Session export: The New Marshals

Selen Estle City Outskirts 40 ABY

Wyndell Tyris had read the report, and knew that this job would call for a veteran presence. He pointed ignored the implication of age, and had to set to figuring out how best to help Socorra and her new Battleteam she’d been tasked with forming. He had multiple reasons, now, to be concerned and worry about her, but he figured if he stuck close by, and was supportive, he was doing a heck of a lot better than his old man ever did. Not that it was a high bar to clear…

He saw Socorra waiting and pulled his vehicle over without much flourish. The Arcona Armed Forces had been gracious enough to lend the new Battleteam a complimentary transport vehicle. It was an old A-A5 Speeder Truck, and what it lacked in style it made up for with…character.

Wyn was no mechanic, but he had people for that. And said people had gotten it fully operational. So when he parked, hopped out and made his way over to his lovely partner, he grinned widely at the Socorran who lifted an eyebrow and folded her arms across her armored chest.

Whipping wind tugged at the folds of Wyndell Tyris’ long duster coat. It should have been an intimidating sight, for sure, were it not for the bright pink coloration of the fabric. Beneath it, the emerald-eyed man wore similarly dyed nerf-leather pants, vest, belt, and boots. At the heel of each boot was fitted a little metallic disk that clinked anytime he took a step. In cross-holsters on each hip were his pattened twin LL-30s, Dexter and Doakes-aka the Double Ds. He adjusted his wide-brimmed hat, the most important part of his ensemble.

He placed one hand on his hip and thumbed his nose. “I told ya darlin’ I’d come through! Now, where'n be this new team of yours?” the elder Tyris drawled, clearly falling into the role of a stereotypical western expanse holodrama character.

As if on cue, a rev of a speeder could be heard before a olive green Starhawk skidded in an arcing stop a few meters away from the pair. The engine’s purr quieted with a flip of a switch by golden fingers before they lifted riding goggles up upon braided green hair. Blue-green eyes lit upon the two waiting and the Kiffar hopped off, strolling over.

“Didn’t know we were suppos'ta dress up,” Diyrian commented with a appreciative glance over Wyn’s outfit. She herself was just wearing tight green pants and her usual burgundy crop top under a dark blue jacket.

Green curls bounced as she gave Socorra a one-armed hug, fingers brushing fabric. A quick glimpse in the weave caused her to do a double take, hug tightening for a sec as Diy swallowed. She flashed Socorra a grin however, “Socks, Wyn, how are ya now?”

“Good n'you?” Wyn replied easily, grinning at the Kiffar gunslinger.

A large luxury speeder made it’s way towards the assembling group, coming to a halt before the driver opened allowing Uji Tameike and his younger charge to step out. The Rattataki youth covered his eyes against the glare of the afternoon sun while looking to the gathering Marshalls.

Uji approached with a smile, extending his hand to Socorra briefly shaking hands with the Battleteam Leader.

“As promised, my young ward Djenn Urdwen.” Uji stated while glancing over his shoulder at the younger man.

Uji nodded to to the others politely before turning to clap Djenn on the back as he walked back to his waiting vehicle.

“Try not to get killed on your first excursion alright?”

The boy looked surprised and taken aback, pausing only for a moment before starting to salute Soccora, while also seemingly trying to hold out a hand to shake resulting in him failing to do either correctly.

There was a loud boom from the sky, a typically loud signal for the arrival of the armor clad Chiss who dropped out of the sky. His rocketpack was smoking as he landed, harder than many would manage when piloting. Flying was not the General’s strongsuit, but he stood from the small crater he’d made with a smile on his face nonetheless.

“Hail, friends!” he boomed, his helmet’s modulator making him even louder.

“Now, there’s a fella what knows how to make a proper entrance,” Wyn drawled, elbowing Socorra lightly.

Strong raised an eyebrow, taking in the attire of Tyris

“I was unaware we were going in undercover as traveling clown performers of some kind. Allow me to call in my ship so I can change into something more mission appropriate,” he stated.

Wyn inhaled slightly and called on his stage training to let his voice ring loudly, albeit not as powerfully as the Chiss’s. “Fear not, my friend! I’m not ‘going in’. I’m just here to drive the truck and to be a supportive partner.” He slipped his arm inside of Socorra’s and flashed a toothy grin.

After a few minutes, a Sheathipede-class Transport Shuttle landed nearby. As the landing pad lowered down, the door opened and reviled Kaled who was slowly stumbling down to the solid ground.

“Not one of your best landing’s R3, but it’s better the the las-Wooo” as he was trying to finish his sentence, Kaled slipped and fell on the ground. He stayed that way for a solid minute before getting up and shaking the dirt off his robe’s. Kaled made his way to the others, a bit embarrassed.

“H-hello. Sorry for being late. Navigation was giving us a bit of problems.” He said with a soft smile, hoping that nobody noticed that grand entrance.

Wyn smiled over at the Miraluka. “Nailed it,” he drawled. “Good to see you, Kal.”

“Well it’s good to see you too Master Wyn. Heheh.” Miraluka smiled for a brief moment, before awkwardly scratching the back of his head.

“Sorry that one was bad, but I’m glad to be here and in your presence once more. Hopefully I could be of some help.”

Wyn made the appropriate finger gun.

“Ain’t bad myself,” Diy replied quietly, grin widening before she turned to watch folks arrive. She listened eagerly to exchanges, finding amusement in each. Her aqua gaze returned to the new kid on the block. Bit young in the collar, wasn’t he? Then again, she had probably been on more scraps than she should’ve have been at her age, turned out fine.

“Howdy there. Name’s Diyrian, call me Diy. Djenn, right?” the faux-Zelosian asked, hand outstretched.

Kaled’s head quickly turned over to Socorra, giving her a big smile before rushing over and hugging her tightly.

He tried tried to be gentle with his cybernetic arm, but he was overwhelmed with happiness.

“Oh! Sorry…ahm, got to be more professional. But it’s so good too be here with you Aun-” Miraluka stopped for a brief moment, his head looked down and up in confusion.

He took a few steps back before carefully extending a hand twords Socorra’s belly. Kaled touched it gently before moving his hand away.

“I think… something’s wrong.” Miraluka said with concern. “Ether you have swallowed a toy, or you have…a parasite?” He continued to touch Socorra’s belly, still not sure of what seemed to be this… thing.

“Hey, watch what you say about my future spawn,” Wyn drawled and pointed a finger at the young Miraluka. “He’s an alien, not a parasite, get it right…”

Kaled turned his head around in confusion. He scratched his head for a moment before realizing what Wyn was trying to say.

Suddenly his mouth opened wide in surprise. Pointing at Socorra, then Wyn and once again back to Socorra.

“You are pregnant?” He exclaimed loudly in surprise. This was maybe the only other time that Kaled raised his voice that much. Miraluka covered his mouth quickly.

“Sorry…” He said softly, his voice muffled by his hands. “Congratulations?”

Wyn grinned and patted the lad on the shoulder. “I knew you were a sharp one, kid.”

Kaled only smiled nervously, lowering his hands down.

“Well… not really that sharp. But when did… Wait! No, not really that important. Congratulations uncle! These are really happy news.”

A roar of a starfighter engine sounded above the gathering group as a darkened rouge class fighter came swiftly into view and set down in an open landing pad. Its cockpit hissed open and a hulking figure clad in newly acquired mandalorian armor in a dessert style camo with a Krayt pattern armor weave cloak draped over the mans shoulders climbed out and made his way to the small cargo compartment towards the back of the ship.

Taking a few moments the gather some needed items namely his beskar spear, and new longsword both of which were strapped to his back and hip respectively along with his slugthrower revolver on the other side. The last item he reached for made a small screech in binary protest for having been confined for so long in the cramped space and the s54 spy droid came hurtling out of the cargo compartment before coming to float next to the Kaleesh’s right shoulder continuing to protest at him in binary for a few second long before falling silent having noticed the now gathering looks from the newly formed Marshals.

The Sith shook his head and spoke in his native language at the droid for a moment before he closed up the compartment and making his way over to the gathered group taking off his helmet to revel the Kaleesh’s unmasked face underneath a rare sight for anyone in the know for Rrogon’s peoples customs and traditions for which the Sith cared little for at this point other than for formalities.

“Socorra, Strong, Diyrian.” Giving each a curt nod in greeting with each of there names said while the droid over hovering by his side began to slowly orbit around each person in the group in turn making chirping spouts of binary before moving on to the next person.

“Excuse the droid its tendencies are helpful when tracking prey, not so much for casual conversations.” Said the Sith before he hissed in Kaleesh bringing the droid back to his side where it hovered idlily waiting for its next command.

“Oh uhh Hi” Djenn responded looking slightly up at the taller figure before taking their hand and shaking it in response.

“I… wasn’t really told what we were doing, just to put on the new gear and be how did he put it… be ready for anything?”

“You see,” Wyn leaned over and whispered in the Miraluka’s ear. “When two people like each other, and,” he tapped his closed fists together in a bumping motion to make a sound to go with the gesture. “they can sometimes make a baby…”

Wyn squinted and looked over at the Kaleesh arrival. They were just waiting on a few more it seemed. He checked his datapad briefly.

Diyrian grinned, shaking the Rattataki’s hand with her index finger extended across his wrist, touching his sleeve briefly. New indeed, nothing but bare threads and awkward compliance.

“Not bad advice. Step above ‘don’t die.’ I’m sure we’ll get the run down soon,” the Kiffar reassured with a wink. She leaned back and hooked a thumb on her gunbelt and glanced at the others gathering briefly. A wave to Strong and perhaps a completely respectful look lingered, Kaled fussing over the mvp couple here, and – Diy ducked slightly as a droid came out of her peripheral. She turned and gave a short nod back to Skar before returning her attention back to the fresh face, keeping her tone light with ease.

“Ya bein’ taught by Uji Tameike, eh? How’d that happen?”

Kaled blushed for a moment at Wyn’s explanation.

“I k-know where baby’s come from uncle Wyn….” Miraluka spoke softly, rubbing his nose with his idex finger. “I just don’t like talking about…the… intercourse.”

Kaled then paused for a moment, thinking on Socorra’s words of and alien.

“Well what ever if it’s an alien or not, there is no doubt that it would be loved. Honestly I feel a bit exited! I can’t wait to meet her. Or him!”

Wyn smiled at that, but then his eyes defocused a bit and the youthful mirth that made him look younger than he was faded and left a strangely mature visage. Then he frowned, but it was faint, as he became lost in thought.

Thoughts of his mother, dying when he was young. His father, taking him, and turning him…

The moment passed like a cloud on an otherwise sunny day. He checked his crono again and then went to look around for a tumbleweed or something.

“Well… to be blunt, my old crew and I were hitting a party to… acquire funding for the Captain of my old ship.” Djenn’s white skin seemed to blush slightly in embarrassment.

“Mrs. Tameike didn’t take terribly kindly to me trying to swipe her bracelet, so she swiped my entire haul. When I realized it they had already tracked me down and gotten most if not all of my crew arrested. They offered me a place to stay and tried to tell me I’ve got some kind of abilities, Uji said he noticed the difference right away but I don’t really understand what he’s talking about.” The boy shrugged, obviously rattling off things without thinking much of what he was saying. He looked up at the woman and he stopped talking.

“Sorry, you probably didn’t need my life story, just uhh a little out of my element. I’m used to being in the close confines of a ship, an open area like this doesn’t exactly feel right.”

Nicfer was tired of all the confusion. Tired of not knowing what she had signed up for. Tired of being told what to do and where to go. And, quite frankly, tried of being told what to wear. The last part was quite apparent to those gathered at the meeting point as she shifted uncomfortably in her dark colored and slightly too large robes provider to her as she disembarked off the shuttle, which was also provided to her.

As the Zeltron approached, she brushed her metallic blue hair over to one side, clearing it from her face and exposing the under cut with its geometric patterns. Getting a good look at how the rest were dressed, Nicfer was wondering if she was given the wrong meeting point. Her robes felt like a required uniform, but she was the only one that did not get the memo about wearing whatever you like. A stream of curses filled her mind as he fought to keep her expression neutral.

More initiation. More hazing. Why was I asked to come in robes if no one else is required!

“Nicfer Luthol. Reporting for…” She gestured vaguely with her left hand at the group while resting her right hand on her belt close to her blaster pistol, thumb hooked into the belt.

“Whatever I have been volunteered or assigned to.”

Wyn managed to find a small bundle of straw from a nearby dying brush. He tried to mold it with his hands into a little ball that was no bigger than two fists.

He frowned at it, but took the makeshift tumbleweed and tried to roll it in front of Nicfer.

It barely budged.

Wyn furrowed his brow and made a gesture with his open hand.

The tiny tumbleweed started to roll, drifting slowly past the newcomer.

“You’ve been assigned to an adventure of course!” he explained cheerfully.

Kaled turned his head around, as if looking over to the group. It seemed like he was looking for something before raising his hand.

“Well…Ahm, sorry but what kind of adventure? Did something happened while I was away?”

Diy listened with interest at the story, couldn’t help but find some amusement and a bit of nostalgia of her own ol’ days. The corner of her smile twitched at the mention of the Mrs. Tameike, yet otherwise hid her contempt for the woman.

“Ah, Force sense or some shiz, gotcha.” Diy patted his shoulder, “No worries, I enjoy a good tale. And hey, I get it, spent a chunk of my life on a ship and an asteroid city. This,” she gestured about at the tumbleweed rolling past, “took adjustin’. I gotcha back here, so does the rest of these folks.”

The Kiffar paused and tilted her head towards Socorra and Kaled, “Looks like they’re about to do the spiel.”

Nicfer paid no heed to the tumbleweed as it rolled past. The ‘Deputy’ seemed like one to make her life more miserable, if her questions were just going to get answered with vague answers camouflaged in tone and excitement meant to ramp up and distract from the fact no answer had been given. So Nicfer decided to pay attention to the one that had at least provided some information, Socorra.

She nodded when Socorra introduced herself and she said the names in her head as each other member was introduced. Then she almost let her neutral expression slip when this group was finally given a name.

Marshals? Who goes from smuggling to being a cop? Her mouth twitched and half a sound formed before she stopped herself by taking a breath and just going with the flow. So she was a cop, working for some house she had only heard about in conversation, after getting caught in a double cross.

Weird way to hold criminal accountable. Give them weapons and training and send them off to be cops.

Founders Mark Selen

The A-A5 truck hovered smoothly across the arid landscape. The further from the Citadel and its city of Estle that they transport got, the more grass faded to rock and cracked terra. The hum of repulsors was only faintly offset but a definitely-not-concerning rattling of some repaired parts.

They were now just about an hour out, and buildings started to dot the approaching horizon. The sun was just starting to approach noon, and the town soon came into focus.

Like most towns out on the frontier, there was a look of self-sustained efficiency. There was one of everything: one water source, one treatment plant, one medical clinic. There were homes, a place of worship, though for what deity or purpose one could only speculate. In the center, where most of the activity was, was a cantina that was more like an archaic tavern. Speeders were parked along the streets, with denizens roaming about their days. It wasn’t too crowded, but it was far from empty.

The transport pulled up short just outside the entrance to the town. Wyn squinted.

“I’ll hang back here. If ya’ll need anything, just comm me.” He gave Socorra a quick kiss on the cheek, then patted her belly, and watched as the Dajorran Marshals piled out and walked towards the entrance of the town for the first time as Arcona’s new battleteam.

A few denziens stopped to look to regard the group, some freezing in place while others ignored them.

At the front of the Marshal’s formation, a cybernetic Kaleesh and a towering Chiss made for quite the impression. While neither seemed overtly hostile, their place at the point of the formation did seem to draw the most attention from the locals.

Though still fresh off the shuttle, so to speak, Djenn Urdwen noticed that the few people milling about were starting to whisper to each other. They tried, without drawing too much attention, to shuffle off and find a reason to get out of the way or get further away from the approaching party of Arconans. He squinted and thought he could see a few of the children clutch their parents clothes or limbs a bit tightly.

This probably wasn’t the first time strangers had rolled through recently.

“Hey, Socks!” Diy jogged up before the Socorran, turning to walk backwards a bit as she spoke. She jutted a thumb over her shoulder at the cantina and speeders aligning it. “Imma go rub some elbows ‘n’ talk. Tell ya what I find out.”

And without really waiting for a reply, the faux-Zelosian split from the group and casually beelined it. She didn’t check to see if anyone followed, though wouldn’t phase her none if they did. Spotting a couple folks leaning against the building by the speeders and taking a gander, Diy adjusted her top and approached. She directed her attention to one of the bikes, pausing and passing an appreciating glance over it.

“She’s a beaute, don’t recognize the model. Handles remind me of a starhawk, but the body’s fuller,” Diy spoke, running her hand slowly along the seat. Aqua eyes shifted to the pair now standing straighter at attention to this stranger touching their shit. A green eyebrow quirked as the Kiffar smiled, relaxing her stance, “She yours?”

The man frowned, but nodded. He then shifted to place a hand on it, almost possessively or..afraid that she was going to then tell him she was taking it from him.

“Lucky gent,” Diy commented. She lightly backed a step, removing her hand from the bike and flashing a reassuring grin. “Ain’t takin’, just admirin’. Can tell a lot bout a man from his sloop.”

Green curls bounced as she tilted her head with a slight frown, “Ya’ll had recent troubles with the bikes? Any go stolen or somethin’?”

“` The man swallowed and looked around. There were still a few other townsfolk mulling around, so at least he wasn’t by himself. He nodded to the stranger. "You could say that,” he explained, his voice a bit low octave for his average size. He couldn’t have been more than 20 years old, but had clearly seen some things. “We just wanted to live quietly, no gods, no ‘Shadesworn’ or demons. Yet even out here, it seems we can’t find peace. ‘Outlaw Country’, they call themselves, keep showing up. Have a funny way of making it seem like it was your idea to give them your stuff,” a bit of anger flashed, but he studied the stranger. “But you don’t look like one of them.”

“Poor Jimmy Benton had his bike ‘taken’. Now he has no way of going out of town to try and work on one of the new farms next settlement owner that needs hands.” “`

As Diy he heard Diy talking to someone, Miraluka took a few steps back. Concentrating on his soundings, he took a deep breath in. Letting the air fill his lungs as much as he could.

No emotion, only peace…

He repeated the words over and over again, emptying his head from all the noise and disturbances. With the Force all around them, Kaled reached out with his senses. Hoping to get a better understanding of the emotions those people were feeling. Of course fear was present, that much was expected, but some of them wanted to speak up to the group.

Miraluka slowly moved over to Diy. Waving to the two individuals, before leaning over for a whisper.

“Some of them are afraid. But I can feel that there are people willing to talk to us if we need…more information? You know about what happened.”

He straightened himself once again. This time smiling and bowing quickly to the man in front.

“Hello, sorry, Kaled…I mean my name is Kaled! Nice to meet you.”

“` The man regarded the Miraluka curiously. Perhaps he’d never seen one.

"Hello. Name’s Ingrid…er, why are you wearing a blindfold?” he leaned forward and whispered, glancing back towards the Green haired woman. “Is she making you wear it..?” “`

Kaled raised an eyebrow, confused by the sudden question. He scratched his head for a moment before the sudden realization hit him.

“Hahaha, oh no. Nothing like that.” He smiled waving his hand in front. “It’s the way I am. Ammm, well my race so to speak. Miraluka, that is me.” He pointed at himself, and then to the blindfold. “I don’t really have eyes, but I can see! Well kind of but not in a…normal way. Don’t really see the reason why would anyone have a blindfold on purpose.” He shrugged and turned his head to Diy.

“Wouldn’t be caught dead goin’ under a dumb name like that,” Diy commented after leaning in to listen to the man’s lowered tone. She managed to look past the gods comment because hells, never having to deal with that again would be a joy. “Takin’ people’s right to a livelyhood? Kark them.”

The gunslinger tipped her head towards Kaled as he whispered, nodding in response. A moment later and Ingrid’s comment caused her to laugh suddenly – and nearly choke when Kaled questioned it.

“Somethin’ folks can do for fun,” was all she could handle replying at the moment. Kid’s too innocent. Diy turned her head back to the biker. “Ingrid, I wanna help ya out here, well, we wanna. Heard there was trouble ‘n’ figured could shake it up, y'know?”

“` Ingrid looked back and forth between the two and swallowed down a lump in his throat, but seemed to feel safe…for the moment.

"They call themselves ‘Outlaw Country’, like I said. We don’t know where they come from, but they roll into town seemingly at random, and walk around like they own it. Our Village Head..man, though her name is Erin Eldridge, has been able to get them to not take too much. She’s something fierce, let me tell you. But she’s only one person…and we need help. But we can’t exactly go begging the folk over at the Citadel, or those city folk, for help because then they’ll just want to police us again!”

He wrung his hands. A few others passing by glanced his way, but seemed to steer clear of joining the conversation and pretending like they hadn’t heard anything. “`

Seeing as people were breaking off there own ways, Nicfer decided to the same. This assignment might have been a joke, but she was not one to sit back and do nothing. Mediocrity was boring and she wasn’t going to wait for others to do all the work. Moving off quietly, she made her way to the clinic. If the town was truly being raided, there would be injuries. Local doc could produce possible targeted victims or local defenders that might have seen more than civilians that just ducked at the first sounds of blaster fire.

Walking down the street choosing to stick to the side where the clinic is, Nicfer made sure to shift her belt and robes to keep her lightsaber handle and blaster pistol hidden in her robes. She wasn’t sure she could pass herself off as not apart of the marshals, she could at least give it a try. Walking into the building, Nicfer put on her best pained smile and offered a small weak wave.

“Hello… Is the doc in?”

“` "Eh!? Who’s there!” an aged voice called out, coarse but firm.

The room was pretty spartan. Tables were laid out for folks to sit with the ability to lay back. There was a corner cot with a curtain around it. Some scanning technology, a small terminal. Towards the back there was a locked grate-door that lead to a medical closet it seemed of supplies.

A man hobbled forward. He was tall, with a wrinkled face, lean figure, and a lab coat that had seen much better days. “Who’re you and what do ya’ want, missy?” he asked as he moved towards the Zeltron, a cane in hand clattering against the wooden floor. “`

Diy nodded along, “Where can we find Erin?”

Kaled nodded, listening to the mans story. He felt a bit confused inside, or was it guilt. With the war now over they could have asked for help, but would people from the city actually do such a thing? Miraluka felt a presence of people passing by giving them a soft smile as he turned over to Ingrid.

“We don’t want such a thing. But we can help you. Well at least we will try to. But as my friend said, if you could just point us in the direction where this Erin is, maybe we can sort this ‘Outlaw Country’ for you.”

“` Ingrid squinted a bit. He pointed straight down the center of town.

"Head straight down. Last building, with the big wooden doors. Used to be some kind of place of worship, but now it’s used as the village hall and the Headsman office.”

He frowned, and tried to make the gesture a big bigger and broad…clearly unsure if the Miraluka could see what he was doing. “`

Kaled felt the movement of hands in the air. He wasn’t really sure what Ingrid was trying to do, but the Miraluka nodded to the instructions and listened very carefully.

“Thank you so much! And don’t worry we will help you in whatever way we can!” Miraluka awkwardly excited his hand with no real though what to do with it. He patted him on the should, smiling nervously before turning his head back to Diy.

“Shall…we inform Auntie? You know… about what’s happening?”

“We got it, thanks,” Diy cocked a grin, brow arching, and raised a hand to stop the man’s excessive gesturing. The Kiffar lips twitched with amusement at Kaled’s suggestion. She turned and headed back towards the others, arms crossed behind her head casually. “Aye, let’s tell Auntie.”

“Hey Doc.”

She flashed the pained smile once more as she rolled her left shoulder. She pats it as moves to one of thr tables, not waiting for an invitation or a protest.

“Met some unpleasantness outside of town and got a tweaked shoulder for my trouble.”

Nicfer watched the doctor’s expression as she mentioned ‘unpleasantness’. She hoped being vague might have him fill in the blanks on his own.

“I was hopin’ you could look and make sure it’s nothin’ serious.”

“` "Ehh? Shoulder you say?” he leaned forward and seemed to focus on the rotating motion the Zeltron was making. “Can never be too careful with joints and ligaments, I always say,” he nodded and, without really waiting for a response, moved to poke at the woman’s shoulder.

“Welp, come on in and have a seat. We’ll take a look and see if we can get you back on your way. Bad business out on the roads indeed…” “`

“` Jarod, a tall Rattataki with a scarred face, glanced the woman up and down, then flashed a toothy grin.

"Good evening, ma'am,” he said in a very clear, polite accent that seemed to offset his ‘look’.“

"Indeed,” Tully, an older Human with gray whispy hair and similar scars waved. “`

Diy nodded back to Socks as Kaled and her made their way over. It seemed, however, the woman was a bit busy with her own chattin.‘ The Kiffar paused and glanced to the Miraluka at her side.

“Looks like Auntie’s got company, shall we wait or roll on down ourselves? Lil’ tag teamin’ the town head?” She asked, nudging him lightly with an elbow and winking.

The Miraluka thought for a moment. With Socorra busy talking it would probably be a good idea not to disturb her. But with that said maybe it will take a while for her to finish her conversation.

“You know, that’s not such a bad idea. We can radio in once we finish with the town head. Maybe she will even come with us to meet the others.” He moved closer and wrapped his hands over Diy’s arm.

“You lead the way. I would probably get my self lost again in some closet or something.” Kaled smiled, but deep down he knew how much those words were true.

Djenn took up a slow jog to catch up to Socorra his eyes scanning around them to any open windows, rooftops or alleyways his instincts telling him all of this open space around them could be bristling with danger. He fell into position where his former Captains has always trained him to be, a few feet behind and to the left to ensure they could draw their weapon easily and Djenn would be the one to get knifed first if someone came up behind them. The Rattataki was surprised to see one of his own kind in this Podunk town and kept his head down listening and unconsciously feeling for any sense of danger around him and his new Marshall.

Diy approved of his choice – not that she minded waiting, just taking actions was more entertaining. She blinked a couple times when Kaled grabbed her arm. Grinning lightly, the faux-Zelosian readjusted their arms till his hand rested in the crook of hers. That grin only widened with a laugh.

“Hun, if ya ever need someone ta help you out of the closet, I’d be honored.” Diy lead the way down the long street towards the big building at the end. The head honcho’s dig. Her aqua gaze scanned the street, doorsteps and alleyways for any Jill or Joe that met the attitude of ‘Outlaw Country.’

Hearing the request come over his comlink built into his helmet, the Kaleesh didnt waist any time making his way over to his to the woman finding a spot to stand in far enough way to not draw more suspicion but close enough to where he could step in if it was needed

“` "Shen-nani-gans?” Jarod repeated back. “Apologies, m'am but we have not seen anyone by that name, no.”

Still, the two men seemed to not mind the Socorran, perhaps sensing her affinity for the desert sands and the outlands.

“Mayhem did came through just the other day though…” Tully added wistfully. “Chris Mayhem and his partner Mitch Bedlam.” He nodded.

“They call themselves Outlaw Country…and their leader Charline Hunt…she’s a strange one. Seen her compel folks with some kind of…witchcraft.”

“But they come without warning and only take what they want..then leave the rest of us alone…” “`

“` As Kaled and Diy approached the building, a figure stepped forward. They had short hair, a square face, but curved hips and corded arms.

"State your business,” they said, holding up a hand towards the Miraluka and the green-haired woman. On their shirt was a small badge-pin that read “Jie”. “`

Diy paused, and paused again. Were she not mock polyamorously wedded, she would ask if they’d like to take her in a strong fashion. But work came first…today. So, she put on a friendly smile.

“Hello, Jie is it? We’re lookin’ ta speak with Eldridge.”

“` Jarod looked around, a hint of conspiracy in the hunch of his shoulders and the way he covered his mouth with the flat of his hand at the side.

"Hand-waving type thing, like them Shadesworn city folk do,” he whispered loudly. “`

“` Jie eyed her up and down and seemed to have a few thoughts of their own that they kept to themself.

"That depends, who’s askin’?” there was a bit of a smile in the questioning and not so much a threat. “`

The Miraluka looked puzzled at Diy’s comment about the closet. Kaled felt that there was something more to it, but he felt grateful that she will be there if he got stuck again.

As she talked to this ‘Jie’ person, the Miraluka stood silent and listened carefully. There were no threat’s for now, but anything could happen.

“Sorry…” He slowly lifted his hand up. “We are a…. Marshal’s? Actually came here to help out people? No lie’s I promise! We just wanted to talk to miss Erin about this ‘Outlaw Country’ problem and see if we can help you out.”

“` Jie narrowed their eyes, studying the strange man with his blindfold. He looked sincere, though, and the smile on the green-haired woman seemed to help their case.

"If you think you can lend a hand to help…let me check with her. Sit tight if you don’t mind,”

They turned and went inside the building and disappeared for a few minutes. They came back, checked the street left and right, and then motioned for them to come inside the building.

The building had clearly once been a place of worship at one point. Now, it had been converted into a city-hall of sorts, the alters replaced with a conference-like table and a projector. The pews remained in tact.

Seated at the table was a woman with long blonde hair, angular features. She was pretty by Human standards and lacked any noticeable blemishes save for a scar across her bottom lip. Pale gray eyes trailed towards the visitors as she rose and turned to address them. She practical clothing- hide pants, cloth undershirt, and a leather vest.

“How do I know you aren’t part of Outlaw Country?” was the first thing she said as she addressed the duo of Dajorran Marshals.

Two men from the corners of the large room held blaster rifles at the ready. They weren’t trained on the newcommers, but it was clear they would be able to rectify that should any…aggression broke out. “`

In the distance, the silhouette of a large man riding an even larger beast broke over the horizon. If stealth had been his intention, it was a sore failure. The pair made slow, but steady progress until they rode up to the rest of the Arconans.

At this point Karran swung a leg around to dismount the Reek that had served as his mount, unfortunately, the reek had other plans and flopped to her side in the other direction causing the Sith to fall flat on his back, with the breath nearly knocked out of his lungs.

He just managed to gasp out in Zabraki, “That will do, Baby. That will do.”

Kaled felt a bit relived as Jie let them into the city-hall.

Well…at least she didn’t threatened us or something. Glad to hear there are still some nice people around!

Not a moment later, as the woman spoke up, he noticed that the siluetes beside the woman were holding… something. It took him a moment before realizing that the shapes had a familiar resemblance to the blaster’s. The Miraluka let out a a sight as he let go of Diy’s hand and raised them up in the air.

“Oh… crumbs..” Kaled murmured under his breath, almost disappointed.

“` "All lean limbs and mean grin. Bit manic if you ask me. Auburn red hair, and carries a single Westar.” Jarod offered.

Tully moved to grab Jarod’s hand, and then pointed with his chin towards the Reek and the newcomer.

“…friend of yours?” he asked the Socorran. “`

So maybe she did watch Jie walk away and maybe considered herself an art student studying that sculpt for just a moment. But as soon as they returned, that time of flirting was over. Diy gave them a passing wink when she walked past and brushed a hand against their shoulder, stealing a thread of memory with it.

It was thus that a satisfied grin danced on her face as the pair approached the village head. The Kiffar’s aqua gaze calmly noted the woman’s company. This was surely not the first time someone’s brought their toys to a meeting with her. Diy gently pressed a hand to one of Kaled’s, lowering it slightly. “Relax, Kali.”

“For starters, that name is shit, sounds like the name of a holo-station,” Diy chuffed lightly. She leaned back with arms crossed and a smile, hands staying away from the blasters at her hips. “N’ as my pal said to yer fella, we’re Marshals,” she managed to keep from pausing at the name. “Ain’t lookin’ to meddle in yer town biz or take nothin’. We caught wind of trouble ‘n’ felt like squashin’ it on a Zhellday.”

“Now if ya don’t want the help, then we best be goin’,” Diy started to turn around slowly as if leaving, and gestured to the Miraluka beside her. “Come on, Kal…”

As the Kaleesh stood there his arms crossed he listened intently to the two townsfolk words about the woman who sounded like she was at least some level of renegade force user. That piqued his interest it made this far more entertaining then just dealing with mudain thugs who only knew how to wave a blaster around to get what they wanted.

Keying into his droids direct link the began to imput the description of the woman and sent the spy droid on its mission to hunt and locate the target. There was a good chance they were still close enough since they prayed on the town often enough to get this solid description.

The droid chirped its response and began to speed away its hunter instinct kicking into overdrive.

“Bad business you say? Worried that might be the bad business that caused this.” Nicfer takes her seat and shifts her robes to get her shoulder more exposed, making sure to keep playing up the pain and stiffness.

“What business do you have that makes you wanna shoo me out before it’s too late? Seems quiet enough here.”

As she speaks, she looks around the office from her seat. If the doctor could provide answers, maybe his notes could provide the answers.

“` "Been living on this planet a long time. Take it from me, kid…being around those…Jedi, Sith, whatever they call themselves…eh. They just bring more trouble, always trouble. Even when you try to get far away from them, they still bring trouble like these…Outlaws or whatever they call themselves.”

Doc grabbed a can from the side and opened it. Some kind of ointment? He opened it up and it smelled like sterile cleaning supplies or vapor. “This is my own blend, should take the sting off any muscle pain…” he, surprisingly, carefully applied the balm to her shoulder.

More surprisingly, the tingling sensation actually did seem to make the regular muscle fatigue she normally felt day-to-day dissipate a bit. “`

"Wait," Eldridge said, raising a hand. In response, her two guards stood down. "It seems we have a mutual interest. If I enlist your help...what would my town have to give up? There's always a cost..."

Jarod and Tully tipped their hats and, hand in hand turned to go about their business

Initially, the Miraluka wanted to protest leaving. He even wanted to stop the Kiffar from leaving before Eldridge spoke first.

“Ummm, well nothing ma'am.” Kaled spoke more calmly this time, still trying to keep a warm smile. “Honestly we just came over to help. There wasn’t any talk about cost or giving up something. We are just… looking out for people in need. Right Diy?”

Kaled turned his head to Kiffar. He was still smiling, but it gave of a slight nervousness as if saying ‘You talk to her. I’m really bad at this.’ .

Diy’s grin broadened when she halted. She tempered it to a light smile and turned to face Eldridge again, listening. She swore internally, suddenly realizing they might’ve touched a ground that they didn’t have an answer for. Don’t wanna kark this up for Socks. If she wanted to build some sway here, best not suggest ties to the Citadel nor that we’d intend to lay any law here. Keep it open to establish any monetary or goods transactions in the future.

While the Kiffar was rapid-fire crafting a response, Kaled was speaking up. Diy gave him a smile and a nod as their gaze met. She hopped on the hook he left. “We ain’t looking to take yer speeders and goods. Maybe build up relations with ya but you’d have ta talk to our boss lady for that.”

“Nah,” Diyrian approached the table and leaned one-handed on it with a light frown. “for now we just want to help get rid of some scum karkin’ up folks livelihoods.”

“` Erin’s face was unreadable as she locked eyes with Diy. Her gaze shifted momentarily to the Miraluka.

"Alright. How many of you are there, and do you really think you can help us with Outlaw Country. Their leader is…she has a way with swaying even some of my best recruits.” “`

The faux-Zelosian nodded. “We got a handful of stubborn folks who don’t like ta listen to suggestions.” She waved her hand in a mock gesture. “Let me comm our head over and we can talk up a plan.”

Diy stepped back and past Kaled, finger pressing the commlink in her ear. “Hey, Auntie,” A bit of smugness danced on her lips, “Met the head mistress here, Eldridge, wants to talk to ya. Big churchy buildin’ down the road. Tell Jie yer with me.”

“Still bring trouble? These outlaws are here because of Jedi, Sith, whatever presence? Or are you just saying that even with those folk around, the rough elements still show up?”

Nicfer was happy about the relief she got, but it looks like this doc was just interested in patching people up. Not rumors or gossip. First outing, and she had failed to produce. Letting out a short grunt of frustration hopped up from the seat and pulled her robe back over her shoulder. Why was she even trying to impress these people anyway? She knew the answer but chose not to acknowledge it.

“Any idea when these outlaws might return? I might stay in town a few days to rest up more, but not if trouble is gonna find me before I leave.”

“` Doc shook his head. "We can never tell. But what I can tell you? When they’re coming…you’ll know. You can hear them a mile off on their loud-speeder-bike-things. Just, be careful lass, eh?”

He seemed genuinely concerned, but wasn’t afraid. He’d seen a lot in his time on the planet. “You can head towards the tavern for a drink, or check in with the Head mistress down at townhall. She works hard to make sure everyone has a place here should they want it…” “`

“She’ll be here shortly,” Diy informed, hanging up her call and strolling back to Kaled’s side. “So…what brought ya out here? And here?” She gestured to the chair at the table.

“` Erin seemed to shrug. "I came out here, same as the rest- to get away from the old gods, the new gods, invaders from off world, ancient evils, and Shadowy overseers.”

“How did I end up Head mistress? Great question. The lights were all out, and no one was getting up to change them. So, I got up and started doing it. The next thing I know, people were coming to me like I was some kind grand leader.” “`

The Zabrak stood, brushed the dust from his armor, and chuckled at the Reek, now rolling around in her dust bath.

“Diy is in trouble? Then we should help.”

“While I find the supposed rescuse of the damsel in distress is amusing. I’m going to continue to gather information on this gang that has been terrorizing the city.” Rumbled the Sith as he trugged off in the opposite direction of the group and in the way of the tavern content to see what he could learn there.

He ran a bar once and the Kaleesh knew that drunk lips were the loosest when it came to information.

“I guess I’ll see what the Head Mistress might have to say. Before heading in for a drink. Seems the better order of operations if I am to make a good impression. What do I owe you Doc?”

She was going to be out credits and the only useful information she got was ‘Loud Speeders’ and maybe a in with the leader here, but likely nothing. She was tempted to ask for more pain relief as she felt the headache building by her temples.

‘If I was just going to be useless, I could have done that back on the station, not with an audience…’

Nicfer decides to take a wild stab in the dark with a question, “You don’t think they have spy here Doc? Do they seem to have an uncanny ability to show up just at the right time?”

“` Doc shook his head. "You don’t owe nothing, just keep your head down and stay safe,” he replied.

At the question, he lifted an eyebrow. “Spy? No, I don’t think so. They arrive seemingly at random. So, watch your head, okay?”

With that, he turned to clean up some of his supplies. “`

“` The Tavern wasn’t full, but was clean and set up with all wooden tables and furniture that seemed thematic. There was a bartender at the bar, and a few patrons mulling around.

They noticed the Kaleesh enter, and seemed to tense, but none got up or said anything. ”`

“` Erin Eldridge glanced towards the new entrants. She eyed up the Zabarak, the bronze-skinned woman, and a third that came in behind them, a Zeltron.

"So, which of these is your…head Marshal?” she asked curiously. “`

Diy had nodded along in the conversation, her equal disdain for the gods telegraphed easily on her face. At the sound of the door opening, she twisted to look over her shoulder, gaze bouncing from the human to Zeltron before hovering on Karran a bit longer than the others. She grinned deeply in his direction and winked. Stepping aside to make room for the approaching, the Kiffar looked back to Erin. “The salt and pepper momma of course, Socorra.”

Diy was in fact not in trouble, and looked her normal amount of ease and carefreeness.

"Greetings, Socorra. So, as I was discussing with your...Marshals... we'd be grateful for some help, but you understand why I'd be skeptical, yes? I assume you'd want something of us, Founders Mark. Everything comes with a price..."

With nothing else to be gleaned from the doc, Nicfer made her way out and towards the townhall. Didn’t take long to arrive but seeing as a good number of her… Um… companions? Co-workers? Whatever they were, she didn’t want to interrupt or get in the way, so she hung around back. Listening and taking in information. Both from the questions asked and how her fellow Marshals acted. If she could not find out about the raiders, maybe she could figure out who she was being ‘forcefully encouraged’ to work with.

“` Erin Eldridge seemed to think this over. She knew the reality of the situation. Socorra’s words seemed to ring true. And while she put on a strong face, she knew they needed help. And this group…seemed like they’d be useful in a fight. Clan Arcona besides.

"Alright,” she exhaled slowly. “We have a tip that they’re going to be coming in force once Dajorra starts to set.”

She glanced outside. “Means we don’t have much time to get ready, but they will come through the main entrance, like they can waltz in and own the place.” “`

Eldridge nodded. "I'll set to making sure people board up. They've gotten used to it..." she murmured something else but it was more to herself than anyone else.

The Sith took a second to take in his surroundings this place wasn’t to shabby but nothing compared to the Ruby’s Perch back on Ol'val but it would do for now. Making his way over to the bar counter resting his arms on it and called out to the bartender.

“What do have, the stronger the better.” He said mildly

“` "That depends, what’s yer poison?” the dark skinned, bright eyed man behind the counter asked. He wore clean, sharp clothes that were still practical for working.

“Whiskey, Rye, Ale, Vodka…” he gestured towards the shelf behind the bar. “`

Looking over his options the Sith pointed out ome of the Whiskey bottles of which he knew would pack a good punch behind it having served it in his own place at one point.

“That one will do nicely.” He said reaching up to remove his helmet its latches and seals hissing slightly as it came off. Placing it on the counter he waited patiently for his drink to come.

“` The Bartender made quick work of pouring the drink, a bit sloppy but still served it neat.

He placed it down. "What brings you in, partner?” he drawled. “`

“Just drifting around and hard this place has seen some troubles lately, so I decided to stop by and see for myself what kinda issues you all have been having.” He said picking up the shot and tipping it back letting the burn steady his mind and the ever present pain in his body.

Aaaand she was spotted immediately. ‘Shoulda picked the bar…’ Holding back a groan and an eye roll, Nicfer straightens a bit now that she’d been acknowledged.

“Nothing of note. Other than the Doc knows his stuff and that trouble rolls in randomly on loud speeders.”

Reflexively, she braced and clenched her jaw. Nicfer had never told a boss this little and not gotten some kind of blow back from it, so she was prepared take it without making quips or smart remarks… yet.

Not the outcome she was expecting, Nicfer continued to stand there as the others made their way out. She was still waiting for the other shoe to drop when she finally noticed that no one was there to let her have it. She quietly left the hall and followed after to the bar where others seemed to have done a better job at uncovering the mystery. She stuck near the group and found a place to lean as the group got settled.

A slight growl escaped the Siths lips as he set down the shot glass. Throwing some credits on the counter to pay for his drink and turned to face the group.

“Cant leave me in peace for a few minutes can you?” He asked slightly irritated

The Bartender froze in place, but nodded to the bronze-skinned woman that spoke. "Yes'm," he said and offered a 'sorry' shrug to Rrogon.

Nicfer waited to see if anyone would speak up, but she could only hold for so long. Especially since she feel like she failed at gathering information. ‘Why do I even care this much…’ It was her last thought before opening her mouth to mumble an opinion.

“They like their loud speeders and haven’t had much of a fight put up here. Rigging up main street with a trap seems the smart play. Let ‘em blast into town full speed and catch a clothesline to the face or roll an obstacle in their path before they can stop.”

She clapped her hands together to nail home the point.

“Before they can regroup, we can bring the transport around or rush 'em from both sides.”

She went back to leaning on her patch of wall, before adding.

“Best traps lure your target in, so bait might give them tunnel vision.”

She wondered which in the group was gonna be the one that dismissed her plan or pointed out all the flaws in it first.

“I am more than happy to create a distraction in the street while the rest of you make tactical moves. It would also bring me no small amount of pleasure to crack some bandit skulls.”

The Zabrak rolled his neck and then his shoulders, sending a cascade of cracks and pops through his joints.

“Those that use their strength to prey on the weak are the lowest form of parasite.”

Nicfer gave Karran a bit of a look. They didn’t know these raiders or what they had been through to get to this point. ‘When you reach bottom, sometimes becoming a parasite seems like an upgrade…’

“We have a target for them to tunnel vision on. I’m sure the towns folk have some sort of metal cabling or power cable we could bury in the road and pull taught. Put some people with blasters on the roof and have someone on stand-by with the transport to block of their retreat. They might throw down arms before too many shots are fired.”

Diy didn’t consider the Zeltron’s plan for long, agreeing quickly with it. She flashed a grin, “Well, I’m in. Got the big boy in our ride, may need a hand to get him up on the roof but that’ll sure make ‘em think twice.”

“Okay, we have the bait,” She nods to Karran. “and we have one up top,” She nods to Diy.

“We still need some folk on cable pull duty, I’d like one more on the roof on the opposite side, and we need someone on transport duty to block the escape. That’s the minimum.”

She didn’t know how or why she was taking charge of the plan, but she was in the thick of it now. She just had to bring the whole thing home.

On queue, Erin Eldridge walked into the tavern, having seemingly overheard the plan.

“Banana?” she asked before dismissing her curiosity. “We can assist with the metal cord.”

Meanwhile, in orbit, a lone Eta-2 starfighter blurred out of hyperspace. Detaching from the hyperdrive ring, the starfighter arced twoard the atmosphere of Dajorra. In the cockpit, Kant Lavar was talking rapidly with the central communications facility at the Citadel. He was very late for the meeting he’d been invited to, and the Force was urging him on. Handheld comlinks wouldn’t have the range to talk to someone in orbit on their own, but their signal could be detected and with a couple of minutes of satellite time, triangulated. Now, with a destination plotted and his R2 unit giving him an atmospheric entry path that would best combine speed and safety, Kant Lavar shifted power to his fighter’s shield generator, watching as the first wisps of friction-generated plasma started to lick visibly around the energy bubble protecting him.

“`

”`

Dajorra’s light began to fade as the sun started to make its descent. Lights and lamps around the town were lit, but the light would not be gone for some time still.

The shops closed. Windows were boarded up. Anyone out on the streets made for the town hall where they’d been told to gather for safety.

Erin Eldrige looked at the towns defenders with a stoic expression. Maybe they could make a difference. Maybe not. She’d do what she had to do, though, to take care of her people.

The big doors to the townhall closed. Outside them, Strong hung back, silently set to guard in case things went wrong and the team needed to fall back.

“`

”`

The Dajorran Marshalls wasted little time getting ready. Diy, with some aided muscle, managed to get her BlasTech T-21 Heavy Blaster Rifle situated on the rooftop where she went prone.

Socorra and Nicfer worked together with some townsfolk to lay the metal cord-cable and cover it with dust. Each stood one one end, with Kaled next to Socorra and ready to lend a hand.

In the middle of the dirt road that made up the center of town, two figures sat on their knees in a warrior-like, ritualistic meditation.

Karran Val'teo and Rrogon Skar waited, seething through the tendrils of the dark side and waited.

Peace is a lie.

“It is good to fight alongside you again, Skar. It has been far too long.”

Despite their differences, there were few that Karran held in higher esteem than Skar. In the time since his injuries fighting the Collective, Karran had meditated on the Kaleesh. He could think of no one that had sustained greater wounds or felt greater physical pain.

“Fight well, and should the ancestors will it, meet your end with honor.” He uttered the Zabraki blessing with a nod, “May respect and blessings follow you and yours.”

Bacta, bandages, painkillers..

The Miraluka was silently checking his medpac for the basics necessities. It is a good thing he restocked it before coming here. But Kaled hoped that no one would get hurt.

Taking a deep breath in, he unbuckled the hilt from his belt. The Miraluka put his two fingers in the bottom ring and spun it back and forth. Nervously.

No emotion. Peace. Just stay calm and help when needed.

“I’m ready ma'am.” The Arcanist said as he slowly let out his breath over to Socorra. But he really wasn’t. His heart was beating fast. But the thing needs to be done. And hopefully everything will go according to plan.

Hopefully….

“`

”`

It started out as a faint ruckus in the distance. Slowly, it got louder and louder. Dust begin to kick up and form a smoke cloud. Loud music seemed to be playing from the speakers of a cadre of speeder bikes.

As they came closer to town they started to slow, if ever so slightly. A thin woman wearing a plaid shirt, leather pants, pointed boots and dark red hair raised a fist in the air and declared: “Outlaw Country!”

“Outlaw Country-WOO!” the other members of her gang called out.

Seeing the two strange figures not reacting or seemingly interested or afraid of their arrival, Charline Hunt narrowed her eyes.

“Who do these guys think they are? My robot supervisor and horny ex? Look at the arms on that one…I bet he can choke a girl out better than Big-O, amirite?”

One of the other gang members, apparently Big-O, grumbled. He was not, in fact, big height wise or muscle wise. He was portly, and short, and possibly where his nickname came from.

No reactions from the two Sith.

“Alright then, have it your way, boys,” she said as she revved up her speeder and lead a charge to run both of them over with their bikes….

“`

”`

Socorra and Nicfer, with some help through the Force, pulled on the tied-down-to-foundation metal rope line to make them more taught.

They were rewarded as the first three speeders all crashed, their momentum arrested, throwing each of their riders off. The remaining speeders skid to a halt, and the outlaws dismount, weapons ready, as chaos breaks out.

“` Charline Hunt pushed herself back up to her feet. Her pretty face had gotten dirt all over it, but she didn’t look worse for wear otherwise. Her eyes, however, widened and seemed to have a hint of crazy frenzy growing in them.

"You karkin’ peasants HOW DARE YOU,” she screamed. “You’ll pay for this…Mayhem, Bedlam, get off your asses and make yourselves useful!” she kicked her boots at each of her lackeys.

“And you…you look like you know how to use that body of yours,” she hissed as she flashed a feral grin at the Zabrak. With a hand gesture, she extended her will through the Force in an attempt to control him to do as she wanted. “`

Chris Mayhem growled as he pushed himself back to his feet. He shook his head, and then charged as he drew a Z6 riot-batan and rushed towards the Kaleesh.

You’re going to be a good boy and help protect little old me…

“` Karran felt his mind being overwhelmed. His body was ready, honed, and he had healed the scars of his past. He had found his father, his friends had come for him. He had continued his training.

But now, something, a desire, a burning, caused him to listen to the womans command. ”`

“` Socorra’s grappling hook shot out with grace enough to make any Mandalorian, real Mandalorians, proud. It cut off Charline’s concentration, but the damage was already done….

Socorra’s expertly shot grappling line lasso’d around Karran as the Zabrak found his body moving against his will to put himself between Charline, and Socorra’s attempt.

The action ended with Karran bound by the grappling line, held by Socorra, and Charline letting out a gleeful "WOOO!” “`

As Karran felt his body move outside of his own will and the grappling cord wrapped about him, it felt…good? That would be something to unpack a little later. And he had someone in mind who might be able to help. But until then, he shook to clear the fog from his head.

“Apologies! Redheaded witches have a habit of worming into my brain!”

Mitch Bedlam, a Mirilan with a blaster rifle and a scarred face, got to his feet and followed Mayhem, but instead of charging leveled his blaster at the Kaleesh and let out a well aimed salvo.

The Siths eyes tracked to the new opponent, his foot kicking up the Beskar Spear he had placed at his feet before there arrival with a well trained spin it came to rest in his hand ready to taste blood. But that was wait as movement chought his eyes seconds before his senses told him of the incoming attack, and with a whirl of precision and skill the Sith began to block and deflect the incoming blaster bolts with relative ease.

“And here I thought that you so called bandits would put up a better fight.” He roared igniting the small personal shield on his wrist and taking a defensive stance ready to the next attack

“` The HK-47 droid turned on the bronze skinned woman and took aim. "Perish, meatbag, before OUTLAW COUNTRY,” it droned as it fired its Blaster rifle in a few aimed bursts.

Socorra was already in motion, however, and took cover behind the speeder-parking stand, blaster bolts flying wide. “`

When the line was pulled taught and the bikers ate dirt, Nicfer had to fight back a cry. The cable wrapped around her arm slipped and bit into her skin and turning it a darker shade of red than normal. It also made it more difficult for her to extract herself from her own trap to engage with the bandits that just happened to not throw down arms like she had predicted.

‘Stupid fuckin’ cable!‘

She drew her blaster pistol and shot the line keeping her tangled and annoyed before looking up and drawing a bead on the nearest droid. Three quick shots rang out at the IG droid before Nicfer ran and slid into cover. Part of the cable still wrapped around her arm.

“Give up now, or get ripped apart!”

“` The trio of shots weren’t perfectly aimed. But they didn’t have to be. The IG-Droid was, it seemed, slowed by all the sudden action and still processing what was going on.

Nicfers blaster bolts bit into its chasis. It remained standing, but was starting to smoke. ”`

The woman’s affectation over Karran’s mind slipped away almost as quickly as the ropes slipped from around his body. With a final shake of his head and a flare of anger, the Zabrak reached a hand out to the redhead and willed the Force to pull her closer until her throat was in his left hand. His right hand held his lightsaber, still inactive, but ready. Slowly, his fingers began to squeeze.

“` (I knew it…) Charlines thought.

As the Zabrak’s powerful grip tightened around the leader of Outlaw Countries throat, and asphyxia started to trickle in, she felt a jolt of excitement and elation surge through her. Her legs kicked dangling slightly as her eyes went wide but fixated on Karran’s.

"H-harder…” she whispered hoarsely.

“`

The Zabrak leaned in closer and whispered in a voice that could only be heard by the gang leader.

“As. You. Wish.”

“` Charline felt her eyes start to roll back, but they quickly refocused at his words. She was tougher than she looked, for sure.

She let out a squeak of delight as she jabbed her fingernails into his forearms. ”`

“Come on, big boy, dock already!” Diy grumbled, shoving the coolant cord connector into the T-21 heavy repeating blaster. “There we go, baby!”

Green locks bounced as the faux-Zelosian hoped up into a braced crouch and aimed the blaster towards the two of the outlaws and their little droids too. The muzzle flashed as crimson bolts sprayed around them.

“` The IG-droid, which was already smoking from Nicfers attack, was already not looking so hot. The barrage of sudden blaster fire from above gave the old droid not a lot of room to run or avoid. Bolts collided with its hull, oil spurting, spilling, and the droids eye-lights went out and it toppled over, going still, out of commission.

Big O, the portly man who had just wiggled out of his speeder, took a clip to his armored shoulder pauldron. He squeaked in pain then immediately scrambled for cover behind his speeder.

Jenny "Two Times”, twin blaster pistols drawn, tried to evade the rain of blaster fire, but also took a hit to her armor. She winced, crouched behind her own speeder and swore loudly. “`

“On it!”

Miraluka quickly dashed past Socorra, making his way over to the HK unit. This time it was easier to spot the droid’s thanks to the training before.

The saber roared and the white blade eliminated brightly as Kaled jumped forward, focusing everything on this one attack. The Miraluka raised his left hand up, letting the Force flow through his open hand. Before making contact he closed his fist tightly as possible.

“Heads up!”

As he landed the, Kaled punched the ground with all his might releasing the shock wave. The Miraluka slowly tried to get on his feat before someone tried to attack.

“` "What devilry…oh no,” the HK-47 droid droned as it was knocked backwards and sprawled out on its back, taking damage to its chassis.

It rocked in it’s back, prone, unable to get back up. “`

Suspended still by the Zabrak's...powerful grip, Charline let out an actual groan of what seemed to be enjoyment from the sensation. In reaction, however, she gripped the Zabrak's forearms and sends a jolt wave of Force Lightning into Karran.

Karran grit his teeth as he tightened his grip. When the woman released her lightning into his body, he felt every muscle contract. In the throes of his rage, however, what would have been intense pain only elicited the release of a flood of endorphins and dopamine in his brain. His one good eye visibly rolled as he released a roar of…not bloodlust or battlerage, but neither entirely pleasure. Simply something perfectly in between.

“` Mayhem sneered as he felt his baton being driven back by the powerful Kaleesh warrior.

"Yeah, well how about some of this!” he cried out as he dropped to the ground and tried to sweep the Kaleesh legs out from under him. “`

As the human and Kaleesh were locked into there melee struggle the Sith felt his smaller foe slacken ever so lighty as he dropped to the ground and attempted to sweep the hulking Juggernaut off his feet. But true to his name and title with very little reaction time the Sith locked his body into place with the Force, his body straining and screaming at him in response. He gritted his teeth through the pain of it but held on non the less as he was unmoved by the human.

“Poor choice.” he growled

Pew-pew-pew…

Finger relaxing on the trigger, the bolts came to a stop for a moment. Diy peeked over the edge a bit more, catching the eye of the lass behind the speeder. “Best throw yer hat in, chica! O’ kark–”

Jenny “Two Times” had a response for certain. Diy hit the roof in time as bolts scorched through the raised rim offering some degree of cover for the Kiffar. Blue-green eyes perfect back up past the holey edge, and returned fire of her own.

The Miraluka lifted himself up, finally getting a good sense of his soundings. He moved a bit closer, sensing the one they called Big O and Jenny.

It took him a few seconds before really coming out with a plan. Reaching out with the Force, like Marick thought him, sensed a big object beside both.

Settling for one on the left Kaled raised his hand feeling the object in front of him.

Heavy… just my luck…

Concentrating on it, the Miraluka let the Force flow through once more, grabbing it in his mind.

Just…a bit… MORE!

As he felt a hold on it Kaled pushed it twords Jenny “Two Times” dropping it on her.

“You are in timeout miss.” He said as he let out a heavy sigh from all the exhaustion.

“` "What the kark, what the kark!?” Jenny “Two Times” exclaimed as the speeder that was supposed to serve as her cover toppled over and crushed her leg beneath it.

She cried out in pain and tried to pull herself free, but it was a slow effort at best. “`

“` The HK-47 droid slowly pushed itself back up to its feet, a bit disoriented. It focused on the prone Miraluka and sighted on it.

"Bet you will not see this one coming,” the droid quipped in monotone. “`

“` Mayhem had chosen…poorly. He winced as his kick did nothing and scampered back.

As he did, his partner attempted to open fire on the Kaleesh. Bedlam’s blaster barked a volley of blaster bolts, but they were harmlessly dissipated by Skar’s shield. ”`

As Kaled returned back to the stance he heard the droid’s remarks. Quickly he dropped the handle of his lightsaber. With a smooth motion, the Miraluka grabbed the ring with two fingers, twirling it around barely deflecting the blaster bolt’s to HK droid.

“Well even I could see that coming.”

Seeing the IG go down and the chaos erupt all all around her, Nicfer hesitated. She could grab a speeder and be gone. Find the next port, hop a ship and be gone. Free. The idea seemed almost like childs play.

BANG

A stay blaster bolt splinters part of her cover and sharpnel is sent flying into the side of her face.

‘OH I’m gonna make you lay for that one.’

And just like that, her head was back in thr fight as she seethed with rage. Popping up from cover and seeing the HK over Kaled, Nicfer took a deep breath and aimed high. Letting instincts make the shot.

Instincts paid off. The HK-47 droid, focused on the pesky Miraluka, never saw the shot coming. The blaster bolt tore into its hull, a weak spot that was never really patched. It toppled over and sparked and sizzled and then died.

Karran leaned in to whisper into the redheads ear in a low, gravelly voice.

“You’re going to stay here and be a good girl, aren’t you?”

He gave her throat a slight squeeze to punctuate his sentence as he activated his lightsaber.

Multitasking is a skill any fighter pilot must master. With larger ships - shuttles, transports, and so on - there’s usually at least one other crewmember to split tasks with. And while an astromech droid can help, they cannot take total control away from the pilot outside of specific circumstances.

And so Kant Lavar’s hands were bouncing between the flight controls, sensors, weapons systems, and comm unit as he pushed the ion engines of his fighter for all they were worth. If he was going to be able to provide effective air support, he needed to know what was going on, and that meant getting a read from his ship’s admittedly limited sensors, or getting hold of someone on the ground… preferably the second.

Charline groan became something of a purr as she stopped fighting back and seemed to be basking in the Zabrak's control. Where had a man or woman like this been hiding?

Charline tilted her head back and licked at the Zabrak's jaw now so close, what with his whisper thrust into her ear, his saber long and humming with sound beside her. She whispered something back to him.

The Sith chuckled before leaning in to give his response.

“Let’s goooo, Kali!” Diy hooted after watching the Miraluka spam a karkin’ speeder onto the woman. She took the opportunity to direct her rain of blaster fire towards the big fella sucked behind his ride.

“` Diy’s blaster fire tore into the large man’s speeder, shredding the plating. Big-O swore as he saw things breaking down around him. "I’m not even supposed to be here today…”

He tossed down his blaster and held his hands up, cowering, and crawled out from behind his speeder. “I give up!” he cried.

“`

With a snarl of rage from somewhere deep within the Sith from having to foes who were proving to be more annoying then he had expected the Kaleesh spun on his heel disengaging from Mayham for a split second and with a bellow of rage launched his Beskar right out of his hand sending it careening into the chest of Bedlam. The shear force and weight behind the throw sent the Zabrack flying backwards until he was pinned to the ground ten feet away from his starting point.

Keeping his momentum his now free hand swept down to the hilt of his longsword drawing it free from its scabbard with a low sweeping motion he brought it around catching the human off-guard and racking the durasteel blade across his chest spraying blood into the dirt and sand.

The two lackeys fell to the dirt road, blood spilling freely. Neither rose back to their feat as they went limp.

“` In the distance, two more members of the gang were running late, but ready to reinforce there team as they heard danger signals over their internal comms. They tried to punch the speed on their speeders but were still outside the range of the town.

Overhead, a starfighter engine could be heard. ”`

Spotting the two speeder bikes, Kant adjusted his flight path and speed, and armed his laser cannons. Switching his com unit to the frequency he’d been given while on his initial descent from orbit, he tried again to get hold of someone on the ground. “Socorra, this is Kant Lavar. I’ve got two unknowns on speeder bikes headed your way, about 90 seconds out. I’m airborne and in position to make a run on them if they’re hostile.”

“Copy that, rolling in.” Punching his throttle forwards, Kant dived in on the two speeder bikes, ion engines giving their distinctive banshee howl, and dropped the crosshair in his heads-up display over top of them. Manually pulling a bit to lead the two riders - since the fighter’s targeting computer wouldn’t pick them up as a valid target - Kant’s finger tightened on the trigger as he came into range, sending emerald blasts of energy down at the targets.

Diy leaned against her repeating blaster with arms crossed, a satisfied grin on her lips as she caught her breath. After a moment, she set to work dismantling and prepping for the retreat off the rooftops.

“` Erin Eldrige and Jie emerged from a nearby building. Her two guards trailed.

She looked around at the town. She took in the destroyed speeder bikes. Minimum damage, but still some work to be done.

She stood quietly, noting the dead bodies, studying the remaining survivors of Outlaw Country.

”`

“Thank you Diy!” He waved over presumably in the right direction. Kaled also sensed the person a bit far off where he was. They didn’t really talked to her before this, but she did helped him with the droid situation.

“Also thank you too!” The Miraluka waved, smiling as he heard Socorra asking him to move the speeder away.

As Kaled turned off his lightsaber, now a bit more relaxed that the whole thing was over, made his way over to Jenny “Two Times”. He lowered himself beside her, resting his arm on the speeder.

“Sorry! Really sorry about that! Just you shot at my friend, and I didn’t really know what to do, and I didn’t want to hurt you I am so so sorry about your leg! But don’t worry! I have some medicine and it will all be ok.” The Miraluka, filling guilty about the accident, dropped everything on the poor woman before catching his breath again. Arcanist tapped on the speeder a few times before realizing what he was supposed to do.

“Oh! Yes! Sorry! Moment!”

He moved away a few pace’s before extending bought of his arms in front. Feeling the object once more through the Force, he slowly tried to lift it up before moving it away. Ashla only knows that this woman was in already too much pain. He didn’t really wanted to add more injury’s.

Jenny seemed to be both scared, in a lot of pain, and exhausted. "We was just following the boss' lead..."

With Socorra’s assistance, they managed to move the speeder away. Now that Jenny was free, Kaled produced a small medpack and sat on the ground beside his new patient. Feeling the content inside, he managed to find the painkillers.

“Here! It will dull the pain for now. I will try my best once we get you a nice and soft bed for you to rest.” The Miraluka gave a soft smile as he spoke, but the guilt he felt was visible on his face.

“Don’t worry, not a poison! Promise! How do they say it… Scouts honesty?”

Nicfer, happy the shooting had stopped, sunk down behind her cover, using it to keep her propped up. She brushes at her face where she’d have cover debris fling up at her as she pretened to fiddle with her blaster as the others did… whatever it was they were sent here to do.

Karran let the redheaded woman fall from his grip as he deactivated his lightsaber and slipped it back into its leather holster.

“I am done with you for now.” As he turned on his heel he called out, “Place her under arrest and do with her what you will.”

Without another word, he walked away to check on the others. Diy would likely need help bringing her weapon down from the rooftop and there was certainly a lot to unpack from the day’s events.

The guards moved to place stun cuffs on Charline, who, as she tried to resist, felt the shock surge through her. She let out a squeal of delight and laughed high and sharp as she was taken away.

The Zabrak took a deep breath, “That woman needs therapy.” Then he thought for a moment, “but it is true what they say about the crazy ones.”

The laser cannon blasts, designed to be used against small spacecraft, were overkill against the civilian-grade speeder bikes. One unlucky rider had his bike disintegrate beneath him as the vehicle’s fuel cell was hit. The second rider was simply thrown as the steering vanes in the front were struck, sending the bike nose-first into the desert. That bike tumbled before it, too, exploded.

Satisfied, Kant arced around and circled the small town slowly. Seeing that the situation seemed to be under control, he set the small starfighter down at one end of the street, then popped the canopy and vaulted out. The R2 unit socketed in the wing chirped a question, and despite not knowing exactly what was said, Kant could guess the question. “No, Ruby, stay with the ship for now. I’ll com if I need you.”

R2-U3, whose white-on-red paint job had earned her the nickname “Ruby,” blatted her opinion of that but stayed in place as Kant walked over to meet up with the rest of the Marshals.

Rrogon was breathing heavily, not from physical exscurcion but from the near debilitating pain he felt from the use of the Force. It nearly brought him to his knees however the Sith stayed upright and on his feet dispite what he was feeling. Withstanding the pain the Kaleesh forced himself to move sheathing his sword and moving to retrieve his spear from the corpse he had made.

With a hard tuge he Beskar spear was renched free from Bedlams torso and returned to its maglocked spot on the Siths back. He felt no pity for the few he killed on this day they were no more then bandits praying on the weak, they deserved what they got in this.

Trudging his way over and thankfully for the helmet he wore to cover his pained expression he rejoined the rest of the marshals and waiting for his next orders.

Getting up from behind her cover finally, she was met by a smirk from her boss, Socorra. She bit back an eye roll and a sigh. She had at least learned that “lazy disrespect” in thr Brotherhood was a good way to have to deal with punishments of the physically demanding kind. She shuttered remembering having to hold something called “Horse Stance” for an hour cause she tossed her training saber at the rack after a brutal training session.

Not wanting to be accused of attempted desertion, Nicfer chose to now wait by the transport. Leaning against the open hatch while picking at the newly acquired dirt under her otherwise prestine nails.

A head poked itself out of the driver’s window and addressed the Zeltron.

“Oh good, you’re awake!” Wyndell exclaimed cheerfully.

‘Oh poodoo. It’s the second…’

“What do ya mean, awake? I was fightin’ the whole fight?!”

She leans her head back in exasperation, letting the back of her head thunk off the hull.

“Did you just hang out in here when it all went down?”

“Yeah, well, someone had to make sure the ride back was safe and secured. Didn’t you read the reports about bandits!?”

He rolled his eyes, and made a dismissive gesture with one hand, tossing imaginary trash over his shoulder.

“That would not be unexpected from Master Wyndell. Not that he is not valuable… when he shows up.”

Karran walked up to the vessel and extended a hand to the Zeltron.

“I do not believe we have met. Karran Val'teo. And you are…?”

“Hey there Kar-bear, I see your horns are out,” Wyn drawled at the Zabrak.

The Sith narrowed his eyes as his nostrils flared at the mention of the very exclusive nickname.

“And I see yours have yet to come in. Let us hope some muscles come soon after.” He laughed, “it is good to see you, though. I still remember that expedition to that ruined temple. You fought well that day.”

“Oh yes. So good to make sure someone was holding down the fort.”

She spoke the line almost the same time that Karran Val'teo spoke up too. Her own comment lost to his.

When the Zebrak introduced himself, she went to shake his hand to at least be not insulting, but it looked like he was more interested in busting Wyn’s chops. While amusing, a forgotten handshake a bit of a slight. She went back to leaning in silence, letting the two boys go back to flirting.

The Zabrak returned his attention to the Zeltron.

“I pray you did not intend to insult a Warrior’s honor by denying his handshake. I may have to challenge you to a rite of combat to regain what is lost.”

A twinkle of humor danced in his one good eye.

Wyn clapped his hands together.

“Oh, oh, this is the best part. She’s gunna give you the long sullen silence, or mean quip! ”

“You..” She points to Wyn. “Go back to guarding and being invisible.” She lets slip a little smirk. “Guess you get the mean quip.”

She then reluctantly offered a handshake to the Zabrak. The silence hanging in the air between them, the same small smirk appearing on her face as she decided to also do a long sullen silence.

“Nicee,” Wyn complimented as he did just that.

Karran gripped the hand firmly.

“Good, now that I do not have to offer your heart to my ancestors, what was your name?”

“Nicfer.” The line is delivered flat and monotone. “And do you go around often offering hearts to ancestors? Who talks like that?”

“Hah, got eem” Wyns voice echod from inside the transport.

Karran bent down to meet the Zeltron’s eyes. The left corner of his mouth twitched, wrinkling the burn scars that covered that side of his face.

“A Zabraki warrior that has fought on the sands of many planets. That has hunted Sand Caulker on Iridonia, Wraid and Canyon Krayt on Tatooine. Communed with ancestors in ceremony and received their tattoos in the old tribal way.”

He stood back to his full height, “But I apologize if the formality makes you uncomfortable. Ancestors and the Force are more or less one and the same among my people.”

“` Erin glanced around. If she was bothered by the two dead bodies and some damage, it did not show on her face.

She smiled, instead, and shook the Socorran’s hand. "You’re not going to try and take them away to your…castle-place?” “`

Nicfer matched his gaze and tried to match his intensity, but she lacked the scars and quite probably the life experiences to match his full intensity. She listened as he listed his accomplishments, and let a small sigh of relief when he backed up.

“Uncomfortable, no. Just find it strange. But the verse is filled with all types.” She puffed up a bit, “Besides, I have my own accomplishments. I’ve hunted a pretty mean felinx that invaded my apartment.” Then that smirk comes right back out.

“A Felinx, eh? One of those gave me this scaaaarrr.”

He pointed to his right cheek where a faint 2-inch long vertical scar could be seen starting just at his cheekbone.

“Of course it escaped. He will always be the one that got away… but I will find you one day Mr. Snuffles.”

Nicfer tried. She really REALLY tried. But the name was just too much. She let loose a small laugh as the proud Zabrack recalls the one that got away. Her hand flinched, moving without thought to clap over her mouth and keep her composure. After a moment she removed her hand as her fit of laughter pass and her normal resting bitch face returned.

“See, I knew you could talk like a normal person. You can even joke.”

Karran laughed from deep in his chest, “Do you hear that Wyn? Someone thinks I’m funny!”

He clapped the Zeltron on the shoulder, “I like you. Come out to my homestead sometime. We can spar, meditate, drink tea. I’m sure Baby would love a new person to play Shove the Reek with.”

Nicfer moves more than she wanted to from the clap on her shoulder. She tried not to wince either.

“Easy there hunter. I’d say amusing. As for visiting, I’m not sure. I don’t have much freedom at the moment.”

She looks back toward the direction where they first landed and the shuttle likely still waiting for her.

“But I’m sure it would be an… enlightening visit.”

“Drop in whenever you are free. It’s an open invitation. If I’m not there, feel free to use it as a place of peace and rest.”

Karran smiled. He had spent too much time away from the camaraderie of the Clan. There were many faces that were new to him, but he looked forward to building bonds with them.

“And perhaps we can help you put on some muscle.”

“Quit pestering the new blood Karren, not everyone can bulk as much as you can…or Strong for that matter.” Said the Kaleesh through slightly gritted teeth continuing to maintain his control over the pain that racked his body.

Turing to the woman who Skar figured was the leader of this town who was asking if they were going to take survivors of the bandits away.

“They are yours to deal with mame they terrorized you and yours so justice lies with you not the Citidal.” He replied

Diy hoisted the generator pack onto her back with a huff of breath and some internal regretful cursing that she skipped lift day with Karran. She started for the shuttle when her gaze fell on Kaled kneeling beside one of the bandit women. The one he pinned, she recalled. With a sigh and a shift of her gun equipment, the faux-Zelosian halted beside him.

“Hey, Kaled, everythin’s good here? Lass isn’t given ya troubles?” She eyed Jenny with a twitch of a grin.

Nicfer tried not to grimace at the idea of “bulking up”. She could fight, but she was more of a talker than fighter. And if things went her way, maybe more of a flier than fighter too. But being in a group full of fighters, looked like combat might be on her plate.

With his hands on her leg, Kaled stood still for a while. Concentrating on the injury, he focused all of his remaining straight to this one last task.

He wasn’t really sure that it will heal all the way, but with some pain medication and restart it should be fine. The Miraluka let out a big sigh of relief. His shoulders finally dropped from all of the exhaustion.

Kaled’s head lifted slowly as Diy spoke up and a sudden smile, although exhausting, formed on his face.

“Nope… just helping her out…. sorry I am a bit… tiered. Could you help me…get her up? She needs a bed…and some rest”

Diy frowned slightly as she noted the exhaustion set in his shoulders. She looked from him to the woman and back, and sighed. “I can do ya one better – Karran!” The Kiffar turned towards the Zabrak in the distance and called, “Need ya to come sweep a lady off her feet!”

“Here,” Diy turned back to Kaled and offered her hands, smiling lightly. “Let’s get ya outta the dirt ‘n’ takin’ a breather yerself, hun.”

Karran turned to the voice and nodded, “It was nice to meet you Nicfer, I hope you’ll take me up on my invitation.”

The Zabrak jogged over to Diy and Kaled and knelt down next to the injured bandit. He looked up at Diy, “Would you like me to ease your load as well? It looks heavy and I believe I can carry both.”

Kaled happily accept the offer. Slowly taking Diy’s hands he stumbled fir a moment before finally regaining a solid footing.

“Thank you.” He said, smiling while straightening his back a bit. “ Phew, no need Master Karran. I’ll just… follow Diy. Maybe some tea would be nice.”

Kaled slowly excited his arm onto Kiffar’s shoulder once again. “Alright…lead the way ma'am.”

The Sith gently scooped his arms under the injured woman, “If you stab me, I will break you over my knee.”

With that single, monotone threat, he turned to carry her to rejoin the surviving members of her gang.

Diy was about to take him up on his offer when Kaled spoke up. She couldn’t help but laugh and grin cheekily, “My load’s at ease apparently.”

“Kinky,” Diy muttered to herself at Karran’s threat and watched him walk away for a second. She patted Kal’s hand and lead them to the shuttle. Once there, she promptly dumped the generator pack into the shuttle with a hefty thud and set hear blaster rifle beside it. Sitting down in the ajar door with room for Kaled beside her if he wanted, Diy tried to catch her breath.

“That thing’s soooo damn heavy, kark!” The Kiffar looked to the Zeltron nearby. “Hey, good plan out there. Karkin’ brilliant, gal. Clothesline’s classic.”

Nicfer looks to see who threw out the complement about her plan. She would prefer to stay silent, but it is hard when one is getting their ego stroked. She turned to face Diy and was a bit surprised at the ordinance she was carrying. She’d seen it before but hadn’t gotten a good look at it before. She knew they had those, the plan would have a few more parts to it.

“Keep it simple. Too many parts, then all to easy to fall apart. Least what captain use to say.”

“Captain, eh? Was on a crew? Ya weren’t given me the usual soldiery vibe,” Diy grinned. She offered her hand to shake. “Name’s Diyrian by the way. Call me Diy.”

Kant Lavar ambled up casually behind and to the side of three Socorran. “You said the magic words.” He paused, grinning sightly, then chucked a thumb back at his fighter. “Sorry I’m late. Traffic was a killer.”

“` Erin Eldridge watched as her guards took away the remaining members of Outlaw Country. Smartly, Jie grabbed a gag from…somewhere and fixed it into the raving Charline Hunt’s mouth and tied it tight.

”…in case the witch tries anythin’“ they explained when the guards gave them a funny look.

Erin addressed Socorra and the others.

"Thank you, Marshals,” she said with a faint bow.

Wyndell honked the horn a few times on the transport.

“Aaaaallll aboard!” he called out, as the Marshals loaded up and rolled out. “`