This is only a Test
by CM J.G. Ahkliat

"This is whacked!" Ahkliat said loudly, "I mean, why do we have to participate in this exercise anyway?" the lieutenant commander protested. "Because we have our orders from Jarak and that's that!" commander Taf'ron Daro retorted. "I want you men to understand something, these exercises aren't meant as a punishment for something you've done wrong" Daro commented as he looked out at the faces assembled before him. The members of Sword Squadron sat there in the dim light of the briefing room, gazing at their commander will dull looks upon their faces, looking for all the world like a bunch of stupid monkeys, Daro had to suppress the urge to laugh but managed to maintain his stern exterior. "As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted by the lieutenant commander, is that operation Imperial Storm is an opportunity for you men and this ship as a whole to showcase what you have learned from all those hours of drilling I put you through" Daro said with a smile. "But boss, why don't we just go out and smack down some New Republic guys instead of going though a simulation?" lieutenant commander Stallion asked. "While it may be true that operation Imperial Storm is only a simulation, it is much more difficult than a standard sim in that you will be flying against "live" opponents who think, feel, and react in ways that no sim can match" Daro commented. "By engaging in these excises, you'll be better able to deal with whatever the New Republic can dish out" Daro Advised. "We're going to be dropping out of hyperspace shortly, and when we do the Aurora System will never know what hit 'em!" Daro said smiling from ear to ear. "Get suited up, and get to your ships!"

Having completed his final systems check, Ahkliat sat there in the cockpit of his missile boat "Babylon Whore", and began the little ritual he always performed before takeoff. "Nah' Nachkisss, Kai weeto emok senkradda" which roughly translated into: "Glory to the Dark Lords, may darkness come" It was a kind of mantra that Ahkliat would mutter to himself over and over again before being thrust into the cold vacuum of space. No matter how long Ahkliat had been a pilot in the service of the Empire, he could never get used to that feeling that seized him when being ejected from the "Tube", he hated the sticky sweat that made his flight suit cling like a shroud to his body. He despised that sudden rush of g-force that slammed him against his seat, threatening to crush his innards to goo, quickly accompanied by the sudden weightlessness of open space. It had made him ill on more than one occasion, at least he managed to quell the urge to vomit more often these days. Clearing his mind, Ahkliat regained his bearings, and focused on the mission at hand.

Daro:
"Okay suckers, the party has begun, you'll notice that we have a date for the dance, the Challenge has decided to join us in the acquisition of the Aurora System. So let's play nice with them and help them out."

Badlan:
"I copy that sir, but I notice that my navcomp readings are different from yours, why is that?"

Daro:
"That's because you boys with the big payloads are going to have some real fun while we T/D's slug it out with planetary defense, that's why."

Ahkliat:
"Man, this system is virtually defenseless, what's up with that?"

Daro:
"Let's just say that Intel knew that Aurora was gonna be ripe for the plucking! Okay you mooks, you have your orders, I'll see you all back in the Stardrifter Lounge when this is all over. Oh, and remember, this is only a test."

END?

FL/CM Ahkliat/Typhoon 2-1/Wing X/ISD Challenge