[Day 2 - Mid Afternoon] New Hope, Same Battle

[Soleene Stryss]

With some time to spare in the afternoon, Soleene took to visiting the nearby town. It might have been a bit flattering to call it a town, considering Soleene had seen freighter stops at the edge of the galaxy that had a larger population than new hope. Then again, hope was always a start and perhaps the same could be said here. She wasn't so sure if a place like this could stay staying with the impending Imperial threat, however. It was perhaps good for them that the Enclave was taking much of their attention but what happens to Hope afterwards?

[Claymore Wren]

Clay gazed around for a minute, then said, "I've seen littler settlements, but it was surrounded by lots of sand."

[Soleene Stryss]

Soleene turned to look at Claymore and chuckle with a shrug. "But it's enough to be a settlement, barely. It's a start and a bit quaint, I have to admit. They even have businesses here. It's probably about one blue milk stand to turning into a proper downtown core."

[Claymore Wren]

"Yup, there is a mechanic shop. Maybe one day, I might open my own place, something like this." He said sincerely. He at the forest and thought about the work it would take. "Maybe a little kart track next to it too... Gotta have that." He said with a chuckle.

[Soleene Stryss]

"Like this, sure, but maybe not exactly like this," she said with a slightly hushed tone meant for Claymore. "Let's not forget what exactly brought these people here. Sure, it kind of looks like a frontier town but I think most of these people were brought here because they're running away from the Empire. I don't know if many of them would like to be here, if they could be home."

[Flession]

As you two talk, you see a large man walking around with a cup, looking around the village and talking to a few random citizens.

[Claymore Wren]

Clay looked at Soleene with the hushed tone, "Huh, yeah. If it wasn't for threat of the Empire, there might be more than a few, who would like this existence, though they didn't choose it. It's not for everyone." He focused his googles to a big man a minute.

[Soleene Stryss]

"It does look pretty settled for just a band of refugees, makes me kind of wonder if they were laying their bets here as their new home. It might not be a village but it seems bigger than just a camp? What's going to happen if we're done here and we move on?" She brought up curiously as she followed Claymore's on the main who passed by.

"I'm guessing that's probably the sheriff of this place?" She mused outloud.

[Claymore Wren]

"We may have spotting said sheriff type person." He said to her lighthearted comment. "For three months work, it is coming along quietly. As for what will happen after we move on... They may to better off not having a big target painting on their backs. But, who knows... It might not be us that are making them targets for the Empire."

[Soleene Stryss]

"I expect the Empire to be pretty throughout in what they do but hey, maybe we'll be able to cause enough of a ruckus around here that they'll only focus on us. I guess Mandalore and the rest of us have bumped up pretty high on their threat radar for them to start this campaign. My hope is that we don't do anything more collateral around here, indirectly or not," she gave a glance around the settlement and shook her head. "I guess we can't exactly drag them along with us. It's not quite our job and we probably have barely enough ships to take all of us elsewhere."

[Claymore Wren]

"Ah, it wasn't that long ago, I was part of Imperial, or at least working under their supervision in Clan Wren." He said soberly. "The Empire wants to cause as much collateral damage as possible. I know worlds that didn't have rebels cells, so the empire made their up their own to cause atrocities. And, the only thing we can do is end the empire, or die trying."

"You are a noble woman, Soleene, but no its not our job. Many of them are just trying to live their lives. They don't necessarily care if it's the Empire or the Republic. But, many do care about freedom. Them, they can come to us if they wish."

[Soleene Stryss]

Soleene turned to look at him for a few beats of thought before looking forward again with a shake of her head. "Now, that's a tactic I've never heard about. I thought they were more upfront about how evil there were, like rolling in with their brute strength and endless numbers. Not like turn people against each other. So strange that stormtroopers are the least of it."

"It was just a thought. I've been on the run before and it's not exactly fun. I'd just hate to see people thinking they got a second chance here to only have it blown up in their faces later on. It really kind of saps the love of life from you." She took a pause on her walk and gave another appreciative glance around the town. "Well...we're not exactly the people here. There are sure a lot of pirates and criminals who seem to have found a haven here too."

[Claymore Wren]

He checked his gauntlets for a minute. "Yeah... When there is no scapegoat handy, make your own..."

"I imagine being on the run is not enjoyable. I wouldn't say I have, just knew when to walk away. Maul was not a good leader... I've never really been tied to anyone or something to get swept up like that. Outside of Kaylela at least. I moved around the galaxy so most working in racing, never putting down roots." said introspectively. Then with a rye smile under his helmet, "I mean, most of the galaxy see the Mandalorians as bounty hunters, pirates and criminals too..."

[Soleene Stryss]

"That more or less answers why people aren't swarming to all of those rebellion movements if they're supposedly the shining beacon of hope that they claim to be. I'll give the Empire a bit more credit for their underhandedness."

"No, running isn't fun," she said with a bit of inspection on that answer. "But that's something I've gotten used to after a while, I guess. I don't think it's quite the same for most people. And yes, but I don't we make a business of taking advantage of just anyone. Just wondering if that was a better alternative, all things considered."

[Claymore Wren]

Clay matter-of-factly said, "Safety versus freedom... What's more important to you and your loved ones? They are not mutually exclusive, but others may disagree with that to stay in power."

"I'm no philosopher, I try to stick with what is in front of us and do the best I can do with the opportunities given. Outside of present company, Raven, Veth, and few others, I prefer the company of droids and speeders... If's and but's can make you crazy second guessing yourself." He said with a compassionate to his voice.

[Soleene Stryss]

"Yeah, you're right about all of that...I guess I just found myself wondering about the days since Bellionas. We didn't exactly shake things up as much as I thought. The Empire is still here, now we're in their sights much like these people. We're just more capable and just wondering if that sort of thing can be extended to doing some good again," she said before giving a regretful shrug on the matter. "But our plates are pretty full, no doubt."

She crossed her arms. "So, speaking of the Empire and opportunities, how are you when it comes to relays and transmissions?"

[Claymore Wren]

He looked at her, "Well, I'm a fairly good slicer and well versed in encryption and decryption protocols. Decryption being more my expertise. I have built relays for works before." He folding an arm chest, and his other arm to the bottom of his helmet. "I typically deal with files, but voice messages encrypted the same way. What exactly are you asking?"

[Soleene Stryss]

She gave a cautious glance around the place before she went into details with a hushed voice. "Well, I wish I could have more details to share with you but let's just say that I'm getting word of a potential gig from a contact of mine around here. They're looking to have something done to an Imperial control tower or something that might be managing some Star Destroyers in the area. Mostly to their benefit but anything that messes with the Imperials from getting back up might better our chances around here. It's supposed to be something small, maybe a crew of 4 or fewer."

[Claymore Wren]

"Alright. You know I'm in when you need me. I have some gear to try out." Taking his voice low. "I've sure Veth will let me out of the North West for important mission like this. If not, I'll make something up..." He said with a way of the hand.

[Soleene Stryss]

"Well, glad to have your support on this one. If you left me with a console and an engine, I'm sure disastrous things would still happen for the Imperials but probably not in the way you think," she chuckled. "I think we're trying to go for subtle here, like enough to cause some confusion but not enough to make them consider dumping the whole thing and starting from scratch."

"How is Veth treating you anyhow?" She brought up curiously. "I think I saw her the other day. I hope she's not often getting thirsty on the job."