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Post by Deleted on May 11, 2015 7:36:37 GMT -8
Acting both allusive and defensive, I see. Don's voice was sharp. Despite his boyish behavior, Don wasn't stupid, especially when it came to his cousin...and when it came to his job, anything that interfered with it pissed him off. So let me guess, Captain Deflection, you somehow managed to kriff up the opportunity and now you don't want to talk about it and don't give two shits about what may have happened to the widow of Taung H'rel since she probably pissed you off too...now what part of that did I get wrong? Don didn't wait for an answer, continuing with a steely voice. If she doesn't turn up, and soon, then I can kiss my bonus for this trip goodbye, because whoever is paying for this haul will probably go with a different transport company...which also means I'll probably be fired by Jeev. So excuse me if I don't buy your shit. This isn't rocket science, I'm not asking you to track her down. You were the last one to see her, and you can't even tell me where she was when you left her? <Fucking selfish bastard>.
Don broke the connection, fuming as he headed back to see how the mechanics and loaders were fairing. Not that it mattered if the pilot didn't show. If there wasn't just him overseeing things, he'd go out looking for her himself. He couldn't afford to lose this gig, and he was seriously regretting getting involved in trying to help his cousin and the job with security.
When he stepped out of the ship 30 minutes later to com Jeev and finally fess up that Vee was missing, who came running with red-hair flying but Vee herself.
Where the fuck have you been?!
Vee shot him a look of irritation. I was hung over, stop yelling. What's the update?
But Don wasn't paying attention to what she was saying. He noticed dark marks all up and down the sides of her neck, peeping behind the high-collared brown jacket as her hair flew back. A light bulb went off in his head. Wait a second...He strode quickly up to Vee, the red-head frowning in confusion.
Don, what are you-
He pulled down Vee's jacket before she could stop him. She winced in pain at the brush of his hand on her neck. Don's eyes went wide. Did Sven do that?
Vee's eyes narrowed as a scowl crossed her features. Shut up Don! She adjusted her jacket with another wince before fleeing to the ship, running up the gangplank. Don followed her.
Holy shit, it was him! Vee! You guys hooked up?
Don, if you don't shut up, I'm going to stun you then cut off your balls while you're out!
Don went quiet for a moment, crossing his arms and leaning his hip against the door frame to the cockpit while Vee checked the systems. If you guys hooked up...why aren't you happier? For once, it wasn't a smartass quip, his voice was surprisingly etched with solemn concern. Did he hurt you?
Vee let out an angry growl. No! What the hell is wrong with you, mind your own damn business! Her outburst had an emotional tinge to it that made Don's eyebrows raise in surprise. He softened a bit Ok boss, ok...I'm sorry. A spark of anger flared up at Sven for whatever he did that resulted in an emotionally tumultuous Vee...he rarely saw her emotional, and Sven was deflecting so hard he could be a shield, so whatever happened between them must be something big. He was also mad at himself for setting them up. He should have known it wouldn't end well.
Is he running security for the haul?
Vee answered stiffly, not turning around. Yes. Jeev is sending some other to assist him too.
Don inwardly groaned.Great...he was going to be on a ship with Sven and Vee, after a fall out. Wasn't he a lucky bastard?
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Cayne
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Keldabe
May 11, 2015 12:41:50 GMT -8
Post by Cayne on May 11, 2015 12:41:50 GMT -8
He was about to snap back, his calm finally shattered by Don's verbal assault, but the line went dead before he could select and articulate an appropriate sally. One of the main problems with comlinks came into play then as the armoured figure wove his way through the market square. You couldn't slam in down in annoyance when you hug up...
Di'kut!
With the comm channel now closed the word growled out of his helms speaker, causing a couple of heads to turn towards him with questioning looks. He shook his head and waved off their attentions as he amusedly wondered why they all though he may be addressing them.
Corr had once said that if you swung your dick in any part of the galaxy you were bound to hit more idiots than people with sense and Svens experience had done nothing to gainsay the claim. Most of these drools wouldn't be fit to recite the Resol'nare much less live by it, such was the dilution of their culture these days. Its all about those creds bout those creds no honour, he thought darkly as he felt a slight pressure near his right hip.
His hand shot out to seize a scruffy-looking lump of rags and tousled brown hair, mailed fist closing around the rough and much mended tunic the child wore. He thought it was a boy at first such was the dramatically sever cut of the muddy brown mop but closer inspection, gained as he dragged the figure up onto its tiptoes, revealed the lashed eyes and slight softening of the features that indicated a female of perhaps eight years old.
Gar haa'taylir bah chakur ni, chakaar?
{{You seek to rob me, thief?}}
His free hand went down to check if she had managed to lift anything from his belt, thinking that if she had one of his grenades in hand right about now there could be a problem. Now at the far side of the square from where he had begun he was no longer in the rush of traffic, the spot he marched her over to somewhat isolated from the main rush of the market. Never the less a few heads turned his way, quickly finding something more interesting to gaze at with the notice of his armoured threat.
The girl squirmed for a moment, eyes wide with fright as she struggled to free herself of the grip. Finally abandoning the task as impossible she dropped her eyes, all of the fight seeming to go out of her, and sniffed heavily. When she looked back up there was a defiance in her eyes, peering up at him from behind a grime encrusted face, and her lip twisted in some close to a sneer.
=Urchin=
"Slanar'pir, osik par mirshe..."
{{Get lost, shit for brains...}}
Her small voice was laced with venom and her bottom lip jutted out as she glared at him. His eyes widened slightly at the vehemence and language but he couldn't stop a small smile from alighting the features behind his helmet.
It was not a rare sight to see such instances anywhere in the galaxy and Mandalore was no different. Perhaps such cases were lessened by the culture, by the fact that each family and clan would seek to look after those that struggled with neither, often finding cause to adopt strays into their community. Still, there were those that weren't so fortunate and who had perhaps become too feral to really tame.
Tracyn o'r gar eh...?
{{Fire in you eh...?}}
He released his hold on the front of her tunic to quickly reach out and snare her right wrist, holding her midway between elbow and hand. With deliberate slowness he dragged the short beskad from its sheath at the waist, allowing it to glint evilly off the mornign sun as he brought it to hover before her eyes.
Vaabir gar suvarir iba'mhi vaabir with chakaare Vaii ni olaror teh...?
{{Do you know what we do with thieves where I come from...?}}
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May 11, 2015 13:19:13 GMT -8
Post by Deleted on May 11, 2015 13:19:13 GMT -8
Everything was running smoothly. The mechanics' work was going off without a hitch, but Don left the cockpit to yell at the loaders to stop taking breaks and keep moving. After Vee checked the systems for the billionth time, she went to check supplies, even though Don said he already did. Vee calculated there was enough for her, Don, Sven and 8 others, which she supposed would be a mechanic and the security forces that Jeev said he'd send over. So far no one was showing up. Including Sven. Did he decide to back out of the deal? She partly wished he would...she wasn't looking forward to being around him this trip.
Vee walked down the gangplank with long easy strides, smirking slightly at Don as he yelled at another loader to move his ass.
Hey, Don!
Don glanced over his shoulder at Vee, turned back to say something to the disgruntled loader, then slow jogged it to the gangplank.
Yeah chief?
Call your cousin for me, he needs to be here when the extra security shows up.
Right.
As Vee walked back into the ship, Don pulled out his com and told it to connect to Sven.He felt a little awkward now that he knew what was going on between him and Vee, and wondered if he should eventually bring it up to him. Nah, they were adults and could figure it out themselves. After all, his meddling started this mess, he didn't want to make it messier by interfering again...though if things got too tense, he would intervene.
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DrRoninMatango
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Keldabe
May 11, 2015 13:32:36 GMT -8
Post by DrRoninMatango on May 11, 2015 13:32:36 GMT -8
Ronin had arrived an hour earlier to the spaceport. Yet another economy ticket to another beautiful crap pool chasing money, adventure and women. Or so the stories went that way. The good guy win, good defeats evil, and the maiden married the hero all to live happily ever after.
Noone wrote about the after, the survivors remorse of the war time hero, the nightmares, the anger; Ronin knew it was all a lie, a fantasy for children's books. Ronin was doing some mission work in some backwater world, war left lasting scars which shown still upon the faces of the young and old alike. Medical aid is all Ronin could offer, a few jokes to shine alight within a dark universe. Even if it was only a momentary reprieve from demons little hands always reached up for the hero's in their story book Ronin frequently would read to them.
A call had been made requesting Ronin and his set of skills so with bag in hand Ronin moved on to the next job.
At one point he could have bought any one of these fools a million times over, at one point his army's could lay waste to the cities of this miserable planet burning all to ash. Now he was clinging to his medical bag with his left hand, and a dirty piece of paper with numbers and names etched on it; his new boss, and meet up location.
Weaving around ships Ronin felt a bit lost and hoped to find the ship soon or be late
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Cayne
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Keldabe
May 11, 2015 13:33:15 GMT -8
Post by Cayne on May 11, 2015 13:33:15 GMT -8
He had expected a fearful barrage of words from her as she pleaded for mercy. Tears and screams. A scramble to get away even. Hell he had seen warriors fold, savage barves who wouldn't think twice about spitting your head crumple under the threat of interrogation. Such patterns were always the same. Indifference, bravado, anger, denial, fear.. They all gave way to acceptance.
He got nothing of the usual patter here.
Her eyes were fearful sure but behind them there was a calm resignation, a serene acquiescence of the consequences that came from her actions. With a defiance that took him aback somewhat she lifted her face, chin jutting out towards him as she chewed her lip for a moment. A single tear snaked its way down her cheek, forging a slightly cleaner trail down her soiled skin.
=Urchin=
"Slanar bat, verd..."
{{Go on then, soldier...}}
The pale eyes found his, looking like twin ion cannons of ice staring up at him. Her lower lip trembled a little but she quickly took it between her teeth, her body tensing as she fought off more tears. She gulped in a breath and swallowed hard, closing her eyes against the sight of his blade hovering before her.
=Urchin=
"Vaabir bic."
{{Do it.}}
Her steady courage gave him pause for a moment, the quiet dignity with which one so young could accept a cruel fate staying his hand. He would have done it too. It was no idle threat. The village where he came from as a child still saw to the removal of the hand should one be caught stealing from another, an archaic practice perhaps, barbaric even, but one that Sven had been brought up on. It was the lack of such deterrents that made the galaxy such a decadent place as it was and the apathy with which rules were enforced set his teeth on edge.
He allowed the blade to waver there a moment longer watching as her face screwed up in anticipation of the blinding pain to come. With a deft flip of the blade he returned it to its sheath, releasing her arm as he did so. Her eyes flickered open, blinking in confusion, before flickering around warily. He was not surprised when she didn't immediately scurry off to disappear into the crowd, merely rubbing her wrist and staring at him with narrowed, suspicious eyes.
Gar copaanir skraan, ad'ika?
You want food, kid?
She didn't reply. Just stared at him in a threatening manner, eyes icy with mistrust. He shruged his shoulders easily and went to turn away, stopping briefly to speak again.
Meh gar vaabir shekemir ni.
If you do follow me.
He turned away and started to head off down a side street that ran in a meandering path towards the spaceport just as his comm pinged. As he moved away, ntoing the call was from Don, he called out a few more words over his shoulder, his helmet speaker easily carrying them to her ears.
Kad Kar'taylire te projor barve nu draar bid suvarirese.
God knows the next guy won't be so understanding.
With a few subtle movements he opened the incoming call, establishing a channel immediately.
Udesla jii, ner tat? I told you. I don't know where she is...
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Keldabe
May 11, 2015 13:54:10 GMT -8
Post by Deleted on May 11, 2015 13:54:10 GMT -8
Don moved the com a little further away from his ear as Sven's voice came over the connection. For some reason, his denial sparked anger in Don, but he ignored it and pretended he didn't know what was going on. He was tight lipped.
She showed up. Now when are you? Some security is going to show up soon, and you're going to be in charge of them.
Don looked up, brow furrowed in annoyance. It changed to confusion as he saw a man milling around, seemingly aimlessly. He kept an eye on him as he spoke to Sven. Despite his intention to restrain himself, he blurted out the next sentence before he could even stop himself. Or did she tire you out as much as you tired her?
Meanwhile...
Vee settled back into the cockpit, noticing a manifest of the ship's passengers was coming up on the ship's holopad's screen.
Vee H'rel, Don Vhett, Sven Garret, Dr. Ronin Matango...
Wait, a doctor? Jeev never said anything about that. Why did they need a doctor? Her belly flopped. Was this just an extreme precaution, or was this trip going to be a lot more dangerous than expected? Jeev hadn't played it up that much, just that the client wanted to take all the precautions with his precious cargo. But a doctor implied that there was real danger, that it was more than just a show and reassurance for their client.
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Cayne
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Keldabe
May 11, 2015 15:38:30 GMT -8
Post by Cayne on May 11, 2015 15:38:30 GMT -8
He checked behind him as he walked, using his helmets three-sixty degree HUD to assess the street, but saw no sign of the child following. With a sigh he quickened his pace somewhat, lengthy stride carrying him rapidly down the street. His voice was distracted when he spoke, a distant note to the tone.
Me'ven? Oh right. Yeah I'll be there in a few minutes...
He ignored the probing question tagged at the end of the call and continued on his way, leaving the channel open but muting his end should he need to interact with someone he met along the way. Now that the morning rush was over he made good time, passing up the opportunity to use one of the several modes of public transportation open to him. He kept checking behind him for the stray urchin, in the end even going so far as to set his scanners to the task. Something about the girl had touched him and he would not see her hungry if he could help it. The ridiculousness of the thought made his lip twist. What was he going to do? He was about to depart on a run and was offering hope to a child he didn't know, with little chance of living up to such a promise. He could barely manage to keep himself afloat but here he was offering charity he didn't have. Charity he would likely have to cajole or bully someone else into providing.
He swerved to his left as a heavily laden speeder truck growled passed, flattening himself against the wall of a warehouse to avoid the wobbling vehicle. Shaking his head at the inconsideration of some people, half-tempted to maglock a grenade to the offending cargo carrier he turned and continued on his way, noting that he was only a few hundred meters from his goal. Indeed when he looked up he could see the traffic of incoming and outgoing spacecraft in the sky,movements a steady trickle rather than a roaring stream.
With a casual air he slowed his pace, watching the various craft soar off into the morning sky or drop out of the clouds to land at the spaceport. His mind drifted back to the first time he had come here, dropped down from the belly of the Marev Naakla in a Skipray Blastboat, barely sixteen years old and fresh out of training. While Mandalorians were often warriors trained and ready at a younger age than that he had undergone specialised training under Cayne Tristan and Maraak Dein, both of whom led elements of the Concordian Special Forces at the time. The training had been rigorous and the trip to Keldabe had been the celebration the culminated the ordeal. It had been here that he had received his first assignment, he thought with equal mixtures of horror and pride. It was here that his journey had begun...
He turned into the hangar bay with thoughts still running haphazardly around his head, ignoring the clamour of men at work at first. In fact, such was his preoccupation he was actually surprised to look up and see men loading crates, mechanics exchanging insults, all beneath the towering hull of a the Class VI Bulk Freighter.
What a piece of junk...
He muttered the words under his breath as his head craned back to peer up at the cockpit mounted high above.
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Keldabe
May 11, 2015 16:28:35 GMT -8
Post by Deleted on May 11, 2015 16:28:35 GMT -8
Vee mulled over this revelation as she scanned the other names. Terry Silvane was coming along. That brought a smile to her face. Terry was an older man, light hearted, calm, steady under pressure and worked quickly and efficiently. He had tagged along at some of her previous heavy-loaded runs. Good ol' Terry. The last six Vee assumed was the security detail.
Well bless my stars, it's Vee H'rel!
Vee snapped around in her seat. Standing behind her with a medium sized bag over his shoulder was none other than Terry himself. Her face broke out into one of her rare smiles. Terry! I was just thinking of you, how have you been? She pushed herself out of the chair and strode the short distance to hug him.
I'm well, I'm well! he said into her hair with a smile. How have you been? His smile turned to a slight frown when, as he pulled back, Vee noticed him staring at her neck. He glanced from her neck to her face questioningly.
Vee's smile faltered slightly as her mind rushed to think up a story. New boyfriend. she finally said, trying to seem happy about it.
Terry's eyebrows shot up in surprise Really? His smile grew a little wider. He's one lucky bastard, who is he?
You don't know him, he works in the city. Before he could reply, she hurried on. If you could, go ahead and get settled then please check on the mechanics? Make sure they're doing their jobs?
Terry nodded, seeming to not notice Vee diverting the conversation. Of course my dear, of course.
Vee sighed in relief and irritation, adjusting her jacket once more.Could everyone see the damned marks? Whatever, she would just keep up with the boyfriend story, it's not like Sven was going to say shit about it and call her bluff, Don wouldn't either...she hoped.
As she walked back over to her seat, she noticed a man walking around, looking rather lost. He was easy to spot because he looked out of place in coat with a large bag slung over his shoulder. Vee watched him for several moments. She was tempted to go down and see if she could direct the man to where he needed to go, but she saw Don move towards him...until his head slightly moved to another direction and he changed course Vee followed his line of sight to see a mando wearing familiar dark blue armor with violet trim. She squared her jaw as she headed to the back to see if Terry needed anything.
Meanwhile, down below...
After Don cut the line, upset with himself for letting the cat out of the bag, even more frustrated that Sven wouldn't own up to it, he went back to monitering the loaders while he continued in intervals to watch the man walk around this way and that. After several minutes, Don decided to investigate...before out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Sven.
Don strode over to his cousin, a peeved look on his face. Nice you could join us. Your team isn't here yet.
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Cayne
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Keldabe
May 11, 2015 17:17:18 GMT -8
Post by Cayne on May 11, 2015 17:17:18 GMT -8
His gaze was dragged back down despite him easily being able to see Don in his visors view, distinctive T-shape turning towards the voice of his cousin. The armoured figure shrugged at the words, once again adopted the casual indifference in order to annoy Don further.
Then I'm not late am I...
His ire from earlier had faded but had not at all been forgotten, Dons aggressive ranting something that would take a fair bit of mockery and annoyance to rectify. His gaze once again drifted to the batter hull looming in front of them, his mind awash with skeptical misgivings. He had come across lumbering bulk cargo haulers such as this one before and, asides from the fact that you weren't going to win a race in one, knew them to be a nightmare to run.
He gestured a gauntlet clad hand at the wreckage, waving it back and forth in a mock panicky motion.
That... That is our ship? It must be a thousand years old...
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DrRoninMatango
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May 11, 2015 17:33:56 GMT -8
Post by DrRoninMatango on May 11, 2015 17:33:56 GMT -8
What seemed like hours came to an end when at last Ronin at last found himself before the Class VI Bulk Freighter.
Readjusting his bag over his shoulder Ronin found two figures standing between he and the ship; one in full armor. Clearing his throat get get their attention he continued
"Ah yes, I'm looking for Jeev would either of you gentileman know where I might find him?"
Ronin guaged both making mental notes of visible weapons as well as possible hidden weapons. To be honest the bag was becoming cumbersome and a chair along with a cold glass of water was all he wanted. Payment would also be nice, but only after he had a hot meal and a cool bed. Yes a big comfie bed, alas he knew this beautiful ship before him probably was fresh out of those sort of luxuries. Disappointment was just one of those things you learned to deal with
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Post by Deleted on May 11, 2015 17:51:15 GMT -8
Don just rolled his eyes. Don't come then, ner vod. He turned on his heel without another word.His cousin could figure it out himself...Sven may be his favorite cousin, but his attitude was grating on him. Don almost ran right into the man he had been eyeing. Don's brow furrowed.
Uh, no Jeev here...but he's my boss' boss, maybe I can help you? He should have directed you to Vee H'rel.
His demeanor, the way he carried himself and the way he spoke caught Don off center. This guy definitely wasn't from around these parts. Probably not mando either. Don's guard went up with suspicion.
Meanwhile, in the ship...
Vee saw to Terry, making more pleasantries, this time about both their families. Fortunately the boyfriend didn't come up. She decided to go outside, maybe help the poor man who couldn't find his way. She would have to get over seeing Sven at some point, might as well be now with others present. As she walked down the gangplank, she could see Don talking to the man. As she got closer, she ignored Sven's armor-clad presence and studied the man.
He had high cheekbones, piercing eyes and dark hair. There was an air of refinement and confidence around him...and something in his eyes that was knowing. Vee tipped her head slightly to the side as she immediately interrupted the conversation, hand resting on her slug at her belt.
What's going on here? Can we help you with something?
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Cayne
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May 11, 2015 18:36:06 GMT -8
Post by Cayne on May 11, 2015 18:36:06 GMT -8
Ignoring Don as he turned away Sven returned his gaze to the ship, head shaking back and forth slowly. He noticed and watched Vee's approach on his HUD before moving off towards the gaping entrance to the hold. His pace was measured as he moved between the huge containers, several of the workers turning their heads to watch his progress, not paying attention to the small shadow that followed.
His actions were as much for Vee's benefit as they were for his, at least that was what he told himself as he wandered aimlessly into the actual hold itself, scanners active while he checked out the structural integrity. He was pretty sure she would not want to speak to him lest they allow such a discussion to spill over beyond their personal privacy. He was not the type to air his matters publically unlike Don and was pretty sure she wasn't either. He had also left his helm on for similar reasons, one being to his any reaction his face may betray and two t spare her having to look at him.
Perhaps he should just walk away, he thought morosely. This trip could easily do without him he was sure. A squad was coming, Don had said, and his cousin was no slouch. He could easily handle them leaving Sven to abandon this fools errand, perhaps finding a mercenary group to roll with.
He stopped between a dull grey containing and a ladder leading up to a higher deck, mind furiously trying to decide on whether to fight or flight,ignoring the scan his helmet continued to run of the ships bulkheads. With a sigh he moved to the side of the ladder and sat on a deactivated loader droid, pulling off his helmet and setting it down beside him. Next he removed his gloves before withdrawing his pipe and tabaac from its resting place.
When he exhaled his first breath he sighed heavily, luxuriating in the act and feeling some of the concern float away, unaware of the small paur of eyes that peered at him from the shadows.
He would stick it through, he decided. It wouldn't be so bad. Perhaps he could find a moment to square things with Vee, draw a line under their issues, though he still wasn't sure what those issues were.
"Ka'tini, Sven...He muttered as smoke twirled about his head. "Gar liser vaabir ibic..."
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DrRoninMatango
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May 11, 2015 19:09:23 GMT -8
Post by DrRoninMatango on May 11, 2015 19:09:23 GMT -8
Ronin noticed the tension with the arrival of the woman, she seemed to be the one running the show. The bucket head, as he called them, walked off shaking his head without a further word after having been in the middle of a conversation. Not everything was good in this happy little crew; what was he getting himself into?! Clearing his throat Ronin spoke up
"Yes ma'am, I was hired by a Mr. Jeev to join this happy crew."
Ronin held out a hand toward the woman gauging her status in this crew, and guessing how good she was with those pistols. Nothing more attractive than a woman that could throw down with the other boy, hold her own, and shoot; being a redhead was a perk too. Ronin made sure to make eye contact, looking into her, reading her.
"Hello I'm the Doctor"
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May 11, 2015 19:32:30 GMT -8
Post by Deleted on May 11, 2015 19:32:30 GMT -8
Vee watched as Sven walked off. He hadn't even bothered to stay as she approached, much less take off his helmet. She ground her teeth as Don glanced at her to gauge her reaction.She couldn't believe she had ever found him attractive with this antisocial behavior. Couldn't he even stand to be around her? She tried to focus on the matter at hand, mentally shaking herself and readdressing the newcomer in front of her.
Vee looked at his hand for a beat before reaching out her own. Dr. Matango? Yes, I saw you on our manifest. His hand shake was strong and sure, his eyes not wavering from hers. We're not leaving until tomorrow, but we can get you set up on the ship. It's not comfortable, so I would advise you find other lodgings for this evening. She took her hand back, crossing her arms. Movement caught her attention out of the corner of her eye, a few brawny men walking towards the ship. Must be the security team. I'm sorry doctor...I need to brief our remaining arriving crew. Don?
As Vee walked off to greet the newcomers, Don stepped forward, all business while he openly studied Ronin.
I'm Don Vhett, the co-pilot. I'll show you to your quarters on the ship. This way... He motioned casually to the ship as he started walking towards it without ceremony. You're not from around these parts, are you doctor? he asked over his shoulder.
Meanwhile...
Vee strode up to the men as authoritative as she could, hand resting back on her slug again. They all wore armor of varying colors and styles, but their helmets were off. There were 6 in total. How can I help you, ner vod?
The one with the burnt orange armor spoke up. We're looking for Sven Garret, we're here on security detail.
Her eyes swept over the men, as they were openly assessing her as well, boot to head.They looked like hard men, men who had seen a lot, and if Vee had to bet, men who were in the war. They all had a a pack with them of supplies, two of them held rifles as if they were a third arm. I'm Vee H'rel, captain and pilot for this haul. I'll take you to Sven now, he'll be your direct line of command for the trip.
She turned and started walking in the direction she had seen him go, the men following her.
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DrRoninMatango
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May 12, 2015 5:56:20 GMT -8
Post by DrRoninMatango on May 12, 2015 5:56:20 GMT -8
The greeting was short and to the point, a definite Mandolorian woman of he ever met one. As the copilot led the way into the ship, Ronin stole a glance at the men she had approached; the hired muscle if he had to guess. Her tell toned backside, and red hair came into view as Ronin moved into the ship, it was going be a long trip.
'Run you clever boy,' he thought to himself as a smirk crossed his face of only for an instant.
Ronin knew better, everything happened for a reason, and nothing in the universe was ever purly coincidence.
Following the copilot, he listened to the question and chuckled
"Whatever gave you that idea?!"
Ronin motioned to his clothes and bag
"Was it the clothes, maybe the bag filled more with medical supplies than clothes, weapons and food. Or maybe it's my accent or possibly because I'm not head to toe in armor? !"
Ronin chuckled again, he knew out of place he must look
"Yea Don, I'm not from around here, and as you guessed I'm not a mando. I was hired for my time spent serving as a republic combat medic, and as my time serving at the Red Dawn Medical Center. So don't worry I think I maybe able to handle myself in a fight unless I'm working in which case I better have someone watching my six. On another note, anything about the crew I need to know about?"
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Cayne
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Keldabe
May 12, 2015 10:14:56 GMT -8
Post by Cayne on May 12, 2015 10:14:56 GMT -8
A tone pinged from his helmet as the scan finished its analysis, indicating with a tiny strobing green light that the results were ready for viewing. Taking another long pull on his pipe Sven held the smoke for a moment before expelling it in a long steady stream. His right hand went to the left to tap the pipe out on the droids chassis, bringing the bowl to eye level for a closer look. Seeing debris still sitting against the built in gauze he reached down and drew forth a pointed, dirk-like instrument, deftly using it to clear the device.
He hated leaving any burned tabaac or clots of ash in his pipe once he was done with it, the lingering traces leaving a stale, stagnant taste in the barrel itself. It colored the experience for him and it was one of the more pleasurable vices he had in his life. He insisted on only the best tabaac and only the best means of consuming it, anything else falling short of the standard to which he had grown accustomed.
He glanced at the pipe again as he returned the dirk to its place, noting the wear and tear from its use, realising that he would be best served shopping around for a replacement.
Such a task was always irksome to him, a good pipe being much like an old pair of slippers. Once it was broken in and molded to suit it was very hard to replace, the whole 'bedding in' process needing to take place once more before the standards could be met. One never knew if one had the right instrument until the moment when it was perfect, months going by with the promise of satisfaction but never the certainty.
He returned the pipe to its place as he stood, left hand scooping up his helmet and placing it over his dark blonde hair. He called up the diagnostics with subtle face movements as he began to pull on his gloves, turning and heading back the way he had come, down the line of cargo containers. His head remained still but his eyes flickered this way and that as he took in the information, his HUD displaying terms that he would understand rather than the technical jargon that a skilled mechanic might use.
Motir ca'tra nau tracinya...
The words were of low volume but clearly distinguishable as they growled absently out of his helmet speaker, sung softly to the measured beat of his footsteps. His hand slapped occasionally against his armoured thigh to add a counter beat, a metallic clap to the ancient Mandalorian song.
Gra'tua cuun hett su dralshy'a.
There was little surprising in the scan really. The structural integrity was bordering on the red line as the degeneration of the ancient hull continued its steady march towards oblivion. The frame itself had been patched and reworked so many times that the keel was bent several degrees from starboard to port, probably giving the ship considerable yaw as it moved. The lowest level of the cargo bay, the one in which he now walked, had countless microfractures and would likely bleed heat and maybe even air into the depths of space, the slow seepage unlikely to create a breach but enough to compromise the area. Luckily each of the three levels could be sealed off independent of each other and the bottom two could be left without life support in they all stuck to the bridge and upper level.
Aruetyc talyc runi'la solus cet o'r.
He logged the report to bring to attention later, deciding he would take a look at the engines next. It was not his job to do so but he'd be damned if he was putting his life in the hands of a bucket of rusty bolts such as this without giving it the once over.
He glanced up as he rounded one of the dull grey crates and saw Vee approaching, marching ahead of six armour-clad figures like some demon captain of hell. The words of the song whispered from his lips as he gazed at her approach, stopping slowly to stand and await her, flanked by the towering stacks to either side.
Motir ca'tra nau tracinya.
The eyes behind the visor allowed his systems to scan the men that followed her, giving assessment of their weapon systems, armour integrity, heart rate, temperature and a whole list of information that was mostly meaningless to him. As the helm did its work he engaged in his own scan, reading body language, the set of the shoulders, the look in the eyes... All of them had removed whatever helms they had on, possibly as a show of respect to their employed, and all possessed the hard-eyed gaze of a seasoned warrior.
Their armour was mainly durasteel and lacked any clan insignia meaning they were likely freelance mercs that lacked the real training and seasoning of true verd. They would be decent for what they were needed but any hope of tactical efficiency in a pitch battle would likely be in vain. Three humans, a Nagai and a Duros stared back at him as they slowed to a stop...
He hesitated for a moment before reaching up to remove his helm, a flash of resignation running through his mind. He shook his head to loosen the hair then raked the fingers of his left hand across his head, keeping his face so impassive he may as well have left his helmet on.
"Alor'ad."
The tone was neutral and his nod of greeting just reeked of formality.
He urged to tell her he was sorry even if he wasn't sure what for. Burned to take her in his arms and stroke that fiery man, telling her that it was okay and he'd never hurt her again. Alongside such thoughts ran those that wanted to remain cold and aloof, stubbornly standing in front of a turbolaser until she came to him, or until Hoth melted, chin thrust out in belligerent pride.
The war within him raged as his eyes searched her face quickly, grasping for a sign, any sign, that things could be made right...
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Deleted
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Keldabe
May 12, 2015 14:06:55 GMT -8
Post by Deleted on May 12, 2015 14:06:55 GMT -8
Don thought he was a talker, but this doctor guy sure was chatty. Don never knew why people often became annoyed with him, but he was starting to understand why. Well, the ladies loved him, so who cared? Don stole a long side glance at Ronin.The doc looked pretty green, it was hard to imagine he had been a combat medic. And since when did Jeev start hiring dar'manda...and why did they need a doctor? They'd never had one on crew before. Don, for once, took several seconds before answering, the question strange to him.
Anything you need to know about the crew? Like medicine stuff? We're all healthy, if that's what you mean.
They were at the gangplank before Don yelled at another loader who was sitting down, eating something out of a bag. Hey lazy ass, get back to work! You aren't gettin' paid to eat!
The man shot Don a dirty look, but begrudgingly stood and made his way back with the others. Don shook his head, huffingThese guys...bunch of lazy assholes, we'll never get out of here at this pace.
Meanwhile...
Vee squared her shoulders and drew herself up as she strode with authority towards the crates of cargo the loaders had been hauling all morning, hearing the footfalls of the mandos behind her.Why Sven was hiding back here, though, Vee couldn't fathom. At least he couldn't run away this time, he would have to face her. The fact she wouldn't be alone emboldened her. Sticking to business around and with Sven would be the way to avoid any awkwardness. They fucked. So what. She was overly emotional about it, as she was sure any person would be given her situation. It didn't mean anything. In fact, she should probably talk to him privately, tell him that she understood they had a professional relationship and it wouldn't get in the way of their work.
At least that's what she tried to convince herself as she approached Sven who magically reappeared behind some crates. She put on a neutral mask as she got closer, her traitorous body's heart speeding up slightly as she saw his face again when he took his helmet off and ran his fingers through his hair, her core clenching painfully at the sound of his raspy, heavily accented voice. She stopped a few feet away from Sven as he acknowledged her. His face as impassive as ever. Didn't this guy ever have feelings? Vee ground her teeth, but her voice came out even and to-the-point.
Garret. These are the vod that were sent to augment security. She turned slightly to address the mandos. This is the man in charge, ner vod...I don't want to hear from him that there are any problems, suvarir? Vee looked at each of them in the eyes. Some of them said suvarir, alor'ad, while a few just nodded their heads solemnly.
Vee turned back to Sven, forcing herself to not waver from looking into his blue eyes as her heart raced and she fought to maintain a neutral face. I'll see you in the cockpit as soon as you're done here, Garret. Privately.
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DrRoninMatango
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Ello, I'm the Doctor
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Keldabe
May 12, 2015 14:53:17 GMT -8
Post by DrRoninMatango on May 12, 2015 14:53:17 GMT -8
Ronin nodded
"It's good to know how quickly I may need to be getting to work."
Leaning to the side Ronin motioned to the group that was recently scolded.
"So do we have an ETA for departure? I assume my room will also double as the medical ward? I need to set up shop so to speak, and familiarize myself with the ship"
Anticipation for a new adventure was setting in. New scenery, new faces, and new opportunities. Though that hot piece had recommended getting a hotel room he doubted he would sleep. No far too much work needed to be done. Instruments needed to be set up, weapons checked and the ship needed to be inspected. In the past with ships of this size he was on call at all times and slept little making more sense for his room to double as the medical ward that way he could catch sleep when he could and if he was needed he would already be at his work station.
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Deleted
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Keldabe
May 12, 2015 15:20:17 GMT -8
Post by Deleted on May 12, 2015 15:20:17 GMT -8
Don was walking up the gangplank now, running his fingers through his dark hair at Ronin's questions.If he had known they were going to have a doctor on board, he was sure he and Vee would have put more thought into where to put him. As far as a medical ward, though, he didn't think there would be room for one. He wished Vee would have spoken to the good doctor instead of going off after Sven. She could of just as easily had him take the grunts to Sven while she took Ronin up. He hoped whatever happened, it didn't start more drama.
Don turned back slightly to Ronin as they entered the ship, veering off to the left. To be honest, doc, we weren't informed you were coming...H'rel saying she noticed you on the manifest was the first I heard of you. He shrugged as he continued down the narrow hallway. I suppose we can give you the biggest room we have though...it's not much, but if you're going to use it as a med bay, it's the best we got. He lead Ronin deeper into the ship, making seemingly random turns. Although...the room is supposed to be the captain's, but I doubt she'll mind giving it up. Plus, Don's room was right beside Vee's, guaranteeing he could keep a better eye on mister fancy doctor pants. He was getting a strange vibe about the guy...Don wanted to attribute it to the fact Ronin was so different from them, but there was still something else that was unsettling about the good doctor.
Don suddenly stopped in front of a narrow door-frame, gesturing into the open door. Here we are, feel free to get set up. Let us know if you don't want to sleep on the ship tonight, we can get you better lodgings. He jerked a thumb behind his shoulder. I'm in that room next door, so if you need anything during the trip, lemme know. We're supposed to leave tomorrow, if these di'kuts can get their shit together.
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Cayne
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Posts: 119
Affiliation: Clan Vhett
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Keldabe
May 12, 2015 15:39:55 GMT -8
Post by Cayne on May 12, 2015 15:39:55 GMT -8
With his helmet tucked in the crook of his left arm, posture straight but relaxed, Sven listened as she spoke. When she turned to address the others he stepped forward slightly to stand besides her, easily within touching distance. With considerable effort he tore his eyes from the smooth profile of her strong features to allow his gaze to track across the expressions of the mercenaries, gauging reactions to her words.
If there were reactions from the soldiers his mind was too preoccupied with its own little internal narration to notice much less divine the meaning. The smell of her hair, freshly washed this morning but left to dry in the breeze, stirred his senses nearly to the point of making him swoon. Like the way freshly baked bread was likely to move the stomach to hunger pangs, such was the intoxicating effect of standing this close to her. His hand longed to reach out and caress the red-gold glory that rained down from upon her crown, like a glorious mantle of coppery perfection. Her indifferent expression irked him at first until he recalled that it likely mirrored his own and he wondered idly if she too hid feelings behind stern professionalism, or whether she really was just cold to any such fire between them. He thought he saw a twitch in her stoic mask but couldn't be sure, the view out of the corner of his eye insufficient to judge.
He continued standing where he was as she turned back to him, body angled slightly away from her and facing the men, presenting her with his profile as he studiously avoided meeting her eyes. The command caused the jaw muscles to clench tightly, bunching the lower jaw where it met cheek, but it was the only reaction at first, finally a sharp nod preceding his words.
"Gar ke'gyce, Alor'ad."
{{Your command, Captain.}}
He finally turned his head and looked into her emerald orbs, holding the gaze for a few agonisingly long heartbeats.
His expression may have been a blank canvass but his gaze held a landscape of feeling. There was hurt there, heavily laced with confusion and anger. All of it barely contained under a defensive shield of pride, with a seething moat of anger surrounding it. His blue-green eyes were nearly dark grey in the feeble, artificial light and seemed to mirror the steely containers that surrounded them.
Finally his eyes dropped before he turned to the six men who stood there knowing nothing of the exchange taking place.
"Olaror bat, droten."
{{Come on, people.}}
His gaze flickered her way again as he turned and led the men deeper into the ship to familiarise them with the layout...
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