14:00:00 Local Time
Briefing Room 10A, Navy Headquarters, Abrea
One week after Operation: Search and Rescue

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Ibram stood at the front of the briefing room, watching the squadron file in. He still couldn’t quite believe how far he had come along in such a short space of time. Friendly faces looked over at him with a quizzical smile; new faces looked all around with that fresh-awe…absent faces left a void for all to see.

The last of the Viper’s took their seat. Ibram gave a quick nod to Anden, before addressing the rest of the Squadron.

“All right people, listen up.”

The chatter slowly died down as everyone gave him their attention. Even Mira was paying attention. For once.

“Just a quick announcement. Several announcements actually – The CO is away for the next couple of days, NAVCOM wanted to do an extensive debriefing after our week’s R &R”

Immediately, Mira’s hand shot up. Here we go.

“Question: Where’s the XO then? And I thought we had two weeks of R & R?”

Ibram smiled at her. Ironically, that was just the sort of question he wanted someone to ask.

“C-3 has been re-assigned to a new squadron their opening up. Ensign Sion has returned to active service, and the former XO has gone to help knock them into shape.”

That drew some frowns: a lot of the pilots here were too ‘fresh’ to remember Than Sion or Kaph Squadron, but the skipper and the XO had both been around at the time. Ibram himself only knew what the brief was telling him.

“This brings me onto my next point: As of now, I’m the new XO, and Anden is the new leader of Flight Two.” 

Anden gave an embarrassed smile, and waved to the others. Ibram looked over at Mira and Aleia, the only other two remaining pilots who had been around longer then Ibram or Anden. Thankfully they didn’t seem bothered.

“Given my new position, I’m now in charge of the Squadron until the skipper returns. Coming back to your point about leave O’Riley, we in fact have three weeks of leave: One week of unconditional R &R, and Two weeks of conditional R & R.”

Zane raised his hand. “’Conditional’, Sir?”

Ibram consulted his datapad. “Whilst High Command recognises our need for some rest and relaxation after the events on Votek, they basically placed us ‘on call’ for the next two weeks. We can rest, we can do what we want, provided we stay on Abrea, and that should anything major happen like a Rebel Invasion, we hop into our fighters and shoe them away.”

So far so good. Ibram had had to do a lot of public presentations in college. It seemed the experience was paying off.

“Any news on Rocket, sir?”

Rocketman had been shot down during the escape from Votek. Assumed KIA to begin with, the erstwhile pilot had turned up in-system in an old shot out StarViper. The flight had nearly killed him anyway, as shortly after entering the system his engines overloaded, and Rocket had been left out in the cold until he had been picked up by a local patrol. Now he was in the medical lab, recovering. The Doctors were unsure of his condition.

“Nothing new. I’ll let you know as soon as they tell me something.”

The squadron had nearly lost it when they thought they had lost Anden, Gage and Rocket. The first two turning out to be alive restored moral a bit…but for Rocket to make it this far and then die anyway…..

He tried to concentrate on the matter’s at hand.

“I’ve sent all of today’s announcements to your personal datapads, should you wish to look any of this up in the future. As you can see, there has been some significant Roster changes. Phineus, you’re going with Anden into Flight two, where you’ll be his wingman. Mira, You’ve been transferred into the skipper’s flight. I’d also like you to welcome two new comers, Arkan, and Jaron.”

Ibram nodded at the rugged man and red-headed woman sitting at the front. Whilst trying their best not to look over-awed by events, Ibram could see that ‘new’ look just behind their eyes. He had had that himself not so long ago.

If only dad could see me now. Ibram made a mental note to contact the old man, see how he was doing.

“They will both be in my flight, so Zane, make’em feel welcome. That goes for the rest of you too.”

Ibram looked at his datapad once again, wondering if there was anything else he had missed. This whole “XO” business was all so new to him.

“That’s about it for today. Keep an eye on the Squadron feed, in case I think of anything else to tell you. I’ve scheduled some light squadron practice for 1500 hours tomorrow.”

Ibram saw Mira and a few of the others groan.

“Hey, we may bee on R&R, but we still have jobs to do. It’ll be nothing complicated I promise. Just be sure to turn up. Dismissed.”

Ibram breathed a sigh of relief as the squadron began to file out. Perhaps he could do this after all.

OOC:

If a Moderator could sticky this please, thank you.

Ok people, this is our new thread. This one will be mainly about C/D, although we will have some fighter practice, so that the new guys can get some experience in. I'll write a post moving us on to that when the times come. Until then, you're free to do what you want: Remember that you can't leave Abrea. If you're unsure as to what to do, or you want to check if something is allowed, just give me a PM and we'll discuss it.

New people, feel free to interact with my Character and introduce yourselves, and if you need anything, I'm available over the Comnet or on IRC.

For everyone: if you have any other questions, just ask.

“Good Question” Ibram said.

He silently appraised Jaron in his mind whilst he composed his thoughts. She was quite tall for a woman, although not overly imposing. She seemed to favour the shorter length hair, like Mira did at the moment, and Ibram could see a quiet intelligence lurking behind her Hazel eyes. Her file had said that she was from Ord Mantell. Ibram was surprised that security hadn’t flagged her, since Ord Mantell was practically on the verge of joining the New Republic.

He consulted his datapad quickly before answering her: the Academy note said that she had no love for the New Republic.

“Well, at the moment, we’ve paired you and Arkan together. Normally, we pair a new person along with a veteran, but this time I’m going to try things a little differently. Make sure you spend time with Arkan, get to know him, as well as Zane and myself.”

He gathered up his things, and started walking slowly along with Jaron to the exit.

“When the skipper gets back, I’ll make sure I introduce you to him. You may or may not have much contact with him as things go, since you would have to go through me twice when it comes to queries.”

Jaron gave a small smile. With Ibram being both a flight Leader and the Squadrons XO, anyone in his flight would first go to him, and then to him again if there were any problems.

“What will you be going over with us in the practice?” She asked.

“Simply manoeuvres probably. Getting you and Arkan settled in first is the most important thing, we can work on your flying later.”

“Work on my flying? But I graduated top of my class!” Jaron seemed almost offended.

Ibram grinned, and gave her a wink “So did I.”

OOC:

303 words.

Come on people, where are you! lol

Phineus trodded into the conferance room, not caring how much he showed off his exuberant fatigue. A hammer pounded his brain, red lightning bolts surged throughout his eyes, all he wanted to do was sleep.. Sleep and never wake up.

He plopped down in an empty seat next to his wingmate, Anden, whom gave him a sterdy clap on the back. Phineus would normally send his fist into into Anden's shoulder in rebuttle, but even the slight lifting of his arm was just too much strain on him now.

"Hey Phin," Zane nudged him in the back, "glad you're ok, thought we lost you two for a moment there."

Phin was almost sick of it. So him and Anden were out of contact for a little while , but now they've been back for quite some time, and the congrats on getting out alive where getting old..

"Yet Rocketman's on his death bed," Phineus spat out a bit more coldly then he had intended, "so how can I be ok?"

Anden peered over to Phineus with quizzical eyes, Rocketman and Phin had never spoken outside of a mission, they had never made a friendship outside of the Navy like Anden and Phin had.

Zane pulled away and relaxed back into his chair as Ibram wrapped up his schpiel. As the pilots began to flood out of the meeting, Phin stayed in his seat, lacsadaisically beginning to stand. Ibram waltzed by and bumped shoulders with him.

"Hey pilot," Ibram let out, "congrats on you and Anden getting out of that pit alive, ace job. Can't wait to see what you can do in our regular craft in the training sessions."

Phin mentally rolled hus eyes, knowing better than to do so to someone who clearly outranks him.

"With all due respect, sir," Phineus began apathetically, "I won't be flying in any training missions. I'll see you at the end of our vacation."

Phineus turned his back on his XO, and began plodding out of the room..

OOC:

Thanks be to Ibram for the support..

====== Before Conference, After Misssion =====

Zane had just pulled his fighter back into their freighter. They had finally been heading back, the mission had been a success! Zane waited in the lounge till they had made it back. Immediately Zane went and found out where Rocket was.

It took almost an hour before the droid helping him actually got all the directions right. Zane was impatient only at times where he was overly excited, stressed, angry, and so on. But even then it was still fairly rare.

Zane had already been ticked off by the droid and wished it would just get him there already. Rocket had been found, that was good. But according to the message he got from Ibram after they had gotten back was that he was not in very good condition.

==== Conference ====

Zane arrived to the conference room as one of the first, right in the usual spot of the dark corner in the back. He didn't like being in the front and never had. Zane pulled out his data-pad and prepared it for recording.

He had just visited Rocket for as long as the nurse supervising him would allow. After a couple hours Zane had been kicked out. Zane wasn't overly happy, but it was probably better for Rocket anyways. Thats all that had mattered.

He waited for a few minutes and soon Anden and Phineas walked in the room. Zane walked up to Anden and greeted him, then turned to Phin.

"Hey Phin," Zane nudged him in the back, "glad you're ok, thought we lost you two for a moment there."

"Yet Rocketman's on his death bed," Phineus spat out a bit more coldly then he had intended, "so how can I be ok?"

Zane looked away. Phineas hadn't known Rocket as much as Zane had, even though he had only known him for a short while. Rocket had been his wingmate, it was more a loss to him than to Phin.

As the last of the Viper’s took their seat. Ibram began to speak.

“All right people, listen up.”

For a moment Ibram paused,

“Just a quick announcement. Several announcements actually – The CO is away for the next couple of days, NAVCOM wanted to do an extensive debriefing after our week’s R &R”

Immediately, Mira’s hand shot up. Here we go.

“Question: Where’s the XO then? And I thought we had two weeks of R & R?”

“C-3 has been re-assigned to a new squadron their opening up. Ensign Sion has returned to active service, and the former XO has gone to help knock them into shape.”

That drew some frowns: a lot of the pilots here were too ‘fresh’ to remember Than Sion or Kaph Squadron, but the skipper and the XO had both been around at the time. Ibram himself only knew what the brief was telling him.

“This brings me onto my next point: As of now, I’m the new XO, and Anden is the new leader of Flight Two.”

Anden gave an embarrassed smile, and waved to the others.

“Given my new position, I’m now in charge of the Squadron until the skipper returns. Coming back to your point about leave O’Riley, we in fact have three weeks of leave: One week of unconditional R &R, and Two weeks of conditional R & R.”

Zane raised his hand. “’Conditional’, Sir?”

Ibram consulted his datapad. “Whilst High Command recognises our need for some rest and relaxation after the events on Votek, they basically placed us ‘on call’ for the next two weeks. We can rest, we can do what we want, provided we stay on Abrea, and that should anything major happen like a Rebel Invasion, we hop into our fighters and shoe them away.”

“Any news on Rocket, sir?”

Rocketman had been shot down during the escape from Votek. Assumed KIA to begin with, the erstwhile pilot had turned up in-system in an old shot out StarViper. The flight had nearly killed him anyway, as shortly after entering the system his engines overloaded, and Rocket had been left out in the cold until he had been picked up by a local patrol. Now he was in the medical lab, recovering. The Doctors were unsure of his condition.

“Nothing new. I’ll let you know as soon as they tell me something.”

The squadron had nearly lost it when they thought they had lost Anden, Gage and Rocket. The first two turning out to be alive restored moral a bit…but for Rocket to make it this far and then die anyway…..

“I’ve sent all of today’s announcements to your personal datapads, should you wish to look any of this up in the future. As you can see, there has been some significant Roster changes. Phineus, you’re going with Anden into Flight two, where you’ll be his wingman. Mira, You’ve been transferred into the skipper’s flight. I’d also like you to welcome two new comers, Arkan, and Jaron.”

“They will both be in my flight, so Zane, make’em feel welcome. That goes for the rest of you too.”

Zane nodded, catching Ibrams eyes for a split second.

“That’s about it for today. Keep an eye on the Squadron feed, in case I think of anything else to tell you. I’ve scheduled some light squadron practice for 1500 hours tomorrow.”

Zane finished recording the meeting then headed out. Zane waved to Anden, and Phin receiving a wave from Anden and a weird look from Phin. Zane then waved to the new recruits Jaron and Arkan. They both waved and Zane walked out the door.

"What is up with Phin, you can feel anger, and sadness. This isn't like him," thought Zane.

Zane would have to see if he could find out what was wrong with Phin. Maybe Anden could find out. Whatever it was bugging him, this wasn't Phineas at all. Or perhaps it was just a new side.

Zane was tired. The mission had wiped him out. Zane was just glad that Rocket was at least okay. That much was a relief. Zane paused taking in the last few details of the mission aftermath and storing them in his brain.

Then Zane got a feeling he was being watched. slowly he turned his head just enough to see slightly out of the corner of his eye. It was the new recruit Jaron. She seemed nice.

Zane stopped allowing her to catch up. Ibram had ordered him to make the new recruits feel welcome, he was also to get to know them as well. Zane waited and finally Jaron caught up.

OOC:

Hope that's a little better Ibram.

"Don't worry i'm never too far behind when their is drink involved"i said cheerfully as i joined Zane and Jaron."good"Zane said as i joined in."Well heres to Viper"Jaron motioned as we dropped the first shot at the bar."To right" Zane remarked.As we discussed our past histories and stories.The tragic and the funny Zane made it to search and rescue mission."It wasn't exactly routine" he said."Rocketman got the worst"."Trapped in deep space half dead....He didn't deserve it"."We couldn't ever know"Jaron muttered after the tale.I must admit it was dark.As dark as some of the horror tales of Kuat.I couldn't comprehend the moral and physical damage done to Viper and in fact Nazgul in the mission.
From what i had heard it was bloody.

From what i had heard of Jaron my affection hadn't been misguided.She was just like the one love he had on Kuat.Jaron's love of pranks and ships fitted well with his own.But not her liking of droids.I had to many bad experiences wit them in KDY.She was my kind of person

“You up for a drink? She asked. 

“Hopefully Arkan is headed that way too, or maybe we can catch up to him, I want to get to know you two gentlemen,” she smiled and gestured toward the bar, turning a little more serious.

“And maybe you can tell us about what happened out there, I think we need to know.”

"Sure that would be great," replied Zane.

Zane followed Jaron letting down his hood and letting his eyes fade to a pearly grey. That was one thing Zane liked he could allow his eyes to be blood red, a deep grey or pearly grey, or cold and pitch black. Most the time they changed with his mood.

When they arrived at their destination, Zane took his seat between the two, then summoned them somebody to get some drinks. Zane himself didn't drink, so he instead got a non-alcoholic drink instead.

After they had their drinks Zane paid the person that got them, and even gave him a tip. Then he waited till the others were settled., and finally they all began to talk.
"Don't worry i'm never too far behind when their is drink involved"i said cheerfully as i joined Zane and Jaron.

"good"Zane said as i joined in.

"Well heres to Viper"Jaron motioned as we dropped the first shot at the bar.

"To right" Zane remarked.

As we discussed our past histories and stories.The tragic and the funny Zane made it to search and rescue mission.

"It wasn't exactly routine" he said.
"Rocketman got the worst".
"Trapped in deep space half dead....He didn't deserve it".

"We couldn't ever know"Jaron muttered after the tale.I must admit it was dark.As dark as some of the horror tales of Kuat.I couldn't comprehend the moral and physical damage done to Viper and in fact Nazgul in the mission. From what i had heard it was bloody."

"Well, it actually wasn't all that bad. It was quite fun. You learn to get used to it all after a while," said Zane.

The other two nodded and Zane proceeded to tell them other parts of the story. How they had first arrived, how he had been incharge of the communications suit. How he had gotten control of the bases partol towers, how the others found the Admiral, got him back, the battles.

Even getting into the air, what it was all like, how he got control of the missiles. Then about the Z-95's and the squad's attempts to take them down. Zane told them all the way up to when they were in orbit and blowing through the dreadnoughts to make way for the Admiral.

Their mission had been a success. They were able to clear the way so that Ibram and Aleia could get the admiral to the ship that woucl allow him to return back safely.

After Zane had told them all he knew, they both sat back and Zane could easily read their faces. They both were deep in thought.

"Now if you have any questions, ask our XO, Executive Officer, Ibram Tyrol. I'll answer what I can though," said Zane.

They both nodded. So what else do you guys want to do?

Lukas slowly made his way into the conference room with the rest of the squadron, still gushing over the fact that he survived and completed his first mission. The feel of flying his Fighter towards the enemy and slaughtering them was a true thrill for him, and he hoped that there would be more like that in the future.

For now, it was time to be debriefed. Sitting down at the corner of the table, Lukas listened on as Ibram, the new XO, took charge and talked about what was to come for them all. He smiled at the fact they were getting some time off, but that smile quickly feel to a stiff grimace as he learned of the training sessions that were to be completed during the R&R. That was understandable for him, for he wanted to keep his skills in check anyway, and it was good for him to do some training to keep himself sharp.

The grimace then fell to a saddened frown as he learned of the status of Rocketman. He was a true teammate to Lukas, and to hear that he may die as a result of his escape truly put a dagger in his heart. He would have to pray that Rocket would make it and back to Viper Squadron in no time. However, that was wishful thinking on his part.

When the meeting ended, Lukas stood up and walked towards the door, wanting to go to his quarters and reflect on what happened to him since the mission took place. A lot has happened, and he wanted to think about it with a smile. He did shake hands with the two newest members of the squadron, wishing them 'good luck' to them both as he headed out of the room.

Tomas threw his bag on his bunk and was tempted to do the same thing, but he had a squadron to go see. More specifically a new XO to check-in on. It'd been a long couple days being debriefed by the higher ups and he couldn't be more thankful it was now over. To be in command of his own unit was the first step of Tomas' dream and he lived for it. The paperwork and occasional days of boring talk with higher ups could be quite a drag though. It was over though ... for now, but that's all that mattered for the time being.

Grabbing a more comfortable jacket, Tomas strode off to find his XO. Following a brief conversation, they were off towards the bar.

“I’m as yet undecided, which is why I’m ordering you to come and have a drink with me, I think I’m going to need your tactical insights on this one.”

“Very good sir, but I’m not carrying you back.”

“That’s what the new people are for Chief.” Tomas said with a grin, he'll be long out before it comes to that.

"After you," Ibram said stepping to the side as the door opened.

"Gimme a break, Tyrol. You're already my XO, no need to kiss ass." Tomas said with a laugh, but leading the way into the cantina nonetheless.

"So how've my guys been while I've been away?" He asked as they sat down and took their first chugs of ale.

"Oh you know, the usual Viper mischief. Kind of subdued actually ..." Ibram trailed off as the door opened. "Perhaps I spoke too soon ..."

"Well ... you don't see that everyday."

"Oh Gods," Mira spoke looking around Oops who had been in the middle of a joke about two Twi'lek traders and a Wookiee. She had been distracted by the odd growls that added up to something very insulting in Dosh, "I swear why do we always get the retards of the empire?" Mira questioned leaping out of her seat, knocking it over, before leaping over the table. Shoving her way through the crowd, throwing some guys over her shoulder, Mira arrived where the Trandoshan and the new recruit, whats her face.....Jerid, something like that were wrestling around on the sticky floor of the galley.

"Stop, stop," Mira growled in Dosh struggling to find the words she wanted to say, "This one stupid but...bloodsister?" Mira said biting her lip, that didn't sound right at all, she really needed to actually study these things.

"I will crush her skull, she spoke of my family dishonorably," the Trandoshan growled back and prepared to do so.

"Aw, fuck," Mira sighed throwing herself at the Trandoshan, the lizard, surprised at the attack loosened its grip on Jaron's neck. Mira wiggled her fingers between the creature's claws and the younger recruit's neck and hitting a pressure point in between the lizard's scale caused it to let go. Mira let out a triumphant yell before being smacked to the side by the Trandoshan's clawed hand. She rolled into the nearby cart filled with assorted drink, they crashed down around her. Mira winced as a particularly heavy bottle of juice hit the top of her head.

"Ow, ow, ow!" she groaned clutching the top of her head. She looked up, squinting against the glow of the galley lights as a shadow cast over her, "Oh no you don't!" she yelled her leg shooting out hitting whoever was in front of her with a thick thud.

"Why Mira?" Tomas groaned clutching his groin and falling over.

"oops," was that all she could say as she watched Tomas wither on the ground rolling a little back and forth.

"Nice shot Mira, a welcoming back to remember," Ibram said snarkily, "Hey!" he ducked out of the way as a bottle of water went flying past his head.

"Come on Tom, up you go," Mira said slinging Tomas' arm around her shoulder and lifting him to his feet. Goodness he was heavier, had he been working out, he seemed...bulkier? "Little help Oops you lazy bum," Mira growled and Oops grabbed Tomas saving Mira from a broken back. Mira stared at Tomas for a minute, he did look more muscular, her cheeks flushed a little before her eyes turned on Jaron.

"What did you think you were doing?" Mira asked giving the girl a swift slap to the back of her head, "Are you stupid or something? Haven't you been briefed on not trying to replicate alien languages just in case you say something offensive?" Mira said her voice shaking to keep control of her temper, "Are you trying to get yourself killed? Because you're doing a bang up job of doing it and bringing your squad mates down with you! All Holy gods, use your brain next time!" Mira finished her tirad and shoved her way through the crowd to find a place to cool off, amazingly it was an old familiar place, a closet.

Tomas sighed as the commotion between his pilots and the trandoshan only seem to be escalating further.

"Excuse me a sec," he spoke to Ibram as he got up from the table. As he approached the brawl, Tomas couldn't help but wonder how he was possibly going fix this mess. He was not nearly as versed in dosh as Mira, and in fact only picked up a phrase or two from their interactions with the galley personnel. Frankly, a couple basic phrases no matter how well he could pronounce them were not going to help get them out of this.

With that Tomas, growled the one greeting he did know in an attempt to draw the trandoshans attention to him and away from his squadron members that were strewn about all over the floor. It seemed to work, as it grunted and turned slowly to face the squadron commander. Almost immediately, Tomas averted his gaze and attempted to make himself look as small as possible to show that he was not a threat. When the trandoshan grunted again, Tomas could only hope that it meant he was being acknowledged.

"These ... are my men," Tomas spoke slowly gesturing first to the squadron commander patch on his jacket before spreading his arms to show he meant the ones now lying on the floor. He had no idea if the trandoshan could understand basic, so he had decided to focus on making the gestures the main part of the conversation. He made another series of gestures accompanied by "I ... will punish ... for their actions."

The trandoshan did not budge at first, causing an uneasy feeling in the pit of Tomas' stomach. The lizard wasn't going to go for it, and would likely take him out next. But that wasn't the case, as the trandoshan gave a series of grunts and disappeared through the kitchen doors. It had taken its sweet time doing it, but the situation was resolved nonetheless.

With that, Tomas went over to help Mira to her feet but jumped slightly when she yelled out, "oh no you don't!" He was unable to get out of the way as her leg sprang up and made contact with his nether regions.

"Why Mira?" Tomas said with a groan, before collapsing to the floor himself. He rolled back and forth slightly before letting the pain take over and blacked out, unaware of what the others were doing now.

Tomas felt a shiver run down his spine as Mira ran her hand across his cheek. Reflexively, Tomas attempted to move closer to his former companion before the combination of pain and the realization that they were no longer together caused him to groan and lay back on the bed.

To be honest, Tomas couldn't really decide if having Mira here was a good thing or a bad thing. Sure it was nice to have someone looking after him and making sure he was okay, but he really didn't like Mira seeing him in such a vulnerable state; one she had caused no less. He had been working out hard lately, mostly for himself but also partly to impress a certain squadron member. The same one that in one swift blow had sent him to his knees in excruciating pain.

He could see genuine regret in Mira's face as she looked down apologetically, biting her lip in the process. He wanted so badly to pull her down to him, but the pain was just too much for him to attempt at moving again. Doing all he could do in his current position, Tomas returned the gesture, reaching his free hand up and running it across Mira's cheek and down her neck. As she shuddered slightly Tomas began to pull his hand away afraid he had done something wrong, but instead Mira held his hand in hers and rested it gently on her cheek.

"Mmmm," she sighed as she just sat there, seemingly in a state of bliss. Tomas tried not to make any sharp movements that would disrupt the mood, but his other hand was slowly losing the battle to keep the bag of ice in position...

Tomas' response was too securely hold the ice with his one hand ensuring it would not slip away again. With his other, the squadron commander reached up and pulled Mira down to him trying his best to avoid movements that would cause more pain. As Mira leaned over him on the bed, Tomas lifted his head and gave her a deep, passionate kiss. He could practically feel the other pilot melt as their tongue's danced. Apparently it was a bit too much for her as she shifted to lay down beside him, her arm draped over his chest.

"Oooomph," Tomas groaned as her latest movement had shook the bed and brought the pain shooting back.

"Awww, Tombo ..." Mira said, nuzzling into his neck, "let me take care of that for you." The next thing Tomas knew, Mira had slid her hand down and replaced his on top of the ice. The new found freedom of his arms allowed Tomas to pull her in tight with a kiss on her forehead. As Mira tilted her head back to look at him, Tomas took the opportunity to land another pair of kisses first on the tip of her nose and followed by another passionate kiss on the lips.

"I missed this," Tomas sighed when the two pilots separated for air.

Ibram paused before knocking on the CO’s door.

Was that….no…

Having sorted out the aftermath of the canteen scenario, Ibram had decided to go check on the CO to make sure he was still alive. At worst, Tomas would be unable to have children, ever, but the skipper liked to ham things up every now and then, so as XO Ibram felt it was his duty to make sure everything was alright..

Until he had heard the sound that is.

It had been quiet and subtle, barely audible had Ibram not been standing right outside the skipper’s door. If he had not been in a long relationship previously, he may have dismissed it as a figment of his imagination…but he knew that sound.

He knew it like he knew the sun rose and set each day. He knew it like he knew the back of his own hand, or the flight stick of his bird. It was the sound a woman made when she was with her lover.

Way-ta-go skipper….

Ibram figured his CO must have balls of steel to be engaged in ‘manoeuvres’ after what had just happened. Ibram pulled his hand away from the door, and decided to leave his commander to it.

Taking out his datapad, he made a note to find out who it was.

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“How’s the neck?”

Ibram smiled at Jaron as she sat on the bed, massaging her neck. She looked up at him and tried to stand up at attention.

“At ease Jaron, jeese. You really will strain that thing if you’re not careful.”

“Sorry sir, they kind of drum it into you during Flight.”

Ibram smiled, remembering his own days as a new recruit. “And how. You doing ok?”

She smiled sheepishly at him. “I’ll be fine sir. I’ll be dammed if I let some damn Dosh take me out before I even get in the air. You can count on me.”

“Good. Well I’ll leave you too it. Try to avoid any Trandoshans for the time being… or Qurrens. They’re easily offended as well.”

Jaron chuckled, “Very funny sir, I’ll be careful. Thanks.”

Ibram left as the medical droid came over to examine the linguistically challenged pilot.

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“Getting friendly with the new girl I see.”

Ibram turned round to see Aleia standing in the hallway. She had a weird look in her eye, and Ibram could tell he was in trouble.

“Yeh…so what if I am?”

She snorted, “So much for not “getting involved with your subordinates”.”

Ibram grimaced, remembering that conversation all too well. “It’s not like that Aleia. Yeh she’s attractive, but so are you, and the same rules apply to the both you. Don’t make this harder then it is.”

“Whatever, Sir. I’ll let you get back to your little show.” And with that she stalked off.

Ibram sighed.

I should have seen that coming I suppose.

Ibram walked back to his room, and threw himself on the bed.

He couldn’t help but feel guilty about Aleia, but he knew it had been the right choice. As for Jaron….well, best not go there, for obvious reasons.

She’s just upset. Remember all the times you hacked off Marisa? She’ll come around…eventually.

Ibram decided to catch up on his reading… at least to take his mind off things.

OOC:

If any of you are wondering where the hell that last bit came from, don't worry, it's being dealt with in a personal story that hasn't been finished yet lol. Sorry.

Arkan left the scene of the brawl and carried Tomas back to his quarters. It wasn't easy he was not small and was dense with muscle.Arkan hefted him down the corridor as he exchanged a few words with Jaron something about bed and later.He didn't hear it all though as the sheer strain on him was causing him to hear ringing in his ears.After throwing him on to his bed and rustling up an ice pack he walked out and left him to his privacy.Just before Arkan went his own way he turned to Jaron."You have got balls of steel". "I havn't seen a night like that since the night me and the lads took stim back on kuat".Arkan then turned and walked away towards the barrack room to sleep for as long as possible.Whatever he thought of the disipline of the navy a few years ago he thought nothing of the sort now .He felt as though it was basically a normal job with normal people as killing maiming and wounding seemed so common that none took notice of it