Early Life

Birth

Skidapa! was born amidst the dusty dunes of Akiton on Calastril 17, 280 AG. The crimson skies overhead were unusually clear that day, causing the local Ratfolk to remark that it was a good omen. Skidapa!’s arrival was met with a combination of wonder and amusement by the Ysoki tribes, with some claiming that a Skittermander born under such skies was destined for an adventurous life.
 

Childhood

Growing up amidst the Ratfolk/Ysoki of the Akiton deserts, Skidapa! was accustomed to a life of resourcefulness and endurance. While his bright fur contrasted starkly with the reddish terrain, he was welcomed and treated as one of their own. He quickly became known for his insatiable curiosity and knack for getting into, and out of, tight spots. Skidapa! learned the intricacies of desert survival early on, often accompanying Ysoki traders on their routes, observing their dealings, and occasionally causing a little mischief. The vast dunes of Akiton became his playground, and he reveled in the thrills of sliding down towering sand dunes and sneaking into ancient ruins. Despite the harsh environment, Skidapa! often remarked that his childhood was filled with joy, camaraderie, and a deep sense of belonging. His Ysoki family taught him the values of community and the importance of looking out for one another.
 

 

Midlife

 

 

Life of Crime

Disheartened but not defeated, Skidapa! turned his attention to the bustling streets of Akiton's cities. The void left by the military's rejection was quickly filled with the thrill of boosting speeders. He became a name whispered in alleyways, known for his unmatched speed and skill in both stealing and modifying vehicles. His understanding of machinery, combined with the stealth and nimbleness inherited from his desert upbringing, made him a force to be reckoned with in Akiton's underworld.
 
 
 

Navigational Academy

Hearing tales of the renowned Navigational Academies of Absalom Station, Skidapa! realized that the streets of Akiton were not his destiny. He yearned for legitimacy and respect, and to truly master the art of starship navigation. Pooling together his ill-gotten gains, he secured a spot at one of these esteemed institutions. The academy was a whole new world for Skidapa!. Surrounded by aspiring navigators from various walks of life, he immersed himself in his studies, absorbing every bit of knowledge he could. His natural aptitude for technology combined with his desert-honed intuition made him a standout student, even catching the eye of several esteemed professors.
 

Meeting Khersas

Upon graduation, Skidapa! hoped to find work that would finally recognize his talents. It was during one of his job hunts at a dingy tavern on Absalom Station that he had a fateful encounter with Khersas, a formidable Shobhad mercenary. What began as a misunderstood wager over a game of cards quickly escalated into a bar brawl. But as the dust settled and tensions diffused, the two found themselves sharing stories and laughter over drinks. The stern and battle-hardened Khersas was intrigued by the witty and mechanically adept Skittermander, while Skidapa! saw in the Shobhad a resilience he admired. That fateful night laid the foundation of a deep friendship and marked the beginning of numerous adventures together.
 

The Osprey

Recruitment

After several years of working odd jobs with Khersas, Skidapa! found himself in a serendipitous position. One fateful evening, while relaxing at one of Absalom Station's taverns, Khersas was approached by Captain Elara Voss. The Captain recruited Khersas, and Khersas convinced Elara to consider Skidapa!.
 
Elara Voss offered Skidapa! a job aboard, and Skidapa! eagerly accepted the invitation.
 

Role

Aboard The Osprey, Skidapa! assumed the role of navigator. His talents and intuition, honed over years of navigating the deserts of Akiton and the bustling streets of its cities, made him an indispensable asset. Beyond mere navigation, he often collaborated with Jano Solin, the Ysoki engineer, in maintaining and upgrading the ship's systems, solidifying his position as both pilot and engineer.
 

Relationships with the Crew

The dynamics aboard The Osprey were diverse. His playful demeanor and cheeky humor often clashed with the more serious members, like the Chief Combat Strategist Lylia Threx, but he managed to break even her stern exterior on occasion with his antics.
 
 
 
Skidapa! also frequently collaborated with Cygnus, the Korasha Lashunta Communications Officer, ensuring that all navigational and communicative systems were up to spec.
 

Scouting Mission

In one of The Osprey's most critical missions, Skidapa! was assigned to a scouting team alongside Khersas, Lugg Bigman, and Cygnus. Their objective was to assess approaching ships near a mining outpost, suspected to be raiders. Relying on stealth and cunning, the team executed their mission flawlessly, gathering intel and assessing potential threats. The bond among the scouting team members was fortified during this tense operation, with each member relying heavily on the others' skills and expertise.
 

Destruction of The Osprey

Upon their return from the scouting mission, the team was met with a sight that would haunt them forever. The Osprey, their beloved ship and home, lay in ruins, destroyed in their absence. The grief was palpable; they had lost dear friends and comrades. The devastation was overwhelming, and a burning desire for answers consumed Skidapa!. With his companions, he delved into the mysteries surrounding the attack, hoping to bring justice to those responsible for the tragedy.
 

After The Osprey

Tracking Down the Culprit

Skidapa!'s resilience was tested to its limits after the devastating loss of The Osprey. Driven by a burning need for justice and clarity, he immediately embarked on a relentless quest to identify the culprits behind the attack. Utilizing his technical prowess, he scoured Absalom Station's vast networks, tapping into multiple data streams and communication lines. He also reached out to his numerous contacts, from underworld informants to former acquaintances, hoping to catch wind of any information that might lead him to the attackers.
 

Endless Dead Ends

Despite his best efforts and the countless hours spent on the trail, Skidapa! was met with a series of dead ends. Leads that once seemed promising quickly fizzled out, and potential witnesses either turned up missing or remained tight-lipped. The deeper he delved, the more convoluted and mysterious the situation became. Rumors swirled of encrypted signals and shadowy organizations with vast reach and influence. With each setback, Skidapa!'s determination was tested, but he remained resolute, driven by the memories of his fallen comrades and the need for answers.
 

Signing up for EJ Corp

The cold realities of life on Absalom Station soon took precedence. Resources were dwindling, and the cost of living, coupled with the expenses of their investigation, weighed heavily on Skidapa! and the surviving members of The Osprey. It was during a routine visit to the industrial sectors that Cygnus stumbled upon a potential lifeline: The Evgeniya-Jaimisson Corporation (EJ Corp) was hiring. Though the work was far from glamorous, it promised stability, a paycheck, and a way off Absalom Station. Discussing the opportunity with the team, they came to a consensus. They would join EJ Corp, not just for survival, but also in hopes that their new positions might provide them with the cover and resources needed to further their investigation. With this in mind, Skidapa! and the others signed on, uncertain of the future but united in their shared purpose.