Strolling into yet another briefing room session, Riq was pleased to see Wicket was already there.  Certainly a first.  Seeing the wall chrono, the squad leader blinked and looked down at his wrist chrono... Oh, I am 20 minutes late... I'm willing to bet Wicket was still late.

"Bah, sorry about the wait there," Riqimo shrugged as he took the podium position, "Anyways, as you all have been made aware, our squad specialty has expanded from Reconnaissance to a nice wide array of Surveillance, Target Acquisition, Reconnaissance, and Intelligence, or STARI (pronounced just like 'starry') for short.  With this change, we get to do the first mission in the squad's history that is actually matched to our squad specialty.  First off, let me give a brief run down of what STARI is."

"Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance are methods of obtaining battlefeild information. The information is then normally passed to intelligence personnel for analysis, and then to the commander and his staff for the formulation of battle plans."

"Intelligence is processed information that is relevant and contributes to an understanding of the ground, and of enemy dispositions and intents."

"STARI is the process of integrating the intelligence process with surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance tasks in order to improve a commander’s situational awareness and consequently their decision making. The inclusion of the 'I' is important as it recognizes the importance of taking the information from all of the sensors and processing it into useful knowledge."

"Anyways, if you all would take one of these datapads," Riqimo opened up a  pouch from his side and slid the various datapads , "What we have here is a high profile mission, absolutely secretive.  This mission will require minimum casualties, assuming that events play out in an ideal chain.  If they do not, we are expected to adjust as necessary.  All necessary information you require is present on the datapads you have.  Remember that this is secretive and no others are to be alerted to our mission."

---

Mission File G10238541

Classification: Reconnaissance/Infiltration
Priority: 2 (Scale 1-5, with 1 being the highest)
Planet: Ausist (Unknown Regions)



Assignment to Eclipse Squad (STARI), Storm Platoon


Riqimo 'Doc' Pershaw (Medic)
Jersh (Heavy Weapons)
Saphira Striker (Vehicle Crewman)
Gainun 'Jelly Bean' Rigar (Heavy Weapons)
'Blackout' (Comm Tech)
Alater Osted (Heavy Weapons)
'Wicket' (Combat Engineer)
Rike Malen (Comm Tech)
Isadora Honoratus





Although the individual members of the squad are responsible for personal weaponry, AHC has allotted additional equipment to provide what the troopers would not reasonably be able to provide and is essential in some form to the mission.

> One Unmarked Lambda-class T-4a shuttle, Black Guardian
> One V-Web Portable Blaster Artillery Piece (Unassembles into 3 components)
> Nine BARC Speeders
> Three PX-7 Heat Sensors
> Three SE-Vigilant Automated Sensor Beacons
> One Communications Scanner
> Nine Swamp Trooper Armor Sets (This version)

Mission Briefing

Recently a serious incident involved former Lord Myndo Waterly's body, which disappeared from Ausist III prior to its scheduled cremation. Current Lord Mori Focht declared the theft a "morbid, callous, and heinous act against the dead."  As of this writing, no group claims responsibility for the theft, but evidence points strongly to the Word of Dasth's role in the desecration.  The two groups have a history of monkey warfare (see Planet Intel).

Lord Focht has applied for assistance to the Vast Empire in recovering the body, before the public masses riot into another destructive war between the factions.

The body of the former Lord does not concern the VE, however as a PR move, they wish to retrieve the remains and 'pinpoint' the "morbid, callous, and heinous act against the dead" on the New Republic, thus lending to some destabilization of NR influence in nearby systems.

Deployment Procedures

Eclipse, the STARI squad within Storm Platoon, is assigned to deploy from Tadath at 1500 hours local time.  The Black Guardian will transport them to Ausist III upon which they will prep themselves with any local intel and then formulate their own deployment procedures for the remainer of the operation.

Planetary Intel

The planet Ausist is a rather unique planet, it's former leader, the High Lord Dasth Heme of their Council is worshiped as a deity of sorts by the inhabitants of the planet.  Thirty years after his death, two factions bear two interpretations of his teachings and a religious war is fought across the entire planet.  In two years, the planet is almost entirely destroyed, and the two factions have each claimed one of Aisist's two inhabitable moons as their own.  The planet itself is now a wasteland and no living creature can be found on it.

The moon Ausist I is claimed by those that call themselves the "Word of Dasth," the other moon, Ausist III is claimed by the "Dasth Bearers."

The government of Ausist III is officially recognized by many of the Imperial Remnants, the VE included, although it is not a member of any Imperial faction.  Likewise, the NR recognizes the Ausist I government without considering it a member government.

Effectively the two factions are separate governments and recognize an unofficial ceasefire.  However the governments do participate in a form of warfare commonly called "monkey" warfare.

If guerrilla warfare is defined as perpetrating clandestine attacks on the opposition in order to wear them down, then "monkey" warfare is defined as two sides waging a conflict of escalating, annoying pranks that, though expensive and time-consuming, cost no lives.  Petty harassment of one side by the other has forced both sides to retaliate in an ongoing war of one-upmanship.

Ausist I is a jungle moon with several heavily fortified cities and an extensive shield network.  The moon is aligned towards the New Republic.  The Vast Empire has very little intel on the planet, as no agent has been able to last longer than 5 standard hours.

Ausist III is a swampy moon with only one city worth noting, its capitol, Gashet.  Gashet is more fortified than most standard military installations, all ships must be able to provide an unique complex code before coming anywhere close to the moon or risk being shot at by the turbo laser defense network.  Once their code checks out, they are allowed to move into orbit where they will be boarded by an customs official escorted by a squad of troops.  If the ship is clear of any contraband and suspicious persons, the boarding party will remain on board until landing while their craft follows close behind.  The planet has sworn to the Imperials and provides weaponry (its only industry) to any Imperial Forces that will purchase their products.  VE intelligence doubts that the Ausist actually agrees to Imperial Doctrines, but instead wishes any ally in case of an attack by Ausist I.

OOC:

I know, VERY different from what you are used to.  But I believe that this format is the optimal way to present missions of this sort,  Most of the background information is nicely organized and what not.

Jersh read over the data pad quick, his eyes taking in the information and committing it to memory. He looked again over their list of additional equipment the group was to have supplied. He frowned at the armor they were assigned to use and made a mental note to talk with Doc later on to see if he could also bring his Shadow Suit with him. He did not like wearing the bulky armor that severely restricted his movement… Sure it offered protection against blaster and such, but if he were unencumbered by the armor, he could dodge and avoid the damage altogether. Weighed down by the suit however, he could not be certain that he would be able to perform to his maximum efficiency.

He read over the part about ‘Monkey Warfare’ and had to work hard to keep his eye from twitching in annoyance. The acts were useless gestures that served to do nothing but waste time and resources. He sighed as he thought that he was helping such fools, but at least the Empire would gain something should their mission succeed. He cracked his knuckles in excitement that they received another mission so shortly after his first. Despite the low probability of combat, he knew there was always a chance for things to go wrong.

He glanced over to his side at Saphira and felt a chill run down his spine. She had scolded him when she had learned the full details of the little ‘Ride’ he took down to the hangar floor in the previous mission. Even though she said it was a foolish move, she did not deny that it was effective, nor could she keep a smile off her face at the thought of the massacre of the dock workers and guards that were caught in the path of the heavy durasteel beam. She seemed to notice him staring at her, his eyes glazed over as he looked into the past.

She leaned over to nudge him between the ribs as Doc walked out, followed quickly by Alater. “Don’t be getting any self-destructive ideas” she whispered to him with that smile that sent tingles down his spine. Saphira looked back to the data pad and looked at the long list of vehicles. “It looks like we are going to be mobile quite a bit in this mission” She commented.

Jersh nodded in agreement and looked back down to see if there was anything he had missed. “At least that is your specialty” he said then leaned close to her to whisper. “My dear”

Jersh sighed and shifted in his seat as Saphira scolded him for calling hear dear. He supposed he understood why he should not but shrugged innocently as if he had forgotten. She huffed and tried her best to act upset, but he could tell she was amused by his antics. He stood up and stretched until he heard his back crack and looked around the room to see some of the others filing out of the meeting room. He glanced at the data pad once more and decided he should browse around the imperial store for any items that should prove useful in this... unusual... mission.

Jersh felt his mind wander along the avenues of carnage that seemed to fill his mind. He thought to himself, outlining the items that he would clearly need along with him on the mission. The scene of a night-time forest crossed him mind. His vibroblades gleamed in the moonlight, coated with the blood of his enemies. He shrugged and made another mental note to pick up some kind of high tension wire that was incredibly durable. Also he had to make sure his blades were sharpened and treated for maximum effectiveness. He looked over at Saphira and wonder what she would think of his style of fighting... He hoped dearly that she would approve.

Wicket stood next to Saphira, with the intent of starting a conversation it seemed. Jersh watched the scene with Wicket and Saphira with a bemused smile on his face and closed his weary eyes for a moment. Jersh opened his eyes, thinking she was going to do something worse as he laid his hand on her shoulder to stop her.

"Uh...Saph.." He began as she shrugged him off. Wicket gave another squeak, raising his hands.

"I .. I said I was sorry.." He mumbled as the female let a growl come from her lips.

"I am perfectly fine Wicket.. As you can see.." She rumbled, letting him go before looking over to jersh and giving him a wink only he could see.

"I .. ah.. Yeah.. I can see that.. good.." He managed before hurrying past them to leave ahead. Jersh sighed.

"You really should not have done that." He began as Saph lowered her gaze. Jersh shook his head and placed his arm on her shoulder again, his thumb rubbing against her soft skin gently. He suddenly had an idea how to distract her from Wicket.

“Do you feel up to a trip to the toy store?” Jersh said with a smile on his face and held out his hand to Saphira.

Jersh fell down to the floor hard enough to cause a small bruise to begin forming on the back of his head. “Owww” he muttered than he heard Saphira say the line “Easy flyboy..”. Jersh fought back a laugh and looked around as if he were confused. He cut his hand a little on the floor and brought hand from the back of his head to look as if he were bleeding from the impact on the floor.

“W-who are you?” Jersh asked , his eyes wide in both fear and shock as he stared into Saphira’s eyes. “Who am... I?” He asked her his tone hushed and serious. He looked around as if confused about his surroundings and watched Saphira out of the corner of his eye. She had a panicked look about her, and her jaw was hanging wide open as if she could not believe what had just occurred. There was also worry and regret from having attacked him so suddenly. Her body was shaking it seemed, though he could not tell why.

Making sure nobody was around, he suddenly stood up and kissed her quickly before stepping outside of her attack range. She stared at him blankly, then saw the cut on his hand and quickly surmised the situation. “You Jerk!” She yelled at him, her voice only containing a little humor until she began to laugh while hitting him half-heartedly. She finally fell forward into Jersh’s arms and they both stood there for a moment, both glad that the pair of them were both uninjured. Well.... Jersh’s cut was nothing serious, but Saphira still scolded him for it anyways.

With a sigh, Jersh led them into the Imperial Store, only a small portion of its goods were on display however, the Data Terminal is where customers could look up specific equipment if they so desired. Jersh nudged Saphira and pointed out a black suit that was in a display case. “That is a Shadow Suit” He whispered to her in a quiet voice. “It is made of shadow silk, which naturally absorbs both light and sound. Its all passive organic systems so it does not show up as unusual of scanners of any type. I have one myself”. Jersh wondered if there was anything here that would catch Saphira’s eye. To them, this shop full of equipment truly was like a toy stare was to young children.

Still grumbeling at the little stunt he had pulled in the hall he lead them intot he store where instantly she opened her eyes at the amazment of toys they had readied available.This is nice.. one plus side of being here..


Jersh nudged Saphira and pointed out a black suit that was in a display case. “That is a Shadow Suit” He whispered to her in a quiet voice. “It is made of shadow silk, which naturally absorbs both light and sound. Its all passive organic systems so it does not show up as unusual of scanners of any type. I have one myself”. 


With a smile on her lips she knew she had to have the shadow suit herself. The idea to be almost invisible was far to much a temptation. Walking up the  counter a droid greeted them with it's rustied sound mechinical voice. Jersh stood back for a moment and watched Saph, intrested on what she was exactly going to be buying. Either way I am sure it'll be intresting

Scratching her chin the Twe'lik grinned, silver eyes scanning the walls like a kid in the candy store. Opening her mouth she started to place what she wanted.


"One 611 Combat Armor, four  Anti-Vehicle Grenades, two C-22 Fragmentation Gernades, four Class-A Thermals Detonator's, two E-11 Blaster rifles..."

SHe paused, letting the droid catch up on her order as she looked back over at Jersh who arched an eyebrow at her. "I told you.. I do like my explosives.." She replied to his un-said question. Jersh only grinned.My kind of women.. He thought as he listened to her continue on with her list.


" I'll take two Crelenex cold/flu remedy, I'll need those.. the set of Mistryl Climbing claws. Nine MK ones Frag Gernades. Two  of the PT-212 Vibroblades, one VC uniform, shadowsuit, four towels, and...Anacept contraceptive five of them.." She breathed, looking back at Jersh to see his reaction as the droid calculated her bill. Intruppting her thought as it spurted out a sum of over seventeen thousand credits.


Saphira, spun around back to the droid and missed his reaction. SHe could only guess at what he would think of one of the items she bought. Better to be prepeared then not SHe thought, handing the droid her chip to pay for the items. It took only a moment as the card was handed back to her and it confirmed that the sums were in fact transfered. Of course naturall, she took only the uniformes and her new blades with her. The other items would be taken over to where everyone elses 'toys' were kept until needed.

Blackout laid upside down on his bed. He stared at the ceiling. Holes were placed evenly in the roof from Knives and stray gun fire. Most of it was from accidentel firing of his gun while reloading,or target practice with the Drat board, but instead he threw it up. He found it odd though that he had such a bad aim that it was almost humoruos.

“Why did I join? What was the point I gave everything up?” He was talking to himself out loud. He didn't know what to think. He didn't understand why in the world he would do such a thing. Maybe he was trying to be a hero, or maybe he just felt like fighting, he always liked to fight, it fueled some sort of anger deep down inside of him. Why he joined the army though was something beyond him. Ah well, maybe he could figure it out later.

Three hours had passed and Blackout had been dozing off an on. He wondered if he would even be able to stay conciouse. After about the third time he dozed off a knock came at the door. It was one of the new Recruits, of course he had just gotten there, his name was Slick, at least that was his nickname. He was about Tyro's height and a little younger.

“Hey you wanna come practice, I know your going on a mission, but I figured I get in some practice.” He said, walking in, uninvited.He looked like he had just gotten up, his hair was a mess

“Sure, I was packed and ready anyway, i need something to do.” Blackout got up off the bed and grabbed a small belt clip, it had a strip of cloth to tie around your leg so it wouldn't move. He usually sued it to hold his Knives. “Alright, lets' go before I die of boredom.” Tyro shut off the lights in his room and grabbed his duffel bag so he wouldn't have to return. He took one last look around the room and then left. AS they walked down the hall towards the Training Room, Tryo kept thinking about how he was going to get through this, he knew he had to do something or else he was going to mess the whole Squad up. Whatever he did he had to Make sure nothing went wrong, or else this was going to be a really long mission.

Blackout Walked slowly around the room. Gut's told him that his opponent was hiding, fear told him that He was right behind him, altogether the feeling produced the same result. He wlaked even slower now jerking left and right, he may have had quicker reflexes than most humans, but he couldn't sense other people like a jedi.

“:I know your out there, come and get me.” Blackout taunted, even though he was talking to an in-organic life form. Thoughts went through his head faster, he couldn't think and he could tell that sweat was starting to run down his face. Little beads could be felt on his hand, his grip was slipping on the handle of his knife, why he was so nervous he didn't know, but somehow he was going to beat that record.

He quickly turned to a sound that sounded like metal scrapping across metal. When he looked he saw the outline of the metallic figure before him. His eyes glinted and he blinked, gripping the knife harder. The ticking sound of the clock in the corner got louder and louder. His heart was beating faster like a drum. The scrapping got louder this time behind him. He swerved fast to see a metal rod coming straight for his head. His reflexes automatically took over. He stopped the rod in mid swing and grabbed onto it tight. He used all his strength to use the rod as a projectile throwing the Robot into the wall. Quickly he threw a knife  nailing the Robot on the neck and pinning him to the wall like a  still picture. The timer buzzed and he could feel sweat starting to evaporate quickly.

“Good job, Private Blackout, maybe you should practice more.” Slick walked down the stairs off to the left. The metallic ring with every step he took was hurting Tyro's ears but he shook it off. “So how about you and me team up against two robots, tag team style.” Slick pulled out a gun, Tyro didn't believe in using guns as a primary weapon, even though he used his dc-17 he would rather use his hands and knives. to each his own I guess He thought blandly.

“Alright, but you better not slow me down.” Blackout said, laughig lightly.

“Same goes to you.” Slick activated a panel on the wall and a humming sound could be heard. The lights dimmed slightly and walls popped up in the middle of the room. Then two robots ap

Rike smiled as he started to eat his dinner. He was out on his fourth date with Sarah and he was going to ask her to officially be his girlfriend tonight. She looked lovely in her long green silk dress, she had her hair pulled back into a bun with a long needle like thing in the bun. She returned his smile and started to eat as well, "You look lovely Sarah", Rike said with a slight blush.

"Thank you Rike, you don't look so bad yourself", she replied smiling tenderly at Rike. Rike did look nice, he had worn a white dress shirt with a black tie and black pants. They were at a fantasy restaurant, so it was one of the few times Rike felt the next to get dressed up. The band kicked in with a soothing song in the background, it made a peaceful atmosphere. After they had finished dinner they got up and went to the dance floor. It was a slow dance and Rike blushed, he was not the best of dancers.

They had begun dancing and Rike was doing alright so far,I will be so embarrassed if I mess up, Rike thought to himself as the song moved to the second movement. "Your a good dancer Rike", Sarah said smiling. It probably just sympathy, Rike blushed at the comment.

"Thank you, your a rather good dancer too", Rike said turning a shade redder.

Sarah laughed, "Rike why are you always so shy around me, it is our fourth date", She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek and then whispered in his ear, "If I thought you were a loser I would have dumped you by now", She pulled back out as Rike spun her and then pulled her back in, "so don't be shy ok, Rike" She said once again with a smile.

Rike stopped blushing and looked in her eyes, it was time to ask her, "Sarah, I want to ask you somthing.."

"Yes Rike" Sarah repiled as they continued dancing.

"Oh my lord, 24'00 already Private", some guy called out from a nearby table.

Rike froze, 24'00 I have to get home, I still need to pack and everything for the mission, shit , Rike looked at Sarah, who had a confused look on her face now, "Sorry Sarah, never mind, I have to go. I got a mission at 3 tomorrow and I still have to pack", and tonight WOULD have been perfect to.

"Its ok Rike, I'm in the military too you know", Sarah said, she smiled and tried to reassure him it was alright. Rike kissed her goodnight and left.

When Rike got home 3 hours later he looked at all his stuff. He picked out his weapons first.hmmmmmm, I think I will need my sniper rifle, I don't think I will need my pistol, but I will want to take my Carbine. And forget the E-11, I hate those things to much, Rike packed the LJ-90 SNIPER BLASTER RIFLE and the STORMTROOPER TWO CARBINE in his gun bag, he also loaded it with and Emp grenade, 5 frags, 2 Termite, and 1 anti-veichle grenade. Oh and I almost forgot again, Rike thought walking over to where the Vibrobayonet was, I wont be forgetting you again my little friend.

He then went on to his armor selection, he decided he would use civilian cloths and the swamp armor that would be provided. Next he look at his pile of Com gear. What to take, what to take. He grabbed 10 3-Mal Comlinks, he figured this would cover two weeks of extended deployment. Next, of course, he grabbed the trademark Omni-Node Communications Set. After getting those stored he grabbed all ten of his PAC20 Visual Wrist Coms, this way he could supply the whole team with a way of visual and audio communication if need be. Last incase they would need to look at any holographic data he grabbed his CS-Mark 12 hologram projector. This ota be enough to last two week, if not longer, Rike laughed and stored it in a giant suitcase, luckily he had some droids that would be able to carry it to the ship for him, at the planet he would just simply rent a droid to move it,though some people say it might be a little to much, you never know what you might need.

He went to bed...


He woke up at 14'00, "Great I get one hour to get down there", Rike smiled, hopefully he would not be like Wicket and be late. Rike actually liked Wicket and hoped he would get in his fire team this time around. He arrived at the docking bay with his droid carrying the case.

"God, Rike do you need to bring all that", Doc said when he saw that Rike had three different bags, one being carried by a droid.

"WEll yeah, on is weapons, one is basic supply's, and the last one is enough com gear for the team for the mission if need be. Hell I even brought use a holo projector", Rike said and both of them laughed.

A few minutes later, after storing his things on the ship he saw Wicket rushing with his things. "Hey Wicket, need any help", Rike called out from the loading deck.

"No thank you Rike", He responded as they boarded the shuttle, "I heard you brought a droid to carry one of your bags Rike?"

"Yeah, I am just lazy like that", Rike said with a smirk, Wicket laughed. Doc came onboard and got on the shuttles speakers..

"Eclipse, pack it up it is time to go".....

BZZT BZZT BZZT

I hate that alarm was Isadora's first coherant thought of the day as she reached out and slapped it, knocking it off the nightstand and onto the floor.  Fortunately it wasn't so stupid as to continue to go off, and Isadora sighed softly as she wiggled out of bed.  Jelly lay on the other side of the bed, snoozing softly.  She'd stopped by last night and helped him get ready for the mission, and somewhere along the way they'd fallen asleep.

Nothing happened, but of course the other members of the squad weren't going to believe that for a minute.  So she just shook her head and nudged him awake, "Jelly?  Come on Jelly, time to get up"

He opened a sleepy eye and gave her a glare, to which she kissed him softly, "Hey I don't make the rules, I just follow them."

Jelly returned her kiss, then got out of bed and headed for the Fresher.  She went into the small kitchenette and started making breakfast, and soon had some eggs and pancakes whipped up and waiting for him when he came in.  Another brief kiss and then it was her turn in the Refresher.  A quick change of clothes and she was eating too, and then they were both heading for the bay.

Isadora didn't do anything like hold Jelly's hand... though a playful swat here and there were common enough, and as they strolled into the bay together, armor waiting in it's harness, she had to fight to keep from giggling at the sight of Riq as he gave her The Look (tm).  Hopefully today would be short and uneventful so she could get some more sleep.

Riqimo put a playful push against Jelly's shoulder, "Come on, I know you too well.  If there is any encounter where your skills will be of use, you will be the first choice for the job. "

Before Jelly could respond, one of their old squad mates for a while came up, "Hey Jelly and Riqimo!" the large muscular, former comedian grinned at Riq and Ricar. "Nice to see you again. I was just having lunch with Wicket and we lost track of time so he might be late again. My fault though."

Knowing Wicket, Riqimo raised his right eyebrow slightly, "It's really your fault?"

"No not really." Goblin admitted, "He was blabbering on at the mouth. Just make Wicket seem like it was my fault so he feels better. He was having a bad dream or something. Anyway. I got to go do some stuff. See ya around."

"Nice to see you again." Riqimo waved, before turning back to Jelly, "Goblin's having a good time now, ASL of the revitalized Black Rose Squad..."

"Good for him, he was a good asset while we had him, as was Mustang."

...

Within a few minutes the jovial Sullustan that the squad loved and got very very annoyed with at times showed up, huffing as he pulled along some gear, "DidImakeit?" the words were coming out all rushed, "Itriedmy *pant* hardestto *pant* gethere."

Riqimo figured that instead of saying the usual 'Nope' he would be nice and check the time.  1459 Riq blinked and checked it one more time before nodding, "Yep you barely made it."

Jelly smirked at the other Fire Team Captain, "Barely."

"Well get your stuff on board, it's gonna be a long ride and I want to get it over with as soon as possible," Riq gestured to the open shuttle bay.  As Wicket shuffled off, the squad leader took a deep breath and went over to a man wearing a pilot's uniform, "Hey Carts, everybody is here now, wanna start you little procedures?"

The man tossed his mid-length black hair out of his emerald eyes and smirked, "So ya'll are ready to ride?"

"Ya... we are..." Riqimo chuckled nervously before starting up the shuttle's ramp.  Finding the shuttle's intercom system, he broadcast to the entire squad, "Eclipse, pack it up it is time to go... please tie down EVERYTHING before we lift off, including yourselves..."

OOC:

Link to our infamous shuttle pilot, Peter McCarthy

Jersh carried a bag across his shoulders as he walked up the boarding ramp with Sephira who was also carrying a similar bag.

~_~_~_~_~_~_~

He had awoken to find her arms brushed up against his chest and her mouth slightly open as she slept. Jersh looked at the time and saw that he had to wake her else they would miss the shuttle. Despite how much he did not want to disturb her in her peaceful slumber, he thought of a way that maybe would allow her to forgive him. He leaned a little closer and kissed her full-on, it took a few moments but he could feel her begin to kiss back then she added tongue and rolled on top of Jersh, only to overshoot her goal and send them both falling down onto the floor.

“Owww” Jersh said as he hit his head on the floor, the same thing had happened yesterday. He snapped a glare on Saphira as she pretended as if nothing had happened. She was out for him, he had no doubt about that. Most likely it was because he would not tell her what the wire was for. Jersh slipped into the corridor as Saphira dressed, thankfully the hall was empty so no one noticed he wore the wrinkled clothes he was wearing. He heard the door hiss and was suddenly pulled backwards into Saphira’s arms and she kissed him passionately.

“W-woah where is this coming from my dear?” He asked, between her kisses. In record time she had somehow managed to dress him in his clothes as he kissed her.... he would have to ask her about that magic trick later on. She leaned back and pulled on the top of his uniform, blocking out his vision for a moment. When it returned he saw her with a somewhat sad smile on her face.

“We wont have as many chances to fool around on the mission” She whispered to him and shuffled close enough so her head rested against him, almost cuddling. He realized she was right and wrapped his arms around her, enjoying but a few moments of just holding her in his arms.

“We should get going dear” he said and she nodded, picking up her own bag and throwing him his. He had packed his gear from the last mission as well as a few extra vibroblades, his shadow suit, and also two grappling hook devices. He smiled and nodded back at Saphira and they left his quarters, making sure to lock up while they were away.

~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~

Jersh and Saphira stepped into the ship to have Doc’s warning ping over the intercom. They decided they should check in with the boss before settling their things so they headed over to the cockpit where they found Doc talking with the pilot.

“Planning to leave without us Doc?” Saphira said, her voice full of both sarcasm and suspicion. Jersh raised his eyebrow as he stared at Doc as well.

“Well its not my fault you kids were late” Doc grumbled at them, apparently he was preoccupied with double-checking their planned course to the moon. “Get your gear secured away, I don’t want to see your toys floating around if we have a problem”.

“Yes sir” They both replied as one and turned to find a storage space for their equipment.

Blackout was completely exhausted from the workout that he had done with Slick. Slick was good kid, though lazy which is partly why he couldn't come on the mission. It wasn't like tyro cared, but Slick needed someone to watch out for him since he was the newest member.

AS he leaned back in his seat he looked over to see Jelly and Riqimo sitting in a seat together and Isadora right behind them. Blackout acted like he was an outcast , which is partly why he had nothing better to do than to take quick glances at other Squad members going about there business.

Something though compelled him to act like an outcast, maybe it was because that was how he was treated by his home planet ever since the incident, or maybe it was because he didn't want anything social. He was the second youngest in the group and that was probably also another factor. If he could only talk to someone who felt the same way he did.

AS he looked over to see what Wicket and the rest were doing he noticed that Saph,wicket and a couple others were playing cards. Before they started though Saph punched Jersh in the arm. wonder what that was about. Tyro thought closing his eyes and dozing off, falling into a deep sleep.

Tyro found himself standing in a large room, it was all white, he couldn't see any doors and/or windows. He was almost blinded by the brightness, he had to cover his eyes as it intensified. He noticed an outline of a person as a window slowly appeared in front of him letting more light in. He knew he was going to go blind.

“Dodge Tyro, you have one chance to stop what is going to happen, only you can stop it.” The voice was menacing, it struck fear into his very being as he started to tremble all over.

“What did I do?” Tyro asked, trying to think of what in the world he could have done.

“In time Tyro you will know, you have a chance to stop it.” The figure pointed behind him. Tyro slowly turned around, and was shocked to see what he saw.

“WHAT'S THE MENAING OF THIS!!!” Tyro yelled,  As he looked closer at what was in front of him he saw three people hanging from their legs. Their heads severed. He walked closer with baby steps trying to make out who it was. As he looked even closer he saw the heads. Slowly tears started to stream down his eyes. He dropped to his knees. “Why?Why?” He asked, getting no answer. He tried yelling louder. “WHY!?!” Then slowly the voice talked.

“You will understand in due time, you will understand.” The voice was dissipating slowly. Tyro wanted to know more, he needed to know more, and he needed to know who the voice was. He had to find out.

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN?! WHO ARE YOU?!WHY ME?!!” Then the dream faded, faster than it came, and Tyro was left crying in a deep black abyss.

Blackout jolted awake. He had to rub his eyes in circles. He had weirder dreams than the one he just had, but whatever that dream meant he had to figure out fast or people close to him were going to die. He thought quickly trying to remember who the three people hanging upside down were, but for some reason he couldn't remember, nobody was coming to him.could it be one of the squad, wicket, jelly? If he didn't know he was going to be paranoid for the rest of the journey.

He felt around for his back which should be at his feet, he was afraid to unbuckle, for fear of a collision with another fighter or an asteroid, which would send him flying. He was trying to find his flask, he needed a drink after that dream, or he may just have to kill himself.

He sipped a couple drinks, getting a couple glances from some of the other squad member, he didn't care, he was the outcast in his mind.

“Hey, mind if I take a swallow?” A tall burly man said, Tyro looked up to see Goblin standing holding out his hand waiting for the Flask to be passed onto him.

“Sure, just don't take it all, gonna need it in the field.” Blackout said, generously handing it over. He let out a small sigh and then closed his eyes, for only about five seconds before he was interrupted.

“What is it?” Goblin asked already taking slow drinks. Tyro didn't even open his eyes as he replied, “Jawa Juice” Tyro could hear Goblin start to swallow hard, obviously he didn't like it.

“Thanks.” Blackout took back the flask without even opening his eyes once, he placed on the seat beside him, trying to let goblin know he wasn't welcome, at the time being. “Mind if I sit?” obviously he wasn't getting the message.

“Sure.” Tyro said, trying to make it sound like he wasn't being rude or anything, evne though he would have liked to.

“how come you don't always talk to everyone?” Goblin asked.

This called for an eyeopener. He would have laughed if he wasn't so tired. “Well I would, but I am the new guy, besides once I et used to it I will.”

“Well that's dumb, is there another reason? Have you ever had any friends?” Now Goblin was getting personal, but tyro didn't care it wasn't like he was asking about his past relationships, though that may be next on the list.

“Actually i do have friends, and they aren't all Echani, some of them were human, some were from completely different races.” Tyro said, he was starting to drift off to sleep.

“Well then, why don't you come and talk to us?” Goblin said.

Tyro looked at him and grinned. Goblin jerked back slightly almost as if he was unnerved but then slowly regained his composure. “sure why not?”

Saphira smiled, waiting to see what Jersh was going to do. She wondered if he was actually playing fair at the game. Even though the cards randomangly changed there was always a way around it. Jersh smiled, tipping his head to wicket.

"I don't think you'll win that easily there." Sliding himself away from Saph, but not before brushing his hand gently against hers. Rolling her eyes, she watched as the Sulleston shuffled the cards. Hmmm.. I better intervene She decided, un-buckeling from her seat and gliding over tot he males.

"You want in to Saph?" Jersh asked with a smile. I bet you do want in.. The look in her eyes flickered over to him as she snatched the cards from Wicket.

"Hey! Give those back. We can't play without them." He whined. Saph started to shuffle them on her own. Lekku twitching over her shoulder with mild interest.

"To make it fair you need a dealer..." She started, watching Wicket close his mouth in defeat. There was really no point in arguing with her anyway. "To make it fair the pot shall start at say... 30 credits?" She smiled as Jersh nodded, wicket on the other hand looked up at her.

"Sense when do you decide on the pot?" He asked, crossing his arms. Saph bared her teeth, giving the men an evil smile.

"Are you afraid of a challenge Wicket?" Her breath pooled out. Naturally the challenge inflated the males ego so he shok his head. "I didn't think so.." She began to deal the cards....


Jersh kept a straight face threw the whole game. Already he had won the last two hands. Wicket had won over three, and the sabbac pot was now close to one-hundred credits. Looking up to his right Saphira sat, her face blank as to give no indication as to when she would choose to change the cards faces.


In his hand he held the Ace of Flasks with a value of fifteen. Endurance with a value of negative eight.Queen of air and darkness subtracting another two, Commander of Staves with a positive value of twelve, Mistress of coins another thirteen, The Evil one taking off another fifteen points. Moderation (-14), The Star another negative seventeen. So far he had a negative value of sixteen.Great.. He thought sarcastically as they did the dance. Saph asked if they wanted another card. Sighing Jersh nodded, taking one and sliding it into his hand when the cards changed.


This time he had the Commander (12) of coins, The Star (-17), Moderation (-14) ,Mistress of Sabres(13) Masterof flasks (14) Ace of coins(15) and then the Idiot (0). jersh's heart leaped into his throat. Pure Sabbac!

"Would either of you like to tade out any of your cards?" Saph asked quietly. Both males shook their head as Saph smiled and continued on. It was now Wickets turn and the sulleston looked up.

"Care to call the hand?" He grinned. Jersh smiled.

"Aye.. I do.." He said and watched as the Saph and Wicket placed their cards down one at a time. Saphira totally bombing out with a value of 26. Wicket, smiled and slowly lay ed his cards out. Pure Sabbac though his was in the negative Value. Jersh couldn't believe it. The odds that they would both have pure Sabbac. Deliberate he placed the cards face down and flipped them slowly up.

"Sorry Wicket..Pure Sabbac in the positive!" Flipping the finial two cards as Saph let out a chuckle> Wicket blinked a few times.


"No way.. You cheated.." He complained. Saph rounded on him.

"I don't cheat.. besides if I had you wouldn't have won three out of the five games so far.." She snapped, turning her head back to Jersh.

"Tell ya what wicket.. after the mission first few rounds are on you for the Squad.. Keep the credits for that. " Grinning they picked the game. Jersh leaning into Saph acting like he was going to fall.

"Hey!" She snapped, popping him in the arm. Wicket had gone back over to his seat and saph had to smile. "You know.. it would have been better you take the money.."

"Whys that?" He grinned, knowing she had picked up what Wicket hadn't on the agreement.

"Because the drinks will cost more then taking the winnings.." Her reply was with a hint of humer in her voice. Going back to her seat she looked over and grinned at Wicket. Jersh pulled her  shoulders back.

"Are you trying to get him to change his mind already?" He exclaimed.

"What, and miss all the fun of having you two arguing? never.." She replied with a snicker. Jersh rolled his eyes. Leave it to Saph to  make things intresting.

Jersh heard the announcement that they were about to drop out of hyperspace and took this to his advantage as Saphira was standing up and going to tell Wicket about the round of drinks. As the slight jolt shook the ship as the exit from hyperspace commenced, Jersh pulled Saphira so that she fell over onto him long enough to give her a slight hug and a wink. Saphira pulled away from him quickly, her lekku twitching slightly and sighed. She longed to stay in his arms, but she knew that she could not afford to...yet. She returned his wink and decided to hold off on telling Wicket until later.....if at all.

Jersh headed off with the rest of the team to collect their gear and sighed quietly to himself. Judging by the fighter escort they were receiving, they could expect a welcome party as well. Jersh knew that they would not allow them to carry their blasters, but he tucked two of his vibroblades into their sheathes on his belt and picked up his bag carefully.

As they were escorted through the complex, Jersh did not just follow blindly. His eyes flashed across the halls and corridors, drawing a mental map including where troops were stationed and what arms they had. He had learned this skill long ago coupled with the fact that anyone could turn out to be an enemy. If things turned for the worst here, at least he would have some clue on how to escape. As Jersh continued to drink in the details of the installation, they came to their destination.

The man in charge introduced himself as General Randolf and Doc spoke with him for a few minutes. At first it was just political banter then he began to update Doc on the current status of the situation, Jersh listened in.

“- speeders and a map of the surrounding area. Our forces have searched about a good three hundred kilometer radius around our city here. They have to be farther out." the general was saying. Jersh pondered, as he thought they would be covering a lot of distance on this mission... and their forced would be widely spread out. The chances of backup from another squad were slim on this mission...they would have to be incredibly careful if they all wanted to make it out of here alive

After the discussion they were escorted back to their transport to prep for the upcoming mission. Jersh lay on the small bunk, staring up at the durasteel ‘ceiling’ no more than half a foot above him. This one would be tough... he was not worried about the terrain or the combat skills of the enemy. It was the distance that worried him... and the General’s unwillingness to risk his own men for the sake of the mission. He thought of Saphira, and he grew more disturbed as he thought of her alone and outnumbered. He shook the thoughts from his head and scolded himself for thinking such things. “Saphira can take care of herself, she is at least as skilled as you” he whispered to the unresponsive ceiling. Even though his words were correct, he could not help but worry.