Public Smuggle-Bugs

[Hubert Starhopper]

Objective



Tags:

Gear: Custom Blaster Pistol, Tool-Kit



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Given his history with them, an offer made by a Toydarian for anything is likely to be refused by Hubert. Especially an offer with such a high price... But as soon as he saw their faces, he couldn't refuse. Women, children, elders- all gazed at Hubert with their tired, glossy eyes.

It irked him that a Toydarian wanted to do anything altruistically, but that feeling settled once he learned the amount if credits the Bug was pulling for himself. Everything made a lot more sense with that piece of info...

With a growl from Hubert, and a smug grin from the Bug, their hands met for a shake, and our Toydarian fixer had his pilot. Others were to be brought into the crew as well, but Hubert was never told how many.

He took the coordinates from the Bug and made his way. Upon arrival, he was met with a rusted pile of scrap passing for a ship. It reminded him of his own, slapped together with metal plating from this and that, wires from anywhere they could be found, and just enough seal between the gaps of it to keep air pressure. A grimace takes his face and his head drops with a shake, hands placed at his hips.

He figured he better take a look at it, make any improvements he can just in case things go south. The route they are taking isn't the safest, the lane between Tatooine and Hutta wasn't very forgiving towards any manner of ship. His years of smuggling taught him that, but if it meant these poor souls could escape whatever oppression they face, ex-slave Hubert Starhopper will do any-and-everything he can to get them to safety.

During his workings on the ship however, a thought strikes him as just a tad odd...

Hutta..? Why would anybody actually choose to flee to Hutta for safety of all things..? Something is off, and Hubert knows the answer of what won't be freely given. He HAS to figure out why they're being brought to Hutta...

Hopefully, someone amongst those chosen for this job will share the same sentiment, and these lost souls possibly led horribly astray can have a chance at getting what they've waited for instead of whatever awaits them.

 

[Sindar Malik]

Tags: Hubert Starhopper , Open.

Toydarians were a people known for their somewhat unique relations with other sentients. Trouble always found people like that, but it was rarer to find those who would actually help. Heroes, that's what these people needed, but these days they were in short supply. Though, hidden among the crowd, there were those that wished to protect these people...

One such protector was sitting in the cargo hold, brooding underneath a cloak was a Cathar man who had recently made his oath to the rebellion. For the good of all sentients, he would stand guard. Of course, that was always going to be harder than it sounded. Enemies lurked everywhere, and you never knew where trouble would be.

As Sindar sat in the hold, a sound made it's way to his ears, high pitched and buzzing. One of the Toydarian boys had skinned his knee, the sound got under his skin. He stood up, and walked over to the boy, who cowered before the looming adult. He took off a band he had on his arm, and began to use it as a bandage. A bit tight, just to keep it from getting nasty.

"Make sure you are more careful where you play, these floors are slick..."

Once the crying stopped, he made his way to the cockpit, standing in the doorway like a specter. He kept his face hidden, shadowed by the hood of his cloak. There was one clear thing about him, he was not a local.

"How long until we reach Hutta?" The question was blunt, the words punchy as a sparring droid. Sindar didn't want to mince words with the Pilot, he had other things to do today. Mainly he was working to make sure these people made it wherever they were going, and the link up with a Wild Space Rebellion cell near Hutta.

With any luck the WSR would be able to further ensure security for these poor folks, maybe even find them refuge. They had to do this, these people were counting on it. So long as nothing came along to ruin it, maybe the Rebellion could make use of this smuggling situation.

Rebellions ran on people like Hubert, they were the kind of men the galaxy needed. Men who weren't afraid to do what's right, even when it isn't exactly legal. Maybe he was doing it for credits, or the goodness of the deed. Whichever it was, he was doing what was right! That deserved at least some recognition.

 

[Hubert Starhopper]

Objective: Bring the Refugees To Safety



Tags: Sindar Malik

Gear: Custom Blaster Pistol, Tool-Kit



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The words cut through Huberts train of thought like a lightsaber, his focus on what surrounds them fading immediately. It's clear he's on edge, from the way he's sitting on the end of the seat, and the ashtray full of freshly-extinguished cigarettes he's been chainsmoking since they lifted off. He takes a long drag from the one currently hanging between his lips and turns to Sindar Malik with a puzzled look.

"A bit. There are a few checkpoints between us and Hutta. Had to take a few detours to stay off the radar. Ain't exactly state of the art- our ship here."

His accent carries a certain drawl known to be from most farmers around the Galaxy. A large scar travels from his temple to his jawline along the side of his face, straight and wide.

His face twists a bit, and he glances at the dash of the cockpit from the side of his eye, turning his gaze back to the stranger shortly after. "If we don't run inta' anymore trouble, should be about ten parsecs or so. Just prepare for that number ta' change."

He kills the last bit of his cigarette and crushes it into the ashtray, a couple of his previous moments of weakness falling to the floor to make room for their new companion. Something is eating at Hubert. Something feels off... It's like a little voice in his head is sewing these seeds of doubt that only flower into rising stalks of panic.

Why would a Toydarian help anyone but themselves? On Tatooine, most poor or unfortunate people avoid looking them in the eye out of fear of offending the Bug, and becoming a slave short after. But now, here is one outwardly helping the poor and unfortunate. Of course, he's making a big sum for himself, but how? Usually jobs like these don't pay out too well for the helping party...

"Since I gotcha' here, I have a question."

His body turns back towards the controls of the cockpit, keeping Sindar Malik in his peripheral vision.

"Cloak, Mysterious way 'bout'cha. Gentle and compassionate to strangers... Jedi, right? You feel anything... odd? Like anything outta' place?"

Hubert doesn't mean to pry, his nerves are just emploring him to find any source of comfort to his constant anxiety over this. Usually, when he has a bad feeling, it's there for a reason, but so far- nothing. It was no secret that having a Jedi along for the ride would make Hubert feel a lot more secure, and a lot less panicked about his suspicions. There would be a much better chance of protecting these lost souls from whatever harm may or may not come their way, but alas- the feeling stays sunken into Huberts gut like it has talons.

"I dunno'. Hate to be- y'know... THAT guy... But speakin' from experience. I ain't EVER known a Bug to do good. Good to them is making as much money, as easily as can be..."

He lights another cigarette with the fusion cutter hanging from his tool-kit.

"...Just don't sit right with me."

 

[Sindar Malik]

​

Tags: Hubert Starhopper

There would be plenty of time for questions on the journey, but these questions were things Sindar had hoped to keep secret. The best for the young pilot would be to keep his nose out of the mess, unfortunately that just wasn't possible. If he wanted to know the true nature of his cargo, then now might as well be the time for a revelation. Even if it might endanger Hubert, he did have a right to know.

"You are right to mark me as a Jedi, sad as it is to say these days. I seem to have joined the order just in time to see it burn out..."

Sindar wasn't exactly pleased to know that the order of Jedi was in decline, but he had long accepted his place as bokken. It suited him as far as he could say, not being tied to old traditions. Whatever the Jedi were now, he'd go about it his way. Part of that way was helping those in a bind. That's what he was doing here!

"These "Bugs" as you call them are people, sentients like you and me. They may have a custom of getting one over on people, but that doesn't mean they are any less deserving of protection."

Sindar was careful not to be too accusatory when it came to the pilot, that could be a big mistake. Hubert was an ally so far, and his worries were well founded. It was a little crazy to expect someone to stick their proverbial neck out for a Toydarian, let alone a bushel of them...

He waited before speaking again, his eyes glancing out the window into the dark of space. A black sheet broken up by little pinpricks of light. "I don't work alone, I should let you know. I work inside a whole rebellion of people. A network of fighters called the Wild Space Rebellion. We have an interest in these people. Getting them off their homeworld, because they have supported us."

It was true, these Toydarians were all family and friends of important bankers and politicians. People who could be vary easily "relocated" and "Re-educated" by the Black Sun. It was for that reason that the Rebellion decided to relocate them first. Taking them to Hutt Space, where the Black Sun had less reach. Nal Hutta may have been in The Syndicate's borders, but no one controlled The Hutts, not completely.

"When we land on Hutta, you'll see. There will be people waiting for us there. Hand picked by a former Grandmaster, and very much aligned against The Black Sun."

It wasn't likely that being aligned against the largest criminal organization in The Galaxy was confidence building, but it was also the truth. Hubert could very well end up an enemy of The Syndicate. "I should have been up front with you, about the danger that is. Problem is, every trader or smuggler we've asked so far has turned us down. So, I decided to... Hide the truth slightly..."

​

 

[Hubert Starhopper]

Objective



Tags: Sindar Malik

Gear: Tool-Kit, Blaster Pistol



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An immediate widening of Huberts eyes is flashed at the Jedi at his reprimanding. Not of malice, but of misunderstanding.

"No-no! You ain't gettin' me, friend. them back there in the ship- ain't the Bugs I'm talkin' about. The ones that make an actual living on Tatooine, well..."

He takes a drag from his cigarette, removing it from his mouth, ashing it, and replacing it where it was- cozied between his sweating lips. The black layer of engine grease lackering his skin runs along his flesh in streaks, a rapids of mechanical waste coating him. He hasn't had a chance for a shower since working on this smuggler ship.

"...They don't do it growin' vegetables or harvesting moisture. At least- themselves."

Hubert takes a hand off of the flight wheel and points to the scar on his face. Deep, and jagged like hot metal was dragged along his flesh.

"When I was a child, I lived in a small slum that housed all'a the slaves. Not all of us were owned by the same bugs, but bugs they all were. Dozens, and dozens of people, sentient spieces that were a lot like you and me. Beaten, starved, forced to work days scrappin' old ships just for the privledge of eatin' dinner.

The scar, is what happened when I refused my masters order to hurt my family. My bounty for the Empire- is what followed."

He clears his throat, blinking rapidly a few times as if shaken out of somewhere else.

"My point is- I know what it's like to be them. Scared, unsure of what's next. I would never question somebody in jeopardy. Mmmbut... What's the chance our contact that gathered all these people in our ship, is a slaver just trying to make a quick credit? Thats what I'm saying."

At the mentioning of the recieving party of their particular "special delivery," being unaware of what it contains, Hubert groans and falls back in his seat a bit, a glare- now hostile, is shot towards the Jedi. The orange glow of Huberts cigarette illuminates his face in the dim cockpit.

"You gotta' be kriffin' kiddin' me! This ain't helpin' my doubts none!"

His words are shouted but his tone is anything but hostile, just upset. It's not often he attempts something like this, and now with the additional knowledge of their difficulty upon delivery, those seeds of doubt begin to sprout into sprigs of panic.

"Please, just at least tell me they ain't gonna' want us to pay 'em. I am flat broke..."

 

[Sindar Malik]

​

Tags: Hubert Starhopper

Sindar listened intently to the story the man told, crossing his arms over his chest as he did. It was truly tragic to hear the tale of Huber's life, a tale of sorrow in servitude. There was nothing Sindar could say to remove those years of trauma. No honeyed dialogue to be had.

"I can empathize with being a slave, I was a prisoner of The Sith for a good while. The punishment of a rebellious slave is not one anyone should face. However, I can assuage your feeling of anxiety Hubert."

The Cathar then placed a hand on Hubert's shoulder. Trying to calm him with words, give him some feeling of safety. A feeling that was rare these days in the galaxy, where fear ran rampant.

"The Toydarian contacts we have made are no slavers, they are politicians aligned against the Black Sun, who effectively control the planet. These people are the families of those politicians, those too weak, young, or frail to defend themselves. The Rebellion thinks that helping them is a way to undermine The Black Sun, and protect these people at the same time."

The misunderstanding before made things more tense between them, but Sindar made sure to watch his tone, remaining neutral rather than accusatory. He realized that there was a simple miscommunication. Nothing that a bit of honesty and empathy couldn't fix.

The Cathar leaned against a part of the ship, looking out a viewport, hearing the words Hubert said to him. He smirked at the comment about payment, some people couldn't shake their connection to material trinkets. Still, it would be easy enough to address that.

"If all goes well, then we will be the ones paying you my friend. It's the least we can do for your service to The Rebellion."

There was no price too high to pay for more allies, even if they were just smugglers or thieves. He figured now would be the best time to spring the question on him. There was very little that could be expected, but none the less, he'd go for it!

"If you were to join use, there would be many more credits to come from there. We may not be the largest force in the galaxy, but we have funds. Funds we could easily allocate to you. We can also keep bounty hunters from nabbing you in the night."

 

[Hubert Starhopper]

Objective



Tags: Sindar Malik

Gear: Tool-Kit, Blaster Pistol



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"Join y'all? Thanks, but I'm not big on restrictions and regulations, policies- so on. I like to set my own course. And as far as the money goes, don't get me wrong- a lump sum in my pockets would be great, but I wasn't meaning it like that."

Another drag is taken from the cigarette as he shakes his head, mindlessly checking their pathing and the system diagnostics as he continues.

"I was just pointing out that if we had to pay them, I couldn't." A grin stretches across his face, his yellowed teeth seeming pearly in comparison to the oil lacker that constrasts them. He isn't one to particularly nitpick the finer details of grooming oneself. Being on the move constantly, running from trouble, never really sleeping in the same place twice tends to make it rather difficult to focus on the little things. At least the stench eminating from him is from an engine, and not his body.

"Alright, Jedi. If you have faith, I'll lean into it. But don't think for a second I ain't blastin' as soon as I see a finger twitch. I'm telling you, something feels off..."

The ship enters an asteroid field, alarms blaring for Hubert to pull them out of lightspeed. He does exactly that, and the old ships' inner contents lurch forward a bit. "None of this was on the scanner!" Hubert hollers, using one hand for a compassionate shoving of his Jedi companion into the co-pilot seat. It isn't long after that the ship is taking a barrel roll around a giant asteroid, immediately dipping into a nose dive to avoid another.

He knows that the lives of every soul aboard rest in his hands, and he is unwilling to crack in that pressure. He cranks the flight wheel back, sending the smuggler ship screaming upward in a forceful roar. Suddenly, he levels the ship, and cranks it sideways, narrowly missing an asteroid by feet. The ships' hull rattles from the inertia it's put under, the passengers flail and scream as they grab onto anything they can find to anchor themselves.

He slips a gap between two more, straining as he pulls with all of his might on the wheel. With one final twist to avoid clipping the wing, the ship is out of harm's way, correcting course, and back en route.

Hubert wipes the sweat from his face and flops back in his seat, panting like he had just finished a marathon.

"Heh... Yeah... no problem..."