Open The Stardancer’s Contract

[Reach Valarian]

Reach agreed with a nod to Tremaine's idea. There clearly were some questions to explain, with the use of what seemed to be force by Tremaine only reinforcing his suspicion, that Tremaine is a sith.

"I don't like what I'm saying, but I have to agree to Mr. Tremaine this time..." Looking at his direction "You definitly need to make some things clear... If you could excuse me, I have to go to my quarter now. I'll be right back to discuss what's going on here."

With that being said, Reach walks over to his living quarter, closing the doors behind him.

After he entered the quarter, he reached under his bed to grab the commlink. He contacted the Empire:
"This is Agent Valarian speeking. Some type of creature was trying to kill us on Nar Shaddaa, which is why we had to leave and are now in Orbit. I don't know our exact position, but the guy I suspected to be a Sith has used something to make the girl fly and rescue her. It could be the force, but I'm not sure yet, I'll have to do further investigations. Agent Valarian, out."
He turns his commlink of and hides it under his bed again.

After that, he returns to the others in the cockpit.

"I'm ready now, where do we wanna talk?"

 

[Naxa]

Spoiler: Music

The BX commando droid, designated N4-X4 operated the controls of their custom BH-53 starfighter. Eye witness accounts and data pointed towards his quary being onboard the ship ahead of him. They did not want to remain behind and deal with the monster that had eviscerated scores of people. As of yet there was not a bounty on the head of beast like that and neither was Naxa well equiped to handle such a creature.

A mysterious Mandalorian that could be Suspect One and potentially lead the droid to other suspects after the murder spree in corporate space. The YT-1300 light freighter did not have its weapon systems operational yet which was actually a reason why the droid was not going to be aggressive. Instead they would try to take a page out of one of their previous employer's books and be diplomatic. The droid focused its ships scanners on the targeted starship. It wanted to know what life forms were aboard as soon as possible along with the rest of the ships details.

The first alert Rylan Vox would have of danger was his ship's weapons lock alarm. N4-X4's personal starship, the Dullahan was rising from low orbit below the Stardancer. Secondly, the ship captain would receive a hail from the Hunter of the Guild. It would be in his best interest to accept it considering the armament of the starfighter could severely damage the ship in the blink of an eye. Jumping to hyperspace was the only way to possibly lose the droid and that would only be temporary. The commando droid calculated the odds were not in the freighter's favor.

@TimLan @Akheron @mataldematt @Zory @Hastur

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

As Trodai stood there all eyes upon him, he knew he had for reveal at a bit of the truth, a half-truth at least. If He was sate the suspicions against him and the man who suspected him. And keep the Captain at ease on the journey as much as he could. As Riya spoke, he was somewhat caught off-guard and surprised. It amused him.

She appeared to have quite the fiery temper, a free spirited nature who was not afraid to speak her mind. Deep within his core, he was reminded of a time long past, a time before the Sith and in his younger years. A time when he was struggling still among his own people. A time when he was loved by another. It was a painful memory to recall given what happened to her, he never did find the one responsible. They had better pray he never did.

It was refreshing to find someone here so similar.

Aware of the fact, none would know what a Pureblood was, he decided to take a risk. He removed the mask, revealing his true face as he spoke.

"I will be as honest as I can, but know there are some things you...may not entirely understand or make sense of. For my life is complicated. I know Theodore here, Riya and you have suspicions about me, allow me to clarify Captain. You are all correct in your assumptions in that, yes I am a Force-User, it is one of the tricks I mentioned I had. However as much as it is useful, it can also be a curse. It attracts the unusual and the dangerous.

I do not know what that beast was, that much is true or why it was here. Clearly it was attracted to what I possess. The old adage is true when they say that the Force attracts all comers. My real name is not Tremaine, I am deeply sorry for the deception and for hiding my identity but it was necessary to protect not just me but yourselves from what it may bring. My real name is Trodai, my connection to the Sith is yes, in the past I was one, they found me in my youth and trained me but it did not last. My appearance is different for the fact I am a Zeltron with several mutations as you can see. "

He allowed a moment for them all to consume the information. Then he continued.

"I was rejected by my family as a result and had no place to go. The Sith found and accepted me, provided a means to control my gifts and made me feel like family until I was no longer useful. Until I became a burden they couldn't bare. And so I was forced to leave or risk my life staying. when I left which is no easy feat, I was hunted and I still am. Constantly. They do not forgive and they do not forget. I became a mercenary out of necessity and need to support myself. To survive. I knew I would never be accepted by the Jedi or the Imperial Knights so the choice was easy. No doubt you may have seen a few bounty posters about with my face.

Not long ago during the course of my travels, trying to decide what I wanted to do, I got into a...drunken altercation in the Corporate Sector. At a party I was invited too. In my drunken haze in trying a new liquor I underestimated the strength of it. A Weequay started making threats, pushing and shoving. And worse. My Rage grew until I could no longer take the abuse. Everyone as you know has their limit. He pushed mine past breaking point. By the end of it some lost their lives as a result, not all by my hand however.

I have been trying to lay low since and earn a fair wage. Free of the attention and to find where I fit in and use my gifts without prejudice. You and your ship seemed as good a place as any to start anew. Somewhere I might belong and not be judged for what I was before. Only for how I may help you, to use my experience and knowledge for mutual benefit. In return I had hoped you might respect my privacy and different ways. Clearly I was mistaken in keeping things hidden, thinking it would be better, it won't happen again I assure you. I am yours to command and my gift is at your disposal. If you still want me."

He allowed another moment.

"That is everything, I swear. I don't expect you to trust me, in light of this but know I am on your side, I will not harm you. No matter the outcome and will help."

Trodai waited, hoping they fell for his half-truths and twisting of facts. And hoped considering he had in fact saved Riya from certain death it would aid his account of wanting to help. He could only watch and wait in silence. And yet his eyes drifted to the red headed woman for but a moment, his yellow eyes like amber shards staring into her soul. Enticing yet mysterious. As if to contemplate. He had many mixed feelings. Some new, some old. It was perplexing to him and he couldn't work out why this outsider drew him so.

He was never one for emotions, save his temper. It was a curiosity, almost as much as she seemed to be.

Beside the fact she possessed the Force, it was a intriguing problem he would need to resolve. He could not be compromised. He heard the sound as the bounty hunter locked on, this was unfortunate timing.

"Looks like the hunters found me. I ask that you not hand me in, and I would consider it a debt. One I would repay tenfold. You need to make a decision, Captain ."

He wasn't lying. Trodai was many things, but he always repaid his debts. Despite all he was, he had honour as a Warrior.

@Zory @mataldematt @Hastur @TimLan @Darasuum

 

[Riya Deabla]

It was a lot of information for Riya to take in. Yes, Tremaine...no Trodai was was a force user, and yes he was a Sith. Formerly. Now? He wanted to make a sensible living and Riya? Well, she could respect that. As Trodai spoke, she didn't make eye contact with him, instead opting to focus her grey orbs on the matching floor below their feet. The only time she did look up was when he removed his mask, his red skin like a dark jewel that made her heart skip a beat in fear. It wasn't his face, it was the thought of something new, something different and they'd had enough different for one day for her liking and her gaze quickly went back to the floor.

His words, his heartfelt heartbreaking history bore into her heart like drill so far it hurt. She hurt for him and she....well, she sympathized with him. Feeling alone? yea, she was used to that. Bubbly, friendly. She was all of those until the crew that she'd bartered with no longer found a use for her. She dared not hope that this one would be different but Rylan had already been warmer than most, and Trodai had already saved her life. Maybe, just maybe...

"All right," she says to no one in particular. "I think... I think I've had enough excitement for one day," she says softly, her arms wrapping around herself as if it could block the chills. No sooner had the words passed her lips than the alarms blared and they were being haled by the Hunter of the Guild. Riya's shoulders sagged in exasperation, both of her hands dropping to her sides only for them to ball into fists seconds later. She storms towards the cockpit, and really, had she been thinking, she never would have attempted to fly the ship. She didn't know how, but hyperspace? Well, at least they could get away. She didn't care where they ended up, only that their course was clear as she mashed several buttons.

"I SAID I HAD ENOUGH EXCITEMENT TODAY!" She yells towards the back of the ship as if the Hunter could hear her just as the engines warmed up and the stars became a blur. Facing the Hunters or a former Sith, at least the former Sith had saved her.

@Hastur @TimLan @mataldematt @Akheron and last but not least, Sorry! @Darasuum

 

[Rylan Vox]

As Trodai, formerly known as Tremaine, revealed his complicated history and the reasons behind his secretive nature, Rylan Vox couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions. Sympathy for the Zeltron's past hardships, understanding for the desire to escape the clutches of the Sith, and cautious acceptance of his offer to help.

Riya's outburst served as a reminder that their situation was far from over. Just as they were trying to process Trodai's revelations, they found themselves under the scrutiny of a Bounty Hunters Guild member. Riya's impulsive decision to engage the hyperdrive and make a hasty escape was met with a combination of relief and concern from Rylan.

He turned his attention to Trodai, addressing him with a sense of urgency. "Trodai, it seems we have a new problem on our hands. Our unexpected guest from the Bounty Hunters Guild wants answers, and it's imperative that we handle this diplomatically. We don't want to add more enemies to our list."

With those words, Rylan headed to the cockpit, where Riya was in control of the ship. He needed to ensure that the situation was defused peacefully, and that their uninvited guest could be persuaded to seek a resolution rather than confrontation.


@Zory @Hastur @TimLan @Akheron @Darasuum

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai nodded before joining him, although using the Force, he could feel nothing from the other ship which spoke of it's occupant. Clearly whoever was piloting was no organic. He knew if he wanted and thinking about it he could crush it like a tin can but that would not serve his purpose but only create more tension. Inside he hoped the droid would just go away, but that was unlikely. The diplomatic approach was the only option, even if he doubted a droid would listen.

They saw as he closed his eyes, like he was elsewhere for a moment before they flicked open again and he spoke.

"That ship is not piloted by a organic...a sentient life. I cannot feel anything of the sort from it with the Force which I should do. This suggests it is a droid piloting the ship, I highly doubt it will listen but as Captain if you think it would ease tension then you may try. But if it so much as twitches wrong towards us, or won't let us go, know I will act accordingly. Without consent if I must. I refuse to go to in and be held a prisoner in some dank cell, where I would be beaten. It is not my way and besides Corporate Security are corrupt. I don't trust the droid, just as I don't trust 'Theodore' here if that is even his real name. Who I believe is also hiding secrets...if there is to be clarity as you suggested then I suggest he also come clean with us. No more suspicious hiding down the corridors, like we wouldn't notice. Skulking in the dark and no lies. I can tell the difference."

@mataldematt @TimLan @Zory @Hastur

 

[Naxa]

Failure to respond to the hail would result in aggressive action. The scan was complete. The BH-53 starfighter fired a torrent of energy from it's four light laser cannons. Weapons lock paired with the hunter's accuracy and the relative slow speed of the Stardancer meant that getting hit was almost unavoidable. In the blink of a photoreceptor the ship's shields would be depleted to almost nothing.

Regardless of whether or the first barrage would stop the ship, the Dullahan fired its two medium ion cannons. They worked twice as well on shields and would eat up any protective deflector screen remaining. The rest of the ion cannon barrage would force the ship to lose power. Its hyperdrive, shields, communications, everything would become unpowered. Hopefully its captain had taken the ship high enough into orbit or they would begin plummeting towards the planet and risk dying on impact.


@TimLan @Akheron @mataldematt @Zory @Hastur

 

[Rylan Vox]

Rylan Vox felt the tension rise as the situation escalated. Trodai's revelation about the unidentified ship being piloted by a non-organic entity raised further concerns. As the ship's scanners completed their scan, the urgency of the moment became clear.

Trodai's suggestion that Theodore should also come clean about his secrets was met with a raised eyebrow from Rylan. It was indeed true that Theodore had been secretive and distant, and his true nature remained an enigma. However, the immediate threat from the unidentified ship took precedence.

With a sense of resolve, Rylan moved closer to the cockpit, where Riya was doing her best to handle the ship. He needed to offer guidance and support in this challenging situation.

"Riya, let's try to establish communication with the unidentified ship," Rylan said firmly. "We need to defuse this situation peacefully if possible. Transmit a hailing frequency and let's see if we can open a dialogue. We don't want to escalate things further."

He knew that facing an armed starfighter was not a position they wanted to be in, especially when tensions were already running high within their own ship. Their best chance was to appeal to the reason of whoever was aboard that ship and find a way to peacefully resolve the standoff.


@Zory @TimLan @Akheron @Hastur @Darasuum

 

[Cremek "Krayt" Candorus]

Well, Cremeks holo continues to ring, buzzing on the floor where cremek had tossed it in a hurry.

 

[Riya Deabla]

Riya had no business flying a ship and it showed. Luckily, she didn't kill her new mates as they had managed to get outside of the gravitational pull of the planet. Still, they were sitting in open space, just floating and waiting for whatever shot at them to come aboard, or just shoot them from the sky. She hated that.

"Here," she says softly, letting go of the controls after opening a communications channel between them and the trailing ship. The redhead moved out of the way to let the Captain take over and find her place away from everyone. What now? She wondered as she maneuvered through the ship looking for anything that would be of use. Likely, a hiding place should they be boarded. Riya wasn't going through that again. As she made her way to the cargo hold, an incessant buzzing reached her ears. If that animal was on here, she was going to just yeet herself into space. Looking around, she finally found the small communication device that Cremek had tossed away. She hadn't noticed it then, but she saw it now.

"Hello?" She asked, turning it on and waiting for the other person to answer.

@TimLan @mataldematt @Hastur @Akheron @Darasuum

 

[Naxa]

The light freighter drifted through zero gravity in high orbit of Nar Shaddaa. The ripples of blue electricity ran along its outside, remnant energy from the ion cannons moving from part to part. Remarkably the light freighter was undamaged beyond mild carbon scoring against its protective shielding. The droid had been precise and used the appropriate amount of firepower to achieve its goal. N4-X4 did not want to obliterate his quarry or else they could not cash in on the bounty.

The droid circled around to the tail of the ship and kept its presence out of view from the cockpit. The slowly listing Stardancer was at the BX commando droid's mercy. Thankfully to its accurate shooting, the light freighter's communication system was still operational and sent a call to the Dullahan.

N4-X4 accepted the hail and began to speak before it heard any words. The BX commando droid's deep vocabulator was considered intimidating and cold by most organics. "Stardancer, you are not going anywhere. Surrender or be vented into space." It ran a scan on the ship again, pinpointing the locations of the life signs to track whether they were going to try and move to an escape pod or some other attempt that was as fruitless as it was desperate.


@TimLan @Akheron @mataldematt @Zory @Hastur

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai noted how the ship continued to shake, that they were losing power. Something needed to be done, but it was not his area of expertise and on top of it the suspicious man appeared to have been knocked unconscious by something falling during the event. At least for now he considered it as one less problem for him.

Now he would be less questioned and suspected.

He called to the Captain first.

"Those ion blast took out all our power, we are essentially gliding. If we don't get power back quickly we will be diving back into the ocean below. We also have another problem as well, our suspicious friend seems to have bumped himself and is unconscious. He might need medical assistance or something. I can try and keep us sort of steady while you deal with him, I have piloting experience. Sorry if it seems a little bossy, but we have not much time to act."

He turned to notice the com-link.

"Riya, you seem to know your way around a ship. See if you find a way to divert power and get our systems back online. You can reply to the com-link on the way. Without it we can't move or attempt a escape if that is the option we must take. I would appreciate it."

He quickly headed up front as quickly as he could . The longer they took, the more hostile the situation would become.

@Zory @Hastur @mataldematt @Darasuum

 

[Rylan Vox]

Rylan Vox felt a sense of urgency as Riya handed over control of the ship's communications channel to him. He had experience in negotiations and diplomacy, and it was essential to try to defuse the situation with the unidentified ship peacefully.

As he took the controls, Rylan addressed the hailing frequency with a clear and steady voice. "This is Captain Rylan Vox of the Stardancer," he began, hoping that a calm demeanor would convey their intention for peaceful resolution. "We've encountered a misunderstanding, and we want to avoid any further escalation. We are willing to discuss the situation and find an amicable solution. Please respond."

Meanwhile, he was aware of the ship's critical situation, with power systems down and the vessel slowly drifting. Trodai had informed him about the unconscious Theodore, adding another layer of concern to their predicament. They needed to regain control of their ship swiftly, but their immediate focus was on preventing an unnecessary conflict with the unidentified vessel.

Rylan Vox waited for a response, hoping that cooler heads would prevail and that they could negotiate their way out of this perilous situation.

@Zory @Hastur @Akheron @Darasuum

 

[Naxa]

A few quick taps of the droid's synthetic digits against the controls of the Dullahan allowed them the approximate locations of life forms on the Stardancer. It waited and watched, focusing its scope on the starship.

A reply from the captain came through the channel and it sounded to be logical. Hopefully for their sakes it also meant he would see the position he was in and how few options they had. "Captain, you are the owner of this vessel and must know its specifications. You are flying a corellian light freighter, a model YT-1300 which come equipped with six individual escape pods. You will jettison any outstanding bounties you are carrying onboard. Your compliance is requested. It is not required. Failure to comply may result in serious bodily harm or death to yourself and/or those around you." That was N4-X4's way of saying it was asking nicely.

This was their last chance before the droid began to dismantle the Stardancer piece by piece and collected his bounty from what was left. Unlike the fleshy beings inside the light freighter, the BX commando droid did not require air, food, water or even a moderate ambient temperature. All of these things were going to run out sooner rather than later.

@mataldematt @Zory @Akheron @Hastur

 

[Riya Deabla]

Spoiler: Riya's dice roll to get power back on

Dice Roll

With Cremek's comm still in her hand, Riya would look from Trodai, to the Captain. She could hear the droid's altered voice through their ship's communications and it didn't sound promising. Getting out of there seemed to be their first priority, tough it could end badly as well. On one end, helping Trodai meant that she could get a bounty on her head. How was she supposed to guard against that? She was free now. No one looked for her, no one cared. It was pure freedom.

On the other hand, Trodai saved her life and inhibited that freedom she wanted because she felt she owed him a debt. Besides, could she really agree sending a man to his death?

"Okay," she nods and throws her pack over her shoulders. "I have a few ideas on getting power back, but if it doesn't work, it could put us in a lot more trouble. The power to the escape pods, I can reroute them to the ships systems and get us going again. It' won't be far, but we can get at least back towards Nar Shadaa. We can tell the Hunter that they can meet us there.

The second option is that I manage to jump start the ship again. I going to need you to stall him. If he catches on, we're in trouble." Exhaling, Riya ran a hand through her messy pony tail. "Or we can do as he asks, which I don't like at all.

 

[Cremek "Krayt" Candorus]

When riya would answer, Cremek's signature modulated voice would ring out, though he sounded quite tired and weakened.

"there we go, I've been wondering if you survived, are you all well? im working on getting the hell off this planet and should meet you at your destination."

cremek inhales gently a moment, he felt tired, and it showed, he was completely exhausted.

@peeps!

 

[Rylan Vox]

Rylan Vox listened carefully to the response from the unidentified ship, which was, in fact, a droid. The situation was dire, and the droid had made its demands clear. However, Rylan knew that surrendering Trodai was not an option. The man had saved Riya's life, and Rylan had a strong sense of responsibility for his crew.

As Riya outlined her options for restoring power to the Stardancer, Rylan considered the choices carefully. Surrendering Trodai was not on the table, and he didn't want to risk being dismantled by the droid either. The idea of rerouting power to the escape pods seemed like the most viable option. It would allow them to move and buy some time.

"Riya," Rylan began, his voice firm but measured, "we can't surrender Trodai. He's part of our crew now, and I won't let him be taken. Go with your first option. Reroute power to the escape pods and get us moving. We'll head back toward Nar Shaddaa and arrange a meeting point with Cremek. And we'll have to stall the droid as you suggested."

He glanced back at the unconscious Theodore, realizing that if things went south, they'd have to leave him behind.

"We'll make this work, Riya. Let's get to it." Rylan Vox had faced his fair share of dangerous situations in the past, and he was determined to navigate this one and protect his crew, new and old.

@Zory @Hastur @Akheron @Darasuum

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

Trodai listened and nodded respectfully. He would not forget the gesture, even if they didn't know his entire truth they had earnt a ally for now. They risked everything for someone they hardly knew, a rare thing in the galaxy more so for Trodai who was used to being used and discarded.

He wondered why had Riya risked so much upon him. Why they all did, it made him wonder more. He knew now they would likely have a bounty them too for aiding a fugitive. They took a big gamble.

He spoke out before going to help Theodore then Riya. He didn't like him, but for the sake of the Captain he couldn't let himself either.

"Appreciate it Captain, you risk acquiring a bounty yourself. Both of you. I don't say it often but...you have my gratitude. I'll see that Theodore is in the medical and help Riya where possible. Let me know if you need any additional aid Captain."

With that he ran down the cockpit and to the unconscious man. Checking his vitals he seemed ok, but he couldn't be certain. So he took him, down the ship to the medical bay. Placing him into the care of the medical droids, he soon found he was a in some type of coma. It didn't bother him too much, one less problem for now.

He let the Captain know.

"Captain, droids say Theodore is in some kind of coma from the knock. His out until who knows when."

With that he went to assist. Running at a slight pave, he soon caught up.

"Riya, where do you need me. Captain should be able to keep things alright up front I hope. While I'm here I got to ask....why did you help me. Other than the fact it makes us even. You risk yourself, a bounty for helping me. There are not many who would have done the same thing. I am indebted as I said."

@Zory @Hastur @Darasuum @mataldematt

 

[Naxa]

Once again the droid was met with silence over the ship to ship channel. It kept the line open for what good it would do them. Flicking a few controls, the droid aimed its nose at the YT-1300 again and fired a pair of ion blasts into the all but stationary light freighter. The droid then aimed for the dorsal quad laser turret. The viewport was a weakpoint and with four laser cannons aimed at it, the structural integrity would be compromised in a matter of moments. The Stardancer, unpowered, would be limited in its ability to seal itself against the vacuum of space.

If they had managed to reroute power, then there was a chance the Stardancer would be at least heading towards the Smuggler's Moon before too much damage was done. However there would still be the issue of them landing considering escape pods had enough power to land once under their own weight. It was hardly enough power for an entire damaged light freighter to sustain continuous flight. They would be lucky to have a safe landing but even that was going to be iffy. Meanwhile the bounty hunter would follow the trailing ship with cold control over their starfighter, ready to reap its reward.

@mataldematt @Zory @Akheron @Hastur

 

[Riya Deabla]

Riya's faith in the captain was only cemented more when he agreed that they would help Trodai. They were part of the crew, they were in this together. She nodded vigorously be grabbing her pack and pulling open a hatch before leaping down. She could hear the way more things powered down as they were hit several more times. With each blast, she knew it wouldn't be enough, but she hoped she had an ace in the hole.

"Cremek," she said, holding the communication device in her hand. There was relief, frustration and fear in her grey gaze though it didn't register with the device. "We're under attack just outside of orbit. Glad to see you aren't dead. Did you see what happened to the creature?" She started, only to cut herself off.

"Sorry, under a bit of emergency here. We're getting shot at by a bounty hunter. Maybe you know him, freakin' droid. If you can help, here's our coordinates. Otherwise, I would suggest finding a place outside of the crash zone."

Riya ripped a wire which crackled as she began cutting through the covering. "Trodai," she said as he joined her and she handed the communications device off to him. "Captain!" She yelled louder to get his attention. "There's not enough power in the escape pods now to get us out of here. Either I give us protection and oxygen a bit longer, or we focus on getting to the moon, up to you. But I was thinking. We out number him, right? And if Cremek can join us? We might have an advantage."

@Hastur @Akheron @mataldematt @Darasuum