Starstruck || CIS Starfighter Corps

[Eternal Ballad]

Arkanis awaited below, jewel of the Regency Worlds, covered in its endless clouds that poured rain over its surface. It was the anchor of one of the Confederacy's most prestigious naval academies, and a beautiful sight that all who had the honor of being called its cadets would grow familiar with.

The Confederacy, ever growing, was home to some of the best pilots and crews to be found in the galaxy, and the Arkanis Naval Academy was charged with shaping these men and women into the formidable force they were today. New recruits, recent graduates, seasoned flyers - all had reason to be in the place where their service to the Confederate navy had begun. A new day was starting in the Academy, and as all those who called it home began to rise and prepare for the tasks ahead, the almost constant buzzling of chatter and movement would begin to fill the corridors and common areas, spacers of all kinds finding their way to their respective stations or classes.

There was one hangar bay in particular which seemed to be remarkably active today.

No one would ever argue that cooperation was nothing short of vital for those tasked with traversing through space and ensuring the safety of the Confederacy from threats of a devastating kind. Orchestrating the movement of a group of ships was a precise art that required ability, coordination, and most importantly - practice. This rang all the more true for the brave who joined the Starfighter Corps, piloting the most maneuverable of spacecrafts alongside their squadron mates.

Today, the Academy prepared to receive its pilots. New squadrons would be being formed, and so a test of skill as well as teamwork was in order. Fighters lined the hangar bay, mechanics and supervisors finishing their rounds as the pilots arrived. From Ensigns to Colonels, squads were assigned and slowly those who had received the summon would begin to gather in the bay. Soon they would take to the stars.

 

[Maren Kydd]

-Location: Arkanis Naval Academy, Hangar Bay.
-Tagging: Open.

​

He had always been an early bird, to no one's surprise. There was simply too much energy going through the man to keep him asleep for more than a handful of hours at a time. After all, life always had strong winds on its sails, and Maren was not about to let it race on without him. Especially not when there was such a big day ahead of him.

The Pamarthen had already been flying for the Confederacy for a couple of years now, always on and off with some squad or the other, organizing new teams and then hopping on to the next one. In a way, Maren had liked that. He got to meet new people, never for long enough that he grew too attached and then had to find the nearest cantina and drown some sorrows when the inevitable happened. Such was the life of a starfighter pilot, either it went right or you became the captain of your own coffin.

But, like with everything in this galaxy, change was inevitable. He had to settle down sooner or later, meet new mates that would stick around and hope none of them were airsick landlubbers. Of course, he knew they wouldn't be. Not if they had made it through the Academy's training. He was, as always, an optimistic guy.

And so Maren had found his way to the hangar bay way before the masses of pilots started to move about. The upper half of his suit was haphazardly tied around his waist, a dark sleeveless shirt covering his torso, and a dirty rug on his hand as he meticulously wiped the transparisteel of his fighter. Love of his life and his reason for living. There was a happy smile on his face as he hummed to tune, one of the many shanties of his people.

Today was the day the Kyber Squadron took flight - well, when they showed up that was.

 

[Kathryn Foster]

Back in ''AI-space''. Back amongst droids. Back in purple. Still in a cockpit she sought not to leave in the near future.

Despite being away and serving under the Alliance flag for a period, these rooms and these corridors, everything was familiar to Kathryn. She met glances and exchanged polite smiles and nods as she walked down one of the many corridors on the impressive station and well-known flight academy. Today was the first bithday of a new squadron of tested, hand-picked and able pilots. A squadron not only consisting of rather mindless machines, but of people, which the colonel could not deny she felt great appreciation for. Kyber Squadron was about to be born and test its wings.

Upon entering the designated hangar bay through the main enterance, her gaze fell upon the black bird neatly parked along the side with its wingtips folded upwards in parking position and several other starfighters by its side. Its black painting, sleek design and sharp edges made the T-wing stand out where ever it was. Hair in a tight braid and clad in her olive green flight suit and black boots, the rest of her gear was ready in the cockpit. While making her way over to it, she noticed one of the pilots, a dark guy, seemingly fully focused on making the final touches to his starfighter, joyfully humming on a tune she did not know of as he did so.

''Always nice to see a pilot going the extra mile to keep his fighter in pristine condition.'' she stated to announce her presence behind him, before offering a handshake and soft smile. ''Kathryn Foster. You're with Kyber Squadron too, right? Excited to take off and get going?'' she continued, asking to feel his pulse a little, interested for any expectations that he might have.

Tag: Maren Kydd , McKenna Rory , open!

 

[Alyssa Kydd]

"Landing in three, two, One...Boom baby! Here we are!" *A Smile of relief escapes her face as the utility droid next to her hurles out noises of excitement. The Fighter comes to a smooth halt in the Hangar seeing other pilots starting to make thier way from thier own spacecrafts. She was excited..for it had been too long since she had been at the academy. The last trip..being cramped in her small standard cub hole while traveling on auto-pilot was exhausting. She needed to stretch the legs, regroup..have a decent meal and above all else..prepare to head out again when the time would come upon her.

As She lands she looks over at her utility droid. "Now then, you see this?" She circles her finger around her own face vocalizing authority. "This means..Me captain...You crew mate..CAPTAIN....Crew..Mate...Do not tamper..tinker or touch..while i am off this fighter...You almost ruined the last one..Not enough creds to pay back the academy if this goes on the fritz because of your ambitious attitude." She winks as she takes off the buckled restraints and tugs on her Blue and purple lined pilots uniform. Patting the driod and them the Confederate insignia on her shoulder, she then takes hold of her travel bag and opens the latch to disembark. The hissing noises commenced as she walked down the loading ramp. Taking in the atmosphere..the begins walking smiling at the other pilots and nodding as she moves along.

Tag: Kathryn Foster Maren Kydd , open

 

[Maren Kydd]

-Location: Arkanis Naval Academy, Hangar Bay.
-Tagging: Kathryn Foster ~ Alyssa Kydd

​

The Pamarthen turned around as soon as he heard a voice behind him, that friendly smile already stretching his lips as light-brown eyes met the blonde lady that greeted him. Maren jumped down from the starfighter's wing, wiping his hands on the rug just to make sure he did not get any on the lady when he shook her hand - used to being around engines and ships of all kinds he was well aware that oil stains were something nobody wanted and it had become a habit. "That I am, ma'am" He nodded, giving her a firm hand-shake. His eyebrows raised in surprise when she granted him her name.

"The Kathryn Foster? I've heard of ya. Republic pilot, first mission with the purple on Mechis...bit of a legend around the cadets here you are." He winked, always the charmer. Lucky thing to meet someone you've heard good things of before flying. "Captain Maren Kydd, at your service. Although Marnie will do just fine." He placed his hands on his hips, grinning at her next question. "Every minute not spent in the air or at sea is a minute badly lived, Kath." He took the liberty of using a nickname practically without noticing, hopefully the Colonel would not mind.

Then there was a feeling that he was familiar with. These sixth sense he always seemed to have which he had never thought anything of, besides a very well developed gut feeling. Today, his spirits had been particularly high. And right now, something within him stirred in a manner it never had before bidding him to direct his eyes towards a fighter that had just landed. That was a pretty standard occurrence in a hangar bay, and something the Pamarthe would have paid little mind to usually. But this time it was different.

As the pilot made her way down the cockpit, his eyes widened like plates before his hands came up to rub them, only to focus on that same person again. Had he gone crazy? Had someone slipped anything in the cup of caf he had downed before coming here? Surely he must have been hallucinating. His gaze shifted back to Kathryn, as though she would know exactly what it was that was going on, before muttering. "Storms take me..." His surprised voice would grow from barely a whisper to louder call.

"...Lissie?!"​

 

[Alyssa Kydd]

Alyssa looks over towards the direction of the voice parting what seemed like a thousand other noises as she put one foot in front of the other. The confused look that graced her face turned to that of disbelief as she honed in on her brothers face from a distance. Was she seeing a ghost? A mirage? She had been the victim to those before throughout her illustrious career. No..It was..It had to be..The stories were true..Fate does bring siblings together in the strangest of ways. “Mar?...” She uttered in a wavering belief..”Mar?!” She questioned as she already knew..It was true..Her feet took off propelling her forward as she approached the pair. She chuckled nervously and embraced him with a hug larger than life. “How..are..?I’m sorry!” She looks over at Kathryn Foster . “This is my bolt headed brother!”



Tag: Maren Kydd

 

[Kathryn Foster]

​

Kathryn noted the pilots courtesy to wipe the oil off his hands before he took hers. A nice and appreciated, although not necessary move. Sure, they all had specially trained technicians to work on their spacecrafts, but every once in a while you wanted to have a look yourself. The colonel was no stranger to get her hands dirty both on and off duty.

When the captain said that he had heard of her, she couldn't help but to suspiciously narrow her eyes a little at the statement. She expected to hear something along the lines that Subject 73 Red had given her when they first met, but instead it was something a bit more flattering. Something that must have totally gone her by and that must have risen during the time she had been away from the purple corridors.


Was she flattered? Yeah, most definitely. Who wouldn't be? However, it would take a lot more than a statement like that and an innocent wink to make this experienced woman and professional colonel to blush. Though, knowing of the touching reputation did elicit an amused chuckle from her.

''Is that so, capt- Marnie?'' she asked rhetoricaly, minding the captains casual wish of being called by his nickname. ''That's funny. I didn't expect to leave such a legacy when I was away.'' she continued, still flattered on the inside. That was when the captain noticed what seemed to be a very familiar face from across the vast hangar floor. The female pilot rushed into his arms in one of those hugs that you only gave a very dear friend or a family member. One of those Kathryn had given her brothers many times. Turns out, they were siblings.

''Oh, don't worry! I know the feeling.'' she smiled and assured the woman that her reaction was completely understandable. Kathryn took the moment to offer the woman a hand.

''Lissie, was it? Kathryn Foster, but like your brother here you can call me Kath.'' she said and glanced once at the captain. She had taken note of his liberty to instantly call her that, but it was all cool with her. In fact it was refreshing coming back and not be surrounded by formalities, the meeting with the Sky Marshal being the only exception so far. ''You're joining your brother in Kyber Squadron?''

Tag: Maren Kydd , Alyssa Kydd , McKenna Rory , open!

 

[Maren Kydd]

-Location: Arkanis Naval Academy, Hangar Bay.
-Tagging: Kathryn Foster ~ Alyssa Kydd ~ McKenna Rory

​

Everyone who had spent at least a full five minutes with the Pamarthen knew he was what people called a happy man. Except when that worrisome nature struck him whenever he saw what the sailor considered to be a bad omen, all bout him was easy smiles and laid back jokes. So, saying that Maren Kydd was positively beaming right now was indeed saying something. His arms wrapped around his sister without a second thought, squeezing the life out of her.

Only when he was certain he would suffocate her if he did not let go, the pilot took a step back - placing his hands on Alyssa's shoulders. "Look at you! All grown up now!" It had been a long time since Maren had come left home. He would comm his parents and siblings with some semblance of frequency, but nothing could have prepared him to have the image of his then teenaged, tussle-haired little sister turned into an adult. It was after that he truly let go of her, turning once more to face both of them as Lissie and Kath became acquainted.

Maren raised his eyebrows in attention as he heard Kathryn's question, that lopsided, infectious smile still on his lips. He had a feeling that he knew the answer to that question even before Lissie could confirm or deny. "I sure hope so. Gotta keep an eye on her, you know? Bit of a stormy lass this one." He jested, letting his eyes return to his younger sibling with an affectionate and playful look.

Then a voice was heard in the distance, calling to all Kyber squadron assigned pilots to ready themselves for take off. While the Pamarthen would have very gladly stayed there for a bit longer, catching up with his little sister and conversing with the charming Colonel, he could never stop the happiness that came with every opportunity of flipping gravity the middle finger and taking to the stars. His warm, brown eyes met Alyssa's, then Kathryn's own."Well, ladies, are ya' ready?" He asked, excitement written all over his features.

Sector patrol was their duty today, their first official mission. Easy, relaxed task to allow the pilots to test the figurative waters and learn from each other. Nothing could go wrong...right?

 

[Alyssa Kydd]

She noted her brothers excited yet cautious demeanor. She had so many questions fluttering through her mind but knew there would be time to address all those concerns later. Seeing Kathryn Foster assured her that her brother was at the very least in good company amongst other things. “Just landed but sure!” *She would turn quickly to her fighter as she can see the maintenance crew refueling. She snaps her face back to the group. “Hey...I just need to use the bathroom quickly then we’re off! I’ll catch up in a sec!” *She releases a smile to the two of them and rushes off down the corridor.

Tag: Maren Kydd

 

[Alyssa Kydd]

Once arriving into the women's bathroom facility, she quickly goes into a stall of the well lit room. Seeing no one there but hearing the elaborate chatter on the outside she knew she had but a few moments to do whatever it was she set out to accomplish. Plenty of time..She reaches into her left front pocket hastily and pulls out a small white tablet. She takes a deep breath of oxygen and exhales while closing her eyes that seemed to rattle within thier sockets. She parts her lips and takes the pill cocking her head back looking up at the shining illuminated lantern above. She swallows it easily and clears her throat before leaving the stall. She nods at another pilot who passes by with a fabricated smile. Walking out..She turns back towards the hangar to meet her brother and new acquaintance.

Tag: Kathryn Foster Maren Kydd

 

[Sylvia Alvaro]

wearing: xXx
tag: Kathryn Foster | Maren Kydd | Alyssa Kydd

Sylvia was uncomfortable, that much was obvious from the set of her shoulders and how she crossed her arms over his chest. Until recently the woman had been secluding herself from the galaxy, busying herself with the day-to-day business of owning a nightclub. It was tedious work but it kept her busy. Until the day she grew bored of seeing the same people day-in-day-out, the drug addicts, the alcoholics, the people that wanted to curry favour. The dirty deals done in the dark, the illegal firearms, the experimental explosives, none of it excited her like it used to. She used to get a thrill from it but now there was no adrenaline rush, no danger to anything, no one trying to out smart her.

Maybe that was what had bought her to Arkanis -- adventure, and excitement, a challenge. Some nights ago Sylvia had heard rumours, whispered words from one the drunks in the club. A new squadron was being born beneath the Confederacy's banner, and while there was still a lingering loyalty to the rebels she had once dutifully served, it was time for a change of scenery. Maybe with the CIS she'd find a reason not be such a cantankerous witch. Sylvia almost laughed aloud at the foolishness of such an idea but managed the quell the sound before it could be born. The former rebel commander-turned-mercenary cleared her throat, and shifted from her position leaning against one the the ships.

She'd been there for a little while now and at first had busied herself looking around, becoming familiar with her surroundings. But now she was standing nearby a group of others who either hadn't noticed her or didn't care that she was there. Sylvia was a creature of habit and those habits did not often include being social. But she supposed if she was going to be a fly with them, rely on their, protect them and be protected by them, she should at least say something. "Kyber Squadron? Is that what it's called?" Her voice was monotone, the corner of her mouth in a smirk. "It's cute."

 

[Alyssa Kydd]

While approaching Maren Kydd Kathryn Foster Her eyes scanned faces rather quickly amongst the other pilots in the area. Her eyes met those of a Gungan who nodded to her while holding his helmet in his hands as if it was the only thing valuable in his possessions. She nods quickly while approaching the middle of the corridor. So many people..Generally speaking..From all different areas..Backgrounds...and beliefs. It was refreshing to Alyssa to see them all here for a common cause. Even if it was a selfish one. She cleared her throat and held her head high as her left eye twitched somewhat. Suddenly she overheard someone from the left hand side, perched up against one of the ships casually looking on. The words.."Kyber Squadron" Rung through her ears as her eyes now fixated on Sylvia Alvaro were determined to scan her. She raised her hand With a simple smile and an iconic gesture with her fingers forming the symbol of the squadron. "Kyber squad!! You know it! Best pilots in the galaxy friend!" She continued to smile a bit nervously as the woman's glare could mean anything, or nothing.


Tag: Open

 

[Kathryn Foster]

​

"I sure hope so. Gotta keep an eye on her, you know? Bit of a stormy lass this one."

Kathryn smiled at the Marnie's show of care for his sister through a playful remark. She definitely knew how to be the reciever of that and could not help but to think of her own brothers. Just then, the voice in the speakers broke in and called all Kyber pilots to their ships. Lissie needed to visit the refresher and excused herself before she rushed off. Kathryn crossed her arms over the chest and exhaled deeply while they saw Lissie exit the hangar.

''I got two brothers of my own, you know. You two seem to be just as close to each other. She'll do fine. Are you sure it's not her that'll keep an eye on you, captain?'' she said, before glancing to the side at Marnie, giving him a friendly tease with the comment.

As they waited, Kathy's glance went from the first fighter to the other, thinking of the choice to return being a choice well made. As always, they were provided with state-of-the-art ships and equipment and the group was indeed promising and smelled of potential.

"Kyber Squadron? Is that what it's called?''

"It's cute."

As Lissie returned from the refresher and joined them, so did a civilian clad woman, who might have been the first one in the galaxy to call a fighter squadron cute. Kathryn couldn't decide if that was cute, or just a bit odd. Either way, it was an interesting introduction but nothing that she deemed wrong or anything.

Lissie was quick to give the woman an assertive undoubtful answer.

''Yeah, that's us. Parts of it, at least.'' Kathryn added and offered the woman a hand to shake. ''I'm Kathryn Foster, colonel and commanding officer of Kyber Squadron. I take it you're a pilot? Wanna come fly with us on todays sector patrol?'' she continued, as she didn't know if the woman in fact was a pilot and less so if she were one of them.

Maren Kydd Alyssa Kydd Sylvia Alvaro