There had been some odd changes in Raider’s the barracks was quiet and most troopers were getting some R and R but Rogue could feel the uncertainty in the squad; for the first time that any of the troopers could remember Raider’s did not have a squad leader. This made Gaz the acting squad leader, while Rogue and Gaz never really did get along they both had the best interests of the Raiders at heart. Gaz had been in a meeting with some high army types; a colonel and a brigadier general that Rogue was not familiar with. They had been gone for some time before Gaz came back.

Rogue got up from the bunk he had been lying on. “What do the bigwigs want us to do now?” He said with just a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

“I got good news and bad news, the good news first we got an increase in our financing.” This immediately got all the troops’ attention. “The bad news is we need to arm ourselves with not so Imperial equipment.” This in turn got him many raised eyebrows and questioning looks. “We need to look like disgruntled civilians or mercenaries so everyone has a budget of seven thousand Imperial credits, all receipts must be given to me so I can give them to the quartermaster so that you can be reimbursed.”

Havock raised her hand. “What will we be doing after we arm ourselves like a bunch of peasants?”

“We hire a smuggler to take us to the planet Praexus” Then we find a base of operations and start phase one of our objective.” This got him another bunch of questioning looks. “It’s on a need to know basis and apparently you guys do not need to know until we land.”

Apparently they were not on a need to know basis. Rogue thought to himself as he made his way out of the barracks, like most soldiers he knew a guy who could provide out of service military needs. The guy was legitimate as in he didn’t carry guns that could decimate planets just the small arms soldiers would need. A good example is that Rogue’s boots are not made of the plastoid that the standard boots are made out of; their exterior has a thin plastoid coating and the interior is made of a harder metal that Rogue is not familiar with.

Pulling out his datapad RB opened a holonet connection with Sandler (his weapons supplier). The image showed Sandler’s face in front of a white wall. “I’ll call you right back in a couple of minutes.” Was all he said before the connection was closed on his end.

Figuring he would need to see Sandler anyways Rogue got out of the barracks and walked towards his black speeder. He knew Sandler’s stock by heart except for any new acquisitions. Rogue’s datapad beeped while he was on his way to Sandler’s. Quickly RB answered it. “Yo Sandler what’s up? I need some stuff and I need them to be on receipts for a reimbursement.”

“You didn’t turn me in did you?” Was his paranoid response.

“You’re not even illegal you wannabe.” Rogue responded with a laugh.

“Well that’s true, meet me in the usual place.” Sandler said as he cut the connection.

The usual place was a warehouse that Sandler was renting near the docks, he had a contract with many private security companies across Tadath. RB saw Sandler’s form before he parked his speeder, walking toward the fat man Rogue nodded at him. “I wrote a list of what I want, give me the prices.”

“So you want a IvP-18 S-FOX machine pistol, a DL-54 automatic blaster pistol, 4x C-22s, 2x FEX-M3s, and finally a Tuff I combat suit.” Sandler said as he ran his hand over the list.

“That’s right.” Rogueboy replied taking a drag from a cigarette he had lit up on the speeder ride.

“Well I can give you the BP for a thousand ICs, the frags for eighteen hundred, the MP for another thousand, the smokies for fourteen hundred, and the armour for fifteen hundred, which brings our total to…sixty-seven hundred ICs Agreed?” Sandler asked with a questioning glance.

“Very close to my budget but since I’m not paying for it I don’t care just throw in three boxes of slugthrower ammo, and enough blaster packs to take down the Grand Admiral I’m game.” Was Rogue’s response as they went to the warehouse to pick some goods.

Gaz slowly walked out of the barracks and moved towards his airspeeder that was conveniently parked on a landing pad. He popped the pilots seat window the T-47 airspeeder, he then entered and began to start the speeder up. He looked down at the joystick, then up to the navigation screen. He quickly typed the address of the weapons emporium onto his screen and began to fly towards Tath City. The guards on base acknowledged him leaving as the airspeeder flew towards Tath, he flew down near the trees and looked across at the beautiful Tadath sunset.

As he moved through the numerous skyscrapers in Tath City, Bacardi found the street he was looking for and flew down below the top of the skyscrapers. He set the ship on auto-pilot as he fumbled for his wallet. Taking out his wallet, he resumed the controls and took a sharp left turn into a parking garage. The parking garage was just an open speeder landing pad. As he landed the ship, he inserted his ear-piece into his ear and holstered his pistol and clipped on his army ID. He popped open the cockpit and jumped out, turning around Bacardi closed the cockpit using his remote.

“Sir, my name is Mon Flint, how may I help you?” A man that had a weapon in holster and a rather large coat on spoke to Bacardi. Bacardi quickly explained to the man that he was here to buy weapons and the guard let him through. Bacardi walked through an open door and looked around, the 7 000 credit chip was still in his wallet. He examined a pistol... modified IvP-18 Tropov with attached silencer and laser. He added it to his hover shopper by moving his finger over it and just waving. A sound was made on Bacardi’s datapad. He then moved over to a rifle: a modified StA-LAR rifle. He added that to his hover as well, but with an attached grenade launcher and silencer.

“Sir, how may I help you?” A store clerk said, he had a pistol holstered as well.

“’Ey, could I by chance get combat gear, Special Ops?” Bacardi asked the clerk.

“Certainly, and will this be all?”

“No, sir, I just need four spare clips for the LAR and two for the Tropov. And that’d be all.” Bacardi handed the man the credit chip, the man looked up has he finished the transaction and gave Bacardi a case. The case was a large case with a foam inside, he slowly put the guns in the mold and handed it to Bacardi.

“Have a good day, sir.” The man said as Bacardi left. Bacardi popped the gunner (that he had converted into a storage area) cockpit window open and put the crate in it. He then set the airspeeder for auto-pilot towards the army base.

Grahim went out the door a few steps behind the rest of the squad. Grahim knew about a few places that sold armour and weapons to good prices but they didn’t lie on the nicest streets. Grahim went to the docks to find a smuggler transport. Well on the docks Grahim went to one of the shops he knew about.

“Hi can mesa help yousa?” said a gungan in the shop when Grahim came in.

“Mesa needs a Z-6 Jetpack, M-590 Assault Rifle, 611 Combat armor, Blast helmet and west, 49HA Hand Blaster Pistol, FSK-7 Combat Knife, DL-22 Stun Gun and a Ion Stunner.” Grahim said to the gungan.

“That’s isa 7325 ICs.” The gungan said.

“Couldn’t yousa say 7000 ICs instead, between gungans?” Grahim asked.

“Okeeday 7000 ICs it isa.” The gungan said. Grahim gave the gungan the money that was getting the things Grahim had payed for.

“Do yousa knowsa any smugglers?” Grahim asked.

“Yesa if yousa go down to the bar a few blocks away. Yousa gonna find a gungan crew in the bar if yousa ask themsa nicely theysa might help yousa.” The gungan said.

Grahim went to the bar. It wasn’t much to look at but he knew if he want to find a smuggler crew it is here. Grahim went inside. He looked after the gungan crew the shop manager had talked about. He saw them sit at a table in the corner to keep away from the humans. Grahim walked to their table.

“Hidoe, are yousa smugglers?” Grahim asked.

“Yesa wesa are, isa there something yousa want to ask?” one of the gungans said.

“Yesa mesa want to hire yousa to take mesa and a group of hisen to the planet Praexus.” Grahim said

“Wesa can take yousa and the group of hisen to Praexus but we have to go tomorrow, and the price isa 50000 ICs. And im the captain and mesa name isa Neb Neb Dop” said a short gungan. Grahim went back to the barracks with his weapons and armor. Back at the barracks Grahim meet Gaz outside the barracks.

“Mesa have found a smuggler crew thatsa can take us to Praexus for 50000 ICs” Grahim told Gaz.

Grahim followed Gaz in to the barracks.

“We got a transport that will fly us to Praexus. The only problem that it is in 5 hours” Gaz said to the squad.

“Grahim will explain who they are and why they have such a hurry” Gaz continued.

“Theysa are ten gungan smugglers and they are in such a hurry because theysa got the Tadath local police force after them because they started a pub brawl. And theysa think wesa isa deserters thatsa are fleeing from the Vast Empire army” Grahim said. Grahim heard that the rest of the squad wasn’t to happy about the gungan smugglers. Grahim went to speak with RB

“Hidoe RB. Mesa wanted to speak with yousa about the thesa smugglers” Grahim said.

“Yes what about them?” RB asked

“Mesa thought wesa could kill themsa in space” Grahim answered

“What are we going to do with the bodies?” RB said

“Let me come with a proposal” Jaenna said. Grahim and RB was surprised by Jaennas intrusion in the conversation. RB was the one that was first to answer.

“What is your proposal?” RB asked

“Just put them in the airlock and open the door and we are rid of the bodies” Jaenna said.

“Thatsa should work or what do yousa say RB?” Grahim said

“I think we should kill them we are outside radio contact though” RB said then they went to make themselves ready for the journey to Praexus.

~

“Now good people, its fifty minutes until we leave for Praexus. Grahim show us the way to the ship” Gaz said. Grahim took his gear and went outside the barracks and started walking toward the space docks. The rest of the squad followed him. Grahim found the smugglers in the docks.

“Now wesa isa here” Grahim said to the captain.

“Thatsa on time, wesa was just about to leave yousa here. Were are our payment?” The captain said.

“Ah the payment, we took it in cash and its 50000 ICs as agreed” Said Karash that was holding the money.

“Yousa can onboard now if yousa want to do thatsa” The captain said. The squad went inside the transport. Grahim thought it was quite comfortable.

The transport lifted and was soon in space.

“Do yousa think wesa are outside radio contact” Grahim whispered to Jaenna.

“Yes I think so” Jaenna whispered back.

“RB do yousa inform the squad about our plan?” Grahim asked RB

“Already done” RB answered.

Grahim informed the squad when they should take out the crew. Grahim went to speak with the captain. When Grahim had closed the door the rest of the Raiders squad took out the smugglers. Grahim saw that the captain was changing coordinates to the meteor field that was left of Alderaan when it was blown to pieces. RB came into the room and saw what was happening.

“Grahim get outside we need those codes and ill get them but it may turn violent” RB said Grahim went outside. Then he heard screams.

50 000 ICs? Rogueboy thought to himself if that wasn’t a tip off to the captain that something bad was going to happen he didn’t know what was. Either way the gungans didn’t look so heavily armed; a couple of blaster pistols, two had a knife and one carried a staff on it’s back and the captain was surprisingly unarmed. When it came time to take over the shift it had gone over relatively quickly and surprisingly well except for one aspect.

As soon as Rogue had given the single Havock pushed one gungan into the airlock, locked him in, and pushed the button to open the exterior door. Rogue had put a dime sized hole in one of the gungan’s head, Starfruit had given one gungan a bloody smiley, and another had a knife embedded somewhere in his spinal cord. Grahim had decimated two gungans before anyone else had their confirmed kills. Gaz had killed another trooper with a garrote wire, and Karash had fired a shot at the captain; the shot missed but hit the top of the door that the captain was standing under causing a small piece of liquid hot metal to fall on his arm. The captain had quickly closed the door and attempted to lock it, except Grahim had stuck his foot in just in time.

Quickly Grahim fired a shot into the captain, quickly killing him. “Oh poodoo.” Rogue overhead the gungan whisper. “Meesa keesa da captain, heesa fix da coordinates to crashe intosa asteroids.”

Havock hurried to the cockpit. “He encrypted the access to the codes. Does this squad have a splicer?”

Havock’s question was greeted with silence before Gaz spoke up. “Well really we don’t need a splicer because we have all the time in the world.” Questioning eyes greeted the acting squad leader, so he continued pretending to lecture to children. “Instead of looking at the screen why not just go to the engine room and tinker around there and disconnect a plug or two?”

This got a bunch of oohs and ahhs as Gaz headed towards the engine room the ship slowly came to a stop as the inertial compensators kicked in. Returning to the room Gaz announced the squad now had all the time in the galaxy to figure the code out.


OOC: Terrible post or at least I feel it is, going to try to post again tomorrow too tired to continue.

The squad was sitting at the galley as it was Karash’s turn to hack the ships computer. It had been three hours since they had killed the Gungans, they had tossed the bodies in the airlock and flushed them out to space not long after. So far two troopers had given their luck at trying to hack the computer; Rogueboy who had spent two hours with the damn thing, and Grahim who had spent one hour trying certain words in Gunganese.

Starfruit had gone through the crews pockets before they had been sent out into the great beyond of that which was space. The other troopers were going through the datapads of the dead looking for clues as to what the password might be. After a while Grahim went to go check on Karash’s progress, Rogue decided to bring up an issue that was bothering him. “Where do Gungan babies come from?” This got a chuckle from the squad. “I’m not kidding.” Rogue added as the laughter died down.

There was instant silence as all the guys in the squad looked at Starfruit. “Don’t look at me; I don’t have the slightest idea, ask a medic or something.” This made the rest of the squad crack up.

The squad greeted Grahim’s return with laughter. “Whatsa soo funny?” The Gungan asked his head tilted to the side.

The squad asked in unison. “Grahim, where do Gungan babies come from?” The squad looked at each other laughing as they did so.

Grahim sighed as if dreading this moment. “Weesa lay eggs, eggs hatch and weesa small, after that weesa grow.”

“So you’re amphibians?” Gaz asked.

“Yessa.” Was Grahim’s quick response.

Rogueboy grabbed the list of keywords that they had discerned from the datapads and proceeded towards the cockpit.

“What’s up?” Karash asked as he looked up from the terminal.

“We got a list from the datapads, here try these ones out.” Rogue said as he handed him the list and took a seat at the co-pilots chair. “Ever wonder what our purpose is?”

“To follow our orders until our contract is up, retire, maimed, or die, isn’t it?” Karash answered never removing his eyes from the terminal’s screen.

“I ever tell you you’re a cynical bastard?” RB asked as he looked out into the vast space.

“Probably I just don’t seem to listen too much to you.” Karash said mocking joking with Rogue.

“I can’t wait until we land planet side I’m so going to kick your ass.” Rogue spoke as he mock poked Karash.

“You’re going to have to catch me, old man what with that smoking habit I can’t imagine you breaking my personal record on the training course, now quit poking me it’s irritating!.”  Karash yelled as he gave Rogue a dirty look.

“Alright, I gotta go take a crap anyways” Rogue announced as he left the cockpit, passing Starfruit who was on her way in.

As Rogue sat down on the toilet he removed his boot and pulled out his trusty syringe, well actually he used more than one syringe, despite his habit and clothes he was a very cleanly guy. Since he wasn’t wearing any thick armour Rogue decided to take his dose through his forearm. Using his belt and a few slaps Rogue was able to pinpoint his vein, pushing the needle in he drew the plunger back a little drawing some blood. RB watched how his blood mixed with the clear liquid before pushing the plunger down, as he did this the ship took off, jolting him and the syringe dug deeper into him.

Swearing and bleeding Rogue got out of the bathroom. “What the hell is going on?” He roared.

“We got going smartass, now gear up we should be getting to Praexus soon.” Gaz said. “Are you bleeding?” He asked.

“It’s nothing but a flesh wound cut myself on a nail.” Rogue lied. “What are we doing once we get to Praexus?”

Gaz answered. “We’re going to use the ship’s weapons to clear a landing in the jungle and land.”

“Who hacked the computer.” Rogue asked as he felt light headed from his “medication”.

“Jaenna did.” Gaz answered.

“Who the hell is Jaenna?” The dazed trooper asked.

“I’am.” Starfruit answered.

“I thought your name was Starfruit.” RB stated.

“That’s my callsign silly. My real name is Jaenna.” The trooper answered her green tattoo flashing in the ship’s lights.

“Which code hacked it?” Rogue asked again.

“Are you done questioning everything?” Gaz snapped.

“No not yet.” Rogue retorted.

“None of them, when I was younger I...had some smarts going on with me, learned a few things you know.” She said.

“Actually I don’t know, I spent my childhood as a slave learning to kill people.” Rogue said as he walked away. It wasn’t so much that his past troubled him at least he had three meals a day even if they weren’t five star meals which was more than some kids get. The thing about his past was that he didn’t like talking about it, some people would stare at him in disbelief and others would tell a worse story than him yet they would offer their condolences as if it explained why he was the way he was. Damn hypocrites the lot of them, he survived his childhood and he was a free man and to him that’s all that mattered.

The conversations with Havock were beginning to get much more easy. The two girls had become very close friend through the little 'mentorship' that acting SL Gaz had set them up with a little while ago. Their first spar in the gym not too long ago had ended up starting a weekly workout for the two of them. Every Tuesday Thursday they met up in the gym and had a good spar, Jae teaching her style to Havock, and Havock teaching Jae her own style. Eventually, during their spars, it began to become obvious that their styles were beginning to mix together, forming a whole new style.

It was funny really. Just how close the only two females in the RAIDERS had become. Though it nothing to complain about. Jae liked being able to spend so much time with Havock. The girl was Jae's first true friend since she joined the Army. It was good release. One that Jaenna Caldwin needed.

Havock smiled at Jae from where she was gathering her gear, and Jae smiled back, winking playfully. A mindless flirtatious gesture. Ugh. Was Jae becoming attracted to the girl? Oh what was this going to come to?

Jae couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle as she bent down and grabbed her Starslasher from her bag and thrusted it into the specialized holster that went diagonal across her back, from her right shoulder, to her left, just above, hip. She then took her two brand new Viroblades and shoved them into their sheaths that ran behind the Starslasher and in an 'X" formation. All three weapons easily accessible. Her two FSK-7 knives had already been strapped to her belt before she even stepped onto the transport. The EMPs had already found her belt as well. Next, folded her Tuff-I neatly into a messenger bag and slung it over her shoulder, the strap leading across her chest, hanging from her left shoulder, the bag part resting against her right thigh area. Finally, she grabbed her two new DL-54s and placed them in their holsters on either hip.

This chick was ready. And she sure as hell looked like a disgruntled Civie. Then again, that was easy for her to pull off. This was how she normally looked while doing 'jobs' back on Coru.

"Alright guys! Finish getting suited up!" Came Rogueboy's voice from the cockpit. Gaz was standing next to him, Rogueboy was sitting at the controls.

Gaz sighed and looked at his squad, a soft, smile flickering across his lips as he shook his head and chuckled at just how ridiculous they all looked right now. Karash was sitting on one of the seats, a weapon laying across his lap, Grahim was standing, gripping one of the straps on the ceiling, a quirky smile across his face, Havock was standing next to Jae.

"Alright. Rogue's going to get us to a hover about fifteen meters above ground. He's going to fire the lasers at the ground, so be ready for turbulence as the contact of the bolts to the ground may send a bit of a shock wave up. Once an area is cleared, we're going to land. The ship will be our base. Everyone will get further orders once we are all set up and ready to go." With that, Gaz turned and signaled to Rogueboy to begin firing the laser bolts.

"Righto, Gazzy!" Rogue shouted with a lazy salute of two fingers. Gaz grumbled at the stupid nickname and just sat down in the co-pilot's seat. "Here we go!" Rogueboy hit the trigger and two bolts from either side of the ship and hit the ground below, sending ground debris and flaming bits of trees about. He fired again, two more bolts. Again, two more. The last two were then fired.

"That should do, Rogue." Gaz said as he grabbed the controls, stopping Rogue from firing again.

"Aw. I was just getting trigger happy, too."

"That's the problem." Gaz said simply. "Just take us down now."

Rogue nodded and took the controls back, he pushed the yoke forward and the ship began to descend. Gaz made sure to keep the repuslor lifts under control, keeping the ship parallel to the ground. A few more moments and the landed gear came down, and the ship set down, causing a bit of shaking ans staggering from the squadies on board.

"There we go." Rogue said happily as she stood, after locking in the landing gear and shutting of the main engine. He walked back towards the boarding ramp that was still locked up, and gave a thumbs up to Gaz, who flicked a switch and a hissing sound came from the boarding ramp as it opened downwards.

Jae scrunched her nose as the strong scent of burnt trees and land came to her nose. She looked over to Havock, who looked happy as can be.

"Frackin' trees. Good riddance." Hav chuckled as she looked over at Jae.

"You're such a city girl."

"You have no room to talk, Jae." Havock retorted.

Jae simply shrugged and made her way down the boarding ramp, emerald eyes setting sights on the darkened forest around them. The three moons that occupied Praexus' gravitational field casting eerie blue and purple lights about the ground.

This was going to be an interesting mission.

The ship began to rock as Rogueboy fired two shots to a clear a place for the ship to land. Karash looked around the rest of the squad and saw that most were mumbling about what they were about to encounter on the planet all except Gaz who seemed to be quite annoyed about Rogueboy calling him ‘Gazzy’.

“Everyone out,” said the acting squad leader.

There was a very strong smell of burnt trees and a sudden wave of damp heat, there were also odd noises going on in the back ground; Karash thought it was likely to be some ewoks that were probably annoyed at the fact they had just destroyed part of their home. Karash examined his surroundings to see a lot of charred wildlife but beyond that it was a typical jungle trees, plants and odd looking creatures but then Karash was drawn out of his daze.

“Yousa think theresa place to swim, heresa?” asked Grahim.

“Ha!” Karash could help it but it just blurted out.

At that point Grahim, Jaenna and Havock all turned to see what Karash was doing, he quickly made out he was inspecting a nearby plant. Karash could not help but giggle to himself when he began to think of the squad designing plans whilst Grahim went for a swim; he also noticed that Jae and Havock seemed to be giggling at the same thing.

“Why yousa making that noise?” asked Grahim.

Karash had to think fast so he did not upset the Gungan “Um… funny looking plant.”

“Okie-day” Grahim replied looking slightly confused.

They had been on the planet for about five minuets now and the local wildlife was making itself more known to the squad and they were not friendly; Karash could take being shot at or blown up but this planet first line on defence was blood sucking flies. He could see that others were having the same problems.

“Frak, Frak, FRAK,” exclaimed Havock.

Karash could also see some little rodent things now scurrying around in the nearby roughage; at least he hoped they were little rodents. He then noticed a strange looking three headed snake that he remembered to be called ‘Divto’ at the same time he noticed Grahim approaching the creature oblivious to the fact that the creature was very dangerous and a bite could kill him.

“Watch it!” shouted Karash as he yanked Grahim backwards.

“Whatsa mesa done?” Grahim asked.

Karash pointed towards the snake that was now slithering back into the undergrowth, satisfied it was not in any danger.

“Try to be careful, there will be a lot of unexpected dangers in this jungle,” said Karash.

The Gungan just nodded and continued to do what it was he was doing. Karash once again drifted off into his own mind and began to complain to himself about the fact that if they were wearing normal armour they wouldn’t be affected by these nasty insects. But instead they were dressed as dirty peasants.

“Alright everybody its dark so look where you are going, let’s move out,” said Gaz.

The squad gathered there things and began to move through the jungle and to Karash’s surprise Grahim actually appeared to be paying attention to were he was walking, so to not stand on another poisonous creature. So they continued to walk not completely sure where they were going and pestered by nasty insect but none the less they continued to walk.

Grahim was happy because Praexus looked a lot like Naboo. The only thing that he was annoyed about was the mud piles that smelled like Kaadu fodder. Grahim knew that the whole squad was laughing at him but he didn’t care to much about it. Grahim couldn’t understand why the two human females was exchanging strange sounds. It reminded him of the gungans mating sounds. Grahim took on his jetpack for a better view.

”Ey! Gungan check if there are any hostiles up a head.” Gaz said.

Grahim started the jetpack and flew about 100 meters up the air looking for some kind of platform to land on. He saw a tree that looked perfect for landing. Grahim landed and started to check for hostiles.

“I hope theysa not are hostiles” Grahim thought. The people Grahim hoped wasn’t hostiles was a mob of angry Ewoks that had seen they’re relatives been slaughtered by our transport.

“Wesa got some angry Ewoks against us.” Grahim reported to Gaz. Grahim didn’t get a response.

“Hata hata, deysa can’t here mesa because of theysa trees.” Grahim whispered to himself. Grahim flew back to find his squad. He landed silently behind Jaenna.

“Hidoe palos! Theres a big mob with angry Ewoks over there.” Grahim said

“Oh great, the nice little teddy bears are going to kill us” Karash said.

“Shut your cynical mouth for a wile before I break it.” RB said.

Jaenna and Havock was standing and making those odd sounds again. They was standing for them selves.

“Can you fly up there and take them out Grahim” Gaz asked.

“Yesa can mesa take Karash with me?” Grahim answered.

“Ey I want to chose myself” Karash said.

“Sure you can take him with you” Gaz and RB said.

Grahim flew up and landed on the platform. But this time Grahim had Karash attached to the belly. They landed silently on the platform. Karash didn’t seem to happy to be on the trees and not beneath them.

“Yousa don’t seem to be happy of being here” Grahim said.

“No I don’t trust this platform” Karash said.

“Over there theysa are” Grahim said.

“Okay lets shot them” Karash said.

Grahim and Karash prepared their weapons. Karash threw a C-22 grenade in the mob of angry Ewoks. When the grenade exploded Grahim and Karash started to fire on the mob. The Ewoks climbed up to the platform. At this moment Grahim was glad that he had bought a combat knife. Karash took forth his blaster pistol and started shooting the Ewoks. The rest of the squad came by ground and took out the Ewoks that was climbing on the tree trunks. Karash was not looking happy at all.

“Yousa don’t need to worry about this feetwalken it isa safe” Grahim said just as the part that Grahim was standing on disappeared and Grahim started to fall. Grahim started the jetpack and mad a soft landing on the ground. Grahim started the jetpack one more time to get Karash out of the tree. Grahim flew up again and took one of Karash feet and pulled him down from the platform.

“Never do that again you crazy Gungan” Karash said. Grahim saw that the Ewoks was leaving in terror of being killed.

“Mesa saw a little hisen village not far from thesa place, they had a lot of weird looking equipment. Now mesa going to take a swim.” Grahim said.

“No you aren’t going to take a swim we are getting back to the ship. Jaenna and Havock why did you run here didn’t you here that Grahim and Karash was going to take out the Ewoks or were you to busy with your giggling.” Gaz said.

When the squad on the way back to the ship a female with a red arm put a knife to Grahim throat. When she let him go Grahim draw his gun.

“What are you doing you crazy gungan?” Gaz asked.

“Mesa doesn’t trust thisa una. Mesa was threatened by thatsa female” Grahim answered.

”Put the gun down Grahim” Gaz said. Grahim was angry but put the gun down again. RB didn’t look to happy about his task. Grahim took a plant that looked like it could work as straps to the jetpack. Karash saw what Grahim was about to do and said stop but he was to late. Grahim had strapped on the jetpack again. Karash wondered why the gungan wasn’t dying.

“Do you know that the plant that you are using as straps are deadly?” Karash asked.

“No theysa grew on Naboo and are not dangerous. But I have seen hisen thatsa been sick by themsa” Grahim said.

“Mesa will fly ahead to look if there are anyone at our ship.” Grahim said

“Do that but keep radio contact this time” Gaz said.

“Okeeday, see yousa later” Grahim said wile he was flying away with the jetpack. Grahim found the ship as they left it. Grahim checked that everything was working properly. Grahim went inside the ship. He saw some Borcatu running around outside. Grahim saw that his blast helm and west was lying in his bag Grahim knew that he didn’t need it. Grahim sat down and looked at the information about Praexus. When he was done with the information the rest of the Raiders came out of the woods. Jae and Havock dragging Namyr, RB looked confused, Gaz irritated and Karash was laughing at the rest of the squad.

“Hideo! Whatsa take yousa so long time?” Grahim asked.

“Namyr fell and her head hit a stone, but now we are here anything to report” Gaz said.

“Nosa, itsa silent as a graveyard here” Grahim said. RB laid Namyr on a bed and left her there.

“We wait until Namyr wakes up then we have a short brief” Gaz said. Then everyone started to prepare weapons. Grahim refuelled the jetpack. When Namyr woke up Grahim was there with RB standing behind him.

“Mesa sorry for drawing weapon against yousa. Mesa was angry.” Grahim said

“I can’t believe that you attacked a superior. Everyone learns that not to attack superiors in the Academy” Namyr said

“But mesa joined the army when there were no CoT so Cosmic put me in Raiders without any academy training” Grahim said. Grahim was trying to not show his shame over what he had done.

“I will never draw weapon against squad members even if they are mean.” Grahim thought. The squad gathered around Gaz for the short briefing.

Havock was not happy. First there was the bugs, then a flying Gungan almost killed Karash, then she got yelled at by her superior, and now she was dragging some Twi'lek back to base camp.

It was all kinda a blur. They started scouting the woods then as soon as Grahim goes up, they're under attack by a group of Ewoks. Ewoks! It was as if Havocks' nightmare-daydream she had had on the transport was coming true.

The red skinned Twi'lek appeared out of nowhere, Hav had to admire stealth of that caliber. To say she was impressed was an understatement. The three moons in the sky had been casting a decent amount of light so Hav was able to make out a red arm snaked around Grahim's throat. Without moving she dropped her hold-out blaster to her left hand, keeping her eye on Gaz and the Twi'lek. She only had five or six shots with the small blaster and didn't want to use any unnecessarily.

“Wow, females in Raiders, well more then one now.” Jae looked slightly amused and glanced at Hav, but Havock's eyes never left the Twi'lek, She knows we're the Raiders, okay. .

Then the Twi'lek seemed to know Rogue, Sargeant Namyr, huh?

Havock slowly and carefully slid the hold-out blaster back into the concealed forearm blaster. Her face still in a scowl trying to sort out what the heck is going on in this messed up forest, she looked at Jae and shrugged.

Then, when things just couldn't get any weirder, Grahim pulled his blaster out, tell me that wasn't supposed to be stealthy. Sgt Namyr looked more miffed at the Gungan's impudence, than anything else. 

- -- - - - - - - - -

As they were walking back to camp Jae walked up to Havock who was hovering towards the middle of the little group, “Good thing Gaz talked Grahim out of pointing that blaster at Namyr, Eh?” Havock looked over at Jae.

“Yeah I just know I would be the one who had to carry him back to camp if he got himself killed.” Hav glanced up at the sky, even though she really couldn't see much with the tree canopy. “Let's just hope Grahim doesn't find anything while he's scouting, I just want to get back to base and sort all of this mess out.”

Before Jae could say anything else, Namyr, who was walking ahead of them with Rogue suddenly took a not-so-graceful tumble head-first into a tree. That really doesn't seem like her style.

Havock quick-stepped over to see if she was alright. Well she's breathing, I think.

Gaz walked up behind Hav who was standing over the now prone body of  Namyr, “I think we all know who's going to be dragging the Twi'lek back to camp, don't we Trooper.” Hav just absently looked in Gaz's direction without actually meeting his eyes and nodded.

She started to pick Sgt Namyr up by the shoulders when Jae walked up next to her, “Here let me help.”

Hav looked at Jae with a sober expression and they started to drag Namyr, “Thanks Jae.”

- - - - - - - - -

Hav was sitting with the rest of the squad when Sgt Namyr finally came out of the transport. Havock had  already sharpened her combat knife and had just started getting to work on cleaning her DL-54 sitting on a box of supplies.

Gaz stepped over to where the group was sitting and got ready to deliver the briefing.

Havock looked at the holographic map Gaz was displaying. The nearest city looks to be about     
5 kilometers from their makeshift campsite on the Oxford . Havock pulled out her data pad and uploaded the planet information and map.

The rest of the group had already started filtering out of the transport. Rogue did not look all that happy about his assignment, but Namyr seemed to be making the best of it.

The sun was finally starting to come up on the horizon, although it would probably be about an hour before it was really anything close to daylight. Still the extra illumination would be welcome for navigating the forest, especially when they are going to have to do it with two vehicles.

The download finished and Havock distractedly walked out into the forest air. She was looking at the map and up at the tree line, she did that a couple of times trying to get her bearings. Jae walked up and looked at the data pad over Havock's shoulder. She raised an eyebrow at Hav and tapped her on the should she was looking over. “The town is that way,” she pointed.

Hav looked at her, frowned, lowered her eyebrows, then looked back at the datapad. “You sure?”

Namyr walked in front of Havock carrying a fairly large supply box, “No!”. The box hit the ground with a large thud. “Where are they finding you recruits these days, its 5-clicks THAT way.” she pointed in the opposite direction. “You two rooks should consider filling out your last requests before you go.” She then, with great agitation, picked the box back up and stomped off in the direction Rogueboy had gone.

The young troopers raised their eyebrows and watched Namyr leave, cocking their heads as she continued to mutter all the way around the Oxford .

Havock looked back to the datapad and squinted. Jae started shaking her head, “What's her problem?”

Hav looked up and shrugged. “No Clue, the important thing is, I think she was right, look.” Hav handed Jae the datapad.

“Okay then, you ready to go?” Jae handed the datapad back.

Havock nodded to Jae and started to collect her gear. “I figure we scout our way to town and bring back two speeder bikes. Probably gonna find something like a 22-B Nightfalcon speeder bike, 74-Z speeder bike, or Starhawk 2b speeder bike. As long as it can hold a pilot and a passenger. I've had some practice on the 74-Z, your okay piloting something like that right?”

Rogue was pissed at Namyr; who the hell was she to judge what he was doing in his life? Every time he needed her she was off gallivanting with someone else, only to return every time she needed him. He had been her rock and in some ways she had been his but he felt he could never forgive her for the desertion she did for Riqimo. All this time and that overgrown midget still spurned him. “Stupid bitch.” Rogue muttered to himself as he continued walking his slugthrower in his two arms held at the point. Normally he would not let the squad flounder around like this but truth was he didn’t care as much as he used to, maybe it was the drugs, maybe it was the realization that his life was going nowhere, or the steady poison knowing that your mortality would soon be at an end. How did Rogue know this? On a long enough time line everyone’s chances of survival eventually dropped to zero. Sure it was a line from a holo film but Rogue knew it to be true, he was not getting any younger and eventually he would lose to someone who had a faster reflex speed than him.

Either way the plan was to go to the city, hit a bar, have a few drinks, and maybe get some information from what Gaz had told him they were going to find an important politician, kidnap him, and see how it goes from there.  Damn that Namyr Rogue thought to himself, can’t even think about the mission without his minding wandering to her, he could have lived his whole life without ever seeing her again and be content. Now that she was here RB didn’t really know how to handle the situation sure he already lashed out at her physically which was totally not his usual character, he would have to make sure he doesn’t do that again. Perhaps after the mission he would get transferred to a different squad  he had heard that Blackjack had a few open positions, assault fit him fine he was after all a heavy weapons specialist not that he got called often to use it in Raiders.

Namyr and Karash had been ordered by Gaz to take point,  Havock and Starfruit were examining the ship. Rogue surveyed the landing field and mentally made a list of what they would need; first they would need to install some sensors for thigh height for the average human which was about a quarter of a meter off the ground, secondly they would need some landmines preferably the ones that can be detonated with a remote. Third and finally they would need a lookout position, higher off the ground would be ideal but a tree house or gun tower would be obvious, if they did a low to the ground the lookout could only watch two out of the four sides as the ship blocked out the other side. They could do two lookouts but this would deprive the squad of some extra sleep, however if one sentry was taken out the other would be alarmed when they didn’t check in.

Rogue walked up to Gaz and pulled him away from the squad filling him in on what he believes should be done to maximize security. “Well the budget isn’t that high.” Gaz said as Rogue outlined the landmines idea and digging two small trenches where the lookouts could position themselves.

“You’re telling me you don’t have the funds for a basic set of tools and some explosives?” Rogue asked.

“I want to conserve the budget for something we might need more of.” Gaz responded before quickly adding. “Like speeders.”

“Permission to borrow Corporal Famus?” Rogue asked all inferior like.

“For what purpose?” Gaz asked.

“To go take a look at the town and more or less map it out for the future.” Rogue responded while trying to hide a grin, he was going to get Gaz to spend the money on security one way or another.

“Granted, don’t forget your datapads I want you to go to city hall or whatever it’s equivalent is and get the blue prints.” Gaz said before he walked away.

“Oi! Famus, your ass is mine, let’s go.”

The magnificent duo made their way towards the city, they had a general map of the planet they had both left their cheap armour at the ship no need looking hostile ...yet.

The trek was an estimated ten kilometres away which the human average walking speed was five kilometres an hour so it would take them two hours. Rogue wanted to kick it up a notch into a light jog  this way they would be there in an hour but with the amount of moisture in the air and the hot temperature Rogue already could not stop sweating and he was to kick it up to a jog the amount of water they had on them would become an issue. Another important issue that RB overlooked was his socks; he recalled an old veteran once telling him the most important thing to a trooper in a jungle planet was insuring that his feet were dry. Perhaps he would pick up a few pairs when he was in town one must always listen to the veterans if one wanted a long life.

A while later Rogue and Famus were passing small cabins on the outskirts of the city, small towns that had unusual names like; Rockland and Smithland. Rogue found this odd because there were hardly and rocks or smithies nearby. Rogue and Famus refilled their canteens at a public moisture vaporator, as they continued their journey towards the city they finally reached paved roads and the trees had thinned drastically before giving way to the city.

A small group of soldiers manned a checkpoint leading into the city and there was a small line up of vehicles to get in but pedestrians seemed to be getting in an out without any hassle unless they were carrying big bags. Rogue approached one of the guards a question on his mind. “Where can we find the City Hall?”

The armed guard smirked, his attached to him via a strap that looped around his neck. “It’s a long walk thataway, huge building can’t miss it I would suggest taking a taxi.” He said as he pointed to a small line up of speeders all painted red. “Also I don’t recognize you so what is your business in Urnosia?” The guard asked routinely.

Rogue had to think fast. “My brother and I live in the dense jungle we used to be soldiers and we feel more at peace there.”

The guard shrugged his shoulders before asking. “Then how come I never saw you before?”

“Need a few more pairs of socks, can’t live without them.” Rogue responded with a sly grin.

The guard gave Rogue a knowing smile. “Heard that remember when I first had gone on patrol, you should have seen the rot on my feet, damn near had to amputate it, I would suggest seeing Betrand for socks, he’s a cousin of mine tell him I sent you and he’ll give you a discount price.” With that the guard walked away to inspect someone else.

As they walked away from the checkpoint Rogue pondered to himself, he always hated spending his personal money for missions and to minimize this he didn’t carry much on him at any given time, however he could stop at a bank if needs be. “We’re taking a cab.” RB announced as he headed towards one of the red speeders.

The guard had been right and Rogue walked out of Betrand’s with a flimsiplast bag full of socks, they were on special and with the friendly discount Rogue could not turn down that deal. Now they headed towards City Hall also known as “Royal Hall” as the driver was keen to correct him and explain that it was called Royal Hall because Praexus once had a monarchy and that Urnosia was where they had kept their castle giving it the right to be the capital of the planet. This got Rogue’s attention. “What happened to the Monarchy?” He asked.

“There was a bloody revolution and most of them were killed a couple were publicly executed, there’s only one family still existing today that can claim lineage to the Urnosian family.” The taxi driver said without taking his eyes off the road, and having to stop for some pedestrians.

“Who is that?” Rogueboy asked .

“Lord Urnosia of course, he handles the taxes for Urnosia and his only son is one of three justiciers on the planet.” Taxi-man said as he cut off another speeder.

“Justicier?”  Famus asked quizzically.

“They are keepers of the peace similar to a judge.” Rogue answered recalling it from one of the few books he’s read.

“He has the right of it.” Taxi-man said as he honked his horn at someone who cut him off muttering curses under his breath. “And we’re here gentlemen that will be either fifteen Republic credits or twenty Imperial credits.”

Rogue’s eyes were bewildered. “I always thought Imperial credits were worth more than Republic credits?”

“On Praexus we see more Imperial credits and we don’t Import as much as we export so there are fewer Republic coins, supply and demand.” Taxi-man said shrugging his shoulder as Rogue paid him the twenty credits.

The building was impressive and made of a dark stone that Rogue had never seen before as he reflected that every government building had its own beauty. The door was made of metal but was painted a matching black. The door slid open as Rogue approached and he walked in; it was your typical government receptionist hall, a carpet to wipe the mud off, marble like floor and a pretty brunette trapped behind a desk wearing office clothes as a bunch of suits walked around.

“Hi, I would like a map of the city.” Rogue asked the woman.

Without even looking up she answered. “Fill out this form.” She said as she placed two pages of requested information in front of him.

Picking it up Rogue read down the lines; name, date of birth, citizen number. “I don’t have a citizen number.”

Again without ever taking a look at Rogueboy she answered. “In which case you are not applicable for a map, under the new Terrorist acts information such as this has been limited to travellers, if you want I can give you the forms to apply for citizenship in which case you would need to wait a few days to be processed.”

Rogue held up his hand in a form of surrender. “No thank you, not here long enough for that, was just hoping I could navigate a little easier.”

This time the women did look up, her dark eyes meeting Rogue’s she smiled. “We do have a visitor’s map, buildings are not labelled but it does have the street names.”

“That will have to do.” Rogue said grinning in response.

The woman handed him a data crystal before adding. “If you’re available later on this evening I would be happy to show you the city I know a really good restaurant not far from here.” She said.

Rogue finished loading the crystal and handed it back to her. “I’m sorry I don’t think he would approve.” He said as he grabbed Famus’ hand and looked into his eyes smiling while he did so.

“Oh...” The woman said surprised before gathering her poise. “Right I need to give some files to ... Mr Smith.” She said as she hurriedly left.

As the receptionist’s figure retreated Famus turned towards Rogue anger flaring in his eyes. “What the hell did you do that for?”

“Lover’s quarrel already Famus?” Rogue asked sarcastically. “It would be unseemly for me to turn her down without raising suspicion, most people don’t care for marriage or consorts, but if I was gay...well you saw the results, also I can’t meet up with her tonight since I have to be smack in the middle of the jungle tonight. You try to explain that one.”
With that the magnificent duo left. As they were crossing the street towards a taxi stand two swoop bikes nearly ploughed into Rogue and Famus. “Watch where you’re driving shithead!” Rogue yelled out at the driver.

The driver retorted. “Screw you, peasant!”

“Screw me? Screw me?” Rogue yelled as he approached the driver Famus hot on his heels ready to restrain Rogue should he start swinging but Famus was a little slow and Rogue pulled out his blaster pistol and shot the swoop driver. Pushing the driver out of the seat Rogue jumped on the seat and drove full speed down the street as a bunch of constables on foot rushed towards the dead swoop driver. Glancing over his shoulder Rogue saw that Famus had shot the other swoop driver and was driving away in Rogue’s direction.

Rogue drove up the road using the map the girl had given him to get out of the city on the North point, using that Rogue made flew through the checkpoint before any of the guards was able to see who exactly he was, a few bolts were fired at him but none that hit home. Rogueboy stopped about five klicks from base, and waited for Famus to catch up, twenty minutes later it dawned on Rogue that Famus would not be coming by now it was getting dark and it would be suicidal to go try and rescue him.

Hav and Jae had just started into the woods when they heard a speeder bike coming up fast. It was difficult to see in the forest. Suddenly, it was right in front of them. Jae grabbed Hav and they both hit the ground just as the speeder came over-head.

Jae was half way on top of Havock, on the ground in a not so comfortable position. When she heard RogueBoy shout, “Yoohoo Gazzy!”. She looked up, “That Idiot!”

Havock wasn't doing quite so well. Her face was buried in the forest floor and Jae's elbow was digging in her back, “muffwsa eb evesasa.”

Jae was still shaking her head, looking back towards the camp at Rogue, “I mean what is he thinking, Hav?....Hav?” Jae glanced down to find Havock under her, “Whoa sorry Hav!” Jae quickly rolled over so that Havock could get up.

Hav lifted her head, spit a mouthful of dirt out of her mouth and brought her hand to her face to wipe the leaves off her face. Frankly she didn't want to think about whatever else may have been on her from the ground. “It's okay, what was that?” she looked over at Jae.

Jae was leaning on her elbow facing Hav, “RB, apparently he's back.”

Then they heard more speeders coming in the distance, from the same direction RB had just come.

“Frak, keep low.”

Hav and Jae stayed down as the two speeders drove into the camp.

Havock crawled on her stomach and got as close as she could without the patrols seeing her. Hav listened to the exchange, cringing at the crawly feeling threating to overtake her from all the dirt.

She watched the two men speak to Gaz, then Karash led one through the ship. They seemed satisfied and got back on their speeders and drove back into the forest. Hav waited for the noise from the engines to be far off before she got up and stepped out of the tree line towards the squad.

“That was close.” she said as she spit another leaf and continued to brush forest floor off of her clothes.


- - - - - - - - - -


Following Rogueboy's directions, Jae and Hav reached Urnosia just after nightfall. They scouted the town, keeping a low profile. One of the local businesses was a Cantina, the Overflowing Urn. Hav was leaning up against a shop across the street from the Overflowing Urn when Jae walked up.

“Hey stranger, come here often?” she put her hands in her pockets and leaned up against the building next to Havock.

Still looking in the direction of the Cantina, “I've got an idea. It's getting late and those two speeder bikes have been parked her for a few hours. So lets hot wire them while some poor saps continue to get drunk.” Hav turned to Jae, “Whatcha' think?”

Jae just smiled and headed across the street.

Havock slipped under the first speeder bike, while Jae worked on the other. She used her small tool kit, took off the console and stripped two wires. She touched the wires to each other and the speeder bike hummed to life. Hav smiled to herself then stood up and looked over at Jae, who was already on “her” speeder bike. “What took ya' so long, Havy?”

Hav smirked and got onto “her” speeder bike, “Let's just see if you can keep up, Fruity”. With that she pressed the foot pedals and the bike shot off down the road.