Atrivis Sector

[GM Craig]

[OOC: If they're going to the Senate, they'll need more than a rebel analyst's projections and an uncorroborated anonymous leak. Nim might be able to corroborate the information through her network.]

[Trax]

"Nim's source has corroborated everything we had," Trax began.

"And we've got a smaller time window now too.  But I'm guessing you're looking for something a little more concrete." he finished, directing that part of what he was saying to the General on the comm.

"Nim, think your network might be able to turn something up in a timely fasion?"

[Nim Naja]

"I sure as frak hope so. But I don't know what we'll churn up all the way out here. I'll need some time... which isn't on our side. I can't research in hyperspace so add at least an hour. Then it takes four hours to get to Mantooine and another 6 to set up a shield once they accept, if they accept. Let's say the fleet is due to arrive in six hours, restock taking an hour minimum, four to arrive if going to Mantooine. That's 11 hours to our unlikely 11."

"Sir, what are your thoughts on that? If we are still here when/if they arrive, I doubt we will make it out without being chased. If we don't leave, any message sent to Mantooine or the other planets will probably fall on deaf ears."

[GM Craig]

General Vernan is quiet a moment. "It seems likely that their target will be Mantooine, but from a reinforcement perspective, Mantooine makes for a soft target. That's likely why the Empire picked it. They are larger, more populated, and harder to defend. Fest lends itself better to digging in and holding on, and we might be able to hold the planet if the Empire turns around and comes back. Focus your efforts own Fest, Agent. Try to warn Mantooine if you can, but there will be little they can do against a battlegroup, and we do not have resources to successfully reinforce them on the timelines you are working under. Consolidate Fest, and work your source. If your source is highly placed enough to give us what they have already, they should be able to give us a good deal more."

[Trax]

“What about the shield?” Trax asked no one in particular.

“Shouldn’t someone at least make an attempt to get it to them?”

[Nim Naja]

Nim stared at the console in dismay. She knew what the General's reply would be. With a heavy heart she asked, "With their permission, do I have yours to install the second shield on Fest."

[GM Craig]

The General ignored Trax.

"So authorized." He pauses. "Vernan out."

The line goes dead.

[OOC: The mispronunciation was intentional on my part, though not the general's. ]

[Trax]

"Alright," Trax began after the line went dead.

Though his facial expression was neutral, from his body language the woman could tell he was surprised the Alliance was willing to let Mantooine get wiped out without even trying to get the shield to them.

"What do you need me to do?" he asked Nim.

[GM Craig]

The tech Nim had been dealing with stands therw looking at Nim as well. "What are your orders, Agent Naja?"

Nim can pick up a certain tension in the analyst, and the stress she places on the word "your" was subtle, but there. She's prepared to follow Nim's orders.

[Nim Naja]

Nim ran an agitated hand through her short hair. She was clearly stressed and frustrated. She turned and looked at the trio before her, including Maris in the back. Her lips tightly formed into a crisp line and her voice was clearly angrily resigned.

“We stay. Inform the Captain we will likely roll out the second shield right after first install.” She slightly nodded to the tech. “Buzz, get Meday on the line.”

“The best I can do for Mantooine is to get the proof the General wants. I’ll need time. Which frees you two to do what you can to unite the other Fest people. Unless you have other ideas.”

Then she suddenly remembered something and cringed. "Oh balls. We left that drunken crowd back there. I had a bad feeling if we leave they might take the party to the streets.. with pitchforks and torches. You might want to check on that and sober them up..."

The woman started patting her jacket pockets. “Need a karkin’ smoke,” she bitterly muttered.

[Trax]

"Or get them so drunk they can't move or they pass out." Trax replied to Nim voicing the likely course of action he'd take over trying so sober the crowd up.

He turned to Maris.

"You going to hang out and watch her back?" he said to the jedi, his words were as much of a question as to her plans as they were a request from him to remain and make sure Nim was protected.

[GM Craig]

Maris nods. "Yeah."

[Trax]

Trax gave Maris a nod of thanks before turning back to Nim.

"Alright, I'll start at the cantina to keep the rowdies under control and go from there.  Any parting advice?"

[Nim Naja]

"Make sure the staff gets paid and tipped. I'll reimburse you. I may be here or with the leaders, if we move I'll let you know. And honestly? You were doing just fine.. better than fine. If anyone can unite and rally the folks of Fest I think it's going to be you."

[Trax]

Trax wasn't quite sure entertaining a bunch of drunk miners was the same as rallying military factions, but maybe...if you got them drunk enough.

"That'll be one hell of a bar tab." Trax quipped before turning to leave the ship.

[OOC: Trax returned the speeder, would he be able to use his jetpack to fly back with minimal difficulty?]