Tank still couldn't remember getting home.  Ho could clearly recal the shots at the cantina, heading out with Saph, stowing th two bottles of ale in the skimmer's storage compartment.  Letting saph drive the skimmer on a joyride.

Only he can't recall how the evening ended.  Obviously there was no accident.  Tank awoke in his own bunk on the Dreshdae Thunderhawk, a big black Adz-class Patrol Destroyer parked on landing field 94 of Sianat Starport.  The Storm Skimmer was intact in the garage.  But his hair was turned curly and blond, and his eyes eyes had also been changed from green to a deep blue.  Saph had left a note about his 'makeover' was another of Doc's brilliant ideas for the sake of the mission.  Doc had the labtechs make a pill for Tank, and the changes manifested gradually, while he slept.

Tank had no hangover, but there was a bruise on his head; obvious to himself but not the casual observer.

In his quarters on he donned a beat up Corellian Powersuit, and pulled on a faded black duster over it. It had the desired effect of making his armor far less obvious, as well as allowing him to conceal his Ryyk Blade. He checked the charge on his CDEF and DT-57 blasters and was nearly set. Starving as he was by now he went to his Solo-in-Carbonite fridge and grabbed a sandwich. He ravenously devoured it as he got his 3-2-XR Speeder Bike ready, grateful Tex had restocked the foodstuffs prior to his return.

****************************

Several hours later Tank was still contemplating events when his reverie was inturrupted by the announcement of reaching their destination and the transport was about to land.  Realizing whatever happened the night before and whatever other issues he may have with his Squad Leader would have to wait, he forced the thoughts from his mind as he got his gameface on for bullshitting through customs...

Katarn sat in a inclining chair at the back of the Shuttle. After going AWOL, from his father's death, he decided to return. Only to find Paladin gone, and he was transferred to Iron Horse. At first he was mad, but once he realized some very friendly faces, he couldn't wait to get back in on the action.

Dressed in all merchant attire, Katarn went over the plan HQ told him in his head. It is an undercover mission so he had to wear Merchant clothes like his squadmates, he had to conceal his weapons, and regroup with the Squad at a Hotel they chose.

"5 minutes till' planetary entry." a Shuttle pilot said, breaking his chain of thought.

He looked out the Shuttle windows and saw the planet he was to regroup with Iron Horse on; Falleen. Katarn didn't know much about the planet, but he knew Lucky would give him a rundown on it. About 10 minutes later, Katarn passed customs, and was on the street, carrying a duffel bag.

"Where is this place." Katarn thought.

"Ah, there it is." he answered himself.

He opened the door, and greeted the employee at the entrance. told him he was with the group of people who were dressed as Merchants, and told him of a small get together, so he wouldn't be suspicous, then anxiously walked up to the room Lucky was in. Then knocked three times.

The rest of the shuttle ride to Falleen was a blur. He mainly stayed in his corner and watched the occasional passerby, none of whom seemed brave enough to come near him, except for Saph, Lucky, and Legit. Other than that, they preferred to keep away from him and stay in their own little groups when they passed him. That was perfectly alright with him. He yawned and stretched slowly, relishing the moment. He hardly ever had a whole lot of time to himself and any time where he could think for hours on end without being disturbed was a good time for him.

I can’t wait to be back on my homeworld again. I’m actually a little anxious about it. I guess all I can do is wait and see. I’m good at waiting. Very good indeed.

He watched Adenn quickly walk by, catching the furtive glance that the Private Second Class offered in his direction. Narrowing his eyes, Constantine kept his eyes on Adenn’s back until he walked out of sight. Sitting back in his seat, he crossed his arms and looked at the figure beside him. Legit had yet to move from where he had sat down about two standard hours earlier, falling asleep nearly five minutes after taking a seat. Constantine shook his head with a small grin and set his head back on the wall behind him, closing his eyes and slowing his breathing.

An hour or two later, the pilot’s voice came over the intercom and announced that were nearing their destination and immediately the shuttle came alive. Except for Legit that is. Quickly, Constantine reached over and poked him between his ribs with his index and middle finger. Reacting instantly, Legit vaulted away from the chair, rolling across the floor, and came up into a crouch with his hands up in pose suggesting he thought he was holding a gun. With a sheepish look, he lowered his hands and stood up. Constantine offered a smirk and a small chuckle as he got to his feet and stretched. Turning around, he made his way over to where his gear was stored and started bringing it out.

---Customs---

“What do you mean you’re choosing me for a random inspection?” the astonished human yelled.

Constantine had been nearing the end of the line when a shouting match had broken out between a customs officer and a rude human. The human had continued to insult the officer and a number of other beings in line behind him and in front of him. The officer had grown angry and dragged the human out of line for a “random inspection.” Breaking free of the Falleen officer’s grip, the human looked outraged as he shouted again. The human shoved the officer hard, making him stumble backwards. Free to begin his angry tirade again, the human opened his mouth to say something, but his breath whooshed out instead as the officer brought an armored knee into his midsection. With a cheer from the crowd, the officer drug the out-of-breath human into a nearby room and pushed him in, following behind him as he closed the door. Another customs officer replaced the one that had just left and the quarrel was soon forgotten.

As soon as he reached the streets, he stopped in surprise. He recognized this city from his youth. Not much had changed, other than it being a bit dingier than he remembered. With a small smile, he made his way down the street towards the hotel that had been picked out by Saph, reminiscing about old memories.

OOC:

WC:599

The last minute arrival of an old-timer was a suprise to Saphira as she paced her room. Everyone had their own room and were all doing their own thing for the time being. The female hoped no one would find any local trouble right off.

"This is getting boring."

She whispered and sat down on the bed. It made a small creak as the springs  adjusted to her weight. Saphira reminded herself to have herself moved to another room. It didn't take much longer before she left and walked over to Lucky's room and knocked. The door opened and Lucky blinked a few times.

"Do you need anything?" Lucky asked and leaned slightly against the door. Saphira didn't say anything, but, only pushed herself inside. "A simple yes or head node would have been fine." She added and shut the door.

"Sorry, but it's been to quiet." Saph stated. After the previous mission to this one, it seemed almost too easy.

"What do you mean? Things are going smoothly."

"That's what I am afarid of. I can't shake off this feeling -" The Twi'lek started.

"Don't worry about it. It's about time for us to head out. Itching for some action?" Lucky tilted her head to the right and gave a slight grin.

"You could say that. Let's get this party started. The guys must be getting as edgy as we are."

Using an encrypted worm the analysis of the baggie's contents was being routed to the STC command on Tadath. Since it would likely ba a day or two before results came back, there was nothing to do but plan tomorrow's excursions before turning in for the night.

Tank cleared his throat before speaking up. "I'll prowl the antiques dealers for archaic weapons then see what contemporary vendors have to offer. I should find some good intel along the way."

"Alright Tank, sounds good to me. Who are you taking for backup?" Saph queried.

"Madman and Katarn, if you have no objections?"

"Good choice. The rest of us can split up after breakfast tomorrow. Goodnight everybody." With Saph's unspoken command everyone left for their respective accommodations.

***

After a surprisingly satisfying breakfast, Tank gathered up Madman and Katarn then the trio headed for the merchant quarter of Downtown Falleen. Public landspeeders bussed civilians along at regular intervals for two credits a trip.

After a couple hours the troopers had no leads but made some noteworthy finds to return to later, even a few small purchases (concealable blades and a stun baton). Tank relished reinforcing their 'cover' while also adding to his collection.

Finally they got to a slightly out of the way weapons shop. One tank had memorized before leaving Tadath. *Azrael's Arms and Exotics* the holographic sign proclaimed in a multitude of languages. Donning a lopsided grin, 'Quinn' lead his 'associates' into the establishment.

"Greetings, sentients! How may Azrael help you gentlemen today?" the Falleen behind the counter inquired.

"I'm Darius Quinn, my colleagues and I are looking to acquire a variety of ancient weapons. You came highly recommended..."

"Yes, I do try to keep my inventory competitive! Right this way, gentlebeings..."

Tank was impressed at the variety; all types of ranged and melee weapons from countless cultures across the galaxy. Madman and Katarn gravitated toward the multitude of blunt and edged weapons, unsurprisingly.

As Tank was inspecting an ancient Zersium blaster rifle, Azrael discreetly slipped a datacard into an outer pocket of Tank's duster. Tank made preliminary arrangements for a large purchase, and advised the shopkeeper they would be back in a day or so to see the 'special items' he'd be dusting off.

The first stage set, Tank lead his team to a hotel a few blocks east of the shop. Once Tank procured a room he retrived the datacard, not wanting to expose it out on the street, and jacked it into his datapad. Saph's gonna want to see this intel. Now to wait for her to rendezvous...

The day had passed almost as suspected. The initial sweep of the back alley that was noted before had been silently eerie. Without the ready knowledge of who was a possible hostile element, Adenn was forever on edge. Though he didn't purchase any spice, he did spot those few who he thought to be spice dealers. One of his suspicions was confirmed when a squad-mate did indeed purchase some of the mineral that was illegal in most parts, if not all, in the galaxy.

His eyes watched as he turned his head, the shady figures looked at them interestingly, one even beckoned him to come converse with him, which Adenn denied willingly. Though his attention was once again taken by the unmistakable sound of a scuffle, but when he turned, there was none to be seen? What had transpired in the short amount of time, he could only wonder and speculate as to what happened.

Soon after seeing a glimpse of something 'planted' onto Lucky as she marveled at it and made the decision to further inspect it inside of Saph's hotel room. Having no objection Adenn complied with the decision and went up to the room when everyone else did.

"What do you think it is?" He inquired, curiosity grasping his brain for the moment.

"I'm not sure but it's worth investigating, the man who grabbed me had a certain intention and something tells me it wasn't to hand me this." She replied in a timely manner before something else was said that didn't interest Adenn all that much.

Once the pseudo meeting was adjourned the Mandolorian returned to his room, and laid himself across the firm mattress
.
==
Morning came, and his chrono beeped his waking alarm. Though he roused, he did not stir. But rather lay there, belly down on the box frame bed of the hotel room.

Tank didn't even try to restrain the lopsided grin that played along his lips. "When I met my 'contact' I was given this..." as he spoke he fished the datapad out of his duster's pocket and haded it over to the Squad Leader. "Many 'informants' who prospered under Imperial rule don't want the New Republic taking over, for obvious and not-so-obvious reasons. Each of these sentients has their own network of contacts and infochants. As typical the rebels are moving to ingratiate themselves with (hopefully) sympathetic free traders and scoundrels first, to lay a foundation for their plans. Naturally this aroused the attentions of our 'allies'. As you can see, they've confirmed five agents of the New Republic, along with nine suspected agents and all they dirt they could find short of making themselves targets. But no way to tell just yet which, if any, are NRI specialists. I previewed the data as I was setting up a couple safehouses, in case we need to change accommodations."

"Most impressive," Saph said with the merest hint of disdain? Sarcasm? "...for black marketeers and cutthroats. Tomorrow Lucky and I have a 'date' with our 'contact'; hopefully that will do more than merely corroborate this intel. Good job so far. Anyone else learn something useful?"

The room went silent after the last comment. The two women turned and looked at each other. Star shrugged and Saphira rolled her eyes before she sighed.

I swear I need to stun them all! Saph thought. Both women knew the guys needed guidance in some shape. God forbid if anything happened to them.

"Knock it off." She snapped. "We don't need to fall apart now and make a mistake. I will go deal with Madman." Without another word, Saphira, left the room. Leaving Lucky in charge of what to have them do for the time being.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

She gave it three seconds before opening MadMans room. Her silver eyes flickered over to see the robes that were already on the floor.

"MadMan.."

The door to the fresher opened and out he came without his cover. Arms crossed over his chest.

"I didn't say you could come in." He replied and brushed past her to pick his gear up.

"You need to cool it and get back into disguise-"

"Why? No one knows who we are."

Saphira growled a warning. Now wasn't the time for him to be all petty about things. Was it because of the " Date " she and Lucky were going on?

"Stop it with the jealousy. What and why are you acting like this? I'm not the dating type and this is all undercover. You could blow this mission." Saphira snapped.

It was obvious that he wasn't going to really answer her unless she took a seat. Sighing, she walked over and took a seat. Crossing her legs she leaned back and kept her gaze on him.

"You're lucky I don't shoot you right now for being a pain in the ass." She snapped. It annoyed her even more when he chuckled.

"You could try, but, then the chance of cover being blown would rest on your shoulders." MadMan replied.

I swear I am going to kill him. Even if he is right. The Twi'lek knew that if the others saw this, she would never hear the end of it. Most of all from Tank.

"I could take you down with little effort if I wanted."

MadMan leaned forward and smirked.

"If you say so."

"Damn you! Just tell me what I want to know and then get back into the disguise." Venom was filled in her voice. Saphira wasn't pleased at the moment.

What she wanted to do was get into some action and take out the enemy like the others were wanting. MadMan leaned back and gave another sly smile.

"Tell me first, Saphy, why you think that I would be jealous?" He toyed with her. Her eyes opened wide and grew dark as she stood and rounded her chair. Her foot hit the bottom of the leg and her hidden vibroblade slipped out from her boot.

With a mental curse, she bent over and picked it up. Only to face him as the blade bounced off some of the light and reflected it to the wall. A thought of attacking him came to mind, but instead she held it loosely in her hand.

"Your reaction to Tank about the date I have along with Lucky tomorrow. You got all mad and left."

Madman left, after which Adenn spoke and shrugged. Though he had no personal problems with the squad-mate, he would have to keep tabs on him. Just in case something were to go awry with their mutual relationship. "Is he always like that?" Adenn voiced folding his arms and looking back at the nearest person, A valid reason was given by Tank which he appreciated greatly.

The entire spectacle had been humorous, at least to him,  even warranting a slight chuckle from him. "Brought a little light into my da-" He was cut off as he watched their squad leader go 'deal with' Madman.

The source of the vocal interruption however wasn't from what Saph had stated but by what Lucky stated just after the Twi'lek left the room.

"She said knock it off!" Lucky successfully stopped Adenn in mid-sentence and floored him for the time being, not that he was complaining. It was all just humorous to him..squabbles like this.

With a nod Adenn acknowledged the assistant squad leader's statement/order "N'eparavu takisit" He replied in the Mando'a language. A form of 'sorry' though it was truly more complex than a simple apology. At least to Adenn it was, not necessarily to anyone else.

Her agitation felt so good to him, he felt as if he thrived on it at times like he did with local drunks in cantina’s back when he was a younger, and even stranger lad. She was certainly strong, he’d known that from the few mission’s they’d done together. “Oh? And who might that be? Will this mask just give us away as military? Perhaps the mild wear and rust is just so canonical to Imperial wear.” He berated her in a most sarcastic manner.

The aggression that Madman was irradiating was greater than he’d ever really given off, at times this harsh feeling that washed over him felt as if it dripped down his body, sticking to his flesh however it was hard to pay attention. “An order? Really?” He’d laugh to himself, leaning forward “What are you gonna do? Fill out some paperwork and have me shipped out like Arok? Or perhaps you’re going to try goading me into a fight?” He’d ask, tilting his head as her face was reflected off the dirty lens.

At least one of those options amused him, not like he’d get much more leeway in any other squad but a fight sounded interesting though he knew she at least couldn’t deck him in the face without damaging her knuckles. “Oh but then again, we’d better not. What would the Falleen think if you had a bruise or two?” He’d ask, as much as he was not enjoying her company, he didn’t want to leave much of any noticeable blemish.

"Enough! We have enough things to worry about then you two fighting." Yelled Katarn.

As much as he wanted the two to stop, he knew he wasn't going to, nor did he have the position to command them. So he just left them to fight. Katarn left the room and returned to his.

As he went to sit on a chair next to the bed, he paused at his bag and pulled out a picture. In the picture was a picture of a squad. A happy go-lucky looking squad. Paladin. He remembered the faces of old friends, Zeshaun, TK-421, AlanRJ, and Lucky. But this was no time for old memories, Katarn was never the man to look back, so he took the picture and ripped it in half. He was part of Iron Horse now, and he needed to keep his head in the mission.

He threw the remains of the picture and tossed it in the Trash Compacter, near his chair. As he sat down, he reviewed his new squad in his head. For a SL he had an attractive Twi'Lek named Saphira, with a temper, for a ASL he had a friendly face, Lucky who he knew back from Paladin, he also knew that she is effective. Then there was Lance Corporal Madman, who he didn't know much about at all, nor did he get a good look at him, but from what he could here in the room next to his, he seems to be getting a kick out of annoying the SL, and from what Katarn heard, whoever talks back to Saph, doesn't walk away unharmed. Atleast he knew MadMan had some balls. Next up was PSC Adenn, a Human from the Mandalorian culture, from what Katarn's seen, he seems like a smart guy, doesn't get in anyone's way, and Katarn thinks he can get along with him.

There where more members of the Squad, but he suddenly got a rush of tiredness. His guess was from Jet Lag, but he didn't want to specualte on that. Katarn pulled out his comm, and set it's contact volume to the maximum, just incase someone in Iron Horse needed him. He then walked over to his bed, and fell, as he hit the soft bed, he immediatly fell asleep.

"I still can't believe you got me to wear this." Saphira shouted from the fresher'. Lucky was standing in the middle of the room with a smile on her face.

"Just get out here Saphira." Lucky replied and then laughed when a towel was tossed out at her in a tight ball. Lucky was wearing a blue dress that hugged her body gently. Just enough to show her curves. Tilting her head, Saph came out and gave a scowl. "You look, pretty."

Saphira snorted. "I would have rather just worn the merchant garbs." I hate wearing this stuff.

"Well, you can't tonight and it's only for a short time." Lucky surmised and went to finish putting on a little makeup in the fresher'. Saphira then went to the mirror and looked at the outfit she was wearing.

It was a black strapless dress. Hugging her body like Lucky's. Both dresses went down to near their ankles. Enough for them to hide a personal weapon in case they needed it.Hersels, she had a small pistol attached to her inner thigh as well as a small vibroblade. There was no doubt that Lucky had something similar where she could reach it. Lek twitching, she bit into her lower lip as the other came out.

"Let's go. We need to talk to the others and then meet our contact." Saphira stated dryly. Lucky nodded and the pair left the room. "At least we don't have to wear high heels.." She replied as they entered Saphs old room (meeting room). The guys blinked and stood, Saphira catching Tank with a stupid grin.

"Don't even start." Snapped Lucky. "We don't have the time for childish games."

The guys stayed silent, but it wouldn't stop what they were thinking. They were males after all. Sometimes it annoyed her that she had to work with them .

"So, uh, what are we going to do while you two play house?" MadMan asked. The women ignored the house comment. At least he was back in disguise.

"You guys are going to go to the cantina that is right across from the restaurant. Keep your eyes and ears open. If this Falleen is who he says, then we are close to our goal." Saphira replied. The others nodded and she and lucky hurried and left the room. Neither said a word as they went down the turbolift to the main floor.


Aware of the few pairs of eyes that were on the two, they gave smiles and entered the lobby. Standing in the middles was their Falleen date for the evening.

"Ladies! How nice to meet you both. I am Zorza and hope to give you too a wonderful evening." He purred, dressed all in black with a hint of purple in the mix. His eyes looked over them both, but lingered a second more on Lucky before he offered an arm to them both. "Shall we?" They nodded, though Saphira wanted to vomit from his charismatic attitude.

Leading them out the door the trio walked down to the awaiting speeder. As they both entered the speeder, the two women looked at each other. Their eyes both saying ' This better be worth it.' Hopefully the guys would find something useful and they could get out of here soon.

"This better work. I don't trust Zorza." Bryan muttered in a private room that just happened to be in the bar the rest of Iron Horse was in.

"Calm down. We don't have to like it, but others have proved trustworthy." Blade, another human officer replied as he sat in a chair. Both were watching a viewing screen of the fight that had started in the other room.

"He's toying with them. They aren't merchants." Bryan replied. It was obvious he wanted the threat gone.

"They will show their true colors soon. If it's the VE, it will happen. Either way, we still have to send the high command the information we have of the new weapon."


-------



"So, what brings you two ladies to my home world?" Zorza purred as they were seated. The place was draped in gold and red colors. Music played and many Falleen couples, as well as a few mixed species dined with quiet smiles.

"I thought you knew." Lucky replied as she shivered. Neither liked having to wear simple dresses. Even more so that the Falleen was looking at her with keen interest.

"I had heard you were in the market for interesting items. I may be able to help you acquire further items. Or even information leading to it." The Falleen leaned in on the table. Clasping his hands together as he tilted his head.

I don't like this. He knows something. Saphira thought as a waiter brought some drinks. Her Lek'ku twitched and she couldn't place what it was. "Information you say? How about some information on a few dealers then?"

"Oh? Spice then is it?" He looked to Saphira and then back to Lucky. His skin seemed to be a paler shade of green now. "It just so happens I know someone and had him invited just in case." With a wave of his hand another Falleen walked up and joined them.

"Evening."

Saphira and Lucky nodded. Both seemed a little tense now. Something defiantly was up.

"You can call me Kardden." He smiled and then seemed to scoot closer to Saphira. She looked at him and gave a warning look, which seemed to stop him for now.

A Trandoshan, wearing a brown robe, watched Lucky and the others that were at the table. His old bounty hunter's sense tingled. It usually went off if something felt wrong and everytime, it was right. He casually walked over to the table and sat down.

"Excussse me. I couldn't help overhearing that you were interessssted in spice. I myself would like to take part in thissss dissscusssion."

The Trandoshan knew not to answer if they asked him his name, and if they pressed him, he could make up a name. His newly aquired Intimidator blaster pistol was hidden at his side and ready if the situation went foul.