A Bounty of Employees is Common

[Kay-Larr]

Kay sat down in the co-pilot's chair beside [member="Macoda Haberon"] and buckled herself in. Luckily she wasn't wearing a big poofy dress with a hoop skirt, otherwise it would have been an uncomfortable ride. She had planned on the possibility of going for a flight, so her dress was simple and comfortable, yet still gave that air of nobility for her.

She took notice of how Mac had to adjust to his height. Kay was grateful that her ship wasn't small. No doubt he was as well. Mac brought The Free Lady up, giving her a smooth acceleration towards Chasin City. Kay loved the feeling that G forces gave, just as she loved being wrapped up in heavy blankets. There was something comforting in it.

With her eyes to the viewport, she began pointing buildings out as their tour progressed. "If you circle the city, we can do a nice loop around. Most of the Embassies are on the outskirts. The largest is for the First Order. They have their own troops and ships coming and going....There's a Temple there for the Silvers, though it's staff is quite minimal...That big red building there is for the Red Ravens. They built us a hospital as well. We have an Embassy for the Raxis clan, which is also a Mandalorian one. And...to your left is the Embassy for the Iron Empire, followed by one for Shawken. Iridonia has one as well, which is just around the bend. The Zambrano family has a house right over there, though I believe that it's mostly abandoned. And finally the Corporate Sector has a building right....there. It'll take some getting used to, I'm sure."

She chewed the inside of her cheek a little as she glanced over to the Twin Canyons. "Care to open the throttle and get used to how The Free Lady moves? The Twin Canyons is a great spot for that."

 

[Hadrian Bjormund]

Mac circled the expansive city, gazing down at the buildings and emissaries that [member="Lady Kay"] pointed out. He internally grimaced at the mention of the Zambrano family, he tried not to let it show on his face. Mac kept the frigate a fair distance away from the building, despite it being abandoned. He was taking absolutely no chances with that. Mac tried to shift his attention away from that.

"You know I used to work with the Raxis clan. It was a Raxis that first taught me how to fly. She and I used to be great friends and partners. However it was always Ellie's dream to start a trading company of her own, so after enough raids she managed to do just that."

"Care to open the throttle and get used to how The Free Lady moves? The Twin Canyons is a great spot for that."

Mac didn't need to be told twice, he was eager to see what this baby can do. Mac accelerated very quickly, the engines thrusting the frigate towards the canyons. He could feel the g force pulling him down into his chair. He should've probably waited till they had left the city limits but he didn't really care, he was having fun.

"So now that you know some information about me, tell me about yourself."

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay caught the grimace out of the corner of her eye. Yet she was too busy pointing things out to think on it too much. Many didn't approve of the Zambranos either, and she counted herself as one falling into that category. But politics...

The Raxis clan was well known. She was with them for a time and left after they joined the Crusades. It was not something that she wanted to be a part of. Yet the colours for both Clan Raxis and Commenor's flags were the same.

[member="Macoda Haberon"] accelerated towards the canyon. She gripped the arms of the chair in anticipation, her eyes focused on what lay ahead while she spoke. "Well I have been in politics for about half my life, serving as a Senator, diplomat and negotiator. I was elected as President of Commenor. But almost a year ago I was kidnapped and tortured non-stop for four months before I was brought back here and released...I'm still recovering from it. I only tell you because you'd probably hear it from others anyways. To this day, I still don't know the purpose.....But the Elders that did rule Commenor died and by law, I was next in line to take their place. And I've been Queen ever since....I'm also recently engaged. When the wedding will take place is yet to be determined. There is still much to sort out....And I have another pilot, Bradshaw. I prefer to have more than one. You are entitled to days off and vacation, afterall."

 

[Hadrian Bjormund]

This was a lot of information to take in, Mac wasn't expecting for her to open up like that. But he supposed he was eventually going to find out most of the things she had said through gossip anyways, not that he was much of a gossip himself. Mac couldn't care less about the [member="Lady Kay"]'s political situation. He was interested in the person sitting next to him, not a Queen atop her throne. He was glad to hear that he would have breaks off, he imagined that this job could get a little boring and that the time off would allow him to pursue more....interesting lines of work that he had grown accustom to. However, what really caught Mac's attention was the kidnapping.

"Four months? I can't imagine who would do that. Why torture you though? It just seems unnecessary if they were ransoming you anyways." It wasn't Mac's intention to intrude but he was curious nonetheless. Mac regretted it as soon as he asked the question, regardless if she thought the question was intrusive, Mac didn't want her to think that he had any experience in ransoming people which he certainly did.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay had to be careful how she answered [member="Macoda Haberon"] . It wasn't as though she was going to lie to him, it was just that she was going to omit some of the truth. She didn't hold much trust in him yet, though she was giving him a chance.

Her eyes turned from the viewscreen to Mac. She didn't really feel that big when being near someone of his size. Kay certainly didn't want to risk pissing him off.

"I wasn't held for ransom. I didn't do anything to my captor or his family. I suppose that they wanted some sort of control in this region, to be the ones to pull my strings. But noone controls me. I do what I want, like always. They may have broken me for a short time, as others have tried, but I am stronger now. If they try again, it won't be so easy..."

 

[Hadrian Bjormund]

Mac had to chuckle at Lady Kay's response. He humored her, "Oh I don't doubt it, my Lady. I can tell there is some fight in you."

There was some truth to that statement. He could tell that [member="Lady Kay"] was fierce, not in the savage way that Ellie was, but determined and passionate. But while all that may be good and true, Mac seriously doubted that she alone could put up much of a fight, against him especially. One hand instinctively ventured down to touch one of his axes. Would he find out soon? Perhaps, he was still deciding what to do with her. Mac figured that maybe it would be best to practice patience. He wasn't in much of a rush and plenty of opportunities could arise to collect the bounty in the future.

The canyons were coming closer into sight now. Mac slowed down the frigate a little, both in order to take in the view and to await directions from Lady Kay.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay had to grin at that remark. It put her more at ease with him. Perhaps he'd do well as her pilot. He was easier to get along with than Bradshaw. But that could be due to other reasons.

[member="Macoda Haberon"] then touched his axe. She raised a brow slightly. Did she say something that she said reminded him of one of his own experiences? It triggered something, at least. Should she be worried? It wasn't as though she was alone.

She looked to the Twin Canyons, noting how Mac slowed the vessel down. "These canyons, along with the ones on Brelor were used to train Starfighter pilots. So go on in and let's see how well you can fly. I have to know that you can get us out of a tight spot if we are attacked." She sat back in her chair and prepared herself for a thrill ride.

 

[Hadrian Bjormund]

Fly in the canyons??

He was hesitant at first, it had been a while since Mac had piloted anything larger than a swoop bike but that wasn't about to stop him, not after he got this far. He was a karking pirate, a marauder of the Hydian way, he had years of experience in space travel. Mac exhaled.

Phew ok you got this.

Mac didn't fly directly into the canyons, instead, he gained altitude at a steady rate until he was well into the atmosphere. He could sense [member="Lady Kay"] about to question his obedience but Mac closed his eyes, preparing himself in meditation.

Inhale. Exhale.

Suddenly, his eyes flicked open and he let himself show a large smile as he dive bombed to the ground. He accelerated the frigate even further on its downward descent to the point where he almost felt weightless in his chair. Mac couldn't help but laugh, clearly enjoying himself. After busting through a cloud, he saw that the canyon ground was quickly closing in and at the last moment, pulled back on the controls steadying out the frigate. He felt as if he weighed tons, the g force was immense and so was his speed as he shot into the canyon. His heart was pumping and his laugh boomed. Mac was practically bouncing in his seat as he hit the accelerator.

 

[Kay-Larr]

They were going up? What was [member="Macoda Haberon"] doing? Her eyes widened slightly as they flew higher and higher into the air. Was this an intended kidnapping? More than likely her guard had already belted himself in. Given the sudden changes of movement, getting to the cockpit wasn't going to be easy.

His eyes were closed. "What are you--" His eyes popped open and he grinned, a split second before he changed course and they plummeted to the ground. Kay gripped her armrests even tighter as they fell downwards, only to level off.

Her grip eased a little as her breath came back to her. "Well, someone's taking to the controls very well...

 

[Hadrian Bjormund]

"Ah come on, when is the last time you've had some fun?" Mac said with a grin. He didn't wait for a response, instead hitting the accelerator which lurched him back into his seat. The YT-1300 flew in the canyon, the rocky sides whipping past the frigate as the ship sped along. Mac focused in on a fork in the canyon that was quickly approaching the frigate, he swung the Free Lady to the left fork but scrapped the hull along side the canyon wall. It was nature's reminder that Mac may have overestimated his abilities somewhat. Mac cringed at the scrap, not wanting to see [member="Lady Kay"]'s disapproving look.

Alright alright I get it.

He lowered the speed only slightly as he began to weave in and out of bends in the canyon. Here the canyon was much narrower, Mac couldn't help but notice Lady Kay gripping the arm rest besides him. Mac increased the speed just a little as the canyon straightened back out again. The walls slowly closing in on the frigate.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smirked at his comment. Now she knew how others felt when she scared them out of their wits during speederbike rides through the same canyons. Karma...

She winced as The Free Lady scraped along the side of the canyon, causing her to give [member="Macoda Haberon"] quite the look. It wasn't one of disapproval, but more of a 'that was close' one.

"Take her out to the ocean now. Full throttle..."

 

[Hadrian Bjormund]

Mac didn't have the faintest idea on where the ocean is but for now, the canyon only lead in one direction so that was the direction he followed. Still, he had more concerning matters as the canyon walls were dangerously close to the frigate. As Mac rounded another bend in the canyon, the ravine suddenly closed in on the frigate.

"Woah!"

Mac barely had enough time to flip the Free Lady on her side, gliding through the narrow pass in the canyon. As soon as Mac was clear of the slit, he leveled the frigate back out. He sighed in relief. Mac continued to wind through the bends of the canyon until another fork closed in quickly. Mac quickly turned the frigate down the left path again which lead to an extremely tight bend. Mac furrowed his brows and concentrated flicked the controls right before the frigate could crash into the wall. Another scrape could be heard on the left side of the hull. Mac loudly exhaled. He seemingly had bad luck with forks.

One challenge gave way to another. As soon as Mac cleared the tight bend, Mac came face to face with a dead end.

"KARKING HELL"

Mac pulled up on the controls just in time. Miraculously, he didn't scrape the bottom of the frigate on the canyon edge but instead came out to the seaside cliffs. Mac exhaled, slowing his heart rate back down. Perhaps he needed a bit more practice. He turned to [member="Lady Kay"] with a slight smile and apologized for his language.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay winced and stiffened up as [member="Macoda Haberon"] had a series of close calls and yes, even another scrape. He clearly didn't have as much piloting experience as she thought. So focused was he on the troyble that lay ahead of them, that he forgot that he could just simply pull up and out of the canyon. They weren't in a cave afterall, the ceiling was all clear.

But he finally figured that out once he cleared the dead end. Kay let out a breath of relief and let herself relax again, a nervous sweat beading on her brow. Her commlink went off.

"Are you alright, M'Lady? You didn't try your hand at piloting, did you?"

"Yes, yes, everything is fine. We just...went exploring the canyon. And no, that wasn't me piloting."

She rolled her eyes a little before looking over to Mac. "Keep her smooth for the rest of the trip. We wouldn't want to give my staff any cause for concern. I get enough of them babysitting me as it is. Having bounties on one's head will do that." Ever since her capture, it had been difficult for her to get time to be on her own. At times that was annoying. But it's all part and parcel to being a Monarch. One always has to watch their back, especially since they had learned that she was once again on the bounty board. What was the reason this time? She hadn't a clue. But it brought none of the attention from hunters as it did in her past. For that she was thankful.

 

[Hadrian Bjormund]

Mac wasn't worried about his flying, in fact he was somewhat proud of the results. [member="Lady Kay"] wanted to see if he could get her out of a tight situation and Mac proven that he could. He hadn't forgotten that he could just fly out of the canyon at anytime, he wanted to show his skills. He doubted that any uptight cadet could pull off the maneuvers that he did. Both scrapes were just superficial too. Still, Mac could sense that Lady Kay was a little uneasy, perhaps he was too reckless this time. Mac kept the Free Lady steady on the return to the city.

"Keep her smooth for the rest of the trip. We wouldn't want to give my staff any cause for concern. I get enough of them babysitting me as it is. Having bounties on one's head will do that."

That last part peaked Mac's interest. "Anybody in particular I should watch out for?"

He looked over to Lady Kay.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay eased her grip, letting herself relax a little more when [member="Macoda Haberon"] levelled The Free Lady off. He was good and improvised. That was all that she could ask for.

To his question, she thought about it fir a moment. Was there anyone in particular? She could think of a few. But it wasn't bounties that they were after. "There are a couple of Trandoshans that would rather see me in chains than anything else. [member="Thraxis"] is a Zeltron that I have struggled against for some time. He delights in tormenting me." There were some Sith as well, but some were welcomed on Commenor, just so long as they didn't cause trouble.

 

[Hadrian Bjormund]

Mac chuckled, "It seems like you have a lot of enemies, my lady. You must get yourself in trouble a lot." Though Mac was making light of the situation, it did seem that [member="Lady Kay"] had a lot of enemies. He wondered what for. Sure she was valuable as the Queen of a trading planet but it sounded like none of her enemies really wanted credits. If Mac was going to kidnap her, he would need to have a buyer already lined up. But Mac supposed that he was getting ahead of himself. Before he would do anything, he needed to meet the Head of Security, and make sure he would be able to pull this off.

Mac smiled again, "When can I meet the man who keeps you out of trouble? This Darren guy?"

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay laughed along with him. "Rescuing slaves for a while will do that. But then I've always had this.....uncanny ability to draw trouble to me. I don't know why that is." Her brows furrowed as she thought it over. Sure the slave rescues were her fault, she knew that, but the other troubles, her capture and torture, that she never asked for. She had never even heard of the Zambranos until that time.

[member="Macoda Haberon"] 's next questions drew her out of her thoughts. "Darlyn? Oh he doesn't keep me out of trouble, he just keeps trouble away from me. You'll meet him soon enough, I imagine." [member="Darlyn Excron"] could be busy doing his rounds, or training for all she knew. Perhaps she'd look for him once they got back.

"So what did your last job entail? I love a good adventure story."

 

[Hadrian Bjormund]

"A good adventure story? My lady, my whole life has been one big adventure. It seems like I attract even more trouble than you do." Mac had to laugh at himself. His life was plagued by tragedy and it felt good to make light of his own situation. He relaxed his guard a little bit. He felt more at ease around [member="Lady Kay"]. However he had to still restrain his speech somewhat, he was fully aware of the body guard in the back of the frigate.

"After my father's death, I set out on my own to make a living any way I could. I have worked in about all the jobs you could think of. Privateer, caravaneer, escort, bodyguard, mercenary, and now pilot. Before I came here, I was helping run supplies to Mandalore after its collapse. Some pirates and looters found the rescue teams vulnerable so I was hired to guard the supplies and medical staff. Nasty stuff."

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay laughed. [member="Macoda Haberon"] attracted more trouble than she did? She found that quite hard to believe. But then again, she couldn't be the only one in the Galaxy that had that bizarre gift.

She overheard the summary of his jobs and noted his lack of details. It wasn't quite what she had in mind in regards to a tale of adventure, but that was okay. Such things would come the more that they got to spend time together on trade missions and the like.

"Well you are certainly the right man for the job. Your height alone would intimidate others and deter any untoward actions."

She looked to the viewport and saw Chasin City coming back into view, though she wasn't really looking at it. "One of my adventures was of a time when I went to Bespin to investigate a mining platform outside of Cloud City that had malfunctioned. It's where I met Darlyn. Him and some others, along with a First Order agent and Troopers, went down with me. We encountered these strange beings that killed everyone in the platform. Our team was seperated on three levels. They tried to capture one of them, a Herglic, but I stopped them just in time. We barely got out of there, most of the Troopers were killed and we had to blow up the platform to hide our escape...It was thrilling, but scary at the same time."

 

[Hadrian Bjormund]

Mac was intrigued by her story. Perhaps he himself would reveal his more exciting stories sometimes soon, but not just yet. He wasn't sure what to make of her. As Mac was listening, one part of her story especially caught his attention.

"You stopped these beings from capturing a Herglic? Mac was both impressed and shocked, he had once witnessed the strength of a drunk Herglic in a bar, the Herglic nearly collapsed the establishment in a drunken stupor. He wondered how [member="Lady Kay"] could save the Herglic when he wasn't able to save himself. "How did you manage to do that by yourself? I have witnessed the strength of Herglics before, they aren't to be trifled with." Mac had a twinge of skepticism in his voice although he did his best to hide it.

Something is not adding up with her story.