Survival, Dark Times 3

[RobbyL9]

Blades

Oh, okay. HEAD Nurse Feelgood, it is. Blades thought back in her direction.

"Fine. I'll be fine. Just another statistic of the grand conflict to bring peace to the galaxy, rotting away in his lockup." Blades responded in a sardonic tone, shaking his head "And damn but could I really use another shirt, it's dead cold."

His vision was beginning to clear up again and he got a look at Caitin's face. She looked a bit different now that she had cleaned up and wasn't operating. "What's your name lady? There's gotta be other prisoners in this joint, what makes me so special?"

[hk47fan]

Caitlin

I sighed. This man was like a lot of other mercs in his own way; at least when it came to his mouth. "Caitlin T-" I started, but quickly stopped. I was used to using my name around people I knew well, or patients that I knew and trusted, but when dealing with strangers, and anyone that could be affiliated with Sora, I had to leave the 'Trok' part out. It was something that I'd grown used to over the years, yet I was still having trouble adjusting to it. "Just Caitlin."

After that, I decided to move on to his next question; I didn't want him to start questioning my name. "And you're a little...different. Not like other mercs that we've met. The people in that operating room were well trained, and Resistance doctors; if you killed us, I bet you the Supreme Admiral would've given you a nice amount of credits. The fact is, though, you didn't kill us, nor did you really try, aside from when you first woke up. You were carted off before we had a chance to realize who you really were."

"So," I said, deciding to throw the question back at him. "What is your name?"

[RobbyL9]

His name. That was a question Blades hated to hear more and more these days. And why it made being forced from his old life all the worse. At least back then he had reached some form of acceptance with who he was.

The words came out dry from his mouth. "Blades. Blades the Mercenary if someone ever wants to get especially bureaucratic."

"As to why I didn't kill you, I guess I just didn't see the point in it."

[hk47fan]

Caitlin

Blades? Didn't run into a name like that everyday, but he didn't push me about my name, so I'd take it. Blades the Mercenary....interesting. "Well, that's a lot better than the way most people in the Galaxy, including our government, thinks," I said, on to the reasoning that he didn't kill us. "That's why you seem a little different from the others. I know you were working for the NR, but I don't think that's a reason to leave you to rot in this cell."

[RobbyL9]

The last comment from her caused Blades to get to his feet. His solidly-build form towered as he stood. "I was raised in a different... area. Came up on a different line of thinking." he explained, leaning his back against the wall "Plus, I've had a lot of time and things just happen. I don't know how old I look to you, but I've seen enough death to last me into my next lifetime."

"And while I appreciate your sentiment... Caitlin. I don't think there's anything that can be done for it." he crossed his arms "I'm still in this iron hotel and I don't see a key on your belt."

[hk47fan]

Caitlin

"Age doesn't really matter much," I said, truthfully. So many were younger than me that had seen more than they should've. Even I had probably seen more than I should have seen. "Your experiences are what does...and I understand. As for getting you out of here, there has to be something I can do. I am one of the chief doctors here."

"However, if I did that, it would definitely take a leap of faith," I warned. I wasn't ready to trust him just because he wasn't like other mercs. "Maybe we can cut some kind of deal?"

[RobbyL9]

Now you're talking my language. Blades said, wanting to smile but remaining stoic and stone-faced to avoid giving away his intentions.

"A deal, huh? I'm all ears, kid."

[hk47fan]

Caitlin

"Well, I'm not sure what exactly I can give you," I admitted. I was only a doctor; maybe I had jumped the gun, but it was worth a shot. "But just....wait here, and maybe give some thought to working with the Resistance, at least for a little while? I know it sounds like I'm trying to convert you to our side, but don't jump to conclusions. I'm going to talk to our leaders here and see if they have any work they'd be willing to give you."

I began to turn and head for the force field. "I'll try my best," I vowed, briefly pausing and looking back at him.

[RobbyL9]

Blades shrugged. He thought that it might come to this, and honestly would it have come from anyone else he wouldn't have believed the part about not trying to convert him. But there was something different about Caitlin, some innate persuasive quality about her. Maybe there was some hope here after all.

Besides, his contract expired in less than a day now anyway. There wouldn't be anything waiting for him on the outside but another day of searching for bum contracts. Might as well try and do someone else a turn if it would help get him free in the first place.

Blades simply sighed and rolled his eyes nonchalantly "All right. In the mean time do you think you could at least tell them to flow me a shirt? It is just dead cold."

[hk47fan]

Caitlin

I smiled lightly as I started towards the force field again. "Alright, I'll let the guards know," I said. Before long, I was outside the cell again, and the guards were sealing up the force field again.

"How did it go, doctor?" the one that had let me in asked.

"Good," I told them, my smile remaining. "By the way: Get that man a shirt. That's an order."

"Um, I don't believe we take orders from y-" he started.

"You do today," I told them with a laugh. It wasn't up for argument. With that, I proceeded on, determined to get this man out of this cell, and maybe even with the Resistance.

[Rain]

Darovit

I was bored. Really bored. Although I considered myself to be pretty mature, given that my aging process had somehow took a while to reboot itself, when it came down to it I was just an average fourteen year old. Or at least that's the age that Zannah and I sensed we were. The point was that I could be just as immature as I could be wise beyond my years.

"Karrde, Aves, hurry up." I muttered to myself. Both my cousin and I were in the cockpit of the Wild Karrde waiting for the two to return. Karrde was at some meeting with the leaders of the Resistance, which I was guessing we would become a part of, Aves had left us here so he could go get some supplies what seemed like hours ago. In that time the small talk between Zannah and I had run dry. I missed Sem. She would find a way to make lazing about in a ship more exciting. Ever since we got off Tython all those years ago, I had become Sem's de facto student, whilst Zannah had become Li's. Li and I were similar and Sem and Zannah were similar, so we thought it best to mix things up a little.

"Guys I'm back."

I looked at Zannah and smiled. "Finally."

Aves put all the supplies in the cargo hold then made his way into the cockpit. "I just spoke to Karrde too. Looks like we're staying here on Bespin. The Calrissians have got us accomodation and everything."

"Sounds good." I replied, "I could get used to living in the clouds. Beats Nar Shaddaa any day!"

Kitty

"Well I'm sure we can figure it out." I answered. Hopefully this place was close. Taris looked like a place where you could get lost very easily. "Or if you want to keep a low profile I could go ask directions. I saw a hospital just west of here as we were landing, someone there is bound to know, right?"

Memah

"Anakin, shouldn't you be getting back home soon?" I asked, noting that the boy had stayed for quite some time. Longer than usual.

"Actually I told mom that I would stay here until she and everyone else arrived." He answered, "I told her you said it was OK."

I rolled my eyes. "'Course you did." I put some cash in the register and turned to face Anakin. "Guess that means I'm stuck with you for the next few hours?

"Yep!" He nodded . "I can help you out!"

I raised an eyebrow. "You think I'm going to let an eleven year old work behind the bar? Even this early in the day, I don't think so."

"You let Daron work behind the bar." Anakin stated, raising an eyebrow of his own. "Even after he blew up your oven."

I laughed. "Good point Solo, but still, no chance! Maybe in a few years, you know, when you're tall enough to actually see over the bar!" I heard a door open and looked over to see Caleb bringing in some new stock. "Tell you what though kid, you can help out Caleb that checking the stock?"

"Awesome!" The boy exclaimed, not wasting any time in running to catch up with the man.

"Oh and Anakin, make sure he doesn't take anything! He's partial to nicking the odd bottle of Tarisian ale!"

"Stealing, eh? Good thing I'm here."

I turned to see Juliet Lawson, Junior Detective of the CCPD. I laughed again. "Arrest him at your own peril. You don't want Trika on your case!"

Juliet grinner. "I think I'll pass."

"So, the usual? Coffee for you and Timm?" I asked. Timm Ossiter was the Head Detective of the CCPD, and Juliet's partner.

"No, just me today Memah. Timm's got a mountain of paperwork,. He's stuck back at HQ."

"Lucky him." I prepared the coffee and handed it to Jules.

"Thanks." She said as her comlink began to beep. "Oh, I'll be back in a sec'. I have to take this."

I nodded and moved along to the next customer. "So, what'll it be?"

"A double juri juice." The man replied. He was a gruff looking guy, his face worn and weathered, and by the looks of things he seemed to be under the influence already.

"You sure about that?" I asked. "It's pretty early." I had never seen the man before, so I was slightly wary. I was used to dealing with drunk people. I mean I did run a cantina after all! But it was only an hour or two after midday. Not exactly happy hour.

Before the man could reply, Caleb and Anakin re-appeared. "We still have a few boxes to bring in." Anakin explained. As he did I noticed the man looking his way, as if he somehow recognised him. Then again, the man was drunk. Before I could think any more on teh subject the customer grabbed a glass and threw it towards Anakin and Caleb. It hit Caleb on the shoulder and smashed, not doing much except to piss Caleb off. I wasn't sure if the man was aiming at him or at Anakin, perhaps in his drunken state he thought the man was going to harm Anakin, and that's why he threw the glass? I didn't care, I just wanted him out before a fight started.

Luckily, Juliet was way ahead of me. She pushed the customer onto the bar and cuffed his hands behind his back. "Bad move." She said as she pulled him back again. "Thanks again for the coffee Memah. I'm going to take our friend here down to the station."

As she exitted I looked at Anakin. "And that is why I don't want you working behind the bar."

Takk

I was stunned at all the group had told me. I had missed so much. Everything sounded so surreal. But I knew it would when I made the decision to go into stasis. At least I was brought out of it after thirteen years and not thirteen hundred years. That would have really messed with my head!

"Wow..." That was all I could say at first. But then I continued. "I can't believe Alsia has a kid. Hey you think he'll call me Uncle Takk? Wait, no, actually that makes me sound old."

"No one's calling anyone anything unless we get out of here." Li replied, "I wonder if team Trok are still prowling around out there like a pack of dune lizards?"

"Why don't we go find out?" Nines, the clone, answered. I still kept thinking he was Boba Fett. I mean besides the looks, the dude seemed like he couldn't wait to shoot someone. That was Fett all over!

"As much as I'd like to take a few of 'em out, it's too risky." Li responded wit ha shake of his head,

"You got any other ideas, bright eyes?" Mayko, the hot chick who accidentally released me, asked.

"I do." I interupted. "I know some things about this place that you guys don't. For example, if you'll all be so kind as to look up, you'll see a rusty gate. That'll take us out into the deserted area beyond the slums."

"Look up, huh? Never thought of that, stupidly enough." Nines admitted in a very un-Boba Fett like fashion.

"Good." Winter commented. "But we still need to get off this planet somehow."

"You guys are bound to have some friends left on this kriffing planet, right?" Mayko asked.

I was unsure if the others knew of anyone. But I did. Xandyr and Mara were still here. Or at least I assumed they were. "Actually, I know a couple. Xandyr and Mara." Hopefully they had moved into the same house they planned on moving into, an address I knew from my Dark Warrior days, which seemed like just last week! If they were living there, I wasn't sure how they would react to seeing me again, but regardless, I knew they would do their best to help the group. Hell, maybe they could even leave for Bespin with us if they wanted to.

"Let's not waste any time." Winter said, interupting my thoughts. "We should get moving. Takk, I assume you know where to find them...?."

[Revan Jast]

Caleb

"What the hell was that for?" the Mandalorian asked, cursing under his breath. He shot a look at the kid nearby and shut up. "Don't repeat anything I say, got that?"

The boy nodded.

Just as Caleb was picking up a rag to wipe the ale off his clothing, Dawn and his nephew walked in. And, in the traditional Taban style, Dawn was in the middle of telling a joke.

"So a cyborg walks into a bar and the bartender says, 'Sorry, but we don't serve your kind here.' The cyborg pulls out a blaster and says: 'Care to rephrase that?'"

Selas Jr. laughed as if this were the funniest thing he'd ever heard. Grinning as he spotted Caleb, he jumped up on a bar stool and spun around. "Hey Uncle, wanna hear a joke?"

"Dawn, I hope you-"

"What did the cyborg say to the woman? 'Why settle for wood when you can have steel?' I don't understand it very much, but Dawn thought it was funny!"

Caleb shook his head. "Oh Gods..."

Dawn shrugged apologetically. "Sorry. He'll get it when he's older."

Selas Jr. grabbed the nearest glass of water and began sipping it. "What're you guys up to? Is dad back yet?"

--------------

Selas

He stood and stretched his legs. "God, I'm glad that's over. I was about to die from boredom, and I don't think I could come back from that."

[Rain]

ooc: Kitty Im just gonna bot Karrde for this post

Memah

"I think he's still at that meeting with Talon Karrde." I answered the boy.. Just as I did, Talon Karrde himself entered the cantina. "Guess not. Hey there stranger, long time no see!"

Karrde looked around as he walked towards the bar. "This is a nice place. Even nicer than the place you had back on Coruscant." He said as he sat down on one of the stools, "And yeah, what's it been, thirteen years? How are things?"

"Oh, you know, the usual. Daron's blowing up machinery and Caleb is having beverages chucked at him." I laughed.

Karrde looked over at Caleb and grinned. "It's good to be back."

"You're Talon Karrde?" Anakin asked.

Karrde peered down at the boy for a moment. "Thats me. And you are?"

"I'm Anakin." The boy answered, "My dad mentionned you a few times when I was younger. He used to tell me and my brother stories of his adventures. Apparently you're a good guy but you cheat a lot at sabaac."

Karrde gave a hearty laugh. "I guess I've been known to keep a card or two hidden up my sleeve! Let me guess, your old man is Han Solo?"

Anakin nodded. "Yeah. Today is actually his birthday, but he doesn't want to celebrate it because he's forty and he says it makes him feel old. We decided to celebrate it anyways though. We're having a family meal in a few hours and then a surprise party afterwards if you want to come!"

"A surprise party for Solo, huh?" Karrde said as he stroked his beard, "Count me in!"

"Everyones meeting round back in a few hours." I explained, "When the Solos are done their meal then we're gonna spring the surprise. It should be fun. A nice distraction from this war. Oh by the way, where is Selas?"

"I think he left a few minutes after me, so he should be along shortly. Anyways, I better get back to my crew, I just popped in to say hello."

"Alright. See you around." I said as he got up and walked to the exit.

"It was nice meeting you!" Anakin shouted.

"You too kid!" Karrde replied before leaving.

"So Dawn, Selas, do you two want anything to drink while you wait?" I asked. "On the house."

[hk47fan]

Erin Smith

"Hello, hawt men!" I yelled as I walked into that cantina place, whatever it was called. I had just finished with a morning of shopping, and I couldn't wait to see all the hawt men that were at this place today. This place always had hawt men, even though sometimes, it had some really creepy old men, and ugly girls.

I walked in, smiling, and I saw Lassy's brothers, Mothma Moo, and people that were shorter than me. I always loved those people!!! "Yay, little people!!!" I screamed, running up to both of them and immediately starting to squeeze their cheeks. "Aww, they're so cute!!!!"

I continued to squeeze their faces...it felt nice. "Oh my gosh, your faces are so squishy!!! I think I'll play with them all day!"

Tina

"Oh, no, I'll go with you if you want to go over there! I wouldn't want you to go off by yourself just for me," I told her. Actually, it was probably a part of me that didn't want to be left alone in a public place like this. Keish's bounty hunters, mercs, or even his slaves could be anywhere. I really wasn't safe anymore...probably less safe than I had been in thirteen years. "If you want to go, let's go. We really shouldn't waste any time."

Miss Haltzilakas

I smiled. "I suppose I'm used to it. I've been out of an official office for thirteen years, and I still operate like a politician. Long meetings are my speciality," I told him with a light smile. "I suppose you know that by now, though. Thankfully, though, I don't think Talon Karrde is a man for long, boring talks. He seems to be ready to help."

I sighed softly. "I'm glad. We don't have many other options; there's no way we could've gotten any of our own people onto Coruscant, and Kurt could've tried something, but that may be too much of a risk at this point."

[Revan Jast]

Selas Jr.

"Ugh, go away Erin!" he said, annoyed.

Dawn reached over and picked Erin up by the back of her shirt. "I have always wanted to terminate you," he said. "Your asthetically pleasing body is sadly undermined by your dimwitted brain. Permission to kill her, please."

Caleb put a hand up. "It's probably not best if you do that, Dawn. Just hope and pray that one of Sora's soldiers gets her one day."

The cyborg grumbled and put the squirming Erin back down.

"This water is good enough for me, Miss Meemah," he said to the twi'lek, smiling. "Thanks anyways."

-----------

Selas

He nodded. "Things may be so far gone that not even our extremely intelligent mercenary friend can do anything now." He stroked his beard again. "Perhaps extremely intelligent is not correct... perhaps hardcore killing machine is better. Either way, I am starving and the cantina is not far away. Shall we have lunch, Miss H?"