Private Travel Logs

[Samatharis]

Mike's Bar
Coranet City Starport, Corellia. Galactic Alliance Space.

Samatharis sat at the bar drinking a beer and watching the news. It was a tiny cafe just off the busy concourse of the Coranet City Starport. A quiet place. Far removed from the hustle and bustle of the frantic port just beyond it's wide durasteel doors. The perfect place to wait. She was dressed in all black. A dark fur shearling bomber jacket, armored boots, and her long brown hair tied up into a bun. Travel attire meant for comfortable weather and warm vibes. Nothing serious. A dull blue gym bag sat the foot of her bar stool. All the packing she needed for what was hopefully, a quick jump across the Hyperlanes.

Sam had been talking with an old friend just a few days before. Said she needed a fast ride down the Hyperlanes to Naboo while her ship was in the shop for a refit. Her friend recommended Therax Milbon . Apparently, the kid was about to leave town too. Bound for Denon and beyond. They could share a ride down south and part ways later on. Nothing fancy.

So it was that Sam was sitting in a quiet little bar on Corellia. Waiting for her phone to buzz with good news from Giles. Hopefully, he'd text her soon. Or, better yet. Show up in person.

 

[Therax Milbon]

"Only a few days before I'm 20 years old......"

Basil was wearing his dress blues while he was playing with his handheld game: Righteous Slaughter an Online First Person Shooter that was the most popular game in the Galaxy. Of course it was practical to play on PC due to the better optimization and more access to controls, you can even upgrade the game to 6k graphics. Basil wanted to try the game on PC but it went to hell and before he could replace, his father had kicked Basil out of his home and forced him to join the Galactic Alliance. Basil resisted, he hated combat even fainting at the sight of his own blood yet his father was obsessed in making a man out of him.

"Either you join the Galactic Alliance military," he said. "Or you will be left in the gutters to rot. I'll disown you even call the authorities for your slicing crimes. You are disgrace to this family and to me."

Basil knew that he wasn't popular growing up, he was skin and bones and knobby knees which made him a frequent target for bullying. Basil would often lock himself up in his room and read stories about the force and legends. The young man sighed as he entered the pub being greeted by snickering by people. "You look like a fracking toothpick!" one of the men whispered at Basil.

Screw what they said, Basil was on an important mission! He received a call from his commanding officer that he was to escort a person to Naboo so clearly somebody thinks that he's excellent! Plus with the fact that he'll 20! The big 2-0 Basil is already feeling invincible! Sadly though, Basil will have to use his own transportation and that meant visiting his father again. "Hey I'm looking for a Samatharis?!" Basil said out loud. "I'm supposed to be the guy who will escort you!"

"NOBODY CARES!" One of the patrons said. "Shut the frack up!"

 

[Samatharis]

Even Samatharis had to admit. Basil looked like a total nerd.

"Um? Yes?"

She hesitantly replied to the young man's announcement. Raising a single finger to disclose herself and sliding her open beer closer to her chin.

The bar man chuckled at her timid reply. Clearly, Sam didn't want to be caught dead either talking to someone as goofy looking as Ensign Basil Giles.

"...Are you? Basil?"

She muttered with a sickly look of mild dread.

Therax Milbon

 

[Therax Milbon]

The moment Basil heard Samantharis' voice the young man turned to her direction and his heart immediately stopped. The woman sitting down looked beautiful with chocolate brown hair that was tied to a braid olive colored skin and a thin nose. Samatharis looked like a fashion model from the many magazines his cousins reads daily. Basil could feel his breathing become ragged and hoarse. "Deep breaths." The young man began to breathe loudly sounding more like a Fish gasping for air. He didn't pay attention to the many people gawking at him only trying and failing to remain calm.

"Yes I am Brazil," he said trying to appear calm and collected..... until he realized his mistake. "I MEAN my name is Basil! And I must say you look positively lovely Samantharis!" He held out his hand for her to shake. "Shall we get going?" he asked forcing a smile.

 

[Samatharis]

Samatharis didn't have to be a Jedi to sense what was going on in the young Basil's mind. It was practically written on his flushed cheeks and sweaty palms. Which, she naturally took as a compliment in stride. And then promptly forgot about it and moved on to more important things. Like getting to Denon with good haste.

She stood, taller than he, and took her open beer in her left hand. Receiving Basil's handshake with her right hand and nodding with a smirk,

"Thank you. Charmed. And yes, lets."

She placed her drink on the counter and paid the barman. Then she grabbed her duffle and nodded to the door. Ignoring the jeers of the other smiling patrons.

"Lead on. I'll be right behind you."

She seemed like quite the professional. If a bit stern and powerful. Her arms seemed just a touch too muscled for a model. Though she took great pains to disguise her warrior's spirit with all the make up she wore. Better to be assumed a woman of wealth than a woman of war. Her mother's words.

She moved to walk beside him as they left.

Therax Milbon

 

[Therax Milbon]

Samatharis stood an inch or two taller than Basil but even with the slight height advantage she felt like she was towering over him. Samanthras looked like a person who carried herself with confidence and conviction unlike the meek and mild mannered person Basil was. It showed through her appearance the way she took pride with herself and walked with her back straight and her hand shake firm. "Thank you ma'am," he gave off a nervous laugh in which he mentally cursed himself for doing that.

The young man lead Samanthras out of the bar ignoring the sniggers from the patrons. Those people can laugh all they want at least he's escorting a pretty woman for his mission. "Soooo," Basil said. "I got the ship the problem is that I have to talk to my father but I'm sure if you can explain it to him he'll allow us to use it!"

That is if his father thinks if Basil is man enough to handle his things.

 

[Samatharis]

Samatharis gave Basil a look of mild horror. But she kept on walking.

"Explain what, exactly? It's not your ship?"

She was under the direct impression that Giles here owned the vessel. But, then again. She considered how much a fully equipped star vessel cost these days. Especially one with a fast Hyperdrive. Perhaps it was too expensive for a young soldier to afford. She was spoiled, I suppose. Samatharis came from wealth. Her friends came from wealth. The Factions she associated with practically overflowed with wealth. I guess she wasn't much used to having to worry about things like, how much starships cost. Or, how expensive they would have been for Basil to maintain.

In fact. She was downright worried now that she was inconveniencing Basil Giles somewhat terribly. Sam was worth a fortune in just her small Force Artifact collection alone. Therefore, why on earth was she forcing herself upon some poor soldier boy for her travel expenses. It was downright criminal.

Hopefully he would explain himself.

Therax Milbon

 

[Therax Milbon]

Basil really didn't like confrontations no matter how minor they were, whenever there was conflict he would freeze looking nervous and jumpy like he was now. "Well it belongs to my family," he said to Samatharis. "And my father would is using the ship a lot. Don't worry Sam I let him know that I'm going to use it for an important mission."

He paused. "I-I can call you Sam right?" he stammered.

The young man approached a taxi kiosk, entering the information to hail a Taxi. "The thing is," he said. "He hasn't responded to me ever since I sent him the message a few days ago. I even told him who you are, you're a very important person and as a senator my father should comply."

What Basil didn't want to tell Samatharis was that he and his father were at odds due to Basil's lifestyle choices. He chose to read instead of wielding a blaster, goof around rather than train to become a man. Ever since Basil was forced to join the Alliance Military, communication between the two was quiet. "I just want to get to Naboo and talk to him," he said. "The Hyperspeed drive is state of the art, with it we can be on the other side of the Galaxy in a split second."

 

[Samatharis]

Ah. Suddenly she began to see the bigger picture. Daddy was a senator. Basil was a disappointment. Got it. She nodded her head as the taxi approached. It all made sense now.

"Samatharis is fine. For now. And, I'm sure your father is a very busy man. Perhaps his secretary merely forgot to forward you his reply. Anyway. I'm sure if he knew his highly decorated son was escorting a Jedi? That he'd be quick and happy to support the family image. For his own sake, if nothing else."

The taxi arrived quickly. Sam quickly stepped forward and motioned for Basil to enter first. Cutting him off from attempting to hold the door open for her or any other chivalrous nonsense.

"Do you still have his number?"

She was unsure why Basil hadn't called him already. Perhaps the short taxi ride would enlighten her.

Therax Milbon

 

[Therax Milbon]

Samatharis is a Jedi or at least that's what Basil has heard, he knew that sooner or later she'll find out about why his father didn't answer if she didn't already know. However even as some as stubborn as his father, he was still a senator of Naboo and he can't deny a woman of Samatharis' stature despite his displeasure towards Basil. The young man was a bit disappointed when Samatharis quickly entered the car, looks like chilvary was dead after all and not all women wanted to be treated like princesses now and days. Sometimes Basil wished he was born in an earlier century where gentleman acts were admired and considered respectful.

"I do," Basil said getting in the taxi and directing the AI to send them to the landing pad. "But I don't think it's the right time to contact my father perhaps until we get to the atmosphere of Naboo?"

He REALLY did not want to talk about his father, Basil would rather have Samatharis melt his eyeballs with her Lightsaber rather than discuss more about him. Basil's father already made his life miserable as it is.

 

[Samatharis]

Sam raised an eyebrow at Basil's strange method for avoiding his father. They were on Corellia right now. And he didn't want to talk to his father until they were already half way across the galaxy? That's not asking for permission to use his ship. That's asking for forgiveness.

"Please tell me you at least have the ship's keys, so we can be aboard and flying within the hour? Yes?"

Fair enough. If Basil wanted to avoid his father? So be it. But she wasn't about to compromise her schedule just because of some strange family feud. It was a long trip to Denon and then on to Naboo. CIS border security was triple what it used to be. Customs could take forever these days. Samatharis was in a hurry and for good reason. So, whether Basil's father was accepting of her presence or not? All that mattered to her was making good time down the Hyperlanes. Mr. and Mr. Giles, could work out their family problems later.

"And. Listen, if you don't want to speak to your father about this until later, that's fine. But lets not dally, okay. I was specific about being in a hurry and that certainly hasn't changed. So, do whatever you have to do, and then let's be off. I'm anxious to be far, far beyond Denon's moons by tomorrow afternoon at the latest."

She frowned. It was unbecoming of a Jedi Knight to be so: particular. She was supposed to be serene, calm, and collected. Mysterious and divine. A dark figure, cloaked, and powerful. So it pained her to appear so... Civilian, right now. Muddled and nitpicking. Arguing over a schedule and such mundane features such as travel plans. She certainly didn't feel like a Jutrand Jedi Ambassador right now. No. She felt more like a common traveler.

Which. I guess wasn't so bad. Maybe she wasn't cut out for the whole Mysterious Jedi Master sh'tick anyway.

The taxi zoomed along at a brisk speed. They'd be to the landing pad in mere moments.

Therax Milbon

 

[Therax Milbon]

Basil rifled through his pockets showing Samatharis the keys to the family ship. "Here you go," he said stiffly quickly placing them back. In reality, Basil duplicated the Starship key hours before the mission. He created a program that can copy an exact replica of items by scanning them through pictures or holoprojectors. Basil named the program: Copycat something that was made because he got bored, it was still in a prototype phase and Basil still hasn't tested out fully. Looks like he'll get that chance now.

The young man placed his Credit chip through the slot of the A.I driver as it flew away. Basil found himself drumming his fingers on his stomach trying his best not to stare at Samantharis. There was no way a woman like him will ever be a with a dork like him, even if his family is one of the more powerful people in Naboo. "As soon as we land," Basil said his tone of voice tensing up. "We head straight for my place and board the Starship. Just get in, don't talk to anyone and we'll be heading to your location ASAP."

Normally Basil wouldn't sound this blunt but the thought of seeing his father again made his blood boil. He wanted to avoid him at all costs even if it meant not seeing his mother and sister again.

 

[Samatharis]

Sam looked back at Basil and gave him another eyebrow's telling raise. It was the phrase, "Don't talk to anyone," that peaked her interest. Pfft. Were they stealing the ship now? Good grief. She pursed her lips and squinted out into the distance beyond him. Compelling herself not to make a fuss. After all, they were in a hurry. And it would take days to reschedule another ship to Naboo. No. This was her chance and she was taking it. Even if Basil was being down right obnoxious about it.

"Fair enough."

She frowned. But turned to look out the window without another complaint. I mean, it was his plan. Might as well let him captain it.

The taxi landed swiftly and the A.I. barked a happy farewell. Sam withdrew from the speeder and gave an eye to all the vessels there gathered. She couldn't quite discern which one was Basil's. So she turned and let him lead from here.

"Lead on." She gestured. Hopeful, that she wouldn't have need to mind trick any guards or some-such. She wasn't much in the mood for stealing star ships today but, alas. It wouldn't be the first time she'd snuck aboard a transport ship. Nor would it probably be her last.

Therax Milbon

 

[Therax Milbon]

The young man began to look for the ship his hand placed inside his pocket playing around with the keys. Samatharis seemed to be okay with the plan something that relieved Basil. Given how much the Jedi are considered to be guardians of the Galactic Alliance, they would be a little bit on the self righteous side. Thankfully Samatharis is letting Basil play a little loose. "We're almost there," Basil whispered approaching the ship. "Aw man!"

A BX Commando Droid was patrolling in front of the ship, it's blaster rifle held close to his chest. "Shoulda known pops would have placed a damn droid to guard his ship." he moaned.

 

[Samatharis]

Sam looked back and forth between the droid's somber pacing and Basil's sour mug. Then she gave a little smile and took a tiny step back. Placing her hands quietly behind her back and wiggling her fingers a bit. Emanating just a bit of magic into the mix.

The droid suddenly powered down. Leaving their path to the ship completely open.

"Well!" Sam smiled and briskly sauntered ahead towards the loading ramp, "Fancy that!"

Smiling happily, she walked right up the loading ram and looked about the hull. Looking for hidden panel that would drop away and reveal a location for their key. Aha! There it was! Sam slapped the hidden panel and it dropped open with a quick thump. Thump!

Then she turned and gestured for Basil to try his key.

Time to climb aboard.

Therax Milbon

 

[Therax Milbon]

Did Samatharis use the force to shut down the Droid? That was a top of the line BX Commando Droid not one to be easily shut down but either way she didn't seem to be bragging that she used the force nor did Basil see her use any hand wave motion. "That is pretty lucky," Basil muttered as he entered the ramp. He was halfway before stopping and staring at the shut down droid, Basil knew that his father spent a pretty credit might as well not go to waste.

"Hey Samatharis?" Basil said approaching the droid. "Why don't wait for a minute and let me reconfigure this Droid? He could prove useful."

 

[Samatharis]

Sam raised another eyebrow at Basil's sudden strange request.

"Just leave it. We're in a hurry."

There was a hover dolly nearby. So, I suppose if Basil really wanted to bring the sentry bot along? He could throw it on the dolly and wheel it up the ram. But still. She didn't think they had time or need of it. If it turned back on it would just try and arrest them anyway.

"Hey. Toss me the key."

She made a catching motion. She was ready to unlock the ramp and be off.

Therax Milbon

 

[Therax Milbon]

Basil nodded tossing Samatharis the key. "We could've used this Droid....." he muttered. Basil didn't like the idea of leaving an expensive droid lying around. His father would definitely suspect something and Basil had a feeling it'll come back to bite in the butt. Then again Samatharis is rather eager to go to her location.

"Looks like I'll take the heat for this," he sighed to himself lumbering towards the pilot chair. "Gimme the coordinates," he said. "I'll pilot this starship I've done it a few times before."

 

[Samatharis]

Sam unlocked the ship and ushered them both inside. She enjoyed the interior of the vessel as they hustled up towards the bridge. Somebody had definitely spent some serious money in here. Nice.

"The coordinates? Well, just throw up the nav computer and punch in Denon. Once we clear the grav well, it should lock onto the hyperlane and spit out a travel time. Easy as pushing a button. Then we're off."

At least, that's how it worked in her X-Type. Maybe this ship was older or something. Still? Even this far into their adventure it was still surprising to notice that Basil didn't have a clue what he was doing. He hadn't displayed a single burst of confidence thus far except for making a stolen copy of his father's key. Which made him sound more like a common thief than a soldier. Sheesh.

Next time she needed a ride? She was calling Coriellian.

"So? Can you fly it? Is this gonna work?"

Sam took up a perch behind the captain's chair. Looking over Basil's shoulder as he turned on the computer and flight board. Just hoping to The Force that he actually knew how to work this puppy.

Therax Milbon

 

[Therax Milbon]

Basil punched in the coordinates for Denon he'd never been there before but he was filled with excitement at the prospect of going to a place that's brimming with the force. "Well coordinates are locked in," Basil said holding the key in his palm. "Of course I can fly it," he said giving Samatharis an awkward smile. "And I'm sure that this key will work."

The young man placed the key through the slot gulping in the process. "I hope," he thought his hand shaking causing Basil to struggle turning the key. As soon as he did so, the Ship roared to life and Basil's heart did a somersault. "You see Samatharis?" he smiled putting on his seatbelt. "I've got you covered. Live to serve that's what I do."

"Unfortunately," Basil internally grumbled as he made the necessary preparations and grabbed the controls. "I think you should buckle up," he smiled pressing the button to remove the landing gear. The freighter launched into the atmosphere and Basil pressed the buttons making the jump to Hyperspace.