Starburst
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
- Intent: Flesh out Ari's backseater
- Image Credit: Originally from X-Wing Miniatures Game, linked from Wookieepedia
- Role: Astromech/Sidekick
- Permissions: N/A
- Links: N/A
- Age: 15 GSY (Personality Matrix), ~2 months (Chassis)
- Model: E-series EW Astromech
- Appearance: Generally looks similar to all standard E-series droids, Ari specifically requisitioned a gray chassis and painted the old New Alderaanian Security Force symbol on his dome to match his old appearance.
- Name: E9-K4 "Keeper"
- Loyalties: Ari Naldax
- Notable Equipment:
- Advanced Sensor Package (full-spectrum transceiver, electromagnetic, heat, motion, and life form indicators)
- Periscopic Video Sensor (retractable)
- Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) Sensors
- Electric Arc Welder
- Heavy Duty Grasper
- Fine Manipulator
- Circular Saw
- Computer Interface Arm
- Holographic Recorder/Projector
- Jet Thrusters
- Droid Deactivator
- Military and Detective Software Packages (enhancing analytical, information-gathering, and reconnaissance)
- Skills: Keeper, now housed in an E-series Electronic Warfare Astromech chassis, combines his intrinsic talents with advanced capabilities. He excels in navigation, executing highly accurate hyperspace jumps, and adeptly managing a fighter's systems, from sensors to weapons, often taking control of flight operations when necessary. While not equivalent to specialized pilot droids, his proficiency in flight maneuvers is remarkable. His slicing abilities and information analysis are significantly amplified by his security force software and upgraded sensor array, making him a formidable force in electronic warfare and cyber operations. Furthermore, Keeper's survival instincts, a hallmark of R9 units, are enhanced by his new chassis, ensuring he remains an invaluable asset in the most perilous situations.
- Languages: speaks only in binary droidspeak, can understand Basic and most Trade Languages
- Personality: Keeper has a very strong personality for an astromech droid (likely due to Ari not doing a memory wiped since before the Bryn'adul's purge of New Alderaan), and isn't afraid to mock, joke around with, or nag Ari whenever she gives him the opportunity. Behind their playful back and forth, though, there's a real, strong bond between the two, and this is shown in Keeper's unwavering loyalty. All and all, Keeper's actually quite sweet for a droid, always looking out for the safety of his owner, Keeper always voices his concerns and disapproval when Ari unnecessarily puts herself at risk, and is rarely willing to leave her side.
- Weapon of Choice: Shock Arm
- Combat Function: If you're a fellow droid or get close enough for him to get you with the stun arm he can stun you, though Keeper's really better at the whole Astromech. He's a cunning little droid though. If you force him into corner, he's smart enough to use his tools as weapons too.
- Unwavering Loyalty: Keeper's loyalty to Ari is unbreakable, having been her steadfast companion through their service in the New Alderaanian Security Forces, their time as mercenaries in Wolf Squadron, and their current roles within the Galactic Alliance. This loyalty ensures he is always at Ari's side, vigilantly protecting and supporting her in every mission.
- Advanced Reconnaissance Operative: Equipped with enhanced sensors and a sophisticated suite of detective and military reconnaissance software, Keeper excels in intelligence gathering and analysis. This capability is further amplified when integrated with the advanced systems of Ari's starfighter, making him an invaluable asset in strategic planning and execution.
- Limited Combat Functionality: Despite being equipped with basic defensive tools like a deactivator and shock arm for police work, Keeper is not designed for frontline combat. His primary defense mechanism in dangerous situations is to evade, highlighting his vulnerability in direct confrontations.
- Susceptibility to Disabling Attacks: Keeper shares a common vulnerability with other droids and technology-dependent entities to EMP, ion, and anti-droid weaponry. Such attacks can incapacitate him, rendering him unable to perform his duties and leaving Ari without her crucial partner in critical moments.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
When Ari first qualified for an X-wing squadron after graduating from the Academy, she was assigned an unassuming droid named R9-K4. From the beginning it was a good partnership, as R9 had been reassigned from the ground security forces, and his detective programming proved useful in young, Hotshot Ari's attempts to hone her abilities by analyzing and improving her skills and learning the patterns of other pilots. They also helped when boarding a smuggler trying to bring in illegal or dangerous goods (like spice) or remove endangered and protected species. Over the next few years they grew closer as a team, and as she was settling into her new role as squadron leader, Ari was even starting to dread the regularly scheduled memory wipe.
R9-K4 - or Keeper as Ari had taken to calling him, never would get that scheduled wipe, as while on diplomatic escort coreward, they saw their home planet conquered and then purged by the marauding forces of the Bryn'adul. Losing her X-wing in the ensuing chaos but keeping a tight grasp on Keeper, It was then when Ari began to build the mercenary outfit Wolf Squadron, and Worried keeper to death when they began using A-wings and Ari's flying became more reckless and aggressive, especially with him being unable to help her in the single-seater, astromechless fighter. Keeper continued to nag her and voice his grave concerns every time she brought her custom fighter in about these unnecessary risks.
It was Keeper who suggested Wolf Squadron join the Galactic Alliance, and it's here where he finds himself back with Ari in an X-wing, happily doing what he was built to do. Though he's greatly concerned after Ari's marooning on Mustafar (and the fact that she forced him to eject for pickup by the support ship - without ejecting herself.), Keeper is ready to do whatever's necessary to keep Ari safe as she seeks to defend the galaxy from all who would play god and deign to destroy or ravage entire planets.
In a significant development in their partnership, R9-K4, affectionately known as Keeper, underwent a transformation that would redefine his role alongside Ari. Recognizing the invaluable contributions of Keeper's detective programming and his integral role in their operations, a decision was made to upload his personality matrix into a state-of-the-art E-series Electronic Warfare Astromech chassis. This upgrade not only preserved Keeper's unique detective suite but also enhanced his capabilities, enabling him to engage directly in electronic warfare and cyber operations. This transition into the E-series chassis allowed Keeper to expand his operational effectiveness, offering new dimensions of support in combat scenarios and strategic missions. Now equipped with advanced hacking tools, signal interception capabilities, and cyber defense mechanisms, Keeper stands ready to protect Ari and the squadron with an even broader array of skills. This evolution marks a pivotal moment in their journey, ensuring that Keeper remains an indispensable ally in Ari's quest to safeguard the galaxy, armed now with cutting-edge technology to match his unwavering loyalty and intelligence.
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