Fwurg

[Mercury]

The Jedi Council has put out a new mission for Jedi Padawans - the infiltration of the Red Troop, a group of arms dealers posing as travelling Arena Fighters. They specialise in selling illegal weapons, especially specialist equipment.

The mission is to infiltrate the Red Troop, determine whether they recently sold any Exotic Matter explosives and if so to whom. Naturally it is necessary to obtain solid evidence of this.

Since the Red Troop is a violent bunch, this mission will likely involve combat on more than one occasion, and any Padawans who will take on this mission should come well armed. It is necessary to infiltrate without revealing your true identity as a Jedi, so bringing a weapon besides a lightsaber would be advisable.

((OOC: Depending on the success, Jedi involved will gain 1 or 2 Special Manoeuvres . This mission allows up to three Padawans, but it is advised that at least two go for general safety.))

[Nebesnogo Sveta]

I am willing to preform this mission. I have a good knowledge of weapons and explosives so I think I can be useful.

if others are interested I would like to hear it and some backup would be appreciated.

[Jedi Master Screetor]

"Wonderful! This shall be an excellent opportunity to put your combat skills into action. Be sure to bring what you need, including a weapon that isn't a lightsaber so you can retain some anonymity. I would advise you find a partner though, for mutual protection."

[Ariana Danacia]

"Hello Master Screetor,

I will help my little Mudry friend on this mission. I will cover his back.
What weapons should i bring? I am not sure what i should get, since we had so much training with sabers i am not sure how good i will be with other weapons. Ill start of with a couple of daggers, they will always come in handy.
Death from above, right Nebesnogo?"

((OOC: Arianna brings 4 small daggers that are hidden on her body.))

[Nebesnogo Sveta]

"Miss Ariana I think it would be smart if you also took a blaster. Its the weapon of choice for most criminals because of its ease of use. And we want to blend in."
He turns from Ariana to Master Screetor.
"Master Screetor what is the expected weapon type there? I don't want to look out of place carrying a blaster rifle and grenades if they only have pistols."

((OOC: Nebesnogo will bring in addition to his lightsaber a hand blaster and a knife in his boot. and a rifle and grenades if it does not look out of place.))

[Ariana Danacia]

"I guess i should. Thats a good idea Nebesnogo, ill bring my blaster pistols. Could we get more details on the location / people where we are going Master Screetor? We don't want to forget any vital pieces of equipment."

((OOC: I updated my equipment (replaced daggers with two sets of throwing knifes)))

[Shebi Ajava]

When entering the room, Shebi Ajava bowed to master Screetor before addressing the padawans already there.

"We have not met yet. I'm padawan Shebi Ajava from the Shebi family on Mirda. I would also like to participate in this mission, if the group doesn't grow too large with my participation."

((OOC: Shebi Ajava is still a combat-style short, but this will hopefully be remedied before the mission starts. I'll post a short list of equipment taken by Shebi Ajava in a later post.))

[Praetorian Empire]

((OOC: Equipment for Ariana Danacia:

• Two Curved Short Lightsabers
• Two Blaster Pistols
• Two sets of 5 lightweight throwing knifes
• First Aid Kit
• Communication pad (A very advanced touchscreen computer device for communication and interfacing with larger systems)

))

[Darones Rei]

Darones was the last to enter the room, and he payed his respect to Master Screetor before joining in on the conversation

" My name is Darones Rei and i'm from Glasslyn in the Guaire System. Its a pleasure to meet you. " Said to the Mudry and Preatorian Padawan present. After a nod to Miss Shebi, he said to Master Screetor and the other, " I would also like to partake in this mission, if it doesn't compromise our security too much. "

[Jedi Master Screetor]

"Hmrmmf, this appears to be a popular mission. We said up to three, and here there are four of you..."

he shook his head

"No matter, you are going to need all the help you can get. First things first though, to answer your question, Padawan Ariana, the people you will meet are arms-dealers posing as arena fighters - you can be sure that whomever they come into contact with will be both violent and dangerous.

Now, in order to infiltrate the Red Group, you are going to travel to Sector 20 -7, where you will meet a contact Dark Star. Their actual names are Nade and Ghany, but they prefer Dark Star. Don't ask me why, they're freelancers. They will give you more intel on where you can find the Red Troop and how you can infiltrate them.

Rendezvous is on Omega Delta Station 4-6-9-3, a backwater space-station filled with scum. Make sure you don't stand out too much."

He looked around, not finished with the briefing, but checking everyone.

"Any questions so far?"

[Darones Rei]

" Yes Master, I have a few " Darones said as he raised his hand " Can we trust these contacts ? And how much is know about their involvement with the Red Troop ? Lastly, what are the protocols concerning use of lethal force ? "

[Jedi Master Screetor]

"I worked with them myself before. They can be trusted and though they are a bit... eccentric, they have a warm heart towards the Jedi and our cause and they are being well paid. They are not directly involved with the Red Troop, but they have many connections in the underworld."

He paused a moment at the question about the use of lethal force.

"As in all things, you are expected to follow the Jedi Code."

He paused once more, but seeing more clarification was required he continued.

"I can see the real question in your eyes: can you kill to uphold your cover? To help you be accepted by the Red Troup? To complete the mission?"

The Mon Calamari jedi looked around.

"I do not need to remind you that the Jedi respect all life in all forms. Nor that sometimes it is necessary to end a life, to save another.

There is no clear answer to the question. You will have to search your soul and trust in the Force when the situation arises."

[Ariana Danacia]

"I am ready to meet with our contacts. "

Ariana looked towards the other Jedi padawans.

"Are we ready to depart? Do we have a ship?"

[Jedi Master Screetor]

"You will have use of the Winged Star during your mission. She sometimes has some technical issues, but between the lot of you, you should be able to handle that. Besides, she will blend in very well and the name fits thematically with that of your contacts."

Master Screetor did not explain why the latter part would matter at all.

"Whom amongst you is the most experienced pilot?"

[Darones Rei]

" Thank you for the clarification Master, " Darones responded when he had heard the answers to his questions " We shall place our trust, as always, in the Force; and perhaps in other cases perhaps we can rely on the judgement of Miss Shebi Avaja, since she is the most experienced and eldest amongst us. "

" As for the Winged Star, while I've never flown that type of craft before, i should be able to pilot it without much problems, once I get to know the specifics of this type and a look around the cockpit. Is it possible to arrange for a short instruction before we go? "

((OOC: with 2 dots in Pod racing (piloting), Darones is probably the most experienced pilot among our group. Where mainly Nebesnogo is probably the best suited for Mechanical issues should they arise.))

[Shebi Ajava]

"I have some experience with navigation and fleet manoeuvres, but I usually leave piloting to those more qualified. I think we should all familiarize ourselves with the craft, before taking off. It would be best if we all knew the layout, security issues and maintenance hatches."

"We might do well to adjust our appearances a little", she said while shuffling around her cloak to better hide her lightsaber while at the same time making the barrel of a Tenloss DXR-6 poke out near her head. She then clearly checked the holstering of both blaster pistols on her thighs.

"Master Screetor, I have another question before we inspect the craft. What kind of arena fights do the Red Troop participate in? We seem to be a bit over-armed for most types of arena combat I am aware of. We might have to stash some of our weapons as wares if we are to pass as weapons dealers."

((OOC: Shebi Ajava's equipment for this mission:

• Her blue lightsaber (adjusted to be waterproof by Darones earlier), well hidden
• A New Republic style Tenloss DXR-6 with custom scope, carried on her back
• Two DL-18 blaster pistols, holsterd on both thighs
• A wireless communicator headset, worn
• A heavy black cloak, worn

I'm not sure about the legality of the Tenloss DXR-6 (or any disruptor weapon) in Union. Feel free to remark on this fact if you feel the need to do so.))

[Jedi Master Screetor]

"The ship contains a training simulation you can use." The Jedi Master informed the much younger Darones before turning to Shebi Ajava.

"An excellent question Padawan. The Red Troop normally competes in one-on-one melee battles, but they also participate in shoot-outs, teamed match and even battle-royals. As to what you will be facing... I do not know. But I am certain you will be able to deal with whatever comes onto your path."

[Ariana Danacia]

"I am not qualified as a pilot either. I will study the ships systems to be prepared when we get into trouble."
((OOC: Force level 4 + Reason 5 + Mechanical Engineer 2))

[Darones Rei]

" I'll study the navigation and piloting of this ship " Darones said as he heard about the training simulator " The simulator should prove helpful, will also study the structural integrity and the status of the weapons systems, to see how they operate under normal conditions."

((OOC: Force level 4 + Reason 5 + Piloting 2
Force level 4 + Reason 5 + weapon/mechinal engineer 1))

[Jedi Master Screetor]

With their questions mostly answered, Master Screetor led the way to the Winged Star, waiting for them in the hangar. Several droids were busy working on the ship and finishing up repairs, fueling and maintenance.

Ariana was able to determine that the ship was in good working order and all emergency supplies, escape pods and reserve systems were operational. She should have no trouble making basic in-flight repairs if necessary.

Darnes wasn't a skilled space ship pilot - he knew how to race a pod, but a space ship of this size was something else entirely. Still, he figured he would be able to handle flying from A to B with the aid of an astromech droid. ((OOC: I'm giving you a -1 penalty because you are not used to ships this size - if you want, you can switch out pod-racing for piloting, but I do not think the two are exactly the same. For this adventure, it is not too relevant regardless)).

Being a mechanic of some skill, Darones also familiarised himself with the ship systems, so he could help Ariana in case of need.

"You are scheduled to leave tomorrow an hour after sunrise - not that the latter matters much as you will be in space shortly after. Please make sure you finish packing your supplies and anything else you might want to before then."

((OOC: Last chance to change any of your equipment or do anything else. Please post if you are ready, we will begin with liftoff when everyone has posted they are ready))

[Darones Rei]

After a few hours of training, Darones felt confident he could fly the ship to their intended destination.
((OOC: I'll take the -1 on piloting this ship for now))

He then checked his backpack to see if he had everything he needed for this assignment. He then decided to rest for the evening while going over the ship emergency systems and protocols once more, waiting for the time to leave...

((OOC: Ready !))

((OOC: For this mission Darones brings the following:
- hooded cloak
- Lightsabers (which he conceals on his body):
- Two DL-17 blaster pistols and boot-knife
- a wireless communicator set
- a datapad (for slicing, programming and analysis), a first aid kit and an Engineers toolkit (all in a backpack))))

[Shebi Ajava]

((OOC: Ready!))

[Ariana Danacia]

"After the extensive study of the ship Ariana checked her equipment for the last time and went to bed. She was ready to wake up early the next morning."

((OOC: Ready!))

((OOC: Updated equipment. For this Mission Ariana brings:
* Two Curved Short Lightsabers
* Two DH-17 blaster pistols
* Two sets of 5 lightweight throwing knifes
* First Aid Kit
* Engineers Kit
* Communication pad (A very advanced touchscreen computer device for communication and interfacing with larger systems)
* Backpack (containing the First Aid Kit, Engineers Kit and communication pad), worn
* A wireless communicator headset, worn
* A dark blue coat with pockets, that are hidden from sight, (for knifes, 2 blasters and 2 lightsabers), worn))

[RemcoSwenker]

((OOC: posting as Nebesnogo Sveta but login data is on broken computer))

Nebesnogo had also checked the ship but made no comments on it.
((OOC: Force level 4 + Reason 5 + Mechanical Engineer 3))

nebesnogo was also lugging a few items with him.
((OOC: lightsaber: One-handed with short blade regular hilt.
1 blaster pistol (Tokarev 46).
backpack with: 10 thermal detonators, mechanics kit
blaterrifle (Kalashnikov mark 474)
worn body armour))

((OOC: Ready!))

[Jedi Master Screetor]

((OOC: And we're off!))

The next morning everyone was up bright and early, and not long after sunrise, the ship flew out of the hangar bay, through the entry point of the shield protecting Union City and out into open space.

Hyperspace was a boring affair but luckily the Bozzy Spine was able to speed up their trip significantly and a stop at an asteroid field even managed to provide some entertainment as the team tested the ship's weapon systems. The Winged Star proved to be a worthy vessel despite its age and the weapons test showed quite conclusively that asteroids didn't stand a chance against the light freighter. With almost everyone on the team trained as a mechanical engineer, they even managed to boost the power output of the engines and the twin linked blasters somewhat - that should prove most useful in case of a fight.

Finally, the ship passed the border of what was known as "Hutt Space", the region on the border between the Mid and Outer Rim where the Hutt Families ruled. Hutt Space wasn't heavily patrolled and though the thought had crossed the teams mind, there seemed little reason to do things like dodging patrols - there simply weren't any to dodge.

"This is Omega Delta Station 4-6-9-3 to unknown light freighter. Are you aware that our station not only offers the cheapest refuelling in the sector, but that our Cantina has the best crunchbug around?"

Apparently the station considered commercial messages part of its proper hailing protocol.