Indiana Arumi and the Temple of Sand

[Arumi Zy]

Solstice Void Freanne Serena Bouie Condor Nyx Listeri Dalane Coren Starchaser [member="Kira Vaal"] [member="Xavka Duquo"]



Arumi stood there beside the speeders and cargo hauler he had procured, not the best or newest but they were what was available. The enigmatic dark sider had concluded quite a large chunk of research and he had located several very important artifacts that would prove useless to most but were still priceless artifacts. The Pearl of the Greater Krayt Dragon Ush, The Bone of the Leviathan Xxuxron, A bag of Aurodium ingots, The Rib of The Kray Koldor who was slain by Revan himself. Those artifacts were part of a contract he had with a mysterious benefactor and those were the only items he concerned himself with.

He had contracted with several dozen mercenaries, researchers, slicers and general disfunctionaries. A large part from Tantoine but the rest were from what ever sources he could scrounge up. At least the outsiders he could at least half trust to not put a dagger between his ribs once they found the base, but finding it actually that was the easy part. Who knew what beasts and rogues had moved into it, ancient droids survived and other darknesses that they could not dismiss.

That is why he needed expendable troopers, because he had no doubt that he would loose quite a few on this expodition. The area they were heading to ensured some probably wouldn't survive to even reach it, they had to go through War Tooth Tribal Lands. A very violent and xenophobic sect even for Tuskens, then through the Blood Canyons and finally to the Whipping Sands, an area of desert in perpetual sand storms making it impossible to fly a freighter or star ship to it. This journey would be very, very dangerous and thus he had paid a price enough for anyone to risk it. Plus the split of treasure at the end, each one of them stood to become rich if they survived all three of the expeditions, not as rich as the Dark Sider but enough they could retire and live a life of luxury.

He grunted as he watched a pair of Jawa's bickering over how to properly stow the water in the hauler and wondered how the shop owner had ever survived with such....fascinating assistants.

" Get the cargo bloody loaded" he fumed with anger as he looked into the cargo hauler, enough room for most of the peoples excess gear. The Hauler would probably be a few hours behind them and catch them each night when they made camp and had secured the area. They had to be light so anything not immediately useful and easily man portable was there.

 

[Darth Ren Malgus]

Serena looked around memories of her time on Tatooine flooding her mind.

Moisture farms scattered about a sea of sand the air felt damp with the faint smell of a rain that would never come. The cleaning caddy was at her feet, bleach the smell so strong it was giving her a headache. She had folded the morning laundry, while the droids hovered nearby chirping endlessly. Boredom was never an option on Tatooine.

The endless sun bleached sands stretched out for miles and miles in all directions. Tatooine sun did not favor the pale. The air would only be cool for another hour and then the temperature would rise steadily three days on Tatooine and anyone can have a tan, or third degree burns. She longed to walk on the beach and stand in the bow of the tall ship.

Dark hair, handsome face, and bright eyes that hinted at the mischief he could bring. A charming roguish look that made women want to jump into his arms and take in the night skies. Where was he now?

Serena headed towards where the group would gather to start off on their expedition. She was excited

[member="Arumi Zy"] [member="Solstice Void"] [member="Freanne"] [member="Condor"] [member="Nyx"] [member="Listeri Dalane"] [member="Coren Starchaser"] [member="Kira Vaal"] [member="Xavka Duquo"]

 

[Kira Vaal]

“I prefer this one to the last you followed.” The dark voice of Threxaj came from his position behind Kira.
“Who? Raien?” She queried his words with a raised eyebrow. It was unusual for the Massassi warrior to ever say anything against his master.
“No, the tail headed weakling you called friend.” He too rolled his eyes catching Kira off guard. Each day the red skinned brute was becoming more and more human to her, his beast like nature fading in part to this often sarcastic yet no less threatening demeanour. “She was weak. This one is strong.”
Kira shrugged, following Threxaj’s stare towards the dark stranger who had recently hired them out of a small cantina deep within Nar Shaddaa under the premise she could help him excavate some form of items from around the Galaxy. Just like Raien had asked. Funny how things just seemed to be similar in a galaxy so large.
“I dunno, he seems…off.” There was definitely something about him, something curious and at times imposing, not dark like Raien had been, but definitely tainted. “He pays however, that’s what counts.”
Threxaj gave a small laugh and looked out towards the shadows cast across a featureless horizon. “If that is what gives you comfort Kira of Vaal.”
“Oh shuddup.” She poked her tongue out at the warrior who again laughed and merely folded his arms to further impose his stature behind Kira. “Plus he’s bought us to this wonderful oasis of joy…” Her own hands scanned across the same featureless horizon, “…and sand…oh yeah and sand. Plus if you’re really, really lucky you might even see…guess what? SAND!”
“It is a harsh environment, it would breed warriors of a fine stature.”
“Oh you’re just full of happy times aren’t you.” It was times like these she wished she had made C-3PX her main travelling companion, at least he wasn’t so damn serious about everything. “At least it’s not that rotting cesspool of a Huttese Moon.”
“No, it’s just a rotting cesspool of a Huttese planet.” Threxaj replied with a smirk.
“Good point.”



[member="Arumi Zy"] [member="Solstice Void"] [member="Freanne"] [member="Condor"] [member="Nyx"] [member="Listeri Dalane"] [member="Coren Starchaser"] [member="Kira Vaal"] [member="Xavka Duquo"]

 

[Freanne]

She was in her office in mos isly, when a call came in that unsal group had come in, not the usual group of ruffian smugglers, and other desirable people. As they need smugglers and ruffians, as they made up fifty percent of trade on this rock. This group was unusual, and as always she got told keep an eye on them, if they go to far, give them head piercing. She pressed a button to get her team ready, she had just been promoted to captain. She know had a company, of techno union soldiers at her side.
She called the company Desert Womprats, though technically they where two company, of the seventh armored brigade. She was in charge scout company, her duties where setting up laser sights, harassing the enemy from behind the lines. She got on her intercom, and told her men, Mount up people we got some people to investigate. Most of them when in the mess keeping cool, and began to groan when she gave the order. One said Why is always bloody us, why can't tank girls get shot at this some times.

[member="Serena Bouie"][member="Arumi Zy"][member="Kira Vaal"]

 

[Coren Starchaser]

There was work to be done. Coren knew that, and he was fine with it. He was trying to branch out a bit. It wasn’t like he had a full plate already, but there was a person making a request for assistance. And one of Coren’s skills that was always discussed but never really used lately, was his psychometry and his ability to find objects people needed. It was why he worked as a quartermaster for a few PMCs every so often.

He made it to the rendezvous spot on Tatooine. His Tachyon Rising was parked on the world, reclaiming his freighter for this mission in case the extra help was needed. He loved that fething ship and was feeling good getting aboard her again.

But now he wasn’t flying, he was here to provide assistance, navigation, item finding and… well, hoping his spot checks and search rolls were on point. He looked over at the leader of the group, figuring he could give assistance, until he felt that familiar feeling… Wren.

“When’d you get here?” He asked as he walked up to the blonde, smiling.

[member="Freanne"]
[member="Kira Vaal"]
[member="Serena Bouie"]
[member="Arumi Zy"]

 

[Condor]

Condor blinked rapidly, trying to rid his eyes of the pestering sand, the twin suns appearing brown beneath the layers of dust. The howling winds swirled around him as he slowly trekked away from where one of his buddies had dropped him off. He was carrying a relatively light load, only a few blasters of assorted sizes and stopping power. His familiar jetpack and wings were gone, stowed away aboard the ship that had just departed. It would be no use in the gale-force winds, only something else weighing him down and attempting to drag him down into the sand.

He was being paid well for the job, of course. A 10,000 credit flat fee plus a percentage of the treasure. Scavenging and treasure hunting were both activities he hadn't done before, so it would be best to stick with someone else. Most likely he'd function as a bodyguard rather than a treasure-hunter.

Up ahead, he could see a group of fellow hires, and decided that they would be a good place to start. He dragged his feet through the heavy sand, briefly looking back to see his tracks already being erased by the ever-shifting sands. Finally, he reached the group, sliding his pack off his back and taking out a ration bar, chewing it and silently watching the group, attempting to see who he should be sticking with and who he should avoid.

 

[Xevek Nekonis]

Xavka strolled calmly though the sands of Tattoine as the sand, kicked up into the air by the harsh winds which covered the desert planet, obscured the view of the town he had just left as he walked towards the group of people he could just make out, gathering at the coordinates that had been sent once he had been hired. Despite Xavka's decision to head towards an isolated planet and have some time to himself so as to relax and unwind, the job that he had found on the holonet in-flight was tempting enough that he was delaying his personal holiday. A ten thousand fee plus a percentage of the money paid from any treasure found so long as he helped in the excavation. It was the source of money he had been desperately searching for.

His open jacket whipping at his bared chest drew Xavka from his thoughts. Apart from the mentioned jacket Xavka was wearing ankle-length, loose trousers and a chain belt. On the ringer finger of his right hand, a sliver band with engraved runes shone as it caught the gaze of the double suns. His feet were as bare as his chest, apart from his heels which were covered by brown, cloth wrapped that continued up onto his ankles. Strapped to his right thigh was a pouch containing his smaller weapons and on his left hip a sword was strapped. Resting against his right hip was a satchel containing multiple bottles of water and ration bars. He may have grown up in a similar climate but no amount of money could persuade him to wander into the desert without basic resources.

A minuet later Xavka reached the group the group just behind another man. Coming to stand next to him, Xavka dropped his satchel before addressing the male human next to him who was now chewing on a ration bar. "May I know the name of one of the people I'll be working with?"

[member="Condor"] | [member="Arumi Zy"]

 

[Darth Ren Malgus]

[SIZE=12pt]The simple low tones of a voice that she had not heard now for a few months, and yet the memory of their time together burned as brightly as if it had happened yesterday.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Serena turned and smiled. “A few days ago, I have this habit of being early.” He looked no different, hard to believe he was about twenty years older than she was. There were things to tell him she walked over slowly to him extended her hand to touch his upper arm.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Coren” Serena looked to see if he wore his amulet, she kept her around her neck still learning how to use it. It was the remembrance she had of him.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]“Chaser of stars I should have known you would be here” her voice was soft, calm, with a lilting musical tone to it.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“How are you? Been diving lately?” Her blue eyes studied his face her empathy vibrated wanting to be unleashed but with a gentle push she put it to sleep until she needed it.[/SIZE]

[member="Xavka Duquo"] | [member="Condor"] | [member="Coren Starchaser"] | [member="Freanne"] | [member="Kira Vaal"] | [member="Arumi Zy"]​

 

[Arumi Zy]

[member="Serena Bouie"] [member="Xavka Duquo"] [member="Condor"] [member="Coren Starchaser"] [member="Freanne"] [member="Kira Vaal"]

OOC: RL grabbed me sorry took so long to post

A heavily armored mandalorian who had been standing talking to Arumi moved away and stood up on a box. He waved his arms a few times " Listen up, i am Quarter Master Vendum Paineel. We do not have a lot of time, we need to get your gear stowed and loaded, only what you need to survive on your speeders, everything else in the hauler. It will meet us at a camp location and follow us as we clear out the dangers." he said as Arumi made his way towards the group and took count. Far fewer specialist then he had anticipated but they would do, they were fodder for his goals in any case. Though he hoped a few proved strong enough to make it through the missions, good employees were hard to find even in a galaxy of countless trillions.

" That will do Quarter Master, meet up with the Beskar Brigade" he said as he looked at the blonde first. [member="Serena Bouie"] " Welcome aboard, I am Arumi Zy of Bralor, you can call me Arumi, Master Zy or Darth Fidelis if you must. Though that name is an ancient relic much like our quarry. " the metallic whine of his breather accenting each word with a dull echo like quality. [member="Coren Starchaser"] " i believe you heard my introduction as well. Good to have another strong practicioner of the art amongst us, i fear it will take all of our talents to get past the Beast" he said as he looked towards the rest of the assembled company. Ruffians, outlaws, renegades, killers, slicers, soldiers every kind of mercenary and talent for hire was assembled. A crew of almost fifty of the galaxies finest had been assembled and ready.

" Attention team, Alright we need to move out within the next three hours. I am going to give a quick brief, we know to expect Tuskens, were going through a bloody dangerous tribes territory. Shoot first, ask questions later because you can expect gaffi sticks doing the same to you. Secondly, we don't know what else is out there though my research indicates that the Sith Empire of yester era was conducting biological experiments out there, the little intel i have encountered on this subject speaks of one particular nasty creature that everyone was affraid of. So we need to be on guard, secondly everyone needs to fill out their next of kin receipt, if you are slain all of your profits will be going to them. And i will ensure that it makes it to them, with a bonus to help cover expenses. We won't leave anyone behind, but i expect the same from all of you.".

 

[Freanne]

[member="Arumi Zy"] [member="Serena Bouie"] [member="Xavka Duquo"] @Condor @Coren Starchaser [member="Kira Vaal"]

Her company had gathered outside, they where getting ready to head out into the dune sea. The squad snipers all had harpy sniper rifle as standard, as well as recon armour. Also a squad of twelve men had Repeaters, as it gave major fire power to bring onto the enemy. If they needed it was there, and it was always good for suppression fire as well. Why the all but the snipers had phase armour, the rest had Harbinger rifles. They got mounted in to back speeders, as they had fair trek to make yet. She had in total five platoons under her command, one was split into three squads, snipers and heavy support, and personal command staff. The other four where line infantry, and they where grumpy as they hated heading out in to the desert.

Though they did send an air speeder up a head, to see what was going on. After all they did not know what was going on yet, and intel might be wrong. So she had to ask questions first, and if she was not happy kill them all. Then bury them in desert and put few banta tracks round, so every one blamed the sand people.

 

[Darth Ren Malgus]

[SIZE=12pt]Hearing the voice of an unknown man Serena turned looking at [member="Arumi Zy"] , “I am Serena Bouie I think I like the name Arumi as the other sound rather ominous” She smiled she could hear the breather every breath accented as he filled his lungs with much needed air. The heat of the day would take anyone's breath she practiced at trying to cool her body.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She stepped back so that [member="Coren Starchaser"] could greet their benefactor for the upcoming travels. Coren the adventurer certainly he was thinking of the adventure ahead.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The briefing came quick, and direct. Raiders, she didn’t like raiders really they were harsh but the mystery about them did peak her curiosity.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She hoped not to be killed, eaten, maimed, or sun burnt on this trip to the desert world. Her blue eyes looked at the faces around them only time would tell exactly who they were, and what their inclination would be. Credits in large amounts could twist the mind.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The amulet would protect her to a degree, her skill with a light saber would only last for a while in the presence of someone more skilled. Serena knew she was a scientist with the minimum of skill to protect herself. Her own fault.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=12pt]But.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Still.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She was ready.[/SIZE]

[member="Freanne"] [member="Xavka Duquo"] [member="Condor"] [member="Kira Vaal"]

 

[Coren Starchaser]

There was something about [member="Serena Bouie"] that was just… he wasn’t sure how to quantify it. There was something though. And he smiled when she turned to look at him. She was a wonderful person, wasn’t she? When she called him out on being there, he merely shrugged. “Well, you know me.” Sort of. But she knew enough that he wasn’t going to be turning down an adventure. The amulets that they had uncovered together never left his person, around his neck, typically under his shirt. He needed to find a way to rope it into the armor he was using with the Frontiers Corps.

“Not nearly as much as I’d like.” But then Arumi was speaking, the man of the hour and reason they were all here.

“I’ll be doing what I can to help out, of course.” He grinned. Coren sometimes spoke poorly of his talents, just so that when he was needed, he’d shine. He listened to the briefing with that detached military mind that he had shown before. Maybe not to Serena but so often in his life, he had to be the soldier, the scout, the leader. As for Serena’s worry on being maimed?

Nah, he was the protective one. He’d make sure the team would get through this situation should it go south. Especially for the people he was attached to.

[member="Serena Bouie"]
[member="Freanne"]
[member="Arumi Zy"]
[member="Xavka Duquo"]
[member="Kira Vaal"]
[member="Condor"]

 

[Kira Vaal]

Next of kin? Kira looked over the contract with a raised eyebrow. Did she even have a next of kin? She glanced at Threxaj, the thought amusing her for a moment as the red skinned warrior stood there like a silent pillar. No, it was best just not to die; then there would be no need.

“You coming with the main convoy?” She asked Threxaj, he wasn’t the best in conversation but everyone else seemed stuck in their own little circles meaning Kira was doing what she did best, resisting socialising. “If you want to stay with the hauler I understand.”

“I will be alongside you at all times.” He stated with clear determination. “I will never leave my duty.”

“Oh great.” Kira rolled her eyes, it had been a good attempt at getting him away from her for at least several moments. Raien’s instructions had been pretty strict to the Messassi, yet he might not have realised how literal Threxaj took instructions. “Well you might as well make yourself useful.” Her backpack was placed at the ground next to her red companion.

“I am no pack mule.” He walked off.

“Yep.” Kira shrugged and picked the backpack up again, slinging it over her shoulder. “I’ll just carry it myself then.” Walking over to where the speeders were Kira was starting to get over the heat, she just hoped they would actually get moving soon.

[member="Serena Bouie"]
[member="Freanne"]
[member="Arumi Zy"]
[member="Xavka Duquo"]
[member="Kira Vaal"]
[member="Condor"]