Private Countdown to Space Oddity

[Andulf Nicholas Teraan]

"I guess....if you think it'll help?"

It then took a moment for Andy then reply while stealing glances at Aren while she stood close to converse with him. Seem with mixed curiosity as much wanting to familiarize himself with her given once they step out here. He had for the most part trust as much as get some bearing as to who he was dead with. The two of them talked a bit more note how she nodded seem in agreement that he too wasn't that much of a fighter. As seem had been apparent got a bit injured earlier thought thankfully was able to mend as best could. Something that thankfully had been somewhat on the mends as much tried shake off by that time

When next she pulls out something from her pack that made him slightly shy away from she then add say to which in turn replied.

"Seem your full of surprises but then again...very well"

He then leans over close to her slip the cloak hood back a bit while she applied something on him. Then motioning in thought point at him adds that he replied.

" I guess could give it try now and let me know if think can pull that off..."

At that time Andy hunched over a bit take a few tentative test steps to see if could disguise his movement to that she suggested. As she then seems to have done what bit work could do on PROXy asked what else she needed to be done of him that he replied hand her a different chip he'd pulled outside pocket.

"Not sure but guess just some fail-safe can you implant some trip program trigger his servo motor freeze up and maybe add this? Replace that we took out or something? It nothing incriminate nor special but just something random glitchy inventory log."

After which, once all was said and done having then work prepare PROXY act as a decoy he slowly made his way towards the area where smuggler passage door was paise if but for a moment pause glance back at her make sure everything was in place. Accessing the secret pannel door he then slowly walk-in taking tentative steps to lead her in. Thru the door then down a few flight steps to the tunnel entrance. As the pair then began their escape while outside the hunter on Andy tail seem to pick up a trail towards them.

Aren D'Shade

 

[Aren D'Shade]

"Your hair is now black like mine. It's not much of a change, but hopefully, it is enough to fool somebody if they only get a quick look at you."

Nodding when he said he wanted to try and hobble along, Aren felt he did a good enough job to make their escape work. Once they got out of sight of this shack, she assumed he would be able to resume his normal posture. Accepting the information Andy gave her, she implanted it on PROXY and followed him out.

With one last look back at the poor droid, Aren was going to be sad in just a few minutes. Hearing what sounded like the hovel they had just been in getting blasted to bits, she could only assume the old droid had died. Well, as much as a non-living organic could die.

"Ok...that did not go exactly as planned. Hoof it!"

Attempting to take a hold of his hand and hurry him along, her other hand clutched at her bag and its precious cargo.

Andulf Nicholas Teraan

 

[Andulf Nicholas Teraan]

At that moment as she seemingly took hold of his hand while playing along he did hobble alongside her. That he dare not look back as mixed sadness filled him with the thought of having face cost or guilt. Seeing it first hand the consequence his decision had along terms of lives and such. That despite being nothing less than a droid to some he on some level felt bad having sacrificed an old friend like PROXY that way. But then on top of that was the fact as much he wanted to do right by her that he had bluffed. That as much as what he told her so far was sort of true it was in fact not the whole truth.

But then again given their current situation as well as location Andy didn't think but argued himself that it was not right time. That perhaps once they got a good distance from here that could maybe let her in more. But for now, things had to be as they were and he had to just follow her lead survive to get out here in one piece for now.

"Yeah guess not quite as planned but so far so good....we're out there and hopefully thrown whomever it is of our track."

Aren D'Shade

 

[Aren D'Shade]

Well, at least he agreed on the plans not going as they expected. Whoever was after him...because there was no way anybody would be after her, had destroyed the shack they been in. Hopefully, the light from the explosion caused some sort of night blindness and they could escape. Not that Aren needed it, but she raised a hand to her ear and called out to one of her droids.

"Track my signature and send me coordinates on where to meet."

They kept running and within a second or two, she got a reply back. She also got other disturbing news. Red who was flying high above them had noticed a person tracking them. Since he wasn't built for combat, all he could was report.

"We got company behind us, but not far ahead is where my ship can land and pick us up."

If their follower got much closer, they might have a problem. Andy was keeping up with her and for that she was thankful.

"You can stop with the limp now. No good trying to fool them. They're onto our ruse and it just slows us down."

Andulf Nicholas Teraan

 

[Andulf Nicholas Teraan]

It was at that moment in time that from behind a lone figure cloak seem mysteriously come out the shadows. Hovering if but a moment stares straight at the charred remains of what would have been one of many rundown structured that line the street. As from the sideline, an Ithorian along with a burly Gamorean comes out with a gun to draw out one of the neighboring structures. Curse under their breath at all the heap mess charred structure left behind before turning their attention at the lone figure who barely giving them any mind. No sooner appeared to draw something out its cloak ready point at the two who ducks behind some durasteel bin nearby, And was surprise see the figure gone by the time they emerged with blaster drawn at where the figure once stood.

While in the foreground past a few blocks away two other figures then emerged to then pause momentarily while one. Aren seem preoccupied with reassessing their situation that for a brief moment Andy somewhat shrugged off the slight pain. As come down the shoot and the explosion that followed caught him off guard. Just enough that his footing slightly slip and cause him a bit of pain which one could not fault Aren to assume was his just part "the act". To which he then seems tried in earnest shrug off and shift walk bit strait again.

"...yeah figured whoever it trailed me appear be quite determined. And yes guess ruse has least lasted long it had ....so where to next?"

Aren D'Shade

 

[Aren D'Shade]

Listening to the directions given to her by both Red and EL, she kept her hold on his hand as they ran along. Luckily, Red was waterproof and the rain was not interfering with his job or causing him to short out. Flying lower, he kept sending Aren images of what he was seeing.

"Duck!"

Pulling Andulf down, they were closer to one of the buildings and under an overhang that protected them from their follower.

"Who's breakfast did you pee in?"

Sticking close to the wall, she guided them to the rear of the house. Looking up at the sky, she waited for EL to bring her ship down.

"Come on, Andy. We're almost free from this place."

Turning to glance at where Red said they had company, she reached out with the Force to feel for any technology he might have on him.

Andulf Nicholas Teraan

 

[Andulf Nicholas Teraan]

It was at that time as time progressed that hand in hand the two slowly made their way thru the path. which he surmise Aren had planned out for them to take to hopefully avoid whomever it was tailing them. At which time much his slight relief that he'd come to realize he hopefully just sprain and not broken anything during the skirmish earlier. That he then soon feel her tug sharply at his arm causing him to fall on one knee as she seems to speak. Unsure if it was meant for him or what Andy sort shrug replying.

"Alright, and well if I knew wouldn't....."

At which time tug along as they did she then adds say to which he replied as slowly got drench a bit more with the rain falling around them.

"Great, and hopefully we can get out this and ..."

But just then before he could finish his words from the back came a loud bang as somewhere behind them came a loud squeal. When a Gamorran who had the unfortunate luck or unlock to seem come upon their tail. Apparently got a bit too close for convenience was unceremoniously hit by a blaster bolt from the shadows.

Aren D'Shade

 

[Aren D'Shade]

Grunting slightly as Andy gave a vague answer to her question. Maybe once they were on her ship together and it was just the two of them, he would be more open about what exactly was happening. Blinking the rain out of her eyes, Aren could feel EL above them and flying the ship to the yard they were just about to enter.

Who was chasing them and who was protecting them? These questions lingered in her mind as she saw her ship coming down on the grass in front of them. Waiting for just a second longer, she pulled Andy with her.

The landing ramp opened up to welcome them and Red zipped in before them.

"I have a droid on board that will help repair your wound. We just need to hurry."

Unless another shot was fired in their direction, they would make in on board. Slapping the button to close the door, they were soon surrounded in almost silence as her ship took off into the rainy night.

Andulf Nicholas Teraan

 

[Andulf Nicholas Teraan]

It was then as the two were seem caught unexpectedly between the crosshair of a full-on shouting match. With blaster bolts and whatnot began wiz pas them some of which slowly began creep closer that Andy. Feeling a bit uncomfortable sharing anything further, for now, reminded me how they were sort still out in the open and easy picking. That confusion if it were not for Aren hold to lead him on between the hail of blaster bolts and rain he could have found himself hopelessly lost. As truth be told what he said earlier was no less far from the truth...that as much he thought himself capable enough that he wasn't. When it came down to work or actually working out in the field leading as his father had once had...

But just the same press for time in make their escape that he then feel a tug on his arm. That force him slightly forward into what would be a ship...her ship it seem as he barely was midway into the ramp. That as he wiped the raindrop that pooled off his eyes hear her words and he nods while making his way in. As another hail blaster came from what they were unaware of was the Gamorran thugs earlier now flank by their backup come to exact some payback to Andy hunter killing his companion earlier.

That once inside and in seem relative silence of the then speeding ship that he then in exhaustion sent Andy let out a sight relief. As fall plops himself onto the cargo bay floor. While his cloak hood now drenches fall back reveal his face and unexpectedly the necklace chain around his neck that held his signet ring embossed with their House Teraan coat of arms.

Aren D'Shade

 

[Aren D'Shade]

"SAM!!! Get in here. I need your help."

Yelling out for her medical droid, within moments, a small robot that looked similar to a spider came rushing in. Her voice echoed through the essentially empty ship. There were no other organic beings on board but Andy had no way of knowing that. He might assume there was an organic pilot on the ship but that was not the case and once his condition was assessed she would give him a tour. However, they needed to get out of their wet clothes and he needed to get repaired.

Turning to check on him, she picked up Sam and set him down closer to Andy. Finally getting a good look at him, she could tell he was accurate when he claimed he wasn't a fighter. He had a strong jawline and a necklace popped out of his shirt. A shirt that was torn and bloody.

"You need to finish taking off your cloak and shirt, please. If you want me to turn around I will. Sam needs to check out your wound and will be able to stitch you up."

As she was talking, Aren started removing some of the items she was wearing. Shoes, socks, jacket but she kept a hold of her bag.

"We can always make you more comfortable."

Considering they were still in the bay of her ship, it was a secondary thought that crossed her mind.

"Can you walk on your own or do you need help? You did good out there and kept up well with me."

Giving him a slight smile, she flipped her hair back so it would hopefully stop falling in front of her face.

Andulf Nicholas Teraan

 

[Andulf Nicholas Teraan]

It then seemed while he did his best to prop himself off the cold durasteel floor of the hangar just as the adrenaline fuel high he felt earlier. Slowly but steadily dissipated to the point he could yet again feel sear pain upon his back. Just as the telltale crimson hue bleed-thru his shirt underneath his cloak as her voice rung loud as it were clear. Call out for someone it seems? That his mind surmises as thought to himself faint curse escape his lips faintly just his eye caught sight the chain around his neck which he grabs and was about to shove back under his shirt. When feeling the cool breeze brush against his cheek that he comes to realize as well that in rush it seems his hood fell back. Revealing his face along with some faint telltale sign for the observant eye despite his slight scruff look. He definitely was no fighter or any close to one when from the sideline he then hear her words as of him to disrobe his top. As another wave of sharp pain from his back clue him in that perhaps he didn't do quite a good patch-up job he'd thought. At which time unsure if driven by the pain or confusion that was set in that with barely any hesitation he did as she'd ask. And that as he did so drench he was only lead to his bacta patch from earlier slowly come loose.

Just as he did so that it just then occurred to him that she as well had done the same discarding drench coat. Come then close to him speak with him and ask if he could or need assistance. As the stab wound on his back slowly tricked crimson red trail down his back and him using what bit he could will himself to. Tentatively tried to get back on his feet only felt slightly lightheaded fall back a bit but thankfully with one arm able to stead himself. With his outstretched arm brace himself and somewhat reveal faint hints that he did not look one bit. As someone who did or simply was a mere embassy worker he'd started earlier.

"No worry I'm fine....so umm...lead the way where need me to go?"

Aren D'Shade

 

[Aren D'Shade]

"Oh for the love of stubborn men...Ugh!"

Since Aren had no idea he was even close to nobility and she was just a simple commoner, she reached out her arms to do her best to support him. Allowing him to use his other arm to assist himself as they walked. Unless he totally pulled away and refused her help. Taking time to move him from one part of the ship to another it only took a couple of minutes to get into a more habitable location.

"Sit down and take your shirt off. This little guy is going to patch you up. His name is Sam. That is Red and the pilot is EL. They're all droids and the only organics on board are us. Andy, you can stop being so secretive and closed. I'm here to help."

Placing the small spider droid next to him, he waited until Andy had taken off his shirt before starting to crawl across his body. Aren stood with her arms crossed over her chest and watched to make sure her guest didn't try to slap the droid away or squish him thinking it was a pest of some kind. Once she was positive that wouldn't happen, she excused herself to change.

When she returned, she brought an extra towel along and a change of clothes for him. Setting them on the couch next to him, she surveyed what Sam had accomplished so far. Nodding in approval, she gave the small droid a pat and let him continue with his work.

"The pants are going to be a little long but the shirt should be fine."

Giving Andy a bit of a smile, she excused herself again and came back a few moments later with something to drink for them. Handing him the drink, she took a sip of her own and sat down on the chair next to him.

"He's almost done. Luckily, he's set up to handle field battle and you shouldn't be feeling any pain from where he's stitched you up. Of course, when the anesthesia wears off you will but we will deal with that then. All done, Sam? Go and recharge and resupply, dear. When I need you again, I'll call."

With that, the spider moved across the floor and climbed up the wall into a specially made location for him. If Andy watched, then he would notice the lights turned off on the unit as it seemed to go to sleep.

"There's a refresher down the hall on the left if you need it. If you'd rather sleep, then there's a cabin on the right. Mine is at the end. What course do you want to be set?"

Keeping that smile on her face, it turned a little mischievous.

"You don't have to worry about us being tracked or followed. Nobody will know where we are."

Andulf Nicholas Teraan

 

[Andulf Nicholas Teraan]

It was then having heard she utter out an exasperated response as Andy sort momentary snap back to present somewhat. As given his Noble and somewhat cushy lifestyle was accustomed to that in-state he was in. Andy's mind couldn't help shift between the memory of the drunken stupor he'd gotten himself back in the days. That feeling someone scoot in to help support him up register not much of a response from him other than silence as much compliance. As he feels himself being led away into some other part of the ship from the hangar bay where feels himself being propped down. Told him to have him strip out the drench cloak and shirt he mistakenly thought he'd discarded earlier but had not in the confused state. That mix of sear pain and decent blood loss ill badly patches up wound had gotten. That as he tried to keep himself sitting straight on where she'd place him with a nod and momentary hiss sight as he fumbled to get the cloak off along with his shirt or seem to try to. That somehow took with it the bacta patch kinda open his wound a bit more slightly leaving blood trail onto his back. As he did best keep up as she gave him a low down as to who or better yet what was on her ship with them. Along with hearing her call him by name that with a faint sigh came a reply back.

"...know...I asked to and your right...came here help me....and ..."

That in turn, he gave a slight nod just as he was about to speak feel the prick of the sedative make him somewhat wince a bit. Before unmindfully doing just that which was asked of him and with one last tug had the shirt off leave him there. The droid then comes into work on patching his wound as well as assessing his condition with her looking beside him. If but for a moment before leave off leave him be for a while before returning with what seems to be dry cloths. And hand him something to drink which he took a few sips off as with the sedative slowly wearing off the pain of moving his arm became more apparent. But setting the drink down his mind sort contemplate taking a few side glances at the droid as settle off the side. Along with the idea with his wound patched sitting there shirtless and still wearing the soaked pants and boots make him shiver to feel the cool air of the ship. That she then presented him with the choices. that he contemplated on briefly.

"Don't worry guess will manage for now as do appreciate much you've done for me already. And do feel bad having to drag you in all this...but I guess as much fresher sound tempting I just might opt for sleep. After maybe change of cloth as these past few days on the run have me wanting moment sleep. And maybe after we can talk...."

As he then felt so drained as much in pain slowly hobbled toward the cabin and once hear the familiar hiss of the door close behind him once inside. He then slowly began striping out of the last remaining drench cloth he had on with the boots. And began to put on then fold the edge of the pants to fit length bit more to him. Before laying on his stomach as try to avoid adding more pressure as much pain his back wound Andy then slept for now.

Aren D'Shade

 

[Aren D'Shade]

Watching as Andy made his way to the room she had ready for any guest she had, she heard the door close and then cleaned up the commons area. His shirt was ruined but the cloak could be washed and dried to be used again. The bandage was thrown away and she finished her drink before heading to her own cabin. No course had been set, so EL just kept flying around in hyperspace and went from stop to stop. Not wanting to get lost in there, she eventually brought the ship out of hyperspace and by the morning, they were orbiting around a random planet in the Galaxy. She had picked one that was uninhabited so they wouldn't have to worry about anything coming to investigate them from below.

Knowing it was about time for her human to eat food, the droid also knew just how well Aren could not cook. So before either of the organics woke up, she was in the galley cooking food. Delivering a tray to each door, the droid knocked and walked away. Taking her seat in the pilot's chair, she would wait until she was needed again. Her master could clean up her own plates.

Which Aren did after eating and wondered how Andy was doing. Figuring he needed to rest, she chose not to disturb him. Instead, she sat down on the couch and started tinkering with another broken droid. One she hoped, would become part of her collection.

Andulf Nicholas Teraan

 

[Andulf Nicholas Teraan]

It was at that time either from the lingering after-effect of meds from having his wound stitched up or the slight loss of blood from it. That as much his mind knew or hallucinate somewhat just as he hobbled down the hallway. To then feel himself plop down onto the cot inside the quarters provided him that he falls asleep. Not seem to care much about anything much as his mind reverted back to seem better days. When as having been appointed to his title and position post-haste due to some unfortunate turn events in their family.

That is how much had changed since where gone were his carefree days of being just another wealthy heir apparent. To that of being have balance duty and burden that came with it step into all this at such a critical moment. Given what was at stake knowing what bit he'd only come to realize during his time getting himself in a heap of trouble he was in. That he slept out quite a bit time that pass up until seem his fogged brain took notice of the smell food close by. That with a slight grumble of his stomach Andy seem will himself out of bed barely and find himself barely away standing onto the doorway. In what appears to be just his pants as it seems being come in and out of his medicated state and sting the wound repair earlier before retiring for the night sleep. He opted not to put on the shirt that was provided as it slightly stung just move his injured arm to even try.

Aren D'Shade

 

[Aren D'Shade]

When she heard the unfamiliar movement on her very familiar ship, she looked up as Andy made his way out of the cabin she had for any guest on her ship. Setting down the tool she had in her hand, she took off the magnifying glasses she had on and stood up.

"If you're able to come on over, Sam can give you another anesthetic for the pain and check the sutures to make sure they are still in place. Otherwise, I can come over and help. Let me at least get you the food that's been prepared for you. Are you able to move enough to eat?"

Heading in his direction, it wasn't a large ship and she was near to his side in just a few steps. Offering him a hand, arm, or shoulder if he needed help, she would motion to the couch.

Her eyes noticed that he was still shirtless but it didn't get entirely into her mind. Besides, it was normal for men to go without tops.

"How are you feeling?"

Andulf Nicholas Teraan

 

[Andulf Nicholas Teraan]

As he stood by the hallway barely just outside the room he'd been in that lookup Andy came to take notice of the voice. Just as she then came set down the item at hand and spoke to him. At which time with a slightly embarrassed sheepish grin he in turn with one arm raised to help stead himself as replied.

"...that bad huh? Guess as much hate to admit it may not be quite cut out for all this "aggressive negotiation" bit. But don't worry I'll be fine and can manage ...."

He then after regaining much of his bearing slowly made his way to sit himself down on the nearby couch. Where once seated he then feels a bit conflicted for a moment about how best to proceed. Given that as much he'd rather not want her to get any more deeply mixed in the mess he'd gotten himself in. He also hated having to keep her in the dark and basically lie to her given everything she'd done for him so far. That with a deep sigh he then spoke out.

"....I wanted to least say that appreciate you getting me out of there and know you didn't sign up for all this trouble.... that I did say was going to give an answer once we've gotten off-planet...like who's breakfast did you pee in? Is well as it stands would be that of the opposition within the Alderaanian Council who might not be too keen on the latest advise I've expressed during our last session."

Aren D'Shade

 

[Aren D'Shade]

"I've seen worse, Andy."

Remembering her first love getting shot and needing to use Sam to stitch him up too brought back painful memories. She wondered what had happened to him after they parted. At the moment, he wasn't her concern and her attention came back to her guest.

"You can manage fine...right."

Lifting an eyebrow, Aren just shook her head a little. Sam came down from his next and approached Andy. Until permission was given though, the little droid knew better than to approach unannounced.

"Take a seat and let Sam look over your wound again, please."

She had listened to what he said.

"I've never gotten into politics among...well much of anything. I made a choice several years ago and have since left that group. So whatever choice I made then, no longer applies. So as for your great houses and grand councils, I will mean nothing to them. That makes this ship probably the safest place for you...for now. At least until you are healed, recovered, and actually have a solid plan."

Setting his food down on the table, she picked up the project she had been working on and set it on a different but smaller table. Keeping nothing hidden or secret from him, she didn't mind about him knowing she liked to tinker. Some of his words finally sunk in and she looked at him slightly differently. Not with any anger or anything hostile...with maybe a bit of respect.

"From what you're saying, you're a member of a great house and part of the Alderaanian Council. What advice did you give them that caused them to attack you? Or maybe it wasn't one of the houses, but some outside party hired by them?"

Something Andy might notice is she wasn't treating him any differently. Aren did not bow or kowtow to him. On her ship, they were at least equal...but he was still her employer and it was her job to get him wherever he needed to get to safely.

"We can stay here for a few days...a week at most. I can arrange for you to contact anybody you need to but I want you repaired before we move again."

Andulf Nicholas Teraan

 

[Andulf Nicholas Teraan]

By that time Andy felt a bit at ease about her remark that for the most part. That for what it's worth seems he least didn't do as badly as he thought in her opinion. And nodded back in response back if only to reassure her he was ok and not embarrass himself in front of her any further. As he then sat down and with the droid hovering close. That he once settled down listen hear her out and in turn replied with a slight sigh. Glad to say the least she seemed didn't to mind or appear to be overly concerned or too upset if anything was said. As he somewhat expected given how doggy and secretive he'd been earlier.

" As did I myself hope to before... had been all but contented not having deal with any of it and pursue something else. But guess your right soon I've healed or recovered enough that do have to face facts ....of having seriously considered my next move or course action."

And with that having been handed some food which he graciously accepted take few bites out of. While note her seem to tinker with something nearby and hear her question replied back.

"Well, you might say that...The family that belongs to been one House that composed the core of the central council. And had close ties with the ruling family as such had been in constant strife with the other Houses since which is partly why I have my suspicion of their involvement. And as for advice that I suspect got me into this heap of trouble? Am not quite sure yet but can't shake the fact that perhaps my predicament back there was no accident. This is why I need to get those data from the droid to some secure place to get them analized.....see if they might hold some clue or leads. "

And with that, as time wore on and the two began converse that more he at least felt a bit more confident as much at ease. Especially now he didn't have to hide nor keep his identity a secret from her. Along with the fact she seem to give no indication or mind now that she knew ... as she treated him with a bit more civility. As well kept their interaction at a bit more normal level and with none of the usual awkwardness or such that he had to deal with most days. ... Something he sorely missed when he used to back then. Not one big on care about protocol as he did just simply living a normal day to day.

"That I do appreciate if we could as rather not want to be any more of a burden than have been. Plus would hope it'll give us time to work some better plan outside of just have run into whomever it was that was shooting at us back there."


Aren D'Shade

 

[Aren D'Shade]

"Right. After you're finished eating, allow Sam to check out the stitches he gave you, and then we can talk more business. The information from PROXY is safe. Unless you somehow lost it while we were running. If that happened, then well...we're out of luck. However, I think your pockets are large enough the chip didn't drop out."

Andy gave her a bit of a lesson about Alderaan and she nodded. It was as much as she expected and could appreciate just living a normal life. Fiddling with the droid she was working on, she set it down and took a seat next to him. More to keep him swatting away Sam than anything else. Some people still got upset at having anything that looked like a spider near them.

"Your stitches should be healed in a week. So if we stay here for a couple of days and then move on, we'll stay safe. There is just one precaution I still need to do. Mask the identity of this ship. While there was only a small chance your pursuers were able to get it, before we head back to any populated area, we need a new one. That's something that's easy to do. So don't worry too much about it."

All it would take was Aren getting into the registry system and altering a few numbers. Nothing of great work for the woman. This was something she could almost do in her sleep.

"Do you have any ideas who might be after you?"

Andulf Nicholas Teraan