Burning Seas

[Greybok]

The Starbird swung out of a large cluster of cumulonimbus clouds sitting high above the surface of Mon Cala and sailed for a handful of islands that were rising out of the endless seas. The cluster of islands looked to Greybok like a deformed smiley face, complete with a rather skewed birthmark and a scar; but it was the island chain's unique features that made him certain he was at the correct rendezvous point that Command had given him.

"Are you sure about this, Greybok?" Twobee asked worriedly from the seat behind the pilot's chair. "Smuggling weapons to the locals this deep in Imperial territory brings a chill to my circuits."

The Wookiee ignored the 2B-series protocol droid. Truth be told, he wasn't exactly happy about this arrangement either, but he wasn't worried all the same. The Starbird was still undergoing upgrades and needed more advanced smuggling compartments before he felt safe flying a ship full of illegal weapons into a starport. But, since it didn't have that upgrade just yet, he needed to deliver the payload in a more discreet location. Mon Cala had few surface islands and only one surface city, but Command, and the dissident Mon Cala that were their contacts on the water world, had found an abandoned island that could be used.

Grey pushed up on the stick and brought the light freighter forward to a clearing along the beach before engaging the ship's landing gear. The ship's engines sent sand and debris up into a cloud above the beach until it was safely landed, at which point Grey killed the thrusters. He made sure to keep the ship running, though, just in case they needed to make a quick escape if the situation went awry. He then set about gathering up his equipment: namely, his bowcaster was slung over his shoulder; his ryyk blade was safely sheathed beside it on the opposite shoulder; and his R5-series blaster pistol was tucked into a holster at his hip.

He flipped a switch on his way out of the cockpit that began lowering the landing ramp for his companions. It was at this point that Twobee, still muttering worriedly to herself, rose from her seat and followed him out. From the lowered ramp, Greybok could see the Mon Cala contacts he was to deliver the weapons—which were sitting in crates in his cargo hold—to. But first-thing-first, he needed to confirm the shipment with them and ensure it wasn't a trap. He took his bowcaster into hand and then barked at his fellow rebels to follow him out.

Obligatorily, Twobee muttered, "I have a bad feeling about this..." @Deviant

 

[Leah Reach]

The trip to Mon Cala was long and boring. For the Jedi Master, it was nothing. She remained deep in meditation throughout the ride. Even as the several other rebels she was with in the cabin gambled, drank and bickered. They were men and women who volunteered to help load and unload the crates of munitions they were going to delver. Men and women willing to lay their lives down for the Alliance. It was a thought she took comfort in, even if there were several occasions where they had nearly smashed a glass at her head or spilled their drinks on the floor and to her feet. They were a rowdy bunch, but nothing she couldn’t handle. Nothing she didn’t expect out of Greybok’s company.

Leah never thought she would join the hulking Wookiee and his crafty droid on another dangerous mission beyond Alliance territory. The last they time she did, he watched as he blew up an entire sustainable outpost along with everyone inside. Although they were the enemy and it was their job to clear out the station, the rebel ambassador was not exactly pleased with the end result. Neither was Commander Ion, who had hoped for more than a single outpost on the icy world. Still, they were proud to have Greybok’s support. His operation ended up a massive success. Enough that he was promoted a Rebel Commander. Almost the same level as she. If not the same level.

Her eyes fluttered open as she felt the ship pierce the planet atmosphere. The other rebels had calmed down now and began to prepare to disembark. Uncrossing her legs and awkwardly shifting out of her contemplative position, she moved for the landing ramp. Unlike her usual robes or casual attire, the Jedi Master was decked in a set of rebel trooper armor without functions. To compensate, she kept her lightsaber hidden beneath the lower cowl as well as her guardian blaster. She likewise kept a frag and concussion grenade each on her utility belt, discreet but ready for use. The woman was taking no risks when on the fringes of enemy territory.

“Has anyone ever told you that you talk too much, Twobee? Because you talk too much.” Her voice cut through the air like a knife but was still full of her friendly, nonchalant attitude. She looked over to the company of Mon Calamari dissidents ahead then briefly to Greybok. “Let’s go.” The female rebel made certain to keep eye of her surroundings. If an enemy ship were to appear among the very clear and open skies, she was prepared to hop back into the upgraded freighter to take them down, or call in rebel reinforcements as support. After all, Leah was always ready for a fight.

@Malon

 

[Greybok]

Greybok chuckled beneath his breath at Leah's comment. Twobee, on the other hand, was less than apologetic in her reply. "If you had less rights than this tick-ridden bipedal rug and were forced to travel to-and-fro across the galaxy with him—all while unpaid, I might add—you would talk a lot too, Mistress Leah," the droid retorted sharply. "Honestly, you should try it some time. Call me on the HoloNet after the third time of the Wookiee forcing you to pick the fleas from his back hair and tell me how much you enjoy it."

Ignoring the droid's comment, Greybok stepped down into the soft, warm sand of the Mon Cala beach from his landing ramp. Behind him, some of the fodder he and Leah had brought with him (also known as the rambunctious lot that had raided his rum stores and permanently stained his sabaac table with gods-knows-what while they were in hyperspace) carried two crates of weapons down the ramp and sat them in the sand at his ankles. He barked at them once: a command for them to stay here while the negotiations took place. He then indicated for Leah and Twobee to follow him and started up the beach.

The Mon Cala rebels who had come to greet them were truly a sight to behold. One was clearly recognizable as the politician in the group. He was a silver-colored Mon Cala wearing armor and an illustrious robe. The red-skinned Mon Cala on either side of him wore a different style of armor, which was crablike and had some menacing-looking cannons concealed in the claws. "I presume you are the 'representatives' I was instructed to meet?" the more regal-looking Mon Cala asked. "Forgive me if I cut straight to the chase: do you have the goods we were promised?"

Greybok howled a reply. Twobee stepped up to translate. "Greetings," she said, trying to sound politer than usual. "I am 2B-83 and this is Greybok. We—"

"I don't care who you are." The Mon Cala said harshly. His tone caught even Greybok by surprise. The Wookiee knew that the Mon Cala could be a fierce people, but they were also known for their kindness and hospitality. This Mon Cala was anything but. "We don't have time to loiter. If the Empire catches us here, we're all going to be full of blaster holes, so I'd prefer to get straight to the point." The alien turned his fishlike head towards Leah. "Perhaps you can answer my question? Are the goods we were promised with you, or did we all just waste our time setting up this meeting?"

"How rude!" Twobee said it to herself, but it was loud enough to be heard by the entire party. She then leaned over to Greybok. "Xenophobia and anti-droid sentiments? Perhaps you should go ahead and rip his arms out of their sockets now, Greybok."

Greybok barked a warning: to shut up and let Leah speak. Twobee grumbled more but reluctantly complied. @Deviant

 

[Leah Reach]

The Mon Calamari were a strong and fierce people. This was not the first time Leah had met with representatives of the Mon Cala rebels, and she wanted to make certain it would not be the last. The Wookie’s snarling and Twobee’s relentless whining was not helping. They had hardly even introduced themselves and the entire situation was heading south. The Jedi Master was almost tempted to toss the pair into the water so she could continue the negotiations anew, and on her own, as she always preferred. Instead, she chose to keep to herself. She had to admit, these Mon Cala were far more abrasive than those she previously met. However, she respected their need for clear answers and a quick exchange. The Old Empire was everywhere.

“My sincerest apologies, friend. Ignore them.” The rebel ambassador took a bow, but was quick and brief about it. Understanding the Mon Cala’s intentions and need for leave, she decided to take the negotiations into overdrive. As a representative of the Alliance, she always managed pleasantries and smalltalk. It seemed on this watery world, they were not so fond of either. Not that it mattered. In truth, Leah was glad for it. She could stop playing the ambassador and start playing the rebel. “The goods we promised are here. They are in fine condition and ready for use. We are, after all, a people of our word too.” She looked to the Mon Calamari leader with a reassuring smile. Leah knew they would follow through with what the Alliance had asked.

A planetary revolution. With direct help from the Rebellion and a flow of munitions, the people of Mon Cala could free themselves from the shackles of the Sith. Their support in the war effort would prove vital to the Alliance, as well as their ship manufacturing capabilities and brilliant minds. As the men and women from the Starbird arrived and revealed the munitions to the Mon Cala rebels, she knew the emissary would be pleased. It wasn’t much, certainly not enough to defeat the Sith overnight, but it was enough. Enough that it could liberate a city, or take down an entire company of troopers with no casualties. It was the spark that would light a fire on this world. One the Old Empire would see for light years, and understand that they could do nothing to stop it.

“Thoughts?” The woman said once the Mon Calamari were done inspecting the containers. She doubted there would be any issue with it. Last she checked, they were state-of-the-art weaponry cleared and used by the Alliance themselves. The same weapons used to liberate the Anoat sector, Tatooine, Ruusan and more. It would be the same weapons used to liberate Mon Cala too.

OoC: thread closing for dice, been over a 100 hrs since both participants posted. lol

 

[Greybok]

The Mon Cala rebels observed the crates, removing several, lids so that they could examine the weapons. Greybok was quite accustomed to this part being a seasoned smuggler himself. Moving contraban in and out of Imperial territory is what had earned him a place in the rebellion, even if his talents had diversified in that span of time. When the Mon Cala were done, they stood and nodded their fishlike heads.

The leader looked at Leah with his great big eyes and said, "There isn't much here, but it will suffice. We all must use what we can — and what we have — if we are to resist the Empire." He stretched out a finlike hand to shake Leah's own and continued, "On behalf of the people of Mon Cala, we thank you. If we can win this insurrection, and don't suffer horrific deaths, you can count on the people of Mon Cala to side with you against the Empire."

It was a happy moment. A moment that was almost immediately shattered by shrills of terror from Twobee. "Mistress Leah! Mistress Leah! Look!" Greybok's head jerked in the direction the droid had indicated. Sure enough, he could see them on the horizon. Imperial scout vessels. "BE-ET picked them up on the Starbird's sensors!" Greybok howled loudly twice. "I concur! They haven't detected us yet, but we're sitting ducks out here if they decide to come closer!"

A panicked murmur went through the rebels assembled on the beach. "Forgive my rudeness, my lady," the Mon Cala rebel said. "But this is where we part. If we get caught here, all hope for Mon Cala is lost. May the Force be with you all." He and the rest of his men began to pack the crates into their underwater speeders with haste. In the meantime, Twobee continued to lose her mind.

"These people can slip beneath the waves and disappear! But what about us?" the droid shrieked. "We'll be within sensor range soon and there's no way we can hide a light freighter on a beach!"

Greybok howled for Twobee to shut up so that they could think and then turned to Leah. His grunt was much more tame, and he cocked his head at her—a very clear way of asking her what her plan was to be (or should be) without having Twobee shriek anymore to translate. In the meantime, the Mon Cala rebels finished loading up and slipped safely away beneat the waters as the droid had predicted. They were on their own now... @Deviant

 

[Leah Reach]

The munitions were shared. The negotiations at a close. Each side had earned the respect and appreciation of the other. For the Mon Cala, the chance to fight against their oppressors. For the Alliance, the chance to see their seeds of rebellion bear fruit. The rebel ambassador was pleased to know the exchange had gone without a problem. She should have been suspicious of the quiet or quickness of the meeting but she believed it was the Force watching out for her. Offering her this one time to relax and know that all missions did not have to be so violent. Of course, that very notion was only bullshit. Not a minute later, Leah heard the cries of Twobee and saw the approach of Imperial ships on the horizon. Her heart sank.

“You have to be shitting me.” She murmured under her breath, no longer the pristine and compassionate ambassador she arrived as. Now she was the freedom fighter, the seasoned veteran, and the woman tired of the Sith always crawling into places where they’re least wanted. Leah figured the Mon Cala rebels would find her shift in attitude amusing, but their focus had long shifted into a retreat. Watching their newfound allies take on the crates and stow it away, Leah nodded one last time to the chief Mon Calamari. He possessed some manners after all. “And with you, friend.” Her voice was full of trust, confidence and faith. Yes, for the Mon Cala. But for her? Well, she was not so sure.

“Cool your circuits, Twobee. We'll be fine.” She turned to Greybok and snapped toward the ship. It was about time to go. “Into the Starbird. Let’s hope we can plot our course out of the system before they even consider a pursuit.” Quick as she could, the Jedi Master marched toward the landing ramp of the ship. Behind her, the other two rebels followed. Her heels chewed into the sand, then the shallows of the beach, before finding their way against the metal stage of their vessel. Gesturing the others onboard, Leah stole one last glance at the approaching enemy. She grunted. There was no way they could get the Starbird in air before they descended on them like flies. Still, she hoped they would be simple-minded enough to land and request a landing permit.

Several shots rocketed from the scout ships. Blasts ruptured water and sand. “Right. Not that kind of Empire.” She said, reminding her of where she really was. Unlike the false grandeur and bureaucracy of the Imperial Republica, the Old Empire always did like cutting straight to the chase. Sliding into the confines of the Starbird, however, she moved immediately for the sidecar dual-laser turret. One rebel, a young woman, rushed into the cockpit as support. The other, a man, pulled out a crate of tools and prepared to make inevitable repairs along with an asromech droid. The ship was abuzz, and so were the enemies above. The shots came closer until one smacked against the hull. Leah prayed the shields were already up by then.

Leaping straight into the turret, she readied the controls. The seat careened where she leaned, and the older woman jerked forward. “Whoa, this baby can move.” Still, unable to find a shot and with the ship yet in the air, Leah called out to Greybok. “Let’s get a move on!” @Malon

 

[Greybok]

Initially, it was only one ship that Greybok had to worry about. But one ship quickly became three and, combined with the bustle of the Starbird's interior, the Wookiee was struggling to outmaneuver the enemy patrol. He brought up the controls for his ship's groundsweeper light cannon, deployed the weapon, and started shooting. The enemy pilots were good, however, and were able to evade his cannon fire. In doing so, though, one strayed too close to the Starbird. Thinking quickly, Greybok jerked on the ship's yoke and spun the light freighter so that it slammed into the enemy ship, which sent the patrol ship spinning into the ocean below.

With the shields up, the impact didn't even scratch the freighter's paint. It did destroy the enemy vessel though, and convinced the remaining two to back off a bit. "I swear you grow more stupid by the day, Greybok," moaned Twobee from the co-pilot's chair. "One of these days, your stunts are going to get us all killed!" Greybok elected to ignore her and pulled back on the yoke, sending his ship into an upward climb and giving Leah a clear shot at the remaining two patrol ships. Just in case, he pushed shield power to stern to protect his flank. He also didn't want enemy fire to slam into his engines or, worse, the hyperdrive motivator.

BE-ET appeared in the cockpit, whistling obscenely, shortly thereafter. The tiny droid from Tatooine shoved passed Twobee (much to the larger droid's objection) and connected its scomp link to the port. As Greybok ascended, BE-ET began to make the calculations for the jump to lightspeed. In order to give the little droid time to work, Greybok steered the ship towards a series of towering storm clouds. He aimed to hide in there, avoiding enemy fire, until the droid gave him the all-clear signal. Then he could jet into the atmosphere and jump out of harm's way.

In the meantime, he still had Twobee's complaining to deal with. "—curse the Maker for sticking me with you of all the Wookiees in the galaxy!" Greybok barked at Twobee loudly and with a great deal of venom laced into his voice. "Make myself useful?! Why the nerve— And how do you propose I do that, Greybok?" Just then, one of the crew astromechs glided into the room carrying a mop in its mechanical hand. It presented this mop to Twobee. The protocol droid immediately understood. "Mopping?! You want me to mop the ship at a time like this?" He did. He really, really did; and he told her as much by barking at her more in Shyriiwook. "Why, I never—!"

The droid took the hint and stormed out of the cockpit, leaving Grey, at last, to pilot them out of this situation in some semblance of peace. @Deviant

 

[Leah Reach]

Leah tried to get the hang of the sidecar turret. As she whipped from one side to the other, she struggled to maintain stability and a good grip on the controls. It was not until the shields flickered on and the Starbird cruised into the sky that the Jedi Master finally learned how to manage. It was not the first time she was in the seat of a turret but it certainly felt like it. Greybok’s ship was radically different from those of her own experience. Cheap undercover freighters, luxury shuttles or the cramped quarters of various starfighters were her usual go-to. Not that she was complaining. Leah was glad not to be the pilot this time around. She was never much good at it.

As the ship rocketed from the beach, the rebel ambassador watched the enemy ships surround them on all sides. They were too close and in too many blind spots for her to find a clear shot. The best she could do was hope Greybok could outmaneuver them. What she hoped and imagined, however, was nothing compared to what really happened. With a sharp turn, the Wookiee slapped aside one of the pursuing vessels. They twisted and twirled through the air before crashing into the ocean below. She heard Twobee whine over the comms but Leah had to admit, she was impressed. She may not have been close friends with the Wookiee but she was damned sure to be grateful he was on her side. No wonder Alliance Commander Ion had promoted him in such a short span of time.

As the ship was mostly unscathed, thankfully due to its heavy shielding, her anxiety slackened. Instead, she relaxed into her seat and tightened on the controls. She immediately found balance. Like she did during her secret mission with the Mandalorian Burkhart, the Jedi Master closed her eyes and connected with the Force. Forget the targeting systems right below her. The only guidance she needed was in the Force. She trusted in it more than anything else. Opening her eyes, she noticed the two enemy ships hot on their trail— and within reach. Holding a clear shot, Leah anticipated their next move and fired. A few of said shots smashed into one fighter. Fire burst from the side and its left wing tumbled into the sea along with the rest of the ship.

“Yahoo!” She cried out, straight out of a holofilm. Of course, they weren’t done yet. There was still another ship left. And rather than back off farther or break from the attack, they only pressed on, emboldened by the loss of their wing mate. Leah paused her celebrations as another volley of shots came her way, to which she responded in kind.

@Malon

 

[Greybok]

Seemingly deterred by Leah's cannon fire, the remaining patrol fighter attempted to reduce its speed and slip behind Greybok. But the Wookiee wasn't going to let that fly. He reduced his own speed a tad, until the other ship was only a hair's breath away from his engines, then fired the triple-X sublight boosters. The sudden flare of the engines peeled paint and hull away from the unshielded fighter, and the heat caused its cockpit to catch fire. At the same time, the Starbird rocketed away and into the atmosphere, leaving its final enemy to burn all the way until it crashed into the ocean.

Sailing into space, Greybok too trumpeted a triumphant roar to echo Leah's own victory cry. The mission was a spectacular success. The Mon Cala had their weapons; the rebels had escaped; and the Empire's minions were rotting at the bottom of the sea. The Wookiee had not been this happy since he pulled the arms off a gundark. Next to him, BE-ET whistled that it had calculated the route through hyperspace back to base. They would be long gone before the Empire realized its own people had just been spaced.

He hit a button on his steering yoke to call Leah back up to the cockpit. For all of her disagreements with him, he had to hand it to the woman: she could really shoot. He wanted her to have the honors of sending them into hyperspace—back home.

Meanwhile, somewhere in the bowels of his ship, he heard Twobee still loudly complaining over the others. "Yes, I know how to mop! I am programed to provide— No I will certainly not mop the refresher! There are plenty of astromechs around to clean up after your shit if it smells that bad!"

Greybok had no idea who she was arguing with, but, whoever it was was his new hero. He stretched back in his seat, resting his arms behind his head while he waited for Leah to reach the cockpit, and chuckled gruffly. It was a good day to be a rebel. @Deviant

 

[Leah Reach]

“Greybok, you clever son of a—“ She was interrupted by the Wookiee’s triumphant roar, far louder than her own. Leah had to admit, the Rebel Commander made a sure fine pilot. She was entirely sure about him when they first met. Especially after Hoth. His efforts in the Anoat Sector, the heist on Eriadu and the present mission on Mon Cala proved differently. The Jedi Master had come to respect the other rebel, thundering and reckless as he was. The Rebellion was far better with him than without. The rebel ambassador of all people was glad to have him as her partner, and in time, a member of the Rebel Council. She had spoken with Commander Ion before. Both shared her sentiment. Greybok deserved more than mere gratitude.

Sliding away from the controls of the turret, she returned to the cockpit. As she did, the woman caught the two rebels back in their cushioned seats, drinking and laughing at the end of a smooth and successful mission. Twobee and the smaller droid stood with the rebel pair and exchanged furious beeps, clicks and words with one another. She was surprised by how vulgar the small one was but naturally didn’t care. All she could do was chuckle softly to herself before reaching the cockpit and moving into the open co-pilot’s seat. As the Wookiee laid back, both glad to be momentarily rid of Twobee and to see the operation through, Leah smiled. “You know...“

Her voice trailed away as he eyes narrowed on the ship’s radar. A small speck flickered on and off. The Jedi Master didn’t bother to groan, no doubt for the millionth time ever. Instead, she turned to Greybok, nodded and brought a single hand to the dashboard. Several clicks and pulls forced the ground sweeper turret on the Starbird to activate, twist around and fire straight into the approaching fighter. Its attempt to sneak up on them was thwarted. Any potential attack ultimately culminated into nothing. The mission was a damned success and Leah would make sure it stay that way.

Now that there were in the clear, at least so the Jedi believed, she smirked to Greybok. “All right. Let’s ditch this popsicle stand.” With a salute, she placed a hand against one lever and waited for the signal. It was time to go home.

 

[Greybok]

Greybok heard and obeyed. He saluted her—the signal. Then, pulling back on the hyperdrive lever, he watched as the starlights elongated to streaks. Then the ship jumped into the white void of hyperspace, safe from any retribution from Mon Cala. The revolution that was about to happen there gave him hope that one day the Wookiees that were enslaved by the Empire could one day revolt themselves. And then no alien species would be forced to be slaves for the Sith ever again.

As for Greybok, he had a newfound respect for Leah. The two of them might butt heads, but she was a fierce fighter and a damn good gunner. Not to mention she almost had as little tolerance for Twobee as he did. He could respect that in anyone. Well, almost anyone. Greybok barked at BE-ET to tell the little droid to pilot the ship. In the meantime, he pushed away from the controls and hooted at Leah to follow him. He had a minibar in the main hold of his ship, and it was time to treat her to a drink.

The End​