jedimastertank

[jedimastertank]

send me "be honest..." with a question your muse has been dying to ask mine and they'll answer truthfully.

[jedimastertank]

Tank nodded. "I imagined as much. If just for the attempt at the very least, but now you have some motive, if not the reason behind it. Yet. Pity I don't have skills in psychometry. Would have been useful for gathering additional information by drawing images from the money. Maybe even who paid out."

He looked down at the unconscious form, pondering the situation. "Rather bold to be making the attempt in broad daylight." Slowly, he lifted his head to the surrounding area, scanning windows, overhangs, pillars and corners, rooftops, even a distant construction crane. His eyes lost focus as he stretched out with his feelings, sensing a curious awareness coming from the crane. He caught a glint of light coming from what he presumed was the cab, and his eyes refocused on it. A spike in concern, followed by wariness tinged the ethos of the Force. Moments later, he sensed another, much closer. He allowed his head to move on as he slowly turned his body, as if he had seen and sensed nothing, until his back was to the crane, and the other, closer observer. "Agent, play it casual. He's not alone, and we're under observation. Two of them. In the crane, and somewhere closer. I suspect they're in communication with each other as I didn't sense the second one until I figured out the first. So, something you could add in your call." One of his hands had unconsciously grasped the edge of his jacket, ready to pull it aside at a moments notice. "I don't sense danger. However, in the interests of making it seem like we're having a normal conversation, how long would it take for additional support to arrive?"

@agentsterling

Tank nodded with a small smile. "Then my trauma was not for nothing." He looked down at the unconscious assailant, the dagger still in their hand, the tip crimson from the graze. "Any particular reason why this individual wanted to turn you into a human shaped pin cushion? Know anyone you've angered of late?" Kneeling, he delicately pulled the jacket open, revealing a bulging liner pocket. "Or maybe this was an attack of opportunity. Or a paid hit." He reached into the pocket and withdrew a thick, orange folded envelope and tossed it up to Sterling. "Or maybe they just don't like SHIELD agents." Glancing at his tunic once more, he added, "Next time, I'll just use Force Push."

@agentsterling

[jedimastertank]

Tank nodded with a small smile. "Then my trauma was not for nothing." He looked down at the unconscious assailant, the dagger still in their hand, the tip crimson from the graze. "Any particular reason why this individual wanted to turn you into a human shaped pin cushion? Know anyone you've angered of late?" Kneeling, he delicately pulled the jacket open, revealing a bulging liner pocket. "Or maybe this was an attack of opportunity. Or a paid hit." He reached into the pocket and withdrew a thick, orange folded envelope and tossed it up to Sterling. "Or maybe they just don't like SHIELD agents." Glancing at his tunic once more, he added, "Next time, I'll just use Force Push."

@agentsterling

[jedimastertank]

"You're the agent on the scene, I believe that falls under your area of expertise to determine." Tank lightly teased. As often as he had been designated a Special Agent in the past back in his galaxy, that was not the case here, so he was not about to step on any toes if he could avoid it.

Especially a friends toes. It'd just be rude. Of course, that didn't mean he couldn't make educated suggestions to help out. "That it's in some kind of envelope and is thick suggests it could be some kind of pay out, or documents. Back home it would be rare for an assassin to have flimsi or hard copy documents on them like that, and they wouldn't be carrying the credits they would be paid to do the job until after it was successfully complete. They likely wouldn't even have a datapad on hand." He mused, rising to stand. "Nobody pays in advance. That's just asking for the hitman to run off with the credits and never be seen again. The professionals, however, sometimes do require at least a sweetener up front, if just to make sure that the client is both good for it, and earnest in wanting the job done." He paused, and then added, "Those professional pretty much set their own fee based on the job and are usually worth it." He scratched at his beard, thinking. "Sometimes a professional will have a cut out, someone else to attempt to do the job. Either to act as a decoy, misdirection, or because they don't like them and hope they get eliminated in the process. This guy wasn't terribly skilled and couldn't take a hit very well, so..." He shrugged. There wasn't much to go off of with what they had, but he figured he threw out enough possibilities that Sterling, should he find something in the envelope or the guy's pockets, might have something to work with.

@agentsterling

Tank nodded with a small smile. "Then my trauma was not for nothing." He looked down at the unconscious assailant, the dagger still in their hand, the tip crimson from the graze. "Any particular reason why this individual wanted to turn you into a human shaped pin cushion? Know anyone you've angered of late?" Kneeling, he delicately pulled the jacket open, revealing a bulging liner pocket. "Or maybe this was an attack of opportunity. Or a paid hit." He reached into the pocket and withdrew a thick, orange folded envelope and tossed it up to Sterling. "Or maybe they just don't like SHIELD agents." Glancing at his tunic once more, he added, "Next time, I'll just use Force Push."

@agentsterling

[jedimastertank]

Tank nodded with a small smile. "Then my trauma was not for nothing." He looked down at the unconscious assailant, the dagger still in their hand, the tip crimson from the graze. "Any particular reason why this individual wanted to turn you into a human shaped pin cushion? Know anyone you've angered of late?" Kneeling, he delicately pulled the jacket open, revealing a bulging liner pocket. "Or maybe this was an attack of opportunity. Or a paid hit." He reached into the pocket and withdrew a thick, orange folded envelope and tossed it up to Sterling. "Or maybe they just don't like SHIELD agents." Glancing at his tunic once more, he added, "Next time, I'll just use Force Push."

@agentsterling

He takes the Agents hand and get pulled up before checking his tunic and sighing. "I rather liked that one too." The Jedi placed a hand on the graze where blood was oozing, and focused for a few moments. When he removed his hand, the graze was gone. Shaking his head, he turned his attention back to Sterling. "At least you didn't get stabbed. Or grazed." His head tilted as he looked the Agent over. "Not that I can tell anyway." @agentsterling

[jedimastertank]

He takes the Agents hand and get pulled up before checking his tunic and sighing. "I rather liked that one too." The Jedi placed a hand on the graze where blood was oozing, and focused for a few moments. When he removed his hand, the graze was gone. Shaking his head, he turned his attention back to Sterling. "At least you didn't get stabbed. Or grazed." His head tilted as he looked the Agent over. "Not that I can tell anyway." @agentsterling

"Did you get stabbed again?"

[jedimastertank]

JJ listened to the two speak as they slowly zoomed through the trees. She would have to pick Huginn's brain (or if she's lucky-maybe an actual Asgardian eventually) about how this thing functioned. 

She certainly didn't want to pull the actual cube apart to reverse engineer it now.

"Tank.....what's the matter?" She caught his frown, by now pretty much in tune with his reactions to things. She lowered her voice and looked where he had looked, not seeing anything.

"I'm so interested in how this tech works. But our main focus is getting to the exit." If they leveled up any skills along the way, so be it. 

Oh and the other people trapped in here....that was a focus as well.

She warily looked from Tank to the Raven and continued scanning as they traveled. Gut feelings were great-when you had them. She didn't right now.

“I don’t know.  I just sense something…elusive.”  Tank admitted, still glancing to the left on occasion.  Huginn had contented herself with preening her feathers and seemingly ignoring everything else. “It was there, then it was gone. I wonder-”  

Something whistled and sparked off the front hood of the speeder, quickly followed by several more. One of which imbedded itself into the metal: 

An arrow, with a black shaft and fletching. 

“-no more!”  Tank exclaimed, briefly gunning the speeder before slowing and then gunning it again to spoil the aim of the archers.  It worked, as several arrows overshot or fell short.  “Definitely sense them now!” 

Through the rapidly blurring leaves in the trees, gray skinned beings could be briefly glanced, in unique armor. 

Continued from here: X

@jedimastertank

Tank’s eyebrows rose as the stone lifted.  “Ah, that explains it.”  At her questioning glance, he clarified.  “I had sensed something different about your presence, but I couldn’t really pin it down to anything.  The way Earth is, everyone’s presence in the Force seems to be significantly different in some manner.  Unique.  You were no exception.  Now I understand, you’re an enhanced being of some kind.”  

He paused in thought for a moment, and then nodded.  “Additional abilities may indeed prove useful in this place.  What-”  He was interrupted at the mixed sound of clattering armor marching in lockstep coming from the ruined city, and the more disorganized booted footfalls of others coming from the forested area. A quick glance to the city revealed a squad of white armored troopers, blaster carbines held across their chests, their heads encased in frowning helmets.  Approaching from the forest as they came around a series of ruined cars and speeders were yellow suited beings, covered from head to toe in the slick looking material with a cylindrical shaped helmet over their heads, holding rifles and other devices, some of which appeared to be scanners of some kind. At the moment, neither group saw Tank nor JJ, lost in their own actions.

“Stormtroopers.  Chit.”  Tank muttered, giving the area a quick look around.  Eyes alighting on a pile of broken parts among two crashed speeders, he quickly gestured for JJ to follow, the large raven keeping a solid grip on the Agent’s shoulder.  They quickly moved to get behind the pile and tucked down, looking through openings in the debris as the two groups drew closer to each other.  

“Halt!”  A distorted voice called from the troopers formation, one soldier holding up a clenched fist.  “You there, identify yourselves and your business!”

The yellow suited group came to a shambling halt and glanced at each other before one stepped forward.  “We are Advanced Idea Mechanics, and we are looking for a fugitive.  Now, identify yourselves!”

“This is a restricted area, on orders of the true ruler, Chancellor Palpatine.”  The lead stormtrooper took a step forward, his carbine coming up into a more ready position while the other troopers behind him fanned out.  “If you are not assisting in the hunt for a Jedi, then leave now.”  

Tank gave JJ a wry look.  “Always with the hunting of Jedi.  So, to modify the question I was about to ask, do your other abilities potentially have the ability to distract them away, or maybe help kick off a fight between these guys?”  Huginn cocked her head to the side, and then cawed quietly, as if barking a laugh.

Thankful for some cover, JJ held her breath as the two groups converged on each other. She knew who the yellow guys were-or were supposed to be; A.I.M. and their idiotic ‘beekeeper suits’ of the peons that were sent after targets. But who were the pristine white looking beings confronting them. “Tank...what’s a Stormtrooper and how do we stop it?” She asked and then absentmindedly added, “yah-yah. Not a problem.” Maybe. 

She scrunched up her face in concentration and aimed the rock she already had ahold of and launched it directly between the eyes of the A.I.M. grunt who was speaking. “Good enough?” she whispered and wiped the sweat from her forehead as the man staggered backwards away from the front most trooper. The ensuing fight was almost instantaneous as A.I.M. leveled their weapons at the troopers and started firing, spreading out to find cover.  

[jedimastertank]

Ah-she would never get used to the bird changing back and forth but was content to have them on her shoulder.

"Well then, I guess we're set," JJ said, waiting for Tank to start the big boat up. "I'd say we should make good time, but I honestly don't know what good time is. I suppose as long as we find a place to land before darkness sets in-we should be good. And or find our targets."

She watched the terrain shift around her as they traveled.

"Yes, I'm partial to it as well. There's such diversity even in the types of forests around the world. There's so much to see."

She stopped talking for a moment, thinking she saw a flash of something to the left of them in the scrub brush. But if there was something, it was fleeting.

"Have you traveled much on my world, Tank?"

“Not as much as I would have liked.”  He admitted, giving her a quick glance.  “Kansas, parts of lower Canada, Texas, an island in the Pacific, and New York City is pretty much it.  Still, the scans I took and your world’s computer network have provided a lot for me.  I think I’d appreciate seeing more of it.  But sightseeing is not something a Jedi gets many opportunities to do.”  He shrugged.  “Not uncommon, really.  We go where we are needed.  Certainly provides a wide range of planets to see, but usually only in small portions of each.  Provides its own diversity in that way, I suppose.”  

He gave the raven a look.  “I imagine that the program behind this simulation has probably pulled from a lot of memories over time and can provide a wide range of diverse terrain and fauna, if my understanding of what Asgardians are is accurate.”

Huginn fluffed herself before giving a smug sounding caw.  He snorted and returned to the drive.  “And we’ve added our own to the program.  From an engineering standpoint, this simulation is certainly quite incredible.  Nothing like anything I have ever seen or heard of.”  

Tank looked over to the side to the left, frowning.  “Hmm.  Odd.  I thought I sensed something…” 

Continued from here: X

@jedimastertank

Tank’s eyebrows rose as the stone lifted.  “Ah, that explains it.”  At her questioning glance, he clarified.  “I had sensed something different about your presence, but I couldn’t really pin it down to anything.  The way Earth is, everyone’s presence in the Force seems to be significantly different in some manner.  Unique.  You were no exception.  Now I understand, you’re an enhanced being of some kind.”  

He paused in thought for a moment, and then nodded.  “Additional abilities may indeed prove useful in this place.  What-”  He was interrupted at the mixed sound of clattering armor marching in lockstep coming from the ruined city, and the more disorganized booted footfalls of others coming from the forested area. A quick glance to the city revealed a squad of white armored troopers, blaster carbines held across their chests, their heads encased in frowning helmets.  Approaching from the forest as they came around a series of ruined cars and speeders were yellow suited beings, covered from head to toe in the slick looking material with a cylindrical shaped helmet over their heads, holding rifles and other devices, some of which appeared to be scanners of some kind. At the moment, neither group saw Tank nor JJ, lost in their own actions.

“Stormtroopers.  Chit.”  Tank muttered, giving the area a quick look around.  Eyes alighting on a pile of broken parts among two crashed speeders, he quickly gestured for JJ to follow, the large raven keeping a solid grip on the Agent’s shoulder.  They quickly moved to get behind the pile and tucked down, looking through openings in the debris as the two groups drew closer to each other.  

“Halt!”  A distorted voice called from the troopers formation, one soldier holding up a clenched fist.  “You there, identify yourselves and your business!”

The yellow suited group came to a shambling halt and glanced at each other before one stepped forward.  “We are Advanced Idea Mechanics, and we are looking for a fugitive.  Now, identify yourselves!”

“This is a restricted area, on orders of the true ruler, Chancellor Palpatine.”  The lead stormtrooper took a step forward, his carbine coming up into a more ready position while the other troopers behind him fanned out.  “If you are not assisting in the hunt for a Jedi, then leave now.”  

Tank gave JJ a wry look.  “Always with the hunting of Jedi.  So, to modify the question I was about to ask, do your other abilities potentially have the ability to distract them away, or maybe help kick off a fight between these guys?”  Huginn cocked her head to the side, and then cawed quietly, as if barking a laugh.

Thankful for some cover, JJ held her breath as the two groups converged on each other. She knew who the yellow guys were-or were supposed to be; A.I.M. and their idiotic ‘beekeeper suits’ of the peons that were sent after targets. But who were the pristine white looking beings confronting them. “Tank...what’s a Stormtrooper and how do we stop it?” She asked and then absentmindedly added, “yah-yah. Not a problem.” Maybe. 

She scrunched up her face in concentration and aimed the rock she already had ahold of and launched it directly between the eyes of the A.I.M. grunt who was speaking. “Good enough?” she whispered and wiped the sweat from her forehead as the man staggered backwards away from the front most trooper. The ensuing fight was almost instantaneous as A.I.M. leveled their weapons at the troopers and started firing, spreading out to find cover.  

[jedimastertank]

JJ gave a nod about the supplies. "Nice. Water and water essentials are always welcome!"

She walked her way back to where Tank stood, eyes on the pad as much as she dared while she walked. 

"It looks like it updates continually as I walk. There's a little bit of lag, but I won't be able to tell until we're moving faster."

And with that, she got back into the speeder and waited for Tank. This wasn't the time for her to learn how to fly...or drive the thing. 

"I've got watch while you drive again. Huginn, are you still along for the ride or are you flying?"

The transformed Raven glanced at the speeder, tracing a sharp fingernail across the surface lightly.  "It will be better to see from here."  She rose and then stepped up onto the hood before pirouetting in place, her form shimmering and shrinking down until she had changed into her corvid form.  With a caw, she hopped over and up the wind screen and then down into the compartment to join JJ on her shoulder.   

Tank slipped into the driver’s seat and started up the engines, sedately piloting it out of the clearing and back onto the road, heading for the mountains beyond.  It wasn’t as slow as walking, not by a long shot, but it was certainly at a slower pace than when they had left the city ruins.  It made for a rather pleasant ride, even while Tank continued to scan in all directions.  “I have to admit, your world does have some very beautiful terrain.  I’m rather partial to forested areas, so this is certainly enjoyable to me.” 

Continued from here: X

@jedimastertank

Tank’s eyebrows rose as the stone lifted.  “Ah, that explains it.”  At her questioning glance, he clarified.  “I had sensed something different about your presence, but I couldn’t really pin it down to anything.  The way Earth is, everyone’s presence in the Force seems to be significantly different in some manner.  Unique.  You were no exception.  Now I understand, you’re an enhanced being of some kind.”  

He paused in thought for a moment, and then nodded.  “Additional abilities may indeed prove useful in this place.  What-”  He was interrupted at the mixed sound of clattering armor marching in lockstep coming from the ruined city, and the more disorganized booted footfalls of others coming from the forested area. A quick glance to the city revealed a squad of white armored troopers, blaster carbines held across their chests, their heads encased in frowning helmets.  Approaching from the forest as they came around a series of ruined cars and speeders were yellow suited beings, covered from head to toe in the slick looking material with a cylindrical shaped helmet over their heads, holding rifles and other devices, some of which appeared to be scanners of some kind. At the moment, neither group saw Tank nor JJ, lost in their own actions.

“Stormtroopers.  Chit.”  Tank muttered, giving the area a quick look around.  Eyes alighting on a pile of broken parts among two crashed speeders, he quickly gestured for JJ to follow, the large raven keeping a solid grip on the Agent’s shoulder.  They quickly moved to get behind the pile and tucked down, looking through openings in the debris as the two groups drew closer to each other.  

“Halt!”  A distorted voice called from the troopers formation, one soldier holding up a clenched fist.  “You there, identify yourselves and your business!”

The yellow suited group came to a shambling halt and glanced at each other before one stepped forward.  “We are Advanced Idea Mechanics, and we are looking for a fugitive.  Now, identify yourselves!”

“This is a restricted area, on orders of the true ruler, Chancellor Palpatine.”  The lead stormtrooper took a step forward, his carbine coming up into a more ready position while the other troopers behind him fanned out.  “If you are not assisting in the hunt for a Jedi, then leave now.”  

Tank gave JJ a wry look.  “Always with the hunting of Jedi.  So, to modify the question I was about to ask, do your other abilities potentially have the ability to distract them away, or maybe help kick off a fight between these guys?”  Huginn cocked her head to the side, and then cawed quietly, as if barking a laugh.

Thankful for some cover, JJ held her breath as the two groups converged on each other. She knew who the yellow guys were-or were supposed to be; A.I.M. and their idiotic ‘beekeeper suits’ of the peons that were sent after targets. But who were the pristine white looking beings confronting them. “Tank...what’s a Stormtrooper and how do we stop it?” She asked and then absentmindedly added, “yah-yah. Not a problem.” Maybe. 

She scrunched up her face in concentration and aimed the rock she already had ahold of and launched it directly between the eyes of the A.I.M. grunt who was speaking. “Good enough?” she whispered and wiped the sweat from her forehead as the man staggered backwards away from the front most trooper. The ensuing fight was almost instantaneous as A.I.M. leveled their weapons at the troopers and started firing, spreading out to find cover.  

[jedimastertank]

It was as good a plan as any-the area where the mountains met would be the easiest path through and unless they found a cave or other entrance into the mountain on the way-their best bet.

“Right. The map centers on where I am with the data pad, so it should move with us and update itself as we go-which is convenient.

Ambush? Well, they should be prepared for any contingency. That was basic protocol.

She hummed in thought. “I’d rather not fight my way out at all-my modus operandi is usually to be small and unseen. Avoid conflict unless absolutely necessary. Did we plan on taking the hover car thing as far to the mountain as we can? Or does it stay here?”

If it stayed here-that was short-lived of them.

"We have it, might as well use it as far as we can go."  Tank turned to the speeder in thought.  "Who knows, may come in handier than we initially thought.  Lemme see if there's anything in the cargo compartment."  Moving past the still seated Huginn, he popped open half of the hood and rummaged within before withdrawing two containers and setting them down in the open.  Cracking them open revealed an unused medical kit, which appeared to be filled with a mix of items from both of their worlds: bandages next to bacta patches, burn cream next to medical scanner, and so on.  The other container held a pair of fresh water jugs, water purifying tablets and a portable purifier.  

"Well, I certainly won't complain about our finds."  He set them back into the compartment, satisfied.  "So, how quickly does that pad update?  Is it only updating at a walking speed or do you think it can update more quickly?"

Continued from here: X

@jedimastertank

Tank’s eyebrows rose as the stone lifted.  “Ah, that explains it.”  At her questioning glance, he clarified.  “I had sensed something different about your presence, but I couldn’t really pin it down to anything.  The way Earth is, everyone’s presence in the Force seems to be significantly different in some manner.  Unique.  You were no exception.  Now I understand, you’re an enhanced being of some kind.”  

He paused in thought for a moment, and then nodded.  “Additional abilities may indeed prove useful in this place.  What-”  He was interrupted at the mixed sound of clattering armor marching in lockstep coming from the ruined city, and the more disorganized booted footfalls of others coming from the forested area. A quick glance to the city revealed a squad of white armored troopers, blaster carbines held across their chests, their heads encased in frowning helmets.  Approaching from the forest as they came around a series of ruined cars and speeders were yellow suited beings, covered from head to toe in the slick looking material with a cylindrical shaped helmet over their heads, holding rifles and other devices, some of which appeared to be scanners of some kind. At the moment, neither group saw Tank nor JJ, lost in their own actions.

“Stormtroopers.  Chit.”  Tank muttered, giving the area a quick look around.  Eyes alighting on a pile of broken parts among two crashed speeders, he quickly gestured for JJ to follow, the large raven keeping a solid grip on the Agent’s shoulder.  They quickly moved to get behind the pile and tucked down, looking through openings in the debris as the two groups drew closer to each other.  

“Halt!”  A distorted voice called from the troopers formation, one soldier holding up a clenched fist.  “You there, identify yourselves and your business!”

The yellow suited group came to a shambling halt and glanced at each other before one stepped forward.  “We are Advanced Idea Mechanics, and we are looking for a fugitive.  Now, identify yourselves!”

“This is a restricted area, on orders of the true ruler, Chancellor Palpatine.”  The lead stormtrooper took a step forward, his carbine coming up into a more ready position while the other troopers behind him fanned out.  “If you are not assisting in the hunt for a Jedi, then leave now.”  

Tank gave JJ a wry look.  “Always with the hunting of Jedi.  So, to modify the question I was about to ask, do your other abilities potentially have the ability to distract them away, or maybe help kick off a fight between these guys?”  Huginn cocked her head to the side, and then cawed quietly, as if barking a laugh.

Thankful for some cover, JJ held her breath as the two groups converged on each other. She knew who the yellow guys were-or were supposed to be; A.I.M. and their idiotic ‘beekeeper suits’ of the peons that were sent after targets. But who were the pristine white looking beings confronting them. “Tank...what’s a Stormtrooper and how do we stop it?” She asked and then absentmindedly added, “yah-yah. Not a problem.” Maybe. 

She scrunched up her face in concentration and aimed the rock she already had ahold of and launched it directly between the eyes of the A.I.M. grunt who was speaking. “Good enough?” she whispered and wiped the sweat from her forehead as the man staggered backwards away from the front most trooper. The ensuing fight was almost instantaneous as A.I.M. leveled their weapons at the troopers and started firing, spreading out to find cover.  

[jedimastertank]

"I can't....what?" She wasn't paying attention, nose stuck in the map. The redhead hadn't noticed Huginn's arrival and only looked up when they commented about their escape.

"Oh...oh yes. It was a bit hairy, but we managed. Quite frankly I'm relieved to be in the forest and out of the city."

She returned her gaze to the map. "I wonder...."

JJ  picked up the data pad and started walking slowly toward the mountain. The map moved along with her, with her in the center.

Tiny little details would clarify as she walked, filling in the gaps in her knowledge.

"Okay-this is fascinating. And there's a fairly decent road about thirty meters to the east that seems to run between two of the mountains. I think."

Tank nodded.  “Then let’s make for the saddle in those mountains.  These others that we were told about may be the source of this forest and mountains, so they’d have something familiar.  And if they had been fighting with DEM Corps, they’ll have gone to ground somewhere that gives them cover and concealment.  Mountains can certainly provide that.  And with a road present, that would also provide access.  Useful for making a quick exit.”  

“Interesting thinking.”  Huginn tilted her head to the side, giving the map in JJ’s hand a sharp look.  “But what if they have an ambush set up?”

The Jedi shrugged.  “Then we spring the trap and fight our way out.  But I have no intention of flying by the seat of my pants going up there. Had quite enough of that, thank you very much.”  He turned back to JJ.  “This seems like the best course of action to take to me, but if you have any alternative ideas, I’d certainly be happy to hear it.”

Continued from here: X

@jedimastertank

Tank’s eyebrows rose as the stone lifted.  “Ah, that explains it.”  At her questioning glance, he clarified.  “I had sensed something different about your presence, but I couldn’t really pin it down to anything.  The way Earth is, everyone’s presence in the Force seems to be significantly different in some manner.  Unique.  You were no exception.  Now I understand, you’re an enhanced being of some kind.”  

He paused in thought for a moment, and then nodded.  “Additional abilities may indeed prove useful in this place.  What-”  He was interrupted at the mixed sound of clattering armor marching in lockstep coming from the ruined city, and the more disorganized booted footfalls of others coming from the forested area. A quick glance to the city revealed a squad of white armored troopers, blaster carbines held across their chests, their heads encased in frowning helmets.  Approaching from the forest as they came around a series of ruined cars and speeders were yellow suited beings, covered from head to toe in the slick looking material with a cylindrical shaped helmet over their heads, holding rifles and other devices, some of which appeared to be scanners of some kind. At the moment, neither group saw Tank nor JJ, lost in their own actions.

“Stormtroopers.  Chit.”  Tank muttered, giving the area a quick look around.  Eyes alighting on a pile of broken parts among two crashed speeders, he quickly gestured for JJ to follow, the large raven keeping a solid grip on the Agent’s shoulder.  They quickly moved to get behind the pile and tucked down, looking through openings in the debris as the two groups drew closer to each other.  

“Halt!”  A distorted voice called from the troopers formation, one soldier holding up a clenched fist.  “You there, identify yourselves and your business!”

The yellow suited group came to a shambling halt and glanced at each other before one stepped forward.  “We are Advanced Idea Mechanics, and we are looking for a fugitive.  Now, identify yourselves!”

“This is a restricted area, on orders of the true ruler, Chancellor Palpatine.”  The lead stormtrooper took a step forward, his carbine coming up into a more ready position while the other troopers behind him fanned out.  “If you are not assisting in the hunt for a Jedi, then leave now.”  

Tank gave JJ a wry look.  “Always with the hunting of Jedi.  So, to modify the question I was about to ask, do your other abilities potentially have the ability to distract them away, or maybe help kick off a fight between these guys?”  Huginn cocked her head to the side, and then cawed quietly, as if barking a laugh.

Thankful for some cover, JJ held her breath as the two groups converged on each other. She knew who the yellow guys were-or were supposed to be; A.I.M. and their idiotic ‘beekeeper suits’ of the peons that were sent after targets. But who were the pristine white looking beings confronting them. “Tank...what’s a Stormtrooper and how do we stop it?” She asked and then absentmindedly added, “yah-yah. Not a problem.” Maybe. 

She scrunched up her face in concentration and aimed the rock she already had ahold of and launched it directly between the eyes of the A.I.M. grunt who was speaking. “Good enough?” she whispered and wiped the sweat from her forehead as the man staggered backwards away from the front most trooper. The ensuing fight was almost instantaneous as A.I.M. leveled their weapons at the troopers and started firing, spreading out to find cover.  

[jedimastertank]

JJ had a grip on the seat now that she no longer had to play gunner. Tank slowed the speeder down, she became more accustomed to looking out at the scenery. Everything went from a lined blur to actual shapes-finally a road and trees.

At Tank's comment, she waited until he'd shut the speeder down and awkwardly got out. 

She looked around and frowned. 

"I can't say as it looks very familiar to me either, but sometimes one forest looks like all forests. Trees and trees and trees."

She pulled out the data pad and turned it on, remembering an icon that she'd been mulling around in her brain since she'd found it. She was pretty sure it was a map that someone had made of the place. 

Turning it on, she walked over to one of the trees and sat down for a moment. 

"Come here Tank, This might help."

Pulling the data up, she made a frustrated sound. IT was a map alright, but it wasn't very detailed past the clearing they were in-just tree icons and-was that a mountain? 

Great.

"There's a mountain quite a bit ahead, but as far as where our friends are, maybe they're past that? Or in a cave maybe?" She shuddered at that thought. 

"How's a speeder on elevations?"

“Depends on the model.  Some are a combination of land and air speeder.”  Tank gestured to their ride over his shoulder.  “This is not one of them.  The X-34 normally only goes up to one meter of altitude, but the previous owner had modified it to go a little higher.  Typical Corellian ingenuity.”  He smiled and chuckled, before adding, “At best, this one can do three meters, but that’s as good as it’s going to get.”  

He looked down at the pad, brushing at his beard.  “Mountainous terrain would be difficult for it.  Not impossible, but we certainly won’t be flying fast.  If we take our time and work our way through the ravines and valleys, we should be able to cover a lot of ground.”  

“Pity you cannot gain additional altitude, like me.”  Hugrinn’s voice drifted over from the speeder, and when they looked, she was seated, one again in her humanoid form, on the hood of the vehicle, leaning back on one hand while gazing at them with curious intensity.  “I see you have made your escape from the city without incident.”

Continued from here: X

@jedimastertank

Tank’s eyebrows rose as the stone lifted.  “Ah, that explains it.”  At her questioning glance, he clarified.  “I had sensed something different about your presence, but I couldn’t really pin it down to anything.  The way Earth is, everyone’s presence in the Force seems to be significantly different in some manner.  Unique.  You were no exception.  Now I understand, you’re an enhanced being of some kind.”  

He paused in thought for a moment, and then nodded.  “Additional abilities may indeed prove useful in this place.  What-”  He was interrupted at the mixed sound of clattering armor marching in lockstep coming from the ruined city, and the more disorganized booted footfalls of others coming from the forested area. A quick glance to the city revealed a squad of white armored troopers, blaster carbines held across their chests, their heads encased in frowning helmets.  Approaching from the forest as they came around a series of ruined cars and speeders were yellow suited beings, covered from head to toe in the slick looking material with a cylindrical shaped helmet over their heads, holding rifles and other devices, some of which appeared to be scanners of some kind. At the moment, neither group saw Tank nor JJ, lost in their own actions.

“Stormtroopers.  Chit.”  Tank muttered, giving the area a quick look around.  Eyes alighting on a pile of broken parts among two crashed speeders, he quickly gestured for JJ to follow, the large raven keeping a solid grip on the Agent’s shoulder.  They quickly moved to get behind the pile and tucked down, looking through openings in the debris as the two groups drew closer to each other.  

“Halt!”  A distorted voice called from the troopers formation, one soldier holding up a clenched fist.  “You there, identify yourselves and your business!”

The yellow suited group came to a shambling halt and glanced at each other before one stepped forward.  “We are Advanced Idea Mechanics, and we are looking for a fugitive.  Now, identify yourselves!”

“This is a restricted area, on orders of the true ruler, Chancellor Palpatine.”  The lead stormtrooper took a step forward, his carbine coming up into a more ready position while the other troopers behind him fanned out.  “If you are not assisting in the hunt for a Jedi, then leave now.”  

Tank gave JJ a wry look.  “Always with the hunting of Jedi.  So, to modify the question I was about to ask, do your other abilities potentially have the ability to distract them away, or maybe help kick off a fight between these guys?”  Huginn cocked her head to the side, and then cawed quietly, as if barking a laugh.

Thankful for some cover, JJ held her breath as the two groups converged on each other. She knew who the yellow guys were-or were supposed to be; A.I.M. and their idiotic ‘beekeeper suits’ of the peons that were sent after targets. But who were the pristine white looking beings confronting them. “Tank...what’s a Stormtrooper and how do we stop it?” She asked and then absentmindedly added, “yah-yah. Not a problem.” Maybe. 

She scrunched up her face in concentration and aimed the rock she already had ahold of and launched it directly between the eyes of the A.I.M. grunt who was speaking. “Good enough?” she whispered and wiped the sweat from her forehead as the man staggered backwards away from the front most trooper. The ensuing fight was almost instantaneous as A.I.M. leveled their weapons at the troopers and started firing, spreading out to find cover.  

[jedimastertank]

She scrambled into the seat next to Tank and held on for dear life, thankful that he knew how to at least get it started. 

"Damnit." JJ pulled out the gun she had holstered and made sure it was loaded. It wasn't great against troopers, but at least she was a good shot. Better than they were at least.

'Of course, they'd shoot through a crowd'-she thought.

JJ gritted her teeth as they rose up and over the panicking crowd. "Do you have to fly so close? She pulled herself in closer to him so as to not watch the chaos below them.

"Go go go!!" With a look of concentration, she steeled herself and looked down at the group of white armored stormtroopers, trying to find something to throw at them.

Spotting a few barrels, she chose one at random and levitated it before swinging it through the group. She was at least hoping to disrupt their blasting long enough for them to get away.

The barrels flew true, and collided with the troopers, knocking down nearly all of them onto their fundaments.  Two managed to remain standing and took a few potshots, some of which grazed the speeder. But within moments, they were beyond blaster range as they raced for the nearby forest.

Once it was clear they were no longer in immediate danger, Tank brought the speed down to a few ticks below a breakneck pace, passing by ruined structures that were already beginning to thin out.  “I had to fly that close and above so that the troopers would hopefully not hit any other civilians.  Simulation or not, I would rather they were taking shots at me rather than those who were innocent.  Wouldn’t be surprised if we’re judged on every action we take anyway, so that probably plays a factor in how the simulation behaves.”  He shot a smile at her.  “Guess that might make it think we’re being ‘heroic’ or something.  Though, I’d rather not get shot at in the first place.”

As they passed the last of the structures, the road shifted from paved to dirt the moment they crossed the threshold into the forest, dust lightly shifting up behind them from their passing.  “Now, let’s see if we can figure out where we need to go next.”  He kept driving for several minutes, taking the speed lower and lower, head swiveling and face turning more frustrated before he finally found a clearing.  He pulled in and tucked the speeder in among a few trees so they were under cover before shutting it down.  “Can’t say that this forest looks familiar to me.”

Continued from here: X

@jedimastertank

Tank’s eyebrows rose as the stone lifted.  “Ah, that explains it.”  At her questioning glance, he clarified.  “I had sensed something different about your presence, but I couldn’t really pin it down to anything.  The way Earth is, everyone’s presence in the Force seems to be significantly different in some manner.  Unique.  You were no exception.  Now I understand, you’re an enhanced being of some kind.”  

He paused in thought for a moment, and then nodded.  “Additional abilities may indeed prove useful in this place.  What-”  He was interrupted at the mixed sound of clattering armor marching in lockstep coming from the ruined city, and the more disorganized booted footfalls of others coming from the forested area. A quick glance to the city revealed a squad of white armored troopers, blaster carbines held across their chests, their heads encased in frowning helmets.  Approaching from the forest as they came around a series of ruined cars and speeders were yellow suited beings, covered from head to toe in the slick looking material with a cylindrical shaped helmet over their heads, holding rifles and other devices, some of which appeared to be scanners of some kind. At the moment, neither group saw Tank nor JJ, lost in their own actions.

“Stormtroopers.  Chit.”  Tank muttered, giving the area a quick look around.  Eyes alighting on a pile of broken parts among two crashed speeders, he quickly gestured for JJ to follow, the large raven keeping a solid grip on the Agent’s shoulder.  They quickly moved to get behind the pile and tucked down, looking through openings in the debris as the two groups drew closer to each other.  

“Halt!”  A distorted voice called from the troopers formation, one soldier holding up a clenched fist.  “You there, identify yourselves and your business!”

The yellow suited group came to a shambling halt and glanced at each other before one stepped forward.  “We are Advanced Idea Mechanics, and we are looking for a fugitive.  Now, identify yourselves!”

“This is a restricted area, on orders of the true ruler, Chancellor Palpatine.”  The lead stormtrooper took a step forward, his carbine coming up into a more ready position while the other troopers behind him fanned out.  “If you are not assisting in the hunt for a Jedi, then leave now.”  

Tank gave JJ a wry look.  “Always with the hunting of Jedi.  So, to modify the question I was about to ask, do your other abilities potentially have the ability to distract them away, or maybe help kick off a fight between these guys?”  Huginn cocked her head to the side, and then cawed quietly, as if barking a laugh.

Thankful for some cover, JJ held her breath as the two groups converged on each other. She knew who the yellow guys were-or were supposed to be; A.I.M. and their idiotic ‘beekeeper suits’ of the peons that were sent after targets. But who were the pristine white looking beings confronting them. “Tank...what’s a Stormtrooper and how do we stop it?” She asked and then absentmindedly added, “yah-yah. Not a problem.” Maybe. 

She scrunched up her face in concentration and aimed the rock she already had ahold of and launched it directly between the eyes of the A.I.M. grunt who was speaking. “Good enough?” she whispered and wiped the sweat from her forehead as the man staggered backwards away from the front most trooper. The ensuing fight was almost instantaneous as A.I.M. leveled their weapons at the troopers and started firing, spreading out to find cover.  

[jedimastertank]

JJ had followed Tank out and into the morning air, shuffling along with the others until they could break away and go their own path. 

She had no idea what she was looking for at first, following Tank’s lead and...eventually picking up the routine. 

The one thing she did do was keep an eye out for anyone who seemed to be looking overly interested in their searching. She felt eyes on her but couldn’t see anyone in particular. 

Tank’s find brought her back to the present and she nodded along. “Okay...so we have a speeder. That means I play lookout while you pilot us toward the forest. But the question is-does it run?”

She would never get used to the variety of the beings around them. Tall, short, thick, thin, and some very inhuman looking..all around her. 

And if it does run, were they going to steal it? It seemed too easy-just hop in and drive away. 

“Tank...Aren’t those like the troopers we saw a few days ago?” She pointed in the direction they came. There were three of them, and they were talking to a humanoid in a tan cloak with black hair and pants.  The man looked familiar, but she couldn’t place him.

please don’t point this way.

The man in the tan cloak turned, looked straight at them, and then pointed.  One of the troopers gestured to his comrades and they began marching towards them, moving through the bystanders still wandering about.  

Tank glanced up and then swore softly.  “It better run, because it’s time to go.”  He jumped into the cockpit, setting his pack in the back and quickly ran his hands over the controls.  Moments later, the engines coughed once before settling into a mild hum.

At the sight of them getting into the speeder, the troopers wasted no time lifting their blaster rifles and opening fire, regardless of the people around them.  Panic spread through the crowd, with several of them taking hits while other bolts spanged off of the front of the speeder as Tank gunned the engines.  The speeder gamely launched itself out of the alcove and higher into the air as he goosed the repulsorlifts to raise them up over the screaming, scrambling crowd, more red hot bolts coming at them.  “That could have gone better!” 

Continued from here: X

@jedimastertank

Tank’s eyebrows rose as the stone lifted.  “Ah, that explains it.”  At her questioning glance, he clarified.  “I had sensed something different about your presence, but I couldn’t really pin it down to anything.  The way Earth is, everyone’s presence in the Force seems to be significantly different in some manner.  Unique.  You were no exception.  Now I understand, you’re an enhanced being of some kind.”  

He paused in thought for a moment, and then nodded.  “Additional abilities may indeed prove useful in this place.  What-”  He was interrupted at the mixed sound of clattering armor marching in lockstep coming from the ruined city, and the more disorganized booted footfalls of others coming from the forested area. A quick glance to the city revealed a squad of white armored troopers, blaster carbines held across their chests, their heads encased in frowning helmets.  Approaching from the forest as they came around a series of ruined cars and speeders were yellow suited beings, covered from head to toe in the slick looking material with a cylindrical shaped helmet over their heads, holding rifles and other devices, some of which appeared to be scanners of some kind. At the moment, neither group saw Tank nor JJ, lost in their own actions.

“Stormtroopers.  Chit.”  Tank muttered, giving the area a quick look around.  Eyes alighting on a pile of broken parts among two crashed speeders, he quickly gestured for JJ to follow, the large raven keeping a solid grip on the Agent’s shoulder.  They quickly moved to get behind the pile and tucked down, looking through openings in the debris as the two groups drew closer to each other.  

“Halt!”  A distorted voice called from the troopers formation, one soldier holding up a clenched fist.  “You there, identify yourselves and your business!”

The yellow suited group came to a shambling halt and glanced at each other before one stepped forward.  “We are Advanced Idea Mechanics, and we are looking for a fugitive.  Now, identify yourselves!”

“This is a restricted area, on orders of the true ruler, Chancellor Palpatine.”  The lead stormtrooper took a step forward, his carbine coming up into a more ready position while the other troopers behind him fanned out.  “If you are not assisting in the hunt for a Jedi, then leave now.”  

Tank gave JJ a wry look.  “Always with the hunting of Jedi.  So, to modify the question I was about to ask, do your other abilities potentially have the ability to distract them away, or maybe help kick off a fight between these guys?”  Huginn cocked her head to the side, and then cawed quietly, as if barking a laugh.

Thankful for some cover, JJ held her breath as the two groups converged on each other. She knew who the yellow guys were-or were supposed to be; A.I.M. and their idiotic ‘beekeeper suits’ of the peons that were sent after targets. But who were the pristine white looking beings confronting them. “Tank...what’s a Stormtrooper and how do we stop it?” She asked and then absentmindedly added, “yah-yah. Not a problem.” Maybe. 

She scrunched up her face in concentration and aimed the rock she already had ahold of and launched it directly between the eyes of the A.I.M. grunt who was speaking. “Good enough?” she whispered and wiped the sweat from her forehead as the man staggered backwards away from the front most trooper. The ensuing fight was almost instantaneous as A.I.M. leveled their weapons at the troopers and started firing, spreading out to find cover.  

[jedimastertank]

He smiled ruefully as he stood up.  “Don’t ask me to pilot one though.  Speeder, speeder bike or swoop, I can pilot that, but your vehicles?  I haven’t had the need or opportunity to learn how to use them.” 

JJ lifted an eyebrow. “Oh...I don’t know about that. You’re pretty clever. I’m sure you could figure it out pretty quickly especially with a little prodding. They’re not that difficult. Hell some of the people back home barely know what they’re doing and have licenses to run the things. Either way I’m good with both lookout or pilot.”

The Jedi picked up their water skins and headed for a small running fountain.  “So, do you want to pilot, or do you want to ride along and keep an eye out?  Presuming we find a working-oh, what have we here?”

Leaning against the fountains plinth was a thin device that would look very familiar to JJ: a standard issue S.H.I.E.L.D. datapad. Or certainly one very similar to it in design.  Tank reached down and picked it up, giving it a look over before turning to her and holding it out.  “Think this could be useful?”

She shrugged, looked around to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything and followed the Jedi.

“Oh? What did you find-oh!” she said, taking the thin metal device from Tank’s hand. “Well now. With this we might be able to figure a few things out. Let’s see.” 

She sat down on the edge of the fountain’s foundation while Tank filled the water skins.  The pad seemed to have a standard pass-code system, and with a little fiddling she figured it out. It had a decent charge, but without a proper way to charge it, she’d have to be careful of usage.

“Alright-I don’t know how this’ll come into play yet, but I can at least keep a history of what’s happened so far and we’ll go from there.”

As soon as the water was refilled and she had her own back, she put the pad in her backpack and took another look around.

“Ready when you are-I’d really like to get above ground.”

She was already starting the way they came in.

He clicked his pack into his armor before throwing the hooded cloak over and drawing the hood up.  Taking the blaster rifle and tucking it underneath, he followed after her.  There was a steady stream of refugees working their way up towards the exit.  Some recognized them and gave respectful, grateful nods.  

Their exit from the shelter was uneventful.  Two different guards were holding station and were keeping a watchful eye beyond the entrance.  Their concern was with anyone trying to interfere with the exit, not with those actually leaving.  

They made their way along with the other refugees, before splitting off from the stream, heading towards the forest in the north.  “Ok, let’s see if we can find ourselves a working ride.”  Tank murmured, taking in their surroundings.  More tall structures surrounded them, and more than a few clearly wrecked speeders and cars littered the pavement between them.  They spent a good hour searching the area, and were about to move on when a glint caught their eye, coming from a recessed alcove.  As they drew close, they found a dust covered tarp covering a large, bulky object, with a portion of the tarp torn to reveal part of a windscreen.  Tank pulled the tarp off, and exposed a perfectly functional landspeeder with a long, rounded fuselage, large windscreen and open air cockpit, two air-cooled thrust turbines on each side and one in the center behind the cockpit, all painted in a mixture of sharp green and silver .  “Well, look at that.”  He slowly nodded, impressed.  “A well maintained X-34.  Only a little wear and tear on it.  Not bad, not bad at all.” 

Continued from here: X

@jedimastertank

Tank’s eyebrows rose as the stone lifted.  “Ah, that explains it.”  At her questioning glance, he clarified.  “I had sensed something different about your presence, but I couldn’t really pin it down to anything.  The way Earth is, everyone’s presence in the Force seems to be significantly different in some manner.  Unique.  You were no exception.  Now I understand, you’re an enhanced being of some kind.”  

He paused in thought for a moment, and then nodded.  “Additional abilities may indeed prove useful in this place.  What-”  He was interrupted at the mixed sound of clattering armor marching in lockstep coming from the ruined city, and the more disorganized booted footfalls of others coming from the forested area. A quick glance to the city revealed a squad of white armored troopers, blaster carbines held across their chests, their heads encased in frowning helmets.  Approaching from the forest as they came around a series of ruined cars and speeders were yellow suited beings, covered from head to toe in the slick looking material with a cylindrical shaped helmet over their heads, holding rifles and other devices, some of which appeared to be scanners of some kind. At the moment, neither group saw Tank nor JJ, lost in their own actions.

“Stormtroopers.  Chit.”  Tank muttered, giving the area a quick look around.  Eyes alighting on a pile of broken parts among two crashed speeders, he quickly gestured for JJ to follow, the large raven keeping a solid grip on the Agent’s shoulder.  They quickly moved to get behind the pile and tucked down, looking through openings in the debris as the two groups drew closer to each other.  

“Halt!”  A distorted voice called from the troopers formation, one soldier holding up a clenched fist.  “You there, identify yourselves and your business!”

The yellow suited group came to a shambling halt and glanced at each other before one stepped forward.  “We are Advanced Idea Mechanics, and we are looking for a fugitive.  Now, identify yourselves!”

“This is a restricted area, on orders of the true ruler, Chancellor Palpatine.”  The lead stormtrooper took a step forward, his carbine coming up into a more ready position while the other troopers behind him fanned out.  “If you are not assisting in the hunt for a Jedi, then leave now.”  

Tank gave JJ a wry look.  “Always with the hunting of Jedi.  So, to modify the question I was about to ask, do your other abilities potentially have the ability to distract them away, or maybe help kick off a fight between these guys?”  Huginn cocked her head to the side, and then cawed quietly, as if barking a laugh.

Thankful for some cover, JJ held her breath as the two groups converged on each other. She knew who the yellow guys were-or were supposed to be; A.I.M. and their idiotic ‘beekeeper suits’ of the peons that were sent after targets. But who were the pristine white looking beings confronting them. “Tank...what’s a Stormtrooper and how do we stop it?” She asked and then absentmindedly added, “yah-yah. Not a problem.” Maybe. 

She scrunched up her face in concentration and aimed the rock she already had ahold of and launched it directly between the eyes of the A.I.M. grunt who was speaking. “Good enough?” she whispered and wiped the sweat from her forehead as the man staggered backwards away from the front most trooper. The ensuing fight was almost instantaneous as A.I.M. leveled their weapons at the troopers and started firing, spreading out to find cover.  

[jedimastertank]

JJ yawned and stretched again. She didn’t mind the little weird inflatable food things that Tank made, but she’d not say no to some actual food either.

Maybe once they got out of this bunker and into the forest, they could come up with something. That’s right-they had to make it to the forest. 

“So,” she said as she took the little food ration and broke off a piece with a nod. “I’m glad the rest of the night was peaceful. Maybe whomever sent that note mistook us for someone else and moved on.” 

She shrugged and finished off her food pretty quickly, washing it down with the remaining water in her water skin. 

Looking around, she took in the beings around her. They had much of the space to themselves now, the group that had caused trouble last night were one of the first to leave. 

“What’s the plan? We need to get to the forest, right? But is there anything we should pick up first? Are we heading there on foot?”

Tank shook his head.  “I don’t know of anything else we’ll need at the moment, aside from more water.  We’ll trust in the Force to guide us to anything else we may need.”  He wolfed down his own ration, barely managing to avoid making a face about it.  His opinion on the state of their food was clearly not dissimilar to her own.  “We can see if there’s a vehicle we can use.  The speeders we passed didn’t look to be in good, or working shape, and I suspect any swoops that do work will be in the hands of roaming swoop gangs.” He took a swallow of water before continuing.  “I did see a few vehicles like what’s on your world, so maybe one of those would be better, especially since the ‘others’ would be familiar with them. Might put them at ease.”

He smiled ruefully as he stood up.  “Don’t ask me to pilot one though.  Speeder, speeder bike or swoop, I can pilot that, but your vehicles?  I haven’t had the need or opportunity to learn how to use them.”  The Jedi picked up their water skins and headed for a small running fountain.  “So, do you want to pilot, or do you want to ride along and keep an eye out?  Presuming we find a working-oh, what have we here?”

Leaning against the fountains plinth was a thin device that would look very familiar to JJ: a standard issue S.H.I.E.L.D. datapad. Or certainly one very similar to it in design.  Tank reached down and picked it up, giving it a look over before turning to her and holding it out.  “Think this could be useful?”

Continued from here: X

@jedimastertank

Tank’s eyebrows rose as the stone lifted.  “Ah, that explains it.”  At her questioning glance, he clarified.  “I had sensed something different about your presence, but I couldn’t really pin it down to anything.  The way Earth is, everyone’s presence in the Force seems to be significantly different in some manner.  Unique.  You were no exception.  Now I understand, you’re an enhanced being of some kind.”  

He paused in thought for a moment, and then nodded.  “Additional abilities may indeed prove useful in this place.  What-”  He was interrupted at the mixed sound of clattering armor marching in lockstep coming from the ruined city, and the more disorganized booted footfalls of others coming from the forested area. A quick glance to the city revealed a squad of white armored troopers, blaster carbines held across their chests, their heads encased in frowning helmets.  Approaching from the forest as they came around a series of ruined cars and speeders were yellow suited beings, covered from head to toe in the slick looking material with a cylindrical shaped helmet over their heads, holding rifles and other devices, some of which appeared to be scanners of some kind. At the moment, neither group saw Tank nor JJ, lost in their own actions.

“Stormtroopers.  Chit.”  Tank muttered, giving the area a quick look around.  Eyes alighting on a pile of broken parts among two crashed speeders, he quickly gestured for JJ to follow, the large raven keeping a solid grip on the Agent’s shoulder.  They quickly moved to get behind the pile and tucked down, looking through openings in the debris as the two groups drew closer to each other.  

“Halt!”  A distorted voice called from the troopers formation, one soldier holding up a clenched fist.  “You there, identify yourselves and your business!”

The yellow suited group came to a shambling halt and glanced at each other before one stepped forward.  “We are Advanced Idea Mechanics, and we are looking for a fugitive.  Now, identify yourselves!”

“This is a restricted area, on orders of the true ruler, Chancellor Palpatine.”  The lead stormtrooper took a step forward, his carbine coming up into a more ready position while the other troopers behind him fanned out.  “If you are not assisting in the hunt for a Jedi, then leave now.”  

Tank gave JJ a wry look.  “Always with the hunting of Jedi.  So, to modify the question I was about to ask, do your other abilities potentially have the ability to distract them away, or maybe help kick off a fight between these guys?”  Huginn cocked her head to the side, and then cawed quietly, as if barking a laugh.

Thankful for some cover, JJ held her breath as the two groups converged on each other. She knew who the yellow guys were-or were supposed to be; A.I.M. and their idiotic ‘beekeeper suits’ of the peons that were sent after targets. But who were the pristine white looking beings confronting them. “Tank...what’s a Stormtrooper and how do we stop it?” She asked and then absentmindedly added, “yah-yah. Not a problem.” Maybe. 

She scrunched up her face in concentration and aimed the rock she already had ahold of and launched it directly between the eyes of the A.I.M. grunt who was speaking. “Good enough?” she whispered and wiped the sweat from her forehead as the man staggered backwards away from the front most trooper. The ensuing fight was almost instantaneous as A.I.M. leveled their weapons at the troopers and started firing, spreading out to find cover.  

[jedimastertank]

A different voice in her head woke her and she blinked. “Morning already? Did you get some rest?” She said, pulling herself up to sit before stretching wide.

She blinked a few more times and rubbed her eyes before looking around. Many of the refugees were already moving and packing up to shift where they were.

“I take it you either took care of any problems by yourself during the night or there were none. Where’s the bird?”  

“She fluttered off last night.  Said she had to report.”  Tank replied, working on fixing up a few portions of rations.  “Didn’t say she’d return, but I presume she will.”  He shifted a stirring tool in the now hot water as he poured in the portion.  Moments later, the powder had absorbed the moisture and inflated into a kind of muffin, which he promptly removed and set on a camp plate, holding it out to her.  “Otherwise, it was quiet.  My meditation was restful enough, and no new messages have appeared, nor have I sensed anything paying closer attention to us.”  

He shrugged, adding, “Doesn’t mean they aren’t, but if they are they’re being very coy about it.” 

Continued from here: X

@jedimastertank

Tank’s eyebrows rose as the stone lifted.  “Ah, that explains it.”  At her questioning glance, he clarified.  “I had sensed something different about your presence, but I couldn’t really pin it down to anything.  The way Earth is, everyone’s presence in the Force seems to be significantly different in some manner.  Unique.  You were no exception.  Now I understand, you’re an enhanced being of some kind.”  

He paused in thought for a moment, and then nodded.  “Additional abilities may indeed prove useful in this place.  What-”  He was interrupted at the mixed sound of clattering armor marching in lockstep coming from the ruined city, and the more disorganized booted footfalls of others coming from the forested area. A quick glance to the city revealed a squad of white armored troopers, blaster carbines held across their chests, their heads encased in frowning helmets.  Approaching from the forest as they came around a series of ruined cars and speeders were yellow suited beings, covered from head to toe in the slick looking material with a cylindrical shaped helmet over their heads, holding rifles and other devices, some of which appeared to be scanners of some kind. At the moment, neither group saw Tank nor JJ, lost in their own actions.

“Stormtroopers.  Chit.”  Tank muttered, giving the area a quick look around.  Eyes alighting on a pile of broken parts among two crashed speeders, he quickly gestured for JJ to follow, the large raven keeping a solid grip on the Agent’s shoulder.  They quickly moved to get behind the pile and tucked down, looking through openings in the debris as the two groups drew closer to each other.  

“Halt!”  A distorted voice called from the troopers formation, one soldier holding up a clenched fist.  “You there, identify yourselves and your business!”

The yellow suited group came to a shambling halt and glanced at each other before one stepped forward.  “We are Advanced Idea Mechanics, and we are looking for a fugitive.  Now, identify yourselves!”

“This is a restricted area, on orders of the true ruler, Chancellor Palpatine.”  The lead stormtrooper took a step forward, his carbine coming up into a more ready position while the other troopers behind him fanned out.  “If you are not assisting in the hunt for a Jedi, then leave now.”  

Tank gave JJ a wry look.  “Always with the hunting of Jedi.  So, to modify the question I was about to ask, do your other abilities potentially have the ability to distract them away, or maybe help kick off a fight between these guys?”  Huginn cocked her head to the side, and then cawed quietly, as if barking a laugh.

Thankful for some cover, JJ held her breath as the two groups converged on each other. She knew who the yellow guys were-or were supposed to be; A.I.M. and their idiotic ‘beekeeper suits’ of the peons that were sent after targets. But who were the pristine white looking beings confronting them. “Tank...what’s a Stormtrooper and how do we stop it?” She asked and then absentmindedly added, “yah-yah. Not a problem.” Maybe. 

She scrunched up her face in concentration and aimed the rock she already had ahold of and launched it directly between the eyes of the A.I.M. grunt who was speaking. “Good enough?” she whispered and wiped the sweat from her forehead as the man staggered backwards away from the front most trooper. The ensuing fight was almost instantaneous as A.I.M. leveled their weapons at the troopers and started firing, spreading out to find cover.