Essar lead them over a ridge where they could see the base sprawled out before them. "Okay, looks like the barracks are right there," He said, pointing, "That's probably the main mine, and that's probably the refinery." He squinted at the citadel looming at the far side of the base. "That's probably where the bucket heads are shacked up and where communication is."
Winter just smiled. She felt comfortable. Sure, it was a lot warmer than Hoth, but it still felt good to relish in the cool. She looked up into space. Sure, she had to be crazy. Or, at least had a death wish. She loved being curious. And, she loved what her feelings told her. "Hey, Shiloh, I think you'll find something interesting on this asteroid. I think all of us will. It's out of the way, and secluded. What mysteries lurk in the shadow of this thing?" Winter looked at Essar and stated, "We need someone to do some recon. I vote Shiloh. Let her do recon, and then we will know what we are up against."
"Whatever lurks, let's hope it doesn't have sharp teeth or worse." Essar muttered. He pulled out a pair of macronoculars and zoned in. "Looks like they're mining some kind of alloy possibly."
Shiloh looked at Winter warily, giving her a 'What are you talking about?' kind of look. "I can go checkthe barracks," she suggested hopefully.
"Maybe, but not quite yet. I want to see what else there is." Essar scanned the base. "They're definitely harboring slaves though. I'm seeing quite the toss up of races."
Winter smiled. She looked at Shiloh, and gave her the I have this weird feeling… look. Winter looked at Essar. "The barracks aren't too far away. I think Shiloh has a shot to go check them out without being noticed…"
Shiloh didn't know why he heart rate suddenly picked up. She just… had to go. "Let me go check the barracks," she repeated.
Winter looked hopeful. "See any people that look like Hothians?" She seriously doubted that anyone had survived the attacks. As far as she knew, Hoth only had 2 clans. And they were both wiped out…
"Yeah, maybe Winter." He murmued distractedly. He frowned. "Huh." He muttered. They've got a research unit on the far side of the base too. Wonder what they're doing." He turned to the others. "Okay, I think the best plan would be for Shiloh to scout out the barracks. I think I might've seen some Bothans and Wookies, but I can't be sure. Elias, Winter, you and I will go sneak to the far edge. I want to see if we can get a look at what they're doing in the research unit."
Winter snickered. "Uhhh, Essar? We left Elias on the ship. But, I agree we should go check out the research unit. And, go Shiloh, go!"
(I actually forgot .-.)
"Oh, right." Essar muttered.
(Lol, it was incorporated in. Works though… :-) )
Winter mumbled seemingly to herself. "I wonder what is so secretive, that they had to hide it out here…"
Shiloh was already off. She entered the barracks unnoticed. There was no security. This made her stomach flip. Clearly if they were to fall under siege, the slaves would be the first to die. She crept around. It was mostly empty. Then, she saw her. Another Twi'lek girl huddled in the far corner. She looked about late teens, and she had a scar running down her cheek. Shiloh's heart nearly stopped.
"Not sure." Essar muttered, trekking to the other side of the base. He peered down at the research unit.
Winter got up onto her knees to watch Shiloh go into the barracks. When she made it, Winter relaxed, and motioned to Essar, getting his attention.
"What?" He asked.
(I gtg dammit)
She had a crazy thought. "Essar, what if they aren't mining ore at all? What if they are maybe mining, ummm… let's see, Kyber? That would literally explain everything. Why it's so secretive, why it's cool, and why there is a research unit here on this asteroid."
(Bye Lavender!)
"K-Kula?"
The Twi'lek looked up. Her eyes grew wide with shock and joy. "Shiloh?" Suddenly, Kula's eyes melted into fear. "Shiloh, look-" A quick, fast pain spread through Shiloh's body. She managed to turn on her com link and scream before someone tightened a collar around her neck.
(Ah, gtg, tomorrow people!)
(Okay, bye!)
Winter was on the ridge. Her com link suddenly crackled to life, and she heard a short, shrill scream pierce the air, and as suddenly as it had started, it stopped. Winter looked down at the com link, and looked up at Essar with terror in her eyes. Winter panted, "No…no…Shiloh!" And, with that, Winter tore across the ridge, heading back to the barracks, not caring who imperial wise, saw her. She only hoped that Essar followed suit, and was now running behind her. All that went through Winter's head was how she was going to get her friend back from the clutches of the Empire…
(Anyone here?)
(Yup!)