Mika gave the place the once over.  It wasn't all that different, but somehow more cold, sterile then she was used to.  Probably the lack of comradeship she'd come to know among the Talons.  Finding her seat, she was tempted to sit somewhere else, or move the labels around, she didn't take well to being treated like a generic component being plugged into whatever circuit board was convenient to others.  But her time with the Talons had taught her a little bit about when not to pick a fight.

Her slight distaste at Kota was quickly displaced at seeing Mark and Zyra.  They're the reason she'd dabbled with these folks...  And now it was looking like they were all signing on.  Mika liked the Talons and didn't have other prospects waiting.  She was pretty sure she'd make a poor soldier, but she wasn't going to leave the others at s point.

She almost cried when she heard about the 'Shrike.  She 'd put in a lot of time on her and wanted to argue her being scrapped, but that was an argument for another time.  "I guess I'm in.".she says without much enthusiasm.  She might make a decent rebel, but she didn't think she'd make even a mediocre soldier.

Zyra looked at Mika's, taking in her less than enthused tone.  "This is not an endeavour to take on half-heartedly Ms. Trake.  It's a big commitment to make.  I'm sure there are many opportunities for a woman of your skills out there.  I could even help you find such opportunities if you wished it."

Arcas sat quiet throughout the meeting and introductions. The lightsaber hanging on Kota's belt did not escape Arcas' note. The Endeel always had a slight distaste for the mysterious Jedi order. Arcas remembers his uncles' ranting about the Jedi lacking oversight by the people of the galaxy, instead sitting in their monasteries, sucking up tax credits and being employed as 'diplomatic bludgeons' by the Senate whenever a political crisis got to a point. While it was unexpected that this group was led by a Jedi, it did make sense. Arcas decided that should opportunity arise, he would like to talk to the man and try to get a grip on his motives.

After Kota left and the invitation to join the Rebellion arose, Arcas frowned. He had been thinking about his future in the confines of the medical frigate. Jumping in with people he had just a few days ago regarded as problematic dissidents who caused more harm than good felt didn't feel like a good solution for the Galaxy overall.

But... He couldn't return to the Empire. Not after what he'd done. His opportunity to do what his family wanted to do, effect political changes from inside, had passed. For Arcas, his only options were to go into exile to the Outer Rim somewhere... or do whatever he could so that these people would not become that what the Empire claimed them to be.

Arcas rose up. "I'd like to start by stating my gratitude towards this opportunity. However, I have some concerns that I would like to raise before making any final decisions. I make these points not as a former Imperial officer, but as the scion of a line of political analysts, and I hope you can hear them as such.

The Empire paints the Rebels as terrorists and traitors. It uses your growing military threat as an argument for increased surveillance, military spending and harsher judiciary punishment. A destroyed weapons factory might be a blow against the Imperial war machine... But it also might mean the loss of employment for hundreds of Imperial citizens. And those unemployed and frustrated people are easy to recruit into the same war machine you risked lives to destroy."

Arcas straightened up and placed his hands behind his back. "If you wish to prove yourself a force for political change, not just saboteurs and assassins, I can offer my services and knowledge. Intent and method define whether a sharp blade is the instrument of a doctor or a murderer."

Dohr listened quietly to General Kota’s words. He had seen the man once before, but this time they were all around the same table and he got to take a closer look at the jedi. Having grown up in a home of two former jedi consulars, Dohr probably had the best idea of all the Talons about what the members of the now dead organisation of guardians of the galaxy were capable of. (OOC: Sorry couldn’t resist) But never in his life had he seen any man or a woman without the ability to see walk and move with such confidence. From a distance it would’ve been impossible to know the jedi was blind. So deep was he in thought, that Dohr missed most of what Kota had to say.

Then it was the Admiral’s turn. Dohr had been working for and with the Talons for quite a while now, but had actually never met Mark or Zyra before Despayre. Back in Det Akari, when Dohr, Kyvarr and Fiarr had joined the mercenary group, Devon had been put in charge of the operation. Doc had later learned that the Talons had been on Akari to gather supplies, rest and to look for new candidates. Fortunately for Dohr, there had been a need for a medical expert in the Black Talon team. The timing had been perfect. An internal power struggle had broken out on Akari at the same time and the city and maybe the whole planet had become a very inhospitable place to live in.

The Doc had to admire Mark’s fast recovery and willpower. A lesser person, and perhaps a wiser one, would’ve stayed in bed for another week or so. The losing of his leg didn’t seem to have an effect on the Admiral’s resolve, but Dohr knew it had to be an act. No one would be able to take a loss of a limb with a shrug and move on. A flash of empathetic sorrow went through his mind, but the professional in him quickly overcame it. He knew there had been no other options: it had been either the man’s leg or his life. It would probably take the orthotic and prosthetic technicians a while to build a new leg for Mark, but Dohr hoped it wouldn’t be long. With his Rear Admiral rank, Sheppard had probably been moved to the top of the waiting list right away.

The news concerning the Talon ships were not good, but Cor’s fate made Dohr heart drop a few beats. He was happy to hear she had survived, however Mark’s description or the lack of, sounded very bad. The Umbaran had a serious case of agoraphobia that made operating in “normal” circumstances hard for her and being seriously injured would certainly be of no help... Sheila was ok and that lifted Dohr’s spirits a bit. He’d always liked the woman. But hearing about Flash nearly made him chuckle out loud. Being part of a R&D test group would probably be somewhat cool for the young Duros, but Dohr had always thought him as a thrill-seeker or adrenaline junkie, not a crash test dummy. Flash was brilliant pilot, but he could certainly do with a bit more calmness and cool. He was of the type that brought good results quickly or got everyone killed. So far it had been the first. Dohr could only wish Flash didn't get bored too quickly in his new job.

Heigren was the first to jump up after Mark finished. No surprise there. Dohr decided to wait and take his turn once the others were done. When Endeel had gotten a response, Dohr stood up and bowed to Mark and Zyra.

”Rear Admiral, Colonel. I must start by saying I am most honoured to meet you at last.” Of course Dohr had already spoken with Zyra in the camp and at the Skyhook, but this was different. They were no longer behind enemy lines.

”As you have doubtlessly already read from the records, I have been part of this fight, if not this very organisation, for a couple of decades already. I see no end to the imperial oppression unless we all unite our forces to stand up against our common enemy. Naturally we cannot do so in the open, not yet at least. But I see this alliance as a vital step ahead in bringing the Emperor down. Therefore my choice is clear, I will gladly carry on being a Talon even if the name of our group would change. Being invited to join the Alliance is an honor.”

Dohr gave another of his customary bows and continued:

”Ah right. I would also gladly have Devon as my commanding officer in the future too. He has, like you put it Colonel, done a commendable job. In addition to my medical skills and experience and my sword hand, I will offer him my knowledge in military tactics, computer skills and my… comprehension of motives.”

The Doc turned to nod to Devon and then back to Mark.

”Rear Admiral, I am sorry for your loss. If I may be of any assistance, please let me know.” With another bow, Dohr sat back down.

Mark eyeballed Arcas before speaking.  "I'm a soldier Mr Endeel, not a politician.  If you serve on one of my ships you'll obey the orders I give you.  My goals are to support the Alliance in its effort to restore the Republic.  In that I will order you to kill, blow things up and sabotage the Imperial war machine.  I won't ask you to murder civilians, torture prisoners or commit any atrocity. . You can speak to some of the Talons who worked with me to support that."

"If you have a serious concern about an order given, I expect you to question it.  But if you feel your morality will prevent you fighting this war, and make no mistake this is a war, then I suggest you board the next shuttle out.  One thing this Alliance will offer the Empire won't is the moral right to not fight.  I respect your right to it, but I have no place for such people on my ships."

His tone remains neutral the whole time.  He appears neither angry or disappointed, merely matter of fact.  Those who have worked with Mark know this is his 'default briefing mode' as it were.

He turned his attention to Dohr.  "It's Brigadier General now Mr Veen.  I was a Chandrillan Admiral but the Alliance has given me alternate rank.  Seems to be a great deal of confusion at present around ranks.  Still my role is mixed.  I'm serving effectively as a Commodore or Rear Admiral with my small task force of navy ships, but I'm also serving the role of a Starfighter Command General which is the rank they gave me.  Makes sense as I'm more use to being a fighter jock than a navy puke."

"I have a need of skilled medical officers, especially those with combat experience.  If you're staying on board I would need those skills more than any other.  Other than Black Squadron duties of course."

"Nope, you're not going to shuffle me off to some backwater planet while you guys get into who knows what.". Mika seems lather more passionate, "I'd never get a good nights sleep, not knowing what sort of trouble you got herself into that maybe I could help with.  Besides, you know I'm a damn good mechanic, a good cap ship pilot.  Sounds like skills that might be useful to have around."

Mika wasn't all that excited, true but she was less excited to consider leaving the rest.  "So, what sort of rank does a hard working mechanic call for?"

Kira listens to the conversation that the others had.  When Arcas speaks, she rolls her eyes, tempted to scoff at his ideals, but when the brigadier general spoke up, she looked at him with both respect and admiration.  She had never met him in person, but heard of him through the others, and it seemed he lived upto his reputation. Arcas had a good point...that innocent people are often hurt in such conflicts, but she knew from experience that it was not limited to the rebels that caused such. She had seen the empire army burn a village for ythe sheer reason that they suspected they were rebel sympathisers...sure the leader of the army wasn't too smart, and a zealot, but his overwhelming power of his soldiers proved a point.

....that innocents were changed and destroyed, no matter what side they were on.

She decided to speak up at that point. "I have heard stories of you general, and you colonel, from your team mates here. It seems the tales i have heard are very true."

She looked at Arcas with a smile, then to Mark. "I have never been a soldier, though my brother...." She lost her smile and looked down, then snapped out of her thought, continuing. "If you forgive my bluntness, but I'm ill used to formal rank. In saying that, i know the way things are..each person has their place. I'm no soldier, but have skills in tracking. I can fly well enough and have some repair skills and Astro gains skills....learnt them from the man who taught me how to hunt."

She smiled. "Good man for a rogue.  Once served in the military, though when and where, i don't know. He was firm, but fair."

She looked at Zara with a half smile. "On the planet i served under Fiarr, a scout and sniper. Herself and Kyvarr tested my skills as well, but though i have much to learn, i have skills." She realised she was selling herself a little, but wanted to prove that her skills could be of use.

"On the ship i could possibly learn more in repair or navigation. Either way, if devon and fiarr aren't leaving, then I'm defiantly in." She looks at Fiarr with a smile and shrug. "Not rid of me yet Fiarr...I'm determined to learn a few more things from you."

She looks at Mark then.

"If you'll have me.....er, sir" She felt aquard with the last word.

It was something she had to get used to

A nearby M4 messenger droid hovered a little closer, aiming its attention toward Mark and Zyra.  It beeped softly and then a voice, familiar to some in the team, was heard.

"My response has been submitted to your datapads, Brigadier-General, Colonel."  Cor Lambar's voice is as level as ever.  "My tools and skills are at your disposal and my transport awaits nearby."

It was a short statement, concise and to the point, with no query or personal sentiment attached.  Businesslike, one might say.

Aderek was surprised by the presence of the one who obviously bore the visage spoke of with regards to the 'mystical' jedi.  He watched the man with curiosity, for a moment he was mystified, and questioned what he'd been taught as a child.  Still, he relaxed a bit and tried watching from less of a bundle of assumptions.  The thought occurred to him that the man might have some sort of cybernetic sensor suite, which might give him an awareness of what is around him.  Although such raw information and ability to process it so naturally would be surprising, it seemed the most plausible explanation.  Noting that combining it with the legends of the Jedi would certainly give him a quite effective aura of command.  All said however, there was definitely an aura of leadership that was undeniable around the man.  One that even Aderek could sense without any doubt, the man had a significant presence.

He listens to the others responses, especially Arcas' words.  He seems surprised by the mans words, and if anyone looked at Aderek during them, and after would have likely seen a contemplative expression on his face, although more than likely everyone's attentions were likely focused on the command staff and the former imperial.

Aderek takes a step forward and speaks up.  "I'd tried staying out of politics to be honest, and am hardly a loyalist to the old republic, but given recent events, I'm all for the Empire being past tense.  As for my role; my primary skills which I've been utilizing over the last decade have focused in medical care and fixing equipment, especially cybernetics, transport systems, and a few more years back all various life support systems.  I'll admit however, other than basic operation, I've had very little focus on the far more detailed computer arts.  I've lived most my life in space, born a belter, as part of that I am a reasonable transport pilot, though I don't claim to be exceptional. I can run mining equipment if needed, and working in space for long periods of time is second nature to me.  I will however have to admit, I've had no military training.  Many mining operations I've been associated with in the past have had a flavor not too unlike what was probably your old structure.  Military organization and procedures, however, will certainly be new for me, I was never a soldier.  Ohh, and I'm probably a better shot with a turbo-laser turret than a sidearm.  Just saying."  The implication hidden in his voice on the last statement, seems to imply he isn't claiming to be an expert at shooting a turbo-laser turret, but that his skill with a sidearm is negligible.  [correct me if I'm wrong, but being able to shoot a ship turret is based of Startship Operation feat, vs any other form of weapon proficiency.]

Finishing up, he adds, "However, if you are short on medical staff, I can certainly help there.  Though my training is not as formal as many doctors, some of my expertise might specifically applicable for the Brigadier General, depending on his personal choices coming up.  But, I believe some of my other skills, could be found useful in the field."

Arcas listened to Sheppard's retort. The man seemed sincere and Arcas harbored no illusions that he would abuse his rank. The people in the Imperial military who committed atrocities had were quite noticeable, at least from Arcas' perspective.

So at least this particular group seemed to value moral dignity. It would be this Kota and other high-ranking leaders whose decisions Arcas would follow with interest.

For now, his concerns were addressed. "I do not disagree with the view that force is necessary to address the Imperial regime's immoral acts. Towards those goals I can grant my assistance", he said, standing in attention.

"I am an Imperial Academy graduate and a TIE fighter flight leader, so I have experience in starfighter tactics and command. I have also spent considerable time in learning intergalactic politics and etiquette. Therefore I feel confident in volunteering for the command of Black Squadron. Sir", the last word spoken with a curt salute.

Listening to the others speak highlighted the vast differences between Arcas and the rest. Doctors, fringe pilots, trackers... Arcas wondered how many of them had ties to anywhere. Aderek, Kira and Mika all seemed like people who have never set down. Dohr had left his homeworld, probably not voluntarily. They don't have a home they go back to. Arcas was privileged enough to be afforded a choice to fight this fight. For these, the choice was made for them.

Seeing Kira's smile brought relief to Arcas' mind. Earning trust would definitely be an uphill battle, so every little victory counted.

The M4 droid watched Arcas with - well, not overt interest exactly, being a small boxy droid with no face (let alone facial expression), but certainly it paid attention to him as he declared (some of) his past.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:02, Fri 01 Dec 2017.

Mark listens for a while to the conversation then calls a silence.

"You clearly have a lot to discuss as a team.  When you're done, the Ghtroc transport is in hangar bay three.  The guard outside can take you there.  If you wish to join my force then submit your application to the Colonel and be aboard my flagship at eighteen hundred ship time.  By then I would expect you have worked out the hierarchy for Black Squadron as well as recommendations of where you might supplement my crew in down time."

"Anyone who wishes to leave the fleet, there is a shuttle leaving in four hours which can take you to a neutral spaceport.  The deck officer can help you with that."

His chair spins and he leaves the room, the medical close behind.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:20, Fri 01 Dec 2017.

Zyra stands to attention as the general leaves then smiles at the team.

"He really hopes you'll all stay with us.  I do too."

"He's arranged for food and drink to be delivered for you.  Kota may frown on food in briefings but Mark was never like that.  You have this room for the next few hours.  As he mentioned the Ghtroc is waiting for you when you're ready.  Co-ordinates to the Indefatigable are already in the nav computer.  Let me know who is coming and who isn't so I can prepare quarters."

She turns and follows the General out.

Kyvarr comes to her attention and salutes as the two senior officers leave.  Once they're gone she looks to the others.

"Finally!  Now we can take the war to the Empire!  Sounds like we'll have access to proper military hardware and be part of a respectable fighting force."

Dohr smiled at Kyvarr's excited outburst and gave her an exaggerated, even theatrical bow.

"I do have to admit that I share your sentiments, my dear Cathar friend. For the last twenty years or roughly so, trying to fight the Empire has felt desperate at best. I doubt that we are a force that can take the imperials head on just yet, but strikes like the one we helped execute could be enough to start eating away the earth beneath the enemy's feet until one day we can make him fall down hard. The good thing about being small and insignificant is that we can remain undetected and can also if need be, disappear quickly."

The Doc took a look around only to remember that there were no refreshments available... yet.

"But the Rear Admiral gave us a task, so let us get to it. From what everyone in here said just a moment ago, I believe we are all going to head to the Ghtroc, are we not?"

"I would propose Devon as the leader of the Black Squadron. He has the longest history with our leaders and has been placed in charge by them before. In my opinion our own ship-jacker..." Dohr looked at Devon "Your words, not mine... has done an excellent job leading our haphazard team so far and I have every reason to believe he will carry on doing so in the future as well."

"I am already aboard my own vessel," Cor said via her droid, swinging it around to look in Dohr's direction, "but I shall be there remotely.  I have put forward to our superiors my own suggestions as to a potential leader as well as a detailed account of my own experiences since I left your company."

Mika gives a bit of a grin at the droid, "Nice to see you back Cor, we've been worried about yout."

Moving on to other business, Mika shrugs, a counterpoint to Fiarr's enthusiastic endorsement and Dohr's somewhat less impassioned support.  "I don't mind bloodying their nose from time to time, but I don't have any personal grudge match against the Empire.  The Talons helped me out in a big way thought and gave me a place to belong and that's why I'm signing on.

I think Dohr's got the right of it, Devon's done a damn fine job and he's got my vote."

Fiarr looked around.  "Devon definitely has the experience but let's not forget Arcas put his hand up as well.  Besides, Devon has yet to say whether he wants to stay leader.  He didn't exactly elect to be boss and he might not want it amymore.  I know I sure wouldn't.  I'm not even sure I want to join a fighter squadron again.  My old commander in the Bothan Self Defence Force had a rod the size of a Coruscant skyscraper inserted up his exhaust port.  Still it will be good to have some resources we don't have to pay for."


OOC: Hey Mika, I don't look like Kyvarr.  I'm a lot taller, better looking and have less claws!  I also don't punch permacrete walls when I'm angry!
This message was last edited by the player at 00:49, Sat 02 Dec 2017.

Devon nodded to Zyra as she left, then mumbled into his commlink.
"Catch, I need you to - what?  Yes.  Yeah, I know Moonshadow took some hits, don't worry about it.  They'll get her fixed.  Huh?  No!"
Devon sighed and and stared up at the ceiling for a moment.
"Because we haven't got any insurance, that's why!
Listen, can you arrange to get all my gear loaded on the Ghtroc?  we're gonna be transferrin' to Indefatigable..."
Whilst he was talking to the droid, Devon ambled over to the door and peered out into the corridor, wondering how soon the promised food would arrive.
As a result of thinking with his stomach and trying to explain to a naive Astromech that even if they DID have insurance, it wouldn't cover getting shot by the Empire, Devon almost completely missed the talk going on behind him as to who should be the leader of the new Black squadron.

When it finally sunk in that they were voting and HE was collecting most of the votes, he turned slowly to face the group, a surprised look on his face.

"uhh... okay."  he said.  Apparently they thought he had done a better job than he thought he had.  He still blamed himself for what had happened with Dyre.
A slightly uncertain smile formed.
"I'm not gonna lie - ever since I took over back on Det Akari, I always figured it would be temporary, till Mark an' Zyra came back.  Then they didn't come back... so I was still in charge when we went lookin' for them.  Which brings us to here an' now - an' you guys ain't votin' to kick my ass out?"

Devon left his post by the door and rejoined the others sat at the briefing table.
"I'll admit that on our way back from that damn jungle, I was thinkin' about how to organize us if Mark didn't pull through..."
He pulled a datapad out and started to call up files, then stopped.

"I'm gettin' ahead of myself.  We've only heard from a few people so far... how about the rest of you?"
he threw a questioning glance around the room.






OOC: But you DO both smell like wet dog if we throw buckets of water over you...
  ;) 

Fiarr grinned at the shipjacker turned commander.  "I'm more than happy for you to shoulder the burden of keeping this ragtag bunch glued together if you want it.  I know Arcas here put his hand up too but I'd suggest he gets to know us before deciding if he wants to lead us.  We're sure not like any fighter squadron you've seen before.  Hell the Empire would likely have courtmartialled and executed all of us a dozen times over before breakfast.  Well except Kyvarr of course.  She's a good little solider, isn't that right 'Lieutenant Dulvan', oh or was it Captain?"

"Sergeant."  Kyvarr growls and reflexively extends her claws at Fiarr's dig at her past and her 'commission'.  She should be used to it by now, but the Bothan always knew how to push her buttons.  Probably useful in Fiarr's line of work.  She tried to ignore it and brought her anger under control.  She focused on Devon instead.

"I must admit I had my doubts when you took over sir.  Your lack of military experience, combined with your rather. . .undisciplined attitude had me worried.  But you proved me wrong.  I'd be honoured to keep serving under you sir."

The M4 droid looks in Devon's direction for a few seconds before speaking.


"I have submitted my recommendations to our superiors, as I mentioned, limited as those recommendations are given that I have only recently rejoined and know nothing of the newcomers - nor they of me."  Cor sounds unconcerned and her tone remains light, even transmitted remotely via her messenger droid.  "Nonetheless, the only candidate I could put forward, Mr Kismet, was you.  Should you wish my services, such as they are, you have them."

Kira, now sitting back in her chair her feet on the table, looked at devon with a smile. "I never knew eitehr mark or Zyra....all i knew is your leadership, and from what i saw you done well. We went down to that hell hole and came back alive. that is what counts." She grabbed a glass of water and took a drink.

She looked at Kyvarr, then back to Devon. "Like Kyvarr said, your not like normal leaders...but we aren't a normal group. We all have our own skills, own techniques. I think someone more....official, more experienced in military rank would have made the group less effective."

She removed her feet from the table and looked at Devon. "You know when your team needs leading, and when to trust them and heed their advice. THAT is a good sign of a leader....and I'll follow you."

Hell the Empire would likely have courtmartialled and executed all of us a dozen times over before breakfast.  Well except Kyvarr of course.  She's a good little solider, isn't that right 'Lieutenant Dulvan', oh or was it Captain?"

Dohr's chuckle from behind his Antiox sounded a bit like coughing, but the older Talon members were probably used to the distorted sounds already to recognise it as laughter. He knew it had been going on for a long time between the two women as it had already been a thing when he'd first met them at the "party of the century" back on Det Akari. And the Doc had witnessed the same exchange a number of times since.

"You know, Fiarr. I just have to hear the full story behind that some day." Dohr turned towards Kyvarr and gave the Cathar an apologetic bow. "With your permission of course, Sergeant." A quieter chuckle escaped the breathing apparatus...

"Heigren, what is the news about those refreshments? I could really, really use a big cup of caf right now." It might have sounded like a sad attempt to change the subject, but of course wasn't....

"Well, I'm no military officer and have no knowledge of your operations prior to the one that liberated me. You seem to be capable of leading this bunch, so I see no reason not to support you for that position", Lin said. "But I suggest we try our best to keep the command structure somewhat loose, at least when things do not absolutely require a tight one. I believe, we are a bunch of experts that works best with the reigns loose."