The End of the Line

[Nikka Toren]

Terminus
14:27
Metropolis Terminalis

-Theme-​

Terminus. End of the line... A small planet lingering in the Outer Rim, the forgotten remainder of the Corellian Spine. Fitting that the Alliance should be called here.. even from this distance, the small, mountainous planet seemed devoid of most truly lush and vibrant life. But what it perhaps lacked in view, it made up for in resources vital to their cause.. or so she was told.

Jedi Knight Nikka Toren had no such need for views; she came here with a mission in mind, and her companions to help see it through. It didn't matter about appearances; what mattered was convincing such hard, practical people that the Alliance was the better choice. That theirs was a just cause.

They would be arriving soon; she had never known her companions previously, but she clipped into her harness, turning her head slightly to the pair of them. "I apologize for my silence as of late. There is much we need to discuss before arriving."

Massive understatement of the era, perhaps.

She gave a wry smile, tilting her veiled face to the closest of her companions.

"But first... any questions?"

@thePYRO101 @Cainhurst Crow @Sabrina

 

[Vas Kodro]

This was finally it. After years of training, hearing heroic tales of the Alliance, and getting to know her father's rebel companions, she was now embarking on her first big mission for the Alliance. If only her family could see her now, but they were probably still stuck on Mon Cala, controlled by the Empire, at best. At least she felt somewhat in control, now that her work could influence the galaxy on such a large scale.

She examined her companions, a blind woman, whom she assumed to be Nikka Toren, and a larger alien with white fur and a pristine-looking military uniform. She hadn't seen many members of either of their species before, and she felt a bit ashamed for not knowing what they were called. Sardonically, she told herself that she needed to get out more.

The small woman asked if there were any questions. It was difficult to formulate a specific question because all she knew was the purpose of the mission and where Terminus was. "Vas, by the way. I'm Vas. I assume you must be Nikka. So how do we go about pleading our case? Is Terminus already swayed towards the Alliance or is there a good deal of arguing to do? Considering what rhetoric as well, whether they respond to logical reasoning or emphatic speeches. Then again, I suppose we need a quick run-down of the mission again." She stopped herself here. Thinking out loud was something she had been doing increasingly more of lately, and although she wasn't the most well-mannered to begin with, she thought that these allies she had just met wouldn't want to listen to a stranger's inner monologue.
@Killa Ree @Cainhurst Crow @Sabrina

 

[Karacaldra Von Kedisy]

Karacaldra had been silent and contemplating the mission ahead. It was most likely a rough road ahead of them, especially with how the galaxy had shaped up. With the Empire now an actually unified Empire, and the Mandalorians growing ever stronger, it was probably not going to be easy to convince the planet's leaders to throw in with the proverbial underdogs.

She wore her uniform and carried with her a blaster pistol, as well as her vibrosword, just in case negotiations were to break down. It was hard for her to ever go without at least one weapon on hand, and not feel overly vulnerable. Still, as she looked to her two companions, she gave a nod to Vas.

"Karacaldra. And what Vas has brought up is worth talking more on..." She said as she looked towards Nikka Toren, the women who seemingly had no eyes, yet Karacaldra was pretty sure could see just fine regardless, "We need to know what it is the people of Terminus desire. And if they believe it's within our power to give them what they want. Considering their location in the galaxy, a small show of force might do it. But I'm not sure whether they even see us as a credible options in the first place."

@Killa Ree @thePYRO101

 

[The Storyteller]

Conrad White was one of the local leaders and in charge of the spaceport and surrounding area. He many problems, one of them was the refugee crisis, as many were now fleeing the Mando Sith war that had now become hot. He did not blame them either, both sides were little better than savages and only cared about victory. He had run out hotel rooms, though they were all been used the richer refugees, though he did wonder how long that would last, as they were not cheap. He was also running out of warehouses and other more makeshift shelters, and he had to ration food. That came with its own problems, like the black market and more petty crime, that heaped on his problems. This was also made worse, as his security forces were now being stretched, which in turn meant spice and other illegal merchandise could get through. The war was nothing more than one big headache, he had not got the resources to deal with it. This made the problems worse and getting he no way of making it get better, well apart from trying to force them out, and make them move on, and that would not end well.

He sat in his office, trying to find some way of doing this, he going through reports, and drinking water. He was debating possible taxes, to help recruit people, or forcing the refugees to police themselves. He had reports of some local pets going missing, he did not want to think about it, as he knew some people were hungry. He knew would give soon, as resources were stretched beyond their limit, and the locals were not happy either. He just wanted the problem to go away, so he could have an easy desk job, that he had before the war.

@Cainhurst Crow @thePYRO101 @Killa Ree

 

[Nikka Toren]

She nodded along with Vas, fingers laced together atop one crossed knee. It was true, her Sight was different from most... but it meant she was unimpeded with such superficial things most deemed important. However, in the name of diplomacy a certain amount of credit had to be due. She had dressed the role of a diplomat; these people were not interested in personal wealth, they were interested in what they could bring to the table, supplies and relief, based on the rumors she had heard.

"What we need to do is understand this: they are a small, remote planet on the end of the Corellian Spine. Whatever influence the Empire may have had would be negligible at best; though they are rich in resources, there are few willing to make the long journey for trade. Theirs is also a world of hardy people; pretty speech and airy promises wouldn't work," she mused. "What we offer is relief. And a way to use their resources."

Here she paused, dipping her head in acknowledgement to Karacaldra. "You're right. And having them on our side would not only mean resources to fuel our cause, but also to bring them out of obscurity of isolation. And with the war the way it is, I imagine tensions are high. We must be careful to show them why we are the best option; how we can relieve them of their problems, and heal the disparity that is their lack of trade." She tilted her head, then smiled at them both.

"I admit... it will not be easy. But I thank you for coming aboard; it isn't easy, talking to leaders, even after all this time."

Tippy trilled out once, and she nodded once more, uncrossing her legs and sitting tall. Her expression was calm, smooth, serene. They would be landing soon; time to be prepared, and look for the future. There was no room for anything else within this small space upon the Oberon.

"Let the games begin, I suppose. Any other questions, any suggestions?"

@Cainhurst Crow @thePYRO101 @Sabrina

 

[Vas Kodro]

Other questions? Yes, there were always other questions, but Vas was too nervous to put her thoughts into words. She wasn't too nervous to think; rather, it was the opposite. She was having qualms about this mission, albeit not to the point of stress, but considering this was her biggest mission with the Alliance yet, she was worried her lack of experience may steer Terminus in the wrong direction.

Shaking the negative thoughts out of her head, which took a bit of effort since her mind wanted to wander, she responded, "We don't have much time before landing. I think we have all the information we need." She lowered her head and turned to Karacaldra to let her ask any last-minute questions. She looked up at the ceiling and took a few slow, deep breaths. Vas told herself that everything would work out, that Nikka and Karacaldra had her back if anything were to go awry. Besides, she had never lost an argument. Well, rarely lost an argument. And Terminus was outside of the sphere of influence of the Sith for the time being, so all would not be lost.

@Killa Ree @Cainhurst Crow @Sabrina

 

[Karacaldra Von Kedisy]

"All I got to say is...lead the way, Ma'am." Karacaldra said with a bow to Nikka. She was well spoken, and her points made sense. They had an even keel to them, and even she had to admit that this woman was much better with words then she was. Vas Kodro wasn't one to be discounted either, her questions had been poinent and thorough, and the Togorian was sure she'd do fine.

"I'll be sure to be on guard, in case negotiations require some protection." She said, knowing that was what she was really good at. She was a solider, and she'd help the others accomplish their mission. Whether she needed to talk, or to hold her tongue, to do so.

@thePYRO101 @Killa Ree @Sabrina

 

[The Storyteller]

The group landed in the starport, as they landed they would see what was best described as organized chaos. There were people, trying to keep families together and make sure people who went into each of the warehouses, did not have a grudge each other. At the outside of the spaceport, the was rival protests. The was one which was far outnumbered the other, the one telling them to go away. The people were scared, as rationing, meant their children got less, and so did they, and prices had gone up for all goods, with the influx of refugees. Though there was another small counter-protest, one saying they will house them in there own homes. They will feed and cloth them, nice idea but a completly untenable idea for Conrad. As they might be slavers, they may accidentally put a killer in their house, the risk was not worth it. He wished both protests would just go home, as they tied up some of his security personnel, to prevent an outbreak of violence. He rather has his people helping with the mess in the spaceport, than dealing with issues on the outside.

As they come off, they would be met by an overworked security officer, who asked them a few simple questions. His uniform was not very tidy, and a couple of food stains on it, this was the problems of doing back to back double shifts. He then spoke, he sounded tired and grumpy. Hi how many refugees on your transport, what planet, and how much food and water do you have so we can commandeer them. Any ship that landed now, was having the excess taken off it, to keep the people fed and watered. He also then held out a datapad to them, this was a landing charge bill that needed to be paid. As they were after whatever they could get from a pilot, as they could then use the money to ship in more food, or medical supplies, it also an attempt to persuade pilots to go elsewhere, as this was a tax on the ship, and failure to pay, meant it was impounded. This then meant he had a place to put refugees, and a method to move some on, by giving them the ship.

@thePYRO101 @Killa Ree @Cainhurst Crow

 

[Nikka Toren]

So many people. So many cries in the Force, and all of them in dire need. She briefly wondered if her companions could feel it; she nodded to both of them before disembarking, approving silently. She took a deep breath when a security officer strode in their direction. His entire manner spoke of exhaustion, of a male stretched beyond his limits and then some. Though she seemed unsurprised at the question; her hands folded together, her voice mild, cool and calm.

"No refugees, actually. We come as representatives; we have an appointment with Conrad White, your elected leader. As for food and water..."

She laced her fingers, standing tall.

"All excess food and water supplies are held within the cargo bay; I request you leave enough water and food rations for four days' standard hyperlane travel for three individuals, so that my fellow representatives may not starve."

She had credit enough to pay the fee, but she did not understand why he thrust a datapad at her. She was blind, after all. Instead, she perked a brow, her voice exuding an aura of calm. Authoritative and mannered. "In order for the residents of Terminus to have the supplies they need, I suggest that you escort myself and my companions to where it is we need to go; and please, tell me what else you require of us."

She hoped by now he would understand; she was sightless, signing a datapad was outside of her experience.

...or so he would assume.

@thePYRO101 @Cainhurst Crow @Sabrina

 

[Vas Kodro]

The riots going on around them and the unkempt security officer monotonously asking Nikka how many "refugees" she had on board painted the situation as dire. Although the officer's stained uniform disgusted her, and frankly, she could smell him from where she was standing, the bleak, hopeless look on the man's face created sympathy for him within Vas. She stood up tall and remained silent and respectful, waiting for Nikka's direction. She watched as the sightless woman remained cool and collected while a filthy man with a wildly indifferent attitude thrust a datapad in her face. Vas remained still and upright, watching the disorder going on around her while awaiting further instruction.

@Cainhurst Crow @Sabrina @Killa Ree

 

[Karacaldra Von Kedisy]

Karacaldra narrowed her eyes as they adjusted to the light of the outside world. The togorian looked at the man before them, taking in the state of the port, the man's own state at the moment, and the words he spoke. She deduced that things were more serious then they thought, and the man's current state suggested that things had been in these dire straits for a while now.

The cat lady gave a nod as Nikka spoke of their cause, looking to the man with a bow of her head, "We're here to give a hand, actually. A much needed one by the look of things." She commented, knowing it was true and hoping the man wasn't going to deny it was such. She really hoped it wasn't going to be taken as such, at the very least.

@thePYRO101 @Killa Ree @Sabrina

 

[The Storyteller]

The security guard did not care, who signed the datapad, but if they did not he would commandeer their ship. He looked at the other two and said One of you better sign this, or we will take your ship, and that is the law. He then waited for them to sign it, they were going nowhere until one of them did. The ship would fetch a nice price and also help move some these people on. He was tired and grumpy, and quite frankly did not care if they had a meeting with there commanding officer, he not seen his children in the last week. He bearly slept, and eaten, because of what was going on. Some high idea these three were going to make this disappear, was just fantasy in his eyes, as they could not stop the Mandalorian and Sith war. So he waited for one of them to take the pad and sign it, and then they could go about their business.

@Cainhurst Crow @thePYRO101 @Killa Ree

 

[Nikka Toren]

She raised her brows slightly, but that was the only indication to any emotion that the Knight dared to show. True indeed, hard, stubborn... worn to the ends of the ropes, it seemed. It gave her a better appreciation of the true depths of what Terminus had fallen to; it was already a planet that lived on the edge with difficulty. And with the war raging on, to have people fleeing to the edges of the Outer Rim just to survive...

She gently grasped his wrist, then allowed her hand to slide up until it grasped the datapad. It was difficult to gauge distance... especially with the miasma of smells, sounds, and other sensations threatening to drown the Miraluka and her two companions. They had their work cut out for them, it seemed. "Yes. Of course, please excuse my rudeness sir." Her touch was calming, her aura of authority only shown by a tall standing and genteel tone. She waited for some action of her companions to indicate where to sign before signing, or at least she hoped it was some sort of a signing adequate enough.

Being sighted must truly be a burden. Being burdened with this work equally so. The credits used to pay for their docking here was rational, however, and not worth contesting; however, if the residents of Terminus tried anything, they would have two droids to deal with.

Tippy would be the least of their problems, it was Eva as a wild card she was worried about.

She tilted her head, and laced her fingers together, her tone cool and clear.

"Shall we continue?"

@Cainhurst Crow @thePYRO101 @Sabrina

 

[Vas Kodro]

This man was clearly becoming frustrated with them. Still, Vas felt bad for the guy. He was just following protocol, and probably never encountered a blind woman having to sign his datapad. Honestly, Vas was also becoming frustrated with the man's insistent demanding, keeping them from what needed to be accomplished. She didn't expect it to be in-and-out, of course, but they had just landed, and a delay like this was sooner than what she would have liked.

She watched as Nikka exuded calmness as she fumbled to get her hands on the datapad. Vas walked over to her and looked over her shoulder, looking to see if she was signing in the right place. "A little to the right," she informed. She would have just signed it herself, but it was Nikka's ship and she seemed to be taking responsibility for signing. "There," she said when her hand was over the right spot. "Anything else we must do?" she asked the security guard, hoping that they could continue without further interruptions.

@Cainhurst Crow @Sabrina @Killa Ree

 

[Karacaldra Von Kedisy]

Karacaldra crossed her arms as he rolled her eyes. Paper work, of course. Waiting for it to be done, she spoke up after the others. "Yes. Continuing would be apt." She said as she looked over to the customs officer, "Is there any other forms to fill out?"

@thePYRO101 @Sabrina @Killa Ree

 

[The Storyteller]

The watched as they signed the data pad, once they finished. He checked it, the money had gone through. He did not care one iota what they thought of him, he had a job to do. That was collect money, so he got paid, and refugees got fed. They asked him was anything else they need to do, he just said Yeah sign it again tomorrow, this is a daily charge. He looked at the group, and they would quite easily see the bags under his eyes. He was in desperate need for a day off, but the refugees kept coming. As he stepped aside to let the group go @Nikka Toren felt a burning sensation like someone had put a lightsaber through her heart. No one had done so, but she felt like it had done.

As this happened they saw the guard move over to the next landing pad. This person refused to pay and began to argue and said he was just dropping off more people, they saw the guard get on his radio. Soon about six more turned up and took his ship off him, by force. The pilot was now stranded, and just another refugee like his passengers. They could now move freely, around the spaceport. As long as they paid the tax again the next day. As they looked at the space port, they could see people who were moved to sheds, as they run out anywhere to put people. The looked worse then guard who had no sleep, they had less food than him, and some children were hungry and too tired to cry. The money they had given will help pay for some food for these people.

They could all so a sign leading to Conrad Whites office, which was up some steps and then through a door.