I did a final check of the sensors "Landing confirmed. Powering off engines." I finally said, flipping the correct switches before looking at my small pilot.
Nicole looked nervous as she swung the pilot seat of the heavy shuttle around to face me "So..how did I do?" she asked.
"You are out of practice." I started while relaxing slightly on the small flight deck "But your performance is acceptable. I do, however, expect you to practice in simulations when we are underway, you were dangerously close to the right side of the hangar port when you entered it."
She nodded quickly "I will!" she said "Does...that means I am hired?"
I gave her a nod in return "Yes." I answered before I handed over the datapad "Standard six-month contract. If you wish to quit at any time, we can renegotiate at that time, but you might need to remain on board until the expiration of your contract. The first six months is a probationary period to make sure you mix well with the rest of the crew."
The ex Jedi quickly nodded and moved to sign but I stopped her "First lesson, read it first. You might not have dealt with many contracts as a Jedi, but by just signing one without reading, you might agree to anything."
Nicole froze and then quickly nodded and started to slowly scroll through it as I waited patiently for her to finish. Morrigi ships usually have younglings on board, apprentices.
She might technically be an adult by her species standard, but she definitely needs guidance. Dustling or not, Jedi or not...in some matters she is definitely sheltered.
"Signed, Captain." she finally said and handed the datapad back.
I nodded and scrolled through it quickly "Good. I will get you a hard copy later for your own records. How about I show you to your quarters and you can get your things settled before we return to the surface? I am sure you have more things you wish to purchase before we break orbit."
She nodded and stood up to stretch "Honestly, I don't have much stuff. I...haven't spent any of the money you lent me yet. I wanted to save it in case I failed."
"Wise attitude, but rather overly cautious in this case I think. For somebody who has not flown in years, you did well. Next time we arrive at another civilized world, we arrange for you to take the tests for an official license. Until then, your position is technically 'apprentice pilot' not the second pilot and somebody needs to go with you in the shuttle."
Nicole nodded "I noticed that clause in the contract." before she smiled once more "Thank you, Captain."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Two days later everyone was gathered outside the cargo ramp of shuttle A. I looked out over the small group. Everyone was there, even the elusive ships cook, Nemar who I didn't really interact much with due to the fact that I ate mostly fruit and sometimes some fried meat.
Once everyone had shown up I nodded "I hope everyone had a good rest as in thirty minutes the first transport will arrive with our cargo." I said after letting the helmet fold back to uncover my head. Normally the mask would stay on, morrigi like masks, but when you work with non-morrigi, you have to adapt somewhat.
There were nods all around but they shot curious looks at Nicole who was next to me, looking nervous. I even noticed that she used Jedi calming exercises earlier. Even if she has walked away, it is good to know that she at least got some use from what she learned there.
"Some of you might recognize Nicole Mara here. While she was once a passenger of ours, she has now been hired for the spot of the second pilot. She will however be considered apprentice pilot and navigator until she gets her license."
Nicole raised her hand and gave the rest a small wave "H-hello."
I stood back and watched as the greetings started. Hopefully, she would mix well with the crew, they seemed to accept her when she was a passenger...and we did save her and her master once.
Ok, we tried to save them twice and failed both times, but it was the thought that counted.
Either way, so far it looked like they were accepting her.
I looked down as Commander Swan walked up to me with a small frown "Captain, are you sure it is wise to hire her?" she asked me quietly "She used to be Jedi, it might damage our relations with that group. Never mind anyone else that might have developed a grudge against her during her years in the order."
"I believe that it will not be a major problem, Commander. Besides, she would not have been the only one to attract enemies." I answered her after a moment thought "I am still slightly concerned for the lack of word from That group."
Swan nodded with a frown as she crossed her arms "I am too. But there is not really anything we can do but keep an eye out and be extra careful with our security procedures."
Letting out a small breath I nodded, looking over to the right as the first atmospheric cargo carrier came in for a landing next to the shuttle "Speaking of which, our cargo is here. Time to start doing security scans."
Swan nodded with a sigh "I'll get the equipment and droids." before she turned and walked into the cargo hold.
Flicking my head the helmet sealed me in once more, the HUD springing to life in front of my eyes before I turned to the rest of the crew "Alright you lot, I don't pay you to stand around doing nothing when on the ground, there is plenty of time for that when we are in hyper! Let's load that cargo so we can get on our way."