Cloud City

Ali decided it was best to ignore the Baron's last transmission. He was either taking her joke too far, or had missed her sarcasm and was daydreaming about his not-future date with her. She shuddered mentally to think about it. It wasn't his personality so much as it was that fact that he was, indeed, a he. Men, the non-human ones, were simply unattractive. Ali was plenty raunchy and inappropriate enough for herself, she didn't need partner that exemplified the same characteristics. That, and everything with men was about sex. Except sex. Ali shook the thought from her head for the moment as Crystaall spoke, intent on catching the woman's words.
"It's funny how the ones you know the least stick with you the most," she replied softly, thinking on her own military history. "It's easier to just shut off when you lose someone close but…when you lose someone that could have been, you don't even have good memories of them to keep." Ali, surprised by her own words, reflected on this shortly, before the group entered the hangar bay where the gunship was docked. Twenty-something beings, of varying shapes, sizes, genders and species, were mulling about the vessel. Many were draped in the similar shawls and smocks as the ones Ali and her two companions wore, others still were garbed in exotic, though loose-fitting garments. Her commandos had already prepped the vessel for the mission, with all the necessary equipment stocked. Sergent Bilyers stepped passed Ali to designate those who would be serving with the infiltration team. Ali was pleased to see him choose Second Squad, to which Jonn Sylas had been assigned. Second Squad's leader, Sergent Huff He'gai, a Quarren, took his five soldiers aside, waving Jonn Sylas over, and began making final assessments of their gear. Jonn had been assigned to Second Squad's Baker Team, as a rifle commando, for the time being. If he showed decent mettle in the mission to come, Ali would consider reassigning him as an ordnance commando or machine gunner.
The rest of the platoon was preparing for the assault of the pirate's Star Destroyer, and as such, had already donned the menacing upgraded Katarn-class armor that defined GALSAF commandos. Their armor was painted a mottled assembly of grey and maroon shades, and accented with black. Scopes and visors were being checked, weapons were being loaded, and anyone not busy was sitting around, waiting for the "Good Word."

Jonn fell in step behind the Leftenant, Crystaall, Bill and Bandy as they made their way towards the turbolift that led to the hangar bay. Littering as he tossed the unfinished cigara aside. He exhaled the remaining smoke before lowering his balaclava over the rest of his face, covering it fully once more. His voice was a bit muffled as he spoke, I recall the mandate, Leftenant. He placed slight emphasis at the mention of her rank before continuing, They only drilled it into us everyday for two years. His words dripped with sarcasm, but was shaded with humour. Jonn remained silent the rest of the time as the turbolift descended and was the last to exit.

At Ali's mention of Crystaall having particular talents, it sealed the knowledge of her being a part of the Jensaarai in Jonn's mind. He wondered if the Order knew of his presence in this mission, and who knew the details of the part he played during the war instigated by Lord Nexus.

Jogged out of his thoughts by Ali's talk of his status at GALSAF, muffled laughter escaped his lips. He caught the humour behind her tone and directed his next words at Crystaall, The LT here wants people to believe that she's a stone-cold killer. But really she's a softie. He'd been under Hadrix's command only a few weeks, but he knew for a fact she was anything but soft. He said it anyway before pointing at his face, 'Sides, who wouldn't miss this face? Jonn referred to his mask. As far as his fellow Commandos were concerned, the mask was his face.

Jonn listened to the exchange between Ali and Crystaall about loss, his eyes darting between the two. Crystaall appeared so young, but then Force-users generally did so. And he wasn't sure on Ali's age, her diminutive build made her appear deceptively young. Only her rank indicating otherwise. Either way for both to seemingly have suffered much loss in their lives would have made any man reflect on the injustice and cruelty of the universe. Not Jonn though. He merely shrugged. Better the other guy than you is what I say. In this line of work you meet new people everyday. You always make more memories.

Jonn left those words hanging in the air as he stepped past Ali towards where the equipment was laid out. He glanced back to see Ali standing there merely overseeing, while Crystaall dissappeared inside the gunship. When he heard Sergeant Bilyers mark 2nd Squad for the infiltration team he turned around to see Sergeant He'gai, the Quarren squad leader, wave him over. He waved back, indicating he'd be right over after he'd geared up.

Jonn reached for a standard issue Verpine assault carbine attached to a one point sling, opting out of using the V2 launcher attachment. Holstered on his right thigh was a Verpine shatter-pistol, the optics removed to facilitate a quicker draw. He extended his left arm, triggering the spring-loaded rig that shot a B22 Imperial hold-out blaster into his hand. Triggering the mechanism once more the blaster disappeared within his sleeve. As he was a part of the infiltration team, Jonn didn't want to appear too military and only had two detonators attached to his utility belt. Both were flash-bang grenades. He reached for his belt's buckle and flickered out of sight as he activated the personal stealthfield generator. He flickered into visibility once more as he pressed it again. Closing his eyes he felt his body, finding the items he hid within during his last shift. A datadagger, a spare Imperial hold-out and an extra GALSAF secure commlink.

Asides the black balaclava that obscured his head, he wore military fatigue pants and standard combat boots. The only armor on him were a slugproof blast vest hidden beneath his shirt and an armorweave jacket over it. He also had on him a datapad and the accompanying slicing hardware.

When he was done checking his gear, Jonn made his way towards the six other men that made up Second Squad and gave a curt nod towards Squad Lead Huff He'gai. The Quarren shook his head slightly, muttering something in his native language before saying in Basic, Next time you want to sneak off Sylas, tell someone at least. No one cares especially if you are just going to accompany the Leftenant. He shook his head once more before turning his back on Jonn and assessing his own gear. Jonn just gave a shrug in response and checked over his load-out once more, as they stood waiting for the signal to head out.

*Crystaall rotated the shoulder once more and looked at Ali with suspiscion.*

"An RPG broke through your armor? I would think it should, armor is not that effective against high explosive ordinance unless you have the right material. That's why I used all the phrik in a secret mine tunnel to build every weapon and piece of equipment I have. If you have a small bolt on you to lock the plate in place, be my guest. I left my spare equipment at the temple and would prefer my arm to NOT fall off if something goes wrong and I have to be the heroic daredevil I claim to be."

"Crystaall chuckled at her own words. Heroic daredevil. That was one way you could describe her recklessness, but she paid no mind to that recklessness as it was only a choice of habit and nothing more.*

*Crystaall nodded hearing the explanation of the armor and the event as Ali fixed her arm. She thought Mandolorian armor was invincible and damn near impenetrable. She felt a little guilt for making a mockery of the incident but decided not to focus on it. It was a mistake to be rude, but an even bigger mistake to dwell on the mistake that could have been avoided. When Ali fixed the arm, Crystaall backed up a few feet into a small open area between the soldiers and did a couple push-ups to test the arm's condition on her HUD. Everything was green and she was ready for a fight.*

"I appreciate the help Leftenant Ali. I'm actually happy I have these prosthetics... saved me a number of times when someone attacked me with a lightsaber and I was unarmed. Simple blocks with the forearm, a twist of my wrist and most people ended up on their knees with me holding their main arm against their back. I had Garwig put my arm in place because I had got a previous one get banged up, but since I was mocking him with my beauty I simply forgot about the single bolt that always needs to be manually adjusted and placed."

*Crystaall rested the great-sword in her right hand on her shoulder while grabbing one of the straps in gunship.*

"Once the word is given.. I'll be bringing hell to those pirates."

*Crystaall laughed out loud, and grinned at Ali. She knew Ali was a soldier, and could be a useful ally, but felt something wrong. She heard bad things about Mandolorians lately, but before she began to think about the matter she ripped the thought from her mind and focused on her new friend's comment.*

"It's been a long time since I fought with a group of soldiers. I can't wait to see you guys on the field. My only worry is if you can keep up with a former bounty hunter like myself. I take things to the extreme when it comes to taking out EVERY hostile in my path. It's a bad habit."

*Crystaall only chuckled at Ali's comment and her decision to slap her rear. She grinned and then closed her eyes. She wanted to prep herself for the fight. In order to do that, she had to focus, concentrate, and let nothing get in her way of completing her mission. She breathed deeply until her mind was clear of any emotion and thought. Eyes still shut tight, she put away the huge sword and pulled out both of her pistols, while letting go of the strap. Crystaall applied a minimum amount of focus through the Force to steady herself on the gunship. She knew what was at stake, what the objective was and understood the reasons for each groups decision to be here. She began muttering to herself. Talking to herself to get herself into the moment at hand. 'I am a warrior, and those who stand in my way shall feel no mercy from my blades nor my guns.' She said this in her own head and then looked at Ali with a serious look in her eyes.*

'Whoever these pirates are, Fate will not shine brightly for them today."

=Garwig Gil Ga'Mesh=
After their party for the infiltration team left the office chamber, Garwig left alongside Finnick as they headed for the nearest turbolift. Stepping into the lift, the Saarai-kaar noticed it's interactive panel for those going to the lower levels. Looking at Johnny Vee whom was within the large turbolift holding their group, Garwig asked him politely to press the button for the One Hundred and Eight level. The holodroid nodded to his master and pressed the button as they headed downward to the lower levels of Cloud City.

Looking over at Enbilulu the Quarren in the turbolift that held the seven beings, Garwig talked to him.
"Enbilulu, you feeling confident you can handle riding a thranta?"

=Enbilulu Ishum=
Hearing the Saarai-kaar, the Quarren male responded to him.
"If riding them is anything similar to riding demonsquids, I probably won't have much a problem."

=Garwig Gil Ga'Mesh=
"What about you Pearl and Kasha?"
He asked the two shard/HRD girls within the turbolift.

=Kasha=
"We've ridden on aiwha on Naboo before. So we'll more than likely be fine."
Said the girl with dark-skin and long white hair. Turning her head to her near-identical sister who she heard talk.

=Pearl=
"We've also ridden some gualamas too. My sister and I are very good with animals."
Said the Iron sister with fair-skin and long blue hair.

=Garwig Gil Ga'Mesh=
"I've ridden my fair share of mounts in my life. But if any of us have any problems in the air, please do call out to let us all know. Falling within the lifezone can be a terrible death for many."
Finally arriving at the one hundred and eighth level, the turbolift opened it's door as it slid sideways for everyone. Allowing all to step off and enter a long hallway. The Saarai-kaar with his group made their way through the hall and eventually found themselves at a large hangar with an open area for flying out of the city. Several thrantas could be seen about the area with the thranta riders who usually rode upon them. Approaching one of the riders, the being a male with yellow skin and several tattoos while wearing nothing but a fur loincloth, Garwig spoke to the guy.
"Hello there. I'm Garwig and these are my friends. The Baron Administrator should of contacted you all earlier that we'll be using some thrantas."

=Thranta Rider=
His voice sounding high-pitched, the thranta rider talked politely.
"He has. All the thrantas are ready. Just simply get on one and it will take off upon you giving it the command to. Once you arrive at your destination, the thrantas will return here..."

=Garwig Gil Ga'Mesh=
"Thank you. We'll be sure to not get them hurt."
He told the man, then gestured toward all of his comrades in the infiltration team in the hangar.
"Ok everyone, get on your thrantas now!"
The Saarai-kaar said aloud as he adjusted the comm in his ear again. It would serve as a means to keep in contact with either the Baron or Ali in the attack group. As Pearl, Kasha, Enbilulu, Aiko, and Johnny got onto some thrantas, Garwig looked to Finnick.
"You nervous, Finnick? Hope it isn't your first time riding a flying mount."
Garwig said as he'd shortly then make his way to his own thranta. His ears alert to anything Finnick would say or the others. Soon after Finnick would finish speaking to the Jensaarai, he'd then activate the comm in his ear to contact Ali Hadrix .
:: Ali, this is the Saarai-kaar. Me and the infiltration team have arrived at the thranta hangar. We're about to leave as soon as everyone on all teams are ready. ::

......


=Yumiko Kikuchia=
Meanwhile, the tyrosaarai and others recommended by the Saarai-kaar to join the attack team reached the hangar where Ali Hardix and Crystaall Sehefadu were at. It seemed that the LAAT/i that Ali had was full, but thankfully the LAAT/i provided by the sky patrol was nearby. Looking at the others - Maahes, Dantess, and Megwynne, the zabrak gestured they enter the military airspeeder.
"Ok everyone, get in!"
As Yumiko waited for everyone to get into the air vehicle, it was then she saw the Baron Administrator exit a nearby door to go toward the skydock the LAAT/i was on. The dark-skinned man standing before Yumiko, she spoke to him.
"What are you doing here, Baron?"

=Leon Calrissian=
"Sweet thing, I'm going to come along and make sure everything goes ok. Besides, I'm not that bad of a shot with a blaster."
Leon moved a piece of his cape a little to show a blaster in a holster on his hip.

=Yumiko Kikuchia=
"Well, you are the one in charge of Cloud city and this lartie is owned by your government. It's your choice."
She gestured for him to enter and the zabrak woman herself got into the airspeeder.

=Leon Calrissian=
"Thanks love muffin. I'll make myself comfortable."
The Baron told Yumiko as everyone finally got onboard the LAAT/i. It was during this time that lartie that Ali's group was in took off the skydock, then Yumiko told the pilot of their ship to follow them.

=Yumiko Kikuchia=
"Keep close to that lartie!"
The piloted told the tararsaarai of the Jensaarai he understood, and the ship made sure to keep up with the other LAAT/i. That said, Yumiko got into her own seat while everyone else was seated, then prepared herself for the upcoming attack on Tibaanopolis.

=Leon Calrissian=
As the lartie kept up with the airspeeder they followed, Leon contacted sky patrol with his comm and commanded them.
:: Ok, I need all assigned aircraft to lift off for Operation Freaky Deeky Sexy Time and Slap a Pirate in the Face. All Talon One's and Storm Four's to take off. I need all marauders and larties to follow too. ::
It was during this time that several of the airspeeders and corvettes began to lift off from Cloud City, then began to follow the two larties in front of them as they headed for Tibaanopolis. Using his comm to talk to Ali Hadrix , Leon talked to her.
:: Hey cutie-pie, Ali! It's the Baron! The people Garwig's assigned to join with you in the attack are in the lartie nearby you. I'm with them to oversee the whole thing. Also just called the sky patrol to give us back up. Over. ::

Ali replied to Garwig's message, adding the concerns her pilots, Leftenant's Kaytra and Asha Bonafeld, had just shared with her. I hear you Garwig Gil Ga'Mesh, though we might have a problem. The Venator we're planning on hitting is sitting around with its hangar bays open. Might be a sign they know we're coming. If they do, they'll be able to scramble their fighters before we're able to make it to the hangar, and we won't be able to fight our way through with this gunship alone. We either need to bring in heavier support or we need to launch now. Please respond. Ali concluded her message and noticed she'd received another one from the Baron himself. The fool, Ali thought, before keying the message playback.
Hey cutie-pie, Ali! It's the Baron! The people Garwig's assigned to join with you in the attack are in the lartie nearby you. I'm with them to oversee the whole thing. Also just called the sky patrol to give us back up. Over. Ali growled audibly, her frustration obvious. She responded quickly, and with much anger. Gar dikut'la, ni ven gana gar shebs par skraan! Gar nu gana mayen majycir ibic aka. Slanar norac teh gar yaim'la.¹ Ali didn't expect the Baron to understand her words, nor did she care. The man had gone from a turn-off and a pain in the ass, to a danger to the mission itself. And that Ali couldn't abide.

1: "You idiot, I will have your ass for a meal. You have nothing to add to this mission. Go back to your comfortable home."

=Garwig Gil Ga'Mesh=
"Don't look down too much or for too long. And just be sure to keep the thranta calm. A nervous mount is a difficult one to keep control of."
He told Finnick, then looked over at Sylas and his group that were joining them in the infiltration team.
"Hope you guys are ready too. Shouldn't take us too long to reach Tibannopolis on these things!"
He said, then responded to Ali on the comm in his ear. Shortly after that, he spoke aloud so everyone could hear him.
"Alright everyone, let's fly!"
The Saarai-kaar yelled as he moved the reigns he held so the thranta would understand to move it's wings. Standing towards the edges of the hangar that led out into the lifezone, one by one the thrantas that Garwig and the others individually rode would lift off from the hangar into the air. Holding onto the reigns as tightly as possible, Garwig, Aiko, Johnny, Enbilulu, Pearl, and Kasha made sure their thrantas were calm as they soared through the clouds. As the Saarai-kaar reached spiritually out to the Force, he could feel the direction that the attack team were going toward Tibannopolis. Knowing they had to stay far below the other team in the sky, the Saarai-kaar would fly as the lead of their group on the thrantas in the direction to the floating city, but keep as low profile as possible from the ships headed directly for the pirate occupied city.

OOC: We'll continue posting on the Tibannopolis thread.