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[SWAW] Commissions (25)
You're up front in the cockpit of the Profit Margin as she comes out of hyperspace. Fox's "new" passenger ship zooms past you towards the Rebellion flotilla where your brother and the main Rebel transport has docked with one of the Corellian frigates. You're in the Maw Cluster, further out from the Core Worlds than Hutt Space. It should be "safe", but safe also means the Empire moves unchecked.
The Roughnecks are on board the Margin. The support staff for the Taul station piled into Fox's ship, whatever name he gave it after he stole or bought it. As Jojee pulls the ship towards the hangar, Lens Reekeene ambles up to stand in the small corridor outside the cockpit.
"Captain Vos," she calls as soon as she's sure Jojee can handle piloting the ship in. "The command center was nearly breached, you came in just the nick of time. That's two I owe you now."
The Roughnecks are on board the Margin. The support staff for the Taul station piled into Fox's ship, whatever name he gave it after he stole or bought it. As Jojee pulls the ship towards the hangar, Lens Reekeene ambles up to stand in the small corridor outside the cockpit.
"Captain Vos," she calls as soon as she's sure Jojee can handle piloting the ship in. "The command center was nearly breached, you came in just the nick of time. That's two I owe you now."
Comments
I turn to Lens with a smile. "For you, General, any time. Although my poor baby..." I pat the bulkhead. "...can't take too many more success like this." I give her a thoughtful look. "Do you have a few minutes to chat, in my quarters, maybe? I have some things I need to talk through."
"Don't worry. Ole Squally's already talked Mikka through what she needs. I'm sure we can scrounge up what you need to fix her up." Lens says with a wide grin, confidently reassuring you. She even reaches up to pat the hall affectionately. "Come on, Captain, let's chat away from those nosy folks." She chuckles and walks past you.
As you unbuckle from your seat, that clawcraft piloted by Dart zips past you, heading to the hangar first. Jojee grumbles something unpleasant and uses a few Keshiri curse words for the Chiss.
Lens enters your quarters, glances at the klava displays, then turns to face you. "What's on your mind, Captain?"
I follow her glance. "Would you like a cup, General? Please, make yourself comfortable." I move to the klava machine and start. I'll have one, even if she doesn't.
"Here's the thing. I've received my commission, but don't have my orders yet. My crew, who have been basically family to me, have all received NCO ranks. I worry about how command rank changes those relationships, and about whether I'm about to become some sort of... administrator."
She nods, accepting a cup of klava. She listens to your question, your concerns, nodding. Her face is suddenly serious. "Captain Vos. Military life isn't easy, not even for a ragtag group like the Alliance. I had the same concerns, a few years ago when Mikka and I finally decided to get married. He joined up, and I went to my CO and told her I would lead a group of irregulars. I told her I would give my heart and soul to the cause, that we both would. But I told her in no uncertain terms that I would not be away from Mikka long, and there wasn't poodoo she could do about it."
A smile cracks her face, a cocky smirk rising from the left corner of her mouth. "Luckily, I was good enough to get what I wanted." She peers at you, serious again. "Captain. What's most important to you? Your family? Or making the galaxy a place you'd want them to live in?"
I take a sip of my klava, wanting to give the question a thoughtful answer. "Both are important, of course. But..." Another sip. "For most of my adult life, I was estranged from my 'biological' family on Kiffu. One day, I forget where it was, I saw a little girl on a train that reminded me so much of my sister that my heart just broke, and when I actually ran into my sister not long after, I couldn't just push her away. The same thing happened with the Empire, at about the same time. The venality, the bullying, the overkill, the sheer evil and the sheer scale of it. I just couldn't ignore it any more, pretend it was just... the weather, or what-have-you, something I couldn't do anything about." I turn to start cleaning the klava pot, the ritualistic motions helping me frame my next words. "I found Hosk and Squall and Jo and Amy along the way, and now they're family, too. What if my next family member is out there somewhere, suffering under some Imperial bully? I have to do the job... I just wonder what the best way to do that is."
The general sips her own klava, enjoying it with a nonverbal sound or two as she listens. "I'm glad to hear that, Captain Vos. I don't have any easy answers." She takes another sip. "I know the Profit Margin is a nice ship, but there's not much room for all your people. Ever wanted to fly something... more?" She arches a brow, her tone taking on a tempting tone.
I raise an eyebrow of my own. "What sort of more are you hinting at, Lens? You know something I don't?"
"I'm old, Captain Vos." Lens says brightly. "I know lots of things you don't." She grins for a minute, leaving you on tinterhooks. Finally, she relents, and says, "This is confidential."
You feel the docking clamps take hold, and Jojee reports over the comms, "Captain Vos, we've landed. I'll be doing post-flight checks with Squall. General Reekeene, you're free to disembark when you wish."
Lens finishes her cup. "This frigate we landed on. The captain was arrested a few weeks ago. His support staff has been running the show, but they need a real leader." She gives you a significant look. "You should give it a good look, Captain. If you're interested... the command is yours."
...
I blink. "I'm sorry, General, but what kind of fool would put me in command of a capital ship? What's the crew compliment? Four hundred?"
"You're my kind of fool, Ladro." Lens answers honestly. "You will have an experienced command staff, you won't be hung out to dry. Your crew would be welcome on the ship. Especially Jojee. The ship can hold just over eight hundred, but she only has four hundred or so based on my last count. It could be more, could be less. I haven't been with the flotilla in a few months."
"Well, kriff me sideways, General. I'm sure you wouldn't ask if you weren't fairly certain of my answer, but I'd like to tour the ship first. It will give me a chance to think while I walk, at least. You think there's someone that can be spared for that?"
"Absolutely. I'll call Major Willak. He'll be happy to show you around." Lens replies as she heads for your door.
Anything you do before disembarking the ship?
I get on comms to the crew. "I'm going on walkabout for a bit. Once post-flight duties are completed, feel free to relax for a bit, but please play nice, and be ready to make yourselves available for a meeting in an hour or two." Then I head to meet the Major.
Lens marches you through the hangar, pointing out people such as the Chief Engineer, a group of privateers who sometimes use this ship as a base of operations, even the mechanic who repairs astromech droids.. Everyone salutes her as she passes. Sometimes she snaps a salute back, others, she waves them off. She seems to know which ones are doing it out of respect and those who are doing it because they see others doing it.
As you take a lift up to the command deck, Lens shares, "This Nebulon-B Escort Frigate was built in the Kuat Drive Yards, the last model they built. It sat in mothballs in an Imperial fleet until the Roughnecks stole it." She grins at you, "It was Mikka's plan, really. I'm glad I trust that man, because he's one hell of a thief. Stole my heart." Her tone is light, but she's serious about her love for Mikka.
A pair of officers get on the lift, salute, then turn when Lens gives them a return salute. She continues, "She's got a serious hyperdrive on her, very fast. She can fly in atmo, too. A full suite of sensors that have been tweaked and re-tweaked. Plus, and this will get your man Hosk all hot and bothered - twelve turbolaser batteries, twelve laser cannons, and even two tractor beam projectors. She takes a crew of forty seven gunners! We've got two wings of starfighters, one of them is a squad of X-Wings, the rest are B-Wings and assorted starfighters, including our new clawcraft. We have one A-Wing, but unless the engineers pulled off a miracle, she's still in repairs."
The lift opens to a command deck. With his back to the viewscreen, you see a large, muscular human male berating a pair of periwinkle aliens. Looks like this:
"Listen, Captain Wath." the man says, "We've worked well enough for the last ten weeks, but you need to pack up your spice trade and keep it off my ship, or I swear to you, I will forcefully eject each and every member of your crew, one by one. And you, sir. You will be the last. Am I clear?"
Captain Wath's watery eyes blink slowly, and he nods, clearly unhappy about this, but not wanting to irritate the man further.
"Major Willak," Lens cuts in when it seems like the man's done with Captain Wath. Willak turns and fires off a rigid salute. Lens continues, "When you have a moment, I'd like to speak with you."
Willak makes that minute, motioning for the periwinkle aliens to depart, then walking up to Lena, giving you a curt nod. Lens continues, "Cet, this is Captain Vos. He led the force that rescued the remaining staff on Taul, including your Aunt Willa." She lets that sink in. He looks at you with more respect now. "I'd like you to give Captain Vos a tour."
Welcome aboard, Captain Vos." the major says as he salutes you. "I appreciate what you did for Willa, and the rest of the Taul force.
I don't know whether Lens is really clever enough to have walked me through the long way just so I could see her return enough salutes that I would get it right, but either way, I'm grateful. I emulate what I've seen, returning Major Willak's salute.
Act Under Pressure
(Rolled: 2d6+3. Rolls: 5, 2. Total: 10)
Major Willak's face is still stony from a moment earlier, but there's a recognition of the crisp salute you fired off and he seems to relax his shoulders slightly. "Captain Vos, feel free to call me Cet." It's pronounced with a hard "c" like "k". He turns to gesture at the staff on the command deck, starting his tour as Lens excuses herself to check on the staff from Taul.
I give the Major an appreciative smile. "Thank you." I don't comment on his harshness with the spice traders, but I note it and approve. "So, I hope you don't mind showing me around? I assume you've got plenty of work to do."
Major Willak gives a curt nod, turning to gesture at the consoles and displays in the room, "If General Reekeene suggests you get a tour, then it's work that needs doing." He runs through some of the technical details of the workstations on command deck, introducing you to the communications officer, head of engineering, as well as the current pilot. "So we're clear, sir. All three of these individuals are ex-Imperials. In fact, the vast majority of this crew defected, all in one fell swoop. Captain Vedij was Old Republic, and three months ago, he convinced the Naval troopers to join him, ejected the Stormtroopers in escape pods, and ran for a Shadowport in Hutt Space. After weeks of negotiation with the Rebel Alliance, he and his crew were granted Letters of Marque, allowed to remain aboard and serve. The crew is understaffed, but there are very few Rebels who trust them. A blow was struck recently when Captain Vedij left on a shuttle to turn himself in. Emperor Palpatine himself offered to release the captain's family and home city if he did so. We have not heard confirmation that they are safe."
I give Cet a sideways glance. "They? Were you not a part of the original complement? How has it been, serving on a privateer?"
He shakes his head no, "I am a SpecOps special missions agent. I was assigned as an Observer." He doesn't sound like he "loves" this job, but it's his mission and he's doing it.
I nod. "Understood." I don't want to ask, here, whether he's decided to trust this crew. I'll suss it out as we go. "What's next on the tour, Major?" I'll nod to those I meet as appropriate, return salutes when offered, although there's no way for most of the crew to know my rank until I'm introduced.
Cet leads you to the lift, "Let's start with the Boom section." He taps the button marked for CVO. As the lift begins moving, he turns to you, "FVO is the Flight and Vehicle Operations section. The crew is in charge of operating and maintaining all the ship's carried craft, including shuttles, starfighters, escape pods, and ground vehicles." The lift opens a few moments later and you walk out to a cavernous garage area. There are two large shuttles as well as an X-Wing that you recognize.
"The ship lost all of their TIEs during an assault on the Silver Blade pirates." He gestures to the shuttles, "That's the Grek-class troop shuttle, used by Naval soldiers. It isn't built for boarding, used for transport on and off planet." He points to a similarly-sized shuttle with double laser cannons, "And that's the Katarn-class boarding shuttle. She has twice the firepower and almost double the armor." He walks you past the engineering staff, none of whom bother to salute. They look more like civilians than any of the others you've seen. They're also a pretty small staff, maybe a dozen individuals. "The ship was never fitted with ground vehicles. Also, most of the escape pods were used during the defection, and haven't been replaces."
I take everything in, assuming I'll be able to study a written report more thoroughly for details and memory purposes later, if needed. "Are there plans for refitting? Replacing the escape pods, for instance?"
The major looks at you, shaking his head, "No plans. Oh, there should be plans, but there aren't plans at the moment. Too many other operational concerns. Come on, I'll show you a few of the lower decks."
He leads you back to the lift and down to the lower decks. After a minute of travel, the lift opens to a darkened corridor. The major explains without leaving the lift, "A standard Nebulon-B is crewed by eight hundred fifty deckhands and officers, plus sixty-six gunners and seventy-five troops. The ship arrived at Starforge Station, where I joined the crew, with three hundred eighty total hands. Before he quit the ship, the captain took on bodies from the station, including a fair number of unsavory characters, and the crew swelled to four hundred twenty seven deckhands and forty-nine gunners. Even with that, the lack of crew is a serious concern. We've mothballed areas because there isn't enough crew to justify the space. Rebs don't want to join an ex-Imperial ship. Of course, the ship can take on more criminals and thieves, but policing them is a whole new problem. Also, we're under-supplied. There is two year's worth of basic supplies - air, water and fuel. But only four month's worth of cruising rations, which includes concentrated food and medical supplies. Take on more crew, it only worsens the problem."
I take that in. "Excuse the language, Major... Cet, but this bucket is pretty karked, isn't she? What kind of shape are you in as far as hyperdrives and propulsion? Are all the gun batteries functional? Sorry to toss questions fast and furious, but, well, the General has asked me to consider taking command of The Far Orbit, and I'm looking for the upsides."
Unsurprised, the major closes the lift and presses a button for the officer's lounge. "Upsides?" he asks. "Not many. You'd have command of a frigate. General Reekeene has wanted to get this privateering moving, so there's a chance she can get some supplies flowing. The crew, while small, is surprisingly motivated and well-trained. You'd work outside the chain-of-command, as far as the military is concerned, so there's more flexibility and less overhead. But in the end? I wouldn't take this job. Not in a hundred years."
I can't help but twitch a slight grin. "Thank you for your honesty, Major. You've given me a lot to think about." When the lift opens, I let him lead the way to the lounge.
Major Willak heads for the small autochef, "The officer's lounge is a small social area used for communal entertainment, fast meals and occasional games of sabaac. According to the ex-Imps, the captain they ousted hated the game. These folks play it out of spite, if nothing else." He codes the autochef for a dark brew. No, it doesn't make klava.
You spot Dart at the couch, by herself. She's got a glass of water and is watching the holovid (Clanless is on). There's an older human male sitting at a table with a Noehon. They're chatting in a friendly manner. At another table are four humans, three males, one female. They're all dressed in Imperial Naval officers' uniforms, and they ignore you, and the major. There are no attempts to salute anyone, it seems rank is left at the door here.
"Captain, have a seat," Cet says as he reaches for his comm. "I'll be with you shortly.
What do you do?
Looking around the room, this seems like a tactical map to be negotiated, and I choose the least predictable option, settling on the couch next to Dart. As it happens, she's behind... "Sinnott is such a gold-digger, don't you think?"
"Not in the least bit. Larkin wants to spend credits on her." Dart answers without taking her eyes off the holograms. "In episode eight, she tried to turn down the night out, and he bought her those earrings she's wearing. He doesn't get it, and she's playing along until he does." She flicks a red-eyed glance your way, then recognition shows on her face. "Didn't know you were a fan, Vos. I wish they had a Chiss or two on here."
I shrug. "Well, there aren't exactly a lot of you out and about in the galaxy. Feel like taking some acting classes, Dart?" I think about what she said. "You may have a point, about Sinnott. Larkin's clueless, clearly, but I hadn't thought about it that way."
The Chiss girl huffs a derisive laugh, "Clanless and clueless." She muses on your question for a moment, "I'm no holovid star, Vos. I'm meant for bigger and better things."
I nod. "I believe you are, Dart. I believe you are." Jojee is either going to love this girl, or she's going to try to kill her. I should place a bet on that with Hosk or Amy, before I have my next talk with Lens. I look around the room, taking in the tone of conversations without trying to pick up words, just letting it flow, waiting for Cet to return.
After a few moments, the show flicks to a break and Dart looks over at you fully. "Captain, what do you think of this place? The engineers asked if I was sticking around. This used to be an Imp ship, those four are all Imps. But, this is a Rebel fleet. Kinda weird."
It takes me a second to respond. "Dart, my father is a wood-worker, and he used to refer to a flawed piece of wood as 'an opportunity to make something unexpectedly great.' Kriff me, but I think this might be the same sort of opportunity. The Far Orbit is undermanned, and the crew she has is a mix of Imperial mutineers, pirates and criminals. She's instantly recognizable by Imperials as a captured vessel, and by others as an Imperial vessel... a threat in both cases." I give her a grin. "You want hopeless odds and endless excitement? You're in the right place."
"Are you staying, too?"
I shrug. "There are a few things to work out, but I'd give it pretty high odds. You're not the only one that likes a challenge, Lieutenant."
As you're catching up, the older human ambles over from his table to stand near you. Here's what he looks like:
"Are you Ladro?" the man asks in a soft, pleasant tone. "I'm Mikka Reekeene." He offers his hand. "Lens has spoken highly of you. Says you're the reason she's made it back from a couple hot spots."
"Shh!" Dart hisses, gesturing to the episode as if that is paramount.
Mikka chuckles softly, motions over to his table with his head, like he wants you to join him.
What do you do?
With a matching chuckle, I follow Mikka to the table. "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir. I was hoping I'd get the chance to see what sort of man can hold up against a force of nature like Lens."
"Well hello there, young man," Hark'r says in perfect Basic. His accent is precise and pleasant, almost ingratiating.
"Hark'r is our supply master. We brought him along on the Long Shot when things got a bit tricky at our home base." Mikka explains. Once you're both introduced, Mikka says, "As for Lena, she's something, isn't she?" He's obviously proud of his wife.
I grin. "She is indeed. So, what's next for the Roughnecks? I didn't have a chance to ask, earlier."
Mikka narrows his eyes, but can't manage to wipe the smile off his face as he answers, "Oh that's top secret, Ladro. I could tell you... but then I'd have to space you." He laughs a good-natured laugh.
Hark'r ignores Mikka's jibe, answering, "Well, old chap, we're currently between bases and between missions as well."
"I'm sure Lens will have work for us soon," Mikka says. "I put some bugs in her ear on a few things I've heard are rumbling on the edges of Hutt Space."
I nod. "I think there are rumblings just about everywhere, these days." I shrug. "At least there's no danger of being bored. Speaking of not boring - how long have you and lens been together, Mikka?"
"We met in an Imperial prison five years ago, fell in love." Mikka answers with sudden seriousness. "I escaped, then I begged, borrowed and stole enough credits to bribe a clerical error for her release, and married her the day she was a free woman. She's drug me all over the universe ever since."
Hark'r cuts in with, "Mikka is far too modest. He's one of the best technicians I've ever had the pleasure of working with. He's also a shrewd negotiator.... nowhere near as shrewd as myself, but I admire his skill."
Mikka peers at you for a moment. "What about you? Do you have someone special, Ladro?" He gives a grin that says, 'Yes, I know I'm nosy.'
I smile gently, thinking of fur and a rough tongue and a purring voice in my ear. "Yes, I do." No need to be cagey with these people, I think. "A Cathar blockade runner by the name of Ahji Dar. We see each other far too rarely, but it's always surprising and wonderful."
"A shame you don't see each other enough, Ladro." Mikka remarks with a knowing tone. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
Hark'r tilts his head and asks incredulously, "You are mated with... Ahji Dar? That's.... I did not know she was Cathar." His words trail off.
"I try not to reveal anything about her, for the most part, but I figure if I can't trust a couple of old thieves..." I grin.
Is Cet still on his comm?
"Don't worry about us revealing anything." Mikka says, his humor still coloring his words. "They'll never take us alive." Hark'r looks over with surprise, not sharing the sentiment, maybe not aware that was the case.
Cet's done with his call, he's sitting at a table by himself reading his datapad. Appears he's letting you chat for a bit and catching up some work. He sees you looking up and stands from his seat to head over.
As Cet walks toward us, I nod to Mikka and Hark'r. "It's been a pleasure, gentlebeings. I hope to see more of you soon." When Cet arrives, I stand and draw him aside. "Thank you for the tour, Cet. I think I'd like to finish my earlier conversation with General Reekeene, if you know where I can find her?"
Cet takes you to Deck 4, which he explains has the Troopers' Quarters, a section of ship that the Naval troopers took over. They're bunked up tight, two squads per room, all in double or triple bunks. Lens is chatting amiably with Aesyr, the Trooper, as well as a human female in her thirties who looks hard and capable with her crewcut and Imperial dress (minus the patches and insignias).
She turns to you when you walk up, "Major. Captain. Captain Vos, you know Trooper Aesyr, but I need you to meet Sergeant Blackwall. She's one of the toughest troopers I know, and a damn fine asset to this ship." She salutes you, and Cet both.
I return the salute, then shake hands with Aesyr and Blackwall. "Sergeant, it's a pleasure to meet you." So many names and faces to juggle, even with a nearly skeleton crew. "General, I wonder if I can steal you for a bit? Fair warning, I'm pretty sure this isn't going to be a five-minute conversation." I give her a look that says, 'Let's do this before I lose my nerve.'
She understands your meaning, looks over at the troopers, "Blackwall, you got Aesyr?" The sergeant nods curtly, they both stay while Lens walks with you out of the quarters to a corridor. She leads over towards the crew galley, which has maybe a dozen or so people sitting at tables eating quietly. The galley is huge, big enough to serve a couple hundred people, if needed.
"Want something to eat?" Lens asks as she heads for an industrial-sized autochef to order something for herself. As she keys in a sequence, "What do you think?"
What do I think? "She's a fine ship with half a crew, and that is 70 percent Imperial mutineers, 25 percent criminals and pirates, and 5 percent reluctant Alliance, if I estimate right. She's woefully undersupplied, with no escape pods to speak of, and no obvious support forthcoming, since Alliance resources are stretched so thin. She's both an Alliance ship and a privateer, and I have no idea what sort of mission profiles she's intended for." I give Lens a grin as I move to the autochef to key in something light. "Of course I'll take it. But I have conditions."
Lens gets her food, waits for you to get yours and walks with you to one of the tables. There's a trio of ex-Imperials a couple tables away who are watching you both, but LEns ignores them. You're out of earshot. She scoops a spoonful of paste and holds it near her mouth, asking you, "What are your conditions, Captain?" She takes a bite of the paste, but it's obvious she's listening.
I nod and take a bite and a sip of water. "Keep in mind, I've had a whole hour to think about this. You're lucky I didn't sleep on it." I smile. "First off, escape pods are non-negotiable. I understand we'll probably be getting underway without them, but I need to know that they're a top priority for the Alliance."
I pause for her to process. I can get going when I'm on a roll, don't want to overwhelm Lens (if that's even possible).
"Second, I need to understand the mission, and to what extent I'm supposed to make this bunch into an Alliance crew. As I understand it, the previous captain was the one who led the mutiny. I don't have that relationship, so I need to understand what path the Alliance is willing for me to take to establish discipline and teamwork. We're going to be on long shifts until we get the complement where it needs to be, and that means short tempers."
"Third, whatever the answer to that is, I have one request as far as members of my crew. Squall is good at what ze does, and will be happy taking orders until ze's put in charge of a team. Amarath is also good at what she does, and will hate taking orders, but I can help with that, I hope. She's learned a lot about working on a team, but can stand to learn more, from someone other than me. Jojee is a fine pilot, and it will be a while before she gets over her love affair with being in an X-Wing and starts thinking about what's next. Hosk, though..." I pause for another bite. "Hosk has real military experience, and he's got something to offer. I want him as Command Master Chief for the Far Point, the senior enlisted person on board, which will include any civilians acting in capacity as enlisted. I want him promoted effective immediately, with the benefits, salary, responsibilities, and duties that go along with that. My officer corps will be entirely new to me, I need someone I can trust to help deal with the people I won't have nearly enough time for."
I pause for responses. There are a few more things, but that's a more than sufficient start.
Lens continues eating the paste, her head tilted so an ear is pointed towards you. She makes nonverbal noises to indicate she's listening. When you pause, she fires back, "Escape pods are doable. We have enough funds to pick up some second-hand pods that Mikka and the engineers can retrofit. Squall will be a big asset for the crew. I think Mikka will adore that little Rattataki." Her tone is genuine, not condescending. "As for your mission, this crew signed on to privateer, and while we can still pass this frigate off as Imperial, we can best serve the Rebellion by hitting places controlled by the Empire. The Alliance needs to sew some chaos, and this ship is an excellent tool."
She sits up straight, meeting your eye, "As for discipline and support, the Roughnecks will be around for a bit to make sure there isn't a second mutiny, help you get settled. But this is your show. And as for how your crew is integrated onto the ship, that's your call. The salary is the only sticking point, though. The charter on this ship is based on the staff getting shares. Until you're ready to get them to renegotiate, I'd recommend you stick to it."
"Okay, we're good on escape pods, and we'll continue as a privateer, understood. Salary isn't an issue for Hosk, but I want the promotion noted, and I need the insignia for him, at the very least, even if he's going to keep it in a drawer for now. I'm glad you'll be sticking around." I tick off a few things on my fingers. "If I have operational authority, then our first target needs to be the Imperial supply line. We need rations and meds. So, that won't cost the Alliance anything. Also, I happen to know where I can pick up a bunch of very capable droids that are mostly just twiddling their little metal thumbs. A few dozen, at least. And I may have a source for at least some more crew. These things are scattered, of course, and an Imperial frigate may cause alarm."
I realize I'm going a mile a minute, but I can't help it. Puzzle pieces rotate in my brain and slot into place. "I need the Profit Margin fully working, and need the freedom to decide that I'm the right guy for groundside ops, and the ability to bring my original crew in for that sort of thing—we've got a rhythm established. And... I need a klava setup in my ready room. The one on the Margin has to stay there for away missions. Also, is there an artist on board that you're aware of?"
Lens blinks a few times, trying to keep track of all the things you detail. When you peter out, she answers, "The insignia is no problem. If need be, I'll give him mine. Hitting the supply line is an excellent target. I like your ideas for scrounging droids and crew, fixing your ship, too. Sounds like you'll need to set an order of action, or split up the work and send some crew off on the Profit Margin for the droids while the Far Orbit gets more crew." She shakes her head a little, "Klava? You'll addict the crew to your wicked brew, won't you?" She pauses for a moment, running through your list. After a moment, right before you remind her, she snaps her fingers, "An artist! I almost forgot. Siene Symm, the first mate of the Longshot, is a good artist. I'll introduce you."
I stare into space for a few seconds before I snap back. "Okay... I need an hour with my crew. The Margin's crew. Then I'd like your First Mate's attention for a bit, if you can spare it." I pause. "I'll have the rest figured out tomorrow, if we have the time for that."
"We can spare the night, Captain." Lens answers. She has a certain tone to how she says "captain" this time. "I'm glad to have you aboard." She offers a hand.
Let's do a quick scene wipe. Where do you have the crew gather to meet you? They're all here: Hosk, Squall, Amarath, and Jojee.
We're on the Margin, in the old familiar common area. "So... changes are afoot, as you all know. I have been asked to take command of the frigate we're currently sitting inside of. The Far Orbit. It's essentially a privateer, with a near-skeleton crew made up of Imp mutineers, criminals, and pirates. I've said yes, and I'm assuming you're coming with me. This means a bunch of things. First, we won't always be working so closely, although you're still my family and I will defend you to my last breath. Second, we will have a much larger crew to deal with, and they will all know that you came aboard with me. I'm sorry to say it, but I need you to be exemplary. Don't cause problems that I have to solve. Third... I love you all. Sorry to embarrass you, Hosk, but it's true. And I'd like to do something to commemorate our time together, as just us. The First Mate of the Long Shot is quite an artist, I understand, and I want to get a group portrait made." I look around. "Sorry that was such a blaster fire of poodoo. Please tell me what you're thinking."
With a barely-contained excitement, Jojee speaks first, "I really want to stick with my X-Wing, Cap. I can fly the Margin when we need it, too. I've already named her."
"Ooh! What did you name her?"
With pride, Jojee answers, "Mo'jai."
Amarath asks with curiosity, "Doesn't that mean... space donut?" Squall titters.
"No! That's the wrong dialect!" Jojee snaps back. "It's a flower."
After recovering from the "love" talk, Hosk pipes up with, "I can work with mutineers and pirates and cutthroats, Lad. You know that. I'll show them how to run a tight ship. Just don't forget where the crew mess is from time to time, yeah?"
Squall seems a bit unsure, but ze says steadily, "Whatever you need, Captain. I can work on a crew, stick to the Margin, get a post in Engineering. Whatever you need. I love all of you, too. Even Grumpyboots." Hosk snorts, Amy snickers.
Seeing it's her turn to speak, Amarath says with a cocky grin, "This is my kind of place, Cap. I'll keep things civil, but you want someone who can dig into the thugs and tell you what's really up, that's what I do best. Also, I'm wondering if the regs still apply like they did on the Margin?" She puts an arm around Squall, sort of possessively. "At least for... you know, interpersonal relationships."
"Kriffing." Hosk says with disgust.
Grabbing Amy's hand, Squall replies with a smile, "Yes. Kriffing. Tastefully."
I shoot each of them a copy of the Ship's Articles. "This is where we'll be starting. Things may change gradually over time, but this is what we're signing on with. I don't see anything about kriffing here, but keep it discreet. You are still Alliance soldiers, after all. We'll get your assignments taken care of once the commission is official. Stick around for now, okay? Lens is talking with her First Mate, so hopefully we can 'sit' for our portrait soon. Hosk, can you join me in my quarters?"
"Aye aye, Lad." Hosk says as the others hang back, he follows you to your cabin.
"Please, have a seat. I have something big to tell you. It goes along with what you said back there." I lean against the desk. "We'd like to give you a promotion, to be my Command Master Chief, which means you'd be the senior enlisted being on board. Because of the Articles, we can't give you the salary, but you'd have the rank. That means I'll be leaning on you hard, and it's going to be a lot of thankless work. You'll be dealing not only with the former Imperials and the few Alliance enlisted we have, but with the civilians who are acting in an enlisted capacity. You'll have to delegate a great deal, and act on your own authority entirely too much of the time. Poodoo floats, and you'll be the one catching it at the top." I give Hosk a look. "I know you can do this. Do you want to?"
Hosk nods, grunts a few times as you list out the potential troubles and the effort needed. In response to your question, he nods curtly, "Absolutely, I want it. I want to hone these people into a dagger we can use to stab the Empire. Over. And over again. I don't karking care if these folks are ex-Imperials. Or cutthroats. They're as Reb as I am now. And we alllll have a common enemy. It won't be easy." The left side of his snout curls in a grin, "I never much liked easy."
He looks you over for a moment, then asks, "What do you need, Lad?"
I blow out a breath. "You just gave me a lot of it, Hosk. Things are moving fast, but I need them to. Forward momentum is my best friend right now. I'll let you know when I need you." After a second. "Do me a favor, Hosk. Don't start off too hard. Do what you need to, but we need fellowship as much as discipline. Try to mix the various elements, get them working together."
A glance at the strip of silk hanging on a wall-hook and a pang of missing my kitten, but I push it back. "This is crazy, Hosk. Completely crazy, but it seems like my kind of crazy. Our kind of crazy."
Hosk nods along, no objections to the idea of fellowship, working together. He gets it. He'll bend a little, you think. "Our kind of crazy, yeah. Listen, Lad. I'm sure seeing Fox brought up some old wounds, but it was good for me. Reminded me of what a damn fine choice I made, to come work with you. You're smart, gutsy, you care and you'll put yourself out there. You don't take poodoo and get the best out of people. I couldn't ask for a better CO. You've earned this, Lad." He walks up to you, throws an arm around your side and does this kind "guy hug". It's quick, over before you know it, then he steps back.
I smile down very briefly, then comm Lens. "General, does your First Mate have a moment for some creativity?" When she responds in the affirmative, I gather up the crew and head wherever we're told.
Who couldn't stand still?
Why was Jojee sulking in the pic?
Squall is pretty twitchy all the time, and when you tell zir to stand still it gets even worse. Ze fidgeted the whole time, and eventually the artist just compensated good-naturedly.
Jojee is pouting because we walked past Dart on the way and I greeted the Chiss warmly. Apparently I'm not supposed to be on speaking terms with two ace pilots.
"Hosk, go ahead, but don't assume any of you is taking your permanent assignment at the moment. I'll make your position official after the Change of Command is official." I head off to find Lens after a few words of thanks for the artist. I request that the finished product be delivered to the Profit Margin, but with no hurry. "It looks great so far. What can I do for you? Credits? A favor-to-be-named-later?"
The longer I look at the portrait, the more I realize how it has captured an essential thing, somehow. These four people around me, that ship. Don't tell my mama, but I think my real life started the moment I first walked onto the Profit Margin. Hosk said he couldn't ask for a better CO, but this right here, what is expressed in this picture... whatever I am, this is what made me.
Squall, shivering, high, near-ruined... looking at me and trusting that I believe in something inside zir.
Jojee, pushing and pulling and acting out, but always getting us where we need to go. Because I asked.
Hosk. Poor Hosk. On the losing side of a war, years in prison, family lost to this morass of megalomania and evil. And yet his spine straightens, at least in part for me, and he remembers the soldier that he is.
My dear cousin Amy. Trouble from the time she could crawl, even more so now, and yet somehow... I made an offer to belong to something, and it wasn't only Squall that made her say yes.
I've made myself vulnerable to these people, but somehow (who could have guessed), whatever strength I have comes from that vulnerability, in large part.
"It's perfect. Perfect." I try to keep my voice even. "And I do owe you, Lens or no. Please don't forget that. Thank you." I turn to go before I betray whatever just came over me.
You find Lens on the command deck. She's chatting with Cet and a male human in his fifties. The human wasn't on command deck during the tour. He's clean-cut, military haircut and demeanor. Everything about him seems crisp
"Commander Seki," Lens says in a bit more formal tone than she normally uses, "This is Captain Vos. Captain, Commander Seki is our communications officer. He has been one of Vedij's most decorated officers."
This is Seki:
"Technically, General Reekeene," Seki says in a clipped tone, "My medals were pinned by Captain Kenit. I'm rather sure Kenit would strip them from me. If he were able.... not that it's a significant matter of concern." He offers you a salute, which I assume you return.
Lens speaks to you as if Major Wellak and Commander Seki aren't part of the conversation, "Captain Vos, I think we should have an all hands meeting, present you to the entire crew. Do you need to prepare a statement?" She asks out of courtesy, but you know she expects you to wing it.
What do you do?
I give a look to Lens, wondering if she just understands my need to move forward at this moment, or is really this ready to put things in place. "General Reekeene, the less time I have to think about this, the better. Lead the way."
Lens heads over to the communications array, and Seki sets up comms for her. In a clear and strident voice, Lens states over the loudspeakers throughout the ship, "Crew of the Far Orbit, now hear this. This is General Lens Reekeene. All available personnel please proceed to the crew galley. We have an all hands meeting in fifteen minutes. I say again. We have an all hands meeting in fifteen minutes. That is all." Seki cuts comms. The command staff hands off the command to their subordinates and everyone heads out.
You walk with Lens to the lift, take it down to deck 4. She leads you to the crew galley, the same place that was nearly empty. When the door slides open, you see it is quickly filling with people. The tables are being moved to the sides of the place, and all chairs are quickly arrayed so you can stand in front of them. It's obvious that the mutineers know this drill, a squad is building a quick podium for you and the command staff. The new members of the crew stand near the doors, out of the way, unsure. They end up sitting in the back.
Within ten minutes, things are settling and nearly the entire crew is heading for seats, a buzz of excitement and curiosity abounds. Your crew is here, watching you, Squall seems like ze could bounce around from the excitement.
We cut to the assembly growing quiet, Lens walking up to speak before them all.
"Greetings gentlebeings. I am General Lens Reekeene of the Roughnecks... of the New Republic. Many of you know me, I've been here on and off as my teams have used this place between and en route to missions. I've seen the morale change, seen it ebb since Captain Vedij left. I believe in your cause, in the good you can do for the galaxy. That's why I want to introduce you to someone... very special. He's one of the best natural leaders I've ever met. Saved my life and the life of my teammates more than once. He's led a motley crew on daring missions and never failed. And... he's just crazy enough to take on the mantle of a very great man, to lead an excellent crew. I present to you, Captain Ladro Vos."
There's a moment, of silence. Of waiting on the edge. Squall whoops excitedly, in unswerving support. Hosk and Amy and even Jojee clap. Aesyr and Dart do, too. And that seems like it might be it. Until Commander Seki stands from his seat on the podium and claps. The rest of the command staff does as well. The crew claps, too. It's polite. It isn't warm.
This won't be easy.
Lens gestures for you to step up, captain.
What do you do?
I step up and take a few seconds to look out over the crowd. I don't believe I've ever spoken to this many people at the same time before.
"Thank you, General Reekeene." I pause for just a split second, then look forward again. "I'm a criminal. And a pirate. And a smuggler. And a killer. I've worked for the Empire, I've worked for the New Republic, I've worked for the Hutts, but mostly, up until recently, I worked for myself. Not too long ago, that changed. I became the owner and captain of a ship. Just a freighter, mind you, and with a small crew. Somehow, though, after that... I wasn't working for the Empire or the Alliance or the credits." I find Hosk in the crowd and meet his eye. "I was working for my ship. For my crew. And, to tell the truth, it's not a far leap from there to the moment when I realized I was working for something bigger than that." I shrug. "I'm still not sure what that is, and you may say it's all a pile of steaming poodoo, but it's truth."
"I'm a commissioned officer of the Alliance to Restore the Republic, which means I have certain obligations, but I've been assured of some independence in this command. As far as I'm concerned, I don't belong to the Alliance, I belong to you. Or, better... all of you: former Imperials, pirates, crooks, Alliance, and whoever I've left out of that list... belong to the Far Orbit, and I serve the Far Orbit, which means that I serve you."
I give them a moment to hear that. "I aim to meet each of you individually as soon as I can make that happen, but for now I have a lot of work to do, and I assume you do, as well, so let's get to it. Thanks."
• give you +1 Forward when dealing with them.
• show you who is in control right now
• show you the biggest threat
• tell you why they are still here
On a miss, the crew is not impressed. Take -1 Ongoing with them until you win a battle of some kind.
(Rolled: 2d6+3. Rolls: 3, 5. Total: 11)
When you finish talking, one voice in the mutineer section calls out, "What about the Articles? Are they still in effect?"
Another one, from the back, pipes in with, "Are we still raiding the kriffing Empire?"
I smile. "Yes, the Articles are still in effect, and they won't change without a vote. And our main goal is kriffing with the Empire as effectively and profitably as possible."
"Bout time we got a kriffing captain!" a Twi'Lek girl with some facial tattoos screams from the back. "We joined to raid and get some payback, not fly in a karking flotilla!"
One of the mutineers, a man in his fifties you recognize from the trooper deck earlier during your tour, he stands up at attention, asking, "Captain Vos, do we have a next target, sir?"
Relief and even a sort of giddiness well up, but I answer the man's question. "That would be the work I mentioned having to do, choosing a target. My first objective is to fill our larders and med-packs. Even with as few of us as there are, we just don't have enough of the basics."
How long do you handle questions? Anything else you want to cover?
I stick around long enough to reassure the crew that I'm here and listening, but cut it off after maybe five or ten minutes. I hold up a hand. "You'll get more information and orders as the command staff and I have them." I've decided to introduce Hosk's position through the chain of command rather than making an announcement now. Don't want to spring it on my command staff and the rest of the crew at the same moment. Also, want to make sure he has an office. "Thank you for your attention. I think we will work well together. Might even have some fun along the way." I turn to go, indicating for my staff to follow.
What do you do?
Lens spares me having to ask where my ready room is, which is a good thing.
I take my chair (it's good to have a chair... suspect I won't be pushing the button in this ship, though). After we complete introductions, I start the meeting. "I'm sorry that I'm going to be moving pretty fast here. We'll have time for more get-to-know-you chats soon, I think. Firstly, everything I said out there was true, sincere, and applies to all of you. That means that I will go to the mat for you, but also that I will come down like a meteorite if I see anyone mistreating a subordinate. Secondly, some of you are probably thinking I'm in over my head, and that's not unfair. The thing you need to know is that I've been kicking shebs underwater for most of my life, and I don't intend to stop now that it's a bigger pond. Any questions so far?"
"Captain," Seki says with a deferential nod. "General," he says, looking to Lens. "Are we to expect actual resupply from the Alliance?"
Lens answers this one with that same confident tone that brooks no disrespect. "Commander, the Alliance just suffered the loss of Taul. We have an entire transport filled with all we could carry. If Captain Vos is willing to take on the troops we evacuated, excepting my Roughnecks, then all the supplies, including the transport, will become the property of the Far Orbit." She looks over at you. As do the entire staff.
What do you do?
I turn to Lens. "General, how many troops is that, and are they going to be a problem integrating with such a... diverse crew? And do you have any idea of what's on the transport? I suspect we'll still need to make basic resupply a priority for our first target."
Lens slides a datapad over, "Thirty support staff, forty five recruits who were weeks into training and not worth a damn, yet. They're green enough to be pliable, as long as they're treated fairly. Not many humans among them. The transport is fully supplied, and before they took off, we scrounged a healthy amount of supplies, Not frigate-worthy, but it's a start. Oh... I haven't told your brother he'll be giving up his ship. Left that for you, Captain Vos." She gives a curt smile.
I look at the datapad. Support staff includes some experienced trainers, which is good. Seventy-five reduces our food-to-time ratio, but increases... something. Making this up as I go along. "I'd love to explain to Darkal that he doesn't have to skipper a ferry any longer, General. I'll take the transport, crew, and supplies. That's only barely going to be a dent, though. I still think our first mission needs to be focused on supplies. Also, I think I can score us a number of capable droids to fill in the gaps, and might be able to add some more to the crew, but I'll have to tell off the transport or the Profit Margin for that."
The female command officer speaks up, "Captain Vos. I am Lieutenant Commander Chandra Panaka. I agree we need supplies, but I recommend that we push our advantage on the Empire. If we take down some merchant vessels on a trade route, we can resupply from that, or filter the haul through some markets on the Outer Rim and re-supply indirectly."
"I disagree, Chandra," Seki says in that clipped accent of his. "We need an easy win to get everyone's morale up. If we bite off more than we can chew right now, we could enter a death spiral from which we might not recover."
What do you do?
"I understand what you're saying, Commander Panaka, and it's a good thought, but I have to agree that a quick victory will help cement things. What's our intel like?"
Lit. Cmdr. Panaka answers without hesitation, "Captain Vedij laid out a solid plan on moving directly into the Core Worlds. That's where the Empire's space lanes are actually weakest. Yes, planetary defenses are tough, but the trade lanes are filled with easy targets."
"Captain Vos," Lens says, making sure to use your title as a reminder to them all. "The time we spend re-supplying means we lose time for the II or ISB to respond, to use Vedij's intel against us. That said, the Far Orbit does need those supplies. The sooner we move, the better."
I look around the table. "Very well. We move in, find a target. I'm sure there has to be an Imperial supplier that's carrying the sorts of things we need. Hit them hard and fast, as deep in the jump zone as possible, where the traffic's thinnest. What area was Vedij planning on targeting?"
"He had drawn up very specific plans for the weak points in the Koornacht Cluster." Panaka responds with confidence. "It's a fine ripe plum. Ours for the taking. And the Emperor's favorite area."
I nod. "Good. Have navigation begin the calculations for the Ringali Shell, then. It's a fine idea in general, but we're not going to implement the details of Captain Vedij's plan when they've had him for this long."