A Moment To Reflec

[Seraphina Shel'tah]

And so Nubia Star Drives was reborn. A company birthed into the hands of the Republic. Under the watchful eyes of....A Jedi? Well that's odd. It was odd, quite frankly. Sera thought it no less odd than anyone else likely would have. However upon laying claim under the Republic's banner on Nubia, they had come to find that a large portion of the planet had been deserted due to the events of the galactic cataclysm. Leaving many of the engineers and line workers missing, including the entire board of directors, Sera decided to step in and lend a hand to the Republic's aging military supply. She knew they played the larger role in this war, and she certainly wished to see it won in her lifetime, if at all possible. After several months of agonizing cleanup and construction things were looking pretty shapely. In fact, they were ready to begin with some new designs. Given that many of the yards had been damaged and were still undergoing repair, this left the company with only a smaller portion of their manufacturing power that they had once held.

With this in mind, the Jedi Knight decided to put forward some ideas to her team of masterful engineers who came up with a trio of workable units under their current situation. The Freefall class bomber, which would carry a devastating payload, designed primarily for stationary targets. The Scurrg H-6 design, which was more designed for the demolition of moving targets with a pinpoint accurate targeting system. And finally, the A-Type Stiletto, a speedy fighter model with a slick body, superior speed and maneuverability, and advanced targeting systems to decimate enemy fighters.

The Stiletto would be the focus of today's experiment. The team had organized a prototype of the vessel with a clever secret. One that even Sera was eager to show to those who had held interest in the vessel. Who better than to assist with the testing phase than Jedi Shadows Master [member="Kian Karr"]. He was passionate about secrets, stealth, and shadows. Though she hadn't shared the entire details over the comm sent to the Jedi, she was certain he would find use for the ship if ever there was a need. The second person of interest had been [member="Gir Quee"], a Navy Commodore who also ran a starship company, building vessels for the Republic as well. If anything, he may be interested in viewing the designs, offering his opinion, and possibly collaborating in the future.

The Twi'lek sat in her office on Nubia, awaiting the arrival of her two guests.

 

[Kian Karr]

Kian settled Dorin's Hope down on the landing pad and exited the J-1 Interceptor. Glancing up at the ship, Kian realized he hadn't been invited to a ship testing since the development of the J-1s several years prior. It wasn't all that surprising. Kian wasn't incompetent when it came to flying, but he also was no ace pilot. He'd been involved in a number of dogfights over the years, but couldn't hold a candle to some other Jedi such as Corvus Raaf.

Kian made his way down the corridor toward the office he was to meet Seraphina in. It was very unusual for Jedi to get involved in businesses such as Nubia Star Drives, but with the war with the One Sith going the way it was and with the Republic's need for better equipment and ships it was happening more frequently. Even Kian was working with Inquisition Industries as an administrator to help design equipment for the Republic.

"Hello," Kian said coming up to the receptionist. "I have an appointment with Jedi Shel'tah."

[member="Gir Quee"] | [member="Seraphina Shel'tah"]​

 

[Gir Quee]

Gir lightly pulled back the yoke of the Remember Hast, pulling the nose of the craft upwards as it came in land on Nubia. A flick of a switch activated the ship's landing gear just in time for the ship to land with a dull thud on the world's surface. Gir had never been to Nubia before, but he could say the same about most of the Core worlds that he visited. Most of them time, he was stuck on a ship, as his life revolved starships in their myriad of forms and functions.

And those around him were changing as well. With the fall of Rendili and Kuat to the One Sith, the Republic's navy was changing too. While several companies still produced starships for the Republic, they would need more companies to fill in the loss of KDY and Rendili to not only keep up the numbers, but the technological progress as well. Gir guessed that this latter case was why he was here.

A short walk from the landing pad found the man following in [member="Kian Karr"]'s footsteps, a jedi he had only briefly met at Zeltros. The blonde-haired man pulled up alongside the Kel Dor jedi at the reception desk, and offered a hand and a slow smile.

"Master Karr, a pleasure to see you again," greeted the Commodore, "I too am here to see [member="Seraphina Shel'tah"]."

It perhaps went unstated that they were present for the same reason. While Gir was not certain if the rumors were true, he had heard that the Kel Dor had experience with starship design not only as an accomplished pilot, but an unusual experience with stealth starships as well.

 

[Seraphina Shel'tah]

As the receptionist was about to page the Jedi Knight she came in stride out of the double doors that lead to her modest office, pausing to give a graceful bow to both [member="Kian Karr"] and [member="Gir Quee"].

"I must admit I felt your presence as you got close, Kian. It's good to see you, master." Sera turned to the Commodore and extended her hand. "You are Commodore Quee, yes? Thank you for coming as well. I was hoping to get your input on the latest development my team put together, as well as possibly discuss inter-company relations in the future."

Gesturing for the pair to follow along she explained her idea and the hope for the prototype which would, ideally, be ready for production in short time. "The transport outside will take us to the hangar where the vessel is currently stationed. I am extremely excited to be able to show this to the two of you. Granted, the vessel design is mine only in idea and general planning, my engineering team are the true minds behind the development and construction of the prototype. I believe this will make a fantastic addition to the Republic's fleet of starfighters in the near future. However before we arrive if you have any questions please do feel free to ask."

 

[Kian Karr]

Kian turned when he heard his voice and set his eyes on [member="Gir Quee"]. Kian hadn't seen the man in some time. If Kian remembered correctly, Gir had given him a ride on Zeltros which had helped to get Kian out of a crumbling palace. Needless to say the ride had been a lifesaver.

"Hello again." Kian said bowing his head to the Officer and shaking his hand. Just as he did this, [member="Seraphina Shel'tah"] emerged. Kian should have known she would sense their approach. "Hello Seraphina." Kian said as she came out of her office and began to lead them toward the transport.

"I'm curious what role you see me playing here." Kian said rather matter-of-factly. He was glad to help, but he wasn't sure if he could or not. "Perhaps you can tell us more about the ship and that will make my presence more apparent?"

 

[Gir Quee]

Gir too was curious, and while he didn't immediately voice it, his thoughts echoed [member="Kian Karr"]'s. While Gir himself did little of the engineering work, Salmakk and the other engineers at Lucerne Labs frequently consulted him about the general concepts that they were exploring with their designs. But that relationship went both ways, with the same engineers taking pains to explain to him why a certain suggestion of his wouldn't necessary work. He thanked them for that.

Nubia.

Gir had done a little research before his arrival at the company's past product lines. While they were once famous for their mirror-finished yachts, the company had also made starfighters, bombers, and even a stealth freighter. Gir would be curious to see where [member="Seraphina Shel'tah"] would taking the company. The man from Hast waited for her response.

 

[Seraphina Shel'tah]

The short ride to the hangar would be enough time to explain to the pair her intent for this particular ship, and why she had asked the two to join her.

"Master Karr, as the Jedi Master responsible for the more...delicate operations, requiring both finesse and subtlety, who better to invite to look over a prototype based around these principals? You see, while most companies focus on cramming firepower into their starfighters, we've taken a different approach to the idea. We've also managed to accomplish this goal at a fraction of the cost of their competition."

Turning her attention towards the Commodore, she continued describing the reasoning behind inviting him here. "Commodore, I am no engineer myself, so many of my ideas are passed along to the more gifted minds who undertake these tasks and make it work. Currently, the Republic is at a severe disadvantage in regard to shipyard strength and availability after the loss of our core worlds. Lucerne Labs has been producing ships for the Republic for some time, and I trust in your loyalty to the cause. I am planning on releasing the design patents on our starships so that companies like yours, with similar ideals can build upon anything we make for the benefit of the Republic."

As the three arrived at the hangar, a single star fighter rested in the center of the large enclosure. A sleek, glimmering hull, offering incredible amounts of reflection, much more so than any durasteel or other metallic hull would offer. It had a very slim body, honoring its A-type name, with a long nose and rear positioned cockpit, while the wings arched outwards from the vessel. The loading ramp was down, allowing full view of the cockpit area and the elegantly designed components.

"This. Is the rebirth of the A-Type Stiletto. It has been redesigned from its earlier model and upgraded substantially. This new iteration comprises two long nosed laser cannons, and two hunter-killer concussion missile launchers. To go along with the armaments is a radically redesigned targeting system with pinpoint accuracy. Its' superior speed and sleek frame will give it an edge against enemy fighters."

A grin cast its way across her face. "But what truly sets it apart from the rest, is the outer shell of the vessel. As you may have noticed at first glance, it is quite shiny. The reason for this is far more than just aesthetics. The material is Reflec. It will prevent radar, sensors, and other signature reading scanners from picking up the fighter, thus making it near impossible to target with anything larger than another star fighter. And when faced with another fighter, your opponent will be forced into manually targeting, just like the old days. Combined with the armaments on this fighter, it will make it an excellent, cost effective means of handling the most expensive fighters of its class, or providing a sneaky means of escape if and when necessary."

[member="Gir Quee"] | [member="Kian Karr"]

 

[Gir Quee]

Gir nodded in appreciation at seeing the vessel's graceful lines. He was a bit of a sucker for beautiful ships, at least for the smaller ones. He managed to abstain from running a hand across the A-type's hull. But the inclusion of stealth technology intrigued him, as it had the potential to open up new tactical possibilities. Reflec was something he had only heard about in passing, not only for its use in stealth armor, but as one professional partier at the academy noted, for its inclusion in the outfits of professional club dancers. He quickly wiped the image from his mind and shook his head.

"It's an impressive concept," mused the Commodore, "is there an specific destination for these craft, as in a particular unit or group of individuals? Perhaps other jedi?"

[member="Seraphina Shel'tah"] | [member="Kian Karr"]

 

[Kian Karr]

Kian nodded along as Seraphna described the ship and than as Commodore Quee asked his question. It was truly a beautifully designed ship, almost to the point of looking like a small luxury ship rather than a fighter. However, the description of the reflective material used to make it peaked Kian's curiosity and he stepped closer, running his hand along the hull.

"Beautiful design. Most impressive." Kian mumbled, partly to Seraphina and partly just to himself. "I'm sure this would provide ample uses in the ongong struggle with the Sith." Kian said, considering their last few battles with the One Sith. One place where they stood at an advantage was the quality of the Republic's naval personnel. Through the hardwork and dedication of the naval personnel, the Republic had won a number of fleeting engagements, even if the battles on the ground had proved unsuccessful.

[member="Seraphina Shel'tah"] | [member="Gir Quee"]​

 

[Seraphina Shel'tah]

"Well, the cost of manufacturing these ships is actually quite minimal when considering the alternative of active stealth. With this material, the only real worry one has is that of physically being seen. And when engaged in a space battle, the chances of being seen and actively followed by anything larger than another fighter is next to 0%. Another fighter, despite being able to see you, will still have to rely on old fashioned manual targeting. In that regard, while you're not actually invisible per say, you are still invisible to the enemies' electronic instruments. And that in itself is a fantastic advantage."

The Jedi puffed her cheeks and exhaled through her mouth, releasing an audible puff of air. "The only issue is that Reflec was originally designed for personal armor and clothing. As such, coupled with our current limited shipyard capacity, these can only be produced in minor batches, instead of what I had planned as a mass produced overhaul of our fighters fleet-wide. Regardless, these will be available to our top-tier pilots and squadrons, the Jedi Order, and for situations where non-detection is critical to the success of the mission."

Sera turned towards [member="Kian Karr"] and smiled. "This prototype, Master Karr, is for you. I know it will be in good hands with the Jedi Shadows."

[member="Kian Karr"] | [member="Gir Quee"]