2.0 - Lure of the Lost

The official nods repeatedly. "Well, to be honest, I don't know much about motivators and whatnot, but I'm sure we can hook you up with someone who won't rake you too far over the coals." As he begins to suggest some alternatives, his colleague returns to the little pow-wow and says,

"Sorry about that. The customs guy was convinced you were smuggling for the Rebellion." He shakes his head. "Which, I might add, my colleague and I could care less about if you are." He gives a knowing look. "I hear he's suggesting some options of folks to talk to. We can suggest some potentially riskier contacts for you, if you're interested. They will naturally confirm you're the kind of person they want to do business with -- but if so, they offer very good service at reasonable rates."

They shake your hands and identify themselves as Bren and Rayf. Rayf provides you with a comm-link address, "Just reach out to me here and let me know whether or not you're interested in, um, haggling for the best rates. Depending on that answer, I'll point you to the right person."

Dagger wanders in at some point, having had a nice quiet meal at a reasonable cantina. Although some overtures were made by the local residents to pry into his business -- or let him pry into theirs -- they were met with a quiet focus on food and drink and did not go anywhere.

Back on the ship, Urik remains in his quarters, meditating and almost preternaturally calm. He is, it appears taking the opportunity to reflect quite seriously.

Your prisoners are grumpy, but happy to be alive.

Kaveri has been doing some research up in the cockpit -- and as you gather to discuss what Mal encountered she opens up with some observations she's made. "This place is basically in shadow rebellion right now." she says. It appears the populace are generally very upset with some of the recent atrocities by the Empire and the opposition speaks loudly about the problems while the government keeps the planet in line with Imperial laws and edicts. "That said, it's all unfailingly polite -- like this is debate club or something. If I were to guess, I'd bet the government is unhappy too and is protecting its citizens by keeping in line, given what happened to Alderaan."

Mal provides a run-down of his interaction with the customs agents and it seems like the offer on the table is to either follow the straight and narrow route (and so not bring yourselves to anyone's attention) or quite possibly hook up with either black market or Rebel contacts where the pricing might be better, but... riskier.

Urik remains thoughtful and removed and says only, "I'd like to return to the temple quickly -- I have a lot of reflection to do and I find it difficult to focus and calm myself on the ship with the troopers nearby." Dagger, usually one for careless adventure voices support for Urik's position -- eager to get his friend to a place of stability. Although Csillag has famously carted around a thermal detonator for awhile, she's none too eager to get all wrapped up in the Rebellion given recent experience.

The decision is taken to take the more expensive and less troublesome route. Mal's contact is somewhat disappointed, but he passes you through and you're able to -- with a minimum of fuss -- get the Kirtan Strider back into good shape. Bidding adieu to Xyquine 2 -- you lift off from the starport one evening, pausing briefly at a scenic lookout over some very impressive mountains to dislodge a couple un-armored stormtroopers with a blanket and a couple days of supplies. A tourist kiosk of some sort is nearby and, presumably, will open in the morning and come to the aid of the stranded men.

That done -- even though Dagger would have been happier ditching them out over a deep lake -- you hit orbit and are shortly in hyperspace (at full speed) back towards Spintir...

The trip back to Spintir is unexciting. It's nice not to have the stormtroopers on board and many of you have taken the time to spend in quiet reflection after your experience. Mal, talking to the others, is able to piece together that with his crystal he should be able to make a lightsaber -- if they can find the components. And there's some optimism that he can do so with materiel at the temple. You break orbit to land. You hit the spaceport just long enough to refuel and resupply before a short hop to a clearing not far from the temple. The idea of having the ship closer to you is reassuring, and you'd rather avoid racking up the docking fees associated with the spaceport. Kaveri starts conceiving of grand plans to build a landing pad at the temple proper and being able to refuel there, avoiding Reles entirely.

Even in early summer, the slopes of Mount Tellec have some snow as you approach the temple, and the temperature -- while not cold -- isn't particularly pleasant either. They walk up to the temple is familiar to all of you but Mal -- and as you work up the steps, you come across to the main plaza of the temple and all seems well. Hethan -- alerted by the Curator on her commpad is at the entrance to great you.



Hethan smiles broadly at you, "You're back! And you've brought a friend?"