Rasilvenaira sighed as she left the Proconsul’s office. The mission in theory sounded simple. But she knew from experience, simple missions, were never simple. Nonetheless, she intended to do what she could to minimize the chaos.
One good factor was that they would be taking her ship. Unless it was a star destroyer, she really hated not being the pilot in control. Though she had started to trust her partner Jaxyn with the Caliburnus, she wasn’t ready to trust the flying to anyone else.
The rest of the team was being summoned and would be meeting at her ship. She made her way through the Monolith to the hangar where her ship sat. Jaxyn was perched on the lowered ramp, leaning against one of the hydraulic struts. He offered her a bright smile when he saw her coming, and walked down the ramp to meet her.
“So what sort of fun adventure is Brujah sending you on this time?”
“Us, dear, you’re coming along too. We’re just waiting for the other three. Sanguis, you know. I haven’t worked with Jaz or Kodais before, but they were picked by Brujah, so I’ll trust his judgement for now and see how they handle themselves.”
Jaxyn arched a brow at that, “He’s sending five of us? Must be big. I’m guessing you want to wait till the others are here to go over the details?”
She nodded and he pulled her into a reassuring hug, “It’ll be fine.”
She leaned into the hug and nodded, “I know. Just making contingency plans in my head, just in case.”
He chuckled and kissed her forehead, “You always have plans on top of plans, don’t you? What could go wrong?”
“I suppose if you count Veritas, there’ll be six of us. That should be enough to handle what we might run into.”
“Of course. It’ll probably be overkill, or have they forgotten what you’re capable of?”
“They haven’t, but it’s been a while since I’ve had the occasion to remind them. This could end up doing nicely, depending on how complicated it gets.”
He smiled at that. He had seen first hand what an enraged Stormraven was capable of. He stood beside her as they waited on the others, one hand around her waist.
She leaned into his side with a contented smile on her face. This mission was going to be fun.
Sanguis watched as the Monolith came into view on the Imperial shuttle’s viewport as the pilot directed the ship towards their destination. The summons from the Proconsul had been a blessed reprieve from the paperwork that had been occupying the Quaestor’s morning, the Nagai eager for a change of scenery. He was ready to be out in the field again, away from his office and with a chance to see another part of this galaxy that was still so new to the living relic that he was..
Briefly, his mind drifted back to when he had informed his wife about the mission. Though he had wanted to return to the estate to bid his family a proper farewell, urgency only allowed a telepathic conversation between him and Shadow. It was something he needed their sons to become accustomed to, anyway. His duties wouldn’t always allow him to bid his children an in-person goodbye, after all
“Just be careful, Sang.”
“Always. You know me, Ro. I’ll be back in a few days. I promise. Let the boys know I expect them to be on their best behavior while I’m gone.”
“Of course. I love you.”
“I love you too, Rowan.”
“Sir?”
The pilot’s voice snapped the Quaestor from his thoughts, his golden eyes brightening back into focus. “Yes?”
“We’re clear for landing.”
“Excellent. Once we’ve landed, head back to Havoc Base. I’ll be gone for a few days, so no need to wait for me.”
“Yes, sir,” the pilot responded as he began landing procedures.
Sanguis nodded and headed towards the back, waiting patiently until he felt the shuttle shudder as it landed and the ramp opened with a hiss. As he descended, a smile graced his lips as he caught sight of Rasilvenaira and Jaxyn next to the Caliburnus. At least he would be amongst friends during this mission.
“Ras. Jax. It’s good to see you two again. Rowan sends her regards.”
Kodais strode toward the landing pad of the Monolith. Though his steps were measured, he was troubled. He was uncomfortable that Vincent had selected him for a mission. The two had technically never met. Indeed, they had not spoken since NeMo’s “life altering experience.” The Proconsul clearly thought of the man he remembered. Even addressed Kodais as “Nemo.” It made his skin crawl every time anyone called him that.
Truly, of those he was to work with Kodais had only met Sanguis once when he became Quaestor of Acclivis Draco. NeMo had met Rasilvenaira at one point. Something to do with rum, if Kodais was interpreting the memory correctly. Apart from those two limited experiences, Kodais knew very little.
At length, Rasilvenaira’s ship, the Caliburnus came into view. Rasilvenaira and Sanguis stood at the bottom of the boarding ramp and appeared to be in conversation together with a man Kodais had not met. He halted a respectful distance from the group, gave a short bow when they regarded him.
A turbolift descended into the hangar of the Monolith, close to the side of Rasilvenaira’s ship, and as the doors whooshed open the Mandalorian Jaz Holden stepped out. The man was covered from head to toe in a shiny black suit of Beskar armor. The T-visor of the armor had a thin red outline with what appeared to be horns painted upward from the corners of the T. He looked to be ready for war. His vambraces covered his forearms, and within holsters on each side of his body hung WESTAR-35 blaster pistols. On his back, a heavy-duty jetpack.
Stepping with a purpose, the Mandalorian approached the group standing near the loading ramp of Caliburnus. Vincent, who was usually forthcoming with him, hadn’t given him any information on the mission that he was being sent on, just that he would join the Quaestors of both Houses of Clan Scholae Palatinae and Kodias, who Vincent had continued calling NeMo as an amusement to himself, as well as anyone else that they saw fit to bring. The Proconsul had noted that Quaestor Rasilvenaira had been given the mission details, but that they were too sensitive to be shared at the moment of their meeting.
Jaz didn’t care for this. With no idea what he was rushing towards, he had no clue on how to appropriately plan for it, and planning meant everything to a successful mission. All the same, better to run with the punches and perhaps even risk death than to deal with an angered Brujah now that he had even more power, and quite frankly, a wicked God complex.
Jaz approached the group and as he reached them, he saluted with an arm to his chest.
“Quaestors, Jaz Holden, reporting for duty. What mess has Vincent gotten us into now?”
Rasilvenaira and Jaxyn greeted Kodais and Jaz as the two arrived. Once everyone was finally present, Rasilvenaira ushered everyone onboard.
“Let’s get on board and I’ll fill you all in, just in case there’s unwanted ears around.”
She led the way up the ramp and onto the ship and Jaxyn brought up the rear. Once everyone was on, the ramp closed.
“R5, take us out!” she called to the astromech droid in the cockpit. Just outside the cockpit stood Veritas, her assassin droid, sporting a fresh coating of ink black paint.
“The Proconsul has brought us all together for a time sensitive mission. Some very valuable intel is being put up for sale on the black-market on Eriadu. He wants this intel for our use, and naturally would prefer not to pay for it. This is very likely to lead to violence, but we need to be as discrete about it as we can, meaning no blowing things up and grabbing the intel in the chaos. The seller, and likely thief, who has the intel we want is one Iagos Minral, Devaronian male. We need to get to him before he has the chance to sell the intel to anyone else, failing that, use him to get our new target and take the intel from the new buyer by any means necessary.”
“Does anyone have any questions or concerns before we jump to hyperspace?”
The Mandalorian nodded along as his Quaestor spoke, taking in all the details of what was to come. He wished now that he had brought his Amban sniper rifle, but that was something he could blame on Vincent later. The equipment that he had brought with him would have to suffice.
“So, we’re headed to Grand Moff Tarkin’s old stomping grounds.” The Mandalorian said coldly. “That works well enough for me.”
Jaz found a seat and took his place. Almost as quickly as he sat, he had pulled a small datapad from a compartment on his belt. He could sense the eyes upon him. Looking up at the other passengers, he spoke again.
“Don’t worry. I’m not sending any messages or speaking to anyone about the mission. Just doing my due diligence and learning what I can of the system.”
His fingers fidgeted with the pad, scrolling through information as it popped up on the screen. Looking up once more, he addressed Rasilvenaira.
“No questions from me. Let’s get this party started.”
Sanguis listened quietly to the details, his right hand hooking his chin while his index finger pressed flat against his lip pensively. In his mind, this was a mission more suited for Shadow, but it was too late to question the Proconsul’s judgment. His gaze drifted over the other two companions, lingering on the Mandalorian with interest before resting on Kodais. He’d never really worked with either of them, but he trusted they wouldn’t be a hindrance.
When Ras finished, the Nagai combed his fingers through his long, silky, raven locks before he finally spoke. “This should be simple enough. The intel will be ours, one way or another.”
Sanguis leaned back, his usual intensity dissipating a little as he grabbed his flask and took a sip of the bloodwine to stave off the thirst. He licked a stray, crimson drop from his lip, a fang briefly revealed to anyone paying attention before being concealed once more behind his lip. “For now, I shall meditate,” he stated coolly, his Nagaian voice taking on his usual soothing tone. “Perhaps the Force will have something to reveal before we get there.”
He offered a curt nod to Jax and Ras before closing his eyes, the Marauder letting the Force wash over him as he focused and shut out the world around him. The bloodthirst, though currently sated, hummed in his mind with anticipation for the possible hunt ahead. Yet, he cast it aside, his discipline kicking in as he instead found his center within the Dark Side.
Kodais looked back and forth between the Mandalorian and Nagai incredulous.
Seriously? No one wants to know anything about this apparently crucial mission for the Proconsul?, he thought.
Kodais glanced to Sanguis. He expected better from his Quaestor. The Force could indeed reveal a great deal but the universe remained in a constant state of flux. Futures, possibilities, contingencies; all were floatsom upon the ocean of existence. Why not start off with some hard facts and requirements?
Kodais expected as much from a Mandalorian. Blunt instruments. Concerned with credits and what they considered honor. He sneared internally, Typical.
“Very well, Quaestrix” he cleared his throat, “What is the nature of the intelligence? What medium is it stored upon? Where can the Devaronian be found? Is the Devaronian required alive?”
Rasilvenaira inclined her head to Jaz and Sanguis as they settled into their personal pursuits. Jaxyn headed to the cockpit to take over flight control from R5 as they neared hyperspace range.
Rasilvenaira turned her attention to the many questions from Kodais. “The exact nature of the intel I do not know. That wasn’t a part of my briefing. Just that we need to get it by any means necessary, but preferably without drawing too much attention to ourselves. The intel should be contained in a set of data crystals. We know the sale is supposed to take place on Eriadu. It’s our job to find him before he can sell it off to the highest bidder. And know, Iagos does not need to survive. Truthfully, it is highly unlikely that he will be left alive.”
She offered a smile, “Any other questions?”
“Everyone find a seat,” came the call from Jaxyn, “Hitting hyperspace in ten seconds.”
Rasilvenaira nodded and settled into a seat, motioning Kodais to take the seat next to her.
Soon, the ship lurched into hyperspace. Once he was certain everything was alright, Jaxyn turned the ship back over to the astromech droid and joined the rest of them, setting into the empty seat on Ras’ other side.
They shared a glance, he flashed her a cheeky grin. They had already discussed the fact that she fully intended to copy the intel once they recovered it. It was one of the many ways she was able to stay so on top of things happening within the Brotherhood, and the galaxy in general.
“Would anyone care for a shot of rum before we get there?”
Rasilvenaira smiled, “I would, if you don’t mind, dear.”
Jaxyn nodded, got back up, and then grabbed a bottle of rum and some glasses. He sat the glasses on the table and poured two full. He handed one to Rasilvenaira, then downed the contents of his cup.
“To adventure, and may our mission be successfull.”
The answers to Kodais’ questions, such as they were, provided him no actual enlightenment. The lack of information and his companions’ apparent comfort with not knowing was vexing. Kodais crossed his arms and exhaled through his nose. He panned his gaze around the room.
Jaz sat with his datapad. Ras and Jaxyn sat in quiet conversation. Kodais’ eyes lingered on Sanguis, sat in meditation. The Sith tattoos he bore were of ancient design. Few wore them without reason. I suppose I should use this mission to learn about my Quaestor. At length, Kodais’ attention found the rum Ras had offered.
“Pardon me, Quaestrix,” Kodais gestured to the rum, “May I?”
“Yes, it was an open invitation for whoever wanted to share in the rum.”
“Thank you.” Kodais poured himself a drink and sank back into his seat. The rum was sweeter than he expected and spiced. It was utterly different from the whiskeys he was accustomed to, but not unpleasant. The slow burn was deep and mellow. Kodais nodded his appreciation. “A fine spirit, indeed.”
Jaz looked up from his datapad for a moment, shaking his head slightly at the offer of rum.
“None for me, thanks.” The Mandalorian thought for a moment. “Perhaps I’ll indulge on the way back home in celebration of a mission completed successfully.”
With that, he turned his attention back to the datapad. Upon the screen he had pulled up information on Eriadu. The planet had a mix of terrains; mountains and jungles. There were several points of interest, including the old Tarkin family facility in Eriadu City. He’d have to assume that their target would be near the city, but time would tell.
If they found themselves outside of any major settlements and within the jungle for any reason, they might encounter Veermox or some kind of large, wild, blue-furred cat, but otherwise the planet seemed relatively safe from dangerous creatures. The planet was mostly known as a major trading hub for lommite. The Eriaduans themselves were notorious hunters.
There was a lot of information to take in. The Mandalorian scrolled and scrolled taking in as much as he could. For the moment, he felt safe in his company, and as a result his guard was down. Even the chatter between the others seemed distant to him as he focused on learning more and more about the system he had been sent to.
The invitation for a drink was just a muted echo to Sanguis, the Marauder deep in meditation, though not enough to miss a sense of both frustration and piqued curiosity from Kodais. A part of him felt the old, wicked temptation to mess with him as he often did with others in the ancient days, but he resisted and refocused on the mission at hand. He’d have another chance later.
As he continued his meditation, he was deep within his mindscape —a crimson forest where black-barked trees reached toward a dark sky ruled by a blood-red moon whose light filtered through the sparse canopy. For a long while, he sat on the leaf-littered forest floor within his mental sanctuary, focused on the currents of dark Force energy surrounding him. However, the forest scene before him shimmered as he only felt a resonance of urgency and danger.
To his disappointment, nothing more was revealed, and a sigh of disappointment escaped him as he withdrew from meditation and found himself once more in the cabin of the Caliburnus. His eyes darted from companion to companion, lingering a little longer on Kodais, before shifting to the rum bottle. Offering a nod of gratitude to Ras, he poured himself a glass and took a sip before reclining back in the seat. He savored the taste, letting the burning sensation wash down his throat before he finally spoke.
“As expected, Ras, great rum. You’ll have to give me the name of your supplier sometime for the Wolf’s Den.”
The Caliburnus lurched slightly as they jumped into hyperspace. Rasilvenaira looked around the three in front of her. As Sanguis spoke, she smiled.
“Welcome back, see anything?”
He shook his head and sighed, “Only that time is of the essence and it will probably be dangerous.”
She nodded, “Just confirming what we already knew. Maybe you’ll get something when we get closer.” Then she chuckled at his comment, “Sure, I can send you their information when we get back.”
Jaxyn returned from the cockpit and perched himself on the arm of Rasilvenaira’s chair. “We have about three hours before we reach Eriadu. What’s the plan?”
Rasilvenaira tipped her head back a little to look up at him, then glanced around at the others. “First order of business is to find Iagos. If we’re lucky he’ll be in a hotel in the main town, but I don’t count on luck. Veritas can get into the local computers to see if there’s any mention of him, that will give us a direction to start. Time is of the essence, as we want to find him before he has a chance to sell off the intel. Once we find where he’s hold up, we can make more of an actual plan of attack. I would personally prefer him dead, as an example to others. But I also personally dislike Devaronians, so that may just be me.”
Jaxyn nodded, “Alright. If the droid doesn’t come up with anything, I can hit the local cantina and see if anyone knows him.”
“Sounds good. We need to keep a low profile though, as much as we can. Don’t want him getting tipped off that someone’s after him.”
“I can be discrete.”
“Does that work for the rest of you? Any concerns?”
DM Post
Iagos checked himself into the local hotel and was staying in his room, too nervous to leave for anything, having room service bring him food when he needed it. He was working on gathering buyers together for the auction of the intel he had.
Time to Auction – 20 hours.
Sanguis shook his head. “None for now. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s hired protection and informants to keep an eye out for anyone looking for him. It might be best to split up as soon as we land to keep from drawing attention to ourselves. Don’t want to tip him off.”
He paused, thinking back to what he had sensed during meditation. “Though, now that I think of it, I also wouldn’t be surprised if others might be trying to steal the intel, so best we watch our backs.”
The Nagai then shrugged. “Regardless, I’m sure we’ll be able to handle whatever comes our way. It’s just a matter of getting to Iagos first if anyone else is after him. If anyone else manages to get that intel before we do, well…”
Sanguis smirked. “I personally don’t mind a longer hunt so long as we succeed in the end.”
“I have an ID10 seeker droid we could set on his trail,” Kodais proffered, “It’s communication with me are encrypted.”
Jaz nodded at Sanguis and Kodias as they each finished speaking. He deactivated and then pocketed his datapad. He had gathered all the intelligence about the system that he would need for now. Looking towards Rasilvenaira, the Mandalorian spoke.
“Well, there really isn’t anything discreet about a Mandalorian showing up in full Beskar, so perhaps I should maintain a distance, at least at first. Keep a perimeter around our assets and a watchful eye out for any traps or ambushes that we might be walking into. My jetpack can get me to the high ground as quickly as needed.”
He looked down at his two Westar-35s, still wishing that he had brought his sniper rifle with him for the occasion.
“Playing backup would be easier with my Amban, but seeing as Vincent didn’t see fit to warn me that discretion may be our best play, I don’t have it with me. Regardless, these two have never let me down when I needed them.” Jaz said, pointing down to his blasters.
He drew in a deep breath and then continued.
“Based on my previous recon missions, I think the city or nearby it is the safe bet. He’ll want to be somewhere that a large group of people can gather without seeming out of place. Lets just remember that if Minral isn’t stupid, he’ll be using a fake name.”
Turning his head to Sanguis and Kodias, Jaz finished.
“It’s entirely possible that he is stupid… but probably best not to assume so. It may be in our best interest to look for signs of unusual gatherings of high value people. If this data is as important as Vincent thinks it is, the rich will want it, and they’ll stick out like a rancor in Coruscant.”
Rasilvenaira listened as the group relayed their concerns and ideas and then nodded.
“Jaz is right, it’ll be harder for him to blend into crowds, so a perimeter would be useful, just in case our rabbit decides to run or someone else comes looking for him.”
“Kodais, set your seeker to keep an eye on the hotel, at a distance so it doesn’t get spotted. Then you can look for places where the sale might be likely to be held. ”
Then she turned to Jaxyn, “Hit the cantina, but instead of asking around, just listen. Cantinas are great places because drinks loosen lips, someone might mention something important. I know your ears are almost as good as mine, so see what you can find out.”
Jaxyn nodded, “You going to hit the hotel?”
She nodded, “I won’t go after him directly, but I will use my natural charm to get some answers out of the desk clerk. Then we can plan from there. Maintain com silence unless its important.”
Lastly, she turned to her droid, Veritas. “You keep your blaster holstered, you’re to connect with the local computers and see what information you can extract, then return to the ship. Do not engage anyone unless you are attacked first.”
“Disappointed statement: As you wish, Master. Though it really is a waste of my genius engineering.”
She rolled her eyes at him, “You’ll just have to suffer and deal with it.”
“Observation: You are a very harsh master, Master.”
“Yes, I am. Just follow orders.”
Glancing around the group again. “If anyone has anything to add, now’s the time. We should be dropping from hyperspace in about a half hour.”
DM NOTE
Iagos has two Trandoshian body guards that are outside his hotel room. But he stupidly has a room with a window.
Several high rollers are already in town, a few in the cantina will likely be bragging about their wealth or how they plan to score big soon.
There is an abandoned warehouse that is large enough to host a clandestine auction, just on the southern edge of the city.
Jaz nodded at Rasilvenaira, readjusting in his seat for the jump out of hyperspace.
“I’ve been doing some research on Eriadu since we departed. I may be telling you all things that you already know, but depending on where we land, you may want to keep your eyes open for Veermox or giant blue cats.”
The Mandalorian paused for a moment before continuing.
“If we’re going to be close to the city, I don’t suspect we’ll have much to worry about in that aspect, but it’s good information for everyone to know. In addition, Eriadu is a major exporter of lommite. If anyone needs a cover, it should be easy enough to play as though you’re interested in buying some. That should ease suspicions.”
The Mandalorian looked around the ship, giving each member of the party a brief moment of attention.
“Consider me your eye in the sky. I’ll find a high spot and keep an eye out for anything unusual. If I spot anything suspicious, I’ll make you aware.”
Charm? Sanguis held back from scoffing, the Nagai knowing Ras more for her grumpiness than charm, except when it came to the twins. However, he pushed the thought away, already feeling a ghostly impact to his ribs that he was sure his wife would deliver.
He listened further to the assassin’s orders, noting nothing specific was requested of him. He cast a questioning glance towards her, waiting for a last-minute request. When he received none, he shrugged, focusing then on Jaz as he shared what information he had gained from his research.
Great. Giant cats. Rowan would’ve been thrilled.
Sanguis finished his rum, choosing to keep an eye out for other parties of interest until Rasilvenaira said otherwise once they were planet-side. Preparing to jump out of hyperspace, he settled into his seat and closed his eyes, briefly meditating and refocusing himself once more in preparation for whatever awaited them.
Kodais looked at Jaz. “Cats?”
“Yeah,” The reply was utterly unbothered, “Giant, blue ones. Can’t miss ‘em.”
Outstanding. Hostile fauna, he thought.
Kodais excused himself to where he stowed his ID10 seeker droid and deployed it. Skully came to life with a series of clicks and chirps. Its repulsors came online and it floated before its master. Lights on the droid’s housing blinked and its limbs flexed and moved as it conducted its start-up checks. After a few moments the droid addressed Kodais, “Instructions, master?”
Kodais uploaded what little data he had on the mission; target location, physical description, et cetera. “We’ll be coming out of lightspeed, shortly. When we land, proceed to the target location and conduct surveillance. Do not engage. Stay hidden. Report to me when you locate the target and any movement. If you need clarification or further instruction, contact me. Understood?”
“I understand, master. Do you require refreshment before we land?”
Kodais stared at Skully. Really should get that personality core looked at.
“No, Skully. Just standby for landing and proceed stealthily.”
“Very well, master.”
R5 warbled an alert that they were dropping out of hyperspace. Rasilvenaira headed for the cockpit and moments later the ship lurched as it came back into real space. She angled the ship outside the main city. Though it was unlikely anyone would recognize the name of her ship, she wasn’t taking chances. They landed behind a copse of trees that would mask their presence at least from those that might be watching from the city.
As the ship sat down, the hydraulics hissed and let out steam. Once she had the ship powered down, she returned to the main room and looked at her gathered companions.
“Sanguis, I’ll let you decide which way you want to go, you can either shadow me at the hotel and see if my questions cause anyone to act nervous, or you can make your way to the cantina a little after Jaxyn and see what you can pick up.”
Then she looked over at the others, “You’ve got your assignments, just be careful out there. We are three clicks from the main city so there might be some wild life between us and where we need to get to. We’ll split up as we get closer to the city. That should make the trek there a little safer. Remember to stay com silent unless you learn something we all urgently need to know. Barring anything urgent, we can reconvene in twenty-four hours at Jaz’s position on the outskirts of the city to discuss whatever intel we do manage to get. If you have any last questions, ask them now before we leave the ship.”
Jaxyn nodded, “I’m good.” Then he picked up his pack and stood beside her.
Once everyone was ready to head out, she led the way out of the ship, then had R5 close and secure the ramp to keep the ship safe. Then the group headed across the rough terrain between them and the city.
DM NOTE
They will likely encounter one or two of the wild cats on their way to the city. Two young males are prowling that area.
Once they reach the city, they will also start finding evidence that there is another interested party after Iagos.
As soon as Jaz stepped off the ship it was as if his entire demeanor changed. His back straightened. His step was purposeful. His focus was solely on the mission. As the group headed across the terrain, Jaz kept an eye upward looking for a good spot to watch from a distance. It didn’t take him long to find his spot. Just outside of the city sat a plateau roughly 20 meters in height. The area was still wooded, but from the distance Jaz was at, it looked like the best option for visibility into the city and the surrounding areas. He looked to the group and spoke.
“I’ve found my spot.” The Mandalorian said, pointing to his vantage point. “I’ll take my jetpack up there and keep an eye out for anything suspicious or dangerous. Keep your comms open, because if I find anything, I’m going to give you the word.”
Sanguis raised an eyebrow at the Mandalorian.
“But… what is the word?” The Quaestor asked.
Jaz tilted his head slightly.
“It was my understanding that everyone had heard…” the Mandalorian replied.
“Heard what, Jaz? What is the word?” Sanguis insisted.
“Bird.” Jaz stated matter of factly.
“Bird?” Sanguis replied.
“Bird is the word…” Jaz said, and with that, he activated his jetpack and took off for the high ground.
Dumbfoundedly, Sanguis watched the Mandalorian ascend before shaking his head in annoyance. “Mandalorians,” he muttered, reflecting back on all the things Shadow had told him about her first husband.
He glanced at Rasilvenaira, having reflected on her suggestions a bit. “I’ll probably head for the cantina after I make a few rounds in the area. Never know who I might find that will be easily persuaded to talk in a lonely alleyway.”
Jaz’s non sequitur managed to put a smirk on Kodais’. “Grunt humor”, he used to call it. Something to break the tension without having to take your mind off the mission.
Kodais scanned the immediate area around Ras’ ship. The vegetation wasn’t terribly thick, but heavy enough to obscure vision to a meaningful distance. Skully floated behind his shoulder, dutifully waiting for orders.
“Skully,” glancing over to the droid, “Move out and execute.”
The little seeker droid inclined Kodais in some semblance of a nod and cheerfully replied, “Very good, master.”
Kodais watched Skully disappear silently into the bush. Really need to adjust its programming.