Private Escaping the pit, touching the stars

[Lanx Velishin]

The Pit

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​

Working as a slave miner for so long meant that he got the chance to move from mine to mine occasionally. Mines would be exhausted, or they would become too dangerous for even the slaves to work in. It wasn’t like their hutt masters cared too much about their safety. They just didn’t want to see their property put into danger where the profit wouldn’t make up for it. Very caring of those giant slugs. But because of this, Janx had seen his fair share of mines during this time as a miner under their thumbs. Yet this mine, this place, it was a particularly nasty one. One that he wasn’t completely sure that he would be walking out of once this was all said and done.

The Cathar had been here a few months now, when they first transferred a large number of slaves in. The mine was located in an asteroid field, on a hunk of rock big enough to have it’s own gravitational pull and even had enough atmosphere to grow ice on the surface. Obviously, it was what’s underneath the first few layers of rock that was so valuable. Ionite. Up to this point in his life, he had never mined the mineral. And after the first few weeks, and seeing what kind of massive problems it could cause, he was sure he never wanted to see it again. That is, assuming he left this place alive.

Mining on an asteroid had its own problems to begin with. Gravity was fickle at best, and getting oxygen down in these mines to help them breath was it’s own trouble. Not only that, but you had to have a geo-locator on you at all times, or risk accidently mining yourself out of the asteroid itself. When things like that happened, or they just were unlucky enough to hit a pocket of air, some miners saw themselves getting sucked out into space. A gruesome sight, to be sure, and one Lanx had been unlucky enough to see multiple times now.

Those reasons would have made asteroid mining bad enough. But the fact that they were mining ionite, which was well known to mess with electronics and such, meant that this job felt near impossible at times. All the living quarters had to be near the surface, where oxygen generators could be set up. But when the slaves were in the mines, old school rebreathers connected with hoses to oxygen tanks were the only means of reliably breathing. The mining equipment had to be all handtools, leaving the hands of the slaves bruised and busted. Light in the tunnels were also hard to come by, but they were able to rig lightbulbs with little flares, that didn’t seem to be effected by the mineral.

All the dangers and horrific sights that this mine had produced would be enough to drive most people mad by the time the first month ended. But for Janx, focusing on safety and the connections to the friends he had made so far had helped push him through. In the back of his mind, he knew the danger of making friends in a place like this. Yet even though the dangers stared him directly in the face, he still tried to make these days as best they could be. And living in isolation went against that mindset.

There wasn’t many times that it was safe to meet and talk with these friends of his. If you were in the mines, you focused on the job and not dying. However, in times of rest and rejuvenation, which came few and far between, he was more than glad to meet up with them. Eating in the mess hall during breakfast was one of those times, and this is where he found himself now, setting down a plate of some delicious looking slop across from a grumpy looking chiss woman.

The cathar gave her a little smile, raising a furry eyebrow as he looked across the durosteel table at the woman. “Not gunna talk to me today, Syb?” as he awaited her answer, he began to dig into the slop, stomaching it as best he could. There was no use in going down to the mines without a full stomach of energy, afterall.

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Tags: Sybilla Kiandra Ceryss

 

[Kiandra Ceryss]

The Outer Rim - Outer Edge of the Belt
​

The Shadow Venture, emerged from hyperspace near the outer edges of the asteroid field soon to be followed by a single EF76 Nebulon-B Escort Frigate. Both ships slow to a stop and hold position at a safe distance from the nearest objects in a loose formation. Within their hulls, members of a unit known as Starfall Squadron prepare for an operation within the system, both vessels on alert of any other ships that may linger within the system. In the hanger of the Nebulon-B, a pair of UT-60D U-Wings are being prepped for launch by the crew as their pilots await the signal. Within the bridge of the Shadow Venture, Kiandra watches the belt ahead of them for a moment before turning on heel to approach the holo display of the target. Above the black metallic surface hung the glowing blue image of a large asteroid which appeared to be covered in snow. On the opposite side of her stood a young Twi'lek female, a rodian male, and a human male.

"Within this asteroid belt lies this rather large asteroid where mining operations are being held. From Calypso's intel, it is an operation ran by the Hutts. The workers are likely all going to be slaves. I don't expect a large complement of guards but as I briefed the U-Wing pilots before departure, we should be ready for anything." Pausing, she adjusts the image to show the majority of the belt surrounding the mine. "We're going in only with small craft. It's too risky to bring the larger vesssels into the field proper."

"What about the transports? Who will be their escorts?" The young Twi'lek, Nova, spoke up at last.

"Two X-Wings will launch with them and will stay at their side." Turning to the rodian and the other human pilot, she pointed to them. "You will fly with Nova and myself going in. After the U-Wings touch down, you'll break and ensure they remain safe, understood?"

"Yes, ma'am!"
"Yes, ma'am! Do we have a rendevous?"

Tapping her chin, Kiandra examined the asteroid field closely. After a few moments, she pointed towards an area midway between where the ships would be and the target location that would hold enough cover from tailing fighters. "Bring the U-Wings here, use the cover to make it back to the ships. We'll call it, RV Gundark. If you are pursued, keep them away if possible. Nova, if we do find any fighters, stick with me. We'll give 'em a show." The words brought a bright smile to the Twi'lek's face, her green features lighting up at last. "You bet we will!"

"Anymore questions?" She asked, glancing at each of them.

"No, ma'am!"
"No, ma'am!"
"No, ma'am!"

"Get to your ships and prep for launch. Make sure you're connected to the proper comm channel. I don't want loss of communication because of pilot error!" As the two pilots moved to leave the bridge, Kiandra's hand came to rest upon the shoulder of the Twi'lek. "Kinsa.. I know what the Hutts have done to you, but I'll need you to keep your head, okay?" Petting her own lekku, she nodded. "I hate the Hutts, but I know what we're here for. I've got your back! But, can I make a request?" Without even considering, Kiandra nodded. "Thanks. When we arrive, I'd like to land and help the slaves here." Patting the other's shoulder, Kiandra smirked. "Do as you feel is needed. You're my wingman and you've proved that you can handle yourself. When you touch down, have your droid lock down your fighter until you're ready to launch again. We don't need to lose a craft here, or more importantly you."

"Thank you, Kiandra." Leaving the bridge, the pair made their way to the starbord hanger where their fighters were waiting.

Tags: Sybilla Lanx Velishin

 

[Sybilla]

If you’ve ever had a nightmare and woken up in the middle of the night heart racing, sweating and filled with confusion and fear… then you have half an idea of what it was like working in a mine. Relief and comfort were rare words down in the pits, and death was the friend that forever hovered just outside the doorway.

In the mines, it was survive or die.

Beads of pearlescent sweat clung for dear life on her smooth blue skin, always one aggressive move away from falling directly into her eyes. It was always hot here. They knew no escape from it, surrounded by it day and night, choked by it every passing second. As if that weren’t enough, it made it that much worse that they were now forced to wear rebreathers for the duration of their workday. The heavy and uncomfortable machinery required constant attention and was always one loose bolt away from choking someone to death. Something that tried the young chiss very sorely.

Sybilla sighed and rose her wrist high enough to brush the beads away with her sleeve. While most others had their dull, silver plates filled to the brim with grey slop in front of them, she had her machines, just as she always did. The beast she faced today, an older model of the rebreathers the miners wore, had been giving her the run around for a week now. She couldn’t figure out whether it was a loose connection in the wiring that could be fixed in the blink of an eye, or whether the entire thing needed replacing altogether. It frustrated her to the point where her pale azure brows knitted together, forming her trademark sour look.

Breakfast was already well underway. The canteen filled to the brim with morose miners covered head to toe in acrid ebony dust, shovelling grey slop into their mouths as though it were the last meal they’d see in a long time, and it was. They wouldn’t get another now until dinner, but Sybilla wasn’t interested in the food. Of course, she had to mine along with the rest of the, but her fondness for mechanics saw that she had additional duties too. When the rest of the miners were sleeping, eating, enjoying what little rec time they had, Sybilla was working. Overall it made her quite a sour woman.

So, when she was joined by the happy go lucky cathar, she didn’t even grace him with a glance.

“I’ll talk to you when I figure out what the problem with this kriffing thing is.” She spoke with a sharp tone as her slender fingers picked apart the metal casing to reveal the complex electronics inside. “Stupid thing just won’t work.” The metal case clanged loudly as she threw it haphazardly down onto the tabletop, which was followed shortly by a deeply frustrated sigh from the chiss’ mouth. “I had it working yesterday… then I turned it on this morning and the whole thing was fried.” She ran a hand through her thick blue hair and settled back into the uncomfortable canteen seat to glance over the innards of the rebreather.

Lanx Velishin Kiandra Ceryss ​

 

[Lanx Velishin]

Man. Someone was extra grumpy this morning. There were certainly times that Janx even wondered whether or not he was bothering the alien to the point of exhaustion and annoyance. But, throughout their times in the mines together, there had been moments where that cold exterior had fallen away momentarily. One had to be careful to see it, but it was there. And it was enough to the cathar to continue to try and spend time with her, even if she was in a particularly bad mood. Like when her technology didn’t work.

Yellow eyes scanned over the metal casing that she was fiddling with, letting out a shocked shudder as she tossed it loudly onto the table. His eyes followed the metal machine, watching it come to rest between them, before looking up to see if he could catch the red eye alien’s gaze. “Why..why are you even playing with that thing anyway?” He questioned, furred head tilting to the side as he buried his chin on top of his fist in an almost bored fashion.

The chiss was lucky she didn’t get herself in trouble. Guards in this place didn’t exactly seem to mind, but the more he glanced around the room, the more he could see that the loud clang had gotten the attention of their masters. It was the last thing he wanted, seeing her getting dragged off somewhere, accused of tampering with an escape devise of some kind. Those that were accused of that seemingly rarely came back from the guard’s quarters the same. If they came back at all.

Feline eyes glanced down at the machine and back up to the alien, his head remaining firmly on his fist the whole time. The silence mingled for a few moments before he spoke up again, trying his best to better the mood of his supposed friend. “I remember them telling us that those old models supposedly kept oxygen purified better…but they never worked. Always leaked too much…” He didn’t know too much about machines. Fur was always too conductive of electricity to really try. There was always that worrying possibility of being shocked. Almost made having to mine with old school stuff a relief at times. If the ever-present danger of dying wasn’t there, that is.

Sybilla Kiandra Ceryss ​

 

[Kiandra Ceryss]

Shadow Venture - Hangar Bay
​

The short trip through the corvette's corridors to the hangar were silent as the pilots stepped into the rather cramped space which was mostly taken up by the craft. Positioned toward the back were two old T-65 X-Wings which had been refurbished to a proper working condition. At the front nearest the door was Kiandra's RZ-2 A-Wing and hanging above all of them was a third T-65 X-Wing. Each of the ships were painted in similar fashion to those used by Saw Gerrera's militia centuries before. Each of the X-Wings already had their astromechs loaded in awaiting the pilots as each one carefully crawled into the cockpits after collecting their helmets.

Slipping beneath the wings of the starfighters, Kiandra crawled over the fuselage of her A-Wing, sliding beneath the canopy which was opened just enough for her to fit. Pulling on her own helmet, she instinctively began activating systems as the canopy descended around her, sealing with a hiss. Systems began to hum to life within each of the fighters, save the one that was hanging as it would need to be lowered once the others had freed up room. "Are we sure we can even get out of this hangar?" Nova's voice rang out through the comm channel as she examined how closely the S-foils of the X-Wings were positioned. "It'll be a slow departure but once you're clear of the others you can give it a bit more power. Once you two are clear, we can get Blaze down from the roof and he'll form up with us." Settling into her seat, the hangar began to open, granting her a view of the stars beyond and the distant asteroids that seemed to go on forever. With her engines active, she slowly allowed the repulsors to lift the vessel off of its landing gear, lifting the gear as soon as it was no longer supporting the ship's weight. Twin engines glow as the interceptor pulls forward, pushing through the entrance of the hangar into the void of space. As soon as she was away, she accelerated, putting distance between the Raider and herself.

"Nova, you're next. U-Wings and escorts, launch and form up. Once all craft are away we'll make our way in." Moving in a patrol-like sequence around the two vessels, Kiandra observed the launch of the U-Wings, their long wings shifting position as they navigated around the Raider to form up with her soon to be followed by their escorts. "This is really a tight fit. Can we not fit this many fighters into this hangar, next time?"

"Just don't turn the wrong way, you might hit the cannons of my ship!"
"As long as your S-Foils are fine, you'll be okay!"
"Speak for yourself! I'd rather not be left with 50% of my weapons!"
"I'd rather you two not jam my landing gear! If I have to make an emergency landing later, I'll blame the both of ya!"

Kiandra's head shook as she simply listened to the chatter, bringing her interceptor to a stop to await the others as those that had grouped up stop near her position. "If you lose part of your weaponry, Blaze will help you out. Won't you Blaze?"

"Oh, of course! I'll be sure to take his share of targets!"

Though she sat idle, her attention was on her ship's sensor results. Until they were on the way out, she would have to be on full alert. Not just for herself but for the other pilots and those they came for.

Lanx Velishin Sybilla ​

 

[Sybilla]

Sybilla grumbled somewhat. She could feel the tension rolling from the cathar like heat from a furnace. It rubbed her entirely the wrong way, but then again, he was always a little more afraid of punishment than she was. “They’re death traps. The lot of them.” She cursed silently under her breath and shifted the heap of broken electronics to the side to make way for her own plate of slop. “Besides, if I didn’t fiddle with them both you and I would be dead already. Don’t you remember your last rebreather? Damn thing nearly blew your nose to pieces. You still have the scar.” Her head nodded ever so briefly to the almost invisible line running across the bridge of Lanx's nose.

Without another word, she began to shovel the grey slop from her plate into her mouth. At this point, she was used to automatically holding her breath, so the sour taste didn’t linger on her tongue too long. The only thing she had yet to overcome was the texture. It was like trying to swallow raw liver. Her face twisted into the most unpleasant of expressions, only growing worse as each spoonful disappeared behind her lips. She had no idea how Lanx was able to eat it so quickly, but he did always have a way of putting a positive spin on everything. A stark contrast to the grumpy Chiss that sat in front of him.

“The problem isn’t with the machines themselves.” She spoke with a half-full mouth. It helped with the texture a little, she almost forgot it was dancing around on her tongue until she closed it again. “The problem is that they’re ancient. It would help if some of the parts were replaced but these have just been repaired and repaired and repaired. I’m not sure there’s any part of this rebreather that wasn’t salvaged from another that was already on it’s way to being broken.” Sybilla chucked her spoon down onto the rusted, battered metal tray. Leaving over half her meal completely untouched, and just in time.

The minute her spoon clanged against the tray, the alarm for the miners to begin work blared loudly. Sybilla scrunched her face up, till fine creases appeared on the bridge of her nose. She hated the noise. It echoed in her ears long after it was done, and down in the silence of the mines with nothing but the clank clack of the machines it lingered even longer. After a hearty sigh that saw her chest rise three inches at least, Sybilla smacked her hands down on top of the table. “Well. Same chit, different day. You ready?” She might have been standoffish with the cathar, and she couldn’t say she necessarily enjoyed his company, but he was part of her routine now. If he didn’t come with her down to the pit then her whole day was thrown off.

Lanx Velishin Kiandra Ceryss ​

 

[Lanx Velishin]

Sybilla’s reminder was enough to make Janx slowly reach up to his nose, feeling the faint outline of the scar running across the bridge of his nose. Like she said, it was faint, and almost certainly wouldn’t be noticed by the naked eye. Sometimes even he forgot it was there. That was, of course, until he felt the outline or the grumpy alien in front of him reminded him of the incident. And, like usual, she was right about the whole situation as well.

The morning had been normal enough, save for him being sent to one of the lowest layers of the mine to help get some more support beams set up. Everything had been perfectly fine one the way down. All of the readings were normal enough. The next thing he remembered was the distinct smell of sulfer wafting through his nose before everything going dark very suddenly. He didn’t even remember how he got to the medical center, only that he had been allowed to stay for just a day or two before being sent back out to the mines with nothing more than a bacta patch across his nose. Quite the nice medical care that they had here at the slave mines. Minimum care and minimum recovery time.

Something he still didn’t know was why Syb had even offered him a different o2 mask in the first place. He was fully prepared to take a regular regulator with him back to the mines, no matter how much the mask would irritate and rub against his fresh new scar. All he knew was that with the new mask, the oxygen that he breathed through it was cleaner, fresher, and made him feel better. Whatever magic the chiss had done to make the thing work, it had been practically miraculous.

A loud clanging brought the cathar back into the moment, causing him to look around before seeing the metal spoon rattling against the tray as it came to a rest. The food was half eaten, enough for Janx to shoot the red eyed woman a look of concern, but keep his mouth tightly shut. By this point, he had said his peace about trying to get the woman to eat. She always seemed to have enough energy to make it through the day, regardless of how much or how little she ate. It was impressive, really. If not a little concerning.

The sound of the alarm ringing through the mess hall was plenty annoying to Janx too, but for different reasons. Long, tall, sensitive ears flattened themselves against his head as the sound seemingly droned on much longer than it needed to. Perhaps he needed to start wearing his earplugs in during mess hall time too. But then again, he wouldn’t be able to hear the grumpy voice of his chiss acquaintance. Probably not worth it. With the alarm off, he gave a little nod to the woman and stood. One of his furred hands made a little motion to the machine on the table, shrugging as he did so. “We have time to take that back by the dormitory if we’re quick, too. Want me to carry it for you?” Not that he didn’t think she could carry it herself, but he machine had ticked her off plenty enough this morning that Syb may not want to deal with it anymore.

Sybilla | Kiandra Ceryss​

 

[Kiandra Ceryss]

Engines flare as the final X-Wing departs the corvette's hangar, joining the formation at the left side of Kia's interceptor. Following Kia's lead, the three X-Wings form a standard formation behind her as the other two form up at the flanks of the U-Wings who lag slightly behind in case of enemy fighters. Together, they enter the asteroid field, carefully avoiding any debris that may linger from past collisions. Subtle comm chatter came and went as things were calm, a feeling of anticipation settling in to each of them.

Fingers tighten on the controls as the rumble of the engines could be felt as Kia kept her craft at a lower speed to ensure that the older fighters could keep pace. Every so often, her eyes turn to the gaps between asteroids and the backs of them that were unseen until they were passing them. Hutts were crafty and sometimes clever, keeping an eye out for hidden fighters was always a good idea. Though none were found, this far out anyway.

"Are we sure this place has defenses?" The silence was broken at last. "The Hutts have fighters everywhere. But, I don't think they expect this place to be found." Nova replied, tilting her fighter to check a shadowy crater on the side of the nearest asteroid, finding nothing.

"We're still a few minutes out. Once we're clear of this bunch, we'll pick up the pace. Stay alert, they'll have something here. I doubt this place is completely defenseless."

"Frostbite, once in range we are to make landings asap, correct?" The pilot of a U-Wing spoke up.

"Correct. We'll strike two targets which Calypso confirmed to be gun emplacements set for immediate defense of the mine in case of rebellion. Load up and take off as quickly as you can. Rendevous at RV Gundark and make for the frigate."

"Understood."

As the pilot's voice came through the comms, her A-Wing crested over a large asteroid as the snow covered body came into view. Adjusting in her seat, she took a deep breath.

"ETA two minutes. Get ready."

Lanx Velishin Sybilla​

 

[Sybilla]

She watched with a raised brow as he touched the area where the scar was. Sybilla had felt no shortage of guilt when it had exploded originally, but the wound had looked much worse than it actually was. She had no idea why, perhaps it was just too close to the bone, so it bled profusely, but it still looked gnarly. Those two days where he had been placed in the medical wing were the most boring two days of Sybilla’s life, but she wouldn’t let Lanx know that. It would only encourage his excitability.

She was drawn back to reality and away from the memory of his injury by his eyes glaring at her, full of concern. They had had this argument many times before. Syb trying to impress on him that she was fine without the grey slop sloshing around in her stomach, and him insisting that she needed more than just a few bites to get through the day. It was an age-old argument that they’d been having since they first arrived at the mines, but Syb was always proved right. There were a few tense moments where, as she glared back at him, she was certain he was going to say something. But… he didn’t. So, she relented and looked away.

“Nope, no point. It’ll still be here when we get back. Besides, if we're late there's no telling what they'll do this time.” Scooping up the metal tray from the table in order to dump it, Syb made no attempt to hide that she was growing impatient. Lanx knew she was right, the guards never touched anything that didn’t belong to them, never mind anything in the canteen. They got paid to guard and to punish, not to clean up after the miners. “Come on…” It wasn’t that she was eager to get down into the mines or anything, she couldn’t find a single person whoever was. She was just bored with sitting in the canteen and even more bored with looking at the broken electronics.

Lanx Velishin Kiandra Ceryss ​

 

[Kiandra Ceryss]

​

Two minutes seemed to slowly tick by as the target grew in size, details becoming clearer and reality setting in that this was it. What they came here for lies just ahead and the time for preperation was over, now was the time to strike. Silence settled over the comms as they all mentally prepped for the task at hand. The lead fighters kept their tight formation, following her lead closely. Just under a minute remained before arrival as the silence is cut at last.

"Break."

The single word was all that needed to be said as Nova and Blaise's X-Wings roll outward into a combat spread, S-Foils opening up to attack position. Targetting computers lock on to the mine's defensive turrets set up to quell any rebellious groups of the slaves. Streams of fire erupt from the X-Wings', ending only as the turrets are enveloped in an explosion signalling their destruction. Nearing the mines, the fighters break off, flying away to look around.

"Targets hit, turrets are down, Frostbite!"

"Good job, you two. U-Wings on the ground. Escorts, break and cover." Kia spoke, bringing her A-Wing into a run as she strafed a structure which held communications arrays, the equipment tumbling over as the structure was demolished. The pair of U-Wings swooped in low, their wings fixed into a closed position as they touch down on the mine's landing pads, doors opening as the gunners step out and bring their blasters to bare upon the Hutt Guards who would dare raise weapons against them. Watching their aim, they would keep their fire only against those that would not cause the injury or death of slaves. Their priority would be to secure the landing pads first and foremost. Losing the U-Wings would mean less would leave this place.

"Frostbite, we've got incoming! Hutt fighters 'rounding the side of the mine! Must've been out on patrol!"

"All fighters, let's dance! Nova, your request was approved. Leave these to us." Once again, the fighters follow her A-Wing as they move to intercept the incoming craft. In the lead, she spots a Rihkxyrk Assault Fighter. Biting the side of her lip, Kia settles in for a fight, bringing the propulsion of her interceptor to full. "Take their wings. Leave the lead to me."

With the groups of fighters preparing to collide, a single X-Wing hovers near the landing pads, S-foils closing before the gear lowers and settles onto the surface of an empty pad. WIthin the cockpit, the Twi'lek pulls off her helmet, taking a deep breath. Behind, a BB unit chirps to her, its head spinning as it checks the surroundings. "I know.. It's not safe here. But, I asked to do this." Nova replied, slipping her blaster from its holster on her thigh as the canopy opens, the sounds of unmuffled blaster fire growing in intensity as the seals of the fighter's cockpit release. "Besides, they need someone who understands them.." Climbing out, she drops onto the pad, turning to look at the droid over her shoulder. "Lock up and keep it safe, I'll be back soon!" With that said, she runs off to meet up with the gunners.

Lanx Velishin Sybilla​

 

[Lanx Velishin]

He did know she was right. The guards were really only there to crush any sort of rebellion and to make their lives generally miserable. But despite that, they wouldn’t typically mess with their stuff, unless they believed that the items contained could be used in an escape somehow. That rarely happened. Nobody here was ever foolhardy enough to try anything. I mean, there were on a rock floating in the middle of kark know where, where exactly could they run to? Escape was meaningless, and unless the entire mining facility rioted, there really wasn’t any reason to try anything.

Still, he would’ve liked it if Syb had agreed to put her stuff up. Not every slave here was as docile as them. If they knew taking something would set someone off, they might do it to just get a rise out of that person, getting a little bit of action in this dull life. Though she had seemed pretty miffed at the machine, so it might be that she truly didn’t care whether or not it got stolen. Perhaps it’d be better that way. Maybe it wouldn’t be able to tick her off. Then again, the chiss would probably find something else to get miffed at.

Grabbing his tray to follow the smaller woman to the dumping area, his ears twitched as he swore he could hear something. His eyes turned to the ceiling, looking all around as he listened for the sound again. “Did you..hear something, syb? Or has the miner finally broken me?” Not that the cathar really thought he’d get an answer unless she had heard something too. There was nothing after that he could hear, so it was only natural to just shrug and follow the chiss out the door.

By the time he made it out to the hallway, he could swear there was something going on. Guards rushed around, looking frantic and pushing the slave miners out of the way as they did so. Was there a revolt of some kind? Janx pushed his way through the crowd of miners in the hallway until he made it to the entrance of the mine, only to find it blocked by two guards. “Hey!” he called out, stepped up to the front. “What’s going on here?” They didn't answer, only glared at him with murderous intent.

His question was answered very soon after this, as two huge explosions rocked the mine, and what felt like the entire asteroid rocked. Pebbles came down from the ceiling, causing his ears to flick as they knocked hem on the way to the floor. Whatever was going on, he didn’t want to be anywhere near the mind when it happened. Back through the crowd he decided to go, hoping that the chiss was right behind him. Maybe they could escape to the surface somehow. Steal a ship. Anything to survive whatever was going on!

At least, that was the plan. A final explosion, one farther away the first two could be heard, only for something to come barreling down through the ceiling, causing a massive cave in. Lanx dove to the side, covering his face, fully ready for a rock to come down and crush his head at any moment. But the event never came. As the corridor shifted, he realized that he was on the exit side of the tunnel. He could still escape! But wait..

His eyes scanned over the bodies of the other slaves that had followed him through the hall. No blue skin..no blue skin…blue skin, not her.. “Syb!” He looked around, practically frantic at this point, Adrenalin pumping through his body. “Syb, where are you!?” Turning to look at where he had come from, it looked completely unpassable. Rocks and some sort of metal contraption completely blocked the entrance. The only way for those on the other side to escape would be..through the guard quarters located right next to mine. Hopefully enough were occupied, and the few in front of the mine were knocked out so everyone could escape. And that..hopefully syb was alright. There was nothing more that he could do from this side. All that he could hope for was to meet her on the surface.

Sybilla | Kiandra Ceryss​

 

[Sybilla]

Did she hear something?

Sybilla turned her torso an inch or so to shoot him the most disgruntled look she could manage. The ears atop his head were twitching wildly, like satellite dishes fine-tuning to a signal. “Look, mush for brains, how many times do I have to remind you that not all of us are born with supersonic hearing?” It was a conversation they’d had many a time before. She’d grown sick of hearing him insist that there was something to hear when no matter how hard she strained herself all she could pick up was the gentle creak of their makeshift bunks. Even besides all that, the canteen was so alive with noise now that the bell had rung it was doubly impossible to pick up whatever whispers he had heard.

There was little use in waiting for an answer, so Sybilla made headway to the corridor that lead to the mines. When they left behind the clamour of the canteen, the chiss finally felt her shoulders relax just a little. The more alone they were, the better she felt. Granted they were still shoulder to shoulder with their fellow miner, but that was soon to change. Perhaps that was why she was always so eager to get down to the mines after breakfast. At mealtimes they were squashed together like sardines on those long metal tables, down in the mines they could at least find a quiet corner to get on with their work. But today… something seemed off about the corridor. Something that didn’t fit in with her usual routine.

Guards were shoving their way through the miners, and the queue to get to the entrance of the mine seemed to have slowed to a complete halt.

Before she could turn to ask Lanx what was going on, he was shoving himself through the crowded hallway. Sybilla had no choice but to follow him. His eccentricities often lead to trouble, and she could see that familiar glint in his eye. The one that said he was gearing up to do something, and oh boy was she right. His perky tone called out inquisitively to the guards, to which Syb only grew more frustrated by. “Are you crazy?!” She smacked him on the chest with the back of her hand, blue brows furrowing furiously in the centre. “Are you trying to get the whip?” He wasn’t listening, and in truth, she wasn’t ready for an answer.

Suddenly, and with so little warning Sybilla could do nothing but try to steady herself, two giant explosions rocked the corridor violently. The floor underfoot shuddered and rumbled as it protested to the disturbance, the ceiling above released a waterfall of dust and debris that coated the entire corridor and the miners waiting inside it. Sybilla threw her hands over her head, defending it from a very sharp piece of rock that had chipped away from the concrete above. When she looked up again, Lanx was gone. “Lanx?!” She spun on her heel, as best she could in the corridor, but it was now filled to the brim with panicked miners.

In a mad rush of adrenaline, they seemed to be pushing toward the mines, as though being in there would save them from further harm. She tried her best to shove her way through them, but there wasn’t a chance in hell she could have squirmed her way past that wall. “LANX!” It was no use; her voice was drowned out by a third explosion that ripped the corridor to shreds. Sybilla and a handful of the miners heading into the mine were thrown aggressively forward as huge chunks of rock and sheet metal came crumbling in on itself. The sudden pressure change popped her eardrums, where there should have been panicked shouting all she could hear was a high-pitched screech that seemed to continue eternally.

The last thing Syb remembered was the searing hot, sharp pain tearing through her entire body. Then the world going black.

Lanx Velishin | Kiandra Ceryss ​

 

[Kinsa'olan]

Linking up with the gunners, she took shots at a pair of guards who stepped out of an entrance to the mine. Beyond the falling bodies, she spotted those she recognized as the miners who had been worked by these guards to collect the valuable minerals within the rock. Lowering her weapon, showing no hostilities towards the unarmed individuals, the young Twi'lek reached out towards one who had fallen. "We aren't here to hurt any of you. Get to the ships, you're all getting out of here!" Pulling the miner to their feet, she stepped further into the mine's entrance. A sense of fear overcame her as the dust-filled air ahead hinted at the side effects of their attack just moments ago. Gesturing towards the way out, she hoped to get those that could move on their own set on their way while looking to aid any injured who may reside further in. "If you can hear me, make for the landing pads! We have ships ready to bring all of you away from here!" Pulling her commlink from her pocket, she stepped to the side to update the others on the situation on the ground. "Frostbite, it's Nova. The mine took a hit from our stirke, I don't know the damage but this may not go as planned."

Sighing, she tucked the device back into the pocket of her flightsuit and turned her attention back towards the miners as she continued to move further in, pulling her goggles over her eyes. "Any who can hear me, make for the landing pads! If you need help, make yourself known!"

Back outside, the gunners of the U-Wings continued to keep the area around the landing pads secure, guiding the miners into the transports while attempting to calm the more anxious among them. "Nova, we're going to need some round trips at this rate.." A pilot called out, counting the number of miners that were gathering. "We'll figure something out. I saw transports on the way in. We'll improvise and get as many out as we can!" She replied, collecting her comm again. If they were to get them out in one go, they'd have to find a way to make use of the Hutt's own ships.

Lanx Velishin Sybilla Kiandra Ceryss​

 

[Lanx Velishin]

“Lets go!” His gruff, fear-stricken voice cried out as he helped a particularly weak miner to her feet, pushing her toward the entrance as softly, but as hurriedly, as he possibly could. “We need to keep moving, ok? There’s no telling how much longer this place will hold up.” It wasn’t like this mine was supposed to last. The structuring was only enough to give the miners and guards a little bit of hope that this place wouldn’t come down on their heads while they were sleeping. It hadn’t done a great job, as cave-ins were more common than one would hope. Whatever was happening certainly didn’t help the shoddy workmanship that had been done to keep this place up and running for the past few months. They needed to leave, and quick. Especially if he was going to meet Syb at the secondary entrance. Surely she’d get there. They would meet again, very soon, and everything would be alright.

Regardless of him wanting to leave this place as quickly as possible, the Cathar still made sure he was one of the last ones out from his side of the caved in mine. While Lanx didn’t know the majority of these miners, they had been in this together, which meant they were leaving together. By the time he got near the entrance, most everyone had made their way outside, where there was a pink twilek standing near the entrance. She was neither a miner nor a guard, meaning she was logically part of whatever was going on. That…logical thought was something Syb would have done. He tried to shake that thought, knowing he’d see that blue alien soon enough, instead focusing on the twilek.

She seemed to be wearing a jumpsuit of some kind, as well as speaking into a commlink. His eyes glanced out the cave entrance as he walked up to her, spotting strange transports of some kind. That must be who she was talking to. This seemed like a pretty coordinated effort. Focusing back at her, a long, furred finger pointed out the cave entrance to where the miners were gathering. “Appreciate whoever you are, but your transports aren’t going to get everyone out. Not in one run, at least.” He motioned for her to follow, giving her a little grin over his shoulder as he did so. “C’mon, I was one of the last ones on this side of the cave in.”

By the time they reached the gathering area, his suspicions had been confirmed. There were still twenty or so miners waiting to get onto transports that were rapidly filling up. His eyes swept across the landing pads until landing on one of the old mining transports still sitting on a platform. “I can fly that.” He motioned to the transport while turning back to the twilek. “They let me at times. I’m a good enough pilot and I can take the extras. Plus..” He hesitated for a moment, then fully turned back to the twilek with a little shrug. “There’s another entrance on the side of the asteroid. Only guards can use it. But the cave in cut off some miners, and if they’re smart, they should be using that platform to escape.” One of his ears flicked back and forth momentarily, perhaps in fear. His voice portrayed no fear, but there was certainly worry laced in his words. “Please..there might still be survivors.”

| Kiandra Ceryss | Sybilla | Kinsa'olan |​

 

[Sybilla]

Light streamed into her eyes, a slither at a time as Sybilla finally regained consciousness. The asteroid was spinning around her, and the high-pitched sound in her ears was only just beginning to die down, but at least she could feel her heartbeat. She was alive. That was enough.

“Uuuurgh... Kriff.” Sybilla groaned into the collapsed hallway, not really expecting anyone to hear. There was something warm and sticky trickling down the back of her neck, and there was a pain shooting across her shoulder that felt like hell itself had forced its way into her bones. “Can you stand?” A gruff voice rumbled through her head, making her brain rattle in her skull. “I think so…” She didn’t bother looking up to see who it was, she simply grabbed the ash stained hand that was offered out to her. “ARGH!” Syb cried out. The sound echoed down the mine, repeating itself eternally. The sharp pain in her shoulder had increased, and she was sure she had heard something crunch, but the other survivor was already heading toward the guard’s quarters. “Hallway collapsed, but I think we can make it out through here. Let’s go.”

Sybilla did her best to keep up, but navigating the hallway now wasn’t an easy task. Dust and debris were scattered everywhere. Large chunks of rock, sheet metal and sharp shrapnel littered the floor, till it was impossible to tell that it had once been clean and level. Fortunately, it was only a few feet to the guard’s quarters, and by the time they had reached the door, others had joined them. It took a few minutes for some of the less injured miners to clear the doorway, enough for them to wedge it open with a shoulder, but when they finally did Sybilla felt her heart flutter. This was a chance to escape. Not just from the building that was crumbling down around them, but from the life of a miner. The life of a slave. “Hurry! They’re coming!” Snapping her head to the mines behind, a lump formed in Sybilla’s throat.

Some of the guards had survived, and they were heading straight for the miners.

There was a rush, a panic to squeeze through the partially open door as quickly as humanly possible. They were forced to do it one by one, but she finally made it out to the other side. The sound of ten panicked feet filled the room as they raced toward the opposite end of the quarters, where a glimmer of natural light broke through a crack in another door just ahead. “This way!” The same gruff voice that had roused her called out, motioning toward the exit. Sybilla limped her way as best she could across the room, avoiding beds that had been upturned and trunks that had slipped from their shelves, spilling their contents all over the floor. The only thing that kept her from collapsing, and the thing that forced her to focus as she stepped over every obstacle, was the thought of seeing the goofy smile on that damned Cathar’s face. The one that he saved for when something that really excited him happened.

That’s what forced her to ignore the pain that leeched every ounce of energy she should have been using to escape. That’s what made it possible for her to finally exit the guard’s chambers and into the dull atmosphere of the asteroid. The ships were just ahead, she could see their hazy outline resting on the horizon. She was just about to set off into a run, to follow the bobbing silhouettes of the other miners that escaped with her, but something stopped her. The cuff of her shirt scrunched behind her neck, and a great force yanked her aggressively back into the shadow of the guard’s quarters.

“NO! WAIT!” Sybilla cried as the armoured hand snaked around her wrist and pulled her forcefully out of the door again and in the opposite direction of the escaping ships. Nobody heard. Nobody stopped. Not even the man who had helped her up back in the hallway. Just ahead, disappearing over the edge of the dimpled asteroid surface, she could make out a trail of ship fuel streaming off into the sky. “GET OFF!” She struck the arm that kept a tight grip on her, but with the pain that seared through it all she managed to do was injure herself further. “LANX!!” There was no use calling for him now, wherever he was… he was long gone. She would be grateful for it later, that he had managed to escape, but right now all she could think about was her chance slipping further and further away with each step the guard dragged her. All she could see was that goofy smile fading in her mind's eye.

“Stop squirming you little kriff!” Something sharp hit her head, and once again the world went dark.

Lanx Velishin | Kiandra Ceryss | Kinsa'olan ​