Log:The Shadowport: Criss Cross Double Cross Part I
GUHL-J03870 doesn't even deserve a name. While the atmosphere is breathable, it is otherwise covered in craters, deserts, mountains and, most of all ... mud. This particular meet up is taking place within a large crater with about 6 inches (15.25cm) of mud along the bottom.
Waiting here is a single ugly-ass XS Stock Light Freighter.
~
[Sapphira] It's overcast on the mud planet, making even the sky above look muddy. Muddy above, muddy below. And muddy all around too as Yan pilots the Redline to touch down. It's half squish, half splash. The undercarriage of this thing will need a good going-over once all is said and done.
"Right, so," Sapphira says, dressed in her shadowsuit and doing a final check on her bowcaster from the back seat. "Fellah's name is Grunka Gronk, a Kaleesh mercenary who's been padding his bank accounts by snapping up business for the Eff-Oh on top of his usual activities of grabbing-injured-freighters and assaulting-small-outposts. Intel on him came from some Res contacts. He's carrying a load of compressed chak-root and tou...tow...ton...krif, I forget the name. Some sort of air purification chemical. Res wants him taken out, and finding out about his whereabouts with this cargo is the payment." She racks the bowcaster before slinging it over her shoulder. She plucks out a silenced Defender, and checks her knife in her boot. "So, figure you two will want to work your magic and keep them talking, and I'll try and work my way around and take out as many as possible to even the odds before bantha butt hits the fan. Thoughts?"
[Zhu Yan] "Grunka Gr... who the frack comes up with these names," was the rhetorical question from Zhu Yan. Just Zhu Yan. No disguise. No sithspit. No nothing. Just him, the jacket, the Bryar, and the desperate need of a haircut. He was tromping back down the long neck corridor of the Redline, leaving Reddie to both keep the ship ready and complain about how Yan was going to go and get himself into trouble and not think about the effect it'd have on his poor dear droid who was only there for meals and to fly the ship because Yan never took time out of his day to write or cawl and she'd go interface with a power outlet and fry her brains to see if he cared. Okay that's too much to handle.
"Did you hear the squelching when we came down?" Yan did, and his face had been twisted into that awkward expression of embarrassment and discomfort the entire touchdown. It had taken uncomfortably long. "That's gonna take a lot of cleaning and I can't get the Sephis to do it anymore. Might just have to dip it into an ocean or something. Yeah, water damage, whatever." See there was a point to this whole thing and Yan had completely ignored what he was supposed to be doing. Well, he hadn't, but it was less important than his complaining. "Keep talkin', yeah, we can do that. I mean, if I can get some pirate band to trust me I can get an arms dealer to trust me. EZ."
[Liz'diot] Liz'diot grimaced, "INDEED. I heard it. I will look into it when we are done here." Liz was in his usual swanky chair but this time joined by a hunter droid famous for her nting Jedi. Armed with an A280. "We shall not fail..."
[GM] The baddies got here before the Redline, so by the time Yan and Liz step out from the ramp, Grunka Gronk is standing on a small metal platform that looks like it's been salvaged from some old hull or other. It's also covered in as much dried mud as it is wet mud (and maybe a little dried blood too). Since this is where Grunka Gronk and his men make a lot of their exchanges, at some point someone thought to come up with a little scrap platform to keep them from trudging through the mud.
The Kaleesh is tall, skinny, and like something out of a horror movie. This one also happens to be amored and armed to the teeth.
He is flanked on the platform by an Anomid and a Leffingite, both also well armored and armed. If Liz and Yan look beyond, they'll see a few Reesarians. These must be the hired help, because they're forced to trudge through the mud, patroling around their large, ugly-ass ship.
"You're late," Grunka Gronk says with a disapproving sniff. "Millenia of technology at your fingertips for the mere cost of credits, and you can't even be on time. Ah well, there's no point in hoping for everything, is there?" Grunka is a SNOOTY one.
"Now then. I understand you've got some intelligence for me that may encourage my First Order contacts to loosen their iron fist on their cash. Is this correct?" Sniff. Sniff.
[PASS ( +72)] Sapphira's Move Silently @ (130) diff.
[Sapphira] Sneaking around in the mud is not an easy game, but Sapphira manages with the help from her trusty shadowsuit. She dropped out of the Redline via an engine vent (the perks of being wee!) and is moving now between dips in the crater's geology and additional rocks and outcroppings that rise up in peaks from the thicc mud. It's slow going though, and while she is entirely undetected she isn't in position just yet.
[PASS ( +50)] Zhu Yan's Bluff @ (100) diff.
[Sapphira tests an NPC's Sense Motive.] [FAIL ( -62)] Grunka Gronk (19574)'s 22 @ (100) diff.
[Zhu Yan] "We're on time, frack you," was Yan's brusque and equally impolite response. Feathers = ruffled. No, they were late. Maybe. Yan didn't really care what time they arrived and he really needed to get SpaceMacs on the way over because boy oh boy he was STARVING. "Yeah, trust me, I only deal in actual tangible information because the Empire," First Order, Yan, "is so tightfisted they leave finger indent marks on their credits." Yeah that's right, play it as being some really bloody good intel, yeah. "And I understand you have some of these dinged up bad boys, right?"
[Liz'diot] Liz'diot remains silent, sitting there in his chair. Calculating... studying. What could he explode to make all these people disappear in a flash and what was the best strategy to give the droid if combat were to befall them. Yan was the better talker but the Hunter droid could be convincing in other, more menacing ways.
[GM] "If //I// decide the information is important enough for the great and might Order," First Order, Yan. "...then I shall pay you for it. Naturally the great and might Order pays me //more// for it, so I make a profit." Grunka announces, proudly. It's around this time that the Leffingite coughs gently, leaning forward to mutter into his boss' ear. "Sir, perhaps it's better if we just //get// the information, rather than lay out our business model for these strangers?" Grunka nods. "Ah, yes. Give us your intelligence, late human and ..." it's only then that Grunka looks at Liz, and a series of sounds in his native tongue slip out before he finally asks "....what //are// you?"
[PASS ( +71)] Liz'diot's Knowledge: Tactics @ (100) diff.
[FAIL ( -4)] Zhu Yan's Bluff @ (100) diff.
[FAIL ( -18)] Liz'diot's Spot @ (100) diff.
[PASS ( +38)] Sapphira's Move Silently @ (130) diff.
Sapphira slides her sleek D.D.C. Defender out of its holster, bringing the weapon to bear!
[»ATTACK« ( +17)] Sapphira's CDEF Pistol hits Reesarian 3 (19579). <27 WP/5 SP> (62 Difficulty)
[»ATTACK« ( +32)] Sapphira's CDEF Pistol hits Reesarian 3 (19579). <33 WP/6 SP> (72 Difficulty)
[FAIL ( -21)] Sapphira's Acrobatics @ (100) diff.
+Chance roll by Sapphira - (50/50) Success! (81)
[Sapphira] Sapphira continues her creep, taking slow and careful steps through the mud. Her silenced Defender finds its way into her palm and she lifts it, stepping up behind one of the Reestarians. Pew pew. Two shots in the back and the man is down. And down hard. Before Sapphira can reach for him to try and lower him into the mud, the man just BAM. Faceplants. Ded. Sapphira flinches, lifting her head and looking around. However, the sound doesn't seem to have carried to where it can be heard.
[Zhu Yan] "'Late'? Did you just call me 'late'?" Uh oh Yan, now was not the time to adopt the 'I want to see your manager' approach to negotiation. "As in, my dear DEAD human?!" Oh god here comes the temper. I mean, Yan didn't have the info. Naturally. But putting people on edge? Wasn't that exactly what he wasn't supposed to do?! "Is this a doublecross?! Are you planning on shooting me and my buddy here," he gestured at the menacing form of the crippled Bith in his glorious and unmuddy hoverchair, "and leaving us to drown in the mud like PUNKS?!" There was an UUUGGGHHHHHH groan from the now-incensed smuggler. "Oh I'm... I'm cross! I'm here to do business and you're here trying to SCREW me like the PUNK you are!"
[PASS ( +66)] RHTC-560 'Hunter' (14664)'s Intimidate @ (100) diff.
[Liz'diot] Liz'diot would squint his eyes if he could growling lowly and pulling out his datapad to punch a few commands into the sync between it and the Hunter. The hulking droid steps forwards and aims his rifle at the canister at one of the mens back. "Halt your current agressions or face dire consequences..." Liz rumbles a low meniacle laugh as he moves his chair so that he is behind the combat droid.
<Combat> Anomid (19560)'s attack misses Zhu Yan at a 100 difficulty! (-64)
-(OOC)- Zhu Yan says, "Or wait, no, that would damage the jacket." <Combat> Leffingite (19576)'s attack hits RHTC-560 'Hunter' (14664) at a 100 difficulty! (19)
- Damage: 44 wound and 4 stun.
<Combat> Reesarian 1 (19577)'s attack misses Zhu Yan at a 100 difficulty! (-91)
<Combat> Reesarian 2 (19578)'s attack hits RHTC-560 'Hunter' (14664) at a 100 difficulty! (66)
- Damage: 30 wound and 3 stun.
<Combat> Grunka Gronk (19574)'s attack hits Zhu Yan at a 100 difficulty! (14)
- Damage: 45 wound and 4 stun.
[GM] As Yan goes full Karen and the Hunter Droid steps forward in front of Liz, it's like they're suddenly in a lazer disco ... except these lazers burn bright and hot. There's a moment before the firing begins when the Anomid once more leans forward toward Grunka and speaks into the creature's ear: "Sir, I believe this human male posesses no intelligence of any form." But it's Hunter stepping up that truly sets off some alarm in them, and the shooting begins. FITE FITE FITE.
[FAIL ( -37)] Sapphira's Move Silently @ (130) diff.
[PASS ( +18)] Sapphira's Hide @ (80) diff. [Sapphira] "Dammit Yan!" Sapphira can't contain herself when the shots begin firing. She turns to begin running toward the fight that's broken out around the ship, but the mud trips her up and she faceplants with a loud yelp. It means that the baddies now know they're being flanked (if one can consider Sapphria a flanking manuever). By some sort of mud monster, for when Sapphira rises she's more or less a brown lump. The defender in her hand is now caked with the stuff, so she shoves it back in her leg holster and reaches to swing the large bowcaster from across her back where it, at least, hasn't been submurged. As she does, she presses herself against the XS Freighter for some cover, leaving a muddy smear in her wake.
Sapphira flicks the safety into place on her D.D.C. Defender, lowering the blaster pistol away.
Sapphira tugs back the cocking cord as she brings the bowcaster up to bear. The weapon hums with electrically charged anger.
Zhu Yan slides his Modified Bryar out of its holster, bringing the weapon to bear.
[»ATTACK« (-126)] Zhu Yan's Modified Bryar misses Grunka Gronk (19574).
[»ATTACK« (-105)] Zhu Yan's Modified Bryar misses Grunka Gronk (19574). (110 Difficulty)
[PASS ( +7)] Zhu Yan's Willpower @ (100) diff.
[Zhu Yan] And so it begins how most things begin, with Yan getting shot.
"BETRAYER!" was the cry of anger slash pain as the Bryar fired twice. Both shots went straight up into the air, mainly because mid-quickdraw Yan's right leg was basically cut out from under him. The damage was... well Yan was gonna need new pants. And a new thigh. And probably a new kneecap too. Oh yeah and some antibiotics because with only a single leg to stand on he went straight down into the mud. AND NOW A DRYCLEANER FOR HIS JACKET.
And then, pain. Searing, burning pain as the body realized that it had lost ten pounds in leg fat. It's a miracle it hadn't snapped off. Speaking of miracles, it took every ounce of anger Yan had to remain conscious. At least now he was prone and could aim. Or not. He was too busy trying not to scream.
[PASS ( +52)] Liz'diot's Demolitions @ (100) diff.
[Liz'diot] Liz'diot stares at his droid thats been dismantled by blaster fire. "What?" There is alook of disbelief on his face... all a Bith could muster. "IMPOSSIBLE... YOU SHALL NOT PREVAIL YOU FOOLS." Yan was down... this went all sorts of wrong. Liz pulled a vile from his chair and chucked it towards the liquid that was spilling from the other ship. It cracked and soilled its contents... then exploded violently. "YAAAAASSSSS."
[Sapphira tests an NPC's Dodge Ranged.] [FAIL ( -27)] Anomid (19560)'s 82 @ (152) diff.
[Sapphira tests an NPC's Dodge Ranged.] [PASS ( +69)] Grunka Gronk (19574)'s 97 @ (152) diff.
[Sapphira tests an NPC's Dodge Ranged.] [FAIL ( -21)] Leffingite (19576)'s 82 @ (152) diff.
[Sapphira tests an NPC's Dodge Ranged.] [FAIL ( -22)] Reesarian 1 (19577)'s 55 @ (152) diff.
[Sapphira tests an NPC's Dodge Ranged.] [PASS ( +51)] Reesarian 2 (19578)'s 55 @ (152) diff.
[PASS ( +69)] Sapphira's Dodge Ranged @ (152) diff.
[Sapphira] Liz seems to have made a brilliant, yet insane, move. He's blown half of the XS freighter away. With it will likely go a significant chunk of the payday, but really that's not what matters anymore now is it? The explosion is loud, popping everyone's ears. Those standing near the craft (namely the baddies and Sapphira) are all blasted off their feet. However, the damage to each of these poor souls varies based almost entirely on dexterity and luck. Some find shrapnel ripping through their carbon-based bodies. Others are just stunned, shaking their heads. None are in a position to return fire, just now, as they begin to regain their bearings and their footing.
[PASS ( +29)] Sapphira's Constitution @ (100) diff.
[»ATTACK« ( +37)] Sapphira's W.K. Bowcaster hits Grunka Gronk (19574). <54 WP/5 SP> - Grunka Gronk (19574) has taken 54 points of wound damage. It is currently Injured.
[FAIL ( -6)] Zhu Yan's Willpower @ (150) diff.
[Sapphira]
Sapphria is nearly as stunned as the rest of the baddies. She's only alive because she wasn't standing near the flashpoint of the explosion. None the less, she did end up face down in the mud again. Unaware of just how bad things are in front of the Redline, however, she manages to pull herself up and bring that beautiful bowcaster to bear. It takes a breath to aim the large item, and then she squeezes the trigger, sending a thicc red bolt into Grunka Gronk's back, causing him to yell.
[Zhu Yan] Laziness: Give up. Survival Instinct: You're fine without a leg. Look at Hex, still tromping around! Sense of Purpose: The money! The money is gone! Laziness: Just have a nap, you've earned it.
Yan fought. Oh god Yan fought. The Bryar was knocked out of his feeble hand from the shockwave and he wound up pointing his finger at the hilariously named Kaleesh. "...bang," he said quietly, as though it'd have any effect in the chaos taking place right now.
Laziness: You've done your part.
Facetiousness: Oh my god you and Hex are twinsies! Or, like, mirrored. Laziness: Pass out.
Some voices are stronger than others, so, face down in the mud, Yan passed out.
[Liz'diot] "YAN you fool... GET UP." Yan isn't getting up no matter what Liz said. He looked towards the Chaos and growled, turning his hover chair and THHHPPPPTTTTing his way back up the red line... The ship's door starts to close then, "Get lost you insignificant fools!" From the intercom.
[Sapphira tests an NPC's Willpower.] [PASS ( +29)] Grunka Gronk (19574)'s 64 @ (100) diff.
[Sapphira tests an NPC's Willpower.] [PASS ( +50)] Anomid (19560)'s 58 @ (100) diff.
[Sapphira tests an NPC's Willpower.] [FAIL ( -42)] Leffingite (19576)'s 58 @ (100) diff.
[Sapphira tests an NPC's Willpower.] [FAIL ( -56)] Reesarian 1 (19577)'s 42 @ (100) diff.
[Sapphira tests an NPC's Willpower.] [FAIL ( -52)] Reesarian 2 (19578)'s 42 @ (100) diff.
-(OOC)- Sapphira says, "Ok my turn to donate a leg" <Combat> Grunka Gronk (19574)'s attack hits Sapphira at a 100 difficulty! (19)
- Damage: 47 wound and 3 stun.
<Combat> Anomid (19560)'s attack misses Sapphira at a 100 difficulty! (-8)
[GM] There's black smoke billowing up from the XS Freighter, and while no one is stunned from the blast anymore, some of the baddies are moving to regroup, to step away from the fire or to step in to the fire and shovel fistfulls of mud onto the blaze. I mean, mud is mostly water anyway, right? Liz gets away damage-free, and is safe in the Redline. Liz is the smart one in this group, but then he's always known that. As for Sapphira? Those that are still fighting are doing so in her direction now. Shots fly, and while she can't quite be seen by either Liz or Yan (though Yan can't see anything but mud and the life bubbling out of him atm), they likely are aware of her scream as she takes a hit that drives her back two steps.
[»ATTACK« ( -21)] Sapphira's W.K. Bowcaster misses Grunka Gronk (19574).
[Sapphira] Sapphira takes the shot to the left arm, stumbling back and taking a knee. It's near impossible to lift the hefty bowcaster with one hand, yet Sapphira tries. She can barely aim, and squeezing the heavy trigger takes more force and energy. The shot goes far and wide as Grunka and his men close in on the small woman.
[Zhu Yan] There's a guy kinda just dying in the mud right now. It's sorta bubbling. It might get into his lungs. NO ONE CARES, DO THEY? Where's Ryo Odessa, Meatshield Extraordinaire, when you need him?
[FAIL ( -51)] Liz'diot's Ranged: Turret Mounts @ (100) diff.
[Liz'diot] "I SAID BEAT IT!" The crazed but smart Bith, Liz, says from the intercomm as he's bringing the ships systems ontline. The weapons come up first and one of the turrets on the Redline stat to sputter to life but alarms goes off saying it's jammed or clogged. Mud dripps down from the barrels, having been flung there in the previous explosion. "AH PHEWIE."
[GM] Several of the baddies, Grunka included, approach Sapphira with their weapons raised. Two in front, one behind, the rest still working on the fire with the mud. Still on one knee, Sapphira takes a few deep, long breaths before she lowers the bowcaster with her one good hand, throwing the beautiful weapon into the mud. She lifts her bright greens and peers through her mud-caked lashes at the enemies as they approach. She stares. Just stares.
That's enough for Grunka, who uses this butt of his weapon to clock Sapphira in the temple. It only takes one, hard hit to throw her backwards in the mud. Her arms end up sprawled above her head. She blinks against the blood and mud on her face, and then her eyes roll back in her head and close.
Several of Grunka's henchmen make rude gestures at Liz in the Redline, but they do not seem keen to assault a spaceship from foot. Those same henchemen go about their business. The fire is being mud-ed, and the Anomid is on a communicator. Grunka, meanwhile? Grunka works first on Sapphira. He takes the bowcaster and the defender at her belt. One long finger slides into the neck of her shadowsuit and tugs a few times, but then he grumbles. "Wouldn't fit me anyway." Then he's on to Yan. The Bryer? gone. And then Grunka flips Yan onto his back. It's not done out of kindness. No, it's done to get the other arm out of the sleeve. HE IS TAKING THE JACKET. Any other weapons Yan might have on him are also scavenged.
About 20 minutes after all this, a small tugboat-style ship arrives and hovers over the crater. It lowers several cables, which are attached to different points on the XS freighter. Then the henchmen shimmy aboard, and the large half-ship, the crew, and the tugship are all lifted slowly into the muddy sky.
Yan, Sapphira, the Redline, Liz, and the shell of Hunter are left behind.
It starts to rain.
