[Flight Deck LTC] Aboard the Crimson Raptor

The medium freighter, Crimson Raptor, hummed softly as it cut through hyperspace, its sleek frame gliding smoothly through the void between Kijimi and The Wheel. The cold, snow-covered planet of Kijimi was now a distant memory, and the impending meeting with the Court loomed large over the minds of those aboard.

In the centre of the ship’s main cabin, three figures stood around a glowing holo table. Raskk Korr, the Trandoshan ex-Imperial agent and co-leader of Bryx Security Bureau (BSB), towered over the holographic display.  Next to him stood Zara Qilok. One gloved hand rested on the edge of the table, her stance alert as the map of the sectors surrounding The Wheel rotated slowly in the air before them. Across from them stood Vek, the Crimson Raptor's Rodian pilot. “They're going to push us, no question about it,” Zara said, her voice muffled through the mask’s comm system. “The Court won’t settle for a simple protection deal. They’ll want more—control. And if we give them too much, we’ll end up under their thumb.”

Raskk’s breathing device hissed as he considered her words. His clawed finger traced a slow path across the holographic projection. “Hssk… We offer them protection, nothing more. They may think they hold the cards, but we bring order. Without us, they’ll have chaos on The Wheel.” Vek clicked his tongue thoughtfully, his Rodian accent soft as he chimed in. “And what if they don’t care about order? The Court’s not known for their patience, mate. They might just see us as another group to chew up and spit out when they’re done with us.” Zara folded her arms, her gaze focused through the visor on the rotating sectors. “That’s exactly why we need to play it carefully. Lady Seraphina isn’t the type to be easily impressed. We’ve got to offer them enough to keep them satisfied but make sure they know we’re not just another gang.”

Raskk grunted in agreement, his claw tapping rhythmically on the table. “We handle the gangs they want dealt with, but we don’t hand over our autonomy. Hssk... The Court needs us more than we need them. They want power on The Wheel, we offer it—but on our terms.”

The ship shuddered slightly as it passed through a small turbulence pocket in hyperspace. Vek glanced over at the ship’s control panel, but quickly returned his attention to the conversation. “Sounds easy on paper, but I’m betting Seraphina’s not just going to sit back and thank us. She’s going to expect something big.”

Raskk’s eyes narrowed. “Let her. We’ll give them power, but only where it suits us. We’ll make it clear—we’re in this together, but BSB doesn’t serve anyone.”

Zara’s masked face turned towards Raskk. “And if they don’t like that? If they push harder?”

The quiet hum of the Crimson Raptor filled the cabin as the trio stood in contemplative silence. The plan was set, but the upcoming meeting with the Court would determine whether it was enough to secure their place on The Wheel—or plunge them into a dangerous power struggle. 

This is my first entry for my storyline aboard The Wheel.

Special thanks to JustJoe for the excellent edits.