Nerves had never been an issue for him, strictly speaking. Some people collapsed when the shit hit the fan. Some people recoiled from mistakes rebounding to hit them in the face. Some stumble over their own feet when the chips are down and the pile is just too big. Not so for Drono, who despite everything was still alive. Tenacity, luck and the dance of adrenaline was what had kept him alive. Yet now, as the go ahead was being given, his entire body seized up for a second. It wasn’t from the pain of his spine, ever closer to reaching a state of permanent necrosis. 

No. This was different. This was the feeling of apprehension he hadn’t felt in nearly ten years. Here were people who had been complete strangers to him before, risking everything for him, a half assed, off the cuff rogue. The thought made him smile as he pulled his hood up. He never looked very imposing to begin with, but the way he moved now was that of a weary, agitated but harmless traveler. 

‘Balto’ as he now called himself, was a drell of mediocre talent, stuck in a dead end job as accountant. He had gotten a nasty virus on his last job, and was only here to pick up some medication. And to get a green light to deeper into citadel space as a “non-risk carrier.” Vellios was going to be his escort inside, with Firu to act as the medical advisor who vouched for his safety. He was pretty happy with the disguise.

“[color=a2d39c]Alright boys and girls. Go time.[/color]” He spoke into his com device. He didn’t stroll up towards the checkpoint. He merely strolled, affixing the annoyed and hurried expression of someone who was meant to be there but didn’t want to. A large human hand encased in some pretty high quality armor reached out to stop him.

“Welcome to Lafayette, what is the purpose of your visit Sir?” The man behind the visor was staring him down. 

So, they are on the lookout for Drell, without a doubt. He gave the guard the most laconic smile he could muster.  “[color=a2d39c]I am here to get checked so I can resume my travels. I got all my forms filled out, here.[/color]” He whipped out the falsified medical documents they whipped up on the trip. Several of them warned about the dangers of fraternizing with “Balto” in any way. 

“How is this not quarantine?” 

[color=a2d39c]“Oh no. I got cleared as a non-vector. Look at 88-IG-ORD66-SW.[/color]” He pointed out the centerpiece of his little fraud. The merc read through it twice then nodded. “Ok. So, as long as you don’t spread your… love so to speak... Got it.” The guard shuddered as “Balto” strolled through the controls. There was a beep, and the guard motioned for him to stop. As he folded up his visor “What's that in your pocket.” He began only for Drono to sneeze, and the guard almost doubled back over his own lower body in an attempt not to get it on his face.

“[color=a2d39c]Oh? Are you ok. You look a bit pale[/color].” Drono said as he fished up the mechanical pencil.That was stuffed with high explosives. “[color=a2d39c]Just a real pen sir. Every accountant’s token of office.[/color]” He said at the guard who was still trying to save face by straightening up. 

“Alright. Be off with you. Don’t stay longer then you have to.” The guard said with a tone that would not hear any arguments. Drono simply nodded and continued to move towards the meet up café.

---

Sliding down into a seat next to the earlier arrivals he said. “All Right. I gave the guard something to do. When they run Balto through checks later, they will be surprised to find I have routed them through three legal firms. Thanks to Dex.“ He said as he looked at the gathered crew.

“Allright. Now comes the tricky part. Getting me in and out without me dying. Ideas?” He shot them all a look while twirling his little pen turned grenade.