Welcome To New Dorin

[Jamie Pyne]

Dorin - Orbit - Transport Freighter Yulanda - Early Morning​

Twelve days. It had been twelve days travel between Naboo, two orbital space stations, Coruscant, and now entering high orbit of Dorin. More than a dozen passengers came and went, boarding and disembarking at the various stops whilst the crew of the Yulanda resupplied and picked up the necessary cargo from each port in support of the Dorin Relief Mission. Jamie had been aboard from the start, her family as well as the Naboo crown supplying the first of the shipments destined for Dorin. And while the girl was hardly passionate about spending nearly half a month in space, she knew it was for the right reasons. As such she gritted her teeth and went about her daily work, mostly lending a hand in the galley prepping meals for the crew and passengers, as well as spending time with any of the younger children accompanying their parents on their voyage. Back home she had been a member of the YAFCIN (Young Adults For Children In Need) program, focusing on underprivileged children as a sort of big brother, big sister system.

While she hadn't quite met everyone, as some kept to themselves, she did at least make an effort to see that everyone felt at home and welcome while aboard. This particular morning however she found herself slipping back into her old habits back at home. Her alarm had been buzzing for the past twenty minutes, hopelessly attempting to rouse her from her sleep so that she could start the day. After all, they would be planet side finally, meaning she could at last, sort of, breathe fresh air. Dorin was toxic to humans, and so any occupants leaving the ship would need rebreathers, but it was still better than the constantly recycled air aboard the Yulanda.

Eventually the girl was stirred enough to peel away the layers of blankets that surrounded her like a cocoon, a single hand slapping the silencer on the alarm as quickly as tired muscles would allow. A wide yawn and stretch of her arms later and she placed a set of bare feet onto the floor, the cold durasteel causing her to hiss with discomfort before quickly pulling free some clothing to dress.

[member="Lily Kilia"]

 

[Lily Kilia]

Lily rubbed her eyes as the massive sphere known as Dorin slowly coasted below her, a large vessel to her right, and two of the five other Split Wing T-90s to her left. Soon the passengers aboard the Yulanda would set foot on the surface of Dorin and breathe in the purified semi-toxic air of Dorin. And Grey Squadron would finally get to stretch their legs and maybe take a nap after the countless hours in flight.

The New Republic had sent Grey Squadron to escort the Yulanda to Dorin and assist in the relief efforts there. Many members of the squadron had felt that escorting a relief ship was a waste of time. They were one of the few squadron's who had formal training in an academy after all, all leaving with top scores. The "farm boys" were better suited for this mission they complained.

Lt. Lily Kilia felt differently. It was good to take a break from the intense fighting they had now become accustomed to. It was nice to finally take a break from all that. Besides, now they'd all see what they were fighting for. Why they shed blood, sweat and tears.

"Yulanda, this is Grey Leader." Lily spoke into the mouthpiece of her helmet, the slightest bit of echo coming back through the headset, "Take her down when your ready. We'll be right behind you."

[member="Jamie Pyne"]

 

[Jamie Pyne]

The rumble of the ship entering the Dorin atmosphere caused Jamie to stumble her way through the hatch connecting her quarters to the corridor that lead through the center of the ship. Her hands braced against the archway so not to trip up, before swinging herself to the right and down towards the passenger common area to await their arrival. The captain's voice rang out through the internal comm speakers within the ship moments after the blonde arrived and found herself a comfortable place to sit.

"Touchdown in fifteen. Passengers please secure for landing."

The crew of the Yulanda began distributing ox-masks to the passengers so that while ashore they would be able to breath the filtered toxic Dorin air. This world, while perfectly suited to the Kel-Dor, was highly toxic to most other oxygen breathing species, humans especially. This would be Jamie's first visit to the Kel-Dor homeworld, and despite the importance of the mission here, was excited to see another species' home, to expand her knowledge and experience what she could. Being well traveled was something important to Jamie, given that until she became an adult, had never stepped foot off Naboo.

[member="Lily Kilia"]

 

[Lily Kilia]

The Yulanda descended into the toxic atmosphere, Grey Squadron on her heels. Three of the T-90s descending before the massive ship, leading her in, and two more behind her, with Lily bringing up the rear, piloting the larger. Event Horizon, a Tal Class Corvette.

The massive corvette, while completely outfitted with as many weapons as the manufacturer could fit on the hull, had a fully equipped bunking area for crew. The Horizon would serve as Grey Squadron's home for the duration of the mission.

The Horizon shook as it entered Dorin's toxic atmosphere, the low powered shields flashing in and out as they refreshed to repel the fire that was building on the hull.

[member="Jamie Pyne"]

 

[Jamie Pyne]

Creaking of metal and a small shift signaled the arrival of the ship at the star port. The captain shortly thereafter announced that the Yulanda had successfully arrived, welcoming the passengers and thanking them for their patience over the course of the trip. Those traveling as destination tourists to board another vessel would disembark first, leaving Jamie and the dozen or so others to prepare the cargo within the hold for transport. Several locations were marked on her datapad for each delivery.

• Crate CD-87003t - Destination N3;06;HH - <Hospital> - Level 23 West - Receiver: Tamor Resnath
• Crate CD-54296i - Destination H1;59;UV - <Hospital> - Level 14 - Receiver: M'yut Cral'nak
• Crate CD-24902b - Destination B6;21;QT - <Jedi Enclave> - Level 1 - Receiver: Master Jalun
• Crate CD-44402a - Destination I1;55;FD - <Mobile Medical Center> - Receiver: Eiricka Walfort

The majority of the supplies would consist of medicine, bacta, herbs, vaccines, and supplies to aide patients with severe injuries such as amputations, devastating burns or other catastrophic ailments. After the invasion and occupation of Dorin by the Sith, much of this was in high demand and extremely short supply.

With her list in hand the blonde affixed her ox-mask and began to collect the crates assigned to her, four in total of the lot. The trip would take several days overall, as each location was a fair ways away from one another, and Dorin did not share an overly welcoming weather pattern.

[member="Lily Kilia"]

 

[Lily Kilia]

Lily stood from the captain's chair and walked into the cargo hold. From a rack on the wall she took down a purifier which would endlessly filter out Dorin's toxins from the air she'd breath. And she wouldn't even half to change the filter. Modern technology was certainly a blessing.

Fixing the mask and checking the seals she took an experimental breath. All seemed to be working. Pressing a button, the rest of the ship sealed off, followed by the cargo bay doors opening up, the toxic air filling into the cargo hold. The sight that met her was the tourists all gawking in awe or indifference at the five other T-90s. Likely none of them had ever been that close to military vessel before.

Her squadron hopped down from their cockpits and began to approach the cargo hold of the Yulanda. Following suit Lily approached the slightly taller blonde woman who seemed to be leading the relief efforts. "Grey Squadron, reporting for duty ma'am!" she said hand coming up to a salute as she stopped before the woman. Technically the formality was completely unnecessary. Still to Lily it showed a certain amount of respect, one this woman likely deserved.

[member="Jamie Pyne"]

 

[Jamie Pyne]

Jamie paused in her stride, surprised by the appearance of an enthusiastic pilot standing at attention and full salute. The girl blinked twice, confused, and for a moment turned her head from side to side to see if perhaps the gesture was in fact intended for somebody else. Though with nobody else in the immediate vicinity it occurred to Jamie that this was actually indeed meant for her.

"I....Hello there." She finally managed to say. What's with the salute? Jamie wondered.

Her dress was very informal, a rather simple dark blue pleated fit and flare dress and matching flat bottom shoes. She looked anything but in the military or of the type. Her features suggested she had never lifted anything heavier than the most everyday of items. Still, she smiled and tipped her head towards the other girl who looked roughly the same age.

"I'm Jamie, and you are?"

[member="Lily Kilia"]

 

[Lily Kilia]

"Lieutenant Lily Kilia" responded the young woman, salute coming down, then relaxing. "My boys and I escorted you into the planet," he voice came out slightly muffled by the purifier. "I assume your the one who organized this? Or at least know who did?"

The other woman's relaxed demeanor meant Lily could ask likewise. Her dress alone should have indicated that. Yet she'd meant plenty of officer's who kept upothe hard military bearing even on leave.

[member="Jamie Pyne"]

 

[Jamie Pyne]

"A pleasure to meet you in person, Lieutenant." Cherry coated lips flashed a bright white smile as she nodded in affirmation. "I assumed as much, judging by the uniform and posture." Interrupting herself with a moment of laughter she pressed on. "My parents organized the effort, arranged for the cargo, but sent me to see it collected and distributed to where it was most needed." Dorin was a planet that was left abandoned by the Republic during the invasion of the Sith, and further during its' own collapse. Its' people had endured suffering for years, and little in the way of aide had ever made it through the Sith blockades after the skirmish between Sith and Jedi saw the Enclave left abandoned.

A brief sand gust zipped past the two as they exchanged words, making a bit of a mess out of the blonde's curled hair, to which was quickly addressed and settled before she continued.

"There are quite a few crates to deliver in total, most of which the other aides will be taking care of, while I make the delivery of these four here." She shifted her hand, pointing with her thumb just behind her to the four large crates that sat atop a repulsorlift pallet. "Shouldn't take more than the afternoon to make it to the two hospitals, medical center, and Jedi Enclave if you'd like to accompany me."

[member="Lily Kilia"]

 

[Lily Kilia]

The brief gust of wind shook Lily's slightly loose flight suit, the grey fabric fluttering in the breeze before it settled down once more.

The Lieutenant gave a quick nod. "It'd be my pleasure ma'am. I can send the other five along with the remaining assistants if you'd like." Lily offered. No use having them standing around doing nothing.

"They're fully armed and eager to help." The first bit was certainly true. The second...well it may take some coaxing. Greys were men and woman of action, of combat. Chances were they'd be less than ecstatic "babysit the civvies." She could here them complaining already.

[member="Jamie Pyne"]

 

[Jamie Pyne]

"Excellent!" She said with a smile. "That would be fantastic!"

Jamie gestured for the lieutenant to follow along as she pushed along the crates towards a speeder. "The first stop is about 75km away. Small hospital but understaffed as I've been told."

75km wasn't too far, but it was a bit of a distance to travel when there was hardly anything to see other than plumes of toxic gases and empty space.

"As long as the weather stays as it is now, we should be relatively fine." Relatively.

"Dorin has a notably unpredictable weather pattern, and their storms can become quite deadly, quite quickly. Top that with the fact that there isn't much in the way of natural shelter here, and we could find ourselves in a tight spot if we're not fortunate in our travel."

[member="Lily Kilia"]

 

[Lily Kilia]

The Leiutenant paused before responding to the woman to give orders to the squadron. "I want each of you to pair up with a shipment. Make sure they get where they're going. We all come home, and the next round's on me.". Lily closed the channel before any of the other five could object to her orders.

"I imagine we aren't carrying these on our backs rught? Where're the speeders?" she asked. If the weather was as unpredictable as the pretty woman suggested Lily would like to at least know if they'd be in a cramped hole, taking shelter, or sleeping in the speeder.

[member="Jamie Pyne"]

 

[Jamie Pyne]

"No, no. Of course not." That would be both incredibly silly and incredibly dangerous. With the unpredictability of Dorin's atmosphere and weather patterns, getting caught outside without precious cargo could be life threatening. Jamie pointed towards the garage a short distance away. "We've got speeders available just inside that we can use. If we had to walk we'd be here for the next week, and that's assuming we survived the trip." She gestured for the lieutenant to follow along as she pushed the crates along their path towards their destination. A small key card was swiped that opened the main door.

"That one there." She said, pointing to the one nearest her and Lily. "Do you mind piloting? I'm afraid I'm not someone you want to let behind the controls if possible."

That was an understatement. Jamie was a disaster waiting to happen when it came to piloting anything.

"I'll play navigator. That way neither of us crash into a mountain, or fall into a pit, or, well, you get the picture."

[member="Lily Kilia"]

 

[Lily Kilia]

The Lieutenant looked in the direction of the garage. She wondered what kind of vehicle they held in there. As the two pushed the crate along she watched the others mill about. The planet was odd. A dusty haze covered everything making it a little hard to see.

As they entered Lily listened to the woman's request and laughed a little at woman's comment. "I don't mind at all." She loved piloting, what ever it was. Well as long as it was functioning. "Which one's ours?"

[member="Jamie Pyne"]

 

[Jamie Pyne]

"This one here." She said, pointing towards the speeder. It was relatively unremarkable in most every way, save for it looked like someone had fashioned some custom handlebar grips onto it. Other than that it was the plain old, every day transport speeder. "If you want to start it up I will pull the crates around so we can load it up outside. It will be easier than dragging them in one by one." If not having to actually pilot the darn thing was in her cards today, Jamie would have considered herself a jackpot winner in the lottery.

The biggest threat to her own personal safety was herself on the back of one of those dreadful things!

"Sky looks clear for now, that's good at least. I'm hoping we can avoid any storms along the way. We'll have to keep an eye to the sky as we go though, just to be sure."

[member="Lily Kilia"]

 

[Lily Kilia]

Lily smiled at the old thing. Somehow the machine had survived the eras, decades of storm and sand, and wound up before her. The old machine was quite the fighter in her eyes. "Yeah, sure. I'll pull her around."

Stepping into the battered old crawler, she flicked on a couple switches, the dim red light beneath the ignition flickering faintly, on its last leg. Pushing the button the first time, the crawler whined and sputtered. A second time and the thing seemed about to turn over before dying once more. "C'mon old girl, show me what you've got." Lily whispered to her new friend as she pumped the gas the speeder sputtering, whining, then turning over into a wonderful purring. "Good girl," Lily said as she patted the dash.

She pulled the crawler out of the hanger and brought it near the crates before exiting the vehicle to assist [member="Jamie Pyne"] in loading their cargo. "So do you enjoy doing all this relief stuff?" she asked.

 

[Jamie Pyne]

Jamie could hear the sound of the engine as Lily tried several times to start it before it finally came to life. A lot of the tech on Dorin was aged at best, and entirely obsolete at worst. Unfortunately the majority of the technology leaned more towards the latter than the former. It was simply a matter of being a world with little forgiveness and many hazards, little in the way of settlement and expansion occurred over the generations.

"I do." Jamie answered as she and Lilly hefted one of the crates onto the platform. "Helping folks through famine or post war, or natural disaster, it seems small, but it makes a really big difference to the individual lives on these planets. And any chance to make the galaxy a better place for future generations is worth the effort, no matter how small the gesture."

[member="Lily Kilia"]

 

[Lily Kilia]

The woman helped the other and pushed the large crate all the way onto the back of the speeder, allowing room for the remaining crates. She hopped down and picked up a second crate, repeating the process as [member="Jamie Pyne"] spoke.

"Believe me when I say I know how much help these efforts give people." the younger asked quickly. Once upon a time, she'd been one of those individuals that needed assistance, post-war. When it finally arrived, the elation she'd felt was so magnanimous it became the reason she'd joined the Navy. To help people just like they'd helped her.

 

[Jamie Pyne]

Hefting the last crate up onto the speeder, the blonde let it go with a small thud onto the metal surface, rubbing her hands and offering Lily a quick nod.

"I'm glad to hear that!" Jamie had never been the victim of war, poverty, or famine herself. It was hard for her to know exactly what that was like, but she understood what it meant. She was raised with empathy and compassion in mind, to always be kind to those, and to always offer assistance when and where it was needed. Her parents were humanitarians as well, and despite their relative wealth, would always look to make the lives of others better in any way they could.

"Right." she said, patting the crate next to her. "We're ready to go."

Heading around to the passenger side she hopped up and into the speeder, "We'll head north from here, about thirty kilometers out."

[member="Lily Kilia"]

 

[Lily Kilia]

"Alright then, lets get going." said the Lieutenant as she slid into the drivers seat. The old engine struggled under the new weight for a moment, the crates tilting the whole thing backwards. Finally, sluggishly, the speeder began to creep forward. Feeling a little more comfortable that the old battered crawler could handle the weight, Lily slowly increased pressure on the accelerator, the speeder going faster in response.

As the two exited the camp, Lily looked around, keeping one eye on the road, at the relief efforts that surrounded her. People like this were the only reason the galaxy was still spinning she reckoned. If only warriors existed, the galaxy would have died long ago.

[member="Jamie Pyne"]