A last ditch effort to save the galactic federation, the Kestrella is a lone starship fleeing from the ever-expanding Rebel conquest, racing across the galaxy to deliver an important data package to the last bastion of Federation control. Pursued by...
The ship stood silently in the busy space hangar, its orange and white paint glistening in the flickering lights of the room. Various engineers and other workers were busying themselves with the final preparations for The Kestrella's launch, ensuring she was space-worthy.
On the docking platform, Lola, Quinn, and Damian stood at attention before an elderly decorated officer, who was speaking emphatically and clearly to them.
"Your mission is most imperative to the Federation, and, at the risk of sounding over-dramatic, may even be our last hope. This ship is all we have to give you; it's not much, but I pray it will be enough for you to make this journey a success, and bring the Rebel fleet down."
The decorated officer procured a small drive, the size of a finger, and passed it to Lola. Lola examined it curiously. "This drive," he continued, "has the technical specifications of the Rebel Flagship, the most powerful ship in the Rebel Armada. I am told that the information on this drive will allow the Federation fleet to bring the ship down. Get this drive to them as fast as you possibly can. Remember, the Rebels are aware that we have this information. They will be pursuing you. Lola, The Kestrella is under your command, as are these two crew members, Damian and Quinn. The success of this mission falls upon all of you."
With a curt nod, Lola and her two crewmates entered The Kestrella. The ship's interior was plain, yet polished; metal plated floors and walls, everything where it was supposed to be. The three of them gathered in the cockpit of the ship as Lola took to the controls, gently guiding The Kestrella out through the now opening hangar bay doors. The vast expanse of open space yawned forth before them, and they were off. Setting the ship at optimal sub-light speed away from the station, Lola turned to Quinn and Damian.
"I know we were never properly introduced before this, aside from hearing each other's names, as this mission was thrown together quite quickly. Before we make our first jump into FTL, I want to know what skills the two of you have, and how we can best proceed with assignments on board our fair vessel." Lola paused. She had never captained a vessel before, and she was hoping she was doing this right. "I'll start. I'm Lola, captain of The Kestrella, and I'll be taking the helm here in the cockpit."
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Quinn gave a mock bow and a smirk of confidence. "Quinn, weapons platform, at your service," he stated, giving a mock salute. It was clear to Lola that although the mission was of ultimate importance, Quinn must simply have been the only available weapons expert on the station at the time that The Kestrella was ready to launch. This mission was time-sensitive enough, it was clear, that their coordinator simply chose whoever he could get in short notice to ensure the speed of this mission.
"Very well, Quinn," Lola responded in as professional a manner as she could, "We'll have you on weapons. Don't make me regret this."
Quinn chuckled and said no more; he simply left the cockpit. Lola could hear his boots thudding down the metal corridors of the Kestrella.
"Da-Damian here, I'm, uhh, good with machinery? Like, like an engineer?" Damian stuttered, "This is, uhh, my first actual mission out in the field. No pressure, right? Only the most important mission in the galaxy, and they put a rookie on it..." Damian looked to the floor. Lola could sense the concern, and even fear, in his voice. She reached out a hand and put it on Damian's shoulder. "I'm sure you were the best engineer on that station, else they wouldn't have chosen you. We're a team, and we'll be okay. I'll have you on engines." Lola smiled reassuringly at Damian. He straightened up slightly, and nodded. "I'll, I'll go right there now." Lola watched as Damian walked at a brisk pace down the hall away from the cockpit.
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With a deep breath, Lola slipped the data drive in a drawer in the cockpit and looked at the controls of The Kestrella, charting a course for the nearest star system. She closed her eyes. "If there's anyone out there," she prayed softly, "Give us a lucky break." Then she reached forward and pressed the large green button to initiate the FTL jump.
