Begin Log, PSGXa10:

Damon Lightwind: Alternative P.O.V.

-= CRS: Odin, Med Ops =-

After several days in Med Ops Damon was getting quite restless and tired of being confined there. At times he felt as though he was only being kept here for study due to his rare healing relationship with bacta. Sure it could help him heal up to a point then his body would have to do the rest on its own. It mystified him as to why each time it came up the MedTech’s seemed to not believe it themselves and had to see this first hand. Damon was quite frankly sick of being treated as a lab rat and wanted out.
To make matters worse, he saw Galicon come and go after he’d recovered from his ordeal, yet Damon still remained trapped here unable to do anything, or was allowed to go anywhere. For Damon, just being able to take a walk around the Odin would’ve been sufficient. It would have been a nice change of pace, and eased his tension.
So the female MedTech walked up to him, as she had done numerous times before, to evaluate his progress. This morning Damon was determined to not show any reaction to any pain. He felt if he could pull this off he could finally get out of here. “OK Captain, how’s that shoulder of yours feeling,” she asked.
“Aside from being a little stiff it feels great.” Damon replied.
“Well that can happen from lack of use but it’s essential during healing process to keep it immobile,” she said.
“So is there any chance I can get out of here today?” Damon asked, as he did every morning since he’d first come here.
The MedTech laughed and said as she always did, “As always Captain, that depends on how your evaluation goes.”
Damon did not find this answer to his liking, as always, but just nodded in acknowledgment. Although there was some pain he could still feel in his shoulder when moving his arm, Damon felt that it was within manageable levels enough to finally get him out. The MedTech asked him to do a series of movements with his arm to show the range of motion he’d regained.
Damon bit down on his tongue as he went through the routine as he was instructed. He knew if he could focus on the pain of biting on his tongue he’d be able to pull this off. As he went though each motion the MedTech watched close for any reaction that would indicate pain. Of course Damon knew this is what she was looking for and so far he had managed to not give her anything as far as even a flinch. Soon she finished her evaluation and said. “Well Captain I think that does it for you, and yes, you can now leave MedOps. I just need to work up your official release and you can go.”
Damon was glad he’d won, and waited for her to head into the other room. …at which point he felt he was free to react. …briefly. He was so glad, in fact, he pumped is fist, as if in victory. But he was SO glad he forgot and used the wrong arm. Pain shot through his shoulder, and he managed to recover just before she came back into the room.
“There you go, Captain. All you need do now is report to Admiral Efrata-Landis.”
Damon still masking his pain nodded, and said. “Thank you. And I shall report to him at once.” With that he left Med Ops rather quickly and head for the Admiral’s Office.
The MedTech went back to her small desk, sat, and thought to herself, “When will they ever learn that they can’t hide stuff from the scanners? Sheesh. If I hadn’t let him out, he’d have been climbing the walls, and I’d have had to sedate him. …at least he’s out of a cockpit for one more round.” And she smiled knowingly.

-= CRS: Odin, Admiral Efrata-Landis’s Office=-

Upon Arriving he’d learned that a mission briefing had just let out. He was informed of this as some of his fellow pilot’s past him on the way. They were all heading to the assigned duties they’d been given. Damon was a little disappointed by this and knew there was not much that could be done about it. So he just waited patiently for the Admiral to arrive so he could find out what he’d be doing. After a little while Castor came around the corner and saw Damon standing there.
“Well Captain, glad to see you’re back on your feet,” Castor said as he approached.
“Aye! As am I, Sir,” Damon replied.
“So, what can I do for you?”
“Well, Sir, I was instructed by the MedTech on duty to report to you upon my release from MedOps,” Damon explained as he handed over the data pad he was given.
“Ahh, yes. But of course… Please, come on in. We have much to discuss.” Castor said as he started to review the data pad. Damon entered Castor’s office, as he was instructed, feeling little apprehensive.
Castor headed right for his desk, and sat in his chair. He said, sensing Damon’s apprehension. “Have a seat, Captain, and relax. I just need to get you up to speed on what’s going on.”
Damon nodded. and sat down in the chair right in front of Castor’s desk.
“Well, now. Since you were unfortunately unable to attend the briefing due to your condition I shall brief you now. I find it very interesting how you end up right where I need you most,” Castor said.
Damon, now quite puzzled, asked. “I do? How so?”
Castor pondered a moment, and said, “I’m not exactly sure… but I’m guessing it must be the will of the Force. Your multiple talents seem to make you most valuable to have around here. It’s not often you can find someone who can do more than just one thing, and do them with equal care and precision. For example, the current mission coming up. Your mechanical talents may come in handy. …which… gives me a wildcard to work with, should things go wrong.”
“Wildcard. …me…? I’m not sure I understand what you mean, Sir,” Damon said, quite confused.
Castor smiled and said, “Yes, you, Damon. Because you understand the workings of just about any ship. You also have the ability to learn as you go, as well solve problems quickly in the process. I’ve seen this first hand. For example, the Gunboat you had to fix. Not to mention the other tech’s respect you a great deal more than even you know, based on the knowledge you have. So, again, yes, you are a wildcard in that regard, and I like the fact you’re always right were your needed most. It’s little strange at times, but a good thing, none the less.”
Damon thought for a moment, and than said, feeling not much more sure of himself. “Thank you, Sir. …I think.”
“It might not be clear to you yet. But as I fill you in more, it should become so,” Castor said.
“OK, Sir… What’s the plan? And where do I fit in?” Damon asks pointedly, hoping to better understand.
“Well, I’m glad you asked!” Castor said joking slightly. “So I’ll get right to the point. General Greedo has devised a strategically brilliant plan that is so fantastically dangerous, it just might well work. The plan is that the General wants to allow the Odin to be captured,” Castor explained, and then paused to allow Damon to collect himself.
Damon’s jaw had dropped as he heard this, and he was sitting there with his mouth wide open, but no sounds at all coming out.
Castor continued on with his explaination. “The General is confident enough he, himself, will be in on this one, as well. The plan is that the General and the Shock Group Commandoes will attach and conceal themselves on the outside of he docking platform and bay port among the irregularities of the outer hull.”
All Damon could do was sit there blankly in awe as Castor continued. He was basically paralyzed by the fear he felt at that very moment. His thoughts raced through the various dangers that were more than just likely as Castor continued. “What in the hell is the General thinking? Has he really gone insane? Sure it’s a brilliant plan. …to get us all killed. The odds of pulling something like this off is beyond mind boggling. Not to mention the various tortures we may face once the Odin is captured.” …none of which did he say out loud.
Castor sensed Damon’s state of mind, snapped his fingers and asked sharply, “Captain! Are you still with me?”
It took a few seconds, but Damon came to his senses and said, “Sorry, Sir. I should be used to outrageous plans like this by now, but this one is pretty far out there on there edge.”
“Aye. It is, indeed, a lot to digest. And to that end your reaction is understandable.” Castor said understandingly.
“So, where do I fit in all of this?”
“Well should things go wrong I need some one to be able to think quickly, and be able to make decisions while under fire. You fit that description. I know you can, and will, do what has to be done, no matter what the cost, should it be necessary to do so.” Castor said very seriously.
Damon took a moment to think , and said, “I think I understand what you meant.”
“Good. So I can count on you to be ready for anything?”
“Aye. That you can, Sir!” Damon was surer of himself this time.
“Very well, then. We shall face the dangers ahead together be ready for anything Captain.”
“Aye! As you wish, Sir!” Damon stood sharply at attention and saluted, knowing the trust and responsibility that had just been laid on his shoulders.
Castor returned the salute. “Dismissed!”
Damon turned and marched formally out of Castor’s office, and headed for the hanger to help the techs.

*****

James StarGazer: Alternative P.O.V.

Captain James StarGazer slowly got up from his quarters. And quickly realized it was time for a day of flying. He still had a headache from the chewing out he had gotten the night before. Perhaps it was a good thing he ran into Greedo. He had a lot of respect for Damon, Castor, and everyone around him. However, sometimes.... he thought. We all need a rude awaking from someone were not close to. And in this case, that may have been what he got.
James set out to do better; no longer to be the weakest link. He quickly made his way down to the briefing room when the call came. He couldn’t afford to screw up again. There was some big plan in place, and James didn’t know anything about it until he arrived.
He listened and learned.
Greedo had a big plan, a few …most, actually… were against it... somehow it related to the Starhammer project. James felt everyone in the room was thinking, “our mission is being stated like it’ll be easy”. …an opinion which James did not share. It appeared that it was going to be almost impossible, from what James got out of it. So it couldn’t possibly be that easy. He was scared, but he had to participate. And he had to give it 100%. Now, there would be no other option. Not participating, not doing anything… just wouldn’t work for him. And it wouldn’t work for Castor or Damon. And it sure wouldn’t work for Greedo. He wouldn’t let them all down, he vowed!
After the information was handed out, after so many questions, and after so many thoughts had been thrown around the room, everyone headed out to full-fill their orders. James, not being considered a Grey Veteran had to go with the Cadets, and fly. They all reported with the flight deck officer. What was to come after this…?
James hopped in his A-Wing, and quickly powered up systems. But, wait! Nothing’s ever easy. The Captain’s A-Wing wouldn’t power up! “What now…?” James thought. He attempted to power up weapons systems one more time, still nothing. And there weren’t anymore A-Wings available. If his wouldn’t start. What would this mean? So many thoughts raged through James’s head. What would he do? Would he have to be stuck on the Odin with Castor? Castor and his disappointment…?

*****

Ta Re` D’Jo:

I listened to the briefing intently with me full attention on Castor. “He is out of his damn mind! A-wings. It HAD to be A-wings. It could be worse, I suppose.”
I waited until it was time for us all to leave and I checked my data plan to make sure that I was in the correct ship, and piloted myself out the hangar. I got through the main gate just in time to hear “All wings, report in!”
“Flight Leader, this is Grey 6, reporting in.”
I listened as the other ship sounded off, following my flight plan, which was just patrolling for enemy craft. Over the com I heard “All right, team. The Odin’s shields are disabled. If they are going to go for it, it will be now.”
I continued to patrol and then all of the sudden, the gunboats started to hyper in. And then the com chatter began…
“Here we go!”
“Shields up! TIE Advanceds coming in!”
“Transports coming in, too! Control! Send the rest out! Lets make this look real!”
I watched as the rest of our team came out the main hangar.
“All right. I’ll go after the gunboats, Grey 6 and Grey 2 come with me. The rest of you, engage the Advanceds.”
I started going after the Gunboats, trying to track down as many missiles as I could before it seemed like they were all coming for me, instead of going after anyone else. “HELP!” I barked into the comm. “I have missiles all over me!”
“On my way, 6.”
I managed to get most of the gunboats and was flying circles when 2 came and blasted the Imp that had been riding my hind end for the past 5 minutes.
I started going after the transports and got a good portion of those out, too. “All in all, I think I am doing a pretty decent job making this look good AND expensive.”
I swooped around to pick off another transport and almost flew into it. Apparently the ship wasn’t in the condition that I thought it had been in, since I didn’t actually target it, and it was going a little bit slower then I had anticipated. When it stopped sharply and it broke apart, I jigged left. Unfortunately, a huge hunk of transport exploded left and nicked my ship, sending me off in a wild spin, throwing me into the side of my A-wing. “They really need to install better seatbelts on these things.”
I straightened myself out in time to hear “The Odin has been captured! Mission complete guys! … and Lady.”
“Thanks for the afterthought,” I chuckled into the comm.
“Sorry Ray,” Neo answered. “We still aren’t too used to having a female fighter pilot with us. In any case… lets all hyper out. The Odin is gone… and we have a rendezvous point. Lets go to it.”

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Mission 3.11  Sabaac  Part 2

The Grey pilots, after a few hours aboard the Independence, were called to the briefing room, and handed a sealed packet by a ranking officer of the command ship who says merely “The Indy wishes you success”, and promptly exited leaving the Grey pilots to their own affairs. Commodore Neo, being the senior most member present, since the Grey XO stayed aboard the Odin, accepted the packet, opened it, and began to read, “If all has proceeded according to the plan that the General has laid out, the Odin has been captured. General Greedo and the Shock Team are still outside of the Odin, which has now reached it’s destination, and they have activated the device by which you will be able to locate them. You will have been resupplied by the Independence, and have been cooling your heels anxiously and trying to quell the feelings of frustration at having nothing to do but wait.
“The situation, by all our estimations, is this… The crew of the Odin has been ordered to cooperate with the Odin’s captors. They haven’t been told much more than that for reasons of “plausible denial”. Only General Greedo and I know all the specifics of this operation. For the purposes of keeping Admiral Borran alive, he has been stripped of all identification, and admitted to MedOps. He is effectively disguised as a victim of a recent action, and we’ve changed his profile in the main data banks. He is being kept unconscious, and hopefully, they’ll leave him that way.
“Because of these orders of cooperation, the Odin’s crew should be alive and well and, hopefully, still in detention on the Imperial task group command ship. I, also hopefully, am alive and well, and have been able to use the Force and my particular ability to “disappear”, and should be at large either on the Odin or the Imperial command craft  the latter if all has gone well. For my part in this, I will be causing confusion by setting off alarms here and there, being a “ghost”, and causing general confusion. I will also be trying to disable the shield generators of any Advanced TIEs that may be present for as long as I am able before you get to our location.
“Your job will be to attack the StarFighters in the area, and cause enough concern that craft start moving back and forth between the Odin and the command craft. This should ensure that the General and the Shock Team have had plenty of opportunity to get set up in their places to begin their part of this operation.
“Only part of Shock Group will transfer over to the Imperial command craft, while the remainder stays with the Odin. Both groups will be disabling their respective ship’s shield generators, so that both craft may be taken quickly with as little loss of life as possible  remember that we very likely have crew in detention aboard at least one of those craft, if not both, and that they are vulnerable.
“Do not engage any command craft directly, even though two of you will be in BWings  our men will be on the outside of them, and do not kill any craft which launch from the Odin  some of our men may be attached to them as well. Destroy any starfighter defenses you encounter.
“Included with this are your second set of orders. Load them into onboard computers  they will come up when the proper signal is sent from the General.
“Good luck.”
Commodore Neo finished re3ading and looked around at the faces that surrounded him. “I guess that’s pretty clear. Dogfight only, again. Kid’s stuff. The only part bothers me is we got two BWings, and we can’t use ‘em. I guess the General don’t like ions blastin’ ‘round his boots. Be real fun to watch, though... Remind me to tell you Cadets the story of when I disabled Castor’s BWing when it’s computer was reprogrammed...” Neo passed out the data wafers with their next set of orders, and pocketed the extras.
“Remember to load these up before we jump. Okay. Got any questions,” he asked, and preempting any questions, he said, “Too bad. Keep ‘em to yourself. I don’t know any more’n you do. You, and you,” he pointed at two of the Greys, “got the Bs. Let’s go get ‘em, and hope everybody gets their job done at the right time. …or Greedo’s going to get a mite testy.”
Grey and the Cadets scrambled out of the briefing room and found their starfighters all prepped and waiting. The Deck Officer, catching Neo as he approached said, “I know that your unfamiliar with us and our procedures, but I wanted to let you know that my maintenance staff has gone through the tightest security measures there are. They’re all highly trained and completely loyal to the Alliance.”
Neo said blankly, “So, what’s your point?”
“I know that you’re in a hurry,” the DO offered. “I just wanted to say that you can trust our work on your starfighters. We treat each one that comes in as if our children’s lives depend on it. …which, they kinda do, if you think about it that way, sir.”
“Thanks. I believe what you say. But we’ve had problems in the past, and we’re kinda snakebit about this sorta thing. You’ll forgive us if we run a quick systems check, ourselves, before we skip out. No offense is intended.” Neo apologized, without actually apologizing.
“Yes, Sir. Good luck, Sir!” The DO saluted.
Neo threw the Deck Officer a quick salute, and approached his AWing, muttering, “Besides which, I don’t trust NObody with MY baby!” He started flicking switches and running his own diagnostic. Over secure Grey channel, he said, “Greys… I don’t care what you know… or what you think you know. One of those chips I gave you has my own personal diagnostics sweep. It tests stuff in three different ways, and can find just about anything that’s had a modification done, what the modification is, and if there’s any kind of bug, worm or timebomb. It’s a file called Neognostics. Load it up, and run it. If anything comes up, I want to know about it.”
Everyone had come up with some modifications, but none were flagged by the Neo’s gnostics sweep as a danger. A few short minutes later, the group streaked into hyperspace toward the Odin. And the gods only knew what they were flying in to.

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