After a few minutes, all the weapons were installed. He then changed the Language Settings in his Programming to use Mando’a and Broken Basic. He decided to best fit his “alias” during the mission, that he would change his personality just a bit. Instead of the Cold-Hearted Militaristic Droid, that was his primary persona, he would be a Cold-Hearted Freelancing Mercenary. He picked his name, Crow, it was a name of a droid from an old Holo-Net comedy series. He was now Fully Armed, Programmed, and Ready for the mission. C-3PX2 picked up a data chip with his credentials on it, just to be safe.


C-3PX2 walked towards the hangar, but before he could get in he would have to go through a security checkpoint. Due to the secrecy of this mission, security was posted to keep wandering eyes out of the hangar.

“Identify Yourself.” The Lead Security Officer Said.

“Warrant Officer Second Class C-3PX2, Viper Squadron.” C-3PX2 responded sharply.

“Present your credentials, we require verification on your identity.”

C-3PX2 handed the officer a data chip, which the officer loaded into a data pad. The data pad showed verification information about C-3PX2’s Identify. The officer handed the Chip back to C-3PX2.

“Alright, go head in; you’re clear.” The officer said as he unlocked the door.

C-3PX2 entered the hangar bay, and the officer closed the door behind him. He walked over to the Nearest Computer Terminal to check for any mission updates, and await the arrival of the rest of the squadron.

0500 T-Minus 1 hour until lift off

Ibram woke with a start, momentarily confused.

He had been having the most wonderful, and odd dream. He was back on Yaga Minor with Marisa, spending a weekend in one of the planets top holiday resorts. Except that it wasn’t Marisa…it was Aleia. Her firm supple body looking very nice in that nice tight Bikini….

And then he woke up.

Why do I always wake up before the sexy part? He thought, and immediately regretted it. Aleia wasn’t some girl he was trying to pick up…she was a valued and respected colleague…even if she was very good looking.

This assignment is going to be something else.

Taking a quick shower, Ibram gathered all his stuff together for the mission; his DC-17 blaster pistol strapped to his waist. His stitch-zhu bayonet was strapped to his forearm.

The skipper had told them to for-go the usual imperial black flight suits. Instead, they were a given a mixture of brown or weathered grey jump-suits, and augmented helmets. It wasn’t ideal, but if this pirate gig was going to work, it would have to do.

He hadn’t had a chance to check out the old freighter they were using for insertion. They had been assured it would get them there, and many of the controls had been slaved to a central computer, so the pilots didn’t have to do too much.

The freighter was mainly so they could ferry the Admiral’s TIE Defender to the planet.

He looked at himself in the mirror.

Not the greatest pirate I’ve ever seen, but it’ll do.

He walked out of his room, and headed for the hanger bay.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

0530 T-minus 30 minutes till lift off.

Ibram was making some preparations to his fighter when Aleia came over.

“Uh..Hi…Sleep well?” She said.

He blushed. If only you knew.

“Yeh, it was ok….considering the beating I took.” He said teasingly.

Aleia blushed. “Sorry.”

“No its ok. It was a good work out. I think we’re going to work well together.”

“Me too.” She said, smiling.

Ibram paused. Then started to ask something.

“Say, when this Is over, do you fancy-“
“All pilots, please report to your fighters for a final briefing, and transference to the freighter. You have 5 minutes.” The SC’s voice blared out over both Ibram’s and Aleia’s coms.

Blast it.

“Nevermind, ill catch you later.” Ibram said.

“See ya” she said, and walked back to her own fighter.

She really does have a nice rear.

Ibram scrambled up to his own fighter, expelling that unneeded thought from his mind.

Mira looked moodily at Ibram and Aleia, they looked like they were really hitting it off, for a moment she felt a little jealous of two people being able to partake in PDA. She tried again to rub her hand on Tomas' leg only to get a lecture about how she wasn't suppose to in public. She pouted even more, feeling left out of the whole, 'couples,' experience. She still wasn't sure why Tomas had a colder More distant look in his eye, maybe it had to do with her beating him at melee training that's when it started. She let out a sigh, watching Aleia and Ibram there wasn't really much else to do. Then Tomas suddenly warmed a little, and gave her a few tender kisses to her neck, and for once Mira was the one batting him away. He looked at her puzzled and Mira looked away, still distracted by her thoughts.

"You know, I should be heading off to my quarters for some sleep..." Tomas stated, "big mission tomorrow and all."

"Awww," Mira said forcing herself to smile.

"I didn't say alone..." he added giving her a casual grin which Mira didn't return.

"Sounds...nice," Mira said getting up from her chair and grabbing her jacket, "lets go."

Tomas didn't seem to notice Mira's more reserved mood and cheerfully chattered about joining the hover ball team that try outs were floating around base. Mira nodded and said uh-huh at appropriate times still a little distracted, guiltily wondering when her and Tomas could have a relationship out in the open.

"Which remind me, there was some other information for the mission that I didn't want to announce in front of the squad, its from head command but I approved it," Tomas spoke casually leaning into Mira' ear a whispering something.

"WHAT?" Mira practically screamed pushing Tomas to the ground in a playground way, her cheeks turned bright red, "How could you approve something like that, why couldn't it have been you, what the fuck TOMAS!" Mira yelled her hands curled into fists before storming off.

"Feel better then, I feel fully tenderized if that makes you feel better," Tomas replied rubbing his cheek as they stood facing one another.  Tears suddenly filled Mira's eyes and she threw herself into Tomas' chest.  Tomas looked extremely confused before patting Mira's back and looking around hoping to find something that would distract Mira from her girlish outburst.  "Its okay Mira you don't punch that hard," Tomas gently spoke, "do you want to talk about it?"

"NoooOoooo," Mira sobbed pulling away from Tomas again and running off...again.  She headed to the one spot she felt at home, curled up in the tiny cockpit of her TIE Fighter.  Still sniffing she picked at one of the Hello Wookiee stickers she had put on her controls.  She doubted that she could explain the welled up emotions she was feeling, being with someone but having to be so cautious.  Not only that craving the usual physical affections that most couple had with one another.

"Any chance you want to explain why Mira ran by in tears just now?"  Master Jericho asked as Tomas rushed past him on his way to find Mira.

"What?" Tomas asked breathlessly.

"Lover's quarrell?" Master Jericho then asked raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, no Imean no, aw fuck," Tomas said shaking his head, "Listen, she's."

"Your girlfriend, or by the looks of it maybe more.  I figured it out when I saw you two training.  Mira never takes it easy with anyone else in melee training not even the newer members," Master Jericho said, "She headed to the hangar."

"Thanks," Tomas spoke looking a little surprised as Master Jericho walked off.

"Be careful CWO, she's a sweet girl I might have to take her off your hands if becomes unhappy," Master Jericho chuckled before rounding a corner.


"Mira, are you in here?" Tomas asked looking down into the cockpit of her TIE Fighter to see her water eyes looking up at him.

"Yeah."

"Wanna talk?"

"Yeah."

As the meeting went on, Lukas looked through his datapad and entered all of the info of the mission accordingly. After his little question was answered by Tomas, it was best to, once again, keep his mouth shut and pay attention. The meeting went on without a hitch as the details of the upcoming mission was explained without a stutter. It was good to learn all of this because if there was one slip-up in any way, all hope would be lost.

The meeting began to break up as everyone decided to go off on their own seperate ways and do things before the mission's beginning. Lukas took advantage of this and went to his quarters because he needed to take care of something that needed attention. He took his time getting over there as he thought about everything that has happened to him so far. Making some new friends and being a part of this mission was a thrill, and so was the learning of keeping his emotions in check, especially in a mission like this.

The door slid open and Lukas stepped into his quarters, knowing exactly where to go as the door closed behind him. He knelt down to his knees near his bed and reached under it, pulling out a wooden case with a 'X' that was branded on the top of it. He pressed a series of buttons that proved to be the combination of the case, unlocking the lock as the last button was pressed. With a smile on his face, he opened the case to reveal two silver-colored pistols with an accompanied belt-holster.

The pistols were his father's, and there were going with him to this mission. He pulled the belt out and wrapped it around his waist, locking it in place as it felt snug around him. He picked up the pistols and checked to see if the pistols were fully-charged. They were indeed, and with that, he slid them into the twin holsters, one on each side of his hip.

Now, the Fulfiller was ready for anything.

::The Afternoon and Evening Before Mission Day::

After Anden and Sicario had arrived at the hangar and intervened to prevent the over-eager tech from putting Anden’s Fighter into regression, he had let Sicario alone to get more acquainted with Kayla. He had to admit, Phineus sure knew how to pick them. He focused on his fighter and soon he had become so engrossed in his work that he had five panels open really getting into the guts of the ship.

To compliment the longer range sensors he had increased the ships ability to re-build it shields, even with minimal power being directed to it. He would have planned on purchasing a more powerful shield generator, but all of his funds were going to be directed to his next purchase. He didn’t know how he was going to tell the rest of the squadron about his decision, and he especially didn’t know how the Navy would react to it either.

Ever since he had read the reports and capabilities of the E-wing he couldn’t get the ship out of his head. It was the reason he had originally purchased R7, although that was not the only reason he was glad to have bought the Astromech droid. The little guys systems and capabilities seemed near endless when he compared them to any of the droids he had worked with back on Lotaith.

His thoughts strayed back to the work at hand, and away from the E-wing, as he came up to a crucial point to linking the systems wiring back together. He breathing was calm and even in the cramped and very warm space. Time was of the essence, so he didn’t rush himself. Too many times had he seen a mechanic or tech working on something and not taking into account that they didn’t need to be in such a hurry, and those were the guys that usually ended up taking a few days off of work, and not always with compensation. And that was definitely something that Anden couldn’t risk.

A few more minutes of steady hands and the he was ready to start placing all of the access panels back into place and securing them. As he locked the securing nuts in place he thought as to what exactly he would be taking with him on the mission. He had a military flight suit that was lightly protected- just in case they actually did have to exchange fire before they got back to their fighters in the freighter.

All he had were a couple of blaster pistols, one that had had purchased and one that he had been given when he joined the Navy. However, the one he was given was Military class and the other probably didn’t have the  when he was completely honest with himself, he knew he wasn’t that great of a shot- yet. And his experience with blaster pistols wasn’t that extensive. What he really needed was a blaster pistol that had a large ammunition supply and that was relatively easy to maintain. He would need to make a stop by the ICS.

He looked at his finished handiwork and smiled. Looking at the inside of the Fighter cockpit you couldn’t tell in the least what extra capabilities it had than any other Tie. Satisfied with his work he lifted himself out of the top hatch and began checking the outside of his Fighter. There were a lot of things we would love to do with his ship, but was sure that he wouldn’t ever be allowed to do. For now, the improvisations he had done will need to do.

After he had checked the connections between the pylons connecting the wing panels he accessed that his fighter would be ready to be loaded into the bulk freighter tomorrow morning. Walking along the access walkway with R7 rolling after him he got to the ladder and slid down it with R7 following behind him shortly after in the astromech droid access tube. Turning away from the ladder he nearly ran into Farroll, the tech he had had a run in with before.

“Everything in order with you TIE?” Farroll asked in a surprisingly light tone.

I guess that little talk about keeping him safe sunk in deeper than I thought.

Anden nodded, “In tip top shape.” He said with a grin and gave him a small salute.

Farroll returned the nod and as he walked off R7’s head rotated and watched the tech move on to inspect the next Tie Fighter and gave a Dwooo- Bur-Burp. That brought a smile to Anden’s face and he patted his droids head. “The right words have a stronger and more lasting impression than a good shock to the rear, R7.” He said before making for the Hangar exit.

He stopped by the Imperial Center store and one of the Weapons Officers addressed him after scanning his ID card, “So, what is it that you are looking for Senior Crewman?” she asked.

“I need a pistol that is easy to take care of and won’t cost me if my finger gets a little trigger happy.” He said with half a grin.

The officer smiled, “Not much of marksman, are you Pilot.” She asked leaning forward a little.

“Who me?...No, no I just wanted to make sure tha…” He began to say then caught the look of the officer with her eyebrow raised. He raised his hands as if in surrender, “You got me...I’m sorry your name is?”

The officer smiled and stood up straight, “Keera Riley,” She said as she turned to head back to the storage of blaster pistols, “..and I think I have just what you need.”

She returned with a blaster pistol that she removed a cartridge from and handed it to him. “This is a DC-15 blaster pistol. Is an older version of a pistol….but it is dependable and will give you plenty of chances to hit your target.”

The larger pistol and felt strangely comfortable in his hand, it felt much like one of the tools he slung around on a day to day basis. He spun the pistol around his finger forwards then backwards, faster and faster. Turning it sideways and then quickly forward holding it by the muzzle, handing the grip of the pistol back to Keera.

She gave him a surprised look and slowly took the pistol back. “I take that as a fit for you.” She said with a sly smile, “Where did that come from?”

Anden shrugged, “It just felt right. I used to do a lot more mechanic work than piloting.” Pointing to the pistol, “It feels a lot like one of the tools I used all the time working on ships. Hopefully that will help with my aim. I am going to need all the help I can get.” He said with a smile.

This mission was going to be different than most of the ones he knew he would be going on as a member of Viper Squadron. He only hoped that the XO they were going in to rescue was alright. He had no idea of what exactly they had captured him for, he wasn’t privileged to that level of information. He was sure that as one of the commanding officers that there was a lot that they could learn about the Vast Empire if the XO gave in to any interrogation. Maybe they hadn’t harmed him at all and had counted on using him as a ransom. Whatever the case, he would do all he could with Viper to make sure their plans didn’t work.

Coming out of his thoughts he noticed she was watching him and he passed his credit chip card to her, “I’ll take two.” He said with a smile and then added a holster and belt that could have an additional holster so he could carry both, or just one for later missions.

Along with the holsters he added extra cartridges of tribanna gas-He didn’t think he would even use a full charge of the gas, but he would rather be safe than sorry- and also some extra medipacs.

“What, you don’t want a reason to come back and see me again?” She asked as she scanned his card, smiling as she handed it back to him. She also leaned forward resting her arms on the counter. As Anden’s father had always taught him, he kept his mind and eyes elevated and looked her in the eyes holding her gaze for a moment.

Her expression change from being playful and flirtatious, to sincerely interested. After he saw the change, he took the equipment he had just purchased and smiled. He didn’t say anything. It wasn’t in him to lead others on. Sure she was beautiful, but he just thought it wouldn’t be right to lead her on, and he got the impression that she was definitely trying to lead him somewhere.

Finally he did say something, “Oh, I will be coming back. How could I not?, you give such good advice.” He said with a wink.

She gave a nod, “See you when you come again then.” Her tone was much less playful this time and actually sounded like she wanted to see him again. He turned and headed back to his quarters, thinking along the way that maybe it wouldn’t hurt to stop by the ICS a little sooner than he had needed.

Once he got to his room he started put all of the gear he would be taking with him on the mission. Once it was all together he set the alarm to wake him with more than ample time to get everything loaded before they moved his TIE fighter into the freighter. He did his routine work out of 100-100-40. Push-ups, sit-ups and then pull-ups. It was something he had built up to starting 3 months before his entry into the Navy. He had never been on the pudgy side and he planned to stay that way. The cockpit of a Tie fighter was small enough as it was. He didn’t need it to get any smaller.

That night Anden had images of what he pictured the upcoming mission being like, the scream and awe striking view of a Tie Defender as it passed by his view port, and of moments of him in full dress uniform with the arm of a beautiful weapons officer named Keera, who was dressed in an elegant dress, wrapped tightly about his arm as he was gathered with the rest of a smart looking Viper Squadron.

:::Morning of the Mission- 0445 hours:::

Anden awoke as he usually did two minutes before his alarm went off. He didn’t know why his body did that only that that was how he always woke up. He lay in bed stretching his muscles a bit with thoughts of the dream flowing back to mind. It was another one of those things he couldn't explain- but the feeling he had had back while engaging the enemy hunter poured over and through. The feeling was poignant... and he wished that the reason for it was just as obvious. But it wasn't

Before the alarm had completed the first tone he reached over and shut it off, getting up from bed and splashing some water on his face then doing a few morning workout stretches.

Dressing in his military suit and strapping on the dual holsters he felt much different than when he had dressed up for flight in training and on the first mission. He glanced at the holo display that was showing a hologram of him and his parents. It was on the day that he began working officially with his dad at the service hangar. A smile spread on his face as he remembered another day when his emotions had run on an ultimate high. The day he had first flown his personally built single ion engine starfighter. He had promised his Mom that day that he would do great things, and it was a promise he would keep. And he truly felt that what would happen if he kept with the VEN.

“I’m keeping my promise Mom.” He said out loud. Picking up a few of the spare gas charges he slipped them into their utility spots on he belt. He looked down at the pistols and picked them up, spinning them twice in his hands and then slipped them into the holsters. It was just like the old days of slinging the cutting and welding tools he used at the hangar. The holsters felt a little different than his old tool belt he still used, but the feel of the guns- even their weight- was nearly dead on. He smiled, “perhaps this won’t be too bad.” he thought.

Grabbing the matching helmet that had come with the Military flight suit, he made for the hangar. The hangar was already busy with life, even though there weren’t too many pilots from Viper there. He hoped they would get here on time to do some checks on their TIE’s before they were loaded. Last pre-loading check ups went a lot faster than normal as he had already done most of his checks the night before.

One of the crewman assigned to loading the TIE’s approached him, “Is everything checked out on your ship?” he asked hold out a datapad for him to scan his ID card.

“Good to go on this one.” Anden said with a smile. He was glad to see that all of the rest of the Squadron had arrived.

He spotted Ibram and Aleia talking very briefly, then an announcement came over the speaker coms, “All pilots, please report to your fighters for a final briefing, and transference to the freighter. You have 5 minutes.”

It seemed that things between the two had definitely improved a little. They still had a little bit hesitancy when they were talking together and Anden hoped that they would be able to pull off being a “couple” while they where incognito. It was while he was thinking about this that he heard the guidance tones of the first ship being loaded.

It was the Tie Defender.

He couldn’t help but stare up at it as it was directed towards and loaded into the massive freighter. The mere form of the ship was enough to make any pilot stand in awe, and even more so when they knew of the fire power and speed and agility that the advanced starfighter was capable of delivering.

“I didn’t know exactly what you were looking at,…I would have thought you were looking at a gorgeous girl in a bikini.” A voice said to his left. He turned to see Phineus chuckling lightly at him, “We’ve got to find you a girl mate.” He said, now laughing as he came over and clapped a few times on the back.

Anden replied back to his jovial wingmate, “That or I could just steal yours.” He said with a straight face and even tone. The look on Phin’s face made him laugh so hard inwardly that he couldn’t keep it in. As he burst out laughing, Phineus’ relief washed out across his face now that he knew Anden was only having a go at him.

“Come on mate, let’s get to that briefing.” Anden said as he locked his arm around Phineus’ neck momentarily and mussed up his hair a bit, “You can tell me how things went with your loverly lady last night once we get on the Freighter.” Adding a bit of an accent on the loverly part- just to add another jab at Phin.

They reached the rest of the Squadron moments before Tomas spoke up, “Alright, Listen up!...”

OOC:

2,630 words

Mira sighed outwardly, causing Tomas to hold his breath. The female pilot seemed even more upset and devastated than he had previously noticed and it made him feel horrible inside.

"Hun, what is it? Please tell me." Tomas repeated, as Mira appeared reluctant to open up. He could see her taking a deep breath in preparation.

"It's this whole relationship thing we've got going, Tomas." These words took the squadron commander by surprise, and made him wonder if there was a sentence he would've liked to hear less than that one. Mira must have noticed, as they suddenly reversed roles, "no no, not like that. I didn't mean it that way. What I was trying to say is its all this secrecy stuff. We have a great thing going between us and I'm really enjoying it, but ..." Mira trailed off momentarily in an attempt to regather her thoughts.

"But?"

"But I saw Ibram and Aleia, and how they got to be out in the open sharing their feelings, flirting, you know?" Tomas simply nodded. "It made me jealous. I want US to be able to do that, be open about how we feel about one another without worrying what others will think or do."

"I see."

"Do you? Do you actually?" Mira asked, turning defensive. She must've have thought Tomas had tuned her out, even though that wasn't the case.

"Darling, I know EXACTLY how you feel. But the bottom line is, it's against the rules for us to be together. That in itself would likely turn some couples away from one another out of fear of getting caught. But you and I both know that we could never do that to one another. Who knows, maybe one day our coworkers will be so used to the idea of suspecting something is going on that they will really not care if it is. Until then though, we have to limit ourselves to privacy, you get it?"

"Yeah, I understand." Mira replied still a little glum.

"And you know, it doesn't really help when you openly flirt with other guys in front of me. It's bad enough seeing other people's PDA but to have my gal hinting at it, too ..."

"I'm sorry," Mira said simply, blushing and averting her eyes. In responce, Tomas simply wrapped Mira up in a comforting hug. And with that, the two pilots finally sunk back into the bed and drifted off, a big day ahead of them in the morning.

** Morning of the Mission - 0612 hours **

Tomas now sat in the freighter with the rest of Viper Squadron. He had just done a walkthrough of their cargo in order to confirm that their disguise would not be easily discovered. The various firearms and ammunition were ok, and probably expected for a smuggling group, but only trouble could come from someone stumbling upon a dozen TIEs on board. They had been stored in a way to resemble cargo typically found in the holds of pirates and traders.

The overall idea to cover up the TIEs had come up at the last minute, during a briefing the squadron had held only a few minutes prior to boarding. The result was a number of technicians scrambling off to gather the necessary equipment for the task. Their adjustment had caused a slight delay in their schedule, though nothing major.

Nevertheless, the time had come for the mission to begin. The freighter lurched slightly as the freighter launched. Here we go...

0612 hours. Mission Launch

Ibram had just finished camouflaging his fighter when he felt the freighter taking off.

Here we go. Finally

Transferring to the freighter was easy enough; stored in one of the Atrus' massive ship bays, the Minotaur as it was called was being looked after by a service crew until the Vipers arrived. Loading the fighters was also relatively easy, as cranes did most of the heavy work. The floor of the freighter's cargo bay was also magnetised, removing the need for docking clamps to keep the fighters in place once they launched. With everyone on board, the service crew pretty much left the Vipers to it. Most of the squad set about camouflaging their fighters to look like cargo, so the launch-time had to be pushed back.

The Minotaur was an old BFF-1 bulk freighter, modified so that fighters could launch and land in it, but so that the hanger was not obvious. BFF’s usually had crews of about 10, so a couple people had to double up for the trip in order to save space. To no ones surprise, except maybe the newer people, Mira volunteered to double up with the CO…and then volunteered Ibram to double up with Aleia.

To no-ones surprise, except those that hadn’t paid attention to the briefing, the CO said ‘yes’.

Ibram, gear in tow, was weaving around the ship’s “cargo” when he accidentally bumped into Aleia, who had been working on her own fighter.

“Whoops! Sorry!” Ibram said. “You ok?”

Aleia blushed. “Fine…I’m fine. Sorry”

There was an uncomfortable pause.

“You wanna go find our room?” he suggested.

Aleia just blushed some more. “If we must.” She mumbled.

This is so not going well, he thought as the two of them made their way to the living areas. They ran into Mira, who was going to check on her fighter.

“Remember now, now naughty business!” She teased. Aleia’s cheeks redefined the concept of ‘Red’.

They found their room just beyond the ‘living room’, just down from the bridge. ‘Cosy’ didn’t quite cover it.

“Where’s the bed?” Aleia asked.

Ibram looked at the padded sheet on the floor. ‘Mattress’ didn’t quite cover that either. “I think that’s it.” He said.

Aleia was mollified. “Where we gonna put our stuff?”

Ibram was reading a note left on the mattress. “Says here we have to use the storage lockers outside, and the refresher next to the bridge….oh dear.”

“What?” Aleia asked.

“The note also says ‘no naughty buisness’.”
Aleia blushed heavily once again. “I’m going to kill her.”

Ibram chuckled. “You may want to get in line.”

Aleia dumped her stuff on the bed, and huffed.

“But this isn’t fair, she’s been goading and teasing us non-stop since yesterday! And I bet it was her who set us two up as well!” Aleia genuinely seemed outraged at that, which troubled Ibram.

“Thanks.” He said.

Aleia looked at him and her expressions softened. “I didn’t mean it like that…I mean you’re a nice guy…it’s just….it’s just….” She stopped and blushed again, looking away.

“Don’t worry about it,” Ibram said, sitting up. “Change of subject: How about we get her back? Her AND the CO?”

Aleia frowned. “The CO? Are we allowed to do that?”

Ibram smirked. “Pirates, remember?”

“Technically we’re smugglers.” She said, but she was also grinning. “What do you have in mind?”

It was Ibram’s turn to grin. “Follow me.”

OOC:

543 words

"I told you things will be ok," Tomas spoke up as he and Mira approached their assigned room. "This mission will go along fine."

"Yeah, as long as certian pilots can pull off their roles." Mira replied, her statement wracked with criticism.

"Lay off 'em will you?" Tomas scolded, "I'm surprised I even went along with that idea of yours. Starting to wish I didn't to be honest." Between the embarassment and angry looks he had seen on the faces of Aleia and Ibram and the way the whole thing had affected Mira when the two pilots seemed to be getting along great caused Tomas to think it was all more trouble than it was worth.

As the Tomas and Mira reached their quarters, Tomas keyed in the access code and the door opened, two loud clanking noises shaking the door as it receeded into the wall. Another clunk sounded off as the door closed behind them. God, this freighter is a hunk of junk. Tomas thought as he looked around the room. It wasn't too bad considering: it was fairly small, but the bed looked good enough for a decent night's sleep. On the plus side, as the squadron commander he had managed to grab the one room that had its own refresher unit.

Mira had left it up to him to get their things organized as she sat down at the edge of the bed. As a result, Tomas found himself examining the room thoroughly in order to make the best use of what little space they had to work with. When he had finally finished, Tomas turned to find Mira now lying back on the bed head against her pillow her eyes half closed, half watching him move about the room.

"You know Tom Tom, we're all alone and I'm sure the rest of the squadron is still getting settled in and taking break from all that last minute work we had to do," Mira cooed, closing her eyes completely and letting out a soft sigh of contentment.

"Hold that thought," Tomas replied with a kiss on Mira's forehead. "Just let me freshen up a touch, and I'll be all for it." With that, Tomas stepped into the refresher unit, activating the tap and collecting water in his cupped palms and splashing it on his face. Running his damp hands through his hair, Tomas froze as a sound bellowed out from the room behind him.

"Aaaaaaacccck! Tom-assssssss!!!" Mira called, instantly raising Tomas' curiosity. Shutting off the water and drying his face and hands, he emerged to find a damp Mira sitting on the bed scowling.

"What in the world happened to you?" He asked, trying his best not to laugh.

"Something up there spit on me!" Mira replied, crossing her arms. That wasn't exactly the word Tomas would have used, as Mira looked as if she had lying out in a brief rain shower.

"Alright, alright. Let me take a look." Tomas said, palms outstretched. After all, he could hardly be blamed for what had happened, though it seemed that's just what she was doing in her unhappy state. Climbing up on the bed, Tomas could feel slight dampness on the covers beneath him. "Ah, here we are...the pipe's loose. Bloody ship."

"Well then fix it," Mira half-demanded. As if to back up her statement, Mira moved into refresher and held her hand threateningly close to the on switch for the shower.

"Alright, alright, hold your horses. There's tools in the hangar I can use for this, let's go."

"I can't go out like this, are you mad!?!"

"Fine, I'll be right back." With that, Tomas opened the door the same pair of clanking noises present. As the third clunk sounded off, Tomas shivered as a ton of water came pouring down on him all at once. This was followed by a sharp pain on his forehead as something hard hit him as well, causing him to grit his teeth. Tomas just stood their trying not to shiver from being drenched from head to toe.

"Tomas? What was that noise?" Mira said from behind him, as she opened the door. "Oh my gods!" Unlike him, Mira made no attempt to be polite bursting out laughing as she looked upon his situation. That was until Tomas turned around. "Oh no!"

"I'm fine, really. Just a little wet." Tomas said, chuckling slightly through his shivering.

"But..." Mira just trailed off, staring at him.

"Huh?"

"Your forehead, it's bleeding..."

"Aw Frak. How bad is it?" Mira approached him, before pulling him down to her and examining cut. "It's not toooo bad, it sure is bleedin' though..."

“That was great!” She said.

“I know.” Ibram was doubled over, tears in his eyes. “Shame about the skippers head though.”

“Yeh, he looked pissed.” Aleia said.

Ibram went over to his possessions, and sorted them out whilst Aleia sat on the mattress, rubbing her neck. Silence sank in once again.

“I suppose I better go check on the newbie.” Ibram said.

“Yeh, I’ve got to go see the XO.” Aleia stood up. “You wanna meet up for Lunch?”

Yeh, sure.” He smiled.

“Cool, I’ll see you then.”

Aleia left the room with a smile on her face. Her boots tapped gently on the floor as she made her way to meet up with the XO. Part of herself couldn't believe that she had even asked Ibram out for lunch.

God.. the past two days.. am I already changing that much?.

She thought to herself as she played threw the events that just happened. Knowing full well that Mira was going to get them back. Probably before Tomas would.

"He's a good CO.. but I don't think he's capable of anything liek what we did.. at least not that complicated.."

The thought made her chuckle mentally and as she approached the XO to handel what she was sent she went all Pilot again.




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"Damn that was too long.." Aleia muttered  over two hours later. Most of what was needed to be done was menial work. Paperwork being most of it. Why the XO needed someone was beyond her. Either way her hands hurt as she went back  her room.


uh.. Ibrams and my room

She mentally corrected herself as she pressed the keypad to enter the room. Their door thankfully slide open with barly any sound. At least they had that as a positive aspect.  Stepping inside she looked over to see Ibram  laying on the bed. He instantly sat up and gave her a smile. Noticing she was  rubbing her hands.

"You ok?"

"Yea.. no biggy.. XO mainly needed help with paperwork..."

Ibram gave her a disgusted look.

"Yuck.. I would imagine.."

Forgetting to close the door she walked over to him and took a seat at the foot of the bed.


"So.. uh.. How's the  FNG?"

She cracked a smile for the slang of Fracking New Guy. Ibram grinned and rolled his shoulders.

"All good.. Didn't take me long.. "

"Great.."

Aleia replied and continued rubbing her right wrist in a massage. SHe hated working it that hard. Even though it was an old injury it  still pained her at times.

"Your hand ok?" Ibram asked, sliding over to her. Aleia looked up and stared into his face.

"Yea.. it'll be fine.. It's nothing really.. Just an old injury that never healed right.." She answered. Ibram without thinking reached out  and took her hand into his.Massaging it gently and he looked at her with a gentle smile. Aleia blushed but didn't pull away. Only relaxing more as the pain started to leave.

"I beg to differ.. " He whispered

OOC:

Words 484

"The Clone wars came to Naboo once. It was horrible.” Aleia said, slightly subdued. Ibram reached out and gently squeezed her shoulder. She gave him a small smile.

One of these days I'll have to tell him..

She thought to herself. Aleia knew not everyone knew much about her. Other then that the Navy raised her froma small child. Still, she supposed Ibram had a right to know. Aleia didn't know.. but she felt like he did have a right. Just then Mira broke into her train of thought.


Mira smirked. “Get a room guys.”

Ibram and Aleia both blushed.

Alright.. that's soooo it

"Well we very well do have a room.." Aleia smiled in answer just as Tomas finished his drink and started to walk over to Zane and Rocketman. Mira smiled sickly sweet back and leaned closer to the two.

"Getting a little brave today arn't we?" Mira stated back in question. Aleia grabbed Ibrams hand once more and squeesed it.


"So what if I am? Mabey you and the skipper should go break in your own room?"  Aleia smiled back before looking at Ibram. In suprise they both saw Mira's face  went slighty pink. It lasted only a moment before.

"Touche. " She replied and then all three caught Tomas's conversation.


“Right guys, once you’ve finished eating, I want you to run some system checks on the freighter, and make sure the Admiral’s TIE Defender is ok. There’s sufficient material in on you’re Datapads if you need any help.”

“I’m sorry sir; I don’t think we can do that.” Rocketman said.

The CO gave him a sharp look. “And why the frak not crewman?”

“We were talking with the new guy sir, Lukas. He told us that apparently we can’t do anything we’re not qualified for. Neither of us are mechanics.” Rocketman said.

“And we have to go learn Sabbacc before we reach Votek.” Zane chipped in.

“And where,” the CO said, with a strained expression, “Did Crewman Lukas get this information from.”

By this point in the conversation Ibram and Aleia had slowly stood from their seats. His hand in hers as a grin spread across both their faces..


“Pirate Union Regulations sir.”

The CO spun round, but there was only Mira standing their, trying very hard not to laugh.

Ibram and Aleia had conveniently disappeared.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------

The couple was already in the hall. Laughing loudly together at  what had just happened. Ibram had a feeling that if the CO took it to heart he would end up walking the plank.

"Ibram?"

"Yea?"

"Mabey we should stay in our quarters for a while.. I have a feeling skipper is going to want you or both os us walk the Plank.."


The fact that she had picked up at least part of his thought was a feat in itself. Apparently she was either that smart or just knew how to pick things up quickly in a situation.


Probably both.. and eaither case I like that about her..

At any cost her comment