Thunder stepped into the Zachit headquarters, and spoke with the Zacha officer in charge of personel. "I'm here to request a long-term leave of duty"
"Why?" the officer asked, "Are you leaving us?"
"I'm afraid so," Thunder replied. "I've just received word that my home planet of Kayia has fallen under the control of the renegades, now renamed the Galactic Federation. I've got to return home and help them regain their freedom. I may come back someday, and I'll always be a Zacha, but don't be surprised if you don't see me for a while, if ever."
"Well, good luck," the officer said. "Take all the time you need. With any luck, the Zacha will still be here when you get back."
"Thanks," Thunder said.
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After a brief conversation, Thunder exited the Zacha headquarters and went down to the docking bay. He boarded a non-descript merchant arada, leaving his Miranu Gunship behind. It would be too conspicuous in Galactic Federation space. He stepped into the hatch and pressed the button to close the hatch. Slowly, all the people he knew, and the friends he'd made in the Zachit disappeared from view as the hatch slid inch by inch into place and sealed tight. "Thunder to traffic control, requesting launch permission."
"Permission granted, Thunder. Have a safe journey."
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Silently, Thunder's ship exited Outpost Zachit, and glided to the system perimeter. Thunder looked back on his viewscreen, knowing he might never see Outpost Zachit again. In the background he could hear his hyperspace engines whirring, gearing up for the jump. The whirring grew louder and higher pitched, until the ship suddenly began to accelerate away. Outpost Zachit faded into the distance, and the Zachit system was replaced by the familiar sight of hyperspace.
Back in the Zachit system, several Zachit fighters looked on as Thunder's arada disappeared in a flash of light. As far as they knew, it was the last they'd ever see of him...
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OOC: In case you hadn't guessed, this is my character's goodbye. Thanks, Nova, it's been fun, but I've simply lost interest in this story, and I've got other things that need my attention, both in other stories and more importantly in real life. If I ever have the time or inclination, I might bring my character back as a Kayan freedom fighter, but don't hold your breath. To all the other players still out there: have fun, and good luck with the story.
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Ad Astra Per Aspera