Flashpoint

[infinitest]

Carrick Station, the main hub of the Republic Fleet; nearing 300 years since its construction, the massive spacedock is kept in near-pristine condition, ready to cater to the needs of thousands of crews and passengers every day-cycle.

Every pilot worth of the name knows the hyperlane coordinates to Carrick, and will visit the place at least once in their lifetime.

Comments

[aeons_crackshot]

"Just doing what anyone ought to have done," she replies with a smile.


After that, well, they'd probably better hurry. They're on a tight schedule, as it were.

[infinitest]

"Yes, and also showing how willing to sacrifice people Ambassador Asara seems to be." He shakes head. "Her presence endangers us all, and as long as she is aboard, the Empire will just chase us down again, us or the next ship she boards in secret."

[aeons_crackshot]

"I could hog-tie her once we make port," Annabelle offers. "That might give someone a chance to come up with a more permanent solution for tracking the Ambassador."

[infinitest]

"Actually, I was wondering if you could hog-tie her and leave her aboard the imperial ship instead. That way we would have more of a chance to escape." And he is serious about that.

[aeons_crackshot]

"That might work out better for us in the short-term," Annabelle argues. "But if they get their hands on her alive, they're going to torture her for information."

"I'm assuming her position has given her access to classified information?" that question can be fielded by anyone who knows the answer.

[infinitest]

"And she chose to risk herself by boarding a transport under a false identity, putting everybody here at risk." Haken frowns. "She gambled with our safety, she was ready to kill all my engineering team to save herself; I have no doubt that she will keep choosing to risk others to ensure her own safety."

"What you are suggesting is treason, Captain." Onemi speaks to Haken, a frown creasing her brow. "I plan to report Asara's behavior and see that she is held accountable for her actions."

[aeons_crackshot]

"We'll see how it goes," Annabelle replies. "We might all die pulling this trick off, which would render a decision either way moot."

She'll clarify things for her companions away from the captain but before they reach the Ambassador's line of hearing.

[infinitest]

"Just, keep it in mind; I don't think its fair to keep endangering this ship because of her." Haken nods to them. "I'll see you soon."

Onemi shakes head, but continues on to the lift.

[aeons_crackshot]

"She may be scum, but I'm not leaving anyone to be tortured by the Imperials," Annabelle says quietly. Of course, that doesn't preclude leaving a body on the ship if circumstances require it.

Time to hit the lift and attack an Imperial Battleship.....with five people. And one of those people is both an ambassador and has shown herself to be perfectly willing to sacrifice other people to save her own neck.

Why are they doing this again?

[infinitest]

"Self-absorbed, putting her job above people." Onemi shakes head; Qyzen says something and she nods in agreement. "Never a good thing."

[aeons_crackshot]

Annabelle nods. There's nothing more she can say in response to that that's fit for polite company.

The elevator trip down is uneventful. Annabelle's betting the trip in the shuttle won't be.

[infinitest]

Well, good news first: they will be seven, two of Narlock's men will go along to guard the shuttle.

"Very well." Asara examines the computers. "It looks like the security codes still work, so we can go in safely. After that, we have to run two decks up, slice the power core, shut down the tractor beam, and then come back to the shuttle before they catch us."

You know, just do the impossible.

[aeons_crackshot]

Annabelle nods, trying to make a mental estimate of the time involved. "Good thing we got those uniforms then, might buy us a few more minutes."

Changing clothes en route might be a good idea.

[infinitest]

Herself, Corso, Asara and Onemi fit well into the uniforms; Qyzen is too tall for that, but armored as he carries himself, it should make little difference.

Docking codes are transmitted, and the shuttle allowed into the hangar, just a couple techs there to see the arrival.

[aeons_crackshot]

The trick to infiltration is looking and acting like you belong. In an organization as large as the crew on a ship this size, nobody knows everyone on sight. Plus, if you look busy, the rank and file grunts will do their hardest to ignore your existence because they don't want to get "volunteered" for whatever work you're doing.

Annabelle nods a greeting at the techs and attempts to move out and away from the hanger as if on business of some kind.

[infinitest]

Onemi waves a greeting at the techs and nobody pays them attention.

Benefits of having a Jedi on your side.

Asara takes them out of the docking bay and up a level, stopping here and there to hide and avoid crew; better to not push their advantage too much.

[aeons_crackshot]

Indeed. Jedi mind tricks seem to be very handy!

"Well, that's a nice trick," Annabelle says to Onemi with a grin.

Thankfully, there aren't all THAT many troops in the halls, so the hiding shouldn't delay them enormously.

[infinitest]

Ah, yes, this is a Military ship, so personnel is not allowed to go wandering around without reason.

A set of stairs takes them to a secondary power station, and Asara checks the terminals. "Very well, after we slice in and turn it off, the systems will go down for a few minutes; we have to get back to the shuttle and out of here by then, before the techs bring everything back online."

"Ready?"

[aeons_crackshot]

"Ready," Annabelle replies, making sure her blasters are ready for a quick draw.

She doubts they're going to get BACK to the shuttle without a fight.

[infinitest]

Asara takes down the systems needed... and the holocom on a nearby table chimes, projecting the image of none other than the Grand Moff, Rycus Kilran.

Well, I've seen some incredible things in my time, but you've just topped the list. Sorry I couldn't greet you in person; if only you had let me know you were stopping by...

[aeons_crackshot]

Annabelle has this nasty tendency to smart-ass at people. It's a flaw.

"Terribly sorry to inconvenience you," Annabelle drawls. "But you know how it is, tight schedules all around. Dropping by later for tea and a chat just wasn't an option."

[infinitest]

Kilran chuckles affably. Oh, rest assured, I'm quite prepared for your visit; my men will be along shortly to escort you to the accommodations I have prepared.

Onemi shakes head, stepping up to the comm. "Your men will not stop us, Kilran; we will be going now."

The Grand Moff shakes head. I see you quite overestimate your chances; the mandalorians were not my only weapon, and they were far from the best. He flashes a charming grin. I'll be seeing you soon; Kilran out.

[aeons_crackshot]

Annabelle gives the Grand Moff a hand gesture that you really aren't supposed to use in polite company.

"Time to give my blasters some more exercise."

[infinitest]

"Exercise those blasters while running." Asara turns and puts her own advice to good use. "We have to get back to the shuttle and out of here, now."

Onemi and Qyzen take point, Corso keeps close to Annabelle.

[aeons_crackshot]

Annabelle murmurs agreement and starts running.

They do run into a very unfortunate squad of Imperials as they make their way down the hall.

Beat.

They don't last long.