Open Orbit

Humming a tune to himself, Steve's de-stabilized Ugly enters Orbit. He's too drunk to give a kriff about his ship's heavy listing to the port side do to the loss of the rear port stabilizer as he took off from where was it again? He shrugged. He still had a Sithspit of rum and possible stolen goods to dump off. As he entered orbit he spied several vessels. Or was it one vessel?. He tried to close his eye to see then remembered he only had one eye. 'hm, he thought to himself. What to do? what to do. . .' He snapped his fingers then oppened a comm to the offending ships in his way. :: Ey, lash tink ye might be able tarr move yers bleedin shipsssss outta tha' way? :: He hiccupped loudly as he closed off the comm

[color=#00BF40:2fe8dvb9]*Kelborn looked from the pile he had created to the look of disapproval on Ty's face as he rounded the corner with the repulsor cart and scoffed in amusement. Speaking through the external mic on his helmet, he said.*[/color:2fe8dvb9]

[color=#008040:2fe8dvb9]:: Alright, alright, I get it, too many blasters...can't hurt to be prepared though am I right? ::[/color:2fe8dvb9]

[color=#00BF40:2fe8dvb9]*Kelborn chuckled as Ty lean on the handle of the repulsor so he could rest his head in his hand and shake his head, obvious trying to stifle his own amusement. Picking through the pile, he picked up the handful of E-11's he had thrown into the pile and began putting them back as he mumbled through the mic.*[/color:2fe8dvb9]

[size=85:2fe8dvb9][color=#008040:2fe8dvb9]:: Things are pretty useless anyways.... ::[/color:2fe8dvb9][/size:2fe8dvb9]

[color=#00BF40:2fe8dvb9]*As he put away the last one, Dante's still image for caller recognition appeared on Kelborn's HUD. With the twitch of an eye, he connected the call and listened.*[/color:2fe8dvb9]

[quote="Dante Deveaux":2fe8dvb9][comlink:2fe8dvb9]Kelborn, Ty - ETD (Estimated time departure) is minus two minutes. Haul choobies.[/comlink:2fe8dvb9][/quote:2fe8dvb9]

[color=#008040:2fe8dvb9]:: We're all sorted hear, Captain. Just gotta load up and haul over to the Hanger. We'll be there in one and a half. Kelborn out. ::[/color:2fe8dvb9]

[color=#00BF40:2fe8dvb9]*As he spoke, Kelborn was already bent over and hauling the weapons in arm loads onto the trolly as Ty picked up the 4 ammo crates and placed them on the front of the trolly. In thirty seconds flat, they got all the weapons piled on and were rushing for the repulsor lift, Ty running ahead to get the lift down to their floor quickly, arriving as soon as Kelborn rounded the corner with the trolly. Another forty-five seconds in the lift and they were on the hanger floor in sight of the Shuttle as the others loaded crates onto it. Rushing out the lift doors, Ty ran alongside the trolly, slowing once or twice to pick up any weapons that toppled out of the not very neat pile as Kelborn ran as fast as he could to the shuttle. At the one minute thirty-three second mark since Kelborn cut the comm connection, they arrived at the base of the ramp.*[/color:2fe8dvb9]

[color=#008040:2fe8dvb9]:: We get here fast enough for ya Captain? ::[/color:2fe8dvb9]

[color=#008040:2fe8dvb9]*Over the comm, Kelborn's voice sounded barely winded, if at all, and his tone was loaded with amusement at having accomplished the task so quickly, deliberately not noticing the three second tardy in his estimated arrival time.*[/color:2fe8dvb9]

*The Carrack-class Cruiser "Cutlass" floated through the system as the pirates gathered their thoughts and plotted their next move.* *All of the crew were plotting their next moves but none so intently as their Captain, Arkan Bloodrage. He was thinking about what happened on Honoghr and the escape of Captain Draykon in his quarters, stewing was a more apt word. He paced his room in full armour, he was still making up for that incident on Iridonia where it was removed. Vandelhelm was the perfect planet to retreat to, no-one would expect them here but it wasn't a huge hive of hostile activity either. The Fairmark station offered safe refuge and his brother had a cruiser there currently.*

*The Captain suddenly twisted his heels and strode from the room, the electric door almost not opening in time for the speedy Echani. He walked menacingly down the corridor to the armoury that was on this level, he used it for his own personal items of significant importance. Once he'd entered the correct code and inside the room itself he entered another code to reveal his personal safe. A biometric scan identified the Captain and he was allowed access. Inside were a few high-tech items he had acquired from a previous crew member, very useful for what he was planning. Stuffing them into a compartment in his leg plate he closed everything up and left, locking the armoury behind him. He then made his way to the hanger bay, as with any good arrival at a planet, they would be leaving the ship.* *The Captain did not announce to the crew he would be leaving, he just made it clear he was in a hurry to get to the hanger and decided to see if word of mouth would alert the landing party!*

Gref let out a small huff like bark that alerted Fia to the movement of crew outside her quarters, and she finished pulling on the tight brown leather top she had just finished "tailoring" to her liking...a task that involved mainly removing strips of excess material that she didn't understand the use of. Slinking almost silently to her door she listened to the crew as they walked past her door, ill tempered murmurings about the rush to disembark. Fia knew that Arkan had some plan in mind, but he had been even more ill tempered than usual and she hadn't asked what. She gathered from the sound of it that she should head to the hangar bay, and so with a jerk of her head to Gref she grabbed her small dagger and headed down the hallway to her intended destination.

*It was around this time that a glossy black coral craft appeared in view of the hangar's magnetic shielding, the only thing that kept the hangar's atmosphere in and the harsh vacuum of space out. The as it was titled, belonged to one of the Bloodrage Pirates more unusual members, the Vong Reaver they knew as Nem of Domain Yin. It glided through the shield and floated silently across the deck, lowering to the floor even as a series of six segmented appendages extended from its underside, gripping the hangar floor in the same capacity as landing gear. Accepting the weight of the craft, the modified yorik-vec's dovin basals began to rest, releasing their gravitational influence on the ship. A sharp hiss sounded as part of the rear ablative coral split, revealing a fully contracted hatch sphincter. Rippling from a seam in the middle of the organic portal, the sphincter dilated fully, then spit forth a long molleung worm that dropped to the deck in the form of a living ramp. Emerging from the dark and dank interior, Nem stepped out into the open, holding a hand over his glowing mqaaq'it as his eye implants adjusted to the artificial lighting of the hangar.*

"Honey, I'm home!" *He bellowed, before letting loose a series of comical hissing rasps, utterly amused by his own jest.* *The Intendant, along with Non-Com, had been over at the Fairmark Station that hung outside Vandelhelm's encompassing asteroid field. It was there that a plan had been orchestrated between the members of the Fringe League and Bloodrage Pirates. Although Arkan hadn't participated in the meeting, Nem had sent him the point-form notes from the discussion, so he would have been quite aware of the plot to kidnap Rimma City's governor and the part the BP were to play in his capture.*

*Digging his heel into the flesh of the ramp, Nem scooted forwards and slid down to the hangar deck, dripping slime from his cloaker clad feet. In fact, a small puddle of ooze had already formed where the end of the molleung worm met the durasteel plates of the deck.* *Talk about swabbing the deck.* *As he casually swaggered over to the Captain, Nem noticed Fiáin in the background, along with her signature mutt. His stomach let out a loud rumble.* *That reminded him, he'd need to get a snack once they got dirt side. Something with four legs that like to say 'woof'.*

*He stopped in front of the Echani and then jerked a thumb over his shoulder, gesturing towards his ship.* "All set to go, boss. I told ya she was a beaut. Cost me six chazrachs and twice as many humans, she did. That's a pretty penny on Tur Yenagh."

*Non-Com, who had decided to travel with Nem to the Fairmark station for some down time, that had turned suddenly into a think-tank that had volunteered him to and the Bloodrage Pirates to capture some figure head ground side. He slid down the slippery molleung worm behind the intendant, and blinked rapidly as his eyes adjusted to the brightly lit hangar. The trip had been... oddly luxurious, but then, NCO had grown up around living, or at least partially living vessels.NCO was quite content to let Arkan lead the crew in this mission, as Arkan had more experience with the crew and as a leader, but would step up if Arkan asked him to.*

Oi Nem, where I can I get me one o' these? She's a beaut indeed, inside and out, and I'll pay you triple what you payed for this one.*It was easy to hear the admiration and longing in NCO's voice. He knew the YV were highly protective of their gear, but if he had even the slightest chance at getting a hold of one of these ships, it'd be through Nem. And it if Nem said no, well, that was expected, one didn't just up and break social taboo on a whim, even for a close friend, which was more than NCO could lay claim to. Still, if Nem said yes... Well, NCO would gladly pay ten times the price Nem had quoted for a ship half as good as Nem's.*

[quote="Dante Deveaux":1k24klxe][quote="Kano Miatzho":1k24klxe]"Hey Boss, I got those new firing arc algorithms for the targeting software. You still want me to check on Ty or should I get these installed?"[/quote:1k24klxe]

[narration:1k24klxe]His leg pained him...he needed his cane. That, and being in charge again pained him...it seemed every one needed his attention.[/narration:1k24klxe]

[action:1k24klxe]Uncomfortably Dante shifted on his feet, though inwardly chuckled. It had been a while since he had assumed command...a while indeed. He addressed Kano first.[/action:1k24klxe]

"For now? Use the terminal uplink over there - [action:1k24klxe]he nodded at a computer terminal nearby, usually reserved for droids[/action:1k24klxe] - to upload the data to the ship. Once we're on it, double check with the weapons stations crews that the software update has taken with no glitches."[/quote:1k24klxe]
"Right." [action:1k24klxe]At least the captain hadn't questioned his ability to get the math right. If he had a credit for every commanding officer who had ever underestimated him... well, he'd have about thirteen extra credits. Not a lot when it comes to money, but more than enough when it comes to idiots who think your estimation of your own abilities is flavored by a thick frosting of arrogance.[/action:1k24klxe]

[action:1k24klxe]Stepping up to the terminal, he set to work getting the software uploaded to the ship's mainframe. From there, it could be accessed by each of the gunnery stations throughout the ship, who could then download the appropriate fire-control packages into their targeting computers. Once that was done, he disconnected the datapad and slipped it into one of the bags he'd left on the hangar floor, then picked up the bags and tossed them into the transport before helping load the crates into the cargo bay.[/action:1k24klxe] "Is this going to be a regular thing, Captain? Or can we expect the duties of a sector ranger to extend beyond freight transport?" [action:1k24klxe]The comment came with a smirk and a light tone, which obviously painted it as a joke.[/action:1k24klxe]

*It wasn't so much that Yuuzhan Vong were protective of their technology, although the shaper's did keep their protocols a secret for the most part, but more that they did not consider most infidels worthy of wielding their biots. However, Non-Com had already proven himself a capable hunter to Nem, thus earning his admiration and respect. The Gung had also proven to be a like minded companion, which further slotted him into the category of non-Yuuzhan Vong he considered worthy. That said, the shipwomb where the Intendant's vessel was grown was back on Tur Yenagh, somewhere in the Intergalactic Void. It had been some time since the Praetorite had heard word from Zonama Sekot's sister world, and Nem feared that something may have happened to it. Either way, it put the shaping facilities out of reach for the time being, but he did have an alternative in mind.*

"Replication of this ship type is not currently possible." *He stated knowingly.* "However, if you so desire, I could secure you a ship of similar design. Should we survive this mission, perhaps there will be time to visit Zonama Sekot and see your desire met."

*He didn't doubt their ability to make it through the coming events alive, but what they were currently proposing was extremely risky. Anything could happen. Anyone could perish if they didn't play this carefully. It was...exciting.*

*I begin to drop my head in regret at Nem's first statement, but I eagerly raise it once more as he offers a similar ship. And all he asked for was that we both survive this trip.... On second thought that might be a taller order than it seemed at first. I know that Nem will be practically looking for danger, within the mission's parameters, once he was ground side, as would I; so the likely hood that either of us will die in the upcoming engagement was significant. Still, Nem wasn't suicidal, and he'd been doing this for a very long time. This was doable, and I don't see how he could possibly get a better deal anywhere else so I readily accepted Nem's.*

If I should so desire! Ha! I do indeed desire so, you have yourself a deal!

*I look around the room, beaming like a five-year-old on Christmas day with all his new toys. I bonce up and down on the balls of my feet a few times as I dream, then shake myself back into reality and a sharp, cold, and very focused manner. Turning to Arkan I address a few questions to him, regarding the upcoming engagement.*

Oi Boss! How do you plan to make this work out? We've got quite a few items to dodge on the way in, it looks like, though I've been assured those will be taken care of. And do we have a fall back plan, in case things go south like the Honoghr job did?

==Aya==
*NC's comlink plays the first few notes of the alligator song, letting him know that Aya was 'present' even if she wasn't showing herself.*

*My comm link starts playing an odd familiar tune, and I remember where I'd heard it before as it's cut off by a priority alert tone. So Aya's around and playing, fair enough, rather kind of her to let me know. Now who's ... Osik.*

Urgent call boss, I'll be right back, probably.

*I run over Bes'bavar and and board quickly, though I take the time to seal the ramp behind me. running over to the holo-projector, I patch the comm message through it and stand for a few moments digesting what I've heard. Then I send a response, before shutting the projector down and disembarking again. A grim light in my eyes, as I approach the group again and announce the gist of the message. A dull ache fills my chest at the loss of so many vode, and the dull ember of anger that I've carried for Jetiise springs into flame once more.*

Shabla forcies slaughtered the Vode on Myrkr, Mada'lor calls a war against all forcies, Jetiise and Darjetiise alike. Let's get this show on the road, I've got work to do.

Steve's ugly turns and heads back to hyperspace he figures he needs a bigger ship

*Shabla forcies? The first word was perhaps a curse in the Mandalorian tongue, or Gung. With Non-Com you could never be entirely sure which. However, that point was second to his use of Myrkr's name. That planet was of special relevance to the Praetorite as they had a shaping damutek there that they used to breed Voxyn. Part of him wondered if his own people had been caught up in the attack, though that seemed unlikely. He would have been contacted immediately. Plus the shaping lab was out in the forest, secluded and about as hidden as possible. He knew there was a city located somewhere on the planet, populated by infidels, but other than that it was relatively void. Thus, it must have been the city that was hit, and by the sounds of it, those people were Mandalorians.*

*Nem's face contorted, somewhere been incredulous and thoughtful. He rubbed his fingers together as his brain muddled, piecing together the information and coming up with a plan in regards with what to do about it.* *All of a sudden the kidnapping plot seemed unimportant. Small potatoes compared to the Sithspit that this would kick off. He knew from his Mandalorian contacts that Ashrah was on an anti-forcie agenda, but a spark like this was the sort of thing that set the galaxy ablaze. They would be forced to respond with violence. Death, he foresaw death.*

"Perhaps now is not the best time to put our plan into action. If you've been called to war..."

*The Intendant's words trailed off as he felt a deliciously painful pulse originating in his skull. So used was he to the sensation that his expression remained unchanged, though his eye seemed vacant. He was receiving a villip transmission from somewhere out of the system. He looked at the others and continued.*

"Apologies. I must excuse myself for a moment."

*Without waiting for a reply, Nem retreated up the ramp of his ship and closed the hatch sphincter behind him. The organic portal contracted fully, preventing the others from entering and following after him.*

*I pace back and forth, highly irritated at the delay. I want a fight, and I'm just about ready to turn my anger on Arkan, when Nem starts speaking. I whirl around to face him, and nearly snap at him, as his first words suggest abandoning the conflict at hand, but I hear him out, and am glad I did. I take few deep breaths to calm myself, as he trails off, and my eyes squints slightly as his eyes go distant. As he excuses himself, I resume my pacing, but this time I force myself to find a constructive outlet for my anger, and begin planning how to properly respond to Mand'alor summons. Pulling my commlink out, I send him another message.*

:: Oya Mand'alor! Where do you need me, my forces are busy suppressing a rebellion and fending off an invasion force, but they can handle those tasks themselves. I am ready to show up where ever you need me, maybe even with a few unexpected friends, equally ready to kill some jetiise. ::

*Nem sat at the villip choir, raising a brow as he read the message.* *He was surprised to hear from Xeonon. During their last meeting it had sounded like they were both going to be busy for a while. Then again, if he had found out about the Intendant's tampering with the spice mining operation on Kessel, that might give him incentive enough to make time for a conversation. If that was the case, Chasen just ate his last twinkie. However, from the wording of the message, it sounded like this was something else. But what would Xeonon be up to that would interest Nem? Their history of working together revolved entirely on their efforts against the Sith. This had to be related, he was sure of it.*

*Rather than send a reply message, Nem tampered with the villip choir, opening a channel so that they could have an actual conversation. The oggzil attachment, a metallic spine shaped biot that allowed Yuuzhan Vong communications technology to interface with infidel technology, began to charge. In the course of a minute the Intendant's ship was broadcasting on a spectral frequency.*

:: Meeting might not be practical at the moment, Xeonon. I'm in mixed company. Company that would likely shoot you on sight. I just heard from one of my contacts that a Mandalorian colony on Myrkr was destroyed...by Force users. Their chief has called for war against the Jeedai and Sith alike. I don't know what that means for the Imperial Knights, but it doesn't sound like they'd much differentiate you from either of those groups. ::

*There was a pause as Nem was thinking.* *He had wanted this. It was the reason he had shared information with the former Mandalore and Clans Ordo and Ordinii. It had always been about practicality, about using the Mandalorians to wipe out the Sith. But he hadn't wanted a war against 'all' Force users. That was too much. Uncalled for. That was always the hardest part of being a spy. You made friends on both side.* *He continued.*

:: What did you have in mind? I'm an Intendant. I'm creative enough to think of some way to help you with whatever this is, mixed company or not. My ship's already prepped so I can link up with you in the Deep Core if that's where you are right now. ::

*As Nem broadcast his message, NCO listened intently and after receiving no direct reply from the mand'alor, made a quick decision to follow Nem, and see what his friend meant about serving up revenge, perhaps he had some private enterprise that dealt with Jetiise. Either way, NCO was going to find out. He moved into the pilot's seat, and vaguely wished Verral had been able to wrap things up on Algara II a little faster, but at least he knew that Algara was in good hands. Bes'bavar powered up all systems and was soon locked onto the beacon that Nem had provided for him.

Bes'bavar lifted from the hangar deck of the Cutlass, on repulsors, and moved through the mag-con field before switching to his sublights, and raced away form the ship and vandelhelm in general. Checking his trace lock, he noticed Nem was headed for Kessel, and set a course into his navcomputer to match Nem's. His VCX-700 vanishing into hyperspace, as he engaged his hyper-drive.*