The rough sound of fingers tapping with more then annoyance bounced off from the desk. Quickly followed by an exasperated sigh. Here I thought we would get some R&R. I haven't even managed to blow the dust off my desk. Saphira thought ,sliding her gaze from the blinking datapad to the man that was now seated before her.

"We literally have just gotten home from taking Arkania -" Saphira barked, before a single hand rose to silence her in mid-sentence.

"Relax. It's a simple scouting mission." He smiled, knowing it would bug the hell out of her.

Like anything is simple when dealing with you. The Twi'lek mentally pointed. "Like I have a choice." A slight smirk. "When?"

Rizzit stood as the leather chair he had been sitting in, groaned in protest. "0800, tomorrow." The door to her office opened as General Rizzit gave a mock bow. Leaving rather quickly as a cofee mug shattered against the door frame. I swear, if the squad goes on a rampage; I am going to make sure that Rizzit is charged for all the damages.

--------

Getting everyone together wasn't as hard as she thought it would be. Almost, as if they were inspecting it. Saphira stood at the front of the plant form with an unreadable mask when the last of the squad entered.

"What's going on?" Marcus asked as he leaned back in his chair. The newest member of the team, Marcus, was well rested and not tired from the capture of Arkania. One upside to being fresh from basic.

"Hush!" Lucky silenced them.

"Alright. First off. Job well done! You all did your best on Arkania and the objectives were completed with minimal casualties." Saphira started. "I know your all tired and have earned some well deserved R&R. However..."

Instantly, she could feel the mood of the room changing. From a relaxed calm state, to a more robust form of anger.

"General Rizzit himself has requested us for a special mission." A subtle pause. "Word of the capture of Arkania has already spread faster then expected. Jossp Flade, a diplomat from the planet Froswythe has contacted the VE to hold a meeting for a possible Union to gain Allies."

Once more she looked at the stunned and upset postures from everyone before continuing.

"Rizzit himself is going to be handling this meeting. Therefore we are going to be sent to Cadomai Prime to scout ahead and make sure it's safe for him and Flade. If the Union happens, we will gain not only an Ally; Froswthe is a planet in the colonies, and was a major source of meat and animal-based textiles for the colonies and core worlds. Obviously, was is past tense. They still are a major source for at least their own. Adding them to a list of friends will gain the VE more sources of food and hopefully more colonies to join." Saphira took in a deep breath and paced a few steps left and right.

"We just got home. We need rest." Urak interrupted. Saphira ignored him and went on.

"Now, if you will turn your attention to your data pad. The information on where we are going is in front of you. Rizzit assured, that this will be a simple scouting mission for where we are going. If all works out, we will have some downtime there."

OOC:

Cadomai Prime
Astrographical
Region Outer Rim Territories[1]

Sector Catarlo sector[2]

System Cadomai system

Suns 1

Moons 1[1]

Grid coordinates R-3[3]

Rotation period 27 standard hours[1]

Orbital period 405 local days[1]

Physical
Class Terrestrial

Climate Tundra[1]

Gravity Standard[1]

Primary terrain Tundra[4]
Open plains[1]

Societal
Native species Snivvians[4]

Official language Snivvian language

Population 99% Snivvians
1% Other species[1]

Major cities Brella (capital)[2]

Major imports Foodstuffs
Raw materials[1]

Major exports Art[1]

"We will be in standard issue gear. You may bring one personal choice weapon for this mission. Be at the landing bay by 0730 tomorrow. We leave at 0800. Dismissed!" Finishing with a bark, Saphira waited for them to leave, or start up a riot. She hoped the first.

The briefing was short and sweet, except not so sweet since everyone seemed to be a bit ticked off on going on another mission so soon after getting back from a rough campaign. Marcus listened intently, shifting from a relaxed position to leaning on his knees whilst he sat and listened to what Saph had to say. With the briefing complete Marcus stood and left, making his way to his quarters within the Iron Horse barracks.

My first mission. Never thought it would be this soon. Well, I guess this is where my training comes into play. Hope all that time in the Academy pays off. Marcus sat in his room with the door locked and the lights dim for awhile. He sat there, alone, only the sound of his thoughts filling the air. His breathing was slow, quiet, measured, and calm. If there was one thing Marcus was good at, it was staying calm in tough situations. Planting explosives in a crack of marble, any mistake either setting off the explosive, or causing several tons of loose marble to come crashing down on you would make even the most jittery of people calm themselves.

Breathing in through his nose, and out through his mouth, Marcus stood and turning the lights up began to prepare his gear for the coming mission. Being a Combat Engineer Marcus was given a special pack that would attach to his back once he had his armor on. In the pack was standard issue gear for any CE which included a hydrospanner, a fusion cutter, and some explosives which included a det pack and a single portion of detonite which was enough to make ten charges. There was still some room left, it wasn’t much since the pack wasn’t big by any standards, but enough room none the less to pack a few extra items.

With has pack ready Marcus went and retrieved his armor. Standard issue for Iron Horse yielded the squad the black armor of Storm Commandos. Marcus laid his armor out so that when he awoke the next morning he could easily get ready. With a sigh of relief everything was set, and with that Marcus lay down on his bunk and tried to sleep. The man that lay on that bed looked as calm as any other, liked he could take on anyone or anything. Yet underneath that calm exterior lay a hidden torment of emotion, and a nervous core. It took Marcus a few hours before he could truly fall asleep, for he had no idea what to expect on the coming mission.

Marcus woke the next morning, quickly showered and dressed. His armor fir perfectly as if each piece had been specifically made just for him. Slinging his pack on Marcus tucked his helmet under his left arm. Set and ready to go Marcus took up his M13 Semi-auto shotgun and left his room, his destination the hanger.

It took him a good fifteen minutes by foot, but Marcus reached the landing bay on time and with a few minutes to spare. Saluting both Saph and Lucky who were already there, Marcus boarded the shuttle taking of his pack he placed it under his seat. Dropping his helmet over the muzzle of his shotgun Marcus placed the weapon between his legs and took his seat. Taking a deep breath to settle his nerves Marcus waited for the shuttle to dust off.

Vor'en had to restrain himself from snapping at Saph. He was used to things like this, but only on a single bounty hunting mission, not on several missions where he couldn't kill unless allowed to!

His mind raced as he went to his condo and rested until 0400 the next day. Even though he felt better, he still wished that he could get more rest. Remembering what Saph said about the personal weapon, he looked around for the weapon of choice. That's when he saw it.

He had used his hard earned cash well, and put it upon himself to mentaly designate himself the marksman of the team. He picked up what was going to be his Pride and joyr, his new TI-47 Deathwind Slugthrower Sniper Rifle. He had already inscribed his own mark into it, Davjäan Inyameet.

Gathering ammo and equipment he thanked the Scorekeeper that he made it alive thus far and prayed that he could make many more kills. Then, he made his way to the hanger. Making it at about 0630, he kept himself busy polishing his new weapon until it was gleaming and silently singing to himself an old Trandoshan prayer song.

TK slept in perfect harmony, with his usual loud, annoying snore. It was one of the best sleeps he has had in ages, well, since he was posted into Iron Horse. The tranquillity was interrupted by a loud beeping sound from his datapad. (Surprisingly he could hear it over his snore) The time on the datapad read ’07:52’ TK cursed to himself and abruptly bounced to his feet, still half-naked. He quickly dressed into his kit, grabbed his weapons and rushed out the door. TK trudged down the hallway struggling to keep his eyes open. He leaped down the stairs and started to run, he was to be there for 0800. Finally, as he ran around the corner he approached the hanger, he pried open the door and stepped into the huge room. He noticed the rest of Iron Horse gathered, he gulped and walked over.

“Late night again?” queried Lucky in mystery

TK nodded in embarrassment

“It won’t happen again I swear, I will…” said TK before being cut of by Saphira

“It better not!” said Saphira on edge “Now please get onboard”

TK walked onto the shuttle with his head hung low. He took a seat before sliding on his helmet before going into a dreamy paradise called sleep, but the whole shuttle knew he was sleeping – his snore.

Marcus could only shake his head as the snoring continued and managed to fill the room with the obnoxious rumbling. With a sigh Marcus ran his hand through is hair and then patted it flat. Grabbing his helmet with both hands he slid it over his head and twisted a bit to ensure a comfortable fit. Looking around Marcus noted that the squad was made up of eight troopers, two of which were Luckystar and Saphira Striker, the squad’s leaders and only females.

Saph had said the ride was going to be a few hours, and looking over to his snoring friend Marcus knew he and the rest of the squad would be rather agitated if it continued much longer. Leaning his shotgun against the wall Marcus stood and made his way over to the sleeping trooper, TK_421, and gave him a slight shake to wake him up. The trooper jumped as Marcus woke him, who in turn took a step back so TK could get his bearings.

“I think it’s time you stopped sleeping.” Marcus said with a slight chuckle and took a seat next to his fellow squad mate. “Name’s Marcus.”

Vor'en nearly dropped Davjäan Inyameet as the explosion rocked the ship.

"What the hell issss going on?" He hissed. He looked outside to see several turbolaser shots zoom by and explosions appeared within 100 meters of the ship.

"I think they were expecting ussss." He growled.

Quickly, he stuffed Davjäan Inyameet into his duffle and braced himself as another explosion hit the ship. He felt the shock rush through his body, shaking the ship. The next explosion caught him unawares as he hit his head against the side of the ship, blood trickeling down the side of his face.

"I don't think we can sssstand more hitssss like that."

It wasn't often that Rizzit found himself entertaining a diplomat. He remembered entertaining a Moff on his first mission, but a diplomat? No, this definitely had to be something he didn't recall doing (at least not often). As usual Rizzit was in his office wearing his black officer's tunic that he was accustomed to wearing, but he took extra care to ensure that everything was perfectly neat and organized during his stay. It was not long before Rizzit's comlink beeped.

"General, this is 'Xar 'Tenat. I have a message here from the planet Cadomai Prime. Shall I relay the message?"

"Patch it through."

""General. We have arrived on time as directed. So far nothing interesting. Unless you consider the weather of course. Standing by for your arrival."

Rizzit put the comlink down and turned to Flade.

"We're headed out. My Starwind Yacht should be ready to go."

"We're not taking a shuttle or something official? I thought you Imperial types were all about order?"

"We are; but who says I'm your run-of-the-mill Imperial type? You might want to reserve judgment until AFTER you know someone."

"My apologies, it's just that I'm used to the Empire being flown by pilots, not flying themselves around."

"Well, my ship is a lot nicer than your usual shuttle and I assumed you would rather be comfortable. At any rate, we best be getting to the hangar. This way if you will."

Rizzit rose from his seat and led the way out of his office. Flade by now was being very cautious around the Prefect of the Army. While it is true Rizzit had a point, anything out of the ordinary put Flade on high alert. Rizzit looked behind him and noticed they were not being followed. He returned to his office briefly.

"Zach, you are coming are you not?"

Flade looked around. There was no one there. He was now keeping an extra close eye on Rizzit, he might be losing his mind. His opinion changed quickly though when a bodyguard emerged from behind the chair. Zach outfitted himself in a black commando uniform that had a certain resemblance to Rizzit's Officer tunic, but there were obvious differences such as the utility belt, the helmet, and the lack of decorations on his person. This was to help ensure that he could blend into the environment more and so that no one knew who he was. Even Rizzit truly had no idea who he was, just that he had been assigned as his bodygaurd. They gave him a code name, but it was too hard to remember. To simplify things, Rizzit named him Zach.

"General, has he been there the whole time?"

"Indeed. He is USUALLY wherever I go...save for this instance."

"Sorry General. I felt that it might be best if I kept a good distance and met you at the Avenger."

"Perhaps it would, but our friend here is unnerved as it is. Surprise would definately not be a good idea once we are out of the confines of this building."

"You're full of surprises General. Any others I should know about?"

"No, you know everything that you're bound to find out at this point. Let's be off. Zach, secure the office behind you."

Rizzit once again led the way to the hangar where they kept his ship. It was a good bit of a walk considering where Rizzit's Office was in relation to the hangar but eventually they arrived there and got settled in. Rizzit and Zach sat at the controls and let Flade sit in one of the seats in the cockpit.

"Okay so I am setting a course for Cadomai Prime. It shouldn't take us long to get there. Once there we need to meet up with Iron Horse Squad."

********A Few Hours Later**********

Rizzit's Starwind Yacht touched down right outside the base. Rizzit tapped a few comlink switches on the ship's panel to initiate a communications channel.

"This is General Rizzit Blackheart. I am here with Jossp Flade, the diplomat of Froswthe. First Sergeant Striker, do you copy?"

"General." came the reply. "We saw you touch down and are making our way there to greet you. On a side note, you owe everyone a round of drinks when we're done."

"If all goes well, I'll buy you each a tab of drinks....provided you don't try to scrap my ship again!"

"Hey! The men get rambunctious sometimes what can I say?"

"Either way, I'll see you shortly."

Rizzit closed communications and unstrapped from his seat. He then turned to face Flade.

"Now, that wasn't so bad was it Mister Diplomat?"

"Wow. You really don't let things go do you?"

"Well, I don't take kindly to insults...blunt or implied; but you apologized and once you've proven you ARE sorry then I will let things go."

"Wise decision. Now, would that be your squad over there?"

Rizzit looked out past the boarding ramp where there was a squad of ten stormtroopers marching towards them.

"That would be them, but they're missing two of their numbers."

"Would that be them?" Flade gestured towards a stormtrooper being chased by a twi'lek. They were running AHEAD of the squad.

Rizzit sighed loudly. "Madman must have been playing with Saphira's lekku again!"

Flade gave Rizzit a confused look. "He what?"

"Nevermind. Let's go find out what's up. They'll be expecting us to meet them anyways."

Rizzit led the small party down the ramp and stood in an important-looking commander pose. He figured that would at the very least get their attention. Furthermore, if they ruined this with their antics; Rizzit would personally give them hell.

"General Rizzit Sir. We've been expecting you." Saphira Striker said, though it was clearly obvious that was anything BUT the truth. Rizzit had caught them completely by surprise as was apparent by their little stunt.

"Yes, I'm sure you were." Rizzit said unconvinced. "Now, you may have fun with your antics during your other times during simulator missions or on your own time; but THIS is real. We CANNOT screw this up, there is too much at stake here. Saphira, you should know better."

"But sir, you don't understand. You see --"

"I understand quite well. I understand that we're making every effort to gain a new ally and make a good impression on Flade here and the FIRST impression he has is a Squad Leader chasing her aide around in folly!"

Saphira said nothing. She knew that she could have had the most rock solid argument in the galaxy, and Rizzit still would not hear it. She also knew he was right about one thing: the first impression did NOT go well.

Rizzit turned his attention to the other squad members. "I thank you for not joining in your Squad Leader's frivolity. It is refreshing to see that SOMEONE around here knows what they are doing. You saved your Squad Leader's pride just now, as you are the only thing keeping me from pulling you off this mission."

Saphira looked shocked. She couldn't believe Rizzit actually said that to her squad. It was humiliating, and what was worse: she couldn't kick his ass for it and live to tell the tale....especially not with a bodygaurd on hand. She decided she better collect her thoughts as Rizzit had now turned his attention to her. Instead of speaking, he grabbed her by the arm and dragged her up onto his ship. He kept his voice as low as possible so as no one, not even Zach would hear what he had to say.

"I warn you Striker. If you bungle this up...you won't have to worry about Madman playing with your lek'ku anymore, because I'll personally cut it off!"

Saphira nodded solemly and walked down the ramp of the ship with an equal amount of shock on her face. Meanwhile, back on the ship.

"Do you REALLY intend to cut that off if she fails?" Zach asked.

"What in blazes are you doing here? I left you with Flade!"

"Really now. You should know that I thrive on being undetected and knowing all there is to know!"

Rizzit conceded the point. "Yes, that's true." and started to re-join the group. "Oh, and before I forget. I have no intentions of doing that to her."

Zach nodded. "Good, I wouldn't want to witness that."

"I never said it wouldn't get done.....YOU will do it."

Zach just stood there in shock, unsure if Rizzit was amusing himself again as he had a tendency to do. Rizzit gave a laugh as he left, but that still didn't say one way or another if he was joking.

MadMan grumbled from behind them. As if to remind them that he was still there and waiting for them to remember. Saphira rolled her eyes and spun ona heel.

"Arok, TK. Go help drag madman off to a place he can recover." Giving an order as she merly smiled over to him. Didn't like that did you? Though, she knew it was far from over. The Twi'lek would have to watch him for a while. If you bungle this up...you won't have to worry about Madman playing with your lek'ku anymore, because I'll personally cut it off  Rizzit's warning still rang in her head as she stalked off to trot up to Lucky.

"What did he say?" The ASL asked. Lucky knew her well enough from past antics that something was obviously said. Saphira gave  thw quick version and felt the mental sigh escaping from Lucky. "You always did have a nack for that stuff."

"Dosen't matter. I think for now we just need to stay out of Rizzit's way." Changing the subject as they rounded a corner. Heading to their temporary quarters.

"Well, while you were preoccupied, I noticed something strange from one of Flade's guards." Speaking up as they entered the building. Quickly, she informed the female what she had noticed.

"Your positive?" saphira asked again. "Well, it could'nt hurt to go find out. We'll send MadMan and Voren to see what's up. Most likley it isn't anything..." Biting her lower lip, she knew better then to say that.

I thought this was suppose to be a neutral base. Saphira thought as they ran into the building. They had checked out every perimeter and all was clear.

"What the frak was that?" Lucky shouted as if someone was expecting to answer that.

"They just came out of nowhere." MadMan surmised.

"Can it!" Saphira shouted. "While we're blabbing here, get to positions and ready."

Everyone took defensive positions and waited. Let the enemy come to them was the answer. Rizzit and Flade we safe for the time being. With the seconds that ticked away, something strange happened. The sound of assault stopped.

"Uh..." TK-421 started.

"We know." MadMan growled. If they were to sneak behind them there surly would still be trying to keep them busy.

"Voren, you and MadMan go check it out." Lucky ordered as the rest moved to cover their backs.

Without a word, the two moved out and it was only a few heartbeats before they called out to them. The squad rushed outside in a huff of energy and found -

"Nothing?" Saphira whispered in awe. There wasn't even a hint or track to say they were fired at.

"It's like they upped and poof-ed." Someone replied in the back of the group.

"Should we contact the General?" MadMan quarried.

"I think so. While I take care of that, you all go search around. Report back to Lucky and I." Saphira ordered. With a sigh, she connected to Rizzit on their comlink.

"What is it? This better be important Saph." Rizzits irritated voice crackled over. It was apparently bland, that he didn't wish to have the meeting stalled.

"It is Sir." She started and went into the description of what happened. When finished, there was a few heartbeats worth of silence before a labored sigh was heard.

"You all must need a real break trooper. The base has been quiet and if there was any attack, I would have already known." Rizzit responded.

"Yes, but General -"

"No. You have no proof, there was no alarm. Take your squad and have some downtime. If anything it will keep you from contacting me with figures or your imagination." A pause. "Unless the base is bombed, or someone is about to die, I better not hear or see any of you."

End.


Saphira blinked and looked to Lucky who just gave her a look of "whatever" as the first of the squad trotted back over. Just as they thought, they couldn't find a trace of the group that attacked. With the orders from Rizzit, they informed them of their downtime and Rizzit believing they were overworked. A few collective sighs and a shout of glee told her enough that they wanted the time off. Dismissing them ( after informing them to keep their eyes and ears open for anything unusual) she turned to Lucky.

"I know what your thinking. It's obvious RIzzit thinks we're a bit nutty." Lucky cracked a slight smile.

"I don't know. I don't like what is going on. Though, I'd rather not have my Lek chopped off..." Saphira gave a shrug as they started to walk back to where the rest of the squad was already going in a hurry. As if their SL would change her mind on downtime.

"Maybe we did just imagine it." Lucky thought out loud. Her voice didn't sound sure before Saphira's sentence danced right after her's.

"He is wrong about us being nutty...This squad is Damn crazy."

A man’s hands are the second most dangerous weapons he has at his disposal. The first is his mind. Combined, and with the proper skills, these two weapons can destroy entire civilizations, or even the smallest of homes. Verk sat in the pilot’s seat of his newfound ship, The Assassins Shadow, a slightly modified Starlight Courier. His co-pilot, Gruggs, had gone to bed a few hours ago, leaving Verkur to sit and think, and to stretch out the trip a bit more.

Feet up on the console, Verk leaned back in his chair with his hands folded in his lap while he gazed out into the vast emptiness of space. He enjoyed the peace, the moment to himself to think, his solemn thoughts to himself. How many lives have I taken now? I don’t even remember. Verk gazed at his hands, opening them, his palms up. His white hands were callused and scarred, worn and torn from the numerous missions he had been on for his friend Nagado, and for the Vast Empire.

With a sigh Verk stood and left the cockpit, making sure everything was still in order, and the ships course still held true. A quick walk into the main area of the ship brought Verk to a circle couch with a holocomm situated in the middle. Grabbing a seat Verk tapped a few buttons and the recorded message began to play itself once more, and ended just as quickly. Verk sat with one hand on the control panel, the other had his head resting in it. He cut the message off, knowing very well what it said and meant. He had to go back.

A quick bite to eat and a shower later brought Verk to his room, sitting on his bunk, his head in his hands. Breathing deeply Verk lay down on the soft cushions of his bed while he listened to the quiet that surrounded him. A quiet filled with his breathing, the humming of the ships engine and the hyperdrive, all the gizmos and machines performing their jobs within the underbelly of his ship. Verk enjoyed every hum, every boop, every beep, and every breath. As he fell asleep Verk knew that they would be arriving at Tadath shortly.

*Several Days Later*

“Snow huh? I always liked the snow.” Verk said as he looked out of the portal to the surface of the planet below. Strong cold winds blew the snow of Cadomai Prime in every which way, making for a quite elegant picture. If one could look past the freezing winds and frozen wastelands that is. Grabbing onto a hand hold Verk steadied himself as the shuttle began to rock, the landing sequence engaging and trying to settle in the strong snowy winds.

A blast of snow and wind hit Verk square in his helmeted face as the shuttle opened itself to the elements by opening its entry ramp. Verk was halfway down the ramp before it had even touched down, every step sounding with a metallic thud. Stepping into the snow was met with the sound of snow crunching under Verks booted feet, followed by workers rushing up and down the ramp with precious cargo and supplies for the military base of the Vast Empire.

Shrugging the stiffness from his shoulders Verk moved through the base to where Iron Horse was staying. He was told the squad leader was made aware of his arrival but with the way VE intel is and always has been he was a bit unsure. A duffel in each hand, one with clothes, and other with contents a bit more lethal, Verk stepped up to the barracks the squad was currently stationed in. Elbowing the control panel the door to the barracks slid open. Stepping inside Verk dropped his bags to the floor, which was met with curious stares from the troopers of Iron Horse. With a sigh of relief to be out of the cold Verk popped the seal on his helmet and lifted it from his head, tucking it under an arm and running a hand over his face and through his hair.

“Uh… who are you?” One of the troopers asked, a look of confusion to the new comer on his face.

“Corporal Verkur, but if you don’t mind I really need to speak with your superiors.” Verk stated bluntly to the trooper, who raised a hand a pointed off to the apparent location of the Iron Horse squad leaders.

Nodding Verk left his things at the door, leaving his helmet with the rest of his things and only taking a small data pad with him, he walked off in the general direction the trooper had pointed out. Walking down the hall Verk could hear voices coming from a partially open door to an office. Both were female, and from the sound of things Verk could tell one of them was quite pissed off. Verk stood outside and leaned in closer to eavesdrop a bit before entering.

“I know there was no evidence but for sanity’s sake we were attacked! Why can’t Rizzit believe us? A fight is something we wouldn’t make up!” One of the voices shouted.

“I know, I know. But we have to lay low now. As far as Rizzit is concerned there was nothing to backup our story so for all he knows were crazy. We’ll just have to do what he says and take some time off and rest up for a bit is all.” Said the other.

Verk listened in a bit more, trying to figure out what had happened before his arrival. Straightening himself Verk rapped on the door a few times with his knuckles and waited for an answer.

“Gah, I can’t stand this craziness any…” Shuffling could be heard inside. “It’s open.” The voice said, startled by the knocking.

Pushing the door open Verk stepped in and then closed it behind him, ensuring no one could eavesdrop liked he had just done to the squad leaders, his squad leaders. Clicking his heels and snapping to attention Verk saluted, crisp as ever, even with his absence of at least several months from the Corps.

“Corporal Verkur reporting for duty.” The look on both officers’ faces was one of complete surprise. Neither had known or even expected this.

“At ease trooper. I am First Sergeant Saphira Striker, your squad leader. To my left is Sergeant Major Luckystar, my assistant. I was not aware of your coming, mind explaining what this is all about?” Saph said, a touch of uncertainty and annoyance in her voice.

“Certainly. I just recently came back from a rather… prolonged absence. Now that I am back though, I have been placed under your command.” Stepping forward Verk handed a data pad to Lucky who gave it a once over and then handed it to Saph.

“36? A bit old for an enlisted trooper, especially a Corporal, don’t you think?” Saph said looking up from the screen to glare at the man in her temporary office.

“I can assure you my skills will outweigh any discrepancies you might have.” He said, motioning to continue reading the files about Verk stored within the device. A raised eyebrow and a slight notion of shock from the commanders of Iron Horse brought a slight smirk to Verks mouth.

“Well, I guess you are more than capable. Though your ‘prolonged absence’ is not stated here in this file, nor does it explain why I was not made aware of your arrival.” Saph exclaimed, tossing the data pad onto her desk and crossing her arms.

*Moments later*

The three soldiers stepped from the office and made their way into the main room of the temporary barracks. Verk stood off to the side as squad was informed of Verkurs arrival and that he was a new addition to the squad. Introductions went quickly and soon everyone dispersed with their own agendas.

With all in order Verk picked up his things and found his way to an empty room and began to unpack his things. Well informed of the last few days Verk went through the motions of getting settled in. It had been nearly nine months since he last wore the armor of a stormtrooper, and fought under the banner of the Vast Empire. Unpacked and sure that all was put away, as well as hidden, Verk sat on his bunk with his two tanto blades on his lap. Cracking his knuckle Verk began the long process of cleaning and sharpening his prized weapons.

*Back in Saphs office*

“I don’t like this one bit. I wasn’t even aware that he was coming. Intel never told me nor did Rizzit. Either way I don’t like this one bit. And I can tell you right now, I don’t trust him at all.” An agitated Saphira said to Lucky.

“Yea, neither do I.” She said, looking at the door as if expecting something to go horribly wrong.

OOC:

Word count: 1,494

It wasn't her exact style to just lay down and ponder what the frak had just heppened. Saphira tapped her fingers against the cool desk for a moment. Eveys scanning the data pad of their latest arrival.

"I don't get it. First the attacks, and now this? Whatever gods out there are watching, must have something in mind." She growled and pushed it away when a knock came from the door. "Enter." Her back to the door, she didn't see who stepped in. It was more the feel as the door closed.

"MadMan.." A sly smile creased from her face. Rolling a shoulder as she spun to face him. "Everyone has taken a room?" Saphira qeustioned him.

"Yes. However, I don't like the way things are."

No kidding..


Saphira sighed and clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth. "I know. What have you been hearing?" 


"Not much, but things are vanishing. Tools and some small weaponary. They act like it's not such a big deal, that it happenes all the time."


There was something wrong with that too. Even on their hombase if something went missing, it was found. Sure, sometimes items broke or  another squad would  take something. Yet, from the details here they don't know who is taking them.


"Alright, I need you to go out and just keep listening in. Something isn't right. If  these things arn't going to be taken seriously here.. We have a problem."

Verk toweled himself off, the cool water from his after workout shower dripping from him muscled form. Tossing the towel haphazardly in a random direction Verk moved to his bags and proceeded to get dressed. Pulling out what appeared to be a rolled up blanket covered in fur was actually a jacket and a pair of pants made from the hide of a tauntaun, a rare and rather expensive set, and a gift from his friend Nagado. Smiling at the gift Verk also pulled out a pair of boots made of the same thick material. All together the set would keep Verk quite warm as well as comfortable in the cold weather of Cadomai Prime.

Sitting down on his bunk, which was much less comfortable than the one on his ship, Verk pulled up his pant legs and strapped on his boots. Standing up he pulled on a white thermal over a black tee, tucking both into his pants and then securing them with a belt. Pulling on his jacket Verk took the pistol he had set on a shelf and tucked the weapon into a hidden holster within his jacket. Hiding a knife as well Verk zipped up the coat half way, and pulling on a pair of gloves left his room.

Verk made no motion to tell anyone where he was going, not that he did it on purpose, he was just used to doing things on his own again that it had slipped his mind to tell Saph he was going out to get a drink, and to do a bit of snooping as well. Pushing through the entrance to the temporary barracks, Verk stepped out into the cold night. The lights of the base cast an orange glow on the snow, and lit up the whole area, making it easy for anyone to find their way. Still, there were plenty of shadows for creatures amongst other things to hide.

Pulling his hood over his head and zipping his jacket up a bit more, Verk stuffed his hands into his pockets and made his way to the bases cantina. Hopefully he could learn a bit more about these missing weapons and tools then just what he had heard Madman tell Saph.

OOC:

Word count: 374

Short I know, but in the midst of helping with dinner as well I lost my creativity. If someone posts again quickly I'll be able to get something else out to help move the story along. You can work off Verk leaving without saying anything as far as the trust issues go.

The task was simple, all he had to do was figure out where all the missing things were, had to figure out what was missing, and why? Madman detested such grating chores, but he would have only found it more bothersome to neglect this, some sort of impulse drove him to take inventory, and for everything missing he had to ponder – was it connected at all? He counted off several powercells had gone missing, several feet of sheet metal, some defunct carbine rifles that were on their way to recycling were also missing, but how were these things tied together?

“Hmm…” The masked trooper mused, his opaque, round lenses gazing over the vastness of the storage bay before he took his own leave. There had to be something that tied this all together, but what?

“Cursed?” Madman spoke up as he stepped into the room, “No, not yet I don’t think.” He’d answer, as he stared over at Saphira, who looked annoyed “So, did you find out anything?”, and he’d nod “Yup, sure did.” He’d answer again, though she’d wait before she realized, she had to ask “Can I ask What you discovered?” She’d ask, and he’d nod “I found out that I have no idea who’s stealing stuff, but they seem to be taking components, ammo, and broken gear. It’s fraying my hairs, if I had any left.

This was a strange predicament, could this be brushed off as petty theft or was there a more devious intent involved with this string of missing stuff?

[Sorry, All I could think of. -_-]

With all the gear missing, anything could go on. It was adding up that whoever was taking items seemed to be making something. The question was, what exactly? Not exactly comforting in any way.

"Well, it's not like we can just walk up and ask everyone that works here." Saphira muttered to Madman.

"We could..." He started with a sly tone to his voice. Instantly, the Twi'lek turned on him and glared with a warning.

"No, not that way either. It might work, but we don't need that much attention drawn to the squad." Saph replied as they left the now empty room and strolled down the hall towards the mess hall.

It was strange how quiet things were. As far as they knew, everyone was following the secretive orders to watch and listen. As well as enjoy themselves a little. Gods knew they needed it from that last mission. More then some I would think.

A set of panale dorrs slid open to lead them into a large hanger where they had to pass through to get to their destination. Making it about halfway when MadMan stopped them both to point something out.

"what?" She whispered.

"I could have sworn I saw another red Twi'lek.." He muttered.

Now I know he's lost his mind. Saphria thought. Keeping the thought to herself as she follwed him through some stacked cargo boxes. If anything to make sure that he didn't do anything stupid. Winding out she nearly bumped into him when he stopped.

"Ouch! MadMan.." She hissed.

"Wait. Lucky?" MadMan crouched. That caught her attention as she did the same to peek around the corner. It was Lucky but she was acting strange. Looking about her as if checking to make sure she wasn't followed. "I just swore I saw.." he cut himself off when 'Lucky' snuck up ona guard and bashed him over the head. Taking a few items off the unconcious guard before turning arounf.

The Man had gotten a good look at his attacker too. Saphira and madMan were both about to bolt up and ask what the heck she was up to when there was a shimmer and 'Lucky' changed to be the spitting image of the guard.

"I think we're in serious trouble..." Saphira whispered.