Ask The Pilot and the Ranger

[Rylee Asuchi]

Outpost Blue - a 500 series space station in the Manaan system controlled by the Sector Rangers. Rylee knew the type of place. She had to in her line of work. Flying through the galaxy, you needed to know places where you could stop and rest and although the make and model of this type of space station was practically ancient, there were still many of them around. It was unusual however, that she should find herself flying to a Sector Ranger's outpost. Though she had some dealings with them when patrolling on behalf of the Pantoran Assembly, the extent of her involvement would simply be to hand over any information on criminal activity she obtained or to transfer anyone taken into custody. In more recent times however the number of criminals that survived encounters with Hearts and her squadron had whittled away to nothing. She had adopted a zero tolerance policy towards criminals and her loyal subordinates had backed this policy wholeheartedly. Any ill-gotten gains they would loot and take back to Pantora where they would donate them to those in need. In this regard, Rylee's conscience was clear, but the fact remained that she had blood on her hands.

Today she was alone. She was off-duty and none of her other squadron members were accompanying her. This made her visit to Outpost Blue even stranger. If she wasn't there on business, why would she go? The answer was simple - she had agreed to meet someone. That someone was Corran Velt, a lieutenant in the Sector Rangers whom she had met not all that long ago by chance. Whilst Rylee held no disdain towards Sector Rangers, it remained unusual for a Pantoran squadron leader to be meeting a ranger in her downtime, but there had been something the Pantoran had liked about Velt when they first met. A true professional and someone she believed could prove a valuable ally if ever one were needed. It was for this reason she had been inclined to accept his invitation to the outpost, which had admittedly struck her by surprise when she first received it, though part of her was happy. It was always good to make acquaintances and form new relationships.

Rylee docked her X-Wing at the outpost and head inside. She was dressed in her civilian clothing - a crimson red leather jacket, pink top and figure-hugging black leather trousers. Her light purple hair was tied in a high ponytail which swung gently from side to side as she walked towards security in order to gain entry to the outpost. Having an appointment with Lt. Velt, the check went smoothly and the Pantoran was granted access to the facility. Walking through the barrier, her golden eyes scanned the atrium, hoping to catch sight of Corran.

@TerranSteel @Corran Velt

 

[Corran Velt]

Corran Velt was punctual as always. He had arrived 15 minutes ahead of his guest's arrival time in fact. If one arrives exactly on time, they're late. The lieutenant had taken up position in the atrium near the exit to the security checkpoint close to her designated landing area. After the fall of Sector Ranger Headquarters on Coruscant, they could never be too careful. In fact, Outpost Blue had become something of a temporary headquarters itself. It had been a backwater post before its capture and remained so until it became the sole remaining property the Sector Rangers had that wasn't leased to them by a local government. It was theirs and theirs alone and could do with it as they wished. Currently, it had stacked supplies, a crammed medbay, and ships constantly coming and going. Likely temporary until things got sorted out. Who knew when that would be.

With some time to kill, the blond man took an opportunity to review the information he had on hand about Squadron Leader Rylee Asuchi. He held the datapad in both hand and scrolled absent-mindedly. He'd read her file before after they met. It didn't take long. She had almost no record to speak of. Military enlistment at a young age. Several years of service with some notable actions that were public record. Clean as far as the law went. Maybe that's why they got along so well initially. Having a similar outlook on life could do that. It was one of the reasons he felt comfortable enough to invite her here. That and making connections with worlds outside of the New Republic and Free Worlds Alliance was increasingly critical for the Rangers. It wasn't a treaty of friendship, but it was a start.

Sky-blue eyes glanced up from the datapad and Corran saw her first. "Woah," he said to himself in a low, unintended expression of surprise. Rylee's casual attire was... not what he expected. Not that he would complain either. The Pantoran's attire contrasted to his own. Practical pants, creased and defined, tucked into polished boots. A white shirt tucked in as well. Only thing different was his jacket being unzipped from before, so he didn't quite look like a cadet out of boot camp. That and his hair was in its casual riot of a style. Only thing the young man couldn't discipline.

Instead of waiting for her to see him, Lt. Velt tucked the holopad under his arm and walked towards the new arrival. He'd wave on approach to not catch her off guard. With a crisp and measure stop, he extended a hand in greeting. "Squadron Leader Asuchi. Welcome to Outpost Blue. You look..." Something obviously caught in his throat for a moment. "....Well! You look well. Hopefully your flight wasn't too arduous."

@Bex

 

[Rylee Asuchi]

It did not take long to find Corran. The lieutenant strode up to her and stopped in military fashion, welcoming her and offering a handshake. She took his hand, gave it a firm squeeze and shook. Looking him in the eyes she said, "I'm on a day off, lieutenant, you can just call me Rylee" and gave him a kind smile. The Pantoran noted that Corran had retained his professional visage from the first time they had met, though with one very minor difference.

"You're looking in good shape yourself, though I noticed your jacket isn't done up this time, does that mean you're on vacation too?" she teased, letting go of his hand, but still keeping eye contact. Her golden eyes were not unusual to the Pantoran people, but to many other species of the galaxy there was an eerie beauty to them. The pause in Corran's sentence had not gone unnoticed and she knew he had perhaps been tempted to say something other than "well" from the look in his eyes and the way he had shaken her hand, but as she had done on first meeting the lieutenant, the Pantoran found him endearing. Unlike a lot of men in the galaxy, Corran's apparent awkwardness did not come across as creepy, even if it was a little obvious he had been checking her out. Rylee herself took pride in her appearance and liked to look good so in a way, his actions had already complimented her and she was appreciative all the same.

"The flight was fine. I could do it in my sleep" smiled Rylee, breaking his gaze and starting to look around the atrium they stood in, soaking it in, "I could do with some refreshment though. Where can a girl get a drink and a bite to eat in this place?"

@TerranSteel @Corran Velt

 

[Corran Velt]

Almost immediately, Corran felt the powerful aura of the woman's charisma. The combination of a confident grip, welcoming smile, and golden eyes was a force all their own. It was magnetic and hypnotizing in a way the young ranger couldn't quite understand. Offering her name on a first name basis also caught him off guard. "Rylee? Oh, right then," he replied with some subdued timidity, "I guess you can call me Corran." If she was going to be on first name basis for today, then he wouldn't want to be awkward about it. That is until he realized he was still holding Rylee's hand as she mentioned his own current style. Mercifully she didn't mention it and ended their prolonged handshake. Corran quickly retreated his band and rested it on his hip as he took a moment to glance down at himself. Rylee had noticed the detail about how he styled himself? He wasn't sure what to make of that. Regardless, blue eyes rose to meet gold again and the blond youth cleared his throat. "Not vacation. Just off duty." He couldn't remember the last time he'd taken a 'vacation.'

The hypnosis broke as soon as Rylee averted her gaze elsewhere. For some reason, Corran sighed inaudibly and felt some constraint on his chest lifted. Finding some place to eat and drink was a much easier task than trying to manage social graces with a pretty woman. "You have two choices," the lieutenant began, "Either the commissary for whatever rations they are serving today or Bono's Cafe." A slight smirk tugged at the corner of the man's lips. "Unless you have a strong hankering for barracks food, I think we should head to Bono's." It was some light humor; a minor spark of what the man was truly like without the badge. Once Rylee turned to look at the cafe's holo-signage, the smirk would vanish. Replaced with an attempt at stoicism to hide the obvious bashfulness. It was clear the young man was uncertain how to handle more relaxed social situations. With a gesture to follow, Corran would walk beside his guest to the nearby restaurant. It wasn't far at all, given the size of the station.

All around the atrium though, people were moving about in pairs or small groups. Most were Sector Rangers in uniform, moving to and fro with equipment, files, or supplies. Some were escorting criminals. Many others were in civilian clothes or more casual versions of their uniforms like Corran. The station felt more like a busy starport terminal than a remote outpost. In contrast, Bono's wasn't nearly as frantic. Plenty of tables were empty and only a handful of patrons sat at the semi-circular counter for cafs or drinks. The far wall was made almost entirely of transparisteel and offered a pleasant view into space. As the station rotated, the nearby planets and orbital bodies of the Manaan system would provide interesting views beyond just glimmering stars. "Let's take a seat by the outer wall," Corran offered, "We won't have to talk over the noise from the atrium."

Regardless of where they ended up sitting, a server droid would float over and and speak in stuttering Basic, "OR-DERS, PLEASE." The blond ranger would look upward for a moment, as if the answer was scrawled on the ceiling. "I'll take... some Fritzle fry and a glass of water." Some light finger food where he couldn't embarrass himself and his usual drink of choice. Alcohol was only for the rarest of occasions and he rarely partook then anyway. Caf always made the young officer jumpy. Corran politely gestured with an open palm to Rylee and the droid turned to her expectantly.

@Bex

 

[Rylee Asuchi]

The pair head to Bono's Cafe. It would have been Rylee's choice even if Corran hadn't taken the initiative to go there first. The last thing she wanted to do during her time off was eat more barracks food. She had more than her fill of that back on Pantora. She noted on their way to Bono's just how busy the place was. Entering the Cafe however was a stark contrast. They had their pick of the tables which Rylee found rather odd considering how busy it was everywhere else. They took their seats by the outer wall which allowed them a view into the galaxy. It was a beautiful sight.

"Wow, what a view" said Rylee as she squeezed into their booth, the leather of her jeans making a slight squeak on the leather of the seat as she settled in, "You know how to impress a girl Corran."

The Pantoran gave him a cheeky wink and immediately got to looking at what food and drink Bono's had to offer. The serving droid approached and Lt. Velt obliged it with his order. Rylee, who had not eaten much that day, opted for something similar but more substantial. She ordered a burger with her fries and a soda.

"Been a while since I've had the chance to have one of these. It's not often we get to take leave and travel freely to eat in restaurants" she explained to Corran as the serving droid hovered away to process their orders, "We usually just eat at the barracks or have field rations and you don't stay my size if you eat like this often either..."

She gave a little sigh after saying this. Clearly she wished she could eat things that were tastier than they were healthy more regularly but her discipline and profession would not allow for it.

@TerranSteel @Corran Velt

 

[Corran Velt]

A faint shade of pink tinted the blond ranger's cheeks. He wasn't trying to impress her, but the comment made him flush all the same. Corran tried his best to stay composed but the wink shifted the pink to a more obvious red. He had no choice but to glance out towards the cold vacuum of space to cool the heat in his face. Thankfully the server droid offered the distraction of taking their orders and much of the bashfulness flowed away. The Squadron Leader's order wasn't surprising. Bono's offered some of the best food available in the system - at least for the denizens who worked in an official capacity around here. The mention of her size caused the young man to absent-mindedly look at her with dented eyebrows. "I'm sure you can eat whatever you want. You're athletic," he said with as much certainty as gravity. It wasn't intended as a compliment but as a statement of fact. Both their professions demanded it. Unhealthy soldiers and law enforcement officers were either assigned to desks at best or didn't live long at worst. If someone else took it as a compliment was another matter.

Corran cleared his throat politely and to suppress some anxiousness. "I'm sure you realize that I didn't invite you so far from Pantora just for lunch," the lieutenant began carefully, "I was... impressed how you handled the situation at that space station. Near Tatooine." Despite being more casual in his style, he still sat upright and only had one forearm on the table between them. "Restraint. Professionalism. Determination to seek out the truth. Most soldiers I know prefer to turn things to space dust and forget about it." Corran paused for a moment, his blue eyes searching the fighter pilot's features for a reaction. Some sign of what she might be thinking. All of this was leading up to something and he didn't want to keep going down this road if there were obvious indications of disapproval. Pulling his gaze from her face, he swiveled his head looking for eaves-droppers or other signs of trouble. Seeing none, the blond ranger leaned forward on the table with his elbows. "The Sector Rangers don't have a ton of friends right now. Based on what I saw, I was wondering if... you'd be open to helping us out in the future." There was a brief pause. "Helping me out, I mean."

Sometimes the truth was hard to say aloud. The Sector Rangers had fallen on hard times recently. Maybe the hardest they had in years. Chief Hudson was in the hospital. Headquarters on Coruscant had been blown to rubble. So many Rangers lost. None of it was a secret either. If Rylee had watched the news at all, she would have seen Chief Hudson's speech from his hospital bed. The scenes of burning debris. It wouldn't have surprised Corran if she scoffed at the possibility of working together. It was a dangerous business. But... Rylee already worked in a dangerous business. Soldier was no easy duty. Plus, she seemed to have some tenacious spunk all her own. The lieutenant interlaced his fingers together and awaited good news or bad.


@Bex

 

[Rylee Asuchi]

Corran was right enough. Rylee was athletic and had to be, just as the lieutenant had to. Not only did it make the job easier but if you weren't fit, you were a liability on the battlefield, more likely to get left behind, more likely to die. Being a specialist pilot it was even more vital that she remain in good shape. Her reflexes had to be sharp and the lighter a pilot was the better. Regardless of all the high tech science that went into building a starfighter, weight still mattered. A fully grown Wookiee would still weigh their craft down more than an Aleena if they were head to head in the same vehicle. The Wookiee may have better handling, but their speed would be reduced. These were all factors that Rylee and her squad had to be aware of and take into account. Fortunately for her, the odd cheat meal here and there wasn't going to cause any long term damage.

Lt. Velt dived into the business at hand as the pair waited for their drinks. Rylee had wondered what exactly had made Corran reach out to her past their initial meeting. She had been more than happy to accept, believing that she herself could benefit from having a trustworthy contact with the Sector Rangers, but that did not explain what the lieutenants motives were. Thankfully it appeared he had similar intentions.

"I know the type. Though I don't encourage my squadron to think like that" said the Pantoran, once again looking Corran in the eyes as they sat opposite each other at the booth, "If all you do is destroy there can never be peace. You have to ensure that what you do is for the right reasons. Would destroying something make the galaxy a better place? Would it protect people? Or is it only being done for selfish reasons? My squadron and I stand for doing the right thing."

The ranger explained the situation as regards to his factions standing. He wanted to see if Rylee was willing to help them. No, he wanted to know if she was willing to help him. She paused, just as Corran had done, before continuing.

"... Help you out?" she asked with a raised eyebrow, "Are you propositioning me lieutenant or have you got a plan you're not telling me?"

At that moment the serving droid arrived, placing the soda in front of Rylee and water before Corran. She took a sip through the metal straw protruding from the glass.

"Though we're aware of the politics in the core worlds, Pantora is cut adrift in the Outer Rim. Our army has had to become what it is because we get barely any support from the Sector Rangers and now you want our help? Or is it that you want my help specifically?" she questioned. Her glowing golden eyes did not look away and would grapple with Corran's own.

@TerranSteel @Corran Velt

 

[Corran Velt]

Idealism poured from every word as the Pantoran squadron leader lectured on how her unit operated. Trying to do what's right in their deeds. Seeking to defend, not destroy. Protecting people. Many soldiers don't care to think of such lofty and just goals or they have them drilled out of them. It was this creed that drew Corran to her in the first place. Good character and conduct in a galaxy sorely lacking in it. He nodded, understanding exactly how she felt. In a way, the blond ranger counted himself lucky to have stumbled across a kindred spirit and they were now getting to the discussion at hand.

That is until Rylee's reply forced the blond ranger to visibly jolt. He opened his mouth to say something but then closed it tight, pink fluttering over his cheeks a second time. What kind of soldier is she? Thankfully, the server droid drifted over to interrupt the current situation and gave Corran a moment to recover. He'd have to remember to anticipate whatever.... thing she was going to say in the future. Taking the glass of water, the young man still made sure to thank the droid even though it likely didn't register such politeness. That didn't mean manners weren't as programmed into Corran.

Those golden eyes stared down the lieutenant. He did not flinch back from their powerful gaze but look into them to find intention. Initial feelings on his ask. Finding nothing easily discernible, he shrugged. "I understand Pantora's position. They aren't a signatory of the Free Worlds Alliance or the New Republic, so the Sector Rangers can only help on specific request by your government." Corran paused, thinking of what to really say. He gently tapped his index finger on the table. Finally, he leaned back against the booth seat. A much more relaxed and casual appearance. "I'm asking for your help, as a start. This goes both ways of course. If you needed me to help with something, for Pantora or otherwise, I would. But... like I said, the Rangers are in a tight spot and I stumbled across... you. When you find someone you think you can trust and work with, you don't pass that opportunity by. I've learned that much." He didn't want to overpromise and underdeliver, but trust between organizations began with people. In this case, two people sitting across from one another in a cafe booth. Things may never lead to a Pantora happily accepting Sector Rangers, but if it merely came to two people helping one another in their neck of the woods... that would suffice just fine.

@Bex

 

[Rylee Asuchi]

Taking another sip of her drink, Rylee placed the glass back down on the table surface and started to tap lightly on the table with a pink painted fingernail. She was clearly mulling over what she was going to say to the lieutenant next.

"... I won't lie to you lieutenant" she said, now with a more serious tone in her voice, "I accepted your invitation here because I was hoping that I could create an alliance. Not necessarily with the Sector Rangers as I'm not here in an official capacity, though of course any help your organisation can give Pantora will be greatly appreciated I'm sure, but with you specifically."

She stopped tapping her finger on the desk and moved her hands up to run them through her long ponytail, stopping near to the end before starting to play with the ends of her hair a little. This was the first time she broke eye contact with Corran.

"It seems that you want the same thing" she said beginning to smile, "That's quite a relief, I thought I was going to have to put a serious shift in to convince you."

The female Pantoran looked back at Corran again, still toying with her hair, before continuing.

"I personally, would be happy to help you Lt. Velt, so long as you are happy to reciprocate in the future" she said, "But I must warn you that my hands are a little tied. I don't need to explain to you that my professional services and time belong to the Pantoran military, as do the resources I have at my disposal..."

Surprisingly there was a little hint of what sounded like disappointment in her voice towards the end of her sentence. Rylee had only good things to say about being part of the Pantoran army, she was very patriotic and passionate about her home world, but it would have been clear to Corran that there was something else going on with her. He was not yet acquainted well enough with her to know that despite her good intentions, Squadron Leader Asuchi was a vigilante and had become that way because she was tired of playing by a rule book that tolerated criminality too much. Despite having served the army loyally for all these years, Rylee and her politics were starting to become misaligned with that of her superiors. This was a thought that she had been grappling with a lot recently. Perhaps Lt. Velt was the right kind of person to help her figure out what the future held for someone like her.

@Corran Velt @TerranSteel

 

[Corran Velt]

A firm nod signified the Sector Ranger acknowledged Rylee's serious turn. So she had a disciplined side after all. It was certainly an atmosphere he was more comfortable with. Corran cocked a eyebrow in curious discovery that both of them had agreed to meet with similar intentions. Had he made an equally good impression on the Pantoran soldier? Relieving, in a way. He wasn't entirely sure he could have won out against Rylee's immense charismatic powers. Despite the professional tone, the woman sitting across from him began to run her hands through her long, purple locks. If her amber eyes had been hypnotic, this motion was nearly enrapturing. It was such an interesting gesture that he didn't even recognize her smile until a few moments later. The lieutenant cleared his throat awkwardly, glancing out the window into space briefly before returning his vision to Rylee.

What each other wanted seemed to be more or less in agreement. They wanted to strike an unofficial cooperation. Corran listened intently with the occasional glance to lithe blue fingers parting a river of hair. Why he wanted her help and partnership was obvious and already stated. Why she wanted to work with him specifically was less clear. Pantora had a capable government, respectable police force, and capable military. The blond man had many talents but Squadron Leader Asuchi's homeworld likely had those in spades. A dead-end mystery until Corran heard the subtle dismay in her voice. The picture wasn't entirely clear but he could read between the lines. She was looking for options.

The blond ranger glanced around a bit to check if the coast was clear of any eaves-droppers. Satisfied with their conversation being private, he gestured with an open hand sympathetically. "I can understand your situation. My assigned patrol sector in the Outer Rim is near Pantoran space. When I'm out in this area, I would be more than happy to help in person. Supply intel and resources as I can otherwise." A promise like that wouldn't be hard to keep. Rylee wouldn't know it, but Corran never broke the oaths he made either. The lieutenant then leaned over the table and spoke in a low voice, "I never served in a military unit, but I did start my career aboard a strict trading vessel in my youth. It felt... restricting." He let that word hang in the air before continuing, "There are more... open... forms of service available to those looking for it." An implied offer so obvious that a billboard would have felt muted in comparison. To make a point, Corran plucked the badge that sat right over his heart and placed it on the table between them.

Most Sector Rangers played by many of their own rules. Especially in the Outer Rim. As long as they were bringing justice to lawless places and interrupting the slave trade, administration didn't care if some pirates ended up in a grave without trial. Corran usually didn't operate that way, but be knew a chorus of gunslingers who did. Even by his own rigid standards, the Sector Rangers were no military unit. He could come and go as he pleased. To someone like Rylee maybe, just maybe, that was what she was looking for.

@Bex

 

[Rylee Asuchi]

Although the lieutenant appeared to be willing to oblige her in their quest for mutual cooperation, it appeared he had cottoned on to the hints of disappointment in her words. As the man lent in and began to whisper he appeared to try and offer her something else entirely. A way out. Rylee felt both a sense of relief and discomfort. It did not feel good to think about turning her back on Pantora, the army, her squadron but all the same, she knew the way things were now could never last. Eventually she would be found out. It was only a matter of time before she or one of her squadron were caught administering their own brand of justice and in their current restrictive hierarchy, there was nothing stopping one of her higher ups from adding new, unwanted soldiers to her squadron or even disbanding them entirely. There were too many factors outside of her control. The Pantoran stared into Corran's eyes for a moment after he stopped speaking and then looked down at the badge he placed on the table between them.

"... Corran, I... I don't know" she said, starting to play with her hair again though visibly more nervous than before, "I appreciate the offer but this life is... pretty much all I know. I fight wars, I'm not exactly a detective..."

At that moment, the serving droid returned with their food. It placed the meal before Rylee and gave Lt. Velt his fries before scooting away. Letting her ponytail drop from between her fingers and taking one of her own fries before nibbling on it, her golden eyes found Corran's blue ones once more.

"Besides, my squadron are like my extended family, I can't turn my back on them to come here..." she said solemnly, "But, I guess I must be pretty easy to read, those blue eyes of yours see right through me."

@TerranSteel @Corran Velt

 

[Corran Velt]

Curious. She used his first name. Usually that was a sign of trust or friendship between people. Corran didn't visibly react to this; only his eyes glancing between the Pantoran's face and the blue fingers anxiously playing with strands of purple hair. Her reasoning for not immediately accepting were solid. The military had been her life for a long time. A whole new career in nearly every way would alter her life trajectory forever. She wasn't an investigator. If the blond ranger wasn't observing her so thoroughly he might have chuckled. He wasn't much of a detective either when he first started. Quite the opposite. Rylee was clever though. She'd pick it up quicker than she likely realized, given the opportunity.

Food arrived in the metal grips of the serving droid. After it robotically placed the meals on the table, Corran supplied a polite not to the droid, "Thank you." Completely bereft of any personality or social abilities, the robot hovered away without a response. The blond ranger shook his head with a small smirk on his face. Manners were second nature, even to droids who couldn't care less, because they were programmed not to care at all. Plucking a fry from his portion, Corran blew on it as not to burn his tongue (oh how he hated ouchies) and shoved the whole thing in his mouth. Salty and flavorful. Better than rations by a Corellian mile. When he glanced up at his guest, golden eyes pierced into his own blue.

Squadron Leader Asuchi's unit wasn't just recruits thrown together. Family, she said. A word that meant a great deal to the lieutenant. More than she likely knew. His gaze shifted from one of her eyes to the other, trying to peer through the windows of the soul. What were her real feelings? Almost simultaneously, as if reading his own thoughts, Rylee teased about seeing right through her.

A noticeable change seemed to enshroud the Sector Ranger that sat before her. Before a mild flirtation like that caused his cheeks to blush. No such reaction came this time. He merely observed her, scanning her features. "I just know a good and just person when I see one. Someone who wants to make a difference." The way Corran said that made it sound like absolute fact. Like gravity or that planets orbit stars. His eyes seemed to convey a certainty. To what, she would not know.

That seriousness left as quickly as it arrived. Corran leaned back and took up two fries in his fingers. "But I understand. You don't have to commit anything today. Just think it over." In succession, one after the other, the fries were tossed into his mouth. He turned his head to look out the transparisteel window into the vastness of space while chewing slowly. On the table, the badge seemed to gleam and Rylee Asuchi could see her own visage reflected in its finely polished metal.

@Bex

 

[Rylee Asuchi]

Rylee watched the lieutenants eyes until he finished speaking. She certainly would think this over. Even if she had been staunchly against the idea, it was the kind of proposition that stuck in the mind and played with it. Glancing down at the shiny ranger's badge on the table, the image glued itself in her memory. The Pantoran drew her attention back towards her meal, taking another fry and nibbling on it somewhat tentatively. Corran would be able to see that she was lost in her thoughts.

"If I come to a decision, I'll call you" she said, coming around after a brief silence in which only the consumption of a couple more fries filled the void, "But until then, I don't think we should discuss the matter further. I need to work some things out on my own."

She picked up her drink and placed the straw to her lips again taking a couple of polite sips before returning it to it's place on the table. The Pantoran's eyes turned their attention to the rest of the diner for a moment and on noticing they were still very much alone, brought them back to the lieutenant.

"So did you invite me out here just to recruit me? Or are we gonna get to know each other a little better?" asked the pilot, "What made you join the rangers? You said you were a trader before - there's good money to be had in that, so long as you're prepared to put up with the occasional pirate."

It was clear that Rylee wanted to change the subject but the pair had only met each other the once and had no time to get to know each other on a personal level. She had to start with the little she knew of the lieutenant before she could truly move on to another topic.

@TerranSteel @Corran Velt

 

[Corran Velt]

Things had gone a little better than expected. Lt. Velt had thought an outright rejection was more likely than anything else, much less consideration. He could see the Pantoran was chewing over her thoughts much like her fries. Corran tossed a few of his own fries into his mouth. She caught him mid-chew as Rylee vocalized her thoughts. More time to think and reflect then. The blond ranger nodded politely in understanding. "That's fine. Take all the time you need. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to let me know." He really didn't think she would accept on the spot anyway. Career moves, especially in dangerous line of work, required some thinking. Even if the Pantoran woman had turned the position down immediately, building stronger relations with Outer Rim authorities like her was its own reward. Along with her being a nice person.

Corran joined her sitting in silence as he partook of his smaller meal. While his guest looked about, he slid his hand to his badge and plucked it into his grasp. It was so light for a heavy thing. Some days it felt like an anvil on his chest. His thumb caressed over the metal and blue eyes settled upon his name. A series of questions interrupted the young man's forming thoughts. His gaze was met by focused gold. Corran chuckled lightly as he tucked the badge into the inside of his jacket. "No, I didn't invite you out here just to offer you a job." When he said if she had any questions to not hesitate, he didn't expect inquiries into non-ranger history to come up. That's fine; they could swap stories.

"There's good money to be had in that if you are the captain," he corrected gently, "I was just a crewmember on a larger bulk freighter. I went from one side of the galaxy to the other and learned how to stand up at attention, polish decks, and salute crisply." Those memories felt like ages ago now even though not even a decade had passed. They were good ones and helped form the kind of man he was today. Even if he resented it at the time. "Believe it or not, I was a... bit of a rambunctious teenager. I ran off to Mon Gazza to try and get even with someone." It was more like some people. No way one person had managed to get away with murder and so cleanly hide it in official records. "My mom sent me to work the trade lanes under the strict command of a family friend. After a few years... I couldn't get the past off my mind and the Sector Rangers seemed the best avenue for closure. So here I am." That was probably the shortest way he'd ever told that story. Only a handful knew everything. If Rylee wanted to know more, she could always ask. Usually he didn't want to bore people with details.

After so much talking, Lt. Velt lifted his glass of water and tipped back a few glugs. He withdrew the drink from his lips but kept it in hand. An index finger jutted out from the hand clasping the beverage. "What about you? No offense Squadron Leader Asuchi, but you don't really fit the military stereotype." Corran lifted the glass to take another sip but stopped himself. A mild panic took hold. Did she think he meant how she looked? Or being a woman? "Uh, too nice, I mean," he quickly added with some bashfulness.

@Bex

 

[Rylee Asuchi]

Rylee sat and continued eating her meal, listening to Lt. Velt's story. It appeared that the man wasn't the type to have decided he wanted to police the galaxy as a kid, but more decided it was the right place for him as he grew up. The Pantoran respected his desire for justice through respectable means such as the Sector Rangers. Soon however, the conversation turned towards Rylee and her own past. She chuckled at Corran's comment about not fitting the military stereotype.

"Not the first time I've heard that" she said, nibbling on another fry, "they call me Hearts because of my compassion... and because I can't resist good looking guys who fly starfighters. To get right to the point, you're right, I'm not your typical soldier. I signed up to join the academy because I idolised pilots as a girl and the guy I had a crush on signed up. I thought it would get me closer to him but I ended up spending more of my time proving to everyone else that I was a capable soldier, that I deserved to be there and that I wasn't just a stupid girl living in the clouds."

The Squadron Leader took a sip of her drink again before continuing.

"But yes, aside from being nice, I'm also a woman and there are a lot of people in the galaxy who seem to think that I can't possibly be a soldier, let alone the leader of a fighter squadron" she added, again, looking intently at Corran with her piercing golden eyes. She didn't think he had any issue with her gender, otherwise he wouldn't have tried to recruit her, but she wanted to make it clear that if she was going to seriously consider joining the Sector Rangers, she expected to be treated with respect by others.

@Corran Velt @TerranSteel

 

[Corran Velt]

Unexpected was putting it mildly. A lot of people enlisted in assorted militaries across the galaxy for duty, pride, and honor. Corran wasn't sure if he'd ever heard of someone enlisting for a crush. Feelings were fleeting, fickle things in his limited romantic experience and his own comrades sometimes did not survive their own enlistment with the Sector Rangers; a much less dangerous job than soldier. Rylee's story was intriguing in an unanticipated way. Normally Lt. Velt detested the breach of protocol that was workplace relationships, but her's seemed... different somehow. Maybe because she was apart of a different organization altogether or because it propelled her to achieve. The second half of her nickname though was because of compassion.

Compassion was for someone in the military an odd thing to be known for. A double-edged blade if there ever was one. Enemies spared would either come back worse or reform altogether. Corran couldn't hide how impressive it was that someone with her years in the bloody business kept that trait. His blue eyes blinked a few times in disbelief at her, before nodding once in respect. "Hearts... that's a nice one. I like it," the blond ranger said before taking a sip of his drink.

He almost chuckled at the prospect of Rylee not being taken seriously, but her golden stare silenced that quickly. A mere fraction of her command abilities on display, he mused. "My partner for several years now has been a woman," Corran admitted, his voice less methodical and more like it was walking her through pleasant memories, "I never trusted anyone more than her. She's been beyond capable in any situation." The young man's gaze drifted to the remaining water in his cup. "Lt. Trys Aran is one of the most well-known and respected Rangers in the entire organization." Such a loss. Trys was out there drifting somewhere or dead. Corran's eyes rose to rest on her pleasant, blue face. "I wouldn't worry about not being taken seriously. Not with your talents."

@Bex

 

[Rylee Asuchi]

Rylee gave a small smile. It was good to know that there were strong female role models in the organisation and that Corran at least valued their talents. Taking a bite from her burger and finishing before continuing to speak, the Pantoran asked, "So when you joined up, what was the initiation like? How are Sector Rangers trained?" She imagined that due to the variety of situations they found themselves in that the rangers had a sturdy and rigorous training scheme, though as they were not a military force as such, Rylee found herself thinking that it couldn't be quite as tough as her own training had been at the academy. Or at least, nothing she couldn't handle herself with years of military experience. The same might not have been said about teenagers who were signing up at the beginning of their working lives like Corran himself had been.

"I don't imagine your muscles got so big just working on a trade ship" she said, giving him a cheeky look, "and don't skip out on the details. If I'm going to seriously consider anything I want the lowdown on everything."

As she waited for a response Rylee continued eating her meal. She was very much enjoying it. The burger may not have been the best she'd ever tasted but it was still very good and vastly superior to rations back at the barracks. The fries were addicting however. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside with just the right amount of salt. The combination of the food and company was a good one and now that the conversation had turned somewhat more casual, Rylee felt more at ease. It was good to get to know Lt. Velt better.

@Corran Velt @TerranSteel

 

[Corran Velt]

Pink once again flushed to the Sector Ranger's cheeks. He was just about to get started on what a new recruit can expect to go through when a sly compliment of his physique made him visibly embarrassed. Was Rylee naturally this way or was he a special kind of target? Corran sucked in his lips for a moment before sighing to compose himself. "The muscles started with the training, but they've grown with experience," he explained with some shyness. That personal matter aside, Lt. Velt placed his drink on one side of the table and laid out three fries in a row. An additional fry was used as a pointer. "It all begins with enlistment," Corran gestured to at the start of the first fry, "You sign your name, fill out administrative documentation, agree to a background check and all the other things to keep criminals from infiltrating the organization. It helps to have an active Sector Ranger recommend you as well."

The fry-pointer than began to float over the first fry, like a train following a rail. "Then comes physical training. Climbing walls, hoping fences, crawling under wires. Like your boot camp experience, probably, but shorter. It weeds out those who can't chase after perps." Sky blue eyes darted up to her face for a moment, "I'm sure you could handle it." The blond ranger's gaze returned to the second fry and the one in his hand moved along. "Next comes advanced techniques. More specialized training such as proper blaster techniques, non-lethal take-downs and arrests, observation and evidence collection. The basics of doing the job."

Finally Corran's fry came to the final stretch and this is where he paused, hovering his pointer over it's snackable kin. "Third phase is the most difficult. Laws, rules, regulations, and conduct. Not just the guidelines and policies of the Sector Rangers themselves, but memorizing the Galactic Rights that we have to read to every arrested suspect and all the laws we can possible fit into our brains." The thinking part of the job. Unless someone was a legal savant, putting all the individual planetary laws to memory near impossible. Constant study was required to keep up with New Republic laws and all the different mandates of the Free Worlds Alliance jurisdictions. A great number of Sector Rangers forgo all that and just carry out justice in the lawless Outer Rim. Easier to remember laws when there are so few. Or none at all.

Corran then nodded once with satisfaction, "Pass the final written test and then a cadet is initiated during a ceremony with their peers." He tossed his fried pointer into his mouth and chewed with a smirk. All of that was according to the manual, anyway. Out in the vastness of the galaxy, plenty of people became rangers through different means. Some people even treated it like being knighted or something. A badge passed from one to another. The young human preferred the by-the-book method. With a quick swallow, Corran folded his arms over his chest and looked into Rylee's powerful eyes. "Any questions? If nothing else, I can take you on a tour of the station. We likely have some rudimentary training set up here given the... circumstances."

@Bex

 

[Rylee Asuchi]

It seemed that Rylee's comment had caused the lieutenant to come over a little flustered. She found this sweet and gave him a kind smile. His explanation of the initiation into the Sector Rangers was largely what she expected. Enlistment and physical training were all things she had done as part of her military training on Pantora and no doubt had been more extreme than she was likely to come across here. Like Corran, she had no doubt that she would fly through those with ease. The advanced techniques also seemed like something she could either do already or pick up quickly, but the written test gave her some cause for concern.

"A written test?" she said, almost choking on a sip of her drink, "How am I meant to remember all the laws in the galaxy? They change depending on the planet and sector."

Without giving it much thought or allowing Corran time to respond, she continued.

"If I decide to sign up - that's if -" the pilot said, jabbing the pinky finger on her right hand at the lieutenant, giving him a glimpse of her painted fingernails "You're going to tutor me personally. Nobody else. Just you."

The Pantoran then went back to finishing off her drink with a satisfied look about her. Rylee knew it would give Corran something to chew over. She liked Lt. Velt and thought they were getting on well. It only made sense to her that the man who had recruited her, teach her what she needed to know should she decide her future was with the rangers.

@TerranSteel @Corran Velt

 

[Corran Velt]

Trepidation over the written exam was to be expected. The galaxy had countless planets, many with their own traditions and codes. Some even had regional agreements for trade and jurisdiction. On top of that there was New Republic laws and regulations for the signatory worlds. Above that are the Free Worlds Alliance accords. A mountain-load of reading material didn't cover it. More like planet-sized. The lieutenant raised a finger to comment but Rylee continued without hesitation. Obediently he heard her out.

Corran wish he had interrupted. His eyes focused on the cutely painted pinky followed by a noticeable gulp. "You want me," the blond man started slowly, his gaze rising to her face. "...To tutor you?" He didn't expect a reply as she was sipping back the last of her drink. The Pantoran had a feline look to her in this moment. A swirl of emotions danced through his features. The rose in his cheeks flashed again. Both at the potential compliment and spending time with... with... well, ahem, Squadron Leader Asuchi. Apprehension at the idea of teaching another. He wasn't exceptional in school and the exam was his hardest portion of the training as well.

But he had overcome that challenge. Becoming a Sector Ranger was his goal and Corran never stopped reaching for his ambitions. Lieutenant Velt knew that to achieve the safer galaxy he wanted, incredible people had to be recruited. Rylee, he believed, was one of those types. He tilted his head from one side to the other. "Well... I do have all the necessary study materials on my ship," the blond man mused aloud. An entire wall in the common area of the Crimson Venture had datapads and holobooks dedicated to history, law, jurisdiction, and Sector Ranger codes and guidelines. He reviewed them annually and updated as changes came about.

"Alright, I'll tutor you, if you decide to join. Though it sounded like you didn't give me much of a choice," Corran said with a confident smirk. He plucked the last fry from his meal and tossed it into his mouth, retaining his satisfied smirk.

@Bex