From: Quinn, Malavai
Subject: A New Assignment
Dear Kairoth,
I thought you would be interested to know I have been given a new assignment. I recently was seconded to part of a task force gathering information on recent resistance activity. It seems that, due to a shortage of manpower, I am to continue with this team in the final stage of the operation. This is a very exciting development and I am greatly looking forward to advancing the cause of the Empire in a way that involves more than reports, troop assignments and trawling through the holo net for scant bits of intelligence. My occasional assignment for Darth Baras notwithstanding, the work here is very dull, I'm afraid.
Perhaps this will be the beginning of a new chapter in my life, where once again my talents are valued, although I highly doubt it. Regardless, at least I will be able to make some contribution, however minute, to our cause.
How are things on Dromund Kaas? Are the students behaving or are they as unruly as we were at that age? I know you said your leg has been giving you trouble, have you seen anyone about it yet? I know you feel it's a minor inconvenience, but I do wish you would take your health a bit more seriously. How is Geneste?
I look forward, as always, to hearing from you,
Malavai
From: Agilo, Kairoth
Subject: Re: A New Assignment
Hey there! Been nearly two weeks, I was wondering what kept you so busy on a backwater planet like Balmorra! You've not just been sitting around playing chess have you? It's great to hear some enthusiasm from you about something and it sounds like your new assignment has given you a reason to be optimistic. I know I can't ask the details, but I do hope it goes well. Be careful! My life would be immeasurably duller without your letters to cheer me up. :)
Dromund Kaas is... the same. Rainy, beautiful and uncompromising. The damp does play havoc with the leg, but I'm weathering it well enough (geddit? I blame the student's bad influence on my use of the popular vernacular as I'm sure you'd put it...). No I have not seen anyone about it. Who are you, my mother? Emperor's sake Mal you need to stop worrying so much. It's been almost ten years, it's not going to drop off! I know I'm your only real friend, but I'm not about to keel over and die on you.
Stop feeling guilty! What happened wasn't your fault. I know I keep telling you, but I get the feeling I can say it as often as I like and you'll still blame yourself for Druckenwell, especially for what happened to me. You have enough to worry about. Anyway, my leg and I have a good thing going. Like an old, married couple we try never to speak. Plus the cane has its charms believe it or not. Gen thinks it makes me look distinguished, but I can't say I can see it myself. It's also great for disobedient students! I jest.
Gen's doing fine, she sends her love; wants to know when we might see you again so she can have the bed made to regulation for you. I'm still catching flack for you leaving the room in a better state than you found it! I honestly think she still believes you carry around a pair of white gloves to check for dust.
The academy seems to be turning out reprobates at a rate of knots! No, I'm joking they're good kids for the most part and yeah, pretty unruly too. Seeing them running down the halls really takes me back to us at that age - the chess prodigy, precise and organised and the artist who was everything but. I admit, though, I do seem to remember even when you ran with me, you did so neatly. I swear you were born 40! Still, it makes me miss you more. Will you ever get leave again? Once every three years is too long for a best friend.
Good luck with your thing, let me know when you're back safe.
Kai
Quinn donned his flight suit, other than the few hours of flight time a month he needed to remain registered as an active combat pilot, he had spent virtually no time in space and he missed it. There was something immeasurably satisfying about the hum of the engines and the sight of blackness out of the window.
Once he was fully dressed and had thoroughly checked the integrity of each element of the suit and the helmet, he headed to the spaceport, only a few minute's walk from his barracks in Sobrik. He walked past various troops, guards and civilians heading for the more heavily guarded military hangars that were off to one side of the bustle of the main port. Two guards stood by the entrance, coming to attention as Quinn approached.
'Sir, we will need to verify your identity.'
He stood there while the guard scanned him. There was a pause and the guard nodded, 'Thank you, sir. Good luck.'
Quinn continued into the hangar itself, it was a massive space containing three F-T6 Rycers, two FT-2 Quells and a few TZ-24 Gladiators as well as a number of other vessels. At the far end stood Captain Massarano, who was in charge of the operation. The captain was human and younger than him by some years with dark curly hair, very dark eyes and a round face. While Quinn liked and respected Massarano there was a minute part of him that was envious. After Druckenwell and his court martial, his career was in tatters. Looking at the captain reminded him of what might have been. He pushed the thought away, he needed to focus; the Empire needed him and he would not be found wanting.
The captain looked up as Quinn stopped in front of him, coming to attention and saluting. The other man returned the gesture, 'At ease lieutenant. Right on time, I see.'
'Thank you, sir,' Quinn replied and relaxed, standing at parade rest, his helmet held in both hands behind his back.
'It's good to have you here,' Massarano said, smiling and extending his hand, 'I appreciate your help. I've heard you're quite the pilot, I'm looking forward to seeing you in action!'
He took the proffered hand and inclined his head, acknowledging the compliment, 'I am grateful for the opportunity to serve, Captain.'
'Follow me and we'll start the briefing.'
The two men headed to the nearest door which contained a set of stairs that lead to a briefing room. There were already four others waiting for them, three women and a man all human unsurprisingly and of varying ages. They stood to attention as Massarano and Quinn entered, 'At ease,' the captain said, gesturing for Quinn to take his seat, 'For those of you who don't know, due to a shortage of manpower Lieutenant Quinn will be joining us for this mission. I know this is atypical, having the briefing so close to hitting space, but we have reason to believe there is a spy in Sobrik and we can't take any chances.'
The captain stood at the front of the room and the lights dimmed. He activated a holo projector showing the near orbit area of Balmorra, 'Okay this is what we're dealing with. Thanks to Quinn's quick work on the intelligence, we have intercepted a number of transmissions between the resistance on planet and a wanted freelance smuggler name of Marrodyn Tyrresta,' as he said the name a picture from a personnel file was displayed, with some basic details and the smuggler's wanted status.
'His ship is this one - The Harlequin,' the picture transferred to an older style freighter, 'Don't let its battered appearance fool you, it's fast and has a lot of special modifications on it. We've never been able to get close enough to account for all of them. It's evaded us for the last four years and should *not* be taken lightly. Anyway, it looks like Tyrresta is being paid to bring in a load of heavy ordinance from off world, probably specialist stuff they can't steal from us here. We're not sure why the resistance wants this stuff, but it's for something big, really big. The transfer is going to take place in orbit here,' once again the projector changed, showing the far side of Balmorra, away from most of the Imperial forces, 'Using the second moon as cover when it's at apogee. Now we are going to be split into two teams,' there was a groan.
One of the pilots spoke up, she was wiry with her blond hair tied back in a severe bun, 'This is bantha shit, sir! We barely have enough to make one full team.'
Massarano raised his hands to the mumbles of agreement from the rest of the group. Quinn scowled, it was inappropriate for a pilot, even a senior one to question her orders in front of the others. It lead to discontent. Yes, Balmorra was a backwater, yes, no one in High Command seemed to care about it with so many other conflicts raging. Yes all departments were severely understaffed, but to make such a claim during a briefing; it was against all protocol.
She should keep quiet and make do, like the rest of us, he thought.
'That's enough Lieutenant Dillayan! No one is happy about this situation and we would be even less of a team if Lieutenant Quinn had not volunteered his services. We're doing this people, so better get your game face on!' He scowled at the lieutenant, who shook her head, but said nothing more.
'Team Besh will be in the Rycers, and will consist of Scadi as leader, Jolchri and Quinn. Your objective will be to destroy the resistance transport and any escort it has; take those weapons out of circulation. If you can capture the shuttle, fine, but don't take any risks, the order is kill on sight. We cannot allow those terrorists to get their hands on that type of heavy ordinance. Team Dorn consists of myself as leader and Dillayan in the Quell with Rivest in the Gladiator. Our objective is to capture and detain Tyrresta and his crew for interrogation and impound his vessel'.
The holo changed again, 'Here are the rendezvous points, 1-6. All the coordinates are already programmed into your ships. Now, once we're off we'll rendezvous at point 4 and fly in together. If we time it right we should catch them mid-transfer, which is bound to cause panic. Besh, once you have destroyed the resistance transports, you will meet us here in at point 1,' the holo once again changed to show a point above the south pole of the planet, 'and we will escort the Harlequin to the secure hangar here. Should we end up in a fur ball, the fallback position is here, at point 3. Any questions?' Massarano looked around, when none was forthcoming, he continued, 'Good, then dismissed. We hit space in half an hour.'
Twenty minutes later, Quinn was sitting at the controls of his Rycer as a tech stood next to the canopy and attached the various hoses to his flight suit. Quinn pulled the helmet over his head and sealed it to the neckbrace, listening to the hiss of air and change in the sound of his breathing to his own ears. He adjusted the front slightly, this was the issue with spending so little time in the suit, the fit was tight and made him feel slightly claustrophobic for the first few minutes until his body adjusted to breathing in the recycled air it pumped. Closing his eyes, he took a few deep, slow breaths to help calm himself while the tech finished her work. Once she had stepped back and given him the thumbs up, he sealed the canopy and flipped the comms switch, 'Tower, this is Besh 3, call sign Ultraviolet, checking in.'
'We read you Besh 3, please standby,' the controller paused for a minute or so, 'Hangar is safe, you are cleared for engine start and immediate departure. Emperor's speed, Ultraviolet.'
'Copy, and I thank you,' he replied as he punched buttons bringing the main engines online and grabbing the throttle and controller. Carefully, he brought the Rycer up off the pad, disengaging the tethers and nudged it out of the hangar and into the blue sky. Freedom!
He rendezvoused with the rest of the group as planned, forming up neatly on Besh 1's port side. Once in formation each three person team accelerated to attack speed, hoping to surprise the terrorists and their supplier. Stars, he had missed this!
As they cleared the second moon, Quinn's sensors beeped and he heard Massarano in his ear, 'Confirmed, I read two ships, still attached. They must be making the transfer now. Once they've seen us, you all know what to do.'
Quinn was just considering running a scan of the immediate area when his systems beeped again and he heard Besh leader, Jolchri's voice over his comm, 'Confirmed, Dorn 1, the Harlequin is powering up its deflector screens. We've been detected.'
'No time like the present ladies and gents,' came Massarano's voice back, 'For the Empire!'
The two target ships separated suddenly and Quinn noticed that there was debris and gas evaporating from the devastation. Someone had panicked and pushed the emergency override, closing the airlocks and blowing the ships apart. To his horror he saw a figure floating in the vacuum, he turned his eyes back to his controls, he had enough to worry about without considering mercy for the guilty. Again, his controls signalled for his attention. The resistance shuttle was powering up its engines, getting ready to flee. He was just about to make this known when he was distracted with more signals. He checked, three more targets had appeared on his screen that had not been there a moment ago.
He flipped his comms, 'Looks like we have company, Besh 1,' he said.
'Copy that, Ultraviolet, I see them. Confirmed. Three additional units, hold on they're coming in hot!' Jolchri's voice buzzed in his ear.
Quinn immediately started his evasive manoeuvres, the Rycer was an extremely nimble craft, but with minimal defences. He checked his instruments, the new contacts were three old TZ-24 Enforcers, probably left over from the days when Balmorra had been under Republic control. His instinct had been correct, they were already firing, rather wildly. Quinn guessed that the pilots were probably inexperienced, relying more on their surprise tactics than sound ability. However, the scheme had worked, his other team member Besh 2 was now scattered into so many pieces of debris. He checked his own systems and swore. The Rycer's power couplings had been damaged meaning his usual six hour flight time was rapidly draining away and would soon affect his half hour reserves as well.
He brought the craft up sharply into a steep roll, and using his position, coming out of the sun directly at the pilot to his advantage. He activated his blasters, disabling and then destroying the enemy fighter before banking hard, bringing the Rycer around for another pass, firing from below the second ship and destroying it. As he levelled out, scanning for the last fighter, he saw that Jolcri had beaten him to it. He quickly punched his scanner, moving to mid-range and swore; in the confusion the resistance shuttle was making a run for Balmorra itself, its trajectory indicating that the pilot was going to try for a fast atmosphere insertion, hoping to lose any pursuers in the violence of re-entry. He initiated his jammer, as the craft was rapidly retreating, it would soon be out of range of the rest of the team's devices. It was imperative he stopped the shuttle from talking to anyone else out there who might be willing to help. The terrorists always had some sob story about women, children or refugees, preferably all three, that they plied to any bleeding heart foolish enough to listen.
He pitched hard, coming about and activating his auxiliary thrusters to get to the shuttle as fast as possible. Once he was safely on course, he scanned for his team mates and discovered Massarano was the only one still in range. He punched his comms, 'Dorn 1 this is Besh 3, I've located the resistance shuttle but they're going for a drunken 'pub, I'm going after them.'
'Copy that, Besh 3,' responded Massarano, 'I'm going to steal back Besh 1, we're still trying to lock down the Harlequin.'
'Copy Dorn 1, she's too far out of reach to be any good to me. I'll catch up with you at point 1. Good luck. Ultraviolet out.'
Malavai glanced at the readout and saw he was in range. He also knew his target had to be destroyed.
He checked his systems again, the power drain had slowed to a crawl, but the previous damage had left him with virtually nothing for the task at hand. Performing some quick rerouting of the power for life support and taking the minimal shielding offline completely allowed him to pour all the remaining power to engines and weapons. Using the boost in power, he then switched from lasers to the Rycer's more powerful burst laser cannon, which had a better spread and a more powerful impact.
Finally, he adjusted his trajectory, so he would be coming straight at the shuttle, giving his weapons the best possible chance of success. As a pilot he knew that it was risky at this speed, there was every chance the gravitational pull of the planet itself coupled with the momentum of his vessel would cause him to lose control and crash into the atmosphere. However, if it stopped the rebel scum then he considered it worthwhile, even if it meant whatever was left of him would be stuck above Balmorra, quite literally, forever.
Quinn took a deep breath and brought up his targeting computer, taking careful aim as the alarms started to scream at him, indicating he was reaching a speed at which he would no longer be able to evade the planet below. He slowly exhaled and pulled the trigger, sending a barrage of heavy fire towards the shuttle. The first hit the deflector, as did the second, but the screen visibly fizzled, knocking it out. The final salvo impacted the rear quarter of the shuttle, disabling its engines.
Ignoring the continued wailing, Malavai sent another three rounds at the shuttle, the first was slightly wide but the second and third found their mark, blowing the shuttle into tiny pieces. Quickly, he punched buttons on his console, activating the forward keel thrusters as he banked and pitched in a desperate attempt to avoid Balmorra's atmosphere.
There was a miniature explosion behind him as the auxiliary blew under the stress. He held the Rycer steady, as around him the canopy glowed with friction. Checking his instruments he realised it was no good, without more power he did not have the ability to escape.
Without really thinking Quinn played his final card and deactivated his life support, pouring all the remaining energy to the engines. He knew that the emergency backup would activate, giving him exactly 10 additional minutes of oxygen before that too ran out. It seemed a fair trade, considering that if he couldn't pull out of the atmosphere he would not last another 10 seconds.
He fought with the controls, trying to gain the right trajectory to escape Balmorra, but it seemed to be a losing battle. He wondered briefly if it would be painful.
Suddenly, he felt the craft pull slightly and start to lift, he gave the Rycer one, final nudge and it pitched upwards coming out of the atmosphere; the view outside the canopy changing from red and orange back to black. He wanted to breathe a sigh of relief, but realised that it would use up valuable oxygen he could no longer spare.
Checking the readout Quinn saw that his ship was nearly out of power. There was no way he would be able to get back to the rendezvous. He activated the emergency beacon, with any luck someone would pick up his distress call and he would not have to die alone in space.
Nearly ten minutes later, Quinn sat completely still his breathing shallow and infrequent in an attempt to conserve what little oxygen remained. He found his thoughts turned to Kai, he missed his friend and he imagined that Kai would be devastated to find out Quinn had died. At least it was in a good cause, he smiled to himself. Mission accomplished!
He briefly thought of Jesvia, he knew that it was long ago, nearly 10 years, but at times like this, when he was left with nothing but his own thoughts, they kept returning to her. It was as if his broken heart would not be quietened. There had really been no one important in his life since.
The closest he had come was Pendeni, nearly three years prior on Dromund Kaas. At first it felt like she had been doing him a favour - not many women would touch an anti-social and disgraced officer sent to the back end of nowhere. However, she was in no way his intellectual equal and he found himself increasingly bored talking to her. After four months, two days he could stand it no longer and he ended it as gently as he could.
After that he had given up. As a young man he had hoped one day to marry and have children, to be normal in that way if no other, but his intelligence and awkwardness had always held him back. He was not husband material, apparently, and since the last disaster he had considered himself above such feelings for the most part.
Besides, he didn't need romantic love, he served the Empire and was content. Being part of something greater, something that mattered and would survive long after his passing. That was more than enough. Yet at that moment, he wished for...
Before he could complete the thought he felt a change in the craft, it was under someone's control, no longer drifting. He opened his eyes to see he was being towed and a voice came over his comms, it was Massarano.
'There you are, Ultraviolet. We were scared we'd lost you. Just sit tight, I have a priority clearance, we'll have you on the ground in no time.'
Quinn was vaguely aware of the sky outside the canopy turning from deep black, to purple and then blue before he passed out.
He came to slowly. When his eyes finally focussed, he found himself looking at a white ceiling. Quinn took a deep, luxurious breath. There was nothing like nearly dying from hypoxia to make one appreciate the little things, like free-flowing oxygen.
'Look who's back with us,' said a voice.
Turning his head, he managed to focus, rather hazily, on Massarano. The younger man was sitting in a chair next to his bed, smiling broadly. Quinn tried to move, but the other man put a hand on him.
'Easy there lieutenant, you're not going anywhere for a few hours,' Massarano told him, 'Don't worry, all is well. We got our guy, impounded the ship and you destroyed the shuttle, oh and two bogies as well. Couldn't have done it without you, so it seemed only right I should be here when you woke. By the Emperor, that was some flying you did there, Quinn. I can see your reputation is well deserved!'
'Th...thank...' he tried, but his throat felt like it had razor blades in it.
'No no, don't try and speak. The nurse will have forty fits and I'll be kicked out of here like a naughty child,' Quinn smiled wryly, as the other man continued, 'They're keeping you in overnight. I just wanted to say thank you. You're an amazing pilot and I will be putting you up for a commendation for this day's work. Now rest.'
Quinn closed his eyes and allowed himself to sleep. The job was done and now all he needed to do was recover.
From: Quinn, Malavai
Subject: Back Safe
Dear Kairoth,
I'm now back from my "thing" as you put it and all is well. Mission accomplished. I will say no more. Of course I worry about your leg, you say it hurts, what else would you have me do? Go and see someone! Maybe they can help. Don't be such a baby about it!
I'm glad Dromund Kaas is the same as ever, it makes my life here immeasurably better knowing that someone, somewhere is enjoying the weather there. I'm sorry for the delay in responding, but I was injured during my mission and needed a day to recuperate. Yes I'm fine before you start. Who are you, my mother?
I'm afraid tomorrow I'm back on full duty, so it will be the same old slog as it has been every other day. I can't say I'm looking forward to it, but the assignment was worth it and I will remember it fondly. Even if I was injured.
I'm not sure when I will be given leave again, but if I am I will let you know. Obviously I miss you and would want to come and see you. Would you allow me to sleep in your guest room again? Are you sure Geneste wouldn't mind, her joke about my fondness for hospital corners aside? I still feel like I'm intruding on you both, despite it being nearly seven years. Problem is I do prefer staying with you. I know I could stay with my parents, but there is something hugely depressing about sleeping in the room you grew up in with your mother fussing and your step father rolling his eyes at you in sympathy.
How are your new pieces coming? Are you just doing more line drawings? I would love to have another to put in my barracks, they do cheer the place up.
Best,
Malavai
From: Agilo, Kairoth
Subject: Re: Back Safe
Dear Mal,
I am NOT being a baby, I don't like doctors that's all. They seem to poke and prod you and none of it seems to do any good. I don't even think they know why my leg hurts, so half the time it feels like they don't believe me. The other half they're just patronising about 1. drinking less, 2. eating more vegetables (that magical cure for crush injuries) and 3. doing more exercise. It's annoying and unhelpful. I nearly hit the last one with my cane.
Glad to know you're back safe. As you've been snippy about it I won't ask about your injury, but I am glad you're all right. However, let me reiterate that your tendency not to tell me about your injuries is irritating. You're my friend and I see you rarely, so knowing everything makes me feel better. I always look out for you, you know that, have been since we were 8.
If you do get leave of course you can stay in the spare room, Gen loves having you over, but you make her a bit nervous. She is used to people who are more laid back and less authoritarian. I think your stiff demeanour make her feel like she's back at school. She knows you're my best friend and you're important, so she just wants you to be happy and comfortable in our home, Mal.
Anyway, you know Odile and Paria love seeing their Imperial Guardian! They're always asking about uncle Mal and his wild adventures on Balmorra. It's become the bedtime story of choice, yeah okay I exaggerate the adventures a bit, but it's in a good cause. Odile is very precocious for a six year old and says he wants to grow up to be just like you, and I think he's well on his way. He recently won a game tactics proficiency award at the pre-Academy prep. I'm sure you did just as well at his age, I seem to remember seeing a similar award in your room. Maybe you could introduce him to chess next time you visit?
I know your mother irritates you, I can't believe she burst into tears the last time she saw you! That must have made for an awkward half an hour for you, knowing you as I do and your feelings on public displays of emotion of any type. I feel for you, Mal, I really do. You're always welcome with Gen and I. Anytime. Day or night.
The drawings are mainly line. I'm experimenting with charcoal, it's tactile and I like the subtle additions you can make with it, especially to surfaces and clothing. I might go back to colours, I do feel line and colour is my strong suit really. Of course I'll do you another, I'll see if I can get it on the courier in the next couple of months, so you should have it by the time you're 60!
Send me more tales of your dashing exploits, I'm running out of bedtime stories!
Kai
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