Chapter 5 - Food for Thought

Despite the fact that the Iso-1 is perfectly adequately illuminated, Ken insists on wearing his newly acquired scanner goggles at all times. He looks faintly comical, his bulbous Rodian eyes perpetually covered by the blue lenses. Following their recent exploits he has been particularly full of himself, strutting around the freighter telling ever taller tales about his prowess. Frankly, most of the regulars of the bars and cantinas of Iso-1 are getting fed up with him and Ken is starting to realise he needs to get some new stories.

Ken returns the creepy Rodian smile and replies to Norta in Rodese, 'Kuteela naga wamma andoba moulee-rah.' Then adds in Basic, 'Itching to do something, you can't ever have too many credits.'

Foess has stayed low during their stay at Iso-1, but had joined the others at the bar, admittedly getting rather bored hanging around doing nothing at all.
Oh yeah, definetly! I have to get out of this place! He looks at Ken with a grin and rolls his eyes. Credits are most welcome indeed. And creditable stories might come in handy as well, eh Ken?

'I am excited to see more of the galaxy. When do we start?!'

When do we leave? Pergano looks at the others excited to get back into the smaller ship and away from the huge frigate

'D'emperiolo got what was coming to them,' says Ken, nudging Foess. 'But they won't be too pleased if any of your boys go back there.'

He thumps his fist against his new armoured clothing, 'Boska. Let's go.'

Enjoying being out in the fresh air again, warm sun on his skin, Ken is nevertheless scanning the crowd (with his new goggles), looking for any sign of trouble. He's aware they've stolen their ship from a bunch of organised criminals and he doesn't think that's something they're going to forget in a hurry.

AD-hoc's photoreceptors automatically adjust to the planets summer sun and he looks around the city. "Which way to A'kog's place of business?"

Pergano sits in the pilot chair after landing for a bit before leaving the ship. He always misses the coldness of the ship and sometimes the fresh air just isn't for him.

Not sure but lets find them and get our of here. This seems like it should be a simple enough payday. Maybe there will be some kind of information center in the spaceport.

Foess is tempted to stay at the ship, but the warm weather is too enticing to pass.

Oh, I'm sure that someone will know where to find A'kog. It's more a question whether we want to let others know about our interest?

Not the smoothest talker in their group, but probably the most direct, AD-hoc answers; "We have an urgent message to deliver to A'kog. So if you can notify them that we are here, you will have been most useful."

Ken keeps his eyes on the rest of the clientele, to see if they're listening in or otherwise overly interested.

We were sent by Reom. We are here to speak about his new shipping address Pergano mentions to the Twi'lek. Skipping to the point.

Performing the Rodian equivalent of rolling his eyes (something involving half-closing his nictitating membranes), Ken interrupts Pergano, stepping forward and placing his hands on the desk in front of him. 'What we mean to say is that a mutual friend has requested we deliver a message, that's all. And if you have any work that you might need a crew with...special skills for, then perhaps we can be of assistance.' He hands over the code cylinder with Norta's message.

Ken hopes the Twi'lek doesn't think they're not taking operational security seriously.

"Before we accept, will this job entail us being shot at?" AD-hoc ask.

Repeating his Rodian eye roll again (to himself as usual, since no one can see his eyes through his goggles), Ken slaps Ad-hoc on the back. 'I hope so.'

Well, I can patch most of you up, but AD-hoc's body is not my expertise... Foess says and shrugs.

"Well then, I shall endeavor to avoid blaster fire. Let us except the assignment."

Kytra strode down the rows of vendors, hovercarts, and parked freighters at the spaceport. Her pace was rather leisurely as she had done this a dozen times since being stranded here. The planet was neatly organized and rather homogenous in its ventures. Someone of her profession was hardly needed here, as had been apparent when her quarry had gotten himself arrested rather quickly for a minor felony. She stood a little less out now with her corporate poncho - which had also been the pay for her first, and only, day farming. It was apparent that she needed to find either the correct corporate contact or the correct off-worlder. Grain freighters usually had their full complement of crew and no spare room.

A woman in a folding chair and parasol ushering people to her small freighter, caught Kytra's eyes. The woman hardly looked like someone in need of a mercenary, but maybe they could work something out or at least get to the next planet. Kytra adjusted the strap of her rifle case and started to move towards the woman when a different crew caught her attention: Another human, a Rodian, a Xexto, and a droid heading straight for a YT-2400 she hadn't noticed yet.

That wasn't your average grain freight crew, and it certainly wasn't a regular freight ship either. They stood out perhaps even more than her. Her eyes sharpened. Was this her lucky break? Kytra quickly shuffled between two booths, the Gran in one of them shouted something after her. She ignored him and ducked under a parked freighter, hoping to cut her way directly towards the YT before the odd crew. Shuffling between crates and parked vehicles, she managed just that. Kytra leaned assertively against a crate next to the freighter while waiting for the group to arrive.

"You don't seem like the regulars around here," Kytra said.

The woman leaned against the crate next to your ship was somewhat tall and athletic, and looked like someone who could take care of herself. She also certainly didn't look like the regulars here; she wore a simple poncho with some agricultural slogan on it, that covered a light armor with various gear attached to it. She had two pistol holsters on her hips, but the covers were closed. A rifle in a carrying case was slung over her shoulders. She did not appear threatening, even though a pair of steely brown eyes narrowly looked you up and down as the last rays of the afternoon sun played across her face and blonde hair, which shimmered almost platinum golden white in the light.

"I need to get off of this agricultural hellhole, and will gladly work for passage," she said and pushed herself off the crates and opened her arms in a "what's it gonna be?" type of motion, addressing all of you - not really knowing if any command structure was present.

---

The slim Rodian stops, and turns to look at the human. His face is pretty much inscrutable behind the faintly ludicrous scanner goggles, but he seems young. He strikes something of a cocky pose, one hand on a jutting hip revealing a heavy blaster pistol.

'Achuta emeela. That's a lot of weaponry for agricultural work. Know how to use it?'

AD-hoc answers bluntly; "We don't seem like regulars, because we aren't regulars." he pauses, noticing the weaponry the human is carrying. "I can't determine if another being would be useful in our upcoming mission, but it be worth it in case people start shooting at us again" he adds matter-of-factly.

Good, Kytra thought as the Rodian stopped and greeted her, nonchalantly brandishing a heavy blaster pistol. Cautious people bode well, and she knew she didn't exactly come off as a home droid saleswoman.

She nodded at the droid, who had spoken last. "Fair," she agreed with the assessment, despite not knowing the background for what the droid referred to. Still, Kytra took note of the word again. Maybe she could be of use to this group other than loading cargo and scrubbing decks. Kytra returned her attention to the Rodian

"Jee keepuna killee da waba, Rodian" the woman coldly remarked on the Rodian's question if she knew how to use her weapons. Kytra's formative years on the fringe with the Nite Owls before the civil war had her pick up a few tidbits from the Outer Rim and her recent run-in with the underworld had brushed up on her Huttese. It was passable, but not perfect. Its message was loud and clear, however. "Do you need a demonstration?"

---

Hello stranger! Foess bows slightly, while surveying the stranger that had approached them. Not knowing what Ken and that lady were saying, he decided to stay back and watch the proceedings.

You don't seem too regular around here either. The Xexto has two hands gesturing toward the woman and his other two fiddling around in his pockets. He then looks at those with him Another blaster wouldn't hurt, don't you think

Pleased with this human speaking Huttese, the language of business and of business in the Outer Rim, Ken still has some reservations about picking up an armed stranger in a starport.

He gives a thin-lipped Rodian smile, 'No need for demonstrations. But what brings someone like you to Uyter? Do you have any...references?'

Kytra nodded politely at the other human when he greeted her before the Xexto and Rodian chimed in. Despite the fact that she seemed somewhat seasoned with a calm almost cold demeanour, she did not appear gruff or impolite towards the group. If anything she was doing her best to conceal her desperation to get off the planet. Even though she did her best to push professionalism and work in front of her to conceal the fact, the more observant of the group had no trouble understanding her predicament. As the conversation continued, it would even become blatantly obvious.

"Judging by the last weeks, I am a regular," she amusingly replied the Xexto, although there was no hint of humor in her voice nor expression.

"But you're right," she addressed both the Xexto and Rodian who both were engaging the issue, but she also glanced over at the others when she spoke, "my last job hit a dead end here, as did my credits. I'm an independent contractor, so to speak," a phrase that could mean only a few things in this case, "As long as my patron has no need for me, I chase down what work I can acquire," she explained.

"It doesn't always pan out," Kytra shrugged and gesticulated with both her arms to the area around her, clearly tired of this place.

We don't provide free rides and we have our own job to complete I assume you are okay pulling your own weight?

"Can we all pull our weight toward our ship? This mission is time sensitive is it not?" AD-hoc says bluntly

"Oh, I can do my fair share," Kytra assured the Xexto. "Of course, I can also stay out of your business and just do menial tasks until we reach a hub world or station," the woman conceded. "I can respect and understand the need for subtlety," Kytra added and folded her arms, awaiting any response.

Then the droid spoke of the group's urgency. The woman cocked her head and gesticulated with an open hand towards the droid, "and that of expediency," she added as a point to her previous comment.

"I'm Kytra, by the way," she finally revealed, banking on being let on board under some condition or other.

Pergano at your service, I will be flying this ship. Now let us get going

Ken shrugs, he's satisfied enough, and perhaps he won't have to take the brunt of the blaster fire any longer. Still, he's learned enough not to just trust someone who signs up to get shot at particularly not given all the people they've pissed off. He'll he keeping an eye on this one.

Glad to have you along Kytra, Foess says as they head towards the ship. Let me show you where you can stow your gear and bunk down.

Kytra nodded and followed the others inside and eventually the other human to her quarters. "Thanks," she said when they got to her bunk. She didn't really have a lot of things. More or less all she had of value was on her person, but it would be nice to offload some of the gear and maybe hit the refresher at some point.

While Pergano is preparing the ship to depart, Ken is busying himself in the galley preparing drinks and snacks. Just before take off he hands round fizzy green cocktails with little floating orbs of edible fruit - 'Photon Fizzle anyone?' He follows this up with little tray of canapes.

While the others prepared for take-off and went about their business, Kytra unbuckled most of her gear and placed it on the desk of the small quarters she was given. She leaned her rifle case against the wall in a corner. Finding the others busy with their routines, she immediately took the chance to hit the refreshers. Just to be safe - she knew well that whatever this arrangement was, no one really knew her nor she them - she brought her pistols along. The fresher suite was just across the hall. Although it had individual refresher units, she locked the whole room behind her. She placed her weapon belt and holsters on the sink, removed the armored plates and paddings and tossed the rest of her clothes, including the ugly poncho in the washer while she hit the showers. She just now realized she would need to pick up some changes of clothes once they hit a hub.

Once done, she collected her clothes from the auto-dryer and rejoined the others. "I'll have one," Kytra replied to the Rodian's offer. She looked a lot fresher now. Her hair was still damp from the refresher, and she had lost the poncho and most of her gear. Her weapon belt was hung over her shoulder - she hadn't bothered buckling it yet. Instead, she took a seat in a chair and placed the belt over the armrest while she waited for the drink.

Handing over the fizzing green drink, Ken spins around one of the barstools from the galley and tries to lounge across it nonchalantly. He lifts his own drink as a toast, 'Keno Tesu, but you can call me Ken. Welcome to the Slippery Ghest. We're on a little...humanitarian mission to Columex. Easy as pie...in theory.'

He spits one of the little green fruits into the air and catches it in his narrow mouth, giving the human a creepy Rodian wink (he's finally taken his goggle off).

'So tell us a little about yourself. How's a girl like you end up on a dead-end planet like Uyter?'

Pergano plots the course through hyperspace, although it is time sensitive he sees no problem taking main routes at this and takes the easiest path. He stays in the cockpit as hyperspace hits and sits there awhile, enjoying the coldness of space travel.

Kytra accepted the drink and nodded in confirmation when Ken offered his name. "Humanitarian mission, huh? Nothing's ever easy out here," she replied and left the words to hang in silence as she observed the Rodian's fruit acrobatics. Despite the weirdness of it all and the fact that things were somewhat tense in a sense between the two strangers, it had been a while since Kytra was in such a relaxed atmosphere. Sure, drinking with Orlatay Rhane's crew back on Estaria, was entertaining and they held her in some respect, but she knew well she was never really safe in that den of thieves. Dominance and respect had to be attained. At least with strangers, spacers, and some of her freelance contacts she met outside her regular assignments, she had a chance to kick back either on her own terms or at the very least without worrying about the social structures of a criminal enterprise.

Realizing she had mused her situation a tad too long, still locked in the Rodian's gaze after he had asked her a question, Kytra quickly took another sip and silently chewed a fruit while considering her words.

"The long and short of it is that I'm a casualty of war," she finally replied, not bothering with the fact that she was hardly a girl anymore, but then again she also didn't know enough about Rodian lifespan to know if she was to him. All she knew about Rodian lifespan in her various lines of work was that their best retirement plans realistically was to use their money quick rather than save it.

"Things went a bit south, as you can imagine. The help I needed to land on my feet didn't come cheap, so I do odd acquisitions and jobs here and there, while my benefactor looks after some of my valuables until the credit stream is stable," she admitted. "It's not ideal, but it's as fair as it gets in the Rim," the woman disclosed, but she figured a little shred of honesty could go a long way. At the very least this was similar to working an informant, and who knew when she would need a smuggler crew in the future? If she were to break out completely on her own, there were worse ways to go about it. Besides, she was very vague on the details, still.

"I'm guessing this humanitarian mission also isn't entirely by choice?" Kytra aske in return, "seeing as you suspect you might be shot at again, I mean."

Yes, war brings many casualties with it, Foess says as he enters the galley while Kytra is telling her story.

I've been there, done that, he adds, before he grabs a cocktail and starts enjoying it. Very nice one, did you mix it Ken?

Opening his arms out wide, Ken says 'Of course I mixed it myself! It's my greatest talent. Well, that and my natural charm. Well, my natural charm and my skills in the laser turret. Well...' He drifts off into some kind of reverie.

When he finally tunes back in to the conversation he notes Kytra's question. 'The mission is simple, catch up with some traders and tell them their next delivery to our employer has been redirected. Easy. The only complication is that some other people might be looking to find that new location and deliver something more unpleasant. Oh, that and we...obtained...this ship from Mr Awathne's previous employers, the Yiyar Clan. They might want it back.'

AD-hoc hears a part of the conversation as he passes by the galley on the way to the engine room "What they want is irrelevant." he says. "Unless they outgun us... or outnumber us..." he adds without stopping, thinking more about how to make sure they can keep the ship, if its previous owner try to lay claim to it.

"I guess you're Awathne, then?" Kytra gestured towards Foess with her drink, realizing he hadn't offered his name earlier. "You're right. I usually have my drinks neat, but this is refreshing," she turned the fizz in her hand while still outstretched, studying it briefly before taking another sip.

"If this pans out long-term, I'll pick up a bottle of Tevraki," she said in a friendly voice, yet her brows furrowed as she continued in response to the information about the ship and assignment, "Seems you really are in need of ship security."

"How you got the ship is none of my concern, I'm here anyway. But if people come gunning for it the minute we land, that complicates things. Delivering the message aside, what can you tell me about the new delivery location, and of this Yiyar Clan?" she asked the others, trying to assess the situation and possibly help the crew with an angle. She didn't say so, but she agreed with the droid. They had the ship now, but any outnumbering and outgunning could certainly change that. If this clan was a thorn in the crew's side, she might be able to help. She was good at removing torns.

Pergano has made his way right outside the galley, listening to the others talk. Truth be told, ship security isn't such a terrible idea. Ken is great with a blaster of course but more muscle is never a bad thing in this line of work.

As for the Yiyar Clan, we encountered them first on The Wheel. We were both after the same target and they felt the need to play dirty. Pergano checks a the ship systems on the nearest console. Not forgetting his duties. When we actually found that target, they showed up again and decided we liked their ship as well. Seemed only appropriate. Pergano smiles at Ken with a little laugh. Though, Foess over there might know a little more about them honestly, he had friendly relations with them before we met him

'To be fair, there's a lot less in the Yiyar Clan than there used to be' says Ken, a cynical smile across his thin mouth.

Where are my manners! Yes, I'm Foess Awathne. A doctor, so if you all need patching up, I might be of assistance. Although I recommend staying out of the line of fire as much as possible. He takes a sip of the cocktail. The Yiyar Clan, yes... I was an employee there for a while, although it was not a particularly good job. I must admit that this motley crew is much more pleasant. He grins. Even if it is hard to believe by the look of them, he adds laughing and finishes the drink.

"A clan only needs a few survivors to continue its legacy," Kytra replied, her words trailing slightly before she refocused.

"I'll try to stay out of harms way, Doc," she continued with a nod and smirk, "although I'm more conditioned than I might look," the woman admitted, although glancing around the room Kytra also noted she might very well be the hardest of the bunch even without her training.

"But I much prefer to shoot than be shot."

"So your roster is a doctor, a pilot, a gunslinging bartender, and I assume the droid is your mechanic?" she assessed the others in an overtly condensed manner.

"I see my skills more as a finely tuned instrument," Kytra explained - after all she had more than two decades of martial training, having been taught combat since she could walk and talk, "but if there's food, transport, and a little credits, then muscle it is" she stood up and reached out her hand to shake on it to the various crew members in order.

One of Pergano's many elbows pokes Ken in the side a little playfully I don't know if bartender or drunk is the right word but you have the right idea and he laughs a little.

Ken bristles a little, 'I prefer "Gentleman Mixologist,"' then brightens up, 'But I'll take Gunslinger!'

He draws his heavy blaster, twirls it, and holsters it again at his hip. Then finger guns to Kytra with his other hand. It looks even sillier with a Rodian's suction-cup fingers.

"Mixologist it is," Kytra said with a slight laugh before she finished the drink and stood up.

"How long until the rendezvous?" she asked as she donned her gunbelt. "Drinks and actual gunslinging don't mix well unless the targets are empty bottles," she joked, but a fair bit of professionalism seeped through, as did some reservation. Drinking was a good way to get to know each other, but she didn't quite want to let her guard down - be it physically or mentally. "and from what I understand we're not expecting empty bottles," she said and shrugged.

Let me go check on that rendezvous Pergano then walks back to the cockpit and sits down then begins looking at what information he can find.

Pergano hits the comms on the ship We are dropping out of hyperspace. I figure it wont take long to get planetside. Make sure we are all ready

Ken straps on his heavy blaster and conceals a holdout blaster, a stun grenade, and brass knuckles. He looks longingly at his frag grenades but decides they're probably not going to be a good idea on an urbanised trade world and slips in a vibroknife and some stimpacks instead. He's still dressed in his armoured clothing, but at least carrying his scanner goggles rather than wearing them. Activating his comlink headset he broadcasts over the ship comms, 'Let's make this subtle everyone okay? Low key.'

Foess rolls his eyes and keys the comms. Low key is my middle name! I'll bring my blaster though, just in case.

AD-hoc, getting ready to leave the engine room where he hangs out, also chimes in over the comms "I am a droid, 'low key' comes naturally."

'I also said "subtle"' laughs Ken, remembering some of the droid's less than expert tradecraft.

"I don't do much sublte," Kytra said as she rejoined the others, carrying her rifle bag in one hand. She had briefly returned to her quarters and geared up again, only leaving the poncho behind. "but I can do civil," the warrior said and slung the strap of the case over her shoulder. "I'll bring this just in case," Kytra added and tugged the strap. Sensing a growing confusion incoming, she swiftly diffused it, "I have a licence," she assured them, seeing as they were entering an urban area. Of course, actually having all of her gear on her if things really went downhill also seemed like the sensible thing to do, for now.

While they walk the distance to the Vaz Zito, Ken keeps his eyes pealed for any sign of the Yiyar Clan and uses his comlink to call the port control to see if any craft have arrived from The Wheel recently.

AD-hoc will look around, trying to take it all in. He can still count the planets he's been on one a Dug's foot. He tries to keep an eye out for a store when he can buy mechanics supplies. He'll also look for a place where they can find another job. Just in case this one goes smoothly.

Not really knowing much about who the Yiyar Clan was, Kytra simply kept a lookout for anyone paying too much interest in them. She followed slightly behind the others, letting them take the lead, but stayed close to the doc in case something happened.

Kytra slowed her pace slightly when it became apparent they were approaching the docking bay in question. Trailing a little bit more, she simply gave a reassuring nod to anyone who looked back towards her that she was still with them. She kept a watchful eye as they came closer to their destination, subconsciously gripping the strap of her rifle bag with one of her hands.

Cursing and turning off his comlink, Ken mutters 'Kung, koochoo! Unhelpful jobsworth!'

Approaching the Vaz Zito berth, Ken quietens down, and starts carefully studying the area around the ship, looking for anything suspicious. His hand twitches involuntarily as he holds it poised above his blaster, ready to draw.

Foess stays alert, as always in a populous port. You never know who is watching...

Trying to be as inconspicuous as possible, Ken signals to his companions the presence of the two Rodians.

It took Kytra a few moments to realize what the situation at hand actually was, as she was too busy scanning the area and not as concerned with what was right in front of them. "That them?" she whispered, also trying her best not to draw attention. As she had no knowledge of the tight timeline in question, the scenario in front of her still made sense based on what the group had told her, so she mentally started preparing herself for combat.

"That is a question for Ken. Perhaps he can walk by and see of they recognize him?"

Giving AD-hoc a look, Ken shrugs. 'Cover me.' He casually strolls by the Yiyar Clan Rodians, he points at them as he walks past and gives them a wink.

AD-hoc watches Ken's performance and says to the rest of the group; "This obstacle appears bad, but maybe not impossible to overcome. Maybe we should tell them about the task we were assigned?"

'Awanu? Jee-jee tah poonoo panksta' laughs Ken. 'Haku grancha Yiyar Confeeba tah dopa-meeky gardo?'

Ken translates for his companions. Laughing, he says to the Rodians, 'Dobrah no yoka uba.'

Then his face and tone become more serious, 'Jee-jee tah poonoo panksta peetch, kyotopa gee ta pankpa bu Vaz Zito. Jee-jee no naga hotshuh chuba, bata ap-xmasi hotshuh jee-jee.'

While Ken and the other Rodians are talking/threatening each other, AD-hoc tries to use that as a distractions to walk in. "Maintenance droid reporting for work as requested." he says, attempting to enter without stopping.

Adjusting his stance just enough to display his own blaster, Ken leans forward, his tone becoming more menacing. 'Yatuka slimo!'Unfortunately, with Ken's slim frame and ill-fitting garb, shifting his hips makes him look more like a dancer or an effete actor than an enforcer and does nothing to emphasise his threats. The presence of his well armed companions is probably more convincing.

Once inside, AD-hoc hopes to complete their job, and help Ken. "Hello?! Is A'kog here? Is anyone here? We need your guards to stand down, and have a message to deliver."

As Foess sees AD-hoc slipping past the Rodians, he approaches Ken and the guards, to try and keep them occupied, or perhaps make it inside as well if at all possible.

Well, hi there! I am glad to see you guys! There are some unsavoury Lothans skulking around behind that warehouse, he says and points behind him. They were up to no good if you ask me, eyeing this place and packing some heavy weapons!

Initially Ken thinks he's scared off the Rodians and he's feeling pretty pleased with himself, shifting his hip tilt to the other side and placing his hands on his hips. That's right, don't mess with Keno Tetsu.

He rapidly deflates when the remaining guard tells him to get lost. He looks at Foess with his bulbous eyes, nictitating membranes flicking across them intermittently in a manner that anyone familiar with Rodian expressions would identify as questioning.

Ahh, that is so much better! Foess winks at Ken and walks past the Rodian guard, draws his blaster and stuns the guard from behind.

As soon as Foess fires, Ken's blaster is in his hand, ready to finish the job.

AD-hoc hears a commotion back outside that he assumes is Ken doing what he does best, and prepares for trouble

AD-hoc decides that the fewer hostiles they have to deal with the better. He says to the Rodian on the ramp; "Please remain where you are." then aims and fires his goo-gun.

Within a few milliseconds of the blue flash from Foess's blaster, Ken pulls his trigger, intending to finish the job. 'Mi settah yatuka slimo.'

'Schutta!' curses Ken, the blaster fire striking him squarely in the chest. He staggers back, even with his new armoured clothing that hurt. He looks down at the blackened plastoid plate, melted and deformed.

Foess curses under his breath, this Rodian was tougher than he looked! He takes aim again and hopes for the best!

"Apologies my calculations must be off, recalibration." Ad-hoc says before taking aim and firing at the rodian on the ramp again

Ken nods at Foess as the Rodian crumples to the floor. He sprints past the body and enters the loading bay, looking for any more guards. He spots AD-hoc squirting another Rodian with glue and takes a second to stabilise his heavy blaster across his forearm and aims a shot. After getting blasted in the chest he's switched from the stun setting, this is serious now. And he's not too happy with Foess either.

AD-hoc will head aboard to see if there is anyone else there

Ken signals a greeting to AD-hoc and closes the distance, sweeping his blaster from side to side, looking for any further guards.

Assuming the worst is over AD-hoc walks into the ship, searching for whoever they are supposed to be contacting.

Foess drags the fallen Rodian inside and takes up a position near the entrance to watch out for the remaining Rodian.

after a short pause, AD-hoc says "Let's check the bridge . . ." not sure if anyone followed him on board.

Shaking his head in bemusement Ken tries to sneak onto the ship behind AD-hoc, he knows the droid is making enough noise for the both of them but he has his pride.

Without missing a beat, Ken nods. 'Boss's orders, I'll put him with the others...' As he talks he moves towards the Rodian, blaster still in hand, but with his off hand he slips out his holdout blaster and drops it to the ground beside one of the crew and at the same time prepares to fire at the Rodian.

At very close range Ken discharges his heavy blaster into the Yiyar Rodian, 'E winkee.' He leaves it on the lethal setting.

AD-hoc watches the crew members scramble as soon as the altercation is done. "Are any oy you beings A'kog? We've been trying to deliver a message for some time now." He pauses for a brief moment before adding "Although none of this should be surprising, most task assigned to us are more difficult than originally estimated"

Foess hears the commotion in the ship, hoping that Ken and AD-hoc have everything under control, as he is loath to leave the doors unguarded.

Foess hits the comlink: Everything ok in there guys? he calls as loudly as he dares.

AD-hoc answers Foess. "I believe so. Another Yiyar guard is down, hopefully the last of them, and the hostages have been freed. Also there were hostages within the ship."

Taking back the holdout blaster and concealing it again in a hidden pocket, Ken smiles as widely as a narrow lipped Rodian can. 'Friend. A'Kog sent us' he says, side-eying AD-hoc. 'Just in time it seems.' He slaps the human on the back, 'And nice shooting.'

As soon as he's happy no one else is trying to shoot him, Ken slumps down onto a seat and gingerly probes the blackened plastoid plate showing through his clothes. 'Why is it always me?'

"Indeed there is a message."

'Oh yeah, the message,' says Ken. He retries the code cylinder from a hidden pocket, flips it into the air, catches it again and then tosses it to marginally less greasy human.

"It would probably be advantageous for us to depart also."

'Yeah, time to leave,' agrees Ken. 'Let's tidy up the bodies then we can cover your launch, look for anyone following you. Be careful. IsoTech already got themselves found once.'

Their assignment completed, AD-hos goes to leave the ship. "If nothing else is required, we'll be on our way."

Ken follows AD-hoc, 'Do you think we can access the station network, find out where the rest of the Yiyar are lurking?'

"We've been successful accessing a variety of places we shouldn't have been able to. I see no immediate reason why this one would be any different."

Hi guys, glad to hear you could give them the message! Foess says and follows them into the crowded walkways.

'Think you can find the rest of the Yiyar without tipping them off?' Ken asks the droid, gesturing to the terminal. He's aware that AD-hoc's tactical and situation awareness might best be described as dubious.

AD-hoc only had limited experience with computers, they were more concerned with repairing hardware, but how hard could it be? "I don't see why not" he answers, eyeing the terminal and doing whatever the droid version of cracking knuckles is.

"Well, let's just see here. Take what Ken knows about.. morally flexible Rodians, what we've learned about the Yiyar's tactics, she'll company, and what vehicles they use. Remove any unrelated info. OK here we go.

"It would appear there is a Yiyar freighter docked nearby. Although I don't think it's a good idea to try and add another one to our collection."

Quite right AD-hoc! Foess grins and looks at the others. Do we split or should we take a look at the freighter? he adds.

Ken slaps AD-hoc on the back with a clang. 'You just lack ambition.'

Nodding in the direction of the docking bay, Ken takes out a stimpack and injects it into his leg. 'Fresh meat,' he says, gesturing towards the Yiyar freighter with his blaster.

"I suppose it won't hurt to look around." AD-hoc says, giving in to the inevitable

"If everyone on board is as lazy as that one, this should be easy. . . .whatever this is we are doing here." He looks to Ken

Ken studies the situation. He doubts they'll get away with pretending they're Yiyar again. And it's unlikely they'll be able to steal a ship from a commercial dock like this one. 'What do you think, a little bit of sabotage?'

AD-hoc had spent all of his time repairing and fixing things, he was interested at the prospect of attempting the opposite, but didn't want to appear too eager. 'Yes please' he answered as thoughts of how to make a ship not fly raced through his head

AD-hoc looks around for an access panel "Please protect me while I attempting to sabotage this vessel"

After removing the panel, AD-hoc looks around to see what his options are. He doesn't need anything spectacular, just enough to keep them from following. He simply decides to cut power from the repulsors, and sublight engines.

Ken stares blankly at the electronics then turns away to look for any threats. He figures he should try and look nonchalant so he strolls around the bay randomly looking into crates and boxes, while keeping his eyes peeled.

AD-hoc says quietly "Looks like I should have cut power to the loading ramp."

Deciding he's going to style it out, Ken nonchalantly leans on a storage crate, blaster hanging loosely from his belt. 'H'chu apenkee pateesa.'

Yeah, everything is ready already. Just remember to spliff the donc!

Laughing Ken says, 'We're all done. Grain slingers didn't know what hit them. Slimo.'

"Interesting, what work do you do . . . here"

Patting the blaster hanging from his hip, Ken gives a gruff laugh and says 'No worries friend. Let's just step inside.'

Ken nods, 'All good here,' and follows him up the ramp.

Looking him over, Ken thinks he's probably telling the truth, but that doesn't mean he trusts him. 'Where's the rest of the crew?'

Ken chuckles to himself, 'Ree goola. And when you found where the ship was going, what were you going to do with that information?'

Ken narrows his eyes, or whatever the Rodian equivalent is. Is this guy really as clueless as he makes out?

With a gesture to Foess and AD-Hoc, Ken backs out of view, keeping his blaster covering the entrance and the pilot. He puts a finger to his lips and indicates to the pilot not to give them away.

Ken's had enough experience with the Yiyar Clan to know it's better to shoot first and ask questions later. He takes aim from his hiding place and as soon as the first Rodian is through the door he opens fire with his heavy blaster.

AD-hoc planned to stay still, hoping that being a Droid wouldn't draw much attention, and also hoping Ken would handle the situation with his usual flair. But the Droid remained ready to act, just in case.

Foess follows Ken's lead and fires his blaster at the Rodian.

AD-hoc looks to the fallen Rodian before replying; "I don't believe you have anyone to work for anyway. Is anyone else on the ship?"