Katherine here.
Remember when I was messing about, rather unprofessionally, with some of the fightercraft on your ship? I found myself recently missing the opportunity to use such a vessel in a situation in which it could have come in handy.
If I could recall any favour, I think I may want to borrow one of yours. The situation itself that demanded this is also something of concern, and I'd quite like to talk to you about it. It's a real mess, and you've always given me good input. I'd like to tell you more about it.
Sender:Lauren Charlotte La'Row, -Error-. Recipient:Katherine Pennybrooke, Freelancer. Topic:Need of help
Pennybrooke,
Of course I keep that memory stored in my mind. Usually I don't interfere in stuff that's not of my interest, however I believe this might be something worth my time, since you've reached out to me. We are listening very carefully.
Obviously we will provide you with one bomber, very heavy fighter or scout, whichever you prefer and are in need of. Be aware however, all of them use engines of Gallic origin, so make sure you don't run out of fuel in the middle of nowhere. In that case, I'd have to pick you up very swiftly or act as an mobile base of retreat in the area.
All depends on the situation you are going to tell me about.
I'm still interested in that ship, but there's actually far more pressing matters on my mind these days. I have gotten myself involved in a dreadfully complicated situation involving far too many humans for my liking, a few others as well, and I don't really have many contacts that are independent but knowledgeable, and might listen and give me advice.
It's hard to describe in a text message. I'd really like to see you again, I think I'd have an easier time.
I've been staying around the Taus, mostly with the Lostshare and some of the independents in the region, if we could meet some time, I'd be delighted.
This will, if nothing else, be a daunting test of my mechanical skills. I'm not entirely clueless, I have managed to keep the RV running for ten years with mostly my own work, but this will obviously be a different beast. I will have to learn on the job, but it's good for the mind to develop new skills.
I suppose I shall, if asked, be going with the Gaian-turned-Gallic-Foreign-Legion veteran story, who deserted after witnessing the horrors of the final weeks of the war. It fits my person well enough, I wouldn't even have to lie about my origins, and it also explains why I would be uncomfortable talking about it in more detail. I will try to avoid having to commit too much to a fake identity, but if it comes up, I will be Tara Dunley.
I've made contact with the Gaians too, although they were somewhat more reserved than I had hoped. Still, they're giving me enough to work with for now. Hopefully we can have a productive conversation.
As I told you, I'll probably make my way towards the main hives once I have this sorted out, hopefully we can meet up again then. I'm not sure how long my business in the region will last.
Ki'Shar Everything goes according to plan. Just remember, a good way how to tell a lie lies in details and most importantly remember these details all the time.
Foreign legion pilots were pretty restricted, they couldn't go above the rank of Commandant, but if you want to stay low I'd pick the rank of Lieutenant of Marine Royale Gauloise, that's a low enough rank not to appear high on the list of serving forces, stationed on Royal Navy Ship La Riche which was tasked with defense of Orkney and occasionally sent support to Leeds in final stages of the war. That is possibly the best outcome for your story, insignificant rank, insignificant fleet in insignificant star system, far from the front, but close to witness the Leeds.
Make sure to get in touch with us in case you need something.
Ki'Shar Long time no see. How are you doing if you are still alive? Is my fighter serving you well? After these typical questions you can skip to the last and most important one.
Things are going well with "Peakstar". I have at times become concerningly immersed in playing Dunley, to the point where I have found myself vehemently defending life decisions I never actually made. There is an alluring freedom to being a person who doesn't exist in a small ship that barely registers.
As for the ship itself, I'll admit that it's very much out of my area of expertise, but I've had help from some talented people with learning to fly it, and the engine swap was easier than expected, too. These things are designed to be easy to maintain after all, so it's been so far so good. If I ever run into any major issues, that might be a different story.
So, to your question. I don't want to say no outright, but I suppose I'll have to say "not really". Other than some basic maintenance on the RV's armament, and some very theoretical knowledge of the physics behind weaponry, I'm afraid I don't know much. Why do you ask?
Excuse the delay, Katherine. There were more pressing matters to attend to as you have probably noticed.
I am more than glad you are enjoying your new ship and that it serves you well as intended. If any major problems occur, do not hesitate to ask for help. I still have got friends that are more than capable of fixing stuff.
We are talking about that huge weapon everyone fears, everyone tries to avoid confrontation with. "Warwolf" it is. We are not talking about maintenance but more about research. It is something I would prefer to stay between me, you and Mainshare however because it is quite delicate. Do you want to talk about it in person?