This is a character developpment story which I will add to every now and then. Please, nobody else post on this topic. If it actually interests you, reading my Biography might give you a better understanding of what's going on.
Let the madness begin...
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Peace and quiet enveloped the Senior Sergeant's newly purchased condo. It still had that unique, refreshing smell of a recently constructed building. Boxes full of Zafo's belongings were still lying all over the living room floor, only the essentials had so far been unpacked.
Zafo's eyes burned from the incoming rays of sunshine as he munched down on the remaining morsels of his breakfast. Once he was done, he finished off the rest of his morning routine. Before heading into the shower, he shot a hopeful glance at his datapad. A loud sigh echoed through the condo as the datapad contained no new messages, once again.
"How much longer is this down-time going to last?"
Beginning to feel impatient and restless, Zafo continued with his routine. However, as he finished his shower and went back into his living room, all those feelings faded away. An icon on the screen of his datapad was flashing.
One New Message: From Unknown Sender
Curiosity flowed through Zafo.
"Probably just some random message...maybe considering one of my vehicles or something..."
Quickly he picked up the datapad and opened up the message;
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New Message; Received - Today 0730h
Sender; Unknown
Subject; Something that might be of Interest
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Greetings, Senior Sergeant Zafo of the Vast Empire Army,
First off, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Saari Fratoo. Although you might not know me by name, I can assure you we've met before. It took me a great deal of time and patience to finally track you down.
As soon as you left my pawnshop on Cepany, some time ago, I immediately began to research on that pistol of yours. Fascinating little devil. What had me the most intrigued was that little symbol resembling the letter Z near the top of the nozzle. I was certain I had seen, or heard of it before. Upon researching it, I discovered that it was the symbol of a man with whom I used to do business with quite regularly: the great bounty hunter who went by the name of Ziggy. I do not doubt that you had at some point, some kind of relationship with this man, because after all, you own his pistol.
I have tried many times to regain contact with my old associate, but without success. Your possession of the pistol signifies to me that you were more than just a stranger in Ziggy's life, so I am turning to you for help. Unfortunately, I cannot disclose any more information in case this message falls into the wrong hands.
I understand you are a soldier and a busy man, but please at least reply to my message, acknowledging you received it and your course of action.
Best of luck,
Saari
/End of Transmission.
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A storm of different emotions rushed their way into Zafo's thoughts. Question after question began to run through his shocked mind. Of all questions running through his head, one seemed to be reoccurring more than the others...
"Could he still be alive?
"...Could I some how re-unite with him? Would I even want to? The bastard left me to fend for myself when I was a mere child, what's to say I wouldn't kill him on sight? He's my dad, that's why. At last, my questions of my past are not completely unanswerable and lost forever...maybe I can get some answers..."
The Assistant Squad Leader shifted the datapad around the table, his mind in deep thought. His thoughts were torn in two. Parts of him wanted to waste not a second more in getting to Cepany and reconnecting with his past life. The other part of him was very skeptical in digging up his past.
The desire to have some of his questions answered, the remote chance of acquiring some information on his father and a chance to re-live some of his "old days" was overwhelmingly tempting. Before he even realized what he was doing, Zafo found himself speeding through crowded streets until he arrived at Evani's office.
Just as he had suspected, Evani was seated behind her desk, hounding away at the keyboard.
"Ever thought of taking a break?" Zafo chuckled as he took a seat opposite his Squad Leader.
The Sergeants eyes shifted from the computer screen to Zafo's and she let out a smile. From the looks of things, she had been starring at that screen for quite some time.
"You know you could have called me for some help..." Zafo was beginning to feel bad that Evani had been sitting around working while he was simply enjoying the break.
"I didn't want to disturb your rest time." Evani began to explain, trying to shrug it off as a matter of little importance. "Besides, it's an evaluation form needing to be completed by Squad Leaders only."
Zafo doubted Evani was telling the truth, but decided to play along. Clearly, she didn't want him feeling bad about her doing all the work. Unable to contain his anxiety any longer, Zafo jumped into what he had come for;
"Evani..." Zafo started, not exactly sure to begin. "I am requesting a short leave of absence..."
"Oh?" A worried expression came across her face. "Is something wrong?"
"No, no, nothings wrong." Zafo answered instantly. "It's just, well...here, read this."
Zafo handed Evani his datapad, and showed her the message he received this morning. He felt it was the only way the situation could be fully explained. He stared at his feet impatiently, shuffling from side to side as Evani read through the message. Would she allow him to leave? Zafo could feel the small beads of sweat beginning to form on his back.
After what felt like an eternity, Evani finished reading the message and looked up at Zafo, sympathy in her eyes.
"I don't know what the higher-ups will have to say about this, but I for one will defiantly let you go."
A wave of relief swept over Zafo but the battle was not over yet.
"The higher-ups?"
"I'll tell them nothing more other than it's a personal matter. They tend to be lenient, especially since it doesn't seem we have any missions coming up for a while." She replied with a twisted smile.
"You don't understand how much this means to me..." Zafo began, before Evani interrupted him.
"No need to thank me." Evani said with a smile. "But!" her voice sharpened and eyes narrowed, "If you don't come back in one piece, I swear I will make your life a living hell!" The joy returned to her eyes as the two Dragoons shared a laugh.
"Take care, and for the love of the Empire, please keep your comlink on."
"Once again, thanks."
The two soldiers shook each others hands firmly. Taking his cue to leave, Zafo made his way back to his condo. The sun was now high in the air and the day was well underway. Zafo began to rummage through all the boxes on his floor. Anticipation and excitement heightened his energy, causing his to hop from place to place rather than walk.
The fluctuating emotions and hounding questions continued to pelt Zafo's mind as he isolated all the things he was planning on bringing with him. Turning up the music, he made the necessary arrangements as he prepare to embark on a journey that could forever change his life...
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~ZaFo
*DarkDragoons
+ Advance Recon Commandos {ARC} +
ASL/SSG ZaFo/2SQD/1PLT/1COM/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE [BC] [EW2]
~Keep on Rocking in the Free World