Quick Stop, Quick Drink.... [Archive]

Mara Jade

Jun 10th, 2002, 09:39:16 PM

.... and some time to kill before heading off Arcan. Most places on the Rim weren't as hospitible as the New Republic controlled planet were. One could actually afford a decent meal, not get swindeled on refueling costs and might find some peace and quiet.

Normally that doesn't happen at the infamous Bar and Grill found here, but Mara had actually taken a liking to the Root Stew. It was a simple meal for simple people and that's how Mara thought of herself now. Simple. A simple Smuggler, trying to make a simple living. She walked into those shoes well unsurprising but sitting at the bar counter, absently playing with the food in her bowl, the fiery red head wondered if she would ever walk solidly again.

Eldrak Gruuhl

Jun 10th, 2002, 10:13:20 PM

Like most of his time here at GJO, Eldrak sat quietly and for the most part unnoticed. He was doing as he normally did. Observing and absorbing facts and information from the activities he watched transpire all around him.

This establishment served that purpose well. The diversity of the many species and vocations of the individuals that entered here ranged throughout the spectrum of possibilities. One never knew what they would see here on any given day or night.

Tonight was rather simple so far with nothing all too interesting or notable occurring as of yet, but who knew if that would change or not. He remained alone at his table sipping from a cup of simple water, his eyes scanning over every face and every activity that happened here.

Mara Jade

Jun 11th, 2002, 06:49:20 PM

"I'm done."

Mara pushed the bowl away, finally admitting that she had lost her appetite for some time now. The bartender retrieved her half eaten meal and pointed to a small device at the counter in which she could use her credit chit if she so desired.

She acknowledged him absently with a raised hand and took another swig of her ale. The bitter liquid was refreshing and Mara took note of how quiet the bar was tonight. No Sith around... which was amazing. For some unknown reason, certain Sith would actually come her because ...... Well, Mara still couldn't figure that out except they came here just because they were bored.

There were some New Republic soldiers about. Keeping a look out for any trouble makers. Other then that, a few scattered aliens and Jedi shared the bar with her with some soft music playing over the speakers that broke the silence....

Eldrak Gruuhl

Jun 14th, 2002, 12:32:14 PM

There wasn’t all too much happening in the bar today and Eldrak was growing bored with observing the activities around. He was one of the fortunate few who was allowed to carry weapons into this place, even though the weapon he carried, a Katana that had only left its sheath on a single occasion, was almost never used as such.

He lifted it up from the bench beside him and looked its handle over above the table. He had some plans for it, but was still in the conceptual stage of his designs and had yet to commit any of his plans to data-pad. For the moment, his ideas were all within his head.

Lifting the weapon into sight did catch the attention of a few of the NRSF personnel, but they quickly relaxed when they saw the symbol emblazoned on his robes. He was a representative of the Greater Jedi Order and as such was considered responsible enough to carry such things into this normally weapon free environment. And seeing his overall size also eased their minds of the fact that it might be possible one of the shadier individuals with the establishment may try to take his weapon and use it for ill purposes.

Mara Jade

Jun 16th, 2002, 07:34:49 PM

Time was almost up. Her ship would be ready to go within the next thirty standard minutes. Take about that long to walk to the landing pad where the Jade's Fire was berthed.

She was savoring the last few drops of her drink when Mara felt two distinct life signatures directly behind her.....and getting closer.

Upon the last swallow, the familiar colors of the New Republic had flanked her on either side.

"Sorry to bother you, Miss, but we're going to have to ask you a few questions."

Mara closed her eyes and rolled them; setting her drink down. She asked the Force to grant her the patience in dealing with these men.

Eldrak Gruuhl

Jun 21st, 2002, 12:03:43 AM

He had just begun to tap on the input surface of his data-pad, taking some notes of the thoughts that were coming to him after he put his weapon away, when something caught his attention and drew his eyes away from what he had been doing.

Some NR official had entered the establishment and approached a crimson haired female. He had no idea who she was, or what was going on, but the looks on the military official’s faces did give him the impression that they were concerned about something and that the woman may possibly be the source of that concern.

Eldrak looked on with great curiosity, wondering if he would find out more about the goings on.

Mara Jade

Jun 30th, 2002, 03:28:44 PM

"Ma'am?"

The NRSF officer said, trying to get Mara's attention.

"Yes?" She turned around in her seat halfway with an annoyed look on her face. "What is it this time? Parking ticket?"

Seems she had an audience of one. The officer that was trying to get her attention seemed more at ease. The other officer was by the book. Not even a crack of the smile and went right into his spiel.

"There has been some illegal cargo running through Arcan more so lately then usual. Inspections are required by all ships entering."

He looked down at this data-pad and back up at Mara.

"Seems you got around that. Like to tell me how?"

The red-head smiled and flatly said. "No because I didn't even know about this new procedure."

The two of them exchanged glances for a moment before returning their attention back to her.

"Perhaps you'd like to answer that question back at the base."

She sighed and held out her hand, "Let me see the record." Nothing happened and Mara rolled her eyes. "What am I going to do to it, You're right here."

After thinking it over, he reluctantly handed over the data-pad and already Mara was reading the report. Her Sorosub, the "Jade's Fire" was marked because of the procedure which didn't happen, that much was certain. All her dealings and cargo for the last six months was displayed further down and there was information about her as well. Nothing major but........ there was something else marked. Her trip going to Bothawui was scrutinized. All her other trips weren't as detailed as that one.

Next thing she noticed was who gave her the all clear to land. A Lt. Kleese. He was there to take her papers along with some mechanics.

She handed back the data-pad, "Everything is correct on the manifest. Even the more thorough parts." Emphasis on thorough. "I carried no cargo to begin with when I arrived on Arcan. Perhaps that's why I slipped through."

"My men don't make mistakes like that."

"Well, why don't you ask them yourself because I am clueless as to why this mistake happen just like the rest of you." She glanced down at her chronometer and mentally growled. If this went on much longer she was going to be late in getting back to Karrde.

Eldrak Gruuhl

Jul 10th, 2002, 12:59:40 AM

”Curious” He thought to himself.

This was a most peculiar situation he was witnessing, but it was really none of his affair. His duties did not include what the two across from him were discussing. As it was he was half distracted by the ideas he was forming for his Katana as his desire to know more about this situation that really wasn’t his business got the better of him.

So much so that he actually turned his chair so that he would not have to turn to the side to easily watch and listen. He was now facing straight at the guards and the red-headed woman, making it plainly obvious that he was doing what some would justifiably interpret as eavesdropping, but it was in fact a public place and such conversations spoken aloud were fair game.

Mara Jade

Jul 10th, 2002, 01:22:36 PM

After parlaying back and forth Mara gave up.

"Fine ... fine! You want to search my ship just do it all ready."

There were grilling her pretty hard to which the red head simply gave precise and simple honest answers.

Her dealings on Bothawui were short. Mostly equipment running. Nothing out of the ordinary but they were really interested in that section of space. She tried asking what was so important going on but the usual, on a need to know basis line was thrown around like candy.

Giving the information that was said, Mara pieced together that something illegal was running through the Bothan Homeworld and was being exchanged here.

What the cargo was, if it was even cargo, and where it was going, who it was doing the dealing ... Mara had no idea. So, those bastards that were causing all the trouble and forced her to get woven into the politics.

Which was going to make her late.

The two soldiers let Mara stand up and escorted her out of the establishment. They seemed pleased with her relenting. She wasn't but sucked it up to the life of a smuggler ....

Her heavy blaster and lightsabre were given back to her once they left the bar proper and Mara Jade led the way back to the landing pad were the 'Jade's Fire' was berthed.

Eldrak Gruuhl

Jul 12th, 2002, 09:24:19 AM

He continued to listen intently. He could sense in her words to the officer that the red head spoke truth and they would not find what they were looking for on her ship. Even though he wasn’t completely certain what it was they were looking for.

It wasn’t long before the guards escorted the woman out of the bar and grill and Eldrak was left without anyone to eavesdrop on any longer. He turned back to his data-pad and started to input text and information for his plans that he had in mind for his Katana. It was looking as if the small event with the NRSF representatives would be the only notable activity of this particular day here and he had much to do.

Mara Jade

Jul 16th, 2002, 05:22:52 PM

It took only about three minutes before leaving the bar that Mara can that familiar inkling in the back of her mind.

Her eyes narrowed in caution and green eyes started darting all over. Mara was trusting her instincts in finding out where this danger was coming from.

It was coming from directly behind her.

"GET DOWN NOW!!!"

Blaster fire started to rain down on their positions, much to the surprise of the NR soldiers. Not everyone can be Force Sensitive ... Right?

The one to Mara's left got grazed but she was able to push him and herself out of the line of fire, diving behind the corner of the nearest wall. Unfortunately she lost track of the other one. He must have found some cover.

"Damn it!"

She reached down and looked at the private's wound.

"You'll live."

Pulling out her sabre, the private took her lead and did the same.

"Before we just start shooting ... let me do something ..."

The direction of fire seemed to indicate that the assailants were using the bar and grill itself as cover. Concentrating, Mara indeed felt two life signs near the structure and sighed.

They were moving ....

Eldrak Gruuhl

Jul 16th, 2002, 05:56:55 PM

The sounds had drawn his attention immediately.

“Blasterfire?” He muttered to himself, not even pausing to really consider it before he rose and made his way to the bar’s exit.

Sure enough, his ears had not deceived him, because he saw the bolts of colored light coming from around to one side of the Bar’s structure. With his sheathed Katana in hand he quickly moved into the overgrowth nearby and blended in with the foliage.

He made his way around to where the assailants were and was seen just as he stepped out of the brush. The being began to flee right away now that their position was overrun, and his arrival was so sudden and close that one of them found his arm in the large Kashirian’s grip before he could aim his blaster at him. The other saw this and didn’t even break stride as he fled into the thick forest.

Eldrak was unsure what to do with his captive, but disarming him was a priority and actually a simple task seeing he held the man’s weapon bearing arm. The Jedi tightened his grip and the weapon fell to the ground.

“What is going on here?” Eldrak asked quickly, still wanting to pursue the other who was fleeing, but at the same time, he could hear two others approaching from where the one he had captured had been firing towards.

Mara Jade

Jul 17th, 2002, 01:57:35 PM

Mara and the Private had decided to try and out flank the two beings that were trying to kill them.

They started to round the corner when her senses picked up a third presence. She gritted her teeth and prepared to go right into the fray.

When they came into full view, Mara was ready to open fire but coiled back her blaster, pointing the barrel into the air.

Someone was on their side and the smuggler was thankful. The sheer size of the alien was just as impressive as the way he man handled that Bounty Hunter. More curious was the weapon he carried. An actual bladed weapon.

The guy he held had the entire look. Busted up armor full of blaster scorches. His face looked like he hadn't taken a shower in the last month and he was human. A human that was scared out of his mind.

She noticed that the Bounty Hunter's weapon was on the ground. Probably was disarmed in an unpleasant manner ... not that she cared. The only thing she cared about was where this Bounty Hunter's friend went. He wasn't conveniently laying on the ground unconscious.

"Where's the other one?"

The Private finally spoke up, his voice showing concern.

"Have ya seen the Cap'n too?"

Eldrak Gruuhl

Jul 17th, 2002, 07:44:19 PM

“Take this one…” Eldrak swung the man around by the arm towards Mara, but didn’t toss him at her, though his arm was probably dislocated by the jolt. “..and I shall go get the other. The forests are my home turf.”

Without waiting for an answer, Eldrak swiftly and keenly vanished into the tree cover in the direction the other had fled into earlier. If he didn’t have a vehicle close by, he would be caught for sure.

Mara Jade

Jul 17th, 2002, 08:04:56 PM

Mara grabbed the Bounty Hunter from behind, making sure to pin his arms by wrapping her own below his shoulders and locking her fingers together across his chest.

He screamed out in pain. The alien did indeed dislocate his shoulder.

"Great. Crazy Jedi."

She sighed and looked to the Private.

"Not very social is he. Here look ... Put the restraints on this guy and I'll go look for your Captain."

There wasn't much finesse needed in keeping the guy down, he was in too much pain to actually think about running away. After he was secure, Mara ran off to the last known position she and the other NR soldier were.

It wasn't the sight that she wanted to be greeted to. At least his death was quick. A blaster bolt to the chest had taken him out painless. Sighing heavily, Mara holstered her blaster and knelt down on one knee. Gently she closed his eyes with her gloved thumb and index finger...

Eldrak Gruuhl

Jul 17th, 2002, 09:05:54 PM

Moving quickly through the woods and following the clumsy tracks/trail the fleeing man had made was a simple thing for Eldrak. He had learned the signs left by each and every beast that traveled through the woods back when he was in them during his yearlong seclusion.

For a creature so large, it was amazing how swiftly and silently he navigated between trees and overgrowth. It wasn’t more than three minutes later that he caught up with the one he was following in a small clearing. And sure enough, the man was just at that moment climbing onto one of two awaiting speeders.

Eldrak was too late to apprehend him as the engine hummed to life and the man zipped off into the words at breakneck speeds. The green Kashirian looked at the other speeder and hesitated for a moment before climbing on it.

He didn’t much care for using mechanized forms of travel, but there was no other way to catch this assailant at this point. He activated the speeder and took off in pursuit somewhat reluctantly.

Mara Jade

Jul 17th, 2002, 10:27:53 PM

Rising to her feet, Mara rolled her eyes. She knew they were there before someone shouted.

"HANDS WHERE I CAN SEE THEM NOW!!!"

Keeping her cool, Mara lifted her hands into the air and turned around. She was greeted by five armed NR officials pointed a combination of blaster rifles and pistols at her.

Putting on her best smile, she replied.

"I didn't kill him."

Their response was moving in closer to put the cuffs on her.

"Check my blaster you fool!"

That caught the attention of one of them and he threw Mara a nasty look.

"My weapon is cold. It would be warm."

"She's right, Sarge."

The Private that she left with the Bounty Hunter decided to make his appearance finally.

"This one and another opened fired on us while escorted Mz. Jade to her ship. One of the Jedi went after the other one that escaped to the forest."

Mara gave them all a look of 'I told you so' and they backed off.

"Thank you."

She rubbed at her wrist that was once cuffed and approached the Sergeant .

"It was a big green alien that went after him. It wasn't that long ago."

The NR official narrowed his eyes.

"Must be that Eldrak fellow.... All right you guys. Quit standing around! You three in the forest now to find those tracks. You two. Take precious here to the brig and help Craine to base. That includes you to Private. MOVE OUT!"

They followed orders instantly and the Sergeant turned to Mara.

"Apologies about the misunderstanding, Ma'am."

Mara just scoffed.

"Don't worry about it. Least of my worries, Sergeant ."

Eldrak Gruuhl

Jul 17th, 2002, 10:40:17 PM

He still had the perpetrator in sight as the chase began. The two of them weaved through trees, over rocks, and around large bush, their reflexes having to be razor sharp to keep from crashing. One split second off and it would be all over. There were many a near miss for both of them.

The Race progressed for only about half a minute and already it was obvious to Eldrak that he would not be able to catch this man. He couldn’t hardly see him any longer, or even hear the whine of the other speeder’s engine. Three hundred plus pounds turned out to be a bit too much of a difference from the one assailant they had caught, for which this speeder was tuned.

Early on in the chase Eldrak probably7 could have brought the other man down with the bike’s blaster cannon, but firing such things was too hazardous in its possibility of ending life. He had no intentions of causing any harm on the one he was after, just capturing him so that he could answer to the authorities. And besides, Eldrak had no idea a murder was involved, only an ambush of some kind.

He shook his head and turned the speeder back towards the scene of the crime, feeling ashamed of his performance.

Mara Jade

Jul 18th, 2002, 09:01:15 PM

Everyone was so busy worrying about the Bounty Hunters that they kind of forgotten about Mara Jade. Someone died in the line of fire. One of their own and the New Republic was pissed.

There wasn't much she could do now anyway. Before the Sergeant left, he gave her strict orders that she was under house arrest until he could get a statement from her. Not like it mattered since Mara was well beyond late at this point. Once she had a chance, she was going to send over a message to Karrde and tell the man not to worry about her.

She was worried about her would be rescuer. He hadn't returned back and it was getting late. A nice cold stone wall became her friend as she leaned against the Bar and Grill, waiting for this Eldrak to come back.

Eldrak Gruuhl

Aug 24th, 2002, 03:19:04 PM

Darkness had set in by the time he made his return to the area of the Bar and Grill, The speeder ride was a slow one as it struggled to bear his weight. Upon arriving he found the NR guards and told them the story of what he had seen and done, giving them possession of the speeder he was riding so that it could be used to help find evidentiary clues that may lead to the capture of those behind all of this.

A brief look around did not immediately reveal the presence of the scarlet haired woman who had been involved in all of this initially, and with the lateness of the day he assumed she was either at the NR security base being debriefed or that she had returned to wherever it was she had come from.

With slumped shoulders and a look of disappointment in his failure, Elrak began to walk off into the woods. His hole in the ground of a home awaited him after this long day. He had much to meditate on and consider from this day’s events.

Mara Jade

Aug 25th, 2002, 10:13:41 PM

"Hey hold up!"

Jade called out to Eldrak as he started to head off into the forest. Which was odd to her since he just came from there.

She had to jog in order to catch up with the green alien. By his posture, he looked saddened but for what reason specifically, Mara had no idea.

Eldrak Gruuhl

Aug 25th, 2002, 10:16:17 PM

His ears perked up slightly, he stopped and he turned around to see that the red-headed woman was striding toward him. It seemed his assumptions of her whereabouts had not been too true.

“Hello.” He said as he came to face her fully, his posture and demeanor not really having changed any.

Mara Jade

Aug 25th, 2002, 10:42:16 PM

She could be nosey, but that wasn't her nature. Whatever was bothering the Jedi was his problem and if it came up in conversation then more information for Mara.

"I don't have the best ears. What happened out in the woods? If you wouldn't mind telling me that is."

Actually, Mara heard some of the conversation but not all of it. Not enough to really have anything to go on. Of course, she probably was at a dead end here on Arcan. The only other lead she had was interrogating the officer that gave her clearance to land.