Breaking MRE's [Liberty Concord]

[HK-36]

@[member="Calico Tal'Verda"]

"Are you sure this is a good idea, sir? Clones and droids do not mix too well."
The soldier commented to HK,
"Yes, Jenkins, I realize the troubled past."
The droid commented back, slightly glancing back to the Iron Company soldier,
"I lived the past, Jenkins."
He quipped, turning back to look ahead into the hangar,
"And for your information, I fought in that war on the Republic side, I was assigned with commando squads in hunting high-priority targets."
He continued on as he kept looking straight ahead.

The droid and his two favorite veteran guards were waiting for the shuttle bringing Calico and other representatives of the Liberty Concord in one of the hangars of Abregado-Rae spaceport. HK invited Calico for a small tour of the planet and to finish their talks of their foodstuff supply deal and the petition they had idea for to help in advancement of peace throughout the Galaxy.
They were welcomed to arrive in their own ship, but they would have to send a shuttle to the planet if they had anything bigger than a tramp freighter, the spaceport's hangars couldn't house anything bigger than that.

Either way, by the droid's calculations they should be landing soon and they could get on with the business.

"You don't talk much about your history, sir."
The Guard named Jenkins commented, snapping HK out of his calculations,
"Well you lads never ask much about it."
He answered, unphased.

There was a pause in the dialog with the guard before Jenkins continued on.
"Sir, you- you do realize that I am a woman, right?"

HK turned around to look at the guard then, along with the other guard's head snapping to look at Jenkins as well,
"What?"
"What?!"
They both asked at the same time.

HK slightly shook his head, turning to look back towards the hangar,
"You need to start removing that helmet more often, or at all, Jenkins."

 

[Revenchent]

The invitation had been more than welcomed. The Iron Knight piqued Calico's curiosity. A droid with a lightsaber implied a lot of things, and while a certain Cyborg had swung the traditionally Jedi weapons against the Republic during the war, he had started as an organic. At least, that was what Calico had been told. He wasn't exactly high on the food chain back in the old days.

Things always change.

His Belbulab had been slightly modified to seat three people. It was still the slender, silver fighter cherished by many, but also slightly more bulky. It approached the hanger doors making no more noise pollution than a low hum. The vessel eased itself into the center of the hanger, and its canopy hissed open as air depressurized.

Calico was the first out, red kama swaying, in full armor. It wasn't beskar--he felt the need to wear the same kit that the men fighting for him did--but it was still designed to strike an imposing appearance. This likely held no weight with HK however. The Knight had become a good friend of the former Grand Marshal, and knew Calico for what he was.

He reached up and removed the helmet, revealing a thin beard and unkempt, curly black hair. The lines around his dark eyes crinkled as he grinned at the Knight and the rest of his party. "Ah, you came out for me lads? I apologize, I don't have the figure I used to. Not much for eye candy." Calico crossed the hanger, making no motion to whomever was still within the Belbulab.

"Galaar is on call with his man friend. He'll be a bit tardy. I'm thankful that you've received us HK." He held out a hand for the Knight to take, giving two shorts nods in greeting toward HK's underlings.

@[member="HK-36"] @[member="Galaar Tal'Verda"]

 

[HK-36]

@[member="Calico Tal'Verda"] @[member="Galaar Tal'Verda"]

HK's head perked up as the Belbulab started to lower down into the hangar. Calico came out first, clad in armor, and indeed it didn't shook the droid much, he was plenty around people wearing armor almost 24 hours a day, HK was clad in his usual ceremonial armor as well any way.

HK would give a small bow to Calico as he stepped off and removed his helmet, his two armored guards would mimic the gesture,
"We do not get that many guests on Abregado-Rae, aside from traders and space wanderers, we might as well show some hospitality when we do."
The droid would reach to shake Calico's hand, the guards gave him court nods in return, HK would motion to the entrance into the hub of the spaceport,
"We can wait for your friend inside the port, I already have a skiff transport ready for the trip. I hope you have not encountered too much trouble since our last meeting."

Leading Calico out of the hangar, they would enter the main hub, a bustling busy place, there were some vendor stands, spacers and traders trotting here and there, armored guards of the Iron Company could be visible here and there around the spaceport, and of course there were those screens on the walls, showing news broadcasts, government announcements featuring HK, and the commercials, often colorful and comedic, also often featuring HK.

This time there were images on the screens of little ropos up in the sky, floating about like clouds with horns, shooting lightning from their eyes. Then the screens showed HK, one of his hands held up, sparks danced around it and electricity arced, his words were lost among the bustle of the spaceport, sounds of people droning it out, as words "New Electroglove Model, Designed for Optimal Self-Defense, Buy Now!" appeared on the screen with the conclusion of commercial.

 

[Revenchent]

((Sorry for taking so long to post man. IRL things came up. :/ ))

Calico canted his head back to stare at the commercials featuring HK. It seemed the Iron Knight was more than a little popular with his people. Then again, for all intents and purposes, this was his planet, and he was a decent fellow. It made sense. The soldier chuckled a little to himself, and pulled his hand away from HK's grasp.

"Didn't know you were a star too, HK." He said as they made their way through the main hub. It was a bit more crowded than Calico had expected. "Just another of your talents, heh....not too much trouble. Issues here and there, but we have our lifeship up and running, so things are well along. Actually been talking about hosting a galactic Bolo-ball tournament, maybe relieve some of the tension between the major powers."

Calico gave a simple half shrug, dark eyes darting from one side of the room to the next. He was taking it all in, not that he expected any ill will from his metallic friend, but one could never be too careful when it came to an escape route.

"While the Concord's own needs are extremely important, I admit, I find the need for galactic peace a bit more...pressing." He followed obediently next to the Knight. "What were your ideas on what we should do? I'm curious."

@[member="HK-36"]

 

[HK-36]

@[member="Calico Tal'Verda"] @[member="Galaar Tal'Verda"]
((No problem, I understand ))

"It helped the locals get used to the idea of being ruled by a droid, and took their minds off of patrols on the streets."
HK commented, slightly looking back at one of the screens,
"Besides, I have nothing better to do, most of my paperwork I can get done electronically in my mind between things."
He added as he slightly tilted his head at Calico's idea for bolo-ball,

"I am a fan of the sport as well, I have witnessed many matches between the Crusaders during old Mandalorian Wars, it was often their favored passtime, we keep professional teams here on Abregado. Organizing events like that on galactic scale can be difficult, but I would be willing to help, and submit a team representing my Barony should the tournament launch."
The droid would nod as they kept waiting on Calico's friend, the portion of the hub they were wasn't as crowded, making them well visible from the many hangar doors, it would help for Galaar to spot them once he would arrive.
"And I am not entirely sure what we could do. Any power I have outside of Abregado-Rae in the Protectorate is informal right now, my rank of Colonel has been stripped for me during my absence, I do not miss it however. Currently I sell MRE's and other foodstuff and your faction has only started out, Chieftain Calico, I think we should speak with the Jedi Order first."
The droid idly glanced about the hub,
"Their Order has not had the best publicity lately, if we would present them with chance for improving their reputation I calculate they will back it, and that should give us bit more leverage."

 

[Galaar Tal'Verda]

Galaar seemingly appeared next to Calico out of no where, he wasn't in armor but in a blue mechanics jumpsuit with nothing but a pistol and a similar (to Calico) lightsaber on his belt. HK would likely note that he was a clone, his face exactly same the as Jango's beside the fact he had a goatee and a what seemed to be a claw mark running down his face.

"Boloball?" He inquired looking over at the two with a grin across his face. Calico would likely realize that he was chirpier than normal.

Next to Galaar sat a furry, saggy mess of canine that's scent made the crowd move even further around them. It was a strill, a dark grey strill. "Har'chaak, such a fun sport. Why are we talking about it?"

@[member="HK-36"] @[member="Calico Tal'Verda"]

 

[Revenchent]

"I've spoken with my people, and the majority seem to think it's a good idea. The galaxy is so focused on conflict right now, people need to see what all that fighting is for. I figure a little fun would be the perfect show for it. Perhaps we can have the Republic and the Mandalorians-- His words paused for a moment as he made a conscious effort not to insult it, for HK's sake.-- -...compete as well. It's wishful thinking, but it's a lot harder shooting people you know rather than strangers."

Calico turned partway as Galaar approached, oddly without his armor. He recognized the lightsaber instantly, and fought back the urge to grimace. A small nostalgic frown was all that managed to show. "Just discussing the tournament idea ner'vod." He forced the frown away, and gave his brother a well meaning smile, his attention shifting back to HK. "It's true, we are rather new. Your assistance is very much welcomed, and you can rest assured it'll be returned whenever you call upon us. I think we've done well for ourselves so far..."

As well as I could have hoped, anyway.

"Talking to the Jedi first makes sense. I have a few friends left in the Order. The former Grandmaster is under our protection after all, and while I'm a bit wary of the Order's...methods, talking with them to avoid galactic war is our moral obligation." He shifted the focus of his smile back to Galaar. "Don't you agree, Ga'ika...where's your plates? You look lanky. You should eat more."

[member="Galaar Tal'Verda"] [member="HK-36"]

 

[HK-36]

[member="Galaar Tal'Verda"] [member="Calico Tal'Verda"]

HK nodded to Galaar in greeting and agreeing with Calico's words,
"Indeed, I proposed for the team from Barony to join the tournament as well."
He would motion for the two clones to follow as he started to walk towards the exit of the spaceport.

Outside there were few skiffs waiting to taxi any travelers who needed transport. HK gestured towards the skiff with Iron Company's emblem on its sails, indicating it would be their transport for the day. Stepping aboard, HK would take seat on one side along with his two guards as he kept on talking.
"Speaking of my assistance and payment, I will be willing to send free shipments of foodstuff to you for three months, it will be only bare necessities, anything extra will cost you, of course, but for three months while you are making everything stable and started, starvation will not be one of your problems."
Once they were all aboard the skiff HK gave the pilot a gesture and he nodded back as the small vessel lifted off the ground, levitating above the ground they would move through the streets of Abregado. The streets didn't had that much traffic on them, surprisingly, at least not vehicular one, it seems that they were used primarily by pedestrians. It would soon become clear why as the skiff took a turn and with a splash its repulsorlifts deactivated as they entered one of the many canals of the Capital City, the skiff turning into the role of a gondola.
"I will not ask you to fight my battles in return, I cannot, I can hire you for that if it is necessary, or the Protectorate can, but I will ask you to help me protect my people."
He would lean a bit closer as he kept on talking,
"A businessman named Judah approached me once few weeks ago, he was constructing a droid with knowledge of lore, languages, and history to breach language barriers between species, I agreed to share the knowledge in my memory banks with him for favor. Should war ever reach this far into Protectorate territory, and we would not be able to defend our lands, we drafted evacuation plans to transport refugees and population who may get themselves caught in crossfire to safety while the war lasts."
He explained,
"However, that may often mean that the transport itself will come under danger, this is where I would ask you for help. Should there ever be situation the people I sworn to protect will no longer be safe on Abregado or inside the Protectorate territory, I would need you to ask as escort for the transports to make sure that they will leave, and eventually come back, safely."

As they passed the streets and buildings in the canal there wouldn't be much going on, there would be sights, such as the Governmental Headquarters seen somewhere above the houses, many bars and shops seen here and there, most of the beings living on the planet were Gados, tall and lanky, but there were just as many other species, Humans, Nautolans, even Herglics could be spotted here and there, and, of course, the armored patrols passing alongside the streets. People seemed to ignore them more or less, however, they got used to them by now and it was not like the soldiers conducted public executions in the first place, maybe an arrest here or there, but after the successful campaign of eradicating violent crime their jobs got much slower.

 

[Galaar Tal'Verda]

Galaar climbed onto the Skiff with his armored brother and the HK. "I can play as the Captain for the Concord team, after all, I'm the one that lead us to victory against Omega back in the barracks." He smirked at Calico before giving his brother a nudge to the shoulder. The strill was, of course, right behind the three.

On the skiff Galaar resigned to a contemplative silence, taking in his surrounds and everything that the 36 stated. This was one of the few cities he actually enjoyed, like Theed on Naboo or Manaan's floating disc cities. It was beautiful, rather beautiful. "You run a tight shift, kandosii." He uttered to the droid and casually patted his metal shoulder.

As for the protection deal, Galaar would weigh its risks and benefits but would otherwise stay silent until Calico asked him to. He was here to be the adviser, or atleast that was the role he wanted to take, whereas his brother could handle the diplomacy.

[member="HK-36"] [member="Calico Tal'Verda"]

 

[Revenchent]

"Of course we'd help. Your people are...mostly innocent." He grinned. "If anything goes wrong for Abregado, the Concord will send ships to escort however many people need to be moved. It's our duty as allies, and as people."

The Chieftain folded his arms over his chest, and set his weight against the railing of the Skiff. He certainly hadn't expected to be taking the scenic approach. It seemed HK wanted the men to see what exactly he was so concerned about. It looked like an average, peaceful town. The idea of someone coming down to torch the place made Calico's stomach churn. Yes, they would help if the people of this planet had need of it.

"That's very generous of you. Thank you." He muttered half-halfheartedly, utterly taken by the cityscape for a moment. He wanted this for his people. "Some of our lads hire off for mercenary work. I'll let them know that jobs from Abregado are green to go." He turned to face the metal man, head canting to the right. "And I'll inform our supply masters about the food."

The oddest of people tend to have the best hearts, droid or not.

"Yeah, sure ner'vod. You want to be Captain, you can go for it. I'm horrible at the sport.
Fun to watch though." He watched as the city drifted by, generally calm and orderly. "You really think the coming war is going to make it's way here?"

[member="HK-36"] [member="Galaar Tal'Verda"]

 

[HK-36]

[member="Galaar Tal'Verda"] [member="Calico Tal'Verda"]

HK would nod to Galaar at his comment and shoulder padding,
"Last thing I would want is for another terrorist incident, it got bit bloody when the Deathwatch visited us. They executed crew of one of the docked ships but many of them never left the hangar, Sarge was on the sniping duty, I engaged up close with a lightsaber in one hand and shatterpistol in the other. By the time RC was able to get to their shuttle he was the only one from their ground company left alive."
He would look aside at the passing houses and people, watching them, somebody would wave to them from time to time, recognizing the droid from their holo-screens or public appearances otherwise.
""Sometimes I wonder how many of the lives I have taken I should have spared. Somebody once told me that country which rises on blood will end in blood, I believe they are right. It is too late for me to take back every kill I made and every war I have taken part of, but it is not too late to avoid those in the future."
HK would look to Calico,
"Whether the war reaches here I do not know. I hope for the best, but I expect the worst. Abregado already has an extensive network of bomb-shelters, in times of peace we use them as shelters for homeless and struggling, but in long sieges and heavy bombardments, this could be not enough. I would rather be called paranoid rather than responsible for deaths of those I took oaths for."

The canals would take them out of the city to a river that connected the Capitol City to some of the smaller ones. There would be large digging operation in a plain to their left, although it didn't seemed industrial, instead of large machinery and barracks for workers there were tents and groups of beings scattered around a grid made of cables and posts that was laid on the ground.
HK would motion to it,
"We are conducting some archeological digging, the thing about Gados is that they have embraced the Galactic society so much that they have forgotten their own identity and past, I have placed aside some funds to help them recover the traces of their ancestors. Right now its just digs funded by the Barony but hopefully Protectorate will give us some grants as well and send some high-caliber researchers."
He would look back to Calico and Galaar,
"I am hoping that one day we will be able to fully reconstruct the original Gados language and written script. Further down the river we will be coming around main MRE-crafting facilities."
Droid commented as in the distance chimneys and factories started to become visible.

 

[Galaar Tal'Verda]

"I adore factories."

Galaar grinned rather jokingly at the droid as he rolled his shoulders. He liked this place, he could live here if need ever arose. HK, despite galactic propaganda he had seen against the droid was quite good aligned in the 'Force Scale' as Galaar called it (no to Force Users of course). The droid reminded him of certain Jedi. Jedi that actually worth a karking slag in the Galaxy and that was a rare trait in the time the clone had come from.

"One more thing, you said that I reminded you of good ol' Cassus. May I ask how?"

Make small talk.

[member="HK-36"] [member="Calico Tal'Verda"]

 

[Revenchent]

"Let's do our best to avoid the war all together then." He muttered almost to himself, dark eyed gaze drifting over the denizens they floated past. It was all very pleasant. "As a wise man once said, it's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. Paranoia and caution go hand in hand."

Calico grinned big and wide at HK. He took a moment to watch as they moved on by the archeological dig site. Such things had never been of much importance to him--galactic history simply seemed to repeat itself--but the site did pique Calico's interest. Perhaps he should look more into activities of that nature.

I can understand their desire to look into their race's past. Having something solid to set your beliefs on is a necessity for most beings." He paused, lips pursing. "Most. You'll have to tell us more of your stories when you have the time, HK. I'm looking forward to seeing these factories...and, this summit, so-to-speak, would the Protectorate be involved or just us? For curiosity's sake."

[member="Galaar Tal'Verda"] [member="HK-36"]

 

[HK-36]

[member="Galaar Tal'Verda"] [member="Calico Tal'Verda"]
HK would just look at Galaar when he asked how he was simmilar to Cassus,
"He was a bit of a jackass,"
The droid would quip, now patting the clone's shoulder in turn. He would turn to look in the direction of the facilities as the skiff jerked slightly, flying off of the canal and hovering above the ground once more, the facility was a bit off of the river, to avoid any chemicals or by-products contaminating the water.
"But he knew what he was doing."

"The dig sites are not only to recover the Gados history, it is also there to recover their lost identity. It would be like the Clone troopers forgetting their past and ancestors thinking of themselves as only the troopers of Republic, or the Empire, or the Confederacy nowadays, but I would be helping them to recover traces of their Mandalorian ancestry. And as to the summit, I do not know, I will ask the Lord Protector what he would think and let you know."

The two could note that the facilities had a large gatherings of windmills, groups of them arranged on the plains surrounding the plant, as well as solar panels on the buildings.
"I try to avoid calling them factories, due to negative connotations. We have been dealing with the pollution as best as we can, so far it is successful, Abregado has enough steppes for wind turbines, and it is sunny enough for solar panels to matter as well. I was working on a series of hydro-electric dams to be placed in the larger river systems, although I am a bit hesitant about that, waterways are used often here, for transport or recreation, putting dams would disrupt that. I will most likely end up with just one or two in more rural regions."
The skiff would take them about the facility so that they could have a closer look, but really it wasn't that much to have a look at, chemical synthesizing plant for making vitamins and enriching the MRE's with bacta and minerals, main governing building for shipping and receiving and all the paperwork, and a large bakery for making the MRE's themselves with plenty of nutrients and proteins packed into one brick.
"It is rather easy to not pollute in this business, due to the MRE's simple make-up everything we use gets used and recycled, the chemicals, bacta, and dough, and we make their packaging out of the local reeds and grasses, making it bio-degradable. The real challenge will come from not polluting when we will start upgrading our technology and hardware creating facilities, we will start to make gadgets and armor for the Protectorate, as well as some weapons and vehicles. During the Siege of Eriadu I have led an artillery company in a flanking maneuver against an army of Vong that fought for the Fringe, it seems it was their largest force on the planet. I was able to break them quickly with rocket bombardments, took down their tank beasts with salvos from mass drivers, my company has taken no casualties, but the Vong took many lives assaulting one of the planet's shield generators and bombarding the capitol city of the planet. I have seen their destruction before, I fought during the first Vong wars, and if they are bringing back their forces into this Galaxy I want the Protectorate to have proper armor and weapons to face them."

He nodded, it was a bit of a story and explanation to tell but it would explain why the droid would want to expand the arming business on his planet.

"So do you want to go inside the factories or move on to other sights?"
He would ask, looking to Calico and Galaar.

 

[Revenchent]

Calico huffed a hearty laugh at HK's comment. The droid had a decent sense of humor, Calico would give him that. "Seems he knows you rather well, Ga'ika."

He went silent as HK explained the uses of the waterways and the issue with usage of dams. They were all very reasonable issues, things a sensible being would be concerned with for his people. It occurred to Calico that HK was like any organic being, albeit a bit more robust and world wise.

"We're still looking for alternative ways to fuel the life ships. We're considering using solar technology as an alternative, and while we would garner enough energy when we passed by the native stars of certain systems, it would be unreliable in deep space. We're still discussing it though--the main issue is outfitting ships of that size with enough solar panels, without disrupting the way it flies. Too much drag if we ever come into atmosphere."

He canted his head back slightly and pursed his lips. The Knight was rather adamant about protecting his people, something Calico identified with. While the Chieftain possessed an almost zealous of Democracy and free choice, he understood the need to keep the state run militarized. Peaceful as a nation may be, with forces like the Sith running amok, your neutrality would never be assured.

"I figured you to be a war veteran." He motioned toward no specific part of HK's chassis. A bit of a laugh invaded his voice as he spoke. "The battle scars pull in the women. I'm sure I'd have to hold Kezzy back if she were here...let's move on. I'm curious as to see what else there is."

[member="HK-36"]

 

[Galaar Tal'Verda]

"We could use a fission reactor too, Ca'ika. They're dangerous and very possibly more explosive than a Geonosians shebs but still effective. We'd need droids or lab coats capible of operating and maintainin' the reactors, and that! That is di'kutla issue." Galaar pipped into his ideas on the power-source, personally, he was not near in favor for the solar gear. Every long-term solaar project he had ever seen done always quickly went to slag.

He turned back to HK, grinning rather proudly at his comment in his relation to the great Cassus. "I like you, I'll stop calling you clanker." It returned the droid's pat and then spoke up on his issues. "Just make everything by hand like the Mando'ade, or at least like they did back in my day. Less pollution, less gear, but far better quality, Corellia's Nine Hells I'd even help." Galaar was in no means a craftsman other than improvised knives, spears, traps, and explosives.

Looks like we go ourselves a friend.

[member="Calico Tal'Verda"] [member="HK-36"]

 

[HK-36]

[member="Galaar Tal'Verda"], [member="Calico Tal'Verda"]
((Sorry it took so long to reply to this, guys, I talked to Calico about it, not sure if you know Galaar, but I was waiting for my Leovi sub to get approved so I can put some wildlife into the post, won't be just empty plains and rivers ))

HK nodded at Calico's concerns over powering up a ship,
"Speaking of Geonosian's shebs, have you heard of solar sails? They have been proficient in making them."
He would nod,
"They are collapsible golden panels they fold out in space, the material is able to collect solar energy while using solar radiation to propel the ship in the void, providing energy as well as cutting back on travel costs. Once they do not need them, they are easily collapsed back into the ship, however, they are also easily damaged."
He would tilt his head to Calico,
"As much as I would appreciate a companion, I have never been much for romances. While I have shown favor to some beings, something which would come close to such feelings, they have either ignored me or died suddenly."
HK explained, looking aside at the memories,
"Perhaps for the better, should I ever come close to another being like that I would outlive them either way, it is not easy to watch those you consider friends to wither away through time, only thing you can really look forward to is to guide their descendants and be friends to them as well."
He nodded solemnly, turning his attention to Galaar then,

"As much as I like the idea of achieving Mandalorian quality, Gados are not so skilled in creating weapons of war, I will need to negotiate with the Mandalorians to send a tutor here to teach our craftsmen, otherwise Abregado's army is small enough that it is a realistic goal, we are outfitting only one Company after all, not the whole army of the Protectorate."

Meanwhile,
The barge they were on would take them further down the canal by the factory, whooshing noises would soon be heard as they were nearing the delta of the river, large cliffs would came to their view, hills and mountains overlooking the sea they were heading towards.

The sound of wind and water sploshing and whooshing about mixed with echoing squawking and avian shrieking, calls emanating from the cliffs. As they came closer towards the cliffs they would be able to see flocks of large creatures perched over on shelves in the rock, or on top of the large rocks themselves, squawking and clapping their beaks.
Shrieks were heard as the creatures spotted the barge, giving out a warning for the passerbys to not attempt getting closer, as well as alarming the rest of the flock. Few of the winged creatures flapped their massive wings and rose into the air, soaring they began to circle high above the barge, watching HK, Calico, and Galaar carefully from the air.

 

[Revenchent]

"Those things are damn odd looking." Calico remarked off the cuff, his head tilted up toward the avian creatures. He paid everything else half a mind--the animals had stolen away his attention.


He paused for a moment as HK's words registered in his mid. The soldier turned toward his inorganic friend, and smiled. "So that's what those are. I've seen them a few times; during the war and on occasion now." His dark eyed gaze tracked the avian animals as they circled above the barge, odd and mysterious in their own way. "Maybe we could outfit them on our larger craft..."

He went silent and let the serene sounds of the canal overtake him for a moment. It was quite peaceful indeed. "What if you could find someone as long lived as you? I'm sure there are beings out there--or perhaps share the same kind of situation?" His lips pursed, and the words that wanted to be asked were heavy on his tongue. "I don't mean to be rude but...what is that situation exactly? Are you a cyborg?"

[member="HK-36"] [member="Galaar Tal'Verda"]

 

[Galaar Tal'Verda]

"Ca'ika. I'm going to laugh when he puts you on your shebs for personal inquiry. " Galaar's grin grew wider for a moment and his own eyes finally feel upon the large avian like creature along with his strill's. Which the large creature was glaring at it, whimpering and snarling. It obviously wanted to hunt. The Clone reached down and placed a hand on the grey canine's head.

"Calico does have a point though. I'm curious, how the slag does something or someone live so long?" His brown eyes, nearly identical to Calico's, not that his brother's could be seen currently fell upon HK's vision. There

(Short post. Sorry.)

[member="Calico Tal'Verda"] [member="HK-36"]

 

[HK-36]

[member="Calico Tal'Verda"], [member="Galaar Tal'Verda"]

The droid would look up at the creatures circling them over head as well, he would point to them slightly,
"They are the Leovi, natives hunt them some time for meat, and use their feathers in trinkets. At one point they were used as mounts, for children mostly, as the Gados are too big to ride them, but getting their eggs safely is quite dangerous, and speeders are faster nowadays."
He would sit down, looking to them,
"There are Leovi big enough to allow even a fully armored men or Gados to ride them, but they are very rare, usually found around tall mountains overlooking vast forests or plains."
HK nodded.

He would lean out slightly out of the barge, looking up to the Leovi as they were moving at a leisurely pace past the cliff the creatures made their nests in.
"I am a full droid, I was born in fires of a Hutt's forge, long time ago. Well 'made' is more like it, I would not be born for a while longer back then. Hutt owed debts to Mandalorians, when the Crusades started they needed resources, so they called in the favor on him. He refused, I was taken into Mandalorian service after his death. Mandalore liked my skill, he took me in as one of his guards. After his death the Jedi took me, reprogrammed me a bit, they placed me under service of Jedi Teacher on Dantooine, there I was taught how to wield a lightsaber, a Padawan once reset my programming to its original setting, but I did not turn back to killing Jedi, I stayed with them."
HK shook his head slightly,
"I was not meant to have a mind of my own, I was not supposed to be an A.I., what I was given was a remarkable gift of adaptation. Learning on my mistakes, experiences, each battle, each duel, was to make me stronger. What they did not account for was possibility of a long life without any memory wipes."
He would look back to them,
"Over all these centuries, all this time of living without my mind being controlled I have became something different. I was given manumission by that Jedi Padawan, erasing of obedience protocols, and through time I have went through what is called self-evolution of programming. Others call it 'madness' but I was one of the lucky few."
HK looked back out of the barge,
"Few droids achieve such state of mind, even fewer do so without being created with it, most of them go mad and bent on destroying organic life instead of cooperating with it as I did."
He shook his head slightly,
"But I had adapted into a different environment, different tactic. This Universe is not one where you survive through slaughter or killing everyone in your path, it is one where you survive by making friends, having allies. Unlike many of those other droids I had friends to talk to me, to keep me company from time to time. I have watched many of them grow up, I even adopted a Jedi as my son, I trained him and taught him, and I watched him die, and I was taught what grief and death is."

He would look back to Calico,
"I am not the only droid with an advanced mind, there are many, but I may be the oldest, and my mind is much more organic one, intelligence was not forced on me, it grew on me, developed slowly through millenniums of experience. I would love to meet another droid like me, one that has seen as much as I did, and one that decided to lead a life of peace and kindness, not war."
He nodded slightly, concluding his tale.