Impact

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Asmus Janes"]

[SIZE=9pt]As Jay kept detailing what they would find on the Solaris - that name still made her belly flutter - Kaile’s eyes would grow larger and larger. To think that all they had been anticipating was a quad - not something as high-tech or advanced as this. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt][ Oh, mighty grateful Jay Four. ] Kaile’s voice piped in a second after. Turning around, the espion’s eyes fell upon the cabinet that the droid had mentioned. A quick couple of footsteps and she gave a frown. No handles. Alright. Her fingers gingerly went sweeping over the surface. There were a few cabinets that had a pressure sensitive switch -[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Click[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“There we go.” The latch disconnected and the panel slid free. Another surprise. The hand held comm-unit was there; there were four. However, there were also other curious little gadgets sitting neatly on each self. They had ghosted placemarkers to keep a clean inventory. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Very fancy.” Kaile told herself. Plucking a handheld from its perch, Kaile curiously looked over the small round gadget. It wasn’t your standard blackbox. These were fancy, able to wrap around the wrist. A closer inspection revealed that they had a small earwig configuration that she could snap off and set over her ear. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Deciding to test it out, the brunette plucked it from the small silver piece and tucked it over her left ear. A quick switch and it was active.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt][ Can you hear me? ][/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]Indeed, her voice was crystal clear. [/SIZE]

 

[Asmus Janes]

[member="Kaileann Vera"]

“Perfectly clear,” Asmus replied. Still coming down from the apprehension about the transponder he found it quite soothing. He'd taken the comm from the console and placed it in his own ear. It was like having Kaile in the room with him.

[The reactor and engine bay is directly towards the rear of the vessels if you wish to have a look,] Jay replied. [I would not go poking around in the engine compressors however. Someone nearly blew them out very recently.]

“Just to reiterate…”

[At the time it seemed prudent, yes. The logs show there were multiple vessels locking weapons. Still, please be careful Kaile.]

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Asmus Janes"]


[SIZE=9pt][ Well, maybe I could do something about that. ]. Kaile replied, her feet padding quietly along the floor. This was an entirely new model for Theed Hanger. Most of the ships Kaile was used to flying from that specific shipwright were the K-type or the J-Type, and earlier models at that. The memory of Jamie and the J-Type she had once owned came to mind. Her eyes brows curved in. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt][ At least figure out how much damage we are talking here. ]. Kaile followed the corridor, watching it curve and sweep over towards the rear of the ship. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=9pt][ What else is on here, Jay Four?]. Kaile inquired, [ Standard features and such?][/SIZE]

 

[Asmus Janes]

[member="Kaileann Vera"]

[Standard? Oh no. This was a custom one off version of the elite H-type. It took two years from order to maiden flight. The engines are stock models but they've been tuned for a significant boost in performance. Many of the stock parts have been replaced by hand machined parts.]

There was a whispering in the background, as if Asmus was deliberately not activating his comm.

[No I do not think it would be a good idea to drop out of hyperspace to give them another run. Anyway, I was saying. Rather than the usual chrome Lord Atherton had the entire ship plated in ultrachrome. This conducts heat away from the engines and also acts as a thermal shield against re-entry…]

“And must make the hull damn near impervious to light laser cannons?” Asmus said. This time he could through loud and clear.

There was a pause. [Were you both planning on flying through any more blockades?] Jay asked. Rather than worry, there was a hint of excitement in his tone.

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Asmus Janes"]

[ Not in the mission plan. ]. Kaile’s voice chirped out. Yeah, the last thing they needed was to get shot at anytime soon.

[ I think we stretched our luck there with surviving crashes or getting shot down -- or blown up. ] considering the latest threat with the change in transponder code.

[ So a custom build - figured with a pretty girl like this that would be the case. ] it also meant that getting parts and being able to fix any issues would take a pretty penny and special parts.

[ So a high maintenance kind of girl? ]. Needed some extra taking care of to keep her running smoothly.

[ You wouldn’t have an owner’s manual on this yacht would you? ] they had a tendency to come standard through an electronic data disk.

 

[Asmus Janes]

[Yes we do, I have it here. Maintenance costs would probably be high if my former master had actually taken her out very often. As it was I had to activate myself every few days just to get some of the systems running to keep her operational. If she's going to see some flying she'll need taking care of.]

“Huh,” came Asmus’ voice. Kaile wouldn't know that his mind had gone back to the Quintessence. To just singing, laughing and working on essential maintenance to keep the old girl flying. This was no stock Naboo cruiser. He should have known from the way she responded so readily to being pushed beyond what should have been her limits.

[Why yes it's...But you shouldn't…] came Jay's voice. [Kaile. I'm afraid Asmus is heading back to you with the disk of manuals. I'm not sure if it's his drugs, but he looked a little wide eyed. I think he might have… fallen in love… with the ship…]

 

[Kaile Vera]

It was the pause that had Kaile’s heart at her throat for about two seconds. That dastardly pause that made her blanch. In the span of those two seconds, Kaile had gone over a dozen questions. What expression? Asmus was heading over here? Fallen in love with --

[ Oh. ]The knot in her throat cleared as she gave a slight cough. Just, pull yourself together Kaile. She immediately felt foolish again. Thankfully, she made it to the end of the corridor. A quick tap upon the console and the door slid open. What lay before her was a reactor room that was a little bit TOO clean for comfort.

[ Well she’s a beauty. ] her voice gave a slight crack. Immediately Kaile followed up with a question. [ Jay Four, do you have any tools on board? Anything to help with repairs? ] Part of her didn’t really believe that there would be any. Seemed like Jay Four’s former master was the sort to let others do any of the maintenance. Unless Jay Four had been the one to work through them himself?

 

[Asmus Janes]

[I'm afraid we're a little short in that respect. As you go through the doors there is a small toolbox in a compartment on the wall to the left directly behind you. I use it for minor repairs and tweaks. It is just what came with the ship.]

The sliding doors closed and then immediately opened again. “Ooo shiny,” Asmus said as he appeared through them. “Both literally and figuratively,” he added. There was still a slightly glazed over expression on his face, but the eyes that scanned the room did so with a professional interest. The SIS already did a good job of taking run of the mill shuttles and giving them a performance boost. This was a different matter though. Custom tuned at Theed Hangars with nearly half the parts upgraded over stock. He laid a hand on one of the nearby conduits.

“I am sorry if I pushed you a little hard on our first introduction,” he said with a grin. “Oh, manuals,” he said quickly, pulling the small data disk from his pocket.

“Hey,” he said as he offered the disk. If there had been a look of adoration as his eyes had roamed the engine bay, it hadn't stopped when they came to settle on Kaile. It wasn't the same look of course. He smiled as he looked to her, glad just for the fact that they were still alive and still together. If he had been falling for the ship, Asmus was long gone when it came to the lorrdian.

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Asmus Janes"]

Ah, there it was again. The crooked, little boy smile. The almost dopey, silly expression edged by the painkillers the medical pod had given him. It did nothing to quell that scoundrels charm that Captain Janes seemed to radiate everywhere he went. Kaile found her throat catching and it took a second before she jumped up to pluck the datadisk from his fingers.

"Hey... and thanks." The Lorrdian quickly added, turning towards the reactor in a quick manner, using the excuse of inserting the disk into her datapad so she could upload the manuals.

"You did a number on her. Don't have to look too hard to see it." Kaile added, motioning towards the reactor. It wasn't too much damage, but it would require some fixing. Now where were those tools..

 

[Asmus Janes]

[member="Kaileann Vera"]

“I think the turbolasers would have done worse,” Asmus replied.

[He means it seemed prudent at the time,] Jay repeated in her ear. Apparently the intercom was still on. Kaile might wonder if the droid actually had a sense of comic timing.

He was no Kaile, but Kairon had taught him well. Five years of keeping an ageing ship in the stars hadn’t been an easy feat. His smile widened. He liked that he could fluster her so easily, even if it hadn’t been deliberate this time. Merely careless after the drugs. Kaile gave a little spin on the spot.

“Kaile? Tools?” he said. His right arm was held out towards the box on the wall behind her.

Rather than sit down he took a walk around the gangway. A bit of a back blow from the engines being pushed too hard against gravity. She would run, but not without a small risk.

“Custom, custom, custom…” he started pointing to parts that weren’t stock items. “You going to shore up the primary induction matrix and we’ll do some more repairs on the ground? Might not be straightforward to split the big demoni…de-nom-in-nations of credit chits I’ve got at a backwater to buy parts.

“Dear me those are some good painkillers.”

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Asmus Janes"]


[SIZE=9pt]“Well, he did manage to avoid us turning into space dust.” Kaile added, sparing a glance over to the pilot. Eyes caught the extended tool box he held out to her. Immediately her face flushed in mild embarrassment. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Thanks.” Her fingers would reach out, curling over to take the tool box from his grasp. Warmth brushed as their fingers made but a brief contact. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“Looks like the meds have you a bit tongue tied.” Conversation, easy peasy. Right, Kaile told herself, bringing the toolbox close to her chest as Asmus released his hold. He had that dopey smile on his face still. The briefest flash of a dimple among that sea of dark scruff. [/SIZE][SIZE=9pt]So, not fair[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt].[/SIZE]

[SIZE=9pt]“I caught a few of the hyperdrive components. Most of these you’d find in the old H-Types, they seem to be upgraded versions..” Well from the old refurbished ones that sold for parts. There had been one back on Bazaar. Sold for a pretty credit chip then. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=9pt]A brief shot from her peripheral swept over the pilot anew. “You should really go lay down. Don’t want you falling over yourself and knocking your head.” [/SIZE]

 

[Asmus Janes]

[member="Kaileann Vera"]

Asmus made a show of placing one hand on the walkway’s railing and leaning back against it. The engineering bay was almost split level, with the dual generators running from floor to ceiling. The engine mounts were visible where the bulkheads met the ceiling on either side of the room.

“I’ll keep still and keep you company whilst you do some patching and then we can both take a break. Jay can probably keep an eye on the ship.”

[I am perfectly capable thank you. It is also likely that you are both better suited to negotiating for parts and tools when we land. I don’t need a recharge cycled for another thirty six hours. I would, however, quite like to go for a look around when we reach Kayhi.]

Asmus mouthed the words: can we keep him?

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Asmus Janes"]



A distinct look passed from Kaile to Asmus then. A sort of a slow pause as Kaile brought the tool box down at her feet. The reactor was at her back, with a few panels situated to the right. It was entirely too clean, very shiny, very spiffy. Odds were if they slid open any of the cabinets they’d find extra parts or who knows what else.

That bit of a grimace that darted over Kaile’s lips was telling. Odds were that no, they would not be able to keep him. SIS had a rather strict policy in regards to such developments. Even this ship would need to be handed over. It was a process that Asmus would be well aware of. So why did Kaile feel guilty when Asmus had asked that?

“Jay Four, think you can shut down what you can so I don’t get fried by this?” the Lorrdian immediately added, glancing up to swing her gaze away from the gold fleck jade green eyes. Even medicated, Asmus had understood her.

 

[Asmus Janes]

Asmus did know the policies of the SIS. But he also knew enough ways to circumvent them that Amadgener would have likely retired in frustration even he even realised how much due process was ignored by the man who had overall charge of all Wings that flew under the SIS. Asmus also knew that Ro’venna’s BB Unit had missed three of its scheduled data wipes because the twi’lek had taken a liking to him and the tech on Deck A had signed off the forms anyway. There was a mischief in his gaze as he started to consider what he would have to offer to get the same treatment. Damn holoprojector was going to end up all over the ship before he got it again.

[Give me a few moments please.]

“You know,” Asmus said. “This is all a little shiny and untouched. It’s not greasy enough for an engine bay. But there’s something I like about this bay. Listen.” He canted his head to one side and looked up towards the engine mounts.

“Nothing is rattling, I can barely feel the engines through my feet. Yet just that sound suggests that if you slam the throttle forwards that this ship will move. A normal Sossen-7 drive is a little more throaty, less refined. She was pushing more ions per second than she had a right to and yet she’s still purring, but like a big cat, not a kitten.”

[All done, you’re isolated now Kaile.]

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Asmus Janes"]


Watching him cant his head, seeing the dark forelocks of his hair fall haphazardly over his brow, and that slow broadening grin curve over his swarthy face was captivating. All the more when Asmus when on to talk about how Solaris - their Solaris - could move.

Took a second to turn her attention away, calling out, “ Thanks Jay Four,” her hand curling around a hydrospanner. Leaning forward, she began removing a panel. Her fingers felt a bit tingly, awareness drifting over her again. There was just something about when Asmus spoke about a subject that he was passionate about. Made her want to watch him more, to keep her eyes on him a little longer. As if to take another mental snapshot.

“Well, you are speaking about a pretty well endowed lady.” A joke would suffice, an attempt at light hearted banter again. A few more twist bolts and she managed to uncover the first panel.

“Ah, that’s why.” A quick dart over to the pilot leaning against the rails.

“It's a Sossen Ten.”

 

[Asmus Janes]

“Yes!” replied Asmus enthusiastically. “But looks at those injector manifolds! Those aren’t stock. And it looks like...yes that’s a custom inlet too. So as you push the engines it’s got the capacity for a lot more throughput. Must have some custom tuning in the power regulation system and probably some more components to actually manage that. Ship didn’t bother me a bit when I gave it all.”

He had promised to stay in place, so he didn’t go for a walk to see the other side of the twin generators. He wanted to see what else was different there. What was quite obvious was that the additional components were made to stand out slightly. He assumed that if a rich noble wanted to buy a yacht with hand machined excellence that they wanted to show it off to their peers.

“What are these generators Jay?”

[Nubian S-10’s. But you’re quite right, they’ve been modified a long way from stock. The output is rated at ten point five trillion megawatts. However, the Solaris will idle one unit for ordinary cruising to keep running costs down.]

When Kaile caught his eye she would see how much he was enjoying himself. Asmus had become quite used to ship life. Being on the ground, especially in an imperial city, was far too much like his childhood. He was used to the sounds, the taste of being on a starship.

“I can sit down by there and pass you things?” he offered.

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Asmus Janes"]


It was clear that he wasn’t going to leave. No, he was going to stay. To top it off he stared up at her with such an enthusiastic expression, that it was hard to remind him that he should go rest. Another few seconds and Kaile let out an exasperated sigh.

“Alright,” she gestured out to him. “Just don’t overtire your arm.” Kaile reminded him, torso turning away again towards the reactor. Although to be fair, even she couldn’t hide the faint quirk at the corner of her mouth. For a few moments, it felt as if they were back on the Quinn. He was still a bundle of energy as then. Shades of the young man that hadnt faded away with the years.

It was a bitter sweet memory, one that Kaile did her best to focus away from. “Get me that servodriver.” She instructed, bending over forward a bit as Solaris gardnered her attention again.

Enter a low whistle.

“She has a 170 Core.” That would send the pilot off in a titter. LIkely another stream of excitement flowing from his mouth.

 

[Asmus Janes]

The little half smile didn't go unnoticed. Asmus picked up the toolbox and came and sat down beside her, cross legged. It was a slightly awkward motion as he kept his balance with one arm slung up within the shirt.

After passing over the servodriver he brought the back of his right hand up to cover a yawn. Before she could say anything he spoke quickly.

“I'll go and rest as soon as we're done. From the snores I hear here I think we can have the main suite. You can look after me,” he said, knowing full well he was pushing his luck. He also knew full well just how much Kaile struggled to resist when he looked at her just so. But before she could provide an argument or agree Jay came through.

[We're receiving a transmission. It's specifically for us.]

Asmus’ easy going expression was suddenly replaced by stony concern. “Put it though,” he said, suddenly back to his professional demeanour. Did that have a ship on their tail?

The Subversion wasn't like the Quintessence. It wasn't family, he wouldn't describe it as home. It was close though. There were close friends there: Max, Wilson, Omar, Quey and Chad.It was his community. He let out an audible sigh of relief at the sound of Max’s voice.

“This is Subversion control, is this Wraith One?”

“This is Wraith One to Subversion Control. Glad of the hyperwave, we're en route to Kahya, what's your status?”

“Roger that Wraith One, we're playing cat and mouse with a pair of imperial cruisers. We think we're in the clear but we won't be able to rendezvous for a few days.” There was a brief pause. “Good to hear your voice again Asmus.” Another pause. “Are you both safe and sound?” Genuine concern laced his voice. Asmus smiled and looked to Kaile. It was a tired smile, but touched with relief. He was touched by Max's concern. Kaile could answer for herself, he decided.

 

[Kaile Vera]

Hearing the concern for her wellbeing between the lines of Max’s query prompted the softening of Kaile’s expression. Max was young, but thoughtful. In so many ways he had reminded her of Asmus those years back. They were similar, but different. Both were thoughtful in their own way, Max a little more restrained and prone to mulling alone in his thoughts, Asmus the more sociable of the two.

Yet they both had a heart of gold. They cared, genuinely. At a time where Kaile had felt rather lost, Max had managed to bring a little light to her section of the ‘verse. This time, rather guiltily, Kaile had been fully aware of what she was getting herself into. That she had been using him as a play pretend. What resulted in that chain of events turned into more than that, an understanding. A friend.

Things were never the same with Max as they had been with Asmus. That spark, that flare, that intense draw of gravity; but it had been as real as a connection as Kaile had allowed herself to let another sapient in. After Kurt and Asmus, that had been a rather difficult thing to do. Especially after Quin.

“I’m doing right as rain… save for a few bumps and bruises from daredevil Janes here.” Her voice had softened in warmth and pleasure, mild affection obvious in the manner by which the Lorrdian had spoke.

[ Good to hear there. ] the relief was palatable, as was the smile that coated the tone of the Flight Commander’s voice.

[ We’ll touch base in a few days time. Maybe earlier if we can get a handle on these Imperial Cruisers. ]

 

[Asmus Janes]

“Yeah you worry about her bruises when I'm the one who got shot!”

“You sound awfully chipper about that?” Max replied, a note of amusement in his tone.

“I'm good. You take care max, give them the slip,” Asmus spoke up. He hadn't even noticed that he'd possessively laid his hand over Kaile's. He had taken their history remarkably well; he cared for them both a great deal. But some behaviours were only natural.

“We're working on it. Anything else we can do for you?”

“Actually yes. Can you get us a shell account with a couple of thousand for repairs and get the codes to my new droid. In case we have to go the rest of the way on our own.” There was a clear demarcation in his tone, as Asmus switched from wishing a close friend well to making backup arrangements in case the Subversion and her crew were lost in battle.

“We'll be going silent in an hour or so, but that can probably be arranged,” Max replied. “I'll get onto Vo’s team now.” The connection cut out.

Asmus flashed Kaile a grin. “They'll be fine. We've outsmarted worse before.”