Always Late to the School of Horses

There is grey note at the top left of the page. Note: Yongasabi is the language of the slugcat people. Mulngjer is the language of the scavenger people.

The following four speech bubbles are positioned between the following three panels so that Chronicler and Rivulet are having a conversation.

Panel 1: Chronicler sits smiling, cross-legged on the floor of a room, looking into an overseer's projection. On the ceiling, a tarp is held up by thick rope netting. In the background, two other Scavengers are speaking with each other.

Chronicler: Rivulet and I have been working to enable long-distance communication through overseers like Kamuyagi so that I can continue my research even when we're apart. Can you two introduce yourselves?

Panel 2: Rivulet leans down to speak to the overseer projection outside of view.

Rivulet: What? Chroni, I've been running around for two weeks now!

Chronicler: I know who you are, but this is for the record. I'll start. I am The Chronicler, 'kanipchingjar' in Mulngjer, 'dosunabi' in Yongasabi. I travel with the Red City Caravan. Now you.

Panel 3: Rivulet leans back, sighing and rolling her eyes with her arms crossed.

Rivulet: ... Fine.

Panel 4: Rivulet and Saint stand facing the viewer. Beside them are their titles written in Yongasabi. Rivulet has her fists clenched with a slightly uncomfortable expression, while Saint stands with their hands together, eyes closed with a serene or impassive expression.

Rivulet: My title is Wandering Stream. In Yongsabi, 'yanginaeja lamlan', But my name is Rivulet. I... live here in Undergrowth. I helped build these communications. Yeah.

There is grey note at the top left of the page. Note: Yongasabi is the language of the slugcat people. Mulngjer is the language of the scavenger people.

The following four speech bubbles are positioned between the following three panels so that Chronicler and Rivulet are having a conversation.

Panel 1: Chronicler sits smiling, cross-legged on the floor of a room, looking into an overseer's projection. On the ceiling, a tarp is held up by thick rope netting. In the background, two other Scavengers are speaking with each other.

Chronicler: Rivulet and I have been working to enable long-distance communication through overseers like Kamuyagi so that I can continue my research even when we're apart. Can you two introduce yourselves?

Panel 2: Rivulet leans down to speak to the overseer projection outside of view.

Rivulet: What? Chroni, I've been running around for two weeks now!

Chronicler: I know who you are, but this is for the record. I'll start. I am The Chronicler, 'kanipchingjar' in Mulngjer, 'dosunabi' in Yongasabi. I travel with the Red City Caravan. Now you.

Panel 3: Rivulet leans back, sighing and rolling her eyes with her arms crossed.

Rivulet: ... Fine.

Panel 4: Rivulet and Saint stand facing the viewer. Beside them are their titles written in Yongasabi. Rivulet has her fists clenched with a slightly uncomfortable expression, while Saint stands with their hands together, eyes closed with a serene or impassive expression.

Rivulet: My title is Wandering Stream. In Yongsabi, 'yanginaeja lamlan', But my name is Rivulet. I... live here in Undergrowth. I helped build these communications. Yeah.

Born in 851AL (After Lighting), Taian Kyra grew up on Orran, one of the two primary homeworlds of The Republic, with dreams of becoming a fighter pilot. On her 18th birthday, she wasted no time signing up for the Orranian Naval Academy, laser focused on becoming a fighter pilot. Passing all written tests with flying colors, Kyra was admitted into the Academy, and quickly made her presence known - for both better and worse. Better, for she was the single most promising cadet in the academy. Worse, because she constantly butted heads with her superiors, instructors, and peers who thought - foolishly - to prove themselves the superior pilot. As such, Kyra was labeled as a difficult-to-work with, problematic individual by her superiors. All but one instructor who was once difficult herself, Tel Jan.

Despite her instructor's efforts and recognition of Kyra's positive qualities - and despite Kyra smashing every single record that ONAC had put on a plaque, Kyra washed out, finding that the military life simply wasn't for her. Not at all shy of fights, young and full of fire that she is, she simply didn't get along with superiors of almost any position.

Kyra took to starfighter racing, more specifically, the illegal circuits where starfighters were armed and the courses were full of life threatening hazards. There were no pilots more capable than she, and she knew it. She wanted to prove she was the best to somebody, but was in it more for the thrill than the money - otherwise she could have taken up bounty hunting handily with her race earnings.

Almost a year into her career, however, The Eclipse War broke out. The Republic had taken on The Ardian Empire in a head-on war - a technologically superior foe, because The Empire wished to take back what ran away from them. Imperial Secessionists - a faction within The Empire who broke off, taking 30% of The Empire's military might with them in the process. Also aboard their ships were clandestinely retrieved and protected civilians, most of which were the crew's families. They sprinted for The Republic's borders, and though The Republic was hesitant to enter the fray, they could not turn The Secessionist Fleet away, back to their masters who would jail, imprison, enslave and execute them for their treason, which was of the highest order… for in their fleet, they contained not only technology The Republic did not have access to, they also had military secrets that could help The Republic win any war effort that may arise.

Among these personnel was Dr. Wazir Hassam and his Radiant Drive technology. Dr. Hassam offered this technology to The Republic on several conditions: One, that they would apply it to their doctrinally strongest aspect - which was their fighter corps, an edge they had over The Empire who did not put much emphasis on starfighters. Two, that he get to supervise and work on the vessels and technology himself, and be involved in their crewing - including piloting one of the vessels himself. To him, there was no better way to collect performance data and push his machines to their limits. Then, three, that he work with the emergent war hero, Tel Jan, who scored the first kill in the war, to find ace pilots to fill the small squadron and their vessel's cockpits with.

Tel Jan was called upon by High Admiral Kon Torren of The Orranian Navy to work with Dr. Hassam and begin Project Domino, the top secret program that would be responsible for the production of the RX-01 "Rex" Radiant-Experimental Fighter Model 01 Space Superiority Fighter, and the bespoke Regicide class carrier, first and only of its name.

As Jan's personal understudy and favorite student, despite her troubles, Kyra was picked by Jan, who had since made a name for herself in the illegal racing circuit. Jan informed Kyra that not only would she be piloting the most advanced starfighter in galactic history, aboard a starship made specifically to facilitate it, and get the most out of the fightercraft, but that she would also be in charge of the squadron. For Jan did not wish to lead this group herself - but rather to act as a mentor and intermediary to help steer Kyra, rather than direct her. She knew that the only way to get the most out of Kyra's abilities would be to give her a directive, advice, and tell her to go. Though unorthodox, Dr. Hassam, High Admiral Torren, and Kyra agreed to her approach - on Kyra's own condition. That her best friend and rival, Pyotr Yukov, a fellow illegal starfighter racer that she believed could match her skills and whom she trusted to watch her back, came with her as her number two.

An accord was struck, and Taian Kyra was named Corsair One, and given command of the Regicide and Corsair Squadron, where she worked with her cohorts Tel Jan, Wazir, and Pyotr and the ship's operator and quartermaster Myr Clara, to spearhead their operations during The Eclipse War. Over time, the squadron would also be joined by ace pilot Herbert Cartwright of Aerea, and Farahild Brand of Eirkern.

Corsair Squadron would go on to become the most famous starfighter pilots in galactic history. What would become of each crew member specifically, and how would their bonds form - or break, over the course of the war? Only time would tell.

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Pyotr Yukov

Age: 20 Species: Volk DOB: 852 AL Gender: Male (Cis) Pronouns: He/Him Sexuality: Gay Height: 6'1 Homeworld: Paslen Occupation: Mercenary Company Member (Corsair 2) Home: The Regicide (Corsair Squadron's Mothership) Skills: Ace Pilot, Charismatic, Negotiation     Pyotr Yukov was born to Astrocrats Illich and Liudmyla Yukov in 852 AL on Paslen, in Paslen City. Pyotr should have wanted for nothing, as his mother, Liudmyla, was the Governor of Paslen City and his father was the head of the "Groundbreaker" Mining company. Though all of his material needs and desire for affection was met, Pyotr was always attracted to life beyond the trappings of aristocracy, beyond the safety and comfort of velvet, fine clothes and private yachts. Even from a young age, Pyotr preferred to leave the trappings of wealth whenever possible to escape into the company of those he believed lived more honest, virtuous lives.

With leaving such holdings though, came risks. No watch from family, no vetted visitors and certified-safe individuals, nothing but the raw experience of people. Just the way Pyotr liked it. For all his rich cohort's fears and bluster, danger rarely befell him, and when it did, he refused to run back to his gilded trappings. Something his preferred friends and associates respected about him. He may have been born with a golden spoon in his mouth, but he always preferred the stainless steel everyone else got to use. Until, of course, it came time to treat his friends and associates with some type of clandestine gift that could help prop them up. 

Pyotr had always been a thrillseeker, and after having ingratiated himself with the people of Paslen City, having become a local favorite figure, he began to form several connections that would satisfy this desire. Marksman training, buggy racing, flight training - and most importantly, starfighter racing. Nothing he'd ever done matched the excitement of controlling a spaceborne machine going at blistering speeds, barely dodging obstacles in one's path. But Pyotr seemed to have a natural inclination to the sport, and though he never entered the profession formally, as he was too young at the time, even on his 18th birthday, he did find his way into the illegal racing circuit, which came with its own catches. It was less safe, the fighters were armed, and the hazards were at times, unpredictable. One needed a keen eye and sharp reflexes to survive the circuit

Pyotr entered the illicit racing circuit - far removed from the safety of his family's wealth and influence, and learned firsthand why the regulations existed the way they did. Undaunted, Pyotr continued, as his thirst for danger and thrills were not surface level - they were deep rooted in his heart. Eventually, he would rub shoulders with Taian Kira - a young upstart not unlike himself, who he decided would be his rival. Early, he got the better of her, thanks to his experience - but Kira soon caught up, and Pyotr ended up believing himself in something of a win deficit that he intends to make up someday. Despite this, the two became fast friends, watched each other's backs, and became inseparable on the circuit. Even if they were competing and playing for keeps. They were so close, in fact, that spectators spun rumors about the two being romantically involved - but those rumors were quickly quelled when Pyotr made a fairly grand display of his interest in men being his sole romantic interests, which Kyra was ecstatic to help him make clear.

Unfortunately for both of them, their glory days in illegal racing would be cut short. The Eclipse War raged through the wild space between borders, narrowing the space both Pyotr and Kyra had to roam and race in. Before the circuit faced being closed down - not for danger - but from the scrutiny of two governments at war, Tel Jan had finally made her way to Pyotr and Kyra, having tracked down her old student from years prior at the ONAC. Though Jan's only interest was obtaining Kyra for Project Domino, Kyra insisted that Pyotr come along, as there was no wingman that she considered her equal, nor did she trust more than him. Begrudgingly, Jan took Paslen's "Golden Son" along with Kyra and allowed him to join the squadron. As requested, Kyra got her wingman in Pyotr, and to Jan's quiet joy, her understudy's judge of skill, character and quality was exactly right. Pyotr was every bit the gifted pilot that Kyra claimed he was.

Tel Jan

Age: 39 Species: Ru DOB: 833 AL Gender: Female (Transgender) Pronouns: She/Her Sexuality: Pansexual Height: 7'2 Homeworld: Orran House/Clan: House Tel Occupation: Mercenary Company Member (Corsair 3) Home: The Regicide (Corsair Squadron's Mothership) Skills: Flight Instructor, Combat Veteran, Imperial Tactics Expert

Tel Jan was born in 833 AL in Orran's capital city, and like those in her house and family before her, was instilled with a strong sense of duty and community from an early age. Jan was never much of a rulebreaker, and was always respected by her peers growing up. Indeed, nobody would call her life terribly outstanding for a member of House Tel, but they would refer to Jan's record as outstanding. If one thing has always been true about her, it is that she never slouched in any of her duties, hobbies, or responsibilities. She was always orderly, had top marks in school, and when the time finally came for her to choose a career - like many of House Tel before her, Jan felt a desire to soar among the stars as a Starfighter pilot.

Jan's service was largely unremarkable for the first decade, in so far as she didn't need to push herself to succeed for any particular reason. It was a time of peace, and the worst that happened over her time serving were the occasional skirmishes with pirates, smuggling cartels, and raiders - almost all of which were fairly easy on The Republic. Jan would serve Orranian Navy for twelve years with honors and distinction, and pivoted to, on her fourth term, becoming a flight instructor at the Orranian Naval Academy (ONAC). Her expertise, skill, and experience in both the daily and occasionally extraordinary expectations of Republic pilots made her an excellent candidate to pick as a flight instructor. Over the course of the next six years, Jan would faithfully serve the navy at ONAC and prepare the next generation of young, trailblazing, fire-in-their-eyes pilots to maintain the peace that The Republic valued so much. During this time, she would encounter Taian Kyra. A young cadet who would immediately set ONAC on fire with her capabilities.

Of all the students that Jan met, no single cadet had more promise and potential than Kyra. Further, no single cadet presented as much of a problem with dealing with authority figures as Kyra. For Kyra, being a pilot wasn't about serving or protecting her country. It was about the fightercraft, what it let you accomplish, how it was an extension of yourself. All things a pilot should believe, but she lacked the desire to work under the direction of others. With Jan's assistance, Kyra would persist at ONAC for some time until she washed out - not from poor marks, grades, or any blemishes on her simulator experience, actual flight drills, or any of the like, but entirely due to her difficulty with the chain of command. Jan considered this her own single largest failure, and she even carried a decent amount of shame about how it all went down. Though no instructor - or even the commandant - ever saw fit to reprimand her for failing to rein someone like Kyra in, the experience changed Jan. Taking a well-earned and extended leave, Jan entertained the concept of retiring, having served for over 15 years by that time.

Unfortunately, before Jan could get comfortable, the ONAC Commandant immediately requested her presence at the academy to debrief her. A large fleet - allegedly thirty percent of The Empire's military power, had seceded. They were now being chased by the Imperial fleet, and were on the way to the Republic's border. Jan knew what this meant. Though she didn't want it to be true, The Republic government would absolutely run cover for the seceding fleet. Before the Commandant even said it, she knew why. One part, because these were people that could never return home now - and in a pragmatic sense, offered The Republic a significant technological edge against a nation they were already concerned about being behind - and now that they were to soon be in direct conflict, that edge was being handed to them on a silver platter so long as they had a loaded gun ready. Jan would have agreed, were she not effectively pressed in anyway. They desperately needed expert pilots to line the hangars of the fighter corps for the opening engagement into a new war with a superior foe. Jan, feeling the call of duty, readily accepted her new task and was immediately promoted to Commander Air Group of the ONV Taie, High Admiral Kon Torren's personal flagship - the supreme commander of The Orranian Navy. Apparently, he had requested her for the position specifically - which came as no surprise to Jan. She'd known Torren personally during her time as a pilot, back when he was a Major.

Jan, alongside countless other veterans, waited in the wings before the battle broke out. When negotiations failed, Jan was launched with the rest of the Taie and its escorts' complement, headlong into the battle-to-be. In this first wave, Tel Jan scored the first kill in the war during a joust with an Imperial Trident that had carelessly engaged. The Eclipse War had begun in earnest, and in some sense, Jan was the one to not light the match, but to cast it into the oil field. During the two years that passed, through a mix of unfamiliarity with their foes' capabilities and mismanagement from the Otvarian First Citizen and his world's Navy, The Republic had been pushed back severely, and nearly into their own territory. Over these years, however, High Admiral Kon Torren and Commander Tel Jan had hatched a plan with Republic Research and Development to work with a refugee by the name of Dr. Wazir Hassam, who had come with the secessionist fleet at the beginning of the war, and offered his expertise in Imperial culture, infrastructure, technology, and most importantly his prototype Radiant Drive. The three formed Project Domino, and above all else, even more than bespoke starships, it needed pilots and crew.

Tel Jan got to pick the pilots, having trained hundreds over her time as a flight instructor at ONAC. Her first choice was initially controversial, but she insisted. Only Taian Kyra would do. Though Kyra had washed out - largely of her own accord - and taken to illegal starfighter racing on the edges of society, she had amassed fame, fortune and prestige as a fighter pilot that few could hope to match. Her records were, as always, uncontestable and unmatched. Reaching Kyra in time, Jan nearly begged that she return to Republic Service. Technically, Kyra was never in, as she had never graduated, but accepted on one condition - that her friend, wingman and rival, Pyotr Yukov be allowed to join her. Begrudgingly, Jan agreed, and it would pay off extremely well. Pyotr really was everything Kyra said he was. Not quite her, but almost equally unparalleled in his own skill. But beyond the pilots, she needed someone to man their carrier's captain chair, even if they were not technically the team's leader.

Jan got in touch with her old cohort who served alongside her as an officer during her career as a pilot. Myr Clara, a woman that would have been in charge of her own ship by now had she not retired and took to captaining a large freighter, having had enough of the military life for the time being. Clara agreed, if only because she was going to be working with The Republic in an auxiliary form, and more importantly, because it'd give her an excuse to drink with her old friend Jan once again and pal around the ship with her in the off hours - something she'd missed dearly. But beyond that, even Clara could not resist the call to protect her nation. She understood how big this was - and if Jan needed her help, then she would have her help.

Wazir Hassam

Age: 32 Species: Aban DOB: 840 AL Gender: Male (Cis) Pronouns: He/Him Sexuality: Bisexual Height: 6'1 Homeworld: Ard Occupation: Mercenary Company Member (Corsair 4) Home: The Regicide (Corsair Squadron's Mothership) Skills: Genius Engineer, Skilled Pilot, Creative

Dr. Wazir Hassam was born on Ard in 840 AL under a noble family's name. Wazir demonstrated prodigious intelligence from an early age and as a result - was always pushed harder to succeed. Wazir met the expectations of his family and society every single time, graduating every class with honors and showing a strong understanding of physics both actual and theoretical. Wazir grew up in a period before The Empire was exposed to factions and nations beyond its gaze, and as such, viewed Imperial society as the pinnacle of existence, and slavery as an unfortunate reality. Indeed, Wazir grew up a nationalist of sorts, wanting nothing more than to further his nation's goals and prestige - for that is what all good Imperials strive for. To be known, loudly, proudly, and to be unassailable in your brilliance, expertise, and social standing. To chase this perfection was to chase the ideals that Emperor Suma herself symbolized - beautiful, profound perfection and power.

Dr. Hassam had risen to - not only due to his upbringing, either - the status of Master, owning his own slaves that he treated in accordance with The Empire's laws and even seemed to treat them extra favorably. Partially because it was a way to show off his prestige, but also because he did earnestly care about those in his charge - which beyond regulation compliance, was not a universal value among Masters. Further still, Wazir, having finished his education, utilized his standing to apply to the Akliah Shafiq University of Science - the world's most prestigious, most difficult to graduate University. Over the next ten years, Wazir would not only succeed, but emerge with a doctorate in Theoretical Physics, Metaphysics, Starship Engineering, and Sociology. The latter of which became of interest to Wazir after The Empire had made contact with The Republic during his time studying at ASUS. Fresh out with four degrees, Dr. Hassam was approached by Idris-Kabir Aerospace to work in their starship design bureau as head engineer, speaking rather plainly that there was nobody more qualified to equip Ard for the future.

Dr. Hassam accepted gleefully, and began his career posthaste. Under Dr. Hassam's watch, IKA created marvels, such as the IdKa-41 "Trident" Line Fighter, and the IdKa-501 "Harba" class Corvette. He could hardly be more proud of his work, but he was even more proud of his private project - something that would revolutionize technology across the galaxy. The Radiant Drive. The Radiant Drive was his own personal invention, something that combined his knowledge physical and metaphysical - and how to best utilize today's materials, to make a heat exchange device that could almost perfectly recycle expended heat into usable energy, and then some. He knew it broke the laws of thermodynamics, and if his equations were indeed correct, which he had little reason to doubt, then it would flip everything from starship design to power plants on its head. The Radiant was all but sure to usher in a new age, and Idris-Kabir Aerospace offered the materials and facilities he needed to create his masterwork… But, during his time in University, watching Emperor Suma establish contact with Primatris, Praeliox, and other Republic leaders, and learning about their societies, doubts and conflicts started to form in his mind. He wondered if his faith was misplaced.

Dr. Hassam knew full well the troubles that his people's relationship with Lusjami - home of the Coraste - on his society centuries back. But he began to wonder if perhaps, the wool had been pulled over not only his people's eyes, but The Emperor himself. Maybe, just maybe, something could be done about the society they lived in. Perhaps they didn't need slavery, poverty, inequity and inequality - maybe they could move beyond it, if not for the capitalistic drive of the corporations that had found a deep hold in his home's government. But, before any appeals could be made, however, there were rumblings he got wind of from the Liaisons from the military who would visit for review, speak of increasing amounts of Dissidents, interactions from the Laborer's Unions, and so on. Dr. Hassam knew what was coming, and leveraged his connections to figure out who was likely to dissent. If they were going to, they were going to sprint for the border - and if they were going to do that, they could never come back - and if that were to happen, it'd be war… and at that moment, he didn't want The Empire, in its current state, to win.

Dr. Hassam made his move, made the necessary arrangements, talked to the right people - and destroyed his research, taking all of his schematics and notes with him. He would make no more war machines for IKA, and wished to make no more period, lest they served a cause he genuinely believed in. Boarding the vessels that left, Dr. Hassam took the biggest chance of his life. The fleet was saved at the Republic Border by the 1st Republic Fleet, and after that, the fleet retained a permanent guard. Though, to Hassam's dismay, The Republic didn't quite trust the refugees with being offloaded and put onto Republic worlds just yet. When meeting with military leaders, the captain of the vessel Wazir was on relayed his presence to Republic command, saying that his skills would be useful to them. Wazir agreed, hoping it would help buy their freedom, and knowing his contributions would stifle the Imperial war effort. Through some trial and tribulation, Dr. Hassam got an audience with High Admiral Kon Torren of The Orranian Navy, alongside his CAG, Tel Jan. Over the next few hours, Dr. Hassam introduced his technology to them, and the trio had hatched a plan. With the assistance of Republic R&D, they would establish a foothold at a shipyard of their choosing, and launch "Project Domino" - the program that would facilitate the design of a highly experimental fighter powered by the Radiant Drive, and a bespoke carrier to launch them.

However, Dr. Hassam had one major stipulation: He had to be on the team as a pilot. At first, the request seemed absurd - the engineer behind the Radiant Drive was too valuable to lose, but he also would not allow himself to be kept effectively hostage, and he wanted to get firsthand readings on how his drive performed in combat. If anything arose, he was the only one who could diagnose and fix it. The more Dr. Hassam explained it, the more it made sense, and the others agreed. He got to work with Republic R&D and Jan went to go find her pilots. Who they were didn't matter much to Dr. Hassam, just that they were the best they could find. Luckily for him, Jan came back with Taian Kyra and Pyotr Yukov - undoubtedly the best pilots in Republic space. Neither he nor Jan were any slouches either. Though he knew he was the weakest link in the squadron, he knew his role was crucial, too. Nobody else knew The Imperial war machine like he had, nor had anybody fueled it quite like he did.

Myr Clara

Age: 31 Species: Vivus (Ru/Tharasi/Volk) DOB: 841 AL Gender: Female (Cis) Pronouns: She/Her Sexuality: Lesbian Height: 7'1 Homeworld: Otvar House/Clan: Clan Myr Occupation: Mercenary Company Member (Regicide Operator) Home: The Regicide (Corsair Squadron's Mothership) Skills: Leadership, logistics, coordination

Myr Clara emerged from her foundry on Otvar in 841 AL under Clan Myr, and grew up in the capital city of Solitsa. For the first decade and a half of her life, Clara's life was fairly by the numbers for a Vivus. Exit one life stage, forge a new body in the foundry, choose various qualities, emerge again, continue life. It was by her fourth life stage - young adulthood - that Clara took a keen interest in captaining a starship. Though she had no desire to serve in the Otvarian Navy, getting experience and a career in the Navy was one of the easiest ways to guarantee a position aboard a private freighter or other large vessel, which was what she really wanted. With some hesitance, she enlisted in the Otvarian Naval Academy of Solitsa - ONAS - and began her studies and basic training there. Over the course of a year, Clara would take to her training like a fish to water, more than she'd expected to. As it turned out, not only was Naval service in peacetime not terribly demanding, outside of rather dull daily duties under a strict schedule, but there was far more room to socialize in the navy than she had ever expected.

Over the course of the next 4 years, Clara formed a variety of connections, climbed to the rank of Lieutenant, and took an extended leave between terms to see what her civilian options were. While she had the qualifications to become a private ship captain, she had come to find that none of the corporate or private listings and opportunities really appealed to her. Despite her desires to work privately and see about building a small fortune, she found that she was beginning to miss the trappings of the ship she had served upon. It wasn't long before she re-enlisted, and her old ship had filled the space in the interim. Frustrated and somewhat saddened by this, Clara looked into alternative options, and found that there were opportunities - and a need - for Otvarian trained shipmen to assist aboard Orranian vessels for cross-training purposes. Beyond advancement opportunities, it was a chance to connect to Orranians across Republic space, something she hadn't had many chances to do growing up on Otvar, as while they often traveled to her homeworld, she hadn't left it before she joined the military.

It was during this cross-training that Clara met Tel Jan, who would pretty quickly become her best friend. She was assigned to Jan's ship as a crew supervisor, and the two would cross paths often. Cross-training exercises and tours often meant more varied duties - and this was where Clara learned she had a genuine aptitude for the job. Working alongside the vessel's captain, Jan as a squadron leader, the CAG, and various other elements, Clara found herself quickly becoming the vessel's logistical heart. It didn't hurt at all that Clara, growing into the role, became rather confident and her charisma started to really show. Before she knew it, she had the ear of the captain and the trust of a majority of the vessel's officers. Clara requested an official transfer to the ship, ensuring her proximity to her friend Jan for the rest of both of their terms.

By the time her compatriot had shifted towards becoming an instructor, Clara finally had the experience and credentials she wanted, easily landing a position as a starship captain working for Groundbreaker, based out of Paslen, so that her shore leave was always at or right next to home. It was lucrative, quiet, everything she expected… and to her chagrin, lonely. Though it didn't start out that way, as the years crept on, Clara found a distaste for contractually based, private starship captaincy. She wondered if she should instead run a private freight business with the money she'd saved during her terms serving the Republic and her time as an independent ship captain, but before such concepts could manifest, The Eclipse War broke out.

Operations became more dangerous, more lucrative, and schedules became tighter. Clara was well suited to the position, but didn't have much desire to take on the most dangerous work - earning her the ire of some of Groundbreaker's higher ups. The difference between their perspective and hers, however, was that having seen combat firsthand, she knew how quickly things could go awry. With The Empire on The Republic's doorstep, the last thing she wanted was to have her mining vessel captured and - in a best case scenario - held ransom as a bargaining chip against The Republic. Fortunately for Clara, she received a communication from her dear old friend, Tel Jan. Jan needed her for a top secret job, and there wasn't anybody, in Jan's own words, that she could trust the way she could trust Clara. Though she wondered if there was anybody more qualified, Clara trusted her old friend's judgement, handed in her resignation, and reported to ONAC to rendezvous with her compatriot.

There, she was taken to a black-site, the shipyard where Project Domino was being undertaken, and was introduced to her new duties - and her new command - posthaste. Though she would share command with another, The Regicide, it was called, would be her ship. Clara had never seen anything quite like it, and was excited to get to know it inside and out post-haste. Immediately after, she was told about The Rex, and the Radiant Drive. For the first time in years, she was genuinely excited to get to work. Though there were still some details to smooth out about the crew - how they would be equipped, how they would present themselves, who they would be, and how the vessel's duties would be carried out. Nobody Jan knew was more up to the task than Clara, and they both got to work on selecting personnel to crew the vessel and ensure it - and its fighters' smooth operation. Clara also had a hand in designing the flight suits and hand picked out their signature jackets - as she insisted that if these ships were everything Jan and Dr. Hassam claimed they were, then this crew was going to be full of heroes, and everyone across The Republic would know their names. It would be, in her words, "One of the most grievous tactical errors you could make - not making them look good".

Farahild Brand

Age: 29 Species: Sahrel DOB: 844 AL Gender: Female (Cis) Pronouns: She/Her Sexuality: Bisexual Height: 5'7 Homeworld: Eirkern (claims Fluzehn) Occupation: Mercenary Company Member (Corsair 5) Home: The Regicide (Corsair Squadron's Mothership) Skills: Test Pilot, Veteran, Unshakeable resolve

Born in 844 AL, Farahild Brand started her life on the home of her people, Eirkern. A world that, over a century prior, had a difficult brush with Orran, before it was formally a Republic - a world which they formally cut contact with, having next to no desire to engage with them again, as Orran had attempted to bring Eirkern and its worlds into the fold, before the colonization attempt went awry and Orran, metaphorically and literally, left Eirkern holding the bag. This run-in and bad blood informed the people of Eirkern's already fraught politics, and how they conducted themselves among the stars. Only in recent decades had Eirkern desired to revisit new worlds and colonization attempts of their own, and Fluzehn was one such example of this. Both Farahild would grow up on Eirkern over the next unremarkable decade and a half, and the world would be ready for its first few waves of post-pioneer colonists to take up citizenship, of which Farahild's family was one of hundreds of applicant families.

Unfortunately, Eirkernian politics can be fraught with internal strife and attempts at land-grabs, and Fluzehn would be no different in this regard. Outside of Capitols, the Sahrel people, by and large, were rather accustomed to the changing of borders, banners, leaders and flags in their polities. But, not long after her family had settled, Farahild and her family were caught in the first border encroachment of her homeland by an opposing nation. Having been subject to the whims and wishes of others for a majority of her life, Farahild decided that enough was enough - and took up arms to fight for her home on Fluzehn as a Pilot for its Naval forces. With a noteworthy tolerance for risk, she soon found herself - in accordance with her willingness to push the limits - as a test pilot for her government's Aeroforce. Over time, Farahild would sharpen her skills, reflexes, knowledge - and her grudge against those that attacked her home would only grow stronger.

Years passed, conflicts came and went, and Farahild's grudge, rather than leaping from aggressor to aggressor, took a new form - a nationalistic zeal for Fluzehn, its sovereignty, and her ability to defend it against all who would threaten it. No matter who or what would come after her home, her belief that her nation was in the right, that she was morally just and upright, was after nearly a decade of conflict, steeled and emblazoned deep within her, and she would do whatever it took to maintain her home's safety - and her sense of justice in relation to it. Farahild was almost always the first to answer the call to action when the need arose, and arise it would, as both her home's ability to protect itself winnowed, and its need grew.

Finally, there was a break in the action when The Eclipse War and its consequences came knocking close to Eirkern's borders. Though not a direct associate of The Republic, the Eirkernian people and its colonies were increasingly aware of not only Imperial motives, tactics and technology, but the weakness of their neighbors, The Republic, of which Orran was a chief member. Some on Eirkern believed it would be best to let the war play out and kiss up to whoever was the victor, but others believed that was the worst option - for even if Orran had done the Sahrel wrong over a century ago, several correctly asserted that The Empire, and its reliance on Slavery and Capitalist economics and Colonial development, would be far, far worse for everyone. Stories of Corsair Squadron, their legendary Rex class Starfighters, and their ship, The Regicide, had passed by Farahild's ears a few times. She and her cohorts knew that it was the actions of Corsair Squadron that had helped keep The Empire at bay, and their recent campaign had even begun to push The Empire back in some sectors.

Recently, with The Republic suffering the effects of the prolonged war, they had been appealing to the Sahrel for whatever assistance they could offer. Though hesitant, accords were being struck - and Farahild understood that these alliances, and subsequently, Corsair Squadron, was a vector by which she could keep her home safe. Though she had little desire to fly under any banner that resembled Orran or its allies, Corsair Squadron performed almost entirely independently of The Republic fleet - and this made the prospect of applying to join even more attractive to her. Brashly, she asserted to her commanding officers that she was the best pick for the job, and that it would be in all Sahrel's best interests if there was one of them aboard the ship that belonged to what was quickly becoming the most notable war heroes in history. It would afford her people influence, power, and above all else - security from aggressors. Swayed by her argument, presented with her typical zeal, Farahild was put forward as the first additional member to Corsair Squadron.

At first, Republic brass was hesitant - but to both their and Farahild's surprise, the Regicide's crew welcomed the prospect with open arms. They had been fighting a war for over a year, tirelessly, and could use another set of wings to help carry the load of The Republic war effort. Kyra in particular, partially to Farahild's dismay, was particularly enthusiastic about Farahild's new membership. Though she hadn't heard of Farahild's exploits, she was interested in how a seasoned test pilot would handle a Rex, what her experiences were and hearing about them, and how she might get on with the crew. Faster than she'd expected, Farahild was appointed Corsair 5, and The Regicide was given a minor overhaul to facilitate another pair of fighters. It wasn't too terribly long before Fara had both found her footing, and found herself enjoying something she rarely had back home: A sense of comfort and clarity of purpose that required no negotiation or bargaining with the self. Farahild knew in her bones that this fight, was the fight she'd been preparing for. For no other fight would serve to save her homeland quite like this one would.

Herbert Cartwright

Age: 30 Species: Laeron DOB: 842 AL Gender: Male (Cis) Pronouns: He/Him Sexuality: Bisexual Height: 6'1 Homeworld: Aerea Occupation: Mercenary Company Member (Corsair 6) Home: The Regicide (Corsair Squadron's Mothership) Skills: Discretion, Tactical Exploitation, Strategy

Born on Aerea in 842 AL, Herbert Cartwright was raised by a single father who lost decades of his life toiling in a factory to ensure both he and his son could keep a roof over his head. Unfortunately, as Herbert grew older, the two became more distant and less keen on each other's company due to a growing set of political disagreements - and sooner rather than later, Herbert wanted out, despite what should have been a bonding period. As he did not associate terribly good things with home, he wanted to get as far away from it as possible - and joining the Aerean Navy at age 16 was the ticket out that he was looking for. Of the options at his disposal, Herbert took interest in becoming a starfighter pilot, and was soon shuttled away to the Anna Aelwen Naval Academy - AENA - to undertake the necessary study, training and drills to become a fighter pilot.

At this point, Herbert devoted his life to making it work - having absolutely zero desire to return home to his father or home town. Months turned into a year of toil, and Herbert graduated his time at AENA with top marks - being assigned to the HMSS Redoutable, under the 11th Starfighter Squadron, where he served under Wing Commander Elizabeth Tupporth- the Navy's most accomplished pilot. Though Herbert somewhat felt as though he lived in the shadow of his commanding officer's skill, his estimation of his own capabilities were poor, as she was aware of his potential, and believed it could possibly outstrip her own skill in time.

Herbert would serve under Commander Tupporth over the next eight years, until be headhunted by a representative of Queen Hilsie Aelwen in search of a new Royal Aero Escort Commander. With glowing, ecstatic recommendation from Commander Tupporth herself, Herbert was first in line for the role, which he somewhat begrudgingly accepted, as he had quite enjoyed his time working with one of Aerea's modern heroes. Though she assured him that they always needed more - and when the Queen herself calls, only a fool would let the phone stay on the receiver.

As Commander of the Royal Escort Wing, Herbert came to know Queen Hilsie rather well, always present whenever she had to cross continents or stars, and always present as her escort. Herbert had risen to a station that he'd never dreamed of in his life - and due to his service he would likely be well taken care of for the rest of his life, as the crown has always done well by its own. It was rare that he was ever directly needed, but his and his wing's presence deterred any would-be aggressors, as Commander Cartwright was a name that several knew not to trifle with by this point. The only thing that worried him, however, was the news of the rest of the galaxy rather suddenly being at war for reasons that weren't clear to Aerea. Queen Hilsie had chosen not to intervene or make their presence known to anyone - not yet - as they knew not who to support, nor could they afford to expose their nations to potential attack. Herbert wondered if their military should be so ignorant - if perhaps gathering intelligence however they could was the right move, but before he could posit his ruminations to the Queen, she suffered a fatal accident that claimed her life. Stricken by grief as he was, he remained on station. He had to, as not only was he sworn to such service, but the newest regent was soon to take the throne as well: Thrine Aelwen, Hilsie's daughter.

With the now-Queen Thrine Aelwen in charge, the court began to change shape. Though Thrine grieved her mother's death terribly, she disagreed with some of her policies rather openly, and one of them was her mother's abstinence on not only the war, but stellar politics in general. Herbert made his suggestion to Thrine, who agreed that such a program may be of use. Feeling that he was up to it, and given it was his idea, Thrine saw fit to appoint Commander Cartwright as the head of gathering intelligence on the surrounding galaxy - particularly, persons of interest in The Eclipse War. Though he felt iffy on the sudden appointment, Cartwright took to it with the same sense of duty and pride he had always served his Queen with. Equipped with Aerea's most advanced stealth, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering equipment and personnel, Commander Cartwright got to work.

After nearly a year of surveying various conflicts firsthand - only barely detected - and analyzing the outcomes, who and what was in play, and who was of interest, a key set of details came to Cartwright's attention: By now, they knew what both factions stood for, and the numbers they ran would indicate that The Empire was the assured winner, or would be, if not for the exploits of Corsair Squadron - a set of fighters and a carrier made just for the job that Cartwright had recorded to have what seemed to be both impossible and nearly unique technology. Technology that allowed the fighters to punch far above their weight class, and present both tactical and logistical anomalies for Imperial forces. Their mothership, The Regicide, made it nearly impossible for Imperial Intelligence to know when they would strike. It could be entirely alone, it could be as the vanguard for a fleet, or the backup - The Regicide and its crew was a complete wild card, and by Herbert's estimations, The Republic's best chance at victory - and much more importantly to him - safety for Aerea. Neither he nor Thrine very much cared for the prospect of working with - and more likely being subservient to - The Empire.

After an altercation that required Herbert's immediate intervention, or else one of the Regicide's crew was at risk of being killed, he in turn required rescuing. At first, the crew was befuddled at what they'd written off as a near-ghost of an Imperial ship spying on them for the last year would have done that for, but also weren't going to turn down the chance to save someone who had saved them. It genuinely surprised Corsair Squadron to learn that it was not an Imperial spy, but a heretofore unknown alien from a civilization they'd never heard of, that'd taken an interest in their struggle. After they introduced each other to one another, The Regicide took Herbert's vessel to the border of his people's space, where they encountered a vessel from the Aerean navy to pick him up. To everyone's surprise, Queen Thrine Aelwen herself was aboard the vessel, and after hearing Cartwright's report, asked if he would instead prefer to join Corsair Squadron. He was by now, not only Aerea's most widely experienced combat pilot, but also had a year's worth of firsthand knowledge on what's happened and how to help in this conflict. Herbert agreed, and with that, became Corsair's Squadrons' final member.

RX-01 "Rex" Radiant-Experimental Model 01 Space Superiority Fighter

Length: 15.5 meters Armament: Three WH-06 Plasma Casters, Experimental Heavy Weapons Mount Crew Capacity: 1 FTL Range: 25LY Atmospheric Speed: Mach 3.5

The Rex class Starfighter is - during The Eclipse War - the most advanced Starfighter ever created, and had only a handful of rivals throughout the war. Powered by two massive thrusters, an oversized power plant, equipped with an overclassed shield generator, and a trio of Plasma Casters, conventional starfighters could not reasonably carry the power and thrust needed to carry these weapons, let alone power any more than one system at a time. But the Radiant Drive enables this by - effectively - throwing out the laws of thermodynamics - and allowing the reactor to work at maximum capacity, powering every single system simultaneously. The only drawback is that to achieve a competitive level of speed and agility, the high-draw systems do require a minimum spin-up time to reach maximum power, but the Rex class Starfighter is powerful enough to outperform almost every contemporary starfighter in the theater of war, even at low power settings.

Though one Rex class Starfighter is enough to take down several squadrons and emplacements alone, the Rex is often deployed in a small squadron of 4-6, depending on the time period within the war. Four was as many as could be made at first, and was as much as The Republic needed to affect meaningful change in The Eclipse War.

The Rex class Starfighter had several notable capabilities. Its powerful shields allowed it to take direct hits from Corvette scale weapons, and glancing blows from Frigate scale weapons without being destroyed. Further, it was the only vessel in the war with a rapid fire plasma weapon system, as it could employ extremely powerful cooling systems to rapidly cool the weapons, letting them faster than any other Plasma weapon system. On top of that, the Plasma Casters could unleash a volatile, explosive shot that was the result of the trio of Plasma Casters overcharging and firing together - and this could be semi-guided by firing at a locked enemy, traveling on a predicted route to detonate next to the target. What's more, it also had a mount to carry several experimental heavy weapon systems typically utilized by far heavier Lancer or Gunship class starships, and could swap them out easily between missions. Finally, the Rex had an extremely powerful set of thrusters that allowed it to shunt at blinding speeds to its flanks, dodging - and even deflecting incoming fire to nearly fully negate incoming fire. Whatever didn't miss would only deal a fraction of the damage it would have otherwise dealt.

Even several decades into the future, the Rex would remain formidable.

Regicide Class Light Support Carrier, "Regicide"

Length: 526m Width: 325m Height: 141m Armament: x1 4m Macrobore Heavy Cannons x3 2m Heavy Batteries, x1 .5m Quad Batteries, x12 Point Defense Batteries, x2 Septuple VLS Missile Batteries Crew: 140 FTL Range: 80LY

The Regicide was designed and built for one purpose: The housing, protection and support of the Rex class Starfighters and facilitation of tactical autonomy - be it applied surgically, brutally, or responsively. The Regicide is a capable frigate, first and only of its kind, given the standard array of armaments suited to a vessel its size by Orranian standards, but an atypical purpose. No vessel of this scale had ever been designed to maintain and house a specific type of fighter for continuous operation like this, nor with such a comparatively lightweight crew. Early drafts considered a lighter armament, but mid-design considerations understood the necessity of allowing The Regicide to be its own capable warship. Unlike other capital ships of its type, however, the Regicide is much more agile than other Frigates, and due to its singular nature, is allowed top-of-the-line technology, armaments, and protection that allow it to perform above its weight class.

On top of being a flying launch system with modest weaponry, the Regicide is also a permanent home to Corsair Squadron, alongside the 131 other personnel that help keep the ship running. Aboard The Regicide, due to it being a fairly small group, a tight knit culture of camaraderie emerged, where most of the crewmen know each other on a first name basis.Though most of the crew are detachments sent from Orran and Otvar's respective navies, they operate more under Corsair Squadron's jurisdiction than anyone else's - and have come to appreciate the singular, largely autonomous nature of their mission.

Frame 1: The morning sunlight filters through the closed curtains, bathing the dark room in a beacon of light.

Frame 2: A phone sits on a bedside table, its alarm beeping away as its own screen lights up the space around it. It's surrounded by crumpled up papers and an empty bottle of soda.

Frame 3: A close-up of the screen reveals the alarm was set for 9:30am.

Frame 4: A hand comes down on the phone, smacking the screen to knock it out of the alarm. Between their fingers, the time is shown to be 9:32am.

Frame 5: The light of the phone is gone, leaving the sliver of sunlight as the only light source in the room. From his bed, Ma'anak the Survivor is reaching toward the phone.

Born in 851AL (After Lighting), Taian Kyra grew up on Orran, one of the two primary homeworlds of The Republic, with dreams of becoming a fighter pilot. On her 18th birthday, she wasted no time signing up for the Orranian Naval Academy, laser focused on becoming a fighter pilot. Passing all written tests with flying colors, Kyra was admitted into the Academy, and quickly made her presence known - for both better and worse. Better, for she was the single most promising cadet in the academy. Worse, because she constantly butted heads with her superiors, instructors, and peers who thought - foolishly - to prove themselves the superior pilot. As such, Kyra was labeled as a difficult-to-work with, problematic individual by her superiors. All but one instructor who was once difficult herself, Tel Jan.

Despite her instructor's efforts and recognition of Kyra's positive qualities - and despite Kyra smashing every single record that ONAC had put on a plaque, Kyra washed out, finding that the military life simply wasn't for her. Not at all shy of fights, young and full of fire that she is, she simply didn't get along with superiors of almost any position.

Kyra took to starfighter racing, more specifically, the illegal circuits where starfighters were armed and the courses were full of life threatening hazards. There were no pilots more capable than she, and she knew it. She wanted to prove she was the best to somebody, but was in it more for the thrill than the money - otherwise she could have taken up bounty hunting handily with her race earnings.

Almost a year into her career, however, The Eclipse War broke out. The Republic had taken on The Ardian Empire in a head-on war - a technologically superior foe, because The Empire wished to take back what ran away from them. Imperial Secessionists - a faction within The Empire who broke off, taking 30% of The Empire's military might with them in the process. Also aboard their ships were clandestinely retrieved and protected civilians, most of which were the crew's families. They sprinted for The Republic's borders, and though The Republic was hesitant to enter the fray, they could not turn The Secessionist Fleet away, back to their masters who would jail, imprison, enslave and execute them for their treason, which was of the highest order… for in their fleet, they contained not only technology The Republic did not have access to, they also had military secrets that could help The Republic win any war effort that may arise.

Among these personnel was Dr. Wazir Hassam and his Radiant Drive technology. Dr. Hassam offered this technology to The Republic on several conditions: One, that they would apply it to their doctrinally strongest aspect - which was their fighter corps, an edge they had over The Empire who did not put much emphasis on starfighters. Two, that he get to supervise and work on the vessels and technology himself, and be involved in their crewing - including piloting one of the vessels himself. To him, there was no better way to collect performance data and push his machines to their limits. Then, three, that he work with the emergent war hero, Tel Jan, who scored the first kill in the war, to find ace pilots to fill the small squadron and their vessel's cockpits with.

Tel Jan was called upon by High Admiral Kon Torren of The Orranian Navy to work with Dr. Hassam and begin Project Domino, the top secret program that would be responsible for the production of the RX-01 "Rex" Radiant-Experimental Fighter Model 01 Space Superiority Fighter, and the bespoke Regicide class carrier, first and only of its name.

As Jan's personal understudy and favorite student, despite her troubles, Kyra was picked by Jan, who had since made a name for herself in the illegal racing circuit. Jan informed Kyra that not only would she be piloting the most advanced starfighter in galactic history, aboard a starship made specifically to facilitate it, and get the most out of the fightercraft, but that she would also be in charge of the squadron. For Jan did not wish to lead this group herself - but rather to act as a mentor and intermediary to help steer Kyra, rather than direct her. She knew that the only way to get the most out of Kyra's abilities would be to give her a directive, advice, and tell her to go. Though unorthodox, Dr. Hassam, High Admiral Torren, and Kyra agreed to her approach - on Kyra's own condition. That her best friend and rival, Pyotr Yukov, a fellow illegal starfighter racer that she believed could match her skills and whom she trusted to watch her back, came with her as her number two.

An accord was struck, and Taian Kyra was named Corsair One, and given command of the Regicide and Corsair Squadron, where she worked with her cohorts Tel Jan, Wazir, and Pyotr and the ship's operator and quartermaster Myr Clara, to spearhead their operations during The Eclipse War. Over time, the squadron would also be joined by ace pilot Herbert Cartwright of Aerea, and Farahild Brand of Eirkern.

Corsair Squadron would go on to become the most famous starfighter pilots in galactic history. What would become of each crew member specifically, and how would their bonds form - or break, over the course of the war? Only time would tell.

-------------------------

Pyotr Yukov

Age: 20 Species: Volk DOB: 852 AL Gender: Male (Cis) Pronouns: He/Him Sexuality: Gay Height: 6'1 Homeworld: Paslen Occupation: Mercenary Company Member (Corsair 2) Home: The Regicide (Corsair Squadron's Mothership) Skills: Ace Pilot, Charismatic, Negotiation     Pyotr Yukov was born to Astrocrats Illich and Liudmyla Yukov in 852 AL on Paslen, in Paslen City. Pyotr should have wanted for nothing, as his mother, Liudmyla, was the Governor of Paslen City and his father was the head of the "Groundbreaker" Mining company. Though all of his material needs and desire for affection was met, Pyotr was always attracted to life beyond the trappings of aristocracy, beyond the safety and comfort of velvet, fine clothes and private yachts. Even from a young age, Pyotr preferred to leave the trappings of wealth whenever possible to escape into the company of those he believed lived more honest, virtuous lives.

With leaving such holdings though, came risks. No watch from family, no vetted visitors and certified-safe individuals, nothing but the raw experience of people. Just the way Pyotr liked it. For all his rich cohort's fears and bluster, danger rarely befell him, and when it did, he refused to run back to his gilded trappings. Something his preferred friends and associates respected about him. He may have been born with a golden spoon in his mouth, but he always preferred the stainless steel everyone else got to use. Until, of course, it came time to treat his friends and associates with some type of clandestine gift that could help prop them up. 

Pyotr had always been a thrillseeker, and after having ingratiated himself with the people of Paslen City, having become a local favorite figure, he began to form several connections that would satisfy this desire. Marksman training, buggy racing, flight training - and most importantly, starfighter racing. Nothing he'd ever done matched the excitement of controlling a spaceborne machine going at blistering speeds, barely dodging obstacles in one's path. But Pyotr seemed to have a natural inclination to the sport, and though he never entered the profession formally, as he was too young at the time, even on his 18th birthday, he did find his way into the illegal racing circuit, which came with its own catches. It was less safe, the fighters were armed, and the hazards were at times, unpredictable. One needed a keen eye and sharp reflexes to survive the circuit

Pyotr entered the illicit racing circuit - far removed from the safety of his family's wealth and influence, and learned firsthand why the regulations existed the way they did. Undaunted, Pyotr continued, as his thirst for danger and thrills were not surface level - they were deep rooted in his heart. Eventually, he would rub shoulders with Taian Kira - a young upstart not unlike himself, who he decided would be his rival. Early, he got the better of her, thanks to his experience - but Kira soon caught up, and Pyotr ended up believing himself in something of a win deficit that he intends to make up someday. Despite this, the two became fast friends, watched each other's backs, and became inseparable on the circuit. Even if they were competing and playing for keeps. They were so close, in fact, that spectators spun rumors about the two being romantically involved - but those rumors were quickly quelled when Pyotr made a fairly grand display of his interest in men being his sole romantic interests, which Kyra was ecstatic to help him make clear.

Unfortunately for both of them, their glory days in illegal racing would be cut short. The Eclipse War raged through the wild space between borders, narrowing the space both Pyotr and Kyra had to roam and race in. Before the circuit faced being closed down - not for danger - but from the scrutiny of two governments at war, Tel Jan had finally made her way to Pyotr and Kyra, having tracked down her old student from years prior at the ONAC. Though Jan's only interest was obtaining Kyra for Project Domino, Kyra insisted that Pyotr come along, as there was no wingman that she considered her equal, nor did she trust more than him. Begrudgingly, Jan took Paslen's "Golden Son" along with Kyra and allowed him to join the squadron. As requested, Kyra got her wingman in Pyotr, and to Jan's quiet joy, her understudy's judge of skill, character and quality was exactly right. Pyotr was every bit the gifted pilot that Kyra claimed he was.

Tel Jan

Age: 39 Species: Ru DOB: 833 AL Gender: Female (Transgender) Pronouns: She/Her Sexuality: Pansexual Height: 7'2 Homeworld: Orran House/Clan: House Tel Occupation: Mercenary Company Member (Corsair 3) Home: The Regicide (Corsair Squadron's Mothership) Skills: Flight Instructor, Combat Veteran, Imperial Tactics Expert

Tel Jan was born in 833 AL in Orran's capital city, and like those in her house and family before her, was instilled with a strong sense of duty and community from an early age. Jan was never much of a rulebreaker, and was always respected by her peers growing up. Indeed, nobody would call her life terribly outstanding for a member of House Tel, but they would refer to Jan's record as outstanding. If one thing has always been true about her, it is that she never slouched in any of her duties, hobbies, or responsibilities. She was always orderly, had top marks in school, and when the time finally came for her to choose a career - like many of House Tel before her, Jan felt a desire to soar among the stars as a Starfighter pilot.

Jan's service was largely unremarkable for the first decade, in so far as she didn't need to push herself to succeed for any particular reason. It was a time of peace, and the worst that happened over her time serving were the occasional skirmishes with pirates, smuggling cartels, and raiders - almost all of which were fairly easy on The Republic. Jan would serve Orranian Navy for twelve years with honors and distinction, and pivoted to, on her fourth term, becoming a flight instructor at the Orranian Naval Academy (ONAC). Her expertise, skill, and experience in both the daily and occasionally extraordinary expectations of Republic pilots made her an excellent candidate to pick as a flight instructor. Over the course of the next six years, Jan would faithfully serve the navy at ONAC and prepare the next generation of young, trailblazing, fire-in-their-eyes pilots to maintain the peace that The Republic valued so much. During this time, she would encounter Taian Kyra. A young cadet who would immediately set ONAC on fire with her capabilities.

Of all the students that Jan met, no single cadet had more promise and potential than Kyra. Further, no single cadet presented as much of a problem with dealing with authority figures as Kyra. For Kyra, being a pilot wasn't about serving or protecting her country. It was about the fightercraft, what it let you accomplish, how it was an extension of yourself. All things a pilot should believe, but she lacked the desire to work under the direction of others. With Jan's assistance, Kyra would persist at ONAC for some time until she washed out - not from poor marks, grades, or any blemishes on her simulator experience, actual flight drills, or any of the like, but entirely due to her difficulty with the chain of command. Jan considered this her own single largest failure, and she even carried a decent amount of shame about how it all went down. Though no instructor - or even the commandant - ever saw fit to reprimand her for failing to rein someone like Kyra in, the experience changed Jan. Taking a well-earned and extended leave, Jan entertained the concept of retiring, having served for over 15 years by that time.

Unfortunately, before Jan could get comfortable, the ONAC Commandant immediately requested her presence at the academy to debrief her. A large fleet - allegedly thirty percent of The Empire's military power, had seceded. They were now being chased by the Imperial fleet, and were on the way to the Republic's border. Jan knew what this meant. Though she didn't want it to be true, The Republic government would absolutely run cover for the seceding fleet. Before the Commandant even said it, she knew why. One part, because these were people that could never return home now - and in a pragmatic sense, offered The Republic a significant technological edge against a nation they were already concerned about being behind - and now that they were to soon be in direct conflict, that edge was being handed to them on a silver platter so long as they had a loaded gun ready. Jan would have agreed, were she not effectively pressed in anyway. They desperately needed expert pilots to line the hangars of the fighter corps for the opening engagement into a new war with a superior foe. Jan, feeling the call of duty, readily accepted her new task and was immediately promoted to Commander Air Group of the ONV Taie, High Admiral Kon Torren's personal flagship - the supreme commander of The Orranian Navy. Apparently, he had requested her for the position specifically - which came as no surprise to Jan. She'd known Torren personally during her time as a pilot, back when he was a Major.

Jan, alongside countless other veterans, waited in the wings before the battle broke out. When negotiations failed, Jan was launched with the rest of the Taie and its escorts' complement, headlong into the battle-to-be. In this first wave, Tel Jan scored the first kill in the war during a joust with an Imperial Trident that had carelessly engaged. The Eclipse War had begun in earnest, and in some sense, Jan was the one to not light the match, but to cast it into the oil field. During the two years that passed, through a mix of unfamiliarity with their foes' capabilities and mismanagement from the Otvarian First Citizen and his world's Navy, The Republic had been pushed back severely, and nearly into their own territory. Over these years, however, High Admiral Kon Torren and Commander Tel Jan had hatched a plan with Republic Research and Development to work with a refugee by the name of Dr. Wazir Hassam, who had come with the secessionist fleet at the beginning of the war, and offered his expertise in Imperial culture, infrastructure, technology, and most importantly his prototype Radiant Drive. The three formed Project Domino, and above all else, even more than bespoke starships, it needed pilots and crew.

Tel Jan got to pick the pilots, having trained hundreds over her time as a flight instructor at ONAC. Her first choice was initially controversial, but she insisted. Only Taian Kyra would do. Though Kyra had washed out - largely of her own accord - and taken to illegal starfighter racing on the edges of society, she had amassed fame, fortune and prestige as a fighter pilot that few could hope to match. Her records were, as always, uncontestable and unmatched. Reaching Kyra in time, Jan nearly begged that she return to Republic Service. Technically, Kyra was never in, as she had never graduated, but accepted on one condition - that her friend, wingman and rival, Pyotr Yukov be allowed to join her. Begrudgingly, Jan agreed, and it would pay off extremely well. Pyotr really was everything Kyra said he was. Not quite her, but almost equally unparalleled in his own skill. But beyond the pilots, she needed someone to man their carrier's captain chair, even if they were not technically the team's leader.

Jan got in touch with her old cohort who served alongside her as an officer during her career as a pilot. Myr Clara, a woman that would have been in charge of her own ship by now had she not retired and took to captaining a large freighter, having had enough of the military life for the time being. Clara agreed, if only because she was going to be working with The Republic in an auxiliary form, and more importantly, because it'd give her an excuse to drink with her old friend Jan once again and pal around the ship with her in the off hours - something she'd missed dearly. But beyond that, even Clara could not resist the call to protect her nation. She understood how big this was - and if Jan needed her help, then she would have her help.

Wazir Hassam

Age: 32 Species: Aban DOB: 840 AL Gender: Male (Cis) Pronouns: He/Him Sexuality: Bisexual Height: 6'1 Homeworld: Ard Occupation: Mercenary Company Member (Corsair 4) Home: The Regicide (Corsair Squadron's Mothership) Skills: Genius Engineer, Skilled Pilot, Creative

Dr. Wazir Hassam was born on Ard in 840 AL under a noble family's name. Wazir demonstrated prodigious intelligence from an early age and as a result - was always pushed harder to succeed. Wazir met the expectations of his family and society every single time, graduating every class with honors and showing a strong understanding of physics both actual and theoretical. Wazir grew up in a period before The Empire was exposed to factions and nations beyond its gaze, and as such, viewed Imperial society as the pinnacle of existence, and slavery as an unfortunate reality. Indeed, Wazir grew up a nationalist of sorts, wanting nothing more than to further his nation's goals and prestige - for that is what all good Imperials strive for. To be known, loudly, proudly, and to be unassailable in your brilliance, expertise, and social standing. To chase this perfection was to chase the ideals that Emperor Suma herself symbolized - beautiful, profound perfection and power.

Dr. Hassam had risen to - not only due to his upbringing, either - the status of Master, owning his own slaves that he treated in accordance with The Empire's laws and even seemed to treat them extra favorably. Partially because it was a way to show off his prestige, but also because he did earnestly care about those in his charge - which beyond regulation compliance, was not a universal value among Masters. Further still, Wazir, having finished his education, utilized his standing to apply to the Akliah Shafiq University of Science - the world's most prestigious, most difficult to graduate University. Over the next ten years, Wazir would not only succeed, but emerge with a doctorate in Theoretical Physics, Metaphysics, Starship Engineering, and Sociology. The latter of which became of interest to Wazir after The Empire had made contact with The Republic during his time studying at ASUS. Fresh out with four degrees, Dr. Hassam was approached by Idris-Kabir Aerospace to work in their starship design bureau as head engineer, speaking rather plainly that there was nobody more qualified to equip Ard for the future.

Dr. Hassam accepted gleefully, and began his career posthaste. Under Dr. Hassam's watch, IKA created marvels, such as the IdKa-41 "Trident" Line Fighter, and the IdKa-501 "Harba" class Corvette. He could hardly be more proud of his work, but he was even more proud of his private project - something that would revolutionize technology across the galaxy. The Radiant Drive. The Radiant Drive was his own personal invention, something that combined his knowledge physical and metaphysical - and how to best utilize today's materials, to make a heat exchange device that could almost perfectly recycle expended heat into usable energy, and then some. He knew it broke the laws of thermodynamics, and if his equations were indeed correct, which he had little reason to doubt, then it would flip everything from starship design to power plants on its head. The Radiant was all but sure to usher in a new age, and Idris-Kabir Aerospace offered the materials and facilities he needed to create his masterwork… But, during his time in University, watching Emperor Suma establish contact with Primatris, Praeliox, and other Republic leaders, and learning about their societies, doubts and conflicts started to form in his mind. He wondered if his faith was misplaced.

Dr. Hassam knew full well the troubles that his people's relationship with Lusjami - home of the Coraste - on his society centuries back. But he began to wonder if perhaps, the wool had been pulled over not only his people's eyes, but The Emperor himself. Maybe, just maybe, something could be done about the society they lived in. Perhaps they didn't need slavery, poverty, inequity and inequality - maybe they could move beyond it, if not for the capitalistic drive of the corporations that had found a deep hold in his home's government. But, before any appeals could be made, however, there were rumblings he got wind of from the Liaisons from the military who would visit for review, speak of increasing amounts of Dissidents, interactions from the Laborer's Unions, and so on. Dr. Hassam knew what was coming, and leveraged his connections to figure out who was likely to dissent. If they were going to, they were going to sprint for the border - and if they were going to do that, they could never come back - and if that were to happen, it'd be war… and at that moment, he didn't want The Empire, in its current state, to win.

Dr. Hassam made his move, made the necessary arrangements, talked to the right people - and destroyed his research, taking all of his schematics and notes with him. He would make no more war machines for IKA, and wished to make no more period, lest they served a cause he genuinely believed in. Boarding the vessels that left, Dr. Hassam took the biggest chance of his life. The fleet was saved at the Republic Border by the 1st Republic Fleet, and after that, the fleet retained a permanent guard. Though, to Hassam's dismay, The Republic didn't quite trust the refugees with being offloaded and put onto Republic worlds just yet. When meeting with military leaders, the captain of the vessel Wazir was on relayed his presence to Republic command, saying that his skills would be useful to them. Wazir agreed, hoping it would help buy their freedom, and knowing his contributions would stifle the Imperial war effort. Through some trial and tribulation, Dr. Hassam got an audience with High Admiral Kon Torren of The Orranian Navy, alongside his CAG, Tel Jan. Over the next few hours, Dr. Hassam introduced his technology to them, and the trio had hatched a plan. With the assistance of Republic R&D, they would establish a foothold at a shipyard of their choosing, and launch "Project Domino" - the program that would facilitate the design of a highly experimental fighter powered by the Radiant Drive, and a bespoke carrier to launch them.

However, Dr. Hassam had one major stipulation: He had to be on the team as a pilot. At first, the request seemed absurd - the engineer behind the Radiant Drive was too valuable to lose, but he also would not allow himself to be kept effectively hostage, and he wanted to get firsthand readings on how his drive performed in combat. If anything arose, he was the only one who could diagnose and fix it. The more Dr. Hassam explained it, the more it made sense, and the others agreed. He got to work with Republic R&D and Jan went to go find her pilots. Who they were didn't matter much to Dr. Hassam, just that they were the best they could find. Luckily for him, Jan came back with Taian Kyra and Pyotr Yukov - undoubtedly the best pilots in Republic space. Neither he nor Jan were any slouches either. Though he knew he was the weakest link in the squadron, he knew his role was crucial, too. Nobody else knew The Imperial war machine like he had, nor had anybody fueled it quite like he did.

Myr Clara

Age: 31 Species: Vivus (Ru/Tharasi/Volk) DOB: 841 AL Gender: Female (Cis) Pronouns: She/Her Sexuality: Lesbian Height: 7'1 Homeworld: Otvar House/Clan: Clan Myr Occupation: Mercenary Company Member (Regicide Operator) Home: The Regicide (Corsair Squadron's Mothership) Skills: Leadership, logistics, coordination

Myr Clara emerged from her foundry on Otvar in 841 AL under Clan Myr, and grew up in the capital city of Solitsa. For the first decade and a half of her life, Clara's life was fairly by the numbers for a Vivus. Exit one life stage, forge a new body in the foundry, choose various qualities, emerge again, continue life. It was by her fourth life stage - young adulthood - that Clara took a keen interest in captaining a starship. Though she had no desire to serve in the Otvarian Navy, getting experience and a career in the Navy was one of the easiest ways to guarantee a position aboard a private freighter or other large vessel, which was what she really wanted. With some hesitance, she enlisted in the Otvarian Naval Academy of Solitsa - ONAS - and began her studies and basic training there. Over the course of a year, Clara would take to her training like a fish to water, more than she'd expected to. As it turned out, not only was Naval service in peacetime not terribly demanding, outside of rather dull daily duties under a strict schedule, but there was far more room to socialize in the navy than she had ever expected.

Over the course of the next 4 years, Clara formed a variety of connections, climbed to the rank of Lieutenant, and took an extended leave between terms to see what her civilian options were. While she had the qualifications to become a private ship captain, she had come to find that none of the corporate or private listings and opportunities really appealed to her. Despite her desires to work privately and see about building a small fortune, she found that she was beginning to miss the trappings of the ship she had served upon. It wasn't long before she re-enlisted, and her old ship had filled the space in the interim. Frustrated and somewhat saddened by this, Clara looked into alternative options, and found that there were opportunities - and a need - for Otvarian trained shipmen to assist aboard Orranian vessels for cross-training purposes. Beyond advancement opportunities, it was a chance to connect to Orranians across Republic space, something she hadn't had many chances to do growing up on Otvar, as while they often traveled to her homeworld, she hadn't left it before she joined the military.

It was during this cross-training that Clara met Tel Jan, who would pretty quickly become her best friend. She was assigned to Jan's ship as a crew supervisor, and the two would cross paths often. Cross-training exercises and tours often meant more varied duties - and this was where Clara learned she had a genuine aptitude for the job. Working alongside the vessel's captain, Jan as a squadron leader, the CAG, and various other elements, Clara found herself quickly becoming the vessel's logistical heart. It didn't hurt at all that Clara, growing into the role, became rather confident and her charisma started to really show. Before she knew it, she had the ear of the captain and the trust of a majority of the vessel's officers. Clara requested an official transfer to the ship, ensuring her proximity to her friend Jan for the rest of both of their terms.

By the time her compatriot had shifted towards becoming an instructor, Clara finally had the experience and credentials she wanted, easily landing a position as a starship captain working for Groundbreaker, based out of Paslen, so that her shore leave was always at or right next to home. It was lucrative, quiet, everything she expected… and to her chagrin, lonely. Though it didn't start out that way, as the years crept on, Clara found a distaste for contractually based, private starship captaincy. She wondered if she should instead run a private freight business with the money she'd saved during her terms serving the Republic and her time as an independent ship captain, but before such concepts could manifest, The Eclipse War broke out.

Operations became more dangerous, more lucrative, and schedules became tighter. Clara was well suited to the position, but didn't have much desire to take on the most dangerous work - earning her the ire of some of Groundbreaker's higher ups. The difference between their perspective and hers, however, was that having seen combat firsthand, she knew how quickly things could go awry. With The Empire on The Republic's doorstep, the last thing she wanted was to have her mining vessel captured and - in a best case scenario - held ransom as a bargaining chip against The Republic. Fortunately for Clara, she received a communication from her dear old friend, Tel Jan. Jan needed her for a top secret job, and there wasn't anybody, in Jan's own words, that she could trust the way she could trust Clara. Though she wondered if there was anybody more qualified, Clara trusted her old friend's judgement, handed in her resignation, and reported to ONAC to rendezvous with her compatriot.

There, she was taken to a black-site, the shipyard where Project Domino was being undertaken, and was introduced to her new duties - and her new command - posthaste. Though she would share command with another, The Regicide, it was called, would be her ship. Clara had never seen anything quite like it, and was excited to get to know it inside and out post-haste. Immediately after, she was told about The Rex, and the Radiant Drive. For the first time in years, she was genuinely excited to get to work. Though there were still some details to smooth out about the crew - how they would be equipped, how they would present themselves, who they would be, and how the vessel's duties would be carried out. Nobody Jan knew was more up to the task than Clara, and they both got to work on selecting personnel to crew the vessel and ensure it - and its fighters' smooth operation. Clara also had a hand in designing the flight suits and hand picked out their signature jackets - as she insisted that if these ships were everything Jan and Dr. Hassam claimed they were, then this crew was going to be full of heroes, and everyone across The Republic would know their names. It would be, in her words, "One of the most grievous tactical errors you could make - not making them look good".

Farahild Brand

Age: 29 Species: Sahrel DOB: 844 AL Gender: Female (Cis) Pronouns: She/Her Sexuality: Bisexual Height: 5'7 Homeworld: Eirkern (claims Fluzehn) Occupation: Mercenary Company Member (Corsair 5) Home: The Regicide (Corsair Squadron's Mothership) Skills: Test Pilot, Veteran, Unshakeable resolve

Born in 844 AL, Farahild Brand started her life on the home of her people, Eirkern. A world that, over a century prior, had a difficult brush with Orran, before it was formally a Republic - a world which they formally cut contact with, having next to no desire to engage with them again, as Orran had attempted to bring Eirkern and its worlds into the fold, before the colonization attempt went awry and Orran, metaphorically and literally, left Eirkern holding the bag. This run-in and bad blood informed the people of Eirkern's already fraught politics, and how they conducted themselves among the stars. Only in recent decades had Eirkern desired to revisit new worlds and colonization attempts of their own, and Fluzehn was one such example of this. Both Farahild would grow up on Eirkern over the next unremarkable decade and a half, and the world would be ready for its first few waves of post-pioneer colonists to take up citizenship, of which Farahild's family was one of hundreds of applicant families.

Unfortunately, Eirkernian politics can be fraught with internal strife and attempts at land-grabs, and Fluzehn would be no different in this regard. Outside of Capitols, the Sahrel people, by and large, were rather accustomed to the changing of borders, banners, leaders and flags in their polities. But, not long after her family had settled, Farahild and her family were caught in the first border encroachment of her homeland by an opposing nation. Having been subject to the whims and wishes of others for a majority of her life, Farahild decided that enough was enough - and took up arms to fight for her home on Fluzehn as a Pilot for its Naval forces. With a noteworthy tolerance for risk, she soon found herself - in accordance with her willingness to push the limits - as a test pilot for her government's Aeroforce. Over time, Farahild would sharpen her skills, reflexes, knowledge - and her grudge against those that attacked her home would only grow stronger.

Years passed, conflicts came and went, and Farahild's grudge, rather than leaping from aggressor to aggressor, took a new form - a nationalistic zeal for Fluzehn, its sovereignty, and her ability to defend it against all who would threaten it. No matter who or what would come after her home, her belief that her nation was in the right, that she was morally just and upright, was after nearly a decade of conflict, steeled and emblazoned deep within her, and she would do whatever it took to maintain her home's safety - and her sense of justice in relation to it. Farahild was almost always the first to answer the call to action when the need arose, and arise it would, as both her home's ability to protect itself winnowed, and its need grew.

Finally, there was a break in the action when The Eclipse War and its consequences came knocking close to Eirkern's borders. Though not a direct associate of The Republic, the Eirkernian people and its colonies were increasingly aware of not only Imperial motives, tactics and technology, but the weakness of their neighbors, The Republic, of which Orran was a chief member. Some on Eirkern believed it would be best to let the war play out and kiss up to whoever was the victor, but others believed that was the worst option - for even if Orran had done the Sahrel wrong over a century ago, several correctly asserted that The Empire, and its reliance on Slavery and Capitalist economics and Colonial development, would be far, far worse for everyone. Stories of Corsair Squadron, their legendary Rex class Starfighters, and their ship, The Regicide, had passed by Farahild's ears a few times. She and her cohorts knew that it was the actions of Corsair Squadron that had helped keep The Empire at bay, and their recent campaign had even begun to push The Empire back in some sectors.

Recently, with The Republic suffering the effects of the prolonged war, they had been appealing to the Sahrel for whatever assistance they could offer. Though hesitant, accords were being struck - and Farahild understood that these alliances, and subsequently, Corsair Squadron, was a vector by which she could keep her home safe. Though she had little desire to fly under any banner that resembled Orran or its allies, Corsair Squadron performed almost entirely independently of The Republic fleet - and this made the prospect of applying to join even more attractive to her. Brashly, she asserted to her commanding officers that she was the best pick for the job, and that it would be in all Sahrel's best interests if there was one of them aboard the ship that belonged to what was quickly becoming the most notable war heroes in history. It would afford her people influence, power, and above all else - security from aggressors. Swayed by her argument, presented with her typical zeal, Farahild was put forward as the first additional member to Corsair Squadron.

At first, Republic brass was hesitant - but to both their and Farahild's surprise, the Regicide's crew welcomed the prospect with open arms. They had been fighting a war for over a year, tirelessly, and could use another set of wings to help carry the load of The Republic war effort. Kyra in particular, partially to Farahild's dismay, was particularly enthusiastic about Farahild's new membership. Though she hadn't heard of Farahild's exploits, she was interested in how a seasoned test pilot would handle a Rex, what her experiences were and hearing about them, and how she might get on with the crew. Faster than she'd expected, Farahild was appointed Corsair 5, and The Regicide was given a minor overhaul to facilitate another pair of fighters. It wasn't too terribly long before Fara had both found her footing, and found herself enjoying something she rarely had back home: A sense of comfort and clarity of purpose that required no negotiation or bargaining with the self. Farahild knew in her bones that this fight, was the fight she'd been preparing for. For no other fight would serve to save her homeland quite like this one would.