(no subject)

[for_everyone]

[oom: "So we're not running"]

There's a Twi'lek practicing her blaster skills in the shooting range. She's chosen a target at the far end, closest to the first line of trees that leads into the forest, and brought three options with her – her own small blaster, a standard-issue Stormtrooper weapon, and a third modified blaster. At the moment, she's practicing with her own blaster, the other two uncharged and resting near her feet. Her shots are paced, and steady, and she doesn't seem to be having any trouble hitting the center of the target. She stops every so often, checking over her blaster or glancing around, particularly along the edge of the forest, but she never rests for more than a few seconds.

She's all there is to see, really. But someone with preternaturally attuned hearing, or perhaps able to hear the soft song of a kyber crystal, might notice something else, fairly deep in the forest beyond her. It hums and whistles, like a low wave rising and falling again. And like her, sometimes nearly in unison with her, it pauses every so often, just for a few seconds.



[ooc: Hera is at the shooting range, but is also standing guard for Kanan, who is lightsaber training in the forest. You can tag one or both, or pass Hera first and then talk to Kanan, just let us know. But Kanan will pause in training if he senses anyone approaching, or hears Hera's signal. Thanks!]

Comments

[freedom_is_grey]

Ysalwen, dressed in blue and silver mage robes embroidered with gryphons and chalices (the symbols of her Order), makes her way toward the firing range, Liranan trotting along at her side. She's got her staff and sword slung across her back, and she pauses as she catches sight of Hera.

Blasters aren't something Ysa is very familiar with, so she takes a few moments to watch.

And, if Hera looks in her direction, she'll smile and wave.

"Sorry to stare. I'm just not accustomed to this kind of weaponry, and it looks interesting."

[for_everyone]

Hera notices her approach in the corner of her eye, but waits a few seconds before she stops firing. She lowers her weapon, and smiles back.

"It's called a blaster." Hera moves her finger from the trigger, maneuvering the blaster so that it lies flat in her hands. "It's one of the most common weapons in my galaxy."

[freedom_is_grey]

Ysalwen steps closer, hand resting gently on Liranan's back to keep him from bounding forward to say hello.

"It's an energy weapon, then? Oh, what was it I heard it called . . . plasma? Or some other kind? It certainly doesn't feel like lightning, at least not to me."

[for_everyone]

"That's right," she says. "It fires bolts of plasma energy."

With a glance down to the blasters at her feet. "At least on this setting. Some of them also have a stun setting."

[freedom_is_grey]

"I've known mages that can do something like that. Usually it's a sleep spell, with several variations."

Like nightmares.

Ysalwen takes a step closer, while Liranan flops down on his haunches and pants heavily. Talking! He likes listening to Ysa talk to people!

And maybe there will be pettings!

"Does the stun setting use the same kind of energy, just at a lower intensity?"

[for_everyone]

"It uses a different energy, a kind of beam that overwhelms the nervous system."

Her eyes flicker to the large dog, though for now, she has her hands full.

"It's supposed to just knock the target out, but it's really designed for humans."

[freedom_is_grey]

Ysalwen snorts. She can't quite help herself.

"Isn't everything? Should I guess that it has some unfortunate side effects when used on people who aren't human?"

Hopefully none of them are deadly, but she is not taking any bets.

Liranan's stubby tail wags enthusiastically. No one is human here! It's great!

[for_everyone]

"Some of the usual side effects are worse. Headaches and nausea that last a while after waking up."

Not fun, but still better than taking a blaster bolt to the chest. "But some have it worse, especially Wookiees. It can be deadly to them, especially if they're not treated."

Which isn't usually a high priority for the Empire.

[freedom_is_grey]

"Wookiees? They're not a people I'm familiar with. Are they particularly disliked?"

Given the apparent lack of an alternative that doesn't kill them, Ysa would guess the answer to that particular question is 'yes'.

[for_everyone]

"They're a species from a planet called Kashyyyk in my galaxy."

It doesn't surprise Hera that she doesn't recognize them, but then, if humans are in other universes, there's no reason to think Wookiees aren't.

"They're not disliked, at least among most people. They're just like anyone else. But..."

She trails off for a moment, closing her hands around her blaster and lowering it entirely. "The Empire that controls our galaxy doesn't like any non-humans, really, but yes, they're especially hard on Wookiees."

[freedom_is_grey]

Ysalwen looks tired at that news, but not surprised.

"Do they make up a lot of your freedom fighters? It's that way with elves where I'm from, which is why I ask."

[for_everyone]

Hera looks up, in a quick, sharp movement.

But then, she nods. "Yes - some of them are. Any living on Kashyyyk really have to be."

[freedom_is_grey]

"We have a few repressive Empires back home, is . . . why I knew to ask?"

Her smile is wry, and it doesn't reach her eyes.

"Do you -- does your galaxy -- have people that smuggle slaves to freedom, too?"

[childofrebellion]

Cassian needs a break from being inside, his ribs are hurting a little less so he's heading to the firing range with his jacket tight at his neck. It's not cold enough for his parka but he misses the extra warmth it gives.

When he comes upon Hera, he first watches her fire then makes his steps louder before coming closer.

[for_everyone]

She glances over when she hears his footsteps, and then lowers her blaster.

"Hi, Cassian," she calls. "How are you?"

[childofrebellion]

"Better, I thought I'd get outside as it's not too cold. How about you?"

His blaster, the smaller one is in his holster.

[for_everyone]

"I'm fine."

With a glance down to the weapon in her hand, "I don't always get a chance to practice with a blaster, so. I thought I'd try it here."

[childofrebellion]

"It's not always easy to find space," He gets closer and looks over the blasters in front of her, "I don't think I've seen one like that before? What's it modified to do?"

[for_everyone]

Hera's smile widens for a moment, and she shakes her head a little.

"I was told it was modified for punch. I thought I might test it out here, in controlled conditions."

She also wasn't about to test something that could penetrate Stormtrooper armor on her ship. Damaged decking is a very frustrating repair.

[childofrebellion]

"Punch, like through armor or hulls?" Cassian crouches down to get a closer look without touching it.

[for_everyone]

Hera holsters her current blaster, then drops into her own crouch to pick up the modified one given to her by Baze.

"Armor, as I understand it. But I'd like to test how well-calibrated it is, first, before I let anyone fire it near people."

[childofrebellion]

"Makes sense, even a well made blaster can act unexpectedly,"

He's seen his fair share of injuries from blasters exploding or misfiring.

[for_everyone]

"And I wouldn't mind seeing what it does before my crew gets a hold of it."

Not that she doesn't trust them. But as she has the opportunity, she'd like to be able to fill them in first.

[childofrebellion]

"They're the types to shoot first, ask how a weapon works later?"

[for_everyone]

Imagining either Sabine or Zeb's face if she described them that way will keep Hera entertained for hours.

Even Ezra --

"Not particularly. But I prefer to be able to give them a thorough rundown when I'm bringing new tech back. It keeps things running smoothly."

And it keeps everyone keyed in on the same information.