After a hard day's work [OPEN]

[Frannykins87]

Alisha wiped the sweat from her brow as she finishes the repairs on the left wing of the VZ-22 ship she was assigned that morning. She carefully checks the wing, with a slight smile on her face. She really likes this ship. It was relatively easy to fix, and requires no specialised parts. One of the reasons, she thinks, the rebellion was using it. She takes a step back and scans the whole ship. There were still minor repairs to be done to the back end, but before Alisha could even think about that, her superior,a tall, middle aged man with dark and messy hair.appeared from behind the ship. He seemed pleased with Alisha's effort, judging from the lack of frown on his face, although it was hard to tell sometimes. She never saw him smiling since the several months she has been on the Rebel Dawn.

"Good job, Alisha. No need to do anything more right now. If it is not vital, we've been instructed to save materials for more urgent repairs."

Alisha nodded in reponse. She supposed that made sense, given the state of the rebellion.

"Right. I got stuff to do but you are free to take a few hours off. You earned it."

"Thank you, Sir"

And with a small pat on her shoulders he was off into the hangars, stopping every now and again to check other mechanics.

Alisha took off the utlity belt she was wearing as part of her job and dropped it near the ship.

She started walking towards the exit of the hangar, onto the series of rather narrow passages that leads to the breakroom for all the crew and visitors of the Dawn to relax. She was snaking left and right, avoiding people coming to and from, mechanics, engineers and officers. As she reached the break room, she walks to a table on the far right corner of the room. Not a lot of people here, a few engineers on the opposite side of the entrance, that's about it. She nods and smiles to them to greet them as she takes her
seat. She relaxes her posture and stretches a bit. She needed the break. She has been working on fixing things for most of the day.

Her back towards the wall of the room, which is pretty small and tight, like the rest of the ship, she takes out her data pad and puts it on the small square table in front of her. The data pad contains her time table and a to do list. Every now and again she glances toward the room's entrance, checking if anyone else would come in.

 

[Flying Dutchman]

" Operative Xzig Barogus reporting in. Requesting permission to dock."

As her personal VZ-22 got closer to the Rebel Dawn, she took a closer watch to admire the grand stature of the Rebel Flagship. She had a long day behind her, attending several meetings both at Terminus and on Ord Pardron. She was given some off time on the Dawn, before she would continue with any other missions that might be in stall for her.

" Copy that Operative, you have been cleared to the aft hangar." Answered the flight control officer. "Roger that, control. Steering there now." And her ship went to the aft hangar, which was pretty busy at the moment with repairmen and mechanics. Xzig was exhausted. If it were not for the litres of Caf she had drunk before, she would have already passed out. Not that she didn't want to sleep, quite the contrary. But she had to stay focused at the moment.

As she docked her ship, she got out of her cockpit, and R7B1 beeped to his mistress." You stay here, R7. Look for any repairs needed and ask some people around to help you, okay?" Answered Xzig. The droid bleeped acknowledging, and got out of the astromech seat. She asked some mechanics to look to her ship for repairs, and after that walked to the break-room. She could use a little rest, that was certain. As she marched trough the small corridors of the ship, still trying to settle in that, several mechanics, engineers and officers walked out. Apparently their break time was over, that was sure. She only loped that her break time would last longer than five minutes, like her last break had been.

As she stepped into the break-room, she noticed that there were only a few people around. Most of the crew was still at work, of course. She noticed another woman, sitting on the far right corner of the room, looking on a data pad. She liked that there were other women inside the Rebellion, and it was a long time since she had any conversation with another of her gender. She stepped closer towards the girl, and noticed that she was rather young, not even at the age of twenty.

" Mind if I join you?" She asked the girl.

 

[Frannykins87]

Alisha was still looking at the datapad when she heard a woman's voice.

"Mind if I join you?"

Alisha looked up with a hint of surprise on her face, and saw a dark hair woman standing in front of her. Alisha beamed and her eyes lit up a little bit. Finally some company! And another woman to boot! She put her datapad down on her side, and indicated the seat in front of her.

"Oh absolutely not! Please, take a seat!" She replied warmly, though her excitement was making her voice a little shriller that it normally would have been.

"Ehm excuse me.." She said apologetically as she lowered her voice to a normal tone again. "Are you new around here? I've only been here a few months, and honestly, I don't see many women around!"

As she waited for her new company to take a seat, Alisha crossed her arms on the table, leaning slightly forward.

 

[Flying Dutchman]

As Xzig said down, she looked closer to the girl. A young lass, that's for sure, she thought.

"Are you new around here? I've only been here a few months, and honestly, I don't see many women around!"

The girl asked. Xzig chuckled. Why would people always say that she was a rookie. She shook. " No. Quite the contrary. I've been around since the Battle of Manaan. I wasn't in that battle myself, but it was my motivation to join. Usually, I'm not here. I'm adventuring everywhere in the galaxy. Gathering information, capturing crooks, and recruiting people. That's why you don't see me often." She said, and smiled to the girl. " It's good to see another woman around. Good to have you." Then she thought of something. Stupid of me, she thought. " Ooh, I apologise. The name's Xzig. Xzig Barogus. I'm an Operative, ex-ARES." And she reached out her hand. " And what's your name?"

 

[Frannykins87]

Alisha smiled pleasantly at her new acquaintance as she shook her hand.

"Alisha Dawnstrider. It is very nice to meet you! And your life sounds very exciting!" She grinned for a second, then her expression turned thoughtful.

"Ye I only read about the battle of Manaan recently. I grew up in Tatooine and was recruited there. Didn't really get to hear much news from the outside from there... But I didn't need to read anything really to know the Empire is bad news...I did occassionally see some and...well their intent was always obvious by the way they treated other species..."

Her face turned quite serious, almost angry, for a moment, then she shook her head.

"Sorry, you probably don't want to discuss the Empire..everyone here as enough reason to hate them.."

 

[Flying Dutchman]

"Sorry, you probably don't want to discuss the Empire..everyone here as enough reason to hate them.."

Xzig chuckled when she heard the sentence. So many people who were all hateful to the Empire. But she had one remark to make. " The Empire might not be our greatest enemy. After all, the Knights are with us. Our main problem is the Sith. They conquered my home-planet Corellia." When she thought of those events, of which she had only heard of but not seen, did make her a bit sad. Then she remembered that Alisha said she was from Tatooine.

" Tatooine? I fled to there after the Sith took over Bastion. That must have been before you were born. My father had died before that. My mom died on the planet, to Wombat Fever. That was when I was 19 years old. You must have been only like four or five years old.

After that, I joined the Intelligence of the Alliance. I went around the galaxy. I went to Nar Shaddaa, the Smuggler's Moon. I was shot there, and recuperated on Saleucami. Then that planet was taken by the Hutts. I returned to Tatooine, possibly when you were like nine or ten years.

I got to Geonosis, but after two bounty hunters discovered me, I had flee back to Tatooine. Then I was sent to the exchange. I stayed there for nearly six years. That was when my home-planet was conquered. I was full of anger to fight the Sith, and that is the reason why I am here today.

I flew to Ord Pardron, contacted them, and got into ARES. Well, not much of that corps remains, but I can still say I'm an operative. I'm more like an instructor now, training newly recruits like you. Mostly for espionage and undercover ops, 'cause that's what I was trained for."
When she said the last words, she was sad again. She thought of Cxar, and his death so many years ago. It looked like a lifetime away." Well now that that's out of the way, why don't you tell me your story?" And she stared to the girl in front of her, and smiled gently. Off course she hasn't been through as much as me, she thought to herself.

 

[Frannykins87]

Alisha nodded in understanding at the mention of the Sith.

"They conquered my home-planet Corellia."

Alisha saw a flash of sadness in Xzig's eyes, and looked on with sympathy, which she was about to express, but let her new friend continue on. Alisha's eyes grew a bit wider as Xzig explained her story.

"Oh.." Her expression grew sympathetic again "Sorry about your parents. That must have been tough. My mum died when I was about 5 I think, but she had a brain tumour. My dad is a mechanic in Tattoine stilll, though I haven't had a chance of contacting him since joining the rebellion..."

Now Alisha's expression became nostalgic herself..She often thought of her father alone on Tattoine, and always hoped he was fine. But her focus turned back onto the woman in front of her and she went on.

"Ye not much to tell about me really..I always lived on Tatooine. Mum was a water farmer but dad sold the farm when she died. He's been working as a mechanic ever since, repairing and fixing things for people for money. He taught me all he knows. I'd like to think I'm pretty decent at what I do thanks to him"

Alisha smiled, showing a hint of quiet confidence. She didn't tell her the whole story of course, not so much out of mistrust, but for not really wanting to change the mood. The thought of her missing friend still tugged at her heart after all, and she was trying to keep the conversation relatively light.

 

[Flying Dutchman]

As Alisha explained her story, Xzig noticed that the girl had a sense of unease. Something she's not telling me, Xzig thought. But it was no point for her asking. If Alisha didn't want to tell her full story, that was fine. After all, Xzig didn't tell everything herself.

Than she had a bold idea. She did not know if it was her head or her feeling that told her what to do, but it was certain that she was confident. As Alisha finished her story, she exclaimed:

" I'm am planning on a little strike team. Only women. Would you be interested in joining in as the first member? You know, girls as smart and beautiful as you should stick together, right?!"

She hoped she had not overwhelmed with her questions. After all, that was not at all Xzig's intention.

 

[Frannykins87]

Alisha blushed slightly at Xzig's compliment and giggled a little.

"Well don't know about that...."But after a quick second to think about Xzig's idea, Alisha's posture straighten a bit and her eyes widened a little bit, out of excitement.

"But that is a GREAT idea!" Her tone was obviously quite excited at the thought!

"Though..." Then she slouched slightly again and became a little thoughtful. She didn't want to get ahead of herself just yet...After all, she didn't know what good she could do in a strike team.

"I don't know how to fight..I could fix pretty much almost anything though. I guess I could get trained as well.. maybe?Or I could just be the one that fixes things. You do need one of them in every team!"

Alisha chuckled and looked expectantly at Xzig, waiting to hear what she thought. The idea of being in a small team really excited her, she never really had a group of friends with which to share..well anything really.

 

[Flying Dutchman]

Xzig giggled when Alisha exclaimed she was not combat trained. The idea of a mechanic in her group would truly be a great advantage, given the fact that they would lead some heavy charges against the Sith. Eventually, equipment was of course bound to break.

You do need one of them in every team!" Said Alisha. " Indeed. That is a must. I would be glad to have. Of course that doesn't mean you won't will be trained, but at the beginning it's best to keep on the background. I could give you the basic principles when the time is ready." Answered Xzig. She had of course no doubt that the girl was capable of fighting, but it was clear that she was not combat ready yet.

Now it was another problem to get other women in their small corps. But with Alisha, she would get one step further. Xzig smiled and waited for the girl's answer.

 

[Frannykins87]

Alisha listened carefully to Xzig's words.

"Oh that sounds good to me!" she replied excitedly after Xzig was finished, and stretched a hand to her again as a sign of acceptance, a big smile on her face.

"You got yourself a mechanic, ma'am!"

She giggled. This was so exciting for Alisha. Not that she didn't enjoy working where she was, but it was a bit like working anonymously.

"Not that I want to be famous or anything" she thinks to herself "But it would be nice working in a small team where it would feel like what you do really makes a difference. And having friends! Yay!".She couldn't help herself and let out another small giggle.

 

[Flying Dutchman]

" Well, that is settled then. Welcome to, err...Tatoo Squad!" Said Xzig. Now that she thought of it, she didn't made up a name. But when she had seen that Alisha and herself used to live on Tatooine, she decided to name the team after the system, to pay hommage to their heritage.

" Now we need to look for other girls to join. Perhaps a Jedi might be willing to join us?" implicating that they would go out and search for one. But first, we need ourselfs a ship."

 

[Flying Dutchman]

" Well, that is settled then. Welcome to, err...Tatoo Squad!" Said Xzig. Now that she thought of it, she didn't made up a name. But when she had seen that Alisha and herself used to live on Tatooine, she decided to name the team after the system, to pay hommage to their heritage.

" Now we need to look for other girls to join. Perhaps a Jedi might be willing to join us?" implicating that they would go out and search for one. " But first, we need ourselfs a ship."

 

[Frannykins87]

"Tattoo squad? I like it!" Alisha says, giggling a little bit. She then looks excitedly at Xzig.

"A jedi! I have never met one...I have heard stories, though..not many people seem to like them anymore. Not quite sure why.."

She shrugs her shoulders, before narrowing her eyes and frowning slightly, in a thoughtful expression, putting her right fist on her chin and supporting her head.

"Yes obviously a ship...Not sure how we could get one..I mean I see lots of ships in the hangar, and most belong to the rebellion fleet. There's a few privately owned vehicles, or what i assume are privately owned, since the rebellion only has a limited number of types at the moment...maybe..we could ask Captain Ivellok to see if they can find any ship we can scavage? Then I can fix it up or something.."

She points her gaze nowhere and everywhere, seemingly lost in thought.

 

[Flying Dutchman]

Xzig saw that Alisha was lost in thought. Se knew that the girl would be a valuable asset to her team.

"That is a great plan indeed. There should be enough non-used spaceships around here. So, to Captain Ivellok it is!" Xzig exclaimed.

It was clear that they would have to search for a ship first before they would go out on a 'galaxy-wide' recruiting mission. They needed a Jedi, support soldier, a doctor, a sniper and a grenadier. A spy and an engineer were already recruited. A total of seven men, or rather, women. An intimidating sight, for sure.

And she stood up from the table. But as she realised she did not know where the tall Vor captain was, she looked around for someone to ask where he was.

" At least, if we can find him. You know where he is?"

 

[Frannykins87]

"Hmm. No I do not.." Alisha admitted in reply to Xzig's question.

"Not even sure he would be on the ship. I suspect he is often away for missions and such. Maybe we can try get him a message..though not sure if that would be a dangerous thing to do? Or just leave a message to someone here until he comes back if he isn't on the ship..But I don't know anyone a part from Ivellok that is that high in the ranking..We should probably ask around.."

Alisha began to look thoughtful again. She was trying to figure out who to ask. Maybe her superior? He seemed like an ok guy though not sure he'd like the idea of Alisha going off somewhere while there was work to be done here.. Though she knew for a fact that there were quite a lot of mechanics here. If anything, they'd needed more engineers to design new things..

"Maybe I can start by asking my superiors when I get back to work later. Don't know if anyone would be allowed to tell us where he is either though..."

 

[Flying Dutchman]

As Xzig thought of what Alisha had said, she remembered something. It was their only chance , but if it would succeed, they had both a fast and powerful ship.

" I remember that somewhere at Terminus base, there was an old ship. I believe it was an YT-2400, but it was in dire need of repairs. If we could refit that ship, I'm sure it will be useful. Can you do that?"

She was not sure if Alisha could pull it of, but at least they would have a ship. They would rechristen it when it was done. Then they would search for others.