"Oh, please, don't. I'll pay for your stay if anything. Although my paycheck may get cut for doing this... OK, I'll take the offer. I owe you one though. This won't go unforgotten."

Just then, both the Sable Dove and the Savrip Striker land. Wra'fo gets out of the Dove with R9 at his side, "Gunny. Glad I caught you. Jan will get suspicious, so I told her I was going to AJ's in the Sable Dove. She'll know I followed you when she asks AJ for me to return..."

"She can't. You're not in the NRI... yet."

"Soon I will be. This'll look bad on my application you know."

"Yeah it will. Forget it, it's for a good cause."

The three enter the hotel. Wra'fo produces some credits, "Where is the bar. I am getting myself a Rodian Gin..."

"No you're not. Get nothing stronger than a Juri Juice."

"Right." Wra'fo leaves.

"So, let's check in." Katarn07 says to Zofire.

Zofire looks at the screen that shows all available rooms. "We will have rooms adjacent to each other." she says to Katarn07.

"Can we please have rooms 3-01 and 3-02." Zofire says to the Robot on the other side of the counter.

The Robot replies, "Definately, 2000 credits please."

"Here." Zofire hands the credits to the robot. The robot then turns around to pick up the card keys and gives the card keys to Zofire. Zofire then hands Katarn07 a room key. "I'll see you tomorrow Gunny. Come on R9." Zofire then heads to the elevator.

Katarn07 depostits what credits he has for the hangar for his ships, checks on Wra'fo at the bar, and then goes to his room.

As Zofire takes the elevator to the 3rd floor, she commlinks Katarn07 and says, "Gunny,if anything comes up, let me know through commlink. Zofire out."

The elevator stop on the 3rd floor and Zofire walks out with R9. She then goes in front of a door that says Room 3-01. Taking out the card key, Zofire slides the card on the door and opens the door. "Nice toom, isn't it R9?" she asks R9.

R9 beeps and whistles in response.

Zofire then takes of her armor and goes to the bed. "Goodnight R9."

R9 whistles and then Zofire turns off the lights.

Katarn07 enters the room a few minutes after Zofire arrived to hers. He entered and went to the recliner which a small radio was next to on a table top. He switched on some Jizz music and took out his Personal Data Assistant (PDA).

He began reviewing the map of the casino while the song, Drive Me Mad, played on the radio. He got no further in his reading when the song ended and the announcer spoke, "That was Drive Me Mad, by the Modal Nodes. Great group. Figrin Dan and the gang will be visiting here on Coruscant tommorrow for a man by the name of Teraytiro Rodiar..."

Katarn07 turned up the volume and contacted R9, "Hey, record this for Zo."

The announcer went on and on as to how Bantha Oasis was going to hook up with another club called Burgandy Moon, whom Teraytiro was owner of. Katarn07 got all the info. This would help reduce Jokemaster's and Zofire's undercover investigation. It appeares Teraytiro is going to use the gambling profits for himself to fund for whatever smuggling job Teraytiro plans to do.

He took his comlink and radioed Jan, Jokemaster, and Wra'fo with the recorded message and asks them to meet him in the bar, each alone without any NRI agents. He then went to Zofire's room, "R9, wake her up and you two can meet me and Wra'fo, Jan, and Jokemaster in the bar."

R9 beeps and whistles is response to Katarn07. Then after Katarn07 left Zofire's room, R9 approahes Zofire and a little mechanical hand comes out of R9.

R9 shakes Zofire gently.

Zofire wakes up yawning and says, "What is the matter R9?"

Zofire then turns on her commlink and says, "Gunny, come in Gunny."

"Head down to the bar with R9. He has a bit of info in his memory bank you'd might be interested in... I contacted Jokemaster and Jan to get over here, Wra'fo and I are already waiting. So move fast."

*gets message from Mon Mothma about Zofire's actions*
Jokemaster: why am I not suprised
*finds some info on what Teraytiro may be smuggling and just before getting message he sets up a meeting in 2 hours with a conman*
Jokemaster: On my way
*secretly sneaks out into the streets and heads to Gunny's and Zofire's direction*

After Zofire getsthe message from Katarn07, she head down to the bar with R9.

"So what is the news?" Zofire asks to Katarn07 and Wra'fo.

*arrives at bar*
Jokemaster: got anything?

"R9?"

R9 plays back the recording and the 4 sit down in a booth together.

Katarn07 speaks first, "Jan's not coming. She said it could mean more than a demotion if she was caught. So, I will have R9 record this and send it to her. I know this is good, and it will prove useful in the trial the NRI will have for Zo..."

Katarn07 looks around, "So, Jokemaster. You said you were going to dig around for a bit more. Find anything?"

"Yeah, the guys who own the Bantha Oasis seem to be drug makers. Some guy told me the joining deal is just a cover. I got a meeting with him in 2 hours."

"Deathsticks? Some illicit spice? I don't know; drugs are big all over the galaxy, but deathsticks have been for decades now the biggest craze here in the lower levels of Coruscant. Teraytiro could make big if he got at least 10% of Bantha Oasis's profits... And with wealth comes power. He may gain the upper hand in his war with the New Republic. That is almost enough to contact New Republic forces, but all we need is some proof. Now we know what to look for, you two."

Katarn07 leans back, "OK. What kinda guy is this contact? Wra'fo's brother can shed some light on this. Maybe he knows where they store the drugs..."

Katarn07 turns to his Rodian friend, "I dunno, Gunny. I can ask."

Wra'fo leaves. Katarn07 looks to Zofire, "Well, if this goes off correctly, the NRI will be looking at you as a hero, not a criminal. I wish they could see that now."

"Hmm, interesting. So this Teraytiro is hooking up business with another person and is also smuggling." Zofire responds.

"I'm bringing the blaster-cam with me to the meeting so you guys can see it."
*gives Katarn and Zofire the screens*

"Thanks Jokemaster." Zofire says as she grabs the screen. "If you want me to go with you, let me know. I'll wait outside while you have the meeting with this guy."

"Don't get to close, Zo. Be careful you two. I'm gonna try to see if Wra'fo can get the info from his brother."

Katarn07 leaves to his room where Wra'fo is on the computer with a glass of Corellian Ale in his hand. Katarn07 snatches it away, "Hey, come on Wra'fo. Booze won't make your pain and failure go away!"

The Rodian recoils, then slumps in the chair, "Yeah, I know... I got my brother online. He is getting me the address to the data bank of Bantha Oasis. They'll have detailed interiors and the drug loaction. Your friends can snoop around there between gambling."

"Right, I'll tell them."

Katarn07 returns to the bar and tells the news and shows the map he has on his PDA, "This'll help your mission. Teraytiro will be onto you two after awhile, so we need all the inside info we can get..."

"R9, scan the map and give me new info on Teraytiro." Zofire says to R9. R9 scans the map that Katarn07 has. Then a slot opens from R9 and a datapad comes out.

Zofire grabs the datapad, "Thanks R9."

Zofire then takes off her armor. "They will get very suspicous if I go over there with this on."

"I'll inform you of the situation Gunny on commlink." She tells Gunny.

"We should head over there by taxi." Zofire tells Jokemaster.

"You'd better wait on going there. The VIP Wra'fo's brother got you 2 pass wil grant you more access and it is dated for tomorrow."

Katarn07 looks around the bar and sees a group of Rodians walk in, with a single Weequay and Trandoshan with them.

Katarn sat down and blocked Zofire from their site, "Don't look. Looks like Teraytiro's goons have arrived. They must have IDed the Savrip Striker when we were fighting those Z-95s earlier. Looks like Guro's brother is with them with a trandoshan friend. Not sure who it is... Stay cool. They'll leave soon."

"Hmm, Good thing I took off this armor." she whispers to Katarn07.

The Trandoshan motions to the outside and two female Twi'lek bounty hunters steps in the bar. They stop next to the entrance and look around. The Trandoshan say to his group,"Do you see that Mandalorian anywhere?"

"Sithspit," Katarn07 whispers. He looks up to Wra'fo who is just enters the bar. He sees Katarn07 and the group, and through the use of eye signals, he understands what he must do. He walks up to the bartender, "Yeah, yeah. I've been on her trail for a day now. I know she was in here, but she left. Any idea where she would have gone?"

The bartender furrows his brow. Wra'fo slips the guy a 100 credits, "Any idea at all?"

"Yeah. She was going to leave her ship here to throw you off. She went to a place far below, in the underlevels."

"Thanks." Wra'fo leaves and draws the group out.

Katarn07 nods to the bartender, "Thanks alot man. Zo, we gotta get outta here. The NRI is the safest place to go. But you'll have to stay in a cell for the mission. Do you know of anywhere you can go? I'll take Slave II to NRI HQ first, and then we along with Jokemaster and Wra'fo can hide for a bit longer until the mission's start."

Zofire look at the entrance, "I don't want to spend the night in a cell. I'll probably go to one of my fellow bounty hunters. Her name is Kostar Moonknight. Her place isn't that far from here. I'll take a taxi over there."

Dante, a human dressed in lose, dark clothing, walks by the group.

"I couldn't help but overhear part of your conversation. I'd watch where you go outside, those guys arn't alone...and they arn't just looking for you...but something. We'll run into eachother later, I can promise you that."

Dante continues walking and dissappears into the back of the bar.

"I'm gonna try to convince Mothma to let you go, it all depends on that rodian's survival"

Zofire remains silent for a second and asks both Katarn07 and Jokemaster, "You think that person is telling us the truth?"

Zofire then starts to look around to see if she can spot Dante again.

She then says to Jokemaster, "I don't know if Mon Mothma is going to let me go. But you can still try and see if she does let me go."

"Mon Mothma will not be convinced until you get the evidence of the drugs from your investigation. Seh suspended Kyle Katarn several times for his ruthless runs and guns way of dealing with his assignments, and he's the best guy the NRI's got!"

Katarn07 looks to the back of the bar to spot Dante. He doesn't see him, "And that guy didn't help us out much either. Now that Goru's brother is involved, I am as deep in this mess as you are... And I wonder what that something is. Jokemaster will meet his contact soon, so Zofire and I better get outta here. Your friend's help could be useful, but they'd search her joint for you. I think our best choice is to fly around. I'll drop Slave II of at the NRI HQ, you and take Sable Dove and then Wra'fo and I'll take Savrip Strike. Your friend can meet us at the Batha Oasis. She can help us out there."

"Ok." Zofire replies. "I'll contact Kostar Moonknight as soon as we are in the air. Then we will come up with a plan when we meet up with her."

"Right."

Katarn07, Zofire, R9, and Jokemaster leave. Wra'fo meets up with them, "I thought I'd never shake those goons. Hurry up your plan."

Katarn07 explains their plan, "Sounds a bit weak. I'll take Slave II back, Gunny. You 4 get airborne. Those bounty hunters will be back soon."

Wra'fo takes Slave II back to NRI HQ to hide it.

Katarn07 climbs aboard the Savrip Striker with K\Jokemaster. R9 and Zofire are left with the Sable Dove.

Zofire and R9 aboard the Sable Dove and contacts Kostar Moonknight, "Hey Kostar, how are you?"

Kostar replies, "Good and you?"

"Not so good, I'm in a predicament with the NRI and also Terayitiro gang."

Zofire continues, "I'll tell you everything when I see you. I'm going to pick you up. I'll contact you when I'm near you."

"Ok" Kostar says. "See you later. Bye."

"Bye."

Zofire heads to Kostar's place and contacts her. Kostar then comes out and boards the Sable Dove.

"Where is your ship Zofire?" Kostar asks.

"It is at the NRI headquarters." Zofire says.

Zofire then tells Kostar the whole story on Teraytiro.

"We gotta find out what exactly is happening over at Batha Oasis. Most likely, nothing good. Jokemaster, a fellow companion, is going to meet up with someone that will give him inside info on Teraytiro."

Zofire then contacts Jokemaster and Katarn07, "I have Kostar with me. Tell me the situation over there."

"I've just dropped Jokemaster off. Wra'fo has contacted me. He has managed to get your ship back without being caught. It will be impounded, but will be safe from Teraytiro, and they can't track you. I'm on my way to pick up Teraytiro. Meet me at these coordinates."

Katarn07 sends an encrypted code to Sable Dove with the info of their meeting spot. "Bring your friend Kostar with you. She might have of great use in the operation. She may know the rivaling hunters of this planet... And know what else Goru's brother was looking."

Katarn07 notices a transmission coming through...

"Sincere apologies for my quick exit at the bar, had some "business" to take care of. I wish to meet with you soon. I'll contact you later for the location, but for now, keep this encrypted code safe."

An encrypted code is sent in the transmission.

*arrives at alleyway where meeting is*
Contact: You're early
Jokemaster: Would you rather i be late?
Contact: no, when you can get me out?
Jokemaster: as soon as you can give me the info
Contact: The Bantha Oasis is just a cover for a drug making operation.
Jokemaster: we know that. We need some info on the supposed new drug
Contact: It's supposed to do something with mind control. Blocks off memories for temporary amnesia.
Jokemaster: why would that make money?
Contact: Why should it?
Jokemaster: I thought Teraytiro was only intrested in money
Contact: He wants power now. When he heard about the drug he went
* a shot rings out, passing between the two and burning a hole on the near by wall*
Jokemaster: oh crap. *pulls contact with him while running and taking out comlink* GUNNY, WE NEED A PICKUP
*a shot barely misses them from behind*
Jokemaster: NOW

Katarn07 was no further in reading the message from the mysterious man at the bar when he got Jokemaster's message.

"On my way. Zofire, stay on course. I may be a little late..."

Katarn07 takes the Savrip Strike to Jokemaster's dropzone area. Katarn07 turns to Wra'fo, "Man the turret. Jokemaster is under attack. We need that contact alive. Open fire on my mark..."

Wra'fo complies as Katarn07 scans the area with his monitors and his honed sense of site through the Force. he spots Jokemaster running through one of the streets ans sees a small group after him and his contact. They are Rodian; Teraytiros goons to silence the contact.

"Alright, Wra'fo. Now!"

Wra'fo squeezes the trigger to the quad gun and watches the group split up and take cover.

"Jokemaster, keep going. I am going to hover over your position."

Katarn07 takes the Savrip Strike down, only a few yards over the ground. "Lowering the loading ramp now..."

The ramp lowers. Katarn07 tilts his ship so that the ramp touches the ground allowing Jokemaster and his contact to run up easily. "Hurry up!"

*pushes the contact onto the ramp, turns around fires a few shots at the rodians and scrables up the ramp*

"He's in!" Wra'fo shouts.

Katarn07 pulls out as the Rodian mob reassembles below and aims their fire on his ship.

"Buckle up..." Katarn07 cuts through traffic lanes and up to the upper levels of the planet to escape.

Katarn07 contacts Zofire, "Check this out. Make anything of it?"

He sends her the transmission Dante had sent him.

Jokemaster: Teraytiro's making a power play

Zofire recieves the transmission from Katarn07. Zofire contacts Katarn07 on commlink and says, "Hmm. Interesting. I'll check out the encrypted code. If I can not figure it out, I'll let me ask Kostar if she seen a code like this."

Kostar then says, "I have seen these two Twi'lek before. I had a few conflicts with them from my previous missions. They were probably hired by Teraytiro to make sure we don't follow him. I'm not sure why Goru's brother was looking for though. As for this encrypted code, I can not get through it. Zofire is trying to crack the code. We'll let you know when something comes up."

As soon as Kostar finished talking to Katarn07 and the others, the Savrip Strike picks up a small ship tailing them. Soon after, the ship rocks from blasts that were nearly missed upon hitting the ship.

"Spast! Jan just put this thing back together and already Teraytiro's men are taking it apart! That contact of Jokemaster's must be hotter than we thought..."

Katarn07 opens a safe transmission to his other ship Zofire, R9, and Kostar are in, "Goru's brother is after me, no doubt. News of his death must have spread... Hey you two, I'm gonna be late again. Some goon is chasing me. I'd best settle this fast before New Republic forces spot me and arrest me for assisting you..."

Wra'fo mans the turret again and aims the quad cannon at the pursuing force. He lets out several vollies, hitting the ship in several, non-vital areas leaving black carbon scorings on the sides of it. Wra'fo shkaes his head, "Nope. No good. His evasive tactics are too good."

Katarn07 turns to Jokemaster, "Jokemaster, get what ever else you can outta your contact so we can arrive at the meeting place with some more info..."

Katarn07 pulls up and over the high skyscrapers, leaving all innocents out of his battle. "Son of a Gundark, this guy is really good..."

Wra'fo lets out another series of blasts, this time they scored some of the laser cannons, "He's weaponless! But e'd best take him out before he tells any buddies of our location..."

Katarn07 nods, "Do it."

Wra'fo squeezes the trigger.

The blasts hit the ship and it goes down and crashes in a junkyard.

Soon after Zofire contacts Katarn07. "Gunny, is everything ok? I thought I heard some blasts."

"Umm. No problem. I'll explain when I get to the rendevous. I'm anxious to here what that guy from the bar has to say. Can R9 make anything of it? All my NRI scanners crash everytime they try to make something of it..."

"Sure. No problem." Zofire says to Katarn07.

"R9. Download this encrypted code and see what you can come up with."

R9 beeps and whistles. R9 then hooks up with the ship's computer.

Kostar contacts Katarn07, "Where are we going to meet this guy that was at the bar?"

"I don't know. He said he'd contact me again. We'll meet at the rendevous. After we get there, he will probably get more info. We are going on that assault tomorrow afterall. Hey, do you think that goon tracking me was one of those Twi'leks? Or would that be to reckless and bold of an action for such experienced hunters to even think about attempting?"

Kostar replies, "Most likely it wasn't probably one of those bounty hunters. I bet they came up with the plan to try to eliminate you by sending Teraytiro's forces after you. See what else Jokemaster's contact knows. Contact us if anything comes up."

Zofire says to Kostar, "This code seems harder to crack then I thought. R9 is trying it's best."

"Right. Well, they're taken care of. Jokemaster is doing his best. I'm almost there. How far away are you? I'm no more than 10,000 klics away."

Kostar replies, "We are about 17,000 klics away. We are futher up in the air than you guys."

"Alright."

A transmission comes to Sable Dove from NRI requiring a password to access it. It is encrypted several times and addressed as follows:

Gunny, some info you might be interested in... --- Jan

Zofire, waiting patiently to see if R9 cracks the code, contacts Katarn07, "R9 is still trying to crack this code. Whoever encrypted this code did a really good job."

"Hmmm. That's odd. Are there any new messages for me there? My list of messages on the Sable Dove appears to have more than what you last had. Another message from the guy from the bar maybe?"

Kostar responds, "If you want, I could send you all your messages. I don't want to intrude on your stuff." Kostar laughs and then sends Katarn07 his messages. Maybe this guy knows something about this code."

Katarn07 enters the encryption codes he and Jan used and opens the message.

It reads:

Hey Gunny,

Mon Mothma has got me working on the assignment now that you are gone. So you know what that means. Yep, I'll be working with you and Zofire. I will come in the Ravens Claw to your location. Which is where? Also, I heard about the use of your first mind trick. Congratulations. Maybe when Kyle gets outta the infirmary, he can teach you a thing or two with the Force. Hope to see you soon.

Regards, Jan

Katarn07 forwards the unencrypted message to the Sable Dove, "Hey, Zo. Looks like we are gonna get some help on this. Read the message I just sent you."