Garik immediately frowned after her first question. Did he greet all girls like that? No, he didn't. He didn't typically [i]greet[/i] anyone. In the back of his head, he already regretted his decision to say anything to her. For all he knew, one of them was going to get shot down in their first battle, making the whole conversation a waste of time. He should've just kept his head down and went on his way. But it was too late now, he thought, as she extended her hand. Slowly, he reached out and uncomfortably shook it until she stopped him, glaring at her eyes the entire time. It wasn't until the handshake was over that he replied to any of her questions. [b]"Yes.. you're my wingman. And no. You're the first one I've spoken to." [/b]

Looking around, Garik realized that the two were the only ones remaining, and began to leave as well. Aruptly, he stopped in the doorway when he had a moment of sudden clarity. Training was over. Unlike his simulations, if he died out in space, he was going to [i]die for real[/i]. For a brief moment, his composure broke, and fear washed over his face. In his moment of weakness, he turned towards Cora. Quietly, he told her. [b]"Hey Lieutenant.. when we're out there.. just.. I'll watch your back. You watch mine. Deal?"[/b]

[hr]

[u][b][center]Tion Cluster, Outer Rim Territories
Clariv, Sector Caluula
Operation: Strike Fear (0 BBY)
2/205th Imperial Fighter Group[/center][/b][/u]

[b]"This is Aurek Leader! Six rebel fighters just-"[/b] Captain Kael cried out before his transmission was cut short. He had split the squadron into three flights, keeping them spread thin as they scouted the Tyrant's path to Clariv, home of the rebel base. Far from any help the Star Destroyer could send, which was staged just outside the system, the Captain and his flight had been caught totally off guard when a group of T-65 X-Wings jumped out of hyperspace in front of him and attacked. In short order, Kael was vaporized, and three surviving members of his flight scattered. Desperately, they called for help. 

[B]"Aurek Five, I'm on the way."[/b] Garik gritted his teeth as he spun his TIE fighter around and raced towards the fight. On his scopes, he saw Aurek Two and Three were playing a deadly game of cat and mouse with three of the rebel fighters. One second they were the hunter, and the next they were the prey. Aurek Four on the other hand was being closely followed behind by one dogged X-Wing and had already been hit once. 

[b]"Blast it!"[/b] Garik accidentally blew past the fifth and sixth X-Wing, which had slipped away from the dogfight. Narrowly he survived their laser fire when they passed, and both he and one of the rebel pilots made hard turns to get a bead on each other. Ultimately, Garik was able to outmaneuver the rebel, and started to lock onto him with his targeting computer when he received a warning. He had forgotten about the second X-Wing, which was now tailing him and would soon have him locked as well. Anger swelling up inside of him, Garik forced himself to stay on target and keyed his commlink, [b]"Tarneia where the [i]hell[/i] are you?"[/b]