The Nameless Ship- [Open! Join!]

[RC 212]

Somewhere in Space
Completely Lost


The Battle still played fresh in Hala's mind. She'd watched her beloved ship succumb to blast after blast of missiles and kinetic projectiles. It'd been shorn to shreds, and blown to bits all in the space of a few hours. What had been a raid turned rescue was a dramatic and horrible outcome. Most of her crew were marooned or dead, and she herself had only just survived.

It left a bitter taste in her mouth. Not as bitter as the prospect of having to travel months cramped into a tiny little Scout Fighter though. which up until this point where her story begins, is what had been happening.

Hala adjusted her altitude as her target came into view. From far her bloodshot brown eyes scanned the horizon, picking out a planet in the distance. Or so she hoped.

It'd been three weeks travelling at sublight. she had a superstructure frame, and a hull, and a cockpit with an engine. But that as about it. Life support, weapons, shields, all that was gone. Some of it had been stripped off and sold, and some of it had just never been installed.

She'd been lucky to even make it this far. As her beloved vessel was being blown to pieces around her she'd had to emergency decompress the cargo bays, and zero-g mount her fighter. Not an easy situation at.

Her hand moved to a picture tucked into the dash. Her father and mother were on it, smiling in their dirty brown jackets. Corellia seemed so far away now. What would they think of their daughter now? Disgraced Captain, with nothing but a bucket of bolts.

She'd never been as good as her folks at fixing things. Most of the time she'd had to lie her way through family gatherings, saying she was working for this crime lord or that. Whichever who gave a kark.

All her hunger and thirst, compounded by the fact that she hadn't had a good romp in months was taking a toll. She thought she heard sensors ping, but this bucket didn't have any.

"Hmmmm."

The planet was coming closer now, something of small speck with a few bright looking pins streaking from the surface. Could they be help? Pirates?

"Frak it."

Her gloved hand hit the distress beacon, sending out an SOS signal across space for anyone close enough to hear. She wanted out of her small craft. She wanted revenge.

 

[Vinskk Revamp]

"Your Highness."

Free-Eyes looked at Vinskk, his three eyes focusing with intent on the Trandoshan. They were upon the bridge of the Black Talon, Revamp's personal slave cruiser. The crew had just gotten off some shore leave at Hypori, which was well deserved after their latest hunt at Kashyyk. Plenty of credits were made, and the King of Trandosha was pleased. Becoming royalty had done little to impede Vinskk from engaging in his hunts to please the Scorekeeper. In fact, it only made him more eager to prove himself, not only to the goddess, but to his people, who's respect was being earned, little by little.

The large Trandoshan stood up, towering over everyone at the bridge. His two bodyguards next to him shifted uneasily. They knew their King did not like to be disturbed, even by an old friend like the Gran. But Vinskk was in a pleasant mood, at least for the moment.

"What is it, Captain?"

The bridge crew stopped what they were doing and looked at Free-Eyes, waiting for the news.

"Incoming distress beacon. Not too far from our location. Should we investigate?"

The king thought for a second. Yes, the ship could make good target practice for the Black Talon's guns. But, he was curious. Who would be all alone in this part of space?

The bridge was silent as the Trandoshan pondered, a scaly talon on his chin.

"Investigate, Captain. Allow the vessel to board, after screening it, of course."

"Aye, Your Highness."

The crew went on with their work, redirecting the Black Talon to the distress beacon. It was only a matter of time before Vinskk would see for himself who the stranded sentient or sentients were. He sat back against his throne and relaxed, curious and feeling oddly...peaceful? Was he getting soft? Perhaps royalty was doing a number on the lizard.

[member="Hala Jast"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Vinskk Revamp"]

From afar she saw a vessel approach. Had she any commo gear, or even basic scanners she would've known it's name. But because her Scout Fighter was a piece of garbage, she was just going in blind. It looked like a menacing ship, and as she made a pass to get closer she could see that it was bristling with some guns on the outside.

"Kark. This might not be the best option..." She breathed out loud to herself.

Her eyes were twitching now, blinking at twice the rate to refresh her vision. No instruments could guide her, because those were gone too. She'd have to go manual, and see if they'd permit her to land. Landing as all she wanted. To land, shower and eat. Those were her three priorities in life right now.

She pushed right coming in close to the hull and flew beside it for a bit, seeing if they would fire. After no fusillades came booming out of her guns she groaned. Death might have been preferable in her current condition.

"Well, here we go!"

She pushed the yoke in the opposite direction, pushing the engines full burn. The manuver would expend her last bit of fuel, but allow her to flip her nose over and come coasting into the ships hangar bays. She would be at their mercy and for the second time since she was born she felt a lead weight descend on her gut.

She felt fear

 

[Vinskk Revamp]

"Your Majesty, the ship is set to land in our hanger. Scout fighter. Scanners show a single passenger. All attempts to hail the vessel have failed. My technical analysis would be that the power systems are shut down."

Vinskk looked at the Captain approvingly. He was glad that his former first mate was doing a fine job of running the Black Talon in his stead.

"Good man. Now, assemble a welcoming party. Escort the sentient here, to my throne. Do not take no for an answer. I want to see the creature that is entering my ship."

"Aye, my King."

Free-Eyes moved to the ship's intercom system and began barking orders. A team of 20 Trandoshan Marines, outfitted with slugthrowers and magnums, rushed to the hanger bay. The Gran wanted the sentient, whoever it was, to be in awe of the power of the Black Talon's crew and the Trandoshan military.

[member="Hala Jast"]

 

[Andy Khor]

About when he managed to enter the system Hex shut down the engines at the two minutes of entering, suddenly being stopped and floating in the space "Sir we have a problem" said the droid in the comms. Andy got to the pilot cabin in a minute, rubbin his head "You had to put a full stop in the ship after pulling out from hyperspace?" "There is a trandoshan starship in the system. The last actualization of my system thought me this"

Andy put on the helmet to link with Hex and the ship system (X) "Alright so we wait, direct the ship and then get out of the system as fast as we can?" "Yep. Oh and the ship got an SOS message from a starfighter, but it entered the Trandoshan vessel" "Well...you cant be racist and think that they are going to attack that fighter. Turn on the ship, we will tell them that we are going to pass through a corridor"

[member='Hala Jast'] [member='Vinskk Revamp']

 

[Hemmrie the Bum]

Transoceans were one of Hemmrie's least favourite alien species.

They were ugly, and rude, and not very nice, and strong, and armed with dangerous weapons, and they gave Hemmrie his black eye.

What was he supposed to have done in the situation? Their king, Fisk or something, called Hemmrie a... well, something in their language. It was most probably degrading, and that's why he said what he said.

And now he was locked in a holding cell, aboard their ship, the renowned 'Brack Tarron'. Which was a strange name for a ship, but Hemmrie didn't know any better; that's what it sounded like the Transocean people said!

Hemmrie sighed and leaned back in his cell; it was cold in here, and the intergalactic hitchhiker didn't have any more rags to put on.

Then he spotted the air conditioning duct.

Needless to say, Hemmrie made a noisy escape, and through sheer luck and Hemmrie's uncommon ability to end up in the worst places, he crawled out of another vent and ended up in the Hanger Bay, where he watched as a large, very armed group of Transoceans approach a newly docked, broken down and cruddy looking ship of sorts.

Bloody hell, he was gonna stick around to see this, and behind this safe looking crate where the Transoceans won't see him. Maybe he could get the pilot to help him escape, in one of the Transocean's own craft! Brilliant!

Hemmrie was so smart.

 

[Vinskk Revamp]

Meanwhile, while the Trandoshan Marines were awaiting the wretched scout ship's occupant to exit, the bridge of the Black Talon was abuzz with new information.

"Sir? Another ship has entered the area and is requesting passage through the corridor," one of the signals analysts exclaimed.

Free-Eyes nodded to the crewmember, acknowledging his input.

"Very well. Allow them through. Keep an eye on the shuttle, however. If it even looks remotely suspicious, blast it."

"Aye, Captain!"

Another crewmember raised his voice.

"Sir! We have a breach in one of the cells! Scanners detected an unsecure airshaft was opened."

Free-Eyes growled at this information. Vinskk hissed loudly from his throne.

"That blasted human who insulted me at Hypori. He is of no use. If he is seen, kill him."

"With pleasure, Your Majesty!"

The King turned his head to the Gran Captain, eyes squinted in anger.

"Captain! I grow impatient. Where is the blasted sentient that landed in our hanger?"

Free-Eyes silently gulped. Even as an old friend and comrade of the Trandoshan since the beginning, he knew he was still liable to the King's wrath.

"The sentient has yet to exit the vessel, my Lord."

[member="Hemmrie the Bum"] [member="Andy Khor"] [member="Hala Jast"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Andy Khor"] [member="Hemmrie the Bum"] [member="Vinskk Revamp"]

The squadron of Marines was intimidating to say the least. Her helmet tracked at least a dozen of them, all armed to the teeth. The scaly green skin under the black jumpsuits contrasted like a Mon Calamari on Tatooine. Hala grunted and popped the canopy as the her engines wound down.

The hangar was large, about the size of a small football field. Through the dull lights someone brought a ladder to her and she climbed down it, watching the squad as they formed up in ranks. The Commander or Sergeant was at the fore, with a grizzly scar that ran from forehead to eye.

Her body was so tired. On her red and black armor one could see scorch marks, like pepper on a steak. There was quite a bit of carbon scoring on the right wing of her Scout Fighter as well, where she'd taken a few rounds to the wing. Hala reached up slow and deliberate and hit the release mechanism on her helmet.

A pneumatic hiss escaped as the locking claws released and she pulled it off to reveal her face. Long brown hair, wild brown eyes and healthy dose of pale skin. Too much time in zero g had weakened her. She wouldn't be abale to fight even as she tried. With one hand she pulled both of her Slugthrower Pistols from their magnetic clamps at her chest and crouched.

Both Pistols were laid on the deck and then she rose, kicking them across the floor to the Commander.

"Greetings . I'm Hala Jast, former Freighter Pilot, marooned pilot. Thank you for the rescue. I assume I'm surrendering now?"

It wasn't the best of dialogue, but her sleep deprivation had scrambled her brain. Her eyes kept moving between the weapons, hoping the last thing she saw wasn't a flash of light and a slug blowing her brains out.

 

[Vinskk Revamp]

The Trandoshan Gunnery Sergeant sneered as the pistols were kicked across the deck towards him. The Marines around him had their weapons raised, but he raised a clawed talon up, and their slugthrowers slowly lowered down. Most of the soldiers were...disgusted, to say the least. Humans were not regarded highly by any Trandoshan, although the degree of hatred varied. The leader of the forces motioned for a subordinate to collect the weapons, and one of the smaller lizards, a recruit, rushed forward and grabbed the two pistols from the ground. The fresh recruit eyed the weapons in his hands with interest before being batted aside by his leader, who spoke in a low snarl and in surprisingly good Basic.

"A Human...do you even know what vessel you've landed upon, huntress?"

The Marines clicked in what could be interpreted as laughter. Surely she didn't. The human would probably not have entered then.

"You are aboard the Black Talon, flagship of the mighty hunter and King of Trandosha. You will conduct yourself accordingly while you stain his vessel with the soft, fleshy soles of your feet."

One of the Marines cackled out, in broken Basic,

"Or you will be sssssent out the airlock!"

The soldiers clicked again, in laughter. The Gunnery Sergeant motioned towards the Human and barked out something in their language. A pair of Trandoshans moved towards her and pulled out what seemed to be scanners of some sort. Without any explanation, they ran the detectors over her body, searching for hidden weapons or explosives. There didn't seem to be any. One of the searchers turned his scaly head and hissed this in affirmation. The leader nodded and beckoned the Human forward.

"The King wishes an audience with you, Human. Step forward and follow me. And again, watch yourself aboard his vessel. You are in sovereign Trandoshan territory now."

The Marines hooted and hissed. A motley sort, that was for certain. The Sergeant pointed towards a soldier and again barked something out in hisses and clicks. The Marine nodded and pulled out a comlink. The Gunnery Sergeant then stepped forward and beckoned towards the Human to follow him. A guard detail of two Trandoshans remained next to the Human, where they prepared to escort her to the bridge. Their journey would take them through the slave cells, which were empty, and then upstairs to the throne room and bridge.

Meanwhile, in the command center...

"Your Highness, the sentient has revealed herself. A Human female. Pilot. Battered. By the looks of it, she appears to be some sort of freelancer. She does not have the trappings of any other kingdom or government upon herself or her vessel. Would you...still care to see her?"

Revamp hissed in affirmation, his large head resting upon the talons of his right hand.

"Bring her before me. Order the Marines to scrap the vessel for parts. If she behaves herself, she may catch my generous side. If not...she will no longer need it."

Free-Eyes grinned at the not so subtle threat.

"As you will it, Your Majesty."

[member="Hala Jast"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Vinskk Revamp"]

The whole ordeal was very irritating to the young woman. Hala nodded in silence as they marched her out.

She noted the details of the vessel as they moved. Behind her she could hear the clicking and hissing of the Trandoshans, and felt an icy feeling on the back of her neck. It was like a winter wind blasting her. A few times she tripped, and quickly regained herself.

When the twin doors slid back with a hiss she was marched in behind the Commander. The troops fell in behind her, each in neat files until they reached the foor of the Throne. Hala's eyes spotted the Lizard, and she recalled what the commander had said. With her helmet tucked under her arm she gave a deep bow at the waist.

"Your Excellency, thank you for your hospitality."

It wasn't much hospitality at all in fact. She regarded the Trandoshans as barabaric, much like the Reavers that had attacked her ship and eaten some of her crew alive. She could still faintly hear the screams of her first mate as the cannibal pirates had feasted on his flesh whilst he hung on a cargo hook.

Nightmarish stuff.

"May I present myself, Hala Jast of Corellia."

She left the Captain part out. She wasn't Captain of anything any-more, and she didn't want to offend him. Who knew how Royalty acted? She had one thought echoing in her head as she watched.

Please don't eat me. Please don't eat me. Please don't eat me.

Now the ball as in his court....

 

[Vinskk Revamp]

Revamp's eyes quickly flicked over from his seat to the Human female, this Hala Jast of Corellia. She was pale, and lean, and her bloodshot brown eyes screamed of agony. He recognized the look from his time as a mercenary. They were the features that were most prominent before death. By the looks of it, if they had not picked her up when they had, she would've most likely only had a few more hours to live. A day, at maximum.

"Kneel," the Trandoshan Sergeant roared as he simultaneously kicked the back of the Human's knee, knocking her flat on his face. The bridge crew, with the notably exception of Free-Eyes, who shook his head and blinked in disapproval at the display of savagery, clicked with laughter. The King himself smirked thinly and shook his head ever so slightly.

"While I appreciate the effort, Gunnery Sergeant, that will not be necessary, now and furthermore. This Human is a guest. Do we treat guests in such a manner, Gunnery Sergeant?"

The Sergeant turned a shade of green lighter in fear.

"N-no, Your Majesty."

A hard look was thrown his way by the King of Trandosha. He clicked out in their language slowly, with emphasis,

"Do you think that we, as a people, will thrive and take our place among the galactic community if we continue such barbaric acts? The galaxy already sees us as little more than slavers and barbarians. Look at the Human. She is terrified. Trandoshans such as yourself are the reason we are hated."

With one final disapproving look, Revamp switched back to Basic. His tone was...sympathetic? Hard to say. While he had practiced Basic greatly and had become fluent in it, the nuances of the language were still an issue for him.

"You and your men are no longer needed, Gunnery Sergeant. Go perform other tasks that have been delegated upon you."

With a quick bow, the leader of the Marines left, his men behind him. It was now only the King and Free-Eyes, the Gran observing from his command center. The bridge crew was silent, looking busy, but eavesdropping all the same. Vinskk stood up from his throne and looked down upon the Human. From this point of view, he looked massive, even more so from his imposing height and the elevated base where his throne sat.

"I apologize for the actions of those beneath me. Humans are not viewed in the greatest light by my species, but I can assure you, through my diplomatic actions throughout the galaxy, I am trying to change that. I am Vinskk Revamp, King of Trandosha. I can assure you, as long as you are on my vessel and do not cause any issues, no harm shall come to you. You look famished. Come. We will have supper and perhaps you shall tell me more about how exactly you ended up in my hangar."

With a flourish of his crimson red cloak, the Trandoshan moved forward, beckoning Hala to follow him. They were going to the King's Dining Hall, a small room, considering the name, but large enough to hold several distinguished guests, if necessary. Free-Eyes, meanwhile, followed, typing on a small datapad a message to the cooks to prepare an additional meal more fit for the Human's taste.

The bridge crew stared on, and once the party had left, begin muttering to each other about the questionable actions that the King had just sanctioned.

[member="Hala Jast"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Vinskk Revamp"]


As she pushed herself up off the floor the rest of them left, which was welcome relief.

She bowed again.

"I'd be most honored your excellency."



The mention of food stirred her stomach so hard, she thought she might wretch. With the last of her strength she stood upright and nodded, following the King and his sortie of advisor’s to the dining room. It was elegant, decked out with silver plates and all manner of royal things.

Felling much like garbage in a compactor she took her seat after her was seated and placed both gloved hands on the table. Her armor was making her uncomfortable but she was loathe to remove it. Her lady parts probably smelled stronger than the food, as did the rest of her ripe unwashed body. They brought water first, which she slammed as fast as she could.

The hydration felt great andher tense muscles seemed to relax a little. Her eyes locked with the Kings as she drank, waiting for him to start the conversation.

 

[Vinskk Revamp]

Vinskk saw the Human drink the water faster than a person lost in the Dune Sea would and stared at the now empty glass. Trandoshans could survive months without water. He forgot about the fragility of the Human race. His head now turned back to her. Hala was staring right into his eyes. The King squinted lightly and clicked, being patient. Of course, he didn't expect her to know about Trandoshan formality and etiquette.

"It is considered a challenge to make eye contact with a Trandoshan. Of course, I would not have expected you to know that, so it is forgiven."

He turned his head to the Gran next to him, hissing lowly.

"Captain, ensure that the Human is given something to eat that her species prefers."

Free-Eyes blinked in approval.

"Already taken care of, Your Highness. Where are my manners, though? I am Free-Eyes, Captain of the Black Talon. Bow and tremble before me."

The duo laughed lightly. It was obviously a joke. The former Gran slicer did have his sense of humor intact, even after taking on the additional responsibilities of running the Black Talon. The Trandoshan then again turned his attention to the Human.

"What brings you aboard my vessel, Human? What are the circumstances?"

[member="Hala Jast"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Vinskk Revamp"]

Not entirely sure of what to make of the situation Hala followed the cues of the King, and moved her eyes to her plate, which was filled with a big juicy steak. She began to devour the thing like a savage, and then glanced up to meet both of their gazes, moving between the two. She cracked a small grin as the strength began to return to her limbs. In between bits of steak she spoke.

"Y'know, where I come from it's considered a sign or respect to meet the eyes of your host, or your conversational partner. It shows active listening, that your attention is focused entirely on the person with whom you are interacting."

She took another massive bite, chewed it and then swallowed.

"I was a smuggler Captain of a Freighter. My ship ran afoul of Reavers on the edge of the Rim. My crew was slaughtered alive, and the ship ripped to pieces. I managed to escaoe with my life and have been trying to get back to any civilized territory."

She took another bite, chewed swallowed then slammed some more of her drink.

"Unfortunately my Scout Fighter is hunk of crap. My intetion is to get upgrades for her and get back to Corellia, but for now I'm content doing whatever. What brings you folks out here your excellency? Why would you pick up a crappy little fighter like mine? I was lead to believe Trandoshan folk aren't mighty fond of Humanoids."

 

[Vinskk Revamp]

The Trandoshan nodded to the Human, and set down his bowl of grubs that he had been pouring into his ravenous maw.

"Human customs. So strange. We were passing through here after a hunt and some shore leave for the crew. As for your vessel, I was considering blasting it out of of space. Good target practice for the crew. But I do need to practice having mercy for the fellow beings we share the galaxy with."

A handful of grubs went into his mouth again before he swallowed and continued.

"The Trandoshans are not fond of humans. Consider your presence on here a rare exception, although I do intend to have visitors here more often...well, willing visitors, that is."

Revamp looked with slight disgust at the steak Hala was eating with gusto. Cooked meat? Kills the flavor, at least for his people.

Free-Eyes looked at how rapid the female was eating her food and spoke.

"Slow down. Your stomach won't be able to process all of that after all the time you've spent adrift."

[member="Hala Jast"]

 

[Andy Khor]

"Alright we pass safety. You see?" "Well i was wrong" "Not wrong, stay with that data. Its better to be cautios than dead" Hex directed the ship to a part close to the planet. There, the computer would search for the corridor and go to hyperspace. The Boomerang ship was functioning very good, surprising Andy in a good way

"Alright Hex, lets play a little game until we arrive into the corridor" "What game?" "Scan that vessel using the systems of the Boomerang" the droid spin his head to Andy. If it could show any feelings, Andy knew that his face would appear like a "Are you serious?"

"Are you serious?!" "Well we`ve just only been in the tour or a jungle, trying to get out of there" "...alright. You use the helmet and see if...you can manage to pass the security system in a minute" And Andy did that. In a moment the entire room was filled with a hologram and the DJ was attempting to take down the firewall. He forgot to camouflage the IP direction, but he accomplish it in less than a minute

"We won!" "We got discovered"

[member='Hala Jast'] [member='Vinskk Revamp'] [member='Vinskk Revamp']

 

[RC 212]

[member="Vinskk Revamp"] [member="Andy Khor"]

She slowed down, and set her fork down.

Her gaze drifted between the two as the King spoke of having more visitors. He was an interesting Lizard. Most of the Trandoshans weren’t at all friendly with common spacers, nor anyone outside of their race.

They must be getting desperate for something if they wanna turn over a new leaf like that.

"What kind of parts do you guys have? Do you have any extra engines or scanner systems for small craft?"

Hala took another bite, chewing slower and trying to block out her own smell.

"Also do you have showers? I'm a pretty seasoned pilot. I can fly a mission for you if you can provide me with a fresh shower, and some gear for the Scout Fighter. I'm afraid I've nothing else to offer."

An eye for an eye or a favor for a favor. It was straight out of the spacers code.

 

[Vinskk Revamp]

The Trandoshan set his now empty bowl down and beckoned for Free-Eyes to speak about the craft.

"We have parts, yes. We also have several fighters of our own. Mostly small craft, advanced scout models and a few attack variants as well. And yes, we have showers. What kind of question is that?"

The Gran's eyes rolled ever so slightly. But he continued on.

"Anyways, you say you're a seasoned pilot. What kind of craft are you comfortable flying in? And what are your credentials?"

Revamp realized what the Captain was doing. Pilots, skilled ones at that, were not very common among the Trandoshan race. But scoping out a Human pilot? One who they literally rescued from space after her vessel was destroyed? Not a promising first impression.

"Now, now, my friend. Let's not overwhelm the Human with questions. Why don't you show her to the showers? I'm sure she would like to wash off."

"The regular showers, Your Highness?"

Vinskk thought for a moment. The communal showers where all the crew bathed. She probably wouldn't get out of there alive.

"Of course not. Take her to my chambers. She may conduct personal hygiene there. Give her privacy, of course."

The Gran nodded and stood up. He beckoned to Hala to stand up as well, then bowed before the King.

"This way, Hala Jast of Corellia."

[member="Hala Jast"]

 

[RC 212]

[member="Vinskk Revamp"] [member="Andy Khor"]

When she arrived at the showers she stripped off her armor and set the plates on the bench. After scrubbing down, and scrubbing her laundry in the shower as well she stretched. The coat was still a little wet when she put it back on, but she was ok with that. she smelled clean, she was fed, watered and feeling pretty good about things.

She managed to find a bag to throw her armor in. Now she was clad in a long brown Jacket and trousers, with two empty shoulder holsters, a utility belt, and knee high brown boots. She left, returning to the Kings chamber and bowed again. As she had showered she'd been mulling his question over. What were her credentials?

Well nothing that was legit. All her life she'd been working behind the scenes. Good Smugglers never get caught. If everyone knew about you, you were screwing up.

When she arrived she bowed again and dropped her bag at the door, clasping both hands behind her back.

"You asked about my credentials. I have none to show. I was a Smuggler Captain for a number of years, worked for a few Rodian Crimebosses. But this isn't smuggling we are talking about. Or is it?"

She paused, thinking that choice of words over.

​

Chose your words carefully.​

"I can run whatever mission you desire, but my strengths are navigation and recon. You got something that need's eyes on, I can provide that. Failing that I can fly a fighter pretty well, and I can sneak stuff around pretty well."

She pasued again and then added.

"And if it pleases your Excellency, I'd like to keep my Z-95 Headhunter. All I’d request is parts, fuel, food and water in return."

 

[Vinskk Revamp]

Revamp looked over the Human from his throne. Clean, well-fed and hydrated, she actually appeared to be a competent sentient now. Alert brown eyes, no longer bloodshot, that seemed to have an attention for detail. The Trandoshan was intrigued. Perhaps Free-Eyes' judgement was better than he thought. But what was he saying? The Gran, arguably his closest friend, was an intelligent being.

Perhaps there was stock in this Hala Jast after all.

"Your vessel is being...disassembled as we speak. I fear that the ship you came in with is no longer spaceworthy, even for the best of our mechanics. Not to fear, however. I have a proposition for you."

The King rose, stepping down from his throne. He stopped just in front of Hala, hands clasped behind his back.

"Allies are hard to come by these days. Many are not willing to interact with Trandosha, even under a white banner. As a consequence, certain resources are hard to come by, even with my kingdom's wealth. I was hoping, instead of being forceful and such, we can gather these resources more...discreetly."

Free-Eyes stepped forward now, typing a quick message on his holopad before closing it and turning his full attention to the Human.

"This is where you come into play. His Majesty is currently trying to, in step with expanding diplomatic ties, create a more subtle task force. One skilled in getting into places and leaving without being detected. We have plenty of soldiers, of course. But Trandoshans...well, no offense to your people, my Lord, are not the stealthy type. We fear using Trandoshans in this faucet will result in dangerous political consequences for Trandosha. So we are currently...outsourcing. Other species with skillsets that are more suitable to tasks such as this."

The Gran blinked hard before continuing. The deal itself was at hand now.

"Myself, and by extension, the King, would like to offer you a commission in the Trandoshan Navy. You would be part of a covert task force, directly working under either myself or His Majesty, conducting tasks that require a gentle hand. The pay is excellent, you'll receive an even better ship than the one you flew in here, and I can assure you you'll receive a lot more than parts, fuel, food and water in return, as long as you remain loyal to The King and to Trandosha. I know it's a big decision and there are a lot of details that I left out that we would fill you on if you decided to join. Take some time to think about it."

"One more thing," interrupted Revamp. From the pocket of his robes the Trandoshan procured a picture. It wasn't just any picture, however. It was the one that Hala had tucked into the dash of her Headhunter. The one of her parents, smiling in their dirty brown jackets. The King held it out for Hala and spoke.

"One of the mechanics found this in the vessel. I thought it may be of sentiment to you, so I retrieved it. I assume they are your creators?"

Free-Eyes leaned in, looking at the photograph.

"They look like good people? Why don't you, instead of working for some two-bit criminals, work for a legitimate entity?"

"Why don't you give them a daughter they can be proud of?"

[member="Hala Jast"]