ImperfectBeing Character generation

Trade Era 1228, Day 156

Starshatter, in orbit of Ulivia Prime
Jilandra Broadenspec stood on the deck of the ITC Destroyer "Starshatter," her eyes wide with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The hum of the ship's engines vibrated through the soles of her boots, a sensation that sent shivers up her spine. The transition from the confined towers of District A13 to the vastness of space was overwhelming, to say the least.

As a newly accepted recruit in the ITC Space Navy, Jil found herself surrounded by a diverse crew, each with their own story and reasons for leaving their homeworlds behind. Her induction into the military life had been swift and intense, with physical training, simulations, and theoretical classes filling her days. Now, standing on the deck, she was about to embark on her first real mission.

Jil's uniform felt crisp and unfamiliar, the insignia of the ITC Space Navy emblazoned on her chest. Her family back on Ulivia Prime was undoubtedly worried, but Jil was determined to make a name for herself beyond the polluted skies of her homeworld.

Commander Eranis, a seasoned officer with a scar running across one eye, approached Jil with a nod. "Specialist Broadenspec, welcome aboard. Your first assignment is to shadow Lieutenant Mendross in the navigation bay. Learn the ropes, and don't get in anyone's way."

Jil saluted crisply, her nerves hidden behind a determined expression. She quickly made her way to the navigation bay, where Lieutenant Mendross was calibrating a complex array of controls and levers. The officer glanced at her with a raised eyebrow.

"You're the new recruit, right? Broadenspec," Mendross said, not bothering to hide the skepticism in his voice.

"Yes, sir," Jil replied, standing at attention.

"Good. You'll assist me in plotting our course through the Cerulean Nebula. It's a tricky path, and we need precision. One wrong move, and we could end up drifting in the cosmic dust. After we plot it, the Synths will take over and we go to cryo."

---

Choose two skills to receive +1. This term, with your 7, it's going to be between: Piloting, Engineering, Navigation, Zero G, Academics (Astronomy), Will.

Please write something In Character about the year between the rejection and the induction into the Navy as well, before the Starshatter. How was it? Friends? Enemies? Something that you loved to do? Hated? How did you spend it?

Also, after you choose your Navy skills for the term, please test for Navigation+Wits DC15. Let's see what happens.

Skills: Engineering+1, Piloting+1

...sorry I was trying to stay light on the the details because I know you have other games to run. I don't know how you do it??

---

Jil stared at Lt. Mendross, a cold sweat breaking out along her back. She knew the immense responsibility of plotting a course and the consequences of a miscalculation. Was this really happening? She knew her application had only just scraped though (scoring a 10!). Mentally she had prepared for menial maintenance duties, but here she stood in the Nav bay.

Her uncle would be proud. Jil had only made it this far because of him. After the Marines rejected her she’d given up ever leaving her district, never mind the planet. Her brothers introduced her to some friends and before long she was helping them shift mild narcotics. Luckily her uncle found out before the authorities did.

Sergent Kennal Broadenspec was a brute of a man. There was no subtilty in that granite face. It either scowled or barked orders at you. His own military career in the Planetary Defense Force had long since ended but even so he looked ready to launch into battle at a moment’s notice. No doubt a lasting effect of years suppressing the ‘revolutionists’ Ulivia Prime regularly produced. He was personally responsible for ending several not so small revolts.

When he spotted Jil pushing drugs he actually lifted her off the ground and carted her thrashing body back to his neat little apartment. Pinning her to a chair a datapad thrust into her chest "Apply for the Navy. They’re a better fit for you anyway". That was it. No speeches or long discussions about right and wrong. It was decided there and then. Of course if Jil had known Uncle Kennal intended to make damn sure she got accepted by training her himself, she might have jumped out of the window.

Remembering that moment Jil smiled faintly. She looked Lt. Mendross in the eyes and gave a brisk nod before starting work on the Navigation controls.

Trade Era 1228, Day 172

Starshatter, in orbit of Ulivia Prime
The Cerulean Nebula loomed like an ethereal curtain as the Starshatter ventured deeper into its cosmic embrace. Jil, despite her determination, found herself struggling to calculate the navigation routes through the dense, shifting gases.

Lieutenant Mendross, normally stoic, observed her efforts with a furrowed brow.

"Broadenspec, these calculations are all over the place. We're threading the needle here, not weaving a tapestry," Mendross remarked, his tone edged with frustration.

Jil felt the weight of her mistake as the lieutenant took over, swiftly correcting the simulated course with practiced ease. The nearby crew exchanged glances, and a subtle tension settled over the navigation bay. It was clear her error hadn't gone unnoticed.

Mendross, after adjusting the trajectory, turned to Jil. "You need to improve, Specialist. We can't afford mistakes in these regions. Study the charts again, and we'll revisit this later."

---

But instead of poring over navigation charts, she spent her time among the humming machinery and labyrinthine corridors of the engineering deck.As such, her efforts were in vain. The next critical navigation task revealed another blunder. This time, Mendross had seen enough.

"Broadenspec, step aside. I'll handle this," he declared, a stern disappointment in his eyes.

With a heavy heart, Jil retreated from the controls, feeling the weight of her inadequacy. Mendross efficiently corrected the course, sparing the Starshatter from potential disaster.

"You're relieved of navigation duties. Head to the cryo-chamber. Maybe some rest will clear your mind."

Jil, feeling a mixture of shame and frustration, entered the cryo-chamber and succumbed to the cold embrace of suspended animation. Time passed in a blur, and when she awoke, she found herself disoriented and apprehensive.

A fortnight later, Jil discovered a message awaiting her. The words from Commander Eranis was a directive, not a simple request: "Broadenspec, please report to my office. You are to be reassigned."

Jil entered Commander Eranis's office with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. The door slid open, revealing a space adorned with holographic star charts and the hum of ship systems in the background. She squared her shoulders, determined to face whatever awaited her

Commander Eranis stern gaze met Jil's as she entered. "Your performance in navigation is unacceptable. However, we believe in second chances. There's another path for you, Specialist."

Jil, on the edge of disappointment, listened intently as the ship's captain continued, "We need skilled starfighter pilots, and I believe you have the potential. Are you willing to transfer to the Starfighter Wing?"

Ah, I’ve corrected the char sheet. Sorry I kept changing my mind 😂

---

Jil burned with shame from her poor performance in Navigation. In that moment the reality of leaving Ulivia Prime hit her like a freighter, it was actually happening. After all the time she’d spent focusing on this dream it was a shock to be living it. She needed a new dream, a purpose. The thought of piloting her own craft, a fighter no less. The power of it unexpectedly thrilled her.

"Yes sir! thank you for the chance sir!"

Her words a little too quick and a little too loud.

Come on Jil…