Cold Storage, Authorised Personnel Only

Posted on Wed Mar 12th, 2025 @ 7:29am by Major Babs Betany & Lieutenant Samuel Kyle

1,428 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Some Like It Hoth
Location: Frostpoint Outpost (FP-02) Security Office
Timeline: Day 1

Commander Babs Betany had never been one to walk softly. Even as a younger trooper there was a reason she had been quickly pointed towards demolitions over stealth operations. And in the heavy cold weather boots, her presence was announced by the thunk, thunk, thunk of each step. Like a drum beat that warned anyone nearby to look sharp, the boss was coming. There was a blip of the security door and then she had arrived in the most restricted part of the base. Cold Storage. there were few whose access would allow them back here, and she was looking for a specific person who she had asked to meet her at this specific time. Checking her PADD she realised she was just a fraction early.

"Lieutenant Kyle? You in here?" Her voice bounced around the room. As far as high security facilities went, this part of the base was relatively small, but was lined with shelves and racks and empty crates. It cave the small space a cave like quality, only enhanced by the relatively low lighting due to the energy conservation measures they had immediately had to put in place due to the problems with the base generator.

She had met the Cathar trooper only briefly upon their departure from Coruscant where they had received their orders. As one of the members of the base squad responsible for security, she now wanted to make sure she got the measure of the man. Reading a service record was one thing, but she needed to know more about the man who would be responsible for helping keep the base safe. His position carried a lot of responsibility and she would need to know him to trust him.

"Yes, Ma'am," The Cathar replied in a low, deep, Dantooine drawl. He comes around a corner from one of the massive shelving units that filled the room. He was a massive one, broad built, armor looking like he was squeezed into it. He nods as he approaches the Major, his own footsteps filled the air with the same 'Thunk' as the Major's own.

Babs quirked an eyebrow as the Cathar approached. she herself was tall, and it was rare she found herself craning her neck back. She returns the man's nod. "Thank you for meeting me. Have you had a chance to familiarise yourself with the base layout?" She leaned up against one of the floor to ceiling shelving units. Running a hand through her bright pink hair she winced as her fingers brushed against her temple. She'd been carrying around a headache all day and in that moment it throbbed, reminding her of the list of problems she would be dealing with late into the night.

"I have, it's a most...interesting design." Sam replied as he looked down at the Pink-Haired Major. "It shouldn't be too hard to button up the facility in case of incursions. Our main concern though should be the Imperial Base on the other side of the valley. Too close for comfort." Sam elaborated, pulling out his own PADD.

"We should also reconnoitre the area for anything else that might be lurking about as well."

"As far as our intel has been able to tell the Imperial Base is abandoned, but intel also said we would be met with a force from FP-01 and so far we have not been able to make contact, so I agree, let's not take anything for granted." She then looked the Cathar up and down trying to take the measure of the man. "Once we have secured our position and ensured we have enough supplies to hold the base for the foreseeable future you can take whoever you need within reason out to see what you can make of the Imp base. We will also need to investigate what happened to FP-01 because without them we are pretty much out here alone. How much do you know about our primary objective here on Hoth?"

"Bring the base online and hold it for the Republic. Secondary: Research and Recovery of any high-valued tech and artifacts" Sam said in prompt fashion. He had read his briefing and orders.

"Though, with respect, this base looks like it's seen better days and most of the vital systems are missing critical parts. That should be our first priority is to get the base generators back to operational status."

"I want you to make the recovery and acquisition of technology and artefacts your priority, Officer. As it stands only you, me and the Jedi Master are aware of the existence of this room and it's purpose. The Outpost is simply a cover for this room here. With time I will assign additional staff to monitor the communications and radar stations which also inhabited the restricted areas. But as you have rightly identified, we have bigger issues with the generator being so unreliable."

She shifted and straightened up, her hands falling into a rigid parade rest position by habit. "If that Imp base is active again you are to gather what information you can, but you are to not engage. We have enough problems currently and we are not prepared to start a war for territory. When you are assessing the security of the base you are to ensure the security of this room is prioritised." The orders nearly stuck in Babs' throat. What she was saying was that if push came to shove, they would have to prioritise the recovered technology over the lives of those on the base and she had not yet had time to square that away with her own conscience.

"So let's ensure we are not in a position where we are forced to make a difficult decision. My job will be to ensure the safety of all the lives working on this base, yours will be to ensure the security of this room." She then let out a heavy sigh. "And yes, you are not the first person to point out the limitation of our new home. Frankly I feel like we are aboard a tub full of holes having been promised a super yacht." She then snorts. "But not like it will be the first time either of us have experienced difficult circumstances. The engineers are working on the generator, but as well as food we sorely need fuel. Don't suppose you are hiding a barrel of fuel back there?" She said it with a slightly teasing grin. the man was big enough to obscure a barrel from view.

Sam let out a chuckle. “No, ma’am, I ain’t hiding fuel.” He says with a grin.

“I’ll gather up my gear and take out a bike. Shouldn’t be too difficult to locate the sith base and see what’s what. Should travel light though.” He postulated, going through a list in his mind of what he’ll need to bring with him.

“If you got a good scout on base, I could use the help.” He inquired.

"We don't know there are sith there, let's not get carried away. Last thing I want is a rumour to spread that we are facing a sith on top of supply shortages. But help is the one thing I can give you." She takes a moment to transfer the base manifest to a data chit from her PADD. "A list of the base personnel and their current appointments. Tell me who you need and I'll make sure they are freed up to assist you."

"Is Trooper Kettstir rated for rifles?" Sam asked looking over the list on his PADD.

"He's freight and cargo by background, so his strength lie more in logistics I suspect. Not sure about his ability with a rifle, but you are welcome to assess his ability. he'll certainly be able to help haul whatever you find, if you find anything worth bringing back that is." Babs had thought her self fairly big and strong, but between Samuel and Kettstir she would be dwarfed. "He has a Jawa he partners with, might be trouble but superb scrappers generally so provided you can ensure they hand everything over, they will be very useful scouting the Graveyard."

“I’ll draw equipment and provisions and make my selections within the hour,” Sam nodded professionally as he closes his PADD.

“Very well Lieutenant, I expect a full report upon your return.” The Zeltron hybrid gave the Cathar one last nod before turn to exit the room.

"Yes, Ma'am" Sam would reply before leaving behind her to head for the Armory.

 

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