Ldihawk: Once again, thank you to everyone who's read and reviewed! This is a short update, but I should have another by the end of the weekend provided writer's block doesn't set in. AlsoI have ashameless plug. If you're bored check out Eyes the Color of Night or Hiding and review ;)
The Imperial Officer's Guide to Success (and Staying Alive)
Chapter Twelve: Speeder Bike Operation and Maintenance
On arboreal worlds, there's nothing better than speeder bikes for high speed aerial pursuits. Speeder bikes offer greater freedom and maneuverability than AT-STs and allow the rider to experience the sensation of the wind in his hair as he careens through the air at breathtaking speeds executing acrobatic turns and aerial somersaults all the while enjoying the sights. That is what the technical guides promise. The pathetic reality is that the novide rider will spend a great deal of time applying antiseptic to scratches received from tree confounding tree branches and extracting native insects from his teeth. On some planets be warned that it is the rather large insects that will be extracting you from their teeth. Still, for those that find Imperial walkers claustrophobic, speeder bikes are the preferred form of transport. Although interesting to look at, Speeder bikes are notorious for their tendency to run out of fuel; crash into trees, buildings, and pedestrians; and spontaneously combust in the middle of high speed pursuits. Here are some guidelines to help make your speeder experience safe and productive.
Wear your helmet-Besides preserving your anonymity, your helmet can save your life in the likely event that you are knocked, dragged, pushed or forced to jump from your speeder. For many units, your uniform isn't complete without it, anyway.
Make sure to refuel frequently-There's nothing more embarrassing than cornering a Rebel and suddenly having your speeder stall and drop from the air so make sure to fill up at the base.
Fly casual-don't perform any acrobatics when approaching the enemy. Keep thrusters on a lower setting. If the enemy sees you or hears your bike too early, you could be shot in a most embarrassing manner by a lone rebel. One shot to the exhaust port, rear stabilizers, or fuel tank is all it takes.
Look out! When flying in an arboreal environment make sure to keep your eyes directed in front of you. Would you look behind you during the Coruscant rush hour? No! Stay focused at all times. Watch for trees, rocks, and Rebels.
Fly above or below the canopy to avoid crashes. If you're heading for a tree or other obstacle, pull up quickly. If you can, fly under or over it! Jump from your bike only as a last resort and make sure there are no gorges or large rocks in your way.
If a Rebel or any living creature that is not Imperial tries to remove you from your bike, shoot them on site! If you hesitate, a rebel could be riding your bike home.
Fly with a buddy. Flying solo is like wearing a sign that says "Here I am out here alone. Shoot me!" Your buddy can also help divert the fire from you and if you send him in front of you, he can keep you from flying into traps.
If you need repairs, I advise consulting a mechanic as most manuals read like Huttese love sonnets transcribed into Bocce. Here's a particularly absorbing passage.
To access the weapons control panel, slide security hatch one-alpha three inches to the right. Disconnect the vermillion wire from the slot labeled altitude located parallel to the rear exhaust port and perpendicular to the communications port. Using a type two-Lambda vibroblade, reconnect the vermillion wire to the auxiliary port labeled Aux1-Beta located underneath the rear stabilizers after toggling the navigational sensor from standby to off….."