Crystals Here Are 'Ilum'inated

[Kay-Larr]

Kay had done some research. She needed a lightsaber crystal, one to call her very own and according to Jedi lore, she needed to go to Ilum and search the Ice Caves. The planet was in the Unknown Region and as far as she could tell, no faction had lay claim to it. Getting there was not so easy however, given that she had no real direct route of getting there. But at least she had her own ship now.

The Free Lady ( http://starwarsrp.net/topic/82788-the-free-lady-yt-1300-modified/#entry1217892 ) was just what she needed. And now that she had some income, she was able to afford a pilot and co-pilot to get her to wherever she needed to go.

But first she needed to pick up a bodyguard. Both Kay and her brother [member="James Justice"] had signed contracts with [member="Arlan Zy'rosh"] and the Carrion Company. Going to an ice planet around hostile territories wasn't exactly a good idea and what good was hiring bodyguards if she didn't utilize them? There was a small bounty on her head, and as silly as it was there was always a chance that someone might try to make a name for themselves by trying to collect on it.

First stop would be to Rutan or wherever Arlan would send her to pick up one of his employees. As she drank tea in her private quarters, she sent him off a message:

~Arlan, this is Kay. I require the services of one of your men for a journey to Ilum. I don't expect much trouble, but one can never be too careful and it could be a good testing ground in finding the right individual to watch over me. I can go to Rutan to pick him up or wherever. Please get back to me as soon as you can. Thank you, kindly.~

 

[Julian Viles Priest]

[member="Lady Kay"]

The ship port was bustling with people looking to hitch a ride, or get a backwater job for some random freighter hauling, probably, illegal freight. Julian saw everything in black and white, there was no grey, so he either suspected someone of doing bad, or doing good. He had made a goal for himself, start piling up data on anyone, and everyone he could. Getting into one of these groups,the Free Colonies, wasn't hard. In the colonies, he was just another hired hand, doing odd jobs, and errands. Doing some digging, and a little snooping, Julian had found a name of interest to him, former senator Kay. She had been present during an uprising in the Republic Senate by someone he had only heard of, but knew he would one day be seeing.

Quickly, he had pushed himself to be the pilot, or even the co-pilot she was now requesting, though Julian had to admit, his flying skills were that of just flying. He was not a fighter pilot. He went under the name Jett in the Free Colonies, even going as far as to brandish a new set of clothing and helmet, though the helmet, he was certain, was a Mandalorian Head Hunter piece. Seemed, also, that this Kay lady had a small bounty on her head. Probably due to her acts against the Hutt Cartel.

How smart of you to mark yourself against such a low life group.

He was thinking to himself as he awaited for pickup.

 

[Kay-Larr]

The sight of Mandalorian armour and helmets always put her at a state of unease now, given events in the Republic before she lost her job. But she put that fear behind her as [member="Julian Viles Priest"] didn't seem involved in it at all.

Her pilot had made a few inquiries for a long haul co-pilot and 'Jett' responded first. So as she waited for Arlan to get back to her, The Free Lady went to the correct space port to find the pilot.

And there he was, standing nearby as the ramp was lowered with both Kay and her pilot stepping out. She had to be cautious as anyone could be hiding behind that helmet. "Jett, I presume? Could you please remove your helmet? I have to be sure that you aren't one of my stalkers." A half truth there. As her enemies pop up out of nowhere sometime, like [member="Darth Ferus"] , it almost felt as though she was being stalked.

 

[Julian Viles Priest]

[member="Lady Kay"]

A woman was coming his way as Julian had to snap out of day dreaming on how to best use this position his new conquest on digging up dirt on characters of said interest. [member="James Justice"] surely was a person worth looking into, but at the moment the Vahla had to put his best game face on. She much older than him, which was a good thing. Means she had her wits about, and he would have to choose his words carefully. When she finally reached him, and asked to remove his helmet as she assumed him to be Jett, red hair fell out of it, along a a lip piercing gleaming from the sun, and hoops in both of his ears. Violet eyes looked back into her own eyes with a bright smile to compliment his jeweled beauties.

"Aye, that's me ma'am. The one and only Jett. I'll be your co-pilot for now one, a pleasure to be working with ya'." Julian gave out his gloved hand while his other arm held the helmet. He was giving that impression of a young adventure, looking to make a name for himself to the galaxy, though he wasn't sure how well he was doing in this concept.

Julian knew that the Free Colonies was associated with the Carrion Company, but how, he wasn't sure. He would have to get to them next, figure out what was the dealo with the two groups.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay gave his hand a firm yet soft shake as she smiled warmly. The contrast between his hair and eyes really made them both stand out. The piercings and hoops on the other hand were probably part of some new trend with that generation. "Welcome aboard. This is Captain Terrac. We're just going to fuel up and then we'll be on our way to our next stop. In the meantime you two can get yourselves acquainted and tour the ship."

She turned and headed up the ramp, going back into her quarters to check on her datapad. Still no message from [member="Arlan Zy'rosh"] yet. Hmmm. The man must be busy.

Kay left her pilot and co-pilot to handle things. She left her quarters, datapad in hand as well as her tea cup as she went to the kitchen to make herself more tea. Her green Gwaii Cat followed in behind. Still Kay was unaware that her little companion allowed for [member="Darth Ferus"] to hear everything that was going on around her.

[member="Julian Viles Priest"]

 

[Julian Viles Priest]

Soft, but firm shake from her hand told him even more about the woman. Nodding, Julian followed suit, meeting the captain Terrac, and taking a nice little tour of the ship. It wasn't exactly the biggest he had ever been on, but not to shabby. Boots sounded off the floor made him feel almost at home here already. Ships always felt like home, well as close as home could ever feel like.

After the tour was done, Terrac had asked Julian to check on the [member="Lady Kay"], and make sure everything was settled before refueling was finished. All it took was a little reaching out, and Julian could feel her presence in the Force. He was no adept in the darkside, but he was not ignorant of it either. Following the presence, Julian found the woman getting some kind of drink, tea it looked all the while she was followed by some kind of feline Julian was unfamiliar with. Quite unaware that this had anything to do with [member="Darth Ferus"], Julian placed his helmet back.

"Almost all set here Miss Kay, got told to check up on ya', make sure everything was good on ya' side before we took off." Julian's accent, his use of words, all very different from when he would actually talk, the helmet even gave off a different distorted sound to his voice compared to his Mando Breaker's.

"So...uh...where we goin' anyway Miss Kay?"

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay glanced over her shoulder briefly as she poured her tea and stirred in the leaves. The great thing about Sapir tea was how the leaves dissolved in water. "No need to wear your helmet in here, Jett. I'm not expecting a battle."

She sat down at the table after giving the Gwaii cat some dried meat to munch on and setting down her tea. She glanced to her datapad as it lay on the table. Still no message. Hmmm.

There was no need for her to hide her Force signature on her ship, even while she flew with a couple of strangers. Kay was slowly getting used to more people becoming aware of her secrets. But she still didn't broadcast it and she still didn't use it to get a feel for others. Hindsight was always 20/20.

"We'll be heading to the Unknown Regions. Ever been?" She sipped her tea. "Would you like a cup?"

[member="Julian Viles Priest"]

 

[Julian Viles Priest]

[member="Lady Kay"]

Again, without second thought, he removed the helmet, but this time, he really did not want to. The purple jewels that were his eyes seemed to be taking her in as a whole, wondering just what kind of woman she was. Her voice was smooth to him, Julian now realizing, he had little to no real experience with women outside his clan, and the Ember.

"Nah, never really reason to go out there. Smuggler tales of cults, and the bizarre come from them regions. Tatooine bout as close as I ever been ma'am."

Julian had that strong accent just blazing now, he had it down backed. The man didn't take a seat, just stood there attentive, waiting for Tannac to call him back to the cockpit.

"What we goin' there for? You isn't part of a cult are you? I know the Free Colonies are free and all, but.."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Julian Viles Priest"] seemed to be ready to go, and he looked slightly uncomfortable. He was young though, so maybe that's why. She sipped her tea as she did her best not to stare, having never seen eyes in that colour before. Maybe they were contacts.

Kay laughed a little at his query about her being in a cult. "No, I've never been in a cult before. I've fought against them, though. I don't like that kind of control or oppression over others in the same way that I fight against slavery. People should be well paid for their work and not have to live in fear. Living in fear isn't living..."

Another glance to her datapad and still no message yet. She furrowed her brows a little. She didn't want to go on this trip alone. Maybe she'll send [member="James Justice"] or [member="Gray Raxis"] a message later to let them know what she was up to.

Captain Tennac soon arrived to let them know that it was time to go. Kay got to her feet, taking her tea and datapad with her as she followed him to the cockpit. The Gwaii cat stayed behind to continue eating. "I'll want to learn how The Free Lady flies as well, just in case one of you get injured. Hope neither of you mind."

 

[Julian Viles Priest]

He got her taking a peak at his eyes, smiling to himself in his mind. Not many people saw Vahla just roaming around as he was. They were nomadic, always together, in the Migrant Fleet. Julian shook his head at her comment about fear, living without fear wasn't much a life either. "Fear is a natural feelin' Miss Kay, I reckon without any fear, you' d be livin' a lie. Besides, aint them Jedi and Sith cults?" He shrugged as the captain came to alert them that take was preparing. Kay wanted to come, but something about how she frowned at her datapad made him wonder what was up. There was something about that cat thing that made Julian even more uneasy. That, and her datapad.

"I got no objections to that."

Glad to actually get off this planet, and to where he forget his own game here, Julian took his helmet, placed it back on his head, and sealed it. No need for any coms to get outside the containment of his personal space.

That's right, eat into it chick. Either that bounty, or the data you hold is gonna make my day...but...

He thought he might wait a few before ever getting what he needed, whatever that was. There had to be a way for him to get something out of her without exposing himself, or his plans. He mauled it over in his head, anything that might lead to a conversation that would hold some information behind it. The slavery! If his memory recalled well, she was one of the biggest enemies of the Hutt Cartel.

"When you say you fight slavery, who ya' fighting? Plenty of people out there with em'. I'm not saying it's right, just saying it is a reality."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Well [member="Julian Viles Priest"] was right in a way. But he didn't quite get her point. She didn't mean a complete absent of fear, but to live in constant fear wasn't good. Kay was afraid of some things and it did influence some of her decisions and life choices, but that was different. Or so she thought.

As he mentioned the Jedi and Sith being cults, she of course objected to that reasoning as well. But that was up for debate at a later time.

Kay shook her head a bit as Julian hid his face again in that helmet. He must really be looking for trouble, or expecting it. Hmm. She had to keep an eye on him, that was for sure and certain.

As the Free Lady took off, smooth as silk, she studied the buttons and levers that Captain Terrac pushed. Kay sipped her tea, occassionally looking out of the viewport. Julian's question was one that she had answered many times before. So her answer was almost robotic. "I know that I can't end slavery, but that doesn't mean that I can't help free some if them within it. Most slavery exists in Hutt Cartel territory, so that's where most of my missions have been. I fight them and the pirate group, The Jackals."

 

[Julian Viles Priest]

The job of a co-pilot, for the most part, was watching the readings of the constant data brought in by the sensors, adjust courses, watch the fuel, and stuff like that. Julian knew all of this, and his eyes behind the helmet watched it all at once. Able to see it all happening, each reading, each adjustment request, this was child's play. However, in a dogfight, he found it hard to concentrate on the target, his warning systems, all the while flying and shooting back. He didn't get that feeling that the ship was apart of him. He understood when he had a weapon in his head, but not the yoke of a starship.

"So far, so good. Everything seems working just fine, readings coming in clear. This be a nice ship," He was saying more to himself than to anyone else. He had that habit, talking to himself. But he was not oblivious to the woman's answer, instead he chewed on this for a little, pretending to be somewhat busy with the controls.

I can't say I have heard much on the pirates before, sounds like something I can use there, but later. Gotta play this role first.

"Cartel's some nasty business, knew a guy who owed them money...I don't where he is anymore. Aint never heard of these Jackals before. But hey, If I understand what I've read Miss Kay, ya' doin alright in that fight for freedom."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay sipped her tea, nodding as the Free Lady was sent into it's first jump of hyperspace. "I suppose. I've freed hundreds of them. Many have homes and jobs on other planets. The Jackals did the raiding and capturing. But recently I had to slow my operations down. In time I'll get things going again."

It was almost as if all of that was in a different life. Now she was trying to embrace what she was, slowly but surely, all the while try to thwart Ferus and avoid him at the same time, without endangering others.

She glanced down to her datapad. Still nothing. Kay sighed a little. "Tell me Jett, have you had any combat training?"

[member="Julian Viles Priest"]

 

[Julian Viles Priest]

Stars became streaks of light as hyperspace was initiated, everything from up to this point was a lie. Julian wondered if now was the time. In hypersapce, Julian wondered, could distress signals be activated, and received? Her note on whether his training existed for combat, and all it did was make him want to show her...violently. His hand twitched as this too. Leaning back in the seat, he crossed his hands behind his head, trying to relax. The Unknown Regions huh? He would wait longer.

"I aint carrying a blaster for no reason Miss Kay. I can use it." He tried to sound a little offended, but understanding. Man was he beginning to hate this accent.

Vahl, show me the right time to strike. Give me the strength, and cunning to execute this perfectly.

"I was in the Republic army for a little, got some training there. Dropped out cause it wasn't as fun as I was hoping...though..I guess war aint fun huh?"

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smirked at his remark on carrying his blaster. Some people could wear them for show. At his mention of having been trained in the Republic army, she raised a brow slightly. How long did he serve? He didn't look old enough to have been sent out to face real combat. How odd...

Hyperspace was great in that it could get you to destinations quicker, but communications wasn't easy, especially in smaller ships like The Free Lady. "Our next stop is Bakura. We should be there in about a half hour. I hear that Sith territory is spreading nearby, so we best be watchful. I have a few things that I need to do before we arrive, so I'll retire to my quarters. See you both shortly."

Kay gave them both one more glance before going to her quarters. She had an odd feeling and didn't quite like the idea of travelling this far on her own. Maybe when they exited hyperspace she'll have gotten a message. She entered her quarters with the Gwaii Cat slipping in just as she closed the door. She sat down on her bed and began typing out a message to her brother and Gray.

~"It's Kay. I'm heading up to Ilum in my new ship to get a lightsaber crystal for myself. I don't plan on going alone. Currently I am waiting to hear back from the Carrion Company. Otherwise maybe I'll have to see if one of you are available. This trip takes me close to Sith Territory at times, so I know that I should be careful. I'll be reachable when I hit Bakura and will let you know where I'll be going from there."~

She hit send so that the moment they got out of hyperspace, it'll patch through.

[member="Julian Viles Priest"] [member="James Justice"] [member="Gray Raxis"]

 

[Léon]

[Theme]

Engines fired. Pipes rattled above Léons head, the floor grates trembled underfoot. His stomach knotted instinctively, and he knew he would never get over the dread of space flight. He was reclined into a comfortable leather chair behind both pilot and co-pilot. They were making last-minute thrust adjustments, deflector shield activation, and spooling the hyperdrive in prep for an in-system jump. The carrier was on the far side of the Bakura system.

A select few Carrion Company operatives had been designated to the protection and welfare of Lady Kay. The ship began to jostle, and he felt her lift from the hanger floor. Léon quickly distracted himself, bringing up the datapad that he was wrestling to learn. He scoured the information Feeran had sent him on the mission. Some time ago a bounty hunter by the name of Julian Valentine, formerly Solo, and an accomplice known as Ghorua, and in some circles as either Ghorua the Fish or Ghorua the Shark, had kidnapped Lady Kay. The mission for the hunters was a success, and Léon was here to make sure their next mission wasn't - or anyone else's for that matter.

The fiery-eyed, forehead-tattooed Keshiri swordsman was garbed in a wardrobe of odd clothes. He wore knee-length black riding boots, traditional for horsemen, an outdated mode of transport, with dark green wool trousers and a woolen bright red tunic. He sported a boiled leather jerkin over the tunic, with golden buttons holding the vest closed. He wore a swordsman belt, with two blades and a bone-knife sheathed. A hold-out blaster was strapped to his wrist, ready to pounce at a moments notice. It didn't require much skill or accuracy, and was easily hidden, perfect for the tech-dumb Keshiri.

His eyes darted to the viewscreen, they were leaving the hanger and then in a flash of light, and almost an explosion of vomit, the ship lurched and then hurled into hyperspace, and then as fast as they had done it, they were out of hyperspace, Bakura exploding into view. It was a micro-jump, and usually incredibly dangerous, but their distance from Bakura was significant enough that it would not have been as dangerous, and a nice clear path had been in their way. The ship was moving quickly into the atmosphere, red-hot flames licking the glass as they descended into the cloud cover.

[member="Arlan Zy'rosh"] | [member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Julian Viles Priest]

Julian wasn't too sure what was up with this trip, whether or not they were going somewhere important, or this was just a trip for the fun of it. All he knew was so far he had learned of a few possible places to start looking for good information, and people to blackmail. He grinned. The woman had left him all alone with older man, if he took the ship now, he was certain he could beat the man...no....he would kill him, no question about it. Still, where did this trip end? When was the best time to attack?

Soon, a light flashed, and hyperspace was exited to show the planet Bakura.

What has this woman brought us to now? Is she playing me? Does she know already?

[member="Léon"]
[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay felt the ship exit hyperspace, right in the knick of time as she was finishing her tea. Her message was sent through as they dropped into the atmosphere.

Salis D'aar was her favourite small city that held her favourite market. As the Free Lady touched down, Kay was ready to disembark, securing her satchel over her shoulder. She looked to Captain Terrac and [member="Julian Viles Priest"] before exiting. "We've got a long journey ahead of us. I'm just heading into the market to get a few supplies. I'll need to get some thick coats and gloves for you as we'll be heading to an ice world later. You're welcome to come along or stay with the ship. Either way, I shouldn't be long."

Blind trust. That's what she had for a lot of people. For some trust and the benefit of the doubt was earned, whereas Kay believed in the good of others. She has had plenty given to her and her way of thinking hardly steered her wrong. But at the times where it did, it was a real struggle. At least she had friends and her adopted family to support her.

Kay exited the ship and headed to the market. It was the same market where Julian Valentine and Ghorua caught her with the razer net, so she had good reason to look at anyone suspiciously that looked at her.

[member="Léon"]

 

[Léon]

The shuttle dipped below cloud cover, Salis D'aar slowly unfurling into view. Léon rested his eyes, trying to calm his breathing and untie the knot in his stomach. His mind became light, and he felt a soothing sensation overwhelm him. When he opened his eyes again, it had already been an hour, they had just finished docking and Lady Kay's own ship had just arrived a moment ago, and she was reported to already be in the marketplace.

The Nighthawk Task Force commanding officer unbuckled himself and rose from the chair, he gathered his rucksack and made a quick exit down the rear loading ramp. He turned his head and an Ugnaught was fueling the ship, a namebadge on his blue overalls read, 'Boltz.' Nearby there was a KR-TB freighter awaiting to depart, the pilot was arguing with officials, his helmet reminded Léon somewhat of a hammerhead shark from back home.

Then just as he made his way through customs, he craned his neck to the man who had been arguing, he had fled back into his freighter and the immense ship was hovering over the spaceport, it tilted its face upwards and then began to rapidly ascend. The Keshiri smiled genuinely. There was endless fascination in the galaxy, some days he hated not being back home on Kesh, other days, like today, he loved it.

The man, lost in time, stepped into the marketplace.

[member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Julian Viles Priest"]

 

[Julian Viles Priest]

Julian opted to stay behind, told the Captain that he would do some routine checks on the ship, what he had meant was that he would be bugging the hell out of the this Free Lady. Strip cameras he had on his person, little things really, lined the walls in places no one would expect. Little holo bugs, and audio receivers would give him other ways to spy. He would spend hours doing this, placing them in all the hallways, corridors spare bedrooms, even going as far as to have placed an audio bug under the copilot seat before he had left to do his 'routine check'.

Julian stopped at the chow area, placing more bugs everyone. This was tedious work, wondering if this was really going to give him anything he needed. Then, he found himself at the lady's room. He paused, wondering how dangerous this could be. He walked in, the stupid cat thing watching him as soon as the door opened. The cat followed him, mewing for attention, though he would give it none. He placed a audio bug under her bed, a strip camera over the door looking into the room. Still the damn cat mewed away.

"What do you want you abomination!?!" He whispered angrily at it. "Move before I string you up by that tail, and gut you." He whispered once more before leaving and closing the door going back to the cockpit.

"Everything seems good. Nice ship. State of the arc....kinda." He said to the captain.

[member="Lady Kay"]