A temperate planet with a sizeable yet not quite astropolitically significant population center. Self-sufficient and relatively recently brought into the imperial fold, Centares main claim to fame is it's position along the Perlimian Trade Route, where it acts as a general marker of where Republic Space ends and Imperial Space begins. This untroubled backwater planet irregularly chafes under imperial rule, who take a modestly lax approach to the every-day governance of the planet. It is home to a wide array of aliens and humans, most of whom are able to go about their lives untroubled by the change in administration.
MORE TBA <3
Kindly refrain from posting in the IC just yet, things are still being set up. (Ominous, I hope)
Name: Asra Lyn Species: Human Pureblood percentage: 2% Homeworld: Dromund Kaas Age: 28 Gender: Female Military Branch: Navy Rank: Diplomat / Lieutenant Unit/designation: Role/specialisation: Special Requisitions & Acquisitions Agent Current place of Service: Currently operating along the Perlimian Trade Route, based around Centares and The Wheel. Sphere of influence: Expansion & Diplomacy
Detailed appearance. Imagery insufficient.
Asra Lyn stands at a fairly regular 5’6” ( 170 cm ). She presents a tidy representation of what an imperial officer should look like, with a well-fitted and meticulously tended uniform, her long blond hair tied back into a neat and unimposing braid.
She is by no means an imposing figure, instead rather slim and non-athletic. Her eyes can be likened to those of a cat, an intrigued, predatory gleam housed in her moss-green eyes. This is further suffused with her trim eyebrows and high cheekbones, the sharpness of the former giving her an impressive expressive range. Her smooth and pale skin give solid indications as to her lack of hard labor and preference for artificial light.
Report on skills and talents, including level of skill
A talented negotiator and diplomatic official; she operates at an advanced level on several different negotiation techniques. Employs good use of intuition and insight in switching between available methods to come out ahead in a discussion. Also displays a talent for visual and emotional manipulation, but has not received formal training.
Considerable breadth of knowledge on the workings of trade, political etiquette as well as extra-legal operations, and a critical thinker in ordinarily hard-to-conquer issues.
Report on known combat experience, training and weapons training.
Beyond basic training, Asra has no recorded skill or noted experience in any form of combat or weapons knowledge. As a non-combatant, she has not received any further training on the subject. She has completed all mandatory sessions and courses, most with low to middling marks.
She is a member of a shockboxing association on Centares but does not participate in competitive matches nor actively practice. Any skill in melee combat is entirely imaginary.
Report on role, specialisation and responsibilities pertaining to the subject’s military deployment.
Officially deployed as a diplomatic attaché to Centares. However, Lieutenant Asra Lyn has considerable operational leeway unless specifically attached to an operation. Her operational objective is to facilitate the acquisition of resources deemed important for the imperial administration’s continued welfare, and to actively pursue technology and materials of interest through all available diplomatic and informal channels. On occasion she has been deployed to pursue specific relics or items relating to Sith interests.
The purpose of her deployment is to represent vested imperial interests in the acquisition of specific goods, or when not under direct order – the continued growth of imperial resource pools.
Detailed notes on political influence and associates.
Asra has low to middling political influence, and arguably lacks any real power to exert over others or to climb in the imperial hierarchy – outside a lucky promotion, of course. She does engage in extensive deal-making and favor-trading, but such agreements are generally informal and based on exchange of goods and services rather than political or military favor. She has no prestige from ancestry or outside influence and remains a relatively unknown civil servant in the grand scheme of things.
She associates extensively with criminal or otherwise non-imperial elements, both through subcontracted work and networking. Her station means she has enough official sway to entice mercenary contractors and organize low-brow trouble with a holo-call.
Particularly she associates with the local branch of the Red Venom Clan, an extensive network of organized criminals dealing primarily with smuggling and violent crime in and out of Hutt Space. They have ties to the Hutt Cartel through a network of deals and trades, and frequently operate as muscle for Cartel-affiliated elements closer to Hutt Space. They have established footholds as far as Nar Shaddaa and Sriluur.
Furthermore she has extensive control over the Val’shan Trading Initiative, a registered trading organization from Nar Shaddaa. Under the guise of pilots and merchants, Asra has staffed the corporation with likeminded individuals who operate outside the sphere of the imperial administration. The corporation engages in overt criminal activity in Hutt Space at her behest, while doubling as transportation for important high-value goods when Asra Lyn’s mission requires it.
Detailed notes on known rivals and enemies, outside and within the Empire.
Captain Kal Varron – A male human captain in the Republic Navy. Commanding officer of a convoy of Republic trade vessels with escort captured by criminal elements in 3 ATC travelling the Perlimian Trade Route. The assault on his convoy led to loss of life of republic-aligned personnel, and Asra Lyn took it upon herself during the engagement to make her presence known. Kal Varron is trying to rally his compatriots against the Empire using this incident, but if he cannot, he might settle for a more personal vengeance.
Diplomatic Envoy Tahir Enoa – A female human diplomatic corps envoy with several listed incident reports and complaints relating to Lieutenant Asra Lyn. According to reports filed both ways, the two women regularly engage in departmental sabotage, social bullying and discrediting campaigns against one another. It appears to originate around a superior assigning Lieutenant Lyn to Envoy Enoa’s negotiation early in the Lieutenant’s career. Though the negotiation was successful it marks the first formal complaint about Asra Lyn’s demeanour.
List and description of other known associates, including subordinates.
Rassk – A male trandoshan bounty hunter affiliated with the Red Venom Clan. Rassk can be regularly seen with Asra when both are present on Centares, sometimes replacing official escort personnel. The trandoshan has participated in imperial security details as contracted mercenary support, mainly for operations spearheaded by Lieutenant Asra Lyn. He is wanted in republic space for several criminal acts, mainly piracy, murder, and armed robbery.
Lazal Ke – A male duros with ties to criminal elements on Centares. Officially registered in imperial records with a trading and pilot’s license, trading for the Val’shan Trading Initiative, a relatively small corporation registered on Nar Shaddaa. Lazal Ke can often be seen in informal settings hanging around Asra Lyn when the two are on the same planet, and Lazal Ke appears to be Asra’s second-in-command when it comes to the operations of the corporation, allowing her to effectively remove herself from the official process.
List of known all ownerships, including vessels, non-standard equipment, slaves and locations.
Villa Lyn – Asra Lyn owns a spacious and luxurious villa in the administrative quarter of Muracie, the capital city of Centares. Due to imperial construction standards and safety reasons, the estate can be likened to a miniature fortress, but has been heavily modified to focus on aesthetics. It hosts a similarly beautified interior, with a grand ballroom to host lavish parties and informal business ventures.
Val’shan Trading Initiative – Though ownership of the Initiative is officially divided over a slew of shareholders - of which Asra is one - Asra Lyn maintains close control of the corporation's operations through a combination of a sizeable minority of shares, and extensive office subterfuge. Val'shan Trading Initiative offices include a sizeable warehouse and trade office as well as employee apartments, all located neatly in the Corellian Sector on Nar Shaddaa. The company subcontracts pilots to complete transportation contracts, and irregularly hires mercenaries to carry out various less-than-legal actions.
Asra has no registered vehicles for personal use but makes consistent use of both navy and imperial administration vessels for transportation. She frequently registers as a passenger on flights with the Val’shan Trading Initiative.
Psychological evaluation of candidate.
Asra Lyn appears to be fiercely loyal to the Empire and does her utmost to present an unapproachable, pristine record. She seems to revel in the ideology of power that lays the groundwork for the imperial administration, and openly extols the virtues of the imperial way of life. She is supportive of her peers when it is beneficial to her but also appears to have no issue reporting on her colleagues.
Despite her apparent love for the service, she is keen to deal outside the boundaries set by her office and thrives when deals are informal and without paper trails. She enjoys being a confidant, and regularly joins or forms social circles within established hierarchies to establish an informal foothold. These informal circles are breeding grounds for information-sharing, favor-trading and interdepartmental scandal gossip. She appears to have a vicarious fascination with violence and criminal behavior, and regularly finds herself involved with individuals of questionable civility.
Furthermore, she appears paradoxically fascinated with weaponry, and despite an aggressive lack of skill with blasters she is always excited to see a new weapon get tested or watch an explosion in movies and on a warfront alike.
In stressed situations however, this sly and ingratiating demeanor quickly fades away, and she easily panics when faced with the idea of actual danger.
List and description of known and suspected flaws. To be put into restricted database.
Snake in the Grass – Asra Lyn is a duplicitous individual. Double-dealing, back-stabbing and lying comes naturally to her, and she revels in exercising her power in any measure that becomes available to her. This arguably sours any long-term relation and has built her an informal reputation.
Easy to Please – With a social craving that borders on the narcissistic comes a certain affection for praise. She is prone to position herself favorably to someone who compliments her, praises her work, or otherwise puts effort into realizing her desired image.
Willfully Ignorant – Asra’s smug attitude when she thinks she’s being sly does not always reflect positively on her. She can be quite obnoxious, and is drawn to exercise behavior that makes her appear better than her peers, while always prepared to play the part of loyal soldier and innocent victim.
known interests of the candidate.
Shockboxing
Parties & Social Events
War Movies
Major achievements on record.
Engineered the capture of Republic licensed trade vessels and escorting personnel by utilizing elements beyond ordinary Empire network. All goods seized and disseminated for use by imperial administration on Centares. Operation was retroactively sanctioned by Imperial Intelligence division on Centares after investigation. Reference document: #03i203II9
Major failures on record. Confidential.
Involved tangentially in a bribery scandal within the diplomatic services on Centares. Though no charges were levied against the officer, several involved personnel named Asra Lyn as a key individual in shadow donations to the Imperial administration from unlisted Centares citizens.
Several complaints of inappropriate behavior logged in Centares diplomatic department. The reports suggest she is prone to bullying, spiteful sabotage, verbal abuse and theft. All complaints are logged by Diplomatic Envoy Tahir Enoa, or her aide. A few reports have follow-up conversations, but no disciplinary actions have been taken.
She has applied four times for work with Imperial Intelligence but has so far been denied based on middling performance evaluation.
Personal biography, as detailed by the subject for use in imperial archives. Acquired shortly after last achievement of note.
INTERVIEW EXCERPT #3-A, SUBJECT: LYN, A. #Originally forwarded to Intelligence Department by Colonel Jek Allis, Centares Diplomatic Administration Services.
LIEUTENANT LYN: You wanted to see me, sir? COLONEL ALLIS: Sit down, Lieutenant. COLONEL ALLIS: Now. What in the seven-headed krayt is this? LIEUTENANT LYN: That’s my report, sir. COLONEL ALLIS: Don’t jerk me around, Lyn. That might work with the governor’s staff but I’m not blind. Let’s go through it, shall we? LIEUTENANT LYN: I don’t understand, sir. Is something inco- COLONEL ALLIS: Stow it. You know just what it is. Let’s start with the event at hand. During an ordinary patrol you happened upon a convoy of traders. LIEUTENANT LYN: Yes, sir. COLONEL ALLIS: Just randomly stumbled upon them. In space. LIEUTENANT LYN: Yes, sir. COLONEL ALLIS: Let me tell you now, Lyn. You may think this is funny now, but if it’s not me it’s going to be [redacted] breathing down our necks. Now. Okay. You found them. What were you doing half a parsec away from regular routes? LIEUTENANT LYN: I was conducting a sweep of the area for mineable asteroids. COLONEL ALLIS: With an armed escort? LIEUTENANT LYN: Space is a dangerous place, sir. I wouldn’t want to get hurt. COLONEL ALLIS: Damnit, lieutenant! You brought pirates to- LIEUTENANT LYN: Enterprising free merch- COLONEL ALLIS: Pirates, Lieutenant! Scum of the void. Without a naval escort! LIEUTENANT LYN: I did not want to burden the administration, sir. COLONEL ALLIS: You do not make that call! You don’t bring pirates on your damned picnic! We have files on several of them! LIEUTENANT LYN: I must have been deceived as to their true nature, sir. COLONEL ALLIS: [inaudible] COLONEL ALLIS: So. Okay. Do this all you want. How did you come to engage these vessels? LIEUTENANT LYN: We were fired upon, sir. COLONEL ALLIS: That’s what you wrote. They just fired on you, did they. Before you did. LIEUTENANT LYN: They must have thought we were easy pickings. COLONEL ALLIS: But you say they had two escort fighters. You had what, six larger craft? LIEUTENANT LYN: There is no accounting for Republic arrogance, sir. COLONEL ALLIS: Listen here, you little shit. The Republic is going to use this to justify security increases in this whole damn sector. You want another war? LIEUTENANT LYN: Of course not, sir. We have been expressly briefed to promote peace and stability. COLONEL ALLIS: Wipe that smirk off your damn face. So. You neutralized the escort. Then you boarded the convoy. LIEUTENANT LYN: I perceived them as a possible threat to the Empire, sir. COLONEL ALLIS: Trade vessels. LIEUTENANT LYN: Looks can be deceiving, sir. They were carrying dangerous cargo. COLONEL ALLIS: So you write, but our docking manifest logs mainly industrial materials and equipment. LIEUTENANT LYN: All very dangerous in the wrong hands, sir. COLONEL ALLIS: Where are the pirates now? LIEUTENANT LYN: I am unaware of any pirates, sir. COLONEL ALLIS: Your trader associates. LIEUTENANT LYN: They were recompensed for their trauma in the experience, as written in the report, sir. Other than that, I presume they are recovering here on the planet, sir. COLONEL ALLIS: I can’t have officers in my team dealing openly with people like this, Lieutenant. It’s going to come down on us from above. LIEUTENANT LYN: Yes, sir. COLONEL ALLIS: Look. I hate the Republic as much as anyone else, Lieutenant. But we can’t fire off on our own. This is how wars start. LIEUTENANT LYN: Yes, sir.
The spacious halls of the administration lobby were filled with the echoes of people. Today’s rabble trying to argue their way into a meeting. Asra slid past the queue to the desks, quickly stepping through the holo-ropes as they immediately flashed a warning yellow. A simple beep by the scanner later, her security pass was validated. She walked through the scanner. Nothing. An agonizing pause followed as the guard on duty – a fresh face by the looks of it – stared at his console, waiting for a confirmation he already knows will come. “You’re clear, Lieutenant.” He offered stiffly, as though she did not already know. Another stuttering set of steps and a scan of her code cylinder later, and the turbolift doors yawned open.
She checked her datapad. Three hours late. It was salvageable. She had free reign. It would be fine. It would have to be fine. The ride was slow. Enough time to straighten her sleeves and flatten the creases in her uniform. The turbolift doors opened with an ominous sigh just as she adjusted her cap, and Asra exited to face her destiny.
The office appeared to be quiet today. Empty seats, sleeping monitors, a few analysts cramped around a single desk locked in some deep but ultimately pointless discussion. She had caught up on the notes sent out during the morning – nothing had seemed out of the ordinary. Had she missed something during her skim-reading? Were they all in meetings? Even Sergeant Vilk was suspiciously absent from his notoriously unimportant rural logistics policy station as Asra walked past. No, something was different today. She was just about to slide down unnoticed at her own station when she heard her named called across the room. Her gaze slid across the quiet hall to find the aggressor – and immediately found the squat figure and brown hair of Captain Liena. Asra gave her a timid wave as an offering, and a brief, curt smile. It was too late – she was already heading over.
“So, you’re alive after all.” He said with his typical smug grin plastered all over his square face. “I was starting to get worried all that wine finally got the better of you.”
Asra glanced about the office before responding. You could never be too cautious. “No, I’ve been chasing down the singer. Roakes little drunk target practice stunt really shook her. She made some claims about what she heard, this morning.”
“Oh, damn. Where is she now?”
“I have some friends making sure she realizes it was just a harmless party prank.” Asra breathed a quiet sigh, rubbing at the bridge of her nose. “Hopefully she’ll understand how good of an arrangement she has with us.”
“Twi’leks are always skittish, I think it’s in their nature.”
“Either way, I’m torpedoing Roakes invitation next time. He wants to shoot the help; he can pay for it himself. The pharma reps were not impressed, either.”
“I don’t think anyone was impressed by anything Roakes said or did. You’d be hard-pressed to find a worse diplomat.” Liena agreed with a sigh of his own. Any hope Asra had of him leaving was extinguished as he leaned to half-sit on her desk. She sighed sharply herself, glancing out over the office once more.
“Where is everyone?” She finally brings herself to ask after a bout of silence.
“Oh, the governor is crafting a press release about the strength of the administration in the crackdown on crime. They needed bodies to make it look proper. Everyone working non-essential projects gets to play soldier today.”
“You realize how depressing that statement is, don’t you?”
“Hey, most things on Centares just take care of themselves, that’s the way we like it.” Liena offered another of his smug grins, and Asra felt the frustration run out into her fingertips. “That reminds me, Colonel Allis has been asking for you all morning. Apparently, you had something time-sensitive on your desk?”
Time-sensitive? She thinks on the scarce projects running right now. Nar Shaddaa business was being handled. No projects. Did he know about this morning? Asra pushed from her seat, giving the captain a dirty look. “You could have led with that. He’ll know I swiped in.”
“Hey, you now know! It’s not like he can do anything to you, Lieutenant. He knows his place.”
Asra frowned and corrected her uniform once more, pushing herself to move towards the stairs and the colonel’s office. He had never known his place, or how important she was. Every time they met; he did his best to pull rank and meddle with her missions.
----
“Please sit, Lieutenant.” The stuffy office of Colonel Jek Allis was like an interrogation room. There was no personality beyond a few lights, no flair, nothing that would suggest how to approach this man. He was a monolith, an unpleasant, aggressive akk dog who could not be reasoned with. Even now, his stern aging face gave no impression of what to expect. Asra sat down. She had had many interactions with this awful man. If she stuck to the letter of the law, he would grow red with impotent rage today too. “We’ll cut straight to the point, what’s the progress on Hidden Charger?”
Hidden Charger? The research project? Asra paused for a moment, searching her thought for what she had reported previously. “...As per my report last week, sir, we have established basic contact with a peripheral source to the project and are waiting on actionable intel from outside sources.”
“I need you to up the time frame on this. Upper management is taking an interest in seeing this done.”
She breathed a sigh, watching the man. Upper management? Her report had just been barebones. “With all due respect, sir, this project is not in any stage to be-“
“We need to have the technology documented in your report before the Feast of Reconstitution.” Her eyes widened as he spoke. He was mad.
“-...Sir, that’s three months away. I don’t even have proper intel on the research team.”
“This is coming from Intelligence. They are sending someone during the feast to collect on our results. You want to stand here and explain why it wasn’t done?”
Asra parted her lips to speak. It was insane. Someone must have it out for her. It was an attack, an impossible mission. A torpedo for her career. Her skin felt cold, her stomach lurched. She touched at her temple and tried to keep her composure. Maybe this was it. What she had been waiting for. Maybe Intelligence was testing her. She rubbed at the bridge of her nose, trying to push some clarity back into her head. It had to be an evaluation. Do or die. It was what she had waited for. She had prepared for a trial. That had to be it. “It’s-... I’ll need resources. People.”
The colonel shifted in his seat. “I’m cleared to give you a stipend for operations. I’ll put together a list of personnel we’ve tapped in the past for wetwork. You can have your pick if they’re available.” A quick glance at his monitor, and a gesture for the door followed. “I’ll forward the Intelligence parameters to your station. We’ll reconvene with your plan of action at the end of the week. Yes?” “Yes, sir.” She responded automatically, hearing the shake in her own voice.
“Dismissed, then.” Asra pushed from her stiff seat. After a moment, she evacuated towards the door with as much grace as she could muster.
---
The supply closet was claustrophobic. Rows and rows of minor equipment, replacement cleaning droids, sterile gear. Asra closed the door behind her gently and closed her eyes. She could feel her body spinning, her head pounding. Muscles in her arms and legs tensed and itched, her fingers clawed at the door behind her as she fought to breathe normally. The fear came in waves, pulsing out through her lips with each heavy breath. She opened her eyes, and the room spun around her, violently thrashing and mocking her with its serene normalcy.
A primal, panicked scream bubbled up, forcing its way through her teeth. Her hands gripped her face, ruined her hair. She was dead. This was impossible. She would be stuck on Centares forever. Ridiculed. Killed for her failure. Brushed aside as irrelevant. A loser. He enjoyed this. Watching her fail and struggle. He and Enoa would laugh it up. If word got out she couldn’t pull her weight, who would trust her? They were going to take everything from her. She tore equipment from the shelves in fury, slammed a deactivated bot on the head.
Her rage slowly subsided, replaced with exhaustion. Asra sank down on the floor of the closet. There had to be a way out of this. A way to stick it to Jek Allis, to prove her worth to Intelligence. Breathing heavy breaths, Asra reached for her holo-communicator. It rang for an eternity. Each moment another spark of anguish, fear, doubt. The insanity of the task replayed in her head several times before the image of her trandoshan companion appeared on the small disc. “Rassk…”
“We are still interrogating the girl.” He growled back at her in huttese. The formidable mercenary glanced away from their conversation. The voices of others of roiled in the brief silence. “She does not talk, only cry.”
“…Forget the girl.” Asra bit back, making the swap to huttese herself. The shift helped her center her thoughts. Focus on the now, Asra. You can do this. If anyone can, it’s you. You know you can. “We’re going to run an operation soon. Paid work. No new bloods.”
“Public hunt? Spread the word?”
“No, keep it in the clan. And get Lazal to call in. We're gonna need unlisted shuttles. Hostile space.” She terminated the call soon after. Another solidifying breath, and she moved herself to stand. Asra picked up her cap, rubbed at her face, and then finally ran her hands over her hair before placing the cap back where it belongs. A quick straightening of her uniform, and she turned to open the closet.
It could be done. It would work. She could do anything. With that, she drew a last centering breath, and walked out to face the empty office once more.
Thank you for the approval and feedback, @Jackdaw. I've made a choice regarding her involvement with the corporation. I have amended my application with a few edits to clarify the corporate situation, as well as a few things I felt needed retouching now that I am out of my initial haze of spellbound writing. If any of my edits changes the previous approval, I am happy to further edit them or otherwise backtrack to the state it was in previously. I understand it is not very cool to do any edits while it is in pending status, so I'm hoping ya'll won't hate me for this.
For the sake of transparency: Clarified under political influences that her involvement with Val'shan Trading is criminal in nature. Added a sentence to the associate Rassk about having worked as an independent contractor for the Empire. Clarified that the Val'shan Trading Initiative is a corporation in associate Lazal Ke's entry. Added a sentence to 'Villa Lyn' to give a better picture of the nature of her home. Edited the entry for ownership - Val'shan Trading Initiative. Hopefully it's a little more understandable now. Rewrote the passage about vehicles to be more clear.
Do you enjoy writing collaborative posts for things like conversations, combat, etc.? My only experience with collaborative posts are with personal friends, but I’m willing to give most things a go.
Is grammar and depth of writing important to you? Yes.
Are there any writing subjects you particularly enjoy exploring? Political intrigue Battles of wit and strategy Morality Power Sanity
Is there anything you really dislike and want to avoid like the plague? Nah.
Is there something you are uncomfortable with happening to your character? Talk to me and most things are fine.
Do you have any short-term or long-term goals with this character? Build a power base beyond established backstory & smoke some republic fools with underhanded tactics.
Name: Asra Lyn Species: Human Pureblood percentage: 2% Homeworld: Dromund Kaas Age: 28 Gender: Female Military Branch: Navy Rank: Diplomat / Lieutenant Unit/designation: Role/specialisation: Special Requisitions & Acquisitions Agent Current place of Service: Currently operating along the Perlimian Trade Route, based around Centares and The Wheel. Sphere of influence: Expansion & Diplomacy
Detailed appearance. Imagery insufficient.
Asra Lyn stands at a fairly regular 5’6” ( 170 cm ). She presents a tidy representation of what an imperial officer should look like, with a well-fitted and meticulously tended uniform, her long blond hair tied back into a neat and unimposing braid.
She is by no means an imposing figure, instead rather slim and non-athletic. Her eyes can be likened to those of a cat, an intrigued, predatory gleam housed in her moss-green eyes. This is further suffused with her trim eyebrows and high cheekbones, the sharpness of the former giving her an impressive expressive range. Her smooth and pale skin give solid indications as to her lack of hard labor and preference for artificial light.
Report on skills and talents, including level of skill
A talented negotiator and diplomatic official; she operates at an advanced level on several different negotiation techniques. Employs good use of intuition and insight in switching between available methods to come out ahead in a discussion. Also displays a talent for visual and emotional manipulation, but has not received formal training.
Considerable breadth of knowledge on the workings of trade, political etiquette as well as extra-legal operations, and a critical thinker in ordinarily hard-to-conquer issues.
Report on known combat experience, training and weapons training.
Beyond basic training, Asra has no recorded skill or noted experience in any form of combat or weapons knowledge. As a non-combatant, she has not received any further training on the subject. She has completed all mandatory sessions and courses, most with low to middling marks.
She is a member of a shockboxing association on Centares but does not participate in competitive matches nor actively practice. Any skill in melee combat is entirely imaginary.
Report on role, specialisation and responsibilities pertaining to the subject’s military deployment.
Officially deployed as a diplomatic attaché to Centares. However, Lieutenant Asra Lyn has considerable operational leeway unless specifically attached to an operation. Her operational objective is to facilitate the acquisition of resources deemed important for the imperial administration’s continued welfare, and to actively pursue technology and materials of interest through all available diplomatic and informal channels. On occasion she has been deployed to pursue specific relics or items relating to Sith interests.
The purpose of her deployment is to represent vested imperial interests in the acquisition of specific goods, or when not under direct order – the continued growth of imperial resource pools.
Detailed notes on political influence and associates.
Asra has low to middling political influence, and arguably lacks any real power to exert over others or to climb in the imperial hierarchy – outside a lucky promotion, of course. She does engage in extensive deal-making and favor-trading, but such agreements are generally informal and based on exchange of goods and services rather than political or military favor. She has no prestige from ancestry or outside influence and remains a relatively unknown civil servant in the grand scheme of things.
She associates extensively with criminal or otherwise non-imperial elements, both through subcontracted work and networking. Her station means she has enough official sway to entice mercenary contractors and organize low-brow trouble with a holo-call.
Particularly she associates with the local branch of the Red Venom Clan, an extensive network of organized criminals dealing primarily with smuggling and violent crime in and out of Hutt Space. They have ties to the Hutt Cartel through a network of deals and trades, and frequently operate as muscle for Cartel-affiliated elements closer to Hutt Space. They have established footholds as far as Nar Shaddaa and Sriluur.
Furthermore she has extensive control over the Val’shan Trading Initiative, a registered trading organization from Nar Shaddaa. Under the guise of pilots and merchants, Asra has staffed the corporation with likeminded individuals who operate outside the sphere of the imperial administration. The corporation engages in overt criminal activity in Hutt Space at her behest, while doubling as transportation for important high-value goods when Asra Lyn’s mission requires it.
Detailed notes on known rivals and enemies, outside and within the Empire.
Captain Kal Varron – A male human captain in the Republic Navy. Commanding officer of a convoy of Republic trade vessels with escort captured by criminal elements in 3 ATC travelling the Perlimian Trade Route. The assault on his convoy led to loss of life of republic-aligned personnel, and Asra Lyn took it upon herself during the engagement to make her presence known. Kal Varron is trying to rally his compatriots against the Empire using this incident, but if he cannot, he might settle for a more personal vengeance.
Diplomatic Envoy Tahir Enoa – A female human diplomatic corps envoy with several listed incident reports and complaints relating to Lieutenant Asra Lyn. According to reports filed both ways, the two women regularly engage in departmental sabotage, social bullying and discrediting campaigns against one another. It appears to originate around a superior assigning Lieutenant Lyn to Envoy Enoa’s negotiation early in the Lieutenant’s career. Though the negotiation was successful it marks the first formal complaint about Asra Lyn’s demeanour.
List and description of other known associates, including subordinates.
Rassk – A male trandoshan bounty hunter affiliated with the Red Venom Clan. Rassk can be regularly seen with Asra when both are present on Centares, sometimes replacing official escort personnel. The trandoshan has participated in imperial security details as contracted mercenary support, mainly for operations spearheaded by Lieutenant Asra Lyn. He is wanted in republic space for several criminal acts, mainly piracy, murder, and armed robbery.
Lazal Ke – A male duros with ties to criminal elements on Centares. Officially registered in imperial records with a trading and pilot’s license, trading for the Val’shan Trading Initiative, a relatively small corporation registered on Nar Shaddaa. Lazal Ke can often be seen in informal settings hanging around Asra Lyn when the two are on the same planet, and Lazal Ke appears to be Asra’s second-in-command when it comes to the operations of the corporation, allowing her to effectively remove herself from the official process.
List of known all ownerships, including vessels, non-standard equipment, slaves and locations.
Villa Lyn – Asra Lyn owns a spacious and luxurious villa in the administrative quarter of Muracie, the capital city of Centares. Due to imperial construction standards and safety reasons, the estate can be likened to a miniature fortress, but has been heavily modified to focus on aesthetics. It hosts a similarly beautified interior, with a grand ballroom to host lavish parties and informal business ventures.
Val’shan Trading Initiative – Though ownership of the Initiative is officially divided over a slew of shareholders - of which Asra is one - Asra Lyn maintains close control of the corporation's operations through a combination of a sizeable minority of shares, and extensive office subterfuge. Val'shan Trading Initiative offices include a sizeable warehouse and trade office as well as employee apartments, all located neatly in the Corellian Sector on Nar Shaddaa. The company subcontracts pilots to complete transportation contracts, and irregularly hires mercenaries to carry out various less-than-legal actions.
Asra has no registered vehicles for personal use but makes consistent use of both navy and imperial administration vessels for transportation. She frequently registers as a passenger on flights with the Val’shan Trading Initiative.
Psychological evaluation of candidate.
Asra Lyn appears to be fiercely loyal to the Empire and does her utmost to present an unapproachable, pristine record. She seems to revel in the ideology of power that lays the groundwork for the imperial administration, and openly extols the virtues of the imperial way of life. She is supportive of her peers when it is beneficial to her but also appears to have no issue reporting on her colleagues.
Despite her apparent love for the service, she is keen to deal outside the boundaries set by her office and thrives when deals are informal and without paper trails. She enjoys being a confidant, and regularly joins or forms social circles within established hierarchies to establish an informal foothold. These informal circles are breeding grounds for information-sharing, favor-trading and interdepartmental scandal gossip. She appears to have a vicarious fascination with violence and criminal behavior, and regularly finds herself involved with individuals of questionable civility.
Furthermore, she appears paradoxically fascinated with weaponry, and despite an aggressive lack of skill with blasters she is always excited to see a new weapon get tested or watch an explosion in movies and on a warfront alike.
In stressed situations however, this sly and ingratiating demeanor quickly fades away, and she easily panics when faced with the idea of actual danger.
List and description of known and suspected flaws. To be put into restricted database.
Snake in the Grass – Asra Lyn is a duplicitous individual. Double-dealing, back-stabbing and lying comes naturally to her, and she revels in exercising her power in any measure that becomes available to her. This arguably sours any long-term relation and has built her an informal reputation.
Easy to Please – With a social craving that borders on the narcissistic comes a certain affection for praise. She is prone to position herself favorably to someone who compliments her, praises her work, or otherwise puts effort into realizing her desired image.
Willfully Ignorant – Asra’s smug attitude when she thinks she’s being sly does not always reflect positively on her. She can be quite obnoxious, and is drawn to exercise behavior that makes her appear better than her peers, while always prepared to play the part of loyal soldier and innocent victim.
known interests of the candidate.
Shockboxing
Parties & Social Events
War Movies
Major achievements on record.
Engineered the capture of Republic licensed trade vessels and escorting personnel by utilizing elements beyond ordinary Empire network. All goods seized and disseminated for use by imperial administration on Centares. Operation was retroactively sanctioned by Imperial Intelligence division on Centares after investigation. Reference document: #03i203II9
Major failures on record. Confidential.
Involved tangentially in a bribery scandal within the diplomatic services on Centares. Though no charges were levied against the officer, several involved personnel named Asra Lyn as a key individual in shadow donations to the Imperial administration from unlisted Centares citizens.
Several complaints of inappropriate behavior logged in Centares diplomatic department. The reports suggest she is prone to bullying, spiteful sabotage, verbal abuse and theft. All complaints are logged by Diplomatic Envoy Tahir Enoa, or her aide. A few reports have follow-up conversations, but no disciplinary actions have been taken.
She has applied four times for work with Imperial Intelligence but has so far been denied based on middling performance evaluation.
Personal biography, as detailed by the subject for use in imperial archives. Acquired shortly after last achievement of note.
INTERVIEW EXCERPT #3-A, SUBJECT: LYN, A. #Originally forwarded to Intelligence Department by Colonel Jek Allis, Centares Diplomatic Administration Services.
LIEUTENANT LYN: You wanted to see me, sir? COLONEL ALLIS: Sit down, Lieutenant. COLONEL ALLIS: Now. What in the seven-headed krayt is this? LIEUTENANT LYN: That’s my report, sir. COLONEL ALLIS: Don’t jerk me around, Lyn. That might work with the governor’s staff but I’m not blind. Let’s go through it, shall we? LIEUTENANT LYN: I don’t understand, sir. Is something inco- COLONEL ALLIS: Stow it. You know just what it is. Let’s start with the event at hand. During an ordinary patrol you happened upon a convoy of traders. LIEUTENANT LYN: Yes, sir. COLONEL ALLIS: Just randomly stumbled upon them. In space. LIEUTENANT LYN: Yes, sir. COLONEL ALLIS: Let me tell you now, Lyn. You may think this is funny now, but if it’s not me it’s going to be [redacted] breathing down our necks. Now. Okay. You found them. What were you doing half a parsec away from regular routes? LIEUTENANT LYN: I was conducting a sweep of the area for mineable asteroids. COLONEL ALLIS: With an armed escort? LIEUTENANT LYN: Space is a dangerous place, sir. I wouldn’t want to get hurt. COLONEL ALLIS: Damnit, lieutenant! You brought pirates to- LIEUTENANT LYN: Enterprising free merch- COLONEL ALLIS: Pirates, Lieutenant! Scum of the void. Without a naval escort! LIEUTENANT LYN: I did not want to burden the administration, sir. COLONEL ALLIS: You do not make that call! You don’t bring pirates on your damned picnic! We have files on several of them! LIEUTENANT LYN: I must have been deceived as to their true nature, sir. COLONEL ALLIS: [inaudible] COLONEL ALLIS: So. Okay. Do this all you want. How did you come to engage these vessels? LIEUTENANT LYN: We were fired upon, sir. COLONEL ALLIS: That’s what you wrote. They just fired on you, did they. Before you did. LIEUTENANT LYN: They must have thought we were easy pickings. COLONEL ALLIS: But you say they had two escort fighters. You had what, six larger craft? LIEUTENANT LYN: There is no accounting for Republic arrogance, sir. COLONEL ALLIS: Listen here, you little shit. The Republic is going to use this to justify security increases in this whole damn sector. You want another war? LIEUTENANT LYN: Of course not, sir. We have been expressly briefed to promote peace and stability. COLONEL ALLIS: Wipe that smirk off your damn face. So. You neutralized the escort. Then you boarded the convoy. LIEUTENANT LYN: I perceived them as a possible threat to the Empire, sir. COLONEL ALLIS: Trade vessels. LIEUTENANT LYN: Looks can be deceiving, sir. They were carrying dangerous cargo. COLONEL ALLIS: So you write, but our docking manifest logs mainly industrial materials and equipment. LIEUTENANT LYN: All very dangerous in the wrong hands, sir. COLONEL ALLIS: Where are the pirates now? LIEUTENANT LYN: I am unaware of any pirates, sir. COLONEL ALLIS: Your trader associates. LIEUTENANT LYN: They were recompensed for their trauma in the experience, as written in the report, sir. Other than that, I presume they are recovering here on the planet, sir. COLONEL ALLIS: I can’t have officers in my team dealing openly with people like this, Lieutenant. It’s going to come down on us from above. LIEUTENANT LYN: Yes, sir. COLONEL ALLIS: Look. I hate the Republic as much as anyone else, Lieutenant. But we can’t fire off on our own. This is how wars start. LIEUTENANT LYN: Yes, sir.
Do you enjoy writing collaborative posts for things like conversations, combat, etc.? My only experience with collaborative posts are with personal friends, but I’m willing to give most things a go.
Is grammar and depth of writing important to you? Yes.
Are there any writing subjects you particularly enjoy exploring? Intrigue Battles and the aftermath Morality Power Sanity
Is there anything you really dislike and want to avoid like the plague? Nah.
Is there something you are uncomfortable with happening to your character? Talk to me and most things are fine.
Do you have any short-term or long-term goals with this character? Become a respected celebrity in non-criminal circles. Help the family establish a name as honorable and trusty transport merchants. Inevitably become entangled in things out of her control.
Name: Cora Vane Species: Human Homeworld: Nar Shaddaa Age: 21 Gender: Female Specialisation: Racer, Pilot Current area of operation: Nar Shaddaa
Detailed appearance. Imagery insufficient.
Cora stands at an approximate height of 5’6” (171 cm). She has an athletic, lean build owing to hard training regimens and weight-limits for her chosen profession. Jet-black straight hair hangs free to just barely touch her shoulders and swept aside to keep her eyes free. Her face is dominated by defiant brown eyes and a sturdy jawline keeping her lips in a thin frown. Often seen in her racing gear, a full-body pilot suit with some padding modifications and a wind-wrap cloak, which she keeps as immaculate as the racing machine itself. Cora tends towards practical jackets and clothes when not on the clock, though is not beyond wearing something for it’s style. She presents herself with a straight back and raised chin often, together with a wide stance to take her rightful place in every room she walks into.
Report on skills and talents, including level of skill.
Cora Vane is first and foremost a swoop racer. Piloting these ‘engines with a seat’ has been been both a drive for the woman, and as time has shown, a natural talent. Her reflexes, physique and timing have been honed to master the art of racing at insane speeds. She is an up-and-comer in the world of racing, and how much is talent rather than luck remains to be seen, but the signs of a great racer are all there. This has also carried over into her pilot skills, as training with her father’s light freighter has made her an acceptable, perhaps even good, pilot of the much heavier vehicle. As a result, she has an official pilot’s license for light freighter craft. She has issues at higher speeds, where the reaction timing of the larger freighter is much different to that of a small swoop bike.
She has basic mechanical understanding – enough to patch an engine and tamper with minor modifications. She could probably repair a smaller ship given a few months and a user’s manual.
She speaks both Huttese and Basic without any real issue. She reads and writes in both languages.
Report on known combat experience, training and weapons training.
Only the very basics have been taught to Cora, and as such she is proficient enough with a blaster pistol to assure her father she can “take care of herself”. She has never fired at a live target.
She is athletic and relatively strong, but does not have fighting technique beyond watching shockboxing on the holonet.
Does the Courier have, or have they ever had, a bounty on them? Are they wanted?
No.
Detailed notes on common/favored employers and any noteworthy contacts.
Arrel Vane Her father and main employer, Arrel Vane owns and operates a small merchant office under the name Vane Trading & Logistics. He both sponsors his daughter’s racing habit, and employs her in his business as a pilot, warehouse technician, and courier. Cursory investigation into Vane Trading & Logistics suggests that they have a steady supply of odd-jobs and transportation gigs in and out of the Corellian Sector. They have no established long-term contracts and appear to be going at it day-to-day.
Niko Vane Cora’s older brother by five years, and previously the main pilot and worker in their father’s business. Niko appears to have a recurring problem with keeping out of trouble, and his constant ensnarement in different underworld schemes and Cartel business have led the family to officially distance themselves from him. Despite this, he appears to interact with his family (and Cora) on a regular basis and there appears to be no friction beyond his voluntary exile from the family business.
Talik Vane The youngest member of the family is Talik, Cora’s younger brother by four years. His attempts to follow in his sister’s footsteps proved less than fruitful, and now he mainly works in the small warehouse and fills in with loading and other tasks that need doing. Does his best to bask in the reputation of his family, whether that be whatever small fame Cora can earn, or ferocious stories about his ‘violent criminal’ older brother, which more than once has led to issues for other family members. The kid loves a good story.
Detailed notes on known rivals and enemies.
Qir-Zavu Osk A weequay swoop racer of some repute in the Nar Shaddaa racing scene, having made headway in official circuits and sponsorships. Placed second in the most recent Sel’Von Swoop Circuit Tournament, being beaten by Cora Vane after a few run-ins and minor rivalry bouts on minor circuits. What was an amicable rivalry of competitive spirit has since heated up to anger on his part, allegedly badmouthing Cora in local cantinas and racing hangouts. Rumors suggest he is connected to the Cartel in some way, although how much pull he has is unclear.
Joxel Trask A small-time criminal operating out of the Sapphire Veil Casino in the Corellian Sector with a minor crew and gang connections. Inextricably linked to Cora through previous friendship and romantic relations, her choice to remain on the straight-and-narrow with her father’s business and focus on her racing career meant the end of their connection, but not for lack of trying on his part. Joxel presents a different front and switches freely between ally, rival, and enemy depending on his mood, jealousy and reminiscing of the past.
’Honest’ Ruzii A long-time rival of Cora’s father, a quarren merchant who dabbles in transportation, security solutions and over-the-counter bulk sales. He has traditionally competed with Vane Trading & Logistics on many occasions, and has a reputation for threatening his competition or making sure they cannot compete in other ways. Is not beyond hiring thugs or stealing from others, and only seems to keep in line when the fallout of such actions would be too great. While he has no direct quarrel with Cora, he finds her as despicable as her father, and considers her an enemy of free trade because of her decision to stay with the business.
List and description of other known associates.
Jal Ersk Her old raceway mentor, an older Corellian man with some renown around the Nar Shaddaa racetracks. Though he doesn’t race anymore, he has considerable breadth of knowledge about both the sport, machines, and the inner workings of the Smuggler’s Moon. He has tucked away the daredevil spirit and retired to cantinas and easy enjoyment. How he stays afloat is anyone’s guess.
Dubra Jell A rodian mechanic with a long list of misdemeanors and consistently indebted to one Cartel member or other, Dubra Jell is nonetheless one of the main personalities contracted to work on the family business’ equipment, both their transport vessel and Cora’s own swoop bike. She works a whole garage of gear-heads that take care of the real work, but has the know-how to get things done when it matters.
List of known belongings, including but not limited to planetary surface property, civilian and military vessels, vehicles, weapons, tools.
Aggressor Cora’s swoop bike, the Aggressor, is her most prized possession, and the result of significant investment of time, credits and sweat on both her and her family’s part. Originally an off-brand Lhosan Industries copy, it has seen so many upgrades, modifications and complete replacements of the shell that it is arguably no longer anything like the original model or specs. It drives very fast, with excellent handling for a swoop, and features soft-fold wingflaps for air-braking rather than standard repulsor-brakes. It can lift from the ground with a burst of engine power, and then gracefully ‘fly’ in a manner more reminiscent of controlled falling.
Spirit of Inquiry A Dynamic-class light freighter owned by her father and registered to the family business. It is kept in a reasonably maintained state for it’s age, but the old girl has definitively seen better days. The starboard turret has been unmounted due to damage prior to the current ownership, and the port turret has never actually been fired by the Vane family. It works, allegedly. Mostly used for cargo runs and passenger shuttling, the freighter is fairly barebones, save for a few family trinkets that have personalized the main hold and starboard bunks over the years. The ionic impulse compensator chokes and threatens to kill the engine at the most inopportune of times, but the regular mechanic, Dubra Jell, assures the family that it’s fine. The craft isn’t exactly owned or even always available to Cora, but she does have access to it’s use and sometimes frequently finds herself in the pilot seat.
Vane Trading & Logistics A watershed warehouse in the neglected half of the Corellian Sector, this accommodating mess of workshop halls and lodging pulls triple duty as a storefront, a warehouse, and living space for the Vane family. Cora has her own bunk in a tight crawlspace, plastered with posters and racing memorabilia.
Cora usually has a few multitools and slap-patches close at hand in case of vehicular breakdown or medical emergency. While on the clock for her father, she carries an old hold-out blaster for protection.
Psychological evaluation of Courier.
Cora is a speed demon, and the desire to chase that thrill, and win, appears to be in her blood. She is level-headed enough under pressure to make quick decisions and socially apt enough not to fly off the handle around others. She relishes a challenge, and spends much time practicing and training to better herself at whatever new problem lies before her. She handles most situations with stoic professionalism, and generally tries to be cordial – if competitive – towards her rivaling racers, as well as anyone else she meets. She is, like many with the Corellian spirit, fiercely protective of the family unit. The blood runs thick, and she is quick to help those she includes in her circle of family and friends.
List and description of known and suspected flaws. To be put into restricted database.
Notably, her family ties are a source of weakness for Cora. Her father has racked up an impressive list of problematic deals, debts and enemies over the years – as any trader trying to make it on their own on Nar Shaddaa – and his troubles easily spread onto his daughter. Likewise, her older brother Niko has a knack for angering gangers, crime bosses, and debtors on the smuggler’s moon, and they do not always discriminate between family. Lastly, her younger brother is hot-headed and eager to live up to his siblings; he almost inevitably ends up in the middle of trouble by his own making. That would be trouble enough, but coupled with Cora’s strong sense of familial loyalty, she will answer any call for help from her family without fail. Someone who wanted to go after her could certainly get her exactly where they wanted, with a little motivation from the family.
Furthermore, Cora is extremely proud of her climbing achievements in the world. She considers her reputation part of her own worth, and her accomplishments proof of her competence. She has issues turning down challenges, competitions, or letting insults go. While she has good control of her emotions in general, she has issues with dropping a perceived slight, and generally wants to beat her opponents into the ground, usually by besting them at their own game. So far this has really only been racing. Pushed enough, she would surely snap harder. Thirdly, Cora is confident bordering on reckless, and her competitive spirit pushes her to take risks – in racing, in shortcuts on the cargo route, in gambling. She likes danger, even if she doesn’t admit it. What started as thrill-rides and sneaking around at night has become dangerous choices for better results, taking on tougher odds, and betting on the underdog.
Known interests of the Courier.
As a swoop racer, Cora’s main interest can squarely be placed in swoop racing. She loves the life of speed and danger, and the mix of trash-talk and celebration with her competitors. She can trace the same enjoyment in piloting a craft, but it usually doesn’t go fast enough. Or close enough to hazards.
She also enjoys gambling in all it’s forms, and is an avid dejarik player in her past-time.
She frequents cantinas and casinos in the Corellian Sector and seems to splurge for higher quality entertainment when she can.
Major achievements on record.
Third place in the Lhosan Limited Cup on Nar Shaddaa, 4 ATC.
Winner of the Sel’Von Swoop Circuit Tournament on Nar Shaddaa, 5 ATC.
Major failures on record. Confidential.
Last place out of twenty-eight in the Annor Fele Memorial Circuit swoop race on Nar Shaddaa, 3 ATC. The Aggressor, Cora’s swoop bike, stalled after a reckless boost through a plume of smoke to shave seconds off her time. While Cora managed to keep from crashing, it took her almost a full minute to get the engine under control, leading to a result that may as well have been a disqualification.
Cora lost a shipment of medical supplies contracted for delivery onto the smuggler’s moon. According to witness accounts, her old contact Joxel Trask had been resuming relations for a time, and was seen around the docking bay when Cora landed. Cora has to this day refused to say exactly what transpired, and theories range from her working with criminal elements to disperse the supplies, to her simply being robbed. The supply shortage severely impeded a local clinic, terminated future relations with the client, and put her father’s business into temporary debt until insurance handling came through.
Personal biography, as detailed by the subject for future record. Acquired shortly after last achievement of note.
Cora had the average life of a kid in the bad half of the Corellian Sector. At least that’s what she had always thought. Mother left the picture when her little brother was three, doctor said she didn’t have it in her to go on. She’d been pale for a while, and Niko told her later that she’d been coughing blood. Father struggled to keep it together. Three clawing kids running around the industries and making trouble with merchants and gangers.
Somehow, he kept them going. Food kept coming in, even if Cora remembers going hungry sometimes. They all started helping young. Niko and Cora had to help raise Talik, and they took turns watching and helping their little brother and causing mischief around the neighborhood. Cora practiced her reading by reading little Talik stories about ancient heroes and news articles from the holonet. The older she got, the more she had to help with father’s business. Father managed to grow his network, more people said hello on the street, local vendors traded favors and discounts with a smile. She left it to Niko to be the scion of the family. He knew how to talk to people better than she did – he was older after all – and he was growing up to be just as good as father at this merchant gig. Maybe better, even. He didn’t argue or get sour like father did.
When she was twelve, Niko took her to a swoop race for the first time. He didn’t really take her there; she tagged along with him and his friends. It was love at first sight. The speed. The thrill. The danger. Just watching, and later – thinking about it – sent Cora into a spiral of excitement. She snuck out to watch the races often after that, and her holo-movies took a very distinct turn. It didn’t take her long to branch out. There were many kids like her. Many star-struck speed devils. Some of them had family who raced, or worked with speeders. Cora got involved. She got to sit on a speeder bike. After that, it was destiny.
Niko started vanishing more and more, as he got older. More excuses. More late-night knocks on the door from shady gangers. More bruises. As a result, Cora shouldered more responsibility in the shop. In return, she could spend ever more of her free time at the circuits. She learned, mingled, and trained.
Eventually, she was old enough to learn for real. She does not remember now, but she must have badgered her father about it every day for at least three months, until he finally gave in. She started practicing for real, with a teacher; Jal Ersk. It was a simple paid affair, but the more she practiced the less it became a formal tutorship. The old man thought that she was good. Real talent. If she trained – she could win. This realization did not go over well at home, at least not at first.
Around the same time, Cora entangled herself for real in the underbelly of Nar Shaddaa’s average youth. Just as Niko had done. She met Joxel. He was funny, clever, confident. He told her she should be able to do whatever she wanted. It was an easy match. Together, they tore through more of Vane Trading & Logistics reputation in a week than a bad deal would do in a month.
The compromise was simple. Her father needed more of her time at home, in the shop, and eventually, in the sky. He didn’t want her vanished for days at a time, like her older brother. So he encouraged her racing. He came to watch her practice. Encouraged a few friends to pitch in for a celebration when she won her first practice circuit. In the end, he too was convinced that she had a real shot at something. She was rapidly gaining recognition from her family, from her friends, from her trainer. She could be a contender. Her rise to success was further cemented when her father proved his dedication for her career, investing in a swoop bike as her first official sponsor.
Her first real race was the Annor Fele Memorial Circuit. She had practiced the circuit. She had done hundreds of small-time races for the enjoyment of traders, tourists, cartel folk even. This was a real race. The pressure got to her. She made bad calls. She let the praise get to her head. She failed. A total wash. She nearly put away the racer spirit for good. Her father taught her how to fly for real, got her a pilot’s license. Talik was old enough to help out like she had done now, but Niko wasn’t around to fly anymore.
Eventually her father, her brothers, and her trainer convinced her to stay at it. In all honesty, it didn’t take long to put her back on the bike. There was another big race around the corner. She had a few months to practice. To tune the engine so the same thing didn’t happen again. Cora pulled out all the stops. Her swoop bike got a full makeover, a considerable investment from father, her own saved money, and some from acquaintances.
She came in third. It was enough to prove to herself that she had it. The talent, the skill. It was in there, waiting to come out and make her famous. Free of the average. Cora put in the time, devoted herself more and more to her racing. She even sought out the unofficial races, built some credibility with private entertainers and corporate interests. When the next big race, a whole tournament, rolled around, she was ready.
Everything came together. Her form was good. The bike was excellent. The track sang under her repulsorlift drive. She could hardly believe it when the time proved she had advanced. Again and again, she pulled excellent times. In the end, it was her name at the top of the board. Her legacy had just begun, and the name Vane was not just a middling transport business. It was power.
The journey was a downcast, quiet affair. Javiyah had expected no less. Were it that the three she had now found herself sharing a carriage with had been shuttled for as long and as far as her, it would not be a stretch to assume their spirits were equally sapped. Though she prided herself on her cartography, she gave up on identifying villages, and now this city, long ago. She knew where she was going. That was enough. Javiyah glowered out through the murky view to observe the city as they rolled by. Once, a new city would have made her breathless with anticipation and wanderlust. Now she could only make out the indications of unrest, of squalor, and neglect. Indeed, rolling through the urban scenery gave no new inclination for conversation, and Javiyah eventually turned away from the torrid sight, no interest left for the hardships of the commoner in the street.
She felt as much as saw the gaze she received from the passenger opposite her but made no immediate attempt to meet his gaze or retort. Everyone stared. Some in intrigue, some in revulsion. Eventually, everyone wondered. He was a dwarf, and presumably used to stares himself if travel was in his blood. Javiyah pressed forward a distant smile as she considered the first time she met a dwarf. She’d asked him so many questions that she was now sure he would never answer a question again. The novelty was not quite so high, anymore, but she nevertheless felt the urge to question who he was, where he came from, and what he had seen.
The cowled woman on the other hand; what was her purpose? Another like her, perhaps. Surely. The way that the squalid conditions of their vista seemed to grip her on their ride, she was either a champion of the simple folk, or woefully out of her element. There was something strange about her – the way she moved. She was old, but Javiyah paid it no more mind. She would learn more if they remained this close in proximity. Javiyah rubbed her arm in idle fidget as she cast a glance to final member of the carriage crew. A burly, dirty fellow with the tale of war and battle written on his skin. The letter calling her here had been vague, at best, but with this sour young warrior at her side, she could better imagine the exact nature of the Lord’s request.
The plights of the common man stiffened her heart as they rolled into a manor courtyard, watching the chaos spread among the masses as they fled their own protest. This was the way of life. Cause and effect. The next time, the peasants will have prepared. Ushered along with the others into the chambers of Lord Malcast, Javiyah remained quiet and observant, simply bowing her head to the Lord himself as he welcomed them. Now they would discuss the purpose of their journey in full, at last. Or not. Javiyah frowned as the Lord vanishes away to some distant part of the mansion. Another crisis?
They were taken to some manner of dining hall, which reminded her of home. Opulent, but forgotten. Magnificent, but troubling. She moved to examine a bookcase as the others toured the room and seated themselves in equal measure. Many books she had not read – some in languages she did not know – but judging from the dust, neither had the Lord of the house. A voice she has not heard previously breaks, and Javiyah turns to spectate the introductions. Aemma. Thadurim. Good names. Giving the warrior among them another glance, she takes the chance at speaking next, taking a step away from the bookcase and laying a hand on the back of a chair. She will not sit immediately, but she has at least claimed space by the table. “In the presence of nobility, sometimes lies are all we have.” She feels eyes on her, and quickly adds to her retort. “I am Javiyah. Although I feel as though we know each other already, after such a journey.”
Frettzo
Fetzen
