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Jack Denis Valin
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Joined: 08 Aug 2009 Posts: 89 Location: Somewhere in space
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Posted: Tue, August 11th 2009 08:01am Post subject: Space - A small system between Zhar and Lok |
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***
Aboard the MC80 Mon Calamari Cruiser Izanagi, 12:48 Standard Galactic Time
***
Jack slammed his fist on the desk of his superior. He glared at the fair haired man sitting in the chair opposite him, his eye's burning with rage. Despite this threatening stance the occupant of the chair, General Alejandro Solvan, seemed completely unphased. He merely met Jack's gaze refusing to give any ground.
"Yes, Commander?"
"General, what the hell happened to our intel?! We were told this would be a clean sweep! We were told a single modified Corvette with a squadron of fighters AT BEST. We jump in to find THREE Corvette escorts and TWO squadrons of fighters! We went in alone and without support because we were told to expect MINIMAL RESISTANCE! I lost two good people out there General, TWO! Forgive me, but when I lose people from my unit I want to be damn sure it was for a good reason, and not some stupid intelligence cock-up!"
"Commander, please control yourself. I will be speaking to the admiral shortly, and I assure you this will at the top of my report. Also I am sorry for your loss, but you cannot come barging in here and start yelling at a superior officer! Now, either calm down or I will be forced to throw you in the brig for a few hours to cool off."
Jack continued to glare at the commander for a few moments, grinding his teeth. But as always, the General was right. It wasn't his fault the intelligence was flawed. When planning the mission he had probably been given exactly the same information as Jack and couldn't have foreseen this.
Jack collapsed into the chair behind him, letting the anger fade.
"I'm sorry, General. I just get very worked up when I lose people. Especially in circumstances like this."
"I know. And I'm sorry nothing else could be done. Intel have been dropping the ball in this region for awhile now. But as soon as we find the dealer's base of operations we can end this once and for all. How much damage did you manage to do in the end?"
"We hit all twelve of the transports. Considering how much each transport would have carried we've probably stopped the drug trade around for about a month. They probably weren't expecting anyone to send such heavily armed fighters. We also downed about nine fighters and crippled one of the Corvettes. Though we've taken considerable damage, lost two ships, another is probably beyond repair. I'll put full details in my report. How are we on spare parts?"
"Unfortunately we didn't foresee such damage. It might take a while for the parts to become avaliable. I'll do what I can, but for the moment I'll put you on the back bench. Take the time you need to heal your wounds and get moral back up. And... perhaps you should begin thinking about replacement pilots."
Jack nodded. It was a grim business, but one that needed to be done every time the unit suffered a loss. First came the funeral, then the replacements, then trying to get the unit back to fighting form with 2 new pilots.
Jack stood up and gave the General a brief salute.
"Permission to be excused sir?"
"I don't remember giving you permission to enter, Commander. Leave whenever you wish..."
Jack spun on his heels and quickly marched out of the office. General Solvan shook his head and sighed. Any sane superior officer would have thrown the book at him. Unfortunately General Solvan's tolerance was legendary. And to be fair, Havoc Squadron was the best unit on the Izanagi. _________________
Jack Denis - NR Pilot
"The fight for freedom may be over, but the fight to defend it continues. We are the front line of that defense." |
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Jack Denis Valin
![](images/avatars/15458358904a7d71af40970.jpg)
Joined: 08 Aug 2009 Posts: 89 Location: Somewhere in space
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Posted: Tue, August 11th 2009 04:23pm Post subject: |
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Jack entered the ‘tavern’ as it was known by the pilots and headed towards where the rest of the squadron were relaxing. The murmur of conversation could be heard, but his pilots were clearly not as energetic as usual. The loss of 2 of their number had brought a sombre tone to what would normally have been a fairly loud and alcohol fuelled affair. Kael had his arm around Tarash, holding her protectively as he conversed with Michael. Beka was crying into her hands with Kyra desperately trying to console her whilst Shandria was clearly trying to get so blinding drunk she wouldn’t remember anything.
As Jack approached Cypher, Zarl, Liana and Michael stood to attention and saluted but Jack waved them away with his hand.
“Save the formality for flying and official business. At ease.”
Nodding, the pilots sat back down. Jack took a seat at the end of the table, giving Kael a quick nod. Kael was Jack’s wingman, Havoc 2, and the unit’s executive officer. A tall green skinned Twi’lek, Kael was normally rather loud and excitable but now his face was as grim as all the others. The 2 had become good friends over the years, being the only 2 members of Havoc squadron still around since Jack took command. Some had died, others had been resigned and a lucky few had been promoted to their own squadrons. Kael and Jack were as close as brothers though, and throughout the turbulence they had kept Havoc Squadron strong. Recently Kael had developed a relationship with Tarash, the blue skinned Nautolian in Havoc 3. For an entire year he bombarded her with love notes, terrible poetry and feeble gestures of affection until she finally gave in. They made a good couple and Jack wouldn’t have been surprised if they became engaged soon.
Of course, at the moment there were other matters to be dealt with. Jack cleared his throat to get attention and rested his hands on the table. He glanced round at the squadron members and began the far from pleasant conversation.
“I realise this is a dark time for our unit, but despite this we need to prepare to move forward. Unfortunately we do not have the bodies of our comrades, but I will organise a ceremony to take place within the next few days. If the wingmen of the fallen would like to say a few words on behalf of their partner they are welcome to do so...”
With this Beka burst into tears again, and Shandria gave a slight nod despite probably being unable to completely comprehend the situation.
“We are officially on standby for the time being. Several of our craft need repairing and replacing so I’ll give everyone a few day’s leave until after the ceremony. Then we’ll being running training exercises and get the unit back up to form. Kael at some point I’ll need to go through the rosters with you about replacement pilots but there is no rush at the moment. If anyone needs me I’ll be in my quarters. Carry on.”
Kael raised his glass slightly in acknowledgement as Jack left his seat. The murmur of conversation slowly returned, Jack made his way towards the exit before a large hand grabbed his shoulder. He turned and as was confront by Captain Hamaski and Commander Vance of Reliant and Destiny squadrons respectively. Hamaski, a red-brown skinned Mon Calamari, commanded the Izanagi’s XJ6 squadron, whilst Vance, a heavily built human, commanded the out dated B-Wing squadron. Commander Vance clapped his large hand down on Jack’s shoulder shaking his head.
“Those morons at intel... I’m sorry for your losses Denis. Absolutely ridiculous.”
“I expect you’ll be holding a ceremony for the deceased?” chimed in Hamaski, taking another gulp of his Corellian brandy.
“Yes, I’ll forward the time on to everyone when I’ve arranged it.”
“We’ll be there of course. It is a sad day when the Izanagi loses some of her children. You did well to avoid further casualties.”
“Yes, well...”
“I expect the commander has places to be,” said Vance, “Besides, it’s your round Hamaski.”
The Mon Calamari grumbled and shuffled off to order the next round of drinks. Vance gave Jack a nod, and Jack was glad for the excuse to leave. Vance was always good at knowing when people needed space, and Jack took the opportunity. He briefly shook Vance’s hand and made his way slowly back to his quarters. _________________
Jack Denis - NR Pilot
"The fight for freedom may be over, but the fight to defend it continues. We are the front line of that defense." |
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Jack Denis Valin
![](images/avatars/15458358904a7d71af40970.jpg)
Joined: 08 Aug 2009 Posts: 89 Location: Somewhere in space
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Posted: Tue, August 11th 2009 06:07pm Post subject: |
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* * *
6 Days later, 2 days after the funeral
* * *
Jack handed a data pad to Kael, picking another up from the shiny table between them.
“What about this one? Gunther Enz. Two years under his belt. Service record seems pretty good. His unit was disbanded after the task force was decimated at Ruusan. Nasty business. A case of the superior officer being carried by his subordinates.”
“Yeah, because we never have that problem here...”
Jack smirked.
“Lieutenant Commander, how would you like to be demoted to Cadet?”
Kael gave a mock salute.
“Shutting the hell up, sir!”
“Now, serious. Go or no go?”
“Well to be honest, this guy deserves his own unit. If we leave him he’ll probably be better off. Unless you’re planning to get yourself killed and let me have a go for a change?”
“You’d like that wouldn’t you CADET.”
“I’ll take that as a no. I do recommend this one though. A fresh recruit but promising scores. Cadet Galatea Kenzee. Not a single black mark, on her entire record. On the other hand she might be a bit dull...”
“Not all of us managed to run around their training academy nude as part of a bet...”
“But I made a hundred credits!”
“And almost got expelled.”
“Well I’m still here.”
“More’s the pity.”
“If I return the insult you’re going to say CADET again, aren’t you?”
“Yup.”
“Damn.”
“And this is why I love being Commander. But yes, definitely makes the short list. Okay. Final decision. I say Cadet Galatea Kenzee and Sub-Lieutenant Ric Sekel. Yes?”
“You’re the boss. But I agree with this one.”
“Then its settled. I’ll submit the request this evening.”
The ship’s intercom buzzed loudly. Slightly mysdified, Jack got up and answered it.
“Commander, there is a briefing being held at oh three hundred hours.”
“Acknowledged.”
Jack took a seat again.
“I wonder what this is all about?”
* * *
General Alejandro Solvan walked around the projector in the centre of the briefing room. Once the room finally fell silent he began the briefing.
“I know this is rather sudden. It came as a surprise to me as well. But as you are all aware the last mission against the drug cartel was met with.. complications. This is of course no fault of the squadron in question, but Command have decided this operation requires a change of tactics. Hence, the Izanagi is being reassigned.”
A murmur arose amongst the crew and pilots. Jack frowned.
“So we won’t have a chance to avenge our fallen.”
“I’m afraid not. I’m sorry, but my authority only goes so far. The Izanagi is being reassigned to Bilbringi system, and to New Republic Taskforce Viscount under Admiral Jahan Stresemann. I am to take command of Corvette unit to maximize mobility. As of this time, the Izanagi is once again under the command of Captain Aletra Korrado. So all I can say now is that is has been a pleasure working with you, and I hope to serve with you again in the future. Dismissed.”
Many of the pilots shuffled out of the briefing room, chattering amongst themselves. Jack however made his way to the project to speak with the General. The General looked up as Jack approached, accepting his outstretched hand.
“General, I’m just sorry I couldn’t have served with you longer. It has been an honour and a privedge.”
“Thank you Commander. Hopefully this will not be the last time we meet. In the future when you are no longer needed in Viscount I’ll request your unit back to my command.”
“I will look forward to it sir.”
“One word of advice, commander. I have never met Admiral Stresemann. I do not know his methods, but I doubt he is as tolerant as I so recommend you keep your temper in check around him, regardless of the situation.”
“Again, I’m sorry about that sir.”
“It is forgotten. A commander who isn’t as passionate about his pilots doesn’t deserve to lead. However it is always wise to remember to respect the hierarchy.”
“Yes sir. Goodbye, and good luck. When you find their base, give them on for us, and two for our fallen.”
“I will do Commander. Until the next time.”
* * *
Several hours later the General was gone, and the Izanagi made its jump towards Bilbringi and its new mission.
The MC80 Izanagi and its crew including Jack Denis have jumped to the Bilbringi System to join up with the Taskforce Viscount _________________
Jack Denis - NR Pilot
"The fight for freedom may be over, but the fight to defend it continues. We are the front line of that defense." |
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