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Jun 14, 2010 19:20:45 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Jun 14, 2010 19:20:45 GMT -5
Oi…yeah yeah I know what I'm doing, lay off, hmm?
Her words were synthesized into a cool and toneless version of her voice from underneath the helmet that covered her head and face from view. The suit she’d gotten hid most of her feminine features decently, keeping her a gender neutral that she hadn’t been in ages. It almost reminded her of the Seven’s flight suit…almost. The nautolan acting as her pit second had been fussing over her since he’d met her here. After the events on Tatooine, Athar had been adamant on meeting her again. He’d known her father, after all, and she’d grown up knowing him, but his concern and fussing just didn’t help her mood at all.
Don’ go an’ get yourself killed girl…I don’t like this racing for you, I don’ care what your father said about your piloting.
Yeah yeah, Athar…save it for after the race, eh? You want that wookiee out or not? Can’t get him without the credits needed for the gear it’ll take, okay?
She hopped into the cockpit of the small aircraft and started it up with a roar of the engines, giving the 34 year old, blue skinned, man a thumbs up. Athar could all but see that infuriating grin beneath her helmet as she did and shook his head as he walked back to the sidelines and pulled up the screen that would help him keep tabs on the pod they were racing. She’d been listed as “Bomber”…though for what reason he STILL didn’t know, and she didn’t seem anxious to tell him either. The race was one of aerial skill, sending the pilots up into the fog and mist of the planet to fly through designated rings and obstacles to reach the finish line…there was only one trick, however…it was an elimination race as well. The first elimination happened 45 seconds into the race, and after that it was every 15 seconds. How did they eliminate the contestants? Not in the nicest way, that was for certain…each craft was rigged to have its engines cut out with the touch of a button. Of course, there were precautions taken to keep people from dieing, but that didn’t mean it didn’t happen…and that was what Athar hated the most. Fortunately, Sam seemed unable to lose when she chose to race.
Finally the crafts hovered into the air with a dull roar and Sam’s mind clicked into gear. Just another training run, just another simulation, just another race she wouldn’t lose. The lights flickered green through the fog and she pushed the gear forward, bringing the VTOL engines up to give her the forward thrust, and with a shift of the throttle, the craft shot forward.
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Latus
May the Quartz be with you.
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Ain't got time for this. (?°?°??? ???
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Jun 14, 2010 21:32:10 GMT -5
Post by Latus on Jun 14, 2010 21:32:10 GMT -5
Pint o' yer best, lass.
The gristled soldier's voice was gruff and with a heavy accent as the waitress droid nodded and hovered off to process his order. A smile crossed his unshaven face as he felt his breast pocket, containing the years worth of service pay he had never gotten the chance to spend.
I really needed this... who said th' civilian life was bad.
He spoke to no one in particular. Adamar Sevchenko, a career soldier fresh off the transport certainly took up his share of space in the crowded gambling bar. His words were muffled by the constant din of hundreds of beings drinking, gambling, getting angry, and being thrown out by the ever so talented bouncers of various over-sized builds. He wasn't a small human himself and considering his flight suit gave him the look of a weathered fighter there was no small wonder that he was allowed to keep his weapons. Hell, you couldn't look one way without seeing a blaster, holstered or not. It seemed competition was the spirit of the place. Sev found himself enjoying it.
The droid returned with his drink and he nodded, gazing from the plate plasteel windows out over the open track below. The roster was filled with pilots, all taking peculiar nicknames and piloting various sleek craft. It took some time for a passerby to explain the subtle workings in the noise of the bar. This sport was a race of speed and endurance, not so unlike podracing but with a higher aire of safety. Rather than racing canyons these pilots flew among the fog and mist of the low to high atmosphere. It was an elimination race that procedurally knocked out the racers one by one starting 45 seconds after the start of the race and then 15 seconds after. Already the soldier found himself intrigued.
Smiling Sev waved the person away with a brief nod and went back to observing the starting grid. He missed flying. Even if he was on leave flying was part of him, in his blood. What he wouldn't give to be down on that field. Turning his eyes back to the board of racers he noticed something that he hadn't before. One of the racer's nicknames was Bomber, stats 3/0 win/loss. Sev's smile faded. His thoughts flashed of the Seven's "Bomber," of Sam. Silently he brought the glass to his lips and took a swig of the bitter liquid, the taste of alcohol accompanying. Signaling the waitress droid he pulled a credit chip out of his pocket, one containing several thousand credits.
Put thes aw oan "Bomber" tae win. The droid slid the chip into a slot on its chest and told him the odds and value of the chip. Before the droid could ask Sev preempted the question. Yes I am sure now go oan.
Looking back out he watched the screen as it lingered on each of the racers in turn, showing stats and makes of the vehicles. Bomber's was a dull gold or bronze, the screen was poor quality. A large quantity of the body was also a dull green, a very familiar dull green. A smile lit his face as his thoughts drifted to flying with the Sevens the alcohol helping with visualization. Taking another sigh the soldier steeled himself for the race to come. Sev was never one to gamble but something seemed to force his hand. He had a good feeling, a very good feeling about this.
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Jun 14, 2010 23:52:15 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Jun 14, 2010 23:52:15 GMT -5
With a whoop, she was off and vying for 4th, her starting place having been 6th of the pack of ten. It wasn’t that taking the place was exceedingly difficult, but rather…she didn’t know what this flyer had up sleeve. The closer she got to the first ring position, the more he fought her over keeping his place…it was a shame only one of the sleek crafts could fit through the suspended ring at a time. Coming up along side her opponent, she brought her wing up under his carefully before rolling her craft over into a barrel roll. The unexpected move had her opponent flipping over and slamming into the ring, shifting its angle even as she flew through it.
One of those behind her set off one of the traps, the line of hovering mines detonating before her. With less than a blink of her eyes, she powered through the tail flames of the explosion, having been just out of range of the shockwave. The shuddering of the craft had her stroking the controls soothingly for a moment before eying her meter. With just enough power to trigger one trap, she watched the flyer before her like a hawk before depressing the button on the throttle and a round of blaster bolts shot from drones beside the 3rd place holder. Passing him on the ‘safe’ side of his craft and using him as a shield, she came up behind the 2nd place holder. By this time 5 racers had been eliminated and time was counting down. Slipping through the next ring behind second place, she took a nose dive for the next ring as she barely spotted it below her. 2nd place hadn’t noticed…oh well, he could have 3rd. With another whoop, she was crawling up 1st place’s arse.
Another, unexpected, explosion had them both knocked to the side and into each other as they careened down toward the ring. Pulling away and regaining control over her craft, Sam struggled to realign with the ring as the racer she was tied with bashed against her craft again to knock her out of the way. With a growl, she rolled around so that their craft were belly to belly before tipping her nose down…this…was going to be close. 3rd place had just been eliminated and there just wasn’t time to be nice. With a full push down on her nose, she felt the underside of her craft scrape and jostle against the ring as her competitor was forced to pull away to keep from ramming into the ring itself. First place was hers at last, and not a moment too soon…second place’s engines cut and she made her way to the ground successful.
No sooner had she landed than Athar appeared there beside her craft, followed closely by a very angry (and very sore) loser…
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Latus
May the Quartz be with you.
850 posts
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Ain't got time for this. (?°?°??? ???
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last online Jun 27, 2014 19:37:36 GMT -5
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Jun 15, 2010 20:13:09 GMT -5
Post by Latus on Jun 15, 2010 20:13:09 GMT -5
With a whoosh and a great cheer from the crowd of onlookers the grid of racers were away. Passing through the single hovering ring at the start of the track things began to get interesting. Hovering holo-mines, traps, tricks, all began to light up. It was hard for anyone to follow what was really going on. That is, hard for anyone not used to the chaos of a battlefield; this race was just another warzone that their soldiers fought in. The traps and tricks their weapons.
Sev followed the goings on from his table against the windows as the racers hurtled up into the sky leaving several of the not-so-lucky ones falling or floating to the ground in defeat. The gambling hall had almost come to a halt as dozens of heads turned their eyes up to the screens. Across the way the soldier heard comments comparing this sport to blob racing. As the racers pierced the cloud cover the stat boards shifted to electronic position readouts turning the chaotically exciting event into one of honest suspense. Sev's breath caught as he watched the green-bronze marker for Bomber moving up the ranks as more of the competitors were eliminated. People started shouting as the numbers dropped, cheering their racer on or cursing their luck. Sev slid his helmet off and whispered into it, something he had done when nervous since the Seven days. It wasn't just the money riding on this race, but his memories of Sam and his perceived "good-old-days."
C'mon lad. Ye can walk all over these bloody sods. Make the Sevens proud...
Placing the helm on the table he took another long drink, glaring back out the window. Soon it was down to three, Bomber chasing two others. As the seconds ticked away this Bomber slipped into second with mere seconds to spare. He felt a small bead of sweat move down his brow as the place held its collective breath. As the final elimination ticked closer the split between the two shrank until it was non existent.
Then, in a flash, it was all over. Bomber slipped ahead with a full second to spare and the race ended. The hall burst into cheers and Sev, smiling, slid his helmet back on. All too soon the hall was back to the sounds of gambling as the racers returned to the pits and grid. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the waitress droid floating toward him. A camera droid keyed into the big screen floated closer to the racers to get a better look at the winner and the audio frequency. Sev immediately tuned into it with a flick of his wrist. It would be interesting to see what this Bomber looked like.
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Jun 15, 2010 22:25:07 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Jun 15, 2010 22:25:07 GMT -5
“Uh-oh…her comes trouble,” was the first thought through the young woman’s mind as she watched the approach of not only the camera droid and interviewer but also the disgruntled racer. With a slight shift of her head in the direction of Athar to let him know she was looking at him from the corners of her eyes from beneath that covering helmet, she leaned back casually against the craft behind her as the two approached her. The interviewer would reach her first, thankfully, so hopefully she’d be able to get rid of them before something bad happened. The nautolan caught the hint, glancing over at the emotionless helmet before catching the reflection in it of the on coming racer. With a sigh he moved off to go slow the man down if he could. A subtle nod was his thanks, for now, from Sam as she turned her attention toward the droid and interviewer.
“Bomber! Bomber, good to catch you still here…you seem to vanish a fast as your able after a race! Mind if I ask you a few questions?”
The camera droid following him switched from watching the casually-formal dressed man to take in the full of Sam. With the high-def resolution on the camera, no detail was spared…from the creases in the olive-drab material to the words embroidered in black across the right upper-chest: “You can run…You’ll just die.” A bit morbid, perhaps, for a racer…but Bomber…Samantha…wasn’t just a racer. She was careful to adopt a gender neutral stance of patience and ease, leaning further against her flight racer and bringing her elbows to rest atop it on either side of her after flipping the vocabulator on her helmet to transmit outwardly so they could hear her replies.
Sure, since you caught me I guess you deserve it.
The answer seemed to take the man by surprise before he laughed and nodded.
“Ah, a bit of a racing joke, eh? Well, Bomber, first of all, I think what all of us are dieing to know is, what do you really look like? Always hidden away, not showing up until the last moment and just long enough to get into your flight racer, never without your helmet and that flight suit…why all the mystery?”
Oh that was a tough question…what did she tell him? Sam couldn’t see her saying ‘oh well, you know, I'm wanted by the Republic for treasonous acts I didn’t commit,” going over very well. Giving a slight shrug, she chuckled, the genderless vocabulator giving the sound an odd and unnatural.
I like my anonymity…keeps me outta trouble outside the races.
The answer seemed at least acceptable to the man as he didn’t press the issue, but instead carried on, giving stats about the various races and asking her how she’d felt about them. The answers were all simple and non-committal as she watched Athar and the racer coming closer, stopping every so often as they argued…well, the racer was arguing, Athar was…amusingly apathetic and calm. Typical of him, really.
“ ‘You can run…You’ll just die’ that’s…awful grim to be a racer’s motto isn’t it?”
Her attention snapped back to the conversation suddenly at that question, that helmet swiveling to look at him more directly now.
Yeah…suppose it is, but I wasn’t always a racer. That’s been with me for more than a few years. Kinda fond of it, so I kept it.
“If it wasn’t from racing, what was it fro…”
“OI! YOU! You’re a bloody cheat! No one flies that well!”
And here was trouble.
Pushing herself up from her previous position, Sam folded her arms across her chest and gazed evenly at the angry devaronian as he stormed up to her, Athar hot on his heels and giving her an apologetic look. A subtle shake of that helmet had her dismissing his silent apology before she made a subtle show of looking the man up and down as if sizing him up. Well, he was taller than she was, but not by much, and he looked a bit soft…she could likely take him, she was decent with hand to hand and she doubted this guy knew much more than brawling. It helped she had a helmet on as well. It worked to her advantage.
You’re calling me a cheater, eh? 1) I don’t cheat…I like my life, thanks. 2) Not my fault I got myself lessons that put me in the ‘better than average’ fliers category. 3) No one likes a sore loser…you’re still getting paid, go home and don’t cause any more trouble. If you try and start anything, I’ll be sure to end it.
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Latus
May the Quartz be with you.
850 posts
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Ain't got time for this. (?°?°??? ???
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last online Jun 27, 2014 19:37:36 GMT -5
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Jun 19, 2010 19:17:04 GMT -5
Post by Latus on Jun 19, 2010 19:17:04 GMT -5
Sir. Your winnings. Congratulations
With a spy smile still spread across his face the Sergeant turned to the waitress droid as the interviewer began his interrogation. As quickly as he was able the receipt was signed and droid shooed away allowing Sev to return his attention to the racer on the big screen. The broadcast frequency of the interview squawked in his ear as he ran the credit chip between his thumb and forefinger. He was quite excited to see the racer's real face sans helmet. Was it a man or woman, human or alien? As the camera droid came into focus his smile vanished, his heart sank.
Och c'mon, now.
Full face-mask, full flight suit, helmet to boot. Plus with the way the flight suit was built it was impossible to even tell if it was female much less an actual human.
"...since you caught me I guess you deserve it."
Vocabulator too. Osik. Sev shook his head; there was nothing for it. Whatever he may have thought about this "Bomber" was probably fallacious. Sam was gone and he was likely never going to see her again. A deep sigh escaped his lips as he slid the credit chip into his breast pocket and picked up his drink again. Thoughts of Sam... now there was something worth drowning in alcohol.
“Ah, a bit of a racing joke, eh? Well, Bomber, first of all, I think what..."
As he stared down into his half-empty glass of beer the more mellow thoughts began to flow into his mind. Maybe the civilian life wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Instead of being able to concentrate on something other than life in general all of those pesky memories of lost friends and old hurts seem to creep up on you. In the army you didn't have to worry about food, housing, money; he thought about his winnings, his years of service pay left unspent. What did it matter? He had no family, no friends outside of service. Even his thoughts made people he saw on in simple things seem like people they weren't; he glanced back out at the big screen as he reached up to shut off his mic.
...flight suit…why all the mystery?”
"I like my anonymity…keeps me outta trouble outside the races"
As his finger brushed the power button he smiled at the racer's luck.
“‘You can run…You’ll just die’ that’s…awful grim to b...”
Sev froze on the spot. His eyes widened as the six words reverberated in his head as the com link vanished. His eyes flashed back to the screen and locked on the helmeted racer again. The coincidence seemed immense but as his eyes glided over the flight suit again small things began to catch his notice; the color of the flight-suit, the stance of the racer, the minuscule decal of a fighter on the helmet. Everything came together at once in a rush of logic and Sev stood, threw a small chip on the table for the drink, shouldered his rifle and trotted out.
*********
No one is allowed in but racers and pit crew.
The voice was sleepy as the sergeant approached the snappily dressed gate guard on the lower levels of the stadium. The smile hadn't faded from his face but now Sev was starting to get annoyed. Damned rules and regulations, if he didn't get in there now he may never again get the chance to see Sam. It had been this long he may not survive until the next time.
Och cmon lad. I'm a personal friend tae one ay th' racers. Make an exception.
Sorry sir but there are no exceptions.
Sighing Sev shook his head and took a step back, half tempted to hold the bastard up; he had the hardware after all. His hand was just about to stray to his weapon when an idea struck. It wasn't the most elegant of ways to get his wish but quicky he reached into his pocket and withdrew one of the credit chips. Placing it on the counter he gave the guard a second look with a smirk.
Just won a bet off of th' racer I'm going to see. If ye want I c'n give them yer thanks as well.
The guard seemed to think for a moment. Then slowly, giving Sev a look of greed and understanding, slid his hand to cover the large credit chip. The soldier heard a click and the gate to the field slowly went up.
Thank ye, lad.
Nodding he pulled his helmet on and pulled the visor down over his eyes. If Bomber wanted to keep herself anonymous... well, best not ruin it.
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Jun 21, 2010 15:42:33 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Jun 21, 2010 15:42:33 GMT -5
“Yeah I'm callin’ you a cheater!” he shouted back at her, pushing past the baffled and slightly…terrified…looking reporter and his droid. Athar moved to stop him and she shook her head slightly once again. Seeing him back off slightly, Sam turned her attention back to the devaronian who was all but touching her now. She didn’t like that…not one bit. “Oh you’re gonna end it? I’d like to see you try, coward! You won’t even take off yer gorram helmet! You wouldn’t need ta hide if you’re not a cheat, right? Right?!”
”Sir, I suggest you back away before something bad happens to you,” her reply was calm and even, echoing out even through the vocabulator. Even with the reporter, his camera, and Athar there the man seemed to refuse to back down. Turning her head to make if obvious she was looking at the reporter, she ‘hinted’ (rather bluntly) that perhaps he should leave now, before things got ugly. That was about the time things got a bit more ugly for Sam than she’d have liked. Past the reporter, she spotted a new form coming toward them…one with military gear. Not a lot of it, mind you, nor did the person look like they’d been on active duty considering the fatigues, but seeing one approaching only put her further on edge. Her eyes paused on the flight helmet for a moment only, the design of it causing her to blink as memories of the Sevens flickered through her mind…but a moment only was allowed to her as the devaronian, fed up with her and her ‘apparent’ lies, sent a fist hurtling in her direction.
It happened so fast that Samantha barely had time to react. Leaning back against her craft, she allowed the swing to fly just past her visor before grabbing that arm and pulling so he came staggering forward into the knee she brought up and shoved into his stomach. Without letting go of that arm, she started her movement with the leg still firmly planted on the ground as she allowed the one he’d ‘run into’ to lower and complete the step. In less than a heartbeat, she’d moved around him, turning the man at the same time and keeping him off balance. Considering his bone density, and thus his greater weight, she didn’t plan on allowing him to regain it and risk losing the upper hand. Her strong leg braced as she shot out that other boot between his legs and pulled up, catching the back of his knee and pulling it out from under him. As he started to fall, the man gripped her wrist with his free hand and pulled her down to keep himself upright as he regained his footing.
Sam was in no position to stabilize herself after that, but she attempted it, hopping twice on her balancing leg in the direction of the pull to keep standing and try to brace herself again as she brought her other foot down again. Letting go of his arm with the wrist he’d caught, she turned it to release the grip he had and caught hold of his flight jacket, then his wrist. Just because she was keeping THIS angry racer in check didn’t mean she could stop his second from creeping in and drawing a blaster on Athar. Even as she had kneed the devaronian in the diaphragm again and let go of one of his arms, moving back around him to pull that arm behind him and subdue him, grey eyes caught sight of the boltrunian just as he shoved his modified blaster against her friend’s temple. She highly doubted it was set for stun bolts. Pausing with one knee pressing against the devaronian’s back, his arm held and pressed tightly to his back as well, she tilted that helmet upward to show that the man had her attention.
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Latus
May the Quartz be with you.
850 posts
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Ain't got time for this. (?°?°??? ???
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Jun 21, 2010 22:05:04 GMT -5
Post by Latus on Jun 21, 2010 22:05:04 GMT -5
Though Sev was enthusiastic and positive as he strode toward the group gathered before him an air of uneasiness seemed to descend. He could make it out in their postures and movements as they shifted from easy and smooth to sharp and tense. Trouble? The soldier got his answer as the Devaronian got into Bomber's face, the interviewer and his droid backing up considerably. They obviously wanted nothing to do with this mess. Though his nerves were slowly sharpening he couldn't help but smile at the Devaronian who didn't have any idea what he was getting himself into.
I bet he swings first...
And that is just what happened. There was a moment's uncertainty whether Bomber was hit or not and Sev's pace lengthened slightly. As the pair moved into their spar there was no doubt who he was looking at, the movements were undoubtedly fluid and definitively hers. He was a few tens of meters away yet but things looked to be going in the right direction. That is, until movement from the other side of the group caught his eyes along the line of parked racers. The racing clothes had the same orange and red hue that the initial antagonist wore and was moving quickly in the direction of the fight. The form held a short black object in its hand.
Oh. I dunnae think so.
Deciding against the slow cautious approach Sev slung his rifle from his shoulder and readied it, breaking into a brisk hustle. The smile faded from his stubble dotted lips as he glanced back at Bomber... Sam who was keeping her attacker well within her capacity of CQC. She didn't seem to see the bastard and that just wouldn't do. Sev was more than happy to increase his pace as the situation mounted to a standstill. The second interloper sank to a crouch as it came up behind the nautolan that looked to be Sam's pit boss and, without so much as a hello, trained the blaster on the nautolan's temple.
Sev was only a few steps behind as he moved to the side, out of Sam's line of sight. With one hand on his rifle the soldier didn't waste any time with greetings of his own. However, the devaronian must have seen him and alerted his second because, at only a few feet away, the head of the alien swiveled in his direction. Sev's hands were instantly on his rifle as the blaster twisted toward him, the Nautolan twisting out of the way.
Ye're a bastard, ain't ye? Didn't ye know its rude tae hold someone a' gunpint!
Giving the man his best grin he swung the weapon upward introducing the rat to the stock of his rifle. The hard material struck true on the bastard's hand knocking the blaster upward. Shifting himself lower he thrust the exposed butt of his weapon into the stomach of the man who exhaled sharply and doubled over. Following through Sev withdrew the weapon slightly and with one sharp step back released with his off hand and swung the weapon from the pistol-grip, the barrel connecting with the boltrunian's ridged nose. With a grunt the thing crumpled to the ground.
Sighing Sev looked back up at Bomber, the flight screen of the helmet still lowered to just below his nose. A smile spread across his face as he sheepishly looked her up and down; sadly her gear still failed to give anything away. Glancing down he saw the boltrunian shakily trying to get to his feet. Holding up a finger he knelt down and pulled the being upward looking into its eyes. The look was one of rage and fear as blood began to run from its nose.
Ah wood stay still if I waur ye.
Not awaiting a response he shoved the being back to the ground. Further than that it didn't try to stand. Looking back to Bomber he gave a little shrug. Looking over at the interviewer he laid his rifle over his shoulder.
Tha's all th' questioning we got timer fer today, thank ye. Ye all right, lad?
He said, giving the nautolan a small smile. He was honestly at a loss for words as he looked at Bomber in earnest. He didn't know what to say. What COULD he say after so long. He'd seen everything on the Holonet about her, followed it avidly in fact. However, he never allowed himself to believe that, this woman standing here, would betray the Republic, betray him and the Sevens after so many years.
's been far tae long. Guid tae see ye keepin' up wi' yer trainin'...
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Jun 21, 2010 23:56:01 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Jun 21, 2010 23:56:01 GMT -5
No sooner had she stopped, than the devaronian in her grip tried to say something to his companion. With a press down on his back with her knee, while keeping that arm held so it didn’t move with him, the man gave a sharp cry as his shoulder dislocated. The boltrunian’s attention had been drawn away by whatever his companion had tried to warn him about. Athar moved like liquid out of the way and came to help her with the devaronian squirming on the ground as the race track’s security started toward them from the outskirts of the track.
“Ye’re a bastard, ain’t ye?...”
Wait…what?
She looked up from holding the devaronian to see the soldier from before handling the boltrunian, knocking the blaster upward before showing him just how ‘soft’ the stock of his rifle was. Another swift motion and the barrel of that rifle struck hard against the nose of the would-be gunman. Flashes of Sev flickered through her mind as she watched the encounter. As the soldier turned to look at her, grey eyes widened at the slightly scruffy appearance of what she could see of the man’s jaw. Blinking, she accidentally elbowed Athar…a clumsy mistake in her movements that would have had Brathos chuckling and shaking his head at her. Kinetic communication, body language, said far too much…and for her to slip up like that had her mentally kicking herself, even as the man smiled and Athar looked between the two. It was lucky for her, however, that the helmet she wore covered all of her face as her expression flickered somewhere between hope and fear.
No way…
…there was no way it could be Sev.
But if it was…
…if it was him, and he knew it was her, what must he think?
She wasn’t sure she wanted to find out.
As security reached the group and dragged the devaronian off the ground, cuffing him, as this other man dealt with the boltrunian before security dragged him off as well. The interviewer nodded swiftly before being called over by security to show them the footage of what had happened before they would return for Sam, Athar, and now Sev. Though they made it quite clear that they WOULD return, and the three of them shouldn’t wander far. As they moved away from Sam and the other two, Athar nodded to Sev’s question.
Yeah, I'm fine, thank you. Had worse threats dan that, an’ no thanks ta Bom’ar an’ her fatha, force cradle hem, an’ don’ you go thinkin’ dis is ‘cause of that jacket, ‘cause it ain’t an’ you know it Bom’ar.
Sam simply swiveled her head around to look at the blue skinned man for a long moment before shaking her head. He knew her entirely too well. Turning her head back to look at Sev, she nodded slightly to his statement. There was no denying it now…he knew who she was and what she’d been part of…chances were he knew about most everything else also. Sighing, she stepped up to him and gripped his shoulder with one hand.
Don’t have much choice these days, Six Lead. Good ta see you though…just…hope you aren’t here on account of me.
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Latus
May the Quartz be with you.
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Jun 23, 2010 20:56:57 GMT -5
Post by Latus on Jun 23, 2010 20:56:57 GMT -5
Before a response could be gotten out of Bomber security for the track arrived and began to ply their trade. Within moments the two interlopers were off the ground and cuffed, off to spend a few weeks in jail for threatening with a weapon or some such nonsense. Sev gave the sec forces a nod as they began to move away, asking for the trio to stay put. They would have to handle this just so to keep Sam's identity safe, or so were the thoughts of the soldier. Hoping to at least speak to her in earnest the nautolan, thankful for Sev's assistance, spoke.
Yeah, I'm fine, thank you. Had worse threats dan that, an’ no thanks ta Bom’ar an’ her fatha, force cradle hem, an’ don’ you go thinkin’ dis is ‘cause of that jacket, ‘cause it ain’t an’ you know it Bom’ar.
Sev's eyes widened beneath his helmet and a small smirk spread across his face. That jacket was still hanging around, eh? Not only that but with Sam's perceived bad luck to go along with it? She was a Seven. A Lucky Seven. Weren't such a thing as bad luck when it came to them... well, unless you count the last mission... Finally Sam, with a look at the nautolan, stepped up and placed her hand on his shoulder. The grip was firm but friendly with a hint of understanding and Sev returned the gesture in kind, placing his gloved hand on her shoulder and giving it a gentle shake.
Don’t have much choice these days, Six Lead. Good ta see you though…just…hope you aren’t here on account of me.
Sev chuckled.
I am here on accoun' uh ye but no' in the way ye expect. Ye may 'ave some rott'n luck, la... laddie, but not rott'n enough tae see yer ole CO out tae get ye. Ah saw the race, put sev'n an' sev'n together an' here I am.
Turning to the nautolan Sev nodded to him.
Introductions lat'r, fer now we best be off. Tha' is, if we could.
Sev motioned toward the security forces but did little else. The soldier didn't feel like causing an unnecessary stir, Sam would hate him for something like that. Addressing his comrade again he gave her shoulder a squeeze and removed it. He had been questioned very briefly about Sam when she had gone "traitor," simply questions about character and the like. Like a soldier Sev had answered but only enough to answer the question... he had not once given anything away.
Ah saw it all on th' holonet, lad. Dinnae believe it fer a tick. I think ye know bett'r th'n me wha' it means tae be loyal. Told 'm tha,' too. If it wer anyth'n else ye'd either be dead or right beside them. Ye know wha' I mean...
He glanced over to the security forces who had turned and were slowly making their way back across the field. Hoping to make the right impression Sev took the sling to the rifle and returned it to his shoulder. Most people disliked having a loaded weapon held in front of them. As the pair of burly, wired humanoid guards approached Sev stepped foreword; both looked ready to get back to their desks. The largest, a twi'lek, addressed them.
<<Names, identification, and I need get your stories. What the hell happened down here?>>
Glancing at Sam the sergeant pulled out a Republic military pass. Something in his chest clenched as he did so, wondering if this was really the best idea. Steeling himself he took a breath, ready to deal with what may come.
Sergeant Sevchenko. Come down to give this racer my best and saw they were in trouble. Stepped in before it got out of hand and someone got hurt.
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Jun 23, 2010 22:13:42 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Jun 23, 2010 22:13:42 GMT -5
He couldn’t see it, but she was smiling beneath that helmet as he gripped her shoulder and shook it gently. It really was good to see him again…well…sort of see him, anyway. The woman bit back a heavy sigh as they were told to stay, like so many trained kath hounds. His reply had her holding her breath a moment before she let out a little, relieved, chuckle. As he continued, she kept her posture carefully neutral, though inside she felt like dieing. Of all things she didn’t want to be reminded of what people thought of her. It was bad enough she lived like that every day, worried if the Black Bha’lir Tribunal would send word out for all of the others to off her or if the Republic would get their hands on her instead. She nodded quietly at his comment, knowing exactly what he was trying to say. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, she didn’t get the chance.
The twi’lek’s question had her turning to look at him and pulling out something she’d never thought she’d have to use again. For once she had to thank Ean Stenner for being his manipulative and evil self…she still had the fake ident-chip he had her use on Mygeeto. As he spoke, she handed off her chip and the man slipped it into his scanner and blinked at the name before looking up at her, then back to the readout from the chip.
“Namra Raquad?....you’re…a woman?”
She, switched off the vocabulator’s distorter to allow the tone and pitch of her voice filter through when she spoke. ”Yeah…there a problem with that Officer? I don’t believe there are any rules against women racing, and I read them all before I decided to enter the circuit. This is the reason why I wear the helmet and suit…no offence, but men are sore losers. Just look at that Devaronian you hauled off.” The three officers looked at each other before looking back at the two men, the twi’lek taking Athar’s chip as well and handing it to his other companion to scan. When nothing except for a few minor citations for things like parking, one case of speeding for ‘Namra’, or (in Athar…’Rathas’ case) a bar fight showed up, the two chips were handed back. The twi’lek turned, then, to Sev and took his military pass, looking over it before slipping it into the scanner and validating it before handing it back to the man.
”So why did he attack you, Miss Raquad?”
”Called me a cheat for winning. I’ve done a few stupid things, but I'm not about to cheat in a place that’ll kill me for it. Told him that too, but he refused to believe me. Told him he shouldn’t try ta start anything because I’d end up finishing it. Personally I’d have rather he’d just walked away, but no one believes me when I tell ‘em they shouldn’t start a fight with me. Rathas warned him and tried to stop him coming over, I warned him…he left me no choice but to retaliate when he tried to punch me. I didn’t see his pit lead come over ‘til it was too late and he had a blaster to my friend. That’s when the Sergeant came into the picture.”
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Latus
May the Quartz be with you.
850 posts
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Ain't got time for this. (?°?°??? ???
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last online Jun 27, 2014 19:37:36 GMT -5
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Jun 28, 2010 21:28:02 GMT -5
Post by Latus on Jun 28, 2010 21:28:02 GMT -5
Sev was wound tighter than a pack of Schutta in the daylands on Ryloth. His stance was rigid, hard, sharp. Both hands were at a position that could easily reach his rifle if he needed it; a precaution. With Sam standing right there, right at his side like so many times before, it distressed him to think that the situation was so fragile. As the ident-cards were passed back and forth between the security officers and those standing opposite them the soldier found it difficult to catch his breath. As they scanned Sam's card, Sev could almost hear his heart beating. They did the same for the nautolan at her side but didn't mention his name.
“Namra Raquad?....you’re…a woman?”
Sev was thankful that the visor of his helmet was down. His breath caught and his eyes shot over to her, the visor and mask covering her features. He wondered if she was smiling and silently let out a breath. This was the Sam he had known all along, clever, resourceful; the sergeant wondered if he really needed to fret over her. It took a lot for Sev to stifle the smile. As the pair spoke back and forth he eased himself out of his tension breathing regularly. Sam's explanation was spot on, leaving out nothing where the truth was concerned. In this case it was their ally.
"I think that will be sufficient. You are free to go."
As they turned Sev thought he saw the shoulders slump on the twi'lek. Looking for action? Bars around here should have plenty to satisfy potential police brutality. He finally allowed the smile to seep through as he turned away from the retreating forms. Holding both hands out he hustled them in the opposite direction. There would be more time to talk about this nonsense off the track and somewhere private. He could hardly wait to see his old wing mate's face again. Clapping his hands together he could feel himself lighten, mood improving considerably.
Well? What're ye waitin' fer? Ah think celebrations are 'n ord'r... Namra Raquad. His grin widened at the name. Won a hefty bit o' credits off yeh, lass. Course when I knew it wer' ye there was nae doubt in meh mind. What d'ye say tae drinks on meh t'night, eh? Catch up, 'ave a bit of squadron, moron-free chat.
His smile was wider than ever as they started off. Eying the nautolan again he gives the man a friendly pat. This one seemed both close to Bomber and knowledgeable about her past, someone she could trust. Either she got very lucky or she had known him for a long time.
Adamar Sevchenko, meh blue friend. Never caught yer name.
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Jul 1, 2010 21:25:42 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Jul 1, 2010 21:25:42 GMT -5
Sam was no amateur when it came to reading people; Brathos had trained her well, after all, and she’d had more than her fair share of time utilizing the ability. It worked both ways, however…the reading of people. Others were not completely unskilled in reading body language and subtleties. It was part of nature, after all, the ability to read the natural cues of others…everyone did it to some extent, but she had been trained by the best. She had learned from a Lorrdian. Generations of Lorrdians had been taught this language as a means to speak to their comrades without being punished by their masters. It was an art form that she had been lucky to learn, and one that had aided her right up to this very moment. This heightened knowledge of ‘body language’ (called Kinetic Communication) allowed the woman to appear perfectly calm on the outside, if not a little impatient, to keep the security officer low key and from doing what he wished…which was likely dragging them all in.
Sev, she saw, was nervous…wound tight as a spring. His breathing was a forced regularity, his face (what was visible of it) was a mask of calm. It worked well enough on the security, but not so well on her. Athar, also, was tense. He didn’t want trouble for any of them, and everything they were trying to do was riding on this paycheck. Should the guard decide to bring them with for further questioning that would be lost, as well as potential for further trouble. He, however, was more difficult to read. Black eyes didn’t make it easy to see just where he was looking and he’d had more than enough practice in ‘playing it cool’ to make it believable to just about anyone but a force user or someone skilled in K.C. As the guard handed ‘Narma’ back her chip, she caught Sev itching to smile…now THAT made her grin beneath that helmet.
“I think that will be sufficient. You are free to go.”
Oh yes, the twi’lek was certainly unhappy with finding no reason to haul them all in. His posture had instantly deflated, those lekku twitching slightly at the ends. “Ah well, better luck next time,” she thought to the man as he and the other officers walked off. Turning back to Sev, she was greeted with a burgeoning smile and she chuckled slightly, shaking her head at him as he shooed them in the opposite direction of the twi’lek and his companions. While her old squad leader all but bubbled with joy, she glanced at the race craft and waved over one of the track attendants, holding up a hand to Sev. Flipping on her vobabulator’s distorter, she spoke. ”Hey, do you mind taking care of this one for tonight Max? Feel the need for a drink right about now after that mess.”
“Yeah sure, Bomber…surprised you’re letting someone else do the work for once,” the man replied with a chuckle. She simply shrugged in return, as if to say ‘what can I say? I need a break,’ before giving him a thanks, tossing him a few credits and following Sev and Athar. Once she did, she led them toward the speeder she and Athar used. ”Sure thing, Sev, but not here…besides, never figured you as a gambling man. When did that start?”
Athar, keyed open the doors to the speeder just as Sev patted him on the back. This was a friendly one, to be sure…and if this was the Sev that Sam was always talking about in her stories, then he didn’t really mind. By the way they talked, though, he didn’t really have much of a doubt that this was the case. When he introduced himself, there was no room for doubt left. ”Athar Jor…you must be tha wing leadar she’s always talkin’ about,” he replied with a laugh, ”Bombar here has giv’n you quite a bit of praise.” Passing him, Sam was sure to give Athar a swift jab in the ribs before she got into the speeder.
”Hop in, I wanna get out of this suit but I hate doing that here. I wasn’t lying when I said the men here are especially sore losers…obviously.”
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Latus
May the Quartz be with you.
850 posts
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Ain't got time for this. (?°?°??? ???
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last online Jun 27, 2014 19:37:36 GMT -5
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Jul 4, 2010 17:10:22 GMT -5
Post by Latus on Jul 4, 2010 17:10:22 GMT -5
For the first time in what seemed like... no. No it was undoubtedly a matter of years that had passed since he was honestly as happy and relieved as he was right now. The squadron leader and pilot had melted away into what could only be described as a man on vacation, a soldier on leave. He had spent so little time actually away from his duties he believed he finally understood why the young guns took off what time they were offered. Sam's words directed at the men in the pits brought him back to himself, strolling away from the scene of an assault with someone he hadn't seen in years. Quickly he took a deep breath of the Umgul air and loosed a contented sigh. For the first time in years Sev was happy. Sam's voice was still masked by the vocabulator but he no longer minded. It was the person behind it that was important not what they sounded like.
”Sure thing, Sev, but not here…besides, never figured you as a gambling man. When did that start?”
He reached up and slid his helmet off, brushed his hair down and gave her a toothy smile.
I'm no gambler, lass. 'aving a drink in th' bar, up there... He quickly gestured to the plate glass viewing windows, of which there were dozens, and looked back at her. saw a racer named Bomber and go'... nostalgic. Guess 'twas lady luck lookin' out fur ye.
He grinned wide and clapped her on the back. With the amount he had won he could keep Sam and the nautolan drunk for days. That wasn't his intention though. Speaking of the Nautolan he glanced at the blue humanoid as they approached a speeder. Just by the color, the appearance, and the fact that the nautolan had the keys Sev knew it was theirs.
”Athar Jor…you must be tha wing leadar she’s always talkin’ about,” He laughed. ”Bombar here has giv’n you quite a bit of praise.”
Tha' life is all but over wit', lad. Just an enlisted man now. Still 'ave Archer and' Hunter hangin' aboot though.
He glanced over at Sam. He wondered if she remembered their old wingmates. They had spent so much time together back in the day that he was sure she did even if only remotely. They were all practically family. Taking Athar's glance as an invitation he moved over to one of the untaken speeder doors. Sam's voice gave his a moment's pause.
”Hop in, I wanna get out of this suit but I hate doing that here. I wasn’t lying when I said the men here are especially sore losers…obviously.”
Ye dun 'ave tae tell meh twice, lass. Ah heard a few negaitve things about this planet before I took leave. Maybe' they weren't exaggerated...
Quickly he tucked himself into the speeder, taking his rifle and laying it across his lap.It was Archer who told him about Umgul. Though his wingman was excessively energetic as always he gleaned that the laws were particularly... tough on cheaters. The man that they had dealt with had insisted that Sam had done something worthy of the death penalty. All the more reason Sev decided to step in when he did. As the speeder lifted from the tarmac and slipped away into the heart of the city his smile vanished. Something had been playing at the back of his mind for some time now, just begging to be answered.
Lass... an if this is a bad time tae bring it up just say so... wha' really happ'ned? I dinnae believe it but I 'ave to know, did ye really do all th' things they said? Aunna Borgonia... did ye really...?
He knew it was a touchy subject but so much of what had happened lately was simply overwhelming. He had to know the truth. He gave Athar a glance that belied only of his sincerity to know. Sev didn't plan to do anything to his former wingmate. In fact, a little bit of truth would clear a few things up in his head. Things seemed a little too jumbled up there nowadays.
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Jul 4, 2010 22:08:21 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Jul 4, 2010 22:08:21 GMT -5
Sliding into the speeder behind Sev, Sam closed the hatch and pulled off her own helmet, letting that (semi new) auburn hair fall around her shoulders as she turned and beamed a grin back at him. Wow it was good to see him again. Waves of all manner of emotion washed through her as she nodded to his words. At least someone or something was looking out for her. ”It seems so…just…surprised since…since everything.” As he and Athar spoke together, she perked up again at the names of the others who Sev still had contact with. ”You still hang around with those two?! Is Archer still the chatter box from before? Bah, I doubt Hunter’s changed much though…can’t imagine that guy ever talking, even when he does.”
She chuckled a bit at that, turning back to the front and settling back against the seat again. That was when it happened…the one thing she’d been hoping wouldn’t. He asked about the trouble surrounding her. Sighing, Samantha wondered just what to tell him. Well, it seemed the truth was the only way to go…either he’d believe her or he wouldn’t, there wasn’t much more that could be done.
”I don’t know about the Major…I…I know that she wasn’t given a fair trial, I…heard things…while I worked for Colonel Vinay. Then, when she escaped, he began hiring mercenaries and bounty hunters to go and catch her. It didn’t settle right with me, and I wanted to do something, but I just couldn’t risk it. She isn’t the kind of person to just ‘turn traitor,’ y’know? Either way, I kept my nose clean of the business and did what I was told. When a couple of royals vanished from the Senatorial Gala, only later to be found in the under city, talking about how they and their jedi escort had crashed and were saved by Miss. Borgonia and Praetor, they were brought in and questioned by the Colonel himself. It gave me the opportunity to meet the jedi who’d been involved.
Later that month a new bounty hunter was called in…supposedly one of the best. His name was Ean Stenner. I was given instructions to show him to the ship he would be using and give him the files for the targets, as well as give him any other help he might need…but he decided that the best way for me to help him was to go with him. I sure as hell didn’t want ta go, Sev, but I wasn’t given a choice. Blasted man dragged me out to Mygeeto thinking she might try to get in contact with her brother…” she neglected to inform Sev of the fact that he’d also used her father’s coat as leverage against her, and had likely already had it scrapped because she’d not only argued with him, but then escaped from him. ”I was lucky to meet Ryn, the jedi from before, there on the planet. He helped me get away from Ean but…by then it was too late. Now…now I just can’t go back. I’ll be tried and found guilty faster than Aunna was…and I don’t have some crazy protective jedi to break me out before I'm killed.”
Sighing again she was glad to notice that they had arrived at the building they were staying at. It wasn’t exactly…the most high class of places. If anything, it could be called ‘shabby’ or ‘run down,’ but the Bha’lir were in good standing with the owner, and so they got to stay there relatively free of charge. Of course, there were times when the owner needed help with a bit of trouble that might find its way into the bar, or in the halls, or one of the rooms…if that was the case, that was how they paid their fee, by taking care of the trouble. Hopping out of the speeder again, she led them to the room and, after unlocking the door, slipped inside…making the rounds to be sure that no one had come or gone uninvited.
Appeased, she motioned to the couch and chairs in the small living room before vanishing to go change. Athar had simply remained silent the whole ride, but once Sam had left the area, he turned on Sev, giving him a warning glare through those obsidian eyes. ”You say a word about ‘er to anyone you work for an’ so help me, I’ll have ‘alf the Bha’lirs on yor tail,” he growled before stalking off into the kitchen. He wasn’t typically so uptight when it came to people, but when it came to Sam it was a different matter. Her father and himself had gone back a good while, and he’d made a promise to the man to take care of the girl should anything ever happen to him. When she’d joined the military, he’d sat back and said nothing…it was her choice, and she was in fair to decent hands, she was going into something she was good at, he wasn’t horribly worried. Then he’d received news that she’d gone missing, then shown up again injured badly. He’d started paying closer attention at that point, but again, he’d not let her know it…had stayed in the shadows and let her live her life. When he’d seen her on the news, then in the Hutt’s palace on Tatooine, he’d not been able to stay in the shadows any longer. Now, with this new potential threat, he was making his stance clear before it became an issue. Former friend or not, the man was a soldier who worked for the government who wanted Sam dead.
Speaking of Sam, she appeared again only a minute or two after Athar had left, clad in jeans, green top and combat boots. Once again, her father’s coat was noticeably missing from the ensemble. ”Right…now I think I'm owed a hug or something after so long.” Placing her hands on her hips, she waited (seemingly) patiently for him to give in to her not-so-subtle demand. After all…she’d never let him get away without hugging her before, why start now?
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Latus
May the Quartz be with you.
850 posts
0 likes
Ain't got time for this. (?°?°??? ???
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last online Jun 27, 2014 19:37:36 GMT -5
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Jul 6, 2010 20:45:58 GMT -5
Post by Latus on Jul 6, 2010 20:45:58 GMT -5
”You still hang around with those two?! Is Archer still the chatter box from before? Bah, I doubt Hunter’s changed much though…can’t imagine that guy ever talking, even when he does.”
Sev laughed. It was a sincere one as well. Archer and Hunter, the nicknames of his two remaining wingmates, had made the last several years bearable. They hadn't changed very much.
Archer hasn't change a bit. Still'll talk yer ear off if'n ye let 'im. Hunter 'as actually opened up a bit, 'as to talk more now. E's a staff sergeant, in charge o' the 'hawk's maintenance. Still go' one in th' air no less.
Sev smiled running over the familiar controls of the Firehawk in his mind. While he was on leave Archer and Hunter were its pilot; the Chief Sergeant knew that it couldn't be in more capable hands. He knew he didn't have to say more to Sam on the subject either. The 'hawks were such an integral part of the Seven's life he wondered what she would say when she heard one was still in active combat.
When she heard his question he instantly knew it was uncomfortable for her. Her shoulders fell and her voice became more somber, forced. It wasn't a question if she would tell him, he though, but how. He hated to have to think of using his rank to gain information from her, even if it was on the form of a simple question between friends. No matter how much time passed he still felt as if Sam was that bright eyed atmo-jockey he had to order around.
She answered honestly as he thought she would, as he feared she would. It wasn't what she said that bothered him, but how as he feared. It hurt her to relive these things. Just as when one asks a soldier to relive his worst memories Sam seemed to be reliving every moment of what happened. He was silent as she spoke. There was nothing that he could say that would help her, she would have to deal with the pain on her own and he knew that. He glanced to Athar who had tensed up, remained silent. The nautolan must have known what this all meant. Slowly Sev started to regret the question.
Sev took a deep breath before glancing back at the young woman who was once his wingmate. A friendly smile spread over his face. Yes the truth was painful but it was also powerful. Through Sam's sincerity he knew the truth of what happened, what really happened. As the skyline of the city changed from the ritzy to the lower class Sev remained silent. He did not need to say any more.
As they touched down and disembarked Sev paused at the accommodations. It was not the most posh or swank but, well, there would not be a word from him about it. Shouldering his rifle he followed the pair in. Those who they passed in the hall didn't seem to give Sam or Athar much notice but Sev... it certainly wasn't the most friendly gaze anyone had ever given him... this coming from a man who was used to an unfriendly scowl. As they stopped before a small room the sergeant looked around again. It wasn't what he saw but what he failed to see; something was out of place. He grasped his rifle just a little bit tighter.
As they entered he saw Sam spread out and case the room as if looking for someone. Not unusual for an outlaw. As Sam moved out of the room Athar lagged behind. Sev remained on the doormat, almost hesitant to take another step in. For some reason he felt slightly paranoid.
”You say a word about ‘er to anyone you work for an’ so help me, I’ll have ‘alf the Bha’lirs on yor tail.”
Aye, there it is. Bha'Lirs...
He'd heard of them. Sev took a deep breath...
Ah may be a Republic soldier but ah hae a sense ay honur. Keep yer threats tae yerself ... Bha'lir.
He scowled at the nautolan as the man fled into the kitchen. Sev sighed and allowed his shoulders to slump. It was the stigma he was built with he supposed. Few folks liked the Republic so he understood Athar's stance on this whole thing. Unslinging his rifle he took a tentative step in. After only a few more heartbeats Sam stepped back out looking like a ghost from his memories. Jeans a naturally colored top and combat boots. Despite himself Sev gave a real smile.
”Right…now I think I'm owed a hug or something after so long.”
Shaking his head Sev sat his rifle against the the wall and stepped toward her. Hands on her hips he didn't wait. With a chuckle he took two steps up and wrapped his arms around her shoulders pulling her in close. He had never thought of having children but... this must be what it felt like to be reunited with a lost child.
Ah missed ye.
For a moment he held her, waiting until she wrapped her hands around him. Then, with a grunt he lifted her into the air and spun her with a chuckle and a beaming smile.
It's been far tae long lassie.
He knew he would have to confront her about the Bha'lirs sooner or later but... well he was sure that it would come up sooner or later. Might as well enjoy the time with her as he could. Maybe he would ask her about it tomorrow... after the hangover wore off.
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Jul 6, 2010 21:34:32 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Jul 6, 2010 21:34:32 GMT -5
She’d cautiously avoided ‘noticing’ the tense atmosphere around Sev (and most certainly around Athar). Of course, she had noticed, but it had been her decision to play naïve and allow things to flow as they would. Athar may act as the big, overprotective, papa bear when it came to her, but he wouldn’t do more than threaten…unless something bad really did happen. Either way, she’d swiftly changed while the other two had whatever…words…they did, and had reappeared as soon as possible, just barely having tucked her Bha’lir coin back into her top before Sev turned to face her again. Wow, his smile was like a refreshing wind over the Corellian mountain passes. It just hadn’t felt right being away from her friends in the Sevens…life had just felt sort of…empty. ’But then again, there’s more than one reason for that, Sammy girl,’ she reminded herself, putting on her brightest smile for Sev.
Wrapping her arms around him as he hugged her, she wasn’t sure if she’d rather cry or laugh. Settling somewhere in the middle, Sam simply squeezed him as tightly as she could and bit back both laughter and tears. One would undoubtedly lead to the other, after all, and she didn’t want to end up crying. What kind of greeting that would be…after years not seeing one of your best friends, you finally meet them again and start crying? Never. She simply wouldn’t have it. ”Ah missed ye.” Dammit, he had to go and say something sweet! Sam found herself lifted and spun around and she couldn’t help but laugh, tucking her face into his shoulder until she was put down again. ”It’s been far tae long lassie.”
”You too Sev,” she managed with a slight sniffle and another tight squeeze. Stepping back she looked up at him and grinned, gray eyes holding a mixture of emotions. Blinking, she’d caught the color change of his eyes…she’d almost forgotten that they did that! Now that made her feel just horrible. How could she have forgotten something like that, of all things! Despite the feeling, she continued to grin up at him, before shaking her head and chuckling. ”Wow…I can’t believe that Hunter actually talks now. Thought the man was mute when I first met him. And one of the ‘Hawks is still active?! Lemme guess…yours. It has to be yours. That was your baby…if any of ‘em survived it’d be yours.”
Sighing with nostalgia, that happy façade was frighteningly transparent as her eyes got a far away look to them while she gazed past Sev to some invisible spot on the wall behind him. It only lasted for a fraction of a second, however; then she was all smiles once more as she gave him a playful cuff on the shoulder. ”C’mon, lets ditch the nautolan…he’s moody right now,” her voice lowered conspiratorially as she continued explaining, ”he’s waaaaay too protective. I swear, it’s like he swore to my dad to play papa bear or something.”
It was frustrating to her, actually, for Athar (and nearly everyone else she came across these days) to be so protective of her. Sure, she needed a bit of help from time to time, but who didn’t? She’d grown up on the rough side of things though, and no one seemed to understand that she could take care of herself no matter where she was as far as the law was concerned. ’Maybe I should start acting my age…’ she mused silently as she called out a ‘see ya later, Athar!’ and hurried out the door with an impish grin, shoving Sev out in front of her, and laughing as she led him down the hall. Certainly she knew that her friend had gotten more than a few unpleasant looks on the way in, but she’d not really minded, simply made mental notes. Now they were free of her blue friend and headed back toward the speeder, Sam fell into step beside Sev. ”So, where to? Drink, food, or both?”
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Latus
May the Quartz be with you.
850 posts
0 likes
Ain't got time for this. (?°?°??? ???
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last online Jun 27, 2014 19:37:36 GMT -5
Guardian
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Jul 7, 2010 21:14:38 GMT -5
Post by Latus on Jul 7, 2010 21:14:38 GMT -5
What was that look?
It caught Sev off guard after a second, smaller squeeze from Bomber. Her eyes shifted from happy, to that of mild confusion, to happy again. That was when he remembered; his eyes, she was staring at his eyes. All his life he had lived as a human and was treated as such and, for all he knew he was a human save for his eyes which told his mood. Quickly he shook the thought off. Sam seemed to remember which rekindled the memory in him. For all intents and purposes, for the time being he was human. Sam's exclamation about Hunter made him grin. Hunter had indeed started out quiet.
And one of the ‘Hawks is still active?! Lemme guess…yours. It has to be yours. That was your baby…if any of ‘em survived it’d be yours.”
Aye, aye.
He saw only a fraction of it, only a whisper of what was going on behind her eyes but it troubled him. She looked past him, through him. It only lasted a moment though and she immediately returned to her old playful self.
”C’mon, lets ditch the nautolan…he’s moody right now,” You have no idea. ”he’s waaaaay too protective. I swear, it’s like he swore to my dad to play papa bear or something.”
Sev's smile faded only slightly at her words and he tousled her hair gently. Over protective... the question of how much so rang in his mind. The Sevens were a family and they would protect each other as soldiers tended to do but that wasn't to this scale. Almost obsessive... however that raised the point of him being a soldier again. He sighed at his own inconvenience. May have to push the discussion of these Bha'lirs up a bit.
”So, where to? Drink, food, or both?”
He looked down at her and his cares melted back a bit. Sam had a way of doing that.
Since I'm buyin', ah'd 'ave tae say both. Dunno any good places tho... pick somewhere, mah treat.
Soon they had exited the building. This time they traversed it without so much as a glare. Sam, key in hand, walked beside him. It was as if a weight had been taken off his shoulders by finding her again. As he paused near the speeder something pushed at him in the back of his mind. It hesitated to come to him but he did feel unburdened. Shrugging Sev stretched and climbed into the speeder. As Sam climbed in and they took off Sev turned to her.
Sorry Sam. Ah dinnae want tae answer aboot the Firehawk in there, lass. Its a subject ah dinnae like to talk about 'cept wit ye or another Seven. Aye it be mine. We're working on getting it geared for space flight right now. Mah new mechanic is a genius o' a man, Jennings. Dropped intae Subterrel from orbit wit one ah his modifications.
He chuckled at the thought. He had executed a HALO drop with Archer as his copilot several months ago; an exciting feat but one that was very hard on both pilot and craft. Suddenly it struck him, why he felt like there was a weight off his shoulders. His rifle! He had left it in the apartment.
Oh... blast it.
Muttering a curse under his breath he looked back. Can't be helped... He sighed again.
What aboot yeh, then? Ave ye been racin' long?
As he asked the question he slowly slid the hand nearest the door to his boot. Something told him this was not a place one wanted to be unarmed. It was reassuring, if only slightly, that the vibro-knife in his boot was still there.
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
Master
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Jul 8, 2010 4:01:03 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Jul 8, 2010 4:01:03 GMT -5
Ah, so he was sticking to his decision to pay, hmm? Alright well, that changed the options that had been running through her mind to some of the more middle-class places rather than the higher end. Sam was funny like that; if it was her treat, she wanted it to be something nice or a little on the expensive/classy side (when she had the option anyway)…if it was on someone else’s demi-cred she tended to tone things down to less expensive options. Either way it didn’t matter much, she was getting to spend time with someone she hadn’t seen in what felt like ages. ”Well, it depends on your tastes really…there’s some decent pubs close bye that have pretty good food and drinks. Service can be iffy sometimes, but I'm sure it won’t be a problem…” These were actually a few of her more recent haunts, staff there had started to get to know her and Athar, so that made things simpler and certainly helped with swifter service. ”Actually…ya know, I think I know just the place.”
Reaching the speeder, Sam smirked over at him as she unlocked the doors and hopped inside, starting it up with the pleasant purr of a well conditioned and cared for engine. As he got in and apologized for not fully answering her earlier, she waved it off and pulled out into the evening traffic. ”Bah, not a problem. Don’t blame ya, really. Walls have ears and sometimes ya just don’t want those ears to hear things,” she replied, by way of a dismissal. Other than that she listened attentively, albeit passively (she was driving after all), to what he had to say about the refitting of his ‘hawk. Things really did change while she was gone, it seemed. Last she’d known, Sev had a rather strong distaste for space flight. True, she’d never gotten the full story of just why he disliked it, but she hadn’t pressed either. Because of her history, Sam didn’t particularly like people prying into her past, and so she attempted not to pry into other people’s pasts either. This was something she just couldn’t pass up, however, her curiosity getting the better of her. ”I thought you didn’t do space flight though? Strange you’re fitting up the ‘hawk for it, but…I guess a lot’s changed since I left.”
She hadn’t expected him to curse no sooner than she’d said that and she blinked over at him, baffled, as she slowed the speeder to allow another one into the covered port. Shaking her head, she turned into the parking for their destination and worked on finding a place to park. It really didn’t take long, long enough for Sev to have questioned her about the racing. Shutting the speeder down, she looked over at him, watching him check his boot discretely. If she hadn’t known the man better she would have been on edge because of that simple motion…even now part of her was still wary of the movement, but that came from the life she was now leading. What a sad state of affairs it was that she was wary of even one of her closest friends. ’You’ve said it, and thought it, a million times by now, Sam-girl…things change,’ she sighed a bit at that, not certain if she regretted thinking this way or not. Suddenly, she did regret it…after all, this was her wing mate, he hadn’t tried to turn her in when the opportunity had presented itself, he hadn’t done anything to hurt her or get her into worse trouble…’But not Sev, right? Snap out of it, skocha-kloonkee…he isn’t your enemy.’ ”Well, do you mean here, or in total?” She replied, smirking over at him a bit before winking. He knew she could race; hell, he had raced her before! Only then did she get ‘serious’ about answering his question. ”Nah…I’ve not been racing here for long. Maybe a month,” she replied, unlocking the doors and slipping out with a mischievous smile.
The pub she’d brought them to was low key…dark, warm, colors coating both the inside and outside of the building. Despite the casual and calm atmosphere even the outside of the place had, Sam was around that speeder in a flash, hopping to a halt in front of Sev with the biggest grin possible and grabbing hold of his hands to lead him over to the door. Of course, it wasn’t easy enough for her to walk forward toward the door…oh no…Sam had to go backward, so she was facing Sev as she pulled him along. ”I couldn’t believe I stumbled on this place when we got here. First thing I did was think of the Sevens, swear to the Goddess I did, Sev,” she chirped, bouncing her steps around so she was facing forward and letting go of one of his hands so she could open the door.
Pausing just inside to let her eyes adjust to the dimly lit interior, the smell of hot food, smoke and various alcohols wafted through the comfortable atmosphere with the sounds of some Bith band tucked away in the far corner of the little dive. Grinning, she turned to look up at Sev wondering if he’d made the connection to why she enjoyed this little place so much. It shouldn’t have been too difficult for him…at least, she didn’t believe so. If the abundance of varying shades of green, pictures, and holograms of star ships didn’t do it, then she didn’t know what would…perhaps the menu? Of all things the Corellian was, perhaps stereotypically, sentimental when it came to her home world…it helped that this place reminded her greatly of the dive the Sevens had haunted on their days off. She certainly hadn’t been lying when she’d told him that the first thing she’d thought of upon entering the place had been the Sevens.
While it wasn’t completely Corellian run, it catered heavily to the wistful and sentimental breed of space farers. It helped, actually, sniffing out places like this wherever she went…if she couldn’t go home, at least Samantha could spend a bit of time finding a place that helped ease the loss a bit. C’mon then, let’s find a place ta sit so I can actually start pickin’ your mind for what’s been going on the past few years.” Poking out her tongue at him slightly, she headed off for one of the booths along the wall, chuckling mildly at her teasing of the man with her. Unfortunately for poor Sev, she also had seemingly ‘forgotten’ she had a hold on his hand still. Whether she had actually forgotten or not was uncertain, but as they reached the table she seemed to ‘remember’ and let go of it, sliding into the booth. Settling back, she flopped a menu in front of him, already knowing what she was going to get. ”So…what have you been up to for the past few years, hmm? You didn’t even bother to keep in touch or anything!” Giving him a playfully hurt pout (which reached a bit deeper into her eyes than she knew), Sam grinned again shortly after, covering everything once again with that perky attitude. ”Shoulda hunted you down or something, I guess,” she added with a mild shrug as the server (an actual person…yet another reason why Sam liked this place) walked up and asked for their drinks, but paused when she saw Sam, grinning down at her.
“Oh hey there, Namra…the usual?” The pretty young woman glanced over at Sev and smirked a bit before looking back over to Samantha. The look the waitress gave her actually elicited a slight blush from the former fighter pilot, but she played it off as best she could. ”Uh, no Katee…not yet anyway,” she replied with a snicker and a wink, ”I’ll stick to a spiced Corellian Ale for now…and whatever you have in that brain of yours had better get out fast.” The girl, Katee, simply flashed the older woman a grin before turning to Sev and taking his drink order as well. Only then did she hustle off to get the drinks and see to her other tables.
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Latus
May the Quartz be with you.
850 posts
0 likes
Ain't got time for this. (?°?°??? ???
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last online Jun 27, 2014 19:37:36 GMT -5
Guardian
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Jul 15, 2010 21:30:30 GMT -5
Post by Latus on Jul 15, 2010 21:30:30 GMT -5
”I thought you didn’t do space flight though? Strange you’re fitting up the ‘hawk for it, but…I guess a lot’s changed since I left.”
Ye 'ave nae idea.
Sev's chest rumbled with a low chuckle. He failed to be surprised by the young woman's recollection of his phobia as it had come up several times over the years. Every time, however, he was forced to remind her;
Its entries tha' ah cannae handle, lass. Always 'ave tae fly wit' a copilot... ye should'a seen Archer when we... well, ah suppose tha' is a story best served wit' drink.
Soon the small speeder had set down on one of the middle levels of the bustling capital city that was one of the planet's main ports. The walkways were crowded with humans and aliens, humanoid and non-humanoid alike, going about their evening business. As the speeder powered down Sev stepped from the small speeder into the bare space between the parked vehicles. The lot was filled almost to capacity all within the gaze of a modest sized building; a soft-necked Sev gave it the once over gaze. The soldier's view was quickly blocked as Sam dashed in front of him and grabbed his hand. Coronet Tavern, eh? He smiled as he was pulled this way and that through the lines of cars. When they reached the door she turned to face him and he had to keep himself from laughing at her.
”I couldn’t believe I stumbled on this place when we got here. First thing I did was think of the Sevens, swear to the Goddess I did, Sev.”
The smile on the Sergeant's face was one of understanding as she turned away from him and pushed into the establishment. Moving in her wake he soon found out exactly why she liked the small hole so much. It reminded him immediately of Corellia, his... their home from when they were both Sevens. Aside from the normal smoke and raucous noise of the bar and band the holographic projectors of common corellian ships dotted the place. It was the holograms, the music, spacers not hiding the fact that they were spacers... the atmosphere that suddenly brought back nostalgic emotions, things he hadn't thought in a very long time.
Oh aye... civilian life is all right...
"C’mon then, let’s find a place ta sit so I can actually start pickin’ your mind for what’s been going on the past few years.”
Sev nodded to her and took a deep breath. He suddenly felt right at home. He caught the fading image of Sam's tongue as she turned and squeezed through the limited openings in the crowded space. Inexplicably he was pulled along by the tight grip on his hand and was forced to apologize several times as he accidentally bumped into some of the more crowded high chaired tables. All the while he was silent. Sure she might have heard her but he was still taking in the spectacle of what Sam had discovered... a piece of their lives as Sevens away from home. Finally they reached a booth and took a seat, Sev sliding in across from Sam as she blessedly released his hand. Still he remained tight-lipped.
”So…what have you been up to for the past few years, hmm? You didn’t even bother to keep in touch or anything!”
His heart sank for a moment until he realized that the pout on her face was one of her tricks. Sev shook his head at her and grinned; this was going to take getting used to again, Sam was a real character.
"Shoulda hunted you down or something, I guess."
Finally he responded.
It woouldnae hae done ye any good, lass. Ah was reassigned tae a carrier out o' Kuat an' we didnae see port fur months a' a time.
“Oh hey there, Namra…the usual?”
Smoothly Sev turned to regard the pretty young thing that was their waitress. Not a droid... a plus. He gave the young woman a smile before she looked back at Sam. Sev glanced back as well. What surprised him was that his former wingmate blushed... she very rarely did so. Sev gave her a wry little smile.
”Uh, no Katee…not yet anyway,” Her blush had vanished. ”I’ll stick to a spiced Corellian Ale for now…and whatever you have in that brain of yours had better get out fast.”
Sev barely managed to stifle a chuckle.
Another pint 'o spiced, lassie. An, two Corellian Whiskey. He turned his gaze back to his wingmate. Ol' friends deserve a treat.
Giving the girl a toothy smile he sent her on her way before turning back to Sam. Placing both hands on the table he leaned over.
Worried aboot giv'n 'er th' right impression? Ah see why you like this place, Bomber.
For a few moments Sev laughed heartily. He didn't realize how much he had missed the young woman. His smile didn't vanish as he drank in the presence of his young friend for a few moments. Then, slowly, he leaned back against the padded booth.
It would'a been hard for ye to find me, lassie. After mah time on th' Enterprise flyin' Venoms the opportunity fer a transfer tae work wit Hunter and Archer again was welcome. Th' Ascension was where ah spent a lot o' time, a recon cruiser tha' go' intae some interestin' scrapes.
Sighing he looked away from her and out across the crowded pub. The place really did bring back memories.
Ah lived the life of a soldier, lass...
For a moment his eyes glazed over and they got a far away look in them as the orbs shifted from blue to a tint closer to gray. A smile slowly spread across his face as the gray swam across his irises like ghosts from his past. Those eyes then passed back over Sam and he put his hands out.
Th' Sevens waur a good footnote tae a dismal story.
Shaking his head the Sergeant seemed to come out of his thoughts. This was a happy time, a time to be a civilian and he was going to enjoy every moment of it.
Archer an' I dropped intae Subterrel in th' 'hawk, lass. A HALO jump in a fixed wing aircraft! Tha' was somethin' else.
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