The Arrival of BlkPnthr

Growing up for BlkPnthr was very difficult. His peers and "friends" always thought he was a little wierd. It was a pretty lonely childhood for the Big Cat. Because he seldom ventured outside the walls of his home, he entertained himself mainly with books and magazines on space combat, and other related materials.

Over the airwaves one day while listening to the radio came a voice. It was a firm, disciplined voice that boomed, "Do you feel the need for adventure? Do you find your life pathetic? Do you enjoy the thought of piloting a starfighter? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you come and see me." Text flashed across the screen with an adress.

Soon BlkPnthr had left his home and went to see this man who spoke on the radio. He was quickly greeted and sat down. "So, you are interested in becoming a starfighter pilot are you?" The man asked.

"Yes I am Sir", BlkPnthr replied. "Well then you've come to the right place. Here we recruit fresh pilots like yourself and train them to be the best .... pilots in the Alpha sector" BlkPnthr paused a moment to relfect back on what he had read and seen about space combat. The idea intrigued him quite a bit. Coming back to reality he looked the man in the eye and said, "Show me were to sign" a hint of fire in in his own eyes.

"Son, I like that attitude. I've seen many people enlist with us, but never have I seen such fire, such ambition, such motivation as I see in you" the man said calmly. "My name is General Sharp" the man said as he extended his hand towards the Big Cat. Shaking hands, Sharp handed BlkPnthr some papers to fill out.

After completion of the papers, BlkPnthr handed them back to General Sharp, at which point Sharp said smiling, "Welcome aboard soldier" A shuttle will take you to the training grounds. Picking up his things, BlkPnthr stepped out and headed towards a massive shuttle designed to carry a compliment of 100 personel. On board, BlkPnthr quickly found a seat and got comfy for the ride. Sitting next to him was a meduim build man, who looked like a stiff breeze would knock him over.

Looking at the man, BlkPnthr said "Hey....my name is BlkPnthr, but you can call me BP for short" to which the man jumped a tad and said back, "My name is Ratha." They talked for quite some time after the short introduction. BlkPnthr did most of it though, while Ratha listened. He seemed to be calming down and beocming more relaxed as BP spoke. All too soon, a voice came over the comm "We are on final approach of the Aidnan planet. Please remain seated untill the shuttle has safely landed."

Once the shuttle had touched down on Aidnan, talking could be heard throughout the craft from all the trainees. They seemed a little concerned, viewing the landscape. BlkPnthr stepped off the shuttle and looked around. Smoke could be seen coming from most of the structures that occupied the space here.

Suddenly the pilot of the shuttle came over the comm, "Everyone back into the shuttle, double time!" Quickly taking one last look, BlkPnthr could see movement, and raced back to the shuttle. Once inside, the engines started up, and the shuttle started to shake. Laser blasts could be heard from outside, and all the passengers started to panic. The pilot quickly told everyone to remain in thier seats and hang tight.

As the shuttle began to lift off, a loud noise jolted the craft. BlkPnthr could hear the pilot cursing, and walked slowly towards the cockpit. "Need a hand?" BP asked. "Sit right there and help me with the shielding and engines. That last blast damaged some of the controls" the pilot said shakily. "Aren't you supposed to be trained for this kind of thing?" BP asked the pilot. "Technically yes," the pilot retorted as he made adustments for the damage taken.

The shuttle took off out of the atmosphere, and the pilot sighed in relief. "With our current status, we must get back to the main base" the pilot said simply. Nodding his head, BlkPnthr did a systems check. "Good thing all that reading and studying paid off," he thought to himself. Able to perform minor tasks, BP helped the pilot to the best of his ability. "Uhhh, you're not gonna like this," he said bluntly. "What's wrong???" the pilot asked, his voice shaking. "Well, we've lost the hyperdrive, the engine damage has forced us to run at 35% power, and our shields are at 15%" said BP.

The pilot went pale, sweat could be seen on his brow. "Get on the comm and send out a distress call," he said. "As good as done," said BlkPnthr, almost enjoying this predicament. Action is what he wanted, and action he is getting. "It seems the computer failed to report the damaged communications system," said BP. The pilot nearly fainted. "We're doomed!" he exclaimed. "Nah," said BP, "It's just a minor set back. Relax man. We'll get through this. I am sure of it," he said smiling. "Think of it this way man, at least we got off that rock....we could be in worse shape."

The all too optimistic BlkPnthr kept trying to reassure the pilot that it'll be ok. Without warning, and another failed device, a frigate could be seen through the main view. Looking back to tell all the trainees the news, BlkPnthr finds them all dead. Apparently before the shuttle had taken off, someone or something managed to plant an explosive device into the common area. With a slight frown, BP returned his gaze to the frigate, and spoke softly, "All the trainees are dead." The pilot trembled in his seat, looking at the frigate, as it dreew nearer and nearer.

After a few moments of high stress and horror for the pilot, things got worse just then. The shuttles engines completely failed, making the craft a floating peice of metal. BlkPnthr told the pilot to calm down and relax....things could still be worse. Just then, things did get worse, as a boarding vessel disembarked from the frigate and approached the crippled shuttle. The vessel seemed to take it's sweet time, amking things even more unbearable for the pilot. Putting a hand on the pilot's shoulder to ease him up a bit, BlkPnthr again said, "relax man....you don't want to get us killed"

With a slight jarring of the shuttle, they both knew the vessel had docked with the shuttle. As the door opened, BP's heart sank, seeing Imperial stormtroopers enter the craft, armed with rifles. Trying really hard not to show any sign of worry, BP stood there in a nonthreatening manner and waited for what was to come next. An ST took a hold of him and started to guide him to the vessel, but was suddenly stopped by laser blasts. The pilot had panicked and attacked another ST, the laser blast cutting through the one who had BP. Thinking quickly, BlkPnthr picked up the rifle from the dead ST hands and fired off 2 quick burts at the live one. It was too late though, for the pilot was dead.

Racing to the entrance to the vessel, BlkPnthr quickly disposed of the pilot of the craft before he could radio in anything. With a prescision hit, and not damaging the controls, BP had captured this craft and could make an escape. Not really knowing the controls of this craft, he started pushing all kinds of buttons. Some things beeped at him as he pushed away, and suddenly the ship started to move. A voice could be heard over the comm "Shuttle Rho 9, report." Not knowing what to do next, the slightly shaken BlkPnthr pressed some more buttons. Suddenly the craft lurched fiercely, uncharted, entering hyperspace. Closing his eyes and hanging on tight, having never experienced anything quite like this, BlkPnthr shook with fear. After a moment he opened his eyes, realising that there was going to be no pull, or things flying all over the place. Settling back gently in his seat, BlkPnthr began to look over the controls, trying to get familiarized with them, incase he actually survived this whole dilemma.

Looking around he was able to identify a few things, which helped to ease his worries. Then spotting a book, he picked it up and began to read through it quickly. Looking back up to the controls panel he figured there was nothing more he could do for the time being, so he sat back to enjoy the book he had picked up. Then he came to a spot in the book that reminded him, he needed to find provisions and supplies on this craft. Getting up he began searching....

After what seemed like hours, he had a little pile of treasures he had found. Looking over the stuff he made an inventory check: 3 rifles, 4 packs of ammo, packets of food, a few ball shaped things with a button on top of each, some tools, a belt, body armour, and a head set. "Well, that should help," he thought to himself. Gathering the stuff up and putting it in a container, he went back to the pilot seat and sat down. Picking up his book, he continued to read....passing the time. he became so immersed in his book that he didn't even think to try and radio for help.

Just then, the ship dropped out of hyperspace and a little light started to flash. Not sure as to what it meant, BlkPnthr started to look around. He tried to read the charting computer, but it made no sense to him. Then he noticed a lot of space debris, and quickly grabbed the controls. One thing BlkPnthr knew how do to was fly, and fly he did. Manouvering the ship through the debris, and into safety he breathed a sigh of relief. Just then a hail came over the comm. "Identify yourself unknown craft," came the voice. A little more than worried, BlkPnthr started to look around to see if there was any ships near him. Pulling up a targetting aid, he saw a compliment of 6 craft headed towards him.