Ash looked at her datapad as it flickered on and off unsurprisingly there was no signal to the outside world, she had to admit if Risha was hiding here she had taken every precaution.
She looked to Gacen as he piloted the ship towards what she assumed was Gabredor II, the worry on his face was clear she theorised it was that getting this close meant he'd have to face her. Ash remembered their conversation at Port Nowhere how he worried about if Risha even still wanted to see him, Ash was positive he was being ridiculous but still she could only imagine he was thinking like that again.
Ash looked out the viewport as the ship entered the atmosphere the planet was pale it seemed to have long stretches of barren pale rock covering most its surface, it certainly didn't seem to house any forms of life as far as she could tell.
she turned to Gacen "it seems… completely barren" she said bluntly, Gacen rubbed his forehead nodding
he sighed "yeah it doesn't exactly scream vacation spot, I'll scan for intelligent life" Ash nodded although she was doubtful anything would appear but still hopeful. After a second Gacen perked up "haha yes look there's a small group of lifeforms to the east" Gacen seemed way too proud of a scan, Ash had to admit though she was surprised to see lifeforms but then again she'd seen people surviving in harsher environments, at least this place wasn't ridden with war.
Gacen piloted the ship towards the life signs and soon a small settlement came into view, it looked too primitive for a landing pad so Gacen landed a few miles away where no one would try to steal the ship.
Ash turned to Gacen "so you think they'll be these life signs?" Gacen seemed to consider the option before frowning
"nah I don't think so Risha would never go for something so simple" he chuckled "anyway I think there would be a more noticeable amount of tech around if she was here" Ash had to admit it seemed to primitive to house anything to vital
But still a lead was a lead and they may still be able to get information, she stood up heading towards the door "let's gather intel anyway might as well make this trip worthwhile" Gacen nodded
As they exited the ship she noticed Gacen lagging behind checking his appearance in the reflection of the entry ramp, she turned around with a sigh "can we hurry it up please" Gacen seemed entirely preoccupied with his hair "HEY" Ash yelled knocking him out of his daze
he rubbed his neck "sorry I uh just want to look my best" he paused then said quietly "just uh in case Risha is there" Ash sighed pinching the bridge of her nose, love makes people so emotional she'd never understand why.
they made their way to the edge of the settlement where two human guards in primitive armour were waiting they spoke in an unfamiliar language but their intentions were clear probably asking who they were and why they were here. Ash picked out her translator, there had to be a similar language they may be able to speak, after running a diagnostic she found elements of the Sy Bisti trade language.
Gacen frowned at her "um we can't understand them?" Ash sighed at him what did it look like she was trying to do
Ash turned back to the guards asking in Sy Bisti "I'm not familiar with your language do you speak Sy Bisti" they seemed to understand the words but didn't seem able to respond, they gestured for them to stay still as one of the guards headed off.
Gacen folded his arms "I have no idea what's going on" Ash wondered how it was possible he had gotten this far in life, then again he wasn't exactly a diplomat.
Ash showed him the translator "this is a translator it has identified part of their language that matches a language I know, they are getting someone who also speaks it… happy" Gacen nodded seemingly satisfied "you are so needy sometimes" Gacen chuckled at her
"yeah I know" winking at her, Ash just sighed turning back to see a man being escorted towards them, he was an older gentleman with a short greying beard dressed in somewhat better clothes
He walked towards the two of them speaking in Sy Bisti "welcome travellers from afar to our humble village, have you come to trade wares or um staying in a house for uh money" he paused looking away "my apologies my Sy Bisti isn't perfect" Ash nodded it would certainly do
Ash answered "we actually are just looking for information but definitely mean your village no harm" the man smiled relaying her words to the guards, they moved away letting them pass seemingly satisfied with the response.
The man gestured for them to follow him "it's probably best if you get information from me to save time, my name is Ulisgilb Scrotins I'm the village merchant and as a result diplomat and translator" so basically in charge Ash thought
Gacen tugged on Ash's arm "what's going on, what's he saying, do you know where Risha went" Ash gave Gacen a very long glare before giving a terse response
She folded her arms "I will tell you once I know" Gacen shrank back clearly identifying her back off face. She turned back to Ulisgilb "sorry my friend is very curious of our conversation but doesn't understand Sy Bisti I am Ash'shen'tor nice to meet you" Ulisgilb nodded looking from her to Gacen
he chuckled "nice to meet you, I have a feeling that's probably for the best" Ash smirked slightly "tell me what information do you require from me I'm afraid it's quite limited outside of the planet" Ash nodded that didn't surprise her
Ash began asking "I assume we aren't the first travellers you've received then, we are actually looking for some off-world travellers who would've come through a couple years ago, a human and a fish person?" Ulisgilb rubbed his chin for a second
he frowned "I'm not sure I remember anyone like that we haven't had many travellers for a while now except that ranger he's regularly around" Ash narrowed her eyes at the man, he didn't seem like he was lying to her about Risha and Guss even if he was unsure.
Ash continued questioning "who's this Ranger?" that definitely seemed suspicious definitely something to take note of. Ash could see Gacen getting restless out of the corner of her eye but payed him no mind.
Ulisgilb looked around before leaning in "between you and me he's a bit of weird fella, comes in every month or two to get supplies, I dunno what for though, he's always covered up in a poncho and balaclava but I've seen it slip that thing is made of metal" Ash frowned a droid picking up supplies that definitely seemed odd
Ash looked to Gacen "why would a droid need supplies" unless he had to bring them to someone Ash wondered if Gacen knew anything about this droid
Ulisgilb nodded "exactly he's bringing them to someone, I'm not one to argue with good business though just curious, he brings in trade and that's all we need" Ash nodded she was going to have to pay this Ranger a visit
Ash looked around the small settlement "where can I find him?" Ulisgilb seemed to consider the question for a couple seconds
Ulisgilb looked to the sky "he hasn't been around in about a month so he could be around in a couple days or a couple weeks it's difficult to tell" Ash sighed looks like they had hit a wall
Ash nodded "thanks anyway we'll look out for him" Ulisgilb nodded as Ash turned back to Gacen
Gacen looked like he'd been holding in questions the entire time "oh my god what's going oooon" Ash stayed silent for a couple more seconds just to mess with him
she answered "he hasn't seen Risha or Guss but there is this weird droid called the ranger that comes by every month or so to pick up supplies" Gacen frowned clearly confused
Gacen looked around "why would a droid need supplies from here it's not like it can charge up or get an oil bath" Ash wondered if she should let him put it together or save the wait "supplies seem pointless to a droid"
Ash raised her eyebrow come on dude "so he's getting them for?"
Gacen's eyes widened "ohhhhh he's getting them for others" he paused before gasping "he could be getting them for Risha and Guss" there we go
Ash slow clapped "glad to see you're caught up, now let's go watch out for this droids ship" Gacen screwed up his face as Ash headed back to the ship
He dashed after her "I mean I'd be caught up if I could understand the conversation" Ash gave him a sarcastic nod
Ash chuckled "it actually went a lot smoother than normal in my opinion" Gacen glowered at her. Ash teased "no need to be grumpy Gacen we have a lead, it's time to go droid watching"…