[center][img]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/Emblem_of_the_First_Galactic_Empire.svg/220px-Emblem_of_the_First_Galactic_Empire.svg.png[/img][/center][hr][right][b]Op. No. KY-9914; Pvt. Malik Skaya 121st Battalion, Bravo Company, 1st Platoon, Alpha Squad Lothor Minor | Entering Atmosphere aboard Imperial Shuttle APPROX. 1200HRS; 5 BBY[/b][/right][hr] Little time was given to Skaya to speak with his squadmates, the chaos of deployment sweeping him up and forcing him into formation with the rest of the troopers. He fought to remain still and at attention, choking down the jittering in his hands. A thousand worries were running through his head even as Sergeant Vytuia tried to ease the tension they all no doubt felt. It didn't do much for Malik's nerves, his gaze flickering about the rest of the team. He didn't know a single man that stood beside him. He didn't know which of them he could trust to have his back and which of them he needed to be weary of. The academy had beat it into Skaya's head that he needed to be able to have full confidence in each and every trooper in the Corps, but experience had taught him otherwise. This was his chance to make a good first impression and he had to do everything in his power to keep from screwing that up. In an effort to calm the storm in his soul he did as he had done since he was just a bo: he bowed his head and gave a silent prayer for protection and guidance.[i][color=a187be]'Keep watch over me and stay my enemy's hand,'[/color][/i] He thought, his jaw clenched to keep his teeth from chattering. [color=a187be][i]'give me either the strength to triumph over this foe or the will to pass into your presence with grace and honor.'[/i][/color] The sound of a hundred boots against steel rang out as they loaded into the transports. Malik slipped down into his chair and strapped himself in, his rifle laid out on his lap as he fought against the urge to bounce his leg. Anxiousness and excitement swirled about in tandem in his heart, sending waves of adrenaline coursing through him. This wasn't his first mission- far from it, in fact- but he could never shake that initial surge of emotions that came with stepping aboard the transports. Once he was seated and Vytuia began explaining the mission, however, Skaya's full attention shifted to his squad leader. He mulled over every word and considered every possibility, taking in the holographic map and committing it to memory- he needed to be able to successfully navigate the facility on the off chance that his Heads Up Display malfunctioned. Once the time came for questions Malik cleared his throat, bringing up a hand to catch the sergeant's attention. [color=a187be]"How important is it that the facility remains intact?"[/color] He asked with a tilt of his head. [color=a187be]"Will we be able to use thermal detonators inside or should such destruction be avoided?"[/color]