Lucky was sound asleep when she heard a loud beep come from a computer. Slowly, she got out of bed and walked to the next room, which was originally a bedroom converted into an office. In this room was: two computers (one belonging to each of them), two bookcase , one crammed with manuals and such for work, the other for leisurely use, on a far wall was a filing cabinet, it was so large it covered the wall almost completely. This, they kept for missions files, planetary data and other work-related documents. Better safe than sorry, right?

Both computers were switched off but were set to emit audible warnings whenever one of them would get a message or video transmission of any form. hers was the culprit this morning. it beeped once more as she sat, sighing, she booted up the PC and read the message, it was from high Command.

They had to go on another mission, this time on Alderaan. A group of people were not happy with the Empire and were plotting to launch a rebellion at anytime.  their mission was to eliminate the whole group, but their main objective was the group commander or "Chief" as HC put it. That man was the powerhouse to this whole operation, she was warned that he could cause them some major problems along the way.

Sighing once more, she set the computer to downloading all of the mission details to her datapad, walked back into the bedroom, stepped into the Refresher booth, taking a quick shower after which she woke Alan.

"Time to wake up hon, we have to go on another mission" she heard him groan softly as she walked out of the room, she understood what he felt. It had only been two days since they had come from their previous mission, she was still bruised and sore and wondering if their armor, which had been sent for repairs was ready.

She heard footsteps above her head and figured it was Alan going to freshen up. She went to the kitchen, put quite a bit of coffee grounds in the coffeemaker, switched it on before racing back upstairs, back into the office. She grabbed her datapad and was about to head back downstairs when she spotted a new message icon on the screen. Opening her inbox, she took a look at the sender and knew it was about their armor. She eagerly opened it and read the message quickly, the armor was now as good as new.

That last bit sent a wave of relief in her, so much so that she hadn't realized how badly nature called until that very moment. Luckily for her, there was a small bathroom t the end of the hall, she felt like she would explode at any moment if she didn't hurry so she ran as fast as she could to the bathroom and just in time too, she had barely enough time to sit before last night's alcohol and other cocktails rushed out of her. A full minute later, she walked out of the bathroom and raced to change out of her robe and into uniform before heading back downstairs. Grabbing two homemade muffins, and filling two large travel mugs to the brim with the steaming dark brew, she handed one of each to Alan who happened to walk down the stairs at that moment. She handed him a muffin and coffee before they hurried out the door and walked briskly in the cold morning air to the Paladin barracks.

They had just settled into chairs when the rest of the squad walked in. Good, they're all here on time. All of them had evidently received her urgent message to meet up in the briefing room. She waited for everyone to be seated before beginning her briefing.

"Listen up everyone, I received an urgent message from High Command this morning. Alderaanians have been causing nothing but trouble to the Empire for a while now, but more so lately. Our mission is to stop them from making war to us, to do that we have to assassinate a man whose name is Max Devito, he's our primary objective. Our secondary objectives are somehow obvious, stopping the rest from launching his master plan.  this mission's not as easy as it sounds, always expect the unexpected. Our armor is now repaired and as good as new, grab them from the shop, then meet up at the shuttle at hangar bay 4, we'll suit up on our way there, we leave in two hours. Dismissed!"

She remained seated and ate her muffin and downed half her coffee in one gulp before walking out of the room for the Repairs sector of the Corps base to grab her equipment. She took her time grabbing her things, she felt no need for a rush as they still had a few hours before leaving and after having grabed her armor, slowly made her way to the shuttle.

OOC:

Max Devito
Age:45
Hair color: Gray-ish brown
Height:6'4
Weight:200 lbs

Always wears suits, had facial reconstructive surgery so you can't read any of his facial expressions.

Zeshaun jumped out of bed when he heard a beeping sound and he whipped out his blaster from under his pillow. When he saw his datapad blinking he let out a sigh of relief. Zeshaun had still not gotten used to sleeping in a safe enviroment. He read the message and quickly got his 3 blasters and his rifle. better safe than sorry. Zeshaun thought as he holstered very single one.

"Why do we always have these stupid mission briefings in the early morning, why not right after lunch." Zeshaun muttered to himself.

He walked out of his room and he walked down the hallway and the sound of his boots clicking echoed off the walls. When he reached the briefing room he saw that most of the squad was already there. He waved to a few people and then took a seat. only good thing about these early morning briefs is that they have a butt load caf ready for you.

Lucky came in and gave them the whole briefing. Apparently some Alderaanians were going to rebel and it was up to them to stop them. The most disturbing thing is that their chief, Max Devito, had gotten some kind of surgery on his face so that he had no facial expression.

Zeshaun ran to get his armor and smiled as he saw his armor newly polished. This for some reason reminded him of the first time his parents had given him their trade mark mercenary armor. He missed them dearly and wished he could have protected them. He put it on and carried his helmet under his arm. He got to the shuttle hangar and saw the squad packing stuff into the shuttle. He helped a little and they all stepped into the shuttle. Every time the squad helped pack the shuttle it brought back memories from his mercenary days. He always got nostalgic.

"Zeshaun hurry up we're going to go!" Alan shouted as he walked into the shuttle.

Zeshaun waved back and ran over to the shuttle and hopped in. He took a seat next to Alan and Lucky. He checked to make sure he had all his weapons on him and then relaxed for the long trip to Alderaan.

Zeshaun woke up and looked out a window, he saw Alderaan in all it's beauty, well it wasn't the real Alderaan but good enough. Zeshaun still cringed at the thought of the first Alderaan being destroyed.

"Enjoying the view." Alan asked.

Zeshaun jumped, he didn't realize that anyone else was awake.

"I am sir." Zeshaun replied.

Alan nodded and looked out the window too. They were slowly descending into the atmosphere. When they landed Zeshaun stepped out into the sunshine and breathed in the fresh air.

"Better put your helmet on, we're coming here to crush a rebellion against the empire remember?" Lucky said as she quickly walked by.

Zeshaun quickly put non his helmet and put his hand on one of his blasters. He now wasn't very attentive to the sunshine or nice smells, he was now concentrated on protecting himself and his squad.

"We are meeting an informant later tonight, until then we will be staying at this remote base." Lucky reported.

"Are we sure we can trust our informant this time." Drakar asked.

Lucky nodded, "I believe we can, I've met him and he seems reliable."

The whole squad was still reluctant to trust any informants because of their problems in their last mission.

"Okay, everyone meet back here in 3 hours for a quick briefing and mission planning. Rooming assignments have been sent to your datapads." Alan said.

Zeshaun checked his datapad, he would be rooming with Nick.

"Hey, it looks like we're rooming together, how about we go find that room of ours." Nick said.

Zeshaun nodded. They walked up some stairs and came up to a long hallway with doors on either side. 34, 35, 36, 37, ah... 38 Zeshaun opened the door and looked inside, it had two small beds and it's own bathroom, two storage containers, and even a shower accessory kit.

"Well this is nice." Nick said following Zeshaun into the room. Zeshaun tossed his bag onto a bed and started to unholstered his guns.

"And you were saying that I was loaded, what do you have there, three blaster pistols, two rifle and a vibroblade? Wow you crazy." Nick exclaimed.

"Meh, you never know what's going to happen." Zeshaun said with a smile.

Nick placed all of his blasters on a weapon rack. There was one rack for each person. Nick organized his weapon in place on the rack. That way, when he needed a specific weapon, he would be able to get it. He was smart that way, constantly thinking and planning. Nick thought he should get a bit of rest before the squad went out, but there would be no use. He had slept enough during the journey here and was restless at this point. He had never been able to ‘oversleep’ ever since the accident with his parents. He was sleeping when the raid initiated and figured if he was up he could have been more help.

While Nick was checking up on his disposal of weapons, he saw Zeshaun, who was doing the same. He thought he and Zeshaun had a lot of things and common. They both had a taste for big guns. Then, Nick got an idea.

He knew that this small base in which they were stationed was abandoned and had military purposes. Draxen wasn’t quite sure what kind of purposes, but he intended on finding out. Maybe.. just maybe, there was a weapon cache, or at least some form of left behind data and research.

Nick got up and equipped himself with his A280 Armor piercing heavy  blaster rifle, an Annihilator heavy pistol and Renegade blaster pistol. Zeshaun turned towards Nick after hearing blasters load up.

‘’Where are you going?’’ Zeshaun asked, curious.

‘’This base is an abandoned. Chances are it’s a military base and there is at least some form of weapons or information remaining. If it were to be found, we would benefit from this.’’

Zeshaun let out a sigh. ‘’Well then, why are you going alone?’’

‘’Im not sure where the others are. Probably looking for their rooms.’’

Zeshaun nodded. He understood what Nick meant. Zesh turned towards his weapon rack.


‘’Well, your going to need someone to take care of you.’’ Zeshaun said, selecting his weapons.

Zeshaun heard Nick holstering his blasters.

"Where are you going?" He asked

‘’This base is an abandoned. Chances are it’s a military base and there is http://comnet.imperialnetwork.com/comnet/23/post/11364/
Reply to Message - The Alderaan Rebellion (Paladin) [11364] - Stormtrooper Corps Story Board - Stormtrooper Corps - ComNetat least some form of weapons or information remaining. If it were to be found, we would benefit from this.’’ Nick stated.

Zeshaun rolled his eyes. ‘’Well then, why are you going alone?’’

‘’Im not sure where the others are. Probably looking for their rooms.’’ Nick said not looking up from what he was doing.

Zeshaun just nodded and got up to holster his weapons as well.

‘’Well, your going to need someone to take care of you.’’ Zeshaun said, selecting his weapons.

Zeshaun couldn't choose which guns to take so he just took everything, he put his DT-57 "Annihilator" Heavy Blaster Pistol and his DC-15s Blaster Pistol in their holsters on his side, he slipped his DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol in a ankle holster and slung his DC-17M Interchangeable Combat System over his shoulder.

"Ready to go." Zeshaun said heading out the door.

Nick followed. "So where should we start." he asked

"We could look for some kind of shooting range or headquarters." Zeshaun said just laying out some ideas.

"Let's head over to the shooting range." Nick said enthusiastically.

Zeshaun followed Nick as he walked down the hall. They saw some old signs on the walls giving directions to certain areas. "It looks like the shooting range is this way." Nick said pointing to the left.

Zeshaun followed Nick around the corner and stopped infront of a door at the end of the hall. "This must be it." Zeshaun said.

Nick opened the door and walked into the dark room. Nick searched the wall for a switch and clicked it. A large room, about 100 meters long and 50 meters wide was illuminated. "Looks like it hasn't been used in a while." Nick said.

"You mean even longer than everything else in here." Zeshaun snorted.

"Shall we practice for a bit before we go look for some new weapons?" Nick asked.

"Sure why not." Zeshaun said.

Zeshaun loved target practice, it reminded him of so many things from his childhood days, his father teaching him to fire straight, him and Gres hunting in the woods, and hunting wookies. Target practice was probably Zeshaun's most favorite activity when he wasn't on a mission.

"Alright, looks like the controls aren't locked and everything is functional for the time being." Nick said sitting in front of a control pannel. "Here we go."

A target came up and Zeshaun put a hole through it's head.

“Oh hell yes” commented Alan as he and Drakar walked into the old Commander’s quarters.  I think I’ve died and gone to heaven thought Alan as he went behind the bar.

“What’s your poison?” asked Alan.

Drakar had a look around at the various forms of alcohol and replied “I think I’ll stick to something I’m familiar with, Corellian ale for me”.

“Ah, a man after my own heart” replied Alan as he proceeded to fill up two tall glasses of Corellian ale.

“Thanks” replied Drakar as he took the glass and they both moved off to lounge in one of the old Commander’s comfy chairs.

If I ever become a Commander then this is what I want thought Alan as he gazed around the quarters.  He hoped that after the mission was over then they would have to stay here for a few days before extraction.

“You know, I thought I was going to hate staying in this place” commented Alan, “but I do believe this place is starting to grow on me”.

“I know what you mean” replied Drakar, “cheers”.  Both of them clinked their glasses together and took large sips from their ales.

The pair soon got chatting about their career within the Army.  Alan knew that Drakar had been with the Jester squad but learned more about why he had taken a two month leave of absence. 

“I was also placed on the reserves list for several months” said Alan.

“You go on vacation for a while?” queried Drakar.

“Something like that” said Alan, “the last squad I was with squared off against Alderaanian’s and we lost a trooper.  As squad leader, I questioned my decisions on that day.  It got too much so I decided to leave for a while.  I never gave a return date as I wasn’t sure I would return”.

“What changed your mind to come back?” asked Drakar.

“Once you’re a soldier, you’re always a soldier.  It’s in my blood now and I couldn’t be away from it for too long” said Alan.

“To the Army” said Drakar as he held up his glass.

“To the Army and to Paladin” replied Alan.

“I can drink to that” said Drakar as he clinked his glass against Alan’s and they both finished off their drink.

Alan looked over at the bar and wondered whether they should have another drink before getting ready for tonight.

Zeshaun walked over to the controls and boosted the difficulty to 4. He heard the unholy sound of a droid activating itself. oh no. The droids started advancing on Nick and Zeshaun shooting the whole time. Zeshaun took cover next to Nick behind the counter.

"So let's do this. On your mark." Zeshaun said reloading his rifle.

Nick nodded and poked his head out from below the counter. "Now." He said as he sprung up from behind the counter.

Zeshaun sprang up right after Nick and saw that there were way more than he thought would be there. This must've been a super soldier base or something. he thought as he straffed the droids in front of him taking out 5.

"This may be cheating but if it saves my butt I'll do it." Nick said lobbing a grenade.

Zeshaun ducked back behind the counter and felt the heat wave hit the back of his head. When he looked back up the whole shooting range was in smoke and he couldn't see anything. A sudden wave of blaster bolts came flying out of the smoke nearly hitting him.

"Well that didn't quite do the job." Zeshaun said panting.

He didn't realize this was such a workout. He popped back up and sprayed the smoke, he heard a couple of machines fall to the ground. He bent down to reload his rifle, he saw that he was getting low on power packs for his rifle. sithspit i didn't realize we would have to do so much work. he thought as he slung his rifle over his shoulder.

Zeshaun grabbed the two blasters at his side and checked to make sure they were loaded. He jumped up again and let a furry of bolts fly into the dissipating smoke. The returning fire was not as great as the times before. looks like we're finally taking them down.

Zeshaun checked to make sure Nick was still alive and saw that he was. "How are you doing?" nick asked panting.

"I'm okay, how about you." Zeshaun said.

"Let's finish these guys off and go get a drink." Nick said.

"Yeah, if we can find a cantina with drinkable liquids." Zeshaun snorted.

Zeshaun took off his helmet and whiped the sweat from his forehead.

“So, what are we waiting for?” asked Zeshaun, “let’s get to that bar”.

“Agreed” said Nick.

Zeshaun tucked his helmet under his arm and walked out the door when he heard a loud clanking noise echo throughout the hallways.

"What the hell did you do?" Alan glared at Drakar who was standing next to the controls.

"I got curious?" Drakar offered as a meek explanation.

Alan let out a sigh, Zeshaun and Nick put their helmets back on and reloaded their weapons. Zeshaun remembered that he was running low on powerpacks so he ran back into the room searching for some. Luckily he found a large supply of universal power packs in a large cabinet behind the controls. He grabbed as much as he could carry.

Zeshaun ran to catch up with Alan, Nick, and Drakar. They weren't in the hallway so he figured that they had rounded the corner. He ran down the hall way and turned the corner and was met with a force of 10 super battle droids. Zeshaun quickly turned around and hid behind the corner. Zeshaun peaked out the edge and saw that Alan, Nick and Drakar were taking cover behind pillars supporting the cealings.

"This is Alan to Paladin squad, we're under attack! Everyone be on high alert, these droids appear out of the walls." Alan was yelling into the comms.

"Alan what do you mean we're under attack?" Lucky's voice came in.

"Just be careful." Alan said.

Alan, Nick, Drakar, and Zeshaun were put up a reasonable fight against a large force of droids. They had downed at least a dozen and they injured twice as many as that. Nick suddenly disappeared back down the hall way that they came from.

"Nick, now's not a good time to ditch the squad! When we get back I'm having you transferred." Alan shouted at Nick.

Alan muttered something about cowardice and how he hated traitors when Nick reappeared.

"Sorry Alan, but I thought you would let me stay if I brought these." Nick said holding up two rocket launchers.

"Well, I'll consider it." Alan said with a hint of a smile. "give me one of those." he said grabbing it.

"Ready, FIRE!" Alan shouted.

Nick and Alan sent two streaking blue rockets down the hallway. A large explosion ensued and when they cautiously looked around the corner they saw that the hallway was clear.

"Let's get back together with the rest of the squad while we still can." Alan said running down the hallway.

Zeshaun sat at the bar drinking correlian ale but had to make sure he didn't have to much before they started their trip toward the city. The squad had a good time laughing about thesurprising incident with the droids.

"What kind of soldiers must this base of housed?" Nick asked to no one in particular.

"They must of been some kind of special ops or something, but if this is the kind of bases that New Alderaainian soldiers practice this could be harder than we thought." Lucky said, she looked at her watch. "We should get back to the hangar, our informant should be there soon."

Everyone had one last drink and then went back to their rooms to tidy up. Zeshaun reloaded all his guns and holstered them. He put on his helmet and walked out the room. "See you down there." Zeshaun said  to Nick as he walked out the door.

A couple minutes later the whole squad was  assembled ready to go in the hangar. As they waited a low hum was audible from somewhere outside of the hangar. The squad tensed up and everyone seemed to get on edge. Zeshaun jumped when he saw a speeder fly around the corner of the hangar and speed toward them. Everyone grabbed their rifles and aimed at the speeder.

"don't fire! I'm your informant." A woman in civilian dress jumped out from the drivers seat.

The squad put down their rifles and Lucky walked up to her. "I'm platoon sergeant Lucky, this is Paladin squad." She said pointing to eveyrone else.

The woman gave a nod of acknowledgment's. "I'm Tia Horada, I've been ordered to escort you into the city, and act as your informant. This vehicle here," She pointed to the speeder that she came in. "is for you."

Zeshaun walked up to the speeder and whistled. "This is an Arrow-23 transport landspeeder. Where did you get one of these?" He asked looking toward Tia.

"Alderaan has a cache of old vehicles that we have acquired over the years, this just happened to be one of them." She said.

"Zeshaun, this is your area of expertise, will this work well?' Lucky asked.

"Hell yeah, not only was this one of the fastest civilian speeders around, it also packs a punch with it's laser and I see that they've added a concussion grenade launcher. This shouldn't raise any suspicion as we go through the city." Zeshaun said.

"Good." Lucky nodded. "Everyone let's go. Tia you can fill us in on any other important details on the ride over."

"I call manning the 'nade launcher!" Zeshaun said jumping up onto the speeder.

Everyone just shook their heads and laughed. They piled into the vehicle.

"Is everyone all set?" Tia asked.

"Lead the way." Lucky said.

The speeder sped out of the hangar in the direction of the looming buildings in the distance.

As the quad jumped out of the speeder they all noticed that everyone was staring at them.

"Maybe it's best we stay in the speeder until we reach the front of the building..." Zeshaun commented.

Lucky took a look around and turned toward Tia. "Is there a parking area closer to where Devito could be?"

"Yes, but it would be riskier, we may give away our intentions." Tia said.

"We'll have to take our chances, we stand out too much in the streets?" Lucky said getting back in the speeder.

They all got back into the speeder and drove back into the street. As they flew along the road they tried to sink as low as possible into the chairs. They could see a few Alderaanian militia and soldiers patroling the streets. They took a turn down off of the main road and onto a more secluded street. As they drove down the street more and more militia men and soldiers became prominent.

"Where is this road leading us." Alan asked.

"We have gained information that tells us that Devito will be making a speech in the main plaza. We have reasons to believe that he will launch the open rebellion after that speech." Tia explained. "The speech will be tomorrow at noon."

"So how does that explain where you are leading us." Alan said suspiciously.

"Sorry, I'm taking you to a tailor shop where we can get you some civilian clothes. You will never be able to get even with eye sight of Devito wearing stormtrooper armor." Tia said.

"Wait, we have to crush this rebellion without our armor on?" Nick said surprised.

"Well it will make it much easier for you." Tia said. "You will not be completely armorless, we will get you armor that fits under the civilian clothes."

Everyone was rather skeptical about fighting without their armor on. Zeshaun had never done so before and even during his time as a mercenary he had only fought without proper armor once or twice and it never turned out well.

"We will also provide someone with a sniper rifle." Tia stated, Alan's eyes lit up. "After researching all scenarios we find that killing Devito while he is giving his speech will be the most effective."

"How about the militia and other rebels that are there?" Drakar asked.

"That is where the rest of you come in." Tia kept talking. "Most of the people attending the rally will be part of the rebellion. After Devito is shot they will panic and many will probably try to go on with the rebellion, me and my men will try to funnel them toward one exit and the rest of you will be waiting to blow them up."

"What if there are innocent civilians in the pack?" Alan

"It's a sacrifice we are going to have to make." Tia stated. "Hopefully you will not have to kill everyone before they give up."

"I never liked massacres." Zeshaun grumbled.

"Well it's for the greater good." Tia said, almost angrily.

Zeshaun saw that Alan had chosen all black, personally Zeshaun didn't like dressing all in one color. He searched long and hard to find a blindingly bright orange vest. He wore that over a green shirt which was slightly darker than his skin. He wore grey pants but had two white stripes running down the sides. Zeshaun also got armor for his torso and legs.

When everyone had finished changing they met again outside. There was an exchange of comments about each others choices of clothes, mostly about Zeshaun's orange vest and their lack of armor.

"You look ridiculous. Go get a new vest." Lucky said with a grin.

"I'm hurt, you don't like my choice of clothing?" Zeshaun said with a mock frown on his face.

They piled back into the speeder and sped off toward the main road again. They stopped in front of a plain looking building that was smaller than most of the others around it. Tia got off.

"This is where I will be if you need me. Explore the city, find some strategic ponits around the main plaza, do whatever you feel is necessary to prepare." Tia gave Lucky a datacard. "This has the directions back to this building if you need them. I suggest we meet back here tomorrow at least 3 hours prior to the speech."

Tia turned and walked into the building leaving Lucky and the rest of the squad standing in the street in front of the speeder.

"Well, let's go explore the city then." Alan said getting back into the speeder.

"I call driving this time!" Zeshaun said jumping into the drivers seat.

"I have shotgun." Lucky sighed getting in next to Zeshaun.

Alan manned the grenade launcher  and the rest of the squad jumped into the back. Zeshaun eased his way back into traffic and drove down the road.

"Let's go check out the main plaza then." Lucky said pointing toward a sign.

Main Plaza --> Zeshaun took the turn and drove down the street. Although it was off the main road it was still fairly crowded with street vendors selling all kinds of things from food and souvenirs, to guns and swords.

"Anyone up for  little shopping?" Drakar asked pointing toward a vendor with a large assortment of both guns and swords.

Zeshaun got off of the speeder and walked after Alan who had already gone into the shop. The shop was surprisingly bright inside and had an amazing assortment of guns. Zeshaun checked to make sure he had his four weapons. Zeshaun checked his datapad to see how much he had to spend. well, it's enough Zeshaun thought as he searched the shop for something to buy.

As he looked through the shelves his eyes fell upon a rather large pistol. Zeshaun picked it up and read the label. IVP-18 TROPOV MACHINE PISTOL, wow

"I see you've taken a liking to strong blasters." A gand walked up behind Zeshaun.

Zeshaun jumped. "Well," Zeshaun stammered "I guess I do."

"Let me show you another gun that you may enjoy." The gand turned and walked deeper into the store.

Zeshaun was slightly reluctant to follow but he did so becuase he was itching to know what the gand had for him. The gand had a box covered by a cloth, when the gand revealed what was inside the box Zeshaun let out a gasp, it was an 8-gauge shotgun. They were very powerful.

"I'll take it." Zeshaun said without a doubt.

Zeshaun payed for his two weapons and left the shop to sit in the speeder. He was now carrying one of his two rifles, a shotgun, and now four blaster pistols including the semi-automatic one. why am i carrying so much stuff... Zeshaun thought as he sat in the speeder waiting for the rest of the squad to come out.

Zeshaun was drooling over his new weapons when a strange idea dawned upon him. The first Alderaan was known for being peaceful and basically not having any weapons. Why did the new Alderaan have so many open weapon vendors. scary to think that almost everyone here has a weapon.

Zeshaun was checking through all his guns again when he heard a strange noise coming form within the store. Zeshaun hopped out of the speeder as quickly as his weapon filled body would let him and entered the store again.

"Let go of me you crazy beast! I told you that I would not sell anything to you for that little." A voice came from far back in the store.

A series of growls and grunts that were very familiar fell upon Zeshaun's ears. Zeshaun cracked his knuckles and loaded his new 8-gauge shotgun. He quickly walked to the back of the store. Zeshaun nearly knocked Nick over as he made his way to the sounds.

"Let go of him you dirty ball of fur." Zeshaun snarled as he pointed the shotgun toward the wookie who was holding the gand off the ground.

Before Zeshaun could pull the trigger, four arms wrapped around Zeshaun's arms and pulled him back. Zeshaun saw Alan quickly move infront of him.

"We're very sorry sir, please continue on with your sales." Alan said. Quickly turning and left the shop.

Zeshaun was dragged out by Nick and Drakar.

"What do you think you were doing?" Alan seethed turning toward Zeshaun.

"I was going to save the merchant, he will probably die now." Zeshaun mumbled.

"Well I'm glad that your looking to protect people but killing wookies in weapons shops is not a good way to stay under the radar so think about the mission next time." Alan said.

Lucky and Nova were still in the store. Alan, Nick, and Drakar went back into the store as well. Zeshaun had gotten orders from Alan forbidding him from entering the store. oh well, I guess I'll just stand watch here and polish my guns.

Leaving Zeshaun outside, Alan made his way back inside the shop and over to where the sniper rifles were located.  There was quite a selection and Alan didn’t know where to being.  Alan suddenly noticed something that took his breath away.

“The DC-17MInterchangeable Combat System” he whispered.

“You like it?” asked the shop clerk.

“Do I” replied Alan.  The weapon was on a rack too tall for Alan to reach it, but looking at it made his day.

“You want to try holding it?” asked the clerk.

Alan’s eyes shined as he replied “definitely”.

The clerk took a small step ladder and went over to the weapon.  He soon retrieved it and handed it to Alan.  Taking it the first thing Alan was surprised at was how light it was.  He gazed through the scope and he knew that what was in his hand could take on anything at all.

“Isn’t that a little big?” asked Lucky, seeing Alan wielding the weapon.

“Alan smiled at Lucky and replied “sure is but I think I may have to buy one when I get back to Tadath.  I’ve never held one before and now I want one”.

He gave the weapon back to the shop owner who proceeded to place it back on the shelf.

“I can’t interest you?” queried the owner.

“Maybe another time” replied Alan as he exited the shop.

“What did you buy?” queried Zeshaun seeing Alan exit the shop.

“Nothing” replied Alan.

“Nothing” stated Zeshaun in disbelief.

“Right now all I need is my trusty DL-44 Heavy Blaster pistol” replied Alan as he patted his hip, “and Tia is providing us with a sniper rifle so that’s covered”.

“Was there anything of interest to you in there?” queried Zeshaun.

“Yes, and one day I’m sure I will own one, but not today” replied Alan.

Paladin was beginning to reassemble just outside the weapon's shop. Now was the perfect time to run back inside and buy a pair of DC-17M Interchangable Combat System blasters.

[Hold up forr a moment, I will be right back.] He growled to his Squad leader and Assistant squad leader.

"Alright but hurry up!" Lucky yelled back. Leaving his carrying cases on the bench, Nova quickly entered the store again and walked up to the clerk.

[Do you have a pairr of DC-17M blasterrs with all the attachments?] He bellowed.

"Yes I do, lemme go get them. Would you like a carrying case?" replied the store clerk nicely.

[Yes, ti-nitrride coated ones if possible.]

"Will do."

The clerk arrived a short time later with two large cases in his hands. He placed them on the container and rang them up on the register. Five thousand IC's was what it came up to be with the overly nice cases. Nova gladly handed the clerk his Impericard credit card, and upon having it swiped entered his four digit PIN number then walked out.

Everyone in Paladin turned to look at him. Their eyes grew wide as he approached with two more cases. Nova stopped just short of AlanRJ and presented the case to him.

"That's a nice case Nova, but what do I need it for?" Alan asked.

[Open it up.]

They squad walked over to the bench where Nova had left his other cases and watched as AlanRJ, Paladin's ASL, unbuckled the case, opened it and revealed his very own, brand new DC-17M Interchangable Combat System with every attachment possible already included. The Paladin commander turned to Nova and gave him an ultra-large thank you for the generous gift.

[No prroblem sirr. Anything forr you all.] Nova growled sympathetically.

Closing it back up, Alan turned to his squad and waited for instructions from Luckystar.