The Air Up Thaere

Arius is not much interested in the Trandoshan's blathering. He concentrates on doing his job, and leaves thoughts to his fate to others. Secretly, however, he is convinced that the powers that be were well aware of the arena. The greatest percentage of intelligent life seemed more interested in the generation of credits than being of service to society, or even performing what they are paid to do.

He, personally, had no more interested in credits than in their ability to augment his equipment. Except for a good meal from time to time, he admitted to himself. He didn't complain about rations, but nor was there much to say in their favour beyond them doing their job. A soldier's rations were there to provide him with every nutrient needed to remain healthy and active. Taste was optional.

Burnout - Orbiting Zham Hlar, Thaere System

"Roger that," came Sarge's muted response, the his confident and commanding voice fading in an out as it appeared that were still within the Central Battery's interference that they had the part and were returning to the shuttle, "Be advised. The Thaerians seem to be getting rather excitable --- I've been starting to notice weapons being carried where I had not before. Do I work on an alternate exfil?"

The route that were traversing, while circuitous seemed to be purposeful. They had yet to run into any other beings and there seemed to be a lack of security cameras, the fact that they had been numerous in the more populated areas not going unnoticed by the Squad and their Jedi Commanders.

---

Ani proceeds methodically along their route, "Sounds like the Thaerian's might be giving us some extra scrutiny on the way out. Xirrosk, if you are to leave with us, be prepared to pose as our captive. The troopers can hold you, and escort you, as such."

Wals kept to the rear of the group, racking his brain for some way to turn this problem around. But untangling the issue would require time they didn't have, and mastery he suspected he, at least, didn't possess. The tragedy and the injustice weighed heavily on his shoulders, but their mission wasn't here, and he couldn't conjure any reasonable excuse to stay, especially when they were expected. Master Kota did not seem like the sort who would turn the fleet around or even send a shuttle after them if they did not arrive on schedule.

Sarge's suspicion, though, raised his hackles. If he was feeling targeted, that meant someone willing to risk the republic's ire... or at least someone with a plan to dispose of the bodies. He couldn't fathom what might be gained from killing them rather than letting them leave, unless they knew they had met up with Xirrosk, and the Trandoshan was carrying more intelligence than he'd let on.

He lowered his eyes, opening his ears as they approached the shuttle bay. Perhaps they would be safer in space.

With the communication from Sarge Knuckles moves into a position to protect the Transdoshan as well as looking to be in control of him if required, this will also allow his brothers to better scan the crowds.

Burnout - Orbiting Zham Hlar, Thaere System

The Trandoshan snorted in slight amusement at Ani's comment, his reptilian eyes meeting hers, his scaly brow rising in indication of just what he thought 'extra security' may mean. Cautiously, so as not to alarm his hosts, Xirossk reached into a pouch on his belt and produced a set of binders along with a palm sized remote. "If you want to, you can put thessse on me. The remote allowsss you to ssstun me, if I were to get out of line. It doesss hurt, ssso pleassse don't do it unlesss you have to," he offered and held the device in Ani's direction.

"You mussst alssso be prepared for the military to resissst handing me over --- if outright refussing you to leave," he added, his disdain for his employer clear.

As if on que the squealing and distorted sound of the Station's public address system screeched to life:

Attention, residents of Burnout. Be on the lookout for a band of Separatist terrorists dressed as representatives of the Republic military loose on the station. They have tried to sabotage our life support systems and killed several guards in doing so. They are very dangerous. A 10,000 Datary reward is being offered for their capture; but attempt so at your own risk

Nearby, the flickering ancient view panels show images of Xirossk and the Squad - clearly taken from the Arena observation room - as their Trandoshan guide curses in Dosh. Sarge begins to speak over the Squad's comms before being cut off by the high pitched ring of interference as their communications with the shuttle become jammed.

A flash of anger passed across Arius' face at the blatant lies coming across the PAS. They were legitimate members of the military, they had killed noone that he was aware of, and hadn't touched the life support systems. Whoever was responsible for this treachery should be arrested!

His first inclination was to switch his weapon to lethal, but that would only confirm the lies.

"I think we should get out of here before we do have to kill someone."

He comments.

"..but I would sure like to take them"....and he pointed in the direction of the loudspeaker...."...with us..."

"Let's just get out of here"

"Sounds like we'll be fighting our way out... Team, you have permission to use any and all force necessary to secure our egress. These are not the actions of allies...

Xirrosk, do you know of any passages that would allow us to enter the hangar our ship is in, through a peripheral entry point?

At least maybe we can catch them off guard."

Burnout - Orbiting Zham Hlar, Thaere System

Yessss. Yes," Xirossk nodded eagerly at Ani's query, "There isss a maintenance shaft. Thisss way. Thisss way."

The Trandoshan loped off, cuffed hands waving for the Squad to follow. He lead them to a darkened spot in an abandoned corridor, pulling a nondescript panel from the wall, light panels flickering on to reveal a rusty seemingly rarely used ladder. Smiling their guide pointed up.

---

"Do we prioritize escape, or do we prioritize the safety of the station security personnel?" Wals crouched at their egress from the vent, eyeing the soldiers carefully, turning to Ani. They could easily blast their way through, he had little doubt, but that would certainly complicate their purpose in coming here...

"This station is compromised, and cannot be considered a legitimate extension of the Thaerian Military's authority. They obviously have no actual control over the station, or if they do, then they are in violation of Republic law, and so similarly we have no obligation to engage with them in lawful parlee.

I think our priority is our escape from this hostile holding."

"I'm confident we can do both unless they established an entrenched position around the shuttle. I d like to take point if we go for the straight line."