"Help me, help me, please!" the voice said through the void.

All of a sudden the void turned to a corridor inside a medical supply ship.  A little girl sat sobbing against the wall as people run through the hall way either which way.

"What is wrong?" asked Than Sion to the girl.

"I can't find my mom," she said between sniffles.

"Let me help, let's find your mother."

Sion led the girl by hand through the ship as sirens began to sound.

A voice came over the loud speaker, "We have been discovered by the Imperials.  Everybody prepare for bombardment!!!"

On cue, the ship violently shacked.

"What are we doing," asked Sion to no one in particular, "this thing has no weapon's, no defenses against our TIEs!"

"What are you talking about?" asked the girl.  "You aren't one of those mean Imperials, you're a doctor."

Sion looked down at his clothing expecting to see a black flight suit.  Instead he saw a New Republic medic uniform.

"I guess you are right," Sion said to the little girl to calm her.  "What does your mommy do for work?"

"She is a doctor too," the young girl said proudly.  "She saves people just like you."

This filled Sion with dread as the constant barrage of fire began.  He didn't know why, but he some how knew that he was also in one of those TIEs.

The man on the loud speaker came back on in a slow, quiet, accepting voice, "the Imperials have dropped our shields, this would be the time to say what ever last things you have to say to what ever god or gods you worship, if you do, before you meet them in person.  May the force be with you all."

A loud explosion went off at the aft of the ship.  Sion turned and watched wall of fire come up the corridor toward him.  Bodies flash evaporated before his eyes.  It then came to him and...It just passed over him, leaving black, deformed metal around him.  He looked at his hands and they were now gloved in black, in the gloves of an Imperial Pilot.  They were covered in some liquid.  It began to drip off, he could see its color.  It was crimson red, it was blood.

He backed up against the way in horror.  Then a small, ghostly hand shot through the floor and grabbed his left, black boot.  A head then passed through the floor.  It held the face of the little girl.

"You killed us all," she said.  "You killed us all in cold blood."

All of a sudden other hands shot through the wall and floor grabbing him and pinning him down.

"You are a bad, bad, man," the girl said.

They began to pull him through the deck.  He felt heat bellow him.
He then screamed, "Nooooooooooooooooooooooo."

He shot up off his pillow.  He was covered in sweat.  It was the same dream he had been having every night since the destruction of the medical cargo ships.  A panel next to his bunk began, beeping. 

He pressed a button and Commander Willtconq's recorded voice played, "All Kaph pilots to briefing room in a half an hour."

Sion shacked the dream out of his head.  He got out of the bed and went over to a chair.  He picked up the trousers of his uniform and put them on.  He then put on the rest of his uniform.  He combed his hair before he put on his cap and then was out the door.  He was headed into the mess hall to get breakfast.  They were probably going to be on another crazy mission, he was going to need his strength.  He had sat down with his grub and began eating the "ground up cardboard," when Skylla sat down next to him.

"I heard a scream from your room," she said in a worried voice.  "Are you alright?"

"I had a nightmare," he replied.

"I understand, was it about your parents?"

He didn't know exactly how she knew about that, but on the other hand it wasn't really a secret.  He argued with himself if he should tell here the truth.  No one else seemed to be phased by the destruction of the unarmed cargo ships.  It might make him look soft if he told her.  On the other hand he wanted to tell here everything and he didn't know exactly why.  He eventually made up his mind in what seemed to be an eternity but was only really seconds. 

"No, those stopped happening nightly after a year or so," he said.  "It is about those medical ships in the last mission."

"Oh," she replied in an understanding voice.  There was a long pause before she continued, "I would like to tell you something not in such a public area."

They left the mess hall and headed for an empty conference room.

"What I am about to tell you nobody in the Vast Empire knows about," she said in a hushed voice.  "None of you really know much about me before the Empire.  You pretty much only know that I come from Valos in the Verinian System.  Than, I was a gang member on Valos.  I was abandoned when I was very little, Valos Charm took me in.  For the majority of my life I have done things that didn't seem completely right.  I would also have haunting dreams about what I had done.  First it was dreams about getting caught.  But after the trial, it all changed..."

She went on about how she killed a member of a rival gang who ended up being the XO of that gang.  About how she moved up in the ranks until she became second in command.  Then she came to a part that he could already hear the sadness in her voice.

"War broke out over Valos.  It was the Verinian Remnant verses New Republic forces.  The rebels forced the Imperials off planet.  Now this didn't matter much to us until a rival gang named Blood Lusts got friendly with the NR.  They convinced them that we were working with the Imperials.  The NR occupation force hunted us down until they killed all of us.  All of us but me.  I escaped the planet and headed for the Vast Empire.  I couldn't join the Verinian Remnant, the Blood Lusts and Rebels were everywhere in the system.  No, I had to go farther away, to a place where they had no power.  It also gave me the chance for a new life, an honest life."

Than Sion took it all in.  They seemed to be, in a way, on the same boat.  Feeling guilty for something they had done.
"Don't worry, I wont tell anyone," Sion said.  He didn't know what else to say.

She laughed and they left the meeting room...


They talked until they were in the Briefing room.  Even then they kept on talking until Will began.  The relevance of Skylla's past changed everything.

He was surprised that it was actually about vacation.  He was starting to think there was no such thing in the VEN.  When Will was done, everyone left the room.  He said goodbye to Skylla and left the building.   


(OCC: Ok, I have went through it now!)     

-----------------------
EFM/MPO Than Sion/Kaph 6/Wing 1/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE(=A=)(=*SA*=)[LoM][VC:B][MC:1][SWC]{VB}
1st in Creativity
2nd best Pilot
Best of all, Elite.

**Sion's Apartment**


Than Sion pulled a suit case out of his closet.  He began rummaging through the boxes that were scattered around his two room apartment.  He would have delayed the packing for the move if he would have known about the vacation earlier.  On the other hand, it was about time he was moving out of this place.  It was the first place he had lived after full time occupation in the barracks.  Though mission after mission in Kaph didn't let him hang around the place that often.  He was soon going to move into one of the orbital platforms around Abrae.  Even after the events of the last mission, he wasn't overly worried about the station coming under attack and dieing in zero atmoshpere.  Abrae was surrounded by an asteroid belt in close orbit that was chalked full of defenses.  Besides, he wasn't very far from the nearest hanger.

He finally found the two boxes of clothes.  He left the uniform box untouched but tore the casual clothes box wide open.  He threw a few sets of cloths into the suitcase along with a somewhat dressy pair of clothes and a swim suit.  He took a glace at the two E-11s that lay on his bed.  In the last mission they helped him take an orbital hanger from the inside, but he wasn't sure if he should bring them along.  He eventually decided better safe than sorry and stuck them into the bottom of his suit case.  He changed into a pair of civilian clothes and then left the apartment complex.  He hailed an air taxi to get him to the space port.


**Space Port**


He checked his watch when he entered the spaceport; he was a half an hour early.  Even though it was how he got here in the first place, he still found it hard to believe that there was a civilian space port on such a military body as Abrae.  He went to docking bay 106 where the white renegade was berthed.  As expected, Kal was already there.

"So, how do you feel about finally going some place we aren't going to get shot at?" Sion asked Demonic.

"I don't know, might get boring," Kal joked.

"Well, it's a step up from our last vacation..." Than trailed off.  The last "vacation" was actually a mission that hadn't officially happened and few even knew about it.

The blast door swung open and Krius walked in.  He was wearing a flashy shirt that made him stand out like a Rancor with in a group of Ewoks in the bleak docking bay.

"I am surprised that you are here so early," said Sion to Krius.  "What is with the shirt?  Were you going to use it to try to get the pilot's attention if we left without you?"

"Hey, you may be laughing at me now.  But all the babes in Vingal are going to be looking at this," replied Krius flexing his muscles that weren't really that impressive.

Sion and Kal just looked at each other in an "oh boy" manner.  If Krius was a character in combat, who knew what he would be like on vacation.



(OCC: The whole last vacation thing was my personal story in the ESC that I still have to finish.  Yes Demonic, you were in it.) 

 
-----------------------
EFM/MPO Than Sion/Kaph 6/Wing 1/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE(=A=)(=*SA*=)[LoM][VC:B][MC:1][SWC]{VB}
1st in Creativity
2nd best Pilot
Best of all, Elite.

Kal walked down the halway, deep in thought. His career had come a long way in the short time he had been in the navy. He was XO of Kaph Squadron, a Warrant Officer, and Had been decorated with honors he only dreamed he could ever achieve. They had been made the elite squadron.

The pilot had only ever been interested in serving. The republic had killed enough of the people he cared about to ensure he wouldn't live under their rule. He was a fighter pilot, and the Vast Imperial Navy gave him a platform to do what he loved, and live out of the republic's grasps.

Vacation would be intresting. They had been through a series of intense missions lately, and the stress was building up. This'll be a good way to relax a bit before we go back to the battlefront. He thought to himself. This vacation included a mini-mission, but he doubted it would require much more then a simple drop-off.

He headed down towards the hangar, not having much else to do. He coiuldnt wait until he was back in space, even if it was just as a passenger of a transport ship.

I didnt have much I wanted to write at this point, I just wanted to get a post in before we began.
 
-----------------------
|EXO/WO2_Demonic/Kaph 5/PheonixWing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE| (=*A*=)(=*SA*=)(VC:B)(MC2)(VEB)(DSM)[BWC]-=TOP PILOT=-
100% on both Exams, looking good.
Demonic = Darr-Rann
Kaph Elite Executive Officer / 2nd Flight Leader

When Will reached the spaceport he wasn't surprised to find that almost everyone was already there. It was close to the time that they were supposed to board the White Renegade. When he got close to them, he heard them laughing and joking about Krius's bright yellow shirt. Will had gone with just a light-weight lined shirt unbuttoned over a plain white undershirt, along with a pair of baggy shorts. The air outside was rather cool, small gusts of wind, perfect, for the mood to begin a vacation.

"Hello Sir!" Cyleaf called over when he saw Will.

"Hey guys. You all ready to go?" Will asked briskly with a small smile. "And by the way, no formalities. We're on vacation after all. It's an quarter of an hour till. best be getting ready."

"A word please." Cyleaf said as he stepped aside to talk to Will, not waiting for an answer, knowing that Will would agree to it.

"Sure. What is it?" Will tried to keep a straight face, knowing that if it's something that's not said among the rest of the squadron, it's important.

"I was wondering if you have given any thought to my request." Cy said with a little blush on his face, apparently embarrassed.

"Yes. I before I left for some stuff, I told her that she's welcome to join us. What? Has she not arrived yet?" Will asked, but not really concerned. After all, there are still others in his squadron who are not here yet.It's best that I don't tell them about the mission. If it's anything dangerous, I can't get them involved. What they don't know can't hurt. Right?

"Really?" Cy asked with a little surprise on his face. "Thank you! Si... uh... Will."

"No problem. After all, this is your vacation, our vacation." Will replied with a smile, then turned to the rest of the group as scout and Goltred arrived in separate taxis. soon followed by Qualray and Orrak. Those two are always the last. I'll have to do something about it after the vacation. "Alright guys. Looks like it's about time we get on board and got comfortable."

Everyone picked up their bags and belongings and started to move into the spaceport. Everyone except Cy. "She'll be here." Will assured as he walked past.

Once inside, they went through security, and proceeded to board the craft in docking bay 106. It was just a simple Y-4 Raptor Transport. One of the most common transports that can be found. Perfect. Will thought as he looked up at the docked ship.

The captain of the ship, a bearded former-man-of-steel kind of guy, was sitting at the base of the boarding ramp, a cigarette hanging out the side of his mouth. He looked to be in his fifties. He had a scar running down the side of his arm, tattoos covering the other arm. Two other guys, who looked like the crew of the ship, worked away at parts of the ship, doing some last minute maintenance. These guys looks to be dangerous. Best not trust them too much.

"Captain Hackney of the White Renegade?" Will walked up with a straight stern face and shook hands with the man sitting at the ramps.

"That's me. and you are...?" He trailed off with a questioning look on his face.

"Will would be my name. I'm this group's tour leader." Will lied easily.

"I see. Well, welcome aboard. I'll let my guys know that you're here. Are you bunch ready to cast off?"

"No. we're waiting for a couple more members. Plus, was a delivery of some cargo made in the past hour?"

"No. Are you expecting some?"

"Yes." Will said without giving any hint of what the cargo might look like. Catching the cue, the captain turned without anymore questions, and disappeared inside the ship.

Will followed the captain into the ship and found everyone gathered in the lounge. As much as the captain looked to be a rough guy, the ship was surprisingly clean. No weird substances running on the floor, almost all visible surfaces seems to have been wiped and cleaned often. Will felt himself having second thoughts about the crew of the ship.

"Alright guys." Will waited for everyone to quiet down, before continuing, "the trip is fairly average, about six hours according to the captain. So you guys just get comfortable and enjoy the ride. But don't get too comfortable." Will finished with a wink.

Turning around, he found Hackney leaning against the doorway. Will suppressed a yelp, but unable to hide his surprise. The guy chuckled, then left toward the command cabin. Will felt intimidated. The guy not only embarrassed Will in front of his men, but went right out and laughed about it. He's only providing transport. Once we're there, he's history.

Just then, Cyleaf came into the room, with Crystal close on his heels. "Hey guys." He managed, cheeks turning into brighter shades of red every second as the silence dragged on.

"Will," Cy finally breaking the silence again. "There's a couple men outside the spaceport asking for you. They look to be from the navy. Although they only look like mechs."

"Thanks. Did they have anything with them?" Will asked.

"Ummm, not that I could see." Cyleaf answered.

"Kal, come with me to take a look." Will called to Demonic.

"By the way." Cyleaf continued in a whisper that Will con barely hear despite the fact that he's closest to Cy, "There's another guy eavesdropping right outside the doorway. A pretty big man."

"Okay." Without further words, Will pressed a finger to his lips, to signify quietness. Then he unzipped his bag with the blasters, and strapped on the belt. Instead of watching Will putting on a pair of blasters, Kal turned toward his own bags and rummaged through them until he found his own blaster.

Will leaned in close to Kal, then whispered, "Put your gun on stun, keep to the side of me. Try and stay out of the door way, close to the left side. I'm going to step out with a gun in front, if anyone outside does anything offensive, shoot them. Clear?"

Kal nodded, but then whispered, "I'm a horrible shot. Don't be surprised if I miss."

"That's the point of you staying close to me." Will whispered back. As they approached the doorway, Will paused, turned to the right to hide his right side from the doorway as if someone was looking in, took out the heavy blaster pistol on the right hip, set it on stun, then replaced it. Then did the same to the one on the left after turning to the left. He then kept the one on his left out, and proceeded.

With the left arm straight out in the front, and his right hand on the right blaster's handle, and Demonic creeping along the left wall, Will suddenly stepped out of the doorway.Then a few things happened, expected, yet unexpected. Two men came out from both sides of the shadows, one on the left, kicked, and landed a hit on Will's out stretched arm, the gun flying from his hand. Another man, jumped out for the gun flying through air. Just then, Kal stepped out from behind the walls, and shot the first man that kicked Will. The guy that slumped to the ground wasn't bulky at all. He was one of the other two. Reacting instinctively, after being kicked, Will immediately pulled out the other pistol, took aim at the other person jumping for his first pistol, and fired once, then twice. The first shot missed, the second caught the guy in the gut. The guy fell to the floor with a thump.

Alarmed, the rest of the squadron was at the door with guns in some of their hands in seconds. Will walked up to the men, kicked them to make sure they're really out, then checked their pulse to make sure they're still alive. Picking up his blaster, Will frowned, then replaced both guns in their holsters.

"Look around for the Captain, he should be around. I'm sure he wouldn't leave his ship to just two guys, at least not for long. Demonic, come with me." Will ordered, then proceeded to walk down the ramp.
-------
wanted to get to the point when we take off, but this part kind of came to me as i wrote the post.
 
-----------------------
-(William the Conquerer)-
Elite Squadron Commander
King of PPC
We are still here because we conquered our enemies, and we shall do it once more! and more, and more, and more!
ESC/ESN Willtconq/Kaph 1/Wing I/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE (=*A*=) (=*SA*=) [VC:S][SV][BWC][LSM]{VB}
Wm/Wm Willtconq/WM:1/Webmasters/VET/VE

Will's words offered Cyleaf some relief, Crystal would be joining him on the vacation with Kaph, it was so wonderful. "She'll be here" Wills words echoed in his head as everyone started to board the Transport.

Picking up his duffle bag he noticed her blond hair bouncing as she ran forward, "Cy I'm here, wait up" she called after the Zabrak. Panting she stopped at his side.

"Sorry I'm late, took a wrong turn, this spaceport is quite big..." Crystal said panting, "Don't fret, you're here at that's all that matters" putting his arms around her in a hug.

"Excuse me, we are looking for Willtconq" stepping out of the comforting hug he noticed two large men in naval engineering uniforms. "And you are?" Cy asked but they didn't answer, shrugging he took Crystal by the hand and led her inside.

The Zabrak led her towards the passenger cabin, raising an eyebrow watching a large muscular man appear to be cleaning something off the wall. Striking him as odd due to the meticulously clean ship they continued through the door and inside.

None of his training could prepare him for what happened next, he should have seen it coming. All eyes fell on him and the beautiful female that followed, "Hey guys" was all he could stammer out before blushing. Crap, I didn't want them to see me so giddy, like someone on his first date he thought as the silence grew.

"Will," Cy finally breaking the silence again. "There's a couple men outside the spaceport asking for you. They look to be from the navy. Although they only look like mechs."

"Thanks. Did they have anything with them?" Will asked.

"Ummm, not that I could see." Cyleaf answered

Stepping out of the way as Will asked Kal to follow him Cy remembered the other guy. 

"By the way." Cyleaf continued quietly whispering to Will barely audible to even him despite the fact that he was right next to the Zabrak, "There's another guy eavesdropping right outside the doorway. A pretty big man."

Kal and Will left outside while Cy and Crystal walked over to Krius, "Nice shirt" Crystal said chuckling to herself, Krius's face drooped and replied "Does every female hate it?" Giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder Cy was about to say no when sounds of blaster fire echoed outside.

Than was the fastest grabbing his stored E-11s, and Cy grabbed his DC-17M  and set it to normal functions. Reaching the site of conflict with the others Will and Kal had everything under control.

"Look around for the Captain, he should be around. I'm sure he wouldn't leave his ship to just two guys, at least not for long. Demonic, come with me." Will ordered, then proceeded to walk down the ramp.

Nodding Cyleaf looked at Krius, "Team up?"  "Definitely" the human said as they with Crystal in tow ventured back inside the cabin for the rest of their weapons. Handing his vest to Crystal he told her to put it, the vacation was starting off on the right foot.

 
-----------------------
EFM/CPO/Cyleaf Aehait/Kaph 1-3/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE/(=*A*=)(=*SA*=)

Just as Will and Kal exited the docking bay, two men in Imperial uniformed walked past, then turned back.

"Are you Willconq?" One of them called.

Whirling around, Will faced the two men. "Yea, that's me. How can I help you. Mr...?"

"Give us some proof that you're Willtconq, then I'll tell you my name." The man demanded.

Will thought of all the options he had. I can't risk telling them anything important. If they want proof, then the only things I can tell them about are regarding the Navy. But what's in the navy that's not important information? "Kaph squadron is the oldest squadron in the navy." Will said after a while.

"Not bad, proof accepted. I'm Lieutenant Levy, and this is Crewman Cates, my assistant. We're here by order from Commander Wolfe. We have the supplies ready to be transferred onboard your ship. are you ready to take the supplies then take off?"

"Not yet. There are just a few complications, but overall, we should be taking off soon." Will replied without any formal address just as the mechanic didn't show him any.

"Then we'll transport the cargo to the docking bay. You can move them aboard later. Our job was to deliver them to you. There arn't many crates if you're worried." Without another word, the two men turned then headed back out the spaceport.

"Kal, you wait here for them while I go back and check out the rest of the squadron." Once again pulling out a pistol, Will headed back into the docking bay.

When he got there, he saw Cyleaf and Krius searching the grounds but Than and Skylla were no where in sight.

"Where's Than, Skylla, and Crystal?" Will asked.

"Than and Skylla are searching the inside of the ship I think." Cyleaf answered. "And Crystal..." Cy's face suddenly turned ghastly, then before either Will or Krius could say anything, he dashed toward the ship, ran up the ramp and disappeared inside. Krius quickly followed.

Will however, stayed. It was pointless to follow the two. If the captain had taken Crystal prisoner, then there was no point in following Cy and Krius into the ship and reveal his presence. If he hadn't taken Crystal prisoner, then he's still either out here or hiding inside.

Then all of a sudden, loud laughter erupted from inside the ship. The voice of the laughter being from none of Kaph squadron members. So Crystal was taken prisoner. Creeping close to the ramp, Will tried to listen for any further clues.

Sounds of yelling could be heard from inside the ship, but none were clear for Will to understand. After about ten minutes, Kal showed up with the supplies. Three large crates, about 2 meters long by 1 meter wide by 1 meter tall. There were also numerous smaller boxes. Kal was also carrying a brown case in his hand. The two navy guys quickly left soon after.

Will signaled for them to stay quiet, then crept foward until he reached Kal. "The guy have taken Crystal from what I could hear. I don't know what he's after, but it doesn't seem to be our lives."

---------------------
Those of you in the ship, enjoy your parts. Cy, it's your turn to play "hero". enjoy.

-----------------------
-(William the Conquerer)-
Elite Squadron Commander
King of PPC
We are still here because we conquered our enemies, and we shall do it once more! and more, and more, and more!
ESC/ESN Willtconq/Kaph 1/Wing I/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE (=*A*=) (=*SA*=) [VC:S][SV][BWC][LSM]{VB}
Wm/Wm Willtconq/WM:1/Webmasters/VET/VE

Klaxons screamed in his ears; sparks flew.  The ship was falling to pieces.

"Damn it all!  I should've just stayed on the marked routes," Scout swore loudly and to himself.  "Mayday, mayday, this is independent freighter Blue Barroness, I'm coming in hard; request emergency landing," he screamed with desperation in his handset.  This was the fifth time. 

He was going to die here on an uninhabited world, a hopeless fireball hurtling downward.  Nine point eight meters per second per second... I'm not far from that.  Freefall.  The craft shook again, and he started.

"Hey, wake up, Scout.  That thing's been going off for an hour already."  A familiar face... sort of.  He'd only met Shian Orrack a few times since the transfer.  Scout reached out an whacked his clock as Shian stepped back.

"I must have been out pretty hard.  Sorry about that."

"You'd better hurry.  Everyone else is ready to leave already, and they're starting to load up, now."

"Thanks for getting me, and I'm sorry abou the alarm.  I wouldn't miss this for anything."  It was true.  There wasn't much to do onboard a navy vessel, especially when nobody else was around.  On top of that, he didn't want to piss off Kal or Will by making them wait.  He might be the senior flight member, but he certainly didn't have any sort of rank around here.

"It's okay.  Look, I've got to get my stuff, okay?  I'll meet you at the hangar.  Don't be late."  Shian smiled and left.

When the door slid closed Scout hopped up and cleaned up, showering quickly and getting his belongings together.  Scout didn't plan on packing heavy.  He grabbed a few earth-tone outfits and tossed them in the bag -- there wasn't any need to be flashy or stand out, and they looked decent.  He also took a nice-ish outfit and put it in a separate hang-up bag, just in case they were planing on anything special.  Grabbing a toothbrush and the rest of his toiletries and tossing them into his doc kit, he brushed one of his DL-54's.  No need for that, it's just a vacation, but...

He walked over to a drawer and pulled out his hold-out and several extra energy cells and made sure the safety was on before placing the blaster in a concealed pocket on the inside of his trousers.  It never hurts.  He pocketed one of the extra cells and put the rest into a side pocket of his bag.  Making sure that the compact pistol didn't show, he also hid a small folding knife into one of the folds of his wallet.

Grabbing his bags and making sure he didn't forget anything, Scout took off for the hangar bay.  Damn, five minutes late, already.

"Great to see you finally made it, Scout.  I was starting to thing that you'd just gone back to sleep or something," Shian greeted him.

"Nah, I figured that I'd like a bit of R&R with the squad.  After all, we deserve it, right?"

"Sure, just load your stuff; I'm sure the others are around.  I just got here, and they weren't out here."

"Odd..." Scout trailed off, fingers tracing the blaster in his pocket.  "I'll just carry these two bags on with me."  Scout started up the ramp, Shian following.

"Scout, glad to see you made it.  Something's going on in there.  I think they have Crystal."

"Crystal?" Scout was puzzled.

"Cyleaf's girl."  Sian answered him.

"Oh, she's coming along?"

"Cy insisted.  Anyway, I think the crew might have her onboard somewhere."

-----------------------
Hello.
Some guy who plays clarinet.  What a loser.


EFM/PO2 scout/Kaph 4/PheonixWing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE (=A=)

"Ramps up." Than said to the captain in the cockpit.

"And we're outta here." Hackney said joyously.

What Than Sion wanted to know was how he had been suckered in assisting the captain.  Sion went to the lounge where the rest of the Squadron resided.  Crystal had come out of stun quickly and was all right, at least physically.  She was quivering in Cy's arms.  It was so quiet in the room he could hear the muffled sound of the engines.  Obviously the recent events had affected them all.  Than Sion plopped down next to Skylla as Will sat up straighter to say something.

"I know what just happened threw us all off a little," said Will in an understanding voice, "but what you have to remember is that no one actually got hurt.  We are still on vacation people; we are supposed to be having fun!!!"

"You don't get it do you?" Krius said.  "We were trying to see who could be quiet the longest.  By the way you just lost!"

Everybody laughed at Krius' comment.  Leave it to Krius to change the mood.  The ice had been broken and everybody began to talk again.  The ship jumped into hyperspace.


**About Six Hours Later**


The ship came back out of hyperspace.  When Sion looked out the view port he got what Will meant by Naboo.  The swirl of greens and blues was, well awesome.  Kazaar didn't have much for oceans and Sion didn't think that Abrae had any bodies of water at all, so this would be one interesting experience for him.  Details began to show as they got closer to the surface.  You could begin to see clumps of trees and waves on the ocean along with Vingal its self.

Compared to the space port on Abrae which went for the clean, raw metal look, Vingal had more of a rustic, Old Republic look.  A lot of the space port was made up of stone and other more decorative materials.  It sure would appeal to tourists.  The captain would need Sion soon, so he went up to the cockpit.

"Just missed my nice little conversation with control," said the Captain with a big smile on his face.  "Now that I think of it, I don't think I ever thanked you for getting me out of that box."

"Hey, we needed you to get us here," replied Than.

The Captain chuckled.  After helping with landing, Sion went to get his stuff and caught up with the others.  The resort building wasn't that far from the space port so Kaph, plus Crystal, just walked.  Compared to the docking bays, the resort was quite modern.  It seemed to have derive from the Coruscant "un offensive to the masses" style.

"Does it have room service?" asked Krius with an expecting grin.

"Actually, I think it does," replied Will.

The grin turned to an evil one.  Who knew what it was for?



(OCC: Again, had to do something and will correct it later.)
 
-----------------------
EFM/MPO Than Sion/Kaph 6/Wing 1/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE(=A=)(=*SA*=)[LoM][VC:B][MC:1][SWC]{VB}
For two fricking games I thought the Precursors were powerful beings of light, then in Wizard of Oz fashion they all look like Daxter!!!  Oh well, at least he got his pants and the girl.

Kal sat in front of the Holochess board, looking over the pieces. He was playing against his astromech droid, an activity which he used to de-stress ocassionally. He swore under his breath as R2-Y7 made aa critical move against him.

He couldn't focus, he was still trying to figure out exactly what had happened to him. He got up. Maybe something a little more thought-consuming.

Kal walked over to were the virtual reality practice machine sat, and picked it up. Once he set it up and activated, he selected a mode of simulation.

It was like he was on a battlefield, and he had a blaster in his hands. He moved forward, looking around for a target.

Suddenly a man dressed in new republic combat-gear jumped out from behind a rock, his blaster pistol leveled at Kal's torso. The pilot fired a few shots which went wild, before his enemy scored a direct hit.
The words "YOU ARE DEAD" read across the screen. Irritably Kal restarted the scenario.

It began once more. This time he managed to give the target a burn to the side of the arm before he was shot down. "YOU ARE DEAD". Kal started it again. This time he managed to eliminate the opponent, although he wasted a large ammount of his blaster's power pack to do so.

Two more rebel soldiers ran his way. He ducked for cover as a barrage of rifle fire flew in his direction.
He got up and fired a couple of shots. The first one missed, hitting the ground behind his target. The second one hit the rebel in the leg. A rifle shot hit Kal in the chest.

"YOU ARE DEAD"

Fifteen minutes later, Kal had managed a few kills, and an embarrassing amount of deaths. He removed the headset and placed it down in the box again. It hadn't been exactly entertaining, but it had burnt some time.

Kal walked over to were most of the other Kaphs were sitting. Krius had distributed some food for them, and Kal could see his was still laying there untouched. He sat down and joined them.

"So, you guys looking forward to just relaxing for a change?" Than asked.

"It's about time." Crystal said. She seemed to be mostly recovered from the earlier events, although she was still a little jumpy. Kal wasn't surprised. It probably was a hell of an ordeal to go through.

He noticed Krius draw out a deck of sabaac cards, placing them on the table. "Anyone want a game?"

Kal grinned and nodded. Back on Corellia he had earned his living as a card player after the loss of his friends. It was how he earned his TIE Avenger. "Deal me in."
 
-----------------------
|EXO/WO2_Demonic/Kaph 5/PheonixWing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE| (=*A*=)(=*SA*=)(VC:B)(MC2)(VEB)(DSM)[BWC]-=TOP PILOT=-
100% on both Exams, looking good.
Demonic = Darr-Rann
Kaph Elite Executive Officer / 2nd Flight Leader

Than Sion didn't know who was paying for this vacation, but he did know that they didn't any corners.  Sion swiped his key card and opened the door to his room.  It was only a single room, plus a bathroom, but it was a nice one.  The inside also kept with the Coruscant design with having mostly right angles and not overly vivid colors.  The furniture in the room consisted of a table with two chairs, a small refrigerator in the corner, a soft looking bed, and a bedside table with a lamp.

Something on the bed caught his eye.  It was a black data pad.  He touched the screen to remove the screen saver.  It asked for him to identify himself and for a validation code, so typed in the information.  A message popped up on the screen:

Dear Master Chief Petty Officer Than Sion:

I had this sent in ahead of us when we landed.  Don't worry about security on this thing.  If you are reading this, let's just say that, no one tried to slice in.  Obviously this is about military business.  You have been promoted to Warrant Officer 2nd Class.  Congratulations!

That is not all, after almost a year of service to the Vast Imperial Navy you have been given the position of second flight leader.  Again, Congratulations!

Than Sion's heart skipped a beat after reading the last part.  He had never seen this coming.  He had never expected to have a flight leader position so soon since they had been all filled up.  Something in his mind clicked, he read on to confirm it:

Now you may be wondering what has happened to Kal's position?  He has been moved to Kaph 2 as my wingman.  You are now the new Kaph 5.  Your new position carries a lot of responsibility but I am confident that you are up to the task.  Don't worry about giving everybody else the good news, they already know.  I could have told you about this earlier, but I wanted to wait until we got here.  For a third time, Congratulations!

Signed, Ensign Willtconq

P.S. Keep the data pad, you're going to need it.

He should have been happy, but for some reason he felt sad.  The position had unintentionally ended a great part of his combat career.  Than Sion and Demonic were no longer wingmen.  The great duo was no more.  Memories of tight situations they had gotten each other out of played through his head.  He now had a wingman that he had barely said a word to during the course of his military career.  He could not dwell over it though.  Things like this happened when you were in the Navy if you liked them or not, you just had to deal with it.

He logged off of the data pad and stuck it in his suit case.  There would be a time where he would have to start worrying about his new responsibilities, but this was not the time.  He checked his watch, it was still mid day, local time, so he thought he would go out and look at the ocean.  Then he remembered what Will said about not going anywhere alone.  Hmm, maybe Skylla would like to have a nice walk on the beach, Sion said in his head.

Than Sion walked over to Skylla's door and knocked on it lightly three times.

"Who is it?" she replied.

"It's Than, I was wondering if you want to go for a walk on the beach?"

"I would love to, just give me a few minutes to change."

She opened the door wearing a black swim suit and flip flops that, well, didn't leave much to the imagination and probably only took a few square feet of material to make.  They took the elevator down to ground floor and left the building.  They then walked the short trek to the ocean...

(OCC: I know that I am a bit ahead of everybody else but I felt the getting there in the first place was taking a little too long.  Not saying that I think you guys should hurry, I just didn't feel like writing about the six hour trip there when I just want to be there. 

Also if Krius ever gets to read this, stop having fantasies about my imaginary girl friend, get your own, lol!!!!)       


 
-----------------------
EFL/WO2 Than Sion/Kaph 5/Wing 1/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE(=A=)(=*SA*=)[LoM][VC:B][MC:1][SWC]{VB}
For two fricking games I thought the Precursors were powerful beings of light, then in Wizard of Oz fashion they all look like Daxter!!! Oh well, at least he got his pants and the girl.

"You've heard about my past," Skylla said to Sion while they walked down the beach, "but I don't know that much about yours"

"Well," he said as a small smile crossed his face, "not anything really that exciting.  I lived on a Kazaarian farm that grew grain.  I was raised like all the other children in the farming community.  We were all taught to work hard, be honest, to have manners..."

Skylla brought her head down and the smile left her face.  They stopped walking.

"Shouldn't this...well this...(sigh)...relationship be uncomfortable for you?" said Skylla in a sad voice.

"Last I remembered relationships in the beginning are always slightly uncomfortable," replied Sion, worry laden in his voice.

"I mean that you grew up with an honest life style and I.....well I didn't get to this point with such innocent means."

"A lot of things have changed since that time.  As you know my parents....passed away when I was fifteen.  For three years I worked to get off Kazaar with vengeance as my drive.  When I finally made it off I search for way into the Empire so I could make those who had killed my parents pay.  I have gone from an innocent teen to a military man since my more "honest" up bringing.  Then there was the medical cargo ship incident...  What I am trying to say is that then was then and now is now."

The silence was held for a minute before Skylla replied, "I asked because I thought the initial connection might have worn off.  That you were possibly having second thoughts."

Than smiled before he said, "I don't believe you understand, I liked you before then.  Why did you think I told you about the nightmares in the first place?  Who wouldn't like you?  The most obvious thing is that you're drop dead gorgeous.  You're intelligent and you understand what I am going through in such a direct way.  Plus you aren't some sissy who cries when they break a nail like Krius does."

Skylla laughed at the last comment.  She seemed to have been re assured of the situation.  He didn't even know why she needed to be.  Being the only female in the squadron, why did she pick him.  He was about seven years younger than her, skinny, and had a bad habit of taking things too seriously.  He was the one that probably needed to be reassured.

The waves came in and out from the edge of the great body of water that stretched out to the far edge of the sky.  It was even more spectacular of a site than he had expected.  They sat down on a rock just to watch it.  They both knew to take it in as much as they could now for it would be a long time, if ever, that they would get to see something like this again.

But then the silent observation ended as a trio of aircraft came over the trees and landed quite sloppily on top of the water not 200 feet from Skylla and Sion's position.  A man jumped out of the nearest one into the shallow water.  He was quickly followed by another male.

"Now what kind of landing was that?" said Than Sion in a cocky voice.  "You would swear that some sea monster had come up to get your plane as it landed with all the splashing."

"Who do you think you are judging me on my landing?" said the person who was obviously the pilot.

"Someone who probably could fly it better," replied Sion.

"Put your money where your mouth is, outlander," said the pilot.  "10,000 says you can't beat me in a one on one race through Red Death Canyon."

"I'll take that bet, but you won't have that smirk on your face when we're done."

"Hey Steve, the outlander feels lucky.  Let him use your jet and you can catch a ride with Dale.  Don't worry about loosing her, if she goes boom I'll buy you a new one."

Skylla and Sion give each other knowing looks.  These people didn't know what they had gotten themselves into.         



-----------------------
EFL/WO2 Than Sion/Kaph 5/Wing 1/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE(=A=)(=*SA*=)[LoM][VC:B][MC:1][SWC]{VB}
For two fricking games I thought the Precursors were powerful beings of light, then in Wizard of Oz fashion they all look like Daxter!!! Oh well, at least he got his pants and the girl.

Cyleaf entered his room; it felt good to be out of the barracks and into a comfy environment.  Opening the door to the balcony he got a great view of the ocean's waves crashing onto the beach and salt area flooded his nostrils.

The smells and sounds brought back a memory from his past, closing his eyes basking in his thoughts he remembered.


"Daddy the coldness tickles my feet, why do they feel funny" the young Zabrak looked up into his father's warm eyes, but it was his mother that spoke "Cyleaf dear that's called sleepiness, remember the time when your arm tingled real bad after you fell asleep on it?"

The child became suddenly frightened yelling "It hurts mommy, it hurts" thinking her son was overeating to the feeling she smiled until he tried to run out of the water, a clear membrane was attached to his feet by tentacles. "It's stinging me get it off, get it off!" Cy yelled desperately until his father stepped on it and pulled him up while wiping away the things stuck to his leg.

"It's ok, it was only a jelly fish" the older Zabrak tried to comfort his son, "Mommy will put something on it so the pain stops when we get home."

His mother bent over him and started to whisper "Cyleaf, Cyleaf."


Snapping back from the memories Crystal was calling his name from the balcony beside his. "Hey look down there; does that give you an idea?" He followed to where she was pointing and noticed Than and Skylla walking on the beach.

"Sure, let's try to sneak by Krius's room so he doesn't notice us."  Cyleaf left the beautiful room and stepped out into the hallway. Crystal stepped out of her room in a bikini top and skirt, Cyleaf's eyes almost popped out of his head.

"Wow you look beautiful" he stammered out over his astonished face, "so do you" she chuckled brushing off his comment and led him to the turbolift. When the doors opened Krius was standing inside, a toothy grin upon his face.

"I was just on my way up to see you both, the scenery here is superb and I don't mean the planet."

"Great just when we wanted some alone time" Cyleaf said aloud to no one.  "I'm hurt" the human replied, "anyway there is this person that I wanted to introduce you both to, she's waiting down stairs." CYleaf noticed his friends eyes giving Crystal the look over as they all stepped into the lift.

When they arrived at the lobby Krius pointed towards the hotel bar, "she's over there, I'll be right back" Crystal looked over towards Cyleaf when their friend had walked off and nodded, taking the hint they both sprinted towards the door and out to freedom.

Picking a direction opposite of where Than and Skylla went the couple took off their shoes and began walking in the sand.

"I love the feeling of fine sand between your toes, especially when it's not too hot" the blond female commented as she walked towards the water with Cyleaf beside her. "I enjoy the feeling of anything as long as I am with you" he replied putting his arm around her as the waves splashed over their feet.

 
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EFM/CPO/Cyleaf Aehait/Kaph 1-3/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE/(=*A*=)(=*SA*=)

The water was beautiful a deep blue-green color where you could see down to the bottom. The brisk temperature helped ease the heat as it washed over their feet. Jumping into the water the Zabrak swam out a few yards and waited for her to follow.

Their blossoming relationship was much like the ocean's waves constantly surging forward for a better purchase even when it gets set back. After meeting her Cyleaf had departed on a mission, one of importance, and this vacation had gotten off to a rocky start with her being taken hostage. Those two things didn't seem to deter these once strangers from planting the seed in their hearts, but only time would tell if it would grow or die.

Playfully Crystal splashed Cyleaf with water and without hair it quickly sloshed down his horned head. He retorted by wrapping her in his arms and staring into her blue eyes with his violet ones.

Swimming back towards shore they both climbed onto the beach and began to walk again. Crystal broke the silence.

"I know how Zabrak's have tattoos that are ceremonious to something deep in their past and I couldn't help but wonder why yours is the outline of a skull. What does that symbolize?"

Taken back somewhat at her boldness and that she asked so intrusive of a question he hesitated. Thinking of how best to answer this he spoke, "I had asked my father that same question when I was young and had gone through the tattooing ceremony, I'll tell you the story he related to me."

*********
Cyleaf stood in front of his father, the tattooed flesh burning bright pink around its edges. Hiding the pain from his face the young Zabrak asked his father the question Crystal would ask him many years from now. "Father why are our faces designed like skulls?" and this was the reply.

It was many years ago back when my ancestors still lived on Iridonia, my father's forefathers said our markings could be traced all the way back to the Mandolorian wars, but no one knew for sure and it could just have been some delirious thought. But it all came down to someone way back took design and made it my family's birthright.

It was said he was a warrior, fighting alongside the Republic against the Mandolorians, our races horns had two prominent ones in the center that somewhat curved inward towards each other like a mythical demon. Demons had meant death so by making the skull outlines on his face made them seem more intimidating. I don't know wither any of the Mandolorian rumors are true, but all I know is that your ancestors gave this to me and I gladly wear it in honor of them, wither they were heroes or cowards, warriors or farmers.

*******
The pride he saw in his father's face back then reflected in him as he told the story to Crystal. "Wow" was all she said as they started back towards the hotel.

Reaching the doors they nearly bumped into Skylla and Than, as both groups were caught up in conversation.

"Hey guys, how's your vacation going so far?" asked Skylla her arm wrapped in Than's,

"Pretty good, first time I have been able to mellow out in awhile" Cy replied as they followed the others into the lobby.

 
-----------------------
EFM/CPO/Cyleaf Aehait/Kaph 1-3/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE/(=*A*=)(=*SA*=)

A night club hungh, what do you wear to a night club Cyleaf thought to himself while rummaging through his duffle bag. He opened the slip of paper Than had given him, it was just directions and no name of the club, so much for a hint by the name..

After about twenty minutes of trying on and scrutinizing himself in front of the mirror he had an idea. Opening the door to his room Cy headed across the way to Krius's room and knocked on the door.

Hearing the commotion inside caused by his presence indicated that Krius was either just woken or it might have been a bad time. The young human answered the door, a bead of sweat on his brow accompanied by a nervous expression.

"Hey Cy what's up?" Krius asked his voice shaking,

"Well to tell the truth after that shirt you wore at the docks I figured you would be the last one to ask, but could I borrow something to wear to a club tonight?" apprehension in the Zabrak's voice made it clear that this was his last resort.

"Ahhh, I have just the thing, come on in" he said leading Cyleaf inside.  Noticing that the bed wasn't messed up counted out one of his hunches, but he still wondered about Krius's demeanor.

"How about this?" Krius said pulling out a purple synth-silk shirt and some sleek black pants.

"Don't worry about the colors the shirt matches your eyes" he laughed at Cyleaf's expense while pulling out some shoes and a belt.

Gratefully taking the articles of clothing the Zabrak started to proceed to the door but stopped.

"Oh Krius don't make her hide in the closet next time, it's ok to have a girl in your room we're not back at the barracks. Also maybe next time she might want to meet your friends" Cy stated exiting the room to s stunned Krius.

As the door shut the Zabrak chuckled to himself, it was good to embarrass his young friend once in awhile since he thought of himself so smooth. Opening his own room he entered and proceeded to shower and change.

A woman in a flowing black dress with her hair up in a bun met him downstairs at a quarter to nine. Her heels made her almost his height and the scarf wrapped around her neck flowed gently as she walked toward him.

Taking both her hands in his he spoke quietly, "You look beautiful"

"Thank you, and you look stunning" she chuckled politely.

"I know it's the shirt" he added.

"Oh it looks good, surprised me as it seems to be something Krius would wear" and she paused putting two and two together.

"Yes he said it matched my eyes" the Zabrak chuckled stating the obvious.

"Well sometime we will have to work on your sense of fashion, but this will work tonight."

Stepping outside they hailed an air car and Cy handed the driver the slip of paper.

"Take us here please" he added as it already started to move. After only a few minutes of travel they arrived outside the club, paying the driver they stepped out and looked for Than and Skylla.

"Over here Cy" a man shouted and looking over he saw Than waving to them. Walking over towards their friends Cyleaf greeted them.

"Good to see you again, this should hopefully be a blast, though not in the literal sense" he added hoping his dry humor might spark a laugh. Both females were talking to themselves about what they were wearing and Cy thought he saw Crystal point to his shirt. Shrugging he just talked to Than some more as they waited.


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EFM/CPO/Cyleaf Aehait/Kaph 1-3/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE/(=*A*=)(=*SA*=)[BWC]

Cyleaf couldn't help himself and he just had to ask, "Really, how did you get invited, Than," said Cyleaf in a quiet voice.

"I talked my self into a jet race with a local," replied Sion sheepishly.

"If Will finds out about this you are going to be in deep shit," said Cy. "We aren't supposed to give anybody any reason to believe that we are military."

The wait wasn't too bad about fifteen minutes later the group that had invited them all showed up. "Hey outlander," somebody said in a respectful way.

After the introductions Gilman lead the way toward the door,

"Hey you, where do you think you're going?" A big Devorian guard said peering down at a black haired Human following the group.

"I'm with them" he replied as Cyleaf jumped in front of the bouncer.

"He's with us, he was so quiet I forgot about him, his name's Goltred"

"You brought him along?" Than whispered shocked as they continued inside.

"It's either that or leave him with Krius, what would you have done?" The Zabrak asked only to receive a chuckle from Than. Passing through the doorway was like walking into another world, if anyone thought it was dark outside the inside was an eclipse.

Sporadic lighting lit up the dance floor in the center while small shaded lamps lit up booths with a dark eerie glow. Odors from beings smoking and the sweat from the dance floor filled the air creating the atmosphere that slipped into the nostrils.

Than and Skylla split for the dance floor and Goltred went to sit at the bar. Cy and Crystal followed Gilman and Dale while Steve seemed to slip off to take care of something. Walking towards the back Gilman stopped at a large fancy synth-wood table, sliding into a seat he beckoned the Zabrak and his companion to sit.

"Wow fancy place here, synth-wood tables, extravagant lighting, it's really nice." Cyleaf commented.

"Yeah well I spare no expenses when it comes to my clubs."

"You own this?" Crystal asked amazed, "Than didn't mention that"

"Well cause I didn't tell him" Gilman replied. If he owns all this, it couldn't be all from tourism Cy thought to himself taking in the banners hanging on the walls and crystal glasses at their table.

"So how about some drinks? We have the best Ruby Bliel in the galaxy" nodding to the waitress that had snuck up on the group the human continued talking.

"Your friend's a pretty good flyer, he beat me hands down, and that's not easy on my home turf." Gilman's eyes peered at Cyleaf waiting for a reply if he suspected something he was waiting for him to trip up.

"He's an extreme sports enthusiast, we own a shop on Corellia. Than's always loved speeders and ships."

"Well what brings you to Imous III?"

"Vacation, and we heard the jungles here are perfect for exploring" Crystal added speaking up for the first time since they had sat down. "Now if you will excuse me I have a need to dance" grabbing Cyleaf and practically dragging him to the dance floor.

Slowly making their way to over to Than and Skylla who were adding a new meaning to dirty dancing they interrupted them.

"Than, sorry to bother you but.." those words got his attention.

"What's up?" he asked eyebrows raised.

"We are extreme sports shop owners and your into speeders and ships, here for vacation and exploring the jungle." The Zabrak said out of breath.

Nodding Than and Skylla both said "Got it."

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EFM/CPO/Cyleaf Aehait/Kaph 1-3/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE/(=*A*=)(=*SA*=)[BWC]