The Massacre on Lok

Opting for the path of most resistance, there was plenty of mayhem and death

*All set to lay claim to free Imperial property, our heroes make their way to the planet Lok. As Genos trades insults with a Trandoshan, Blaine scares some bird people away, and Bota tries to recruit a down on his luck bounty hunter to the only game in town: his guild. Droo rescues yet another wayward droid, and Katira accidentally rescues a Twi’lek from despair by getting her to risk it all in a game of chance with a drunken dwarf.*

*With the bar closing, the group is offered the chance of legitimacy with the now dominant political presence on the planet: the pirate Nym. If they can save his daughter (again), he will allow them to begin mining operations. In an adventure to rescue a not quite damsel in very real distress, they head underground. Katira doesn’t quite manage to kill a droid, Droo doesn’t quite manage to kill anything, and Genos straight murders a room full of stormtroopers and their boss.*

## **Previously**

*Trapped onboard the Imperial Star Destroyer **Chimera** the group was outmaneuvered by Grand Admiral Thrawn. Forced to turn over all intelligence that they had been working so hard to obtain, they were given their freedom and the rights to all Doonium mining operations on the planet Lok in exchange for their silence.*

*As ceremonies are held welcoming the newly freed planet of Ibis into the New Republic, the group is briefly introduced to the new liaison to the New Republic Bounty Hunters’ Guild, New Alderaanian Senator Cal Omas. In recognition for the recent change in his duties, Bota Zi is awarded the position of New Republic Ambassador with Droo Vos, Katira Eve, and Tek Krodak as his official aides. As Ibis formally accepts a position in the New Republic, the rights to the Star Destroyer Redcrest (now named the Ibissian Ornament) is granted as a forward operating base and home to the Green Company Naval Academy in exchange for the carbonate frozen body of Nago the Calculating.*

*Returning to Cloud City, the smuggler Talon Kaarde mediates the exchange with representatives of the Grand Admiral. Everything goes perfectly - aside from a brief assault on Tek Krodak by Karrde's Vornskr pets - and the group is left to come to terms with the new state of galactic affairs. With the Empire in full retreat, everything seems perfect until a brief video file is transmitted to Tek showing a shadowy meeting from the scout droid he thought lost forever on Montross’ ship. Before anything can be made out however, the droid is eliminated, leaving a sinking feeling as the faces of Tyber Zahn and Montross can be seen discussing… what?*

## **Recap**

### **Heroes Against the 9th Fleet: Patrons of the Arts**

The group agrees to look into the mining claims that they have won in exchange for all their efforts against Thrawn, and arrives on the planet Lok after having agreed to a meeting with the de facto planetary leader Nym. Entering the pirate’s stronghold, they are greeted by a Bith, Tigrin who shows everyone their rooms for the evening and informs them that Nym will be arriving in approximately 8 hours following a personal engagement. As he departs, he states the rules of Nym’s establishment:

1. No Blasters
2. No Grenades
3. No Thermal Detonators
4. No Spice
5. NO BLASTERS!

Accustomed to seedy underworld locations much like this, Genos focuses in the force to sense any nearby danger, and notices two Gotal watching the group enter. Avoiding any unnecessary conflict, he approaches a Trandoshan bounty hunter nearby for a conversation. The Trandoshan is not interested in a drinking partner and is quite short with the Jedi. Insults fly before Genos decides to walk away.

Seeing the opportunity to converse with a fellow bounty hunter, Bota approaches a nearby human. A little off his game, Bota’s introduction comes off a bit rusty but is enough to learn that the hunter is from Clan Undulo. As many of the former proud bounty hunter guilds and clans have fallen on hard times with the rise of the New Republic and the New Republic Bounty Hunters' Guild, Bota offers the hunter his own information with an invitation to apply with the Guild.

The current musical performance comes to an end, and an announcement goes out: “…and that was Hearum Calea. Next up we have… this droid…”. As the monotone sounds of a protocol droid begin to clash with the music playing in the background, Katira recognizes a “finder”/gambler/drug addict that she knows from her time in slavery on Lot. Knowing his penchant for excessive amounts of alcohol, she buys five drinks at the bar and heads over to say hello to Hecketh Raynwor. The dwarf of a man is raging drunk already, and doesn’t even recognize Katira when she first approaches. He asks if she would like to play his game, a mostly downhill lottery that includes prizes such as indentured servitude to Hecketh, a free transport class starship, and the loss of any possessions that one has with them at the moment.

The increased sound of booing begins to drown out the music, and the droid is forcibly removed from the stage as an Aqualish takes his place performing, and Katira manages to jog Hecketh’s memory enough to establish some form of trust. Through repeated attempts to get her to exchange credits for the chance at becoming a slave for the highest bidder again, Hecketh informs Katira that the Trandoshan who spoke with Genos is here under orders from Nym himself and likely destined for pay for his less than desirable actions with his life, and that there are two other guests from their yet non present host in the bar. Having heard enough, Katira tells Hecketh they can talk more when he sobers up and walks away.

As Katira is conversing with the inebriated dwarf, Droo is somehow consumed by pity for the poor droid that was tossed off the stage. Dragging Blaine and Tal along with her, she approaches the protocol unit to console him. After greeting the odd trio that approached him, the droid states that his designation is R1-N60 - or Ringo for short - and he has always had a desire to be a musician. Droo immediately feels even worse for the pitiful machine, and has Blaine place an immediate order for an auto-tune module to be installed on R1-N60 to help him accomplish his dream. Unexpectedly, this act binds R1-N60 to the Nautolan. His circuits overwhelmed with appreciation for such a kind act, R1-N60 begins to follow Droo everywhere she goes.

Just as everything begins to wind down for the night Katira approaches Hearum Calea, the Twi’lek performer. Not having a strong opinion one way or another about the girl and her desperate situation - having extricated herself from much worse - Katira tells the Twi’lek she should take a shot at Heckum’s game, offering to pay for several tickets herself. Though a little unsure of the proposition, Calea decides to try after a little convincing. As the rest of the group watches in stunned silence - amazed that Katira would risk a strangers future - their apprehension turns to ecstatic applause when Hecketh draws winner after winner. The final prize is a ticket off planet to any destination. Congratulating the girl, Katira tells her she should request a trip to Cloud City on Bespin and look up Jim Scrimshaw, even offering to pay for a short stay there.

After a more or less restful night, the group is escorted to Nym the following day to discuss their recent claim to mining facilities on the planet. It is here that they are informed that the Empire has not completely departed from Lok, with a single base still being manned by one Imperial General Otto and his garrison. Unfortunately, the situation is complicated by the fact that Lsa Nym recently ignored her father’s pleas to keep away from the Empire after her recent return. She is already on her way to attack the compound alone. Having spent the better part of his life on the planet attempting to remove the Empire from it, he doesn’t want to lose his only child with victory in sight. He is willing to assist the group in establishing operations on Lok so long as they will remove the Imperial garrison, save his daughter, and provide work and payment to his people after the operation is complete. The agreement is reached readily, and an infiltration point is set.

Until recently, the Corvu on Lok had not interacted with other populations on the planet. This changed when Nym took the initiative and extended an invitation to them. Soon they established amicable relations, and eventually began trading intelligence. Most notably that the Corvu had tunneled into an underground portion of the Empire’s base. Acting as the initial strike force, the group plans to access the base through these tunnels and disable the shield generator. With the shields offline, Nym’s armada will be able to mount an assault. Blaine agrees to stick behind and join in Nym’s assault, hoping to get in some more memories onboard the *Jinxed Starhawk*. Making their way to the tunnel entry point, the group is given one final warning by Tigrin:

> "*The Corveans are an interesting race… They mainly live in burrows and tunnels and don’t mix with other races. They’re generally not hostile though. More… protective. You may want to be on the look out for traps.*"
> ― Tigrin
>
>

### **Through Corvu Caverns**

Entering the tunnels, the smell given off by the brackish, dirty water is the first thing noticed by everyone as they cover their faces. Straining for any sign of the Imperial base, Katira manages to hear the familiar amplified sound of stormtroopers overhead. As they continue down the pathway, they come to a split. Though Nym told the group to keep straight, Katira points out that there are heavy claw marks coming from the left and heading that way. Bota decides to try out his newly upgraded eye, and is able to detect residual heat that confirms something big went that way. Not to be outdone, Genos tells everyone that he senses life forms down both pathways. Taking off down the left tunnel, he finds a deep hole dug into the ground that is emanating light.

> "*Yeh… I don’t think you need to use the “force” to know that there are probably life forms down both tunnels. We already told you as much…*"
> ― Katira
>
>

Peeking over the side of the hole, Katira notices several cages and what appear to be evidence of a missing cage that was hauled out, presumably the one that caused the drag marks in the tunnel. Jumping into the hole, Bota takes a look around and comments that it appears the cages held creatures for the Imperials, but they have all been emptied. With an access to the base found, Genos jumps down and cuts open the cell to enter.

Up above, Katira and Droo argue over whether R1-N60 - who has not stopped following Droo - should be brought down with the group, and if so how to do it. Katira proposes they just shove him down and hope that he isn’t damaged, though she wouldn’t mind watching him break to pieces. Droo states that there is no way she can let Katira do that, wondering aloud whether the Zeltron has any love for others. Finally, they agree that the best method would be to let Droo jump down first and have Katira shove the droid down to her waiting arms. Looking to move along safely, Genos steps in to help. Reaching out toward them, he uses the force to guide R1-N60 and Droo down safely. Rolling her eyes, Katira jumps down with her rocket boots and chastises him for ruining her fun.

Glad to be undamaged, R1-N60 approaches a nearby scomplink and slices into the base. He states that the animals kept in the cages are exotic creatures kept by the Imperial commander Otto. The missing creature appears to be a dangerous one, designated with a murder rating of 3. Continuing to look for data, R1-N60 states that it appears that Lsa Nym is being held in the main bunker with General Otto. With this intelligence, he brings up a layout of the base for review by the team. After debating all possible routes, they agree to use the main access corridor. Though it is the shortest route it is also guaranteed to be patrolled heavily, but is deemed preferable to heading above ground and possibly encountering an imperial walker or moving back through the tunnels and having to negotiate the murder monster.

### **Just Point and Shoot**

Access to the corridor goes smoothly, but as soon as the doors open the group is spotted by the nearly 20 troopers and officers manning the passage. Katira immediately fires off 2 shots as she dives for cover, incapacitating one trooper and wounding another. Bota isn’t far behind, firing up his jet pack and killing two more troopers. Droo manages a single missed shot as she hurries to cover with Katira, and both watch Genos leap into the catwalk where he slices through one stormtrooper and propels another over the edge. The soldier lands with a sickening thud on the corridor below and is carried down the hall by the moving pathway toward his comrades. A mess of blaster fire is sent toward the team, but nothing manages to harm them.

As the stormtroopers begin to take up tactical positions, Katira asks Droo if she ever plans to actually kill anyone. She points to the wounded stormtrooper lying nearby in hopes that her friend can finish the job. Droo nods hesitantly, aims, and pulls the trigger. As Katira looks on, a faint click can be heard. Droo nervously opens her eyes, realizing that she is out of ammunition.

Not looking back, Bota launches up to the catwalk across from Genos to take up a better vantage point. He fires 4 shots, killing two troopers and wounding a third. Across from him, Genos is in his element. Throwing his lightsaber, the Jedi Knight uses the force to guide it through the two remaining troopers on the catwalk and return it to his outstretched hand. Still at the entrance to the corridor, an exasperated Katira fires a shot to wound one enemy. She then walks up to the stunned trooper in front of Droo and slams her power glove straight into his face at full charge. A satisfying crunch can be heard, and blood pours down from under the helmet.

> "*You have GOT to be kidding me… Alright, I guess I’ll take care of it*"
> ― Katira to Droo
>
>

As the remainder of their opponents can tell they are being overrun quickly, they fall back and attempt to regroup. A single blaster bolt is fired at Genos, but the Jedi easily deflects it back to its source, stunning the soldier.

Seeing the hallway mostly cleared out, Katira fires 3 shots off as she moves up. As she gains cover, two more bodies fall lifeless to the ground. Bota then rockets toward the end of the catwalk and holds position, and Droo fires a single missed shot but is able to watch as Genos throws two lightsabers forward. A cyclic hum echos down the corridor, and more shouts are followed by the noise of three more bodies crumpling to the ground. Completely outmatched, all Imperials retreat into the command room.

### **Change of Command**

As everyone follows Genos into the room, a hostage situation presents itself. Obviously stolen artwork lines the walls, barely drawing attention from the caged creatures placed in front of them. A large contingent of soldiers stands by, obviously nervous and concerned as their focus is locked on the glowing blade held by the robed figure walking almost casually in front of an apparently skilled mercenary squad. Standing at the far end of the room, a portly human male is holding a blaster to the head of an incensed Feorian. Medals jingle on the front of his strained uniform as he forces her to hold steady and mutters threats in her ear through an ostentatious mustache.

A moment of silence is quickly broken by the general. He offers a conditional surrender: the girl and the base will be given in exchange for a full evacuation of Imperial personnel and their belongings, including all artwork, exotic creatures, and equipment. But Genos is hardly paying the General any attention at all. Instead he asks who the second in command of the base is. When an officer steps forward, Genos asks if he will proffer an unconditional surrender. Otto can be heard shouting that he’s in charge as the officer shakily nods his head. Almost looking *through* at the general, Genos launches his yellow blade across the room.

> "*No dice*"
> ― Genos
>
>

Relieved of his command, Otto’s body drops unceremoniously to the ground. The room is then filled with the clatter of blasters falling to the ground as all remaining Imperials surrender.

## **Featured Characters**

### **Our Heroes**

* Blaine Hansom
* Bota Zi
* Droo Vos
* Katira Eve
* Genos Ia'danian

### **NPCs**

* Nym
* Hecketh Raynwor
* Hearum Calea
* R1-N60
* Dran Zezzik
* Tigrin
* Lsa Nym

### **Mentioned**

* Talcoborro
* Thrawn

## **Inventory**

* -15cr for drinks (Katira)
* +20 Doonium Mines on Lok (group)
* +Otto’s exotic creatures (group)
* +Otto’s stolen art trove (group)
* +AT-AT (group)
* +Operational Shield Generator (group)
* +Military Compound on Lok (group)

## **Notes**

* Tek Krodak was not present, as Ilya was needed at the birth of his child!