Nill dashes for Jazz with blaster bolts flying. She drags him towards the door while Pem and Hosk fire hard down the corridor and Kelb flies overhead. Lens drops near the door and runs for the outside, followed by Nill. Nill shouts she'll get the ship ready to go. Pem hoists Jazz over his shoulder and Kelborn tosses a thermal detonator, then moves out with you and Hosk.
Now you've got a dead run ahead of you, Stormtroopers giving chase, knowing you're porbably their only escape off this planet. Overhead, the star that is the sun for this world is mostly black, with some spots of orange and yellow. It's dark here, only patches of light and the beams from the ship.
Why don't you give me one last Act Under Fire to see how things end up?
The dead run to the Whisper is filled with churning feet, yells from the Stormtroopers and of course, heavy fire. Once Hosk scampers inside, he crawls into the gun turret and starts unleashing hell on the boys in white, screaming his anger and pain at them with the turbolasers.
In moments, the team is on board along with Lens, a sturdy human woman in her late fifties with hard eyes. She's still carrying the carbine she stole off a trooper and huffing heavy breaths when the ship leaves Flankers.
Kelb takes Jazz from Pem and carries him to the infirmary. There are a number of cuts and bruises. Pem took a few shots, but his armor held, mostly. Nobody's checked on Nill since she's up front.
"Who do I have to thank for that crazy rescue?" Lens asks the lot of you as most everyone is holding on to straps during takeoff.
She offers a handshake to you, then Hosk, "Good to meet you both. Devaron, eh?" She grins, "That means little Alanna set you off this way? I swear, that girl won't leave well enough alone. I'm the one who was captured. The Roughnecks would do just fine without me. Either way, my thanks."
"No thanks needed. Someday Alanna's persistence will likely save my space heinie as well, just trying to pay it forward." Holding up a finger, I trigger the intercom. "Kelb? How's Jazz?"
She comes back with a calm tone, like this isn't a big deal, "He's unconscious, but he should pull through. His jetpack's slagged, that will be his biggest thing to cry about."
Lens offers up, "I can requisition a replacement jetpack. Least I can do."
Pem is busy breaking down everyone's equipment as you're talking. He looks over at Lens with a curious grin, "What else could you snag for the team, Lens? I'm sure we could help you out down the line..."
Over the loudspeakers, Nill says in a cool tone, "Kelborn, Captain Vos. We've got an Imperial capital ship that just came out of hyperspace in our front yard. They're sitting at the jump point. Prox sensors are going crazy and I think they know we aren't wanted."
"Of course there's a capital ship, Nill. Be too easy to just fly off into the sunset, right? I'll be there in a tick. Lens, care to join us?" I head to the cockpit.
Over comms, Kelb says, "Pem, get back in the Engine Room and keep an eye on things. Captain Vos, do you mind if Hosk mans the turrets again? He's one helluva shot."
Lens is moving with you, "I hope you don't mind me taking over the controls. This Nill is twitchy, I could tell during liftoff. I used to run long hauls on a frieghter about this size."
You both reach the cockpit and Lens gently pulls Nill out of the pilot seat. Nill doesn't fight her, but she lets Kelb know what's going on. Kelb gives the go ahead, as if Lens even cares.
"Pemmy, doll," Lens calls as soon as she puts on the headset, "I need max thrust, tamp down life support to non-essential areas. I also want you to flip off the hyperdrive, we can use that juice right now. Don't let her get cool, though. Hosk, darling, I'm going head in, then turning for your best firing arc. Once we nail the scout squad of TIE, I'm heading in close. Everybody buckle up!"
She glances over at you, "Captain, you good with sensors? I need you to swing shields under and fore. I don't want us to blow up when we do this. Nilly, I want you starting the hyperspace calcs with... whatever you use here. I don't see an astromech?"
I keep track of the orders she's issuing as best I can, but do my assigned task. She's been through this carnival much more often than I have. I give full power to the fore and belly shields and wait to adjust as needed.
With everyone buckling down and doing their job, let's see you Act Under Pressure here. A full success and you're burst through the TIEs and made it through to the hyperspace jump point and gave the Imperials the slip.
Lens Reekeene pushes the Nova Whisper to and fro while Hosk dials in several shots. You're able to manipulate the deflectors and even take a couple shots with the foreward guns. Back behind the cockpit in a small closet-type area, Nill's on her hands and knees plugging in hyperspace coordinates and taking readings.
The capital ship, a big lumbering hulk of dark gray, looms over you until Lens flies right up to the belly, breaking at the last second so a couple TIEs smash into the mother ship. Once she's bought you a tiny respite, she yells for Nill to punch it, then you leap into hyperspace.
"YEEEEE HAW!" Lens bellows as she pumps her fist in the air. She swivels in the pilot's chair to offer you a high five.
A moment later, she takes off the headset, "Nilly, darling, you can take over. Thanks." She pushes herself up, then walks with you, "They got a mess hall on this boat, handsome?"
"With Alanna's money, yes. Hosk has a good eye for these things, and Kelb's team is really solid." We reach the galley, and I ask for her order before proceeding to the autochef.
She orders something vegan, pretty common, but that's probably because she knows the meal is in most autochefs
"Hosk does?" she asks as she sits down with her little meal and some blue milk. "That bothan's got a serious hate on for the boys in white. You two ever thought about signing up for the Alliance?"
I spread my hands like, "We're here, aren't we?" "I've got a whole crew to think on, and a ship that's in hock to a Hutt. I can't just get out of the business business and sign on full time, Lens."
Lens shrugs softly, accepting that you are here. "Fair enough, captain. Didn't mean any offense. You're a good man and I'd love to keep working with you, is all. Been in this fight since the early days, I'm always recruiting."
Over the loudspeakers, Nill says clear and calm, "Captain Vos. When you get a few moments, could you come up to the cockpit? Thank you."
Hosk comes into the room, grabs some water and a chair. He's all smiles. Lens compliments him on his shooting and he plays it off.
I make my way to the cockpit, bracing myself. If I were Nill, I'd be pretty angry with a certain Captain Vos right now. A good plan, all set up, and I threw it away on the spur of the moment... I walk in. "Nill."
The cockpit here is built for a pilot and co-pilot. There's also a bit of room to stand behind them, and the closet with the hyperspace controls, which is a bit of a kluge. These guys obviously don't have an engineer like Squall, and it shows.
Nill looks over, "Captain. Could we talk for a moment?" I assume you take a seat? If not, she'll talk as you stand. She flips a couple toggles and turns halfway to face you. "What happened down there?" The question is neutral, the tone isn't accusatory, but there's something in her eyes.
"I kriffed you without lube, is what happened, Nill, and I apologize. More troopers than I was led to expect, and when I saw the opportunity to take out the CO, thin the herd a bit, I acted. I am not usually so impulsive." Hoping that radical honesty is the way to go here.
She nods, accepting it. "Jazz was wounded pretty badly. The amount of bacta gel we'll use will eat some of the profit from this venture. And this was my op. I know you're the customer, but you could have warned me." Her voice is steel, she is holding back, but there's a little rage in there, just under the surface.
"I'm in a no-win situation now, Captain." she explains. "I led the op, it went askew. I didn't control for your action, I barely helped pull Lens out. From Kelb's point-of-view, which will be correct, I failed." Nill swallows. "I'm glad you and Hosk made it out without injury, that we rescued the target. I'm sure you don't normally act so impulsively. But I don't want to work for you again."
"That's fine. I'll take that and I deserve it. But you're wrong. Not about working for me, about Kelb. If she's any kind of leader, she wants you to be a leader, as well. And that doesn't mean making sure a plan gets followed to the letter. It means correcting for wild cards like a client that acts unpredictably, adapting to circumstances on the ground. You did that. No one died, Jazz will be fine, you held it together and kept things from going entirely ponfarr-shaped when I started tap-dancing instead of waltzing. Kelb should see that."
"Thank you, Nill." I'm a bit chastened. Nill's plan was the one that played to my strengths, and instead of following it through, I... well, it's a lesson learned, and there's no use in obsessing until I can use the lesson in practical circumstances. Still and all, we rescued Lens and no-one is dead, and mercenaries are in the risk business.
I take my leave and head to the infirmary to check on Jazz.
The infirmary is a small room, one gurney, a few cabinets of supplies. No medical droid, but Kelb's here, cleaning up the mess she made getting Jazz's injuries under control. Jazz is out of his armor, but still dressed, lying under a sheet and asleep, his chest rising and falling slowly.
Kelb looks up, "Hey Captain Vos," she says, her voice calm. She's done this kind of work before, she's not rattled. Her body language is a bit protective of her fallen teammate. It's subtle, but you see it. "You missed all the fun parts. Jazz, the big baby, is passed out now. All that's left is stripping him down and cleaning him up so he can rest and heal." She smirks, "Been thinking who to give that job to."
"Well... there were more troopers than I expected, and the idea of your ship stacked two-deep with Imps didn't appeal as much as it did in the abstract. Then I had just the Lieutenant and two troopers in front of me and I thought, 'might as well,' so I took the shot." I huff a breath. "Not my finest hour."
Kelb listens, nods along. "I'd make the same call." She shrugs, "Simple math, right? Twenty boys in white, an asshat officer and whatever hangers on, that's too many bodies." She peers at you, "Surprised Nill didn't make the same decision."
I give her a curious look. "Nill fascinates me a little, as a guy that's interested in people. Can you tell me a little about her without breaking any confidences?"
"I don't know all there is to know about Nill." Kelborn says in a tone that indicates it doesn't bother her. "She was an Imp spy, then cut and run when she was burned. She used what she knew to save me and mine, then asked to join up."
Kelb walks over to shut the door to the infirmary, then back to Jazz, pulling back the sheet. She continues talking as she starts working at his clothes, "She's not wired like me and Jazz. I keep her around for her perspective, she keeps the team from being predictable."
I nod, then move to help, if Kelb doesn't prevent me. I'm going to take a chance at a question. If I'm wrong about my assumption, it reflects badly on Nill. If I'm right, it gives me a chance to start a deeper conversation.
"I understand needing perspective. Do you give her the lead often?"
She doesn't. She expected it, works with you to remove his clothing. It's a two person job. Jazz is not a small man. He is, like Kelb, riddled with scars. His right leg has a nasty burn, probably acid.
"I've consulted with her on a dozen ops, more and more lately." Kelb answers as you finish pulling Jazz's trousers and underwear. By the by, she doesn't seem the least bit squeamish, or even interested, in nude Jazz. "This was her first op, though."
Jazz is impressive, and not just the scars. I do my part and look to Kelb for the disinfectant and sponges for the next step. "She did good work. Can I offer an opinion? I'll keep my mouth shut if you don't want me to push my nose in."
Kelb smirks, shakes her head a little in amusement. "Go ahead, Captain. I've got plans for your nose later, but stick it where you want for now." She starts working on Jazz's shirt, which she cuts off since it's burned in a few places.
I think about that for a second, decide it means I'm getting lucky again later, and move on. "You've held some sort of command a lot longer than I have, but... I have a sense about Nill. I think she really wants to impress you and the team. I know she feels like this mission was a fail. There's an amazing mind there, but being a spy is solitary. I'm not sure she knows how to be, on a team."
Kelb finishes cutting the shirt off Jazz, revealing a wicked looking tat on his chest. She has the same one on her back, the right upper side. What is it?
"You're not wrong. She's great solo, not so good coordinating. Wants to plan things to death, execute flawlessly." Kelb says plain. She pulls out some gauze and some soapy quick-drying liquid, starts wiping the grime and blood off Jazz. "Let me ask you this. Who fired the first shot? And what was she doing?"
The tattoos? A stylized representation of the atomic structure of beskar. Not just little circles and dots, but a web of spiky interactions between electrons and nucleus and... whatever it is that makes the ore so special. Only seen it once before, just before I got knocked out in a bar fight.
"I fired. No warning, and I hadn't established a signal with her. She was perfectly in character, convincing the Looie that we were there to take them off-world. Have you ever gotten Nill drunk or laid?"
Kelb listens while scrubbing at Jazz's shoudler. When you ask if she'd gotten Nill drunk or laid, she laughs, "Drunk? Don't think so, she never let herself get past tipsy. I think Jazz teased her once, that was that. Laid? Well, I haven't been with a girl since Jaina. Probably won't again." She changes gauze, continues, "Sorry, I know what you mean. I don't think she does that kind of thing. She mostly does puzzles or hangs out with Macks." She looks up, "Macks is a Quarren." As if that explains that they wouldn't be compatible.
"Well, I've said my piece." I work on the opposite shoulder, not so hurt, but applying salve to the bruises from impact of his armor when the jet pack failed. "Like we say on Kiffu, don't want to teach my grand-aunt to pick falla-berries."
"Listen, Captain, if you want to get Nill wasted, feel free." Kelb says with a laugh. "As for laid, well, I'm staking a claim on you right now. You see, close-quarters-combat gets me. All keyed up." She looks down at Jazz's arm, seems satisfied, starts gathering up her supplies to dispose of them.
"If you want to give her seconds," Kelb says as she drops the gauze and supplies in a receptacle, "That's up to you."
I clear my throat. "Like I said, I'm done talking about Nill. I'm all yours, Kelborn. Nothing more I'd like than to stick my... nose... in where it's actually wanted."
What can a gentleman do but follow? I don't start stripping out of my clothes until we get to privacy, but I'm out, with a last look to the unconscious Jazz.
Kelb wasn't lying when she said she was keyed up. This time, she's on you as soon as the door closes, and she's pretty insistent to get down to business. She practically tears your clothes off, pushes you onto the bed, then climbs on top of you. She is soaking wet.
Do you stay the night with her or head out afterwards?
After the second round (and of course, there's a second round), I give Kelb a kiss and shrug into my clothes long enough to hit the refresher and get to my own quarters. There's a chance that one or the other of us might be glad to wake up together, and that's not the right play.
I'll play the game with Hosk. Truth is that Kelb and I are done for now, although I won't speak for our next encounter, in the future. I'm comfortable, even intimate, talking and sharing for the rest of the ride, but I don't make any moves and I'll deflect them as graciously as I can if she makes them.
Nill and I encounter each other as a matter of course, and I'll do my best to engage with her. Not trying to get in her pants, or even trying to get her to change her opinion of me, just trying to be open if she wants to talk.
It's late in the sleep cycle on the ship, the night before you're set to arrive on Devaron. You wake up for some reason, unable to go back to sleep, mostly due to Hosk's snoring, head to the common room. Evidently Kelb's pulling the late shift in the cockpit, because Nill is sitting there, on a small couch. She has a small holo display sitting between her crossed legs, and she's slowly, carefully moving the images of thin sticks around. It's a balance and spatial relation puzzle. She seems relaxed, only using the puzzle to pass the time.
Nill looks up. She knew you were there, but she didn't expect you to speak to her. A quick flex of her hand to pause the game, all the sticks freeze. "Mostly. She told me I didn't react to the change in the plan well enough." She licks her lips, looking away when she follows with, "But she said it was a successful mission. Told me to celebrate, go out and get wasted.... get laid." She looks back up to you. "Which was weird."
I try to word this the way I think she might be able to hear it. "Yeah... so, when is the last time you cut loose with your team? You know that there are social factors in play? I'm sure you've had that training."
"Yes, I know. Ingratiate yourself to them, find their hooks and triggers." She rattles it off like a textbook. "Share a weakness, gain their trust. It's just... I'm not really like them. It's a job. A job I like. The other stuff is, you know, messy." She looks at you, but you can tell she's forcing herself to do it.
I nod. "When I was young, I loved fishing, and I loved eating fish, but I couldn't stand gutting and cleaning them. All those slimy innards. My baba, my father, wouldn't let me eat what we caught after a while, though, unless I cleaned my share. Eventually I got better at it, and the task got less... messy and less hateful. Plus, I got to eat the tasty fish." I don't know how metaphors will work with Nill, but it's worth a shot.
She huffs a little laugh at the story, but her eyes show it isn't a derisive one. She peers at you with those intense eyes, "Why do you care, Captain? Still feeling guilty over shooting that karking lieutenant?"
I can't help but chuckle a little. "Never felt guilty, per se. I admitted to messing up the plan, apologized, visited the infirmary to make sure Jazz was going to be okay, and then moved on. I care because I admire what you do and how you do it, and because I'm wired that way. I know you're not..." I shrug.
She drinks it in, looking for the key, but in the end, your assertion that she's not wired that way seems to break down the door. She watches you for a moment, in case there's a "but" or something, then you see her shoulders relax. The tension between her eyes lessens and she licks her lips. "Thanks. I'm not used to anyone, ah, wired the way you are. Unless they have an agenda." She quirks her mouth, then adds, "How is your crew? Do you look after them like this?"
"Kelb and Jazz are like siblings. Pem's the dirty uncle. Tezz and Udunn are tight, while Macks and I are sort of loners. We're good in a fight, not so great anywhere else." She shakes her head, "Maybe at a bar."
"Good in a fight is important, yeah? You are mercenaries, after all..." I shrug. "I didn't really intend to push myself into your business. Sometimes it just happens..." I offer my hand. "I know you'll be fine. Get in touch if you ever need me or the Margin."
You asked her about cutting loose, heard her talk about "getting laid". You showed all this interest in her, said it was because you're wired that way. Right now, she wishes you'd make a move on her. It would put her at ease, assure her that you were angling for something.
I manage not to smile as I "get it." I think it's a good thing to challenge her world-view a little bit, and I genuinely don't have an angle here. "No need for thanks, Nill. Good luck."
She watches you go without offering another word. Her face is still a bit puzzled, but she ends up turning on her holo puzzle again, something she can figure out.
The next day you arrive on Devaron. There's no fanfare. Kelb and the team wish you well. Pem heads off ship to check on his cousin. It's raining cats and dogs.
Do you go with Lens to meet Alanna first, or go check on your ship?
No hugs, but certainly handshakes. I'll check in with Jojee over comms and send Hosk to the ship, but unless my presence is urgently needed, I'll "deliver" Lens to Alanna before anything else.
You end up taking a public transport to Alanna's flat. She greets you with, of course, a hug. Then a hug for Lens, too, who seems to know Alanna at least a little.
After you come inside, Alanna says, "Lens, I've arranged transport off Devaron. Your Roughnecks insist on meeting you a system over. Mikka's sent me a dozen messages, he's worried sick for you."
"He is such a worry wart, I swear." Lens says with affection. "Don't know why I married such a pansie. I keep telling him we're Rebels, it comes in the contract, but no, he's got to fret and go on."
"Have a seat, Lens, I'll get you some tea. Ladro, can you come help me?"
Alanna pulls out a small cannister of ground tea, gets a filter and starts preparing a fresh pot of tea. As she does, "I didn't want to talk business in front of Lens. No need for her to know I hired you, right?" She give syou a conspiratorial grin. "Two pieces of good news. First, I obtained some medical supplies for your ship as a bonus for your work. It's been delivered to the ship, Squall took care of it. Second, your brother is on planet." She nearly giggles at the second part.
I grin, both at the prospect of seeing Darkal (however briefly) and at Alanna's happiness. "That's great, Alanna, we can use the supplies. We're going to have to move on fairly quickly, but is there a chance for me to see Darkal before that?"
She nods, "I like you too much to let this slip by. He's already been over to your ship a couple times." She purses her lips, then asks, "Is there a thing with Jojee and him?"
There's a sticky question. "They talked some, when we were on Kiffu last, but I'm pretty sure nothing much happened." Because I threw him off the ship so we could take off.
Yeah, that answer set off alarm bells. "Ladro... what aren't you telling me?" She moves over to pour some tea into three cups. "I'm a big girl, and I don't want to be played for a fool."
"They had met each other twice. There was some attraction. We left rather suddenly. Jojee wanted to punch me for that. That's really all I know." I know that's not a good answer. "Have you ever said anything to Darkal? Made it clear how you feel?"
Alanna accepts the information. It wasn't like she didn't expect a handsome man like Darkal to pursue relationships, and you know she has as well, but Jojee is a complication she didn't know existed. You can practically see it in her face, she thinks Jojee is very stiff competition.
She picks up the tray of tea and the little kettle to carry it out to Lens. "Too much work. Too much of a chance for a no. I never got the courage. He's a wonderful man, and I'm just an old whore." She takes the tray out to the living area, to Lens, ducking your response.
Lens thanks her for the tea, and the three of you have some polite conversation. What do you talk about, Ladro? Share any stories?
Truthfully, I'm much more interested in listening to Lens than chiming in with my own stories. She's pretty incredible - larger than life. I'm also churning on Alanna's sad parting words. No use in trying to make a match for her and Darkal, but there has to be a way to challenge that self-image.
"There we were, hunkered down in the slag that used to be a mighty fine cantina, best in Mos Shuuta," Lens says, leaning forward, telling about the firefight in an animated fashion. "Mikka kisses me, then jumps over the bar, right into the middle of the Rodians. Those sleemos didn't get a chance to fire first as my hubby let off with a repeating blaster. Best seven shots of his life. I swear the Force was guiding his hand. I scrounged around after and found a nice bottle Nabooan wine to boot."
Alanna laughs and claps, her face filled with excitement for the story, all semblance of the sadness from earlier gone from her expression.
I laugh along at the war stories, enjoying the tea and the company. "Lens, if even half of what you say is true, you've led a pretty amazing life. Any advice for a whippersnapper like me?"
Lens purses her lips in thought for a moment, then says in a serious tone, "Live each day like it's your last. Love your loved ones. Don't forget that you're only held down by what you don't choose to do." She pauses, then, "That's about it, really." She leans forward to clap your shoulders, "I think you're a good kid, Captain Vos. I see how you care for the people you work with, and that's real important. Don't let go of that. They'll fail you from time to time. And you'll fail them, too. That's part of life."
Alanna looks a little misty-eyed, but she says nothing.
The fact that Lens's spirit and humor and humanity are intact after so much violence and struggle is something to take courage from. I respond with humility. "Thanks." After looking at my hands for a few seconds, I stand. "Speaking of the people I work with, I should get to my ship and crew." If Lens stands, I'll give her a hug. if not, a handshake. Alanna gets a hug, of course.
It's still raining, so Alanna insists on calling a service to bring you back to the spaceport. You walk the last hundred feet or so back to the bay where you ship is docked. The floodlights are shining up on her, and you see Squally, under a canopy, sitting on a suspended plank so she can spot weld the hull.
She's whole. The Profit Margin looks good. Fresh paint on her, new markings, too. What did Jojee mark her up with this time, Ladro?
I was going to stop and chat with Squall, rain or no, but when I see the new markings I nearly choke. Jojee has got to be kidding me.
The gold star-in-circle that represents both Clan Vos and the Guardians of Kiffu. I sincerely hope she didn't spend much on that paint, or it's coming out of her pay.
Squall looks down from zir perch, "Captain! You're back!" Ze chirps happily. "I mean. I knew you were back since Hosk showed up, but still. You look good! Have fun?" It's obvious ze is glancing at the ship, hoping to see your opinion of zir work.
Can't resist Squall. Giving Jojee a talking-to can wait. "Our girl looks beautiful, Squally! And I bet you didn't take the opportunity to make any improvements at all."
"I sort of took a break from the final touches to install the new med devices Alanna sent over. Don't you just love her?" Squall is almost bubbly up there, a streak of grime on zir cheek, zir clothes a mess. "I also put some more smuggler's compartments in, like the one you found during that first inspection. Plus... a couple surprises."
I shake my head ruefully. "But you certainly knew about it. And I suppose Amarath had to provide her with the intel, to even know what to paint. I'm surrounded by traitors."
Waving a hand, I walk onto my ship. I've been off her more than on for far too long. First stop, my quarters to drop my duffel. Second, looking for Jojee.
You stow your gear and on the way to Jojee's quarters, you can't help but notice the place has been cleaned stem to stern. The crew kept themselves busy. After a buzz at her door, Jojee calls back on the intercom.
There's a moment before the door opens, and Jojee sticks her head out, "Cap! You're back!" She looks back inside, standing in the door. She's got a sheet wrapped around her body, seems like that's it.
You hear your brother say while laughing, "Ladro, I'll be out in a minute!"
Jojee does this little guilty eye roll and grins before she ducks back behind the door, closing it and avoiding a talking to, at least for a moment.
After a minute of waiting outside her door, it opens. A quickly dressed Darkal comes out. He's got his jacket over his arm and boots in his left hand, a slightly wrinkled shirt on and a pair of blue pants with a yellow stripe down the side.
He chuckles, givfing that winning smile he has perfected, "Welcome back, brother." He reaches up to throw an arm around you. He smells like sweat and sex. "I didn't know you were back. Lens is safe?"
I nod. "Lens is safe. Although I have the feeling she could somehow survive going through a supernova with a few squads of stormtroopers." I gently move out from inside his stench range. "You might want to visit the refresher, if you have any important meetings. Check that. You might want to visit the refresher."
Darkal has no argument for Lens and her toughness. When you suggest a refresher, he playfully punches your shoulder, "I guess I've got your pilot all over me. heh. She kicked me out to avoid the tongue lashing from you." He chuckles, "Well, not the one I gave her." He starts walking towards your quarters, assuming you'll let him use it.
Comments
Now you've got a dead run ahead of you, Stormtroopers giving chase, knowing you're porbably their only escape off this planet. Overhead, the star that is the sun for this world is mostly black, with some spots of orange and yellow. It's dark here, only patches of light and the beams from the ship.
Why don't you give me one last Act Under Fire to see how things end up?
(Rolled: 2d6+3. Rolls: 4, 3. Total: 10)
In moments, the team is on board along with Lens, a sturdy human woman in her late fifties with hard eyes. She's still carrying the carbine she stole off a trooper and huffing heavy breaths when the ship leaves Flankers.
Kelb takes Jazz from Pem and carries him to the infirmary. There are a number of cuts and bruises. Pem took a few shots, but his armor held, mostly. Nobody's checked on Nill since she's up front.
"Who do I have to thank for that crazy rescue?" Lens asks the lot of you as most everyone is holding on to straps during takeoff.
"I'm Ladro Vos. Some friends of yours on Devaron let me know you were in a fix. This is Hosk." I finish the introductions.
She offers a handshake to you, then Hosk, "Good to meet you both. Devaron, eh?" She grins, "That means little Alanna set you off this way? I swear, that girl won't leave well enough alone. I'm the one who was captured. The Roughnecks would do just fine without me. Either way, my thanks."
"No thanks needed. Someday Alanna's persistence will likely save my space heinie as well, just trying to pay it forward." Holding up a finger, I trigger the intercom. "Kelb? How's Jazz?"
She comes back with a calm tone, like this isn't a big deal, "He's unconscious, but he should pull through. His jetpack's slagged, that will be his biggest thing to cry about."
Lens offers up, "I can requisition a replacement jetpack. Least I can do."
Pem is busy breaking down everyone's equipment as you're talking. He looks over at Lens with a curious grin, "What else could you snag for the team, Lens? I'm sure we could help you out down the line..."
Over the loudspeakers, Nill says in a cool tone, "Kelborn, Captain Vos. We've got an Imperial capital ship that just came out of hyperspace in our front yard. They're sitting at the jump point. Prox sensors are going crazy and I think they know we aren't wanted."
"Of course there's a capital ship, Nill. Be too easy to just fly off into the sunset, right? I'll be there in a tick. Lens, care to join us?" I head to the cockpit.
Over comms, Kelb says, "Pem, get back in the Engine Room and keep an eye on things. Captain Vos, do you mind if Hosk mans the turrets again? He's one helluva shot."
Lens is moving with you, "I hope you don't mind me taking over the controls. This Nill is twitchy, I could tell during liftoff. I used to run long hauls on a frieghter about this size."
You both reach the cockpit and Lens gently pulls Nill out of the pilot seat. Nill doesn't fight her, but she lets Kelb know what's going on. Kelb gives the go ahead, as if Lens even cares.
"Pemmy, doll," Lens calls as soon as she puts on the headset, "I need max thrust, tamp down life support to non-essential areas. I also want you to flip off the hyperdrive, we can use that juice right now. Don't let her get cool, though. Hosk, darling, I'm going head in, then turning for your best firing arc. Once we nail the scout squad of TIE, I'm heading in close. Everybody buckle up!"
She glances over at you, "Captain, you good with sensors? I need you to swing shields under and fore. I don't want us to blow up when we do this. Nilly, I want you starting the hyperspace calcs with... whatever you use here. I don't see an astromech?"
I keep track of the orders she's issuing as best I can, but do my assigned task. She's been through this carnival much more often than I have. I give full power to the fore and belly shields and wait to adjust as needed.
(Rolled: 2d6+3. Rolls: 4, 5. Total: 12)
The capital ship, a big lumbering hulk of dark gray, looms over you until Lens flies right up to the belly, breaking at the last second so a couple TIEs smash into the mother ship. Once she's bought you a tiny respite, she yells for Nill to punch it, then you leap into hyperspace.
"YEEEEE HAW!" Lens bellows as she pumps her fist in the air. She swivels in the pilot's chair to offer you a high five.
A moment later, she takes off the headset, "Nilly, darling, you can take over. Thanks." She pushes herself up, then walks with you, "They got a mess hall on this boat, handsome?"
I offer her my arm. "Of course. May I escort you to the first-class dining room, madame?"
She takes your arm with a chuckle, "Don't mind if I do." As you stroll, she asks, "These other lot are mercs. Did you hire them for this?"
"With Alanna's money, yes. Hosk has a good eye for these things, and Kelb's team is really solid." We reach the galley, and I ask for her order before proceeding to the autochef.
"Hosk does?" she asks as she sits down with her little meal and some blue milk. "That bothan's got a serious hate on for the boys in white. You two ever thought about signing up for the Alliance?"
I spread my hands like, "We're here, aren't we?" "I've got a whole crew to think on, and a ship that's in hock to a Hutt. I can't just get out of the business business and sign on full time, Lens."
Lens shrugs softly, accepting that you are here. "Fair enough, captain. Didn't mean any offense. You're a good man and I'd love to keep working with you, is all. Been in this fight since the early days, I'm always recruiting."
Over the loudspeakers, Nill says clear and calm, "Captain Vos. When you get a few moments, could you come up to the cockpit? Thank you."
Hosk comes into the room, grabs some water and a chair. He's all smiles. Lens compliments him on his shooting and he plays it off.
I make my way to the cockpit, bracing myself. If I were Nill, I'd be pretty angry with a certain Captain Vos right now. A good plan, all set up, and I threw it away on the spur of the moment... I walk in. "Nill."
Nill looks over, "Captain. Could we talk for a moment?" I assume you take a seat? If not, she'll talk as you stand. She flips a couple toggles and turns halfway to face you. "What happened down there?" The question is neutral, the tone isn't accusatory, but there's something in her eyes.
"I kriffed you without lube, is what happened, Nill, and I apologize. More troopers than I was led to expect, and when I saw the opportunity to take out the CO, thin the herd a bit, I acted. I am not usually so impulsive." Hoping that radical honesty is the way to go here.
She nods, accepting it. "Jazz was wounded pretty badly. The amount of bacta gel we'll use will eat some of the profit from this venture. And this was my op. I know you're the customer, but you could have warned me." Her voice is steel, she is holding back, but there's a little rage in there, just under the surface.
"I'm in a no-win situation now, Captain." she explains. "I led the op, it went askew. I didn't control for your action, I barely helped pull Lens out. From Kelb's point-of-view, which will be correct, I failed." Nill swallows. "I'm glad you and Hosk made it out without injury, that we rescued the target. I'm sure you don't normally act so impulsively. But I don't want to work for you again."
"That's fine. I'll take that and I deserve it. But you're wrong. Not about working for me, about Kelb. If she's any kind of leader, she wants you to be a leader, as well. And that doesn't mean making sure a plan gets followed to the letter. It means correcting for wild cards like a client that acts unpredictably, adapting to circumstances on the ground. You did that. No one died, Jazz will be fine, you held it together and kept things from going entirely ponfarr-shaped when I started tap-dancing instead of waltzing. Kelb should see that."
Nill sighs once through her nose. "I hope you're right and I'm wrong about that." She turns back to the console. "Thanks for talking with me."
"Thank you, Nill." I'm a bit chastened. Nill's plan was the one that played to my strengths, and instead of following it through, I... well, it's a lesson learned, and there's no use in obsessing until I can use the lesson in practical circumstances. Still and all, we rescued Lens and no-one is dead, and mercenaries are in the risk business.
I take my leave and head to the infirmary to check on Jazz.
Kelb looks up, "Hey Captain Vos," she says, her voice calm. She's done this kind of work before, she's not rattled. Her body language is a bit protective of her fallen teammate. It's subtle, but you see it. "You missed all the fun parts. Jazz, the big baby, is passed out now. All that's left is stripping him down and cleaning him up so he can rest and heal." She smirks, "Been thinking who to give that job to."
"Might as well be me... I'm the one that went off the playbook."
That gets a look of slight surprise. "Oh, really?" She gives you a look of interest, "How did that go down?"
"Well... there were more troopers than I expected, and the idea of your ship stacked two-deep with Imps didn't appeal as much as it did in the abstract. Then I had just the Lieutenant and two troopers in front of me and I thought, 'might as well,' so I took the shot." I huff a breath. "Not my finest hour."
Kelb listens, nods along. "I'd make the same call." She shrugs, "Simple math, right? Twenty boys in white, an asshat officer and whatever hangers on, that's too many bodies." She peers at you, "Surprised Nill didn't make the same decision."
I give her a curious look. "Nill fascinates me a little, as a guy that's interested in people. Can you tell me a little about her without breaking any confidences?"
"I don't know all there is to know about Nill." Kelborn says in a tone that indicates it doesn't bother her. "She was an Imp spy, then cut and run when she was burned. She used what she knew to save me and mine, then asked to join up."
Kelb walks over to shut the door to the infirmary, then back to Jazz, pulling back the sheet. She continues talking as she starts working at his clothes, "She's not wired like me and Jazz. I keep her around for her perspective, she keeps the team from being predictable."
I nod, then move to help, if Kelb doesn't prevent me. I'm going to take a chance at a question. If I'm wrong about my assumption, it reflects badly on Nill. If I'm right, it gives me a chance to start a deeper conversation.
"I understand needing perspective. Do you give her the lead often?"
"I've consulted with her on a dozen ops, more and more lately." Kelb answers as you finish pulling Jazz's trousers and underwear. By the by, she doesn't seem the least bit squeamish, or even interested, in nude Jazz. "This was her first op, though."
Jazz is impressive, and not just the scars. I do my part and look to Kelb for the disinfectant and sponges for the next step. "She did good work. Can I offer an opinion? I'll keep my mouth shut if you don't want me to push my nose in."
Kelb smirks, shakes her head a little in amusement. "Go ahead, Captain. I've got plans for your nose later, but stick it where you want for now." She starts working on Jazz's shirt, which she cuts off since it's burned in a few places.
I think about that for a second, decide it means I'm getting lucky again later, and move on. "You've held some sort of command a lot longer than I have, but... I have a sense about Nill. I think she really wants to impress you and the team. I know she feels like this mission was a fail. There's an amazing mind there, but being a spy is solitary. I'm not sure she knows how to be, on a team."
Kelb finishes cutting the shirt off Jazz, revealing a wicked looking tat on his chest. She has the same one on her back, the right upper side. What is it?
"You're not wrong. She's great solo, not so good coordinating. Wants to plan things to death, execute flawlessly." Kelb says plain. She pulls out some gauze and some soapy quick-drying liquid, starts wiping the grime and blood off Jazz. "Let me ask you this. Who fired the first shot? And what was she doing?"
The tattoos? A stylized representation of the atomic structure of beskar. Not just little circles and dots, but a web of spiky interactions between electrons and nucleus and... whatever it is that makes the ore so special. Only seen it once before, just before I got knocked out in a bar fight.
"I fired. No warning, and I hadn't established a signal with her. She was perfectly in character, convincing the Looie that we were there to take them off-world. Have you ever gotten Nill drunk or laid?"
Kelb listens while scrubbing at Jazz's shoudler. When you ask if she'd gotten Nill drunk or laid, she laughs, "Drunk? Don't think so, she never let herself get past tipsy. I think Jazz teased her once, that was that. Laid? Well, I haven't been with a girl since Jaina. Probably won't again." She changes gauze, continues, "Sorry, I know what you mean. I don't think she does that kind of thing. She mostly does puzzles or hangs out with Macks." She looks up, "Macks is a Quarren." As if that explains that they wouldn't be compatible.
"Well, I've said my piece." I work on the opposite shoulder, not so hurt, but applying salve to the bruises from impact of his armor when the jet pack failed. "Like we say on Kiffu, don't want to teach my grand-aunt to pick falla-berries."
"Listen, Captain, if you want to get Nill wasted, feel free." Kelb says with a laugh. "As for laid, well, I'm staking a claim on you right now. You see, close-quarters-combat gets me. All keyed up." She looks down at Jazz's arm, seems satisfied, starts gathering up her supplies to dispose of them.
"If you want to give her seconds," Kelb says as she drops the gauze and supplies in a receptacle, "That's up to you."
I clear my throat. "Like I said, I'm done talking about Nill. I'm all yours, Kelborn. Nothing more I'd like than to stick my... nose... in where it's actually wanted."
Kelb grins at the doorway. "That was an awful line. You're sweet to toss it back to me." She starts peeling off her shirt, heading for her quarters.
What can a gentleman do but follow? I don't start stripping out of my clothes until we get to privacy, but I'm out, with a last look to the unconscious Jazz.
Do you stay the night with her or head out afterwards?
After the second round (and of course, there's a second round), I give Kelb a kiss and shrug into my clothes long enough to hit the refresher and get to my own quarters. There's a chance that one or the other of us might be glad to wake up together, and that's not the right play.
During the next couple days before you return to Devaron, do you follow up on Nill? Do you sleep with Kelb again?
I'll play the game with Hosk. Truth is that Kelb and I are done for now, although I won't speak for our next encounter, in the future. I'm comfortable, even intimate, talking and sharing for the rest of the ride, but I don't make any moves and I'll deflect them as graciously as I can if she makes them.
Nill and I encounter each other as a matter of course, and I'll do my best to engage with her. Not trying to get in her pants, or even trying to get her to change her opinion of me, just trying to be open if she wants to talk.
I take my chance. "So, were you right, about Kelb's reaction to the mission?"
Nill looks up. She knew you were there, but she didn't expect you to speak to her. A quick flex of her hand to pause the game, all the sticks freeze. "Mostly. She told me I didn't react to the change in the plan well enough." She licks her lips, looking away when she follows with, "But she said it was a successful mission. Told me to celebrate, go out and get wasted.... get laid." She looks back up to you. "Which was weird."
I try to word this the way I think she might be able to hear it. "Yeah... so, when is the last time you cut loose with your team? You know that there are social factors in play? I'm sure you've had that training."
"Yes, I know. Ingratiate yourself to them, find their hooks and triggers." She rattles it off like a textbook. "Share a weakness, gain their trust. It's just... I'm not really like them. It's a job. A job I like. The other stuff is, you know, messy." She looks at you, but you can tell she's forcing herself to do it.
I nod. "When I was young, I loved fishing, and I loved eating fish, but I couldn't stand gutting and cleaning them. All those slimy innards. My baba, my father, wouldn't let me eat what we caught after a while, though, unless I cleaned my share. Eventually I got better at it, and the task got less... messy and less hateful. Plus, I got to eat the tasty fish." I don't know how metaphors will work with Nill, but it's worth a shot.
She huffs a little laugh at the story, but her eyes show it isn't a derisive one. She peers at you with those intense eyes, "Why do you care, Captain? Still feeling guilty over shooting that karking lieutenant?"
I can't help but chuckle a little. "Never felt guilty, per se. I admitted to messing up the plan, apologized, visited the infirmary to make sure Jazz was going to be okay, and then moved on. I care because I admire what you do and how you do it, and because I'm wired that way. I know you're not..." I shrug.
She drinks it in, looking for the key, but in the end, your assertion that she's not wired that way seems to break down the door. She watches you for a moment, in case there's a "but" or something, then you see her shoulders relax. The tension between her eyes lessens and she licks her lips. "Thanks. I'm not used to anyone, ah, wired the way you are. Unless they have an agenda." She quirks her mouth, then adds, "How is your crew? Do you look after them like this?"
"My crew is an interesting collection of misfits, but they're my misfits. I do whatever I can. We look after each other."
"Kelb and Jazz are like siblings. Pem's the dirty uncle. Tezz and Udunn are tight, while Macks and I are sort of loners. We're good in a fight, not so great anywhere else." She shakes her head, "Maybe at a bar."
"Good in a fight is important, yeah? You are mercenaries, after all..." I shrug. "I didn't really intend to push myself into your business. Sometimes it just happens..." I offer my hand. "I know you'll be fine. Get in touch if you ever need me or the Margin."
Nill inclines her head, as if she's said something wrong. "... uhm, alright. Well, thanks for checking in on me, then."
(Rolled: 2d6+2. Rolls: 4, 2. Total: 8)
Otherwise, she's just lost on your motivation.
I manage not to smile as I "get it." I think it's a good thing to challenge her world-view a little bit, and I genuinely don't have an angle here. "No need for thanks, Nill. Good luck."
The next day you arrive on Devaron. There's no fanfare. Kelb and the team wish you well. Pem heads off ship to check on his cousin. It's raining cats and dogs.
Do you go with Lens to meet Alanna first, or go check on your ship?
No hugs, but certainly handshakes. I'll check in with Jojee over comms and send Hosk to the ship, but unless my presence is urgently needed, I'll "deliver" Lens to Alanna before anything else.
After you come inside, Alanna says, "Lens, I've arranged transport off Devaron. Your Roughnecks insist on meeting you a system over. Mikka's sent me a dozen messages, he's worried sick for you."
"He is such a worry wart, I swear." Lens says with affection. "Don't know why I married such a pansie. I keep telling him we're Rebels, it comes in the contract, but no, he's got to fret and go on."
"Have a seat, Lens, I'll get you some tea. Ladro, can you come help me?"
"Of course." I follow Alanna into the kitchen.
Alanna pulls out a small cannister of ground tea, gets a filter and starts preparing a fresh pot of tea. As she does, "I didn't want to talk business in front of Lens. No need for her to know I hired you, right?" She give syou a conspiratorial grin. "Two pieces of good news. First, I obtained some medical supplies for your ship as a bonus for your work. It's been delivered to the ship, Squall took care of it. Second, your brother is on planet." She nearly giggles at the second part.
I grin, both at the prospect of seeing Darkal (however briefly) and at Alanna's happiness. "That's great, Alanna, we can use the supplies. We're going to have to move on fairly quickly, but is there a chance for me to see Darkal before that?"
She nods, "I like you too much to let this slip by. He's already been over to your ship a couple times." She purses her lips, then asks, "Is there a thing with Jojee and him?"
There's a sticky question. "They talked some, when we were on Kiffu last, but I'm pretty sure nothing much happened." Because I threw him off the ship so we could take off.
Yeah, that answer set off alarm bells. "Ladro... what aren't you telling me?" She moves over to pour some tea into three cups. "I'm a big girl, and I don't want to be played for a fool."
"They had met each other twice. There was some attraction. We left rather suddenly. Jojee wanted to punch me for that. That's really all I know." I know that's not a good answer. "Have you ever said anything to Darkal? Made it clear how you feel?"
Alanna accepts the information. It wasn't like she didn't expect a handsome man like Darkal to pursue relationships, and you know she has as well, but Jojee is a complication she didn't know existed. You can practically see it in her face, she thinks Jojee is very stiff competition.
She picks up the tray of tea and the little kettle to carry it out to Lens. "Too much work. Too much of a chance for a no. I never got the courage. He's a wonderful man, and I'm just an old whore." She takes the tray out to the living area, to Lens, ducking your response.
Lens thanks her for the tea, and the three of you have some polite conversation. What do you talk about, Ladro? Share any stories?
Truthfully, I'm much more interested in listening to Lens than chiming in with my own stories. She's pretty incredible - larger than life. I'm also churning on Alanna's sad parting words. No use in trying to make a match for her and Darkal, but there has to be a way to challenge that self-image.
"There we were, hunkered down in the slag that used to be a mighty fine cantina, best in Mos Shuuta," Lens says, leaning forward, telling about the firefight in an animated fashion. "Mikka kisses me, then jumps over the bar, right into the middle of the Rodians. Those sleemos didn't get a chance to fire first as my hubby let off with a repeating blaster. Best seven shots of his life. I swear the Force was guiding his hand. I scrounged around after and found a nice bottle Nabooan wine to boot."
Alanna laughs and claps, her face filled with excitement for the story, all semblance of the sadness from earlier gone from her expression.
I laugh along at the war stories, enjoying the tea and the company. "Lens, if even half of what you say is true, you've led a pretty amazing life. Any advice for a whippersnapper like me?"
Lens purses her lips in thought for a moment, then says in a serious tone, "Live each day like it's your last. Love your loved ones. Don't forget that you're only held down by what you don't choose to do." She pauses, then, "That's about it, really." She leans forward to clap your shoulders, "I think you're a good kid, Captain Vos. I see how you care for the people you work with, and that's real important. Don't let go of that. They'll fail you from time to time. And you'll fail them, too. That's part of life."
Alanna looks a little misty-eyed, but she says nothing.
The fact that Lens's spirit and humor and humanity are intact after so much violence and struggle is something to take courage from. I respond with humility. "Thanks." After looking at my hands for a few seconds, I stand. "Speaking of the people I work with, I should get to my ship and crew." If Lens stands, I'll give her a hug. if not, a handshake. Alanna gets a hug, of course.
It's still raining, so Alanna insists on calling a service to bring you back to the spaceport. You walk the last hundred feet or so back to the bay where you ship is docked. The floodlights are shining up on her, and you see Squally, under a canopy, sitting on a suspended plank so she can spot weld the hull.
She's whole. The Profit Margin looks good. Fresh paint on her, new markings, too. What did Jojee mark her up with this time, Ladro?
Do you chat with Squall or wave and head inside?
I was going to stop and chat with Squall, rain or no, but when I see the new markings I nearly choke. Jojee has got to be kidding me.
The gold star-in-circle that represents both Clan Vos and the Guardians of Kiffu. I sincerely hope she didn't spend much on that paint, or it's coming out of her pay.
Squall looks down from zir perch, "Captain! You're back!" Ze chirps happily. "I mean. I knew you were back since Hosk showed up, but still. You look good! Have fun?" It's obvious ze is glancing at the ship, hoping to see your opinion of zir work.
Can't resist Squall. Giving Jojee a talking-to can wait. "Our girl looks beautiful, Squally! And I bet you didn't take the opportunity to make any improvements at all."
"I sort of took a break from the final touches to install the new med devices Alanna sent over. Don't you just love her?" Squall is almost bubbly up there, a streak of grime on zir cheek, zir clothes a mess. "I also put some more smuggler's compartments in, like the one you found during that first inspection. Plus... a couple surprises."
Can't help but grin at zir enthusiasm. "I'll look forward to the surprises, then, Squally. I assume the markings were Jojee?"
"Affirmative, Captain!" Squall answers with a grin.
I shake my head ruefully. "But you certainly knew about it. And I suppose Amarath had to provide her with the intel, to even know what to paint. I'm surrounded by traitors."
Squall giggles, then amid the laughter, ze says only, "Affirmative, Captain!"
Waving a hand, I walk onto my ship. I've been off her more than on for far too long. First stop, my quarters to drop my duffel. Second, looking for Jojee.
"Amy, dammit. I told you I was kinda busy."
I ponder for a second, then say, "Can Darkal come out and play?"
There's a moment before the door opens, and Jojee sticks her head out, "Cap! You're back!" She looks back inside, standing in the door. She's got a sheet wrapped around her body, seems like that's it.
You hear your brother say while laughing, "Ladro, I'll be out in a minute!"
I make shooing motions at Jojee. "Go, get dressed. Then you can explain why you thought it was a good idea to paint that star on the hull of my ship."
Jojee does this little guilty eye roll and grins before she ducks back behind the door, closing it and avoiding a talking to, at least for a moment.
After a minute of waiting outside her door, it opens. A quickly dressed Darkal comes out. He's got his jacket over his arm and boots in his left hand, a slightly wrinkled shirt on and a pair of blue pants with a yellow stripe down the side.
He chuckles, givfing that winning smile he has perfected, "Welcome back, brother." He reaches up to throw an arm around you. He smells like sweat and sex. "I didn't know you were back. Lens is safe?"
I nod. "Lens is safe. Although I have the feeling she could somehow survive going through a supernova with a few squads of stormtroopers." I gently move out from inside his stench range. "You might want to visit the refresher, if you have any important meetings. Check that. You might want to visit the refresher."
Darkal has no argument for Lens and her toughness. When you suggest a refresher, he playfully punches your shoulder, "I guess I've got your pilot all over me. heh. She kicked me out to avoid the tongue lashing from you." He chuckles, "Well, not the one I gave her." He starts walking towards your quarters, assuming you'll let him use it.