Star Wars: The RPG ~ Episode VII: Dawn of the New Republic IC Thread

[NiteMare Shape]

Leia is stirred from a sound sleep from the sofa in her living quarters by the sound of the doorbell. Sleepily, she looks around the apartment that she shares with Han, at least when the duties to the New Republic allows them to do so, and frowns.

With everything that has been going on, on top of her duties as Minister of State and a member of the Provisional Council, the more recent...and more personal events surrounding her brother's recent conflict with Councilor Fey'lya has her both physically and emotionally drained.

The doorbell rings a second time, and this time Winter, Leia's personal aid and childhood friend emerges from her bedchamber.

"Would you like me to get rid of them Your Highness?" She asks as she walks toward the door.

"No, that's alright." Leia says as she follows behind Winter.

Winter opens the door, and both are surprised to see Mon Mothma standing in the doorway with several members of her entourage.

"Leia, I'm sorry to disturb you at this late hour, but I have some matters that I need to discuss with you."

Leia is taken by surprise by Mon Mothma's words, but knows that she should be. When the Chief of State of the New Republic shows up unannounced at your doorstep in the middle of the night, it usually is something urgent.

"Of course Mon Mothma, what is it?"

"I know that your mission to Rodia was not a success because of the attack by these so called 'Sith,' but we still have a pressing need for a conference with Navik the Red in order to get the Rodians on board with the New Republic."

"I am aware of that, but I don't see how it is possible. The Provisional Council has voted to suspend any trips to Rodia in the wake of the attack, and Navik refuses to come to Coruscant."

"Well, we have come to an arrangement that will allow you to meet with Navik away from Rodia and Coruscant in the last place anyone would ever think of looking for such an important diplomatic meeting."

"Well, that's wonderful. So where is this place?"

"You'll be departing in three days. You will be meeting a shuttle at the Provisional Council's landing pad."

"But where will I be going?"

Mon Mothma looks to the ground for a moment, before bringing her gaze to once again meet Leia's, and when she does, she is sporting an amused smile

"Leia, what do you know of the Errant Venture?"

 

[Carnage27]

Just as I'm about to say something else, Kelsa slips in under my arm, nearly spilling my drink in the process. Dono and Nyna chuckle aloud as I struggle to regain control of my drink, even as I put my other arm around Kelsa's petite shoulders.

I laugh along with the others as the pains and stress of my new life ease away in a wave of relief. No matter what happened in the future, I now realize that, as Joren says, I have a new family to rally around in times of trouble.

And what a weird bunch we must look like from the outside. A few pretty looking human females, a former police cadet turned Jedi, a former Jedi's son, and two Mandos, one of which is a Twi'lek and now a Jedi apprentice. Speaking of which, I shoot a smile at Mission, who returns it, and then has a look of complete shock on her face. I turn to find her father, and the rest of the crew of the freighter Dralshy'a.

She stands and waves to the group. As they come over they embrace her, "Father! Timi! Sien! Rik! What are you guys doing here?"

Her father removes his helmet and places it on the table, and the rest of the crew joins us at the table, "Nothing, actually. We're celebrating the completion of an easy job for the Republic. It's great to see everyone again."

Our group exchanges pleasantries with the Dralshy'a's group, and Vartok orders us another round of drinks, "So, Aka, what are you guys doing on Corellia?"

She gives her father a sideways look before whispering, "Jedi business."

"Ha!" Rik laughs. "So you're already going the secretive route with all that already? I thought we meant more to you than that."

I smile and nod, "We tracked down and neutralized a dangerous murderer."

"Well, heavy stuff there! Good job kids," Ordo says smiling, tipping his glass to the other two Jedis and me.

 

[Carnage27]

I stroll confidently through the asteroid's corridors, escorted by Lumiya, in complete silence.I must say for being trained by Vader, she hides her emotions quite well. I sense a calm, collected woman standing next to me. Luckily, I know her better, and I am completely ready for whatever she may eventually pull.

We enter into a large anti-chamber and the two of us take seats next to each other, looking out into the void of space, as other rocks hurtle by. "So," Lumiya breaks the silence, "What proposition do you have, Acheron?"

I don't need the Force to catch the mocking tone she laces on top of my Sith name, "Please, my lady, there is no need for the unpleasant feelings. We are on the same side. I come because I know we have the same ultimate goal in the Galaxy. The resurrection of the Sith way. The resurrection of the Sith Empire."

"Oh really," she says, her eyes narrowing. "Well, why come to me? You were never one of my fans in the Imperial court, and I know you never trusted me since I was trained by Vader."

"That may be true," I nod, "but you know as well as I one Lord cannot bring back the Sith by themselves. The skills of many will be needed. That is why I come to you, why I ask you to join me and be my partner in this venture."

A small chuckle escapes her as she stands, walking towards another corridor, "I will meditate on your proposal, Acheron. You are welcome to stay here while I do. I'm sure you can find your own accommodations. I have plenty of quarters on the station."

I watch her leave, and make a mental not to stay alert the entire time I'm here...
​

 

[Carnage27]

Luke rushes out of the cantina, chasing some unknown man clad in black down the streets of Nar Shaada. The rest of us jump out of our chairs and run after him, knocking a few patrons of the bar down in the process. Corran, in much better shape than me due to his CorSec duty rather than sitting in a cockpit all day like me, darts out ahead of the Ithorian and me.

As I go after him, something catches my attention from the corner of my eye. A Rodian female in binders being led towards the docking bays by a group of rough looking individuals. I come to a skidding stop and yell to Boolon, "Go with Corran and help Luke! Comm me when you find him."

Without waiting for a response, I head towards what I believe to be Andoorni Hui. I attempt to keep my distance, but not look like I'm keeping my distance. The bounty hunters holding the Rodian seem to know what they're doing, and the blaster rifles on their backs are high class weapons.

They turn into a docking bay, and I put my hand on my blaster in the holster on my hip, taking cover on one side of the door opening, "Well...here goes nothing."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

I laugh along with the others as the pains and stress of my new life ease away in a wave of relief. No matter what happened in the future, I now realize that, as Joren says, I have a new family to rally around in times of trouble.

And what a weird bunch we must look like from the outside. A few pretty looking human females, a former police cadet turned Jedi, a former Jedi's son, and two Mandos, one of which is a Twi'lek and now a Jedi apprentice. Speaking of which, I shoot a smile at Mission, who returns it, and then has a look of complete shock on her face. I turn to find her father, and the rest of the crew of the freighter Dralshy'a.

She stands and waves to the group. As they come over they embrace her, "Father! Timi! Sien! Rik! What are you guys doing here?"

Her father removes his helmet and places it on the table, and the rest of the crew joins us at the table, "Nothing, actually. We're celebrating the completion of an easy job for the Republic. It's great to see everyone again."

Our group exchanges pleasantries with the Dralshy'a's group, and Vartok orders us another round of drinks, "So, Aka, what are you guys doing on Corellia?"

She gives her father a sideways look before whispering, "Jedi business."

"Ha!" Rik laughs. "So you're already going the secretive route with all that already? I thought we meant more to you than that."

I smile and nod, "We tracked down and neutralized a dangerous murderer."

"Well, heavy stuff there! Good job kids," Ordo says smiling, tipping his glass to the other two Jedis and me.

I nod to the older Mando, "It didn't look good for awhile, but we got the job done."

 

[Rain Dog]

Luke rushes out of the cantina, chasing some unknown man clad in black down the streets of Nar Shaada. The rest of us jump out of our chairs and run after him, knocking a few patrons of the bar down in the process. Corran, in much better shape than me due to his CorSec duty rather than sitting in a cockpit all day like me, darts out ahead of the Ithorian and me.

As I go after him, something catches my attention from the corner of my eye. A Rodian female in binders being led towards the docking bays by a group of rough looking individuals. I come to a skidding stop and yell to Boolon, "Go with Corran and help Luke! Comm me when you find him."

Without waiting for a response, I head towards what I believe to be Andoorni Hui. I attempt to keep my distance, but not look like I'm keeping my distance. The bounty hunters holding the Rodian seem to know what they're doing, and the blaster rifles on their backs are high class weapons.

They turn into a docking bay, and I put my hand on my blaster in the holster on my hip, taking cover on one side of the door opening, "Well...here goes nothing."

I continue to following the Corellian, moving as fast as my legs can take me. I attempt to clear my head of all fear, confusion, and fatigue, just as Master Skywalker has taught me. Before long, my mind is calm and at ease while my body continues to move frantically. I can sense Master Skywalker and the other through the Force. And unfortunately, I sense conflict.

Corran and I quickly navigate through the dark labyrinth that is the city and soon the familiar hum and crackle of lightsaber blades becomes audible.

“Oh dear…” I mutter. I reach for a comm-link at my belt and hold it up to one of my mouths.

“We’ve found him, Mr. Antilles! I believe he’s found the Killer!”

Corran and I turn a final corner and see Master Skywalker dueling with another human. I am unarmed—engaging the Killer in combat would do no good. I must fight another way…

I reach out to the Killer’s mind with the Force. Perhaps I can provide a momentary distraction to give Master Skywalker an advantage. I bombard his senses with the Force, stunning him. I can sense that he is more powerful than I. He will probably be able to shake off my mental attacks in mere seconds. Hopefully, stunning him, if only briefly, will help turn the tides of this battle.

 

[Carnage27]

I sneak as quietly as I can behind the bounty hunters as they escort the Rodian back towards their ship. My blaster is set to stun, and I plan on a few quick shots and then running. No need to kill a few bounty hunters just trying to do their job, even if they tend to be scum.

As I rise, my blaster in hand, Boolon's voice blares through my comm link,

“We’ve found him, Mr. Antilles! I believe he’s found the Killer!”

Oh...that cannot be good.

The hunters here his frantic call, and turn, immediately firing with blasters and rifles. I take cover, and return fire with my blaster. The first stun bolt takes a lucky path and strikes one of the hunters, an Aqualish, in the face, dropping him to the ground.

I roll out of my cover and deliver another volley, knocking back two of the humans in the group, leaving only a Zabrak, who now stands behind Andoorni with his baster to her head, "Give up, human! No need to waste her. She's no good to either of us dead!"

I stand, and raise may arms to my side, blaster no longer pointed at him. I scan the hanger for absolutely anything I can use to my advantage, when a coolant pipe directly above their heads catches my eye. I switch my blaster over to normal power as I put my hands in front of me as a show of submission. But before putting my gun down I squeeze off a shot, causing the coolant to spray out onto the hunter, allowing the Rodian to escape.

I approach her, but am met by a blaster in my face, "Thanks for the help, but there's no chance I'm coming with you, bounty hunter."

"Well...I'm no bounty hunter," I reply with a smile. "I have a proposition for you."

**********

I finish telling Andoorni my proposition to join Rogue Squadron, and instantly I see her body language change, "Really? Me? You want me to join the Rogues?"

"You bet," I nod. "From everything I've heard about you, you're one hell of a pilot. Better than anything we've been using lately. And I've heard you have no love for the Empire."

"Very well, Commander Antilles," she says nodding. "I will join. For a long time now I've been looking for a way to raise my reputation in the Galaxy. This will give me that."

"Terrific," I smile. "Now...we need to find Luke."
​

 

[Carnage27]

I nod to the older Mando, "It didn't look good for awhile, but we got the job done."

"Yea, it really didn't look good for a while," I say with a chuckle. "But we got the job done. Only question is what the heck do we do next?"

"What do you mean?" Mission asks perplexed. "Shouldn't we just go back to Coruscant?"

I shake my head, "Personally I don't think it's a good idea. Master SKywalker doesn't seem to be one to stay around long, and I doubt he's there. And I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want to go somewhere where I was recently wanted for treason."

Everyone nods, and I turn to Joren, "What do you think?"

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Leia is taken by surprise by Mon Mothma's words, but knows that she should be. When the Chief of State of the New Republic shows up unannounced at your doorstep in the middle of the night, it usually is something urgent.

"Of course Mon Mothma, what is it?"

"I know that your mission to Rodia was not a success because of the attack by these so called 'Sith,' but we still have a pressing need for a conference with Navik the Red in order to get the Rodians on board with the New Republic."

"I am aware of that, but I don't see how it is possible. The Provisional Council has voted to suspend any trips to Rodia in the wake of the attack, and Navik refuses to come to Coruscant."

"Well, we have come to an arrangement that will allow you to meet with Navik away from Rodia and Coruscant in the last place anyone would ever think of looking for such an important diplomatic meeting."

"Well, that's wonderful. So where is this place?"

"You'll be departing in three days. You will be meeting a shuttle at the Provisional Council's landing pad."

"But where will I be going?"

Mon Mothma looks to the ground for a moment, before bringing her gaze to once again meet Leia's, and when she does, she is sporting an amused smile

"Leia, what do you know of the Errant Venture?"

I've spent the last three days preparing for the mission to the Errant Venture. I've gathered a small security force to take with me on the ship, and I've also made other arrangements with some other friends that I've made along the way. But they won't be leaving with me on the shuttle, they will meet the Errant Venture in space...and discretely board once we are at the rendezvous point.

I've made all these arrangements and everything has come together perfectly.

Well, almost perfectly.

My entourage is one party short....

Han.

I reach into my pocket and produce a comlink and open our private channel.

"Han, where are you?" I say into the device, and wait for a reply.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

"Yea, it really didn't look good for a while," I say with a chuckle. "But we got the job done. Only question is what the heck do we do next?"

"What do you mean?" Mission asks perplexed. "Shouldn't we just go back to Coruscant?"

I shake my head, "Personally I don't think it's a good idea. Master SKywalker doesn't seem to be one to stay around long, and I doubt he's there. And I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want to go somewhere where I was recently wanted for treason."

Everyone nods, and I turn to Joren, "What do you think?"

"I tend to agree with Huc. I'm not anxious to go back in light of everything that's happened. But something keeps telling me that we need to be somewhere. I'm just not sure where that is right now."

 

[Carnage27]

"I tend to agree with Huc. I'm not anxious to go back in light of everything that's happened. But something keeps telling me that we need to be somewhere. I'm just not sure where that is right now."

"Well..." Vartok Ordo speaks up next to me, "we've got something that might interest you. Come back to our ship, and we'll fill you in. Too many curios ears in this place."

**********

After paying our tab and walking the short distance to the Dralshy'a, we find ourselves inside the Mando ship. I take my time walking the corridors of the ship. The Mandos sure do know how to make things sturdy. But the crew of the Dralshy'a, as colorful as they are, have made it feel quite home-y.

"So, what's the deal?" I ask, leaning up against one of the walls.

"Councilor Organa has contacted us," he says. "She's requested our services as security again. This time it's for something much more secret."

"What's it for?" Mission asks.

"I don't even know, Aka," he replies shrugging. "All I have is a set of three jump coordinates, a date, and a time to meet them there. That's about it. But I doubt they would mind if you guys came with."
​

"Sounds like a plan to me," I nod.

"I agree," Mission says smiling. "Besides, it'll be good to be back on the Dralshy'a for a while."

 

[wiegeabo]

I continue to following the Corellian, moving as fast as my legs can take me. I attempt to clear my head of all fear, confusion, and fatigue, just as Master Skywalker has taught me. Before long, my mind is calm and at ease while my body continues to move frantically. I can sense Master Skywalker and the other through the Force. And unfortunately, I sense conflict.

Corran and I quickly navigate through the dark labyrinth that is the city and soon the familiar hum and crackle of lightsaber blades becomes audible.

“Oh dear…” I mutter. I reach for a comm-link at my belt and hold it up to one of my mouths.

“We’ve found him, Mr. Antilles! I believe he’s found the Killer!”

Corran and I turn a final corner and see Master Skywalker dueling with another human. I am unarmed—engaging the Killer in combat would do no good. I must fight another way…

I reach out to the Killer’s mind with the Force. Perhaps I can provide a momentary distraction to give Master Skywalker an advantage. I bombard his senses with the Force, stunning him. I can sense that he is more powerful than I. He will probably be able to shake off my mental attacks in mere seconds. Hopefully, stunning him, if only briefly, will help turn the tides of this battle.

Again and again our blades clash. Whoever this man is, he's been trained. And trained well. It's all I can do to keep up with his attacks. The man knows how to use the Force and wield it like a weapon. I realize with a good deal of irony, and more than a hint of fright, that I'm learning a lot from this encounter. Is it wrong to think that I sometimes learn more about the Force from a single fight then from months of study?

Despite the focus on keeping my head firmly attached to my body, I can sense another presence. I feel a bit of relief as I realize Boolon has found me. That relief is quickly replaced with concern when I remember he has no weapon and I haven't really had the time to train him to fight.

But fight anyway Boolon is as the Killer suddenly glances in his direction. He thrusts out his hand, and a wave of of Force lashes out, sending various crates, debris, and my student flying through the air.

Before the Killer can turn back to me, I do the same to him. A shove of power flings him against the wall of a building, momentarily stunning him. I leap into the air, and bring my lightsaber down against him. He barely has time to block my swing, his balance so far off that I'm able to knock the saber to the side.

I continue to press the advantage while I have it. Over and over I swing, strong but quickly and randomly, like a madman with just a hint of control. I don't give myself time to think, making sure the Killer also doesn't have time to think. I just give myself over to the Force, putting all I have behind every attack. And every time the Killer brings his saber up to block, I knock his blade to the side, exposing him to the next attack. Forcing him to scramble backwards, keeping him off balance and unable to mount a serious defense.

I through a kick, planting my boot squarely in his chest. He goes flying with a shout of panic. And it's only then I realize there was no ground behind him.

I shut down my saber and peer over the railing. The Killer hangs by one hand over a fall that I'm not sure even I could survive. In his other, his saber glows brightly in the dark. He looks up at me, hate in his eyes.

I grab his hand and start to pull. "Don't do it. Let me help you."

The hate in his eyes is quickly replaced with confusion. But only for a moment. His hand squeezes the hilt of his saber tighter and he stares into my eyes.

I shake my head. "Don't. Let me save you. Please..."

 

[Byrd Man]

I've spent the last three days preparing for the mission to the Errant Venture. I've gathered a small security force to take with me on the ship, and I've also made other arrangements with some other friends that I've made along the way. But they won't be leaving with me on the shuttle, they will meet the Errant Venture in space...and discretely board once we are at the rendezvous point.

I've made all these arrangements and everything has come together perfectly.

Well, almost perfectly.

My entourage is one party short....

Han.

I reach into my pocket and produce a comlink and open our private channel.

"Han, where are you?" I say into the device, and wait for a reply.

"Right behind you," I say as I step into the room. "I'm ready to go when you are. I still don't see why you have to go. I guess Mon Mothma just likes putting our unborn children in danger."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

"Right behind you," I say as I step into the room. "I'm ready to go when you are. I still don't see why you have to go. I guess Mon Mothma just likes putting our unborn children in danger."

A smile begins to form on my lips until Han's words sink in and it dawns on me that he's right. In my current state, I should not be out galavanting across the galaxy on these missions for the New Republic.

But at the same time I know that I have to. I hate it, I want nothing more than to spend time with Han and prepare for the birth of the twins, which is still quite a ways off, but I just feel like there is so much that I should be doing to prepare for their births.

But the fact is that for some reason my name holds more weight than that of some of the other diplomats.

It is my responsibility.

Especially this mission. If my last meeting with Navik has succeeded there would be no reason for me to be running off to the Errant Venture in the first place, but the last mission failed.

So instead I force a smile as I look to the man I'm going to marry,

"You know I have to do this. But don't worry, I've put a few safeguards into place that should keep everyone safe. Besides, you're coming with me this time...what could go wrong?"

 

[NiteMare Shape]

"Well..." Vartok Ordo speaks up next to me, "we've got something that might interest you. Come back to our ship, and we'll fill you in. Too many curios ears in this place."

**********​

After paying our tab and walking the short distance to the Dralshy'a, we find ourselves inside the Mando ship. I take my time walking the corridors of the ship. The Mandos sure do know how to make things sturdy. But the crew of the Dralshy'a, as colorful as they are, have made it feel quite home-y.​

"So, what's the deal?" I ask, leaning up against one of the walls.​

"Councilor Organa has contacted us," he says. "She's requested our services as security again. This time it's for something much more secret."​

"What's it for?" Mission asks.​

"I don't even know, Aka," he replies shrugging. "All I have is a set of three jump coordinates, a date, and a time to meet them there. That's about it. But I doubt they would mind if you guys came with."​

"Sounds like a plan to me," I nod.

"I agree," Mission says smiling. "Besides, it'll be good to be back on the Dralshy'a for a while."

"Sounds like a plan. When do we leave?"

 

[Byrd Man]

So instead I force a smile as I look to the man I'm going to marry,

"You know I have to do this. But don't worry, I've put a few safeguards into place that should keep everyone safe. Besides, you're coming with me this time...what could go wrong?"

"Are you able to say that with a straight face?" I asked with an arched eyebrow. "Look at our track record for...pretty much anything. I swear, trillions of lifeforms in the galaxy and trouble always seems to find us."

 

[Carnage27]

"Sounds like a plan. When do we leave?"

"Right now," Ordo says, standing. "We'll send the coordinates for the jumps once we're in orbit around Corellia"

*******

The first jump into hyperspace was fairly uneventful, and I now sit in the Dream's cockpit as we make our way to our second destination, and our third and final jump. Where this Errant Venture is, they're doing one hell of a job concealing it. Meaning whatever kind of meeting Councilor Organa is headed to is incredibly important, and Imperial eyes and ears will definitely want to be kept at a distance.

I look out the viewport at the dazzling display of light that comes with traveling at lightspeed. It never ceases to amaze me, even though I've seen it plenty of times. I guess that comes with being a Corellian, though. We've always been a space-faring people, and we often feel just as at home in a cockpit as in the Corellia System.

Leaning back I look over at Joren, who studies the instrument panels of the Dreams intently. He and I are the only ones awake at the moment, allowing the rest of the crew to rest as we did on the first jump. Mission decided to stay on the Dralshy'a with her family, something I don't blame her for. I got to see mine, and we travel regularly with Jorens.

"So what do you think we're headed to?" I ask Joren, rousing him from the panels. "More politics, I'm guessing?"
​

 

[NiteMare Shape]

"Right now," Ordo says, standing. "We'll send the coordinates for the jumps once we're in orbit around Corellia"

*******​

The first jump into hyperspace was fairly uneventful, and I now sit in the Dream's cockpit as we make our way to our second destination, and our third and final jump. Where this Errant Venture is, they're doing one hell of a job concealing it. Meaning whatever kind of meeting Councilor Organa is headed to is incredibly important, and Imperial eyes and ears will definitely want to be kept at a distance.​

I look out the viewport at the dazzling display of light that comes with traveling at lightspeed. It never ceases to amaze me, even though I've seen it plenty of times. I guess that comes with being a Corellian, though. We've always been a space-faring people, and we often feel just as at home in a cockpit as in the Corellia System.​

Leaning back I look over at Joren, who studies the instrument panels of the Dreams intently. He and I are the only ones awake at the moment, allowing the rest of the crew to rest as we did on the first jump. Mission decided to stay on the Dralshy'a with her family, something I don't blame her for. I got to see mine, and we travel regularly with Jorens.​

I enjoy flying, though I generally don't get the chance to do it regularly. Between Nyna and Kelsa, I hardly ever get the chance to take controls of the Dreams. However, the long trip from Corellia to wherever it is that the Errant Venture is located has given me that opportunity.

It's peaceful. Nyna, Kelsa, and Dono are all sleeping, taking their turn to rest on the long journey, leaving just myself and Huc awake, and in control of the Dreams.

"So what do you think we're headed to?" I ask Joren, rousing him from the panels. "More politics, I'm guessing?"

"I'm not exactly sure. It doesn't make alot of sense." I say as Huc looks at me with a puzzled look on his face.

"I've heard of the Errant Venture, some of the spacers back home used to talk about it. It's an Imperial Star Destroyer that was taken over by an ex smuggler and turned into sort of a scoundrel paradise. Gambling, smuggling, all sorts of shady enterprises. But what Organa could be doing there, I have no clue."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

"Are you able to say that with a straight face?" I asked with an arched eyebrow. "Look at our track record for...pretty much anything. I swear, trillions of lifeforms in the galaxy and trouble always seems to find us."

"You worry too much Han, you know Booster as well as I do, he's going to have his ship on lockdown while we're there. I highly doubt that we have anything to worry about. Plus, nobody but our support team knows where we're going, not even Booster's people know that w're going to be there. But, like I said, I reached out to some friends for backup...just in case." I say with a smile, even as my own doubts creep into my mind.

 

[Carnage27]

"I'm not exactly sure. It doesn't make alot of sense." I say as Huc looks at me with a puzzled look on his face.

"I've heard of the Errant Venture, some of the spacers back home used to talk about it. It's an Imperial Star Destroyer that was taken over by an ex smuggler and turned into sort of a scoundrel paradise. Gambling, smuggling, all sorts of shady enterprises. But what Organa could be doing there, I have no clue."

I smile slyly at Joren, "You forget one thing, Joren. The councilor is dating a scoundrel. Corellians get along pretty well with people like these. Sounds like fun. And it sounds like somewhere you'd want to hide."

Joren gives me a quizzical look, "Hide where no one would ever look or hide out in the open. No one would ever look for a New Republic delegate on a smuggler ship."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

I smile slyly at Joren, "You forget one thing, Joren. The councilor is dating a scoundrel. Corellians get along pretty well with people like these. Sounds like fun. And it sounds like somewhere you'd want to hide."

Joren gives me a quizzical look, "Hide where no one would ever look or hide out in the open. No one would ever look for a New Republic delegate on a smuggler ship."

I can't help but to smile, the kid is good.

"Yeah, I'd say that's a pretty good assumption to make. Though, we should all stay alert, who knows who is on this ship."

 

[Byrd Man]

"You worry too much Han, you know Booster as well as I do, he's going to have his ship on lockdown while we're there. I highly doubt that we have anything to worry about. Plus, nobody but our support team knows where we're going, not even Booster's people know that w're going to be there. But, like I said, I reached out to some friends for backup...just in case." I say with a smile, even as my own doubts creep into my mind.

"Well, I can get some backup, too."

My commlink vibrates in my pocket. "Speaking of that..." I say as I pull it out and turn it on.

"Wrr!"

"We're almost ready. Just meet us out at the docking bay. Have the Falcon ready to go. See you in five."

 

[Carnage27]

I can't help but to smile, the kid is good.

"Yeah, I'd say that's a pretty good assumption to make. Though, we should all stay alert, who knows who is on this ship."

A quiet signal alarm goes off in the cockpit, alerting us that we are almost at our second destination and jump point to the Errant Venture. Joren punches a few commands into the console in front of him, and the white light around us blends back into the blackness of space. But as I reach out with the Force, something immediately strikes me, "Somethings wrong."

I look down at the scanners and immediately spot the problem. An Imperial carrier, most likely chock full of TIE fighters. I look up to Joren, "Hail the Dralshy'a on a private channel. I'm sure they know how to handle themselves, but as of right now, we play this cool. I'm going to go wake up the rest of the crew."

I head through the corridors, knocking on Dono's door first. The Mandalorian groggily opens the door, "What?"

"You might want to get to the cockpit. We've run into some Imperials."

 

[wiegeabo]

Zsinj sits in his quarters...and waits. If he were a lesser man, he would be worried. His actions as of late could be seen by some as disloyal to the Empire, however, he knows better.

His actions were not an act of treason against Grand Admiral Thrawn, quite the contrary. They were to remind those who still serve the Empire just who the true commander of the once great government really is.

And to demonstrate that his blue skinned counterpart is nothing more than a pretender to the throne...and Soon, Zsinj will take back control of the full Imperial military, and the entire galaxy will call him Emperor.

But now is not the time, now is the time for diplomacy..for the appearence of contrition.

Zsinj watches the security holos as an ensign leads Thrawn's envoy to his quarters. As the doors to his quarters slide open, Zsinj nods to one of several of his Raptor troops concealed in the shadows of the doorway to his refresher. He fully expects Thrawn's envoy to be aware of that Raptor's presence, but not the presence of the Raptor behind the false wall directly behind him.

The warning bell chimes, announcing that someone is at the door, moments later the door slides open, and in walks Thrawn's envoy, as well as his own men who had the task of accompanying them to his quarters.


"Welcome gentlemen. Tell me, to what do I owe this honor?" Zsinj bellows as he stands to greet his guests.

"Grand Moff Zsinj," Braylor says with a respectful nod of his head. "Captain Braylor of the Adamant. May I present Captain Trelain of the Shadow Stalker and Commander Mor'el of the Victorious." They each nod to Zsinj, who returns the greeting.

"I have a message for you, if I may present it?" Zsinj indicates with an open hand for him to proceed. Braylor removes a small octagonal disk from his belt and puts it on the table. It sits there for a moment, before a blue image flickers to life.

The image is of Grand Admirial Thrawn himself, standing straight but calm, hand behind his back.

"Grand Moff Zsinj. I would have come personally if I could, but alas," Thrawn shrugs slightly. "I have been remiss in not keeping more regular contact with your dominion during these last several months. As you may suspect, routing Rebel control from Imperial worlds is a rather time consuming effort. But I offer that only as an explanation, not an excuse. It is important for all parts of the Imperial machine to work in unison if we are to be successful in retaking the galaxy.

I can only assume that it is this...lack of communication that led to the recent capture of the Phindar system attacked by my forces. If I had wanted the system taken, I would have ordered it to be done. Yet, from what intelligence has been gathered, it appears that your forces took the system after our departure.

Again, I can only assume that you saw an advantage and potential opportunity to strike at the Rebels. I do commend that type of thinking.

What I can't abide are Imperial force disobeying my commands and acting in ways I did not authorize. I also can't abide having to make assumptions.

Which is the reason for this visit. I commend your troops on taking the system so efficiently. Keeping your forces from direct conflict with the Rebels has apparently worked to our advantage. I think it is time for your forces to become active in the war. Captain Braylor has your orders. Good day, Moff Zsinj."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

"Grand Moff Zsinj," Braylor says with a respectful nod of his head. "Captain Braylor of the Adamant. May I present Captain Trelain of the Shadow Stalker and Commander Mor'el of the Victorious." They each nod to Zsinj, who returns the greeting.

"I have a message for you, if I may present it?" Zsinj indicates with an open hand for him to proceed. Braylor removes a small octagonal disk from his belt and puts it on the table. It sits there for a moment, before a blue image flickers to life.

The image is of Grand Admirial Thrawn himself, standing straight but calm, hand behind his back.

"Grand Moff Zsinj. I would have come personally if I could, but alas," Thrawn shrugs slightly. "I have been remiss in not keeping more regular contact with your dominion during these last several months. As you may suspect, routing Rebel control from Imperial worlds is a rather time consuming effort. But I offer that only as an explanation, not an excuse. It is important for all parts of the Imperial machine to work in unison if we are to be successful in retaking the galaxy.

I can only assume that it is this...lack of communication that led to the recent capture of the Phindar system attacked by my forces. If I had wanted the system taken, I would have ordered it to be done. Yet, from what intelligence has been gathered, it appears that your forces took the system after our departure.

Again, I can only assume that you saw an advantage and potential opportunity to strike at the Rebels. I do commend that type of thinking.

What I can't abide are Imperial force disobeying my commands and acting in ways I did not authorize. I also can't abide having to make assumptions.

Which is the reason for this visit. I commend your troops on taking the system so efficiently. Keeping your forces from direct conflict with the Rebels has apparently worked to our advantage. I think it is time for your forces to become active in the war. Captain Braylor has your orders. Good day, Moff Zsinj."

Zsinj takes the data pad from Braylor and looks over the Thrawn's "orders." As he looks over the orders sent by the imposter, Zsinj thinks to himself of the many different ways he would enjoying this pretender to the throne, unfortunately he'll have to settle for just one, however, when the time comes it will be a glorious display of his true power...demonstrating just why it is he who will rule the Empire.

But not just yet.

"Perhaps Grand Admiral Thrawn in right...perhaps it is time that my forces did join in the war effort. Braylor, I would like you to send word to the Chimera that I am more than happy to offer my resources to the Imperial war effort. However, I would very much like to have a face to face meeting with the Grand Admiral, so that we can discuss our merger."