Merry Hoth-mas (Complete)

[Faith Organa]

​

As far as the eye could see it was white, pristine undisturbed sparking sea of snow. Faith was watching a rider with his tauntaun he looked a bit like one of the heroes from the books she read as a child. In her head even she could hear the words, "HI HO SILVER AWAY!!!"​

​

They had come on business a few of the outposts had set off beacons they needed supplies, she imagined more than just she and Draco were going to show with the supplies for the icy frozen planet of such reknown reputation.

Standing just inside the blast doors watching the wind and snow of Delta Station she could hear Draco behind her making a deal and getting them a room for a night or two until the weather cleared a bit. The man Draco was talking to said that one of their outposts a bit isolated had called in an emergency, something or someone had ripped through their supply stores took everything.

Faith listened to them even if she wasn't watching them, "We can replace the supplies but Life day is just a few days away and everything the parents had for the kids was taken too. Its hard enough out here being an adult, its worse when you're a kid. This is going to crush those kids."

That was when she frowned who or what would steal the kids presents. She thought of Laira and Theo at home babies still she looked back at Draco hoping to catch his eye, knowing he would say the right words..

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Hoth was a miserable place to live. Even to vacation there wasn't the best situation, and given Faith's history with icy mountain tops, he wasn't exactly excited to make the trip out there on such short notice. Nevertheless, she had asked him and they had went.

"Yeah, I know it sucks to be out here, that's why I don't live in this frigid hell." Draco said, sarcasm littered through his voice. Hoth was cold and frigid, and home to numerous deadly species of fauna. Flora he was less sure about. Faith wanted to celebrate Life Day in the snow, but part of Draco was glad that the cold nights on Alderaan weren't even partially comparable to this. Outside it was cold enough that fingers and toes could suffer frostbite in a matter of minutes after nightfall, and during the day it was cold enough that his spit bounced on the ice.

Night time was fast approaching them, and even with tauntauns, it would be a one way trip to the outpost, then they would have to wait until morning before they could safely return to base. Despite that, Draco was certain he and one other would be fine, especially if he shared a close bond with that one other. Draco could use the Force to regulate their body temperature for a distance if he had to, and it was likely that they would.

"I suppose we could go look at it, if you've got a spare cold weather rifle and some kind of arctic combat suit for her. She can't go out there without being equipped for it." The man looked at Draco with relief in his eyes, but the warlord cut him off before he could say thanks, "ah, We need mounts saddled and her changed as soon as possible I'm afraid."

While the man hurried off to find the cold weather gear and have their tauntaun's saddled up for them, Draco turned to Faith and wrapped his arms around her. "You owe me soooo much for this. I mean boots for sure. Maybe more."

[member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Rexus Wenck]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SX_Z_0VTmnU

Rexus hated Hoth. There was no where worse to be posted in his opinion. Yalara, sure that had an unbearable heat to it, but at least the base could be properly air conditioned. There was no real escape from the harshness of the iconic planet. No way to get rid of the unrelenting chilliness. The Gundark Gunners filed into the base from their snow transport. They were greeted at the entrance by the outposts commander. "Hello?" he said, "And who would you be?"

"I'm Lieutenant Rexus Wenck of the White Wolves, we were advised you'd received a distress signal." The stormtrooper said, "We were hoping you'd be able to tell us more." The stormtroopers filed into the base, armed with the latest winter armour and weaponry provided by Avalonia's arsenals.

"We received a distress signal at 1600 hours from Blizzard Post." The commander reported.

"Blizzard post? That's the one right near the Veers' landing, correct?" Rexus asked, he knew vaguely of the post. Only that it was one of the most isolated on this godforsaken ice cube.

"Aye, it is." The commander reported, "The Post experienced a problem however, its reserve food supplies were raided, and they've requested more."

"Any idea as to whom the culprits are commander?" The lieutenant queried.

"None at all sir. They haven't found the culprit." The commander replied.

"Well then, I best get the troops ready with supplies. Best to get them there sooner rather than later." Rexus replied, turning to the entrance.

"There'll be no need for that lieutenant. The situation should be dealt with now," the older commander said, "We appreciate your concern, but I believe our guests are fully capable of reaching outpost blizzard by morning for the resupply."

"Guests? You're getting civilians to do this?" Rexus asked, "Are you crazy? With the weather we're experiencing, that move is foolhardy."

"Sir, they offered, and for that we've-" The commander began, but was cut off.
"Never, ever let any civilian go do a stormtroopers job commander." Rexus warned, "Where are the civilians?" he asked.

"Right by the tauntaun stables." The commander replied. Rexus turned his back on the older gentleman and walked into the outposts cold, cavernous corridors. He motioned to two stormtroopers.

"Gerhard, Twigg, follow me," he commanded, as he walked by, the two stormtroopers flanked him.

"What is it boss?" Twigg asked.

"Two karking civilians are about to ride for Blizzard Post," The lieutenant replied, "And we can't let them."

"Why not sir?" Gerhard asked, "I mean its not like-"

"We are the First Order trooper," Rexus snapped, turning on him, "This whole sector falls under our jurisdiction, and if we have two tourists killing themselves out in the cold, it'll be our heads who'll be rolling." The trio entered the exit airlock, when they saw the two embrace. "Blasters away lads, we're not shooting anyone." Rexus said, before approacing @Draco Vareen, "Evening," he said cordially, "I am lieutenant Rexus Wenck of the First Imperial Stormtrooper Corps. If what the caretaker of this outpost has said, is to be believed, you two plan to ride into the wilderness, yes?"

[member="Draco Vereen"]| [member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

Desmond C'artyom was busy shoveling Taun Taun waste out of the stables when he heard a comotion. It was hard work and his Csillian blood was boiling. He emerged bare chested in the absolute freezing weather and smirked at the humans all bundled up in their clothes. He had landed on Hoth looking for refuel, when he atempted to take off without paying the First Order saw that he made his due. His vessel had been grounded immediately and they had him shoveling poodoo in no time. The work was boring and at this rate it would take a life time for him to pay off his debt.

Then he heard about outpost Blizzard. Apparently someone had been raiding supplies. This was Desmond's chance to get off this rock. If he could complete this job then they'd have to let him go. He threw on his bomber jacket and approached the pair. He smelled terrible, but he was sure they wouldn't mind. Besides they'd need a guide to traverse the treacherous terrain of Hoth and who better then a Chiss? Then he saw a storm trooper and stopped in his tracks. Alright Des, just relax. You ain't done nothin' wrong yet.

"Hiya folks!" He cried out to the trio, his best smile on his face "You people look like you could use a good guide!" He began rummaging through their supplies uninvited. "Oh this just won't do! You people are ghastly unprepared!" Des figured if he made them seem as unqualified as possible they'd have to take him along. He pulled a chocolate bar from one of their bags and bit into it "Why, this," He said around a mouth full "Is just not proper food for Hoth at all!" Desmond eyed the wasteland around them. Truth was they could brave its depths and probably make it. Still... "The names Desmond C'artyom and I am the best guide this side of the planet! You won't make it two seconds without me!" He pointed the half eaten chocolate bar at the pair to exagertate his point.

[member="Draco Vereen"], [member="Rexus Wenck"], [member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

[member="Desmond C'artyom"] [member="Rexus Wenck"] [member="Draco Vereen"]​

​

"Yeah you just like any reason for me to put on those boots Drahr." laughter filled the room as the two stood together lost in their own world. Until another voice seemed to be asking them a question.

Faith turned her head laying her head on Draco's shoulder as she met the gaze of an office of the First Order, now isn't that something. She smiled at the Lieutenant lifted her head, "We have company Draco."

Faith took a breath and stepped a half step from Draco her brown eyes watched the Lieutenant, "Hello Lieutenant Wenck, I'm Faith Organa, this is my husband Draco Vereen. We intercepted a message from a settlement that said their supplies had been stolen, we've brought some replacements." Last thing Alderaan needed was problems with the First Order, if anything she needed to convince them that Alderaan was still peaceful even under the protection of the Mandalorians.

As she started to extend her hand another approached with a bit more exuberance than the first she blinked in surprise ok, and wow. "Desmond C'artoym the best you say." She smiled broadly amazing. Yes it was.

"Well I plan on making it out to the camp before it's too cold to do so, will you both be going with us?"

It was then that her cold weather gear showed up, "Oh yes, I need to change. perhaps there are details that all of you.." she motioned to the three men, "need to discuss while I bundle up."

She walked over to get the gear, leaning forward, "how many children are out at the camp do you know?" Faith started to shrug into the gear while she talked about the camp. If they couldn't find the supplies and the presents, she'd be sure to have an alternative ready to go.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco put his hand over his face, shaking his head with a slight chuckle. "Yeah, we are going to that outpost before dusk. Don't wanna wait too long and get caught out after dark. You know how cold it can get." He would be okay, not great, but okay in the icy tundra. One of the great benefits of being able to regulate his body temperature in below freezing environments and keep himself warm. That however, took concentration, which meant it took effort and there was a limited amount of time he could manage that.

It also meant that time was halved if he was trying to regulate his and Faith's bodies in the extreme cold. He wore a temperature regulator, but those had limits, and according to the troopers' murmurs, one could still manage to freeze to death at night despite wearing one. Tauntaun's could last a while in that kind of cold before succumbing, so it wasn't a serious danger of getting caught out there and have to walk the distance. If that was the case, they wouldn't be going. Draco just didn't mention he would likely be working on trying to track the supposed thief while he was there.

"Should be some food and water in thermal bottles in the saddle bags. Its not like we need more than an emergency kit each. A power ration bar and a decent amount of water. I have an ICE survival pack and a medkit in my backpack." The Mandalorian gestured to the bag on his back. He wasn't exactly sure what all was in the saddle bags, but that was mostly because he hadn't seen them yet to go through and see what all goodies they might have in there.

"Hey, don't go mess with things that aren't yours." Draco said as he reached for the Chiss's wrist. "It would be a shame if you lost a hand for being rude." He glared at the Chiss going through some of their things. He didn't reach for his pistol, he didn't need it. Besides, it would suck if he busted out Faith's ear drums while trying to teach some chiss a lesson.

[member="Faith Organa"] [member="Desmond C'artyom"] [member="Rexus Wenck"]

 

[Rexus Wenck]

"I'm sorry, but I can't let you do that." Rexus said in a calm, yet commanding voice, "This planet falls under First Imperial jurisdiction, and because of that, if you two die or go missing out there it'll be on our heads." The stormtrooper explained, "We'd have to expend valuable material trying to find you, and knowing the conditions, you'd end up dead most probably."
Gerrhard glared at the Chiss with contempt from behind his helmet, "Watch yourself Chiss," Gerhard snapped, "You smell of karking tauntaun poodoo, you don't look like a guide at all."

"Maybe that's a sign he is a guide?" Twigg offered, "For all we know, he could be a master of the tauntaun." Twigg then turned to the Chiss, "Sorry about my friend, he's got an axe to grind against you blue folk."

"Cut the poodoo Twigg, if this guy was some kind of guide, riddle me this," Gerhard looked at the Chiss. "If you're such a genius, how long away is it from here, to Tarkin Outpost?"

Rexus continued despite his comrades banter. "I cannot in good faith, excuse the pun, let you and your wife out there." He said, "Blizzard Post is several hours ride away from here by even speeder bike because of the obstacles, what hope do you have on tauntaun?" He asked, "While I appreciate the alruistic nature of your journey, I ask that you let us deal with it." Rexus said, "We have the assets, and equipment to resupply Blizzard Post. So let us do what we do best."

[member="Draco Vereen"] | [member="Faith Organa"] |[member="Desmond C'artyom"]

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

Desmond yoinked his hand back out of the Mandalorians grasp. The man had an Iron grip, he'd give him that. He looked just as hard as that Beskar he wore. Des got the chills and it wasn't from the cold. "Only checking your awareness! You passed!" Then the Chiss regarded the Stormtroopers with a snarky smile. "You bet your plastoid bucket I'm a guide," Desmond lied. "I know Hoth like the back of my hand! In fact Tarkin outpost is some odd 98 kilometers from here," He guesstimated. He stopped to scratch under his chin. He wasn't sure how much he'd have to lie to get on to this mission, but it seemed he was in the clear.

"So when do we take off?" He asked curiously. The truth was he had never even rode a Taun Taun before and he didn't plan on it. Their was a hover sled in the stables he thought to "commandeer" for this very reason. In fact at the site of the newcomers and their abundance of supplies he had it already saddled to a couple of the smelly beast. [member="Rexus Wenck"] | [member="Draco Vereen"] | [member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

[member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Desmond C'artyom"] [member="Rexus Wenck"]​

Faith did nothing more than smile, "Lieutenant Wenck I'm already here I have the supplies, we are going, why don't you just come along." Faith zipped the jump suit up, she felt a bit like a pinata it was snug yeah it was meant for warmth. She walked back to where the men were discussing whether or not they would be allowed to go.

"We've come all this way, and I'd like to find, or help find the people responsible for taking away Life Day from a bunch of kids" Faith moved toward the LT, "Tell me Lieutenant, doesn't that just make your blood boil that someone took things from the kids" She tilted her head. He was First Order, Imperial First order, did they have hearts of ice, or perhaps grinch size hearts, she'd like to think that no one was like that.

"if you go with us you can keep an eye on us, and order your troops in when we find them. If you send a large contingent out, all it does is drive them deeper into whatever hole they've crawled in, BUT a couple of tourists...clanging about...make good bait..." She turned and batted her eyes at Draco, then turned back to the LT.

She looked at the guide, yes let's go with guide, "And a guide who...knows his way...with ..a few tourists...come on...put a little adventure in your heart...I won't tell if you won't tell...let's just go find some thieves..before they become a bigger problem or hit another outpost."

Diplomat, she was suppose to be one, among other things. Did she convince him...don't get to presumptuous she warned herself.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

"We are hardly tourists dear. And I'm not the best bait." Draco said, raising his eyebrows when she talked about them being bait. He wasn't good bait for a thief. She was excellent thief or kidnapping bait though, a smaller woman in statue, thin and svelte, seemingly had a lot of money. Kidnappers didn't know she would be with a Mandalorian Warlord by looking at her unless they did their research. But he'd be damned before he let her wander around trying to get kidnapped by someone.

"Worst case scenario, we get out to the outpost, which isn't all that fair away by tauntaun. We can make it right after dusk if we hurry. Best case, I track your culprit to their hole before the snow gets too deep and the cold kills my ride." He patted one of the horned creatures as it honked as the saddles were thrown onto its back.

Draco turned his attention back to Faith. "You, you are riding with me so I can keep an eye on ya." He needed to be able to touch her in order to keep her warm if she got too cold, and despite his large size, she didn't add much weight to a tauntaun. "You get to sit up in front of me though." He said with a wink. "Maybe, you can convince me to let you do whatever you are planning on the way over there."

"You coming?" The Mandalorian's gaze was set on the Lieutenant. A small group of folks going to an outpost for the night wasn't all bad. There were children there, so it couldn't possibly be a high security military outpost, and there were bound to be clues he could sniff out. He was a master tracker and beast hunter after all.

[member="Faith Organa"] [member="Desmond C'artyom"] [member="Rexus Wenck"]

 

[Rexus Wenck]

Rexus' eye rolls at [member="Faith Organa"] 's diatribe were hidden from behind the white plastoid of First Imperial armour. The only thing making Wenck's blood boil was the obstinate nature of this group. However, she did raise a good point. They would be rather good bait. Rexus' hadn't thought about the implication that perhaps these were thieves. He was working on the assumption the mystery assailant was a wampa or some other terrible beast. "Fine." Rexus said, allow me to contact my subordinates before we leave. Rexus also waved over a stable hand, "I want three more tauntauns mounted." He commanded, "I want them here within five minutes."

"Of course sir." The stable hand replied, scurrying off to find mounts.

"Gerhard, Twigg!" Rexus called, the two stormtroopers turned to face their officer. Gerhard had been preparing a rebuttal to the Chiss' words, but had still to articulate it. "You two are coming with us."

"Going where?" Gerhard asked.

"With the tourists," Rexus said.

"I thought we were here to tell them to le-"

"And the situation changed." Rexus said, "Go help that whelp get you a mount. We leave soon."

"Aye aye sir." Twigg replied, marching off to help the poor stable hand, followed by a confused Gerhard. Rexus reached for his helmet, and into comms.

"Sergeants Braydee, and Fernkast, do you copy?" Rexus asked.

"Yes sir," Fernkast replied.

"Aye sir." Braydee reported.

"I want your squadrons on bikes, and ready on my signal. We're about to spring a trap of sorts." Rexus said, "Do you understand?"

"Will do sir, I'll prepare the men." Braydee replied, before switching off the line. Good, that was that done, now to return to the sods who'd talked him into this.

"We'll have troop support." He announced to [member="Draco Vereen"], "Two squads of my best men."

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

Desmond C'artyom grin seemed to split his face. The Storm troopers were going to let them go. He slapped one on the back "You guys won't regret bringing me along!" He ran across the cold white ground to the stables and slipped on a patch of ice. He seemed to do a complete 360 in the air as he landed right on his fool face. He looked up from the ground and discovered a few Storm troopers sniggering in the stables. "What are you lookin' at bucket head!" Desmond said as he pulled himself from the ground and dusted off the snow. He carefully walked to the stable and glared at the stormtroopers as they simply continued to laugh.

Even the stable hand was laughing! Desmond picked up the pitch fork he had been using to shovel poodoo and thrust it at the stable hand. "Have fun pateesa!" He said with a malicious smirk. Sweet Karma... Desmond hitched his sled to the Taun Taun's. He found some dried meat and hard tac in a bag nearby. No one was using it, so he grabbed the bag clearly labled Steve the Stable Hand and placed it on his sled. He was all ready to go! "On Dasher, on Dancer, on Cupid, and Blixen!" He shouted. His team of beast trundled outside and he guided them too the tourist.


[member="Rexus Wenck"], [member="Draco Vereen"], [member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

[member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Desmond C'artyom"] [member="Rexus Wenck"] | [member="Natasi Fortan"]​

​

Diatribe? Faith? Faith was trying to act in good faith. She had not really attacked anyone, merely suggested that there was a way for them both to accomplish a goal and she would get to play in the snow and sing songs.

Faith leaned over and whispered, "I don't think he likes me" She smiled though, she didn't encounter too many people who couldn't find something redeeming about her. She was't presumptuous or demanding as many who held the same titles. But she was accustomed to helping as many folks as she could and she wasn't one to turn away just because someone said, we got it go away.

"Look Draco, he has a sled! I didn't know a tauntaun could pull a sled." She smiled as brightly as she could.

"Troop support, how nice" She stayed close by, "I"m ready to go...look its snowing..ooo Let it snow let it snow let it snow." Faith started humming.

​

Oh, the weather outside is frightful,​

But the fire is so delightful.
And since we've got no place to go,
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!​

Oh, it doesn't show signs of stopping,
And I've brought some corn for popping.
The lights are turned way down low,
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!​

When we finally kiss goodnight,
How I'll hate going out in the storm!
But, if you really hold me tight,
All the way home I'll be warm!​

The fire is slowly dying,
And my dear, we're still good-by-ing.
But, as long as you love me so,
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It snow!​

Oh, it doesn't show signs of stopping,
And I've brought some corn for popping,
Since the lights are turned way down low,
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!​

When we finally say goodnight,
How I'll hate going out in the storm!
But, if you'll really hold me tight,
All the way home I'll be warm!​

Oh, the weather outside is frightful,
but the fire is so delightful.
And since we've no place to go
Let it snow! Let it snow, Let it snow!​

Let it snow! Let it snow! LET... IT ... SNOW!​

​

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco leaned over and listened carefully to his loving wife. "Meh, we don't need him to like you. I just need him not to get us killed." Which was something Draco could manage pretty well on his own. It didn't hurt to have help sometimes, but sometimes more bodies just meant more could go wrong.

"Huh. That he does." Draco looked at the sled being pulled by tauntauns questioningly. He could imagine it could haul more than each could individual, but he had never considered Rudolph to be a solid Tauntaun name. "Alright, up you go." He said, lifting Faith up onto the saddled creature before climbing up behind her. Part of him wished he had a Te'r Rekr fur for her at times like this, but alas, he did not have one of the sacred fire wolves pelts for her to wrap up in.

Instead she had him. His gloves were off, which would normally mean frostbite would set in fairly quickly, but he had a few ways to keep his hands warm, plus he needed them free to keep Faith warm if she got cold so he could channel the Force through the contact. "Comfortable?" He asked as she hummed and he pulled himself up behind her hanging on to the reigns and slipping his feet into the stirrups.

The creature bleating out some call and shook its head as it shifted around to get the weight where it was most comfortable. The trek through the snow and ice across the tundra was a few hours, temperatures were at a high during the afternoon but would plummet to the point spit would bounce off the ice and even arctic creatures would need to bed down about an hour after dark. It was a close call to get out to the Outpost before then, but possible.

[member="Faith Organa"] [member="Desmond C'artyom"] [member="Rexus Wenck"]

 

[Rexus Wenck]

The stable hand returned with Twigg and Gerhardd mounted. "Cheers," Rexus said, passing the stable hand several cigarettes, "Have a happy Life Day," Rexus said, his voice devoid of enthusiasm. The trooper clambered onto the beast, and nearly fell off. "Motherkarker!" Rexus snapped at the top of his lungs. He'd have preferred something, well, predictable. A speeder bike, some form of walker, a mechanical beast which listened to its master. Not the stupid karking beast. "Alright lads, lets move!" Rexus commanded, "Hyah!" he called, catching up to the Chiss and the other tourists.

"Now," Rexus said, "Let's go, I don't want to be divided from my men too long." He turned to Twigg, "How're you holding up boys?"

Twigg took the beast in his proverbial stride, and seemed to be mastering the art of tauntaun riding. "I'm doing fine bossman."

Gerharrd however hugged the beast closely, clearly not impressed. "I-I'm doing alright!" The clumsy private replied.

"Keep up," Rexus said, "I don't want to do the accidental death paperwork."

"Sure thing boss." Twigg replied with a chuckle. Rexus rode his beast right up next to the Chiss.

"I really hope you know where you're headed," He warned the Chiss guide, "If anyone of us freezes because of any error on your part," he paused, his voice sounded grizzly from behind the helmet, "I will ensure that your next of kin are torn apart by a pack of mastiff hounds. Am I clear on this?"


[member="Draco Vereen"] | [member="Faith Organa"] | [member="Desmond C'artyom"]

 

[Faith Organa]

[member="Desmond C'artyom"] [member="Rexus Wenck"] [member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Natasi Fortan"]​

​

Comfortable? Had he really considered this? Look at the size of a tauntaun, and then decide to put not just one person but two on its back then push it out into the cold. Now..she might be comfortable all snuggled up with Draco..but she really wanted to ride her own tauntaun like a big girl.

But she wouldn't make a scene right now, she smiled, "Yes. I'm fine." there were other things. She looked at Desmond, "How long did it take you to train them to pull the sled? and you know for life day, they should have bells." She laughed.

She looked out into the darkness the first impression the wonder of snow falling from the star lit sky, how wonderful. She had stood on the Juran Mountains and chased snowflakes as a child but this as different. This was Hoth. A world of cold, snow, and ice. A world that history had touched and her ancestors and fought on, Hoth might radiate cold but there was something warm in knowing another Princess of Alderaan had once stepped upon it.

As they moved out through the darkness Faith couldn't help but feel a bit of nostalgia. So beautiful she looked over to the Lieutenant, "LT, how long have you been stationed on Hoth? Do you enjoy the cold?" She wanted to make conversation and show the LT that she wasn't a ninny who wanted to discuss everything in committee.

She did think of an old song her mother sang a verse from when the nights were cold and dark she could hear her mother singing, she never understand what the song meant to her mother but on a night like this, where peace seemed just close enough to touch, she couldn't help but remember the words. She heard them in her head, where no one else could. This was a private memory, just for her.

Silent Night​

Holy Night ​

All is calm​

All is bright ​

Round yon virgin​

mother and child​

Holy infant so tender and mild​

Sleep in heavenly peace​

Sleep in heavenly peace​

​

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

Desmond C'artyom placed himself atop his sled and regarded the stormtrooper. What had been said about he and his family was... Unsetteling to say the least. Regardless Des would get the job done and his words only served as extra motivation. It was that or die on this frozen world.

"No worries pateesa! I'll get us there!" He only hoped it was true.

The human female spoke to him and he regarded her with an appraising eye. She was a handsome lady and Des wanted to look good. He stroked the closest Taun Taun.. Blixen it was or maybe cupid. They all looked the same to him. Disgusting smelly creatures. Beside that he rather liked them.

"Oh it didn't take long. I just had to show them who is boss and they went right along with it!" Des gave a little flex of his guns and gave the woman his best winning smile. Cupid regarded him with a droll look and proceeded to spit on the back of his head...

"Why I outta..." Des said through gritted teeth. He put a hand to his head and got as much of the mucus out as he could. Then played it off like he was slicking back his hair. He looked towards the Lt. Once more.

"Yeah bud, how long you been on this winter wonder land?" He asked curiously. It had seemed like eons since Des had seen Cissilia and Hoth kind of reminded him of it. Just with more dangerous Chiss eating wild life. Despite all his ranting he could make a home here he secretly thought to himself...

[member="Faith Organa"], [member="Rexus Wenck"], [member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

"Well isn't he cheery." Draco whispered quietly to Faith as he affixed his googles and raised the wool lined hoot over his head. Arctic gear was big and fluffy on the inside, weatherproof on the outside and came in layers to keep one dry and warm with wicking on the closest layer to the skin.

His bare fingers brushed against her cheek and instead of ice cold, frigid appendages warmth radiated from his touch throughout her body, like they were lying before a fireplace at home on Alderaan. "That's why I want you with me. But you can take the reigns if you want." He grinned holding the leather straps for her to take and guide the beast across the icy tundra. Not the only reason, some of his reasons were more selfish. "Besides, I might need my hands free later." Draco stuffed his bare hands into her pockets, pulling himself close against her, and partially holding on for dear life in case she was bad a this. He didn't think she would be, being used to thrantas, but one never knew for certain.

"We had best get a move on if we are gonna make it out there by dusk. Wouldn't want to have to hike part of the trip." Draco's voice was loud now, loud enough for all four of the group to hear with relative ease as they all made their way out towards the windswept opening of the colony. Which would be a miserable, possibly very dangerous hike across snow drifts, ice flows, and barren tundra to get to the outpost in sub-zero temperatures at night. One that Draco wasn't planning on having to make anytime soon.

[member="Desmond C'artyom"] [member="Faith Organa"] [member="Rexus Wenck"]

 

[Rexus Wenck]

"Three months, with another four to go," Rexus said, there was a definitively droll tone to his voice. One filled with malice and spite, "We've been undergoing training exercises here should the event of a winter conflict come up." The trooper said, "Personally, I hate it. I'm usually posted on the deserts of Yalara." He paused, he might try and break the mood a little. "Plus, at least you can get a decent drink, and maid to bed." He said with a small chuckle.

"You're a sly dog boss." Twigg said with a small chuckle, "Any plans for Life Day?"

Rexus turned to his associate, "You know I'm not big on that," He said, "But yes, yes I do."

"Ooh!" Gerhard cooed, "What are your plans?"

"You know Marie, in catering?" Rexus asked, "She said she got a bottle of Avalonian Ale, the top notch stuff. And she'd like to share it with me."

"Aww," Twigg said mockingly, "You not growing soft on us are you boss?"

"Course not Twigg," Rexus said, "I just want to have a bit of a drink is all."

"Ooh, Rexus is going soft on us." Gerhard snickered.

Rexus rolled his eyes, and left the two to their devices, "So," he said, "What's your deal?" he asked [member="Draco Vereen"], "You some kind of bounty hunter or something?"

[member="Faith Organa"] | [member="Desmond C'artyom"]

 

[Faith Organa]

She did not need to be invited twice, she took the reigns it was just like riding a thranta with the way the bit worked in the mouth of the tauntaun, course now getting it to go a little faster that was taking a little more umpf, she dug her knees in tight maybe too tight. She pushed gently to urge it forward it turned its head to look at her as if she were crazy.

Faith laughed, "ok..." She tilted her head, beautiful they had so they could see, long lashed to keep up with the snow. She shifted her body, "tut tut" seemed to work the creature moved faster. Nice. The wind was biting away at the exposed parts of her face but she was warm not only because of Draco but because this was an adventure.

She looked for their guide making sure he was still with them, "Which way [member="Desmond C'artyom"]?" She waited for him to either kick up the pace or point her in a direction. She could almost hear the LT talking with his men about a woman from catering.

"tell you what LT, we get through all this" She was yelling, anyone within a mile of them likely heard her, "find the presents, and whatever or whoever took them. I'll have dinner made for you and your men, I'll bring all the fixings, the chef, and some great Emerald wine.....I know you guys work hard...what do you say?" She meant it all of it, she knew they long days away from civilization wore the military out, this would just be her way of saying thanks for helping her out today. Draco was likely having a coronary right now.

She couldn't help but be nice to them all, she was after all intruding in First Order space and pretty much told them..no. She could at least do this little thing for them dinner was a little thing. She didn't look to see if Draco was groaning inside or not. He was a warrior she was the diplomat, you make a whole lot more friends with sugar than with a blaster.

Course now Draco had yet to tell the LT what it was exactly he was...this should be good...yep..

[member="Rexus Wenck"] [member="Draco Vereen"]