Coming Home.

[Duke Dyson]

Jax never liked the heat. It was one of the many things that he was pleased to leave behind when he and his brother made their escape from Tatooine many lifetimes ago. Even now coming back, he wasn't entirely sure if his preference would differ much. He had been to many worlds, his body being exposed to every temperature he could think of and Tatooine still outranked every single one of them. It was an over exaggeration of course since there had been many other humid and toxic homeworlds in his midst that he had either yet to explore or had seen. Working on his family's farm all those years ago just seemed to hit back and Jax could remember sometimes being under the scorching heat for hours to no ends trying to show his worth, not that it made a difference now.

It had actually not been made aware that Tatooine was now under the Empire's territory to Jax until just recently. The pilot hadn't kept up to date with the latest holonet news, wether it was out of fear for more bad news or that he had been occupied with other matters entierly. He had to find out from some wild banter he overheard at some bar on Ord Mantell and at first he didn't think nothing of it, losing his father and Kerk was at the tip of the iceberg and just more bad news couldn't be possible. What was worse was that Tatooine held no value to the Alliance, at least not directly and a attack would even be orchestrated since it wasn't their top priority for the time being. Though if he could, he would take the fight to them. He had seen his fare share of conflict by now with the Rogues but a one man fighter couldn't possibly invade a full fleet or better yet take out a whole infestation of them on the ground. The idea was beyond absurd.

It was a risk coming here. Something that his own judgement hadn't well thought out. Though he couldn't imagine a more negative outcome, he'd be tortured or killed on the spot. They might as well kill him then, he was only a pilot. They were already disposable as they came and it would be a couple more years before Jax could even be considered moving up the ranks. To the very least Chalmun's Catina was still intact, aside from a few unwanted guests the dimily lit tavern was still a venue for various smugglers, bounty hunters and independent pilots. Jax made sure to leave his alliance garb behind before stepping foot into town earlier. As for his face, it wasn't widely known across the galaxy so he wouldn't have a problem blending in though he'd have to watch out for locals. His boots crunched against the rubble under his soles, stepping through the archway he took in a quick scan before finding an unoccupied place at the bar that was bustling with activity.


[member="Commander Firestorm"] | [member="Reggie Faayare"] | [member="Malcom Stillwater"]

 

[Commander Firestorm]

The sound of an LAAT/i gunship resounded above [member="Jax Rhane"] as he entered the cantina, landing nearby, a man in customized white ARC trooper armor, 2 holsters containing custom DC-17 baster pistols, stepped off of the gunship which promptly sealed itself off as its passenger departed, the man headed to the Cantina that Jax was in, the man hadn't needed to worry about being recognized because he was both a clone, which would make him harder to identify, and he wore a Phase 2 ARC trooper helmet, hiding his face, not that he was even on the Empire's wanted list. He then sat in the unoccupied spot next to Jax.


[member="Malcom Stillwater"]
[member="Reggie Faayare"]

 

[Reggie Faayare]

Reggie had came back to Tatooine in order to visit his parents, and thanks to [member="Commander Firestorm"], he was able to do just that. Reggie already knew that he would need to be careful now that he was a Jedi, so he took some precautions to make sure he didn't encounter too much trouble. Reggie wasn't known throughout the galaxy, not yet at least, and his usual attire was what he wore when he was still living on Tatooine, so he didn't have to do much. Brown tunic, pants, boots, and a headband. The headband was actually a new thing that Reggie started doing, but it didn't change anything. His lightsaber was tucked safely away in a small bag that he had with him, which was slung over his shoulder. He was concealing his force sensitivity to make sure no one would pick up on him being a Jedi.

Reggie had traveled to a Cantina that the trooper said he'd be at for the time being. While he was visiting his parents, Reggie found out that a traveling merchant was willing to take him back to Kashyyyk in a few days, which would give him extended time on the planet. He would take this offer so that the commander wouldn't be waiting for him too long. As he entered the Cantina, he found the trooper sitting next to another man at the bar. He walked up to the trooper but didn't take a seat, letting the bartender know that he wasn't here to drink. He wasn't old enough to drink either, which could probably be seen by his age.

"I'm back. I wanted to inform you that I have found another transport back to Kashyyyk, so now you don't have to wait for me as I stay here for a few days."

[member="Jax Rhane"]

 

[Commander Firestorm]

"I wouldn't have had a problem staying anyway." said the man in the ARC armor, name being Alex Firestorm, to Reggie. "I don't really have anything better to do, who knows, I might even throw some of the stormtroopers on this desert planet for a loop, they could't shoot straight even at point blank range, those helmets inhibit their combat abilities more than they help."

[member="Reggie Faayare"]
[member="Jax Rhane"]
[member="Malcom Stillwater"]

 

[Malcom Stillwater]

Tucked away in a corner booth inside the seedy Chulmun's Cantina sat Malcom Stillwater. "Pleasure doing business with you." He said to the Rodian who had just slid over an envelope with a modest sum of credits towards the dark haired Corellian. Mal had just slid a cloth covered relic to the Rodian, the credits were payment for Mal's services in recovering it. The Rodian nodded, satisfied with the transaction and left Mal alone at the table.

He let out a long sigh. It was very rare when his business dealings went off without a hitch. He sank back into the little comfort that the booth could offer and looked around the bar. It was busy, but not yet packed. Across from him at the bar was a sandy haired man, but the only reason he drew Malcom's attention, was because a trooper, decked out in ARC armor walked up and stood next to him. There were no markings on the armor, but it was impossible to be inconspicuous in a seedy cantina like this with armor like that. Malcom, bowed his head in a subtle attempt to hide his face. He wasn't wanted anywhere, at least, not that he knew of. Still, Mal couldn't be too careful. If he made for the door now, he might draw suspicion. Who knows, maybe the trooper wasn't here for him. There was all kinds of scum in this bar.

Moments later, a young man walked up and joined the trooper at the bar. A conversation began, but Malcom couldn't hear anything from this distance. Mal decided to stay put and see what played out.

Reggie Faayare
Jax Rhane
Commander Firestorm

 

[Commander Firestorm]

A strange peculiarity was able to be noticed to those who concentrated enough on the man in the ARC trooper armor, the code key thermal detonator on the back of the belt of the armor had an open side to it, an opening that was completely akin to that of a lightsaber, the armor itself was just painted with custom designs, nothing really identifying, but the armor definitely wasn't that of the Galactic Empire, unless they had for some reason reverted back to Clone War era armor designs.

[member="Malcom Stillwater"]
[member="Reggie Faayare"]
[member="Jax Rhane"]

 

[Duke Dyson]

"Make it a ... Tatooine Sunset." There had always been some kind of shame for having a fond appreciation for that particular alcholic brew. It was a drink made from fermented fruits that made it sweet, not the usual flavour he was more than well used to. On the outside it didn't look like it could do much but after a few rounds he had to be wary, especially since he had to eventually fly out of here in one piece. Speaking of unwanted guests, one in particular caught his eye at first. He mistook the armored attire for a standard stormtrooper that automactically made him grow tense to be in a speaking distance but quickly eased up noticing that it took the appearance of what appeared to be a Clone.

What on earth was a clone doing in the middle of nowhere? Jax's history on the Old Republic was rather scarce but he heard the stories; of the jedi, the force, the clone wars. He wasn't a firm believer in the force but not for the reasons most people might think. In truth Jax rarely went on about his past now prefering to look ahead than to dwell publicly but when the doors were closed things were a lot different. Looking into the familar armor put his thoughts on a pedestal, most of the Clones to his knowledge were now retired, just scattered fragments of another time so the evident surprise to find one so up close was intresting to the young pilot. Keeping his head down, Jax drank his beverage in silence. Carefully eavesdropping into the conversation that was taking place right before his very ears.

[member="Reggie Faayare"] | [member="Commander Firestorm"] | [member="Malcom Stillwater"]

 

[Commander Firestorm]

Unlike what would usually be expected of a clone at this point in time, this one sounded young, not even in their twenties, though not far off. They were speaking to Reggie who was next to them, unknown to Jax, they were also a part of the GA.

[member="Jax Rhane"]
[member="Reggie Faayare"]
[member="Malcom Stillwater"]

 

[Reggie Faayare]

"While I appreciate that, you still need to go accomplish what we talked about. The sooner, the better. I'll meet back with you sooner than you know."

Reggie was talking about joining the SJO, making sure not to say too much. He could tell that people were listening in, but didn't know who exactly. There were ears and eyes everywhere, so its good to be careful. He noticed that many people were glancing every once in awhile at the trooper, curious as to what a clone was doing in a place like this.

"Have you met any new friends while you were here?"

Reggie was asking if the commander had encounter any trouble, worried that people were trying to take his friend down. For some reason, Reggie couldn't help but look at the man sitting next to the trooper. Something was off, but he didn't know what. Without realizing it, he was staring at the man, trying to figure out what drew his attention to the older man.

[member="Commander Firestorm"]
[member="Jax Rhane"]
[member="Malcom Stillwater"]

 

[Commander Firestorm]

"No, most either think I'm a stormtrooper at first glance or some bounty hunter wearing old armor, I see we are also being listened in on by someone who may be an ally here," his helmet turned slightly toward Jax, signaling to Reggie exactly who he was talking about. "Isn't that right Flight Officer."

[member="Reggie Faayare"]
[member="Jax Rhane"]
[member="Malcom Stillwater"]

 

[Malcom Stillwater]

Malcom reach down and grabbed his cup from the table and went to take a swig, only to find that it was empty. Damn! Looking around, revealed that no service droid was coming anytime soon to refill his drink. Shaking his head, he got up from his table, taking his glass as he did.

He eased his way to the bar and took up shop on the other side of the sandy haired man. When he got the bartender's eye, Mal held up his glass to gesture for a refill, then put the glass on the bartop. While he waited, he overheard the trooper address the sandy haired man as "Flight Officer."
Hmmm, this just keeps getting better. Maybe this will be my last drink for the night.

​​​Once the drink was refilled, Mal slid some credits across the bartop with a nice tip to the bartender. He caught the eye of the Flight Officer and raised his eyebrows and shrugged. Muttering quietly "Good luck with that one" as he made his way back to his table.

Reggie Faayare
Jax Rhane
Commander Firestorm

 

[Duke Dyson]

Well he was busted. Or in other terms, screwed. And while their alliegances were clear, Jax had been caught in the moment. It wasn't wise for him nor either of them to give more attention to themselves than they already had even if he was somewhat etching on the inside to become apart of whatever this was. He overall wasn't sure, but certaintly he could trust them if they were GA as they proclaimed to be.

"Don't mind me boys, just enjoying a quiet round here." He quipped with a smile as he rose his mug in a form of cheers before taking another swig of it, doing his best to appear natural and at ease.

An heavy exhale came through as he downed the beverage in one gulp, he still wasn't feeling it so he would defintley need another few to feel somewhat content. Though he had to admit, even if the ranking of Flight Officer was a downgrade it did feel nice to be acknowledged as a part of the Galactic Alliance. It meant that his name was out there and it wouldn't be long now until he became a lieutenant. In a year or two he'd be leading his own squadron, he just needed to remain intact. If a rooke however made it this long then he was already worthy enough.

[member="Commander Firestorm"] | [member="Reggie Faayare"] | [member="Malcom Stillwater"]

 

[Commander Firestorm]

He used a bit of telepathy, via the force to speak to Jax, "Don't worry, I only noticed because me and my friend here are both Jedi, and yes I am a clone. And just calling you a flight officer shouldn't jeopardize you, especially since it could mean your a pilot for just about any faction under the sun with a ranking system."

[member="Jax Rhane"]

 

[Commander Firestorm]

[member="Malcom Stillwater"]
[member="Reggie Faayare"]

 

[Reggie Faayare]

Finding out that this man was a flight officer surprised Reggie. What was someone like this doing on Tatooine out of all places? The trooper wouldn't say anything if he was with the Empire, but no one else around here would know that, so they were safe. The flight officer being here was a risk, so why come? Making eye contact with the man, he asked him the question

"If I may ask, what are you doing in a place like this? Tatooine isn't a planet people would come here just to visit."

As he asked this, he saw [member="Malcom Stillwater"] walking off to a table. He noticed the man make eye contact with [member="Jax Rhane"] and shrug. Did they know each other? Reggie didn't feel any malice or aggressive intent in the man walking back to his table, so he decided that he was friendly enough to sit with. He was curious about who the other man was as well. The corner booth seemed secluded enough to have a more private conversation.

"Why don't we all go take a seat at that corner booth over there? The one that man is walking to. It'll be easier to have a conversation over there."

This was a risky move, but Reggie being a young man full of curiosity didn't think it was in the slightest. He gestured to the booth and started walking over to it, catching up to the man.

"Hello there! do you mind if my friends and I take a seat with you? I'll buy you a drink as a token of my gratitude."

[member="Commander Firestorm"]

 

[Duke Dyson]

The jedi had been making more frequent appearances over the years but come to think of it, Jax never had an officially run in with one. Let alone two in the same venue. This was already turning into a little adventure more sooner than he realized but he wasn't entierly onboard to jump in if the moment arised, so for now he kept it casual. Deciding that he might as well join the two young men in their conversation, it was at least going somewhere and he would rather talk than to do something brooding where his previous motives were heading.

Jax decided to indulge the one known as Reggie with an answer to his question. He was merely a boy, probably around the age of eighteen that reminded him of the flightcrew on deck. "I'm from here, wanted to see for myself just how much has changed."

It sounded better in his head but saying it officially outloud was kind of pathetic. Tatooine had brought back a flood of memories rushing back, some good. Most bad. It didn't matter now, in someway coming here seemed like a personal goodbye. It was more than unlikely that he'd step foot on desert soil once again but at the least the service was still accessible. The Empire had already taken so from him but if they even dared to make this run down Cantina their property then he would more than likley be on a shootout right here and now, his handy blaster was the very least capable to take on a few rounds.

Deciding to accompany his new companions Jax noticed the man he briefly noticed earlier seated at his booth. He could have sworn he heard a comment somewhere when he was brushing past earlier but it was shrugged aside to make room for the two men who were now making room for this other stranger in their midst, the pilot did not have anything else better to do so what was there to lose?

[member="Reggie Faayare"] | [member="Commander Firestorm"] | [member="Malcom Stillwater"]

 

[Malcom Stillwater]

Moments after Mal had returned to his seat, the young man who had been chatting with the Trooper approached and asked to join Mal at his table. The Trooper and "Flight Officer" were in tow.
Mal stared at the young man for a moment, a little caught off guard. Then, collecting himself, he answered.
"Kid, I never turn down someone offering to buy me a drink. I'll take a Corellian ale." Mal gestured for the new arrivals to have a seat.

Only on Tatooine...

Mal was glad that he had another drink coming, things were turning out to be pretty interesting.


Reggie Faayare
Jax Rhane
Commander Firestorm

 

[Commander Firestorm]

The man in the ARC trooper armor, pulled off his helmet, revealing a rather young looking Jango Fett clone, no older than 19 in appearance, though his expression and the way he was composed showed he was no stranger to fighting in full scale battles, his Kama (the skirt like addition on the waist of some clone commanders and ARC troopers) had two holsters that carried Custom DC-17 Heavy Blaster Pistols, the hyper-ionized blaster bolt they fired made them highly effective against droids and cyborgs and the blasters themselves still retained that lethality against organic opponents as well, making them all around effective weapons, these ones in particular had mods to them to allow them to fire faster than normal, meaning this clone most likely had one heck of a trigger finger, on both hands.

He also carried other items in his belt and pouch on his shoulder pauldron, the armor also included additional armor plating in some area such as the torso, forearms, and lower legs.

[member="Malcom Stillwater"]
[member="Jax Rhane"]
[member="Reggie Faayare"]

 

[Reggie Faayare]

Reggie quickly orders a Corellian ale for the man and was given a little resistance since he wasn't old enough to drink. He explains that its for someone else and eventually was able to pay for the drink. Coming back to the booth, he sets the ale in front of [member="Malcom Stillwater"].

"There you go sir!"

The drink didn't cost too many credits, at least not more than what Reggie had. He didn't spend his money on much, so he had enough to spend on small things. He takes a seat and starts asking the Flight officer questions.

"To start, you said you're from here [member="Jax Rhane"]? My home is here as well, so we have something in common! Though from the sounds of it, the Empire wasn't in control when you lived on this planet?"

The Empire had been around in Tatooine for awhile before Reggie left, so he assumed that the flight officer wasn't here when they had taken over.

[member="Commander Firestorm"]

 

[Duke Dyson]

"My family used to own a ranch around these parts. The Empire for the most part wasn't a problem until I came of age." Jax spoke up with his eyes directed at Reggie who continued to bumble with his enthusastic questions.

It was made fully aware now that all eyes around the table were a witness to his own words. It wasn't that he did not like to dwell on the past to others who may have asked during his travels, people just rarely did. The very least no one in Rogue Squadron cared enough to pry so Jax just did his part for the alliance and went on with his duties as ordered. The pilot did not require human connections to get ahead, he had lost practically everyone he cared about so he was just used to being on his own for a long time. Being apart of the Galactic Alliance did provide some sort of family to fill in some of the gaps but for the most part Jax prefered to isolate himself.

[member="Reggie Faayare"] | [member="Commander Firestorm"] | [member="Malcom Stillwater"]