Chapter 3
As the Scaled Spectre makes a jump into hyperspace, Lucky and Bluefire are in Pappy's office, with Blade and all are sitting down. Pappy is reading the small incident report from security and looks up at Lucky, who has a cut on his cheek.
"You should go have Smokescreen fix that cut," he says to Lucky who looks at him and shrugs.
"It's only a flesh wound," he says to him as Bluefire looks at Lucky, who seems to be not with it.
"You ok dear?" she asks him as he nods to her.
"I'm fine Mika," Lucky says to her. "I am in a good mood, considering we were almost killed by someone." he states to her.
Blade looks at Lucky "I talked with maintenance, and they say that Knight will have to be rebuilt, and they are not sure they can do it. There are likely going be flaws within his programming after they get him fixed. I told them to work round the clock, since we know how much Knight means to you." she states to him as she looks to Pappy. "He may also not be the same Knight that you remember. A lot of damage was done to his computer core, and the original programming and knowledge he had." and she looks at Lucky. "I'm sorry Lucky."
Lucky looks at her and nods as he looks down. "First me and the one I love, now my droid." he says as he balls his fist up and slams it on the chair arm. "Any idea who is behind this or is out for me?" he asks Pappy as Bluefire puts a hand on him and hugs him.
"Not yet Lucky. However, I am grounding you until Knight is fixed. I am also going to have the technicians take your X-Wing apart and check it over with a Bantha tooth comb, and they are checking your quarters as we speak. I also have Security to be near you and Bluefire," Pappy says to them.
Bluefire nods and so does Lucky as he looks at them. "Can we go Pappy?" he asks as Pappy nods and they both rise and leave. Pappy looks up at them "Lucky, be on guard. Whoever it is, they could be on board right now. I know you are able to sense things.Just keep an eye out. I can't afford to lose any more pilots," and Lucky nods to him as he and Bluefire leaves.
Pappy looks to Blade as they leave, "What do you think Eo?" he asks her.
"I think that whoever it is, is still onboard and will be waiting and could be anyone," Blade says to him.
Pappy nods "My thoughts also," and he thinks as he pushes a button and the blinds close. "I sent this to High Command, and I got some information that might help. It seems, that their has been other attacks." and Blade looks at him as he continues. "It seems Aurin Kashe, the Admiral who is in command of the Chamberlain and Longstreet was attacked and is in the medical bay right now. Also attacked was Xian D'Kar. Who was also on board the Chamberlain."
Blade looks at him as he blinks "Both of them were with Lucky before he joined the Wing. If that is the case, then who could it be? And wasn't he using a different name before joining the Dewbacks?" she asks him.
"Yes, he was known as Del Indigo." and he looks as a new message arrives. He opens it and reads it then sits back and looks "Blade, clear the deck and get the ship in tip-top shape. We are going to be having guest," he says to her as he keys up the comm-system. "Helm, set a course for the Dantooine System. Recall all fighters and have all pilots meet in the Lounge for a Wing Meeting." he says as he turns it off.
She looks at him "Oh and who is coming by?" she asks.
"The Chamberlain will be meeting us at Dantooine." he states to her. "We will be having the guest of a Jedi Xian D'Kar and Admiral Aurin Kashe will be arriving." and he rises. "This is going to be a meeting that will get things rolling and we might be in for a ride that we will not soon forget." and the two of them leave to head to the Lounge.
The Lizard Lounge is normally not full like it is right now, as everyone who is within the wing has arrived. They move around as Lucky and Bluefire enter, and nod to them as he heads to the front of the mass. Behind them, a few moments later, enters Pappy and Blade and then those coming in off patrol enter last. Pappy nods to everyone, noticing Lucky's mood as he and blade walks to the front and to the stage. Flipping a switch, he turns on the communication system to the whole ship and begins to speak.
"People," he says to everyone as those here that are talking quiet to a murmur. "As you know, Lucky and Bluefire were attacked in Bluefire's quarters by someone," he states. "They are fine and not hurt. However, Knight, Lucky's Astromech took some serious damage. Because of this attack, I have grounded Lucky for any future missions until this is resolved," and he looks to Blade as she nods and steps forward.
"We also just got word that two additional attacks have happened." and she looks to Lucky who looks up, his hands balled up into fists. She nods and frowns, "The other two attacks were against Xian D'Kar and Admiral Aurin Kashe. Both of the Chamberlain." and she continues as Lucky nods and looks at them.
Pappy steps in as Blade steps back. "We are making a jump to Dantooine and will be meeting the Chamberlain there. Security has been increased on all decks, especially around the crew quarters. All fighters are to have two wingmen at all times and before each launch, your craft will be checked for any explosives." and he looks "Whoever is behind this will be found and taken care of. Until then, everyone is to be on guard and to report anything that seems out of place, no matter how small. With the Admiral arriving, I want the Spectre cleaned and ready. That means everyone will do something." and he turns off the communication system.
Blade looks to those in the room. "Until then, everyone watch your backs and be ready for anything. And I mean anything." and she looks "Ok people, get to work. Dismissed." Pappy nods to her and looks to Lucky, who is not around.
"Where is Lucky?" he asks as those here look and so does Bluefire.
"He was standing right next to me.." and she turns as he gets a worried expression on her face. Queen and a few others look and begin to look around the ship. "We'll find him Pappy. And let you know where." she says as they separate into small groups to look for the missing pilot...
Lucky stepped out after hearing the news of Aurin and Xian and heads for his quarters. He walks and stops as he unclasps his blaster before continuing to his room. He pulls his blaster and thumbs the pad and the door opens. He looks inside and thumbs the lights to the brightest setting, then walks in and looks around. He checks his room out from every angle known. He nods and replaces his blaster as he pulls out his spacer's chest and looks it over and opens it and does the same, feeling for anything and looking for anything. He places the chest on his bed, opens his drawers, and begins to pack up his chest. "This is not a safe location.," he says to himself, not realizing that someone just entered his room.
"And I thought that you were not one to run." says the voice, as Lucky spins, drawing his blaster and seeing Queen.
He lowers it and places it back in it's holster on his hip "Who said I was running?" and he nods to Bluefire as she comes in and looks at him.
"Richard, what are you doing?" she asks as Queen nods to him and a few others enter or stand around his door.
"I am packing up items that I will need. In case I need to move to a location in a hurry.," he says "Plus, I have a feeling that I am going to be pulled from the Wing for a time. The Chamberlain usually does not meet with anyone." he says "And meeting at Dantooine, is just a hint of how serious this is." He finishes, as he pulls the power packs from his blaster and replaces them with new ones and then clips more to his belt. He also clips on his Lightsaber, which draws a few gasps from people. He turns and looks as he sets the case on the ground. "What." he says to them as they say nothing.
"Richard, what do you mean by pulled?" asks Crash.
"Why not send a communication to Pappy about the attack? Why make a trip to meet up with the Spectre? If the Chamberlain is coming in person, then that means I am going to be on her when it leaves." he says as he checks everything.
Bluefire looks at him "Then I am coming with you." she says and looks "And do not try to talk me out of it." she adds
"Count me in too." says Queen. "I am not going to lose one of my best pilots, and you will need backup."
"Well, I have always wanted to see this Hyper Bantha. To see if it a hunk of junk." Crash says to him and he smiles.
The voice of a Wookiee is heard and GinGin comes to the door.
"Now wait a minute. The attack was against me." and he looks to them. "You do not have to come. I can take care of myself." he states to them as he looks and smiles. "Corellian Honor."
"And I know that Corellian's do not like the odds, and the odds are stacked against you," Crash adds. "So we are coming and that's that."
Bluefire glares at Lucky and he blinks "All right, all right." he says "You can come, if Pappy ok's it." he adds to them as he looks at them in his quarters.
"Good," says a female voice from behind as everyone turns and sees Firefly. "I plan on coming too." she states and Lucky blinks at this.
"The Bantha can only carry eight without to much problem." he says to them. "That's all the room I have on her," he adds. "Including me, Aurin, and all of you, that is eight. Moreover, I have no idea who else will be picked up.
"That maybe, but I am sure Pappy will not mind me going, so I can keep an eye on all of you, plus I might be able to help in finding out who is behind this." and Lucky sighs. "Plus, you are forgetting that other person on the ship, that Jedi lady."
Lucky looks "She has her own ship that she designed. Thing is nice, but I am not a fan of the TIE design." he states to them. "It was a unique design, thing is faster then an A-Wing, until it went into attack mode, then it became as fast as an X-Wing, maybe a little slower." he says. "But, if it is all right with Pappy, you can come." and he looks
"Good," says Firefly. "I have flown a YT-1300 before, but I hear yours is not the normal 1300."
"Yea, it has a lot of modifications. If Aurin is coming here, chances are he will arrive on the Spectre with it." states Lucky.
The group of people break up and get ready to move out, loading up equipment that they will need, plus some that they know that is not necessary, but will be needed. Lucky looks and helps Mika with her items and the rest and telling them to figure out whom is staying with whom on the ship. Lucky also informs the group that the Cloud is odd and full of the Force. In addition, that a ship can get lost in the cloud and not be seen from or noticed. The Spectre could hide from the Empire for a while, but it would be tricky. This happens over the next four days as the ship is traveling through Hyperspace to Dantooine.
* * *
Four days later, the Chamberlain, and the Longstreet drop out of hyperspace in the Dantooine system and take up orbit around the planet Dantooine. The Longstreet then deploys the Z-95s and the scout ships she has. About five hours later, the Scaled Spectre drops out and deploys a squadron of X-Wings as it pulls up along the two corvettes. As the ships meet, a ship disembarks from the Chamberlain and heads for the Spectre. A second ship also launches, this one looking like a TIE and forms up on the 1300. The sensors on board the Spectre and those flying around show the TIE Fighter's ID as the TIE-X and they both bank and line up on the hanger of the Spectre.. both bank and line up on the hanger of the Spectre..
"Scaled Spectre, this is the Hyper Bantha and her escort. Requesting landing clearance," the robotic voice says as the two ships wait. "Permission granted Hyper Bantha. Welcome aboard." says the officer as two X-Wings form up on the ships and lead them in.
The hanger deck of the Spectre is a busy, with people standing at attention as the two ships enter first the TIE and then the YT-1300. Those gather glance at the two ships and a few gasps at the size of the 1300. "What is that thing." says a crewman. "That is a YT-1300?" says another as Pappy, Blade, Lucky, Bluefire, Queen, Crash, Firefly and GinGin stand at the lead as the ship rotates, offering it's aft to those gathered and it settles on the deck. Everyone look to Lucky as a boarding ramp lowers from the back from the extended cockpit.
The Hyper Bantha, a Corellian Engineering Corporation YT-1300, however the one before you is different from most ships of its class. For a ship that is so heavily modified, it looks like it came from the factory in this form. There are a lot of modifications to this ship; however, the most noticeable difference you can see about this ship is the extra decks. Replacing the positions where the above and below quad laser cannons would be upon the Millennium Falcon, in addition to the extended cockpit. With the upper deck fitted above with a laser cannon and the lower deck fitted below with a heavy laser cannon. Upon closer inspection, many different modifications can be found on this craft, such as an extended cockpit. The extended cockpit is attached to the hull, and at the back of the cockpit is the boarding ramp. There are also windows in the side and back of the cockpit, allowing the beings inside to get the extra vision needed during risky situations and a good look at the beautiful stars surrounding the ship. These windows could possibly help with one of the major drawbacks, the limited field of view. Moving across the hull's width, yet another feature catches the eye...the forward mandibles of the ship have been sealed in-between to serve as a cargo hold for storage. Set atop each mandible is a medium ion cannon; between the two medium ion cannons, you see a laser. This concludes the visible armament of the vessel. You also notice that the ship has what looks like the solar panels from a Sienar Ships "Lone Scout-A" Scout Ship, and increasing the overall length too about 43 meters, and giving the ship a second source of power. Directly behind the cockpit, you see an extendible cotterdam and on the opposite side of the ship, is the escape pods.
"Lucky.. Is that your ship?" asks Bluefire as she and the others turn to look at him and he nods.
"Yes, it is." he says "And if whoever is flying it damages it, I will save the blaster packs and space them myself." he adds as he looks as the ramp finally lowers all the way. A silver droid with treadwheels rolls out, followed by a second one and then an elderly man in a hover chair.
Before you is a ship that looks much like the others of its class, a TIE Fighter. However, this one is different then the standard TIE/Ins. Where the TIE's that are used by the Empire are 9.6 meters in length, this ship is 13 meters in length. What is also different, is that the whole ship seems to be a custom or new design. The TIE Solar panels are long, like the TIE/D and TIE Interceptor. However, it is set up much like the TIE Interceptor. Minus the cut out in the solar panels for left and right viewing. The front tips of the ship come to a point, and the back has smaller solar panels, as if they are maneuvering fins to assist it in flight. Looking at the cockpit of the ship, you see that it is different, in that instead of just having a forward view, this one has a back view, giving the pilot a view of things in front and behind him. You also notice that the Twin Ion Engines, which gives the TIEs its name, have been enhanced and the addition of what appears to be two Ion Fussion Engines, not common among TIEs. What you also notice, is that the wing pylons are not the standard and it seems that these move, perhaps to further enhance the speed of the craft. You also see that the back is bigger, the cargo area and that their seems to be additional modifications to it. You also notice that the sensors have been augmented, and are not the factory TIE sensors.
The TIE-X also lands; and out climbs a women who is gold skinned and walks over to the trio that exited the freighter as Lucky takes steps forward. "Welcome to the Scaled Spectre Admiral Kashe." he says to him as he stops.
Aurin looks at him and raises a hand and points "It's Captain, not Admiral." he responds to Lucky. A few chuckles follow from people as the man looks and they go silent.
"It is good to see you Richard," says the gold skinned woman who draws a few looks from people and a stare from Bluefire. "I see that you are well," she adds to her initial saying.
"As good as a dead man can be Xian," he says to her as he smiles as he looks and chuckles "Been a long time Aurin." he says to him. "How are you doing?" he asks him as the others around him step up and some look at the ship, while the rest look to the man.
Aurin looks at him as he grabs for his cane and then stops. He looks up at Richard, "As good as anyone who was shot at point blank." he says to him. He nods to the others "So, which one of you is Commander Meeko Jade Farlain?" he asks the groups of people. Lucky nods and gestures to Pappy.
"Aurin Kashe, this is Commander Meeko Jade Farlain" he says to him as he introduces Pappy. "But we all call him Pappy." and he grins "Which reminds me." and he looks around as he leans in to say something to him the Admiral. "I have a few bottles of a drink that will knock you into hyperspace. It is a 180 proof, called Pirates Spice." and he grins as he backs up and Aurin looks at him with a look that Richard knows.
"Welcome to the Scaled Spectre Admiral. I am Commander Meeko Jade Farlain," he says. "This is my Executive Officer, Major Eowyn Elendil," he says as he introduces Blade. "I am glad to see that you are well, when we received the news of the attack, we thought the worst." He turns "I have quarters arranged upon the Spectre for you and those with you." he says to him as motions for him to follow.
"Actually Commander Farlain, I will not be staying long," he says to him as he looks "However, I need to speak with you." he says as Pappy nods.
"We can use my office then," says Pappy.
"Actually, let's talk on board the Hyper Bantha," and he looks at him, "No offense, but I feel safer on her then anywhere." He looks to Xian as he speaks to Pappy, "Xian, please join us if you wish," he states as he looks, "Also Commander Farlain, Your XO should come as well." he says as both of them nod and follow.
"Thank you for the offer Admiral, but I wish to say and catch up on old times with Richard," she smiles, and Richard shrugs as Bluefire gets a little upset but says nothing.
"J5," Lucky says to his droid. "Can you load up our stuff onto the Bantha." he states as he looks at the five-spacer chests.
"Of course Captain Indigo." says the droid as it rolls forward. "It is good to see you again." and Lucky nods
"Yea, it's good to see you to." and he thinks "I will need you and XR to do a little project for me. I will explain later, but it involves rebuilding an R3 Unit. I'll bring the backup droid brain."
"Of course sir." says the droid as it picks up the chests with its arms and begins to roll up the boarding ramp to place them on board as Aurin, Pappy and Blade leave and follow the droid. XR nods to Lucky as he too turns and follows the group up the ramp.
Richard smiles as he introduces those around him. "Xian, this is Lieutenant Mika Tisor, Lieutenant Jinmacca, Major Eay Ragon Alias, Delta Squadron Commander, Major Anjilia Nabira, Archangel Squadron Commander and Major Alana Sim, my Squadron Commander." and he looks "They are also coming with me. They seem to think I can't take care of myself." and he grins.
"At times, you can't Lucky," Queen says to him with a grin.
"Yea, remember that time when you and Bluefire met?" states Crash.
"Ok, so I do need help, sometimes." Lucky states as he ends Crash's responssne with a sheepish grin.
"That is Ok Richard, we all need help at one point or another." and she looks at him "Some more then others." and she nods to each of those that Lucky introduced. "A pleasure to meet all of you." and she looks at Queen and then smiles. "So, where does one go to get some relaxation on board this lovely ship of yours?" states Xian as Lucky nods and walks all of them to the Lounge.
As the Scaled Spectre makes a jump into hyperspace, Lucky and Bluefire are in Pappy's office, with Blade and all are sitting down. Pappy is reading the small incident report from security and looks up at Lucky, who has a cut on his cheek.
"You should go have Smokescreen fix that cut," he says to Lucky who looks at him and shrugs.
"It's only a flesh wound," he says to him as Bluefire looks at Lucky, who seems to be not with it.
"You ok dear?" she asks him as he nods to her.
"I'm fine Mika," Lucky says to her. "I am in a good mood, considering we were almost killed by someone." he states to her.
Blade looks at Lucky "I talked with maintenance, and they say that Knight will have to be rebuilt, and they are not sure they can do it. There are likely going be flaws within his programming after they get him fixed. I told them to work round the clock, since we know how much Knight means to you." she states to him as she looks to Pappy. "He may also not be the same Knight that you remember. A lot of damage was done to his computer core, and the original programming and knowledge he had." and she looks at Lucky. "I'm sorry Lucky."
Lucky looks at her and nods as he looks down. "First me and the one I love, now my droid." he says as he balls his fist up and slams it on the chair arm. "Any idea who is behind this or is out for me?" he asks Pappy as Bluefire puts a hand on him and hugs him.
"Not yet Lucky. However, I am grounding you until Knight is fixed. I am also going to have the technicians take your X-Wing apart and check it over with a Bantha tooth comb, and they are checking your quarters as we speak. I also have Security to be near you and Bluefire," Pappy says to them.
Bluefire nods and so does Lucky as he looks at them. "Can we go Pappy?" he asks as Pappy nods and they both rise and leave. Pappy looks up at them "Lucky, be on guard. Whoever it is, they could be on board right now. I know you are able to sense things.Just keep an eye out. I can't afford to lose any more pilots," and Lucky nods to him as he and Bluefire leaves.
Pappy looks to Blade as they leave, "What do you think Eo?" he asks her.
"I think that whoever it is, is still onboard and will be waiting and could be anyone," Blade says to him.
Pappy nods "My thoughts also," and he thinks as he pushes a button and the blinds close. "I sent this to High Command, and I got some information that might help. It seems, that their has been other attacks." and Blade looks at him as he continues. "It seems Aurin Kashe, the Admiral who is in command of the Chamberlain and Longstreet was attacked and is in the medical bay right now. Also attacked was Xian D'Kar. Who was also on board the Chamberlain."
Blade looks at him as he blinks "Both of them were with Lucky before he joined the Wing. If that is the case, then who could it be? And wasn't he using a different name before joining the Dewbacks?" she asks him.
"Yes, he was known as Del Indigo." and he looks as a new message arrives. He opens it and reads it then sits back and looks "Blade, clear the deck and get the ship in tip-top shape. We are going to be having guest," he says to her as he keys up the comm-system. "Helm, set a course for the Dantooine System. Recall all fighters and have all pilots meet in the Lounge for a Wing Meeting." he says as he turns it off.
She looks at him "Oh and who is coming by?" she asks.
"The Chamberlain will be meeting us at Dantooine." he states to her. "We will be having the guest of a Jedi Xian D'Kar and Admiral Aurin Kashe will be arriving." and he rises. "This is going to be a meeting that will get things rolling and we might be in for a ride that we will not soon forget." and the two of them leave to head to the Lounge.
The Lizard Lounge is normally not full like it is right now, as everyone who is within the wing has arrived. They move around as Lucky and Bluefire enter, and nod to them as he heads to the front of the mass. Behind them, a few moments later, enters Pappy and Blade and then those coming in off patrol enter last. Pappy nods to everyone, noticing Lucky's mood as he and blade walks to the front and to the stage. Flipping a switch, he turns on the communication system to the whole ship and begins to speak.
"People," he says to everyone as those here that are talking quiet to a murmur. "As you know, Lucky and Bluefire were attacked in Bluefire's quarters by someone," he states. "They are fine and not hurt. However, Knight, Lucky's Astromech took some serious damage. Because of this attack, I have grounded Lucky for any future missions until this is resolved," and he looks to Blade as she nods and steps forward.
"We also just got word that two additional attacks have happened." and she looks to Lucky who looks up, his hands balled up into fists. She nods and frowns, "The other two attacks were against Xian D'Kar and Admiral Aurin Kashe. Both of the Chamberlain." and she continues as Lucky nods and looks at them.
Pappy steps in as Blade steps back. "We are making a jump to Dantooine and will be meeting the Chamberlain there. Security has been increased on all decks, especially around the crew quarters. All fighters are to have two wingmen at all times and before each launch, your craft will be checked for any explosives." and he looks "Whoever is behind this will be found and taken care of. Until then, everyone is to be on guard and to report anything that seems out of place, no matter how small. With the Admiral arriving, I want the Spectre cleaned and ready. That means everyone will do something." and he turns off the communication system.
Blade looks to those in the room. "Until then, everyone watch your backs and be ready for anything. And I mean anything." and she looks "Ok people, get to work. Dismissed." Pappy nods to her and looks to Lucky, who is not around.
"Where is Lucky?" he asks as those here look and so does Bluefire.
"He was standing right next to me.." and she turns as he gets a worried expression on her face. Queen and a few others look and begin to look around the ship. "We'll find him Pappy. And let you know where." she says as they separate into small groups to look for the missing pilot...
Lucky stepped out after hearing the news of Aurin and Xian and heads for his quarters. He walks and stops as he unclasps his blaster before continuing to his room. He pulls his blaster and thumbs the pad and the door opens. He looks inside and thumbs the lights to the brightest setting, then walks in and looks around. He checks his room out from every angle known. He nods and replaces his blaster as he pulls out his spacer's chest and looks it over and opens it and does the same, feeling for anything and looking for anything. He places the chest on his bed, opens his drawers, and begins to pack up his chest. "This is not a safe location.," he says to himself, not realizing that someone just entered his room.
"And I thought that you were not one to run." says the voice, as Lucky spins, drawing his blaster and seeing Queen.
He lowers it and places it back in it's holster on his hip "Who said I was running?" and he nods to Bluefire as she comes in and looks at him.
"Richard, what are you doing?" she asks as Queen nods to him and a few others enter or stand around his door.
"I am packing up items that I will need. In case I need to move to a location in a hurry.," he says "Plus, I have a feeling that I am going to be pulled from the Wing for a time. The Chamberlain usually does not meet with anyone." he says "And meeting at Dantooine, is just a hint of how serious this is." He finishes, as he pulls the power packs from his blaster and replaces them with new ones and then clips more to his belt. He also clips on his Lightsaber, which draws a few gasps from people. He turns and looks as he sets the case on the ground. "What." he says to them as they say nothing.
"Richard, what do you mean by pulled?" asks Crash.
"Why not send a communication to Pappy about the attack? Why make a trip to meet up with the Spectre? If the Chamberlain is coming in person, then that means I am going to be on her when it leaves." he says as he checks everything.
Bluefire looks at him "Then I am coming with you." she says and looks "And do not try to talk me out of it." she adds
"Count me in too." says Queen. "I am not going to lose one of my best pilots, and you will need backup."
"Well, I have always wanted to see this Hyper Bantha. To see if it a hunk of junk." Crash says to him and he smiles.
The voice of a Wookiee is heard and GinGin comes to the door.
"Now wait a minute. The attack was against me." and he looks to them. "You do not have to come. I can take care of myself." he states to them as he looks and smiles. "Corellian Honor."
"And I know that Corellian's do not like the odds, and the odds are stacked against you," Crash adds. "So we are coming and that's that."
Bluefire glares at Lucky and he blinks "All right, all right." he says "You can come, if Pappy ok's it." he adds to them as he looks at them in his quarters.
"Good," says a female voice from behind as everyone turns and sees Firefly. "I plan on coming too." she states and Lucky blinks at this.
"The Bantha can only carry eight without to much problem." he says to them. "That's all the room I have on her," he adds. "Including me, Aurin, and all of you, that is eight. Moreover, I have no idea who else will be picked up.
"That maybe, but I am sure Pappy will not mind me going, so I can keep an eye on all of you, plus I might be able to help in finding out who is behind this." and Lucky sighs. "Plus, you are forgetting that other person on the ship, that Jedi lady."
Lucky looks "She has her own ship that she designed. Thing is nice, but I am not a fan of the TIE design." he states to them. "It was a unique design, thing is faster then an A-Wing, until it went into attack mode, then it became as fast as an X-Wing, maybe a little slower." he says. "But, if it is all right with Pappy, you can come." and he looks
"Good," says Firefly. "I have flown a YT-1300 before, but I hear yours is not the normal 1300."
"Yea, it has a lot of modifications. If Aurin is coming here, chances are he will arrive on the Spectre with it." states Lucky.
The group of people break up and get ready to move out, loading up equipment that they will need, plus some that they know that is not necessary, but will be needed. Lucky looks and helps Mika with her items and the rest and telling them to figure out whom is staying with whom on the ship. Lucky also informs the group that the Cloud is odd and full of the Force. In addition, that a ship can get lost in the cloud and not be seen from or noticed. The Spectre could hide from the Empire for a while, but it would be tricky. This happens over the next four days as the ship is traveling through Hyperspace to Dantooine.
* * *
Four days later, the Chamberlain, and the Longstreet drop out of hyperspace in the Dantooine system and take up orbit around the planet Dantooine. The Longstreet then deploys the Z-95s and the scout ships she has. About five hours later, the Scaled Spectre drops out and deploys a squadron of X-Wings as it pulls up along the two corvettes. As the ships meet, a ship disembarks from the Chamberlain and heads for the Spectre. A second ship also launches, this one looking like a TIE and forms up on the 1300. The sensors on board the Spectre and those flying around show the TIE Fighter's ID as the TIE-X and they both bank and line up on the hanger of the Spectre.. both bank and line up on the hanger of the Spectre..
"Scaled Spectre, this is the Hyper Bantha and her escort. Requesting landing clearance," the robotic voice says as the two ships wait. "Permission granted Hyper Bantha. Welcome aboard." says the officer as two X-Wings form up on the ships and lead them in.
The hanger deck of the Spectre is a busy, with people standing at attention as the two ships enter first the TIE and then the YT-1300. Those gather glance at the two ships and a few gasps at the size of the 1300. "What is that thing." says a crewman. "That is a YT-1300?" says another as Pappy, Blade, Lucky, Bluefire, Queen, Crash, Firefly and GinGin stand at the lead as the ship rotates, offering it's aft to those gathered and it settles on the deck. Everyone look to Lucky as a boarding ramp lowers from the back from the extended cockpit.
The Hyper Bantha, a Corellian Engineering Corporation YT-1300, however the one before you is different from most ships of its class. For a ship that is so heavily modified, it looks like it came from the factory in this form. There are a lot of modifications to this ship; however, the most noticeable difference you can see about this ship is the extra decks. Replacing the positions where the above and below quad laser cannons would be upon the Millennium Falcon, in addition to the extended cockpit. With the upper deck fitted above with a laser cannon and the lower deck fitted below with a heavy laser cannon. Upon closer inspection, many different modifications can be found on this craft, such as an extended cockpit. The extended cockpit is attached to the hull, and at the back of the cockpit is the boarding ramp. There are also windows in the side and back of the cockpit, allowing the beings inside to get the extra vision needed during risky situations and a good look at the beautiful stars surrounding the ship. These windows could possibly help with one of the major drawbacks, the limited field of view. Moving across the hull's width, yet another feature catches the eye...the forward mandibles of the ship have been sealed in-between to serve as a cargo hold for storage. Set atop each mandible is a medium ion cannon; between the two medium ion cannons, you see a laser. This concludes the visible armament of the vessel. You also notice that the ship has what looks like the solar panels from a Sienar Ships "Lone Scout-A" Scout Ship, and increasing the overall length too about 43 meters, and giving the ship a second source of power. Directly behind the cockpit, you see an extendible cotterdam and on the opposite side of the ship, is the escape pods.
"Lucky.. Is that your ship?" asks Bluefire as she and the others turn to look at him and he nods.
"Yes, it is." he says "And if whoever is flying it damages it, I will save the blaster packs and space them myself." he adds as he looks as the ramp finally lowers all the way. A silver droid with treadwheels rolls out, followed by a second one and then an elderly man in a hover chair.
Before you is a ship that looks much like the others of its class, a TIE Fighter. However, this one is different then the standard TIE/Ins. Where the TIE's that are used by the Empire are 9.6 meters in length, this ship is 13 meters in length. What is also different, is that the whole ship seems to be a custom or new design. The TIE Solar panels are long, like the TIE/D and TIE Interceptor. However, it is set up much like the TIE Interceptor. Minus the cut out in the solar panels for left and right viewing. The front tips of the ship come to a point, and the back has smaller solar panels, as if they are maneuvering fins to assist it in flight. Looking at the cockpit of the ship, you see that it is different, in that instead of just having a forward view, this one has a back view, giving the pilot a view of things in front and behind him. You also notice that the Twin Ion Engines, which gives the TIEs its name, have been enhanced and the addition of what appears to be two Ion Fussion Engines, not common among TIEs. What you also notice, is that the wing pylons are not the standard and it seems that these move, perhaps to further enhance the speed of the craft. You also see that the back is bigger, the cargo area and that their seems to be additional modifications to it. You also notice that the sensors have been augmented, and are not the factory TIE sensors.
The TIE-X also lands; and out climbs a women who is gold skinned and walks over to the trio that exited the freighter as Lucky takes steps forward. "Welcome to the Scaled Spectre Admiral Kashe." he says to him as he stops.
Aurin looks at him and raises a hand and points "It's Captain, not Admiral." he responds to Lucky. A few chuckles follow from people as the man looks and they go silent.
"It is good to see you Richard," says the gold skinned woman who draws a few looks from people and a stare from Bluefire. "I see that you are well," she adds to her initial saying.
"As good as a dead man can be Xian," he says to her as he smiles as he looks and chuckles "Been a long time Aurin." he says to him. "How are you doing?" he asks him as the others around him step up and some look at the ship, while the rest look to the man.
Aurin looks at him as he grabs for his cane and then stops. He looks up at Richard, "As good as anyone who was shot at point blank." he says to him. He nods to the others "So, which one of you is Commander Meeko Jade Farlain?" he asks the groups of people. Lucky nods and gestures to Pappy.
"Aurin Kashe, this is Commander Meeko Jade Farlain" he says to him as he introduces Pappy. "But we all call him Pappy." and he grins "Which reminds me." and he looks around as he leans in to say something to him the Admiral. "I have a few bottles of a drink that will knock you into hyperspace. It is a 180 proof, called Pirates Spice." and he grins as he backs up and Aurin looks at him with a look that Richard knows.
"Welcome to the Scaled Spectre Admiral. I am Commander Meeko Jade Farlain," he says. "This is my Executive Officer, Major Eowyn Elendil," he says as he introduces Blade. "I am glad to see that you are well, when we received the news of the attack, we thought the worst." He turns "I have quarters arranged upon the Spectre for you and those with you." he says to him as motions for him to follow.
"Actually Commander Farlain, I will not be staying long," he says to him as he looks "However, I need to speak with you." he says as Pappy nods.
"We can use my office then," says Pappy.
"Actually, let's talk on board the Hyper Bantha," and he looks at him, "No offense, but I feel safer on her then anywhere." He looks to Xian as he speaks to Pappy, "Xian, please join us if you wish," he states as he looks, "Also Commander Farlain, Your XO should come as well." he says as both of them nod and follow.
"Thank you for the offer Admiral, but I wish to say and catch up on old times with Richard," she smiles, and Richard shrugs as Bluefire gets a little upset but says nothing.
"J5," Lucky says to his droid. "Can you load up our stuff onto the Bantha." he states as he looks at the five-spacer chests.
"Of course Captain Indigo." says the droid as it rolls forward. "It is good to see you again." and Lucky nods
"Yea, it's good to see you to." and he thinks "I will need you and XR to do a little project for me. I will explain later, but it involves rebuilding an R3 Unit. I'll bring the backup droid brain."
"Of course sir." says the droid as it picks up the chests with its arms and begins to roll up the boarding ramp to place them on board as Aurin, Pappy and Blade leave and follow the droid. XR nods to Lucky as he too turns and follows the group up the ramp.
Richard smiles as he introduces those around him. "Xian, this is Lieutenant Mika Tisor, Lieutenant Jinmacca, Major Eay Ragon Alias, Delta Squadron Commander, Major Anjilia Nabira, Archangel Squadron Commander and Major Alana Sim, my Squadron Commander." and he looks "They are also coming with me. They seem to think I can't take care of myself." and he grins.
"At times, you can't Lucky," Queen says to him with a grin.
"Yea, remember that time when you and Bluefire met?" states Crash.
"Ok, so I do need help, sometimes." Lucky states as he ends Crash's responssne with a sheepish grin.
"That is Ok Richard, we all need help at one point or another." and she looks at him "Some more then others." and she nods to each of those that Lucky introduced. "A pleasure to meet all of you." and she looks at Queen and then smiles. "So, where does one go to get some relaxation on board this lovely ship of yours?" states Xian as Lucky nods and walks all of them to the Lounge.