Sam still leaning back in his seat, "So Saph, how you holding up?"

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"You know what? Forget it," Sam said standing and tossing his hands into the air. As he started towards the door a hand gripped his shoulder spinning him around. Now face to face with Saphira, he dropped his arms to his side.

"I asked you a question and I want an answer." Her eyes locked in a stern gaze at the Zabrak.

"Well, it was intended to be a gesture of understanding and offering aid if you need it, but clearly you don't. So, I'm not going to worry about it. You appear to have everything under control. So I'll just let you be, because that is apparently what you really would prefer. Good day."

He turned to leave and again he was spun back around to face his squad leader. "Listen here. I may be new to this level of command, but that doesn't mean that I think I can take everything on by myself. If that was the case then I wouldn't have assigned anyone to be ASL."

"First off, you can get people's attention with just saying something. No need to do it physically. You keep that up with me, we may just have a problem. Secondly, I am not trying to do anything but help you out, if you need it. That is it. Period. Now, if you will excuse me, I've got gear to pack up."

He did not immediately turn to leave. It was a silent battle that was waging between the two at this point. Neither of the two's gazes wavered. If anyone were to come between them at this point, could easily unleash the forces that both were holding back.

Sam took a step back without breaking his glare. He snapped to a stiff salute, pivoted on his heel, and left. This time there was no hand to pull him around. He did not bother to turn and glance to see whether or not Saphira was pulling her blaster to take him out. He marched deliberately out of the briefing room and down the hall.

One of these days, I'm going to get myself into a lot of trouble around here, he thought to himself as he headed off to his apartment off base. He spent the money on it and was determined to enjoy it every chance he could get. If he was urgently needed, his com-link and datapad were always tuned to squad channels.

As he entered his domicile he started to talk to himself aloud, "Alright, 0400 report time. Early mornings, something that I've not had to deal with in a bit. Equipment is basically smuggler gear."

He delicately placed his favorite pistols to the side counter of his gear closet, which was something he installed shortly after getting this place. The closet held all his weapons, from his pistols to rifles, on one side and the other was his armor. All of the items in this room were meticulously organized. Perfection in the placement. His father, way back in the days when he lived on Iridonia, always told him, Take care of your gear like it was family and it will take care of you.

Sam followed that advice as if it were law. He trusted his weapons and armors. That was something that most said they did, but the Zabrak did not believe them. He had seen those same people fight with their weapons as they jammed and misfired. Either they did not understand what it meant to trust one's weapon or their weapons did not reciprocate the trust. Sam, not being one to think that inanimate objects could trust or feel, always opted for the former.

Pivoting around he caught a glimpse of his Corps armor, still soiled with the debris and dirt from the last mission. The thought of his defeat in those caverns came rushing back into the forefront of his mind. Regardless that most everything had turned out relatively fine, the damage had been done and repair was not easy. He could not easily shuffle off those memories.

He did his best to return his focus back to his packing. He tossed his usual duster to the side and placed the usual necessities into his pack. He reached for his holsters and his hand began to jitter. He lost his focus and fell back into the loss of confidence.

Sam opted to forego finishing packing. He headed to the refresher to clean himself up and relax a bit. This will hopefully help me pull myself back together.

Sam looked up only to see a fuming Twi'lek charging him. He had no time to react before he was nailed up against the wall. His mind was in a state of surprise, until his snide personality kicked in.

"Just couldn't keep your hands off me huh?" Sam replied with a sneer, which did not last long. Saphira's solid fist made its mark on the right side of the Zabrak's jaw.

"I should have left you to die," She spat thrusting her fist again.

This time Sam was ready and jerked his head clear of the blow. Although, her fist did not fully pass unscathed. Her thumb had caught a smaller bony horn off the side of his head. Opening a fairly deep gash in her hand, allowing for Sam to shove her off of him.

"Leave now, Striker," Sam insisted, "Clearly you have problem with me, but you know what? Assaulting me in my own home isn't going to help you much."

He lifted one of his pistols and took aim. The look on the Zabrak's face was menacing and more so when the trickle of blood began to drip down the center of his chin.

"You do know you are raising a weapon to someone above you in the chain of command don't you?" Saphira said without a wince or shred of fear.

"Yes, I am well aware. If you can't tell I don't really care. Now, you can either leave now or I'll take a shot. And although I don't care to kill women, I won't hesitate to maim."

"Go ahead Zabrak," she hissed lifting her own weapon, "Because I will end you either way."

The air was electric between the two. Weapons drawn and in a standoff. If this was observed by any military personnel both would most likely be court marshaled and tossed into the detention center without a second thought.

"We can stand here all day," Sam started but was cut short by a shot fired by his opponent. The bolt whizzed past his ear. He could feel the heat sear the outer flesh of his ear.

"Alright then," Sam sneered. He fired his pistol in return striking Saphira's pistol. The weapon absorbed the heat. The force of the shot knocked her weapon to the side, yet remained in her hand.

"You bastard! How dare you fire upon me!" She shouted in pure anger bringing her weapon to bear again. Only seconds later, dropping the thing due to the absorbed heat rushed from the weapon into her hand. She looked at her palm. It was burned and branded with the blaster manufacturer's insignia.

"Good day, Gunnery Sergeant. I'll see that you get your weapon back at report time. Don't forget to get that hand looked at. I'm sure that a few bacta patches will handle it, but we can't afford to have our squad leader missing a hand from infection," Sam replied with an unusual calmness in his voice.

"Where do you--" she began.

"I said good day!" Sam cutting her off and gesturing to the exit, "Now leave, before I get really pissed."

Like hell. She thought as her hand throbbed. Pain was something she could deal with, and that was nothing compared to some things she had happen.

" I don't think so. You can't order me around, I'm in charge here. I could have you arrested for assaulting your Squad leader." Saphira replied as Sam watch her ball her hand up into a fist. His eyes almost seemed to open slightly as she gave almost no indication to the pain in her hand.

"I think I can. This is not your place."

"You owe me a new blaster. Yet, no matter. I don't need one right now." She shot back and came at him. Flanking to his right side as she brought her right arm up and blocked his defense attack as she kicked him with a round kick to the ribs. It was enough to make him stagger back as her free hand snapped up to pull his own blaster from his hand and she tossed it across the room.

"H-how dare you!" Sam replied and swore as he stood straight up.

"Did you forget I'm better with close combat? Or is it that you can't handle me being in charge? That a women can do just as well a job."


Sam laughed at her. Making her body tingle with anger. it was one thing to squabble over something. This was different. If they didn't settle this now, how would they even survive the mission?

"You think that? I could care less if a women is in charge. It's just you. The one who I thought the least who would be in charge. You can't even keep your cool." Sam spat as they both started to circle like wolves. Each one acting as if the other were the Alpha.

"Look who's talking Zabrak. I can dish out whatever you got. You don't make it in this Galaxy if your weak. I saved your ass back on the last mission. I really wish I left you.Yet here you stand, alive. I chose you as my ASL and you spit it back like it's not good enough." Saphira responded right before Sam rushed her.


That's right. Bring it. I could use a challenge right now. She thought as he plowed into her. Both grabbing another's arms as he head butted her and scraped her forward against a horn. Hissing, she twisting and slammed him back towards the wall.


.......


BARman waited for a while, hoping he would receive a message from Saphira about the information he had sent. When it didn't arrive he stood up and stretched.

"Ok, that isn't like her." He talked to himself and walked out of his room to head down to where the twi'lek normally would be hanging out. He checked her quarters, office, workout room and the mechanic repair shop. When she was nowhere to be seen BARman knew something was up.

Great. Knowing her, this means trouble.


He thought and then thought of Sam. thinking he might have a better idea where she was at he headed out to his apartment. having knew where he was ahead of time he arrived and saw the speeder that the Twi'lek normally used.

"Oh, this can't be good." He muttered and walked inside, only to see that there was no one in the lobby. Sighing he went up the turborlift to the level where Sam lived and then he heard the shouting. Grabbing his blaster, he rushed down, thinking that the two were either under a siege from the fact he saw the door panel on the floor and no one to be seen. That has to be Saphs work.If not... BARman didn't think twice as he then busted into the room, blaster ready, only to see that Sam had Saphpinned to the floor as she was struggling to reach for her dagger that had slipped from her boot. Yet, it was the fact that Sam was half naked over her, it gave off the wrong perspective. He then laughed and both stopped and looked to see BARman trying not to fall over.

"I come over here, trying to find out why our SL hasn't gotten my message." BARman stops and starts to laugh for a moment. "Only to see you two like this?! Looks like a lovers fight to me."

Tank was beyond bone-weary tired.  Yesterday he was on Eriadu, literally holding the fort against lousy odds.  The trip back to Tadath barely afforded him a brief nap; nowhere near enough to make up for the sleep he lost over the last three weeks.

Struggling not to look like a shambling zombie, he forced his back straight as he made his way arround the barracks to Saph's office.  She wasn't there.  He grunted and hiked the distance to her quarters.  As he got there he saw BARman, waiting at the door.  Before Tank could catch up to him, a worried expression clouded BARman's face and he took off running.  Kriffing Sithspawn!  Tank struggled to keep BARman in his sight, runng at the best speed he could, still carrying his full kit.

Tank nearly lost BARman when he heard blaster bolts, followed by indistinct shouting.  Powering into a full sprint he charged down the hall like a mad Zakkeg.  Reaching the open doorway where BARman stood, blaster in hand, and scanned the scene inside.  Saphira, on the floor bleeding.  A Zabrak he failed to recognize about to charge BARman.  Tank ran in and slung his kit off his back, delivering it full-force into the Zabrak's face, putting his weight into it; all 88 kilos.  As the Zabrak staggered back, Tank followed up with a kick to the groin, deaf to whatever Saph and BARman were saying.  As the Zabrak doubled over Tank swung his kit in a broad reverse-arc; bringing it down soundly on the Zabrak's head, sending it in turn crashing to the floor.  The head bounced once and was still after it landed the second time.  BARman pulled Tank off, mid-attack.  Saph was smiling...

Tank was literally seeing red. He didn't know what the hell was going before he arrived, save for the fact Sam had beaten Saph badly enough she may have a concussion. Tank returned the favor as Sam was about to charge BARman, using his duffel bag full of armor and equipment as a battering ram to Sam's face, then as a cudgel to the back of his horn-covered head.

The fool made a tactical error. While Saph was wrestling BARman into submission, Sam lunged at Saph again. Tank swung the kit into Sam's face again with enough force to knock the head back, even as his momentum carried his torso and legs forward. Effectively clotheslined, he landed head first with a sound best described as both a 'crack' and a 'thud' at once. Barely restraining the overwhelming urge to kill Sam for hurting Saph, Tank drew his CDEF blaster on the dazed Zabrak. Deftly setting to Stun he shot Sam, the blue bolt washing over Sam's body and knocking him out.

Saph had by now disarmed BARman, whose arms were even now pinned behind his back.

Tank spoke up, "Someone tell me what the blazing hells going on here?!"

They walked out as fast as Saphira could walk. Least to say, it wasn't that fast with the way her head felt. Her stomach was flopping like a fish when the cooler air reached her face. Mental note: Try not to Kill Sam after this is over. Saphira thought as Tank helped her to the speeder.

"No way! Saphira, you're not driving this thing." Tank replied with annoyance. Or, was that some actual caring in his voice? Shaking her head she turned to him and blinked as her right eye twitched in a small spasm from the pain.

"Fine, jusf tis once." She replied as best she could. The others went to their own ride as Saph got on the seat. Tank took his pack off and hooked it behind to the left side as he got on in front of her.
The engine buzzed to life as he waited and knew she was staring at the back of his head with distaste. Turning around he gave her a smile. "Saph, really now? Don't act like a child. Its not like you're my women or anything." He almost laughed when her eyes opened wide to the statement. Yet he knew that even in the state she was in, the Twi'lek could fight back if she needed to.
"Hang on!"

"Riight..." Came the grumbled reply as they started to move. No one saw Sam coming out from behind as they started to move. It was only when Tank was hit that she controlled her body from falling off into the void of darkness.

"Ugnnph!" Was the only reply as they swerved out of the way of hurting others and themselves. There was no need to say who did shot him with the stun.

Sam! I'm going to kill you!

Saphira thought as She pushed past the pain and the sickness she was feeling. It was hard as hell, but if she didn't help him they were going to crash and end up injured with more then just a few bruises. Sam was a good shot and with her sitting where she was, it was a surprise she didn't get hit too.

"Hod on!" She rasped and scooted over to lean on him. Tank was looking like he was about to drool on himself as she grabbed the wheel and took over driving. "Tank, hold on. Yu ave to fight it." She replied again as she placed her hands then on his to pull them off. his foot however was another issue as it was on the pedal. with her head giving her weird images, she closed her eyes and concentrated on the sounds around her. They weren't that far from the base and she knew the roads. Swerving she felt the car jerk as a piercing screech was heard from the Speeder hitting the side of a building. Damn it! I'm going to so kill Sam for this.

Anger seemed to help her as she forced her eyes open. Moving right the base entrance was only meters away and it was time to act. No way did she want to have to explain what happened on her first day on the job. They hadn't even left yet for the mission! Leaning farther she was practically in Tanks lap as she kicked at his foot to try and get it off the accelerator. he let out a small groan as she reached for the kill switch. Slapping her hand on it she disengaged and shut the speeder off. Slowing it to a halt only a few feet from the gate. No sooner then it stopped did hands go to her shoulders and pull her back.

"Saphira, are you ok?" Came BARman's voice as she turned her head. Only with the rush gone could she feel the pain that was trying to come up and make her sick again.

"Yea." Came her gruff voice. Tank started to stir as the effects started to wear off.

"What the heck happened? I thought you were right behind us and then I hear yells and see this!" He shot back.

"Tell me aout it." She said and placed a hand on her for head. " I'm gunna kill 'em."

"Tank?"

"No. 'Am."

BARman opened his eyes. "Sam?"

"Yes." She growled and moved off Tank as he opened his eyes. Already she was out of the speeder and was leaning over the side when she let it go and retched. Emptying her stomach made her feel better as Brock left her and helped Tank. He knew then to treat her like a girl.

The pain was bad, but not enough to knock her into the peacfull blackness that she wanted. The medical droids  tended to her wounds and  then gave her a dip in the bacta tank to heal what it could. It was bad enough things didn't go as she planned with taking over the squad. No wonder Doc gave this to me. It's a form of punishment for all my antics in the past. Thinking a bit more clearer as the droids then helped her out of the tank. The slippery liquid dripped off her into a pool at her feet.

"I hate the Bacta tanks. It's going to take a long time to get this flavor out of my mouth." She whispered to herself. Taking a robe she covered as the door opened and BARman walked in. In hand he carried  a fresh set of clothing.

"Feel better?" He asked, setting down the clothing.

"I'm fine." she replied gruffly and took the clothing in  hand to the fresher'.  "How long?" Saphira added before she shut the door with a click.

"Four hours. Tank is just starting to wake up. Care to let on what happened before anything else happens?"

Saphira didn't miss the hint of sarcasim in his words as she slipped her shirt over her head. 

"Nothing. Just a bit of misunderstanding. Have Sam and Tank report to my office.  Tank as soon as he is able." She  stated and ignored his probing. It wouldn't do them any good for a further squabble.  Fully dressed she walked out and gave him a cool glare. Though she was still tired and a bit sore, it was better then what she felt before.

White Knight? It seemed Tank had earned a nickname already and it would rub off towards herself. Already is. Saphira thought to herself as the tension started to build. Already the testosterone was getting to be too much. It was time for an intervention before they got onto the ship.

A vision of the ship exploding due to Tanks eager killing machine came to mind. That droid went with him everywhere. There was no doubt in her mind that Tank had already a reason to take the droid with them. Not a good idea in her book.

"Better listen to her Zabrak." Tank chirped up and interrupted her thoughts. Already Sam looked like he was going to tear the smile off the corners of the others face. The comment further made him angry and Saph swore she saw a vein pop up against his temple.

"ENOUGH!" Her voice shot like cold durasteel. Silencing them both as fists slammed against the desk and sent exploding white pain to her eyes. "This is pointless. We aren't even out on the mission -"

"No thanks to you!" Sam growled.

"And you two are acting even more like children. Knock off the male macho." She continued, not missing a beat as Sam had interrupted her. Lek'ku twitching she rounded the desk and crossed her arms over her chest.

"We wouldn't be here if you hadn't busted into MYapartment." Sam interjected.

Point for Spike head. Saphira mused silently as she dug her finger nails into her palms.

"No, it wouldn't have. You needed to listen but your too much of a hothead -"

"I am not-"

"I was only trying to help."

They all spoke at once. Tank, adding in the help didn't make things easier.

"I don't care!" she growled. It was then she noticed the look from both of them. It was as if they went actual guy on her for a fleeting moment. Sam was the first to recover from it. Going back to his placid look. The feint glimmer she read was the look that a guy gave when he likes you and is trying pretty hard to figure out how to please you, and not succeeding. That is just wrong. Maybe it's because of everything that happened. I can't read looks all the time correctly She thought and sighed.

"You know very well Sam that if I wanted I could kill you for this and other things. Don't make me regret that choice. " Her eyes met his in a heated glaze as she took a step closer and looks into his hooded eyes. "You shooting Tank could have killed us." another step closer.

"Back away." Sam sneered.

"I will not. You are going to listen. You respect strength. I know all about that for your race. It's an addiction. Something you seem to be lacking right now in that department." Saphira whispered to him. It was only for him to understand. It was also low key that she may have been there to talk and knew it would end in a fight. Yet it was in a sense a test. Taking a step back she snapped her head back to Tank.

"Uh, Saph?" Tank questioned after a few heart beats. Her silver eyes gleamed.

"Now, for the mission you two will not be assigned to work together alone. I don't need you both to decide to shoot each other and alert the NR to our presence." She spoke in a neutral tone. Speaking as if the rumors were true. To them it was unless they found out otherwise. "Until then you two are to go to your respected rooms and ready to leave. No lip, nothing. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes Ma'am!" Both said in union and turned to leave. Saphira caught a small inaudible verbal from Sam and ignored it.

"Tank, Stay behind for a moment." She spoke and he stopped and watched as Sam gave a sneer. No doubt he was thinking something leaning towards the White Knight before he left. She had two motives though. One was so they wouldn't have a chance to end the last poke and the other was to conclude a small bit of business.

"Yes?" Tank replied after Sam left. He could see she was still not fully well as she moved to sit on the end of the desk.

"Your killing machine. He's staying behind." She spoke bluntly. Tank blinked and shook his head. " Don't try to say it. I know you bring him with you. No doubt to hope that he can be useful. I'm not saying he isn't. Just not this time."

"You don't miss a thing do you? Even under what just happened."

"Hazard of the job. You know that as well as I." Saph added and gave a slight grin. Tank knew that what happened was in the past and she didn't want to dwell on it.

"He could be useful though. If we're going undercover as what I read." Tank smiled. Saphira knew that he was good on being up to date on the briefing. Her lek twitched.

"Not this time. That droid of yours would be too much for us. I'm also not letting that thing decide to attack on the ship if anything else happens. That's too much paper work to explain." She reasoned. Tank only gave her a look that told her that he was still going to find a way regardless.

"If you say so." He shrugged and then was dismissed. Once he left Saphira slumped her shoulders.

" I already need a vacation."

Speaking to herself she went back to her chair and leaned back as she grabbed a pain patch and placed it on her arm. Relaxing, she debated on the hours ahead. Nervous? No. Worried about everything that could go wrong with tension this high? Yeah. Game, set and match. For now.

Sam left Saphira’s office still with quite a heated head. He simply brushed by all he passed in the corridor and skipped over the squad lounge. Passing by he noted that BARman was in there being greeted by, what Sam could only guess was, a green trooper to Iron Horse. Although, this was not something that peaked his interest enough to stop him in his current state.

His mind drifted back to his damaged abode. Hopefully that blasted repair guy has come and fixed up my door. He marched deliberately forward out of the building towards his beautiful swoop. He hopped on to his KV-1 Swoop and blasted back towards his apartment to retrieve his gear for the mission.

Within a few minutes of travel, he had pulled up at the garage of the luxury apartment building. He eased his swoop through the gate. Sam really did not want to cause any more headaches by damaging his swoop or the garage security gates. Gliding gently through the complex, he headed towards the closest open bay to his home. He parted with his vehicle and made his way back up to his door.

“Sorry, sir, about the delay in getting out here,” the sweating Ithorian mumbled.

“Yeah, you should be. Make sure that gets done right,” the Zabrak snapped at the repairman, “I don’t want to return to an empty apartment.”

“You hired the best in the business and you will get the best, most top notch service,” the Ithorian prided.

Sam simply grunted passing through the portal into the entry way. Maybe I should look into getting a blast door installed here. Prevent any pesky “Princesses” and her “White Knights” from getting in.

He did not waste time in gathering his things. He wrapped his pistols about his waist and donned his gear pack centered upon his back. He looked about his place seeing everything in disarray from the assault earlier. Great, I get the joy of coming back to this after this job.

“Lock her up, Mac, when you are done here.”

“Sure thing sir.”

Sam did not bother taking his speeder or his swoop back to base. He simply commissioned the base shuttle to get him there.

“Where you needin’ to go on base?”

“Take me to barracks number three.”

“You got it, Horsy.”

“Eh? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing pal. Just know that the Iron Horses are in that barracks and currently the only ones in that particular barracks till planet side.”

“Hmm, right.”

Sam disembarked from the shuttle with a kind nod of gratitude to the driver. He shifted his pack to a more comfortable position before starting into the building. Cool air blew in his face as the pneumatic door opened with a swish. It was fairly comforting and relaxing, but he knew it was a small and little pleasure that would soon be destroyed by what other shenanigans were in front of him.

How mad was he anyways…it was so hard to recall now but he had to think it had something to do with hunting and killing perhaps a hundred…or was it hundreds of Tusken Raider? It didn’t matter, he just ended up wasting his time killing things that didn’t need killing, he was not proud of it but he was also not ashamed. He had found today was somewhat…weird, he could feel the hostility still lingering in tiny remnants in the air, perhaps that was just testosterone that escaped from the typical males lack of reason. He’d sigh though - he wasn’t without his own flaws…or did he have flaws? No, of course not - any reasonable person would find a new bed hard to sleep in.

He couldn’t sleep - for many reasons, most of which stemmed from the anxiety of having his face uncovered. He didn’t think he was ugly, no that wasn’t it at all - he just DIDN’T like having it uncovered, he didn’t like it at all. It made him anxious, edgy, and just a tad more aggressive than typically calm man was used to.

“What do I do…?” He’d ask, standing in the privacy of his room staring at the mask. He could have used anything as a subtle cover for the reliable headgear to cover his face - but the mission was explicitly against anything that’d draw attention. It was hard to grasp but…perhaps the mission wasn’t all bad. Skjoll would turn, staring at the Gaderfii stick where he’d approach and lift the barbaric weapon to examine it and mildly would think of an excuse or story as to why it was in his possession.

Thinking…think…think, damn come on! He’d gripe to himself , mostly to his irresponsive brain before he recalled his days on Tattooine - He would then take one part truth, three parts lie and there he was! A merchant who had been  on a trade caravan to Tattooine that crash landed on Tattooine. Truth or lie this weapon was still a trophy of sorts so he couldn’t fail! He’d rummage around finding a plain grey cloak, heavy boots, a comfy jacket and pants. Not quite a very glamorous or fantabulous selection of clothes but he managed to keep himself as comfy as he could. He’d slip the weapon underneath his concealing cloak on his back, before stepping out of the room and walking down the hallway. It was rather early - but the man would rather get it over with and expose his normally concealed features now than cling weakly to his strange obsessions.

Though all seemed to be quite irritating, there was a glimmer…something to hope for…like a star In- no wait, that wasn’t hope or a star…it was a Twi’lek in a blingtastic robe. He felt the pressure of a social situation coming on, normally with his mask he could effortlessly deal with these situations but without it he just felt vulnerable.

“Hello.” He greeted plainly, but upon closer inspection he’d add “Wow, your Se-t  to go already?” He managed to keep a no doubt embarrassing slip into a harmless question, damn socializing was awkward.

He was at a loss of words, he could feel his head growing warmer, hotter with waves of less than pleased emotions and yet…at first he could not figure out why. It was only after he recollected her words more comprehensively that he realized…he did not like at all how she had treated him, like a child which he hadn’t been for quite some time.

He would have enjoyed addressing his frustration and correcting his Squad Leader, but she had already left him to himself in the hallway, no doubt sensing his far from pleased reaction. Not only that but, it wasn’t as if he could accurately or persuasively argue some points she’d casually shot down to any degree.

With a bitter sigh he would let things go, though he was certain that this mission was currently a load of bantha fodder in his own personal opinion. Then again perhaps it wasn’t his style to go sneaking around in strange garbs - he only knew he had a mission and if he wanted to get anywhere or paid, he’d have to do whatever Saphire needed or said.

Stepping outside the building, he took in appreciation of not waking up to a blistering hot day - what a relief. He’d stretch himself out a bit, looking around already easing down as he planted his boots against the ground, taking care to observe his surroundings even if this might be the last time laying eyes arounf the exterior of the base.

Skjoll set his sight on the ship before himself, ah such a splendid ship though his only wish is that he knew more about ships or even this one. That didn’t matter however, if it could fly and had a life support on board how could he complain, well besides the exposed face of course.

He’d be the first to arrive, not as if he had anything he needed to drag with him, or anything else to do.  He’d spot Saph on sight, he couldn’t really say he was too familiar with military regulations and such but he had to assume this was roll call, it was fairly simple enough even to the green recruit. His features on his face moved scarcely, softly frozen with a passive frown, stationary brows, clearly not overly thrilled or upset with this mission he’d clearly stopped caring altogether about these things.

When he’d get back he’d no doubt throw his helmet on as the first thing he’d do when he returned, and no one would stop him from doing what he’d wish with his own free time…or semi-free time. “Private First Class Skjoll reporting, Ma‘am.” he’d hail to his commanding Squad Leader, revealing no lingering resentment, no viscious of otherwise threatening signs, just a man with no obvious opinion or thought at the moment as he stood erect and waiting for the others.

Everyone had made it to the hanger. Already the ship was warmed up and ready to depart. Saphira was edgy as she approached the group. Eying Tank and Sam in a clear warning to behave as she placed her hands behind her.

"Alright people, listen up!" She replied to them. Gaining their attention wasn't hard. " We have a short journey to Falleen. I expect you all to be in your proper attire before we approach. Gear will be stowed in containers made to look like we are in the business to buy items on the Falleen home world."


"What are we going to be ' Buying?" Tank spoke up.

"WE will be buying various material, some ancient weapons, among other things. We have the money to play that game and use these items to gain information that may lead us to the NR being there." Saphira replied and paused for a moment.

"I assume your going to be the leader of this merchant group?" BARman stated questioningly.

"Why wouldn't she be? Saph's the Squad Leader!" Tank interrupted and then looked to Sam.

"Because, she's a female Twi'lek. We're going to a planet that the species would look at her in a different light. Not to mention it is rare for one to even have a status outside of a dancer or worse." BARman added.

Not good. I need to stop this now. Saphira thought and looked to their newest member who was just standing there with an annoyed look.

"Guys! Stop it." She barked. " I will not have this Macho talk anymore. It won't matter if I am the lead Merchant or not. You all will be at risk for the Falleens pheromones regardless of gender." Saphira growled. Tank looked at her sheepishly with a calm smile and there was no need to look at Sam. "With that said, I will take the lead. While on planet we will stay together in groups of two or three. No one will be left alone."

She finished speaking and then ordered everyone to get on the ship. Her boots tapped on the ramp as she brushed by MadMan and hurried to place her duffel inside a cargo container. Those who had been on missions prior would find that the ship was actually a bit more luxury. There were several rooms to sleep as well as a sabbac table in the main area past the cargo hold. If they were boarded they would pass as far as looks to hide the hidden agenda. The doors hissed shut and after everyone was sitting for take off the ship shot out of the hanger and flew out into space.

"Ready for hyperspace."


Came the pilots voice over the com. Saphira tooka seat next to Tank and across from MadMan. Sam and Barman were over sitting by the Sabbacc table when the ship lurched forward and they were shot into hyperspace.

Well…it made sense in his book, though he prefered how she looked with the vibranta nd attractive red skin and defining birthmark…he’d shake his head, getting ahead of himself “Permission to ogle, Squad Leader?” He’d ask as a soft and brief smile would pass his lips, signifying some humor behind it.

Saphira would give him a look – not a comforting one but somewhat viscious, angry perhaps. He couldn’t tell, he just figured his humor failed as did most of his attempts at conversing casually. With this, he drew his lips shut, and paid attention to more pressing matters.

’Prefer Dejarik anyhow…’ He’d tink to himself with a mild huff, and beginning to tend to the maintaining of one of his most trusted weapons.

Tugging out his Gaderfii staff and began to start maintaining it, though it was a fairly primitive weapon and few people would likely understand why Skjoll would bother with such a simple weapon.

However he appreciated it, the weapon served him well for several years and had grown fairly attached to it. Idly, he listened onto the conversations for anything of interest though some might call it eaves dropping but as far as anyone could tell he seemed disinterested in talking.

Madman would hold it loosely in both hands, drawing it upward to get a better look over the surface to eye out any flaws or damage that might have passed under his radar. At long last when he’d set it away, and begin to watch the four from his seat off to the side.
From his roost he began to observe and attempt to understand how each of them acted. If he could just get a good enough understanding of each, he might be able to…avoid any nasty situations or possibly difuse any.

Curiously he drew his attention back and forth between them,  though always his Squad Leader would peek his interest “Hmm….” He mused to himself softly, before he laid back and stared up at the cealing.

He would think for several moments, before he’d close his eyes entirely and try to ignore everything around himself – isolating himself through focused thinking and simply to feel less uncomfortable around all these people.

* he walked away as he smiled, he loved missions. Maybe he will get to kill someone, he checked his knives in their spots and sat down. He loved to watch re-entry, as the they descended, he looked out window.
=Arok=
soon we will have some fun
* he smiled again as he took a swig of his rum and whiped his lips, he hated wearing these clothes and wanted to wear his normal ones, but orders are orders*
=Arok=
i hope we get into a fight as soon as possible

Saph was making a killing; the Pazaak-fiend had ruthlessly deprived Sam and Barman of many a credit.  Tank and Jelly held their own, more or less.  The new guys, Privates First Class Arok_Valestrom and Madman had wisely abstained.  The tides had turned and Sam was recouping his losses as the pilots announced they were nearing their destination and had exited hyperspace. 

Sam and Barman had been so intent on the game they hadn't noticed the gradual changes in Tank's appearance.  Doc had the labtechs make a pill for Tank, and the changes manifested gradually.

After Sam finished repairing his horns his head was cleared, the Pazaak game and its shifting fortunes nearly forgotten as he psyched himself for the mission.  Seeing Tank's straight black hair now a curly blond mess made Same bust out laughing.  Just as he regained control of himself he saw Tank's eyes had also been changed from green to a deep blue, and couldn't contain the giggle-fit at first.  After about a minute or two's effort he got it under control, though he was still having difficulty keeping a straight face as Tank explained yes, this too was another of Doc's brilliant ideas for the sake of the mission.

It took some fiercely barked orders from Saph to restore order, but it was necessary they finish their preparations for the task ahead.  The ship cut through atmosphere and glided to it's assigned landing pad on the outskirts of the main starport.  Saph led her squad out of the ship and greeted the customs agents...

OOC:

I'm guessing Saph's post takes place during the descent, or about 3/4 thru my post