Mastery of the Skies

[Barkt Melan]

Speed was the key to this design. it was to be faster than any other ship on the market. Any other ship in the Galaxy, for that matter. And so, the design was being built for it.

Most of the power in the ship was devoted to two things. One, and the most obvious, was the engines. They needed to be able to handle that kind of speed. Perhaps a special-built set? Maybe. That depended on what the engineers had. If he could, a basic Ion drive would work. But he didn't want to be limited by what existing technology could do. Sitting alone in his flat, the Bothan drew up what plans he had for the ship. Fast, agile, but only able to be used in short bursts before cooling down. A sort of short-range strike fighter. The speed would help keep other ships from hitting it, and the whole thing worked bu avoiding long, drawn out battles.

Sighing, he zoomed in on the engines. He had work to do.

 

[Barkt Melan]

Dawn found him unmoved, sitting and mulling over a series of tables. The Bothan slowly stood, plugging the datapad into a holographic display and running the simulation again, with a simple modification to the system: a redundant system. After running the system over and over, his night had been a series of disappointments. No matter what changes he had made to the engine, nothing had worked. Until now.

The simulation held up, reaching top speed and holding it as the simulation sped up. Looking away, he began to tap in an order when the simulation ended. Turning back to it, he saw the red highlights, as the engine overheated. The Antimatter drive would kill the user. Fifteen minutes. Fifteen minute boost. Then Death.

What if the engine was used in shorter bursts? Perhaps that would work.

 

[Barkt Melan]

Controlled bursts seemed the way to go with the system. The engine survived the simulation, and after streamlining the redundant coolent systems, he forwarded the schematic to Heofon's R&D to study and develop further. As soon as he did, though, he heard his comlink ring.

Nallai. He was late to their morning ritual. "Morning"

"Where are you? You were supposed to be here half an hour ago!" She was mad. No way around that.

"Sorry. Got hung up with work."

He could hear her sigh. "Just get down here when you can."

"Will do. Love you." She hung up. Well, that was to be expected. He quickly changed and headed down. Chaos has no fury like a woman scorned.... he thought to himself as he began to make his way down the street. The Cafe was just around the corner. He approached the table where she sat, barely restringing a look up from the mobile game she was playing.

"What was it this time?" she asked, clearly not really wanting a response.

"I think I have the Starfire figured out."

"Good for you." She set the datapad gown, pausing the game. "And that was more important than me?"

"I lost track of time." he said, his head dropping.

Her expression changed to one of worry. "Did you pull another all-nigher?'

"Yes, but I'm sure this one will work."