"The Galactic Games!" Garet exclaimed, thrusting a fist into the air. "I never thought I'd ever have the chance to..."

"Guard duty." Jennabelle interrupted swiftly. "It should still be fun." Her face cracked into a smile. "Beats fighting those god-awful clones."

"That's for sure." Sam piped from his position on the wall.

"Jenny, fun is too mild a word to describe what our next ten days will be like." Giovanni added mockingly from the other side of the small circle.

"Aye, this is gonna be one hell of a mission." Zafo added, his nose plunged in his datapad.

The Dark Dragoons were standing in one of the hallways just outside the briefing room. Many familiar faces poured out of the briefing room, all had that same light of excitement in their expressions. Even though we were being dispatched for guard duty, this was the chance of a lifetime. Many were too young to even consider attending the games last time they occurred.

Just a few hours ago, the squad found themselves locked in battle with duplicates of themselves. It was quite the nerve-wracking experience, but it had been cut short for reasons then unknown.

"How are we getting down to Euceron?" Giovanni inquired. A minor detail that could not be overlooked.

"My Ship."

All heads turned to Zafo.

"You've got a ship?" Knightwind asked, almost in disbelief. The looks of the squad seemed to reflect the same mentality.

"Not just any ship," Zafo began, a big smile spreading over his face, "Sorosuub Luxury 2000 line."

The entire squad's jaw literally dropped. The Sorosuub Luxury 2000 line was no small feat. It made many other luxury yachts seem like a slightly spruced up piece of junk hauled out of a scrap yard. Plus, it mad a price to match.

"How the hell could you afford such a thing!" Sam exclaimed.

"Seems like a couple of years worth of paychecks has finally caught up." Zafo said with a smile. "Anyways, I plan on it being our mode of transport whenever possible. When I find the proper parts and shops, I plan on modifying it a fair bit to better suit the needs of Imperial army personnel."

The squad seemed incredibly pleased with this news.

"Sure is better than those squad transports." Giovanni added with a chuckle.

"Alright guys, fetch whatever you want and bring it down to the ship. Don't worry about packing light; this baby's got plenty of room. I'm giving everyone his or her own private room with sleeping quarters, so you can bring things to keep there more permanently as well." Zafo instructed, closing up his datapad.

"Docking section G-57." Zafo added as the squad started to break off. "I'll see you there in an hour."

----------------------------------------One Hour Later------------------------------------------------

The last of the squad had entered into the floating piece of paradise. Zafo and Giovanni both made their way to the cockpit.

"When d'you buy this baby?" Giovanni asked as he stroked the smooth chrome knobs.

"Just a couple of weeks ago." Zafo stated with satisfaction. "Was saving it as a surprise."

"Pretty awesome surprise." Gio replied. "This thing is pretty big, bigger than your average speeder bike, you sure you can handle it?" The Senior Sergeant mocked.

Zafo let out a long laugh before being able to reply;

"We'll just have to find out, won't we."

 
-----------------------
~ZaFo
*DarkDragoons *
+ Advance Recon Commandos {ARC} +

SL/GSG ZaFo/2SQD/1PLT/1COM/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE [BC] [EW2]

Live Fast, Ride Faster.

  Striding down the hall away from the room where Rizzit had briefed the squads, Kairo said, "That's right, just guard duty. If I catch any of you sneaking off, you'll wish you had a mission on Kessel." Though I never said I wouldn't sneak off. Kairo thought absently. You should set an example. A voice said in the back of his mind. Pushing that aside, Kairo continued, "Meet me in the hanger bay in thirty minutes. That should give you plenty of time to gather whatever you need. Being Platoon Commander of Storm, Rizzit sent me a message already explaining everything, so I'm already packed." In truth, Rizzit's message had just been to check and make sure Jester and Night Stalkers weren't out on a mission. Kairo read between the lines though when the Galactic Games were mentioned.

  "So, should we pack armor?" Ryan asked.

  "No. We're trying to blend in, not stick out. If we things get so bad that armor is necessary for us, then the games have a lot more to worry about then a few assassins and rowdy spectators." Kairo commented, turning to his right to follow another identical hall. I swear they try to make this place as confusing as possible. Plus, it's all the same. I pity pilots.

  "What about weapons. Anything, big?" Slash asked, glancing to the side at an attractive technician.

  "Don't get attached," Kairo commented without having to check and see Slash still looking at the woman over his shoulder. "And nothing too big that it can't be concealed. You can bring it just in case and keep it on my ship, but also have enough hidden weapons to take care of things. By the way, would you say thirty daggers are too many?"

  Phenix knew Kairo's ability to keep a large number of blades hidden all over his body and responded, "Not for you."

  Kairo gave a light laugh and said, "Good answer. Anyways, hanger, thirty minutes, or you'll be left behind." With that, Kairo hit an access panel and stepped into the hanger himself, leaving the squad to run to the room they had been given and left their belonging at. Waving away a mechanic, who seemed bent on talking to Kairo about his ship's not-so-legal modifications, Kairo walked toward his ship, a VCX-820 Escort Freighter. One of the only things that was originally mine before I joined the army. I still can't believe I was able to get it out of impound on Lotaith, considering how it ended up there. Kairo shook the thought away and glided up the entrance ramp.

  The ship had been his home for the three years of his life before he "joined" the army. It held some fond memories, but also some ones he had tried to forget. If not for the mission and remembering he even had the ship, it would most likely have remained impounded on Lotaith forever, until it rusted into a pile of scrap. After he entered his old room and changed into the one of the sets of clothes he would be wearing, Kairo pulled out his bag of equipment. Maybe I'll just take twenty-five. Kairo remarked as he slid his groupings of five knives into their concealed areas around his body. Next, he placed his Kylon-3 into his shoulder holster, along with an extra ammo clip, and attached his vibro-pike onto his belt. Closing up his room so no one from the squad could go looking around, Kairo then went around making sure the secret compartments were all locked up too. "This ship can be a pain sometimes." Finally, he made his way back to the entrance ramp and waited for the squad to arrive.

 
-----------------------
Jester Squad

Gunnery Sergeant Kairo
Platoon Commander

PC/GSG Kairo/2PLT/1COMP/1BAT/1RGT/Tadath/VEA/VE [CDS][BoA][CoR][BC][CoV]

Know your enemy and know yourself, and you will be victorious in ten thousand battles.
You may forget the past, but it always has a way of haunting your future.
Men can die, but a symbol is eternal.

The datapad said, that this was the place where he should meet up with his new squad. A cantina. "How very fitting",  D'kaleth said with a smile on his face. He was dressed in Business attire, as his orders were to show up inconspicuously. One of the pockets held his Pistol, a Knife was placed in his polished boots. Somehow he felt like he was going to shoot a movie.

As he entered the cantina the smell amazed him. Somehow every cantina had it's own smell. And this one was quite bad. While Eviscares made his way through the room, he had to dodge several drunkards that were starting the party before the games had even begun.
At the Bar there was a couple of people, drinking and talking, but not as loud as the normal folks, but in that subdued way of soldiers awaiting action. Some of the persons seemed familiar, some don't.
He went over to the one he remembered to be Darr-Rann and waved at him.

"Darr Rann, I'm your new man.", Eviscares said informally and smiled.

"I know, good to have you with us. As I see you got the data and acted accordingly.", Darr replied, smiling himself. "I will introduce you to the boys later. Now sit down and have a drink with me."
 
-----------------------
Iron Horse Squad forever in my heart!

Whoever appeals to the law against his fellow man is either a fool or a coward.
Whoever cannot take care of himself without that law is both.
For a wounded man shall say to his assailant, "If I live I will kill you, if I die you are forgiven".
Such is the Rule of Honor.

TRP/CPL Eviscares/3SQD/1PLT/COMP/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE [LoR]

"...drinks on me." finished Darr-Rann as the nodded in delight.  Could sure use a drink.  Or two, Aphamos thought to himself as he and his squadmates came to a stop.  Aphamos looked over at Darr-Rann, who by that time, was already off, heading in another direction.  Wonder where he's going.  He looked as his squad leader gained more and more distance, now finally out of Aphamos's eyesight.  Public transport.  Bah!  He though of the Dark Dragoons, another squad that was coming to the Galactic Games, and the fact that their ship didn't stand a chance of falling apart in space.  He turned, peered at the faces of his squadmates, his friends, one by one, saying their names inside of his head as he looked on.  Daminga, Squall, Trix. Missing a few, but nevertheless.  He recalled the fact that they had recruited another trooper, Eviscares, recently.  He remembered Marka, who was now in retirement, and the feeling of warmth that he had brought to the squad. 

"You guys want to meet back here in about...45 minutes?" asked Daminga.  They were leaving for Euceron in a few hours, and Aphamos still hadn't gotten his things.  The squad agreed to the proposal, the stormtroopers finally separating to their own quarters.  Aphamos started down the hall as the itch of being followed hit him again.  The path to his quarters always seemed to be empty, no one ever traveling his way.  Well, no one of any importance to him at least.  The only person he saw when walking to his room was the only person he needed.  Rachel.  He turned the corner, seeing her familiar face, as if the mere though triggered the event.  They were magnetic, immediately falling into each others arms.  He didn't need anything else but her in the world; she was his air, his water, she gave him life.  The sweet scent of her perfume cleansed the inside of his body, taking away the cloud that fogged his mind, making everything clearer that it was.  He looked her in the eyes and they connected through a way that no one else but them could see or feel.

"Why are you in such a hurry?" she asked.  "Are you going somewhere?"

"We are going to Euceron for a little while.  Just as guards, nothing more.  I'll be back soon though." he said, putting it in as little words as he could.  She stared at him, the smile on her face lowering itself.  She looked at the floor for a second, then looked back up at him.

"Okay.  It's not for long, right?" she asked.  He nodded, wanting to say goodbye and go to hi room, despising awkward moments like the present.  "Take care, okay?"  She hugged him again, kissing him on the cheek.  He let go of her as their eyes met again, finishing the goodbye.  They started to walk again, their separate ways, until he reached his quarters.  He looked back, seeing her looking at him.  He smiled, and she returned it, Aphamos turning again and stepping in his room.  There were clothes all over the ground in front of him, his bed undone, sheets laying on the floor.  Home, sweet home.  He took off his uniform, heading toward his closet to hang it.  His formal attire was one thing he did care about, taking good care of all is uniforms and such.  He looked inside his closet, trying to decide what to wear on the trip.  He kept in mind the fact that he would be carrying weapons, the thought leading him to the jacket he would wear.  He pulled out a random shirt and his specially made armor, a thin layer that he would put on first. 

Sliding into a pair of pants, he quickly put on the rest of his clothing, now thinking of the weapons that he would carry with him.  He took the silver case out off the bottom corner of his closet, placing it on his bed.  He opened the case, looking at this array of weapons.  They were are polished to perfection, ready to kill.  He took his DL-18 blaster pistol, placing it in the slot inside his jacket.  Taking his RLW wrist lasers, he strapped them comfortably onto his wrist, concealing them under the sleeve of his jacket.  Lastly, he took his vibroblade, placing it in the designated pocket.  All ready.  Off to school I go.  He looked around his room for one last time and exited, heading down the hall towards the meeting spot.  He turned, seeing the group of Raiders there waiting for him.  He walked toward them, the troopers talking amongst each other.

"Lets get out of here." said Aphamos as he and the troopers left the building, making it to the StarSpeeder just as it was about to make its departure.  They all handed the credits to the droid, giving their destination.  Aphamos took a seat next to Squall, a look of enthusiasm on his face; he was eager to be getting out as well, even if they were still on duty.  "What did you bring along with you?" asked Aphamos.

"Oh, just the usual." he answered, pulling out a throwing knife.  The blade gleamed in the sunlight as he slowly slipped it back into his jacked pocket.  I guess that will get the job done.  The bus came to a screeching halt as Aphamos plunged forward in his seat, his face hitting the chair in front of him.  IDIOT!  He shot up out of his seat and towards the front of the speeder, wanting to get out.  The squad followed him, making their way inside the cantina.  The smell of the alcohol punched Aphamos in the face as he took a moment to get used to his.  He looked around, the sound of the music filling his ears.  He looked at the are table in front of him, seeing his squad leader, Darr-Rann, conversing with another person.  The squad walked forward, already ordering drinks on their way.  Aphamos looked at the man next to Darr, examining his features.  He was small, and from what Aphamos could tell, extremely light.  Scars made up his neck, his hair a shining, platinum color.  He was dressed in a business suit, his weapons obviously concealed in his attire.  Looks like a Raider to me.

"Oh, and here's the squad." said Darr-Rann, now looking at the troopers, some of them already into their drinks.  Darr-Rann started on the right, pointing off and naming the troopers as he went.  "That one there is Trix, there is you ASL Squall, Daminga, and you FTC Aphamos.  This is D'kaleth, or Eviscares, which ever you prefer."  Aphamos let off a small, warming smile, welcoming the new trooper into the squad.  The other troopers started to greet him as well, Eviscares returning the hellos.  Aphamos looked over at his smiling squad leader.  There was something wrong, something was not in its place.  He looked down at Darr-Rann's arm, and then his wrist, his hand covering what looked to be some sort of cut.  He continued to stare, not knowing when the cut was made, or why.  Probably has something to do with why he left. 

"What's wrong with your wrist?" asked Aphamos, eyes still glued to the same position.  The squad stopped their chattering, all now concentrating on their squad leader.

"Oh, we better get going." said Darr-Rann, very quickly, his voice hiding something.  "The transport leaves...well, right now.  Lets go, move, move!"  Aphamos quickly drank his shot and stood up, the squad exiting the cantina and walking over into the StarSpeeder.  The vehicle jetted them back to their requested spot.  They unloaded from the vehicle, walking back inside the building.  "Our ship leaves in...one minute, from docking section D-15.  Thats three stories up.  We better run." he added, smiling.  The squad started their run, sprinting up the two sets of stairs and through a set of doors into their docking section. 

The squadron entered the transport ship.  Piece of shit.  "Well, at least it's roomy." said Daminga, stunned at the sight in front of him.  Aphamos took a seat on a chair to the right of him, his body shivering from the chill the went down his spine.  He lifted his legs, placing him on the table in front of him.  He put his head pack, closing his eyes for the first time in a long time.  Peace at last.
 
-----------------------
Raiders

War is cruelty. There's no use trying to reform it, the crueler it is the sooner it will be over.
--William Tecumseh Sherman--

Merrick stepped up quietly and took the blaster out of Leon's hand, making him flinch.

"Now now Leon, no matter now much you dislike us, you can't shoot your ASL. Not only would I kick your ass, but charge you too." She handed his gun back as he scowled at her, and he stowed it back in its hiding place.

Looking at her small and sparcely packed bags, he glanced back at his own, then at Jak's where he was relieved to see a bag just as overstuffed as his. By the time he turned back to ask how Merrick could pack so lightly, she was already heading off with most of the rest of the squad following.

(OOC: Keep it light on guys, we are taking public vessels and don't want to attract undue attention anywhere, least of all in transit. If we're discovered before we even get there, our undercover status at the games is destroyed and we'll be taking the same public transport back well before the mission's over.)
 
-----------------------
NightStalkers
XO/CPT Merrick/VEA/TADATH/VE [CotE][SoA][CoH]
SL/CPT Merrick/3SQD/2PLT/1COMP/1BAT/1RGT/Tadath/VEA/VE
Verastinian Republic - Minister of Subversion
-----------------------
To thy protection fear and sorrow flee, and those that weary are of light find rest in thee.
If you love something, set it free. If it doesn't come back, hunt it down and kill it.

Darr-Rann layed back in his seat, his eyes drooping. It would be hours before they reached the planet. He started to run the attack over in his head once again. Who would try and have me killed? He's dead. It was supposed to be over...

"Darr!" Daminga's voice cut through his train of thought. Darr-Rann turned to see Daminga and  Trix. By the look of things, they were having an argument of some sort.

"What is it?" The squad leader asked, with just a slight amount of irritation.

"Greenie here is complaining about the transport." Daminga said angrily. Darr-Rann sighed and got up, walking over to them. This mission wont go smoothly if my troops wont get along... "Explain the argument."

"Well, apparently this little princess thinks..." Daminga began, but he was cut off by a wave of Darr-Rann's hand.

"No namecalling, just tell me what happened." He said. This is such a waste of time...

"This... Trooper thinks that she's too good for public transport. She's been complaining since she saw the ship." Trix gave Daminga a venomous glare, then turned and smiled sweetly at Darr-Rann.

"I thought such an excellent leader as yourself was beyond such a meager ship." She said. Darr-Rann snorted to himself

Suck up. He thought. "How did this turn into an argument?"

"I didn't do any arguing. He just went off on a rant about how I'm a spoiled little brat and how I shouldnt have ever made it to the squad. I dont know why he doesnt like me." She said, trying to sound innocent.

"Thats not it at all! I told her to stop wining and she started to get angry at me! Seriously, this is the stormtrooper corps..."

"Enough." Darr-Rann, "Your right, this is the corps, Daminga. I'm your Squad leader, not your babysitter. Grow up." Darr-Rann said, walking back over to his seat. That Trix is going to have to learn to get along with everyone. He sunk down into his seat and relaxed. Thats a problem for later though...
 
-----------------------
Raiders
SL/SGT_Darr-Rann/3SQD/1PLT/1COM/1RGT/1BAT/VEA/VE/Tadath [LoR][CoR]
|FL/CPO_Demonic/Kaph 5/PheonixWing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE| (=*A*=)(=*SA*=)
SERGEANT
CHIEF PETTY OFFICER
one of few - A vast Empire medic
Read Losses of Vandetta by me and Hellra
Flashmaker

"So, should we pack armor?"Ryan asked.
"No. We're trying to blend in, not stick out. If things get so bad that armor is necessary for us, then the games have a lot more to worry about then a few assassins and rowdy spectators." Kairo commented, turning to his right to follow another identical hallway.
Well, then I better get packing I don't want to be left behind.RK walked back to his room.
"Alright, no armor shouldn't be a problem." RK thought out loud to himself. All he needed was his DC-15, his C-3POD, His DC-17 , and a change of clothes. RK grabbed all of the stuff he needed and then packed it in his bag. He slung th bag over his shoulder and darted for the hangar bay, he wanted the best seat and the one that was closest to the back so he could sign up fpr the podracing when he got there. I know Kairo said not to sneak away, but what could it hurt just to, I bet even he want to sneak away and join one of the games.RK wasn't one to break the rules but this might be his only chance to join the pod races.
--------------------------------------------------Half an hour later-----------------------------------------------------
"Wow,early RK did you pack enough or just a littld?"Kairo said pulling Rks chain
"Oh, cut the jokes." RK said agitated.
"Alright, I will. Now RK, I know you can't resist running off so do us all a favor and stay with the squad."
"Yes, Sir."
Once Kairo was done lecturing RK, RK climbed aboard the ship and got the seat in the way back. It's not as coasy as a Luxury Yacht, but it'll do.Once RK put his bag under the seat, he took his C-3POD and turned it on full blast, until the rest of the squad got to the shuttle.
 
-----------------------
Jester Squad

THE GALATIC GAMES! Maybe I can get some autographs, Daminga thought to himself as he entered his apartment.

He had left the squad still standing around talking about the games when Darr let them go to get ready.  As he entered his bedroom he glanced around at the layers of mess. 

Ah damn! I knew I should have cleaned this a year ago in case something like this happened.

As Daminga started thinking about what he was going to need, he started removing the first layer of filth.  One of the first things he picked up was a bra.

Oh shit, better not let that lay around too much, the other girls wouldn't like it if they found out they weren't the only ones.  But& which one does this belong to?  Sarah?  Nah.  Lindsey? Maybe. 

As he continued to ponder the question of the day, he gathered his clothing for the mission.  He had laid out a pair of pants, along with a black long-sleeve shirt with a vest over top of it.  Next he grabbed his military combat boots.

Anyone asks I stole them took them from a dead trooper.

Lastly, Daminga grabbed his long trench coat from the closet and pulled it on.  Looking in the mirror he smiled to himself, Looking a little like an assain myself instead of guarding against them.  Maybe that's good.

Next he started pulling out his weapons he was going to need.  He secured his main pistol, the Kylan Heavy Blaster, in a secret pocket in his coat.  The pocket of the coat on his right side was cut in the bottom allowing Daminga to slip his hand all the way into the coat.  This is where the pistol's holster was fitted.  Next was the other pistol, his Stinger Hold-out Blaster, used only as a backup weapon, which he placed in his shoulder holster that was specially made into his vest.  Next were the knives he'd use for close quarter encounters.  Grabbing one of his Hieb & Stich knives, Daminga slipped it into his boot and covered the handle with his pants.  He also took out his D'skar dagger.  Holding it up to admire to deadly weapon, Daminga yet again felt the power of the dagger and the honor he had felt the day he was given it by a visited stromtrooper to his planet.  He slipped it into the back of his waistband.  Lastly, he grabbed 4-5 ration packs and stuffed his pockets with them.

Might get hungry on the trip, Daminga thought, Plus the prices will be outragious 

Again remembering that they would be traveling public transport and how long it'd take, he decided to grab one of his deck of Sabacc decks and his gamedroid, throwing them into his pocket too.

Sweet.  Let's do this.  Daminga turned and glanced over the rest of the trash in the room. 

I could wait about another year to clean.

----------

"Oh, and here's the squad." said Darr-Rann, now looking at the troopers, some of them already into their drinks.  Darr-Rann started on the right, pointing off and naming the troopers as he went.  "That one there is Trix, there is you ASL Squall, Daminga, and you FTC Aphamos.  This is D'kaleth, or Eviscares, which ever you prefer."

"How's it going?" asked Daminga as a hello.  Turning to the waitress he ordered the hardest drink they had.  As she placed it before him, he grabbed it and started gulping it down.

"Wow man!  Calm down there a little!  You're not going to be feeling good for that long trip on that public transport," called Squall from down the table.

"Yea? Just try and catch up!" Daminga smiled as he ordered his second.

"Egh! Public transport! Why do we have to travel on that!"  grimaced Trix. 

Daminga finished his second by this time and was ordering his third.

"What's wrong with public transportation.  As long as it gets you from point A to point B, that's good enough for me," said Daminga, "What? Is it not good enough for you?" as he imitated Trix's voice.

Uh oh, Daminga's getting drunk again, thought Squall, Better separate these two.

"Hey Daminga! Get over here!  I'm beating you by two," called Squall from down the table.

"Bullshit! I'll show you ho" He was cut off by Aphamos who asked Darr,

"What's wrong with your wrist?"

"Oh, we better get going." said Darr-Rann, very quickly, his voice hiding something.  "The transport leaves...well, right now.  Let's go, move, move!"

----------

As the squad, scanned the transport for seats, they all tried to keep in site of one another but not too close to draw attention.  Daminga took an empty seat by a window.  Glancing around trying to find his fellow squad mates, he noticed Trix two rows up, staring down at the only empty seat in the compartment left.  Daminga noticed  that the seat itself was filthy as Trix started to try and clean around some of the filth.

"Sit down already!" he hissed at her.

She just glared at him and made a bigger show of cleaning the seat. 

"The damn seat isn't going to get any cleaner your highest," Daminga called.  He still was feeling the buzz from those drinks.

"I don't have to listen to you, you stupid lowlife!"

I'm not dealing with this., thought Daminga.

"Darr!"

If there are any problems let me know.

-----------------------
Raiders
TRP/LCP Daminga/3SQD/1PLT/1COM/1RGT/1BAT/VEA/VE/Tadath


And when he gets to Heaven,
To Saint Peter he will tell,
"One more soldier reporting sir,
I've served my time in hell."

"Come on you sons of bitches! Do you want to live forever?" Sergeant Daly, USMC, Belleau Wood 1918

Aphamos's head shot up as he looked around to see what the problem was.  DAMMIT.  Will you give me just one damn second to shut my eyes.  He scanned the interior of the transport, both his squad leader, Darr-Rann, and his assistant squad leader, Squall, asleep.  He looked back further, seeing his other squadmates.  Eviscares, who was sitting next to Darr-Rann, was listening to music, his foot tapping on the floor while his fingers rapped on his seat handle.  Daminga was sitting next to Trix who was yelling at him, both of them exchanging their fair share of curses.  Little children.  Aphamos stood up, stretching his stiff legs and arms, breathing in and out, trying to cherish as much of the comfortable feeling he had.  He twisted his his back, three irregular, cracking noises sounding.  Hmm, that wasn't too appetizing.  His head quickly shot to the left as he head a loud noise where Daminga and Trix were.  Their hands were now locked in each other's, both of them arm wrestling against each other.  Are you kidding me?  A few moments passed, Daminga finally having Trix's arm down, almost touching the platform they were playing on.  Out of nowhere, Trix's left hand struck Daminga's side, the blow leaving his arm defenseless.  Trix came down hard on it, Daminga's hand slamming on the table.

The fighting resumed again, Daminga's face scarlet red, his usual cool totally swept away by the woman in front of him.  Aphamos, finally deciding that it was the moment to act, picked up and threw his chance cube at Daminga, the cube hitting him in the arm.  "Shut up!" whispered Aphamos, trying to make it as sharp as possible.  "Some of us are trying to get some rest."  He pointed to his squad leader and assistant squad leader.  Daminga immediately pointed to Trix, starting to mouth words which appeared to be curses directed at his fellow squadmate.  "Shut UP!" he said, yelling it this time.

"Just stay out of it.  This doesn't concern you at all, so let us solve it." said Trix, obviously not realizing her words in the heat of her conflict.  Aphamos walked over to the trooper, squatting at the knee when he reached the seat.

"First of all, it does concern me when one of my fellow troopers is throwing a temper-tantrum because of the fact that one snobby brat can't keep her mount shut." said Aphamos, in the best disciplinary tone he could conjure up.  "And secondly, by what I have witnessed, you can't handle the situation by acting like an absolute buffon, so I do INDEED have to help you solve it.  Is that understood?" asked Aphamos.  Trix remained silent, boldly staring at the seat in front of her.  "I ASKED YOU A QUESTION TROOPER, AND YOU WILL ANSWER ME.  IS THAT UNDERSTOOD!?! Trix's shield finally broke, the trooper nodding her head.  "There we go, that's better.  Now, I'd appreciate if you would kindly sit over there, in my original seat.  Daminga here is obviously suffering from some emotional pain from this episode, and I think that he may need some time to collect his thoughts."  Daminga had already understood, taking out his gamedroid, ready for some action.  Trix nodded again, standing up and making her way to Aphamos's old seat.  "Hey-" said Aphamos, giving Trix a wink of the eye, the trooper smiling back at him.  That was a close one. 

He took his seat now, pulling out his gamedroid as well, placing his face to face with Daminga's, the connection forming.  I haven't played with one of these in ages.  "Ready to get your ass handed to you?" asked Aphamos.  Daminga smirked,  a look of utter confidence spreading across his face.  Aphamos picked the game they were going to play, setting it onto one versus one mode, picking his character.  it was an average fight-to-the-death game, pitting both the players against each other in a random map.  Oh yes.  He's dead now.  The game finally started, the players both approaching each other, waiting for the other to make the first move.  Aphamos pressed the jump button and the attack button, his character leaping to the air and coming down with a hard fist to his opponent, who was already out of the way, loading his laser beam.  Damn it.  Why can't you just stand still?  Aphamos moved to the side a few times, trying to prevent Daminga from firing his weapon. 

He jumped into the air again, moving towards Daminga's character.  As Aphamos was landing, Daminga fired his cannon, the shot barely missing as Aphamos jumping in the air again, landing foot first into Daminga's character's face.  The player shot back into the wall behind him.  Aphamos moved in for the finish, not noticing that Daminga had placed mines all on the ground.  Aphamos's screen was immediately covered in colorful explosions, the screen then turning blood red as his life counter went to zero.  Shit.  Great, just great.  The cheapest trick in the book, and there you go.  Aphamos looked up at Daminga who was smiling at him, satisfied with his dirty win.  "Well, I haven't gotten to practice like you have.  Playing this for a while, eh?" said Aphamos.  Daminga chuckled to himself, amused at the fact that Aphamos was trying to cover up for his loss.

"It's okay Aphamos, everyone loses." said Daminga.  Yeah, everyone except me.  Aphamos quickly chose to play again, now familiar to his opponents playing style.  The game started, Aphamos quickly loading his laser cannon.  Daminga shot forward, Aphamos jumping up, in midair, taking a grenade out and throwing it down at Daminga, whose character immediately took the damage.  Attack.  One more time, attack.  Aphamos moved to the side as Daminga rose up, attacking a few times in the space in front of him to warm up.  Aphamos smiled, Daminga charging forward with a fist again.  Aphamos commanded his player to jump, the character jumping to the other side of Daminga.  Aphamos attacked Daminga in the back, Daminga attacking back.  Just as Daminga pressed the attach button on his device, Aphamos fired the laser cannon, the beam bursting the enemy character's head open. 

"And that is game my friend." said Aphamos, satisfied by his strategic win.  "This is getting boring.  You bring anything else to play."  Aphamos looked over at his squad leader as he slowly opened his eyes, waking up.  Darr-Rann turned, looking over to see Trix staring straight at him.  Trix smiled, turning her head and looking back out the window into the darkness.  Aphamos turned, Daminga tapping him on the shoulder, taking out a deck of Sabbac cards.  What are those?  "Oh, right, I play this all the time.  Just forgot how to...what's it called again?"

"Yeah...I'll teach you how to play." said Daminga.  "Now Sabbac is a..."  Daminga slowly went on and on as the Raiders traveled through space, all of them with the same feeling, the same question being asked deep inside of them.  Are we there yet?

-----------------------
Raiders

War is cruelty. There's no use trying to reform it, the crueler it is the sooner it will be over.
--William Tecumseh Sherman--

Eviscares couldn't believe his ears. "I ASKED YOU A QUESTION TROOPER, AND YOU WILL ANSWER ME.  IS THAT UNDERSTOOD!?!", Aphamos shouted at the top of his lungs. So much for going undercover., D'kaleth thought and glanced at Darr. His Squadleader seemed to be thinking the same, his Eyes were rolled that much that Evis could almost see only the white in them.
He felt the urge to  pull out his slugthrower and nail a slug right through the heads of Aphamos, Trix and Daminga.
Cool down D'kaleth, everythings ok. Just get out of here., he said to himself before he stood up. Darr tried to ask him where he was going, but Evis was too submerged in himself to notice anything.

The corridors were filled with people and so some barging was inevitable. His anger had finally come to a rest and right now Eviscares was simply enjoying the walk. His legs had become a bit stiff while sitting in the uncomfortable seat. Once again he had to push through a mass of people. As he made his way D'kaleth noticed something strange. His hand had hit the belt of another Passenger and what he had felt seemed to be a detonator. He turned around and watched the passenger, a businessman from one of the core worlds apparently. The man tried to blend in with the crowd, but somehow still stood out, so Eviscares decided to follow. Even if it was nothing, he could use a little distraction.

With Eviscares staying between ten and twenty meters behind the two moved through the ship. His "Target" stopped here and there to talk to people or to look at shop displays. After about half an hour he entered one of the many cantinas, that were built to keep the guests entertained. When Eviscares entered the room, he was hit by hot air. Judging from this and from what he could see in the dim light, the cantina was for more arid races. A lot of single creatures sat at the tables, but there were also several couples. As in every cantina, at least two games of Sabbac were going on at the moment. The businessman sat down at the bar, and Eviscares took the seat next to him.

It was the businessman who spoke first. "You have been following me for quite some time, haven't you?" Before Eviscares could even answer he felt something touching his back, most definitely a Blaster Muzzle. Damn it, you've grown soft., he thought.
The Businessman spoke again, "Now you will follow me once again but to the aft deck. My Partner will stay with you and assure that you don't misbehave."

 
-----------------------
Iron Horse Squad forever in my heart!

Whoever appeals to the law against his fellow man is either a fool or a coward.
Whoever cannot take care of himself without that law is both.
For a wounded man shall say to his assailant, "If I live I will kill you, if I die you are forgiven".
Such is the Rule of Honor.

TRP/CPL Eviscares/3SQD/1PLT/COMP/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE [LoR]

  Finally. Kairo thought exasperatedly as the last member of the squad arrived. "Ten minutes late, Yillis."

  "I got lost," Yillis mumbled, running up the entrance ramp and brushing by Kairo.

  Punching the control panel, Kairo walked down the hall as the ramp closed behind him with a load hiss that signified the ship was sealed. "I hope everyone has found a seat," Kairo said while he walked toward the cockpit. "There are only six of us, so there should be plenty of room. Oh, and try not to break anything." Stepping into the cockpit, he dropped into the pilot's seat and checked to make sure everything was in order.

  While the squad had been arriving, Kairo had already brought the ship through its preflight check. Pressing a few buttons, he engaged the ships repulsors and lifted the ship off the hanger deck. Even though he wasn't the best pilot in the galaxy, he knew his ship backwards and forwards, and it was probably the only ship he could properly fly. Gliding through the hanger's force field, which kept the vacuum of space at bay, the ship dropped into the dark abyss. Bringing the space coordinates of Euceron up, Kairo turned the ship and engaged the engines. After a few minutes, they were clear of all gravitational obstructions, and Kairo engaged the ship's hyperdrive engines.

  As the stars elongated into white lines, Kairo felt the rush of entering hyperspace. Phenix appeared at the door a moment later and dropped into the co-pilots seat. "So, how fast can this thing go?"

  "Let's just say we'll be there in a day, where as a lot of other ships would take a day and half to two days, depending on their hyperdrives." Kairo explained.

  "Uh, how come we can go that fast?" Phenix asked.

  "Because, this ship as been modified. Its hyperspace engines have a few special modifications." Kairo stated while checking a few displays.

  "Where would you get a ship like that?"

  "I stole it from a bounty hunter I killed," Kairo said as if it happened every day.

  Phenix broke out laughing. "Hahahahaha, that's a good one, heheheh, stole it from a bounty hunter you, haahahaa, killed. Hahaha... haha.. ha. You aren't serious are you?"

  Kairo got up from his seat and turned to leave, but looked down at Phenix before he left and said, "Yes." With that, he exited the cockpit, leaving a speechless Phenix to stare out of the view port at the swirling blue streaks of light that now formed the ship's hyperspace tunnel.

  Before he went a few feet down the hall, Phenix had caught up with him and asked, "If that's true, won't local official's pick us up as soon as we land?"

  "Picked up by officials?" Slash asked, stepping out from the food processor area.

  "We aren't going to get picked up," Kairo said exasperatedly. "Any good bounty hunter disguises his ship's weapons and schematics from the ordinary scan, and trust me, I've been a lot of places with this ship and haven't been spotted once."

  "This is a bounty hunter's ship?" Slash asked, chocking on his drink.

  With a sigh, Kairo entered his room and said to the squad, "Do whatever you want, but try not to wreck the ship in the process. Also, don't touch any of the cockpit's controls or go into the engine room. The ship is kind of temperamental." Sliding his door shut, Kairo forestalled any other comments or questions. Peace and quiet. He thought and sat down into the chair situated next to one of the ships terminals. The ship contained two sleeping areas. One of which had been modified to hold just one person, and the other had been crammed with the remaining sleeping mats, making it cramped but cozy. Kairo started the terminal and began to check through files on old Galactic Games, trying to see how things had gone in the past.

***Elsewhere in the ship***

  As the door closed behind Kairo, Phenix turned to Slash and shrugged. Moving down the rest of the hall, he entered the largest room on the shuttle. Situated in the middle, the room had been modified and transformed into a small recreation area. A circular table on one end held a sabacc and dejarik game table, with a game droid sitting on top of it. Off to the right was the kitchen area, which also connected to the main hall, and to the left was the main sleeping area. In the back was the engine room, locked to prevent access incase anyone was dumb enough to go against Kairo's orders. On the right side of the room was also a small bar, and on the left a couple chairs and a table were bolted to the floor.  Yillis and Ryan were already playing a game of holochess, while Andrew was no where to be seen. Kairo assumed BV was in the sleeping quarters.

  A moment later he appeared at the door behind Phenix and Slash and said, "If anyone didn't know, the refresher station is at the end of the hall. So, what do you guys want to do?"

  "It looks like Yillis and RK will be pretty busy for awhile. I'm going to go take a nap if you need me." Slash said, heading off to the left, boots clicking on the floor.

  Phenix turned to Andrew and raised an eyebrow. "I'm going to be roaming a bit. There are still two side halls that lead down the front two areas of ship that I have yet to explore." A moment later, Phenix was alone.

  "I guess I'll just get something to eat myself." Phenix said to himself. "No good going hungry for the next day. I wish Kairo hadn't run off like that. Now I'm just more curious about this ship..."


-----------------------
Jester Squad

Gunnery Sergeant Kairo
Platoon Commander

PC/GSG Kairo/2PLT/1COMP/1BAT/1RGT/Tadath/VEA/VE [CDS][BoA][CoR][BC][CoV]

Know your enemy and know yourself, and you will be victorious in ten thousand battles.
You may forget the past, but it always has a way of haunting your future.
Men can die, but a symbol is eternal.

"Well?"

He received mixed responses from his squadmates. A good half of them were excited to show off their manlyness in a friendly competition of skill and endurance, as was he. The rest either thought it was a ridiculous idea, or merely didn't want to be pummelled in front of their squadmates this early in their Army careers.

The older Dragoons immediately volunteered.

"Good," said Gio, hiding a smile. "Anyone else?" Nobody exactly jumped up and volunteered. They were intimidated. Anyone as excited about sparring as Gio obviously was adept at hand to hand combat.

"Well, tell you guys what. We'll just call this Squad Workout Bonding Fight time..." everyone looked at Gio with puzzled looks on their faces, wondering just how drunk their ASL was.

"I hope youre not planning on painting up my brand new yacht," said Zafo before snatching a bucket of paint off the hands of Giovanni. "Let's just draw straws. We'll go kind of like a tourney. "

----------

Five minutes later the entire squad gathered around their leader, one by one they drew straws with painted tips. The two to draw the same color would fight each other for elimination. The winners would advance and so on.  The unlucky trooper to draw a blank straw would sit the competition out.

Gio was the first to draw, and pulled out a red tip. Sam was next and drew blue. After him, Garet drew Black. Zafo was next, drawing out a blue tipped straw. Following, Knightwind drew black, shooting a quick glance at Garet and mouthing the words "Youre Finished". This only left one person, Typex.

Gio shot a glance at him and smiled as only a man completely sure of victory does.

Blue fought first, which meant Garet and Knightwind would duke it out. After them, the reds would pound each other into submission. Lastly, Zafo and Sam, the blacks, would have their chance to compete.

The Dragoons went upstairs into the crew compartments and changed into recreational clothes.



-----------------------
*DarkDragoons*

*Assistant Squad Leader Senior Sergeant Giovanni A. Bryden*

ASL/SSGT Giovanni Bryden/2SQD/2PLT/1COM/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE/[LoR][ES1C]

Whenever death may surprise us, let it be welcome if our battle cry has reached even one receptive ear and another hand reaches out to take up our arms.

    After having a full stomach, Phenix found himself a comfortable spot in some room that must have been a storage area. The only things that could be seen inside the room were a small cushioned bench and various boxes of who-knows-what. Phenix laid back on the bench and threw his feet on top of a crate, resting his head on his arms. After closing his eyes for only a moment, Phenix was interrupted by a loud clatter int the adjacent corridor.

    "My bad!" RK's voice could be heard from a distance. Phenix let out a soft chuckle and tried to fall asleep again. Only minutes went by when Phenix realized that he would not be able to rest for a while. Not only was Phenix too excited to sleep, but also he needed to go over some memories from the previous mission. Death was no stranger to him, and he had been used to partners dying in combat. The difference this time was that the two that were lost had been more than associates...they had been friends of a single team.

    Phenix looked at the door and was startled to see Yillis standing there. "A lot on your mind, huh? Mine too. But I guess you get used to it eventually," he said respectfully. Phenix motioned for him to sit down, and Yillis did so on the box where Phenix's feet were. Friendly conversation was not something Phenix had experienced a lot of in his history.
 
-----------------------
Jester Squad

Corporal Phenix
Storm Platoon
Army of the Vast Empire
TRP/CPL Phenix/1SQD/2PLT/1COM/1BAT/1REG/VEA/VE [LoR]

"Let me help you tie the rope around your neck..."

Garet sat in his private compartment, rummaging through his large duffel bag for his old robes. He had intentions since the assignment was announced to go and participate in the Sparring Event (even though it would go against "setting a good example"), and this was the perfect opportunity to practice. He tossed his bag aside when he couldn't find it, and moved to the closet.

Inside hung three identical black suites: his disguise for the duration of "guard duty". But hanging next to these was what he was interested in. He pulled out the hangar with his old ceremonial robes on it. He changed into them and quickly headed downstairs.

As he arrived, he could hear a few chuckles from the crowd. Everyone was waiting for this, apparently. Garet stepped off of the lift and the chuckling grew to laughter. Garet was wearing a very light looking outfight; brown pants and a red and gold open-chested, high collared robe that complimented his tanned skin tone. From an outsiders view, it might look a bit ridiculous, but the outfit was tradition at the Hapkido Academy  not to mention the lightweight material was easy to move in (unlike the standard Stormtrooper armor) making Garet quicker.

Knightwind was already waiting in the circle for Garet. The rest of the 'Goons had formed a larger circle around the painted one. Gio stepped in, raised his arm, and yelled "Begin!" A couple soldiers yelled out as Garet and Knight started to circle each other. Garet had a little bounce in his step, preparing against Knight's attack.

Garet's training had left him almost a master at many Hapkido skills: joint-locking/leverage manipulation and pain compliance being his favored techniques. Forgetting modesty, Garet eased himself with the idea that he could easily beat Knight in a one on one fight without weapons. Besides, Garet had youth on his side, being only 19.

Knightwind had decided that there was enough waiting and charged Garet. Knight threw his fist, but Garet did a quick roll to the side and grabbed his shoulder. Holding it fiercely, Knight's arm went limp. Garet let go, just to keep the fight going.

Knight shook his arm a couple times to try to get feeling back.

"Weird feeling, isn't it?" Garet asked coyly. Knight nodded in surprise. "I won't hurt you, just hit your shoulder and it'll be fine." Knight did it, and the feeling came back to him.

Garet relaxed a bit. Knight was foreign to his style of fighting. But Knight took advantage of his relaxation and landed a punch to Garet's abdominal region. Stumbling back and shrugging it off, Garet went on the attack. He thrust his fists up high at Knight, which he blocked, but left him open at the legs. Garet made one more punch that gave him momentum to spin around on one of his legs and use the other to trip Knight at the ankles.

Garet hadn't noticed it before, but the Squad was cheering. Not for him or for Knightwind, but just at the beatings they were giving each other. It was certainly an uncivilized variation of the usually honorable sparring matches Garet had participated in, but it was practice nonetheless.

Coming back into reality, Knightwind was getting up. Garet decided it was time to end it. He ran up to Knight, who had just regained his footing, and grabbed his wrist. With a fluent spinning move, he bent Knight's arm behind his back.

Garet leaned in to Knight's ear and whispered. "Don't embarrass yourself, throw in the towel."

"Ne..ver," Knight struggled to say as Garet increased his grip. Garet gave a scoff and threw Knight on his face, outside the circle.

Gio ran over to Garet and yelled "Knockout!" and in a very cliché move, raised Garet's arm up high. Garet smiled at the 'Goons who were laughing and cheering at Knight and himself. Gio almost tripped over himself as he escorted Garet to the outside of the circle.

"Who's next?" the ambiguously drunk ASL asked.

 
-----------------------
DarkDragoons
+ Advance Recon Commandos {ARC} +

FTL/SGT Garet Daimun/2SQD/1PLT/1COM/1RGT/1BAT/Tadath/VEA [ES2C]

"I don't need a plan. Plans are for scientists, and builders. I've got moxie... and guns."
-Jennifer Mui, Mercenaries

Trix recoiled at Aphomos outlet of frustration and was resigned to a simple nod which of course ate a bit of her self centered pride as well. Shrugging she went back to her music, making ever one and a while sure her duffel bag was secure under her arm. She was dressed in simple robes which  could easily hide any armor and weapons she could carry.

She felt quite guilty about causing such a racket aboard seeing as how they were traveling by Public Transport. Perhaps she could accept this new life style. Shrugging she stood up from Aphomos' seat and made her way to wherever the Public bathrooms were kept. She passed Daminga and Aphomos on the way and gave a small wave to them. Darr-Rann was asleep  to no surprise, but someone was missing although she couldn't quite place her finger on who.

In the Bathrooms she remained at the sinks, her face was dripping with water as well as her hands. She was a bit of a clausterphobic and the small economic seats with which they traveled cramped her style. The cool water slowly dissipated as she stepped out of the bathrooms into the halls with its air-fresheners.

Music blasted from several cantinas kept on the vessel and it was with difficulty that she managed to weave her way through the crowds. Up ahead however a now-familiar head of platinum blonde hair caught her attention.
Evis? she wondered to her self questioningly. What was he doing here? What caught her next was the man walking right behind him in his personal space. She didn't know Evis that well, but what did gather in a fleeting glance was that he just like any other trooper wasn't fond of someone stepping in their personal space. It seemed very suspicious to her. Cocking her head to the side in hesitation she forced her self catch up with them.

If Evis was held captive, then the man who was holding him couldn't possibly do something in public. Taking her chances Trix tried to formulate a plan. If she was wrong about Evis being a captive then so be it, but if she was not then she was obliged to help her fellow Raider. She quickly jogged passed Evis as if wanting to catch up with someone up front before she dropped her duffel-bag. Cursing out loud she spun around to pick it and caught Evis' eyes. It seemed oddly alert, and slightly wild, like a trapped animal.

She quickly broke eye contact to avoid suspicion and dropped down to the floor to pick up her bag and some of its scattered remains. Obviously she was blocking most of the path with people jumbling behind and in front of her. Several foreign curses were slung at her which were ignored nonchalantly as she feverously tried to think of a plan or something, or at least an distraction which Evis could use.

-----------------------
- Raider Squad -

TRP/PFC Trix/3SQD/1PLT/1COMP/1BAT/Tadath/VEA/VE
'Life is like mail. You sometimes just don't get it'