STAR WARS: An Ill Wind
Session 07
[A second observer, Riddler, joins us for this session.]
[When we last left our young Jedi Knight, he had just come to face to face with some security droids...]
The Force moves through Day-Lin's tired frame, moving his hastily-activated lightsaber into the path of all of the incoming blaster bolts. It's a remarkable display of skill.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Avirida, you were going to move up behind him to provide cover?"
<OOC> Avirida says, "Or at least to shoot some droids, since, as Harukuk put it, he is cover ;)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Quite. How many Blaster actions do you want to take?"
<OOC> Avirida eyes her skill. 'One' might be good, for avoiding shooting Day. ;)
<OOC> Kelly says, "Good answer. Roll it. Harukuk, what about you?"
Avirida rolls 2D+1 dice: <6> 6
Avirida rolls 1 die: <6>
Avirida rolls 1 die: <6>
Avirida rolls 1 die: <5>
<OOC> Kelly says, "Dang."
<OOC> Avirida says, "Good lord."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Huh?"
<OOC> Avirida says, "Okay, who weighted the code. :)"
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Man, can you imagine the teasing I'd take from the Jedi chicks if I got shot by an /engineer/? :)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "6+6, 6, 6, 5."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Oh. Heh."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "/Ow/."
<OOC> Kelly says, "I'd say that's a hit. Damage."
<OOC> Kelly says, "4D+1 on those rifles."
Avirida rolls 4D+1 dice: <3> 4 5 5
<OOC> Harukuk is going to advance on the droids and full dodge, he thinks. Unless they're close enought to just hit.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Not that close, no. Okay, you're moving and dodging this round."
<OOC> Riddler says, "Nice shot."
Avirida's beautifully-aimed shot hits one of the security droids, blowing its head off. For a moment it appears that this is not a vital component. Then the machine topples as one of its fellows bumps into it.
With all the droids' attention on the young Jedi for the moment, Harukuk is able to move past Day-Lin into striking range.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Next round. PER rolls, why not?"
Day-Lin rolls 4 dice: <2> 4 3 1
<OOC> Harukuk thinks one PER roll per side. :)
<OOC> Kelly says, "Nope, doesn't work that way for you. For the droids, sure. :)"
Avirida rolls 2D+1 dice: <4> 5
<OOC> Kelly says, "Actions?"
<OOC> Harukuk says, "You're the boss. :) Frankly, I'm not sure what's in the book, and what's a rule my group played with."
<OOC> Avirida says, "Shoot! Shoot! :)"
Harukuk rolls 2 dice: <4> 5
<OOC> Kelly says, "Twice? You could get fantastically lucky again. ;)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Just once, I figure."
Day-Lin is so overcome with the success of his parrying technique that he forgets to actually attack. Fortunately, he does not forget to parry.
Day-Lin rolls 7 dice: <2> 4 5 2 2 6 5
<OOC> Kelly says, "Full defense again, eh?"
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "yep. :)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Okay, Avirida and Harukuk next. Then the droids."
Avirida draws aim on another droid, and fires.
Avirida rolls 2D+1 dice: <6> 2
Avirida rolls 1 die: <4>
<OOC> Avirida says, "So not /fantastically/ lucky... ;)"
This time, however, the blaster bolt goes into the wall behind the droids.
<OOC> Harukuk will punch.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Go ahead."
Harukuk swings a hairy maul at the nearest droid.
Harukuk rolls 4 dice: <4> 4 5 3
Harukuk pages: 16. That does include the wound penalty die.
<OOC> Kelly says, "A hit, roll."
Harukuk rolls 5 dice: <2> 4 3 2 5
Harukuk pages: Heh. Sixteen again.
The red-shouldered droid attempts to sidestep the blow but is hammered against a wall. It clatters to the floor, though it starts to get up.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Okay. Four droids left, they're firing at you. Day-Lin gets two, which he parries. Harukuk and Avi each get one. Dodges?"
<OOC> Harukuk says, "You bet. Reactionary dodge."
<OOC> Avirida has no idea what reactionary dodge means or what the applicable rules are, alas. ;)
<OOC> Kelly says, "Harukuk, roll. Avirida, do you want to declare a dodge now? You're -1D because you already acted this round... and it IS possible, though not likely at this range, to make yourself EASIER to hit."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "It essentially means that you can always declare a dodge no matter what else you've done in the turn. A nice addition with the revised and expanded rules. Of course, normal penalties apply to the dodge..."
<OOC> Kelly says, "It's actually 'reaction dodge'. 'Reactionary' is a political term. ;)"
<OOC> Avirida would like to dodge, yes. She's no worse off than she is shooting. ;)
<OOC> Harukuk believes you can choose not to take the dodge if it makes you easlier to hit. Right.
Avirida rolls 2D+1 dice: <6> 1
<OOC> Harukuk says, "-ary sneaks itno the damndestary words sometimes."
Avirida rolls 1 die: <4>
Harukuk rolls 1 die: <1>
Harukuk pages: Ugh. That's 2.
Avirida ducks as a blaster bolt streaks over her head. Harukuk tries to do the same, but ends up blundering into Day-Lin's side. And is still hit.
<OOC> Kelly says, "1 on the wild die = complication. :)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Fortunately, the droid also rolls a one and loses a 6. So only 7 points against your STR."
<OOC> Harukuk sticks his tongue out at Kelly.
Harukuk rolls 5 dice: <2> 4 6 6 1
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Easily beat."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Bounce."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Good thing. :)"
The hit doesn't seem to further impair the Wookie, but both he and Day-Lin are now off-balance.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Next round."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Are they in melee range?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "PER, then actions."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Yes, or can be with a free move."
Harukuk rolls 2 dice: <4> 4
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Eight."
Day-Lin rolls 4 dice: <1> 3 5 2
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Doh!"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Like I said, you're off-balance."
Avirida rolls 2D+1 dice: <5> 6
<OOC> Kelly says, "'Will someone get this walking carpet out of my way?'"
<OOC> Harukuk only has a two perception. :)
<OOC> Kelly says, "Avirida, droids, Harukuk, Day-Lin. Day-Lin can declare a dodge or parry now, if that's all he does this round."
<OOC> Avirida shoots! Shoots! :)
Avirida rolls 2D+1 dice: <1> 3
<OOC> Avirida shoots herself!
Another clean miss, and Avirida begins to wonder what she is doing in a lightfight.
<OOC> Avirida . o O ( Going out in a semblance of glory rather than rolling belly-up. )
<OOC> Kelly says, "You're all getting fired at. Dodges?"
Avirida rolls 2D+1 dice: <3> 6
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Combat parry, rather than full."
Day-Lin rolls 7 dice: <6> 4 5 3 6 2 6
Day-Lin rolls 1 die: <4>
Day-Lin barely parries a bolt at eye-level, sweeping down to his hip to deflect another energy dart into the wall.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Avirida, a bolt clipped you. Roll STR."
<OOC> Harukuk declares a punch. If he's shot at, he dodges.
<OOC> Kelly says, "You are being shot at, yes."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Which happens first?"
Avirida rolls 2d+2 dice: <1> 2
<OOC> Kelly says, "The droids go before you, so."
<OOC> Harukuk . o O (Note to self: BUY UP DODGE!)
<OOC> Avirida ows, helpfully.
Harukuk rolls 1 die: <6>
<OOC> Kelly says, "Um. Ow, yes."
Harukuk rolls 1 die: <1>
<OOC> Harukuk says, "9, total."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Avirida, you are unconscious."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Somebody had better start looking for a medpac."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Maybe not right this second...:/"
Avirida is clipped in the side of the head with another bolt and falls to the deck as if kicked, her blaster falling beside her.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Harukuk, you're hit again. Roll your STR."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Really. ;)"
Harukuk rolls 5 dice: <4> 3 4 1 6
<OOC> Harukuk says, "18. Hmmm. Well, hopefully that will be enough."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Barely. You were almost stunned."
<OOC> Kelly says, "But now you go, then Day-Lin."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Heh. Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. :)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Ugh. Crap. Just remembered, you could have used CP on your STR roll. Since I forgot, I'll allow it retroactively if you want."
<OOC> Avirida says, "Nah, I forgot too. :)"
From afar, Harukuk idly wonders why its so dishonorable for a wookiee to use their claws in combat. Probably because, despite their bestial appearance, they're proud of their "civilization," and consider using the claws only fit for mindless animals. ;)
<OOC> Kelly says, "Yes, but I should have remembered, and you're new to the system."
You paged Harukuk with 'As good an explanation as any.'.
<OOC> Avirida has used CP on rolls before. No excuses for her. :)
<OOC> Riddler says, "It was a nice face-block anyways..."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Okay. :) Harukuk, Day-Lin, your attacks?"
Harukuk pages: It makes sense. And lets face facts, they're perfectly gross enough already. ;)
Harukuk rolls 3 dice: <5> 1 6
<OOC> Harukuk says, "12."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Hit."
Harukuk rolls 5 dice: <4> 3 6 4 1
Leaning around the safety of the corner, Sekk and the other crew provide covering fire when a shot presents itself.
<OOC> Harukuk says, "18"
Day-Lin rolls 6 dice: <1> 2 6 1 3 4
A backhand from Harukuk knocks a droid wobbly, but it struggles back upright and starts to raise its rifle again.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Suckage, Day-Lin. CP?"
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "no."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Never mind, they're rolling bad, especially with having to fire."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Easy hit."
<OOC> Riddler says, "Harukuk: Those droids are no push-overs... :-)"
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Clearly."
Day-Lin resumes the offensive, cutting through the chest-plate of another droid. The two pieces land noisily on the floor.
The droid that Harukuk knocked down earlier gets to its feet and aims at the Wookiee's back, but is hit by a shot from one of his loyal crewmen and falls again, to lie still this time.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Next round. Down to three of six."
<OOC> Kelly says, "PER rolls."
<OOC> Riddler says, "Et tu, droidae?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "And actions."
Day-Lin rolls 4 dice: <5> 2 1 2
<OOC> Day-Lin slaps his dice around.
Harukuk rolls 2 dice: <5> 5
<OOC> Harukuk says, "10"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Everyone goes at once! :)"
<OOC> Harukuk bashes!
Harukuk rolls 4 dice: <1> 1 6 6
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Ouch. 7, or 14 with mishap."
<OOC> Kelly says, "The mishap, as it were, is that the droid you were looming over fired into you just as you hit him."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Okay. No dodge, then?"
<OOC>
Harukuk rolls damage.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Nope. Soak 9pts, please."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Okay. Soak first, then damage."
Harukuk rolls 5 dice: <5> 1 5 4 4
Harukuk rolls 5 dice: <2> 5 5 4 4
<OOC> Kelly says, "Good choice. :)"
<OOC> Harukuk says, "19 soak, 20 damage. ;)"
Sabriel pages: Soak?
The towering Wookiee and the security droid come together with a mighty crash and the sound of blaster fire. But only one rises from the collision of bodies.
You paged Sabriel with 'Jargon from WW. To 'soak up' damage.'.
<OOC> Day-Lin's doing the parry-slice thing.
You paged Sabriel with 'Without being affected.'.
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Defense first."
From afar, Sabriel aha.
Day-Lin rolls 6 dice: <2> 6 6 6 4 2
Day-Lin rolls 6 dice: <1> 4 1 6 2 2
<OOC> Day-Lin :/
Harukuk roars his triumph upon emerging. Okay, so it's just a droid. You want to criticize his sense of drama?
<OOC> Kelly says, "Not to his face, for damn sure."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Day-Lin: Fortunately, as seen in the movie, they're darn near stationary targets when firing."
<OOC> Kelly says, "And that one rolled well and is STILL hit."
Meanwhile, with less roaring, Day-Lin whirls and neatly decapitates another droid, leaving but one in fighting condition.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Next round, though it's kind of moot now."
Day-Lin rolls 4 dice: <3> 2 3 5
<OOC> Kelly says, "Harukuk?"
The droid's head waves to and fro as Day-Lin and Harukuk advance, trying to decide which is the greater threat.
Harukuk rolls 2 dice: <1> 1
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Heheh. Not me."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Figure you don't want to get in the way of the Jedi's saber. :)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Day-Lin, you go first..."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Twill singe me fur."
Day-Lin rolls 6 dice: <6> 4 4 2 6 5
Day-Lin rolls 1 die: <4>
The young Jedi cuts the final droid down with a single efficient stroke. His saber flows back into guard position, guided by trained reflexes and muscles that twitch with fatigue.
At last there is silence again, as droid parts (and one humanoid body) lie strewn about the deck at the security checkpoint. The smell of blaster char and fried wiring hangs in the hazy air.
Harukuk notes the last droid falling, and rushes to check out Avirida.
Sekk and one of Harukuk's crew move quickly to the fallen Avirida's side, the latter opening a Federation medpac he found somewhere along the way.
Day-Lin spares a moment or two to make sure no other enemies are nearby, before deactivating his lightsaber. "She all right?" he calls to the others.
"Could be a concussion, but the bleeding is mostly superficial. Here, hold this."
Avirida lies still and quiet, blood seeping into her silver hair - what hasn't simply been burned away.
An antiseptic spray and then a thin covering of synthflesh (it's even almost the right shade of grey, being intended for Nemoidians) is applied to the burned area. The medic hesitates, then prepares another spray hypo and presses it to Avirida's neck. *pssht* "This should bring her around," he informs the Captain.
Day-Lin paces back and forth, looking down the corridor in the direction of the lift door.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Per the book, you are now Wounded twice rather than incapacitated."
<OOC> Avirida says, "Great. What's that mean effectively? ;)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "-2D to all actions, but you can move normally and all that."
<OOC> Avirida yay :)
Avirida keeps her groan subdued, as she stirs.
The first thing Avirida hears is someone asking, "Should we send her back with the others?"
Avirida mumbles, "I'm not that drunk."
Day-Lin says "We may need her expertise."
Avirida puts a hand to the side of her head. Her eyes not only open but widen in horror as she realizes what's happened to her hair.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Only one side. It'll grow back. Eventually. :)"
<OOC> Avirida whimpers in horror :)
The medic grabs for Avirida's wrist, gently restraining her from touching the actual wound. He glances at the Jedi, then up at his commander. "Your call, Captain."
Avirida doesn't seem to be worried about the /wound/, so much. She breathes something low and obscene-sounding.
Avirida pushes herself to sitting - sways, goes back down to an elbow, then climbs carefully to her feet. "Sounds good," she grits, "to me."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Y'know, Day-Lin, you're running out of allies. Who will be the next to fall, because you're sloppy? You need an edge. Maybe getting mad would help you focus."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Quiet, you. :)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Ah, but the Dark Side is NEVER quiet. Especially not in times like this. It hovers in the back of your thoughts, whispering and tempting..."
The crewman helps Avirida to her feet, Sekk offering her fellow engineer an arm to lean on.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Anyone have something else to say, before I cut away?"
<OOC> Riddler says, "If you only realized the POW-AAAR of the dark side..."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Just "teka-li, teka-li.""
<OOC> Avirida says, "ia! shub-dartharoth!"
CUT TO:
INT. BATTLESHIP - BRIDGE
Remy, the weasely-looking slicer, is holding up the odd gadget that is Pira's lightsaber and examining it closely.
Jacobi snarls from the command chair, "Remy, stop playing with that thing and tell me where they are!"
Remy startles, fumbling the shining metal hilt and almost dropping it, before setting it down on the console beside him. "I, uh, I'm having trouble with that, Cap'n. Most of the security systems are offline because of the power loss, and I haven't... er... I'll keep trying. Sir."
Jacobi frowns at his computer expert. After a moment, he rises from the seat and begins to pace. "What's Vinc doing down there, painting his tails? I want my power back NOW!"
The third occupant of the bridge (aside from the few blue-shouldered pilot droids who go all but ignored by the organics) stands near the lift doors like a guardian statue carved from sandstone. The hulking Tunroth offers no reply to his captain's rant, though the eyes on either side of his wide skull track the man's movements back and forth.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Tunroths are... well, it's kind of hard to describe, but a good summary is a very humanoid Rancor. Eyes to the side, nostrils on the top, with little bony spikes along the chin. Built like Wookiees, hint hint."
<OOC> Avirida eeee. :)
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Uh oh."
Jacobi reaches the end of one lap and whirls on Pira, bellowing, "Stop LOOKING at me!"
Pira's perfect violet regard moves upward, to a point about two inches above Jacobi's head.
The pirate captain instinctively looks up as well.
If Pira is smiling, it is hidden behind the gag.
Jacobi snarls. "Get up." Not waiting for his command to be obeyed or not, he reaches out and grabs Pira's arm, hauling her roughly to her feet. His other hand produces a knife. The bridge's dim emergency lighting glints off the blade.
Jacobi murmurs, "Nobody messes with Big Jake. Nobody!"
<OOC> Riddler echoes, "Uh-oh..."
<OOC> Pira says, "Can she read him at all?"
Jacobi slides the flat of the knife along Pira's dusky cheek, just above the cloth gag. "You and your friends... need to understand that..."
<OOC> Kelly says, "You mean, that he's >< close to coming completely unglued?"
<OOC> Pira says, "How good are we at object manipulation tricks at this level?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Fairly. Tell me what you have in mind."
<OOC> Pira says, "Would she have any chance of pulling the saber out of the guy's hands/igniting/managing to slice at least her footbonds, or is that just out of their class at this point?"
Jacobi's dark eyes are wild and sweat beads upon his forehead. Most disturbing of all is his slight resemblance to Pira's former master, though at the moment his demeanor is nothing like Master Windu's serenity.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Your feet aren't bound, just your hands. The saber hilt is lying on a console by the slicer, not held by him."
<OOC> Kelly says, "And to actually answer your question, if Luke could do it at *his* level, not even being a real Jedi, you sure can."
The oval bridge doors choose that moment to open, top and bottom sliding apart to admit a large, howling mass of fur and sinew. The Tunroth pirate turns just in time to catch the Wookiee's tackle, and is driven back several meters.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Day-Lin, you're next."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Harukuk, you're grappling with someone as big and mean as you, and not wounded. I'm not sure if that counts as Brawling or straight STR."
<OOC> Harukuk doesn't have any extra dice in brawling, so its not terribly relevant.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Okay. Give me a STR roll, less your wounds. Don't worry about the move, though; it balances out."
Harukuk rolls 4 dice: <2> 2 6 5
Day-Lin steps through the doorway just behind Harukuk, weapon alight. "Ah, there you are," he quips.
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Okay. 15, it looks like."
Jacobi reverses his hold on Pira, pulling her against his front to act as a shield, as her friends come through the door. The threat of the knife is obvious.
Jacobi says, "Stay right there, Jedi."
Harukuk and the Tunroth seem equally matched for the moment, straining against each other for leverage and holds on vital spots.
<OOC> Sabriel wonders if you get a DSP for TKing a lightsaber into the back of a pirate's head when they've got a knife to your throat.
An inarticulate groan of effort is the only utterance that the Tunroth makes to his opponent.
Pira calls her lightsaber to her, the familiar hum barely audible as it comes alive with violet light.
Remy is caught unprepared as the saber hilt twitches and rattles on the console next to him, then flies smoothly into the hands of the prisoner. With the touch of her finger on the activation stud, a second glowing blade appears in the room.
Jacobi gapes, caught completely by surprise.
Pira brings the blade up, striking for the wrist that holds the knife.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Roll your lightsaber, please. Add your Sense dice. You can spend a FP if you feel its necessary."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "She's gonna Skywalker him!"
<OOC> Pira says, "She's not trying to actually slice through, btw, just burn deep enough for him to drop the knife. Slicing all the way through would risk slicing into her :)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Ooh, tricky. Roll high."
<OOC> Pira says, "That's 7 dice, right?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Six for you."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Day-Lin's the Lightsaber Stud(tm)."
<OOC> Pira hmms. Tries to figure out the FP.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Why the wrist, though? Take off his head. He's a bad man, he deserves it."
<OOC> Kelly smiles sweetly at Pira.
<OOC> Kelly says, "A Force point doubles your dice for all rolls during that round."
<OOC> Pira says, "So, twelve, then? Okay."
<OOC> Pira says, "Jedi aren't supposed to kill if they can avoid it, according to how she was taught :)"
Pira rolls 12 dice: <1> 5 3 6 1 6 4 6 3 4 4 5
<OOC> Kelly says, "I know, but I'm being an equal opportunity tempter."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Lose the six..."
<OOC> Pira says, "That was a remarkably sucky roll for that many dice."
<OOC> Pira says, "Well, not so bad, but low in the critical point."
Still centered in the Force, her eyes closed, Pira senses the tip of the lightsaber move smoothly through flesh and bone. There is a howl of pain and the knife falls to the floor... still clutched in a strong brown hand.
Jacobi staggers back, letting go of his hostage to clutch at his raw stump. The faithful pilot droids continue about their tasks, uncaring.
<OOC> Pira could use a situation pose right now? Who's up and where?
At his station in the corner, Peet Remy goes for the blaster pistol at his hip - only to find two more already pointed in his direction, as Avirida, Sekk and the rest of the crew rush in with guns drawn.
<OOC> Kelly says, "So. The nerd in the corner, Avirida and the NPCs by the door, Harukuk and his opponent up against the central pillar, Day-Lin a little further from the door but still on the upper level, and Pira and Jacobi down on the lower level."
<OOC> Kelly says, "It's only a few steps down/up."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Harukuk, give me another STR roll. What are the rest of you doing?"
Harukuk rolls 4 dice: <6> 2 4 3
Harukuk rolls 1 die: <3>
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Arrr. Arrrr. 18."
Despite his wound (or perhaps because of it), Harukuk is slowly overcoming his opponent. The widely-spaced eyes bulge as Wookiee fingers close on a tan neck and squeeze.
<OOC> Kelly says, "He's rolling really bad. :)"
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Good to hear."
<OOC> Riddler says, "Harukuk mad!"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Harukuk smash!"
<OOC> Pira says, "Harukuk SMAS--"
<OOC> Riddler says, "Never mess with a cranky Wookie..."
<OOC> Pira says, "Damn you Kelly you typed faster :)"
<OOC> Kelly laughs. So, what now? You're still handcuffed and gagged, by the way.
<OOC> Pira says, "What sort of a gag is it, btw?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Simple cloth wrap, tied behind your head."
<OOC> Pira says, "Can she jerk it free, now that she can move/"
<OOC> Kelly . o O ( a ball gag would be just a BIT too kinky for Lucasfilm )
<OOC> Kelly says, "Yes."
Pira whirls to face Jacobi, the gag tugged free with one cuffed hand. The saber lowers again, points at him. "Tell them to surrender."
The pirate captain's reply is an anguished "D-damn you..."
<OOC> Pira says, "I'm presuming I managed not to burn my hair off during the tugging manuever, though I can roll if you want me to :)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Nah. :)"
Jacobi is hunched over, holding his ruined wrist against his body.
<OOC> Riddler says, "This wrist thing is getting to be a SW trend..."
<OOC> Pira says, "Hey, it's even better than a quote!"
<OOC> Kelly . o O ( look, it's a bigger, blacker Luke. Pity there's no ledges around for him to throw himself off of. )
<OOC> Pira . o O ( Jacobi, I am your moth-- nah. )
Pira says "No one has to die, Captain. Surrender."
Jacobi's eyes move from violet saber to green, each held by a Jedi Knight - young, perhaps, but quite capable. His head drops and he nods sullenly. "All right."
Remy is already carefully setting down his blaster and raising his hands.
Durrde, the Tunroth, makes one final attempt to break Harukuk's hold.
Pira says "Who is left in the ship?" She addresses this half to Jacobi, half to Day-Lin.
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Roll?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Yup."
Harukuk rolls 4 dice: <5> 5 2 4
<OOC> Harukuk says, "16."
Durrde pries the fingers away one by one, baring his teeth in a snarl. "This isn't over, Wookiee," he promises in a deep voice. (The effect is spoiled a bit by the gasping breath he has to take first.)
<OOC> Pira says, "Heh heh heh."
Jacobi, wounded in body and pride, offers no answer.
Harukuk just bares his teeth.
There's a shift of weight and the two mammoth wrestlers break apart, rubbing at sore necks and arms.
Pira says "Sit down before you bleed to death, Captain. We'll see to your wrist as soon as the ship is secured."
Pira raises her voice "Day-Lin?"
Teeth clenched in pain and anger, Jacobi finds a nearby crew chair and settles into it, still holding tight to his arm.
Day-Lin says "Pirates or crew?"
Pira says "Pirates, unless any of the crew is injured?"
Day-Lin says "Not sure. A couple of them jumped us on the way back from the reactor controls, but there might be some left." He glances at Remy, and asks conversationally, "How many in your merry little band?"
Remy's eyes dart to his captain, then back to the Jedi asking the questions. "Uh... counting the ones who just joined up, I guess about twenty. With all the automation this ship has, we didn't need too many to take her."
One of the blue droids walks over to where Jacobi sits. "Orders sir?" it inquires in its flat, buzzing voice.
Jacobi glares over at Pira and the rest.
Avirida slides along the outskirts, dizzily, to study a handful of the consoles.
Sekk helps Avirida to a seat at one of the stations.
Day-Lin estimates, "Maybe ten left, then. No trouble."
<OOC> Kelly says, "I have one more complication I can throw in here... or do people just want this to be over?"
<OOC> Pira says, "It's not too late."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Okay... give me a PER roll then, Pira."
Pira rolls 4 dice: <6> 5 1 5
You paged Pira with 'Wild die, roll again.'.
Pira rolls 1 die: <3>
The droid, after waiting for a few moments for some answer from the pirate captain, turns and walks back to the other automatons sitting watchfully at the controls.
You paged Pira with 'His lips were moving, while you and Day-Lin were questioning Remy.'.
Pira says "Day-Lin, I think you should stop that droid."
Pira takes a step closer to Jacobi. "Unless the captain wishes to tell us what he said to it?"
<OOC> Pira says, "Yay wild dice :)"
Jacobi looks up with a smile. Not a pleasant smile.
The pilot droid begins to speak, passing along an order to the others. "Set new course..."
Avirida straightens in her seat at the console, and starts scanning rather more frantically.
"... heading, one two zero by zero five five..."
<OOC> Pira says, "How close am I to the droid?""
<OOC> Kelly says, "A couple of meters away. Not in striking range now, but you could be there in a second."
<OOC> Pira says, "Is Day-Lin closer?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "No, he's closer to Remy, as I recall."
Pira moves toward the pilot droid with jedi speed, her lightsaber humming through the air.
The droid takes no notice of Pira, just doing its duty. "... full sublight sQWArK!" *thud*
Day-Lin demands of no one in particular, "What's going on here?"
<OOC> Avirida dies laughing.
Avirida relaxes. Slightly.
"Roger roger," the other droids acknowledge their comrade now lying in pieces on the deck, setting the course and speed.
<OOC> Kelly says, "'full sublight' was enough, it seems."
Pira says "Nothing good, I believe."
Avirida de-relaxes, and starts trying to figure out how to override droids.
The stars begin to wheel past the bridge windows as the battleship turns, slowly and majestically. Then a dark and craggy mountain appears in the forward view: the asteroid the pirates were using to pull passing vessels, such as your own, out of hyperspace.
Slowly, slowly, the asteroid moves toward the center.
Jacobi laughs.
Pira looks towards the Wookiee. "Captain Harukuk? Can you do anything?"
Jacobi explains, "What's happened, my dear Jedi, is that this ship is about to get very friendly with that rock out there."
Jacobi smiles. "Now if you would be so kind as to let me speak with my men, tell them to get to escape pods. We wouldn't want any unnecessary loss of life."
<OOC> Riddler says, "Oooh... foul venemous villain!"
Pira murmurs to herself "A hive of scum and villainy."
Harukuk marches over to the control panel, batting aside anything less than Wookiee-sized that gets in his way, and checks the controls.
In this case, that includes several pilot droids.
Already there's a faint vibration in the deck, a sensation that those trained on large ships recognize as the Trade Federation battleship coming up to flank speed.
Pira moves back to guard Jacobi. "How long until impact?"
Jacobi shrugs, the gesture less symmetrical than before. "A few minutes. You and your comrades had better get going too. You should have time to get to a pod, if you hurry."
Jacobi adds, with a look to Harukuk, "Or your ship... be a shame for such a beautiful lady to get blown up along with this barge, mm?"
<OOC> Harukuk can't, indeed change course?
<OOC> Kelly says, "It looks like the systems are designed to only accept droid input. Funny, that."
Day-Lin muses, "You know, I actually have no problem depriving the Neimoidians of their battleship."
<OOC> Kelly says, "You and Avirida might be able to get around that, given a few minutes."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "We only have a few minutes, right?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Yup."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Right."
The asteroid is dead ahead now, and the ship's rotation has stopped.
Harukuk growls to himself, and gestures, roaring in Wookiee. ["Back to the Dauntless."] He then points at Jacobi, and says something else. ["To quote your crewman, this isn't over."]
Pira says "We should sound the evacuation. If we can save the ship, they can always be picked up afterwards."
The pilot droids, meanwhile, are futilely trying to push the Wookiee out of the chair and resume their stations.
Jacobi smiles thinly and nods to Harukuk.
Day-Lin asks, sounding baffled, "Why aren't we just heading for our ship and getting out of here?"
Pira says "We don't have time to evacuate it properly. What if there are other prisoners, or crew trapped by the power outage?"
Jacobi regains a little of his former bluster as he stands. "So let me tell my men to abandon ship! You can look after those crawling cowards yourself."
"The clock," Jacobi adds with a nod to the forward viewports, "is ticking, girl Jedi."
Day-Lin asks Jacobi, blandly, "And if we don't let you tell them?"
Jacobi shakes his head. "Uh uh. I know how you Jedi are. If you do that, their blood will be on your hands."
Day-Lin says "I was afraid he'd say that."
Harukuk roars something at Jacobi. ["Then tell the droids to change course."]
Jacobi mms to Harukuk. "Well, I could do that. I'm the one with the command codes, after all. But why should I?"
Jacobi looks back at the two Jedi. "So you can take me into custody? Spend the rest of my life in prison? No."
Jacobi looks out the window again. "You'd better run along, little Jedi. That rock's getting awfully close."
Day-Lin says "Pira, I really think we ought to at least have someone get the ship out."
Insistent metal fingers continue to pull at Harukuk's arms.
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Hey, wait, when did they get the reactor back on? :)"
<OOC> Kelly says, ".... oh you BASTARD"
<OOC> Day-Lin was just thinking, well, hey, we could always kill the engines, and then realized, wait, we already killed the engines. :)
<OOC> Kelly says, "Well, I have a choice. I can go back and erase the last 15-20 minutes of play, or we can ignore it. Which do y'all prefer?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Either way, I do applaud you for reducing the GM to incoherent cursing."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Just say the engines weren't on the same circuit or whatever. Handwave it.:)"
<OOC> Riddler says, "Emergency thrusters... that's why it's taking so long... :-)"
<OOC> Pira says, "I'm back. ooh, that's evil :)"
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Retro-rockets!"
<OOC> Kelly says, "We'll do like George does, ignore it and let the fans try to explain it."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Riddler has the right idea, I think. ;)"
<OOC> Riddler says, "Hoot!"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Right. This is, um, emergency maneuvering power. Or something."
Pira frowns. "Where's the rest of our crew?'
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "They're expelling the ship's atmosphere..."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Like a giant balloon... (sorry)"
<OOC> Pira says, "Someone got out and pushed? :)"
One of the blue-uniformed figures speaks up. "Us here, and those down in life-support... that's all, m'lady. And those Nemoidians still locked up."
Day-Lin says "What're you waiting for, a Senatorial committee hearing?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Actually, the cutaway does give some credence to the idea that there are separate reactors for the drives and the power systems (at least for the droid computer)."
Harukuk barks an order to his crewman, and goes to trip the evacuation warning button on the console. Every ship has one, right?
<OOC> Kelly says, "Yes, and by Republic mandate, it's big and shiny and candy-colored."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "...and here's where we find that the Neimoidians don't have one, because hey, most of the crew's droids anyway, and who cares if you lose a bunch of them?"
<OOC> Harukuk says, "The rest of the Nemoidians are actually free, I thought. They're just sitting in a cell with an open door because they figure it's safer."
Pira says "Captain Harukuk, you should send the rest of the crew back to the ship. Day-Lin, can you free the rest of the Nemoidians?"
The crew are already responding to their captain's order, covering the big Tunroth as they leave just in case he gets any ideas.
<OOC> Kelly says, "More or less, yeah."
Day-Lin says "Can I? Yes...oh, all right, they just need to be told it's safe to come out anyway."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "So when the klaxons start sounding, they'll scarper for the escape pods."
Pira says "How much time do we have left until it is too late to evacuate, Captain?"
Pira looks up at Harukuk.
The evacuation signal begins to sound - a repeated tone, along with a recorded Nemoidian voice urging the crew to immediately head for the nearest escape pod or other craft.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Day-Lin's sarcasm there is very good. :)"
<OOC> Pira smirks.
<OOC> Harukuk says, "What do I figure we have?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Harukuk, you'd guess about four minutes to point-of-no-return. When the combination of the ship's forward velocity, the size of the asteroid and its miniscule gravity make some sort of collision inevitable."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Is that enough time to jury-rig a change in course?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Probably not. But this is the SW universe, where one in a million is the same as one in two. Show me some rolls. ;)"
Harukuk's task is made more difficult by the determined pilot droids still pushing and pulling at him.
<OOC> Harukuk says, "mechanical or technical? I have space transport skills, but not capital ship."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Mech."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Okay. -1D for the wounded. Anything else?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Though you may want to use Tech, and rewire the console."
<OOC> Kelly says, "In general, Mech to operate, Tech to repair or do stuff with."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "I know, so tech then mech?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Yeah."
Harukuk rolls 2 dice: <4> 5
<OOC> Harukuk says, "10"
Jacobi starts to walk across the bridge, toward the exit.
Day-Lin interposes himself between Jacobi and the exit. "And you're going...where?"
With Wookiee strength, removing the cover of the console doesn't even require a powerdriver. The insides are a tangled mass of wires and circuits, but some things look familiar, like this bit over here...
Pira says "Captain Harukuk, do you want me to remove those droids?"
Harukuk growls something that sounds like an assent.
Pira moves to disable the droids with quick, efficient sweeps of her lightsaber.
"Disable", in this case, means that blue and off-white metal shapes, most about the size of a kitchen appliance, soon litter the floor around the busy Harukuk.
Jacobi looks at the saber, then takes a deep breath. "To join my men in one of the escape pods. If you want to stay and try and save the ship, you're welcome to it."
Remy and Durrde carefully move to join their captain.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Day-Lin, he's going to escape, and do all of this over again. He's playing you for a sucker. You should just kill him."
Day-Lin indicates the two crewmen with one hand. "They can go." He smiles beatifically at the captain. "You stay."
Day-Lin says "You're right, of course, that we Jedi won't just let all the innocents be killed. But, well, suicides are a difficult problem for the Code."
Jacobi stares, then looks over his shoulder. Durrde shrugs. "Sorry, Captain. You know how it is." The big Tunroth slips past, out into the corridor.
Remy looks more nervous, shooting glances between Jacobi and Durrde, but follows the latter out of the bridge at a run.
<OOC> Harukuk will radio to the ship to tell them to have it ready to go, we might be leaving in a big hurry.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Nice, Day-Lin."
Day-Lin says "Unless, of course, you're not really a suicide. You could always convince me by unlocking the controls, but I just can't see any other explanation for aiming the ship at an asteroid."
Day-Lin examines his fingernails ostentatiously.
Jacobi shakes his head jerkily, looking for signs of fear in the Jedi's cool facade.
<OOC> Day-Lin isn't scared yet. When we find out that they can't get the Dauntless going in time, then maybe he'll be scared. :)
Jacobi proclaims, "You're bluffing."
Day-Lin spreads his hands, one still holding the deactivated lightsaber. "It would be against the Code to compel someone who wanted death to remain alive," he says pleasantly.
Sekk looks like a trapped animal, cringing beside Harukuk and Avirida, wanting desperately to go but bound by her own set of honor to stay with these aliens. She does provide help, pointing out details of the console's wiring.
Jacobi's jaw works silently. "So... what if I don't want to die?" he finally asks.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Harukuk, give me another Tech roll."
Harukuk rolls 2 dice: <4> 5
<OOC> Harukuk says, "10 again."
<OOC> Pira cackles at Day-Lin.
The problem of the course lock is easily remedied, once the offending board is located, by ripping it out by the roots. After that it's a matter of finding the right wires to splice.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Do you want directional control or speed control?"
<OOC> Harukuk says, "I'll settle for directional, if its easier, as I assume it will be."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Yup."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "As opposed to both, I mean."
As Harukuk touches two wires together, there's a crackle and the asteroid drifts infinitesimally to the right.
<OOC> Pira says, "Ah, wookiee engineering at its best."
<OOC> Kelly says, "At the moment, it's saving your Jedi behind. So watch what you say. ;)"
Day-Lin says, his voice hard, "Then you'd unlock the controls so we can stop the ship."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Of course, at this point he doesn't really need to, but what the hell. :)"
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Its a good gesture. I'll attempt to alter the course signifcantly."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "He's in dire need ot being taken down a few pegs. :)"
<OOC> Riddler says, "You could cut off his ankles too... >;-)"
<OOC> Riddler says, "Whisper...whisper..."
With the same dreadful slowness as before, the huge circular battleship begins to alter course. But the asteroid is much larger now and getting more so by the minute.
<OOC> Harukuk gets flashbacks from "Titanic."
<OOC> Pira giggles.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Good idea."
<OOC> Kelly puts on the soundtrack and cues it to 'Hard to Starboard'
<OOC> Pira says, "For once not a SW moment :)"
Jacobi looks past Day-Lin to the Wookiee bent over the controls. His shoulders slump as he notices the slight drift of the stars from their positions. "What does it matter now anyway?"
Day-Lin shrugs. "Well, it doesn't, really," he observes. "But it would make life easier."
Jacobi snorts, nostrils flaring. "Life," he replies bitterly, "is never easy."
Day-Lin murmurs, amused, "Tell me about it."
The minutes crawl by, as do the degrees of the ship's heading. Finally, it is clear that the battleship will miss the asteroid's cratered surface by almost half a kilometer. Plenty of room, for a vessel three times as wide as that. Really.
<OOC> Riddler says, "What a rotten day for Jacobi... first he get's a new nickname (Stumpy), and then even his evil scorched earth plan is foiled... he must really be feeling unsuccessful as a villain... :-)"
<OOC> Pira says, "Hey, he's a pirate, he should look forward to the opportunity to have a hook."
The asteroid slides by to starboard... and space ahead is clear again.
WIPE TO:
INT. BATTLESHIP - MAIN HANGAR (DAUNTLESS)
The scarlet and white length of the Republic courier hangs over the heads of her crew, having survived this ordeal with only a few minor wounds. Not all were so fortunate.
<OOC> Kelly says, "So what did you decide should be done with the pirates? Going to take them with you and drop them off at your next port of call, or leave them in the hands of the Nemoidians?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "After you retrieved all the escape pods, that is. ;)"
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Next port of call, I think?"
<OOC> Pira says, "We should probably put them in the hands of the Republic justice system, nt the Trade federation."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Are they wanted by the Republic? :)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "If they weren't before, they are now."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "They attacked us... :)"
Captain Jatt bows his mitred head to the aliens. "Thank yooou for returrrning my ship to me," he says stiffly. Meanwhile, in the background, pirates are marched up the ramp by armed /Dauntless/ crew members. It'll be a tight squeeze aboard for the day or so until you can put them into the hands of Republic authorities, but the pirates won't be complaining. Much.
Day-Lin says "You're quite welcome. I trust this kind of exploit won't be necessary again in the near future."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Only the big one can get away with it. ;)"
Jatt looks miffed at the very idea. Or perhaps it's having to thank you for saving his... assets.
Avirida says goodbye to Sekk and the other Nemoidian engineers quietly, then rejoins the group.
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Translation: "Hey, trade weenies, if this is what two kid Jedi Knights who start the day captured can do with one of your toy battleships, imagine what the Republic can do if you make it mad.'"
<OOC> Kelly says, "The TF doesn't seem to have much luck against Jedi. Especially in pairs."
<OOC> Riddler says, "Now there are TWO of them...!"
Pira observes to Day-Lin serenely, "We still have a distress call to investigate. We should be leaving."
With a final bow to the Nemoidians, her hands folded neatly into her sleeves, Pira turns and makes her way up the ramp.
Day-Lin smiles at Jatt, suggests, "Stay out of trouble," and follows Pira up the ramp.
Jatt gives Day-Lin's back a sour look, while Sekk might be smiling faintly. On those faces, it's hard to tell.
ROLL CREDITS.