Sharing Secrets (The Kathol Outback)

[Ashin Varanin]

Uukaablis was probably the most advanced planet in the nasty end of the Kathol Outback. Known for its medical technology and general pacifism, Uukaablis was also the choke point that held back the Qektoth Confederation. On her last trip through here a few years back, Alec had fought the Qektoth and had conflicted relations with the Uukaablians. (No, not like that.) In general, however, Uukaablis was friendly to the Underground, and a safe port for a meeting. After the liberation of Demonsgate, this was the port she'd chosen.

All kinds of dangerous unknowns had been exposed in past weeks. [member="Bryce Bantam"] and [member="Raachwaroo"] had faced deadly Sithspawn with potential Qektoth ties on Demonsgate. [member="Glavo Pahro"], the former Julius Sedaire, had emerged from communion with the Aing-Tii monks. Alec herself had all manner of information on local hazards for the Kathol Outback's defenders. And there was no telling who else might have crucial or useful intel on this dangerous territory.

The meeting site was a space station in Uukaablis orbit. Alec's ship had docked here, and other Underground ships had been pulling in ever since. In pretty short order, the meeting would get started. The room was circular, with a central holoprojector and tiered seating.

 

[Julius Sedaire]

The new clothes fit like a glove, and even in combat they moved surprisingly well. They hid all but the top curls of the swirling tattoo ink on his neck. Designs covering his body in a metallic white scroll from near head to toe, patterned after the Monks. Leaving them had unanticipated consequences, not related to them. But somehow, in his mind, it felt like cosmic re-balancing of the wisdom and ability he had been given. White sleeveless overtunic and tight Corellian style trousers devoid of the bloodstripe he had earned covered him outer wise, and under them a slate grey shirt. Leather, of some origin of the other, was woven and treated like light armor, bands around the neck, and padded knee high boots and elbow long 'gloves' with what appeared to be phrik bracers across his forearms.

As the sleek, almost organic looking ship docked with the station, Glavo smiled at the confusion momentarily in the controllers voice. Not many ships, if any, were like the Wanderlust. And none in any way approached it's capabilities in truth. Only in passing and similarity. She was a concrete reminder, along with several other things, of his time with the Monks. Sliding from his pilots chair, he waved to his droid to stay behind, grateful for the recent acquisition. A death-stick hung from his lips, burning dully, with another stuck between his scalp and curve of his ear. It was a terrible habit, but he couldn't quite keep his mind from wandering the flows when meeting people like Alec, so it was preparation. He still wasn't sure in what way he knew her in his current incarnation. There were a few possibilities, really.

Hand on the high hilted saber riding at the small of his back, he adjusted the blue over-robes and stepped off the rather mismatched and out-stuck ship he had left the Monks in, and onto the station with a click of booted heels. Now, at least, with his mind a little more sorted, he had shaven and gotten a vague handle on his drinking. Hell, he even had a job as a Master Distiller, a respectable occupation on Galtea. Or anywhere really. But this was important. Aing-Tii contacts had told him of something occurring in the Outback. He hoped it wasn't linked to Demonsgate, but who knew... Information must be shared.

Stepping to the exact location, he raised a hand in greeting, removing it from the hilt of his sword, and smiled, looking about to see who was who.

Spoiler

Current Garb:

[member="Alec Rekali"]

 

[Bryce Bantam]

The young man ran his hand through his long red hair as he prepared to exit the Shinning Starr. The time between the liberation of Demonsgate and now had left its' mark on him. BB having spent almost every waking second till this point studying, researching, and battling the Sith Spawn of Demonsgate had made it though the long hard road, and had finally saw the threat neutralized enough so now it was able to be controlled by the local law keepers.

Looking into a near by portal window he marveled at how different he looked. Gone was the child of fifteen, green to this life and full of wonder. Eyes now heavy from lack of sleep and aged from terrors witnessed look back at him. The boy was gone, for better or for worse he was a man.

Raising his fingers once more through his hair this time fixing it into a more stylish due before tugging on the collar of his long red trench coat to fix it in a manner that was more tight and neat. His black knee high boots were polished and his shirt and scarf were finely pressed. From his waist was his trusted Hibernators hung snugly in their holsters while tucked into his belt was a Shoto training lightsaber he had taken to carry.

Looking back he let his hand run along the side of his H-wing's corridor smiling at what a trusted companion it had been. Now heavily modified the Starr still carried the same charm as when he had first taken command of her and he considered himself lucky to call such a ship his.

Giving final instructions for his crew BB picked up his datapad filled with all his findings and proceeded from the Starr. As he walked onto the station his boots sounded heavy and echoed in the near empty passage. Slowly he continued toward the stations interior finally making it to the room they had been summoned to. As he did he put on his best face and greeted all those in attendance.

[member="Glavo Pahro"] [member="Alec Rekali"]

 

[Raachwaroo]

The RebelX RRR, as it had been named for simple reasons docked in on time for the first time since he landed on Biitu. Taking his little astromech inside with him he enjoyed being at the space port most of them were very agreeable. The only difference from this norm was when he'd met Ria Misrani in that particular bounty hunter haven. That one was very different than most, as that was only enjoyable by the fact that he'd gotten a nice set of Armorweave while there. Carrying his signature green duffle bag with him and his vest inside it for he trusted the Underground and it's associates and he heard that Bryce was coming. Bryce always meant good things were happening.

The messaging system informed him that the host of the little get together was a mildly attractive woman named Alec Rekali. Normally he'd just see her as her, but with his recent more scandalous adventure with a human partner he worried if everything would turn out okay. Though Rung kept him distracted from anything too large that kept him away from the large circular room. Once inside he found Galvo Pahro the monk jedi that he'd fought with on that... uh... Demonsgate! What a fitting name it was for a planet littered with sith-spawn. That Sanya, the stories of what she did made him angry, but watching Bryce tell them made him feel more blue than red. But now here he was, before two humans or at lest near-humans on time for a meeting. Rung was quick to translate his greeting roar.


"Sup? Heard you wanted to see some Wookie." Of course what 'Waroo had actually was a more polite, "Greetings friends! I trust this is the place you wanted me?" Rung's personality card just got in the way of things often.


[member="Alec Rekali"] [member="Glavo Pahro"] [member="Bryce Bantam"]

 

[Sor-Jan Xantha]

He didn't look like a Jedi.

Of course, by and large, no one in the galaxy knew what a Jedi was supposed to look like. To the vast majority of the populace, the Jedi and the Sith were no more real than the boogeyman in the closet or the monster under the bed. Demons of air and darkness, whose names were invoked to support myriad governments hurling blaster bolts at one another. Some thought them a myth, some saw them as miracle workers, and others as a blight upon the cosmos. And, if history taught us anything, it was that all three of those opinions had a measure of validity to them.

No, he didn't look like a Jedi. He looked like he was ten and was dressed like he was a fringer. The butt of an HSB-200 appearing larger than life against the youngling's slight frame, suspended down on his right thigh in a drop-leg holster. Even if the sight of the blaster on a youngling wasn't enough to catch the attention, the appearance of a Corellian bloodstripe along the leg was sure to raise some eyebrows. Or even start a fight if there was a Corellian in the place who wanted to question why he was wearing them.

Three spare tibana cartridges jutted out from the front of the dusty vest that draped over his small form. He had a lightsaber concealed inside the folds of the vest, but was doing well enough the mask the slight bulge of the cylinder's outline to indicate that he had some practice at it. As he reached a hand up, gesturing as he spoke with the doorman, the light caught on the metallic edge of the expensive wrist link that adorned his left arm. A rather modern device for someone out here, beyond the Rim.

He wasn't sure just what he was doing here, but that was rather the whole point of heading out into the wilderness. He'd flown with the Levantines and fought with the Resistance against the First Order, giving him a fair number of contacts in the Outer Rim. Enough to where he'd heard of this Underground and knew at least the rumors of their work. Enough to appreciate what they did.

If he was going to be out here, he might as well be useful.

He'd been passing through Kal'Shebbol a month earlier when it had been suggested that he stop here. Uukaablis. A world he was certain he'd not heard of before. Read, possibly, in the footnote to some reference about this part of the Galactic Map. But the maps typically didn't go out this far. Which was precisely what made it so appealing to him.

Spoiler: Current Garb

 

[Matthew Robinson]

A woman with electric-yellow highlights, a man who looked like a space cowboy, a guy with a flop of red hair, a wookie, and a kid. All strangers to Matt. Wait, how many weapons did that kid have? The medic did a double take and wasn't so subtle about it. He could only imagine the injury reports coming in now from Sor-Jan.

His empathic abilities were raw and untrained but it didn't stop him from feeling like there might be something more to the kid. Or the waves of excitement and camaraderie from the others. Either that, or he shouldn't have eaten that nerf-steak and nima-beaned borrito right before this meeting. He grunted a hello to the others before finding a seat.

Fingers dug around inside of his pocket for the vial of herbs he always carried. He needed one for indigestion.




[member="Alec Rekali"][member="Glavo Pahro"][member="Bryce Bantam"] [member="Raachwaroo"] [member="Sor-Jan Xantha"]

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

Rekha came in from The Midnight Star a freighter near and dear to her heart getting in and out of Bespin was getting a little trickier, sneaking out with the garbage and picking up the Star on the nearest asteroid after being dropped off her friends were taking a risk and she risked being found out one day soon.

She showered before leaving the Star and headed to the coordinates for a station above Uukaablis. There were already a number of ships docked a good turnout, she got the star lined up with a docking ring and made for the meeting.

She and [member="Eliza Steele"] had helped at securing this part of the galaxy. Not that she wanted some reward for doing it though she had gotten one a liberation ring she didn't own much jewelry so she couldn't help but wear this one. Even when she didn't need more courage it was a symbol that there were people in the galaxy that still cared about freedom.

She made it from the Star to the meeting room without getting lost. Rekha nodded to those she knew and to those she didn't after all they were all here for the same reason she was.

[member="Matthew Robinson"] [member="Sor-Jan Xantha"] [member="Raachwaroo"] [member="Bryce Bantam"] [member="Glavo Pahro"] [member="Alec Rekali"]

 

[Noah Bright]

Just a few months ago, Bright had been sitting in a bar on Voss. Pretty much doing nothing. Passing the time by listening to a blue-haired woman and her Jedi companion talk about some flying ship named The Millennium Falcon. See... She'd been to this place called Demonsgate recently and witnessed all sorts of shenanigans while she was there. Tales crazy enough to perk Noah's interest and custom Hyperdrives fast enough to make the Kessel Run blush like a school girl. Whoa.

So yeah. Long story short-er. Now he was here for the briefing. Ya know. To get caught up on things in these parts. Lay of the land, and all that. So the old pilot took a seat and kicked up his feet. Ahhh. Just getting comfortable amongst the crew. Brown shirt, brown leathers, and a cannon of a carbine strapped to his hip. The usual look that brought every xenos within a hundred meters to frown and cuff, "Oh look. Another human. Great..." The kind of outfit that says, I'm boring, impractical, and unoptimized for combat against a Force User. Yeah... It was right up there in commonality next to, Corellian with a smirk, and I'm practically invisible aren't I. Kinda like hiding in plain sight.

Mmm. Invisible. Just the way the old man liked it.

 

[Ashin Varanin]

[member="Glavo Pahro"] [member="Noah Bright"] [member="Rekha Kaarde"] [member="Matthew Robinson"] [member="Sor-Jan Xantha"] [member="Raachwaroo"] [member="Bryce Bantam"]

"All right, looks like we've got critical mass to get started. Welcome to Uukaablis orbit; I'm Captain Alec Rekali. Admiral Doneeta has asked me to hold a meeting so we can all get on the same page about some important points. I'll be talking about the Qektoth Confederation next door, and if anyone has questions about our presence in the Kathol -- or anything to add -- then go ahead and talk away. Call this a free-fire zone; we don't have an agenda.

"A couple things we need to cover first, though. Last time I was out here, I struck a deal with some aliens called the Aing-Tii Monks. [member="Glavo Pahro"] has more recent and comprehensive experience with them, so if he could tell us what the Aing-Tii mean for our security out here, that'd be good. And [member="Bryce Bantam"] and [member="Raachwaroo"] fought some unexpected nastiness on Demonsgate, so if you two could brief us on what you found -- well, no, that's not a request.

"Also worth noting that the S-thread boosters and instinctive astrogators we used to get out here so quick are still in play. It might be possible to build a permanent, secret shortcut, with or without General Merrill."

 

[Ria Misrani]

Quietly, per usual Ria made her way into whatever it was they were in. This time at least it was a simple meeting, it almost reminded her of the time before they charged onto Demonsgate. The first big shindig, this time at least it felt more calm to say the least. She didn't wear anything fancy, just a small blaster vest over her typical blue shirt. It wasn't like they lived out near Brentaal IV or Coruscant where apparel stores were a dime a dozen. Blonde hair down, toweled dry nothing spectacular.

Once more, the young slicer managed to find a little spot out of the way. Having come in somewhere between Qektoth Confederation and questions about the Kathol. Tucking her legs in under her she remained silent, listening to the person speak. Oh those things on Demonsgate, she thinks to herself she knew a thing or two about them as well but she wasn't an expert on anything other than killing them. She did like the idea of a shortcut, blue abyss knows they could use it. It takes a while to get anywhere in the Outback let alone trying to accomplish major goals.

She took the moment to look around the room, her eyes surveyed everyone and she wondered if they were making Jedi's younger by the minute. Force types, she figured always had some sorta thing about them. Settling into her little corner, back to the walls she fishes out a piece of tonitran jerky and begins munching. While doing so, Ria sees that like her, and Bryce several of those gathered here, have gotten a liberation ring. The young slicer is pleased to be in such company. Perhaps they could all swap stories, between running through Sithspawn and Cat-like creatures on Demonsgate and shooting things in the face. Trying not to die, there hadn't been much room for pleasantries.

 

[CC-420 "Doc"]

Artificial light filled the void that was embracing CC-420 when the Shinning Star docked with the station. Doc awoke with a wry grin, he hadn't had a single nightmare since he'd started taking spice regularly. An entire sleep cycle spent watching the highlight wheel of terrible shit you've witnessed tended to put a damper on one's waking moments. The clone gave a grunt as he pulled himself out of his bunk and towards the room's sink. The face of a man dead for thousands of years stared at him with slightly glazed eyes. How many Fett clones were left? The thought had crossed his mind before, but far as he could tell beyond his force dead brothers not a single one remained. Unless they were maybe in a tube somewhere.

The twelve year old medic gave another grunt and put on his standard "light work" attire. A corellian leather jacket, black t shirt, green cargo pants and a concealable protective vest. He then put a fresh magazine into his heavy slugthrower pistol before stuffing it in a holster he kept on side.

To complete his ritual he took out a small locked box he kept under his bunk and opened it, revealing a labeled collection of various spices for various needs and a vibroknife. After removing the knife and placing it in his boot Doc took a bump of the spice labeled "Uptime". Doc felt a thin tingle flow through his spine before giving a very enthusiastic "WOOOOO!" and heading out into the station to mingle with others from the ragtag group he'd only days ago joined up with.

He wondered silently how all these forcie folk felt being constantly able to "feel" one another. It was a thought that tended to make those devoid of any such connection antsy.
[member="Bryce Bantam"] [member="Matthew Robinson"] [member="Alec Rekali"] [member="Ria Misrani"]

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Speaking had already commenced by the time he had arrived at the space station orbiting above Uukaablis. He was already doing work in the area, salvaging and dismantling the debris left behind at the battle of Demonsgate. Salacia had encountered a few salvagers in the area, but most to be staying a bit aways from former Black Rose space. Judah supposed the rumors of turning into potential catgirls kept most at bay. He was lucky enough to be high up on the totem pole, able to afford security and large work crews.


Slipping in quietly through the doors located at the top of the tiered meeting chamber, Judah slid to his right, silently taking a seat on a bench at the very top. Ocean blue eyes flicked around the room, trying to see if he could place anyone from previous travels. The only person he recognized was [member="Sor-Jan Xantha"] of Corellian Digital. Did they have a contract here? Interesting.


Hand came up to scratch a slightly overgrown beard, listening to a speaker talk about alien monks. Sounded a bit like alien Jedi to him, hiding out in the black from one thing or another. He wasn't personally concerned but it was always worth passing these things on to security. Judah didn't see himself wandering into alien monk space anytime soon. If they were monks than in theory they should be peaceful, otherwise they should drop the monk thing....in his opinion anyways.

 

[Elaine Thul]

Elaine Thul was late as always, she had come to this meeting to meet her new neighbors. She did not much about them, only they controlled space between her and the Galactic Alliance. She need to make sure she had unfettered access to the alliance, as she spent a lot of time with her troops ferrying them back and forth to there military campaigns, as well as bring refuges back to her new home world. she did not have much in way modern navy, and relied on old troop transports. Though like any possible meeting with unknown people, she brought her personal housecarls with her. Though not in full armour, as that would give wrong impression as this was not a combat mission, just a meet and greet. She docked on to space station and waited to told where she should go, though she would be followed by her bodyguard where ever she did go.

[member="Judah Dashiell"] [member="CC-420 Doc"] [member="Ria Misrani"] [member="Alec Rekali"] [member="Noah Bright"] [member="Rekha Kaarde"] [member="Matthew Robinson"] [member="Sor-Jan Xantha"] @Raachwaroo @Bryce Bantam [member="Glavo Pahro"]

 

[Julius Sedaire]

"The Aing-Tii don't mean much for our security beyond what they always have for the Outback - hell on slavers and their ilk. And a dislike of certain varieties of other villainous scum. Us liberating Demonsgate doesn't really seemed to have swayed them positively, or negatively. Granted, I can't say how far my pull or influence goes. But so long as we keep our noses clean in this sector... They won't be much other than a helping hand."

Turning, the Corellian eyed everyone as he pulled out a thick and battered holoprojector, and slid a slate to [member="Alec Rekali"] as it began to beam data and figures and video in scrolls above the table. Scenes were varied. Footage was chaotic. Nothing was quite the same in any one clip to the next, but every one had the similarity that, quite simply, could not be denied. In each and every single one, screaming people were beaten, chained, and dragged off. And in a few, white-armored figures appeared out of nowhere. In one or two, someone more humanoid could be seen in the forefront, perhaps Glavo himself. It was obviously footage of slaver raids.

"This is what concerns them currently. Most pressingly. Slave gangs rising in activity in a place where most are terrified to be slavers. Possessing weaponry they shouldn't have. All started about eighteen months ago. Now, we see this twisted abominations when we liberate Demonsgate. I'm trying to get more intel, but... A correlation could exist between the Q's and these raids... The nature or details, no one knows. Not even the Monks. But they are enraged beyond my memory. So, though i know we avoid judgement in these circles... If you dabble in such arts.... I'd terminate the experiment or leave the area. Aing-Tii are terrible and implacable when calm... I hate to see what they are like now. And if we find anything out.... Anyone does.... Let me know... They want word of it, if this is more than coincidence or random. And first blood, if we'll give it to them."

 

[Kira Vaal]

Near the group a small droid appeared and gave a small series of beeps before allowing a steady blue stream to appear at the table in the form of a woman in typical spacer’s gear.
“Captain Kira Vaal.” The hologram said, occasionally skipping as the droid attempted to get a solid signal from Kira’s own stream across the sector.

“I am currently en-route to Karideph as per the orders of General [member="Jorus Merrill"]. Sorry to interrupt please continue.” She gave a small nod and took to standing there in the casual blue glow that the hologram allowed.

 

[Bryce Bantam]

Having a run in with the Aing Tii briefly he was glad Glavo has a good understanding of them, because he sure as kark didn’t. The added slaver activity was also troubling so it seems he was not the only one fighting a up hill battle. Once Glavo was done BB stood up and introduced himself to the crowd being sure to smile at both old friends and new alike. Always the outgoing type he was looking forward to his and slid a datapad of his own to Alex letting the scenes from the attacks on Demonsgate be his background.

Spoiler

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

“Before I begin I would like to thank all those who not only took part in the liberation of Demonsgate but also those who served with me in the months after, working to free the planet from the plight of these creatures. So [member="Glavo Pahro"] [member="Ria Misrani"] [member="Vilaz Munin"] [member="Nate the Bounty Hunter"] [member="Raachwaroo"] [member="Fadeyka"] and [member="Stephanie Brown"] please if you are in attendance stand and be recognized for all your hard work. I can honestly tell you all that the Sith spawn plague has finally be brought under control, but as always we must be vigilant.”

Motioning for Alex to begin the playback BB continued saying.

“This behind me is the Xenomorph species we have named the Po Sauʻai, or death fiends. So far the only outbreaks of these sith spawn seem to be centered on Demonsgate. Over the past few months we have studied them in in both lab setting and in field study. Both have confirmed some startling findings. For all intents and purpose they are an artificially created killing machine. With chit skin that can withstand blaster and lightsabers, acid spit with a range of 10 meters and the ability to breed by viral infection this was an unexpected foe and an exceedingly dangerous one at to boot.”

Looking around the room BB saw looks of either shock or boredom so he decided to speed things along...

“Not to bore any of you with the unneeded details I would however like to speak about that last few months after the initial liberation of demonsgate. In that time multiple broods kept popping up in random locations and at first assumed it to be outliers of the original brood. However our investigations turned up something more sinister. A league of hired mercenaries were actually in possession of the virus in question and were without doubt creating the additional outbreaks. While we were unable to ascertain who was responsible for hiring them, we do believe their main intent of these acts was to sow fear and confusion upon the planet and to discredit us in the eyes of the Outback at large.”

“Needless to say I doubt this is the last we will see of this enemy but luckily we do have a few weapons at our disposal. The infection itself up to stage three of the infection it can be cured, we have the treatments and knowledge in place to help save those afflicted. Also we know Aurek Charge Ammunition is still highly effective as is targeting their eyes. I know for some this may be a lot to take in but you have any other questions on this enemy please let me know, otherwise I will yield the floor to the next speaker.”

[member="Kira Vaal"] [member="Elaine Thul"] [member="Judah Dashiell"] [member="CC-420 Doc"] [member="Alec Rekali"] [member="Noah Bright"] [member="Rekha Kaarde"] [member="Matthew Robinson"]

 

[Noah Bright]

Noah remained seated, curious, and rather amused at everything presented thus far. Heck, he ever worried that he should have been taking notes. Mmm. Instead he made a mental reminder to check back with the Jedi Archives on Voss. Especially about these new types of creatures, villains, and magic Anny-Ting monks.

He had to give the galaxy some respect. It was constantly amusing.

 

[Nate Phantoms]

He sat in the shadows, not exactly in the 'mood' to be recognized at a public event, and sure as hell not talk about his experiences... that always brought up the past, and that was not something he'd like to delve into. The scarred index finger of his left hand tapped against his chin thoughtfully, and he watched [member="Bryce Bantam"], that was probably the only person in this room that at least remotely understood him, that wasn't necessarily a bad thing, he inquired, but he pushed the internal debate aside and waited for the next speaker. The conference seemed to go by in slow motion for him, and he wasn't a very patient person, so against his better judgement, he rose slowly and made his way to the door, exiting the room.

 

[Eliza Steele]

Eliza had arrived late to the Outback's meeting much to her dislike and slipped into the back of the conference room of the space station orbiting Uukaablis taking a spot against the wall noting several faces she knew and didn't. The petite smuggler was dressed in her usual spacer attire topped off with a brown coat with her favored DL-44 heavy blaster pistol holstered on her shapely right hip and strapped to her tone thigh.

The dark-eyed brunette of course had come prepared holding a covered mug of strong caf with a splash of whiskey to keep her awake; not just any ol' whiskey either, but the good stuff from Rywen's Distillery on Galtea. Course it was only prudent the fiery Corellisi did as the Master Distiller was in this very room, and basically the reason why the captain of the Corellian Dawn hadn't made it on time. They would get to that later… Right now though Steele wanted to see what individual secrets were to be revealed amongst them to aid the Kathol Outback as a whole.

 

[Matthew Robinson]

[member="Bryce Bantam"] [member="Glavo Pahro"] [member="Judah Dashiell"] [member="Alec Rekali"]

Of course Matt had no idea that the shaggy-haired man named Judah who sat next to him was a multi-million or billionaire. Then the young medic may have felt a bit more awkward about his current situation of impending indigestion. But fear not. Fingers finally dug out a home brewed herbal remedy from his satchel. He popped one in his mouth and whispered to the dark-haired stranger.

"Ginger-mint?" He offered the man one in a hushed whisper as the slides flashed below. Most people in the room were strangers, since he was a new medic-recruit. Might as well get to know someone. Attention was split. Matt tucked the mint in the back of his teeth and cleared his throat loudly to address Glavo and Bryce.

"The slaves we've rescued. Do we have a medical program in place to treat any injuries and help these folks get back on their feet?"