Kota Terress

Tyke stops and looks back over his shoulder.

Tyke: I certainly hope you don't take offense to this, Anneli, but I hope to never have to speak to any of you again.

He says with a grin as he seemingly glides out of the office. The door closes behind him. They have all I can give them. All i can do know is trust that I picked the right team.

A lot of the time, people who did get to meet Tyke had one of two reactions. Either they were extremely relieved because he was the SIS's problem solver and he could really get the job done or he was seen as this angel of death. If you were meeting with Tyke McAvoy, things were bad. He never liked seeing people more than once. because after awhile they become people to him, real people, and he really needs them to just be profiles. He needs them to be data in a file that he can use to set a roster, a roster that cannot fail.

Tyke: Prove me right.

He says to himself as he walks unnoticed through Carrick Station.

Tyke: Perfect.

As he says this he fingers through some files on his datapad and finds the ship Valin was talking about.

Tyke: It's done. The ship is docking bay 314. Drop my name to the guards and they'll let it go. I'm sending the last known coordinates of the missing vessel to the ships nav computer. You should be all set to go. 

Tyke stands and nods to the team. He makes for the door.

Tyke: If there's nothing else.....

((I'm going to skip ahead to the arrival on Belsavis if everyone is ok with that. You guys can discuss how your initial meeting went with those of you who are unfamiliar with others retrospectively if you want. ))

Raptor 1: Guardian, this is Raptor 1, we are going in.

A republic pilot sits in the cockpit of the standard Republic fighter. It banks over a collection of towers and a squadron of about 6 more fighters fall in behind it. The fighters form up in an attack formation as they glide over the prison cityscape below. Smoke bellows up from the ground in thick, heavy stacks. The Raptors cut a sharp turn and level themselves with the oncoming Imperial invasion. Massive warships hover in the sky blocking out the sun above them. Imperial ships of all kind drop down and move into positions. A number of transports moving ground units and vehicles descend to the surface while a squadrons of Imperial fighters take to the sky. And of course one is headed right for The Raptors.

Their ships glide over a collection of blown apart towers and as they do, a group of ground troops watches them. The ground troops bear the valiant markings of the Republic military, Guardian Company to be precise. The troops all prep their weapons and gear. The ominous clicking, beeping, and cocking rings through the area.

Guardian 1: Copy that, Raptor 1. Do you have visual on high priority targets?

Up in the cockpit a radar screen starts flashing.

BEEP BEEP BEEP!

The pilot flicks a switch and the commotion stops.

Raptor 1: If you mean transports with those damn Walkers, then yes I see them. (To the other ships) Raptors, switch to attack position we’ve got incoming fighters!

The fighters all prepare for attack and reform up. The Imperial fights swoop in and engage. The ships fly passed each other and exchange fire. One Imperial ship takes a bolt to its left wing and spirals out of control.

Raptor 1: Good hit, Raptor 3! Watch for tails! If you get a break for those transports you take it!

Back through the prison 3 fighters break atmo and dart down to the surface. One of them leaves a trail of smoke as it struggles to stay level. Behind them is a Republic drop ship. 4 Imperial fighters drop in behind them spraying bolts down their way. The smoking fighter dips back and moves behind the drop ship. It takes a direct hit and spins out only to explode in a fiery mess.

Drop Ship Pilot: We lost another escort!

Escort 2: Moving to cover!

Drop Ship Pilot: (To passengers) I don’t know how I feel about this landing! You might want to prepare to jump!

In the back of the drop ship, the occupants bounce and rock in their seats as the blaster fire continues. They are Captain Kaxon Rudder, Lieutenant Summer Gamble, Captain Rimm Tondra, and O’ric and they are in some deep trouble. 

Tyke watches the Captain go. He sighs. He tries not to look upset, but he fails.

Tyke: It's alright.

Anneli jumps in practically intercepting the spotlight. She's in, that's good. And the Jedi? We'll see.

Tyke: The fact remains, we're down a ship.

Tyke knows how hard this must be, to find out that your fellow comrades, no, family, is being hunted.

Tyke: I can get names if you want. 2 of the victims were apprentices and 2 were masters not of the apprentices though. They weren't all killed the same exact way but it is obvious that all were killed by the same person.

The Warden looks pleased at Kaxon's acceptance of the unusual request.

Warden: Captain, it may seem odd to you but when you assembled your team someone, whom I cannot name for reasons I'm sure you'll understand, gave your contact information. He seemed to believe that your squad would be able to help get us out of any situation that seemed ...well this dire. This is that time and I trust his judgement. i appreciate you coming. Now get moving we need you here ASAP.

He ends the call and leans back in his chair.

Attendant: Just another day at work, huh Sir.

Warden: Indeed.

Tyke knows this team is too clever for their own he just hopes they're not too clever for him. He opens a file on the datapad and lets the holo projection take over. The porjection shows the cargo manifest, the official record of what that ship is carrying.

It's blank.

Tyke: The mission that was given to me to assign was to get back the cargo on a hijacked ship with a blank manifest. And this was a light day.

He smirks his charming little smirk at the end trying to hide his discomfort with the situation. He looks over the team once more. He takes in their faces, their real faces. He's been sifting through files and reports and photos, he knows these people better than maybe anyone, but they just became real people. And now they risk not being people at all. This mission doesn't exist. There is no record, there is no recording of this meeting, there isn't even really a meeting. In fact right now this room is technically being used for a birthday party for a one "Colt Gamble", who's been reported KIA for a long time. Tyke knows no one will think twice about that and if someone does recognize the name they'll know to stay away.

Tyke looks around, not for an answer but to gauge how everyone is taking in the information. Then the questions start.

Quaxo: I need more information before I agree to anything. Who has the ship now? And what are we to retrieve?

Tyke: We don’t know. Could be Imperials, could be pirates. You have authorization to kill anyone on board. This incident doesn’t exist, therefore neither do the people on board or what happens to them. The only objective is the cargo.

Valin: And what priority are any living crew?

Tyke’s eyes shoot to the Jedi. Of course the living crew, should there be one, is going to be a factor for you, Valin. Fine, you want to know?

Tyke: This mission’s briefing, which doesn’t exist, does not list any living crew, therefore does not make them a priority. If you were to find any living crew the choice would be yours. No one is going to know otherwise.  (He turns directly to Valin) Do what you have to do, Jedi, just make sure you retrieve the cargo.

The Warden watches as Kaxon comes into view. Not knowing where Kaxon is, the Warden isn’t quite sure of what time he’s contacting him. From the looks of Kaxon, however, he deduces it must be late, or at least that Kaxon was probably sleeping.

Warden: Captain, this is the Warden of the Republic Prison on Belsavis. I have a situation. A little while ago Imperial warships dropped out of hyperspace and invaded Belsavis, deploying ground forces near the Maximum Security Sector. They are making a straight shot for our power generator. With all that’s been happening, we were unprepared for this, and they might just make it. I’ve called for Guardian Company, our Republic Military affiliates to handle extreme circumstances but I want your team infiltrating their foothold on the ground. Can you and your soldiers get here?

He speaks sternly and quickly as he is pressed for time. An attendant bursts into his office.

Warden: What is it!?

Attendant: Imperial ships are making a bombing run! Security has asked you to proceed to your safety bunker.

Warden: Are you Kidding me, son! Not while my prison is under attack! Not while I’m still breathing! (To Kaxon) Captain, do you copy?

BELSAVIS COMMAND CENTER

The command center is lined with consoles that surround row after row of console each with it’s own officer working at it. The door opens and the Warden steps in.

Warden: What the hell is going on!?

Officer: Sir, Imperial warships jumped out of Hyperspace 30 minutes ago. They immediately deployed an Invasion force and secured a foot hold in the Maximum Security sector.

Warden: What’s the status of the sector?

Officer: Yea, well obviously there are some dangerous prisoners still there but with all that’s been happening, the break outs the covert Imperial ops, most of the prisoners have been KIA or moved.

Warden: Alright, so what’s the situation?

Officer: They are heading for the main power structure in the next sector over. They deployed heavy Walkers and massive ground units to cut a path right through the complex. They have heavy air support too.

Warden: That’s enough. I want this dealt with. Get Guardian Company on sight immediately.

Officer: Yes Sir, they are on stand by, but the Guardians don’t have the resources to handle a full invasion.

Warden: I know. Someone get my The 61^st RSTAB unit from the Republic on the line in my office now.

Officer: Yes Sir!

The Warden reviews the information then heads out. The room bursts with motion as the officers get to work carrying out the orders they have just received.

The Warden makes his way to his office where a holocall to Captain Kaxon Rudder is waiting for him.

He sits behind his desk.

Warden: Captain.

((Feel free to post your meeting each and what have you. There is no posting order so feel free to back and forth as you choose. I will post to advance things when I feel you've had the chance to interact. Tell us a little bit about yourself (in character of course) and how you got here or what you were doing when you received the call to come in.))

((Sorry this one's intro is a little shorter. I wanted to catch you up to the others and get th eplot moving since we started this one late.))

Tyke turns to Azraella quickly and ready for her words. He has studied each of them and selected them for specific reasons.

Tyke: If you wanted to keep your throat intact you may be in the wrong field, regardless of “Sithy” entanglements. As for why you are here, you were selected for this mission. If you wanted to stay off my radar you should’ve been less good at your job.

He looks around and presses on.

Tyke: Listen, I’m not going to sugar coat this. This (he gestures to the pictures) It’s not happening. I mean no, absolutely no one is looking for whoever did this. Its war time and bodies are piling up; no one is going any deeper than that. I am the SIS’s deepest cover “problem solver” and I wasn’t even assigned this. No one cares.

He lets the room take that in.

Tyke: On the other hand, this is happening and on Coruscant. Jedi are being hunted and massacred. No one has enough information to pursue this but someone took notice. Someone took notice and sent this to me to solve. But I can’t. I have responsibilities to the Republic that I’m needed for. This, however, needs to be dealt with which is why I’ve called you and it’s why I’ve done it here. I needed to assure your safety. I can’t do anything about this and neither can you, not as the Republic, anyway. You have act on this as an independent Jedi matter. So…..are there any questions as to why any of you are here?

Tyke:….Yea, ok.

He fiddles through some more files on his datapad. He stops, satisfied with his results. He looks up and over the team. He runs his tongue along the inside of one cheek. He tosses the datapad down on the table and stands up.

Tyke: Ladies and gentlemen, I am in business of solving problems and I seem to have myself a tricky one. Tricky ones, just so happen to be the only ones I get called in for. So, basically my business has become your business. Your business is being shipped off to Coruscant to sell War bonds.

He activates the holo projector in the middle of the table and images of a republic vessel appear.

Tyke: You will be traveling from Hutt Space to Coruscant on an independent mission to sell War Bonds and along the way you WILL encounter this Republic ship which has been hi-jacked. When that ship runs across you, you will find a way to get on board and secure its “precious cargo”. Mission command and the SIS are pretty sure any crew on the ship is already dead. Get on, get the cargo, bring it here, and place it right here on my brand new, pretty table, that the good Captain will keep his dirty feet off of. Good? Questions?

Tyke looks smug as ever at Vyrigan's answer. He certainly did not call them here to discuss Cam and it's only due to Tyke's near photographic memory that he even remembered that Cam's file crossed his desk once, maybe twice. Then it happened. The Force. Tyke watches in heightened amusement as the smuggler mocks the Force mind trick on him.

He can't help but let out a grin until his face hardens. He actually can feel it, the Force. How? Is the smuggler really...No, he would've known. It would've come up. Tycke instinctively lowers his had to his blaster, so covertly as to not draw attention.

His hand hovers over it. He doesn't like this....

Vyrigan: You should tell us what is going on.

Vyrigan's voice comes in and Tyke gets a hold of himself. Of course, of course it was Vyrigan. "Well played, Jedi" Tyke thinks as he calmly flashes a smirk to Vyrigan. He turns back to Azraella.

Tyke: I can only imagine the trouble you'd get in with the Force, Azraella.

Another charming grin. Tyke expected Force shenanigans, this being a meeting of jedi, on Tython, in the Jedi Temple, but he didn't like it. He didn't like it at all.

He places his Datapad at the center of the table and it projects three holo images of murdered jedi, all killed at the hands of a lightsaber and all looking like they met an awful fate. 

Tyke: Well, Ladies and Gentlemen, someone's been killing you off. And I don't mean acts of war, I mean Killing. You. Off.

Tyke perks up at Vyrigan's comments. He smirks.

Tyke: Hmm? Oh, I didn't want to interrupt. I'm just a guess here.

He looks around to the others, all eyes on him.

Azraella: Whatcha looking at?

Tyke: Your files. I guess I'm being rude though.

He stands up.

Tyke: Tyke McAvoy. I'm a Republic deep cover agent but today I'm here as more of a "problem solver". I trust you've all met and I already know who all of you are, or at least all I need to know.

He looks around the room studying the lot gathered before him. Why should they help him? Really they'd be helping themselves but how would they know that? Time to ruffle some feathers.

Tyke: (To Vyrigan) How's Cam, your s-

He stops himself and smirks.

Tyke: Your Security contact, right?

Covered it up just enough. Vyrigan might have caught that he was going to say "your son" but maybe not.

Tyke: Take a seat, Tala, you're a little late. I'm sure you're eager to know why I've called you here. If you're not then you should be because otherwise you showed up to briefing you have no intention of completing which would make you look foolish. None of you are fools, are you?

His last question lingers and he raises a curious eye. They were assembled precisely because they had just the right amount of foolishness. Foolishness might be the wrong word. Unconventionality, yea, that's the word. That's what they had. He takes a long sip of his drink then returns to his datapad.

Tyke: Ok...ok....ok.....And ahh The Mad Jawa. Is your ship in good working condition? And how are your credentials?

HISS

There goes the door once again. In steps Tyke McAvoy dressed in his formal looking attire of pants and a vest with a button down underneath, sleeves rolled up. The attire looks formal but upon further review it actually is more functional than anything. Tyke's blaster makes its presence known by resting on Tyke's hip in plain sight. The door closes behind him and this time locks.

Tyke looks around the room at the those gathered. He takes a long moment. He checks his datapad. Files pop up indicating who each person is. He looks for one....got it.

Tyke: Captain Quaxo, feet off my table. Do I come to your office and put my feet up? No.

He whips passed them like nothing has happened and opens a small compartment in one of the shelves along the wall. He removes a bottle of Correlian Ale and 4 glasses. He pours each of them a drink and places it in front of them before sitting down.

Tyke: It's Correlian Ale, all I got but you could do worse.

He takes a sip.

Tyke: I'm Tyke McAvoy, I'll be heading this Op. I already know who each of you are so I'm not going to waste time going over it unless you haven't introduced yourselves to each other in which case...

He waves his arms in front of him,

Tyke: Make it quick.

As the group makes their introductions the door to the room slides open. It's not as fast as the typical sliding doors but that's due to it being much older. In its wake, a young, handsome man walks in. He sports his usual pants, vest, and button down with the sleeves rolled up. His blaster rests in its place just as always. Tyke brushes into the room and all eyes switch to him, no doubt these people had been waiting for someone.
 Tyke doesn't look at any of them. He walks past them all and pulls up a chair to the table. He sits and places a datapad in front as he goes through some files. He makes no effort to speak to those gathered in the room. He just waits.

DEPTHS OF CORUSCANT

The rain assaults the sidewalk and courtyard in front of a towering skyscraper in the less friendly sector of Coruscant. The rain has driven away most of the usual night time lurkers on this block a few really serious thugs and some spice users so out of their mind they don’t know where they are remain.

SPLASH

A boot comes down hard in a puddle that had remained hidden due the intense night time darkness this area experienced. Jokum, a Republic official in dark indiscriminant clothes rushes through the rain. The only light in the area comes from what little overflows from the buildings but even they remain very dark. Jokum passes a spice head that falls over in his wake and face plants into the wet ground. He may very well be dead.

Jokum turns the corner quickly into the small courtyard before ducking into the building.

Inside is not much better. The lobby is empty including the front desk and barely any of the lights work. The ones that do work continue to flicker. Jokum whips back his wet coat and checks a small data pad.

“1023”, it reads.

He sighs and makes his way over to the lifts. The door opens on the 10^th floor and may very well be the eeriest sight Jokum has seen yet. He works up enough confidence to take that first step. The floor seems deserted, save for a faint…..sound….music. He listens in. It’s old but he recognizes it. It’s an old melody from some star struck hopeless romantic on Nar Shaddaa. It had to be at least a decade old. The quality was terrible, static and scratchy. He moves down the hall to the source of the sound. As he passes each room he sees most of the doors were left open and the rooms abandoned.

He reaches a closed door and no doubt the source of the music, room 1023. He knocks and waits. He hears shuffling and then music lowers, more shuffling and then:

HISS

The door slides open and before Jokum stands a handsome man, Tyke McAvoy. He sports nice pants and a closed vest with a long sleeve white shirt underneath, sleeves rolled up. There is a blaster pistol resting in a holster on his hip.

Tyke: Jokum.

Jokum: Mr. McAvoy.

Tyke nods and shows him inside. Jokum looks around the room. It’s small and cluttered with boxes of what look like holorecords. In the center is a holoterminal in the shape of a desk with a chair on either side. On the table sits a drink, probably Correlian Ale. Off to the side on a shelf sits the recorder playing the old Nar Shaddaa one hit wonder.

Tyke sits behind the desk.

Jokum: I liked your old office better, you know, the one where I didn’t risk mugging to get to.

Tyke: I didn’t call you here.

Jokum: No, no you didn’t.

Jokum takes a seat in the other chair.

Jokum: I have a problem I need you solving.

Tyke: I got a few problems I need me solving.

Jokum: This is serious.

Tyke: So am I. Why do you think I chose such a hard place to get to? I needed to be alone, get some work done, uninterrupted.

Jokum: I understand but my coming here should let on how bad I need you. 3 Jedi are dead.

Tyke rolls his eyes.

Tyke: Yea and I have a rogue Republic vessel in Hutt space and the Imperials have decided to take up an office on Belsavis. I have a feeling a lot more Jedi are going to die before my next paycheck.

He takes a drink.

Tyke: By the way, you didn’t hear about those events from me.

Jokum: Of course. But these weren’t war casualties, these were murders, on Coruscant.

Tyke: Coruscant, huh?.....Well, as unsettling as that is, why is that more important than the 2 other officials who brought me their assignments?

Jokum: I’m not here on behalf of the Republic. I mean to contract you out privately.

Tyke: I don’t do that…anymore.

Jokum: I know but just look.

Jokum brings up images on his datapad. 3 Jedi murders on Coruscant, all at the hands of lightsabers. Tyke studies them.

Tyke: Traitor?

Jokum: I don’t think so.

Tyke: Sith? Here?

Jokum: Maybe.

Tyke considers this for a long moment.

Jokum: You’re the problem solver and we may have a huge problem.

Tyke: You never cease to bore me Jokum, and I really thought this time you would. I’d like to help but I can’t afford the time. I’m not a private business anymore my republic contract has to come first.

Jokum looks upset.

Tyke: However, if you’re familiar with my work, as I know you are, you’ll know that I know the perfect people to help you.

Jokum looks ups.

Jokum: And they work for you?

Tyke: Not exactly, but I can get them in a room together.

Jokum: Great! When and where?

Tyke: Not here, too risky. Somewhere I can assure Jedi safety…Tython. Leave me your evidence and let me handle it.

Jokum springs to his feet.

Jokum: Excellent! I knew I could count on you Tyke.

Tyke: yea, yea. Now get outta here.

Jokum makes for the door.

Tyke: Jokum, do you have a gun?

Jokum: No, why would I have a gun!? I’m a representative of-

Tyke: -Let me walk you out.

They both exit the office as a crack of thunder lights the room in a flash.

TYTHON – MEETING ROOM IN JEDI TEMPLE

The meeting room is very large and very round. It’s grand in structure and depicts some Tython’s most beautiful architecture.

Four people occupy the room. Three jedi stand nearby each other in that respectful community way that Jedi on Tython often do. They are Kessily, Aubdjorn, and Vyrigan.

They are not the only ones though. A smuggler sits in one of the chairs nearby. Not a Jedi at all, Azaella sits slightly removed from the others, waiting. They have all been called to discuss an event within the Jedi community but they do not know what. They standby waiting for their contact…….

((Feel free to post your meeting each and what have you. There is no posting order so feel free to back and forth as you choose. I will post to advance things when I feel you've had the chance to interact. Tell us a little bit about yourself (in character of course) and how you got here or what you were doing when you received the call to come in.))

SOMEWHERE IN HUTT SPACE

A massive Republic battleship flies through the emptiness of space on its patrol of the territory. The deck is very busy with crewmen bustling about and typing away at their terminals. The Captain of the ship stands at the main viewport. He stares stoically out into space. A proud noble Captain is he.

His thoughts wander to that of his family, his wife and two kids. His thoughts are interrupted by something that catches his eye. Something small lingers out on space but grows larger, no, not larger, closer.

BEEP BEEP BEEP!

One of the crew’s terminals lights up. She is all over it.

Deck Crew Woman: Sir! Unidentified vessel, right in our flight path!

The Captain springs to life. No big deal, right?

Captain: Adjust our course. Do not hit it!

The crew scatters to their stations and take the necessary actions to avoid the vessel.

Deck Crew Man: Course adjusted. We are no longer in danger, sir.

Captain: Let’s make sure. (To Deck Crew Woman) Contact the ship. I want to why they are in a Republic patrol path.

The Woman nods and sends the transmission.

Deck Crew Woman: Sir, ….we may have a problem.

Captain: What? What is happening?

Deck Crew Woman: The vessel is not responding to our transmission.

Captain: Is it dead?

Deck Crew Woman: No, in fact its adjusted course right for us.

Captain: Try again.

Deck Crew Man: Sir, any vessel that interferes with Republic patrols and remains unresponsive to transmissions is a threat and should be treated like one-

Captain: -I know the protocol! (To Deck Crew Woman) Try again!

Deck Crew Woman: Nothing. Wait a …….

The Man looks up from his terminal and stares out the main view port as the vessel gets closer.

Deck Crew Man: Is that ship-

Deck Crew Woman: Sir, that vessel is a Republic ship!

Captain: A what?

He moves closer to the viewport.

Captain: Kriff. Any response?

Deck Crew Woman: None.

Deck Crew Man: Sir, they’ve had ample time to-

Captain: (To Deck Crew Man) Get the guns online and standby. Wait for my single!

The Deck Crew Man rushes back to his terminal and barks the orders into his com.

Deck Crew Woman: Sir, that is a republic vessel are you really going to fire on them?

Captain: they aren’t responding, are they?

Deck Crew Woman: No, but their coms might be down or-

Captain: Have they tried contacting us at all, aside from changing course directly at us?

She remains silent.

Deck Crew Man: Sir, all batteries online and on standby.

Captain: Good wait for my single….I’ve got a bad feeling about this.

Deck Crew Woman: They’ve adjusted their angle. Looks like they are going to pass us underneath.

Captain: I don’t like this. Any word from them?

Deck Crew Woman: No.

Deck Crew Man: Sir, in a few moments they will be underneath us and we will be unable to fire on them.

The unknown vessel draws closer and closer. The Captain stands at the viewport watching. A bead of sweat forms on his forehead. The vessel grows even closer.

Captain: On my mark….

The Deck Crew Man gets ready to give the order. His hand hovers over the button to signal the gun batteries to open fire.

Deck Crew Woman: Sir! With all due respect, there are more than likely Republic lives on that ship, Republic lives with families. They are out here because they signed up to fight the Empire and protect their homes, not to be shot out space by a friendly ship. Now their service should mean enough that you make 100% sure that they are a hostile target before you fire on them.

The entire deck remains silent.

Deck Crew Woman: What’s more important, the rule or the reason for the rule, sir.

The vessel draws as close as it can while still in range. The Captain inhales hard.

Captain: Hold your fire!

The Deck crew Man’s eyes go wide. He removes his shaky hand from the terminal and away from the fire button. He exhales.

The unknown vessel darts down under the battleship and the deck shakes.

Captain: What was that!?

Deck Crew Man: Reports coming in…..the vessel just fired on us!

Captain: Status report!

Deck Crew Man: Nothing serious, but they cripple our nav computer for a second. Its coming back online…..

The vessel rips through space at lightning speed and disappears from sight.

Deck Crew Woman: It just jumped to hyperspace…it’s gone.

Deck Crew Man: Kriff! I told you-

Captain: Enough! You two, in my office now. Someone get us back to the Fleet…I don’t know…yesterday!

The Captain strides off the deck in an angry cloud as the two Deck crew members follow behind him ashamed.

REPUBLIC FLEET SPECIAL OPERATIONS BRIEFING ROOM

The briefing room is small and only has one table with 4 chairs around it. It sits in one of the lower decks of Carrick Station. The only two people in the room are Valin and Quax'o. Each have a small datapad with their summoning on it. They were requested to come in for a secret briefing, however no one else has shown up yet. Just them…..

((Feel free to post your meeting each and what have you. There is no posting order so feel free to back and forth as you choose. I will post to advance things when I feel you've had the chance to interact. Tell us a little bit about yourself (in character of course) and how you got here or what your were doing when you received the call to come in.))

Kota walks through the hall at more of a rushing pace at this point because he can feel that the others are close. Then he feels….

Kota: Oh, no.

He says concerned but almost not surprised. He halts and motions for the others to go on ahead. As soon as everyone had passed him he turns looking for a presence he knows all too well. And sure enough he found it.

Dead ahead of him stood Larial, his wife, making her “stealth” face however she wasn’t stealthed and she looked awful.

Kota: Rakghoul.

He says more to himself then to her.

Kota: Sweetheart, you were supposed to be keeping an eye on the others for me, not getting bit.

He moves closer and lowers his rifle. He recognizes the sure signs of infection but they’re not bad, not yet at least. Unfortunately, he recognizes the more pressing issue as well, the dark side.  It loved her almost as much as Kota did and sometimes, in these situations it got her.

Kota: Well, first things first. I can’t believe you got yourself bit.

He pulls out his last Rakghoul vaccine from their time on Tatooine, which now seems like a millennia ago. He plucks it into her thigh and lets the vaccine run through her. She immediately lightens up but it’ll take a nice trip home and most likely a very expensive dinner out to get her to calm down.  Truth be told Kota didn’t want her to calm down just yet because he felt like this wasn’t over quite yet.

He helps Larial come to her senses and the two of them hustle to the rest of the now whole group.

Together again, at last. Team 1 had recovered the ships data and logs and team 2 had successfully cleared a path to the turbo lifts which thankfully still had power running to them. They had the data and the means to get to the bridge and end this thing and that’s what they were going to do.

They all said their hellos and had their mini reunions and when the time came they all crammed into the single turbo lift to the bridge. The doors hiss open and reveal the bridge of the ship. Console’s spark and debris is thrashed about . Despite the mess the bridge seems like the most held together part of the ship.

Across the way starring out of the large viewport is a single man with long white hair, white as snow, and dark black robes.

Atlas: Aren’t they amazing. All they do is spread themselves to as many life forms as possible, just to advance their species. They don’t bicker, they don’t fight, and they can’t go to war with each other. They are the most perfect example of species cooperation and coexistence.  They are everything we should long to be and until we all realize that, we  will never be free.

He raises his arms up to his side with his palms facing upwards.

Atlas: Behold, my friends, my grand finale! Your undoing will allow the perfect plan for peace in the Galaxy to progress . I have gathered those of you who I think could stop me to show you that you cannot!

With his last words a pulse of the Force emits out of him shaking the room. When the dust settles Atlas is gone. Then…..

CLANK! CLANK! CLANK!

Metal chains swing slowly from the ceiling. All else is quiet for a moment.

The chains descend, fall rather, in one quick motion, revealing what they are attached to:

A massive mutant Rakghoul  as large as two legged walker drops to the floor with a

SMASH!

Mutated Rakghoul Wampa: GRAAHHHAHAHAHAHA!!
It smashes it’s fists into the ground.

Kota: This is why I hate Hoth, nothing good ever comes from Hoth!

Kota raises up his rifle, ready to charge in when he remembers his pet Tauntaun from Hoth, Lola.

Kota rushes for the first piece of cover and lets loose as many bolts as he can fire.

Kota: Except you, Lola! I love you!’

THEW ! THEW! THEW! THEW! 

The two sides of the once whole rakghoul fell on either side of Kota as he slammed a clip into his rifle. The hot empty clip flies out of the rifle and drops to the floor, smoking.

Kota: On it!

Kota calls to Venoor as he asks for cover.

Kota: Come and get some, you flesh eating freaks!

THEW THEW THEW THEW!

Kota’s bolts rip through oncoming rakghouls. One jumps from Venoor’s side and meets Kota’s bolt. It drops to the ground dead. More rakghouls pour in down the hall and claw at the wall as the run in.

One slips a little too close and Kota bashes him with a stock strike. The sheer shock slams the Rakghoul’s head back too far and it dies. Kota levels his rifle and continues to fire.

Kota: We’re pushing them back! C’mon!

The team blasts, slashes, and hacks their way through oncoming horde of monsters. The rakghouls thin and eventually cease. Kota looks around rifle ready still not accepting that the fight is over.

He checks his scanners. Nothing. He sighs.

Kota: Nice work everyone.

He ejects another clip from his rifle and slams a fresh one in. He looks around. As they fought down the hall they had reached the area where the second team and blasted through the wall. Kota looks around to the others then to the man-made hole in the wall. He shrugs. He pokes his head into the blasted hole where team 2 had just gone.

Kota: Hello? Anyone home?

Na'tanilia finished up her work and as Kota talked with Vilak. The entire situation was becoming more and more unstable no matter how much their bickering had ceased.

Na'tanilia steps over to Kota.

Na'tanilia: So ya, sorry to report bad news... but it appears there really isn't that much information down here. If we truly want to find out what happened on this ship, we're going to have to head up to the flight deck.

As she speaks:

The terminal she hacked into flutters to life and a message plays back. It is titled, “Emergency Transmission!”

A small holo of what looks like a THORN soldier appears. He looks frantic and there is blaster fire in the background.

THORN Soldier: To anyone out there please send help! We are a THORN transport Vessel on our way back from Tatooine. Our ship was damaged from the inside and 3 subjects broke containment! They infected nearly the whole ship…..(To other soldier offscreen) Where are now?......Right……(Back to the recording) We’re above Hoth………We’re crashing onto Hoth and we need help. I repeat Rakghouls loose and we need…

The sound of a loud growl drowns him out and he turns to open fire just as the recording cuts out.

Kota stares at the area where the recording was.

Kota: “Damaged from the inside…..”

He looks around and studies the others.

Kota: I’d say you’re right we better head to the flight deck. I hope Lari got those lifts working; we need to get up there fast. Alright, let’s make way for team two. I’ll contact them and find their precise location.

The team piles out into the hallway when Kota’s comlink goes off. He answers.

Hartik: Hey, I got some…news.

Kota: Go on…

Hartik: I just got word; THORN has scrapped the crash, deemed it “no survivors”. They’ve given the Republic clearance to blow the wreckage to ensure the virus doesn’t spread. Being that this mission doesn’t exist, they’re coming whether you’re in there or not. I’d say you got a couple of hours at most. I’ll know more when they get closer….Hurry up.

Kota: Great. I just love how the Republic helps…

He ends the call. He exhales hard and thinks about how to tell the others.

In the hall:

GRAWWWWW

A flood of Rakghouls pours in from every which way and attacks the team.

Kota hears the unmistakable call of the beasts and rushes out, rifle up, to aid the fight.

He bursts out and blasts at the closest creature to him, dropping it to the ground.

Kota: Keep ‘em off us and head back the way we came!!!!

He accesses the channel Mak used before, hoping Mak would still be on it.

Kota: MAK!..(He fires into the Rakghouls)….Mak, I got Republic bombers headed this way to “clean up”…(He fires)….We need to get to the flight deck and the get gone in a couple hours….(He fires)…Where the hell are you guys!?

BANG BANG BANG CLICK

He drops a clip and reloads as fast as he can.

The hall is dark and only lit by emergency lighting. The tapping of footsteps grows louder and louder until:

Kota rushes around the corner with his rifle in hand. He runs at a soldier’s pace down the hall.

Venoor, or rather, his presence clings closely to him.

At the end of the hall, a single lighted lightsaber blade sets the surrounding area in a blaze of red. The presence rushes around Kota and ahead to the collection of people around the lightsaber. Kota picks up his pace then slams to a halt a few feet away from the sith and levels his rifle.

Venoor makes himself known with a little introduction.

Kota peers around his rifle. He recognizes someone, but it’s not Na’tanilia, or Jessin, or Hartik.

Kota: Vilak?

It is Vilak. He is one of the last people Kota expected to see. He gives a glance back behind him as Camek and Zed’la arrive.

Kota: Zed’la, Camek, watch the door. I don’t want any more surprises.

He lowers his rifle and takes a few steps forward. Vilak disengages his lightsaber after a few moments and the situation seems to settle.

Na’tanilia breezes into the communications room.

Na’tanilia: What exactly am I looking for, Hartik? Cause this room is a mess!

Kota sighs. Hartik goes to answer but:

Kota: Anything and everything, Na’tanilia.

Hartik shuts his mouth and nods. Vilak sticks to the shadows, watching. Venoor stands by.

Kota slings his rifle back onto his back.

Kota: Hartik.

Hartik: yes?

Kota: Take Jessin, here, back to the shuttle. I need you in range of short term communication. That way if we need help you can fly out of this-

He looks around.

Kota: -mess and get it for us.

Hartik: Sure thing.

He waves Jessin to follow and they step out of the room. He stops when he sees the Imperial Agents. The SIS agent turns back to Kota.

Hartik: I trust you know what you’re doing…..so goodluck and –

Kota: Don’t say it.

Hartik:- May the Force be with you.

Kota: I hate that, you know I hate that.

Hartik nods, he does know. He leads Jessin out and they make their way back to the shuttle. Kota turns back to Na’tanilia.

Kota: Glad to see you’re ok. Let me know when you have something. We’re looking for any signals or transmissions that would indicate something went wrong.

He turns away back to Vilak. He shoots a look to Venoor that says “Something’s not rightâ€

He addresses Vilak.

Kota: I didn’t realize your abilities went beyond marriage counselor and into Rakghoul hunter. I gotta say I don’t think I’d mind needing a rescue from you, like if I was ever imprisoned or something.

A distant rumbling eases its way down the halls, more of those abdominal Rakghouls. Kota and the others in the room can’t hear it, only the two Imperials just outside can.

Kota leads the group down the hall away from where they had all met. Larial’s team makes their way towards the lifts. Kota’s team proceeds until they come to an intersection then he stops.

He checks his HUD to see where the communications room would be, based on readings of the ship’s layout so far.

It seemed familiar to him.

He looks to the hall to his right then to his left.

He looks back to the others to make sure they aren’t watching him closely.

When he returns forward he starts at a whisper.

Kota: (Whisper) Eenie meenie minie mo-

His left hand is slightly out in front of him as he recites  and his pointer finger flips back and forth between the right and left hallways.

Kota: (whisper) Catch a Wookie by the toe, if he GRAAROO’s let him rip someone’s limbs off, eenie meenie minie mo.

His finger lands on the right hallway. He looks up from his finger down the hall. Then he speaks in his regular volume voice, loud enough for the others to hear.

Kota: Huh, I remember that being a catchier song…. Uh I mean, this way. My sensor says this way.

He leads the group down the right hallway which is almost identical to the one they came from.

Kota notices something on the wall as they walk and turns his rifle’s flashlight on it.

In big orange letters the team sees the word : T.H.O.R.N.

Kota seems relieved. He has an “ah-ha†moment as he now recognizes the class of the ship and begins downloading the T.H.O.R.N. ship layouts that he had from his GSI days.

Kota: It’s a THORN cruiser. I’ll have us anywhere we need to go in no time!

He checks the progress bar of the download on his HUD, 2%. Kota slumps. He waits a minute. 1%.

You’ve got to be kidding me!

He leads the group down the hall anyway. They come to another left or right decision. Kota looks around and brings up his hand to start his song when:

BEEP BEEP!

His HUD beeps. He checks hoping that it’s the download. It’s not. It’s a weird channel he hasn’t used in a while. He opens it and sees a message from Mak: I know why you did it this way.  I've got it covered.  See you on the other side, Brother.

Kota nods a little pleased to know his tactics were a good choice.

He takes a deep breath and prepares to do his song again when:

BANG BANG BANG BANG!

Kota nearly jumps out of his armor when the sound of some explosions comes from the left hallway.

Kota: Looks like someone brought party favors. No more Wookie Jingle this time, am I right?

He looks back and then realizes he said the last part out loud. He hopes no one noticed.

He switches to the left hallway .

Kota: I don’t know about you guys, but I always run towards the sound of explosions.

He hopes by saying more ridiculous stuff he can glide over his other ridiculous slip ups. He charges down the hall blaster rifle readied.

GENERAL POST

((Hey guys, you're doing great! Each group has their own set of goals here with the main goal being get to the bridge. That being said, each group can see to their goals as they wish and come up with their own threats and roadblocks as you go. My only request is this: make it cool! At the end of the round if something imperative to the story needs to be done I will post it in the general post. Happy Hunting!))