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Post by Chase Hargrave [Retired] on Jun 9, 2017 21:19:49 GMT -8
Chase Hargrave was briskly walking across the main hangar as the Mantis landed perfectly on the deck. Even with the bustling of the deck crew, Hargrave strode across the deck unhindered, as he did not feel he required an escort. The Mantis was now secure in his hangar, in the middle of his fleet. Even if the pilot decided to cut and run, he wouldn't get very far. Not that it was going to come to that. Hargrave had good instincts, and right now his instincts were telling him this was going to go well. Coming to a halt a few feet away from the Mantis' ramp, Hargrave stood straight, hands clasped behind his back, as the weathered and worn looking male made his way down the ramp. Definitely had the look of a well seasoned spacer about him. Though he also seemed a little on edge. Best put that to rest. Hargrave cleared his throat.
"Welcome aboard the Infinitium, flagship to Battlegroup Thanatos. I am Vice-Admiral Hargrave of the Galactic Alliance Navy. You can relax here. As daunting as this ship may appear, this is a cordial meeting. So, would you be Mr. Percival, captain of this finely aged vessel? Or, as I suspect, are you simply using that name as a cover? I would like to know who it is I am dealing with. Be honest with me, and I shall do so in return. I have no notion of making enemies here. We've enough of those already, I daresay."
Formalities. Probably something the spacer didn't care for, but with nearly seven decades of military service under his belt, some things were just hard wired at this point.
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Galdaart Fel
Retired High Councilor 
...not hiding anymore
Posts: 1,565 
Affiliation: The Unfair Advantage
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Post by Galdaart Fel on Jun 9, 2017 21:28:38 GMT -8
Fel looked at the man, a little bamboozled by his appearance amidst a sea of other beings. Guess the ship stood out in here, more than a little. Fel took it all in, what this man was saying, at least, most of it.
Wow, an Admiral. That's a switch from the norm. Usually it's a bunch a' troops with the dangerous end of the gun aimed my way. ...there's at least six words in your intro there that I can't say I have ever heard before. Same goes for Mr. Percival. This... he hooks a thumb over his shoulder at the D5... is borrowed. I'm Fel. Galdaart Fel. I hear you need a ship and a pilot.
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Post by Chase Hargrave [Retired] on Jun 9, 2017 21:42:52 GMT -8
A small, barely discerable smirk crossed the aged Admiral's face. The man's mannerisms were rough and a little crude, at least in comparison to Hargrave. But it seemed to fall into line with what he had experienced in the past. Smarter than they looked, craftier than they appeared and always good a knowing the legal loopholes. There was something to be respected about this type of spacer, that much was certain. And then the name registered. Galdaart Fel. THE Galdaart Fel. Oh this had turned out much better than he could have hoped for.
"Well, fortunately you won't find the 'dangerous end' of a gun aimed in your direction here, Mr. Fel. I am not in the habit of making enemies out of those I have just met. Although, I must say it is a pleasure to me you. I've read a lot about you, or at least the parts that weren't covered in black ink." Hargrave paused for a minute to metaphorically pick his tongue back up and put it back in his mouth. "You are correct. We are in need of a pilot. But let's discuss this someplace more comfortable. Please, walk with me, Mr. Fel."
Hargrave motioned for the spacer to follow him. The perks of being the Vice Admiral was he didn't have to take this man to a conference room. No, he would treat this man to a drink of well aged alcohol in his personal office, where they could dispense with the formalities and get right down to the point.
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Galdaart Fel
Retired High Councilor
...not hiding anymore
Posts: 1,565
Affiliation: The Unfair Advantage
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Post by Galdaart Fel on Jun 10, 2017 6:01:34 GMT -8
Fel followed the Admiral, taking in the activity in the hangar, noting the various ships and types represented. He also noted the soldiers, who were obviously massing for something... time would tell what. They walked a good long while, far enough that Fel couldn't have found his way back to the hangar easily, but for the first time in a long while, he wasn't uneasy about it. Not because he had stopped listening to his sixth sense, but because he really didn't care. Entering Hargrave's office, Fel sat in a comfortable-looking chair, waiting for the Admiral to make his pitch.
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Post by Chase Hargrave [Retired] on Jun 10, 2017 7:33:07 GMT -8
Upon entering his office, Fel would notice the Admiral's office was adorned with various trinkets, old blaster pistols, campaign ribbons, service plaques from the Clone Wars all the way up to the Sith-Imperial War. Lavishly decorated to show the Admiral's refined tastes. The large, ornately carved wroshyyr wood desk sat in the center. As Fel seated himself, Chase walked over to the matching wroshyyr wood bar and pulled out a snifter of amber colored liquid.
"Care for a drink, Mr. Fel?"
Chase asked his guest as he poured himself a drink. He wanted his guest to be comfortable before he threw his pitch.
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Galdaart Fel
Retired High Councilor
...not hiding anymore
Posts: 1,565
Affiliation: The Unfair Advantage
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Galdaart Fel on Jun 10, 2017 8:21:08 GMT -8
In fact, Fel noticed very few of these things. What took his attention was the massive viewport, showing off the curvature of Dathomir in the distance, and closer, some of the Admiral's fleet. Fel was lost in the possibilities of the 'verse. Which direction was Malora? Third star from the right... straight on till morning.
Drink? Sure, Admiral. Something that'll hurt me in the best possible way.
It was a different world. He'd never -- ever -- been received this way, and part of him was still waiting for Imp SpecOps to burst through the door and drag him back to prison. At the very least, tell him what he owed for fuel and supplies (which he'd have to duck and run away from....) He was prepared to hear a no-win scenario, or something that was certain to get him killed, or something that the Alliance could walk away from and pretend they didn't know him. He had always been expendable. No reason to expect any different here. Just better window-dressing.
So what's this about, Mr. Hargrave?
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Post by Chase Hargrave [Retired] on Jun 10, 2017 8:44:24 GMT -8
Chase chuckled at Fel's comment. Pouring a second glass for his guest, he picked up the glasses and walked towards his desk. Offering the second glass to Fel, Chase then proceeded to walk around his desk and seat himself in the chair. Swirling the contents around in his glass for a few moments, he avoided answering Fel's question. Taking a small sip of the brandy, he allowed it to slowly trickle down his throat.
"Corellian Brandy. 29BBY Vintage. Hard to come by, these days."
Chase made the comment to himself as much as to Fel. After taking another sip, he set the glass down and sighed wearily.
"As you may or may not be aware, the Galactic Republic crumbled and fell. And at the time, the Imperials were gathering strength. Conquering planets within the old Imperial sector. With no organized resistance, they progressed unabated. Until the Jedi Order and what remained of the former Republic military realized there was a much bigger picture than simple Imperial resurgence. War was brewing. A war we are now fighting to protect the people of this galaxy from Imperial oppression. Long story short, this war is not going our way. There were too many scattered elements from the now defunct Republic to amass a large enough resistance against the advancing Imperials. The war started nine standard months ago, over Dantooine. The full might of both fleets and armies clashed. It was a bloody massacre. For both sides. Since then, the Imperials, calling themselves the First Order, have one several key victories. Which brings me to why you are here..." Hargrave trailed off. This part was never easy. But he needed the best pilot or pilots this galaxy had to offer. Taking another sip from his drink, he swallowed and spoke once more. "The Outer Rim world of Taris is currently under Imperial occupation. They have blockaded the planet and are using it as a choke point for our supply lines. What I need from you is your skills as a pilot. We need to get a foothold on the surface of the planet. But none of our ships have managed to break the blockade. If you are to accept, your objective will be to ferry soldiers and supplies through the blockade. As many runs as you can muster. My fleet will be jumping in and acting as reinforcements for the Alliance ships already there." Hargrave sighed again. Asking a man to risk his life for strangers...most people would cut and run at the mention of it. But there were those rare few individuals that liked to challenge the daunting odds. And hopefully Galdaart Fel lived up to his record. "You would be well compensated, of course. And I have even made arrangements to have your previous standing criminal record wiped clean. A fresh slate. So, do we have an accord, Mr. Fel?"
Hargrave knew he was asking a lot. He also knew that Fel had formerly been a snub jockey. So if that was any indication to his piloting skills, than Fel was certainly the man for the job. Provided he accepted. All Chase could do now, was wait and see.
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Galdaart Fel
Retired High Councilor
...not hiding anymore
Posts: 1,565
Affiliation: The Unfair Advantage
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Galdaart Fel on Jun 10, 2017 9:11:08 GMT -8
Taris. Oddly, the planet he had been born on, and had not returned to for over twenty-five years. What a shit-hole. He downed the apparently-very-rare-Brandy in one gulp, savouring the very real burn in his throat. Anything was better than how he typically felt. The questions that entered his mind were few. But complex.
Getting past a blockade isn't difficult, if you're ok with arriving planetside hot and avoiding return trips or dust-offs. What you're asking is ferry service. Small ship can do it, but a small ship has serious limitations regarding troop capacity and effectiveness in open skirmish. Plus, once your people are on the ground, they'd be at the mercy of time and circumstance as to when I can return. Where is the pick up point? Where is the drop-off point? Does it vary? I mean -- repeated drops at the same location will raise some eyebrows pretty damn quick -- Admiral. Also, as much as the D5 is a fine ship, it's not the right ship for this mission.
So I've got a counter proposal for you. I can do this. I'd be happy to do it for you. Two conditions. Define "well compensated." And you have to find my crew.
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Post by Chase Hargrave [Retired] on Jun 10, 2017 9:32:19 GMT -8
Hargrave grinned. Definitely the style of answer he had been hoping for. Downing his drink, he swiped his hand over the keypad on his desk. The lights in the room dimmed and the center of the desk split open, revealing a holo-map. An image of Taris sprang to life. Along the blue-hued image, several red points were highlighted.
"Early reconnaissance was able to select several drops zone. Seven in total. Three of which are directly in the Undercity. Recon probes managed to scout paths from the Uppercity down, do you can land directly on the planet's surface. The four Uppercity landing zones may become hot after the First Order realizes what we are doing, but our intelligence reports indicate that those on the ground already have plans to deal with that."
Hargrave indicated to the respective plots on the map as he spoke. Pausing to let the plan sink in, Hargrave continued.
"When I say well compensated, I simply mean whatever you find most valuable. Credits, ships, work. Anything. And you will have my approval to fly in Galactic Alliance held space. As for finding your crew, in order to do that, I need information on them. Last sightings, who we are looking for and known associates. That will take some time, but I can dedicate some resources for that task specifically. And as for the D5 Mantis currently held in my main hangar, if it is insufficient to complete the task, then tell me what sort of ship you are looking for and I will requisition it for you."
Hargrave glanced over at Fel, looking him dead in the eyes.
"As I said, I am willing to do whatever it takes in order to keep the Alliance in this fight. And I'm not in the habit of making new enemies. And I daresay having a favor owed to you from someone in the Alliance Navy is certainly worth something. So, are the terms sufficient?"
Hargrave raised an eyebrow, still looking at Fel, waiting to see his response. Now it all came down to what Fel required. Hargrave was in a position to provide whatever he could to assist Fel, as long as the war effort finally took a turn to the better.
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Galdaart Fel
Retired High Councilor
...not hiding anymore
Posts: 1,565
Affiliation: The Unfair Advantage
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Galdaart Fel on Jun 11, 2017 5:47:05 GMT -8
Fel looked over the map, noting the locations of the drops, and doing the mental math of their locations in relation to each-other. His eyes were serious, concerned, bright with life and intellect.
The drop zones are too close together to not be connected, in the eyes of the Imps. With the right force in orbit, they could simply bombard these sites in a matter of minutes. They wouldn't... not after the first drop, maybe the second. But they would, and it would be a total loss to you. And there's nothing I could do about it. I'll do what you ask, but I'm just warning you -- you might end up with a lot of blood on your hands. Your own men.
Fel listened to the man lay his offer bare. It was nice to be in a room with someone who understood his value, and what he could bring to the table. Fel didn't feel the slightest bit of remorse for considering the options. He hadn't received an offer this good... well, maybe ever.
Credits. A ship. Ongoing work. And my crew. Yes, I think those terms are sufficient. As far as my crew is concerned, if I knew where they were, you'd be seeing us all here and now, not just me. Until very recently, I couldn't make any overt gestures of finding them, because I was under the Imperials' thumb, and Juvex Industries, as well. And they held all the cards. If I reached out, my crew was as good as dead. I managed to rid myself of that particular burden recently, so I have only begun to search. But I know my tail will catch up with me, sooner or later. And when they do, I'm in a heap of trouble. And so are my crew. I haven't seen them in two years. Near three. Could be anywhere. But they'd be together. And I can provide the details on who, what, and where. If you can track them down, that's step one. Surrounding myself with perhaps the only fighting force that can shield me from my pursuers is a smart play, and maybe my only play. As for credits... let me think on an amount. But I'm not cheap. And neither is this job.
As far as a ship... Fel smiles
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Post by Chase Hargrave [Retired] on Jun 11, 2017 11:22:30 GMT -8
Hargrave smiled at Fel's strategical brilliance. Never had he met a man that could analyze tactical information so rapidly. Hargrave inclined his head as Fel spoke of the flaw in landing on the planet. He too had noticed it, but refused to say anything.
"You seem to know a great deal about Taris. Perhaps you have a suggestion? I certainly don't shy away from a different strategical standpoint. Wouldn't have made it this far in my career if I did. Feel free to add your thoughts to the matter. After all, you will be the one risking an awful lot."
Rising from his seat, Hargrave continued to listen to Fel as he turned to look out the viewport behind his desk. It wasn't out of ignorance, but habit. Once he was deep in thought, gazing out upon the stars was a comfort. As Fel finished speaking, Hargrave spoke up.
"If you seek asylum from the Imperials, you've certainly come to the right place. Having been both a Republic Officer as well as an Imperial, I do know the ins and outs of their command structures farily well. A bit of short-sightedness on their part. When one tries to recreate what once was, they often stick with the formula that works. Which makes them predictable. No. I do not fear the Imperials. If asylum is what you seek, you shall have it among my fleet. We look after our own here. Allies included. As for your price, I am not concerned about the cost. Good help isn't free. As for your ship..."
Hargrave turns around and notices Fel's smile.
"Name it, and I'll find it."
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Galdaart Fel
Retired High Councilor
...not hiding anymore
Posts: 1,565
Affiliation: The Unfair Advantage
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Galdaart Fel on Jun 13, 2017 5:56:10 GMT -8
You aren't going to like it...
Fel noted the look on Hargrave's face which clearly said 'try me.' He took a deep breath before launching into what could be a long explanation. He didn't need to think too long about this. The idea was just there, simmering under the surface. It seemed to him the most obvious solution. But to hatch a scheme like this, you needed to be, well, Galdaart Fel. As he spoke, he used the holo-map to outline locations, moving the map aside to bring up datacharts on vessels as the thoughts occurred to him.
You want an occupation force. A sizeable unit on the ground. I don't know of a freighter that can transport that many. Sure -- a bulk heavy lifter, but that's no vessel built for war. And try as you might, Admiral, I'm not convinced that repeated drops of 50, 80, 200 at a time will be enough, and will most certainly bring the ire of the Imps. You'd be leading wolves to the slaughter.
The solution, is one big drop. Get me... he cycles through several vessels, discarding several for one reason or another, before finally pulling up the datachart on the Acclamator-Class assault ship This. Skeleton crew to man it, a bridge crew with previous snubbie experience, preferably, strip it down, turn it into a flying jerry-can. deep in thought again Now... a ship like that isn't going to bust through an Imperial blockade. Not on its own, and not without a whole fleet of firepower to distract the enemy. So we pass on the double-yellow. Yeah, I've never done it with a ship that big... and the likelihood is it'd be a one-way trip for the Acclamator... but you'd be able to land a regiment in one trip.
Questions, Admiral?
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Post by Chase Hargrave [Retired] on Jun 13, 2017 12:02:00 GMT -8
Still standing at the viewport behind his desk, facing Fel, Hargrave raised an eyebrow at the mention of 'not going to like it'. Listening intently and observing holo-map as he spoke, Hargrave chuckled as he finished. He pulled out his chair and seated himself at his desk once more, steeping his hands together thoughtfully.
"Bold. Reckless but bold. I can work with that. However, I have a few minor details I'd like to point out first."
Bringing his left hand up to the swiped at the holo-map bringing up the image of a different ship.
"While an Acclamator is an excellent choice for such a bold move, it is quite obvious. And I do not have the troops to fully utilize a vessel of that size. Might I suggest something smaller. Such as this..."
The Admiral trailed off at an image of a CR70 Corvette appeared.
"Smaller, more maneuverable and still capable of holding a battalion of soldiers. It can also be run on a skeleton crew of 18. Which will cut back out losses in the event that this goes sideways."
Hargrave swiped to the map of Taris again and zoomed in on a specific location.
"Here. A perfect LZ for the corvette to break through to the Undercity. A massive souvenir from the conflict during the days of the Old Republic. Leads straight down into the Undercity. With the First Order occupying the Upper City, our best bet is to gather support there. If I position my fleet properly and micro-jump in some support ships to clear a path, we'll get you to the surface. Can you make this work?"
Hargrave looked at Fel, knowing that a lot was riding on the spacer's shoulders. And there was the risk of this ending very badly as well. But, obviously Fel knew the risks, so Hargrave didn't bother reiterating them.
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Galdaart Fel
Retired High Councilor
...not hiding anymore
Posts: 1,565
Affiliation: The Unfair Advantage
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Galdaart Fel on Jun 13, 2017 12:39:45 GMT -8
The Acclamator was only obvious if you intended to use it as one should use an Acclamator. Fel was ballsy and tactless enough to point this out to the Admiral, but to what end?
Smaller and more maneuverable only mattered if you wanted to take fewer troops (it seemed he did) and needed to make a lot of evasive maneuvers (Fel hoped not.) Again though -- what would be the point of telling the Admiral this?
Location looks good, Admiral. As for a jump in-system of your fleet, or portions of your fleet... I still think that's too risky, for your fleet, not me, mind you. The idea is -- regardless of which ship we're taking planet-side, the blockade is only as good as the space they're patrolling. I just need a single snubbie, with a damn good pilot. Fast. Armed. And equipped with a full sensor pod. That craft jumps in-system, gets the data I need, and jumps back out. No engagement. Once that intel is relayed, I jump in. No need for direct support. Now -- if you wanted to jump in afterward to confuse and distract, fair enough. But once I jump in-system, we're on, and there's no turning back.
How, you ask? Don't worry, Admiral. I can see the question burning a hole in your data pad. The snub fighter relays to me the distance from the planet's surface the FO fleet is orbiting. My guess would be 20-25,000 km. And they're watching for incoming ships. So I jump in-system between the FO fleet and the planet. Guess you've never heard of 'passing on the double yellow.' It's an old smuggler trick. Easier with a light freighter, mind you, but not impossible with a big ship, either. It'll catch them off guard. Sure, we'll take some fire, potentially even crippling. But we'll get planet-side. I guarantee that.
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Post by Chase Hargrave [Retired] on Jun 13, 2017 12:50:20 GMT -8
Hargrave nodded in agreement. There was a whole lotta risk to this crazy plan. But crazy, out of the box thinking what exactly what the Alliance needed right now. Swiping the image of Taris away and bringing up the image of another world, Hargrave spoke.
"I must say, I admire the confidence you have in your abilities, Mr. Fel. It is rather refreshing to see that. Anyways, on with the task at hand. Raxus Prime is where we will find the ship we are looking for. The most recent Alliance reports came back, giving me an update on what is available there. Turns out a group of scavengers just had her hauled in. And in considerable shape too. Which is what we need. I will call ahead and have them begin stripping it down to the bare bones. Only the essentials. As for the fighter, I can have that outfitted in a matter of hours. Finding the crew required will be a bit tougher. But I am confident in my men, so there should be no shortage of volunteers."
Hargrave eyed up the map of Raxus Prime for a few moments, then looked to Fel again.
"Do you have anything to add to this?"
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Galdaart Fel
Retired High Councilor
...not hiding anymore
Posts: 1,565
Affiliation: The Unfair Advantage
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Galdaart Fel on Jun 13, 2017 15:39:49 GMT -8
Fel raised an eyebrow at the man, partly in jest.
For your sake, Admiral, I'd better have confidence in my abilities! growing more serious Otherwise sir -- about the mission at hand, no, nothing to add. It's more of a plan than I usually roll with, and that's saying something.
Fel's posture changes, knowing this is signed, sealed and delivered. He eyes the Brandy, sitting over on the Hargrave's desk.
Sir, you were in the Imperial Navy, yes? I think I heard you mention that before. Ever heard of the 181st?
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Post by Chase Hargrave [Retired] on Jun 13, 2017 15:54:49 GMT -8
Hargrave chuckled at Fel's jest. Noticing Fel eyeing up the Corellian Brandy sitting on the bar at the wall. Walking over to the bar, he retrieved the bottle and set it down on the desk. He slid it over to Fel, indicating for him to help himself. Hargrave then settled into his seat again. As Fel posed his question, he smiled.
"Son, I've spent my entire life in the navy. Started in the Republic and carried on from there. Just over six decades of service."
Recalling his time in the Imperial Navy, he remembered the 181st Imperial Fighter Wing. An elite TIE unit at the time. Though Colonel..Derricote was it? Evir Derricote, that was the one. He had been a horrible commander. Laxing in the discipline part and sporting low morale, it fell upon Derricote, which earned them the abysmal reputation they had. Hargrave nodded.
"Yes, I've heard of the 181st. Actually had a squadron of fighters on one of my ships during my fourth tour of the Outer Rims. Fun bunch. Well trained. Though their reputation was tarnished by Colonel Evir Derricote. Soontir Fel was a much better commander. Helluva pazzak player too."
Hargrave chuckled to himself again and poured himself another drink. After taking a sip, he looked to Fel again.
"Why do you ask?"
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Galdaart Fel
Retired High Councilor
...not hiding anymore
Posts: 1,565
Affiliation: The Unfair Advantage
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Galdaart Fel on Jun 13, 2017 16:08:06 GMT -8
Galdaart nodded, remembering their CO all-too well. And the bureaucracy that almost had them killed. He winced at the mention of the outer rim, and Derricote, all of it bringing back painful memories and another life.
You're right, Admiral. He was good. But I can recall beating him three times, with nine down. Left to an open hand, Soontir always had the goods. Dantooine, Orders from Daala. Ring any bells?
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Post by Chase Hargrave [Retired] on Jun 13, 2017 16:22:47 GMT -8
Hargrave listened, nodding slightly. As soon as Dantooine and orders from Daala, he paused mid reach for his glass. Hargrave looked at Fel for a moment, putting the pieces together. With a bit of a snort, he spoke.
"Natasi Daala. Now there is a name I haven't heard in a long time. Ruthless and unforgiving. And dare I say, a bit coniving. Certainly not my most favorite person of all time. But, if you mention her, the you must be...-"
And then it clicked. The man sitting before him was none other than Commander Galdaart Fel of the 181st. Formerly of the 'Bug-Stompers'. Hargrave smirked to himself.
"Commander Fel. Well son of a kowakian monkey lizard. Word of your skills traveled fast. Even by Imperial standards. Damn injustice what they did to you though. Goddamn bureaucrats..."
Hargrave trailed off for a few moments, lost in thought.
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Galdaart Fel
Retired High Councilor
...not hiding anymore
Posts: 1,565
Affiliation: The Unfair Advantage
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Galdaart Fel on Jun 13, 2017 16:49:24 GMT -8
Shit. He knew. This old buzzard knew. Close on to twenty years he'd been living a waking nightmare, with the knowledge that he'd killed... all those... people... And this old piece of boot leather was chalking it up like water under the bridge?! There was a telltale twitch at the corner of Fel's bio-system eye, and his fists balled up for a moment, but then relaxed. It was, no doubt, one of only several hundred botched plans and missions he'd been privy to in his time in uniform. Fel smiled meekly, turning back to the viewport.
Yeah. Real bitch of a life... I found her, you know? The 'Kuat's Pride.' Rotting away in an Ord Mantell scrap heap. I outlived it. 'bout the only one of my squadron who can claim that. We weren't meant to survive, you know? TIE pilots... we were meant to die in the line of duty. Like swarms of mosquitoes. Most get swatted.
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