The Wookiee loomed in the corner of the briefing room next to Jaden, one of the Vast Imperial Wing Commanders. The pair watched and made small talk as the pilots belonging to Tuk'ata Squadron filed in and took a seat. Of the twelve pilots, ten showed up. Ironically, the only two not to show up were the leaders of Tuk'ata. Chief Warrant Officer Slasher had recently gone on leave and no one had seen or heard from Drac since their last mission.

Jaden stepped out of the corner and to the front of the room, waiting for the pilots to calm down before he began. "Good afternoon, everyone. As you can tell, Warrant Officer Drac and Slasher not hear to lead this next mission. In place of Drac, First Lieutenant Stormz has stepped forward to lead you all. In order to assist him, I have given Petty Officer Amacuse the role of acting XO. I'm somewhat busy at the moment, so for the briefing of the mission I'm going to hand it over to Stormz."

With a slight nod, Stormz took Jaden's place in front of his new squadron. With the assistance of his protocol droid, the First Lieutenant explained that their next mission was that of a routine escort mission.

"Lieutenant Stormz said that Tuk'ata has been assigned to fly patrol during an escort mission, running Vast Empire supplies from deep inner core, to our army base on Tadath," informed the 3PO droid. Stormz had never especially liked how prissy his droid acted, but there wasn't much he could do about it. "The Lieutenant asks if there are any questions before you are dismissed."

The pair waited for a few moments before dismissing the squadron, "Everyone is dismissed. We will be meeting on the ISD Ravager at 1300 GST this afternoon.

With that, everyone left to gather their things before launch.

OOC:

As the post says, we will be running patrol between hyperspace points. Just do Character Development between phases, Either myself or Amacuse will post when we go need to patrol. Show me what you're made of Tuk'ata

===== After Meeting =====
Stewart-Power stood up and exited the room once he was dismissed. He didn't think overly much about the mission. However he did know that there was a good chance of something going wrong in the mission. While serving in Nazgul, something went wrong on every mission, something major that caused the entire outcome to be changed. Even though nothing like this had happened recently, or ever to Thel's knowledge, to Tuk'ata, it was only a matter of time. Whatever the problem was, in some way, Thel was looking forward to it.

It was only after these thoughts that Thel realised he had done something he hadn't done in a long time; thought about his time serving in the Nazgul Squadron, or anything before the Battle of Lohen. Rather then dwell on Lohen, Thel decided to concentrate further back. His first mission with the Vast Empire, Nazgul attacking a pirate base located on an Asteroid. Then being shot down after being ambushed by rebels on what started out as a diplomatic mission. Thinking back to that mission, as he lead a small group of Imperial loyalist, while protecting his wingman and (at the time) Commodore Shazam, through a hostile city; he realised why and how Nazgul became the stuff of legends. Then what used to be a painful memory surfaced. Lohen. He was slightly surprised by the fact that the memory was no longer painful; he viewed it terms of numbers and mistakes that could have been fixed. The events of Lohen were now, to him, just another memory of his service with the Vast Empire.

And as a result of these memories, he would forever smile to himself every time a new recruit whispers in awe a rumour of Nazgul, or Pheonix Wing in general. He would flashback to Nazgul every time he participated in, saw, or even heard of, a bar-fight. And these were memories that he would gladly reply in his mind's eye.

Thel also knew that these memories would be replaced with, or rather accompanied by, memories of serving with Tuk'ata. If Thel could live out the rest of his days serving with it, he would do so gladly. He respected, and honoured the beings he worked, served, and fought with. And to do so until his end would be his pleasure.

Now his mind was brought back to the task at hand, where it should be. These were just his memories, and the world was one of hard-work, focus, and determination; if, you wanted to succeed.

His next task, thought Thel, is an inherently simple one. Transport Imperial cargo from deep core worlds to the army base on Tadath. Whatever problems showed up, he would have to face with the determination, efficiency, and loyalty expected from an Imperial trooper.

It is with this mindset, that he was ready.

===== Baracks ===== 
Thel checked what gear he would need before he left for the escort mission. Although Thel doubted there would be any actual on-board combat, he would like to be prepared in any case. He strapped his DL-44, in its holster, around his waist. To accompany the pistol on his right side, Thel also strapped his StarSlasher carbine rifle on a custom made holster which attached to his Side-arm's belt in the front and back, in the middle, while going over the Mon Cal's right shoulder. This placed the carbine hanging from his right shoulder blade (or therefore Mon Calamari equivalent). Although technically not part of the uniform, as long as he avoided any parades while wearing it, it went virtually unnoticed, as the carbine was small enough to be concealable fairly easily. While piloting, the holster could be moved to the front with minimal difficulty, and since the holster has a magnetic lock to prevent the carbine from falling out, the relativity small holster can be worn up-side down.

This was worn over his flight-suit, so with that, Thel was ready for the mission ahead.

OOC:

Word Count: 664. My contribution to the story. Let's do this.

Congrratulations Cadets, you have completed the rrequirred courrses to rreceive yourr wings,] Ph'rranix bellowed, slightly elated. He was proud of each and every member that was sitting before him, awaiting to receive their actual badge, indicating their passing of flight school and being inducted to the prestigious Vast Empire Navy.

Upon finishing his speech, the Captain stepped away from the stand, allowing Bacredi to call each recruits name in order and hand out their Aviator's badge. A young woman walked passed Stormz, eyeing him slightly, but trying not to be obvious. It took a moment to remember, but Stormz quickly realized it was Senior Crewman Speed. They had served together in the now closed, Kaph Squadron.

He allowed the meeting to come to a close before walking up to the crewman. [Good to see you again, Speed,] growled the Wookiee.

She turned to face him and replied with a simple greeting. The pair made small talk for a few moments before the Training Commander asked where she had been stationed.

"Actually, sir, I haven't been. I was hoping you would be able to remedy that," she replied quickly.

[Ah, well, stop by my office in about an hourr, I'll find you a new home.] With that, they went their separate ways.

***

A light knock came from outside the Captain's office, reminding him that he'd locked it. The Wookiee often went to his office when he wanted to be productive and left alone at the same time.

[Come in,] Ph'rranix grumbled. The door opened and Crewman Kalas entered silently [Therre is an opening in Tuk'ata,] he continued, [as well as in Polarr squadrron. I have assigned you to Tuk'ata. I have also been asked to lead Tuk'ata Squadrron until furrtherr notice, and will be leaving within the hour. So, if you arre rready, you can rride in my shuttle.]

"That sounds like a plan, where do you wish to meet?" Sage responded.

[In Hangerr bay 23, my Mu-2i class Infiltrator Shuttle waiting therre, currrrently being prrepped forr launch.] Ph'rranix grunted back.

"Roger, sir," Sage said with a quick salute. The crewman left the office and the Captain got back to work, setting everything up for his Executive Officer to take the reigns while he was away.

OOC:

Take it away, Speed

===== During the Meeting =====
Cayden sat there not expecting what was about to happen.  All he knew was that the SC and XO mysteriously vanished, and that the wing commander was very displeased.  Cayden saw Stormz out of the corner of his eye and wondered What is Stormz doing here?  I thought he was busy with Raptor?

He watched Jaden, the wing commander, walk up to the front of the room and address the squadron.  ""Good afternoon, everyone. As you can tell, Warrant Officer Drac and Slasher not hear to lead this next mission."

That's obvious... they haven't checked in for several weeks now... Cayden thought.

"In place of Drac, First Lieutenant Stormz has stepped forward to lead you all"

That explains why Stormz is here... but who is replacing Slash?

"In order to assist him, I have given Petty Officer Amacuse the role of acting XO"

Wing Commander Jaden say what, now?  This has to be a mistake... he thought, shocked and surprised at what Jaden had said.

"I'm somewhat busy at the moment, so for the briefing of the mission I'm going to hand it over to Stormz."  Jaden nodded to the wookie.

Stormz stepped forward, with a protocol droid Cayden assumed was to assist in translation.

"Lieutenant Stormz said that Tuk'ata has been assigned to fly patrol during an escort mission, running Vast Empire supplies from deep inner core, to our army base on Tadath," informed the 3PO droid.  "The Lieutenant asks if there are any questions before you are dismissed."

Yes... one.  Why are we running escort for ARMY supply transports?  We're not police... we're professional combat pilots, trained to combat the enemy of the Vast Empire in air and space, Cayden thought for a second, then decided not to ask.

"Everyone is dismissed. We will be meeting on the ISD Ravager at 1300 GST this afternoon."

Cayden stood up and made a step towards Stormz, then thought to himself It's better to not question a wookie... especially when you're questioning your appointment to a position.  He turned around and walked out of the briefing room.

Temporary XO... I'm going to need extra pay for this... Cayden thought, walking down the corridor.  He rounded a corner, then bumped into Slasher.  "Sorry, sir... I didn't expect you to be down here today," he said hastily, saluting the Chief Warrant Officer.

"It's alright, Cayden.  I was looking for you, actually.  Turns out I'll be taking back my position as XO, with my apparent return.  So, rest assured, you will be able to return to your duties as Gamma's number 2," Slasher told the Onderonian.

"Well... thank you, I guess?" Cayden said, half-smiling.  They stood there for a few moments in awkward silence when Cayden said "I guess I'll see you on the flight deck?"

"Yeah, see you there Cayden," the XO responded.

Cayden saluted, and continued walking down the corridor.  Okay... forget the extra pay then... at least Stewart will be enthusiastic to hear that I'll be his wingman again, he thought as he opened a door he had unexpectedly stopped in front of.  He walked into the room and saw Rocket sleeping.  Oops... wrong room... he thought as he started to back up.  He began to close the door when he heard Rocket talk in his sleep.  He couldn't really understand what was being said, but he knew that it was not pleasant and that it was about Rocket's last mission.  He started to close the door again when Rocket woke suddenly.  Blast... so much for escape...  He took a step into the room and looked at Rocket as he turned towards him.

“What are you looking at?” Rocket asked him.

"What the hell was that?" Cayden asked, intrigued.

“What was what?” he asked the Onderonian.

“You where talking in your sleep.” Cayden said.

“I was?  Well that is interesting, anyway why are you here?”

“I came to ask you a question.” he said, leaning against the doorframe.

“Okay go ahead and shoot.”

“I heard that after the last engagement you have isolated yourself from the rest of the squadron.” Cayden said in a concerned tone.

“Yeah about that I am still dealing with last engagement, and I need to think about some stuff so that’s why I have not been very friendly with everybody since than.” Rocket replied.

“I see... well... just make sure that you are able to fly, and don’t let that interfere with that.” he said, smiling.

“I won’t... just... let me be for now.” Rocket said, looking at Cayden hard.

“Alright... I will see you at 1300 GST, alright?” Cayden said, hoping to confirm.

“Alright than, I will be there.”

Cayden walked out of the room and shut the door.  Okay... awkward... remember to look at the door I open next time... he thought as he walked a little ways down the hall.  He stopped in front of his room this time and opened the door.  He took a few steps in and smiled.  Okay... a simple... what was it?  Escort mission?  Right... cause materials need to be escorted by fighter pilots... in VE territory no less.  Something's expected to go down... he thought as he grabbed his M-4 Semi-Auto pistol and secured it onto a holster on his side, grabbed his RLW-77 Wrist Laser gauntlet and secured it onto his right wrist, his PAC-20 Communicator and secured it onto his left wrist.  Wait a minute... he thought, stopping.  I forgot to put my flight suit on... blast...  Cayden took the weapons off and threw on his flgiht suit.  He placed each weapon back in it's specific location, and began sifting through his trunk again.  He pulled out what looked like a small box about the size of the cockpit seats, and his trench coat.  He put the trench coat into the box and shut it.  Alright... I don't know if I'll be needing my emergency pilot kit... better to be safe than sorry, right Cayden? he asked himself, closing his trunk.  He turned towards the door and saw Ashley standing there.

"Ashley..." he said tentatively.

"Cayden," she responded, smiling.

He looked around quickly and asked "What are you doing here?"

"Beats me, you wanted me here, so... here I am," Ashley said, placing a hand on his arm.

He looked at her hand.  Okay... this can't be real... because she would never break protocol and board a VE ship... no, this has to be something else.  A prank?  No... Stewart knows better... I think... he thought before 'Ashley' placed her other hand on his arm.

"I'm not a droid, if that's what you are wondering.  I am, as far as you know, Lt. Col. Ashley Clearwater of the Order of the Onderon Protectors, your fiance, and your second-in-command on both the Etere Videum and Bimmiel," she explained, pressing her body against his.

He smiled, then said "I know what you are... you're my mind trying to rationalize my fear that I have for this mission.  You're here to try to talk me out of going... my 'conscience', as some would say."

Ashley smiled and replied "You always were the smart one, Cayden... except there is one fatal flaw in your assessment.  I'm not here to make you leave."

He held her at arms length, confused, and asked "You're not?"

"No, I'm not.  I'm here to keep you company while you are flying that TIE Interceptor in space, escorting materials to Tadath for the Army," she answered, kissing him lightly on the cheek.

"Keep me company?  Isn't that... hard, in a TIE Interceptor?" Cayden asked, puzzled.

"Oh, but it isn't, because... I'm from your imagination.  Your imagination can make me into anything you want.  Heck, you can make me naked right now and do a dance for you right now before you leave... you know, if you're into that sort of stuff... fortunately, for both of us, you aren't.  But, what I meant was that I can become..." she said before turning into a squirrel.  "A small animal from the now-destroyed planet of Alderaan called a 'squirrel.'  I know you've seen one, Cayden... it's all here, in your head."

Cayden looked at her, blushed, and said "... heh... you're cute when your nose twitches like that..."

She smiled and jumped up onto Cayden's right shoulder.  "I'm taking that as an approval.  So... let's go deliver some supplies!" she said.

Cayden grabbed his flight helmet and the box, and left his room, locking the door behind him.  He quickly walked down the hall and entered the lift.  He pressed the button for the flight deck, which, conveniently, was located on the level below.  The lift slid down, and the doors opened.  Cayden walked out of the lift, down the hall, and walked onto the flight deck.  He saw several engineers working on the fighters, and only one other pilot in the hangar with him: his flight leader, wingman, and best friend Stewart-Power.

OOC:

WC: 1490

Yes everyone... a squirrel... don't doubt my sanity just yet... just preparing for a boring escort.  Cause I know we have those in the Navy... *insert obvious eyeroll here* It's just in for my personal enjoyment... and will be a recurring thing, and will not interfere with flight performance (so don't worry about a questionably sane Cayden, Stormz... not yet, anyway... hehehe... )

Oh, and the NEXT person can get us on the ISD Ravager... I didn't want to make a 2500+ word count post this late at night (12:30 AM, MST)

Cayden stepped out of his fighter seconds after it docked on-board the Ravager and smiled.  Finally!  No more sitting in the barracks playing cards all day long! he thought as he half-ran out of the hangar and into the turbolift.  He was so excited, he almost didn't wait for the rest of his flight: Stewart, Rocket, and Lorrant Jacobs.

"Geez, Cayden... a little too excited to be here?" Stewart asked, stepping into the lift.

"I guess so, sir... just excited to be off Abrae finally," he said, grinning widely.

The lift closed and began moving.  It went up 2 floors and stopped.  The doors opened, and Cayden stood there, impatiently, while the rest of his flight slowly walked out.  Oh my goodness... they're doing this on purpose!  They know I'm anxious to be here!  Jacobs is just being a jerk in general... note to self: straighten him out one of these days.  Cayden was finally able to exit the lift when the doors closed on him.  "Oh, come on!" he exclaimed as it began going up.  The lift stopped several floors above where he wanted to be.  "Great... well, time to go back down," he said, pressing the down button.  However, when he pressed the button, it didn't work.  "Oh great... and I have no idea where the nearest lift is... just... great..."  Cayden walked out of the lift and looked around.  "Alrighty... no one around... not a good sign..."

Cayden began walking in the direction to the right of the turbolift and was stopped by several stormtroopers.

"Well, well... lookie here, boys... a pilot.  Looks like we're going to have some fun tonight!" one of the troopers said, noticing Cayden.

"Hey!  You guys can help me... I need to know where the nearest turbolift is, besides the one behind me," Cayden said.

"The turbolift?  Hmmm... haven't used one of those for several weeks now, have we boys?" the trooper asked, laughing.  The rest of the troopers laughed with him, and he said "Sorry lad, but we're not in the mood of helping navy hotshots... besides, shouldn't YOU, of all people, know where the lifts are?"

Cayden smiled ridiculously and said "Technically, yes... but, seeing as how this is my first time on one of our lovely destroyers... some help would be much appreciated right now."

"Your first time, eh?  Hehe... sure, we can help you... right boys?" he asked, facing the rest of his comrades.

"Alrighty, lead the way... what's your name?" Cayden asked.

"Just call me... Karn," the trooper said, extending his hand.

"Cayden," he said, shaking the hand.

The troopers and Cayden began walking further into the Star Destroyer, taking turn after turn after turn, until finally, they stopped outside a room.

"There is a lift in here, Cayden," 'Karn' said, grinning.

"Thank you, Karn..." Cayden said, extending his hand.

"No problem at all, Cayden..." he replied, shaking the Onderonian's hand.

Cayden entered the room and immediately knew he was in the wrong place.  Oh... my... gosh... he thought as he saw female troopers, pilots, and other personnel doing some sort of yoga-like rituals in the room.

"Well... it would seem that we have a late-addition to the class... and a male too!" the instructor, a female Lieutenant by the name of Elizabeth Leed.

"What?  Me?  Oh no... you must have a mistake... you see... I was lost... and several troopers... they told me this was where the lift was... oh dear..." he said as the Lieutenant motioned him over.

"Rule number one in my class, Chief Petty Officer: All troubles are to be left at the door.  This is a trouble-free zone.  Otherwise, you will be reprimanded by your superior for disobeying a direct order from a ranking officer, is that clear?" she said, staring at him hard.

"Yes ma'am!" Cayden said, saluting.

"Good.  Now... go into the locker room and change out of your flight suit, then rejoin us for our daily routine," Elizabeth said calmly, smiling.

"Yes ma'am," he said, walking to the back of the room.  He could feel the eyes of everyone in the room all following him.  Great... now I have to attend a who-knows-how-long Echani dueling session... and will most likely be ordered to return next time... dangit... he thought as he entered the male's locker room.  He pulled off his flight suit, stowed it into a locker, and stood infront of a mirror.  "Great... about 20 ladies out there... and I'm the only male... all because I had to go and get lost..." he said, sighing at his own reflection.

"You know you could just get Captain Kraznar to get you out of this," the squirrel-form of his sub-conscious mind, Squirrel-Ashley, said.

"I am aware of this... but I think that this is something I have to do...one, it's practically an order... two, it'd be rude of me to go above the Lieutenant... and three, I might enjoy it... who knows?" he said to the hallucination.  "Hell, look at me!  I'm talking to a hallucination!"

"Alright Cayden... just be warned: once you do this, there is no going back," Squirrel-Ashley said.

"Noted," he said, walking out of the locker room.

"About time you decided to join us, Chief Petty Officer-" the Lieutenant started.

"Cayden, ma'am.  Please, call me Cayden," he said, looking around nervously.

"Alright Cayden... Sarah Gardner's usual partner is not here today.  So, you'll be paired up with her," Elizabeth said, smiling.

Cayden gave her a look that read 'Really?', and walked over to where Sarah was standing.  He felt the rest of the class watching him, yet noticed that Sarah wasn't watching him at all.  Odd... I get paired up with the one person who isn't watching me like I'm some kind of perv... is this a conspiracy or something? he thought as he stopped in front of Sarah.

"Alright class... get into sparring positions!" Lieutenant Leed said from the front of the class.

Cayden watched everyone except Sarah drop into a sparring position.

"Well, Chief Petty Officer... you going to get ready?" Sarah asked.

"Ladies first," he said, smiling.

"Oh, how sweet... a gentleman..." she said, dropping down to her sparring position.

Cayden got into his battle-ready position.  "Just know this: I'm not one to fight women.  So, if I go easy on you, let you win... it's cause I'm being nice," he said.

"Awww... how thoughtful... now... take this!" Sarah said before she planted her foot into Cayden's stomach, sending him reeling backwards.

"Damnit!  How in the-?" he started before he had to deflect another one of Sarah's kicks.  She kicked at him again, and this time he was ready: he grabbed her foot and help it close against his body, bringing her closer to him.  He held her body against his in a bear-hug, then picked her up and twirled her around, then finally set her gently down.  "Is that enough, Sarah?  Or am I going to have to twirl you around again?" he asked, smiling.

"No!" she said, punching him in the stomach.

Again, Cayden was reeling backward, and again managed to stay standing.  She punched at him again, and he grabbed her arm.  He pulled her in close and pinned her against his body in another bear-hug, and twirled her around again.  He set her back down as asked again "Is that enough, Sarah?"

She considered attacking again, but instead conceded.

Cayden smiled, then noticed that the entire class was looking at them.  "What?" he asked, feeling kind of intimidated by the amount of eyes concentrated on him.

Lieutenant Leed stepped forward and said "You did not fight back... like you told her you wouldn't.  You used her own open spots not as points of attack, but points of pacification.  You managed to force her to concede without fighting back."

"Yeah, and?  It's nothing new to me... I really don't fight women.  If one tries to, I just hug them and twirl them around.  If they still want to fight, I do it again.  But I never... NEVER, lay a violent hand on a women," Cayden said, nodding at Sarah.

Elizabeth smiled and said "Good... class dismissed."

Cayden started heading back to the male locker room when Sarah stopped him.  "Hey... I'm sorry about my attitude earlier..." she said.

"It's alright... I'm kinda used to being subject to anger and frustration..." he said, thinking about the political issues on Onderon.

"If it's alright... would you like to get a drink later?" Sarah asked, obviously blushing.

"Yeah, I'd love to," Cayden replied, smiling.

"Cool... see you in the bar at 1900?" she asked.

"Yeah... ummm... where is the bar, again?" he asked, grinning.

She smiled and said "Deck 5, forward section."

"Right... and, while I'm at it... the turbolift from the hangar is malfunctioning... can you tell me where another one is?" Cayden asked, grinning far more foolishly than before.

Sarah smiled at him again and said "Down the hall, to the right."

"Thanks," he said, giving her a quick hug.  He let go and said "I don't know why I just did that..."

Sarah blushed and said "See you at 1900, Cayden."

He smiled, then walked into the locker room.  He took his clothes off and stepped into the shower.  He let the water run down his body, then turned it off.  Oh my goodness... what am I doing? he asked himself, surprised.

"Hey, I was surpised too when you agreed," Squirrel-Ashley said through the wall separating her from Cayden.

"It wasn't my fault... I mean... hell... I panicked.  I was afraid that if I said no, that I'd hurt her... and before you suggest ditching her, I'm going to shoot that down right now.  Doing that would be even worse than saying no.  Plus... I could use a break from everything..." Cayden said, turning the shower off and drying himself off with his towel.  He walked out and began pulling on his off-duty uniform.  He finished tying his boots when his communicator went off.  He grabbed it and saw a message from an unknown sender:

RECEIVING...

TO: Colonel Cayden Tavers, Onderon Royal Air Force
FROM: Unknown
SUBJECT: FUTURE

--FOLLOWING MESSAGE TRANSLATED FROM CLASSIFIED LANGUAGE INTO GALACTIC BASIC--

Hello, Cayden Tavers.  I am a member of a secret military organization located in the Unknown Regions.  We have a similar mission to Bimmiel's, Cayden.  We too seek allies in the galaxy.  Who knows what kind of trouble is bound to happen in the galaxy, especially now-a-days.  If you choose to learn more about us, head to the planet of Yoggoy located in the Unknown Regions.  We are aware that the Vast Empire is located here.  The journey to finding us should not be too difficult for you.  Also, come onboard the Etere Videum, and bring her complete crew.  I believe we have a piece of technology that you might find interesting... plus, a proposal you would be most eager to hear.

Until you arrive,

Bimmiel's Secret Ally

END MESSAGE...

He reread the message and smiled.  "Alright, Squirrel-Ashley... time to leave," he said, standing up.  He walked out of the barracks and headed to his left.  He made a right turn and saw a lift, just as Sarah had told him earlier.  Excellent... I guess I owe her a drink tonight... he thought as he pressed the button for the pilot barracks level.  The lift touched down on the level when he felt the ship tremor.  Oh?  We're out of hyperspace already?  I must have been dragged around the level for a LONG time... he thought as the lift doors opened.  He saw his flight standing in front of him.

"Where have you been, Cayden?  We're going out on patrol!" Rocket said.

"Ummm... I'd rather not talk about it..." Cayden said nervously.

"Alright... just be ready by the time we're given the green light," Stewart said.

Stewart pressed the button for the flight beck, and Cayden began pulling his flight suit on.  When the lift reached the flight deck, Cayden had just pulled on his boot.  He grabbed his helmet and rushed out of the lift before the doors closed.

He followed his flight across the upper rafters.  Stewart turned the first corner, and Cayden turned the second corner leading to his TIE.  He dropped down into the cockpit and closed the hatch above.  Alrighty... let's ge this show on the road he thought, pulling his helmet on.

"Agreed Cayden," Squirrel-Ashley said, jumping off his shoulder and landing on the forward dash in front of him.

"You do know you'll have to move when we take-off, right?" he asked, smiling as he switched on the Interceptor's main power.

"I know.  I'll probably move to the small area behind you," she said, smirking.  "Or I could go in your lap.  Your choice."

"Lap... that way, you can help me catch everything I miss," Cayden replied, smiling.

"Alrighty," the hallucination said, jumping off the dash and into his lap.  "Engines, weapons, shields, life-support, communication, and stabilizers all check out.  Looks like we're good to go."

"Excellent," he said, switching the comm on.  "Gamma Lead, this is Gamma 2.  Everything checks out, and I'm ready to go."

"Alright Gamma 2, standby for further orders from Alpha Lead," he heard Stewart say back.

"Gamma 2, where were you for the past 5 hours?" he heard Gamma 3, Rocket, ask.

Cayden smiled and said "I was stuck several levels above the pilot barracks level.  I was, er... mislead by several stromtroopers, then stuck in a 2-hour echani dueling session in a mostly female class."

Silence went over the comm before Stewart spoke.  "I'm glad to see your branching out and meeting new people, Cayden."

"I am too, sir," Cayden replied, smiling.  He grabbed his PAC20 Wrist Com, typed out a message, and sent it to Sarah, stating that he wasn't going to be able to make their meeting that evening, and would have to reschedule until tomorrow.

"So Cayden, tell me: did you have to... you know... partner up, with one of them?" Rocket asked.

He tried not to laugh and said "Yes, I did."

"Don't you have a girlfriend back home, Cayden?" Stewart asked.

"Yes sir... I was ordered to by a 2nd Lieutenant.  I'm not about to disobey a direct order, sir," Cayden said, rechecking the Interceptor's diagnostics.

He heard a ping, then heard Stewart come over the comm.  "Alright Gamma, it's time to head out!"

"Aye aye, sir!" he heard Rocket say.

"Yes sir," Cayden replied, grabbing the yoke and pressing the clamp release button.  The fighter dropped several meters before the repulsor lifts kicked in.  He grabbed and pushed forward on the throttle, and the fighter accelerated out of the hangar, along with the rest of Tuk'ata.

[[Alright everyone, listen up!  We're first up on patrol!  That means: eyes peeled, comm quiet, and no stupid stunts, Cayden]] he heard the SC, Stormz, say over the comm.

Cayden heard everyone chuckle at that last comment, and he said "Thanks everyone... your confidence in me is so radiant in that non-sarcastic laughter."

"Cayden, if we had no confidence in you... you wouldn't be here," he heard Stewart say over the comm.

"Thanks Stewart... I appreciate it," he replied, smiling.  Patrol... wonder what mysteries await us? he thought, smiling to the squirrel-hallucination in his lap.  He switched his comm off and said "This should be fun, right Squirrel-Ashley?"

"Yes sir... it should be indeed," she said, smiling up at him, then looking out the forward viewport.

"Indeed..." he said quietly.

OOC:

WC: 2584

Yes... I totally am going to be in trouble with Ashley... yes, this works out with my plans for the two of them... no, this will not interfere with his piloting abilities... yes, he will be alive and well the next day.  :P

EDIT: Also... thanks to orders, I was forced to bump up tp over 2500 words... hey, exactly what I said earlier too... how funny...

---Aboard the ISD Ravager---
Once Rocket gets aboard of the Ravager he decides that it would be a good idea to go to the mess hall to get something to eat, cause he had been feeling hungry after his tormented dream, and also the fact that he could not consume any alcohol before a mission for fear that it would impair his flying ability, but Rocket tended not to agree with the doctors that had told him that if he didn’t slow down on his drinking that it would be a problem down the road, but like every else that Rocket how to live his life he just waved them off like he did with everyone else.

{Tuk’ata Squadron report to your fighters in five minutes.}

Rocket turns around and starts to run towards the nearest lift that he can find.

---Fighter Bay---

Rocket looks around the bay and notices that most of the squadron was already there by the time that he got there.

[Okay you all we arrre getting rrready to starrrt this mission soon I expect all of you to be rrready for anything that should come up, now get to yourrr fighterrrs.]

Rocket goes up the lift to get to his fighter so that he can be ready when the order comes down. Once he gets to his fighter he looks around it out of habit more than anything to see if anything is sticking out of it. After that is done Rocket climbs the ladder, opens the hatch and goes into the pilots seat. Once in his chair Rocket powers up the fighter and starts to run pre-flight checks to make sure that everything is running fine and he gets greens across the board he activates his com, and sets up the frequency for the squadron channel, and the Gamma flight channel. Once it is set up he hears over it:

[This is Lead sound off with your status, so that we can go ahead and get this done with.]

Rocket waits till it is his turn to say his status after what seems forever he hears Xanthros give his status, Rocket says:

[Lead this is 3-3 systems are green across the board.]

Once everyone reports Stormz comes on the com again:

[Okay proceed to the gatherrr location take off by flights.]

Once the first two flights exit the hanger Stewart-Power comes on the flight channel and give them the go ahead to take off.

Rocket puts his engines to the max speed that he can travel in the hanger once he is outside of it he hears over the flight channel:

[Okay put engines to max once you get there go to quarter power, and stay around that point till Delta gets to our location, once they get to our location get back into formation with the rest of the squadron.]

[Two copies]
[Three copies]
[Four copies]

Once Rocket reaches the gather point he falls into formation with the rest of the squadron, and increases the power of his long range scanners and is surprised when he find’s twelve red blips on it, and says into the Squadron Channel:

[Lead this is Gamma Three I am reading twelve contacts west of our position range unknown getting interference from something.]

OOC:

547 words: Okay there it is have fun guys and girls.

[Gamma flight, brreak off to port and attempt to sneak in behind them. Alpha and Beta flights will attempt to drraw theirr firre,] growled the Wookiee Commander. The patrol had been out a mere seven minutes when signs of the first hostiles arrived. Intel showed one full squadron of unknown fighters. Oddly enough, however, they weren't heading toward the convoy, rather they were sitting roughly twelve clicks out.

Ph'rranix received affirmation messages from both flight leads as they headed toward their next vectors. [Alrright everryone, let's burrn towarrd them. Set weapon powerr at fifty perrcent to give yourr engines a little boost.]

The squadron quickly burned toward their target, intent on discovering who these unknown craft were and what their business was. A few clicks out, Ph'rranix attempted to contact the potential hostiles, but nothing came back. Again, the Tuk'ata Commander attempted communication, giving a final warning before Tuk'ata would open fire. Simultaneously, the opposing crafts lurched forward, nearly striking two of the TIE's in the process. The enemies speedily made off toward a transport ship at the end of the convoy.

[Open firre!] the Wookiee roared. Green beams erupted around his TIE as he dodged friendly fire and filled his viewport with his own volley of light. The frenzy quickly eliminated a pair of the assailants, allowing one to eject, only to die a slow painful death.

OOC:

WC = 228 | There y'all go. A fight now, get to postin!

Slasher looks over his shoulder, tracking the Warlock which had just taken a pass at him and rolling his fighter to go after it, glancing the other way he sees that his wingman has stayed with him, and he notices that the Senior Crewman is holding a little close. "Hhan loosen up a bit, we don't want to have any collisions, and if I get hit if your to close you may get hit by either my fighter, or debris." Quickly his wingman moves a little bit farther away from his fighter, giving them both more room to evade enemy fire should it be required.

"Slasher, this is StOrMz, looks like Delta and Gamma Flights have managed to get to the convoy, break off with Beta and get over there, Alpha will hold off the Warlocks"

OOC:

Not yet completed, but had to head into class, will not be able to complete this until tomorrow, however expect it to be completed by tomorrow night.