Fandom Embers of Resistance

[Redwing]

The lights of buildings and ships illuminated the busy Corellia night sky. Conner stood at the entrance of a nightclub, the lights and holographic dancers illuminating the place in shades of red, pink, green, and purple. The colors contrasted strongly with his armor, painted white and red, while his black visor shielded his eyes from the heaviness of the lights. His father's armor had been a bit big on him before he modified it, even now he felt uncomfortable wearing it. The blasters at his side made him look like he knew what he was doing, and he did his best to carry himself in the same vain. Dozens of people filled the room; some at the bar; most at the dance floor; and a few sitting in lounge chairs enjoying the sights around them. His boots tapped on the metallic floor of the room, the sound drowned out by the music playing around him. He passed by a dancer, noticing her eye him flirtatiously but ignoring it and continuing towards the doorway. A pair of guards stood watch and stopped him once he got to the door, speaking in a language he could barely understand. "I have an appointment." He said, his voice slightly distorted by his helmet's vocal recorder. They spoke again, though he couldn't quite make it out. "Alberay knows I'm coming, his secretary got my transmission-"
Before he could finish his statement, a slight commotion started in the nightclub. Conner turned his attention away from the guards for a moment, looking towards the entrance of the building. A crowd had gathered near it in a semi-circle, but after a few moments, they started moving out of the way of something, or someone. The lights and music were uninterupted by the disturbance, however more and more people stopped dancing and gave their attention to the newcomers. Conner did as well, slightly annoyed by the guards but intrigued as to who had entered the club.

 

[Aly Cat]

Stepping into the nightclub, Solara Uxvyen glanced around. She had two commanders with her, and she really wished they had listened when she suggested they come in separately. But safety and all that. The young woman waved a dismissive hand and people began to return to what they were doing. She was dressed simply, black armored leggings and a green tunic, with a vibro-knife strapped to one leg and a gun at her other hip. Her flat silver eyes glowed a bit in the darkness and flashing lights of the club. Making her way around the perimeter, she stopped near an alcove to talk to one of the commanders.

"Stay here, we might need the backup if things go south," she told Jameson. He nodded and retreated to the bar to nurse a light drink and watch the door. Straightening, Solara continued walking towards the guarded door. Her eyes landed upon the Mandalorian and she glanced over at the commander still with her. She'd never personally dealt with one before, though from what she understood, they were easily bought out. "We need to hurry," she whispered to Quelt, the other man with her. "I doubt it will be long before the empire is aware we are here." Stepping closer, she stood near the door to talk to the guards. "He knows we're here, I have an appointment."

 

[Redwing]

Conner found the people of interest: a young woman, about his age, flanked by two men. All of them were armed, though on Corellia this wasn't especially unusual, but something about them made it obvious that they were with the Resistance. Maybe it was the clothes, maybe the way they carried themselves. News of the recent battle at Crait had spread quickly throughout the Galaxy, and in his opinion it was bold of them to be out in public when everyone knew that they were weak. Still, he couldn't help but be intrigued by the whole thing. The people who had gathered indeed dispersed when the woman waved her hand, and the atmosphere of the club started to return to normal. Conner stayed silent but took a step aside to allow the guards to speak to the pair who approached the door.

The guards were both large men, one Trandoshan and the other covered in enough armor to hide his species. The one with armor could probably resist a blaster shot or two, but his companion seemed a bit on the fragile side for a bouncer. The two exchanged glances when the woman approached. They spoke again and moved aside, allowing the two entrance. Conner frowned and took a step towards one of the guards. "Hold on a second, I had an appointment too." He raised a finger at the guard he was speaking to but was shoved back. His frown deepened but he didn't make a move, his hand staying just far enough away from his blaster to not be too conspicuous, but just close enough to be within reach should the need arise. The rest of the club didn't seem to notice the exchange, which was probably for the best.

 

[Aly Cat]

Solara glanced over the two guards, and then again at the Mandalorian. When granted access, she simply nodded and stepped forward. Seeing the Mandalorian move his hand towards his blaster out of the corner of her eye, she whipped around and had her vibro-knife pointed at his chest. She had a decision to make here. If irritated enough, the man could run off and alert the empire, but killing him would make more of a scene. "Hold him here," she instructed Commander Quelt. "I don't trust him." Looking back at the man, she tilted her head. "My apologies. But I'm on a tight schedule."

With that, she walked through the door, all senses alert and her mind on edge. Crime Lords were risky at best, but after the destruction at Crait, they didn't have many other options. They needed ships and weapons and more people to continue resisting the Empire. A brave bunch though they were, it simply wasn't enough before the masses commanded by the Empire. She wished there were more like Rey, those who could use the force to fight. Solara, of course, had no idea how any of the mystical stuff worked, partly because it scared her. No being should be able to harness such power.

 

[Redwing]

Conner stepped back slightly when the vibro-knife came out. He certainly hadn't expected that. The guards let the woman through, which still annoyed him slightly, but he avoided protesting for the moment. He watched as she walked down the hallway, wondering what exactly the Resistance was going to ask for, but his gaze turned towards her companion once she was out of sight. He wasn't particularly intimidated by the man, but he didn't want to take any chances either. "Alright, seems everyone's a little on edge. You can go first, that's fine, I'll go after, but restraining me isn't a good idea." His helmet hid his slightly nervous expression as he glanced towards the guards to see their reaction. They were just watching the scene for now, obviously not caring about the outcome as long as no one died. "We don't have to make a scene out of this, just let me talk to the guards and we'll be fine. Okay?"

 

[Aly Cat]

"Sorry, man." Quelt said, still holding onto the Mandalorian's arm. "Can't risk you running off and getting anyone else involved. Let Commander Uxvyen finish with Alberay and you can go on your merry way." He looked to the guards, then briefly back at Jameson, who held up a drink in salute. If the man ran, they'd have him in no time at all.

Inside the room, Solara stood her ground and looked over the crime lord. "Alberay. The Resistance needs your help. We need ships, men, weapons... we'll keep you under the highest degree of protection from the Empire. They don't need to know of your involvement, we'll pay handsomely and keep you safe." She glanced at the slaves around the room. Alberay's lecherous tastes seemed to be just as accurate as rumors said, and she started to wonder whether she should have had Quelt talk to him instead.

 

[Redwing]

A frown persisted on the young man's face. One of his first missions and he was already having problems; the feeling that he was already failing his father started to creep down his spine, worming it's way to his gut as he considered what his father would do in the same situation. Still, he didn't let it stop him from trying. "Alright, how about this: I know Alberay, he's an old friend. You let me go in and I can help you negotiate a deal. I help you get what you need, I get a chance to talk to him. Sound good?" Negotiation was probably rather low on the list of things his father would have tried, but it didn't matter. He awaited Quelt's response, hoping they'd come to an agreement.

Alberay sat on a comfortable-looking throne, looking to be at least in his early 60's, with a rather bored expression on his face. He rolled his eyes at Solara but allowed her to finish before he spoke. "Yes, I have heard that your organization has been going through a... difficult time recently. I do apologize for the hardships you've experienced and I am sympathetic to your cause, however, I must know: how would you protect me with your limited resources from an enemy as powerful as the First Order?" His disinterest was still obvious; he never actually looked at the woman and his voice was fairly monotone.

 

[Aly Cat]

Quelt raised an eyebrow and glanced at the guards. Turning his gaze back to the man, he let go of his arm. "Fine. But Sol won't hesitate to shoot you of you try anything at all." He didn't like the situation, but he was well aware of how dire things were. Without a solid deal with Alberay, the Resistance had few leads and even less hope.

"While our people and resources are limited, there are several in our employ who are more than capable of acting as personal bodyguards. Excellent pilots and even better fighters. It is, of course, a blow to our people, but a worthy trade, if it means your assistan-" she broke off and whirled around as the doors opened and closed again. Her pointed teeth flashed as she looked at the man. "You again?" Her hand went to her hip for her knife.

 

[Redwing]

Conner finally smiled, glancing at both of the guards as they allowed them both to enter. He resisted the urge to chuckle in triumph and simply entered the hallway with Quelt. Neither man seemed very willing to talk, so their short walk was filled mostly with the background noise of the music playing in the club.

As soon as they entered the door, Conner bit his lip. There were a lot of people in here, mostly guards, which meant he had to be a bit more careful than he'd expected. Things didn't get much better when the woman from before moved to grab her knife. Many of the guards grabbed their weapons, some even took a step towards the pair. "Wait-" Conner's attempt to calm her down was interrupted by Alberay, who spoke in a tone that was much more enthusiastic than before. "Red?" The room went silent and the guards stopped their approach. The older man had a smile now and leaned forward in his throne while Conner cringed slightly. He was hoping to properly introduce himself; it had been a while since he'd seen the old man, long enough that he didn't know that his father was missing.

 

[Aly Cat]

Solara paused as Alberay spoke and she sighed softly. Of course they knew each other. At least this "Red" wasn't out there alerting the empire. Letting go of her knife, she stepped aside and glanced around the room again. The guards clearly weren't her biggest fan, which she supposed was understandable, considering that she'd pulled a knife, and a vibro-knife at that.

For now, the strategist decided to watch and pick up any information she possibly could. You never knew with these types; maybe she'd have to fight her way out, or perhaps the crime lord would actually give her what they needed. In any case, the helmeted character was irritating her.

 

[Redwing]

Conner bit his lip as he thought momentarily about his next move. The woman had backed off, which was good. Alberay seemed happier than before, which was also good. However, 'Red' was the nickname given to his father on account of the armor that Conner himself was currently wearing. Telling the crime lord that he was speaking to his friend's son might not change his mood, or it might make him return to his boredom. Nonetheless, whatever move he made needed to work or else he had a feeling the two Resistance members wouldn't let him off very easy. "Hi Alberay." As he spoke, the young man removed his helmet. His short black hair was gently swept to the side and contrasted with his striking grey eyes. His skin was somewhat pale, though a small scar ran down his temple.

The crime boss raised an eyebrow in surprise, but didn't lean back in his chair. "Conner Wyaeron . Son of Arvel Wyaeron." A smile returned to his features. "It's good to see you, boy." A look of realization crossed the man's face as his smile started to fade. "But, you're wearing his armor. Did something...?" A bit of disappointment pierced it's way into Conner's chest. He'd come here hoping that Alberay had heard something about his father's whereabouts. Apparently not. Still, a deal was a deal. "No, no. Well, sort of." He paused for a moment. "It's... a long story." Glancing at Quelt for just a moment, he continued. "You and my father worked together frequently, and I would hope that perhaps you would consider helping me and my friends. I believe..." He gestured towards the woman but realized he didn't know her name. "She's discussed some of the things that the Resistance is in need of. Would you consider offering aid, to the son of an old friend?" His father had not always been on the best terms with Alberay, but they'd been allies more often then not, and Conner hoped that relationship still carried some weight.

 

[Aly Cat]

When the Mandalorian took his helmet off, Solara turned and gave him a second glance, raising an eyebrow in surprise. An attractive young man was certainly not what she'd expected. Still suspicious, she turned back to Alberay. So the two clearly knew each other.... Brushing a raven strand of hair back, she crossed her arms. He seemed all together too friendly, and that worried her. When he asked for aid for the Resistance, she barely stopped herself from turning on him. Surely there must be something he was after from the Resistance, then, because no one would put themselves at such a risk to help some strangers.

Still, if it convinced Alberay, she'd take it for now, and dispose of the man later. She'd prefer not to have more blood on her hands than she already did, but these were desperate tImes. Solara's gaze fell upon Quelt, who simply shrugged. He seemed to trust this Conner more, but she still didn't like it.

 

[Redwing]

Alberey was quiet. He stared at the young man, the look on his face difficult to decipher. Whether or not he'd accept the deal was based mostly on his feelings towards Conner's father, which were somewhat complicated at times. Still, eventually he offered a response. "Fine. I'll provide some men, some ships, and some weapons. However, I want something in return for it. And not protection; I have enough of that." The guards lining the room emphasized his last point. "There's an admiral that I want removed from power. He's been stopping some of my shipments and it's made business slow down." Conner nodded and looked to the woman. She seemed to be in charge, and it was her deal to accept.

 

[Aly Cat]

Taking it in, she nodded slowly. If taking out an admiral was all it would take, it would have to be done. Typically the woman preferred not to get into politics when it came to deals, but if it meant bolstering the Resistance, it would need to be done. Glancing at the Mandalorian again, she nodded more firmly. "We'll do it." She'd talk to the other man outside. There had to be something behind his "helpfulness." Stepping back, she smiled tightly. "I appreciate the assistance."

 

[Redwing]

The older man gave a nod and leaned back in his seat. "Good then. My men will give you the details." His gaze moved directly to Conner. "I expect you'll be a part of this task." The Mandalorian gave a nod and attempted a reassuring smile. "And, Conner, I expect to be told what happened to your father when you return." With that, he waved the group off, and the trio were escorted out of the room. Conner put his helmet back on as they walked. "I guess that means we'll need to properly introduce ourselves." He turned towards the woman and offered his hand in greeting. "Conner Wyaeron."

 

[Aly Cat]

Outside, Solara had whipped around, batted the hand away, and shoved the man up against with the vibro-knife to his throat as soon as the doors closed. "Commander Uxvyen," she returned stiffly. "Why are you pretending to help? What is it you're trying to get our of us? Are you an Empire spy?" Her silver eyes narrowed and seemed to be looking almost into his soul.

 

[Redwing]

Shocked by the sudden attack, it took Conner a minute to respond. He didn't move at first, afraid she might make a move if he did, but reminded himself about the vibro-blade that was concealed in his gauntlet. "Nice to meet you, Ms. Uxvyen." He swalloed in a bit of nervousness as he felt the knife against his throat. Her stare did little to bother him, though. "I didn't plan on this mission, Quelt and I made a deal that if I helped you, he'd let me past the guards to talk to Alberey. Wasn't my idea to help you on this. Oh, and no, I'm not a spy." He turned towards her companion slightly to see if he'd offer any help. He seemed to be less radical than the woman.

 

[Aly Cat]

"Sol," Quelt said quietly. "He's fine, I checked everything out." Looking slightly sheepish, Solara pulled back and glanced back at Conner. "Sorry. With the Resistance at such a critical point, it's hard not to be defensive. My name is Solara." Way to make a first impression. Putting the knife away, she decided to get to the specifics. "Do you have a ship?"

 

[Redwing]

Conner let out a small sigh as the tension started to leave the room. He didn't let his guard down, he was still weary of the two Resistance members, but was relieved to not be quite as compromised. Backing away to give himself some more room, he looked to Solara and nodded. "It's, erm, fine." Not the first time he had a blade at his throat, and at least he was wearing armor this time. "Yeah, I've got a ship, but don't you? How else would you get here?"

 

[Aly Cat]

Adjusting the guard on her arm, Solara glanced at the man again. "If it's not being watched and tracked already, it will be by the time we get back. Jameson will take it as a decoy, so it would be helpful if we could use your ship, rather than try to charter one." The woman started to walk back down into the club, keeping a wary eye on her surroundings. How many of the people here were informants of the Empire? There were few places one could go without attracting the attention of a few. Grabbing Conner's arm suddenly, Solara pulled their bodies together and she started to dance with him, mixed in among other couples. "There's a bounty hunter not far from us. Don't watch him, just blend in," she whispered into his ear, arms now around his neck. "As soon as he passes, duck your head down and take the side exit, I'll take the back and meet you near the public hangar.

 

[Redwing]

Before Conner had a chance to respond, he was pulled onto the dancefloor and mixed in with dozens of other patrons. His eyes were wide in surprise, which quickly changed to a look of worry. Unfortunately, the boy had two left feet and immediatly had trouble trying to match his partner's movements, especially due to how unexpected everything was. Once Solara had finished speaking, he looked down to her. Some parts of her plan made sense, others he wasn't as big a fan of. A look of confusion was present on his face once he spoke to her. "I have so many questions... But first and foremost, I want to make sure that I'm not losing my ship." Their dance started to get less awkward as Conner found his footing. "I can promise you that it's better than whatever you flew in on."

 

[Aly Cat]

"I don't want your ship," Solara replied, having to raise her voice a bit to be heard over the music. "I have my own, we just need to stay under the radar as much as possible!" The woman snuck a glance atnthe bounty hunter, debating whether or not he'd notice them leaving. She decided to give it another moment, and then leave. "Sorry to pull you into this, but I'm one of the Resistance's head strategists. They barely let me go on thisission, I really can't risk anything." Pulling away finally, she crouched down and hunched her shoulders, navigating through the crowds. The flashing lights made her cat-like eyes glow.

 

[Redwing]

A sense of relief came over Conner when he was allowed to keep his ship. It was old, but with the upgrades and tuning he did on a regular basis, it could still keep up with the newest models on the market. It had been his father's before, and now that he was missing, Conner took ownership. As memories of piloting the ship trickled into his thoughts, Solara left before Conner could get a word in. A small smirk came to his lips as he watched her duck into the crowd. It was amusing, in a way. She was very mission-oriented, and he could appreciate that. He waited a few moments before moving towards the side exit. He arrived without any complications and slipped out of the nightclub, finding his way towards the public hangar to meet up with his new partners.