The Sleeper Amelia West

{THE SLEEPER}

156ABY

* 5 months after The Punishment of Ammit Bathori…...

// The Companions Staffing Solutions - Kaas City flea market. //

Darth Skyllan moved into the shop with nearly silent footsteps, a tad surprising considering that one of said feet was a metal peg instead. The crew of the Harpy had served the Dread Hesperian well for the most part, but they could do with a more specialised officer to man the Helm. So far the duties to do so had fallen to Skyllan, and whole the winged sith was more than a capable flier, commanding such a large ship was not something they were exactly used to. Terrogate had spoken to them over a month ago, and advised if the Darth visited his Staffing Solutions business he may be able to assist in hiring a Commanding Officer to helm the vessel.

Terrogate, already standing at the counter greets his customer as they move into the office and the Catharian bows his head in respect. “Greetings Master Skyllan. I am honoured that you have come to visit our staffing service”. Terrogate straightens again and continues knowing full well why the Darth had come to see him. “What may I help you with today?”

"The pleasure is mine Apprentice Terrogate, I'll admit, I've been curious about your operation for a while now." Skyllan confessed easily, taking both the apprentice and the room in as they spoke. "I'm looking for a commanding officer as you know. Someone with experience who can control a full Battlecruiser. I've been doing an okay job of it myself, but I'm no Helmsman. I need a professional."

“Very well, I think I should be able to find you a suitable candidate, please feel free to help yourself to a caff while you wait if you like, they are quite good.” Terrogate says as he opens his datapad and starts punching in numbers and scrolling for the applicant he wanted to offer.

Skyllan moved to take a seat in the waiting area, but declined the caff. ”When you carry around a darkside nexus one tends not to need additional energy.” He replies.

After a short while the Cathar raises his head from looking through the Database with a smile. ”Sorry about the wait Master Skyllan, I believe we may have found a good candidate who has recently become available by the name of Amelia West.. She is a touch aggressive in battle, but I’m sure Master it’s nothing you can’t handle”.

"Aggressive? Well, it's good to have a spine. Less good if you're an idiot on top of that. Though I doubt that will be a problem." Skyllan mused, contemplating the prospect for a moment. They could always break the commander in if needs be, but that would be rather tiring. The s'kytri walked around the human with a raptor's gaze taking in the tenseness of her shoulders. The set of her jaw and the look in her eyes. She was a professional, that much was clear.

"Amelia West, my name is Darth Skyllan. I am a sith master of Dreadwar and Hesper, and I have a ship that needs a commander. Frankly I don't have the time to be an effective commander and complete all the tasks I have to in a day, so I am considering hiring you." Skyllan stated to the prospective Commander, their eyes narrowing as they met her gaze.

"If I hire you, I will simply inform you of what needs to be done, and leave you to decide on the specifics. I will not tell you how to lead the crew, and I shall trust that you are doing so to the best of your abilities. Your authority will be absolute on the ship, which for reference, is a custom Battlecruiser three quarters of a kilometer long, referred to as a Harpy-Class." There was a pause and Skyllan appeared to look into her very soul, "Do you believe yourself up to the task?"

Amelia looks dead ahead as she hears them outlay their needs and expectations of the commander they would require. Her eyes flicked to meet their gaze, her facial features remained strong and unwavering but behind those eyes she was smiling. “Hail the Emperor. Master Skyllan, if you hire me you can rest assured your crew will be effectively and professionally lead. My standards are high, I aim to deliver the best and I don't accept shortcuts or slackers.” She pauses and for the briefest of moments they may have sensed a slight curl of her lip hinting at a smile. “A Harpy-Class Battlecruiser? Master Skyllan Battlecruisers are my speciality.” Again another slight pause. “I am trained to lead. And also take pride in following orders. You will not be dissatisfied with my service.” Amelia then returns her gaze dead front and centre.

”If you are satisfied Master Skyllan, the fee is 250credits” said Terrogate quickly looking to push the deal.

Skyllan, who had been mentally dissecting both Amelia's tone, word choice, mannerisms and stance, quirked an eyebrow up as Terrogate spoke. "Ah, yes of course. I'll see to that in just a moment."

They pulled out their datapad and began tapping away to approve the transaction. "Just for the sake of clarity, if you disappoint me Commander West. Your pride, as great as it is, will be broken, as you beg for death." Darth Skylllan said to Commander Wset in a calm and emotionless fashion.

”Very good,” says Terrogate, watching his datapad as the funds clear his account, signalling the acceptance of a contract between Amelia West and the Darth.

”Amelia has already been fully briefed on her objectives when in your employ. She promises that she will fulfill her agreed to contractual objectives and remain unwaveringly loyal. No matter how long that may take.” says Terrogate to the Darth.

“Amelia, you are dismissed to prepare for departure to the Masters Harpy Class Battle Cruiser. ‘The Harpy’ the Cathar added.

Amelia nods respectfully at Master Skyllan, then makes eye contact with Terrogate, lingering for a second. Then turns sharply and marches off at pace ready to pack for departure.

End { The Sleeper }

Following Story: The Execution of Darth Skyllan