Kaiu'kes
| Lieutenant Commander Kaiu'kes | |
|---|---|
"I can get anything, anytime, anywhere!" | |
| Species: | Twi'Lek (Ryloth) |
| Homeworld: | Unknown, presumed Nar_Shaddaa |
| Gender: | female |
| Age: | 26 |
| Hair Color: | None |
| Eye Color: | Green |
| Skin Color: | Light green |
| Height: | 1.7 meters |
| ----------------- | |
| Allegiance: | New Republic |
| Unit: | Wraith Squadron |
| Rank: | Lieutenant Commander |
| Astromech: | None |
Kaiu'kes (Kai) is an operative in Wraith Squadron, specialising in Undercover Operations, Scouting, Infiltration, Intelligence and 'Aquisitions'
Contents |
Background
Little is known of Kaiu'kes background to her fellow Wraiths, as she is not inclined to reveal details of her past. It might even be that Kaiu'kes herself has little knowledge of her past, or wish to remember large portions of it.
It is logical to assume that Kai herself chose to block out most, if not all, memories regarding her parents, who were killed when she was young, on Nar Shaddaa, as the result of a smuggling deal gone sour. In order to survive on this 'Smuggler's Moon', instead of becoming a dancing girl, or allowing herself to be put to the use of those who would exploit her, as would probably be expected of a young female of her race, Kai expanded the skills she had already learnt from her parents and those associated with them: in short, she became a highly successful and therefore not very well-known, smuggler. Throughout her time on Nar Shaddaa, Kai honed her aquisition skills, became quite the opportunist, and created many contacts in the mercenary underclasses of society.
Through one of the contracts she took out, Kai met a man who went by the name of Fabian Zane, the first person in Kai's memory who had nothing to do with the world in which she now occupied. Zane was the son of two business-people, who were spending time in the Vertical City in order to evade charges of embezzlement and tax-evasion. She found herself immediately and intrinsically attracted to the man, whose feelings reciproated her own, resulting in Kaiu'kes spending more time with him than on her continued sustenance. Kai eventually followed Zane to Folor, where his childhood dream, to become a pilot, could come to fruition. Not having any childhood dreams to speak of neither stopped nor propelled Kai's destiny, but her time on Nar Shaddaa taught her to never look a gift Vornskr in the mouth, especially if it was hungry, so Kai also trained and graduated as a commando in a unit of Special Forces. Zane was not so lucky, however, and on his first real combat scenario, was shot down by presumed friendly fire, dying ingloriously within a bacta-tank on Tanis.
Kaiu'kes reaction to this was mostly a heavy reliance on alcohol, which she (as most smugglers) had previously had a prediliction towards, and which would not get her kicked out of the Forces for immediately, as would an addiction to other substances such as spice, and a gradual decline to "revert to type", and as such Kaiu'kes became the go-to Twi'lek for anyone who needed anything which wasn't military standard.
It was during one of her (then frequent) sessions of boasting about her unusual talents, which led her to gain the attention of Face Loran, who was down a part to fix his X-Wing's inertial compensator, and who also needed a SoruSuub XP16 Landspeeder and a case of Whyrens Reserve. (Kai suspected, when she sobered up, these last two items were simply 'wanted', or perhaps that Loran was calling her bluff). Still, she came away 10,000 credits richer, which she speant on creating an underground gambling ring for Republic Troops. After a few successful commando missions, whilst preparing a new site for her 'casino', she uncovered a Black Sun slavery ring with ties to some rather senior officers. Kai decided to do the 'decent thing' and report it, only to find herself arrested and on trial for treason! Fortunately, a new squadron was being formed, and the Commanding Officer was someone who had been keeping a close eye on her. Suddenly, Kai found herself in the company of someone who, if not wholly understood, but at least accepted, her special kind of individuality, and found herself not fired from, but continuing to be in the employ of, the Republic.
Since joining Wraith Squadron Kaiu'kes has fully integrated herself into the social aspects, finding pleasures flirting with almost everyone, in 'heroic poses', cheating in recreational games, and using her natural talents to access items and information invaluable to her fellow squadmates.
Biography in Wraith Squadron
Kaiu'kes joined Wraith Squadron (ref), being called in by Face to join his newly consolidated undercover ops group. Her first mission with the Wraiths was a 'data retrieval' mission on the planet Yintoa, where she took part in ground-based assault, her section of the team locating the doctor who turned out to be the 'data' they needed to retrieve.
After this mission's success, the next mission Kai was required to go on occured after the Wraiths were considered outlaws of the Republic. This designation meant nothing to Kai, however, who due to her background was quite used to operating outside the understood laws of the rest of the galaxy. Kai joined Shadow and Feylis in a supplies-gathering mission which required them to wear revealing dress, as Face decided that "Kaiu'kes ... had the attitude AND the looks" to pull such a mission off (ref).
Kai later performed undercover admirably, infiltrating the head offices of a newspaper consortium, going undercover in the Faculty of Research and Investigations with Feylis as an intrepid reporter and Kai as her assistant. Together they gathered information on the whereabouts of fellow Wraith in trouble, Keyta Rey'lya (ref). This led to the Wraiths finding where Keyta was being kept, and to another one of Face's secret plans, which Kai guessed correctly.
- "We're going through the front door? Right?" ”
“I think she's getting to know me!" - ―Kai and Face Loran, as Kai shows how well she knows the workings of her CO's mind[ref]
Some time later, Face calls on Kai to help Elassar recover from his drug addiction, having given Elassar sedatives erroneously, taking a quick option instead of talking to Elassar about his problems sleeping. In doing so, Face caused an overdose and Elassar then demanded that Face help him recover from his addiction - by chaining himself to a pipe in Face's office so that he can go cold turkey. Kai remains with Elassar, and tells Face to reattach himself emotionally to the situation
- "Can't you see that by not having that time [for your squadron], you're making things fall apart faster? I mean, sure, things fall apart, they always do. But why make them faster? You can have feelings and not be less train-o-guy. You're not a Jedi, Face. Don't just leave here all unfeelingy"
- ―Kai giving Face Loran much needed advice[ref]
This is but one example of the fact that time and time again in Wraith Squadron Kai acts as a sort of 'morale officer', noticing through her flippancy when her comrades (usually her CO, Face) need someone to force them to talk, or who need a foil to let off steam to. It is a position which Kai slipped into, possibly not even noticing it in herself, but one that she nevertheless accepts and prides herself on. It has been picked up by her squad members, for example when Face promoted her to Lt. Commander, he gave her the following address:
- "Kai, you have shown dedication to both your missions and your fellow pilots. Your counsel and friendship to both myself and all those here have been greatly appreciated. Because of this, it without hesitation, that I offer you the rank of Lt. Commander."
- ―Face Loran promoting Kai owing to her dedication[ref]
On one mission Kai herself was injured, a Crawler ripping one of her lekku, a potentially fatal wound for a Twi'lek, whose lekku are a main sensory organ (ref). She was saved by a swift shot from Face's Redemptor, however, and lived to fight another day, and seems to have suffered no ill effect or even scarring from this battle.
Kai's favourite type of recon missions to be sent on are, of course, the ones which included alcohol, and this is exactly the kind of mission which her next one was: she was sent, with Bowman Gavin, a data relay station, the name of which was 'Beta 14', and their orders were "basically, they were to do what Kai did usually. Nose around and get noticed by the wrong people. Or the right people, depending on your point of view" (ref). Having done this job admirably, collecting valuable data and having a few drinks on the Wraiths' tab, Kai and Gavin returned to the Sacul - the information they gathered providing intel of a meeting between the Datuls and the New Republic: an excellent excuse for Face to go undercover.
On the Rogues and Wraiths vaction to Ry-Son IV, Kai found herself strangely out-of-her-depth as her and Elassar grew closer, employing each other both as drinking partner and fighting buddies.
- "You're paying since you won the last round and I bought drinks."
"You're paying because you lost to a girl in a drinking contest." - ―Elassar Targon failing to convince Kai it was her turn to buy a round[ref]
On another vacation, this time to Sekar IV, Kai and Elassar's mucking about/drinking competitions become heated, when one thing leads to another, as it inevitably does, and Kai and Elassar kissed. This kiss was then interrupted by Kat, who herself was romantically involved with Elassar (ref). It was later discovered by the Rogues, however, that Sekar IV's atmosphere was producing pheromones which was playing wonky with the Rogues and Wraiths' minds and emotions. Kai and Elassar (and Kat) eventually got over their differences, likes or whatever, and Kai and Elassar slipped back into the comfortable dual-heroic-posing nature with little (if not entirely no) regrets.
The planet which brought the Wraiths' emotional a slight upheaval, however, also brought them a new member in Octavia Terah, who Kai almost immediately made friends with... mostly, if not entirely because she was befriended by the Wraiths due to an injury she had sustained - a hole in her rear! (ref)
When Gavin left to join Shira, and Face withdrew to fight his own demons, Kai again attempted to inject humour and light relief into the squadron, holding it together for her family when it looked like it was falling apart, for example cooking covert eggs with Red (ref) or talking to Face (albeit belatedly and at the suggestion of Kat) about Shira (ref), or providing slices of Rhyscate to downcast crew-members (ref).
The path to keeping her role as Wraith Mediator was not an easy one at this time, as Red's tribunal for possible treachery led to Kai being called in as a witness against the young mechanic. Kai did, however, after the fact: feel "guilty that [her] testimony was used against Red in her tribunal", although still couldn't help to use offhanded remarks
- "Ah. Guilt. Remind me to ask Elassar if there's a surgery that can remove that."
- ―Kai's flippancy refusing to let herself become despondent[ref]
Thanks to Kai's bubbly personality, Red and Kai restarted their friendship as before, none the worse for this possible infraction.
Kai's research skills are later brought to use when reports reach the Wraiths that an assault on Cortil Steege, a renowned collector of various Sith, Jedi and Mandalorian ancient artefacts, seemed like it had been committed by a Force-user with a lightsaber - Bowman Gavin. Kai, acting in her somewhat marginalised role of research expert, finds out that the artefact stolen was ancient Sith in provenance, giving Face a description of a glowing purple amulet, which is used to "To hide the voices within" (ref)
- "It means. The voices. Within. Are. Hidden. It means that Shira was all crazy before, and now she's got her mojo sorted and she can be all... crazy, but less of the actual crazy crazy, and more of the normal crazy."
- ―Kai explaining to Face Loran the results of her research[ref]
In an effort to cheer Shadow up, Kai reveals her caring side, by procuring her a Voorpak, a small creature, to keep her company. Shadow is delighted by this gift, which in turn pleases Kai. (ref) The Voorpak is named 'Muff' by Shadow.
When Face and Asha leave for a romantic getaway on the luxury cruiser, The Queen's Pearl, Kai, aside from running a pool to see if Face had asked Asha to marry him, and what Asha's response would be, takes it upon herself to become the Wraith's new CO.
- "This is a public service announcement! In the absence of a Mr. Garik 'Face' Loran... I AM YOUR COMMANDER. I repeat: I AM YOUR COMMANDER. You should all listen to me. That is all."
- ―Kai proclaiming to the other Wraiths via the internal comm system of the change in Command. Perhaps it is a testament to her, that the Wraiths paid no attention.[ref]
Kai, never one to do things by halves, expands her delusions of grandeur by proclaiming herself 'Grand Admiral Kai', complete with jaunty uniform, and swishing around the Sacul. When news reaches the Sacul that the Queens Pearl is being assaulted by Shira and Gavin and their forces, this propels Kai's grandiosity further, as Face puts her in charge of getting the Sacul to him on time.
Red comes up with a plan to get rid of all unnecessary weight from the Sacul - which means Kai's many secret compartments, 'hidey' holes and smuggled goods - and to drop the gravity on the Sacul by 15%, so that the vessel can carry more than its capacity. Kai relinquishes her prized possessions without too much of a fight, although it soon becomes too much for the Twi'lek to bear, and the Wraiths quickly figure out an alternative solution to Kai's problem, piling most of her goods into an industrial strength and sized net, which droid-powered x-wings would carry back to base for her (ref).
Her stashes then given a chance of survival, Grand Admiral Kai was then ready to pick up the Queen's Pearl's hostages, and the actual Commander of the Wraiths and his almost-fiancée. Having piloting the Sacul out of trouble, Kai learnt of Asha's demise. She later visited Face and attempted to drag him out of the darkest of his grief.
- "She [Asha] loved you Face. When she turned you down, it wasn't because she didn't love you, she was protecting herself ... You can't protect everyone. And you need to realise that. You're only human Face, you can't take on the entire galaxies problems all the time."
- ―Kai helping Face through his grief.[ref]
However Face dealt with Asha's grief, Kai had to return to her piloting duties during the Battle of Bormari (ref), flying the Sacul spectacularly, spured on, perhaps, with the thought that by the end of the battle, only one 'Grand Admiral' would survive!
Physical Attributes and Abilities
Kaiu'kes is a light green skinned Twi'lek, considered beautiful by most species of humanoids. In addition, she has a lithe, agile figure and a graceful manner, common to her Twi'lek female sex. Not being sold into slavery or being regarded as 'booty' in the economic sense of the word, however, Kai is not beneath using her physicality to her advantage. Most of the time, however, she seems - on the surface at least - almost unaware of the draw she might have with males (for example, draping herself idly around male colleagues). Her confidence within herself is reflected not only in her out-outspokenness within the Squadron itself but also in the attire that Kai chooses to wear; when she first joined the Wraiths she wore mostly baggy clothing but after settling in she smoothly transitioned to more tight-fitting garments, which are more associated with her species (although she keeps them decent, as per general guidelines/regulations). As an example of how attractive Kai can become when she sets her mind to it, it may or may not be true that Kai was listed as 3rd in Galactic People Magazine's list of 100 Most Beautiful People, under the pseudoname 'Kalaya'uden' (ref).
Kai was drafted into Wraith Squadron by Face Loran for her ability to acquire "anything, anywhere, anytime", although asking about the details of these procurements is not Squadron protocol. Likewise Kai's reluctance to talk about or illuminate her past, prior to joining the Squadron, indicates a probable involvement in shady smuggling dens or possible covert operations, certainly whenever a lead or contact turns out to be not regulation 'clean', Kai inevitably has some knowledge of the individual, either on a personal first-hand level or by second-hand word-of-mouth association. Kai is also the first person that anyone in the squadron goes to when they need any research doing.
Kai, unsurprisingly due to her background and natural appearance/abilities, is also one of the Wraith's main scouts, both adept in undercover work and ground ops. During her time in Wraith Squadron she has shown no abilities whatsoever in either combat medicine, or any stunning abilities in technical matters, except possibly her unnerving ability to get into places she shouldn't -- however the Wraiths themselves prefer to take the mick out of their Commanding Officer for his failings in these areas, rather than Kai's. Kai also shows only average (for a Wraith) talent in hand-to-hand combat, relying instead on squirming and flirting her way out of sticky situations. Since joining the Wraiths she has also upped her flying practice and is now quite proficient, but is showing increasing talent when specifically flying the Sacul.
Personality Traits
Kai is the eternal optimist, always ready (and able) to turn any situation to her advantage, more often than not making a profit in the process. It is also a testament to her character that after all the trials and tribulations of her past, she is able to ensure that not only is she upbeat, but takes it upon herself to make sure that others of her 'family' are happy too.
Kai has a slight predilection towards alcohol, or other shiny distractions, but when given a task (at least, one she wants to do) she is able to focus on it to such a degree that her results are often miraculous.
An example of Kai's perchance for using Wraith Squadron as her vehicle for smuggling:
- "Kai... we're in a warzone, trying to escape with the ship intact!"
"So?"
"We only have 21% shields left!"
"So?"
"Will it fit into the bellyhold?"
"It'll be a tight fit. You'd have to be a REALLY good pilot to do it in time."
"Are you trying to appeal to my ego?"
"Maybe."
"Fair enough." - ―Face being convinced by Kai that (despite being in a warzone) they should pick up 'supplies'.[ref]
Military Rank and Current Assignment
Kaiu'kes currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Commander, however much she might prefer the rank of Grand Admiral. Kaiu'kes is a member of Special Forces (7th Regiment), currently seconded to Wraith Squadron, holding the position of Wraith 3.
Significant Possessions
The answer to the question of "what significant possessions does Kaiu'kes own?" might better be answered with another question: what possessions, significant or otherwise, does Kai not either own or is able to procure?
- "Stealing is such a harsh phrase. I prefer 'Liberating them of the burden of possession'. It's far more pleasing."
- ―Kai's theory on the semantics of her speciality.[ref]
Starships
Kaiu'kes is currently acting pilot of the Sacul.
Astromech
Kai currently does not have an astromech assigned to her. Somehow throughout her adventures she's never got around to 'aquiring' one.
