Out of the Frying Pan... (d20 Star Wars)

[shadowbloodmoon]

The days pass and eventually the motley group's histories slowly escape into each other's minds. Strangely, one of the first to open up is Dofina.

"Dofina, Nemoidian noble. I am a simple businesswoman that likes to keep all my bases covered. I have assets in almost every corner of the known galaxy, some above the table, some not so obvious. I have decided to take us to Nar Shadaa for two reasons, one because I know people here that owe me more than a few favors and two, this Republic coup will not reach this far out. I knew from the start that the Trade Federation joining the Seperatists was foolish, but no one listened to me. Now the arrogant fools will pay for bringing our race into this war. All while I didn't have to lift a finger."

For Ambrus:

[sblock]
You know that Dofina has more than a few contacts in the underworld, especially with the Hutts on Nar Shadaa. You know that she plans on calling in a favor or three until she has time to regroup her resources and get back out there into her game. One of those favors includes someone that she knows is on the take from members of the Senate. [/sblock]

For all:
[sblock]A similar format to the above should suffice for everyone. Remember, it only has to be information you wish to reveal to everyone. By the way, I enjoyed reading the roleplaying that did occur. Very nicely done. Especially the interaction between Felia and X.

Once these are done, I'll post the exit to Hutt space... [/sblock]

 

[Kemrain]

"I'm a negotiator for the Cordon Group, a prvate corporate security company based out of Coruscant with holdings all over the galaxy. I negotiate for them, in business settings and with the criminal elements we're payed to protect our clients from. They're always hiring, Mr. Remar, if you're ever looking for employment opportunities for you and your blaster."

Felia is confident that she could get a good price for the Clone Trooper's blasters on Nar Shadaa- better than Dofina could get. She seems nervous about entering Hutt space, but she tries to hide it under a facade of calm.

She will spend time trying to talk to Femi about the Jedi, referring to him as Master Odo. she will also try to give him assistance in blending in and how to lay low, figuring that a Jedi wouldn't know much about keeping a low profile. She will try to get a gague of everyone's skills and abilities, especially in the perception and social departments, attempting to see where she stands in relation to the others.

She will also endevor to discover if Tal is with someone, and if not, what sort of someone he would like to be with. Being on the good side of the guy with the biggest blaster is a good survival plan on the Smuggler's Moon.

It will become obvious that she thinks little of Dofina, but doesn't let her personal opinions come in the way of business or survival, and treats her and everyone else with dignity and respect (when they're around to hear it).

 

[Bobitron]

"They're always hiring, Mr. Remar, if you're ever looking for employment opportunities for you and your blaster."

"I'll keep that in mind, thanks. I'll be honest... I think the Clones have either reported me as MIA by now, or have figured out that I led them away from the hanger and I'm a wanted man. For the time being, I think I'll keep a low profile."

She will also endevor to discover if Tal is with someone, and if not, what sort of someone he would like to be with. Being on the good side of the guy with the biggest blaster is a good survival plan on the Smuggler's Moon.

Tal stays cautiously neutral, walking the line of committing to staying with the group longer than the trip. When Felia presses for an answer, he finally agrees to stay with her until something better comes up. "I could do worse than to hook up with Cordon. You folks have a good rep. Just keep me off the books for the time being." Tal glances over toward the cockpit to make sure that Dofina can't hear his comments. "But I'll be damned if I follow that dushku to my death, no matter how much credit she's got. I think the faster we ditch her, the better off we'll be."

ooc: Tal stops short of giving Dofina a hard time to her face, but it's pretty obvious throughout the trip that he isn't fond of her.

 

[Toric_Arthendain]

She will spend time trying to talk to Femi about the Jedi, referring to him as Master Odo. she will also try to give him assistance in blending in and how to lay low, figuring that a Jedi wouldn't know much about keeping a low profile.

Femi spends most of the trip so far alone and in meditation. Although the ship offers little in the way of privacy, he remains as isolated from everyone as is possible under the circumstances.

At some point during the trip through hyperspace, Femi will respond to Felia's attempts to talk to him, offering what information he can about the Jedi order. When she refers to him as Master Odo, he actually laughs. "I am anything BUT a Jedi Master, Felia. I still had years of training ahead of me before that label could have been placed upon me."

When the discussion turns to keping a low profile, Femi listens closely, knowing that this information might prove extremely useful in remaining alive for any length of time.

 

[shadowbloodmoon]

As the group slowly begins to feel relatively more comfortable with at least knowing who they're running with, the trip is almost as quickly over. Dofina turns in her chair, looking at all of you.

"You've travelled with me this far, and if you continue to do so, I can not vouch for your safety here. However, it seems to me that X here has taken a liking to some of you and I trust him implicitly." She somewhat changes her facial expression and Felia gets sense of unsuredness from her. "That being said, none of the rest of you actually work for me, so I can't extend my hospitality to you. Nor the hospitality of the Hutts here. As for you, Miss Felia, once I garner a safe place, we will continue our discussions. I'm sure the Cordon representative here will want a report of our proceedings soon." Dofina pasues again, more to gather her thoughts than anything else. "Once we land, this ship will be searched and unloaded by my 'friends'. I suggest you not leave anything on it. Once I secure those negotiations, I leave it up to you where you go. I suggest travelling in a group however, not that it will do you much good.. A red light begins to flash on one of the consoles, turning around Dofina switches it off and pulls a lever back. "We're here."

The starlines fade into stars and from the viewscreen, you can see a large dull orange planet with numerous lights signifying cities. This planet is Nal Hutta, home of the Hutts, the most ruthless crimelords in the galaxy. Next to it, floating very close to the planet is the Smuggler's Moon, Nar Shadaa. This moon is essentially a much smaller version of the planet Coruscant, though dirtier and a multitude more dangerous. You can see ships of various kinds moving in and around the moon, none of which look exactly the same.

Dofina brings the Geth Hound closer to one of the many buildings that make up the moon and towards an empty landing platform. As you get closer, you see that the platform was indeed not empty, but is instead crawling with heavily armed individuals, all of whom are staring intently at the vessel as it lands. Dofina pushes a button and the loading ramp lowers, sending a waft of the city air into the lungs of those of you that breathe. While it is different from the stale recycled air of the ship, it is less welcomed by your senses. Dofina leaves her chair and begins to walk down the ramp.

Actions?

 

[Bobitron]

Tal shadows Felia closely, trying to appear as a bodyguard rather than an independant soldier of fortune. Show some confidence and smarts and you'll get through this fine, old man.

 

[Kemrain]

Felia sighs the sigh of a woman condemned to death as she collects her meager belongings and follows after Dofina down the ramp, smelling the stench of the city. Her blaster hidden under a shirt in her satchel, within easy drawing range, she heads down to the rooftop landing platform, taking deep calming breaths and trying to keep her head.

OOC: You can't ready an action out of combat, and you can't ready full round actions, but if I could she'd have Friendship readied for the first hostile looking thing out there.

 

[Ambrus]

DRK-1X turns to regard the other passengers as Dofina rises from her chair. "Statement: I am familiar with this moon and may be able to advise you in regards to goods and services available. I will be monitoring com-channel #975215A if you should wish to contact me or my Mistress." As it speaks, a long black antenna nearly twice the height of the diminutive probe droid itself, telescopes out from the top of its chassis. Without waiting for a response, DRK-1X traces a quick arc trough the air and zips out of the Geth Hound's opening hatch ahead of its Mistress to scan the area (Listen +9, Search +10, Spot +15). As Dofina descends the ramp, the diminutive probe droid drifts backwards to assume its usual position a half meter above and behind its Mistress' left shoulder. Also following its operational programming, 1X begins monitoring local comlink channels, sifting through the cacophony of transmissions in an attempt to glean some local news and information about recent goings on for its Mistress (Computer Use +14, Gather Information -1, Knowledge (streetwise) +5).

 

[shadowbloodmoon]

The small droid known as DRK-1X exits the open hatchway ahead of its mistress. It sees at least ten armed individuals of varying races, all of whom stare unflinchingly at the vessel. As the Mistress descends, a set of doors open and a human woman, followed by a pair of Gran¹ thugs approaches the vessel.

"Well, well, if it isn't the Mistress Dofina. Alive and well no less too. I'm impressed. You must have had help though." She nods towards the ragtag group of survivors from Taris that begin coming down the ramp. "I see that your everpresent droid is still with you as well." The woman's condescending demeanor hides her beauty underneath shadows.

"Four. You haven't changed one bit. Still cleaning slime from Torbba's tail these days? Or does he have you doing real jobs now?" Dofina's face betrays her annoyance.

As the pleasantries continue, a hand wave from the woman called Four sends most of the armed individuals away. The only two that stay are the Gran that followed her out. X monitors the local networks, but only picks out spotty information.

For Ambrus, unless X would like to share:
[sblock]The news of the galaxy has been mostly focused on the recent rise of Palpatine's first Galactic Empire. In more local events, there has been large bounties placed on any and all Jedi. Bounty hunters from all over the galaxy have been showing up on Nar Shaddaa recently as a stop-over in their search for the rogue Force-users. It also seems that the local swoop races have slowed as well due to the recent changes in political structure. Many ships are now stopped and searched before being allowed to continue and sightings of the Imperial fleet have been reported near this part of the galaxy. The Hutts are concerned that this Empire will want to cut in on their action.[/sblock]

The rest of the group slowly makes its way into the area with Dofina and Four. They see around them that this landing platform is barely large enough to hold the ship and the people on it. Looking behind you, you see the city itself, thousands of lights chasing the shadows of colossal structures. Just beyond the ship, the platform drops off, but you aren't close enough to see just how far it goes down.

From behind Four, where she entered the platform area, you see a set of double doors, still opened. Inside it you see a hallway that runs perpendicular to the doorway. You can also see the gun barrels of two guards just inside.

"...don't say. I suppose he already knows who these people are as well?"

"No, actually, but he does want you to enlighten him on the subject. If you will all come with me, please."

Four gestures to the two Gran, who take up positions behind all of you. Another two appear in the doorway and head directly to the ship, where Femi is just getting off the ramp.

They lead you into the hallway and turn left. Following the hallway around, you are led into a room with many chairs around a long table. There is blue-painted protocol droid standing there holding a platter with empty glasses. As Four directs you to have a seat, the droid asks you for your preferences. While the droid fills your orders, Four leaves with Dofina, leaving only the rest of you and the droid. The door closes behind them and you are left alone.

¹: For those of you unfamiliar with Gran

 

[Ambrus]

OOC: Did Dofina instruct 1X to stay behind? If not, it'd simply continue following her to help protect her and advise her since it's more familiar with the surroundings than she is.