Tatooine - Tyrants, Rebels and Spies: A Roleplay Forum

Katelynna Nempla gently landed her YT-1300 light freighter, the Shadowlark , in the Mos Eisley spaceport and ran through a quick cool down sequence. The Shadow was getting old and had started running hot when she came in through atmosphere. She mentally filed away that she would have to take a trip to Nar Shaddaa to get it checked out at Shug's Spacebarn. She didn't trust any other place with her ship. What she couldn't fix herself, she took there. She stood up and made her way to the ramp, making sure her BlasTech DL-18 was secure on her thigh.

The Shadow had landed under the assumed name Saven Pride to hide her presence and Katelynna stepped off in long flowing robes, her black jumpsuit on under it. She walked through the dusty streets, her head down but her eyes sharp to her surroundings. She shook her head when a Jawa approached her, a poor droid trailing along behind it. Slowly she made her way towards one of the many cantinas and stepped into its cool interior. She looked around a moment then stepped up to the bar.

"Just an Alderaanian Ale" She said in a voice low enough to hide her gender.

She had been sent a message just a standard week or so before of a large "preferably alive" bounty that had been placed on a slave of the Hutt Lord Garba. The slave was called Newt and had stolen a ship worth a conciterable sum. The bounty had been large and Katelynna knew it was mostly because the Hutt was angry. Nevertheless, Katelynna began her search for the wayward slave and her stolen transportation. She had been led to Tatooine.

She turned slightly and rested an elbow on the countertop watching the entertainment- a jizz group- from over the lip of her cup. A figure in the corner caught her eye. While her robes were light and somewhat airy, this figure's cloak was large and heavy. Someone obviously wanted to stay hidden...

#51 Mar 02nd, 1:37pm . Edited Mar 02nd, 1:40pm

Newt bit her lip nervously as she approached the Ithorian she had been lead to. She had been told he handled the buying and selling of ships... and she had one to sell, quickly. Making a mental note to not ask for too low a price, lest she alert them to the fact that it was stolen, she put as much confidence in her voice as she could, before clearing her throat.

"I'm told you buy and sell ships," she said to him, getting right to the point. The Ithorian looked her over before answering an affirmative. "I have a ship to sell," she said, and held up her datapad for him to see with his large, bulbous eyes. "It's a heavily modified YV-666 light freighter... with a cloaking device," she said, her eyes twinkling. "50,000... no less," she said.

The Ithorian gazed at her, then back at the datapad, and began to laugh, a deep rumble...

#52 Mar 02nd, 3:53pm

When the girl mentioned a YV-666 light freighter it caught Orsallis's attention and he eased in his sit readying himself to jump into action at the merest fraction of a second.

#53 Mar 02nd, 5:18pm

Katelynna's eyebrows rose when she heard the cloaked figure mention a heavily modified YV-666. Could this be her slave? Her hand automatically dropped under the robes to her blaster. No, no need to make a mess of things. Not here anyway. Leaving her Ale at the bar, K inched towards the corner, pretending to merely be moving closer to the jizz group. The Ithorian began to laugh and K took a seat not far from the corner now on full alert.

#54 Mar 02nd, 6:34pm

Orsallis noticed this human female move towards the cloaked figure and the Ithorian. this of course brought the attention of several of the cantina's other patrons. Looked like things might get messy if any of them were bounty hunters or slavers.....

#55 Mar 02nd, 6:36pm

Newt fidgeted. What had she done wrong?

The Ithorian responded by pulling down her hood in a swift motion, and holding a blaster to her side with his other hand. Newt's eyes widened as she realized her number was up, and she did the only thing she could do... she dropped to the floor, allowing the Ithorian to keep the hooded cloak he still held, and rolled out of his immediate sight.

However, that didn't stop someone else from firing a blaster at her. Swiftly, she ran out of the cantina and headed to the only place she knew to be at least somewhat safe... the ship she had hidden out in the dunes...

#56 Mar 02nd, 6:45pm

Orsallis calmly and assuredly followed the girl. He was now sure that this human girl was Newt and he would collect on her bounty as soon as she lead him to the stolen ship....

#57 Mar 02nd, 6:47pm . Edited Mar 02nd, 6:50pm

It was all K could do not to run out of the cantina after the girl. The red bandanna fluttering over her hair alarmed her. She calmly flipped the bartender a coin, then headed outside. It wasnt hard to see where she had gone. K wasnt the only one after Newt, she now saw. She had to get to Newt first. At least to see if she was right in assuming who the girl really was. She hoped it wasn't. She skirted the edge of town and headed towards the dunes, hoping to cut her off.

#58 Mar 02nd, 6:56pm

Newt ran as fast as her legs could carry her, but the twin suns were quickly sapping her strength. She didn't have a way to defend herself if she was caught... she had to get to the ship...

Her heart dropped to her stomach as she saw a female figure just ahead of her...

#59 Mar 02nd, 7:02pm

Kateynna had thrown off her robes, they were tripping her up in the sand, so she stood in her black jumpsuit, her occupation obvious, as Newt stopped short.

"Don't be afraid," she said, holding up unarmed hands. "Vaya"

#60 Mar 02nd, 7:08pm

Newt's eyes went wide. "How... how do you know... my name?" she gasped, unable to run any more. Her sides were hurting, and she felt like she was going to pass out.

#61 Mar 02nd, 7:11pm

Katelynna managed to catch her before she callapsed to the ground.

"It's me, Vaya. Katelynna." She picked the girl up. "My bandanna gave you away." She started walking Vaya back the way she'd come. "I've got to get you somewhere safe, I've got a feeling I'm not the only one after you."

#62 Mar 02nd, 7:13pm

K was right!

A blue bolt froma special blaster passeed right between the faces of K and Newt. Orsallis approached the two. Orsallis had given the two a warning shot. The human (K) was apparently valuable to Newt here and he could easily use her as a hostage to get what he wanted.

Unbeknownst to Orsallis he was walking right over an old mine....

#63 Mar 02nd, 7:29pm . Edited Mar 02nd, 7:37pm

K pushed her old friend down to the sand away from the bounty hunter and had her blaster out in an instant. She had no idea if a blaster bolt could harm her opponent, so she sought a different way to stop him. The old mine seemed to be a gift of the force, if that even existed, and she quick sent a couple shots in its direction. One of the bolts caught the mine just right and it exploaded in a fury of sand and fire.

Not waiting to see the end results, K hauled Newt to her feet and began running away from the blast and towards Mos Eisley. The younger girl stumbled in the sand, but K pulled her along. "I've got to get you off this wretched planet before something else happens!" She said, keeping an iron grip on Newt's arm.

#64 Mar 04th, 3:36pm . Edited Mar 05th, 7:17pm

Newt's eyes were wide as she fought to keep up with Katelynna. Was it really her? She was so much older, her voice was different, but... but it was. She knew it... she could feel it. Concentrating on not falling, she ran with her until she could run no more. But thankfully, they had reached Mos Eisely, and hid behind one of the buildings.

Newt gasped for breath on the ground, fighting the darkness of unconsciousness. When she could finally speak again, her voice was hoarse, as she regarded her old friend. "Katelynna? Is it... is it really you?" she gasped, still out of breath.

#65 Mar 05th, 9:45am

Katelynna handed Newt a small canister of water from her belt, ignoring her question. She knew they weren't out of the woods yet, and wouldn't be until they had Tatooine to her hyperdrive engines. She didn't to get caught reminiscing with Vaya until after they were safely in hypersapce. As soon as Newt had downed the liquid, Katelynna took her arm and again they raced between buildings. Katelynna watched the figures in the streets and alleys as they darted one way then another, making sure they were not being tracked. When she finally felt it safe, she led her old friend to the Shadowlark and hurried her aboard.

#66 Mar 05th, 12:27pm . Edited Mar 05th, 12:28pm

Newt looked out the viewscreen as the stars streamed past once they hit hyperspace. She was silent for a long moment, before turning to Katelynna, her gaze fearful, yet resigned. "Are you gonna turn me in?" she asked quietly. She remembered her friend, sure, but many years had passed, and times were tough. Newt had seen first-hand how people could change... a slave's life was one of many hardships. She had seen mothers betray their own children for something to eat. She looked away from her friend. "I wouldn't blame you if you did, and I won't try to run again. If I couldn't get away in a YV-666 with amplified engines and a stygian cloak, I know I won't get anywhere in an escape pod," she said, her voice distant and subdued. She looked back at her old friend. "I just wanted to know, so..." So I don't make a fool of myself reminiscing about the old days, she said to herself, but said nothing more aloud.

#67 Mar 05th, 1:17pm

((To POP: Orsallis's species the Gen'Dai are almost completely unknown by the residents of the galaxy. So how does K know about something that VERY few even have records of? Do you mind editing that post plz???))

#68 Mar 05th, 6:11pm

Katelynna watched emotions scroll across Newt's face for a moment. Life hadn't been kind to her. She looked conciterably older than her fifteen or sixteen years. What had she gone through? Katelynna suddenly pulled the younger girl against her in a fierce hug, hoping to put all her doubts at ease. It took all she had not to start crying. "No, Vaya, I'm not going to turn you in." She finally let the girl go. "I was after your bounty but I didnt know it was you. Do you know how much is on your head?" She shook her head in wonder then sobered. "Vaya, where did "Newt" come from? And how did you become a slave of Garba the Hutt?" She asked, concerned.

#69 Mar 05th, 7:49pm

Newt's eyes widened. She didn't know what to take in first... not able to readily accept hope yet, she focused on Katelynna's questions. "N-newt's a Trandoshan word... means 'fix', I think..." she said softly. "As for Garba, she bought me, an' a bunch of others," she said, and studied her worn shoes, unwilling to look up. "I was caught by slavers that day we were playing that hiding game in the undercity..." she mumbled. She looked up. "Guess I hid pretty good, huh?" she asked, her attempt at humor failing with the broken sound of her voice. Her deep green eyes searched Katelynna's. "You really aren't gonna turn me in? I... I'm free?" she asked, her voice almost a whisper.

#70 Mar 05th, 8:00pm

Katelynna smiled sadly. She hated seeing her care-free friend like this. Whatever happened to the bold, loud girl she'd known on Coruscant? "I'm not going to turn you in." She repeated. "Your freedom, however, is still compromised. Theres still a bounty on your head. If we cant get it off..." she trailed off. They both knew the rest of the sentence. Some other bounty hunter would get Newt. Katelynna wasnt about to let that happen. "Hopefully someone will find your ship and that will cut down your bounty low enough for you to not be a top priority for anyone." She shrugged. "Its the most we can hope for right at this moment."

#71 Mar 06th, 7:38am

Newt thought a moment. "Garba just wants her ship back, that's all," she said after a long moment. "I mean... I'm sure she's mad at me for taking it, but if she gets it back... along with what's inside it..." Suddenly her eyes went wide. "I'm surprised the whole Imperial fleet isn't after me!" she exclaimed, cursing her own stupidity. "What was I thinking, trying to escape with that ship?! I might as well have tried taking the Emperor's throne!" she said, turning white as a sheet. Only now did it register how close she had come to dying. She bit her lip. "If that bounty hunter looks around the ship, I don't think he'll bring it back to Garba," she said quietly, pulling her knees up to her chest. "And if he don't, Garba'll still think I have it, and..." Tears welled up in her eyes then. She had come so close to freedom... only to become a refugee.

#72 Mar 06th, 1:52pm

Katelynna reached for her hand. "Vaya, we'll get this figured out." She said, mentally running through a list of ideas. They could go back and get the ship and katelynna could take it to the Hutt Lord herself. They could lay low and see whats happens.. She shook her head. "I think the best thing for you right now is some food and rest." She stood, pulled her old friend to her feet, and sent her back into the ship for some refreshing.

After Vaya had gone, Kateynna sat and watched the lines of hyperspace race in front of her. They had to come up with something...

#73 Mar 06th, 5:34pm . Edited Mar 20th, 4:08pm

(Very nice, Padme! Now I can develop Vaya a lot!)

Newt bit her lip as she tried to relax in the soft bed. She wasn't used to anything this nice... the food she had tasted earlier was so wonderful, she found herself wishing she had more, even though she was full. Still, she couldn't seem to relax... she felt as though, the moment she closed her eyes, she would be a slave again.

Lying back, Newt thought of all the things she had told herself she'd do once she ever got free. One item in particular came to mind... she would change her appearance. No more Newt... she would be Vaya again. The idea filled her with a new fervor, and she wandered to the cockpit, where Katelynna was.

Newt smiled shyly, wondering if this was a good idea. "Uh... Katelynna..." she bit her lip, looking down. "I was wondering... since I'm free and all... well, with everyone looking for me and stuff.... well, if you would help me..." she looked up, nervousness in her eyes as she spoke, "if you would help me... change," she said, and cast her eyes down once again. "I'll understand if you don't want to..." she said, hoping against hope Katelynna would say yes. She wasn't sure why it was so important... maybe it was symbolic, of her new life as a free woman? Perhaps, and a part of her was searching her old friend out, to see how much was the same, and how much had changed... to re-develop the bond they once had. If it was still possible...

#74 Mar 20th, 9:20pm

(*grin* thanks)

Katelynna smiled at Vaya. "You mean change your appearance? So you dont look like Newt anymore? Something different?" The other girl let out a breath of relief and nodded. "Yes, I'll help you. I think it would help hide you too. What did you have in mind?"

#75 Mar 23rd, 6:16pm

Newt looked down, and shrugged. "I dunno. Just something different... I... I always told myself I'd change if I ever got free... that I wouldn't... you know... that I wouldn't keep acting like a slave. But..." her eyes came up to Katelynna's. "I think I forgot what it's like..." she said softly, her emerald green eyes pleading.

#76 Mar 23rd, 6:33pm

Katelynna tapped the underside of the girl's chin. "Well you can start by making eye contact when you talk to someone. Constantly looking at the floor just screams "slave", so you dont want to do that." She tapped a finger on her own chin a moment, studing Vaya's appearance. "Now, physically..." She paused. "Well, what would you like to look like? Any hairstyle you like? Any...anything?"

#77 Mar 26th, 9:38am

Newt shrugged. There wasn't much that could be done with her hair, short and horribly cut as it was. Slowly she removed the red bandanna she had kept since all those years ago. Holding the red fabric in her hands, she smiled wistfully. "Everyone's gonna be looking for this. But... I've worn it ever since you gave it to me. It's... it's my most valuable possession..." she said, making herself look into Katelynna's eyes as she spoke. "I only ask that I be able to keep it... even if I have to wear it under something..." she said.

#78 Mar 26th, 2:58pm

Katelynna was tapping her chin again. Then she shrugged. "You could tie it around your leg- your thigh. That way no one can see it, but its there." As for your hair...we could find you wig. A long one if you like, that way you can have different hairstyles and such." She continued to tap her chin...

#79 Mar 27th, 7:39pm . Edited Mar 28th, 7:21pm

Newt grinned and let Katelynna toss different outfits to her, to try on. By the time the two were finished, they were both laughing, and Newt felt happier and more confident than she had in a very long time. In the end, they had opted against a wig, after Newt tried a few on and they laughed incessantly at how ridiculous she looked in them... instead, they bleached her hair almost white, cutting it more evenly, so that it was a few inches long on top, and more closely shorn on the sides. Her brown and green rags were discarded (they were ceremonially shoved out an airlock once they left hyperspace), and in exchange she donned a dark red nerfhide outfit with a high collar and a V-neck that seemed to go very, very far down, with long sleeves that exposed the outsides of her arms, held together by a series of buckled straps, and leggings that did the same thing. The end result was very eye-catching, and extremely sexy. The perfect disguise for a slave on the run... hiding in plain sight. Newt tied her precious bandanna to her ankle, and tucked it under the high boot that went with the outfit.

Katelynna applied make-up to her, and once Newt looked into the mirror, she gasped. She was completely different... and incredibly nervous. But... she liked what she saw. She really did. And, as she regarded herself in the mirror, she made a decision. "Newt the slave is gone. I won't be her any more. From now on, I'm Vaya... and I'm free. And no one's ever going to take it away from me again!" she announced to her reflection. She turned to Katelynna, and smiled. "Thank you," she said softly, trying not to cry and ruin her make-up as she hugged her old friend.

#80 Mar 27th, 11:00pm . Edited Mar 27th, 11:01pm