortable," he replied, trusting her to explore the ship.

As Riya moved toward the cargo area, Rylan couldn't see her anymore, but he continued to plan their route and monitor the ship's systems. However, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss, a nagging sense of unease that had settled in the back of his mind.

Meanwhile, Riya's footsteps echoed in the cargo bay as she approached the boxes. She might have convinced herself that her earlier sighting was just a trick of the light, but the sense of something being off lingered. As she drew closer to the boxes, she would notice a faint, rhythmic thumping sound coming from one of them, as if something or someone was inside, moving.

@Zory @TimLan

 

[Reach Valarian]

Reach is still hiding behind the boxes. As he's hiding, he noticed some steps and a voice coming very close to him.

As the voice came closer, he decided to give it a chance.

The dark shadowed cargo bay with only one flare light turned very silent and cold for one moment.

Then, Reach stepped out, like a dark shadow emerging from the back of the bay, now facing the girl who’s voice he noticed. As she stands there completely shocked Reach says:
„Who do I have the honor of facing?“

He inspects the girl he‘s facing. She seems nervous and fearful. Reach knows, that it was easy to manipulate her. But what about the other voice?

He desperately needs to contact the Empire to get out of his situation. His plan is, to travel along them with a false identity, until they reach some place where he can make contact to the Empire.

 

[Riya Deabla]

As Riya drew closer to the shadows, her left hand had slipped into bag on her hip and pulled out a small vibroknife. Under her gloves, she knew she held a white-knuckled grip on the small weapon. "You're overreacting Riya, get it together," she whispered over and over to herself. Just as she thought she truly was hallucinating, again, a man stepped from the shadows.

At 5'0'', Riya was easily dwarfed by the much larger man. Rylan had been much taller than her too, but this man who hid in the shadows seemed more like a monster. "Ah kriff," she muttered, pointing her knife towards him and gripping it in both hands. Already failing on her chance to guard the ship like she was asked.

"Captain!" She yelled loudly, before turning back to the man. "Stay back." The tip of her knife wobbled with her own nerves and fear. "I know how to use this. Who are you? You tell me your name I'll tell you mine. You can't just sneak up on people like that. It's not very nice you know. Hiding in the shadows, waiting on some poor, unknowing sentient to walk by. Terrible manners. Really. You need to be taught." Maybe, if she kept rambling, she could give Rylan time to get here.

@TimLan @mataldematt

 

[Reach Valarian]

As Reach got closer to her he replied in a calm but cold voice:
"Why so unfriendly? Do you always greet a man with a little vibro knife trying to kill him?"

After saying this, he lets out a dark and arrogant laugh.

"You don't have to fear me my darling. My name is Theodor Mykain and who are you and your friend you called young lady?"

With his hands crossed behind his back, he reaches to his blaster hiding under his clothes.

"I'm a galactic trader looking for a ship to transport me to another planet, no reason to fear me."
His eyes looking deep down into her eyes.

 

[Cremek "Krayt" Candorus]

Seems there wasn't just one man hiding in the shadows today, but cremek was certainly the more proficient stalker. Cremek, like usual, was at the right place, at the right time..

he had been tailing the imperial agent for some time now, mostly to gather information, a valued commodity, but it seems this sheep did not lead the hungry wolf to his flock, but rather just normal folk, how annoying!

the black armored mandalorian watched, his eyes narrowing under his helmet, he weighed his options, abstain, and move on, it's a dead end, or reveal himself as a good samaritan who happened to show up at the right time, the rouge sith looked to the woman, and then looked to the menacing agent, he voted to fuck over whatever the agent had planned, mostly because he felt like stirring more chaos today. He had secured slightly higher ground given where they were, so he leapt down, making his entrance, though his armor blended almost perfectly with the darkness, the glowing orange visor activated, making him easier to see.

he chose to remain silent for a moment, he wanted to gauge reactions, build a mental profile on them.

@TimLan @mataldematt @Zory

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

As if things couldn't get any worse a unexpected arrival appeared. Masked, using a alias and hiding his lightsaber within what he was wearing, Trodai approached cautiously. He was looking for a way off Nar Shadda, having enough with bounty hunters onto him. That and he had heard of Rylon Vox on his travels, and done his research. From what he could gather the man knew his stuff especially about artefacts and deciphering ancient texts, almost as good as he could.

He decided to join the crew as a way to test just how good he really was, to see if he was as good as they said and could be of future use. He saw the young human woman, attractive by human standards and as far as outsiders went, knife quivering in her hand. Clearly see had not seen much of the galaxy before. She reeked of Fear. And below that he was certain he felt something else.

Something that piqued his interest.

There appeared to be some type of confrontation, He decided it was a opportune time as any to make his presence known. Stepping forward, He was not so stupid, and stepped out willingly, not hiding in the shadows as was the other man. Which raised suspicion...he would need to be cautious of that one. He hid his name much like the Pureblood, using an alias no doubt. But in the Force all was clear.

The deception could not be hidden.

"I also came to join your crew. Varno Tremaine, at your service. I would provide muscle for this endeavour, and shall we say possess some unique tricks your captain might find handy. If you world put that knife down I would appreciate it. You have no need to fear me, I can assure you despite my masked appearance. It is for my own safety here I can assure you and anonymity."

He motioned to the stranger beside them as he offered a curt bow, ever the gentleman despite his disposition. It was then he felt it, she was like him. She possessed the gift, untrained as it was. Perhaps she could be a potential asset given time and training, for now though he did not speak of it. That would come later, when things has calmed down and if she desired it.

In the Force he stretched out, making sure none would surprise him. It was then he was sure he felt something, a familiar presence almost. A Darkness that eclipsed his own. One he had felt at a recent party where a bar brawl evolved into a massacre. But he kept such thoughts to himself. He saw only the visor, his Pureblood nature allowing him to see and hear better than most other species, including humans.

He gave a almost knowing nod. A sign of recognition he was aware of his true nature but would say nothing.

@Zory @TimLan @mataldematt @Hastur

 

[Reach Valarian]

Reach quickly looks to the man entering the cargo bay.
"Seems like it's getting a bit crowded?"

He noticed the mandalorian, but he also noticed that there was something special about the man, that just entered the ship. Something, he knew and felt before...

"I guess I wasn't the only one seeking for a transport chance?"
After that, he pointed to the mandalorian.
"What about you? A mandalorian, pretty uncommon."

Reach thought about the fact, that he knew that someone was following him for a long time now, an old sith master. But to this day he was unaware of the sith masters appearance.
The appearance of both of these figures, the mandalorian and the old man, cannot be chance. He should better be aware of any happening situationen.

It would be best to get rid of these persons...

 

[Riya Deabla]

"I greet men who emerge from shadows with a knife. Call it self-preservation," Riya snarks and takes a step back. She knew she wasn't that threatening, but the man put his hands behind his back like he was completely unbothered by her presence. She wanted to stab him on principal. Just as she was about to reply, a glint of orange caught her eye and she turned.

Was everyone that much better at sneaking than she was? "Oi, Riya, you really need to work on that, girl," she mutters to herself, placing a palm against her forehead. As the third man joined them, she just dropped her knife and held up her hands in defeat. She felt like a rabbit amongst giants. Even as Theodor turned to speak to the other two, she wanted all of them to know just where they were.

"Listen here bubs," she says, bending down to pick up the knife and hold it out in their general directions. "I'm not going to stab you yet, but don't think I won't. This ship belongs to the great Captain Vox. There are no freeloaders. You either pay your way or you get put to work." A few seconds pass before she yells again. "Rylan!" Maybe, just maybe, Riya could exit the way she came. Maybe the three of them would begin arguing. she could escape then. Perhaps she could lock them in here until Rylan got here. Until then, Riya would pretend that her heart wasn't attempting to pound out of her chest.

@mataldematt @TimLan @Akheron @Hastur

 

[Reach Valarian]

Reach simply ignored the others, making his way out of the shadowed area. He walks out of the cargo bay and shoves the girl aside.

"So, where is the captain?" He says, as he walks in the direction of the pilot.

 

[Cremek "Krayt" Candorus]

Oh how rude this man was, shoving the girl aside, cremek raised an eyebrow under his helmet, that was a surefire way to get your ass shot but okay.. he would now move to the girl in question, raising his hands to demonstrate he wasn't a threat.

"I actually arrived hoping to find work and adventure, I saw someone enter on what I assumed was the same purpose so I followed, I apologize if I startled you, or if I intruded, i'm still learning about other cultures." he spoke eloquently offering his hand to shake, or to help her up if she was unbalanced from the shove.

"if I can earn my keep at the behest of your captain, I believe I would make a good addition to your captain's crew, if the other man doesn't get his ass shot and the captain's not in a foul mood, do you think you could assist me?"

@mataldematt @TimLan @Akheron @Zory

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai issued a slight chuckle at her comments, he liked her already. More s o when he felt her feelings in the Force, her desire to inflict pain and end the life of the rude man before her. One who simply shoved her out of the way like she wasn't standing there. He found it rude and without manners...given a chance he would teach some respect.

He spoke as the mandalorian offered a hand. If he hadn't, Trodai would have helped her.

"Then you have good survival instincts, I would do the same. Seems like he could do with a knife in the side, way he acted. Some people have no manners, I'm half tempted to teach him some, shoving you like that. Regardless, you will have no issue from me, I like our new friend here will make a fine addition and pull my weight. I can't say yet the same applies to that other guy. I will keep an eye on him."

He waited a moment before speaking again, equally as eloquent.

"Are you ok my lady? That buffoon didn't knock you too hard I hope."

He could feel her in the Force, how afraid she was. How fearful and nervous, but he meant her no ill will. He couldn't make promises for the one who charged inside however. He continued, allowing her the most brief of glimpses of what he could do.

"Your heart trembles like a drum. There is no need for fear, to be so nervous. Despite my size and appearance, I mean you no harm."

@Zory @Hastur @TimLan @mataldematt

 

[Rylan Vox]

Rylan had been in the cockpit, completely unaware of the growing commotion in the cargo bay. He had been preoccupied with plotting their course and monitoring the ship's systems. It was only when he heard Riya's voice calling for him that he realized something was amiss.

Quickly, he exited the cockpit and headed toward the cargo bay, not sure what to expect. As he approached, he could see a group of individuals gathered there, including Riya and the man who had shoved her. Rylan's expression remained calm, but his eyes scanned the group, assessing the situation.

"What's going on here?" he asked, addressing Riya first, his tone firm but not hostile. He needed to understand the situation before taking any action.

@Zory @Hastur @TimLan @Akheron

 

[Riya Deabla]

(OOC: Deleted reply since Rylan came to save the day! Fixed it!)

Nothing wrong with a 6'2'' person shoving a 5'0'' person who likely weighed a lot less. Nope, nothing at all, only Riya found herself stumbling back even as the rude man brushed by her. He was certainly going to run into the Captain now, especially if Rylan heard her yell. Also likely, she wasn't quiet. Luckily, Rylan of course came through the doorway and she felt her shoulders relax at his presence.

"Found some stowaways boss," she said, gesturing to Theodor. "He's rude, but wants to speak to you." Glaring at the retreating man, she let the other help her and shook his hand. She nodded to both of them. "These two seem far nicer than he is," she said, dropping her hand and crossing her arms as soon as they shook hands. Smirking a bit, she lifted one arm to flex. "I'm stronger than I look, no worries here." She turned back to the Mandalorian, and she could only see that because of the armor. Either he was a Mando, or he stole the armor off of one, neither of which Riya was going to comment on just yet. The other guy's face was just a covered and if it was none of her business, it was none of her business.

"As I said, I'm Riya," she iterated again in case the excitement had made them forget. She offers both of them a jaunty little salute. "I like computers and can slice anything the Captain puts his good mind to, I'm sure." The redhead offered a smile towards the captain. "And yes," she continued, rattling on and changing the subject as if it flowed seamlessly. "It's up to him if we need help or not." She would finally realize that she hadn't introduced them yet. Placing a palm against her forehead, Riya uttered a quiet 'Oh,' before looking towards one of them. "This one is Tremaine. The other is... I don't think I got your name actually. You guys are far better at sneaking on board than I was. Guess I provided an unknowing distraction," she sighed, her shoulders dipping slightly.

@mataldematt @TimLan @Hastur @Akheron

 

[Rylan Vox]

Rylan listened carefully as Riya explained the situation, introducing the two newcomers. He remained composed, his face revealing little emotion. He had dealt with unexpected situations before, and keeping a level head was essential.

"Riya, thank you for the introduction," Rylan said, nodding to her before turning his attention to the newcomers. "I'm Captain Rylan Vox, and you've already met Riya. It seems we have some unexpected visitors. I'll address each of you in turn."

Rylan began with Theodor, who had pushed past Riya. "Mr. Mykain, your approach was rather brusque, but let's hear what you have to say about joining our crew. I'll be the judge of whether we have a place for you."

He then turned to the Mandalorian. "And you, sir. It's unusual to see a Mandalorian without their helmet, but I won't pry into your business. What's your name, and what brings you here?"

Rylan remained cautious but open to the possibility of new crew members, provided they could prove their worth. His priority was the safety and well-being of his ship and the artifacts it carried.

@Zory @TimLan @Hastur @Akheron

 

[Reach Valarian]

"Finally I get to see the Captain. I have to talk to you immediatly!" While saying that in a strict tone, Reach comes closer to the captain.

"Take us to a place where we can have a little chat."
With that he is passing by the captain, walking towards the cockpit. Reach is walking very confident, straight up, hands crossed behind his back, seeming like he doesn't even care about the other persons.

 

[Rylan Vox]

Rylan watched Reach with a discerning gaze as the man spoke and then strode confidently toward the cockpit. His demeanor was commanding, and Rylan couldn't help but find it somewhat audacious. Nevertheless, Rylan decided to oblige, at least for the moment. He would hear Reach out and determine the nature of his urgent request.

"Very well," Rylan responded calmly, then turned to the others. "Please excuse me for a moment while I speak with our guest. Riya, Mr. Tremaine, and our... Mandalorian friend, please make yourselves comfortable. I'll be back shortly."

With that, Rylan followed Reach into the cockpit to hear what the man had to say.

@Zory @TimLan @Hastur @Akheron

 

[Cremek "Krayt" Candorus]

​

The mandalorian in black armor, was indeed helmeted, but he had promptly removed it, and held it at his side.

"oh, don't worry I have my helmet." He flashed a gentle grin.

"and well, I'll be honest I was just passing by, saw things going down, followed, mostly because I didn't like the looks of that one guy if I'm being honest, as have a habit of duking it out with local gangs, you know how it is, looking out for the little guy, then your crewmate stated a job opportunity, if my understanding of basic was correct, so here I am, I may be a tad trigger happy, but I'm a hard worker, crackshot, and lucky bastard."


he now placed his helmet back in his face, turning to the agent once more. Any trace of humanity vanishing behind the t-visior, his voice now sounding monotone and mechanical due to his modulator.


"Now now, keep your britches on friend, I'm sure you'll get your turn."

He now watched as they both went out. He sat down, taking out a westar and cleaning it to a nice shine.

@mataldematt @TimLan @Zory @Akheron ​

 

[Reach Valarian]

"Thanks for hearing me out, captain. My name is Theodore Mykain." shaking the hand of the captain. "I'm an undercover spy of the new republic. I was about to arrest a group of Emperials as I got ambushed, so I tried to flee before I would reach the same destiny as my fellows did." As he reports of the incident, Reach looked concerned and angry to the ground.

"I got to warn you: the mandalorian and Mr. Trodai are not what they seem to be... Infact I can feel, that Mr. Trodai is hiding something deep down inside him. I suspect him to be a sith, or at least he was one. We should get rid of him NOW!" The moment Reacher says NOW, he turns around to the captain looking him deep and close into his eyes with a deadly serious glimpse.

Just a few seconds after, he turns around saying: "About the mando.... I don't know much about him yet, but you should defenitly be aware of him. I feel like his presense is not spontanious. Maybe ..." he takes a deep breath and pauses for a dramatic effect "... he is with the Empire!".

He turns back to the captain: "If you don't mind, I would like to take a quick ride with you, to contact my republic troop and inform the senate of the sith's apperance."

With that he turns away again and whispers: "Oh, and I'm sorry for the unfriendly greeting. The situation is serious, we got no time to loose. Now, I would like you to show me the living quarters, captain."

 

[Rylan Vox]

Rylan listened attentively as Reach, now identified as Theodore Mykain, revealed his true identity and expressed his concerns about the Mandalorian and Trodai. It was a lot of information to process, and Rylan's expression remained composed but thoughtful throughout the conversation.

"I appreciate your candor, Mr. Mykain," Rylan responded. "Your warning is duly noted, and we'll proceed with caution. As for contacting your Republic troop and informing the Senate, I understand the urgency. We'll make the necessary arrangements for that."

He extended a hand to Theodore and shook it firmly. "I'll show you to the living quarters, and then we'll arrange for you to make contact. In the meantime, please feel free to make yourself comfortable."

With that, Rylan led Theodore to the living quarters and ensured he had the necessary communication equipment to contact his Republic troop. The situation had become more complex, and Rylan knew he needed to handle it carefully to ensure the safety of his crew and the success of their journey.

@TimLan @Zory @Akheron @Hastur

 

[Reach Valarian]

With the given communication equipment, Reach begins to contact the ISB.

"My mission on Nar Shaddaa failed. We got ambushed, our contact gave the ISB false information." he sounds very angry and hatred.
"I was able to flee to a nearby ship. But I am not alone. Two civilians, a mandolorian and one other guy are on board too." He ends the setence and puts on a very concerned and strict tone: "I think the other guy, named Mr. Trodai is a Sith or at least was a Sith. I suggest not to leave the ship, but stay here to get further information about the Sith. I think the mandalorian is the bounty hunter or anything like that who followed me for some time now." Reach ends his sentence with a confused voice: "I need to get more information about this situation. I think I'm on something big. I will report again later. Agent Valarian, out."

With that, he puts away the commlink and hides it under his bed in the living quarter.
He closes the door of his quarter and goes down to the cargo bay, where all the others are.

"I need to find out what is going on here. Maybe the Sith is not alone..."