Hoth is Very Cold

[Leetan Aforni]

Deep down, Leetan Aforni didn't really care about this job. He didn't care that wampas were violent, half-sentient, and difficult to track. He didn't care that he could get a hefty sum for their pelts and horns. He didn't even care that a band of explorers had promised him a bonus if he cleared out a particularly nasty pack that had set up a few klicks from their base camp. At this moment, he cared about one thing and one thing only:

Hoth was k****** cold.

Shivering even in his heated body suit, Leetan trudged through the snow, following the trail even his keen Rodian senses had trouble keeping track of. He had been following the trail for several hours, and was growing sick of it. Rodians were not built for this weather. The HBt-4 sporting blaster rifle on his back was growing heavy, and his stomach was beginning to rumble. If he didn't find more solid evidence soon, he'd have to set up camp for the night or pass out from cold and exhaustion.

He topped a final rise and, seeing nothing on the other side, decided to call it. He would keep tracking tomorrow. Pulling the shelter from his pack and setting up a camp stove, he settled in for a night on Hoth.

 

[Labkahip Mordulla]

Track some wompas they said, would be good study and fun they said, get out of the Lab for once, well right now they could all go screw themselves, because sitting and a chair all day analyzing blood samples or other reading was much better then the constant threat of hypothermia. Though equipping a snow jacket and all manners of heating the chilling and biting wind still make the Twi'lek shiver, she could almost see her already blue skin turn even darker.

[member="Leetan Aforni"] was the hunter she was just her for scientific mean, but knew how to handle a blaster, more specifically a Mandolirain writs mounted one, personally more convenient for her to use, "We should probably set up camp now". It was not windy at the moment, but they had been walking for to long, and the expanse to come was not the most welcoming sight.

Lab crouched in front of the fire place, warming her hand slightly, "So, is this your first visits to Hoth"? She asked, noting the fact he was shivering more then her, traveling around the galaxy tended to make one less susceptible to the element, but perhaps the hunter never went to colder places like her.

 

[Jaedan Fray]

He walked with burdened steps through the white wasteland, if his suit and equipment wouldn't have been white, it would've had that color by now anyway. And maybe if he had his armor with him, this incident wouldn't have occurred and he wouldn't be walking through this forsaken place... But he would've been a fool to bring it here, freezing to death was what awaited him, no matter how much others using the force would disagree, they were as vulnerable as anyone and if nothing else what happened not too long ago proved that.

Jaedan clenched his fists again and again, he knew of no other way to get some heat for his hands, he could see something in the distance...

"People."

Or perhaps pirates once again. At that thought he moved his right hand to check on the lightsaber at his left, covered by some descending fur from his suit, wandering aimlessly wasn't an option and in this state fight has a good chance of getting him killed, hopefully they were not pirates. Jaedan moved in closer with the same hard steps, approaching the pair, his arms and empty hands would raise a bit in a weak attempt of showing he means no harm.

[member="Leetan Aforni"]
[member="Labkahip Mordulla"]

 

[Leetan Aforni]

[member="Labkahip Mordulla"] [member="Jaedan Fray"]

The shivering Rodian stared at the Twi'lek sharing his camp.

"Yeah, how'd you guess?" he said dryly in his accented Basic, "Rodia is a jungle planet. I try to avoid places like this. If it wasn't paying so well, I never would have come." Leetan rubbed his hand together, warming them with the stove. He still wasn't sure about having the Twi'lek along with him. True, she was a doctor and that could come in handy considering what he was hunting, but she was far from being a hunter. Shivers or not, Leetan would find these wampas and make this entire miserable trip worthwhile.

It was at that moment that a man approached through the fading light of the day. Leetan was instantly on his feet, hand at his blaster, but then the man raised his hands to show he had no weapon, and Leetan relaxed, slightly. Taking a second to look the man over, Leetan's infrared eyesight revealed that the man's body heat was severely diminished. He was freezing to death. Gruff and rude as he may be at times, Leetan did not like seeing people die for no reason.

"Well, don't just stand there," he said bluntly, "Sit down if that's what you want. Get warm, I'll have some food in half a tick." Plopping down in the snow beside the camp stove, Leetan cracked open a box of standard rations and placed it on the stove to warm.

 

[Labkahip Mordulla]

She gave to Rodian a sarcastic shocked look upon his response, "I would never have of guesses", it was kind of funny how each of their own accents and over the top reactions to each other being more suitable for a holo comedy or something, still it was a nice way to take off the tension and stress.

"Though I have travel a lot I too am use to warmer climates, Ryloth being a desert planet and all", she continued to rub her hand together warming up from the small fire in front, but her attention being drawn to the approaching man. Her eye scanner indicating hypothermia and a light saber on his belt, 'A sith, in First Order space'?

Despite being similar she knew first hand the Rens and Sith did not get along to well, perhaps he had been in a battle of some sort. "Come, sit, let me know if you have any ailments that need attending, you seemed to have been in some sort of fight". Lab personally did not mind Sith, some were bad other were not, it all depended on how they treated others, and this one seemed like a reasonable person.

 

[Jaedan Fray]

Jaedan walked in front of the fireplace and sat down bringing his hands closer to it, his clenched teeth would then release their forceful grip "Thank you..." He said focused on the glimpse of warmth he begun to feel. His face was blank and expressionless up until now and continued to be so as he listened to the twi'lek, he never even thought they might have something with which to detect his lightsaber, what he did know was that sith were not commonly accepted, but this was First Order space, things may be different. Passing as a rogue jedi would've been a terrible idea as was a dark jedi, he wouldn't know how they would be received by this new order of force users.

"I should be fine. I got away with a few minor wounds." the man said still depending on the fire, staring into it "But I appreciate your concern."

For Jaedan things were starting to get better, he felt warmer than before yet kept tensing his muscles trying to make his body produce as much heat as possible.

[member="Labkahip Mordulla"] [member="Leetan Aforni"]

 

[Leetan Aforni]

[member="Labkahip Mordulla"] [member="Jaedan Fray"]
After a few moments, the rations had heated to an acceptable level, and Leetan served them up on three camp plates. He had to admit, camping out like this felt rather good. He hadn't really done it with others since his parents had been killed, and though he'd never let himself admit it, it was good to be with others. He handed the plates to his companions.

"Its all I got, so no complaining," he declared, picking up a fork and digging in. He shoveled a few bites into his mouth, chewed, and swallowed.

"So tell me," he said to the Sith, "Who'd you get in a scrap with?"

 

[Labkahip Mordulla]

She gave the possible Sith a quizzical glance at his words as the trio warmed themselves by the fire, "That may be true, but in this frozen wast land with no medical stations for miles and other danger, it would be best to treat them sooner then later, but if you say your fine I will not force you".

As the smell of cooked food wafted through the air Lab decided to it down, the snow being cold at first, but it was more comfortable then crouching. She eagerly accepted the plate handed out by [member="Leetan Aforni"], "Thank you, I'm sure it taste much better then the rations supplied by the Empire when I'm on field duty". She took a small bite out of the supplied meal, the meat tasting similarly to a fish, "not bad".

Lab continued to remain quite as the two men talked, also interested in who the Sith had fought, though not going to repeat the question, just in case the Sith had a not so subtle temper.

[member="Jaedan Fray"]

 

[Jaedan Fray]

He accepted the plate without any complaints, even as he started eating, no word, no sound, no change of expression would indicate he disliked the food, truth be told he seemed to pay little attention to the food or the action itself, his eyes wandered to the woman as she mentioned something of interest, she was imperial, one who goes in the field, but he did not believe she would do anything should she find out he is not with the Empire, at least, not from this information alone.

Jaedan did not show any sign of anger so far, although should the twi'lek tell him her thoughts, he would agree that the sith ruling the galaxy were indeed easy to anger. The sith instead proceeded to answer Leetan "Pirates... At least, they said they were pirates. There should not be much to take from around Hoth, nor many visitors to attack... So unless their base is here there is little reason for them to be here" his voice was calm and passionless, much like his eyes were while he looked at the alien... Speaking of which "Are you imperial too?"

[member="Labkahip Mordulla"] [member="Leetan Aforni"]

 

[Leetan Aforni]

[member="Jaedan Fray"]
Leetan chewed another mouthful as the man explained his dilemma. Pirates, huh? Well, that could be a problem. Hopefully they wouldn't kill the wampas before he did.

"No, I am not," he replied to the man's question, taking the last bite of his food, "Just a hunter."
[member="Labkahip Mordulla"]

 

[Labkahip Mordulla]

The mention of pirates and their possible reason for being her started to move the cogs in her head, that was a true fact, Hoth had scarcely anything of value on it, let alone close to any system worth raiding. The only reason her and [member="Leetan Aforni"] were her was to hunt some Wampas and conduct personal research. In addition to deal wound to a Sith, they must have had some decent fire power perhaps this trip would be more exciting then originally though.

"No I am not only imperial, though I have some leniency due to my past life, and the First Orders current non aggression pack with the Empire, wonder how long that will last". She continued to eat her ration, the fast the had dinner the sooner they could set up camp for the night and stay warm. "If it is not to much to ask mister...... wait we never introduced ourselves to one another, I am Labkarhip Mordulla, and yes I know my name is a slight pun to you humans, but I think it reflects my intellect".

[member="Jaedan Fray"]

 

[Jaedan Fray]

Not real imperials then? That was as good a situation as any, although less dangerous. The woman brought in discussion the non aggression pact between the two great forces and she was right to doubt, whatever their goals are they will turn on each other eventually. As Jaedan finished eating, the twi'lek was about to ask something of him, what that was he never got the chance to hear, instead she found it more important to present herself probably wanting to find out who he was, after all these two must have known each other and he was a stranger on the planet of Hoth for whatever reason. "A pleasure to meet you, miss Mordulla." He said with no change of tone whatsoever, this was likely his usual behavior, then proceeded to offer his own name "I am Jaedan Fray."

[member="Leetan Aforni"]
[member="Labkahip Mordulla"]

 

[Leetan Aforni]

[member="Labkahip Mordulla"] [member="Jaedan Fray"]
The sun was beginning to set, and with it the temperatures. Leetan stood up, stretched, and set about getting the shelter set up. It wasn't too difficult, and the shelter, just big enough for them all to squeeze in, was up in a few minutes. Leetan yawned.

"Well," he said, entering the shelter, "I'm turning in. Goodnight folks."

 

[Labkahip Mordulla]

Lab finished eating her meal, storing the container and utensils away as she listened to the Sith reply, "Well [member="Jaedan Fray"], how interested are you in wampa hunting? You seem to be reliable in a fight and mean no harm to use, and we could always use anther hand if things go south". She helped [member="Leetan Aforni"] set up the camp while waiting for his reply, it would be a slightly tight fit as they had originally left room for another things, but it could easily accommodate 3 people.

She gave the Rodian as slight nod at his statesmen, "Ditto, with the temperate and sunlight dropping there is not much reason to stay out, we will need to be up early to catch our prey off guard, a good nights sleep was in order". She entered into the shelter a few minutes later, the warm air being a welcoming relief, removing her heavy winter garments down to a red shirt and black pants. "What time are we heading out tomorrow anyways", she asked while getting ready to retire for the night.

 

[Jaedan Fray]

Wampas? Is that why these two were here? "Why would you want to hunt wampas?" He asked while following their lead, rest was a good idea, the body had to have some time to sort things out especially in places like this. Mordulla's words made gave his brain something to think of, did she know? It meant little now though, she said he looked like he meant no harm so it's likely they won't try to kill him yet. He no longer had his ship nor provisions so sticking with these two was probably a good idea, not to mention much more productive if they were going to move around "Don't some wampas live in caves? I might actually find what I was looking for while we go on this hunt. Repay my debt to you too."

On the other hand if the pirate base is around it is for the best to go in a group, but these two could fight? They had to, they are here to hunt wampas. At least the man is a hunter, of Mordulla he wasn't sure, she offered her help should he need it with the wounds, so maybe she knows some basics in medicine.

[member="Labkahip Mordulla"]
[member="Leetan Aforni"]

 

[Leetan Aforni]

[member="Labkahip Mordulla"] [member="Jaedan Fray"]
"Dawn." was Leetan's only response to Lab before crashing down on his bed. He feel asleep immediately, so did not answer Jaedan's question,but if he had, he probably would have said something about how valuable their resources were. After a long night of sleep, Leetan woke up toteh weak Hoth sun peeking through the fibers of the shelter.

"Up and at up, lazies," he said, "That pack of wampas is close, I know it."

 

[Labkahip Mordulla]

Lab rolled over in her bead as [member="Leetan Aforni"] woke up, still groggy and tried, "Hmmmmmmm, give me a minute....... or five", she let out a yawn and stretched her arms, the bones giving a satisfying pop. Slowly the Twi'lek doctor sat up, rubbing her eyes and Lekku, "We having breakfast first or getting straight to the hunt"? such a question would depend on how far away the Wampa pack was, if they were close it could wait, if not a meal would be good.

Lab started to get dresses in the snow gear and attached her eye scanner while the Rodian and Sith went about getting prepared, the scanner doing its regular start us sequence and checks. "About what you said last nigh Mr [member="Jaedan Fray"], what are you looking for exactly on Hoth? You do not need to displace what it is if you so please, I am just interested is all". Truth be told if a Sith or dark force user was looking for something it was always of great value and importance, question was, why on Hoth?

 

[Jaedan Fray]

Rising from his slumber, Jaedan yawned deeply before resuming to his original state and beginning to equip himself at the warning of the hunter. He seemed to be very careful with his lightsaber as if trying to keep it hidden, only for himself, yet he seemed just as calm as before. Mordulla was interested what he was looking for on Hoth which was a valid question. Why would anyone come here? He didn't let it be seen how difficult it was to answer to this, should he give an insignificant reason it will not be believable, should he give something too big it could turn out these people would try to betray him for it. "It's a piece of history." He answered "I've been looking for it on many planets, due to the nature of this galaxy to endlessly change it's rulers it's hard to find the exact place where it may lay buried."

This should be good, not too much and not too little, although there may be more truth in there than it should.

[member="Leetan Aforni"]
[member="Labkahip Mordulla"]

 

[Leetan Aforni]

[member="Labkahip Mordulla"] [member="Jaedan Fray"]
By the time the others had risen, Leetan was already fully prepared. He wore of course his cold weather gear, and had his HBt-4 sporting rifle slung over his shoulder. On one hip was his DT-12 heavy blaster pistol, and on the other was a long hunting knife. To Lab and Jaedan he each threw a bag of dehydrated meat.

"Eat on the way," he said, "Hunters rise with the sun, and so do the wampas. If we want to catch these things, dawn is the best time." Ripping open his own bag, Leetan consumed several slices before slinging his backpack over his shoulder. He looked out across the wide Hoth landscape.

"According to the explorers, the den should be within a klick of here," he said, "If we're lucky, we can find it and catch them nearby." Leetan adjusted the pack on his back before setting off across the forbidding icy plain.

 

[Labkahip Mordulla]

The Siths answer to her questions was very, vague and evasive, it seem that what ever he was looking for was indeed of great importance, or of enough importance to him to warrant secrecy. 'An artifact of history on Hoth, that a Sith would take interest in, hmmm most interesting', her mind started to go through galactic history and events of the past, something that a Sith might want, an artifact left by the Ren after the one of the last battle between the First Order and Galactic Alliance, or something dating back to the civil war?

Whatever it was would have to wait as [member="Leetan Aforni"] was instant on getting an early start, "I guess you are right, the fast we get this done the faster we can get off this frozen waste land". The Twi'lek doctor picked up some ready to eat rations and slowly partaking of them while packing her equipment up, checking to make sure her Mandolorian wrist blaster was in working order. Upon exciting into the outside her face was once again hit by the chilling air of the snow white planet, though at lest the wind had died down, tiny shimmers of light coming from the horizon as the sun slowly rose. "Lead the way master hunter".

[member="Jaedan Fray"]