Rourke walked in, at nearly exactly 0130.  He put out the traditional salute, arm out, palm up, and in a somewhat weary voice said "For the Emperor" and then added "Lieutenant Sate Rourke, reporting." He held on inertia, and once he got the curt acknowledgement from Sallin, he slid into the nearest seat, his un-ironed uniform, two-days stubble, and age all making him stand out amongst the youth on display.

Just then a little comms droid scoots in, practically crashing into Rourke, and delivers a coded message to Sallin.

Sallin reads it quickly, and frowns.

"All right.  Well, there's been a crew change, and hopefully they can make it before we ship out.  We're cutting it thin already, but we'll be ok."

So - I think we're finally ready." Sallin scans the room.

Far too loudly, at least at first, he starts "I am Lieutenant Commander Sallin, callsign Beef, Brent to my friends, and we're not friends, yet."

This my first command of this type, but I've been piloting TIE's for a while.  I came out of Academy on Taanab, and have done two tours, one on a mid-rim starbase in the Teraab Sector, the other on the Imperial Star Destroyer 'Aggressor', where I was Flight Leader.

I've downloaded to your datapads a tearsheet on me, and a whole lot on the Sector and the Marauder class, the Captain's Standard Organization Book for the Myrmidon, my Standard Organization Book (SOB, aka SOB stories) for the 1313th, and the Imperial Workbooks for Derilyn Space Defense Platform (DSDP), and for the Elrood Sector.  More information than that is need-to-know.

Sallin continues, explaining the chains of command - that the Myrmidon's captain (Captain Kuna Graven) takes orders from Captain Tinon Jakal of the Derilyn Squadron (which covers the Elrood Sector), and Sallin's Operational Commander is Captain Kuna Graven of the Myrmidon, but his Organizational Commander is Commander Haken Blikk of the 2nd Mobile Superiority Wing, same as our sister unit on board the Magnificent.  Blikk also has other assets in the Tantra Sector.

At the highest levels, the commands converge under Vice Admiral Jhon Cabaxi of the 5B7 Fleet.

Lt. Commander Sallin continues speaking about the composition of the Derilyn Squadron, and their role in assisting the independent planets and planetary governing bodies in securing the trade routes from pirates, smugglers, and other criminals.

He speaks more about the Myrmidon, and the nature of the 1313th.  "While we are not at liberty to speak on the natures of our mission in more details yet, I can say with conviction that with the new addition the two Marauder class corvettes, we will go in harm's way and we will see action.  Ladies and Gentlemen, I hope you're ready."

"Oh, and additionally, it may not be in the Captain's Standard Operational Book, as it was a change from only a few hours ago, the Myrmidon is taking on an Imperial Security Bureau Commissar Officer." Pauses dramatically "I believe that this will now be standard.  You should extend to her the highest of all courtesies."  His accent can be hard to follow sometimes 'koytasis' but his body language seems more clear - not happy about a political commissar.

He finishes up, crossing his arms over his chest. "You will be aboard by 0500; we depart the DSDP at 0600.  Requisition a droid for transporting your personal effects to the ship, and the ship's steward will book you into the vessel and assign quarters.  Once underway, we'll muster in the hangar at 0630.  First item for us is a little fun - you'll be piloting the simulator for Flight Leader status and assignments.

Now, not too much time before boarding, and I know you want to read all the SOB stories before then, heh heh.  Any questions?"
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 21:58, Mon 30 Jan 2023.

Kahrnon attends to the briefing with polite concentration, leaning forward, intent and engaged. He seems to be trying to keep pace with the flood of names and ranks, vessels and acronyms, and he does not betray much of a reaction until the news that a political officer will be on board reaches their ears.

His reaction is to sit up a little in his seat, a flash of what could be called concern passing over his face as he gave a brief glance down his row, catching Zinda and Kenth in a knowing look before he puts his hands on his thighs and resumes listening much as he was before.

He seems to perk up and become a little more animated as it becomes clear that the brief is coming to an end, and that they will have precious little time to get themselves situated before boarding at 0500.

When it comes time for questions he merely shakes his head slightly to indicate that he had none.

The Umbaran took note of the newest man to enter. A human lieutenant. Unshaven. Experienced? Perhaps. Elone appreciated the experience, but the lack of care for his uniform was... disconcerting. How could a unit hope to behave professionally when they lacked the will to arrive on time and dress as if they respected the uniform?

It rankled him.

As Sallin spoke, the newcomer was quickly forgotten. Zam used his stylus to make memos to himself but was otherwise silent and still. The brief was thorough, if predictably disorganized. For every human Palpatine there seemed to be a dozen Sallins. In truth, he had little interest in the commander's backstory. He was either competent or he was not; that he fought in the Clone Wars or his experience was limited to spotting a TIE Fighter from a distance once was irrelevant.

He never pictured himself calling the human "Brand" or "Brant" or whatever his given name was. Beef seemed so much more accurate.

The news of the Imperial Security Bureau was interesting, though hardly worthy of the drama he saw some of the other pilots give it. Definitely not worthy of a pause more appropriate to the theatre department of a university on Mrlsst. A loyal Imperial had little to fear from the ISB, though as aliens he had little doubt he and Arry would be on a tight leash - yet another gift the Separatists had left them. Bastards.

Another thought occurred to him. Perhaps some of his fellow pilots lacked his loyalty? The look Yahn had given his fellows was strange - it did seem a little like apprehension. Zam made a mental note to keep an eye on the human. He had no desire to trust his life to a turncoat, and if the man proved to be, certainly the ISB agent would be happy to find out.

Kenth listened attentively as the Lt. Commander gave his briefing. Committing the names and ranks to memory. The inclusion of an Imperial Security Bureau Commissar Officer was an interesting twist, though it made some sense considering the sectors connection to the Rimma Trade Route and the numerous planetary systems. It having been part of the Confederacy likely had something to do with it to.

He saw Yahn's glance but didn't respond, the ISB officer being aboard didn't bother him. He hadn't done anything they would even be remotely interested in, didn't plan on it either.

As Sallin asked if there were any questions he simply waited, he had none at the moment. He had his few minor personal effect with him and was ready to board. He was actually getting a little excited to see their ship.

Zinda smiled at Rourke when he entered. She had to stifle a smile at the Commander's callsign but looked very impressed by his prior experience. The news that they would be going in to action was rather exciting.

She looked confused by the assigning of an ISB officer. She did not know much about the ISB and the significance of it was not apparent to her. Yahn seemed to know something, she would ask him later.

She piped up when the commander asked for questions "Do we all have our own quarters, sir, or will we be sharing?"

"Good question, Seshani.  Downtime and good sleep are an ace in the hole - great to have, but you need to play the had you have.  I believe that you all will be two to room.  Depends a lot on how many marines we have aboard.  Could be two sections, might be one.  We'll find out for sure from Officer's Purser when we board."

OCC: See session zero thread

Arry stayed quiet during the briefing as she had found it was better for others - humans - to ask questions whilst she listened and learned. So far her new CO had made a first impression that was somewhat better than that of typical humans by attempting to pronounce her full name. He could hardly be faulted for failing to get it as she had yet to meet a human capable of properly speaking Cheunh giving it's nature, subtleties, and complex syntax - something completely unlike the tongue spoken across Imperial space.

She was untroubled by the news of an officer from the ISB being assigned to the ship; being under scrutiny was a given for non-humans in the Empire - the look that passed across the face of one of the humans in her new squadron was...interesting. Why was he so concerned? Concern meant he had reason which mean he had something to hide, did it not?

That one would bear watching.

As would the one that was the logical choice for her to share quarters with - the overly cheery human who had walked into the brief right before she did. The one who seemed to like to talk. A very great deal.

Arry repressed the sigh she felt bubbling up at the thought of a cheery, talkative human roommate but she supposed it beat the alternative which was a hateful, xenophobic roommate who would try and kill her in her sleep for not being human.

It could always be worse...

Barging into the briefing room, Shadea skidded in and presented her code cylinder as she introduced herself. "Lt.JG Shadea Osk, just reassigned here, Sir. Initially meant for Coyn, but there was a last minute change." Osk the petite woman that she was, didn't stand as a particularly imposing figure. Her uniform was clean and didn't look any messier than it could be expected from someone who had just run there to not be even more late than she already was.

Only after the cylinder was checked, did she steal a glance out the corner of her eye to check everyone else. It was a fast affair, however, and Osk was promptly staring ahead, as straight-faced as she had been when she first spoke. At least in her case, the brutal experience at the academy had its results when it came to offer the proper deference to her superiors.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:02, Wed 01 Feb 2023.

"Yes, yes there was.  Still, glad to have you, Osk.

All the rest of you, Dismissed.  Osk, hold for a moment, and I'll give you the basics."

OCC: don't forget to vote on berths, and comment on the equipment. I'll probably open both a thread for the 1st Muster aboard, and a general boarding thread, so those with faster post rates can have stuff to do/explore while we go through flight simulator.

Zinda beamed at being told she asked a good question. She gave Shadea a welcoming smile before turning back to the others. "Pleased to be flying with you all! Anyone want to get a quick bite to eat before we board?"

Hamar & Xabet looked at each other, then Zinda, and the others, "Yes" said Hamar; "We do!" said Xabet.

Rourke begged off "I'm okay by my lonesome" he opined low and slow.  "But if you're going to blow a lot on a last meal, then Oossuur's, on B deck, I think, has good food.  Was there the other day."

"I'll see you over there, going to try to pick up a few things and get over early before we ship out" Yahn said mostly to Zinda and Kenth as he stood. "Good meeting you." he added before he made his way out of the room and nodded to a few others on his way out.

Kenth looked up as Zinda made her inquiry. "Sure. I had a snack earlier but I could go for a bite." He nodded to Yahn, "See you on board."

Having to stay behind to catch up on the briefing, Osk had to do just as much right after. Not running around this time however, as the cause could hardly explain that unbecoming attitude of the Imperial military. Yet the moment she was dismissed herself, Shadea was following the others, still at a distance, at a brisk pace.

Not being properly acquainted with them, she couldn't get their attention without getting every other head to turn as well. With that in mind, Shadea opted to just tail them and eventually catch up with them once they reached their destination.

Arry stood, came to attention briefly then headed out to finalise boarding and the transferring of her gear and personal effects to the ship. She was curious to see what the berthing situation was but figured she had already met two of the three she would be sharing quarters with.

She had a little time to do some shopping for toiletries and the like before final she was due to formally check in so she went off to handle that first.

"See you on the ship!" Zinda called after her to those that weren't coming to eat, then led her little group to Oossuur's. "Let's enjoy ourselves. Always something new to try."

At least most of his squadron seemed friendly enough. He tagged along as they found their collective way to Oossuur's. He noticed the young lady, Osk if he had heard right not far behnd them. So he slowed and waved to her. "Hey I'm Kenth Felaeon. You want to join us for a bite to eat before we have to board?"

Shadea thanks to the miracle spawned by Kenth, was able to catch up with them. "Thanks, very perceptive of you. I didn't know your names, and I didn't think it prudent to just yell after you." Osk greeted the foodies group at large. "I am Shadea Osk. I was actually hoping to join you if you wouldn't mind the extra company. With all the last moment changes, I didn't get to eat anything, so I am actually quite ravenous." She confessed to them. There was still enough time to eat her fill before it was time to board the ship, Osk for one intended to make full use of it.

Zinda turned back towards Shadea. "Glad to have you with us, the more the merrier. I'm Zinda. You have a recommendation on what we should order?" she said warmly.

"Mee too.  Sarved.  People don't think I can eat a lot, but I can.  Plus, I hear on the smaller ships, the kitchen isn't as well stocked.  And our bombers aren't as roomy as your fighters, and the cooks at my academy used to keep me hungry just so I could fit."  She looked from eyes to eyes - and burst out laughing.  "Ok, that's a lie.  I just have a high metabolism! I do!  But I'm thinking either something like the old guy was saying - big steak - or a place with an unlimited buffet.  Oooh or both, like where they bring all these meats around on skewers? There must be places like that, right?"

Hammar looks up from his data pad.  "I'm afraid that there's only a handful of places that are still open for reservations, and not as many that I would have thought even before that.  The Lt. did anyone get his name?  Beef seemed to know him, though.  The place the Lt. mentioned - Oossuur's - that's open, as are 'The Good Life', 'Gilded Harpy', 'Verbenti' and 'Driet Noones'.  I have no ideas."

Kenth smiled as Xabet went on about eating. As Hammar listed off the available choices he shrugged. "I think we should let the ladies choose. What do you think Hammar?" Honestly he wasn't very hungry, it was more about being social and getting to know the other pilots.

"I am not familiar with this place, but skewered meat does sound delicious." Osk pointed out. "If nobody has any odd objection to it, I'll be quite happy with any place that serves that. Honestly, I am not too hopeful about the food aboard the ship, so might as well make our last meal here memorable." By the sound of it, Xabet was one of her people, which made it easier to lobby for something to her own taste.

Zinda giggled. "Seems we have a consenus then. Let's see if we can find skewered meats."

Xabet made her eyes go chiiko (my Star Wars equiv. of a squirrel) and stuck her tongue out the corner of her mouth "Needs Meats!" she jokingly grunted.

Hammar looked at the others.  "We met getting off the transport!" he shrugs in defense.  "But us bombers have to stick together.  So where she goes, so do I.  "Verbenti it is!"

Zinda smiled at Hammar "Sounds like a good philosophy, everyone can use more friends."