Stars Align

[Clea Larson]

When she came back to her senses, the first thing that caught Clea's attention was the smell of smoke. "What the frell?" She muttered under her breath as she forced herself back into an upright position. She groaned as she pushed herself off the floor. The last thing she remembered was going to check in the cargo bay and leave the flying to Loros, her copilot. They had just reached the Bovo Yagen system (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Bovo_Yagen_system). They had been sent to retrieve some durelium (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Durelium) for the Jaemus shipyards, that were extraced from the Tava Yagen asteroid belt. A mission more routine than that would have been impossible in her book; or so she had thought.

"Loros!" The human-Zabrak hybrid (http://theholo.net/wiki/images/0/04/CleaFansWiki.jpg) yelled across the large freighter. Alarms were roaring all across the craft. She rushed to the cockpit but found the door sealed and she could feel that the ship was falling towards wherever it might land or drift. She didn't know how it was possible as they were far enough from the damn asteroid belt. She had heard spacers talk about rumors that some were now running amok in the system and at its fringe but she hadn't believed it. Hell, Loros should have kept his eyes open in the first place. They were the only two aboard, since the mining complex was going to help them load, and the people at the Jaemus shipyards would help them unload.

The freighter didn't have a bloody escape pod and she didn't get why Loros wasn't answering. She grabbed her datapad and connected it quickly to the ship's system, trying to get a visual in the cockpit, thanks to planetary forces' regulations. Her mouth fell open as she saw her copilot sit dead, his blaster fallen by his side. What had happened? She couldn't comprehend it and frankly she had zero time to waste.

Not sure what option she had, she thought quickly and then went for the large drill that was normally for mining purpose. Without hesitation, she went to use it against the door to the cockpit.

She wasn't going to go down without a fight.

[Clea Larson]

The blaring alarms were giving her a headache but she had other things to do than trying to silence them. The cockpit door eventually gave way into shattered pieces. Clea rushed into the room and gave no second look at her late copilot. She couldn't allow herself to be blinded by her anger at his foolishness. She could respect one's choice to end their life, but not when it put other people in jeopardy. That was cowardly criminal and she had thought better of her fellow soldier. She slammed a few controls to get attempt to stabilize the ship again. With visual ahead at last, she saw that they were closing in on what must be Trellar Yagen (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Trellar_Yagen), the jungle world of the system. That was just her luck. It was one of the few inhabitated planets around there but it was far from crowded and if the ship was going to crash into the middle of nowhere, it was no surprise no contact had been established with them. On a normal planet, local air controls would have already reached out to them - for she had checked that the com channel was ready for use - or sent a patrol.

One of the engines wasn't responding anymore and stabilizing the ship was about mission impossible at this point. She felt it hard when the freighter entered atmosphere. The situation was a mess and there had definitely been a bad hit with a loose asteroid after Loros had ended his life. She had been thrown into a wall and knocked out for a while, but now she wondered whether several hits might have occured, depending how long she had been out.

The high canopy of the jungle trees kept looking bigger and bigger outside the viewport as she struggled to ease what was going to be one mean landing. She refused to call it a crash as long as she was flying the ship. It was hell and there was only so much she could do, but she gave her everything in maneuvering the freighter.

It eventually collided with high trees and got tangled in large wild vines, which only slowed the descent so little. After what felt like an eternity but must not have been more than a minute, she finally hit the ground. The noises the ship made, some mechanical howl, was no good omen, but right now, Clea allowed herself to take a few deep breaths.

[Clea Larson]

The moment of respite didn't last long as Clea smelled smoke and fire. Pursing her lips, she grabbed the fire extinguisher at the back of the cockpit and sped through the hallways of the freighter to find where this was coming from. Thank the Maker, it wasn't in the engine room, but it was one of the heater unit in the sleeping quarters that had exploded for whatever reason during the crash landing. Clea felt worn out and in a violent state of anger as she cleaned up the mess. Once fire was no more, she decided to go outside and see exactly where the heck the ship was at the moment.

Macrobinoculars on her person, the military scientist managed to open the hatch and lower the boarding ramp half way. The damp and hot air outside assaulted her right away. She liked heat but there was only so much she enjoyed. This bloody jungle wasn't paradise for certain. She was in the middle of nowhere, which meant that the first thing she should do was assess everything that was in need of repairs on the ship, and do what she could with her supplies. At least, she always made sure to have food and water for an extended flight. Sometimes it made others laugh and she got called paranoid, but in moments like this, she was grateful for her quirks.

From the corner of her eye, she saw some wild lizard trying to climb up the ramp. Without hesitation, she reached for a nearby branch and pushed him away with it. Climbing back inside, she secured the hatch once more, ensuring it was locked, and she double checked the direct area so no local creature had joined her as special guest.

[Maggewetok]

Waking on the bed of layered leaves and furs, Maggewetok felt as if she was back home again, the yarmait's warmth from the central hearth smelling of her mother's cooking and the safety that she felt back then. Hazel eyes opened to see her host and healer, a Bovorian local who had taken her in and helped take care of the alien human. Crouched before the collection of brass pots, steam rose up from the soup which the male was becoming famous for and Maggie knew she was going to have to get the recipe before she left. Stretching with her right arm, her left still braced, the Alliance agent had spent a week here already and was starting to get restless.

"Ah," the high pitched, kind voice greeted. "The wingless one is awake."

Chuckling, Maggie let her right arm fall as she turned her attention back to Yuran. "Morning. Something smells good," she stated and pushed herself up to sit on the rounded, comfortable bed. Light from the window to her right and above also allowed in the birdsong echoing in the large forested jungle, humidity also becoming the norm while here.

"Yes, almost done." Yuran stood, his gangly legs and arms covered in a very thin, light brown fur, the small wings running from each wrist and around his back matched the darker brown, leathery ears which radiated out and back from each side of his head. "You shouldn't move so much," dark eyes took in the braced left arm. "That won't heal right."

"It's fine, thank you. I've been healing well with all your roots and berries, I can tell. I've had plenty of broken bones over the years."

The sloped, bird-like head angled downward a bit. "I'm sorry to hear that."

Maggie grinned lightly, "Broken bones heal stronger than they were before, actually. I've had plenty to know."

Nodding, he grabbed two bowls and began ladling out enough in each, handing one with a spoon to the eager brunette. "Eat, then we'll look at the wingless arm."

Eating like a hungry predator, she loved this soup and almost hated to leave his company. As they sat and enjoyed breakfast which was made up of a collection of fruits, vegetables and tiny bits of meat in a modest broth, the thunder of a passing ship over the village caught their attention, tops of trees breaking and fell to the jungle floor, some smaller branches hitting the porch and roof of Yuran's home. Rising, the Bovorian looked out through the window as his mouth fell open a bit.

"What is it," Maggie inquired.

"Another visitor."

[Clea Larson]

Before Clea began going through all the material issues she would need to work with, she had to take care of Loros's body. She had seen death before so it didn't shock her. What brewed deep in her was her violent anger at his selfish way of leaving. Couldn't he have ended his day without putting her life at risk as well as a mission for their employers? It was disgusting really. Sighing, she went to check the cold vault, meant for some volatile materials that was sometimes transported. She would have to make his body fit in there, because she knew that her superiors would investigate the situation and would do an autopsy. She muttered and cursed because her own career would be sullied by that until everything was sorted out. That infuriated her but she had to take care of everything she could.

Carrying the lifeless rigid body to the compartment, that was no small feat even for the half-Zabrak. Once it was secured, she went back to the cockpit and tried to see if the communication worked, but technical problems occured and she would need to find a way to quickly fix it or find some locals. She had caught glimpses of villages farther away but she had crash-landed in the middle of the jungle, so she wouldn't walk to wherever until she had a list of needed parts for the repairs.

[Maggewetok]

Trekking through the dense jungle, avoiding murky ponds and using simply made foot bridges constructed on pilings with wooden slats and a dried fern of some type, Maggewetok followed Yuran and two other male Bovorians toward the crash site. Easy to follow, the trail through the treetops and soon, the fallen, broken trees themselves guided the small party to the ship. Half buried in mud and earth, the vessel still smoked and the Alliance agent knew it was going to take a lot of work to get this thing out of here. But, first they needed to see if anyone was still alive within. Lopsided, the starboard side was raised enough to allow the ramp to open and as they split up, the dark haired human moved to it, noticing soon the footprints in the dirt. Someone was alive and now holed up inside.

"There's at least one alive," she announced to the male hunter, his spear well crafted.

Gazing at the ship, the alien sniffed at the air, "Chased off a releet," Yuran informed, licking his lips.

Nodding, Maggewetok then moved to the closed door and knew she couldn't knock loud enough for someone to hear her. Scanning the ground around them, she soon found a large rock and moved to it, picking up the rough, circular object, then returned to the ship's hull and pounded on the entry. Hopefully someone would hear that. Her pistol holstered, she backed away and waited a moment.

[Clea Larson]

Clea had all the tools she would need aboard the ship, but she needed two new cooling units and some spare parts to fix the propulsion. That would require to get to one of the nearby villages and pray that they had what she needed. She wasn't worried about doing the repairs herself and she had money to pay. What bothered her was to fix the communication system as soon as possible, so she could contact both the Jaemus Armed Forces and also the mining company she was supposed to be visiting for business right now.

She was sitting in the hallway, tinkering with the communication system when she suddenly heard a loud noise against the hatch she had closed earlier on after giving a quick look outside. She pursed her lips and pushed herself back to her feet. Grabbing her blaster, she headed to the boarding ramp, to lower it done, weapon in arm and ready to dodge, just to be on the careful side. It had been a kriffin long day and she didn't need other issues piling up.

[Maggewetok]

A long quiet moment was soon interrupted by the whine of servos which now could only get the ramp lowered most of the way, but enough to see up inside. Crouching, Maggewetok tossed the rock aside knowing it would be of no use now, especially if they were armed. Moving to the opposite side of the escape pod, also crouching with his spear, Yuran gazed up within, keeping enough of himself under the cover of the hull of the vessel to keep from being shot.

"Anyone hurt," the Bovorian's higher toned voice called up. "We're not enemy, unless you shoot first."

Appreciating his grasp of Aurebesh, Maggewetok's right hand remained on the handle of her pistol, just in case.

[Clea Larson]

Clea was tired and was relieved when the people who were there seemed unwilling to harm her. "Bruises and some cuts, but I'm alright. Ship's not so much." The athletic woman said, lowering the boarding ramp fully, as well as her weapon.

"Didn't expect to see locals that deep in the jungle. Hope I didn't damage any of your lands." She said genuinely, never happy to damage ecosystem, even though she hadn't had much choice.

"Was on my way to the Tava Yagen asteroid belt for work, but my comm system's damaged."

[Maggewetok]

Hazel eyes scanned the vessel from her perspective and could tell that this ship had suffered a few more things other than the communications suite, though if that was the case this pilot was amazingly lucky. When she mentioned being lightly wounded, that regained Maggie's attention and prompted her to move closer to the opening and gaze up within. "You at least have emergency power then," she inquired, knowing that would help getting the ship out of the mud. Crouching, both now appeared to the girl and no doubt gained some interest from her, Maggie mused.

"We have only minor things in our shop," Yuran informed, then motioned to the dark haired Saami. "Her ship is in fine condition though."

"I may be able to fly over here and help get you pulled up to set your landing gear at least," she gazed passed the brunette. "You alone?"

[Clea Larson]

"I was checking something in the cargo bay when the ship hit an asteroid. When I got back to my senses I did what I could to maneuver the ship but I could only do so much when crash landing." She was a very skilled pilot but wiht how things had gone, that had been a difficult mess.

She observed the two strangers as she could see them with greater clarity. "I can make do with some pieces. As long as I can get to the asteroid belt's station, I'll be good." She looked at the woman and nodded. "That'd be helpful, though wouldn't be able to communicate with you with how my com system is still down."

She sighed at the question, her shoulders slightly sagging. "Yeah... My copilot gave up on me and the mission." She said cooly and tiredly.

[Maggewetok]

The communication issue could be taken care of easily enough, she mused and glanced to the local Bovorian. "I can communicate with Yuran on his comlink," she stated, then turned hr attention back up to the stranded girl. "Then he can pass it on to you, if you don't mind him coming aboard." Hearing that her companion had given up and the sadness in the woman's voice definitely revealed a bit more about the situation and she could relate to losing help in a time of need. But, this particular day and time she could help someone else, hoping that the woman wasn't a Force user that might at some point, discover that one of her rescuers was an agent.

"Don't worry, we'll get you out of here," Yuran informed politely, his higher pitched voice echoing up the rampway.

Once they established that part, Maggewetok began the long trek back to the village to get her own ship.

[Clea Larson]

Clea pondered on that for a moment, but thought it was a sound option. She was grateful for the strangers' assistance and after the day she'd been having, it was a welcomed change of pace. "Sure thing. Please come aboard. I'd be glad to get out of that muddy swamp. It'll be a start." She beckoned Yuran to follow her and closed the boarding ramp afterwards. Catching sight of a local nasty thing, she carefully killed it and put the remains in a container to be on the safe side.

She then led the way to the cockpit and went through what she could do with the still responding controls, so she would do as much as she could to help the woman to get her ship out of its predicament. The engines were in poor shape, but she would be able to give a little boost when pulled.

"Thanks for your help. Didn't expect to find anyone that close."

[Maggewetok]

Climbing the ramp into her own ship, Maggewetok closed it behind her, knowing none of the creatures that lived here needed a ride to any other world. Having acquired the freighter not that long ago, she had paid for the new transponder code and then ensured that the mechanic didn't pass that on to anyone else. His unfortunate end no doubt discovered a day or so after she was long gone, the agent once learning from the Imperial trainers long ago knew how to cover her tracks. Sitting in the pilot's seat, she began going through the startup sequence, the pleasant village high in the trees very comfortable and inviting. Wishing she could stay longer, the native of Belsavis was also realistic, home wasn't something that she could enjoy for a long time, if ever. Rising into the air, the freighter banked to starboard and roared from those Bovorians now wishing their ancestral wings still worked. A walk that had taken nearly an hour was easily traversed in minutes with the vessel as she quickly found the burned and broken path through the jungle to the wrecked ship.

"Yuran, I'm here. Going to need you and the other two to link these magnagrapplers to her ship so I can help lift her."

"Okay," he replied, his voice still a bit grating.

Putting her YT into hover mode, she hurried back to the cargo bay and found the four cables, then lowered the cargo bay ramp. Linking one end of each to her ship, the repulsors at the bottom of the ship working overtime to keep the ship steady, Maggewetok then dropped them to the locals on the roof of the other ship below. Pointing out where the cables needed to go, she waited for them to carry out the order, then raised the cargo bay ramp once more. "Get inside with her and I'll fly us to a drier spot near the village."

"Okay," Yuran yelled, the blast of air coming down from her ship nearly drowning out his voice.

Making her way to the cockpit once more, she waited for his confirmation that they were inside, then revved her ship and slowly began raising the crashed vessel. Straining under the weight as well as the mud not wishing to let go, she finally felt the lurch as the freighter below her was freed, allowing her to then rise and slowly make their way to a clearing near the village.

[Clea Larson]

Clea had been satisfied with the little push she'd be able to have her own ship's engines give - not much but enough to help she hoped. For now though, she powered things back down as not to push her luck too far. When the woman said that she was here to Yuran, who was by her side, Clea went outside with him again, to help him take care of the cables. It wasn't the first time she had to go through this, though normally she was aboard the ship that would do the lifting.

When they got back aboard, she waited to feel the ship be stuck in the lifting process. She pursed her lips and then hit the bit of power she could give with her stuck craft. With combined efforts - though mostly from the other woman's freighter - she could finally be freed. She maneuvered her ship and followed lead to where she should land in a drier spot. That was a first step in getting back into the swing of things after an insane day so far. She'd eventually get some rest but she could handle a lot before it took a toll on her, which was blessing in such a situation.

[Maggewetok]

Once the cables were free, she guided her freighter not far to the east of the newly freed vessel. Lowering back to the ground, she went through the power down procedure, then let the ship rest once again as she made her way to the ramp and exited. Locking up, she angled her course underneath the Ulu and headed to the trio of Bovorians exiting.

"The wingless one has done a good thing," Yuran grinned, his pronounced beak-like nose shadowing most of his thin lipped mouth in the center. "She's going to need some time to repair the vessel, but hopefully our warehouse has what she needs."

Nodding, Maggewetok knew she already owed the local a lot as well. "Thank you. I'll help as I can and see you this evening."

Grinning wider, the three tall, gangly aliens turned and headed toward the village buried within the trees nearby as the dark haired agent made her way back up into the ship they had just vacated. "Knock, knock," she called out and listened for activity to guide her steps.

[Clea Larson]

Once she had landed on a drier spot, Clea thanked Yuran for the help as he exited her ship. The military then ensured to go through what was needed in terms of parts. She had already worked on establishing part of the list prior to meeting with the locals, but she wanted to be ready to take care of the repairs, starting with the comm system. She should have reached the asteroid belt mining outpost a few hours ago. And her superiors back on Jaemus probably wondered why the heck they only got radio silence from her. She wasn't looking forward having to explain this mess but it wasn't as if she had a choice in the matter. But first things first, and in her case it was fixing the ship.

When she heard the other woman aboard the ship again, she called out. "I'm in the cargo bay, second on the left in the hallway." It was a secondary one, where smaller pieces and containers were stored compared to the main one right at the boarding ramp. "I didn't expect to find help so quickly." She added with a tired grin when the other brunette joined her. "Planning to make the basic repairs that'll get me to the mining compound in the belt. From there I can see if I need more while I stay there for work during a week."

[Maggewetok]

Following the echo of movement, Maggie passed a host of fallen items on the floor, having been pushed aside as the owner had to tend to bigger things right now. Turning left, she entered the cargo bay and noticed even more crates and other things tossed around in the crash. Picking her way through the tangled mess, she listened to the girl's concerns and could definitely understand. "If I can help, just let me know. I know a bit about repairing ships, though not a full on mechanic by any stretch," she grinned, finding a suitable crate to lean against as she surveyed the damage to the hull and attached lines and piping.

"What ever happened to your friend? I know you mentioned he left you, but," hazel eyes drifted to the pilot, arms crossed.

[Clea Larson]

"I hear you. I'm not a full on mechanics either but I learned to run diagnostics and handle some repairs during military academy. It's come handy more often than not." She added, before finishing to input something on her datapad. "I'll mostly need some new wires and two small cooling units for the main repairs. As for the comms system, it'll just be a few small spare parts."

When asked about her copilot, she tensed a bit and felt anger swamp her again. "He killed himself while I went to check something in the cargo bay. Our ship then hit an asteroid and I was knocked out. When I woke up, I found out what happened and did what I could not to fully crash the freighter."

Frankly, she didn't want to share that insane story but she didn't see the point in lying. "Have no freaking clue whatsoever. We've served together on several missions for Jaemus Armed Forces in the past two years. Frelling mess."

[Maggewetok]

Brow raised in surprise as her mouth fell open a bit. Though Maggie had been around death most of her life, she still wasn't totally comfortable with it when it happened to someone that could've avoided that end. "Sorry to hear that," she offered. "Never easy to lose a friend." Adding any more to that would allow Clea to know more about her than was comfortable, so she then began looking around, arms falling back to her sides. "I may be able to help with the com system. Let me go see if Yuran's found any parts that you needed."

Turning to leave, she motioned to the chaos in the cargo bay, "Maybe let you organize some of this so you have room to work." Heading back out, the agent took stock of more possible damage as she headed to the ramp, knowing she had seen several things on the outside when they first found the wreck. At least the freighter still had hull integrity. Outside, she glanced toward the upper boughs of the immense trees and walked toward the base of the nearest and soon noticed the two locals that had gone with them to find Clea and her ship, one carrying several small boxes in his right arm. Slowing her pace, she knew they would be joining her any moment.

[Clea Larson]

Clea gave a nod to the other woman, when condolences were offered. While she hadn't been really close to her copilot, she was saddened by his loss, and she was still very angry at how he put her at risk when he could have ended his days without jeopardizing a mission. She had believed him to be more professional than that.

"Okay, thanks." She replied before taking care of the mess that was in the room. The bump into the asteroid and then the emergency crash-landing hadn't done so well to the equipment. She was grateful for the heavy containers that protected it though. It limited the damage, except on the actual ship. It was sheer miracle that the hull hadn't been wrecked.

She felt so tired that she went to grab a ration bar and some energy drink. That was quickly gobbled on in between finishing to put things in order in the bay. She went to do the same in the engine room and felt better for that afterwards.

Once done, she headed outside the ship again, to see what the other woman and her friends might have in store that could help her.

[Maggewetok]

Hazel eyes glanced to Clea as Maggie helped the locals load up boxed parts in a cart, the last of the load being lowered to the ground using a more archaic looking crane. "Almost done," she relayed as Yuran and his companions also eyed the stranded pilot.

"Not good for wingless ones to remain on the forest floor during the night," he stated concernedly. "Predators enjoy making meals of those that they can catch. I have room unless you're certain your vessel will seal up tight enough."

Having seen a few of the smaller predators herself, the night before, Maggie nodded. "Set of footprints not far east of here made me think of something the size of a small rancor." Not trying to scare the newcomer, she did at least wish to be honest. Moving to the last load now, she grabbed two smaller boxes and decided to carry these to the vessel, letting Yuran and the Bovorians lead the cart with the rest.

[Clea Larson]

Clea smirked to the warning issued. "I'd rather not play meal to predators. Been there done that, and I don't need to add this unnecessary "thrill" to my day." She chuckled, a tired look in her eyes. It took much more than predators to scare her but frankly, holing up all locked aboard her ship sounded like a perfect plan right now.

She checked for the parts they had provided and knew that it would keep her fairly busy. "That will do. I can't begin to thank you all. How much do you want for these parts?" She was planning to use her own money for this, and had enough to cover whatever cost they'd ask for.

She helped carrying some of the remaining boxes aboard, appreciating the unexpected assistance she was benefitting from.

[Maggewetok]

Yuran reluctantly replied to the query about the price, "I've been asked to charge a smaller fee of two hundred credits from the supply overseer." Helping pull the cart to the ship, his head dipped a little. "I do apologize."

Maggie grinned at his charitable ways, knowing such a thing was rare in the galaxy these days. Though she had met others that way, it just seemed an uncommon trait. Following Clea up into the ship, the other Bovorians began unloading the cart into the ship, guided by the two human females as the agent followed the downed captain to the cargo bay. Finding an empty area, she stacked the two smaller boxes that she had carried, then moved out of the way for the quartet of locals.

"I saw a module in there," she motioned to one of the mid-sized boxes. "for your comm suite and I can start installing that if you'd like." Glancing around now for a tool kit or belt, she hoped to get the woman back up into the skies as soon as they could, knowing from personal experience how inconvenient it was to be stranded like this.

[Clea Larson]

"You shouldn't apologize, I am the one in your debt," Clea said with a respectful bow of her head to Yuran. She grabbed her datapad and a cred stick, arranging for three hundred to be on it, before handing it to him. "Here you go, and consider the extra as a token of my gratitude. I didn't think I would find help so quickly." She had been taught the value of helping one another when she was fairly young and had always done her best to uphold it.

Once everything was aboard her ship, she knew that she'd have a few hours of work ahead, but things were moving forward so it was good. She thanked the Bovorians before they left her craft.

Turning her attention to the woman, she nodded. "I would appreciate that, thank you." She was curious as to what the human-looking woman was doing with the bung of aliens, but she wasn't nosy by nature so kept her curiosity for herself.

[Maggewetok]

Following the exit of the taller, gangly Bovorians, hazel eyes immediately went to Clea as she grinned, picking up the box which contained the communications module, "You know they're going to bring you a large dinner in a little while," Maggie grinned. "That money isn't used as much as we would, so their nature is to give you something for that." Retrieving a tool belt, the Alliance agent moved through the remainder of parts toward the cargo bay's entrance, ready to get the part of this vessel that she was capable of fixing in operational order before the sun set. Continuing on from the busier room, she headed down the main hallway, through the galley and common room, then toward the cockpit.

"Have any tunes," she yelled back, wondering if this afternoon was going to be this quiet or not.

[Clea Larson]

"I wouldn't have felt appropriate if I had only given them what they asked for." Clea explained quietly as the two women headed back aboard the ship, so the other brunette could help her with the comm system.

"Hmm, sure.... When I'm not doing scientific work, I tend to stick to current hits, so not to everyone's tastes." She chuckled and went to put some music on. "At the same time, I've driven a few people crazy with my symphonic inspiration when they come to my lab."

She went back to see if she could help her guest. "How long have you lived around here, if I may ask?"

[Maggewetok]

Pushing the copilot's chair to face behind her, she sat down on the floor and angled herself underneath the console as the music began pumping through the speakers, a more contemporary style which was a nice change. Grinning as Clea mentioned loving more classical type music, Maggie began unscrewing the module from beneath and noted that the pilot had followed her into the cockpit. "I don't live here," she stated and caught the first screw, setting in her pocket to ensure she didn't lose it. "Only been here two days in fact. Landed to make repairs like you did, but mine weren't near as bad. I've been able to help the Bovorian trader that lives in this village, but while I was out one afternoon I was attacked by a predator and hurt my arm and shoulder." Which was still tender now that she thought about it.

Hazel eyes glanced to Clea from the shadow of the main console, "Yuran's been taking care of me the last day or so. These... individuals are quite amazing with how helpful they can be. Not all of them wanted me in the village, but he and his family have been great." Returning her attention to the task at hand, she began working on the next screw. "Of all the places I've been, it's rare to find someone so open to strangers."

[Clea Larson]

Clea rarely had much time off back on Jaemus, but she had always enjoyed going out with comrades and non-military friends when she could. She had befriended one of the DJ in their favorite club and that was how she always was on top of the latest hits and some early releases to listen to. It was a nice change of pace to what she listened to while working on minerals and astrocharts.

"So you're a recent visitor too," the brunette mused aloud, finding it amusing how people could cross each other's paths without any warning. "I'm glad that your ship wasn't in bad shape like mine. I prefer being on an actual battlefield than having to put up with craziness as what happened with my copilot." She shrugged and reached for her jacket's pocket, to grab some painkillers and take them to ease her sore body. Even half Zabrak, the very long day was taking its toll on her at last.

"I'm glad that Yuran helped you stay at the village, he seems like a good person. Not always easy to come upon such people in the galaxy."

[Maggewetok]

Hazel eyes took in her tired face and she knew the day had been long already, which was probably true for them both. Grinning, she nodded, "So, you're a soldier," she queried, taking out the third of four screws and keeping them safe in her pocket. Holding the module up to the bottom of the console as she worked on the fourth, she didn't want this thing hitting her in the face when it was loose. Their discussion now took the agent to a close friend of hers that was off somewhere on some mission for the Alliance and she hoped to see him again soon. She and Cabrin had a lot to catch up on.

[Clea Larson]

"Military scientist to be specific," Clea replied with a tired grin. "I trained at the Naval Academy on my home world, while graduating in geology at the same time. I've seen more labs than battlefield in the last while, but you never know when it's going to happen next, as today's proven."

She reached out to hold the module up to help the other woman, appreciating the help. "I'm good at fixing scientific equipment but communication devices have never been my forte, much to my colleagues' surprise."

[Maggewetok]

Now being a bit closer in proximity, Maggie allowed Clea to help as she removed the last screw and then began lowering the burned out module. Setting it on the floor to her far left, she then unpacked the new one, "I'm sure your equipment in the lab doesn't have to be calibrated to various frequencies. Each ship seems to have it's own unique set of equipment for communications, some older than others. Programming adjustments for control made with the ship's central computer. Things like that." Not explaining just how she knew these things allowed the agent to begin hooking up the new module, now that it was out of it's wrapping. Fitting it up to the mount holes, she began screwing it in place.

"Mind if I ask what type of things you work on in that lab," she asked casually, unsure if it was research and development which would keep anyone outside the lab from knowing what they did. But, she might get lucky.

[Clea Larson]

"My scientific research is in geology and astro-navigation, but more than that, I am not at liberty to discuss what I work on," Clea replied politely. Having said she was on her way to the asteroid belt was telling enough.

"Where are you hailing from, if I may ask? I'm not good with accents. I'm from Jaemus," the half-Zabrak queried with genuine curiosity.

[Maggewetok]

"Hmm," Maggie pondered the information which could lead in many different directions given the two tidbits that were gained. Hazel eyes focused on the task at hand as she retrieved the screws from her pocket, "Me? Belsavis originally," she revealed knowing most people had no idea what that world had been used as for millennia, but being from there she knew all too well. Prisoners had been incarcerated there for longer than even she knew and there were times once she found out about the various sections that had been originally established by the Republic, how many true dangers existed in those cells?

"Been here and there since, picking up odd jobs when I can. Mostly free trading and cargo hauling." The module in place now and secure, Maggie grinned as she pulled herself from underneath the console and pushed herself up to sit in the copilot's seat. "Now for the fun part," she chuckled. Tanned fingers danced across the communications panel, gaining power then accessing the programming protocols. "This may take a little while," she informed.

[Clea Larson]

"I heard the name of your homeworld before, but that's about it," Clea replied with a slight smirk. She had traveled a lot but had always gone back to her birth planet, Jaemus. She loved the life there might move, depending on what she would do after the end of her mandatory contract with the military. She had no idea how things would go. She was taking things one a time, really.

"I might leave Jaemus in the near future, depending on my career, but for now, I just travel for missions."

She then chuckled at the other brunette's remark. "Well, you've definitely done an out of the mud hauling today, not the usual, I guess." She grinned before her helper took place in the copilot seat to work on the programming. "Take the time you need. I just don't want to have you get in trouble if you need to go back to the village by night with the local predators. There's a spare set of quarters if you need to stay here though."

[Maggewetok]

Nodding at the invitation, "I appreciate it, but this shouldn't take that long. Don't want to put you out or anything," she replied, distractedly as the Saami typed away. Accessing the files that she needed to, the agent began adjusting the various commands to allow the new communications module to work in concert with the main computer and other peripheral systems installed. A task that took more than an hour, which soon announced a knock on the rampway and as Maggie was shocked out of her focus, she glanced outside through the viewport and realized it was getting into evening.

Turning, she grinned, "I bet that's your dinner. Told ya."

[Clea Larson]

"Don't worry about me. My day's been improving given how it started," Clea replied wryly. She didn't interrupt the other woman, letting her work on the calibations in peace. Yet, she noticed that daylight was fading out, and was unsure that it'd be safe for the other brunette to go back to the village.

Hearing the rasp against the ship, she peeked through the viewport and eventually saw the predator lurking around. "I'll stick to ration bars, I think," she laughed and quirked a brow at her guest. "What about you? Do you still want to go say hi on your way back to the village? Or do you prefer staying?"

[Maggewetok]

Brow furrowed as she finished the changes, then closed the file and reset the communications system. Rising, Maggie followed to the small portal camera over the ramp and noticed the long, straw colored creature, it's hind legs supporting it's weight as it scratched and clawed, trying to bite at an extended part of the ship and the agent hoped it wasn't anything important. Sighing, she shook her head and backed. "Well, think he's decided for me." Turning to Clea, "Your bottom turret work while this thing's parked, or the batteries not recharged yet?"

The noise would only draw more dangers, especially once they smelled the fresh kill, but at least it would keep this one from tearing the ship apart more than it was already.

[Clea Larson]

When she saw what the creature was doing, Clea swore in a very graphic fashion. She groaned because she had no want for the bloody thing to munch on her ship. So far, it hadn't chosen problematic parts, but it was only starting.

"I'm not going to shoot and attract the whole neighbourhood. Old-fashioned way will work best," she replied without hesitation. "Give me a minute."

She rushed to her quarters and promptly returned with a ritual sword (http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c68/Aruna7/Cleas%20sword_zpsmravngoq.jpg) she had inherited from her mother. "Do you have a blade or any other non-fire arm?"

[Maggewetok]

Curious as to what Clea had in mind, her curiosity was quickly rewarded, though not as she expected. Grinning, Maggie reached behind to the small of her back and retrieved a deep grey handled vibroblade no longer than a dirk. "Unless you're planning on bringing it in here and cleaning it for dinner, others are going to come to the kill site, smelling the blood. So, either way," she shrugged. "Why don't we got out through the dorsal access tube and come out on the roof, then above him. If somehow he gets passed us here at the ramp, then he's inside, so." She knew they could still open the main door once the beast was dead, but at least they would have the element of surprise, as long as they were down wind of it.

Letting Clea decide, Maggie knew time was not on their side as evening was fast approaching.

[Clea Larson]

"That's my plan," Clea replied, leading the way towards the dorsal access. "The element of surprise and so we ensure that the damn thing doesn't try to come onboard are our allies." She was used to think rationally and strategically. She appreciated that the other woman was the same. It made things easier.

Once they were outside, the half Zabrak looked around, picking on the large predator trying to munch on another part of the ship. She gestured for the other brunette to take left while she took right. They had to be stealthy and quickly, but taking it in pincer was their best approach, especially with the large head and throat the creature possessed.

[Maggewetok]

Climbing up and out of the ship, Maggie immediately remained low to the hull in the hopes of keeping her scent as muted as possible. Noting Clea's motion for her to take the other flank on this beast, the Saami nodded and continued keeping low as she moved, picking up the pace a bit as she knew that they both were upwind of this creature which meant he may smell them coming. Such a possibility prompted her to move, keeping her senses open as hazel eyes took in the surrounding area, the treeline possibly hiding more of them. No movement so far, so the Alliance agent moved up to the edge of the cockpit, glancing over toward part of the shadow on the ground as the predator had now moved on, apparently given up on the small protrusion that didn't help him get into the ship. Now he was looking for another avenue to get inside then spotted the cockpit window.

Keeping low behind the tubeway that linked the cockpit to the rest of the ship, Maggie motioned to Clea of the animal's movement and that it was now below her on the other side of the rounded hall. Instead of dropping atop it, she moved to the edge of the hull on this side of the apparent attraction, lowering herself between the hull and smoother exterior of the cockpit. Keeping the knife in her teeth, she waited for a moment as the creature began scraping on the hull with it's claws, then pulled itself up to stand on it's hind feet. That was her signal as the brunette dropped down, then in one swift motion grabbed the knife from her mouth and lunged, stabbing toward the predator's white underbelly, just as the creature dropped to all fours and growled....

[Clea Larson]

It had been a while since she had partaken in such a hunt but despite her exhaustion - which she put up with thanks to painkillers and some earlier caf - she was enjoying it. It was also a good way to release her bottled anger, especially since she was protecting her ship by the same occasion.

When the other brunette went for the underbelly, Clea jumped on the back of the large creature which now was on all-fours. Without hesitation and managing to keep some measure of balance, she plunged the blade into the beast's neck, blood splattering as she hit her target. The predator roared but was choking on its own blood. With a firm double-handed grip on the hilt, she twisted to make sure that between both of their stabbing, the creature had no chance to get out of it alive.

[Maggewetok]

Reacting now to the added weight on it's back as well as the wound to the predator's neck, it spun and tried to wrench the immediate threat on it's back away. Seeing her opportunity now, Maggie knew that Clea wasn't going to be able to hold on forever, so lunged with her knife, cutting across it's throat which prompted the large feline to now just be away from this danger, though it appeared that today it had chosen two opponents that had no intentions of letting that happen. Blood now oozing from both entry wounds, the once gorgeous hair was matted with it's own ichor as the cat kept trying to free itself from the attacker gripped to it. Soon, Maggie watched as the cat-like eyes glazed over and it's movements became less energetic, now succumbing to it's fate.

Backing, Maggie allowed that Clea claim the first trophy from the kill as Saami also had that same cultural trait.

[Clea Larson]

It was a shame to end such a beautiful predator's life but when it came to her own safety, Clea was a ruthless hunter herself and wasn't the kind to back down. So she knew that this killing was meant to happen given the circumstances.

Nodding to her partner-in-crime, she then worked on removing the feline's canines and placed them into a pouch she had at her belt. The canines as trophy used to be a trademark to some of her mother's ancestors and the hybrid woman had retained such customs up to this day when fighting against large animals.

She'd have to clean herself up but it would wait until the other brunette was done and she decided whether she was heading back to the village or stay aboard the ship as night was now almost there.

[Maggewetok]

Keeping her eyes and ears open as Clea claimed her trophies, Maggie had a feeling that this wasn't the last predator that would visit tonight and once the other brunette was done, the Saami immediately claimed the claws from it's right paw, intending on making them part of a necklace later on. That done, she glanced to her fellow warrior, "Best be back inside. This kill's going to be on something's list soon." Moving to the ramp which was still closed, she waited for Clea to open the ship back up, again being vigilant about keeping a watch as the servos soon whined in protest as the ramp opened.

Following the ship's owner into the vessel, the ramp now closing again almost as quickly, she could hear the calls of various hunters now inviting others to the feast. Just in time, she mused. "Should clean these claws if you have a sink in engineering, or a workshop onboard?"

[Clea Larson]

"The way of nature," Clea mused as she opened the boarding ramp, making sure nothing tried to make its way inside. Once the hatch was secured again behind the other woman and her, she wondered what else the night would bring. She couldn't wait to get the hell away from this place, although she wasn't stuck in the mud anymore. There was so much that would require her attention for her work after she took her freighter off of this rock.

"I have a sink." She showed her guest to the engineering room and gestured for her to clean her trophy first. The scientist would take care of her own afterwards.

"Since it's likely going to be a long night, do you want something to eat or drink?"

[Maggewetok]

Moving to the small sink, she nodded as Maggie took out the claws again, "Sure, thanks. Water's fine." Turning on the water, she began cleaning each of the rounded claws, appreciating the tenacity of their foe earlier just the way she had done when at home on Belsavis. Flashes of memories came back and she could hear her father's stories that he loved to tell as they all settled in for the night, nestled beneath furs. Exaggerated, his expression and hands recounting the hunt that they had endured against immense monsters from the deep and how he had averted certain death before striking the killing blow. Smiling to herself, her eyes misted as she realized occasionally how much she missed them all. Swallowing hard, Maggie pushed those memories back to the recesses of her mind again, doing her best not to let her sadness show.

Bits of flesh and blood dripped into the sink, soon washed away by the running water as Clea returned. "Thanks," she replied without looking up. Finishing with the fourth one, she straightened again and gathered the glass of water, then moved out of the way. Taking a sip, she held her trophies in her left hand, closed fist. "Should be safe in here tonight. Give us time to repair the rest of your ship and hopefully let you get out of here in the morning."

[Clea Larson]

Clea left her guest take care of the cleaning, and she went to the galley. Once there, she grabbed a stim from a cupboard and injected herself with it. Given how unlikely she was to get any rest for many more hours, she had to stay sharp and at this stage, caf wasn't enough. She grabbed herself some ration bars and a new large water bottle, along with two paper glasses. The freighter only had the basics and was by no mean a vacation ship.

When the sink was free, she worked on cleaning the canines, appreciating the vigor the creature had put up against them. She nodded to what the other brunette said. "That'd be good. I should already be at the asteroiding mining facility but at least it's not too far from here, once the ship is ready to go."