A Transfer (Darksword)

[Makiro]

Tanis, too, remained silent as the conversation ended. She brooded silently upon both Aryn and upon her current situation, wondering whether a new command would give her the opportunity to cleanse her sorrow once and for all.

When Davis spoke again, she looked up at him and smiled.

"I too am not used to such protracted exchanges... Perhaps a fact that will serve us well when we work together!"

She watched as he sniffed the air, wondering what it must be like to have such a sensitive sense of smell; her Human senses could never hope to match up to the clear superiority of his Shistavanen ones.

Waiting for another service droid to wheel past the table, Tanis beckoned it over and ordered two – non-alcoholics – drinks. As the droid sped off towards the bar area, Tanis turned at smiled at Davis.

“Perhaps after this drink, you would like to come and see the Tython?”

[Darksword]

Davis chuckled at her words and nodded. When she asked him about her ship, he thought a moment then nodded. "Might as well, as I will be working with it for now on...." He turned to the side of the table as the service droid returned with their drinks. He took it and quickly took a long drought from the glass. He set it down afterwards and looked at Tanis. "May I ask what military engagements you've been in? Other then the one to bring you to the KDY..." He waited for reply, taking another long gulp from his drink, then sniffing the air again.

He smelled the meat starting to be fully cooked, and as he smelled it, his mouth started to water. He thought about it, then shrugged mentally and motioned the droid back. He quickly ordered a steak, bloody rare, then turned back to Tanis, knowing the meal would be here quickly.

[Makiro]

As Davis ordered his steak, Tanis realised that she, too, was hungry. Considering for a few moments, she decided that a steak would be more than adequate for her needs and so ordered one as well - asking that hers be cooked first... Her order taken, she turned back to Davis and smiled apologetically.

"You must forgive me, Commander, only I prefer my food to be cooked before I eat it. It is a sign of the weakness of the Human digestive system I fear. And, of course, of the Echani one!"

She chuckled softly to herself for a brief moment.

"As for your question, Davis, I have been involved in numerous engagements. Does your question pertain to those I fought as a starfighter pilot, or - as I suspect - to those in which I served as a naval officer?"

[Darksword]

Davis thought a moment before saying. "Both I believe. I'd prefer to hear the ones as a naval officer, but both are good to know." He sat back in his seat, glancing over his shoulder to see the steaks being served onto dishes and being brought over to them. As they were set down in front of them, he quickly scratched at his teeth with a talon, then took the steak in his claws. He started ripping small pieces of meat and popping them into his mouth, chewing slowly as he sighed in pleasure from the taste. He then waited silently for Tanis to continue as he ate the rare-cooked meat.

[Makiro]

Tanis was silent for a few moments, as she considered where to begin her story. Finally, deciding to begin at the beginning, she began.

"My first major engagement was shortly after joining the Corps, flying Aureks against the Sith over Ord Trasi, on the Mid Rim. I can tell you now, Davis, that no thrill can compare to that of emerging from the hangar of a Hammerhead Crusier into the heat of battle. Dodging and diving around lasers, shells and proton torpedoes as Sith fighters come at you like feral mynocks. It is... well, there is nothing better.

I remember the moment that the Sith emerged into the system, firing as they did, completely wiping out our orbital defenses and fleets alike. Ord Trasi, however, as I am sure you are aware, is a shipbuilding haven. Luckily, half a Republic fleet was on the surface, just having been repaired, and as the orbital fleet held the Sith of for as long as possible, we managed to get the grounded fleet operational, and the battle begun.

My squadron, Red Squadron, were a fantastic group of people. Red leader was an inspiration to us all, a tall red Zabrak whom none would dare argue against, but whom all loved and respected as family. We were stationed aboard the RSS Shilli, a pleasant enough cruiser, but sadly, she was not fully repaired as we went into battle, and shortly after we emerged from her hangar, like daywings into a swarm of piranha beetles, she was destroyed by a sith destroyer: blown to pieces with barely a moment's notice.

We fought valiantly - or so I like to think - but the Sith managed to break though our lines and made it to the surface. They bombed our bases - a few of them at least - but most of the ships stationed there were already in orbit... or destroyed. That was when the Jedi arrived.

I can honestly tell you, with the Force as my witness, that I have never seen a sight more breathtaking than the four Jedi who fought for us that day. Their fighters came like wasps from the clouds, dodging around any and all fire from the capital ships as they fell closer and closer to the planets surface. Working in union, they managed to bring down a capital ship with just four fighters. They were amazing. Truly amazing.

With the Jedi as a distraction, some of our caps managed to slip back down under cover of the clouds and sneak up on the Sith, bombarding their ships relentlessly. We, the fighter pilots, used this time to help the Jedi to bring down five more Sith ships - they always made sure we did so away from settled areas, so as to avoid any harm to our own. It was glorious, Davis, my first experience of true combat, and it was glorious. Skimming above the glimmering turquoise of the oceans, banking and diving over the verdant, tree-covered land. It was worth fighting, and dying, to protect a world like that.

Eventually, after what seemed like a week of fighting, the remaining Sith fled the system. We hunted down the few we could, but in all honesty, we were tired, and our numbers were depleted. We won the battle that day, but the War was not over, and soon I found myself posted aboard another ship, the RSS Ubiquitous, and sent off to Gallienis IV in the Portmoak System. That, however, is a story for another day." she said, indicating an approaching serving droid, "I see my food has come!"

[Darksword]

Davis listened silently throughout the story. Upon her finishing he was silent for several minutes before he nodded and grinned. "I can understand that... I enjoy flying in a starfighter at times, but its not what I'm meant to be. I'm just a commander." He shrugged and finished off the last bits of his steak, seeing Tanis' arrive. He let her start eating without bothering her with talk, then glanced about the cantina. He then said. "Well I'm suddenly at a loss of what to speak of, so I'll let you have a turn...." He grinned for a moment before letting it fade from sight, his expression thoughtful.

OOC: I apologize for the long wait. Been busy with a lot of things lately.

[Makiro]

((OOC: S'okay. Real life takes precedence )

As Tanis cut into the perfectly cooked steak, she let the smell of good food permeate her being, filling her with a joy she had not known for what seemed like an eternity. The first bite of the soft meat was heaven.

Once she had finished eating, she placed her cutlery on her plate with almost obsessive precision and wiped her mouth with a serviette. As Davis spoke, she listened attentively, contented after her hearty meal.

"I, too, am at rather a loss as to what to say! Perhaps now would be a good time to take a look at the Tython?"

As she spoke, she gestured to a serving droid and asked that the table's bill be charged to her account.

"Assuming there is nothing else you would like to eat or drink?"

[Darksword]

Davis shook his head in a silent "no", a grin appearing. He was almost always hungry, but he was satisfied for now. He stood up and waited for his new commander to stand, then he turned and walked out of the cantina slowly but steadily. "I have a shuttle waiting for me if you wish to take that to see your vessel. I remember looking at the docking report before meeting you and I remembered which docking section it was in." He waited for her reply, still walk towards the shuttle hangers.

[Makiro]

((OOC: Gah, I'm sorry for the rather ridiculous delay... Life's been a little busy at the moment, and I haven't been able to get on much. Sorry :S))

Tanis smiled at the Shistavanen as they walked.

It will be an honour to serve alongside one so organised as yourself. It would be much easier to use your shuttle. Thank you.

As they strolled towards the shuttle hangars, Tanis spotted a small gathering of red-uniformed soldiers, clustered around a luminous public holoprojector, nestled amidst a lush shrubbery. Pointing this out to Davis, she joined the back of the scrum and began to force her way to the front - never let it be said that rank is entirely without benefit. Presently, she looked at the pulsing blue projection of a rather pretty Twi'lek and focussed on the last chilling words of her report.

...such attacks. The Senate has announced that the perpetrators will be executed immediately, but reminds citizens that constant vigilance is necessary. And now over to Shree Ha Taan for the results of yesterdays Swoop Season Closer on Manaan.

The pretty Twi'lek blinked out of existence and was quickly replaced by an equally handsome - and expensively clothed - Human. Not interested in the swoop races, the majority of the crowd began to drift away, leaving only a few, dedicated fans crowded around the projector. Grabbing one of the retreating soldiers - a scrawny-looking Weequay - by the arm, Tanis enquired as to the nature of the recently finished news broadcast.

Well, Ma'am, it seems that a group of pirates carried out a raid against a supply convoy on its way to Ord Canfre - on the Outer Rim. They captured them though. Luckily. It was something of a suicide mission, if you ask me...

Tanis thanked the Weequay and turned back to Davis, grimacing.

It seems that pirates are becoming an increasingly prevalent problem to the Republic. She said, half to herself. Come, let us continue.

[Darksword]

OOC: Nah its alright I understand haha.

As she joined the group in front of the holoprojector, Davis thought about his new commander. "Hmmm not arrogant, humble, experianced in several battles.... She will be a good commander." He waited for her to return and hearing her comment, he nodded in agreement. He turned back down to where the shuttle bays were and continued to walk, deciding to remain silent for now.

As they reached the general area where the bays where, he pulled Tanis a bit to the right and motioned to one of the doors. Once they had gone through, they entered a large bay with a shuttle and 2 guards at attention in front of it. Davis quickly went forward, returning the salute of the soldiers. He quickly walked up the ramp of the shuttle, followed in turn by the soldiers.

Up in the cockpit, Davis had sat down in the pilot's chair and was warming the shuttle up. He motioned for Tanis to take the co-pilot's chair, then returned his attention to prepping the shuttle. After another 30 seconds or so, he took the controls in his hand and took off. The shuttle burst out of the now-open bay doors and into the space.

He turned the shuttle sharply to the right, going right over the Yards and missing by only a meter. He reached to the side, not even glancing away from the viewport, and pushed forward on the accelerator, sending the ship at top speed over the surface of the Yards. "Now.... Captain. I believe your ship is about 2 bays ahead, correct?" He kept his eyes locked onto the viewport and occasionally the sensors, zipping this way and that, over and around towers, caverns, complexes, etc, in a sure, steady hand as he flew the little shuttle towards where her ship's bay supposedly was.

[Makiro]

Following Davis into towards the waiting shuttle, Tanis evaluated the well-constructed craft. She was a sleek, functional ship, who looked as though she would be proficient in numerous roles, both military and civilian. The Echani followed Davis up into the shuttle, and admired the practical interior, which appeared both comfortable and functional. Taking a seat next to the Shistavanen Commander, Tanis watched the skill with which Davis brought the ship to life. A few moments later, and they were speeding away from the hangar, the Shistavanen's control over the vessel apparent.

Now.... Captain. I believe your ship is about 2 bays ahead, correct?

Tanis nodded, Yes, Commander, you are correct. I must say, I can only admire your ship. Not only is she exceedingly beautiful; she seems highly functional as well. Does she actually belong to you?

[Darksword]

Davis nodded, slightly distractedly as he guided the small shuttle in between several pipe-lines and a thin archway, missing the surfaces of those by feet. "Aye this is my personal shuttle. Made by Galactic Weapons Laboratory as my personal ship. It has a small hyperdrive, 2 heavy laser cannons, and even a concussion missile launcher hidden within the surface. Not the most powerful of weaponry, but it is a impressive arsenal for such a small shuttle."

He turned a corner within a trench in the Yards and suddenly they were in a large bay. About a 100 meters away was the Foray-class Blockade Runner RSS Tython. Many small shuttles and repair craft were floating about the ship where much wielding and hauling of new and damaged materials was occurring.

Davis looked over the vessel with a practiced eye, then glanced at Tanis. "Impressive vessel, despite the damage." He smiled heartily and sat back in his seat, quickly engaging the autopilot so they wouldn't ram into some random ship going by.

[Makiro]

((OOC: Derga? Wrong Shistavanen, methinks XD))

Tanis allowed herself a small smile as her ship came into view in front of them. Even with her paint scarred and flaked and many of her metal panels missing, the Tython was a beautiful craft, and Tanis was proud to be her Commanding Officer.

Tanis laughed at Davis' words, and thanked him for his compliment.

That she is, Davis, that she is. Hopefully those droids up there, she said, indicating a small team of hovering maintenance droids, carrying between them a large replacement panel for the Tython's starboard engine housing can appreciate that as well, and won't drop...

She paused as the immense sheet of metal slipped from the droids' grasp and fell - or rather floated - against the side of the already injured ship. Tanis winced as she watched the droids grasp at the metal which was currently bouncing almost comically against the ship's hull.

Droids... She said, shaking her head. You can't live with 'em, you can't live without 'em.

[Darksword]

OOC: Aye haha, I was tired when I wrote that. Didn't realize till now haha.

Davis chuckled as he watched the droids quickly attempt to correct their mistake. He watched a moment before sitting up and taking the controls back in his hands. He flipped off the autopilot and turned to Tanis. "So do we wish to go to your ship or shall we head for my battlegroup?" He waited for a reply, his hands tense and ready for whichever desicion she chose.

OOC: Short and pathetic.... *sighs* haha.

[Makiro]

((OOC: Mine, too. Sorry :S))

Tanis considered the question for a few moments, silently chewing the inside of her cheeks.

Well, since it's you who is in control of the shuttle, let's visit your battlegroup first. After all, it might be more beneficial for you to see the Tython when she's a little more... battle-ready.

Tanis took one last longing look at her own ship, hoping that the time when she was battle-ready would not be long in the coming.

[Darksword]

Davis nodded sharply, then turned the shuttle about in a 360, going up into space and away from the docks. He turned sharply around a tower jutting out from the Yards and twisted through a small tunnel of pipes, then enters empty space.

Davis quickly flips a control and pushes on the thrust control, putting it on full. The shuttle darted forward at around a 950 KPH, straight towards several tiny objects that could be seen in the distance. As the seconds dragged by, the objects grew larger till they were recognizable. One was a large, deadly-looking Interdictor-class Cruiser, totally black with a long red gash along its hull, like a blade wound. The next one was a Hammerhead-class Cruiser MKII, totally black as well with a silver detail along its hull. Finally, two small Foray-class Blockade Runners, both totally black with a hint of blue paint along its hull in a intricate design. Both of them were identical, like twins would be.

Davis looked over each ship with pride as they came closer and closer, approaching the Interdictor. He quickly keyed his COMM unit. "Freedom's Avenger, this is Commander Davis. Have Hanger 2-AB ready for my arrival and our new commander, Captain Tanis." A female voice replies sharply over the COMM. "Yes sir, right away sir!" The transmission is cut. Davis turns to Tanis and says. "Well here it is. One of the best battlegroups in this sector. Soon to be under your direct command."

He grinned slightly then nodded to each ship in turn. "The Interdictor is Freedom's Avenger, my flagship. The Hammerhead is designated the Titan's Blade. And the two Foray's are designated as The Shadow and The Raptor respectively." He sat back as he flipped on the autopilot, letting the new cooridinates that were being sent to his navicomputer from the Freedom take over the shuttle and lead it into the hanger. "You soon will be able to command each and every one of them, once the Tython has been repaired. It will increase the battlegroup's combat capabilities by another 5% I would estimate..... So Captain..." He turned to her, eyeing her carefully. "What do you think by now....?"

[Makiro]

Tanis eyed each of the impressive ships in turn, scrutinising each and every detail. Each ship looked powerful and sleek, and although their dark colouration was unorthodox, Tanis could see how it might lend an advantage of surprise in the deep heart of space.

Listening to the efficiency with which Davis communicated with his crew, Tanis was suddenly struck by the gravity of what she was doing. Not only was she allowing herself to be put in command of more people than she cared to imagine, she was also forcing her way into an already established team, with already established alliances, friendships and routines. A lump formed in the Echani's throat.

Suddenly, Davis' voice wrenched her out of her ruminations.

Oh, sorry, yes. They are certainly wonderful ships, Davis, and I must say that I do admire the colour scheme - even if it is a little... unusual!

[Darksword]

Davis chuckled at her comment. "Yes it is, isn't it? Meant for several reasons...... Black so we aren't seen easily, the differant detail colors to tell us all apart easily, combined with ID...." He silently looked over the red 'gash' along the hull of his flagship, his eyes slightly glazed over, remembering something.

He then shook his head and turned back to her. "Each design is a symbol of sorts... The blue design there is a way to show that both of those ship's are replicas of each other and that they're deadly, despite them just being blockade runners.... The silver over the Hammerhead symbolizes a blade's edge...." He fell silent as he stared once more at the red gash before it went out of sight as they slowly entered the hanger bay. ".... The red gash symbolizes for the injury done to me and my crew over the last couple years.... and in our lives...."

He fell silent for a moment before blinking and looking over at Tanis, his eyes serious. "Captain... Tanis. I need to know one thing from you. Personally." He looked at her carefully, his eyes like daggers. "Will you take care of my people....? I've lost many of them and try my best as a commander to not lose any, especially after what we all have gone through, from the lowest cadet to me...." He watched her carefully, before continuing. "Every member of my battlegroup has gone through much to get where they are... Emotionally, spiritually, physically.... I don't want anything to happen to them because of a stupid and reckless decision...."

OOC: Davis had the red gash put on his ship to remind himself always of his commitment to his dead father. A symbol to his grief. And almost every member in his battlegroup is emotionally, spiritually, or physically scarred like him, making them all unique to his group. They're some of the best in the Navy, but because they have a huge determination because of their scars or grief that they have.... Just to clear things up if confusing at all.

[Makiro]

Tanis listened attentively to Davis' explanation of his ships' colouring, noting the curious way he spoke when referring to the red-liveried Interdictor. His question, however, completely caught her off-guard. For a few moments she looked into his eyes, considering how best to answer his question.

Of course I will. She said finally. Putting a hand on his shoulder, she squeezed it firmly. You can trust me, Davis.

Letting her hand rest momentarily on Davis' shoulder, she looked out of the viewport again and gazed upon the large red swathe slashed across the Freedom's Avenger's hull. Davis had said it represented the emotional trauma suffered by each of his crew members. Tanis thought it very fitting indeed that it was to this crew that she was being assigned.

[Darksword]

Davis looked deep into her eyes for a several seconds, unblinkingly. He then nods, reaching his hand up to pat hers a moment, then pull it off gently. He turned back to the controls in front of him, took a deep breath and let it out, then put on his previous expression and stance. He waited till the shuttle had entered the hanger and docked before turning around and heading down the corridor to the back of the shuttle. The two soldiers stood at the same time as he passed and fell into step on either side of him. Davis motioned for Tanis to follow, a small grin on his face.

He waited for her to join him before pushing the ramp release button, letting the ramp slide down, then slowly walked down it. As they walked down, the hanger came into full view. Arrayed before them in several long columns were approximately a hundred men and women of all species, some pilots, some officers, some crew, some soldiers, some even civilian helpers. All were at attention in orderly lines, saluting. Davis quickly returned the salute, along with his two soldiers, then the whole group went at ease. A single officer, a human female in a black uniform with several medals, pins, and campaign medals along her chest and a Lieutenant Commander's rank patch on her shoulder. She salutes sharply to Davis, who returned the salute.

"Hello sir, and welcome back." She turned and saluted to Tanis as well for a couple seconds before letting her hand lower and returning her attention to Davis. "All systems and sectors are running smoothly. The battlegroup is fully re-armed and re-provisioned, ready to move out when ordered sir." Davis nodded, mentally logging all this information before turning to Tanis. "This is Lieutenant Commander Sian'dra, my second-in-command." Turning back to Sian'dra, he motioned to Tanis. "This is Captain Tanis, our new commander. Make sure that is in the logs sent by Command so there isn't any mistakes in the future by some officer or crew member from another battlegroup or fleet." Sian'dra nodded sharply then about-faced and walked smartly to the blast door leading out of the hanger. Davis glanced about at all the men and women nearby, saluted once more and shouted. "Dismissed!" They all replied with a salute and "Yes sir!" before turning and filing out quickly through the blast door.

Davis stayed silent a moment, thinking, before he turned to Tanis and motioned for her to follow. "That was a small portion of the crew.... All loyal and hard-working men and women. All crew members of the squadron...." He walked towards the blast door himself, exiting and turning towards a turbolift nearby and keyed in the bridge. The turbolift quickly sped upwards, with Davis standing at attention as he waited for the turbolift to arrive. He silently thought to himself as he waited, about his crew and future goals, and about his new commander.

OOC: Gonna just go ahead and start using the colored words haha. Anyways, this is proving to be a very interesting Roleplay haha.